Characterisation of the microflora of attiéké, a fermented cassava product, during traditional small-scale preparation.

Attiéké is a fermented cassava product consumed mainly in Cote d'Ivoire. The aim of this study was to characterise the attiéké fermentation by examining products from 15 small-scale production sites at various stages of its preparation. For the preparation of attiéké, fresh cassava is grated to a pulp and inoculated with 10% of a spontaneous traditional inoculum.

Production of stably transformed cassava plants via particle bombardment.

 A novel protocol, based on biolistics and regeneration via organogenesis, was developed for genetic transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). The in vitro performance of cassava cultivars CMC40, MPer183 and MCol22 was evaluated, and the regeneration protocol was modified to improve shoot production from explants for transformation experiments. Somatic cotyledons were used as a target tissue in the transformation experiments using the Particle Inflow Gun and a plasmid containing the uidA gene in transient assays.

[Tracheal neurinoma simulating status asthmaticus in a child].

Background: Neurilemmoma is a benign tumor that is rarely located in the trachea. A neurilemmoma in the intrathoracic part of the trachea can mimic severe status asthmaticus.

Case Report: A 14 year-old girl was admitted because of persistent signs of status asthmaticus, despite bronchodilator therapy.