Characterization of a novel natural cellulosic fiber from Juncus effusus L.

This study aims to assess the morphology and properties of fibers extracted from a wild natural plant largely available in Algeria known as Juncus effusus L. (JE). The morphology and diameter of the fiber bundles extracted from the stem of the JE plant were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy.

Toxoplasma gondii: identification and immune response against a group of proteins involved in cellular invasion.

Toxoplasma gondii is an ubiquitous intracellular parasite, causative agent of toxoplasmosis, and a worldwide zoonosis for which an effective vaccine is needed. A group of proteins secreted by tachyzoites during host-cell invasion was isolated from the interaction medium. It induced the permeability of the cells as assessed by alpha-sarcin and consequently facilitated the entry of the parasite into the cells.

The human metapneumovirus matrix protein stimulates the inflammatory immune response in vitro.

Each year, during winter months, human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is associated with epidemics of bronchiolitis resulting in the hospitalization of many infants. Bronchiolitis is an acute illness of the lower respiratory tract with a consequent inflammation of the bronchioles. The rapid onset of inflammation suggests the innate immune response may have a role to play in the pathogenesis of this hMPV infection.

Study of the stress proteins secreted by Leishmania donovani after treatment with edelfosine, mitelfosine and ilmofosine, and morphological alterations analyzed by electronic microscopy.

We studied the stress proteins induced in protozoa Leishmania donovani after treatment with edelfosine, miltefosine and ilmofosine. We studied the morphological and structural modifications caused in the promastigote forms of the parasite after treatment with the three alkyl-lysophospholipids (ALPs). A resistant strain of L.

Effect of alkyl-lysophospholipids on some aspects of the metabolism of Leishmania donovani.

Alkyl-lysophospholipids (ALPs), developed initially to be antitumor agents, have proved highly effective in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, a disease caused by the species making up the protozoan complex Leishmania donovani. Although their effectiveness is known, the mode of action against this parasite is not completely understood. In the present work, we have studied the effect of 3 derivatives, edelfosine, miltefosine, and ilmofosine.