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Abstract Sub-Saharan Africa is under-represented in global biodiversity datasets, particularly regarding the impact of land use on species’ population abundances. Drawing on recent advances in expert elicitation to ensure data consistency, 200 experts were convened using a modified-Delphi process to estimate ‘intactness scores’: the remaining proportion of an ‘intact’ reference population of a species group in a particular land use, on a scale from 0 (no remaining individuals) to 1 (same abundance as the reference) and, in rare cases, to 2 (populations that thrive in human-modified landscapes). The resulting bii4africa dataset contains intactness scores representing terrestrial vertebrates (tetrapods: ±5,400 amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and vascular plants (±45,000 forbs, graminoids, trees, shrubs) in sub-Saharan Africa across the region’s major land uses (urban, cropland, rangeland, plantation, protected, etc.) and intensities (e.g., large-scale vs smallholder cropland). This dataset was co-produced as part of the Biodiversity Intactness Index for Africa Project. Additional uses include assessing ecosystem condition; rectifying geographic/taxonomic biases in global biodiversity indicators and maps; and informing the Red List of Ecosystems.

The contribution of dryland forests in West Africa to carbon stocks remains poorly documented due to the lack of appropriate allometric models and inventory data. In this study, we gathered such data for dryland forest relics of northern Côte d’Ivoire. Inventory data were used to determine and sample the dominant species, and to characterize the stand structure. Destructive biomass data were used to develop local mixed-species allometric models for estimating tree aboveground biomass (AGB) and test the validity of existing allometric models, and to characterize the stand structure (including carbon stock). A total of 118 tree species belonging to 102 genera and 36 families were inventoried in 41 plots of 25 × 25 m (625 m² each, totalling 2.56 ha) sampled in three sites in the Korhogo department. Among them, seven predominant species, including one exotic, were selected for destructive sampling in one site, the Lataha Forest Research Station. Destructive biomass data for 34 trees belonging to these dominant species and with diameter at breast height between 6 and 41 cm were used to fit allometric equations specific to this forest type and to test the predictions of existing equations earlier developed for the global tropics and for African dry forests. Six equations integrating three predictors, stem diameter (D), total tree height (H) and wood specific gravity (ρ) were developed and the models with the three predictors showed the best performance. Pantropical models significantly over-estimated tree AGB by 20 % while models developed for African dry forests provided reliable estimates, suggesting a specific allometry of trees in dryland forest relics that needs to be further explored.. With our best AGB model, a quantity of 141.26 ± 92.72 tDM.ha−1 was estimated confirming that these dryland forest relics are important carbon stocks for this region where open vegetation dominates. This study constitutes an important contribution for the carbon accounting programs related to the implementation of REDD+ initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire.

Résumé : La drépanocytose fait partie des maladies négligées. Ne disposant pas d’une plus large visibilité en raison du manque de communication, elle demeure dans le silence et n’est connu que par les malades, les parents de malades et une fine population ivoirienne. Afin d’empêcher les populations ivoiriennes de courir le risque d’être des personnes malades surtout avec la très forte proportion de la population rurale qui ne comprend pas encore la langue usuelle qu'est le français, le présent article vise à montrer l’enjeux du recours au chef traditionnelle dans la lutte contre la drépanocytose. La méthodologie adoptée à consister à l’exploitation d’un corpus de donnée pluridisciplinaire. Le dépouillement des informations recueillies donne à comprendre que le chef traditionnel est d’une utilité dans l’amélioration de la situation sanitaire des populations ivoiriennes à partir de l’education pour la santé. C’est une stratégie de lutte dont l’objectif est d’effacer les profonds clivages entre milieu urbain et milieu rural en matière d’éducation pour la santé. Mots clés : drépanocytose, maladie génétique, chef traditionnel, éducation.

Rainwater pollution in urban areas is a real phenomenon globally, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to trace the origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Abidjan district's rainwater and to evaluate the health risk to the population. Ten water samples were collected at two sites during the dry and rainy seasons over a 2-year period. The use of molecular indices and profiles as well as Spearman's correlation matrix revealed that the pyrolytic sources, such as wood combustion as well as road traffic, remain the main sources of these pollutants in the water. The risk assessment revealed a higher risk of skin cancer in children. HIGHLIGHTS Sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rainwater have been identified.; The C13 isotope to the confirmation of PAH sources in rainwater has been contributed.; Children have a higher risk of skin cancer than adults.; There is a seasonal variation of PAH concentartions in rainwater.; There is an annual variation of PAH concentrations in rainwater.;

Background:. COVID-19 significantly impacted the residency match process. Away rotations and in-person interviews were canceled in 2021, resulting in a geographic shift in integrated plastic surgery match results. Although several of these limitations were lifted during the 2022 cycle, the resulting geographic outcomes have yet to be described. This study aims to determine whether the changes seen during the previous cycle persisted despite loosened restrictions. Methods:. Integrated plastic surgery match results and applicants’ home institutions from the 2022 match cycle were determined using publicly available data. Geographic data from this cycle were then compared with pre-COVID-19 match cycles (2016–2020) and the COVID-19-affected 2021 match cycle. Results:. Eighty percent (n = 68) of US integrated plastic surgery programs were included in this study. In 2022, 18.42% of applicants matched at their home institution compared with 25.12% in 2021. There was no significant difference in home, state, or regional match rates between 2022 and the five cycles preceding the pandemic (2016–2020). Combining these data to reflect the non-COVID-19-affected cycles (2016–2020 and 2022) and comparing to the COVID-19-affected cycle (2021), a significant difference in rates of home matches (P = 0.0395) was identified. Conclusions:. A significant increase in home institution match rates was not noted during the 2022 cycle. This return to pre-COVID-19 rates is likely attributed to the loosening of restrictions and more opportunities for interaction between applicants and programs outside of their home institution.

Abstract Background Ocular damage, including damage to the conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, eyelids, and orbit, caused by Schistosoma haematobium is sporadic. We report a clinical case of orbital migration of schistosome eggs. Case presentation A 14-year-old boy of Malian nationality presented with a painless swelling of the upper right eyelid, which had been gradually increasing for approximately 3 months. Visual acuity was logMAR 0.10 and 0.00 in the right and left eye, respectively. External examination revealed a right palpebral mass, pushing the globe slightly downward and inward. Computed tomography revealed a mass of the right lacrimal gland. Total excision of the mass was performed by transpalpebral orbitotomy. Pathological examination revealed an inflammatory granulomatous infiltrate of the lacrimal gland consisting of lymphocytes, eosinophils, giant cells, epithelioid cell, histiocytes and calcified Schistosoma eggs with terminal spine. Urine examination revealed eggs of S. haematobium. Praziquantel 40 mg/kg was administered to the patient. The hematuria stopped after 1 week. After 3 years of follow-up, no recurrence was noted. Conclusions The bilharzian granuloma of the lacrimal gland is an ectopic site of the parasite. In this case, the granuloma was cured by surgical excision followed by a course of Praziquantel.

The aim of this paper is to give some constructions results and examples of n-BiHom-Lie color algebras. Next, we introduce the definition of BiHom-modules over n-BiHom-Lie color algebras and we provide some properties. Moreover we investigate generalized derivations of n-BiHom-Lie color algebras and their BiHom-subalgebras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Côte d'Ivoire, poultry farming is an important source of income for many people. However, the industry faces many health constraints that cause enormous economic losses. Since implementation of biosecurity measures is known to reduce the risk of disease transmission, the aim of this study is to analyze the biosecurity measures applied in poultry farms in Abidjan district. Therefore, 91 farms were investigated using a face‐to‐face interview‐based questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of question sets related to production characteristics and the biosecurity components. The results revealed that the majority of farms were broilers chicken (69.65 %) and laying hens (28.35%). Regarding isolation of farms, 45% had no physical barriers around the farms and in 41% of the farms visited, the presence of other farm animals was observed. Concerning sanitation, the biosecurity level was low for 98.5% of farms with only one cleaning process of poultry houses between two flocks. However, using disinfectants is implemented in all visited farms. The most frequently symptoms observed are loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss, respiratory problems, coughing, fever, and diarrhea. But in 79 % of cases many animal deaths were due to diarrheal diseases. The majority of farmers (89 %) use as soon as the first symptoms appear, various antibiotics like macrolides, Beta-Lactamines, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, aminosides and polymycines. The low implementation level of biosecurity measures and overuse of antibiotics in poultry farms suggests that government officials should monitor the issues of biosecurity and the use of antibiotics in this sector very seriously.

Abstract Background In Côte d’Ivoire, maternal health service utilization indicators remain low despite improvements in health coverage and the availability of free health care for pregnant women. The objective of the study was to identify the determinants associated with the use of maternal health services in the department of Bloléquin, in western Côte d’Ivoire. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with an analytical focus. The study sample size was 400 women. Study participants were selected through a two-stage cluster survey. The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire whose items concerned socio-demographic data, the different uses of maternal health services, namely childbirth assisted by a health professional, use of family planning, prenatal consultation and postnatal consultation. Logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with the use of maternal health services. The significance of the statistical tests was set at 5%. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and interpreted. Results The results showed that women made less use of family planning services (OR = 0.4), prenatal consultation (OR = 0.2) and assisted childbirth (OR = 0.2) when they provided the funding for care themselves. Women with monthly incomes above $26.8 used family planning services 4 times more than those with lower incomes. Married women used prenatal consultations 3 times more often than unmarried women (CI95% = 1.4–7.3). Desiring pregnancy increased the use of post-natal consultations by 3 times (CI95% = 1.5–6.1). Conclusion Improving the use of maternal health services in western Côte d’Ivoire requires taking into account women’s socio-cultural and economic challenges. In initiatives related to the financial empowerment of women, efforts must be made at the level of emotional considerations related to pregnancy.

Summary: Background: We undertook a Grand Challenges in Global Eye Health prioritisation exercise to identify the key issues that must be addressed to improve eye health in the context of an ageing population, to eliminate persistent inequities in health-care access, and to mitigate widespread resource limitations. Methods: Drawing on methods used in previous Grand Challenges studies, we used a multi-step recruitment strategy to assemble a diverse panel of individuals from a range of disciplines relevant to global eye health from all regions globally to participate in a three-round, online, Delphi-like, prioritisation process to nominate and rank challenges in global eye health. Through this process, we developed both global and regional priority lists. Findings: Between Sept 1 and Dec 12, 2019, 470 individuals complete round 1 of the process, of whom 336 completed all three rounds (round 2 between Feb 26 and March 18, 2020, and round 3 between April 2 and April 25, 2020) 156 (46%) of 336 were women, 180 (54%) were men. The proportion of participants who worked in each region ranged from 104 (31%) in sub-Saharan Africa to 21 (6%) in central Europe, eastern Europe, and in central Asia. Of 85 unique challenges identified after round 1, 16 challenges were prioritised at the global level; six focused on detection and treatment of conditions (cataract, refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, services for children and screening for early detection), two focused on addressing shortages in human resource capacity, five on other health service and policy factors (including strengthening policies, integration, health information systems, and budget allocation), and three on improving access to care and promoting equity. Interpretation: This list of Grand Challenges serves as a starting point for immediate action by funders to guide investment in research and innovation in eye health. It challenges researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to build collaborations to address specific challenges. Funding: The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, Moorfields Eye Charity, National Institute for Health Research Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust, Sightsavers, The Fred Hollows Foundation, The Seva Foundation, British Council for the Prevention of Blindness, and Christian Blind Mission. Translations: For the French, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic and Persian translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Currently, tools to predict the aboveground and belowground biomass (AGB and BGB) of woody species in Guinean savannas (and the data to calibrate them) are still lacking. Multispecies allometric equations calibrated from direct measurements can provide accurate estimates of plant biomass in local ecosystems and can be used to extrapolate local estimates of carbon stocks to the biome scale. We developed multispecies models to estimate AGB and BGB of trees and multi-stemmed shrubs in a Guinean savanna of Côte dâIvoire. The five dominant species of the area were included in the study. We sampled a total of 100 trees and 90 shrubs destructively by harvesting their biometric data (basal stem diameter , total stem height , stump area , as well as total number of stems for shrubs), and then measured their dry AGB and BGB. We fitted log-log linear models to predict AGB and BGB from the biometric measurements. The most relevant model for predicting AGB in trees was fitted as follows: AGB = 0.0471 () (with AGB in kg and in g cm m). This model had a bias of 19%, while a reference model for comparison (fitted from tree measurements in a similar savanna ecosystem, Ifo et al. 2018) overestimated the AGB of trees of our test savannas by 132%. The BGB of trees was also better predicted from ÏDb2H as follows: BGB = 0.0125 () (BGB in kg and in g cm m), with 6% bias, while the reference model had about 3% bias. In shrubs, AGB and BGB were better predicted from together with the total number of stems (). The best fitted allometric equation for predicting AGB in shrubs was as follows: AGB = 0.0191 () . This model had about 1.5% bias, while the reference model overestimated the AGB of shrubs of Lamto savannas by about 79%. The equation for predicting BGB of shrubs is: BGB = 0.0228 () that overestimated the BGB of the shrubs of Lamto savannas with about 3% bias, while the reference model underestimated the BGB by about 14%. The reference model misses an important feature of fire-prone savannas, namely the strong imbalance of the BGB/AGB ratio between trees and multi-stemmed shrubs, which our models predict. The allometric equations we developed here are therefore relevant for C stocks inventories in trees and shrubs communities of Guinean savannas.DbHSSnÏDb2H0.915ÏDb2Hâ1ÏDb2H0.6899ÏDb2Hâ1ÏDb2HnÏDb2H0.6227n0.9271ÏDb2H0.7205n0.992

We describe a unique case of a cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma that presented as an ambiguous oropharyngeal mass with a differential of a benign or malignant salivary gland tumor or neurogenic tumor. Consideration of a malignant salivary gland mass led us to modify our diagnostic approach so as not to risk seeding a potential malignancy and harming the patient. This article also highlights the distinct imaging findings of neurogenic tumors of the neck that are helpful in appropriately diagnosing these tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Many fungal species in tropical Africa are useful, with high added value, and play essential roles in the structure and dynamic of ecosystems. However, the diversity, distribution, and uses by local populations of these non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and their respective habitats are still very poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa in general and more specifically in Côte d’Ivoire. This study aims at (i) inventorying the wild useful mushrooms of Côte d’Ivoire within its major protected areas and their respective surrounding sociolinguistical groups, according to climatic and phytogeographical gradients, and (ii) recording ethnomycological knowledge and considerations of these local people. Methods Field and ethnomycological surveys were conducted in the main and highest protected areas of Côte d’Ivoire (Comoé, Marahoué, and Taï national parks) and a set of their respective surrounding villages, along climatic and phytogeographical gradients. Standardized methods (permanent plots and opportunistic searches) were used for field surveys. In addition, a total 748 respondents belonging to 13 ethnic groups were interviewed at a rate of 300 interviewees during the preliminary investigations and 448 persons during the proper ethnomycological surveys. Results Sixty-eight useful wild fungal species, belonging to 17 families and 23 genera, were listed and collected. Four categories of usage were reported by the rural people (food, medicinal, belief and recreational), with a dominance of food and medicinal uses. Fifty-six species were reported to be used as food and 16 species as medicinal fungi. These uses varied not only from one sociolinguistical group to another but also from a visited village to another. The high number (41) of the reported useful species was found in the Sudano-Guinean savanna zone while 28 species were collected in the forest zone and 22 species in the forest-savanna mosaic zone. These mushrooms were either saprotrophic or symbiotic (ectomycorrhizal or termitophilic). Auricularia sp3, Psathyrella tuberculata, and Termitomyces spp. were found as the most commonly used mushrooms. Conclusions These national scale field and ethnomycological surveys give one of the more complete but non-exhaustive list of useful mushrooms of Côte d’Ivoire. Mushrooms are relatively well known and used by the Ivorian people within the main phytogeographical zone of the country. These people also have an interest in all the functional groups with an important phytogeographical zone-fungal-specific used species. However, protected areas of the visited zones seem to represent the last sanctuaries of these organisms due to high rate of loss of natural habitats.

The deregulation of energetic and cellular metabolism is a signature of cancer cells. Thus, drugs targeting cancer cell metabolism may have promising therapeutic potential. Previous reports demonstrate that the widely used normoglycemic agent, metformin, can decrease the risk of cancer in type 2 diabetics and inhibit cell growth in various cancers, including pancreatic, colon, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer. While metformin is a known adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist and an inhibitor of the electron transport chain complex I, its mechanism of action in cancer cells as well as its effect on cancer metabolism is not clearly established. In this review, we will give an update on the role of metformin as an antitumoral agent and detail relevant evidence on the potential use and mechanisms of action of metformin in cancer. Analyzing antitumoral, signaling, and metabolic impacts of metformin on cancer cells may provide promising new therapeutic strategies in oncology.

Abstract Background Garcinia kola is an indigenous multipurpose tree species commonly found in the tropical rain forest zone of West and Central Africa. Providing economic, ecological, and socio-cultural benefits for people, they have potentials to improve the regional and local income generation to the farmers but the cultivation of the species is very limited in Nigeria. Methods The study investigated cultivation and farmers’ perceptions on the impacts of climate change on goods and services provided by G. kola in Nigeria. Structured questioners and interviews were used. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistic such as frequency, percentage, chi-square, and multinomial logit regressions with SPSS Version 20 and R software Version 3.1.0. Results The results show that farmers are presently not cultivating G. kola, and most of the available stands were inherited from grandparents. The farmers still believe it is only God that can make G. kola to germinate; however, information about the new improved methods of raising G. kola was not spread across farmers’ communities. Over 93% of these farmers were not aware of these new methods, and the only means they raise the species is by picking the wildlings that regenerate naturally close to mother tree and are rarely found. The finding also shows that farmers are well aware of climate change and its impact on crop productivity is not clear to them. The result shows that five explanatory variables (age, gender, marital status, education level, household size and primary occupation) are the main factors significantly influencing farmers’ perception of climate change and the cultivation of the G. kola. During interview section, the farmers reported variability of Harmattan season influences fruit production of the species; according to them, increase in Harmattan season usually leads to increase in fruiting of G. kola. Conclusions Based on our findings, all the 215 respondent interviewed agree that climatic variability influences the availability of G. kola which will in turn have significant effects on the goods and services provided to the people. Efforts should be made at educating the rural farmers on propagation possibilities, potential ecosystem services, and the impact of climate change on multiple-purpose agroforestry species.

Garcinia kola is a multipurpose tree tropical forest species commonly found in West and Central Africa. The species is known as a miracle plant because of the of all its parts and the potentials to improve local income generation of the farmers. Nonetheless, limited information is available on the productivity of the species. This study investigated the influence of land use type and tree dendrometrics on fruit production of G. kola in Nigeria. The study compared fruit and seed production at different land use types (protected and unprotected area). Data on dendrometric variables and fruit yields were collected in two fruiting seasons using 30 trees in each land use type. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows land use type had significant influence on fruits production. The mean number of fruits recorded for protected and non-protected areas were 969.43 and 630.76, respectively. The results on the dendromatrics variable on fruit production indicated that crown diameter was a significant factor that influenced G. kola fruit production. The results from a principal component analysis shows that an increase in plants height, seed weight, DBH, seed number, fruits number and leaf area tend to be associated with each other. The study concluded that protected area is more appropriate for cultivation the species while crown diameter produced more fruits and seeds than those with small crown diameter. Domestication of G. kola should be encouraged in protected areas if increase fruits production of G. kola in is desired.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the type of care that can be achieved and the epidemiological profile of patients attending the 3 public dental practices in the Haut-Sassandra region, in Côte d’Ivoire. The data collection concerned socio-demographic characteristics, reason for consultation, oral hygiene, dental condition, malocclusions and the availability of equipment for the performance of procedures. The 400 patients observed (51.5% male) were aged 16.0 to 86.0 years (mean=35.5 years; SD=13.1 years). The main reasons for consultation were pain (91.5%) and aesthetics (23.5%). Oral hygiene was insufficient for 36.8% of subjects. Oral conditions were malocclusions (12.8%), caries (98.7%) and edentulous (65.7%) with only 11.8% with prosthesis. The average DMFT index was 9.3. Only extractions and resin attached prostheses were possible in all 3 health facilities. Preventive dentistry (sealent, fluoridation), dentofacial orthopedics and implantology were not available in any dental practice. The most frequently performed acts were extractions (74.5%). The results of this study highlight the need for oral health planning with service equipment and awareness among populations who shouldn’t wait until they are in pain to consult.

Background: Treatment outcomes of the shorter regimen for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis are not completely established. We report on these outcomes two years after treatment completion among patients enrolled in an observational cohort study in nine African countries. Methods: 1,006 patients treated with the nine-month regimen were followed every six months with sputum cultures up to 24 months after treatment completion. The risk of any unfavourable outcome, of failure and relapse, and of death during and after treatment was analysed according to patient's characteristics and initial drug susceptibility by Cox proportional hazard models. Findings: Respectively 67.8% and 57.2% patients had >=1 culture result six months and 12 months after treatment completion. Fourteen relapses were diagnosed. The probability of relapse-free success was 79.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 76.6–82.0%) overall, 80.9% (95% CI 78.0–84.0%) among HIV-negative and 72.5% (95% CI 66.5–78.9%) among HIV-infected patients. Initial fluoroquinolone (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 6.7 [95% CI 3.4–13.1]) and isoniazid resistance (aHR 9.4 [95% CI 1.3–68.0]) were significantly associated with increased risk of failure/relapse and of any unfavourable outcome. Interpretation: The close to 80% relapse-free success indicates the good outcome of the regimen in low-and middle-income settings. Results confirm the lesser effectiveness of the regimen in patients with initial resistance to fluoroquinolones and support the use of high-dose isoniazid, but do not support exclusion of patients for resistance to drugs other than fluoroquinolones. Funding: Expertise-France and Agence Française de Développement. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Multidrug-resistance, Treatment outcome, Recurrence, Cohort studies, Proportional hazard models, Short regimen, Developing countries, Isoniazid, Fluoroquinolones

The mutualistic symbiosis between termites of the Macrotermitinae subfamily (Isoptera: Termitidae) and fungi of the genus Termitomyces (Basidiomycota: Lyophyllaceae) is of great ecological and socio-economic importance. Seasonal fruit bodies of the symbiotic fungi are regularly collected and sold in Côte d’Ivoire. However, there are very few studies on their diversity, phenology, distribution and especially the socio-economic scope of the fruit bodies of these fungi at a national scale. This study aims at (i) assessing the diversity of Termitomyces fruit bodies in Côte d’Ivoire and (ii) mapping their fructification areas through a determination of their spatiotemporal distribution according to a climatic and phytogeographic gradients. Using ethnomycological surveys all over the Ivorian territory, information was collected from rural populations on the fructification of Termitomyces and their socio-economic importance. Based on these surveys, sampling efforts of these fungi were properly structured and oriented. The results revealed a diversity of 16 species of Termitomyces, including 9 species new to Côte d’Ivoire and 2 probably new to science. Five species were found in the forest zone, nine in theGuinean savannah zone and four in the Sudano-Guinean zone. Termitomyces’s fructifications were observed throughout the year, with specific period for each species. All listed species are regularly consumed by populations. However, only Termitomyces letestui (Pat.) R. Heim and Termitomyces schimperi (Pat.) R. Heim are marketed on a relatively large scale.

Dioscorea alata (L.), also referred to as water, winged, or greater yam, is one of the most economically important staple food crops in tropical and subtropical areas. In Côte d’Ivoire, it represents, along with other yam species, the largest food crop and significantly contributes to food security. However, studies focusing on better understanding the structure and extent of genetic diversity among D. alata accessions, using molecular and phenotypic traits, are limited. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess the pattern of genetic variability in a set of 188 D. alata accessions from the National Agronomic Research Centre (CNRA) genebank using 11,722 SNP markers (generated by the Diversity Arrays Technology) and nine agronomic traits. Phylogenetic analyses using hierarchical clustering, admixture, kinship, and Discriminant analysis of principal component (DAPC) all assigned the accessions into four main clusters. Genetic diversity assessment using molecular-based SNP markers showed a high proportion of polymorphic SNPs (87.81%). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed low molecular variability within genetic groups. In addition, the agronomic traits evaluated for two years in field conditions showed a high heritability and high variability among D. alata accessions. This study provides insights into the genetic diversity among accessions in the CNRA genebank and opens an avenue for sustainable resource management and the identification of promising parental clones for water yam breeding programs in Côte d’Ivoire.

Native multi-purpose tree species in West Africa, Cola nitida and Garcinia kola have the potential to advance agroforestry practices in the sub-region. There is limited information on the ecology of both species which are currently characterised by low yield (fruit). This study investigated the influences of vegetation type on the population structure and floral association of both species in Nigeria. Data were collected using a purposive sampling design. Dendrometric variables of all the subject trees were measured, and all plant species associated with the subject tree species were enumerated across their places of natural occurrence. A 3-parameter Weibull Distribution Function was used to describe both species' diameter and height structures. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 84 and 71 plant species were found accompanying G.kola and C. nitida, respectively, in both zones. The height and stem diameter distribution of the two species showed a bell-shape population structure, suggesting an unstable demographic pattern. The diameter distribution is skewed to the right, indicating the predominance of adult individuals. The height-diameter relationships show a monotonic increment. Both species coexist freely with other species and can be used in agroforestry practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The PREDICTS project—Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems (https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/our-work/biodiversity/predicts.html)—has collated from published studies a large, reasonably representative database of comparable samples of biodiversity from multiple sites that differ in the nature or intensity of human impacts relating to land use. We have used this evidence base to develop global and regional statistical models of how local biodiversity responds to these measures. We describe and make freely available this 2016 release of the database, containing more than 3.2 million records sampled at over 26,000 locations and representing over 47,000 species. We outline how the database can help in answering a range of questions in ecology and conservation biology. To our knowledge, this is the largest and most geographically and taxonomically representative database of spatial comparisons of biodiversity that has been collated to date; it will be useful to researchers and international efforts wishing to model and understand the global status of biodiversity.

Background: Temprano ANRS 12136 was a factorial 2 × 2 trial that assessed the benefits of early antiretroviral therapy (ART; ie, in patients who had not reached the CD4 cell count threshold used to recommend starting ART, as per the WHO guidelines that were the standard during the study period) and 6-month isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in HIV-infected adults in Côte d'Ivoire. Early ART and IPT were shown to independently reduce the risk of severe morbidity at 30 months. Here, we present the efficacy of IPT in reducing mortality from the long-term follow-up of Temprano. Methods: For Temprano, participants were randomly assigned to four groups (deferred ART, deferred ART plus IPT, early ART, or early ART plus IPT). Participants who completed the trial follow-up were invited to participate in a post-trial phase. The primary post-trial phase endpoint was death, as analysed by the intention-to-treat principle. We used Cox proportional models to compare all-cause mortality between the IPT and no IPT strategies from inclusion in Temprano to the end of the follow-up period. Findings: Between March 18, 2008, and Jan 5, 2015, 2056 patients (mean baseline CD4 count 477 cells per μL) were followed up for 9404 patient-years (Temprano 4757; post-trial phase 4647). The median follow-up time was 4·9 years (IQR 3·3–5·8). 86 deaths were recorded (Temprano 47 deaths; post-trial phase 39 deaths), of which 34 were in patients randomly assigned IPT (6-year probability 4·1%, 95% CI 2·9–5·7) and 52 were in those randomly assigned no IPT (6·9%, 5·1–9·2). The hazard ratio of death in patients who had IPT compared with those who did not have IPT was 0·63 (95% CI, 0·41 to 0·97) after adjusting for the ART strategy (early vs deferred), and 0·61 (0·39–0·94) after adjustment for the ART strategy, baseline CD4 cell count, and other key characteristics. There was no evidence for statistical interaction between IPT and ART (pinteraction=0·77) or between IPT and time (pinteraction=0·94) on mortality. Interpretation: In Côte d'Ivoire, where the incidence of tuberculosis was last reported as 159 per 100 000 people, 6 months of IPT has a durable protective effect in reducing mortality in HIV-infected people, even in people with high CD4 cell counts and who have started ART. Funding: National Research Agency on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS).

This work provides a complete chemical characterization of rains collected in the tropical rural site of Mbita (Kenya) on the shores of Lake Victoria (annual rainfall 1259.3 mm). We present a wet nitrogen deposition budget including inorganic and organic dissolved nitrogen in relation with atmospheric sources of gases and particles, precipitation rate and air mass transport. A unique 2 yr monitoring data set (2017–2019), providing 183 rain samples was collected and analyzed according to international standards (WMO/GAW). Considering that precipitation represents the largest contributor of water to the Lake Victoria (80%), this study gives new insights in the seasonality of nutrients wet deposition (WD) inputs in the unique natural resource represented by Lake Victoria and its catchment. Four main contributions to the chemical composition of precipitation, were identified: (a) a 28% terrigenous contribution related to crustal and biomass sources, (b) a 14% marine contribution related to Indian ocean air masses intrusion, (c) a 15% organic contribution due to volatile organic carbon emissions from biomass burning and vegetation and (d) a predominant nitrogenous contribution of 39% due to livestock and fertilizers, biomass burning and neighboring agricultural fires. Ammonium and nitrate volume weighed mean concentrations are 36.75 and 8.88 μ eq l ^−1 , respectively. Rain in Mbita is alkaline (pH = 5.8) highlighting neutralization by heterogeneous chemistry. Total nitrogen WD is 8.54 kgN ha ^−1 yr ^−1 , 58 760 tN yr ^−1 for the entire lake, with 26% attributed to dissolved organic nitrogen. A total atmospheric deposition of 15 kgN ha ^−1 yr ^−1 is estimated taking into account dry deposition estimate from literature, showing that the Lake Victoria ecosystem is exposed to eutrophication. An extensive and regular monitoring of wet and dry nitrogen deposition is highly recommended both in-shore and off-shore to help improving the efficiency of nitrogen use in agricultural areas and reduce nitrogen losses around Lake Victoria.

We developed a new benzodifuran derivative as the condensation product between 2,6-diamino-4-(4-nitrophenyl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]difuran-3,7-dicarboxylate and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthaldehyde. The intramolecular hydrogen-bond interactions in the terminal half-salen moieties produce a sterically encumbered highly conjugated main plane and a D-A-D (donor-acceptor-donor) T-shaped structure. The novel AIEgen (aggregation-induced enhanced emission generator) fulfils the requirement of RIR (restriction of intramolecular rotation) molecules. DR/NIR (deep red/near infrared) emission was recorded in solution and in the solid state, with a noteworthy photoluminescence quantum yield recorded on the neat crystals which undergo some mechanochromism. The crystal structure study of the probe from data collected at a synchrotron X-ray source shows a main aromatic plane π-stacked in a columnar arrangement.

La présence d'un colobome choriorétinien soulève souvent des problèmes cliniques entraînant parfois une certaine confusion. Néanmoins, le diagnostic se doit d'être aussi précis que possible pour plusieurs raisons. L'association de certaines anomalies congénitales de la papille avec d'autres pathologies neurologiques endocriniennes ou systémiques et le problème de diagnostic différentiel avec d'autres pathologies ophtalmologiques. Nous rapportons un cas clinique d'un enfant âgé de 6 ans, le premier garçon d'une famille de 2 enfants présentant un colobome papillaire bilatéral sans d'autres anomalies malformatives associées. Dans ses antécédents: sont accouchement s'est déroulé normalement et sont statut vaccinal été à jour. L'examen ophtalmologique de son père et de sa petite séur âgée de 4 ans été sans particularité, cependant sa mère présente un strabisme divergent à l'éil droit.