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Field studies were conducted in 2021 in Kibler and Augusta, AR, to determine the effect of winter cover crops and cultivar selection on weed suppression and sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] yield. The split-split plot studies evaluated three cover crops [cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) + crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.)], [winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) + crimson clover], and fallow; weeding (with or without); and four sweetpotato cultivars (‘Heartogold’, ‘Bayou-Belle-6’, ‘Beauregard-14’, and ‘Orleans’). ‘Heartogold’ had the tallest canopy, while ‘Beauregard-14’ and ‘Bayou Belle-6’ had the longest vines at 5 and 8 wk after sweetpotato transplanting. Sweetpotato canopy was about 20% taller in weedy plots compared to the hand-weeded treatment and vines were shorter under weed interference. Canopy height and vine length of sweetpotato cultivars were not related to weed biomass suppression. However, vine length was positively correlated to all yield grades (r >0.5). Weed biomass decreased one-fold in plots with cover crops compared to bare soil at Augusta. Cover crop biomass was positively correlated with jumbo (r=0.29), no.1 (r=0.33), and total sweetpotato yield (r=0.34). Jumbo yield was affected the most by weed pressure. On average, sweetpotato total yield was reduced by 80 and 60% with weed interference in Augusta and Kibler, respectively. ‘Bayou Belle-6’ was the high-yielding cultivar without weed interference in both locations. ‘Bayou Belle-6’ and ‘Heartogold’ were less affected by weed interference than ‘Beauregard-14’ and ‘Orleans’.

The threat of herbicide-resistant weed species, such as Palmer amaranth, has driven the development of robust weed management programs that rely on more than chemicals for weed control. Previous research has shown that zero-tolerance weed thresholds, cover crops, deep tillage, and diverse herbicide programs are effective strategies for controlling Palmer amaranth. Unfortunately, research investigating the integration of all four of these weed management strategies in a system is lacking. To better leverage these integrated weed management strategies in cotton production systems, a long-term study was initiated in fall 2018 near Marianna, AR, with zero tolerance, deep tillage, a cereal rye cover crop, and either a dicamba or non-dicamba in-crop herbicide program as factors. Results found that total Palmer amaranth emergence was reduced 76% as the result of deep tillage in 2019 and, in the absence of a zero-tolerance strategy, 73% in 2020. In the absence of a zero-tolerance strategy, the combination of a non–cover crop strategy and dicamba herbicide program decreased total Palmer amaranth emergence by 73%, while the combination of a cover crop strategy and dicamba herbicide program decreased total Palmer amaranth emergence by 78% compared to the combination of a cover crop and non-dicamba herbicide program. Under a zero-tolerance strategy in 2019, tillage reduced cotton yield by 12% and partial returns by US$370 ha−1. In 2020, tillage reduced cotton yield by 14% and partial returns of US$371 ha−1 under a non-zero-tolerance strategy, while a 12% yield reduction and a US$260 ha−1 decrease in partial returns were observed under a zero-tolerance strategy. In 2019, the non-dicamba program resulted in greater partial returns than the dicamba in-crop program because of greater yield and lower program costs. However, in 2020, partial returns were greater for the dicamba in-crop herbicide program owing to greater yields achieved by this program.

Regulations in 2021 required the addition of a volatility reduction agent (VRA) to dicamba spray mixtures for postemergence weed control. Understanding the impact of VRAs on weed control, droplet dynamics, and spray pH is essential.Adding glyphosate to dicamba decreased the solution pH by 0.63 to 1.85 units. Across locations, potassium carbonate increased the tank-mixture pH by 0.85 to 1.65 units while potassium acetate raised the pH by 0.46 to 0.53 units. Glyphosate and dicamba in tank-mixture reduced Palmer amaranth control by 14 percentage points compared to dicamba alone and decreased barnyardgrass control by 12 percentage points compared to glyphosate alone 4 weeks after application (WAA). VRAs resulted in a 5-percentage point reduction in barnyardgrass control 4 WAA. Common ragweed, common lambsquarters, and giant ragweed control were unaffected by herbicide solution 4 WAA. Dicamba alone produced a larger average droplet size and had the fewest driftable fines (% volume 200 μm). Potassium acetate produced a larger droplet size than potassium carbonate for DA reduction in spray pH, droplet size, and weed control was observed from mixing dicamba and glyphosate. It may be advisable to avoid tank-mixtures of these herbicides and instead, apply them sequentially to maximize effectiveness. VRAs differed in their impacts on spray solution pH and droplet dynamics, but resulted in a minimal negative to no impact on weed control. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John WileySons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of inner ear and/or cochlear nerve anomalies in children who are candidates for cochlear implantation. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a retrospective review of medical and imaging records performed in a tertiary care children's hospital. All cochlear implants candidates under 15 years old with imaging assessment between January 2019 and December 2021 were concerned. The studied parameters were reason for consultation, risks factors, inner ear malformations (IEMs) classified and stratified by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) degree, gender, and age at diagnosis. Results In total, 81 children (162 ears) were included in the study. Abnormalities of the inner ear were found in nine children representing a prevalence of 11.1%. These children were aged between 2 and 14 years. The average age at diagnosis of SNHL was 3.5 years. Seven children had bilateral anomalies and two unilateral anomalies, that is, 16 ears presenting 40 malformations. These included 1 complete labyrinthine aplasia (2.5%), 12 cochlear malformations (30%), 1 common cavity (2.5%), 17 vestibular/squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) malformations (42.5%), and 5 internal auditory canal malformations (12.5%). Three ear out of 16 with abnormalities demonstrated a deficient cochlear nerve. There was an association between IEMs and profound deafness, and age at diagnosis of SNHL less than 2 years. Conclusion This study shows that 11.1% of children with profound deafness have IEMs. SCC malformations and cochlear hypoplasia were the most common. A precise description of these malformations during the imaging assessment is particularly useful for cochlear implantation to better plan this surgery.

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) is one of the most problematic weeds in many cropping systems in the midsouthern United States because of its multiple weedy traits and its propensity to evolve resistance to many herbicides with different mechanisms of action. In Arkansas, A. palmeri has evolved metabolic resistance to S-metolachlor, compromising the effectiveness of an important weed management tool. Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the differential response of A. palmeri accessions from three states (Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee) to (1) assess the occurrence of resistance to S-metolachlor among A. palmeri populations, (2) evaluate the resistance level in selected accessions and their resistant progeny, (3) and determine the susceptibility of most resistant accessions to other soil-applied herbicides. Seeds were collected from 168 crop fields between 2017 and 2019. One hundred seeds per accession were planted in silt loam soil without herbicide for >20 yr and sprayed with the labeled rate of S-metolachlor (1,120 g ai ha−1). Six accessions (four from Arkansas and two from Mississippi) were classified resistant to S-metolachlor. The effective doses (LD50) to control the parent accessions ranged between 73 and 443 g ha−1, and those of F1 progeny of survivors were 73 to 577 g ha−1. The resistance level was generally greater among progeny of surviving plants than among resistant field populations. The resistant field populations required 2.2 to 7.0 times more S-metolachlor to reduce seedling emergence 50%, while the F1 of survivors needed up to 9.2 times more herbicide to reduce emergence 50% compared with the susceptible standard.

Gliomas are considered one of the most malignant cancers in the body. Despite current therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, these tumors usually recur with more aggressive and resistant phenotypes. Indeed, the survival following these conventional therapies is very poor, which makes immunotherapy the subject of active research at present. The anti-tumor immune response could also be considered a prognostic factor since each stage of cancer development is regulated by immune cells. However, glioma microenvironment contains malignant cells that secrete numerous chemokines, cytokines and growth factors, promoting the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells into the tumor, which limit the functioning of the immune system against glioma cells. Recently, researchers have been able to reverse the immune resistance of cancer cells and thus activate the anti-tumor immune response through different immunotherapy strategies. Here, we review the general concept of glioma’s immune microenvironment and report the impact of its distinct components on the anti-tumor immune response. We also discuss the mechanisms of glioma cell evasion from the immune response and pinpoint some potential therapeutic pathways, which could alleviate such resistance.

IntroductionAmong all types of central nervous system cancers, glioma remains the most frequent primary brain tumor in adults. Despite significant advances in immunomodulatory therapies, notably immune checkpoint inhibitors, their effectiveness remains constrained due to glioma resistance. The discovery of TMIGD2 (Transmembrane and Immunoglobulin Domain Containing 2) as an immuno-stimulatory receptor, constitutively expressed on naive T cells and most natural killer (NK) cells, has emerged as an attractive immunotherapy target in a variety of cancers. The expression profile of TMIGD2 and its significance in the overall survival of glioma patients remains unknown.MethodsIn the present study, we first assessed TMIGD2 mRNA expression using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) glioma transcriptome dataset (667 patients), followed by validation with the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) cohort (693 patients). Secondly, we examined TMIGD2 protein staining in a series of 25 paraffin-embedded blocks from Moroccan glioma patients. The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8 software.ResultsTMIGD2 expression was found to be significantly higher in astrocytoma, IDH-1 mutations, low-grade, and young glioma patients. TMIGD2 was expressed on immune cells and, surprisingly, on tumor cells of glioma patients. Interestingly, our study demonstrated that TMIGD2 expression was negatively correlated with angiogenesis, hypoxia, G2/M checkpoint, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition signaling pathways. We also demonstrated that dendritic cells, monocytes, NK cells, gd T cells, and naive CD8 T cell infiltration correlates positively with TMIGD2 expression. On the other hand, Mantel-Cox analysis demonstrated that increased expression of TMIGD2 in human gliomas is associated with good overall survival. Cox multivariable analysis revealed that TMIGD2 is an independent predictor of a good prognosis in glioma patients.DiscussionTaken together, our results highlight the tight implication of TMIGD2 in glioma progression and show its promising therapeutic potential as a stimulatory target for immunotherapy.

Background Despite their utility for program planning, acute malnutrition treatment coverage estimates at the national and sub-national levels are rarely available. Prior work has identified methodological concerns with current approaches.Methods We estimated the point prevalence and treatment coverage of acute malnutrition in 14 districts (or similar subnational areas) across 5 high-burden countries in Africa using representative cluster-based population survey methods, and compared these estimates to those derived from administrative data and other direct methods where available. We also aimed to assess information about risk factors for malnourished children by coverage status.Results The point estimate of coverage suggests that Conclusions Our findings suggest that in the assessed high-burden countries, many more children are eligible for treatment than are enrolled. We present this methodology as an alternative to existing primary methods and a complement to coverage estimates from routine program and population data.

The use of synthetic chemical rodenticides is the most commonly practiced rodent management method in sub-Saharan Africa which results in health and environmental risks without any significant improvement in terms of reducing rodent pest populations sustainably. In this paper, which is a second part of a diptych, we advocate for better control of the use of synthetic chemical rodenticides in urban and agricultural settings in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as a shift towards more sustainable and environment-friendly rodent management approaches, such as the Ecologically-Based Rodent Management (EBRM), as a realistic alternative to synthetic rodenticides. The EBRM approach relies on a solid knowledge of pest rodent biology, ecology and behavior as well as the use of a pool of rodent management actions implemented through community-based interventions to ensure sustained reduction of rodent pest populations down to economically and sanitary acceptable levels. EBRM is expected not only to ensure reducing the social impacts of pest rodents in cost-beneficial ways, but also the risks of rodents and synthetic rodenticides to human health and the environment.

Breast cancer is the most common type of tumor in women worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly anti-PDL1, have shown promise as a therapeutic approach for managing this disease. However, this type of immunotherapy still fails to work for some patients, leading researchers to explore alternative immune checkpoint targets. The Ig suppressor of T cell activation domain V (VISTA) has emerged as a novel immune checkpoint that delivers inhibitory signals to T cells and has demonstrated encouraging results in various cancers. Our study investigated the association of VISTA expression with clinicopathological parameters in breast cancer patients, its involvement in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT) process, and its correlation with PD1 expression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that VISTA was associated with lobular and metaplastic histological type, tumor size, lymph node status, ER and PR negative status, and the TNBC molecular subtype. Furthermore, VISTA expression was strongly associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Immunohistochemistry analysis corroborated the transcriptomic results, indicating that VISTA was expressed in most immune cells (94%) and was significantly expressed in breast cancer tumor cells compared to matched adjacent tissues. Our study also showed for the first time that VISTA overexpression in breast cancer cells could be associated with the EMT process. Additionally, we identified a positive correlation between VISTA and PD-1 expression. Together, these results highlight the immunosuppressive effect of VISTA in breast cancer patients and suggest that bi-specific targeting of VISTA and PD-1 in combination therapy could be beneficial for these patients.

Funding: The work at University of Bonn was supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany (BMBF) (Grant 031A326B to FMWG) and by the German Research Foundation (DFG) (Grant SI1739/3–1 and SI1739/5-1 to S.S.). M.S.H. was supported by a fellowship from German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD; Grant 91525252)). The work at University of California Davis was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) (Grant IOS-1954929) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) (Grant 20-3994). Work on plant-parasitic nematodes at the University of Cambridge is supported by DEFRA license 125034/359149/3, and funded by BBSRC grants BB/R011311/1, BB/N021908/1, and BB/S006397/1. C.P. received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 882941. P.T. was supported by the University of St Andrews Bioinformatics Unit, funded by Wellcome Trust ISSF awards 105621/Z/14/Z and 204821/Z/16/Z. Work at Iowa State University was supported by Hatch and State of Iowa funds and a grant from the North Central Soybean Research Program. J.L.L.-T. was supported by an NWO domain Applied and Engineering Sciences VENI grant (14250) and a Wageningen University & Research Experimental Plant Sciences strategic funds grant. M.G.S. was supported by NWO domain Applied and Engineering Sciences VENI grant (17282). Plant-parasitic nematodes are a major threat to crop production in all agricultural systems. The scarcity of classical resistance genes highlights a pressing need to find new ways to develop nematode-resistant germplasm. Here, we sequence and assemble a high-quality phased genome of the model cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii to provide a platform for the first system-wide dual analysis of host and parasite gene expression over time, covering all major parasitism stages. Analysis of the hologenome of the plant-nematode infection site identified metabolic pathways that were incomplete in the parasite but complemented by the host. Using a combination of bioinformatic, genetic, and biochemical approaches, we show that a highly atypical completion of vitamin B5 biosynthesis by the parasitic animal, putatively enabled by a horizontal gene transfer from a bacterium, is required for full pathogenicity. Knockout of either plant-encoded or now nematode-encoded steps in the pathway significantly reduces parasitic success. Our experiments establish a reference for cyst nematodes, further our understanding of the evolution of plant-parasitism by nematodes, and show that congruent differential expression of metabolic pathways in the infection hologenome represents a new way to find nematode susceptibility genes. The approach identifies genome-editing-amenable targets for future development of nematode-resistant crops. Publisher PDF

This work presents a D-band monostatic radar system operating from 144.6 to 161 GHz, which is placed inside a 3-D-printed low-cost case with a built-in lens to boost the antenna (ANT) directivity. The monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is manufactured in a 130-nm BiCMOS process and includes a compact transceiver architecture consisting of an oscillator, a diode-based mixer, and an on-chip antenna. The implemented topology allows to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio and features a built-in self-test (BIST) structure with the possibility to provide on-chip antenna characterization using power sensors in combination with a directional coupler. Housed inside the robust printed package, the MMIC has only dc and baseband frequency connections, which offers ease of handling and poses the low-cost potential for a variety of applications. The complete transceiver chip consumes only 84.7 mA from a 3.3-V supply and its size is 1964 μm x 1448 μm. Together with the package the sensor measures a size of 42.2 mm x 42.2 mm x 45.7 mm.

In this study, the characteristics of Musa Paradisiaca (MP) iron-funtionalysed activated carbon (AC) after adsorption of H2S from biogas were demonstrated. The AC was chemically impregnated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and then carbonised at a temperature of 500°C for 3 hours for activation. The activated carbon was then functionalized with iron oxide (Fe2O3) and labelled BANK-Fe. The H2S adsorption test was performed on a fixed bed column. The biogas flow rate was 1 L.min− 1. with 25% water (w/w) added. This test resulted in an adsorption capacity of 9.86 mgH2S.g-1 after a saturation time of 615 minutes. This was satisfactory for the purposes of biogas treatment. The present work is a follow-up to the adsorption tests already carried out. The analyses on the functionalized activated carbon sample after adsorption underwent a physical and chemical change. The surface morphology was modified: the more or less homogeneous asperities of the BANK-Fe (before adsorption) gave way to a relatively more amorphous form. Sulphur elements were detected in the sample after adsorption, in contrast to the starting sample. This confirms the adsorption of H2S from the biogas. Oxygen and Iron in BANK-Fe decreased by 39.49% and 94.16% respectively in atomic concentration, which proves that they reacted and played a role in the H2S adsorption mechanism. In addition, the microporosity decreased by 35.71%: the iodine value decreased from 1065.96 mg.g− 1 to 685.26 mg.g-1. This indicates that part of the pores, in particular the micropores, was occupied by the pollutants during the adsorption of the biogas.

Ce chapitre explore les stratégies de e-fundraising en contexte de pandémie Covid-19 déployées en France en 2020 par des ONG. Pour compléter cette première étude, une enquête exploratoire par questionnaire a été conduite auprès de représentants béninois afin de recueillir la perception ambivalente de ces appels aux dons en faveur de l’Afrique.

The use of synthetic chemical rodenticides is the most commonly practiced rodent management method in sub-Saharan Africa which results in health and environmental risks without any significant improvement in terms of reducing rodent pest populations sustainably. In this paper, which is a second part of a diptych, we advocate for better control of the use of synthetic chemical rodenticides in urban and agricultural settings in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as a shift towards more sustainable and environment-friendly rodent management approaches, such as the Ecologically-Based Rodent Management (EBRM), as a realistic alternative to synthetic rodenticides. The EBRM approach relies on a solid knowledge of pest rodent biology, ecology and behavior as well as the use of a pool of rodent management actions implemented through community-based interventions to ensure sustained reduction of rodent pest populations down to economically and sanitary acceptable levels. EBRM is expected not only to ensure reducing the social impacts of pest rodents in cost-beneficial ways, but also the risks of rodents and synthetic rodenticides to human health and the environment.

Aims: This work aims to evaluate the influence of different growth regulators combined with antioxidants on the induction of callus with different explants in cashew. Materials and Methods: Nucellar tissues, cotyledons and testa from elite tree nuts are cultured on media that differ in their concentration of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP: 0 mg/l; 0.25 mg/l; 0.5 mg/l) and Acid 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D: 0 mg/l; 0.8 mg/l). Therefore, for the control of the browning of the explants, the effect of activated charcoal and polyvinylpyrrolidone was tested. The amount of callus formed is evaluated after 28 days and after 90 days by simple observation according to a given scale. Results: Analysis of variance of callus formation 28 days after the culture of explants shows that the interaction between growth regulators and antioxidants significantly influences (p < 0.05) the induction of callus. The combination BAP 0.25mg/l and 2,4-D 0.8mg/l produces on average more callus (0.47 ± 0.00). There is a very significant difference (P < 0.05 to p

Understanding the variability in extreme hydrological events is the first step toward the reduction of its impacts on livelihoods. This work aims to identify possible changes in the hydrological regime of the West African basins which could explain the recent flooding observed across the region. For that purpose, 56 discharge stations were selected with the data ranging between 1922 and 2017. Multiple trend patterns on moving time slots of 20 years for stations having at least 40 years of data were performed using the modified Mann Kendall test and the strength of the trend computed using the Sen’s slope. Statistically significant trends in annual maximal discharge (AMD) have been found for many stations and distinct periods with different change directions. While a decreasing tendency was found for the AMD between the 1950 and 1970s, an increasing frequency was depicted from the 1980s to recently (2017) for most of the stations. The magnitude of change per year in AMD as depicted from Sen’s slope is substantially variable ranging from -14 to 12% relative to the mean discharge of the considered period. The highest increases in AMD were found for the stations located toward the Gulf of Guinea. The temporal variation in AMD is in line with the interdecadal rainfall variability in West Africa.

Water use planning is vital, making hydrological modelling crucial for the development of human society. This role of hydrological modelling is rendered even more prominent given current population growth and global warming resulting in more pressure on water resources. Nonetheless, most quantitative hydrological predictions remain fundamentally uncertain leading to uncertain water availability assessment. This is so, partly, because streamflow continues to be used as the main dependent variable, calibration and validation data length and content are arbitrarily selected, and water balance components taken individually are not quantified with the best prediction models. This paper discusses three ideas for stepping further away from uncertainty in quantitative hydrological predictions. Less uncertain hydrological predictions can be achieved through (i) blue water and green water-based hydrological models validation, (ii) blue water and green water-based multi-model evaluation of water resources, and (iii) a conditioned selection of calibration and validation data.

A field spray drift experiment using florpyrauxifen-benzyl was conducted to measure drift from commercial ground and aerial applications, evaluate soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] impacts, and compare to United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) drift models. Collected field data were consistent with US EPA model predictions. Generally, with both systems applying a Coarse spray in a 13-kph average wind speed, the aerial application had a 5.0- to 8.6-fold increase in drift compared to the ground application, and subsequently, a 1.7- to 3.6-fold increase in downwind soybean injury. Soybean reproductive structures were severely reduced following herbicide exposure, potentially negatively impacting pollinator foraging sources. Approximately a 25% reduction of reproductive structures up to 30.5-m downwind and nearly a 100% reduction at 61-m downwind were observed for ground and aerial applications, respectively. Aerial applications would require three to five swath width adjustments upwind to reduce drift potential similar to ground applications.

To explore the contribution of agricultural practices on enzymatic activity in Anopheles gambiae populations,collections of Anopheles gambiaelarve were done in cotton vegetable farming (famers use for both,insecticides for pest control) and in subsistence farming (no insecticide) from the district of Banikoara, located in Benin. Enzymatic activities such astotal protein, monooxygenase P450, Glutathione-S-Transferase and esterasewere investigated on F1 generation females aged 3-5 days. Results from this study showed a significant high level of Glutathione-S-Transferase and monooxygenase P450 activities from the wild populations of An. gambiae particularly in cotton and vegetable farming areas compared to the susceptible Kisumu strain (control) (P0.05). These findings confirmed the contribution of agricultural practices on theemergence of enzymatic activity in Anopheles gambiaes.l particularly on Glutathione-S-Transferase, and monooxygenase P450. However, the same level of the wild populations activity in esterase compared to the control could be explained by the involving of many insecticide resistance mechanisms of An. gambiae associated to the level of enzymatic activity in An. gambiae populations in this locality. &nbsp

Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters and are expected to become more severe with changing climate and population growth. Flood forecasting is one of the key components of flood risk reduction. The potential for seasonal flood forecasting through climate indexes has not been studied for West Africa so far. This work investigates how climate indicators can be used to predict in advance, one to several months ahead of the flood season, above or below normal flood discharge in West Africa. Six global and regional climate indexes were screened for their potential to predict flood discharge of 56 river gauging stations across West Africa. Forecasting models are developed, based on simple and multiple linear regressions between climate indexes and annual maximum discharge, and evaluated using the relative operating characteristics and the relative operating levels scores. The western dipole mode index is the most skillful individual climate index for above normal flood prediction. Combining climate indexes via multiple linear regressions outperforms individual climate indexes for both above and below normal flood prediction. The models show forecasting skills for up to 4 months prior to the flood season. Hence, this study opens promising possibilities for seasonal flood forecasting in West Africa. This may help alert disaster reduction agencies of entering a period of an increased chance of flooding and may trigger adequate mitigation measures.

This study is part of a long-term partnership between Cotonou Autonomous Seaport, the Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, the French Institute of Research for Sustainable Development, and the Tropical Neurology Institute (Inserm U1094, IRD U270 EpiMaCT, University of Limoges). We are grateful to Ladji, Agla and Saint-Jean authorities as well as inhabitants who kindly authorized us to access their households for trapping and interview purposes. We thank the Autonomous Port of Cotonou authorities and staff who facilitated our access to their infrastructures. We also thank the CBGP Small Mammal Collection (Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, 2018, “CBGP – Small mammal Collection”, https://doi.org/10.15454/WWNUPO) for the conservation of samples from Benin.; International audience; Toxoplasmosis, one of the most prevalent parasitic infections in humans and animals, is caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Small mammals play a key role as intermediate reservoir hosts in the maintenance of the T. gondii life cycle. In this study, we estimated the molecular prevalence and provide genetic diversity data for T. gondii in 632 small mammals sampled in four areas of Cotonou city, Benin. Both the brain and heart of each individual were screened through T. gondii-targeting qPCR, and positive samples were then genotyped using a set of 15 T. gondii-specific microsatellites. Prevalence data were statistically analyzed in order to assess the relative impact of individual host characteristics, spatial distribution, composition of small mammal community, and urban landscape features. An overall T. gondii molecular prevalence of 15.2% was found and seven genotypes, all belonging to the Africa 1 lineage, could be retrieved from the invasive black rat Rattus rattus and the native African giant shrew Crocidura olivieri. Statistical analyses did not suggest any significant influence of the environmental parameters used in this study. Rather, depending on the local context, T. gondii prevalence appeared to be associated either with black rat, shrew, or mouse abundance or with the trapping period. Overall, our results highlight the intricate relationships between biotic and abiotic factors involved in T. gondii epidemiology and suggest that R. rattus and C. olivieri are two competent reservoirs for the Africa 1 lineage, a widespread lineage in tropical Africa and the predominant lineage in Benin.; La toxoplasmose, l’une des infections parasitaires les plus répandues chez l’homme et les animaux, est causée par le parasite protozoaire intracellulaire Toxoplasma gondii. Les petits mammifères jouent un rôle clé en tant qu’hôtes réservoirs intermédiaires dans le maintien du cycle de vie de T. gondii. Dans cette étude, nous estimons sa prévalence moléculaire et fournissons des données sur sa diversité génétique chez 632 petits mammifères échantillonnés dans quatre localités de la ville de Cotonou. Le cerveau et le cœur de chaque individu ont été analysés par qPCR ciblant T. gondii, et les échantillons positifs ont ensuite été génotypés à l’aide d’un ensemble de 15 microsatellites spécifiques à T. gondii. Les données de prévalence ont été analysées statistiquement afin d’évaluer l’impact relatif des caractéristiques individuelles de l’hôte, de la distribution spatiale, de la composition de la communauté des petits mammifères ainsi que des caractéristiques du paysage urbain. Une prévalence moléculaire globale de T. gondii de 15,2 % a été estimée et sept génotypes, tous appartenant à la lignée Africa 1, ont pu être extraits du rat noir Rattus rattus, espèce envahissante, et de la musaraigne Crocidura olivieri, espèce indigène. Les analyses statistiques n’ont pas suggéré d’influence significative des paramètres environnementaux utilisés dans cette étude. Au contraire, selon le contexte local, la prévalence de T. gondii semble être associée à l’abondance de rats noirs, de musaraignes ou de souris ainsi qu’à la période de piégeage. Dans l’ensemble, nos résultats mettent en évidence les relations complexes entre les facteurs biotiques et abiotiques impliqués dans l’épidémiologie de T. gondii et suggèrent que R. rattus et C. olivieri sont deux réservoirs compétents pour la lignée Africa 1, une lignée répandue en Afrique tropicale et prédominante au Bénin.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells represent a new genetically engineered cell-based immunotherapy tool against cancer. The use of CAR T-cells has revolutionized the therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies. Unfortunately, there is a long way to go before this treatment can be developed for solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. CAR T-cell therapy for colorectal cancer is still in its early stages, and clinical data are scarce. Major limitations of this therapy include high toxicity, relapses, and an impermeable tumor microenvironment for CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge, highlight challenges, and discuss perspectives regarding CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer.

Pineapple is the first fruit crop cultivated in south Benin that greatly contributes for food and nutritional security and farmers’ income. But the lack of homogenous planting material constitutes the major constraint for improving pineapple yield. In vitro micropropagation is now used in the production of homogenous and free disease planting materials of pineapple. However, the acclimatization to natural condition of pineapple plantlets is an important step in planting material production of this crop. Here, we determined the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which influence the behavior of plantlets during the acclimatization process. For this purpose, plantlets from different categories were selected, trimmed and planted on a horticultural substrate made up of potting soil, white sawdust and compost previously sterilized. The plantlets were then incubated in under acclimatization greenhouse with average temperature of 29˚C and 70.2% of humidity. A batch of plantlets was subjected to two different watering solutions: Shive and Robbins solution and NPK 14-6-5 foliar fertilizer. The results obtained initially showed high rate (100%) of survival and growth of the plantlets watered with Shive and Robbins solution against 50% of the plantlets watered with the foliar fertilizer solution. In addition, the plantlets with spread pores exhibiting the characteristics of which the number of leaves varies between 9 and 11, the weight between 1.2 and 1.5 g, the size of 4.5 to 5.5 cm, and a good junction between the aerial part and the root system were those which were successfully grown in acclimatization phase under greenhouse, unlike plantlets with erected pores having lower success rate. This study goes a long way in providing good procedures of acclimatization of homogenous and free disease planting material of pineapple to the famers.

We used commercially available ELISAs to test 68 samples from coronavirus disease cases and prepandemic controls from Benin. We noted

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), poses a threat to the global public health. Early identification of critical cases is crucial to providing timely treatment to patients. Here, we investigated whether white immune cell levels could predict respiratory decline, complications and mortality. Methods We performed a retrospective study including 119 patients presenting with COVID-19. We divided our cohort into two categories, using two different classifications. Comparison tests, prediction analysis and the logistic regression analysis were used in this study. Results The study revealed that a rise in neutrophils levels was associated with respiratory deterioration and intubation. In contrast, neutrophils levels plateaued in patients who remained stable. Neutrophils levels, during the first 5 days of hospitalization, positively correlated with the procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels. Interestingly, neutrophils levels at day 5 proved to be a better predictor of intubation and acute respiratory distress syndrome than initial neutrophils counts, C-reactive protein or procalcitonin. Neutrophils counts at day 5 higher than 7,7 (109/l) (normal range: 1,4–7,7 (109/L) also effectively predicted patient mortality, independently of usual clinical classifications. Moreover, binary logistic regression with stratified revealed that neutrophils at day5 > 7,7 (109/l) was an independent risk factor of mortality and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Finally, neutrophils levels at day 5 and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 were correlated, which suggested a mechanistic link. Conclusions Our data showed that neutrophils count at day 5, rather than at admission, proved to be an excellent predictor of complications and mortality during hospitalization and could be used to improve COVID-19 patients’management.

Background: Diffuse glioma is a malignant human brain cancer that is hard to overcome. This represents a high risk of mortality. The current challenge is limited to the control of tumor progression and survival improvement.Immunotherapy consists of stimulating the immune system in order to eliminate the non-self-elements that damage the human body, including cancer cells. However, in human glioma, the current immunotherapeutic targets did not show significant benefit. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the expression and potential role of a new immunosuppressive molecule, TIGIT in glioma patients. Patients and Methods: A cohort of 667 patients from the TCGA database along with a cohort of 53 Moroccan patients, were analyzed in order to assess the role of TIGIT in human glioma progression and to estimate whether blocking this immune checkpoint molecule would be of a potential therapeutic benefit.Real time RT-PCR from fresh human biopsies and bioinformatics approaches were both used in this study. Results: Our results showed that high expression of TIGIT had prognostic value with some known clinical glioma risk factors such as sex, age and mutation status. High expression of TIGIT was positively associated with an advanced grade of glioma. Moreover, elevated levels of TIGIT were correlated to higher rates of FoxP3, a regulatory T-cell marker that reflects a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment. Interestingly, TIGIT showed strong association with Treg cell-secreted cytokines (TGF-beta and IL-10), supporting the likely involvement of TIGIT in the exhaustion of the intra-tumoral immune cells. Finally, elevated rates of TIGIT were significantly associated to elevated rates of other inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1, VISTA and Tim-3) in human glioma patients.Conclusions: TIGIT blockade might be of valuable therapeutic benefit in patients with advanced gliomas.

L'une des contraintes majeures au développement de la culture de l'anacardier au Bénin est la non disponibilité de matériel végétal de plantation performant. L’objectif de cette étude était de sélectionner des arbres-mères d'anacardiers phénotypiquement supérieurs dans les plantations paysannes qui fourniront des greffons pour la production des plants greffés recommandés actuellement pour l’installation des vergers. Ainsi, une prospection a été réalisée dans 23 communes des 4 régions productrices de l’anacarde et appartenant aux zones agro-écologiques III, IV et V. Les arbres-mères potentiels identifiés ont été évalués entre 2013 et 2015 et les arbres performants ont été sélectionnés suivant trois principaux critères agronomiques : productivité en noix, poids des noix et taux d'amandes. Afin d’apprécier les performances des différentes catégories d’arbres-mères d’anacardiers par rapport à chaque paramètre mesuré, les données collectées ont été soumises à des analyses de la variance et à des comparaisons de moyennes. Au total, 357 arbres-mères d'anacardiers ont été sélectionnés sur les 1.868 arbres identifiés. Les productivités moyennes en noix des arbres-mères d'anacardiers sélectionnés ont été respectivement de 27,36 kg, 35,47 kg et 42,14 kg pour les tranches d'âges 5-9 ans, 10-15 ans et plus de 15 ans. Toutefois, on note une similarité entre les zones agro-écologiques quant aux trois paramètres évalués. Les résultats de cette étude constituent le point de départ d’un programme d'amélioration variétale de l'anacardier au Bénin.Mots clés : Amélioration variétale, anacardier, matériel végétal de plantation, productivité, Bénin. English title: Agronomic performance of selected cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) mother trees in Benin farmer's plantationsOne of the major constraints to the cashew growing development in Benin is the unavailability of efficient planting material. The objective of this study was to select phenotypically efficient cashew mother trees in farmer's plantations which will provide scions for the production of grafted seedling currently recommended for orchards installation. Thus, a prospecting survey was carried out in 23 districts, in the 4 major cashew producing regions and belonging to agro-ecological zones III, IV and V. The potentials cashew mother trees which were identified were evaluated between 2013 and 2015 and the efficient mother trees were selected according to three main agronomic criteria: nut productivity, nut weight and kernel rate. In order to assess the performance of the different cashew mother tree categories in relation to each measured parameter, collected data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparisons of means. A total of 357 cashew mother trees were selected from 1,868 identified potentials mother trees. The average nut productivity of the selected cashew mother trees were 27.36 kg, 35.47 kg and 42.14 kg, respectively, for the age groups 5-9 years, 10-15 years and over 15 years. However, there is a similarity between agro-ecological zones with regard to the three evaluated parameters. The results of this study are the starting point for a cashew breeding program in Benin.Keywords: Breeding, cashew, planting material, productivity, Benin.

The floral morphology and pollination of S. guineense subsp. macrocarpum were investigated on ten trees selected for a study of floral phenophases in the natural forest of Bassila, located in the Sudano-Guinean zone (Benin). For the floral analysis, the two stages considered were flower buds for preflowering data and open flowers for flower data. To determine the pollination mode and identify main pollinators, two stages were considered, namely flower bud and initiated fruits. The fruit set, autogamy and allogamy rate were assessed. Results show that several flower morphological traits predispose this species to selfing and cross pollination, including hermaphroditism and a long anther–stigma distance. The symmetry is actinomorphic with a floral receptacle adnate to the ovary. The latter is inferior, bicarpellary and bilocular syncarpous and contains 18–22 ovules on an axile placenta. Only a single ovule is fertilized and becomes a seed. Visitors frequently registered on the flowers of S. guineense subsp. macrocarpum are exclusively insects belonging to six orders, including Diptera (26%), Hymenoptera (24%), Lepidoptera (19%). The mean fruit set was 0.47 ± 0.10 for the open-pollination experiments and 0.27 ± 0.12 for autogamous self-pollination. The autogamy rate was 57.45% and the allogamy rate 42.55%. This study confirms that S. guineense subsp. macrocarpum is predominantly autogamous. Self-compatibility is not for exceptional species, but a dominant characteristic of the genus Syzygium. The viability of the pollen grains and receptivity of the stigma at each flowering stage should be further studied.

The aim of this study is help refugees to move forward by the means of having control on their English languagelearning. To this end, semantic mapping was used in teaching reading skills for Eighth grade students at Alzaatari camp for Syrian refugees at the north of Jordan. The researcher used quasi experimental design entailing a pre-post-test and a questionnaire to examine the effect of improving the English reading skills for the participants of the study who were 50. The results of the study showed that semantic mapping strategy improved students' reading skills significantly and thereby improved their resilience by helping themselves to move forward.

Ocean acidification (OA) and its subsequent changes in seawater carbonate chemistry are threatening the survival of calcifying organisms. Due to their use of calcium carbonate to build their shells, marine molluscs being particularly vulnerable. This study investigated the effect of CO2-induced OA on adult European abalone (Haliotis tuberculata) using a multi- parameter approach. Biological (survival, growth), physiological (pHT of haemolymph, phagocytosis, metabolism, gene expression) and structural responses (shell strength, nanoindentation measurements, SEM imaging of microstructure) were evaluated throughout a 5-month exposure to ambient (8.0) and low (7.7) pH conditions. During the first two months, the haemolymph pH was reduced, indicating that abalone do not compensate for the pH decrease of their internal fluid. Overall metabolism and immune status were not affected, suggesting that abalone maintain their vital functions when facing OA. However, after four months of exposure, adverse effects on shell growth, calcification, microstructure and resistance were highlighted, whereas the haemolymph pH was compensated. Significant reduction in shell mechanical properties were revealed at pH 7.7, suggesting that OA altered the biomineral architecture leading to a more fragile shell. It is concluded that under lower pH, abalone metabolism is maintained at a cost to growth and shell integrity. This may impact both abalone ecology and aquaculture., info:eu-repo/semantics/inPress