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Anacardium occidentale and Vitellaria paradoxa are two medicinal plants traditionally used by Ivorian, particularly in the treatment of diabetes, arterial hypertension and diarrhea. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and the antioxidant activity of the stem barks of A. occidentale L. and V. paradoxa. The stem bark of both plants was used for the aqueous extraction. Major chemical groups were identified using the tube staining method followed by confirmation by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by DPPH method. The results of phytochemical screening of plant extracts revealed the presence of polyphenols, anthraquinones, tannins, sterols, terpenes and saponins. In addition, the evaluation of the antioxidant activity by spectrophotometry using the DPPH method showed that all extracts had significant and different antioxydant activity compared to the reference molecule (Vitamin C, IC50 = 0.80 ± 0.70 µg/mL) with respective IC50 of 0.42 ± 0.32 µg/mL for V. paradoxa and 0.87 ± 0.77 µg/mL for A. occidentale. V. paradoxa therefore has the best antioxydant activity. These results could explain the therapeutic virtues of A. occidentale and V. paradoxa in the treatment of various pathologies.

Background Kidney transplant recipients and patients receiving hemodialysis are immunocompromised populations that are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination but were excluded from clinical trials of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. Antibody titers and rates of seroconversion following vaccination are lower among patients with chronic kidney disease and those taking immunosuppressants compared with controls. Data are lacking regarding their humoral response to vaccination to prevent COVID-19. Methods This investigation of early serological response after COVID-19 vaccination with the Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine included 78 patients undergoing hemodialysis, 74 kidney transplant recipients, and 7 healthy controls. We recorded data from the medical file for various clinical parameters, including response to hepatitis B vaccination, and measured antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 at 0, 14, 28, 36 and 58 days after the first injection. Results In controls, we detected antibodies at a positive level (>13 arbitrary units per milliliter [AU/ml]) at day 14 postinjection, which increased progressively to peak at day 36 (1082 AU/ml; interquartile range [IQR], 735.0-1662.0]). Patients undergoing hemodialysis had lower titers that peaked at day 58 (276 AU/ml [IQR, 83.4-526.0]. We detected a positive antibody level in only three transplant recipients at day 36. In hemodialysis patients, those younger than 75 years had a higher antibody response versus those older than 75 years and serum albumin and Kt/V were positively correlated with serological response (P< 0.043 and P

Enhancing transpiration efficiency (TE), defined as biomass accumulation per unit water transpired, may be an effective approach to increasing sorghum yield in arid and semi-arid regions under drought conditions. Water use efficiency was compared among 12 sorghum cultivars collected from the ICRISAT Genebank and representing diverse origins. Plants were cultivated in a split plot experimental design using pots with two factors in 5 replications. An irrigation system with two levels: the "well water”, and “water stress” were applied. Plastic bags were used to wrap the pots after the phase of water saturation. Transpiration Efficiency (TE) was used to evaluate the performance of a genotype in water deficit conditions. The parameters such as leaf weight, stem weight and root weight were measured and the data were analyzed using the statistical software tool GenStat version 19. Leaf weight, stem weight and root weight varied significantly between genotypes under well water conditions while under water stress conditions only the stem weight measured was significantly different among the genotypes. Significant differences between genotypes for leaf canopy conductance were found. The leaf canopy conductance was weakly correlated to the stem weight and root weight in both well-watered and water stress conditions.

Aims: Adenia lobata (Jacq.) Engl. (Passifloraceae) is widely used in Ivorian traditional pharmacopeia to heal various chronic diseases, relieve headache and pain of gingiva inflammation, and facilitate labor. Here, we investigated the effects of hydroethanolic extract Adenia lobata (HEAL) on nociceptive pain and subsequent anxiety-like behavior. Materials and Methods: We used several experimental pain tests as the writhing, formalin and hot plate to evaluate both antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions of the extract. Anxiety related to nociception was tested with open field and elevated plus maze tests. Then, mice were sacrificed for assessing some oxidative stress markers. Results: The extract of 30 mg/kg, p.o. reduced in the similar manner as reference peripheral drug salcylicacetic acid (ASA, 200 mg/kg, i.p.) the number of writhings induced by acid acetic. In both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin test, the extract demonstrated an effective antinociceptive activity than ASA, but comparable to central analgesic tramadol (50 mg/kg, i.p). However, Adenia lobata reduced lesser thermal-induced pain than tramadol in hot plate test, but significantly compared to ASA. Furthermore, HEAL altered anxiety-like behavior in each case of the pain condition studied. Also, the extract showed the highest antioxidant activity by reduction oxide nitric (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increase non protein thiol (NP-SH) levels. Conclusion: In conclusion, HEAL possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions on peripheral and central mechanisms of pain. The phytochemicals components of the extract as alkaloids and flavonoids suggest to interact with the opioid system and combat the oxidative stress, respectively. Our findings provide scientific basis for the use of Adenia lobata in traditional medicine against pain and related diseases.

In West Africa, weeds are major production constraints in rain-fed lowland rice systems — often located in the inland valleys. Weed management technologies have been developed and promoted in such rice systems, but adoption by farmers lags behind, probably because of insufficient considerations of the system diversity or the farm-specific characteristics during technology development or promotion. This study aimed to identify farm-type specific entry points for innovations in weed management practices of smallholders in rice-based systems in inland valleys. We conducted farm surveys in the Mono Couffo region of Benin in 66 fields in 2010 and 2011 in a range of socio-economic settings typical for smallholder farms. A combination of multivariate analyses using Principal Component Analysis and Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster is helpful in constructing farm typologies. This categorization, in turn, enables the assessment of farm-type specific weed management strategies and consequently the identification of entry points for innovation. Specific entry points for innovations in weed management include: (i) complementing the existing range of curative options by more preventive measures, (ii) diversifying the existing range of curative measures (mainly hand weeding and herbicide application) by measures that are both non-chemical and labor-saving, and (iii) improving women farmers’ access to information and inputs by targeted training endeavors and conducive credit systems.

Malaria incidence is generally lower in cities than rural areas. However, reported urban malaria incidence may not accurately reflect the level of ongoing transmission, which has potentially large implications for prevention efforts. To guide mosquito net distribution, we assessed the extent of malaria transmission in Conakry, Guinea, in 2018. We found evidence of active malaria transmission.

Asthenoteratozoospermia characterized by multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) has been identified as a sub-type of male infertility. Recent progress has identified several MMAF-associated genes with an autosomal recessive inheritance in human affected individuals, but the etiology in approximately 40% of affected individuals remains unknown. Here, we conducted whole-exome sequencing (WES) and identified hemizygous missense variants in the X-linked CFAP47 in three unrelated Chinese individuals with MMAF. These three CFAP47 variants were absent in human control population genome databases and were predicted to be deleterious by multiple bioinformatic tools. CFAP47 encodes a cilia- and flagella-associated protein that is highly expressed in testis. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays revealed obviously reduced levels of CFAP47 in spermatozoa from all three men harboring deleterious missense variants of CFAP47. Furthermore, WES data from an additional cohort of severe asthenoteratozoospermic men originating from Australia permitted the identification of a hemizygous Xp21.1 deletion removing the entire CFAP47 gene. All men harboring hemizygous CFAP47 variants displayed typical MMAF phenotypes. We also generated a Cfap47-mutated mouse model, the adult males of which were sterile and presented with reduced sperm motility and abnormal flagellar morphology and movement. However, fertility could be rescued by the use of intra-cytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSIs). Altogether, our experimental observations in humans and mice demonstrate that hemizygous mutations in CFAP47 can induce X-linked MMAF and asthenoteratozoospermia, for which good ICSI prognosis is suggested. These findings will provide important guidance for genetic counseling and assisted reproduction treatments.

International audience; Background and Objective: Intestinal coccidia is one of the main causes of diarrheal infections among people living with HIV (PLHIV). The occurrence of diarrhoea in PLHIV affects their health status. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal coccidia in patients with HIV/AIDS and to investigate a possible correlation between these parasites and the CD4 count in patients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in three health care centres of PLHIV in Abidjan. Socio-demographic, clinical and biological data were collected using a questionnaire. Stool and blood samples were collected. Parasitic coprology analysis included the direct microscopic examinations, the concentration techniques (Ritchie and kato-katz) and Ziehl Neelsen. The last one allowed the detection of the oocysts of the coccidia. Results: A total of 363 faecal samples were collected from 03 health care centres. The stool samples collected consisted of 47.65% of diarrhoea. The results of the microscopic analysis revealed 03 intestinal coccidia's namely Cryptosporidium spp. (3.86%), Isospora spp. (1.65%) and Cyclospora spp. (0.83%). The highest microscopic prevalence was recorded in Cryptosporidium spp. (3.86%). Intestinal coccidia was more common in females infected with type 1 of HIV. CD4 count was a significant factor in the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. (χ2 = 29.968, p-value = 0.0001) with a correlation coefficient of -0.2438. Conclusion: This study assessed the microscopic prevalence rates of intestinal coccidia, which are responsible for diarrheal disease among PLHIV. The current study also showed that the presence of these intestinal coccidia's could affect the immune system of PLHIV when the CD4 cell count is below 200 cells mm–3.

Okra is one of the most popular vegetables in Cote d’Ivoire which is produced by heavy use of inorganic fertilizers. Vermicompost can be an alternative to inorganic fertilizers. This field study investigated the effect of vermicompost on growth and productivity of okra as compared to inorganic fertilizers. The respective treatments were arranged in a complete randomized block design, each at three replications, during three-season cycles on a ferralitic soil. Results showed that the highest rate of germination was obtained with the vermicompost. The tallest plants of Abelmoschus esculentus (1.88 m) and Abelmoschus caillei (1.78 m) were observed with inorganic fertilizer. The number of leaves per plant registered when using vermicompost was 34.5 and 30.74 with Abelmoschus esculentus and Abelmoschus cailli, respectively. With inorganic fertilizer, the number of leaves per plant was 34.21 (Abelmoschus esculentus) and 32.32 (Abelmoschus cailli). Plants took about 60 days to flower in the control plots and about 46 days in the plots fertilized with the vermicompost and the inorganic fertilizer. The highest pod yields of Abelmoschus esculentus and Abelmoschus cailli were 8.7 t⋅ha−1 and 10.58 t⋅ha−1 with vermicompost and 8.85 t⋅ha−1 and 10.7 t⋅ha−1 with inorganic fertilizer, respectively. Vermicompost could be recommended as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer to produce okra on ferralitic soil in Cote d’Ivoire.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is vitally important for food security in semi-arid West Africa. The introgression of wild- and high transpiration efficiency genotypes may contribute genes for abiotic stress tolerance or novel traits. Characterizing the introgressed lines can help researchers in the process of varietal improvement. The objectives of this study are (i) To learn if introgression of wild sorghum (CWR) and high transpiration efficiency (HTE) lines into a very early maturing (photoperiod insensitive) local land-race variety can create useful variation for grain yield in drought-prone Sahelian environments, (ii) To determine if grain yield advantages (and putative drought tolerance traits) obtained from introgression of CWR and HTE germplasm are expressed differently in moderately to highly moisture-limited environments, and (iii) To understand the relationship between putative drought tolerance traits. These populations were developed from crosses between the CSM63E (Jakumbe, a high grains quality variety) and two wild parents (accessions) and five high transpiration efficiency (TE) sorghum accessions. Phenotyping was conducted using an alpha lattice design with three replications in two environments for agronomic traits (grain yield and components), flowering time and physiological traits (stay-green, chlorophyll content and lodging). A total of 669 BC1F5 progenies were developed. Genetic variation for grain yield and putative drought tolerant traits were evaluated. Both populations derived from wild parents exhibited in Cinzana a grain yield (>300 g/m2) greater than CSM63E (245 g/m2). In Bema, more than 75% of the progenies of all populations indicated a chlorophyll content at physiological maturity (>30 SPAD) higher than CSM63E (20 SPAD) chlorophyll content. The estimated broad sense heritability was generally high (≥0.50) for all traits. The results also showed a very significant interaction between genotype and environment for grain yield, flowering time, chlorophyll content, stay green and lodging. There was a strong correlation between stay green and chlorophyll content (0.60) on the one hand and between stay green and lodging (0.48) on the other. This great variability could help improve the grain yield of sorghum for farmers in the Sahelian zone.

Crop residues have the potential to enhance soil fertility, but this is dependent on their biochemical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, and nutrients release patterns of selected crop residues (corn stalk, rice straw, millet straw and sorghum stalk). Thus, 20 g of each crop residue were put in litter bags and placed in a plastic pot containing 10 kg of soil with a moisture content of 40% - 60%. Five replications were considered per type of residue and some samples were taken every 4 weeks. Results showed that crop residues got a pH varying between 5.09 and 6.5. The lowest C content (33.11%) and nitrogen (0.27%) were measured in sorghum stalk when the highest C content (47.6%) and nitrogen content (0.55%) were registered in corn stalk. The highest phosphorus content (0.58%) was got in corn stalk. Potassium content was higher in millet straw than in others. The highest calcium content (0.37%) and magnesium (0.29%) were found in rice straw. There was an increase of soil chemical composition after crop residues burial. Significant increase in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content was noted in soil at week 4 with the highest at week 16. At the end of the experiment, the highest C content (53.1%) and the highest nitrogen content (0.88%) in the soil were observed after burial of rice straw. The highest phosphorus content (0.82%) registered in the soil was got with millet straw. Nutrient release efficiency of crop residues occurred in the following order: rice straw > millet straw > sorghum stalk > corn stalk. This study has demonstrated that rice straw and millet straw released nutrients faster and this is beneficial for early planted crops, while sorghum stalk and corn stalk released nutrients slowly which is appropriate for long-term availability of plant nutrients.

Introduction: Chronic renal failure (CKD) is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 60 ml/min/1.73m2 for more than 3 months [1]. Infectious complications are a major source of morbidity in patients with chronic renal failure. In Mali, we have no data on pneumopathies in this population, hence the interest of this study. The objective of this work was to determine the frequency of pneumopathies in patients with chronic renal failure, describe the clinical radio-types, identify the microorganisms involved, and assess the renal prognosis of pneumopathies. Materials and Methods: This was an 18-month prospective and descriptive study from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 conducted in the nephrology and hemodialysis department of the University Hospital of Point G. Included were patients hospitalized during our study period with CKD associated with pneumopathy on a chest X-ray. Not included were all patients hospitalized outside the study period, all CKD cases without pneumonia, patients with incomplete records, and non-consenting patients. Results: We examined 1111 patients, 35 of whom presented an image on chest X-ray related to pneumopathy, a frequency of 3.15% of cases. Twenty-one men (60%) and 14 women (40%) with a sex ratio of 1.5. The mean age was 46.8 ± 13.9 years with extremes of 23 and 76 years. The types of pneumopathy on the chest X-ray were: alveolar pneumopathy: 23 cases (65.7%), pleuropneumopathy: 10 cases (28.6%) and cavitary pneumopathy: 2 cases (5.7%). Cytobacteriological sputum examination was positive in 65.7%; leukocytes (68.6% of cases). The germs found were: Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.7% of cases), Escherica coli (11.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (5.7%), Citrobacter freundi (5.7%), Enterococus sp. (2.9%), Enterobacter cloacae (2.9%), Candida albicans (5.7%). The search for acid-alcohol-resistant bacilli (BAAR) in sputum was positive in 4 cases (11.4%). There was an association between the results of cytobacteriological examination of sputum and the results of BAAR testing of sputum (p = 0.046).

Tropical brackish water shrimp (Penaeus notialis) is an important commercial species in West Africa. Sulfiting agents, which may pose a risk to human health, are still intensively used to prevent m...

International audience; Plant invasion may have significant ecological and socio-economic impacts across agroecologies. Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) is one of the world’s most invasive plants albeit it is considered a suitable fallow plant in West Africa. However, its impacts on soil biological processes are poorly understood. This study was conducted in intermingled forest and savanna sites invaded by C. odorata in Central Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa) to bridge this knowledge gap. Invaded forest sites (COFOR) were compared to adjacent natural forest fragments (FOR) while invaded savanna sites (COSAV) were compared to adjacent natural savanna fragments (SAV). Soil (0–10 cm depth) physico-chemical variables, including soil organic C (SOC), total soil N and available N and P concentrations were measured. Additionally, soil microbial biomass (MBC), carbon mineralization (Cmin), acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and fluorescein diacetate were measured. Further, the MBC/SOC ratio and the metabolic quotient (qCO2) were calculated. An index of invasion effect (IE) computed as the cumulative percent change in the microbial and enzyme activities was determined for each ecosystem context. Results showed that soil MBC and MBC/SOC ratio declined in COFOR relative to FOR. In general, Cmin, enzymatic activities, qCO2 and available N and P significantly increased in the C. odorata sites relative to the respective reference ecosystems, particularly savanna, potentially due to a larger gap in the litters’ quality. As a result, the invasion effect was twice as high in savanna (IE = 292.8%) as in forest (IE = 147.5%). However, a Principal Component Analysis showed that the COSAV were close to COFOR stands without mixing, probably due to contrasting initial soil organic matter and clay contents. These results improved our knowledge on the changes in soil microbial attributes and the mechanisms of soil fertility restoration or improvement in response to C. odorata invasion in natural forests and savannas of West Africa.

Introduction:drug-resistant tuberculosis is a major global health problem and a threat to health security given the increase in the number of cases and the challenges associated with care. Besides, the relationship between poor nutritional status and tuberculosis is clearly established. For relevant and evidence-based public health decision-making regarding the management of malnutrition in patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis in the initial phase, it is essential to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and understand the risk factors associated with it. Methods:we performed a retrospective cohort study in drug-resistant tuberculosis patients aged 18 years and older, among which the nutritional status was assessed through BMI. All predictors were included in a prediction model using the multivariate logistic model according to the lowest Akaike criterion. Discrimination and model calibration was evaluated using receiver performance analysis, and the Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Results:this study revealed a prevalence of malnutrition of 64.7% in drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in our 218-patient series. The factors associated with malnutrition were: unsuccessful treatment, the active presence of mycobacterium tuberculosis, increased bacteriological conversion time, increased serum creatinine, increased transaminase SGPT of the liver, and anaemia. Some of the factors not associated with malnutrition included the history of anti-tuberculosis treatment, vomiting, hepatic SGPT, initial AFB count, smear and culture conversion time, depression, and chest x-ray. Conclusion:malnutrition remains a concern among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Guinea as it affects more than half of them with a negative impact on the outcome of treatment. Implementing specific interventions for these high-risk patients, including nutritional supplementation, psychosocial support, and treatment for tuberculosis, can improve management for better treatment outcomes.

The use of Amodiaquine monotherapy is associated with the selection of molecular markers of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine (pfcrt and pfmdr1). The decrease in sensitivity and the emergence of P. falciparum resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapy have been reported. Therefore, it is important to assess the impact of treatment of uncomplicated malaria with Artesunate-Amodiaquine (AS+AQ) on molecular markers of antimalarial resistance. We used standard World Health Organization (WHO) protocols to determine the in vivo efficacy of the combination (AS+AQ). In total, 170 subjects were included in the study. The molecular analysis focused on 168 dried blood spots. The aims were to determine the frequency of pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1 86Y mutations and the rates of reinfection using polymorphism markers msp1, msp2, and microsatellite markers (CA1, Ta87, TA99). Nested-PCR was used, followed in some cases by a restriction digestion. The level of P. falciparum clinical response was 92.9% (156/168) of Adequate Clinical and Parasitological Response (ACPR) before molecular correction and 97.0% (163/168) after molecular correction (P = 0.089). The frequency of mutation point pfcrt 76T was 76.2% (128/168) before treatment and 100% (7/7) after treatment (P = 0.1423). For the pfmdr1 mutation, the frequency was 28% (47/168) before treatment and 60% (6/10) after treatment (P = 0.1124). The rate of pfcrt 76T + pfmdr1 86Y was 22% (37/168) before and 50% (6/12) after treatment (P = 0.1465). Despite the presence of AS in the combination, AS+AQ selects for pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1 86Y mutant P. falciparum in Guinea.

International audience; Spermatozoa are polarized cells with a head and a flagellum joined together by the connecting piece. Flagellum integrity is critical for normal sperm function, and flagellum defects consistently lead to male infertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) is a distinct sperm phenotype consistently leading to male infertility due to a reduced or absent sperm motility associated with severe morphological and ultrastructural flagellum defects. Despite numerous genes recently described to be recurrently associated with MMAF, more than half of the cases analyzed remain unresolved, suggesting that many yet uncharacterized gene defects account for this phenotype. By performing a retrospective exome analysis of the unsolved cases from our initial cohort of 167 infertile men with a MMAF phenotype, we identified one individual carrying a homozygous frameshift variant in CFAP206, a gene encoding a microtubule-docking adapter for radial spoke and inner dynein arm. Immunostaining experiments in the patient's sperm cells demonstrated the absence of WDR66 and RSPH1 proteins suggesting severe radial spokes and calmodulin and spoke-associated complex defects. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, we generated homozygous Cfap206 knockout (KO) mice which presented with male infertility due to functional, structural and ultrastructural sperm flagellum defects associated with a very low rate of embryo development using ICSI. Overall, we showed that CFAP206 is essential for normal sperm flagellum structure and function in human and mouse and that bi-allelic mutations in CFAP206 cause male infertility in man and mouse by inducing morphological and functional defects of the sperm flagellum that may also cause ICSI failures.

Little is known about respiratory viruses infection in Guinea. Influenza surveillance has not been implemented in Guinea mainly because of the paucity of laboratory infrastructure and capacity. This paper presents the first influenza surveillance data in Guinea. Swabs were obtained from August 2018 through December 2019 at influenza sentinel sites and transported to the Institut National de Santé Publique for testing. Ribonucleic acid was extracted and tested for the presence of influenza A and B by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive samples were further characterised to determine the subtypes and lineages of influenza viruses. A total of 862 swabs were collected and tested. Twenty-three per cent of samples tested positive for influenza A and B viruses. Characterisation of positive specimens identified influenza A/H1N1pmd09 (2.5%), influenza A/H3N2 (57.3%), influenza B/Victoria lineage (36.7%) and 7 (3.5%) influenza B with undetermined lineage. Influenza B virus activity clustered in August through November while influenza A/H3N2 displayed two clusters of activities that appeared in May through August and November through December. For the first time in Guinea, the epidemiology, diversity and period of circulation of influenza viruses were studied. The results indicate the predominance and the periods of activities of influenza B Victoria lineage and influenza A/H3N2 which are important information for preventive strategies. It is warranted to extend the influenza surveillance to other parts of Guinea to better understand the epidemiology of the viruses and monitor the emergence of influenza strains with pandemic potential.

Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum are microorganisms involved in many pathologies and intrauterine infections. Vaginal wall swabs were taken from 278 women for mycoplasma detection and to study the antimicrobial susceptibility using the Mycoplasma IST2 Kit (bioMerieux). We were able to document in 278 women enrolled in the study, 64.7% have infections caused by U. urealyticum, 22.7% by M. hominis, and 19.4 % of coinfections involving both germs. Such infections were observed in age groups between 18 and 42 years. Other socio-demographic characteristics studies have been conducted, which allowed to document that single women were the majority population with 68.7% against 16.5% who were living in couple. In response to our questionnaire, 131 single women enrolled in the study never protected themselves during sexual intercourse compared with 52.9% who reported using at least condom. A total of 260 (93.5%) of women reported having only one partner versus 6.5% having more. The study of strains susceptibility to antibiotics revealed a resistance of approximately 80% for macrolides and 100% for fluoroquinolones. All our isolated strains had a sensitivity of about 90% for Pristinamycin and 70% for Josamycin. This study shows that carriage of mycoplasma infection is high in female population in Franceville and vicinities, what should be an element of cautious use of antibiotic during probabilistic therapy treatment of mycoplasma.

Roots play a fundamental role in plant growth by supplying water and mineral to the stem and leaves. These underground organs are much less known than the aerial organs mainly due to the difficult access to the root systems in soil. In spite of this, only a few studies were conducted on roots. Given the importance of roots for plant growth, a better understanding of their functioning may help solve some issues such as water stress that can affect the performance of the crops. A total of 100 sorghum cultivars collected in the Sahelian zone of Mali an area receiving an annual rainfall of 200 to 600 mm, were used in a root characterization study. The plant materials were composed of 4 races and 5 intermediates sorghum races. Seeds of the entries were planted directly in PVC tubes of 1m containing soil and arranged in completely randomized design with three replications; in one planting date. Each tube was planted in a dugout ground to 50 cm deep. The tubes were distant of 0.50 m within each row and 0.75 m between rows. The trial was watered from the tap every two days until harvest. The results showed high variability among the varieties studied for root length and root density, with a root length reaching over 1.00m. The study did not identify any pattern in the root systems of the four races and their five intermediates races. However, there was a positive correlation between root length and density indicating an increase in root length correspond to an increased root density. The diversity found in the root system could be a basis for improving root architecture in breeding populations and the evaluation of the behaviour of the sorghum varieties with different root systems in water stress conditions.

Background Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) was deployed in 2005 as an alternative to chloroquine and is considered the most efficacious treatment currently available for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. While widespread artemisinin resistance has not been reported to date in Africa, recent studies have reported partial resistance in Rwanda. The purpose of this study is to provide a current systematic review and meta-analysis on ACT at Mali study sites, where falciparum malaria is highly endemic. Methods A systematic review of the literature maintained in the bibliographic databases accessible through the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science search engines was performed to identify research studies on ACT occurring at Mali study sites. Selected studies included trials occurring at Mali study sites with reported polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-corrected adequate clinical and parasite response rates (ACPRcs) at 28 days. Data were stratified by treatment arm (artemether–lumefantrine (AL), the first-line treatment for falciparum malaria in Mali and non-AL arms) and analysed using random-effects, meta-analysis approaches. Results A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a risk of bias assessment carried out by two independent reviewers determined low risk of bias among all assessed criteria. The ACPRc for the first-line AL at Mali sites was 99.0% (95% CI (98.3%, 99.8%)), while the ACPRc among non-AL treatment arms was 98.9% (95% CI (98.3%, 99.5%)). The difference in ACPRcs between non-AL treatment arms and AL treatment arms was not statistically significant (p = .752), suggesting that there are potential treatment alternatives beyond the first-line of AL in Mali. Conclusions ACT remains highly efficacious in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Mali. Country-specific meta-analyses on ACT are needed on an ongoing basis for monitoring and evaluating drug efficacy patterns to guide local malaria treatment policies, particularly in the wake of observed artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia and partial resistance in Rwanda.

Study question What are the feasibility and outcome of ICSI in case of presumably genetic severe asthenozoospermia with Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Flagellum (MMAF phenotype)? Summary answer ICSI outcome for couples with MMAF phenotype does not differ from that of other couples requiring ICSI, regardless to the genetic etiology What is known already Severe asthenozoospermia, especially when associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF phenotype), results in male infertility. Recent findings confirm that a genetic etiology is frequently responsible for this phenotype. In such situations, pregnancies can be obtained using ICSI. However, few studies have provided detailed analyses of the flagellar ultrastructural defects underlying this phenotype, of its genetic etiologies and of the results of ICSI in such cases of male infertility. Study design, size, duration We performed a retrospective study including 25 infertile men showing severe asthenozoospermia associated with a MMAF phenotype identified through standard semen analysis. These men were recruited from an academic center for Assisted Reproduction in Paris between 2009 and 2017. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) were performed in order to precise the sperm ultra-structural phenotype and identify causal mutations, respectively. Twenty of the 25 patients benefited from assisted reproductive therapy by ICSI. Participants/materials, setting, methods MMAF patients were recruited based on reduced sperm progressive motility and increased frequencies of absent, short, coiled or irregular flagella, in comparison with fertile control men. A quantified analysis of the ultrastructural defects was performed for the MMAF patients and for fertile control men. ICSI results for the MMAF patients were compared to those of 528 ICSI attempts performed for non-MMAF individuals considering the sperm parameters and the distribution of ultrastructural axonemal anomalies. Main results and the role of chance Thorough categorization by TEM analysis of the flagellar anomalies found in these patients brought important precisions about the structural defects underlying asthenozoospermia and sperm tail abnormalities detectable through standard microscopy. In particular, absence of the central pair of axonemal microtubules was the predominant anomaly, observed significantly more frequently than in control men (p Limitations, reasons for caution The outcome of ICSI procedure was retrospectively assessed on a small sample and may be susceptible to recall bias. Moreover, TEM analysis was not available for some of the patients due to too low sperm concentration, and WES results are not yet available for all men included. Wider implications of the findings Couples requiring ICSI for presumably genetic severe asthenozoospermia should benefit precociously from appropriate phenotypic and genetic investigations. So far ICSI results appear similar to those observed in other ICSI indications. Identifying a genetic etiology and its mode of inheritance allows providing to these couples a most often reassuring genetic counseling. Trial registration number Not applicable

International audience; Cilia and flagella are formed around an evolutionary conserved microtubule-based axoneme and are required for fluid and mucus clearance, tissue homeostasis, cell differentiation and movement. The formation and maintenance of cilia and flagella require bidirectional transit of proteins along the axonemal microtubules, a process called intraflagellar transport (IFT). In humans, IFT defects contribute to a large group of systemic diseases, called ciliopathies, which often display overlapping phenotypes. By performing exome sequencing of a cohort of 167 non-syndromic infertile men displaying multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) we identified two unrelated patients carrying a homozygous missense variant adjacent to a splice donor consensus site of IFT74 (c.256G>A;p.Gly86Ser). IFT74 encodes for a core component of the IFT machinery that is essential for the anterograde transport of tubulin. We demonstrate that this missense variant affects IFT74 mRNA splicing and induces the production of at least two distinct mutant proteins with abnormal subcellular localization along the sperm flagellum. Importantly, while IFT74 deficiency was previously implicated in two cases of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS), a pleiotropic ciliopathy with variable expressivity, our data indicate that this missense mutation only results in primary male infertility due to MMAF, with no other clinical features. Taken together, our data indicate that the nature of the mutation adds a level of complexity to the clinical manifestations of ciliary dysfunction, thus contributing to the expanding phenotypical spectrum of ciliopathies.

Medicinal and food plants contain a large number of metabolites that have multiple interests in pharmacology, cosmetology and the food industry. The aim of this study was to determine the content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, to evaluate the antioxidant activity and to raise the nutritional interest of extracts from leaves of Khaya senegalensis. The methodological approach consisted of carrying out extractions with distilled water, ethanol, methanol and butanol. The extracts thus obtained were subjected to phytochemical analysis by spectrophotometric assay to determine the content of minerals, total phenols and flavonoids and to evaluate the antioxidant activity. The investigations revealed that K. senegalensis leaves extract have a high calcium content (948.38 ± 11.57 mg / 100 g), magnesium (188.24 ± 0.97 mg / 100 g), phosphorus (304.98 ± 2.6 mg / 100 g) and iron (41.50 ± 1.57 mg / 100 g). A high content of total phenols and flavonoids was observed with butanol extract (91.53 ± 0.04 mg EAG / g extract) and (75.58 ± 0.05 mg EQ / g extract) respectively. The ethanol and methanol extracts recorded the best performances by reducing the residual iron while the aqueous and butanol extracts obtained the IC50 values closest to those of the reference viz vitamin C and BHT. This studyshowed that K. senegalensis leaves are a source of active substances known for their therapeutic and nutritional properties. The leaves of K. senegalensis could be used to treat various pathologies and also as an alternative in cattle feeding.

Background Drug resistance is one of the greatest challenges of malaria control programme in Mali. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies provide new and effective ways of tracking drug-resistant malaria parasites in Africa. The diversity and the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum drug-resistance molecular markers were assessed in Dangassa and Nioro-du-Sahel in Mali, two sites with distinct malaria transmission patterns. Dangassa has an intense seasonal malaria transmission, whereas Nioro-du-Sahel has an unstable and short seasonal malaria transmission. Methods Up to 270 dried blood spot samples (214 in Dangassa and 56 in Nioro-du-Sahel) were collected from P. falciparum positive patients in 2016. Samples were analysed on the Agena MassARRAY® iPLEX platform. Specific codons were targeted in Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps, Pfarps10, Pfferredoxin, Pfexonuclease and Pfmdr2 genes. The Sanger’s 101-SNPs-barcode method was used to assess the genetic diversity of P. falciparum and to determine the parasite species. Results The Pfcrt_76T chloroquine-resistance genotype was found at a rate of 64.4% in Dangassa and 45.2% in Nioro-du-Sahel (p = 0.025). The Pfdhfr_51I-59R-108N pyrimethamine-resistance genotype was 14.1% and 19.6%, respectively in Dangassa and Nioro-du-Sahel. Mutations in the Pfdhps_S436-A437-K540-A581-613A sulfadoxine-resistance gene was significantly more prevalent in Dangassa as compared to Nioro-du-Sahel (p = 0.035). Up to 17.8% of the isolates from Dangassa vs 7% from Nioro-du-Sahel harboured at least two codon substitutions in this haplotype. The amodiaquine-resistance Pfmdr1_N86Y mutation was identified in only three samples (two in Dangassa and one in Nioro-du-Sahel). The lumefantrine-reduced susceptibility Pfmdr1_Y184F mutation was found in 39.9% and 48.2% of samples in Dangassa and Nioro-du-Sahel, respectively. One piperaquine-resistance Exo_E415G mutation was found in Dangassa, while no artemisinin resistance genetic-background were identified. A high P. falciparum diversity was observed, but no clear genetic aggregation was found at either study sites. Higher multiplicity of infection was observed in Dangassa with both COIL (p = 0.04) and Real McCOIL (p = 0.02) methods relative to Nioro-du-Sahel. Conclusions This study reveals high prevalence of chloroquine and pyrimethamine-resistance markers as well as high codon substitution rate in the sulfadoxine-resistance gene. High genetic diversity of P. falciparum was observed. These observations suggest that the use of artemisinins is relevant in both Dangassa and Nioro-du-Sahel.

Multiple morphological anomalies of the sperm flagella (MMAF syndrome) is a severe male infertility phenotype which has so far been formally linked to the presence of biallelic mutations in nine genes mainly coding for axonemal proteins overexpressed in the sperm flagellum. Homozygous mutations in QRICH2, a gene coding for a protein known to be required for stabilizing proteins involved in sperm flagellum biogenesis, have recently been identified in MMAF patients from two Chinese consanguineous families. Here, in order to better assess the contribution of QRICH2 in the etiology of the MMAF phenotype, we analyzed all QRICH2 variants from whole exome sequencing data of a cohort of 167 MMAF-affected subjects originating from North Africa, Iran, and Europe. We identified a total of 14 potentially deleterious variants in 18 unrelated individuals. Two unrelated subjects, representing 1% of the cohort, carried a homozygous loss-of-function variant: c.3501C>G [p.Tyr1167Ter] and c.4614C>G [p.Tyr1538Ter], thus confirming the implication of QRICH2 in the MMAF phenotype and human male infertility. Sixteen MMAF patients (9.6%) carried a heterozygous QRICH2 potentially deleterious variant. This rate was comparable to what was observed in a control group (15.5%) suggesting that the presence of QRICH2 heterozygous variants is not associated with MMAF syndrome.

Background: Malaria is a parasitic infection that leads to anaemia and death. Unfortunately, the upsurge of chemo-resistance prompted researchers to focus on new antimalarial drugs. Objectives: The aim of this work was to evaluate the antiplasmodial and antianemic activity of Millettia zechiana. Methods: the In vitro activity was assessed on clinical isolates and on the standard strain of Plasmodium falciparum K1, using the SYBR green I test. Moreover, the antianemic activity was evaluated in phenyl hydrazine induced anemic albino rats. Results/discussion: The ethyl acetate and hydroethanolic extract exhibited an antiplasmodial activity with IC50s of 6.14 and 12.14 μg/mL respectively on Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain. As for the in vivo antianemic activity, the ethyl acetate extract was the most active with better hematological reconstitution percentages. The presence of chemical compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids and quinonic substances in both extracts, could be responsible for their activities. Conclusion: Millettia zechiana could be a potential source for novel antimalarial drugs and might be used as an improved traditional medicine on account of its availability.

Bats are considered a reservoir species for Ebola viruses, but nonhuman primates (NHPs) have represented a source of infection in several outbreaks in humans. Here we report serological screening of blood or fecal samples from monkeys (n = 2322) and apes (n = 2327). Thirty-six NHP species from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ivory Coast were tested with a sensitive and specific Luminex-based assay for immunoglobulin G antibodies to 4 Ebola virus species. Using the simultaneous presence of antibodies to nucleoproteins and glycoproteins to define positivity, we showed that specific Ebola virus antibodies are not widespread among NHPs. Only 1 mustached monkey (Cercopithecus cephus) from Cameroon was positive for Sudan ebolavirus. These observations support that NHPs are most likely intermediate hosts for Ebola viruses. With the increasing frequency of Ebola outbreaks, it is crucial to identify the animal reservoir and understand the ecology of Ebola viruses to inform disease control.

Based on the bilateral relationship between the gut microbiota and formation/function of the enteric nervous system (ENS), we sought to determine whether antibiotics-induced dysbiosis might impact the expressivity of genetically-induced ENS abnormalities. To address this, we took advantage of the TashT mouse model of Hirschsprung disease, in which colonic aganglionosis and hypoganglionosis are both much more severe in males. These defects result into two male-biased colon motility phenotypes: either megacolon that is lethal around weaning age or chronic constipation in adults, the latter being also associated with an increased proportion of nitrergic neurons in the distal ENS. Induction of dysbiosis using a cocktail of broad-spectrum antibiotics specifically impacted the colonic ENS of TashTTg/Tg mice in a stage-dependent manner. It further decreased the neuronal density at post-weaning age and differentially modulated the otherwise increased proportion of nitrergic neurons, which appeared normalized around weaning age and further increased at post-weaning age. These changes delayed the development of megacolon around weaning age but led to premature onset of severe constipation later on. Finally, local inhibition of nitric oxide signaling improved motility and prevented death by megacolon. We thus conclude that exposure to antibiotics can negatively influence the expressivity of a genetically-induced enteric neuropathy.

International audience; Asthenozoospermia, defined by the absence or reduction of sperm motility, constitutes the most frequent cause of human male infertility. This pathological condition is caused by morphological and/or functional defects of the sperm flagellum, which preclude proper sperm progression. While in the last decade many causal genes were identified for asthenozoospermia associated with severe sperm flagellar defects, the causes of purely functional asthenozoospermia are still poorly defined. We describe here the case of an infertile man, displaying asthenozoospermia without major morphological flagellar anomalies and carrying a homozygous splicing mutation in SLC9C1 (sNHE), which we identified by whole-exome sequencing. SLC9C1 encodes a sperm-specific sodium/proton exchanger, which in mouse regulates pH homeostasis and interacts with the soluble Adenylyl Cyclase (sAC), a key regulator of the signalling pathways involved in sperm motility and capacitation. We demonstrate by means of RT-PCR, immunodetection and immunofluorescence assays on patient's semen samples that the homozygous splicing mutation (c.2748+2T>C) leads to inframe exon skipping resulting in a deletion in the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain of the protein. Our work shows that in human, similar to mouse, SLC9C1 is required for sperm motility. Overall, we establish a homozygous truncating mutation in SLC9C1 as a novel cause of human asthenozoospermia and infertility.

Glycylation regulates axonemal dyneins Physiological functions of the microtubule cytoskeleton are expected to be regulated by a variety of posttranslational tubulin modifications. For instance, tubulin glycylation is almost exclusively found in cilia and flagella, but its role in the function of these organelles remains unclear. Gadadhar et al. now demonstrate in mice that glycylation, although nonessential for the formation of cilia and flagella, coordinates the beat waveform of sperm flagella. This activity is a prerequisite for progressive sperm swimming and thus for male fertility. At the ultrastructural level, lack of glycylation perturbed the distribution of axonemal dynein conformations, which may explain the observed defects in flagellar beat. Science , this issue p. eabd4914

International audience; Arterial stiffness is a complex process affecting the aortic tree that significantly contributes to cardiovascular diseases (systolic hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure or stroke). This process involves a large extracellular matrix remodeling mainly associated with elastin content decrease and collagen content increase. Additionally, various chemical modifications that accumulate with ageing have been shown to affect long-lived assemblies, such as elastic fibers, that could affect their elasticity. To precisely characterize the fiber changes and the evolution of its elasticity with ageing, high resolution and multimodal techniques are needed for precise insight into the behavior of a single fiber and its surrounding medium. In this study, the latest developments in atomic force microscopy and the related nanomechanical modes are used to investigate the evolution and in a near-physiological environment, the morphology and elasticity of aorta cross sections obtained from mice of different ages with an unprecedented resolution. In correlation with more classical approaches such as pulse wave velocity and fluorescence imaging, we demonstrate that the relative Young's moduli of elastic fibers, as well as those of the surrounding areas, significantly increase with ageing. This nanoscale characterization presents a new view on the stiffness process, showing that, besides the elastin and collagen content changes, elasticity is impaired at the molecular level, allowing a deeper understanding of the ageing process. Such nanomechanical AFM measurements of mouse tissue could easily be applied to studies of diseases in which elastic fibers suffer pathologies such as atherosclerosis and diabetes, where the precise quantification of fiber elasticity could better follow the fiber remodeling and predict plaque rupture. † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See

Spermatozoa are polarized cells with a head and a flagellum joined by the connecting piece. Head integrity is critical for normal sperm function, and head defects consistently lead to male infertility. Abnormalities of the sperm head are among the most severe and characteristic sperm defects. Patients presenting with a monomorphic head sperm defects such as globozoospermia or marcrozoospermia were analyzed permitting to identify several key genes for spermatogenesis such as AURKC and DPY19L2. The study of patients with other specific sperm head defects such as acephalic spermatozoa have also enabled the identification of new infertility genes such as SUN5. Here, we review the genetic causes leading to morphological defects of sperm head. Advances in the genetics of male infertility are necessary to improve the management of infertility and will pave the road towards future strategies of treatments, especially for patients with the most severe phenotype as sperm head defects.

BackgroundMultiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) consistently lead to male infertility due to a reduced or absent sperm motility defined as asthenozoospermia. Despite numerous genes recently described to be recurrently associated with MMAF, more than half of the cases analysed remain unresolved, suggesting that many yet uncharacterised gene defects account for this phenotypeMethodsExome sequencing was performed on 167 infertile men with an MMAF phenotype. Immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in sperm cells from affected individuals were performed to characterise the ultrastructural sperm defects. Gene inactivation using RNA interference (RNAi) was subsequently performed in Trypanosoma.ResultsWe identified six unrelated affected patients carrying a homozygous deleterious variants in MAATS1, a gene encoding CFAP91, a calmodulin-associated and spoke-associated complex (CSC) protein. TEM and immunostaining experiments in sperm cells showed severe central pair complex (CPC) and radial spokes defects. Moreover, we confirmed that the WDR66 protein is a physical and functional partner of CFAP91 into the CSC. Study of Trypanosoma MAATS1’s orthologue (TbCFAP91) highlighted high sequence and structural analogies with the human protein and confirmed the axonemal localisation of the protein. Knockdown of TbCFAP91 using RNAi impaired flagellar movement led to CPC defects in Trypanosoma as observed in humans.ConclusionsWe showed that CFAP91 is essential for normal sperm flagellum structure and function in human and Trypanosoma and that biallelic variants in this gene lead to severe flagellum malformations resulting in astheno-teratozoospermia and primary male infertility.

The presence ofHelicobacter pyloriis a major contributor to the genesis of peptic ulcer disease, although its role in the pathogenesis of ulcer in cirrhotic patients is yet to be well established. The aim of this work is to determine the prevalence of gastroduodenal lesions associated with histologically confirmedHelicobacter pyloriin cirrhotic patients. This was a retrospective study which was conducted from January 2017 to May 2018 at Sikasso Hospital. The inclusion criteria were: presence of cirrhosis, endoscopic gastroduodenal lesions for which histological confirmation of the presence ofHelicobacter pyloribiopsies was made. The collected data was analyzed by Epi Info software version 7.0. Thirty four patients have been included, the mean age was 38 ± 17 years and a male/female sex ratio of 2.09. Gastrointestinal symptoms included epigastralgia (26.47%), nausea (8.82%), early postprandial vomiting (5.88%) and hematemesis (8.82%). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed esophageal varices in 47%, which 1 case of esophageal varices grade III with red signs, 5.88% grade II with red signs, 8.82% grade I without red signs. A case of portal hypertension gastropathy was noted in 12 patients and gastroduodenal lesions in 33%. Anatomopathological examination of the biopsies revealedHelicobacter pyloriin 57%, active chronic gastritis in 44.11% and chronic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia in 2.94% of cases. This study reveals a fairly high frequency ofHelicobacter pyloriin digestive lesions observed in cirrhotic patients.Helicobacter pyloriinfection in cirrhotic patients requires urgent therapeutic management to prevent the possible hemorrhagic complications.

Background Implementation and upscale of effective malaria vector control strategies necessitates understanding the multi-factorial aspects of transmission patterns. The primary aims of this study are to determine the vector composition, biting rates, trophic preference, and the overall importance of distinguishing outdoor versus indoor malaria transmission through a study at two communities in rural Mali. Methods Mosquito collection was carried out between July 2012 and June 2016 at two rural Mali communities (Dangassa and Koïla Bamanan) using pyrethrum spray-catch and human landing catch approaches at both indoor and outdoor locations. Species of Anopheles gambiae complex were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Enzyme-Linked -Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) were used to determine the origin of mosquito blood meals and presence of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite infections. Results A total of 11,237 An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) were collected during the study period (5239 and 5998 from the Dangassa and Koïla Bamanan sites, respectively). Of the 679 identified by PCR in Dangassa, Anopheles coluzzii was the predominant species with 91.4% of the catch followed by An. gambiae (8.0%) and Anopheles arabiensis (0.6%). At the same time in Koïla Bamanan, of the 623 An. gambiae s.l., An. coluzzii accounted for 99% of the catch, An. arabiensis 0.8% and An. gambiae 0.2%. Human Blood Index (HBI) measures were significantly higher in Dangassa (79.4%; 95% Bayesian credible interval (BCI) [77.4, 81.4]) than in Koïla Bamanan (15.9%; 95% BCI [14.7, 17.1]). The human biting rates were higher during the second half of the night at both sites. In Dangassa, the sporozoite rate was comparable between outdoor and indoor mosquito collections. For outdoor collections, the sporozoite positive rate was 3.6% (95% BCI [2.1–4.3]) and indoor collections were 3.1% (95% BCI [2.4–5.0]). In Koïla Bamanan, the sporozoite rate was higher indoors at 4.3% (95% BCI [2.7–6.3]) compared with outdoors at 2.4% (95% BCI [1.1–4.2]). In Dangassa, corrected entomological inoculation rates (cEIRs) using HBI were 13.74 [95% BCI 9.21–19.14] infective bites/person/month (ib/p/m) at indoor, and 18.66 [95% BCI 12.55–25.81] ib/p/m at outdoor. For Koïla Bamanan, cEIRs were 1.57 [95% BCI 2.34–2.72] ib/p/m and 0.94 [95% BCI 0.43–1.64] ib/p/m for indoor and outdoor, respectively. EIRs were significantly higher at the Dangassa site than the Koïla Bamanan site. Conclusion The findings in this work may indicate the occurrence of active, outdoor residual malaria transmission is comparable to indoor transmission in some geographic settings. The high outdoor transmission patterns observed here highlight the need for additional strategies to combat outdoor malaria transmission to complement traditional indoor preventive approaches such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) which typically focus on resting mosquitoes.

Background The identification of asymptomatic individuals with Plasmodium falciparum infection is difficult because they do not seek medical treatment and often have too few asexual parasites detectable using microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (≤ 200 parasites per μl). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) may provide greater sensitivity and permits estimation of the initial template DNA concentration. This study examined the hypothesis that qPCR assays using templates with higher copy numbers may be more sensitive for P. falciparum than assays based on templates with lower copy numbers. Methods To test this hypothesis, ten qPCR assays for DNA sequences with template copy numbers from 1 to 160 were compared using parasite DNA standards (n = 2) and smear-positive filter paper blots from asymptomatic smear-positive subjects (n = 96). Results Based on the testing of P. falciparum parasite DNA standards and filter paper blots, cycle threshold values decreased as the concentrations of template DNA and template copy numbers increased (p P. falciparum DNA (based on DNA standards and filter paper blots, respectively) increased with template copy number. Despite the gains in clinical sensitivity from increased template copy numbers, qPCR assays failed to detect more than half of the filter paper blots with low parasite densities (≤ 200 asexual parasites per μl). Conclusions These results confirm the hypothesis that the sensitivity of qPCR for P. falciparum in the blood of individuals with asymptomatic infection increases with template copy number. However, because even the most sensitive qPCR assays (with template copy numbers from 32 to 160) detected fewer than 50% of infections with ≤ 200 asexual parasites per μl, the sensitivity of qPCR must be increased further to identify all smear-positive, asymptomatic individuals in order to interrupt transmission.

Sperm malformation is a direct factor for male infertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia, are characterized by immotile spermatozoa with malformed and/or absent flagella in the ejaculate. Previous studies indicated genetic heterogeneity in MMAF. To further define genetic factors underlying MMAF, we performed whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 90 Chinese MMAF-affected men. Two cases (2.2%) were identified as carrying bi-allelic missense DNAH8 variants, variants which were either absent or rare in the control human population and were predicted to be deleterious by multiple bioinformatic tools. Re-analysis of exome data from a second cohort of 167 MMAF-affected men from France, Iran, and North Africa permitted the identification of an additional male carrying a DNAH8 homozygous frameshift variant. DNAH8 encodes a dynein axonemal heavy-chain component that is expressed preferentially in the testis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and electron microscopy analyses of the spermatozoa from men harboring bi-allelic DNAH8 variants showed a highly aberrant morphology and ultrastructure of the sperm flagella. Immunofluorescence assays performed on the spermatozoa from men harboring bi-allelic DNAH8 variants revealed the absent or markedly reduced staining of DNAH8 and its associated protein DNAH17. Dnah8-knockout male mice also presented typical MMAF phenotypes and sterility. Interestingly, intracytoplasmic sperm injections using the spermatozoa from Dnah8-knockout male mice resulted in good pregnancy outcomes. Collectively, our experimental observations from humans and mice demonstrate that DNAH8 is essential for sperm flagellar formation and that bi-allelic deleterious DNAH8 variants lead to male infertility with MMAF.

Malaria transmission largely depends on environmental, climatic, and hydrological conditions. In Mali, malaria epidemiological patterns are nested within three ecological zones. This study aimed at assessing the relationship between those conditions and the incidence of malaria in Dangassa and Koila, Mali. Malaria data was collected through passive case detection at community health facilities of each study site from June 2015 to January 2017. Climate and environmental data were obtained over the same time period from the Goddard Earth Sciences (Giovanni) platform and hydrological data from Mali hydraulic services. A generalized additive model was used to determine the lagged time between each principal component analysis derived component and the incidence of malaria cases, and also used to analyze the relationship between malaria and the lagged components in a multivariate approach. Malaria transmission patterns were bimodal at both sites, but peak and lull periods were longer lasting for Koila study site. Temperatures were associated with malaria incidence in both sites. In Dangassa, the wind speed (p = 0.005) and river heights (p = 0.010) contributed to increasing malaria incidence, in contrast to Koila, where it was humidity (p &lt, 0.001) and vegetation (p = 0.004). The relationships between environmental factors and malaria incidence differed between the two settings, implying different malaria dynamics and adjustments in the conception and plan of interventions.

Background Ongoing efforts to fight Plasmodium falciparum malaria has reduced malaria in many areas, but new tools are needed to monitor further progress, including indicators of decreasing exposure to parasite infection. Sero-surveillance is considered promising to monitor exposure, transmission and immunity. Methods IgG responses to three antigen biomarkers were evaluated in a retrospective study involving: (i) surveys of 798 asymptomatic villagers from 2 Senegalese endemic settings conducted before 2002 and after the 2013 intensification of control measures, and (ii) in 105 symptomatic individuals from different settings in Côte d’Ivoire. Response to up to eight P. falciparum antigens, including recombinant MSP1p9 antigen and LSA141 peptide, were analysed using multiplex technology and responses to whole P. falciparum schizont extract (SE, local strain adapted to culture) were measured by ELISA. Results MSP1p9 and LSA141 IgG responses were shown to be relevant indicators monitoring immune status in the different study sites both from Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Between 2002 and 2013, individuals participating in both studies showed higher decline of sero-positivity in young ( 15 years: no decline to 15%) individuals from Dielmo and Ndiop. A mathematical sero-catalytic model from the complete Dielmo/Ndiop survey was used to reconstruct declining levels of sero-positivity in more detail, demonstrating that anti-SE seroprevalence levels most accurately reflected malaria exposure in the two villages. Conclusion For standard screening of population immune status at sites envisaging elimination, the use of ELISA-based assays targeting selected antigens can contribute to provide important epidemiologic surveillance data to aid malaria control programmes.

Background Because clustering of Plasmodium falciparum infection had been noted previously, the clustering of infection was examined at four field sites in West Africa: Dangassa and Dioro in Mali, Gambissara in The Gambia and Madina Fall in Senegal. Methods Clustering of infection was defined by the percent of persons with positive slides for asexual P. falciparum sleeping in a house which had been geopositioned. Data from each site were then tested for spatial, temporal and spatio-temporal clustering in relation to the prevalence of infection from smear surveys. Results These studies suggest that clustering of P. falciparum infection also affects the effectiveness of control interventions. For example, the clustering of infection in Madina Fall disappeared in 2014–2016 after vector control eliminated the only breeding site in 2013. In contrast, the temporal clustering of infection in Dioro (rainy season of 2014, dry season of 2015) was consistent with the loss of funding for Dioro in the second quarter of 2014 and disappeared when funds again became available in late 2015. The clustering of infection in rural (western) areas of Gambissara was consistent with known rural–urban differences in the prevalence of infection and with the thatched roofs, open eaves and mud walls of houses in rural Gambissara. In contrast, the most intense transmission was in Dangassa, where the only encouraging observation was a lower prevalence of infection in the dry season. Taken together, these results suggest: (a) the transmission of infection was stopped in Madina Fall by eliminating the only known breeding site, (b) the prevalence of infection was reduced in Dioro after financial support became available again for malaria control in the second half of 2015, (c) improvements in housing should improve malaria control by reducing the number of vectors in rural communities such as western Gambissara, and (d) beginning malaria control during the dry season may reduce transmission in hyperendemic areas such as Dangassa. Conclusions From a conceptual perspective, testing for spatial, temporal and spatio-temporal clustering based on epidemiologic data permits the generation of hypotheses for the clustering observed and the testing of candidate interventions to confirm or refute those hypotheses.

International audience; Cilia and flagella are evolutionarily conserved organelles whose motility relies on the outer and inner dynein arm complexes (ODAs and IDAs). Defects in ODAs and IDAs result in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a disease characterized by recurrent airway infections and male infertility. PCD mutations in assembly factors have been shown to cause a combined ODA-IDA defect, affecting both cilia and flagella. We identified four loss-of-function mutations in TTC12, which encodes a cytoplasmic protein, in four independent families in which affected individuals displayed a peculiar PCD phenotype characterized by the absence of ODAs and IDAs in sperm flagella, contrasting with the absence of only IDAs in respiratory cilia. Analyses of both primary cells from individuals carrying TTC12 mutations and human differentiated airway cells invalidated for TTC12 by a CRISPR-Cas9 approach revealed an IDA defect restricted to a subset of single-headed IDAs that are different in flagella and cilia, whereas TTC12 depletion in the ciliate $Paramecium\ tetraurelia$ recapitulated the sperm phenotype. Overall, our study, which identifies TTC12 as a gene involved in PCD, unveils distinct dynein assembly mechanisms in human motile cilia versus flagella.

Spermatozoa contain highly specialized structural features reflecting unique functions required for fertilization. Among them, the flagellum is a sperm-specific organelle required to generate the motility, which is essential to reach the egg. The flagellum integrity is, therefore, critical for normal sperm function and flagellum defects consistently lead to male infertility due to reduced or absent sperm motility defined as asthenozoospermia. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), also called short tails, is among the most severe forms of sperm flagellum defects responsible for male infertility and is characterized by the presence in the ejaculate of spermatozoa being short, coiled, absent and of irregular caliber. Recent studies have demonstrated that MMAF is genetically heterogeneous which is consistent with the large number of proteins (over one thousand) localized in the human sperm flagella. In the past 5 years, genomic investigation of the MMAF phenotype allowed the identification of 18 genes whose mutations induce MMAF and infertility. Here we will review information about those genes including their expression pattern, the features of the encoded proteins together with their localization within the different flagellar protein complexes (axonemal or peri-axonemal) and their potential functions. We will categorize the identified MMAF genes following the protein complexes, functions or biological processes they may be associated with, based on the current knowledge in the field.

International audience; Natural products have proven to be an immeasurable source of bioactive compounds. The exceptional biodiversity encountered in Amazonia, alongside a rich entomofauna and frequent interactions with various herbivores is the crucible of a promising chemodiversity. This prompted us to search for novel botanical insecticides in French Guiana. As this French overseas department faces severe issues linked to insects, notably the strong incidence of vector-borne infectious diseases, we decided to focus our research on products able to control the mosquito Aedes aegypti. We tested 452 extracts obtained from 85 species originating from 36 botanical families and collected in contrasted environments against an Ae. aegypti laboratory strain susceptible to all insecticides, and a natural population resistant to both pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides collected in Cayenne for the most active of them. Eight species (Maytenus oblongata Reissek, Celastraceae; Costus erythrothyrsus Loes., Costaceae; Humiria balsamifera Aubl., Humiriaceae; Sextonia rubra (Mez) van der Werff, Lauraceae; Piper hispidum Sw., Piperaceae; Laetia procera (Poepp.) Eichl., Salicaceae; Matayba arborescens (Aubl.) Radlk., Sapindaceae; and Cupania scrobitulata Rich., Sapindaceae) led to extracts exhibiting more than 50% larval mortality after 48 h of exposition at 100 µg/mL against the natural population and were considered active. Selectivity and phytochemistry of these extracts were therefore investigated and discussed, and some active compounds highlighted. Multivariate analysis highlighted that solvents, plant tissues, plant family and location had a significant effect on mortality while light, available resources and vegetation type did not. Through this case study we highlighted that plant defensive chemistry mechanisms are crucial while searching for novel insecticidal products.

In this study, we develop Three Markov models which are continuous time-homogeneous Model, time piecewise constant intensities Markov model and semi-Markov model with Weibull distribution as the waiting time distribution to evaluate malaria serology evolution. We consider two-state model describing antibody reactivity defined by immunologists. We discuss in detail the application of these models to identify relationships between malaria control program and serological measurements of malaria transmission