Determining the optimal gamma irradiation dose for developing novel cowpea () genotypes.

Purpose: Cowpea ( (L.) Walp.) is a major legume crops for human consumption and livestock feed in tropical regions.

Genetic diversity and population structure of cowpea mutant collection using SSR and ISSR molecular markers.

Cowpea is a seed legume, important for food and nutritional security in Africa's arid and semi-arid zones. Despite its importance, cowpea is experiencing a loss of genetic diversity due to climate change. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability of 33 cowpea mutant collections using 20 SSR and 13 ISSR markers.

Site climate more than soil properties and topography shape the natural arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in maize and spore density within rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) cropland in the eastern DR Congo.

Rhizosphere microorganisms, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), play a vital role in enhancing sustainable maize production. However, uncertainty persist regarding the influence of climate variables and soil properties on mycorrhizal colonization (MC) of maize and the abundance of AM fungal spores in the field. This study aimed to explore the environmental factors such as site climate variables, soil physicochemical properties and topography and vegetation variable, affecting the natural MC of maize and the density of AMF spores.

Development of a new spectral database of photo-induced pesticide compounds for an automatic monitoring and identification system.

Background: Due to the widespread use of pesticides, it is necessary to monitor surface water quality for environmental protection, industrial use and tap water production. Many analytical methods based on chromatographic separations and mass spectrometry detection can be used, but they are complex and expensive. They also require sampling and transport to the laboratory, which delays the results.

Sexual violence affecting female sex workers in Côte d'Ivoire: prevalence, context, and associated mental health and substance use outcomes.

Background: Female sex workers are disproportionately affected by sexual violence, which is associated with an increased risk of poor mental health outcomes, substance use, and decreased access to health resources. Understanding the pathways through which sexual violence impacts these outcomes can inform strategies that appropriately and effectively meet the health needs of sex workers.

Methods: This study investigated the prevalence of sexual violence among female sex workers in Côte d'Ivoire, and the relationship between sexual violence and adverse mental health and substance use outcomes.

Measuring sexual behavior stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men: an assessment of cross-country measurement invariance.

Objectives: Globally, cisgender men who have sex with men experience sexual stigma, but limited investigation of cross-population scale performance hinder comparisons. As measurement invariance is a necessary but seldom-established criterion of valid cross-cultural comparisons, we assessed invariance in scales of stigma related to sexual behavior across 9 countries.

Methods: This secondary analysis used data collected from adult (mean age=29.

Genome-wide development of intra- and inter-specific transferable SSR markers and construction of a dynamic web resource for yam molecular breeding: Y2MD.

Microsatellite markers are widely used in population genetics and breeding. Despite the economic significance of yams in developing countries, there is a paucity of microsatellite markers, and as of now, no comprehensive microsatellite marker database exists. In this study, we conducted genome-wide microsatellite marker development across four yam species, identified cross-species transferable markers, and designed an easy-to-use web portal for the yam researchers.

Permanent draft genome sequence of strain ISRA 400, an elite nitrogen-fixing bacterium, isolated from the groundnut growing area in Senegal.

A new strain called ISRA400 was isolated from groundnut ( L.) root nodules obtained by trapping the bacteria from soil samples collected in the Senegalese groundnut basin. In this study, we present the draft genome sequence of this strain ISRA400, which spans approximatively 7.

Meeting the reproductive health needs of female sex workers in Côte d'Ivoire: protecting the human right to dignified health.

The sexual and reproductive health needs of female sex workers (FSW) are often understudied and underserved in the context of HIV-related research in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa. We assessed the lived experiences of FSW across Côte d'Ivoire to characterize unmet reproductive health needs and opportunities to address them. From February-August, 2020, ENDA Santé, Côte d'Ivoire conducted 75 in-depth interviews and 15 focus group discussions with FSW and community informants in five cities in Côte d'Ivoire.

Analysis of non-native fluorescent pesticides by thermo-induced and photo-induced fluorescence, a comparative study.

This paper compares the performance of three analytical methods for the determination of pesticides in natural waters. As many pesticides are non-fluorescent, they are transformed into highly fluorescent by-products in two ways: elevated temperature in an alkaline medium (thermo-induced fluorescence - TIF); or UV irradiation in water (photo-induced fluorescence - PIF). The first method studied uses TIF, the second one uses PIF and the third one uses an automatic sampling and analysing PIF system.

Practical notes on the current ESMO consensus guidelines for the management of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in resource-constrained environments of low- to middle-income countries.

Letter (no abstract).

High sensitivity on-site early warning system monitoring of pesticides by photo-induced fluorescence.

This paper describes the prototype of an on-site High Sensitivity Early Warning Monitoring System, using Photo-Induced Fluorescence, for pesticide monitoring in natural waters (HSEWPIF). To obtain a high sensitivity, the prototype was designed with four main features. Four UV LEDs are used to excite the photoproducts at different wavelengths and select the most efficient one.

Traces of Introgression from cAus into Tropical Japonica Observed in African Upland Rice Varieties.

Background: Asian rice Oryza sativa, first domesticated in East Asia, has considerable success in African fields. When and where this introduction occurred is unclear. Rice varieties of Asian origin may have evolved locally during and after migration to Africa, resulting in unique adaptations, particularly in relation to upland cultivation as frequently practiced in Africa.

Generation of a ST3GAL3 null mutant induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line (UKWMPi002-A-3) by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.

Fibroblasts isolated from a skin biopsy of a healthy individual were infected with Sendai virus containing the Yamanaka factors to produce transgene-free human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). CRISPR/Cas9 was used to generate an isogenic cell line carrying an inactivation of ST3GAL3, a risk gene associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. This ST3GAL3 null mutant (ST3GAL3-/-) iPSC line, which displays the expression of pluripotency-associated markers, the ability to differentiate into cells of the three germ layers in vitro, and a normal karyotype, is a powerful tool to investigate the impact of deficient sialylation of glycoproteins in neural development and plasticity.

Associations between punitive policies and legal barriers to consensual same-sex sexual acts and HIV among gay men and other men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: a multicountry, respondent-driven sampling survey.

Background: Few assessments of associations between structural-level factors and HIV among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have been conducted, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was to examine HIV testing history, HIV status, and stigmas among MSM living in ten countries with heterogeneous legal environments.

Methods: This study used pooled data from ten country-specific, cross-sectional studies done in 25 sites in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, Eswatini, Rwanda, and Togo.

Liver Disease and Treatment Needs of Asymptomatic Persons Living With Hepatitis B in Senegal.

The prevalence of active hepatitis B among asymptomatic persons remains unclear in Africa. Of 1206 newly diagnosed persons in Senegal, 12.3% had significant fibrosis and 31.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Needs Associated with Underage Initiation of Selling Sex among Adult Female Sex Workers in Guinea-Bissau.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and predictors of underage initiation of selling sex among female sex workers (FSW) in Guinea-Bissau.

Methods: 505 adult FSW recruited using respondent-driven sampling were surveyed in 2017. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics associated with initiation of selling sex while underage (<18 years).

Competing health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and early response: A scoping review.

Background: COVID-19 has rapidly emerged as a global public health threat with infections recorded in nearly every country. Responses to COVID-19 have varied in intensity and breadth, but generally have included domestic and international travel limitations, closure of non-essential businesses, and repurposing of health services. While these interventions have focused on testing, treatment, and mitigation of COVID-19, there have been reports of interruptions to diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services for other public health threats.

Stigma and healthcare access among men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men in Senegal.

Objectives: Cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women experience HIV incidence disparities in Senegal. These analyses determined how depression and different stigma mechanisms related to sexual behavior are associated with healthcare access, sexually transmitted infection testing, and HIV testing among cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women across three cities in western Senegal.

Methods: Logistic regression assessed the relationship of three stigma scales (stigma from family and friends, anticipated healthcare stigma, and general social stigma) and depression with these outcomes.

Transcriptomic analysis of methyl jasmonate treatment reveals gene networks involved in drought tolerance in pearl millet.

Water deficit stress at the early stage of development is one of the main factors limiting pearl millet production. One practice to counteract this limitation would be to resort to the application of hormones to stimulate plant growth and development at critical stages. Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can improve drought tolerance by modulating signaling, metabolism, and photosynthesis pathways, therefore, we assumed that can occur in pearl millet during the early stage of development.

New Insights Into c.815_824dup Pathogenic Variant of in Inherited Breast Cancer: A Founder Mutation of West African Origin.

Founder mutations have been reported in and in different ethnic groups with inherited breast cancer. Testing of targeted mutations in specific populations is important for cancer prevention in mutation carriers. In Sub-Saharan Africa, only a few studies have reported specific founder mutations in inherited breast cancer.