Unlocking genetic diversity for low-input systems in a changing climate through participatory characterization and GWAS of lentil landraces.

Lentils are a vital staple crop in a world seeking sustainable and secure food, but their cultivation face a threat due to yield instability, mainly arising from a lack of genetic diversity in breeding programmes. In this study, we assembled and characterized the genetic and phenotypic diversities of a collection of 106 lentil genotypes, to evaluate their breeding and cropping potential. Lentil landraces from Italy and beyond, either abandoned or still cultivated, were collected from genebanks, seed savers, universities and farmers.

Oral health status and hygiene practices among visually impaired adolescents from a school in Kenya.

Background: Visual impairment affects a significant population globally. The aim of this study was to determine the oral health status and oral hygiene practices among visually impaired adolescents from a school in Kenya.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 159 adolescents aged 10-19 years attending the largest public primary boarding school for the blind in Kenya.

Apparent density, trypanosome infection rates and host preference of tsetse flies in the sleeping sickness endemic focus of northwestern Uganda.

Background: African trypanosomiasis, caused by protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma and transmitted by the tsetse fly, is a serious parasitic disease of humans and animals. Reliable data on the vector distribution, feeding preference and the trypanosome species they carry is pertinent to planning sustainable control strategies.

Methodology: We deployed 109 biconical traps in 10 villages in two districts of northwestern Uganda to obtain information on the apparent density, trypanosome infection status and blood meal sources of tsetse flies.

Genome wide association study of agronomic and seed traits in a world collection of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

Background: The climate crisis threatens sustainability of crop production worldwide. Crop diversification may enhance food security while reducing the negative impacts of climate change. Proso millet (Panicum milaceum L.

Eating disorders and substance use at a South African tertiary hospital over a 21-year period.

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) and substance-related disorders pose a challenge when they co-occur and have implications for patient management. Clinical information on EDs and substance-related disorders as independent disorders is fairly well established in South Africa, but our understanding of the coexistence of these disorders is limited.

Aim: To determine the prevalence, the concurrent nature and the possible trends of substance use among patients diagnosed with EDs at a South African tertiary hospital over a 21-year period.