Improvement of Iron and β-Carotene Bioaccessibility in Complementary Foods: Biofortification of Local Crops With Organic Residual Products and Microorganisms.

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a great public health challenge worldwide with iron, zinc, and vitamin A being the most problematic. It has been shown that biofortification through agronomic strategies can increase their micronutrient content, but data on the bioavailability remain limited. In Senegal, consumption of cereals and legumes is high, and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), rich in β-carotene, has been introduced a decade ago.

Antiparasitic Activities of Plants from the Traditional Senegalese Pharmacopoeia: Isolation of Antitrypanosomal and Antileishmanial ellagic acid derivatives from Terminalia avicennioides.

Parasitic diseases such as trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis pose significant health challenges in Africa. The Senegalese Pharmacopoeia, known for its many medicinal plants with anti-infectious properties, can be a source of antiparasitic natural products. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiparasitic activities of 33 methanolic extracts from 24 ethnopharmacologically selected plants against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Leishmania mexicana mexicana, as well as their cytotoxic activities on WI-38 cells.

Exploring the equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties of a cooperative trinuclear spin-crossover chain: The role of elastic frustration.

Among the large family of spin-crossover (SCO) solids, recent investigations focused on polynuclear SCO materials, whose specific molecular configurations allow the presence of multi-step transitions and elastic frustration. In this contribution, we develop the first elastic modeling of thermal and dynamical properties of trinuclear SCO solids. For that, we study a finite SCO open chain constituted of successive elastically coupled trinuclear (A=B=C) blocks, in which each site (A, B, and C) may occupy two electronic configurations, namely, low-spin (LS) and high-spin (HS) states, accompanied with structural changes.

Situational analysis of malaria in Cabo Verde: From endemic control to elimination, history, cases data and challenges ahead.

On 12 January 2024, Cabo Verde was officially certified by the WHO as a malaria-free country after six consecutive years without local transmission. This study analysed the malaria history of Cabo Verde from 1953 to certification in 2024, highlighted the valuable lessons learned, and discussed challenges for prevention reintroduction. Malaria data from the last 35 years (1988-2022) were analysed using descriptive analyses, and cases were mapped using the USGS National Map Viewer.

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.

Secreted extracellular heat shock protein gp96 and inflammatory cytokines are markers of severe malaria outcome.

Malaria caused by Plasmodium spp., is a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa. The fight against malaria has stalled due to increasing resistance to treatments and insecticides.

Feasibility of video-based skill assessment for percutaneous nephrostomy training in Senegal.

Percutaneous nephrostomy can be an effective means of preventing irreparable renal damage from obstructive renal disease thereby providing patients with more time to access treatment to remove the source of the blockage. In sub-Saharan Africa, where there is limited access to treatments such as dialysis and transplantation, a nephrostomy can be life-saving. Training this procedure in simulation can allow trainees to develop their technical skills without risking patient safety, but still requires an ex-pert observer to provide performative feedback.

Performance of Ertapenem-Supplemented MacConkey Agar (MacErt) for Detecting Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales.

Background and objectives Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat, with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPEs) representing a critical public health challenge. Rapid and accurate detection of CPEs is essential for controlling fatal bacterial AMR infections. This study evaluated the performance of MacConkey media supplemented with ertapenem (MacErt1 and MacErt2) for the detection of CPEs.

Size-fractionated carbonaceous and iron-rich particulate matter in urban environments of France and Senegal.

Road traffic is one of the main sources of particulate matter in the urban environment, emitting particulate organic and elemental carbon compounds and metal-rich particles through combustion and brakes and tires wear. In Western Africa, the carbon and metal composition of airborne particles is also influenced by additional sources linked to biomass combustion and recent industrialization. Here, we investigated the impact of combustion-related and non-combustion-related emissions on the distribution of carbonaceous fractions and iron-rich particles in two urban environments in France and Senegal.

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.

Data on the experimental characterization of a mobile wick solar still with external condenser tested under the climatic conditions of Rennes, France.

This work evaluates a new prototype of a mobile wick solar still with a passive external condenser designed and manufactured by the company IPFH2O. The system's purpose is to distil non-potable water into potable water using solar energy. It is intended for populations in areas where access to drinking water remains difficult.

Variable effects of non-falciparum species infections on malaria disease severity in high transmission regions in Senegal.

In malaria endemic countries, non-falciparum species are often mixed with Plasmodium falciparum in patients with uncomplicated malaria, and their contribution to malaria severity and death is poorly studied. This study assesses the contribution of non-falciparum species to malaria severity in three regions of Senegal with the highest malaria incidence.We analysed 617 blood samples obtained between 2015 and 2021 from confirmed malaria patients at health facilities in Kedougou, Kolda and Tambacounda in Senegal.

Development of on-farm AMF inoculum production for sustainable agriculture in Senegal.

The integration of endomycorrhizal fungi into agricultural practices as inoculum offers the potential to improve plant productivity while reducing reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers, which are not only economically costly but also detrimental to the environment. Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in facilitating plant access to essential mineral elements (such as Phosphorus, Potassium, etc.) and water, particularly in soils characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions.

Long-Term Body Weight Trends in Gobra Zebu Cattle Reared at the 'Centre de Recherches Zootechniques' of Dahra (Senegal): A Historical Perspective (1952-2018).

The socio-economic impact of rearing Gobra zebu cattle in rural areas has yet to be demonstrated in Senegal. This impact was evident in the 1950s when a genetic breeding programme for this breed was initiated by the 'Centre de Recherches Zootechniques' of Dahra. The management of animals in this programme has evolved considerably, particularly due to the constraints encountered and the progressive acquisition of knowledge about the animals.

[Vitamin D Deficiency In Advanced Breast Cancer Risk In Mali].

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the association between vitamin D deficiency and advanced BC in a Malian women population.

Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study, conducted during 4 months, from August 2021 to November 2021. The assays were performed on immunodiagnostic and biochemistry devices in Rodolphe Merieux Laboratory.

Serological survey in a university community after the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Senegal.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Polytechnic High School (PHS) to assess the spread of COVID-19 infection among students and staff. A random cluster sampling was conducted between May 19 and August 18, 2022, after the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Senegal. IgM and IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were screened using WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 ELISA assays.

Effect of Moringa oleifera seeds on the removal of pathogens and pharmaceutical residues in a domestic wastewater treatment plant by an interdisciplinary approach.

In this transdisciplinary study, we investigated, using genomic tools and physico-chemical parameters, the effect of Moringa oleifera seed (MOS) on the removal of microorganisms and pharmaceutic residues (antibiotics), and also the development of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in water samples from a domestic wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) prototype. Water samples were analyzed with and without the addition of powder of MOS. The results showed that MOS addition reduced the total bacterial load from 1.

Evaluation of waning of IgG antibody responses after rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP and Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo Ebola virus disease vaccines: a modelling study from the PREVAC randomized trial.

rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP and Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo are WHO-prequalified vaccination regimens against Ebola virus disease (EVD). Challenges associated with measuring long-term clinical protection warrant the evaluation of immune response kinetics after vaccination.

Ambitions and realities: Are Global Fund investments designed to achieve resilient and sustainable systems for health? Findings from the Global Fund Prospective Country Evaluation.

Strengthening resilient and sustainable systems for health (RSSH) is central to the Global Fund's strategy, however questions persist about the Global Fund's role in the health systems strengthening space, and the extent to which investments are designed to achieve strengthening objectives, or just fill in gaps in the system. This paper reports on findings from the Prospective Country Evaluations (PCE), a multi-country multi-year evaluation of Global Fund support. We adapted a framework from Chee et al.

PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE IN A TERTIARY CENTER IN DAKAR.

Background: Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) comprises deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and ranks third among cardiovascular pathologies. Despite its growing burden in Africa, epidemiological data on VTE in Senegal is scarce. Conclusion: Venous thromboembolic disease is a prevalent and potentially severe condition, especially among relatively young individuals in our setting.

Bacterial community in fresh fruits and vegetables sold in streets and open-air markets of Dakar, Senegal.

In the context of food transition, the agrifood sector has experienced increasingly strong demand for horticultural products. Fresh fruits and vegetables are mainly vehicles of microorganisms, including pathogens that cause human infections. Food safety and compliance with health standards in the fruits and vegetable value chain are significant concerns and multiple challenges, given the prevalence of foodborne pathologies in Southern countries, particularly in Senegal.