Effect of Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase in patients with celiac disease on a long-term gluten-free diet

BACKGROUND The gluten-free diet(GFD)has limitations,and there is intense research in the development of adjuvant therapies.AIM To examine the effects of orally administered Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase protease(AN-PEP)on inadvertent gluten exposure and symptom prevention in adult celiac disease(CeD)patients following their usual GFD.METHODS This was an exploratory,double-blind,randomized,placebo-controlled trial that enrolled CeD patients on a long-term GFD.After a 4-wk run-in period,patients were randomized to 4 wk of two AN-PEP capsules(GliadinX;AVI Research,LLC,United States)at each of three meals per day or placebo.Outcome endpoints were:(1)Average weekly stool gluten immunogenic peptides(GIP)between the run-in and end of treatments and between AN-PEP and placebo;(2)celiac symptom index(CSI);(3)CeD-specific serology;and(4)quality of life.Stool samples were collected for GIP testing by ELISA every Tuesday and Friday during run-ins and treatments.RESULTS Forty patients were randomized for the intention-to-treat analysis,and three were excluded from the per-protocol assessment.Overall,628/640(98.1%)stool samples were collected.GIP was undetectable(<0.08μg/g)in 65.6%of samples,and no differences between treatment arms were detected.Only 0.5%of samples had GIP concentrations sufficiently high(>0.32μg/g)to potentially cause mucosal damage.Median GIP concentration in the AN-PEP arm was 44.7%lower than in the run-in period.One-third of patients exhibiting GIP>0.08μg/g during run-in had lower or undetectable GIP after AN-PEP treatment.Compared with the run-in period,the proportion of symptomatic patients(CSI>38)in the AN-PEP arm was significantly lower(P<0.03).AN-PEP did not result in changes in specific serologies.CONCLUSION This exploratory study conducted in a real-life setting revealed high adherence to the GFD.The AN-PEP treatment did not significantly reduce the overall GIP stool concentration.However,given the observation of a significantly lower prevalence of patients with severe symptoms in the AN-PEP arm,further clinical research is warranted.

Characterization of Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoir AA-01 of KOKA Field in the Niger Delta Basin for Sustainable Sub-Sea Carbon Dioxide Storage

This study characterized the AA-01 depleted hydrocarbon reservoir in the KOKA field, Niger Delta, using a multidimensional approach. This investigation involved data validation analysis, evaluation of site suitability for CO_(2) storage, and compositional simulation of hydrocarbon components. The primary objective was to determine the initial components and behavior of the hydrocarbon system required to optimize the injection of CO_(2) and accompanying impurities, establishing a robust basis for subsequent sequestration efforts in the six wells in the depleted KOKA AA-01 reservoir. The process, simulated using industry software such as ECLIPSE, PVTi, SCAL, and Petrel, included a compositional fluid analysis to confirm the pressure volume temperature(PVT) hydrocarbon phases and components. This involved performing a material balance on the quality of the measured data and matching the initial reservoir pressure with the supplied data source. The compositional PVT analysis adopted the Peng–Robinson equation of state to model fluid flow in porous media and estimate the necessary number of phases and components to describe the system accurately. Results from this investigation indicate that the KOKA AA-01 reservoir is suitable for CO_(2)sequestration. This conclusion is based on the reservoir's good quality, evidenced by an average porosity of 0.21 and permeability of 1 111.0 mD, a measured lithological depth of 9 300 ft, and characteristic reservoir – seal properties correlated from well logs. The study confirmed that volumetric behavior predictions are directly linked to compositional behavior predictions, which are essential during reservoir initialization and data quality checks. Additionally, it highlighted that a safe design for CO_(2) storage relies on accurately representing multiphase behaviour across wide-ranging pressure–temperature–composition conditions.

Enzymatic Characterization of Pectinex XXL,a Pectinase Produced by Aspergillus niger,and Its Application in Fruit Juice Production

Pectinex XXL,a commercially prepared pectinase,was investigated for its potential application in the fruit juice industry.Polygalacturonic acid was used as the substrate for determining the enzymatic properties of Pectinex XXL using the DNS method.According to the results,the optimal pH for Pectinex XXL activity was 4.5,and the enzyme was stable in the pH range of 3.0~4.5.The optimal pH and pH stability range are consistent with those of some tropical and subtropical fruits.The optimal temperature for Pectinex XXL activity was 60℃,and the enzyme remained stable after one hour in a water bath set at 40℃.Additionally,the enzymatic activity was not inhibited in the presence of 1 mmol/L of Na^(+),Mg^(2+),Ba^(2+),Co^(2+),Zn^(2+),and Fe^(2+),whereas it was slightly inhibited in the presence of 2 mmol/L of K^(+)and Fe^(2+)and partially inhibited in the presence of 1 and 2 mmol/L of Ca^(2+)and Mn^(2+),demonstrating its good stability in acids and excellent thermal catalytic performance.Based on the above experimental results,depectinization experiments were performed on plantain and cherry tomato juices using different amounts of Pectinex XXL.After one hour reaction with 16 U/mL of the enzyme,the yields of the plantain and cherry tomato juices were substantially increased by 119.03%and 15.97%,respectively,while their light transmittance was remarkably enhanced by 37.65%and 12.35%,respectively.Furthermore,the enzyme reduced the viscosity of the plantain and cherry tomato juices by 88.29%and 29.50%,respectively.The juice production experiments confirmed that this enzyme can significantly improve the yield and light transmittance of plantain juice,while effectively reducing its viscosity.These findings indicate the potential of Pectinex XXL in the industrial production of plantain juice.

Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase in celiac disease

We comment here on the article by Stefanolo et al entitled“Effect of Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase in patients with celiac disease on a long-term gluten-free diet”,published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Celiac disease is a well-recognized systemic autoimmune disorder.In genetically susceptible people,the most evident damage is located in the small intestine,and is caused and worsened by the ingestion of gluten.For that reason,celiac patients adopt a gluten-free diet(GFD),but it has some limitations,and it does not prevent re-exposure to gluten.Research aims to develop adjuvant therapies,and one of the most studied alternatives is supplementation with Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase protease(AN-PEP),which is able to degrade gluten in the stomach,reducing its concentration in the small intestine.The study found a high adherence to the GFD,but did not address AN-PEP as a gluten immunogenic peptide reducer,as it was only tested in patients following a GFD and not in gluten-exposing conditions.This study opens up new research perspectives in this area and shows that further study is needed to clarify the points that are still in doubt.

Evaluation of formation susceptibility and sand production potential in an offshore field,Niger Delta Basin,Nigeria

Wellbore instability and sand production are all common challenges in the Niger Delta oil province,resulting in high drilling and production cost as well as damage to oil facilities.The vulnerability of lithologic formations to wellbore instability and resultant sand production is investigated in the four delineated reservoirs of the“Areo”field,western part of Niger Delta Basin.The foundation for establishing the geomechanical properties in this study was a 1-dimensional mechanical earth model,using gamma ray(GR),density(RHOB),compressional slowness(DTC),and shear slowness(DTS)logs.Within the Areo oil field,two wells(well 001 and well 002)were correlated.The evaluated formations are still primarily composed of compacted shale and unconsolidated sandstone,with reservoir sand units exhibiting lower elastic and rock strength properties than shale units.High compressibility and porosity make sand more brittle,while low compressibility and porosity make shale stiffer due to high moduli.The maximum force that can be applied to a shale unit without causing it to fail is 17.23 MPa,which is the maximum average rock strength of the shale.It means that shale requires more vertical stress or pressure than sand does in order to deform it(15.06 MPa).The three sand prediction approaches used in the analysis of sand production predictions have cut-off values that are higher than the average values of the formations.The Schlumberger sand production index method(S/I)indicates that the reservoir has potential for sand influx in the two wells,with the average of the four reservoirs studied in wells 001 and 002 being 1.551012 psi and 1.141012 psi respectively.However,when a formation's sand production index is less than 1.241012 psi,as it is in this study,the formation is likely to produce sand.These findings support the notion that the defined sandstone units are highly unconsolidated and have a high potential for producing sands;therefore,sand control techniques must be factored into process optimization and cost reduction plans.

Highlighting relationships between sand thicknesses,reservoir-seal pairs and paleobathymetry from a sequence stratigraphic perspective:An example from Tortonian Serravallian deposits,onshore Niger Delta Basin

The utilization of sequence stratigraphic concepts in identifying sands and their spatial continuity in distinct gross depositional settings is key,especially in frontier settings where data paucity is a common challenge.In the Baka field,onshore Niger Delta,detailed reservoir correlation guided by sequence stratigraphic framework analysis showed the distribution of sand and shale units constituting reservoirseal pairs(RSP)correlatable across the field.Within the 3rd-order packages,it is observed that the lowstand systems tract(LST)and highstand systems tract(HST)contain more RSPs and thicker 4th-and 5th-order sands than the transgressive systems tract(TST).In terms of bathymetry,it is noted that irrespective of systems tracts,the RSP Index(RI)decreases from the proximal shallow/inner shelf settings to the more distal outer shelf areas.Amongst all three systems tracts,intervals interpreted as lowstand prograding complexes contain the best developed sands and highest RSP.Sand development within the LSTs has been controlled by a pronounced growth fault regime accompanied by high subsidence and sedimentation rates.This is linked to the basinward migration of the sands during prolonged sea-level fall,creating significant accommodation space for sand deposition.On the other hand,the TSTs known to mark periods of progressive sea-level rise and landward migration of sandy facies,show thinner sands enclosed in much thicker,laterally extensive,and better-preserved deeper marine shales.Interpreted seismic sections indicate intense growth faulting and channelization that influenced the syn-and postdepositional development of the sand packages across the field.The initial timing of deformation of subregional faults in this area coincides with periods of abrupt falls in sea level.This approach could be useful for predicting sand-prone areas in frontier fields as well as possible reservoir-seal parameters required for some aspects of petroleum system analysis and quick-look volume estimation.

Land Use and Gully Dynamics in the Kourfa Watershed, Matankari (Southwest Niger)

The main consequences of climate change in the Sahel have been the metamorphosis of surface conditions. These metamorphoses have resulted in surface degradation, of which silting up of watersheds is the main phenomenon. The objective of this study is to assess the environmental trends of the Kourfa pond watershed. The study is based on diachronic mapping with Landsat satellite images and Google Earth images, over the period 1986 to 2021. The study reveals that vegetation (whose rate of regression doubled between 1986 and 2021) has decreased to the benefit of crop areas (whose rate of increase multiplied by 3.61 between 1986 and 2021). Bare soil and encrusted areas have also decreased, with regression rates almost double than those of 1986. In addition, the Kourfa waterholes have experienced two types of changes over 35 years: one progressive between 2011 and 2016 and the other regressive between 2001 and 2021 compared to 1986. The ravine network has been multiplied by a factor of 2.4, with density more than doubled and the connectivity of the hydrographic networks has risen from 2 to 4, with significant bank recession. This dynamic of the Kourfa pond is linked to the high drainage, the increasing complexity of the gully network and the erosion due to the retreat of the watershed banks, all of which contribute to the silting-up of the Kourfa watershed.

Modeling the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Local Context for a Contextualized Diffusion of Agroecological Intensification Options in Niger

Spatio-temporal variability and dynamics in Sahelian agro-pastoral zones make each local situation a special case. These specificities must be considered to guide the dissemination of agricultural options with a view to sustainable development. The territorial scale of municipalities is not sufficient for this necessary contextualization;the scale of the “village terroir” seems to be a better option. This is the hypothesis we put forward in the framework of the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems program (CRFS), i.e. local context is spatially defined by village terroir. The study is based on data collected through participatory mapping and surveys in “village terroirs” in three regions of Niger (Maradi, Dosso and Tillabéri). Then the links between farm managers and their cultivated land, as well as the spatio-temporal dynamics of local context are analyzed. This study provides evidence of the existence and functional usefulness of the village terroir for farmers, their land management and their activities. It demonstrates the usefulness of contextualizing agricultural options at this scale. Their analysis elucidates the links between “terroirs village” and the specific functioning of the agrosocio-ecosystems acting on each of them, thus laying the systemic and geographical foundations for a model of the spatio- temporal dynamics of “village terroirs”. This initial work has opened up new perspectives in modeling and sustainable development.

Acute Leukemia in Niger: Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects

Objective: Improve the care of patients followed for acute leukemia in the Oncohematology department of the National Hospital of Niamey. Methods: This was a prospective study, over a period of 2 years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019, in patients with acute leukemia in the Oncohematology department of the National Hospital of Niamey (HNN), whose diagnosis was made on a blood smear associated with a myelogram and immunophenotyping and who were consenting. Results: We collected 25 cases of acute leukemia confirmed by myelogram and immunophenotyping. The mean age of the patients was 31.32 years, with a predominance of women, a sex ratio of 0.92. Pupils and students were in the majority with 40% and most came from the Niamey region, i.e. 68%. Anemic syndrome was the most common clinical sign in 96%. ALL predominated in 64% of cases. On the blood count, the hyperleukocytosis was more marked in AML (mean white count: 197256.6 elts/mm3) than in ALL (137891.6 elts/mm3), it was the same for thrombocytopenia which is more marked in AML (75588.89/mm3) than in ALL (52156.25/mm3). Therapeutically, 52% of patients received chemotherapy. The mean overall survival was 16.223 ± 3.191 months, including a mean survival for AML of 6.853 ± 1200 months compared to 21.720 ± 5.920 months for ALL. Conclusion: Acute leukemia still remains a major problem in our context, due to the precariousness of limited financial, diagnostic and therapeutic resources. Thus reflecting in our results, the increasing number of cases, the diagnostic delay and the guarded prognosis. This is the reality in several other countries in the sub-region and even in certain developed countries.

Tectonic Style Associated with the Doleritic Dykes of the Téra-Ayorou Pluton (Liptako, Western Niger)

The doleritic dykes present in the Téra-Ayorou pluton crosscut the basement of the Nigerien Liptako and are part of the system of intrusive mafic dykes in the Paleoproterozoic domain of the Léo-Man ridge. In the previous work, emphasis was placed on the petrology, geochemistry and geochronology of the Liptako doleritic dykes. This study aims to analyze the tectonic style of intrusive doleritic dykes in the Téra-Ayorou pluton. The characterization of the deformation which affected the doleritic dykes of the Téra-Ayorou pluton is important for the evaluation of their economic potential. To this end, measurements of tectonic structure planes were taken in the field, and samples were taken from the chilled margin and cores of dolerite dykes, before being processed in the laboratory. Analysis of the tectonic structures collected revealed a brittle tectonic pattern, characterizing a phase of deformation subdivided into two episodes D1 and D2. Episode D1, with its subvertically dipping normal faults and simple N70˚ - N110˚ fractures, is compatible with N-S extension. On the other hand, episode D2, which created shear corridors by reactivation of pre-existing fractures and oriented N150˚ - N170˚, is associated with a WSW-ENE extension. These results open up prospects for the exploration of gold, uranium mineralization and diamonds in the north-west of Niger.

Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Infections in Sickle Cell Children in Two Referral Hospitals in Niamey, Niger

Introduction: Infections are significant causes of mortality in sickle cell children in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to determine the clinical profile and bacterial ecology of infections in children with sickle-cell disease in two referral hospitals in Niamey. Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2020 in two referral hospitals in Niamey. All children aged one (1) to 15 years with sickle cell disease admitted for suspected infection, including at least one bacterial culture, were studied. Bacteriological analysis was performed using the appropriate culture media, using BactAlert (Reference 4700003 BTA3D60 BioMérieux). Results: Over 36-months, 350 children with a mean age of 10.9 months were admitted. The sex ratio was 1.2. The SS electrophoretic profile was the most common (93.4%). Immunization status was up to date in 66% of patients. Fever was the common reason for consultation (55.1%). Infection was confirmed in 62 patients (17.7%). The primary diagnoses were bacterial gastroenteritis (24.2%) and urinary tract infection (19.4%). Blood cultures were isolated from Salmonella typhi (13.0%) and Escherichia coli (8.7%). Klebsiella spp (7.1%) and Escherichia coli (5.0%) were detected in cytobacteriological examination of urine. Salmonella typhi (23.5%) and Escherichia coli (5.9%) were isolated on coproculture. Conclusion: Bacterial ecology appears not different from that usually observed in sickle-cell children. Salmonella and Escherichia coli were predominant.

Emergency Obstetric Hysterectomy in a Low Resources Country: An Eight-Year Retrospective Cohort Study from a Secondary Care Hospital in Niger

Introduction: Emergency obstetric hysterectomy (EOH) is a lifesaving procedure that is performed as a last resort in cases of severe postpartum haemorrhage. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, socio-demographic profile of patients, indications, management and maternal-fetal outcomes of EOH in a maternity hospital with limited resources in Niger. Methodology: This was an eight-year retrospective cohort study involving the analysis of medical records from patients who underwent emergency obstetric hysterectomies between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022 at the Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC) in Maradi, Niger. The epidemiological data, indications, and outcomes of EOH were collated and subjected to analysis using the statistical software package SPSS 21.0. Comparisons were made using the Chi-squared test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: During the study period, 239 cases of emergency obstetric hysterectomy were recorded out of 269,710 deliveries, representing a frequency of 0.89%. The mean age of the patients was 32.41 years (range: 17 - 50 years). The patients were identified as married (239 cases, 100%), unemployed (228 cases, 95.4%), and not attending school (215 cases, 90%). The largest number of cases were observed in large multiparous women (i.e., those with more than five children), representing 58.6% of the total number of cases (140 patients). The average parity among this group was 6.15 children. The majority of patients (229 patients, 95.82%) had undergone in utero transfer, with 169 patients (70.71%), originating from peripheral maternity units in the Maradi region. Upon admission, 116 patients (48.53%) exhibited active genital haemorrhage, while 58 patients (24.26%) were in shock. The primary indications for hysterectomy were uterine rupture (153 patients, 64%), uterine atony (77 patients, 32.2%), and placental accreta (six patients, 2.5%). Hysterectomy was performed by an obstetric gynaecologist (230 patients, 96.2%), an obstetric gynaecology resident (six patients, 2.5%), or a general practitioner with district surgical expertise (three patients, 1.3%). In the majority of cases (180 patients, 75.3%), total hysterectomy was performed. The incidence of maternal mortality (26 patients, 10.9%), and perinatal mortality (223 newborns, 93.4%) was notably elevated in our series. Conclusion: Our findings are in close alignment with those previously documented in the literature. The practice of emergency obstetric hysterectomy is a common occurrence in our region. It is considered a last resort when conservative procedures have failed or are not an option. Improved obstetric management would result in a reduction in the number of cases of haemostatic hysterectomy. The availability of blood products is expected to improve maternal prognosis.

Primary Non-Hodgkin’s Malignant Lymphoma of the Uterus at the Reference Hospital of Maradi/Niger: A Case Report

Malignant non-Hodgkins lymphoma (MHNL) of the uterus is uncommon. We report a case diagnosed on the basis of histologic and immunohistochemical studies of a hysterectomy specimen induced by a very painful pelvic mass in a 50-year-old patient with no previous history of the disease. It was classified as Ann Arbor IV Bb after imaging, given the medullary infiltration and signs of clinical and biological evolutivity: the patient had received two courses of chemotherapy, CHOP protocol. She died 23 days after the second treatment due to a hypertensive crisis.

Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

During the 1980s, as part of a policy of liberalization, following budgetary cuts linked to the implementation of structural adjustment programs, management responsibilities for AHAs were transferred from ONAHA to cooperatives concerned. Due to lack of financial resources, but also because of poor management, everywhere in Niger we are witnessing an accelerated deterioration of the irrigation infrastructure of hydro-agricultural developments. Institutional studies carried out on this situation led the State of Niger to initiate a reform of the governance of hydro-agricultural developments, by streng-thening the status of ONAHA, by creating an Association of Irrigation Water Users (AUEI) and by restructuring the old cooperatives. Indeed, this research aims to analyze the creation of functional and sustainable Irrigation Water User Associations (AUEI) in Niger in a context of reform of the irrigation sector, and based on the experience of the Konni AHA. It is based on a methodological approach which takes into account documentary research and the collection of data from 115 farmers, selected by reasoned choice and directly concerned by the management of the irrigated area. The data collected was analyzed and the results were analyzed using the systemic approach and the diagnostic process. The results show that the main mission of the AUEI is to ensure better management of water, hydraulic equipment and infrastructure on the hydro-agricultural developments of Konni. The creation of the Konni AUEI was possible thanks to massive support from the populations and authorities in the implementation process. After its establishment, the AUEI experienced a certain lethargy for some time due to the rehabilitation work of the AHA but currently it is functional and operational in terms of associative life and governance. Thus, the constraints linked to the legal system, the delay in the completion of the work, the uncertainties of access to irrigation water but also the problems linked to the change in mentality of certain ONAHA agents constitute the challenges that must be resolved in the short term for the operationalization of the Konni AUEI.

Characteristics of Gold and Its Mineralization Style in the Boulon Djounga Eastern Perimeter of Liptako Mining Company (Central Southwestern Niger)

The Boulon Djounga eastern perimeter is part of the Tiawa operating permit of the Société des Mines du Liptako (SML), located in the central southwestern part of Liptako (Niger). In this study, we used field data, Reverse Circulation (RC) surveys and chemical analyzes of gold to determine the characteristics of gold and its mineralization style. The eastern perimeter of Boulon Djounga is represented by a succession of metabasalts and metasediments both intersected by intrusions of quartz and dolerite dykes, and covered by sandstone and clayey rocks. Gold is present in low contents (0.00 - 0.30 ppm) in the sedimentary cover and in medium (0.30 - 1.00 ppm) or high contents (1.00 - 4.534 ppm) in the metasediments, and in the gray quartz veins and locally in the volcanics. It exists in a disseminated state or in a concentrated state in the surrounding areas in the form of discrete grains associated with sulphurous minerals (pyrite: FeS2, chalcopyrite: CuFeS2 or arsenopyrite: FeAsS). The presence of gold in the quartz veins, and the NE-SW and NW-SE orientations of the ore bodies suggest that the eastern Boulon Djounga gold mineralization would be established during a late magmatic extensive phase.

Cotton Leafhoppers, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida, 1913) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Identified as a New Species on Okra and Guinea Sorrel in Niger

Leafhoppers (jassids) are well-known pests of vegetable crops in Niger. They are often part of a parasitic complex that causes varying degrees of damage. Over the last two crop years, the Niamey region has seen a heavy outbreak of leaf hoppers on okra and guinea sorrel. These insects alone have caused spectacular damage, resulting in losses ranging from 50% to 100% of unharvested plants. Following this observation, infested fields were surveyed, specimens sampled, and the responsible species identified. Two sites were surveyed in the city of Niamey. At each site, two plots of okra and two of guinea sorrel were visited. Fifty (50) plants were randomly sampled using the double “W” method per plot. The sampled plants were used for active and passive leaf hopper capture, damage description and loss assessment. Captured leaf hoppers were identified based on their morphology observed with a binocular magnifying glass and compared with the data in the identification keys. The symptoms observed in the plots were yellowing, leaf curling and drying, stunting, abortion of flowers and immature fruit and very low production. Identification results revealed the single species Amrasca biguttula (Ishida, 1913), which can be considered a new invasive species in Niger. Further confirmation of this identification by molecular tests, the distribution of the pest in Niger and the development of appropriate control methods would yield good prospects.

New understanding and exploration direction of hydrocarbon accumulation in Termit Basin, Niger

Based on the seismic and drilling data, casting thin sections, geochemical analysis of oil and rock samples, and hydrocarbon generation history simulation, the hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics and exploration direction of Termit superimposed marine–continental rift basin are discussed. The Termit basin is superimposed with two-phase rifts(Early Cretaceous and Paleogene). The subsidence curves from two wells on the Trakes slope in the east of the basin show high subsidence rate in the Late Cretaceous, which is believed to be high deposition rate influenced by transgression. However, a weak rift may also be developed. The depositional sequences in the Termit basin were controlled by the Late Cretaceous marine transgression cycle and the Paleogene lacustrine transgression cycle, giving rise to two types of superimposed marine–continental “source-sink” deposits. The marine and continental mixed source rocks developed universally in the whole basinduring the marine transgression period, and are overlaid by the Paleogene Sokor 1 reservoir rocks and Sokor 2 caprocks developed during the lacustrine transgression period, forming the unique superimposed marine–continental basin in WCARS. The early low geothermal gradient in the Termit basin resulted in the late hydrocarbon generated by the source rock of Upper Cretaceous Yogou in Paleogene. Mature source rock of Upper Cretaceous Donga developed in the Trakes slope, so that the double-source-supply hydrocarbon and accumulation models are proposed for the Trakes slope in which formed the oil fields. Due to virtue of the newly proposed hydrocarbon accumulation model and the exploration activities in recent years in the Termit superimposed marine–continental rift basin, an additional effective exploration area of about 2500 km2has been confirmed in the east of the basin. It is believed that potential domains such as Sokor 1, Donga and Upper Cretaceous lithologic traps in the southeast of the basin are key expected targets for exploration and frontier evaluation in future.

Nutritional and nutraceutical variability in neglected niger(Guizotia abyssinica(L.f.)Cass.)accessions from Eastern Ghats of India

The exploitation of neglected niger accessions plays a crucial role in future breeding programs aimed to enhance the quality.Present study evaluated the genetic variation in nutritional and nutraceutical compositions of 30 indigenous niger accessions originating from Eastern Ghats of India,and compare them with three improved varieties of the locality.The proximate compositions(g/100 g)showed significant variations,with moisture ranging from 1.36 g to 4.95 g,ash from 1.06 g to 5.45 g,fat from 28.53 g to 44.11 g,protein from 8.84 g to 18.18 g,carbohydrate from 11.21 g to 35.09 g,fiber from 16.32 g to 26.62 g,and energy from 407.32 kcal to 526.84 kcal.Niger seeds are rich in phenol 41.10–82.20 mg/g,flavonoid 5.32–15.98μg/g,antioxidant 13.59–31.08%across the accessions.Principal component analysis revealed that the first two axis explained 41.8%of the total variation,indicating significant differences among genotypes.The heritability and genetic advance in percent of mean(GAM)ranged from 61.11%to 99.91%and 12.5%–89.1%among the traits across the populations.High heritability and GAM recorded in vitamin C,ash content,antioxidant capacity,flavonoid and phenol suggests that these traits may be important for niger breeding program.Altogether,some indigenous niger accessions such as Mangardora,Ganjeipadar and Kolabnagar had exceptionally rich in fat,protein and energy contents and are nutritionally superior compared to improved variety of the locality.Further,exceptional rich in flavonoid,antioxidant capacity and vitamin C was recorded in Manahar,Badapada and Mahadeiput.These nutrition rich accessions have ample opportunities for future breeding programs aimed to enhance the quality and hold great potential in food industry for making high value functional food.

Inventory of Host Plants and Parasitoids of the Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), in the Southern Agricultural Zone of Niger

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), is a polyphagous pest reported in sub-Saharan Africa since 2016 and has expanded rapidly in almost Africa. In Niger, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) is considered like a major pest of maize, to which it causes significant damage, in a context where proven control methods against this moth remain almost non-existent. The objective of the present study was to determine the economic importance of FAW through the damage caused to the different host plants and to identify the parasitoids of this caterpillar. The study was conducted in the southern agricultural zone of Niger, specifically in the regions of Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder. FAW eggs and caterpillars were collected from six villages in each region and then incubated and reared in the entomology laboratory of INRAN in Maradi. The rate of infestation of the different crops by FAW was determined as well as the observation of the beneficiaries. The results obtained indicate the presence of FAW on millet with an attack rate varying from 45.7% to 68%, sorghum with 47.2% to 62.25% and sesame with 9.7%. This work also revealed an oophagous parasitoid, Telenomus remus with 138 ± 23 and larval parasitoids, Cotesia sp with 16 ± 1 maximum number of individuals emerged from the collected material. Also, it was identified the parasitoid Cotesia icipe with a rate of parasitism from 4.6% to 5.75%;the Charops ater whose rate of parasitism varies from 4.5% and 12.25% but for Chelonus insularis with 17.25% and Tachnidae with 53%. These very interesting results will constitute a basis for the development of biological control and a component of an agroecological management strategy of caterpillar.

Application of Spatial Techniques for the Identification of Discontinuous Aquifers of the Basement in Semi-Arid Environment: A Case of Bagzan Mount Plateau, Aïr Massif (North, Niger)

Bagzan mount is located in the Aïr massifs region. This locality, which is constituted only by the granites and volcanic formations, knows the difficulty of water supply that depends on rainfall. This present study has the objective of fracture mapping that allowed to the fractured aquifer in Bagzan mount. The methodological approach used has a treatment of Digital Elevation Model (DEM imagery), hydrogeological and geological approach in the field. This process allowed us to map the lineaments and elaborate a fracturing map after the validation stage. The fracturing map showed that the fractures network is distributed in the N70°-N80°, N60°-N70°, N50°-N60°, and two secondary directions N90°-N100° and N120°-N140°. These fracturing maps allowed us to have precious information in groundwater research in Bagzan mount, due to their geological and hydrogeological complexity.