Maresin 1 alleviates neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture

Objective:Inflammation in the central nervous system plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of sepsis-associated encephalopathy.This study aims to explore the effects of maresin 1(MaR1),an anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediator,on sepsis-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment.Methods:Mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups:A sham group(sham operation+vehicle),a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)group(CLP operation+vehicle),a MaR1-LD group(CLP operation+1 ng MaR1),and a MaR1-HD group(CLP operation+10 ng MaR1).MaR1 or vehicle was intraperitoneally administered starting 1 h before CLP operation,then every other day for 7 days.Survival rates were monitored,and serum inflammatory cytokines[tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-6]were measured 24 h after operation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Cognitive function was assessed 7 days after operation using the Morris water maze(MWM)test and novel object recognition(NOR)task.The mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),IL-4,IL-10,and arginase 1(Arg1)in cortical and hippocampal tissues was determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR).Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of iNOS,Arg1,signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(STAT6),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ),and phosphorylated STAT6(p-STAT6)in hippocampal tissue.Microglia activation was visualized via immunofluorescence.Mice were also treated with the PPARγantagonist GW9662 to confirm the involvement of this pathway in MaR1’s effects.Results:CLP increased serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6,and reduced body weight and survival rates(all P<0.05).Both 1 ng and 10 ng doses of MaR1 significantly reduced serum TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels,improved body weight,and increased survival rates(all P<0.05).No significant difference in efficacy was observed between the 2 doses(all P>0.05).MWM test and NOR task indicated that CLP impaired spatial learning,which MaR1 mitigated.However,GW9662 partially reversed MaR1’s protective effects.Real-time RTPCR results demonstrated that,compared to the sham group,mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β,and iNOS significantly increased in hippocampal tissues following CLP(all P<0.05),while IL-4,IL-10,and Arg1 showed a slight decrease,though the differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05).Compared to the CLP group,both 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 decreased TNF-α,IL-1β,and iNOS mRNA expression in hippocampal tissues and increased IL-4,IL-10,and Arg1 mRNA expression(all P<0.05).Immunofluorescence results indicated a significant increase in Iba1-positive microglia in the hippocampus after CLP compared to the sham group(P<0.05).Administration of 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 reduced the percentage area of Iba1-positive cells in the hippocampus compared to the CLP group(both P<0.05).Western blotting results showed that,compared to the CLP group,both 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 down-regulated the iNOS expression,while up-regulated the expression of Arg1,PPARγ,and p-STAT6(all P<0.05).However,the inclusion of GW9662 counteracted the MaR1-induced upregulation of Arg1 and PPARγcompared to the MaR1-LD group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:MaR1 inhibits the classical activation of hippocampal microglia,promotes alternative activation,reduces sepsis-induced neuroinflammation,and improves cognitive decline.

Gut microbiota-astrocyte axis: new insights into age-related cognitive decline

With the rapidly aging human population,age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota,microbial metabolites,and the functions of astrocytes.The microbiota–gut–brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function.This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function,mainly through the vagus nerve,immune responses,circadian rhythms,and microbial metabolites.Finally,this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota–astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota–astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline,aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.

Association between Serum Uric Acid and the Early Marker of Kidney Function Decline among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Population:Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Objective To evaluate the association between serum uric acid(SUA)and kidney function decline.Methods Data was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on the Chinese middle-aged and older population for analysis.The kidney function decline was defined as an annual estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR)decrease by>3 mL/min per 1.73 m^(2).Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SUA and kidney function decline.The shape of the association was investigated by restricted cubic splines.Results A total of 7,346 participants were included,of which 1,004 individuals(13.67%)developed kidney function decline during the follow-up of 4 years.A significant dose-response relation was recorded between SUA and the kidney function decline(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.03-1.27),as the risk of kidney function decline increased by 14%per 1 mg/d L increase in SUA.In the subgroup analyses,such a relation was only recorded among women(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.03-1.45),those aged<60 years(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.05-1.42),and those without hypertension and without diabetes(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.06-1.41).Although the dose-response relation was not observed in men,the high level of SUA was related to kidney function decline(OR 1.83,95%CI 1.05-3.17).The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that SUA>5 mg/dL was associated with a significantly higher risk of kidney function decline.Conclusion The SUA level was associated with kidney function decline.An elevation of SUA should therefore be addressed to prevent possible kidney impairment and dysfunction.

Reasons and effects of the decline of willing related potential living kidney donors

BACKGROUND Although the availability of related living donors(LDs)provides a better chance for receiving kidney transplantation(KT),the evaluation protocols for LD selection remain a safeguard for the LD’s safety.These protocols are variable from one center to another,resulting in variable rates of decline of the potential LDs(PLDs).The decline of willing PLDs may occur at any stage of evaluation,starting from the initial contact and counseling to the day of operation.AIM To identify the causes of the decline of PLDs,the predictors of PLD candidacy,and the effect on achieving LDKT.METHODS A retrospective study was performed on the willing PLDs who attended our outpatient clinic for kidney donation to their related potential recipients between October 2015 and December 2022.The variables influencing their candidacy rate and the fate of their potential recipients were studied.Two groups of PLDs were compared:Candidate PLDs after a completed evaluation vs non-candidate PLDs with a complete or incomplete evaluation.A multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the factors contributing to the achievement of PLD candidacy.RESULTS Of 321 willing PLDs,257 PLDs(80.1%)accessed the evaluation to variable extents for 212 potential recipients,with a mean age(range)of 40.5±10.4(18-65)years,including 169 females(65.8%).The remaining 64 PLDs(19.9%)did not access the evaluation.Only 58 PLDs(18.1%)succeeded in donating,but 199 PDLs(62.0%)were declined;exclusion occurred in 144 PLDs(56.0%)for immunological causes(37.5%),medical causes(54.9%),combined causes(9.7%),and financial causes(2.1%).Regression and release occurred in 55 PLDs(17.1%).The potential recipients with candidate PLDs were not significantly different from those with non-candidate PLDs,except in age(P=0.041),rates of completed evaluation,and exclusion of PLDs(P<0.001).There were no factors that independently influenced the rate of PLD candidacy.Most patients who failed to have KT after the decline of their PLDs remained on hemodialysis for 6 mo to 6 years.CONCLUSION The rate of decline of willing related PLDs was high due to medical or immunological contraindications,release,or regression of PLDs.It reduced the chances of high percentages of potential recipients in LDKT.

Heterosis of Vine Decline Disease Resistance Caused by the Fungus Monosporascus cannonballus in Melons (Cucumis melo L)

Vine decline disease (VDD) constitutes a menace to melons worldwide. Especially, the one caused by the fungus Monosporascus cannonballus. Thus, resistant plant material must be released to help growers. Hence, our goal was to develop resistant plant material to VDD. More than 600 melon accessions are expected to be tested for disease resistance in M. cannonballus infested soil in Weslaco, Texas, USA, to identify resistance to VDD, and other important traits. So far, at most 7 lines were found to be resistant to VDD and some of them were used to develop elite, muskmelon inbred lines by pedigree breeding following single or double backcrosses. These elite parents were crossed to each other to develop the hybrids M3 and M4. They were also tested in the same infested field in Weslaco. The hybrids were grown using standard commercial practices followed by growers and when their fruits were ready, their roots were sampled as well as scored for disease severity to estimate high and mid-parent heterosis Our results indicate the existence of heterosis regarding resistance to VDD. Thus, resistant plant material can be developed and selection for resistance can be accomplished.

Decline and dieback of cork oak(Quercus suber L.)forests in the Mediterranean basin:a case study of Kroumirie,Northwest Tunisia

Assessing the vulnerability of forest ecosystems in the climate change context is a challenging task as the mechanisms that determine this vulnerability cannot be directly observed.Based on the ecological interrelationships between forests and climate,the present review focused on providing current information about vulnerability assessments of cork oak(Quercus suber L.)forests in the Mediterranean basin,especially,in the Kroumirie region(northwest Tunisia),currently under historic extreme drought conditions.From comparing recent findings in this region,we synthesized data on cork oak decline and mortality collected during the historic drought years 1988–1995 period.Climate change impacts cork forest decline,with special interest shown in elevated temperatures and drought;cork oak forest regeneration,and the adaptation of the Kroumirie forest to climate change,are reviewed herein.The studied region has been influenced largely by frequent prolonged drought periods,especially from 1988 to 1995.Droughts were found to consistently have a more detrimental impact on the growth and mortality rates of cork oak populations.Cork oak mortality was recorded for up to 63,622 trees.In the future,more research studies and observational data will be needed,which could represent an important key to understand ecosystem processes,and to facilitate the development of better models that project climate change impacts and vulnerability.The study is useful for researchers and forestry decision makers to develop the appropriate strategies to restore and protect ecosystems,and to help anticipate potential future droughts and climate change.

Diabetes and cognitive decline:Challenges and future direction

There is growing evidence that diabetes can induce cognitive decline and dementia.It is a slow,progressive cognitive decline that can occur in any age group,but is seen more frequently in older individuals.Symptoms related to cognitive decline are worsened by chronic metabolic syndrome.Animal models are frequently utilized to elucidate the mechanisms of cognitive decline in diabetes and to assess potential drugs for therapy and prevention.This review addresses the common factors and pathophysiology involved in diabetes-related cognitive decline and outlines the various animal models used to study this condition.

Analysis of the relationship between blood pressure variability and subtle cognitive decline in older adults

BACKGROUND Blood pressure variability(BPV)has been shown to be related to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in a number of studies.However,the relationship between BPV and subtle cognitive decline(SCD)has received minimal attention in this field of research to date and has rarely been reported.AIM To examine whether SCD is independently associated with changes in BPV in older adults.METHODS Participants were selected based on having participated in cognitive function evaluation and ambulatory blood pressure measurement at the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between June 2020 and August 2022.The participants included 182 individuals with SCD as the experimental group and 237 with normal cognitive function as the control group.The basic data,laboratory examinations,scale tests,and ambulatory blood pressure test results of the two groups were analyzed retrospectively,and the relationship between SCD and BPV was subsequently evaluated.RESULTS Significant differences were observed between the two groups of participants(P<0.05)in terms of age,education level,prevalence rate of diabetes,fasting blood glucose level,24-h systolic blood pressure standard deviation and coefficient of variation,24-h diastolic blood pressure standard deviation and coefficient of variation.The scale monitoring results showed significant differences in the scores for memory,attention,and visual space between the experimental and control groups.Logistic regression analysis indicated that age,education level,blood sugar level,and BPV were factors influencing cognitive decline.Linear regression analysis showed that there was an independent correlation between blood pressure variation and SCD,even after adjusting for related factors.Each of the above differences was still significant.CONCLUSION This study suggests that increased BPV is associated with SCD.

Assessment of the Physical Capabilities of Heart Failure Patients before and after Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: A Study of 125 Patients from West Africa, Dakar, Senegal

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation represents a critical therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from chronic heart failure. The physical capacity of patients with heart failure, assessed using the exercise test and the 6-minute walk test, is the measure of the patient’s overall functional ability to perform physical activities and tolerate exercise loads. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cardiac rehabilitation on patients’ physical capabilities and to conduct a thorough comparison of data obtained via exercise testing and the 6-minute walk test before and after the rehabilitation programme. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from 1 February 2021 to 31 June 2022. Included were heart failure patients who had participated in an outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation programme. The collected data included anamnestic, clinical, paraclinical data, and the 6-minute walk test. Informed consent was obtained. Data analysis, word processing, and charting were performed using Microsoft Word 2016, Excel 2013, and Sphinx version 5.1.0.2. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 24.0. Any difference less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In a Senegalese study, heart failure patients undergoing rehabilitation in a cardiac unit represented 45.59% of all cases, with a prevalence rate of 3.21%. The average participant was 57.97 years old, with those aged 61 to 70 forming the largest group (35.5%). The study noted a male predominance (sex ratio of 2.1) and identified dyslipidaemia (80.6%) and sedentarism (71%), as prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. All participants initially suffered from NYHA stage 2 or 3 dyspnoea, yet 80.65% showed no symptoms following rehabilitation. Significant improvements were recorded in resting heart rate (from 79 to 67 bpm), and the 6-minute walk test distance (from 328 m to 470 m). Enhanced exercise tolerance and walking test outcomes were particularly notable in patients with LVEF ≥ 50%, women, non-obese individuals, those initially walking less than 300 m, achieving more than 3 METs, and non-smokers. Conclusion: The findings underscore the effectiveness of cardiovascular rehabilitation in improving symptoms, physical capability, and overall quality of life for heart failure patients in Senegal.

Westerlies Affecting the Seasonal Variation of Water Vapor Transport over the Tibetan Plateau Induced by Tropical Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal

This study investigates the activity of tropical cyclones(TCs)in the Bay of Bengal(BOB)from 1979 to 2018 to discover the mechanism affecting the contribution rate to the meridional moisture budget anomaly(MMBA)over the southern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau(SBTP).May and October–December are the bimodal phases of BOB TC frequency,which decreases month by month from October to December and is relatively low in May.However,the contribution rate to the MMBA is the highest in May.The seasonal variation in the meridional position of the westerlies is the key factor affecting the contribution rate.The relatively southern(northern)position of the westerlies in November and December(May)results in a lower(higher)contribution rate to the MMBA.This mechanism is confirmed by the momentum equation.When water vapor enters the westerlies near the trough line,the resultant meridional acceleration is directed north.It follows that the farther north the trough is,and the farther north the water vapor can be transported.When water vapor enters the westerlies from the area near the ridge line,for Type-T(Type-R)TCs,water vapor enters the westerlies downstream of the trough(ridge).Consequently,the direction of the resultant meridional acceleration is directed south and the resultant zonal acceleration is directed east(west),which is not conducive to the northward transport of water vapor.This is especially the case if the trough or ridge is relatively south,as the water vapor may not cross the SBTP.

Effects of Natural Processes on Sea Level Change along the West African Coastline

Coastal hazards induced by meteo-marine forcing are exacerbated by sea level change along the West African coastline. Changes in sea level are induced by ocean processes such as ocean heat content and river discharge. However, although these processes control largely change in sea level, they remain poorly understood. This study analyzes changes in ocean heat content, river discharge, and sea level and establishes an interconnection between these parameters using several statistical methods over the 1993-2021 period. Results showed a significant correlation between sea level and ocean heat content at 2000 m depth. The yearly minimum value appears in July from Cote d’Ivoire to Benin, whilst this value appears in June in Nigeria. The temporal variability of ocean heat content, river discharge and sea level along the West African coastline exhibits three or four periods interrupted by some breakpoints with unequal duration. The results indicate that the 1993-2000 period was dominated by an increasing ocean heat content along the coastline, while the period after the 2000s exhibits mostly a decreasing trend. Positive and negative trends characterized river discharge and sea level along this coastline. The result of multiple linear regression between sea level, river discharge and ocean heat content is a good approximation of sea level trend along the West African coastline. The results of this study could be used to predict future sea level trends along the coast.

Socioenvironmental Drivers of Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Risk in Agroforestry Parklands of West Atacora in Benin (West Africa)

Throughout the world, climate change is threatening the human population. In West Africa, smallholder farmers in indigenous agricultural societies typically hold considerable knowledge. Therefore, this study was conducted in West Atacora of Benin Republic to assess the drivers of farmers’ perceptions of climate change risk. We used a random sampling technique to select 360 households’ heads who were interviewed regarding different climate change risks perception. Binomial logistic regression was used to assess the drivers of farmers’ perceptions of climate change risks. The results showed that the farmers in drier areas had a higher perception of the global risk of climate change than those in humid areas. The same trend was observed for the seven different individual’s climate change risk investigated. The study identified also membership of farm organizations as main sociodemographic characteristic that explains farmers’ perception of climate change risk perception. These findings are helpful tools to sensitize the local people on climate change risk and cope with the risk in agricultural lands.

Offshore high-grade limemud resources of west coast of India:Economic potential and industrial applications

Limestone is one of the essential raw materials in the cement,paint,steel,ceramic,glass,chemical,pharmaceutical,paper,and fertilizer industries.In India,only 8%of the limestone resources are placed under the reserve category,of which 97%is of cement grade.Thus,India depends on imports to bridge the demand‐supply gap of steel,blast furnace,and chemical‐grade limestone.Efforts of Geological Survey of India(GSI)to locate alternate sources for limestone led to the discovery of enormous quantities of carbonate minerals called limemud from the continental shelf margin of the west coast of India.GSI carried out systematic studies to explore the nature of the disposition,quality,quantity,and suitability of the offshore limemud for various industrial applications.A preliminary estimate of resources using high‐resolution subbottom profiling and sediment core sample studies established the occurrence of more than 172 billion tonnes of high‐grade(The content of CaCO3 is greater than 80 wt%)limemud in 0.4–28.0m thick stratified sediment layers spread over an area of 18000 km2.Chemical,physical,mineralogical,beneficiation,and agglomeration studies found the offshore limemud as a potential replacement for limestone in the cement,filler,blast furnace,steel melting shop,lime production,paint,and Grade‐I steel industries.An assessment of mining and transportation costs indicates that the offshore limemud(USD 5–6/ton)is more cost‐effective than that imported from other countries(USD16‐18/ton).With several advantageous factors like low impurity,mode of occurrence in overburden‐free stratified form,fine‐grained slurry nature,and shallow water depth,sustainable mining of offshore limemud could be a future reality with controllable technological,economic,and environmental challenges.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer:A major challenge for the west

Gastric cancer(GC)is the 5th most common cancer and the 3rd most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide.Two main endoscopic resective techniques exist for early GC(EGC):Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).ESD has been widely embraced in the last decade because it allows radical en bloc resections and is associated with better outcomes,as compared to EMR.However,the lack of training opportunities and flat learning curve due to low volume of EGC cases represent major obstacles to obtain proficiency on ESD in the West.As this procedure is highly efficient for the treatment of EGC,dedicated training programs with a stepwise approach and updated guidelines for ESD embracement are needed in Western countries.

Geology and S-Pb isotope geochemistry of the Hatu gold deposit in West Junggar,NW China:Insights into ore genesis and metal source

The Hatu gold deposit is the largest historical gold producer of the West Junggar,western China,with an Au reserve of about 62 t.The orebodies were controlled by NE-,EW-,and NW-trending subsidiary faults associated with the Anqi fault.This deposit exhibits characteristics typical of a fault-controlled lode system,and the orebodies consist of auriferous quartz veins and altered wall rocks within Early Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks.Three stages of mineralization have been identified in the Hatu gold deposit:the early pyrite-albite-quartz stage,the middle polymetallic sulfides-ankerite-quartz stage,and late quartz-calcite stage.The sulfur isotopic values of pyrite and arsenopyrite vary in a narrow range from-0.8‰to1.3‰and an average of 0.4‰,the near-zeroδ~(34)S values implicate the thorough homogenization of the sulfur isotopes during the metamorphic dehydration of the Early Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks.Lead isotopic results of pyrite and arsenopyrite(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb=17.889-18.447,^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb=15.492-15.571,^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb=37.802-38.113)are clustered between orogenic and mantle/upper crust lines,indicating that the lead was mainly sourced from the hostrocks within the Early Carboniferous Tailegula Formation.The characteristics of S and Pb isotopes suggest that the ore-forming metals of the Hatu orogenic gold deposit are of metamorphogenic origin,associated with the continental collision between the Yili-Kazakhstan and Siberian plates during the Late Carboniferous.

Architecture and exploration target areas of the Senegal Basin,West Africa

The recent discovery of large oil and gas fields in the deep-water of the Senegal Basin has drawn global attention.Despite this,several exploration wells in this area fail,which can be primarily contributed to a lack of understanding of the basin's structures and hydrocarbon accumulation conditions.This study examines these characteristics utilizing gravity,seismic and drilling data,and finally makes a comparison with the Cote d’Ivoire Basin,a typical transform margin basin in the South Atlantic.The results suggest that the Senegal Basin,influenced by multiple transform faults and a weak Paleozoic basement,experienced three evolutionary stages:rifting,transitional,and drifting.Each stage contributed to the development of distinct depositional sequences-syn-rift sequences,sag sequences,and continental margin sequences,respectively.The Triassic-Early Jurassic rifting stage predominantly formed continental deposits,like fluvial,lacustrine,and deltaic deposits,in the syn-rift sequences.The Middle-Late Jurassic transitional stage,influenced by transform faults,witnessed the formation of marginal ridges or submarine uplift zones.These zones,in conjunction with landward high terrains,formed a restricted environment promoting the development of source rocks in the sag sequences.During the drifting stage,three types of reservoirs,namely platform carbonate rocks,deltas,and slope-floor fans were formed.Notably,large-scale hydrocarbon reservoirs have been found in the deltas and the slope-floor fans both in the Senegal Basin and the Cote d’Ivoire Basin.The Upper Jurassic-Aptian platforms exhibit thick carbonate rocks and organic reefs on their edges,suggesting substantial potential for hydrocarbon exploration in the Senegal Basin.

Use of Topical Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) in Diabetic Septic Foot Disease in Makkah Region, Western of Saudi Arabia, an Exploratory Study

Diabetes is a chronic condition that is significantly impacted daily by environment. At least one in five Saudis, suffer from diabetes. “Diabetes is a pandemic of unprecedented magnitude spiraling out of control” (Boulton). Saudi Arabia ranks the second highest in the Middle East, and is the seventh in the world for the prevalence of diabetes (WHO). Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been found to be related to high mortality, morbidity accompanied by poor general health and lower quality of life. Current Saudi diabetes patients’ behaviors, practices, and beliefs regarding foot health problems such as ulcers, are not well investigated. Diabetic patients frequently utilize natural remedies and Herbs for self-medication as a part of complementary and alternative Medicine. Aim of study: To explore the widespread use of the alternative remedies in the local communities of the Western Saudi Arabia, the drives behind using and to focus on the potential adverse effects following their usage. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 386 diabetic patients with feet problems in Makkah Region, West of Saudi Arabia during the period April - June 2023. Results: Out of the 531 participants, only 386 participants reported diabetic foot disorder (DFD). Most of the participant were above 65 years of age group (24.61 %). Male (52.08%) more than female (47.92%) in the research group. All of the participants had diabetic foot disorders at least once. The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use among them was 67.88%, as solitary or in combination with hospital medicines. Honey headed the list followed by myrrh and black seeds. Acquaintances advice (59.54%) was the most reason for using the alternative medicine. 60.30% of Diabetic foot patient complained of adverse effects during CAM remedies use. Conclusion: Consumption of CAM remedies among diabetic patients for Diabetic Foot Disorder (DFD) is common. Honey headed the list followed by myrrh and black seeds. Additional wide-scale research is required to establish their actual efficacy, safety and potential adverse out-comes and to generalize the outcomes.

Isolated Hyperacute T-Waves in West Nile Encephalitis Indicating Atypical Variant of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Several cardiac outcomes have been reported with West Nile-encephalitis;however, the underlying pathophysiology remains complex. We present a 42-year-old female, with multiple sclerosis, whose neurological symptoms and respiratory decline were finally explained by the diagnosis of West Nile-encephalitis. During her admission, the isolated peaked T-waves indicated the underlying stress-induced cardiomyopathy. The absence of all other causes of hyperacute T-waves, their subsequent resolution with the resolution of infection and improvement in wall motion abnormalities, further supported the association. This case highlights the importance of considering hyperacute T-waves in an approach towards the diagnosis of WNV-encephalitis related atypical variant of stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

A systematic review of climate change impacts,adaptation strategies,and policy development in West Africa

Climate change studies are diverse with no single study giving a comprehensive review of climate change impacts,adaptation strategies,and policy development in West Africa.The unavailability of an all-inclusive study to serve as a guide for practitioners affects the effectiveness of climate change adaptation strategies proposed and adopted in the West African sub-region.The purpose of this study was to review the impacts of climate change risks on the crop,fishery,and livestock sectors,as well as the climate change adaptation strategies and climate-related policies aimed at helping to build resilient agricultural production systems in West Africa.The review process followed a series of rigorous stages until the final selection of 56 articles published from 2009 to 2023.Generally,the results highlighted the adverse effects of climate change risks on food security.We found a continuous decline in food crop production.Additionally,the livestock sector experienced morbidity and mortality,as well as reduction in meat and milk production.The fishery sector recorded loss of fingerlings,reduction in fish stocks,and destruction of mariculture and aquaculture.In West Africa,climate-smart agriculture technologies,physical protection of fishing,and inclusion of gender perspectives in programs appear to be the major adaptation strategies.The study therefore recommends the inclusion of ecosystem and biodiversity restoration,weather insurance,replacement of unsafe vessels,and strengthening gender equality in all climate change mitigation programs,as these will help to secure enough food for present and future generations.

Petroleum geological characteristics and exploration targets of the oil-rich sags in the Central and West African Rift System

Based on seismic,drilling,and source rock analysis data,the petroleum geological characteristics and future exploration direction of the oil-rich sags in the Central and West African Rift System(CWARS)are discussed.The study shows that the Central African Rift System mainly develops high-quality lacustrine source rocks in the Lower Cretaceous,and the West African Rift System mainly develops high-quality terrigenous organic matter-rich marine source rocks in the Upper Cretaceous,and the two types of source rocks provide a material basis for the enrichment of oil and gas in the CWARS.Multiple sets of reservoir rocks including fractured basement and three sets of regional cap rocks in the Lower Cretaceous,the Upper Cretaceous,and the Paleogene are developed in the CWARS.Since the Late Mesozoic,due to the geodynamic factors including the dextral strike-slip movement of the Central African Shear Zone,the basins in different directions of the CWARS differ in terms of rifting stages,intervals of regional cap rocks,trap types and accumulation models.The NE-SW trending basins have mainly preserved one stage of rifting in the Early Cretaceous,with regional cap rocks developed in the Lower Cretaceous strata,forming traps of reverse anticlines,flower-shaped structures and basement buried hill,and two types of hydrocarbon accumulation models of"source and reservoir in the same formation,and accumulation inside source rocks"and"up-source and down-reservoir,and accumulation below source rocks".The NW–SE basins are characterized by multiple rifting stages superimposition,with the development of regional cap rocks in the Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene,forming traps of draping anticlines,faulted anticlines,antithetic fault blocks and the accumulation model of"down-source and up-reservoir,and accumulation above source rocks".The combination of reservoir and cap rocks inside source rocks of basins with multiple superimposed rifting stages,as well as the lithologic reservoirs and the shale oil inside source rocks of strong inversion basins are important fields for future exploration in basins of the CWARS.