Immunovirological Discordance and Associated Factors among People Living with HIV under Antiretroviral Treatment at Hôpital de Jour de Donka, Guinea

The antiretroviral treatment (ART) has significantly reduced the number of new HIV/AIDS infections and related deaths. However, cases of immunovirological discordance (IVD) are found in various locations. The objective of this study was to determine the profile of People living with HIV (PLHIV) with IVD and to identify associated factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study based on the records of PLHIV under ART for at least 6 months, followed at Hpital de Jour Donka from 2015 to 2017, and having both viral load (CV) and CD4 T-cell count. Prevalence of IVD was 34.57%, with 23.87% for immunological discordance (ID) and 10.7% for virological discordance (VD). Females were predominant (66.26%), and male gender influenced IVD with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.006) and was associated with VD (p = 0.007). The average age was 38.77 11.30 years. PLHIV were classified at WHO stages 3 and 4 (86.01%). The median initial haemoglobin level was 11.5 g/L [3.2 - 12]. The mean initial CD4 T-cell count was 272.84 cells/mm3 201.6. The median initial viral load (VL) was 147,337 copies/mL [1092 - 31,675,000]. The initial CD4 T-cell count 3 was associated with IVD with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0009) and correlated with ID (p = 0.000). Prurigo was associated with IVD with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.003). Cerebral toxoplasmosis was not associated with IVD but was associated with ID (p = 0.04). This study allowed us to describe the profile of PLHIV with IVD. The main associated factors were male gender, initial CD4 T-cell count 3, toxoplasmosis, prurigo, and herpes zoster.

A New Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization Using Local Displacement and Local Guides

This paper introduces a novel variant of particle swarm optimization that leverages local displacements through attractors for addressing multiobjective optimization problems. The method incorporates a square root distance mechanism into the external archives to enhance the diversity. We evaluate the performance of the proposed approach on a set of constrained and unconstrained multiobjective test functions, establishing a benchmark for comparison. In order to gauge its effectiveness relative to established techniques, we conduct a comprehensive comparison with well-known approaches such as SMPSO, NSGA2 and SPEA2. The numerical results demonstrate that our method not only achieves efficiency but also exhibits competitiveness when compared to evolutionary algorithms. Particularly noteworthy is its superior performance in terms of convergence and diversification, surpassing the capabilities of its predecessors.

Using Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network Techniques for Predicting CCR5 Binding Affinity of Substituted 1-(3, 3-Diphenylpropyl)-Piperidinyl Amides and Ureas

Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed to predict for CCR5 binding affinity of substituted 1-(3, 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidinyl amides and ureas using multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. A model with four descriptors, including Hydrogen-bonding donors HBD(R7), the partition coefficient between n-octanol and water logP and logP(R1) and Molecular weight MW(R7), showed good statistics both in the regression and artificial neural network with a configuration of (4-3-1) by using Bayesian and Leven-berg-Marquardt Methods. Comparison of the descriptor’s contribution obtained in MLR and ANN analysis shows that the contribution of some of the descriptors to activity may be non-linear.

Contribution to the Study of Paleoproterozoic Materials for the Improvement of Social Housing in the Kedougou Region: Case of Mako Andesitic Meta-Tuffs

The objective of this project is the valorization of Mako andesitic volcanic tuffs for use in social housing in the Kedougou region. To achieve these objectives, a geotechnical characterization of the tuff samples was carried out and the geopolymerization stabilization was adopted for the manufacture of bricks. These bricks stabilized by an alkaline activation offer compressive strengths that exceed the threshold value (2.9 MPa) set by the standard (NF P14-304). The best compressive strengths (12.14 MPa) and flexural tensile strengths (5.43 MPa) are obtained in the series of bricks made with 35% of the mass of a solution of caustic soda at 12 molars concentration with a curing temperature cooking of 185°C and an average absorbance of 13.21%.

Qualitative Assessment of Table Salt Production Techniques in Southern Benin Republic, and Related Mangrove Destruction and Health Issues

This research was conducted in the framework of the feasibility study related to FOCUSED-Benin project, the 5th work package of the YES-PV NIG BEN project financed by the German Government through its Ministry of Research and High Education (BMBF). The FOCUSED Benin project’s major objective is to protect the environment through the utilization of solar energy for drying agricultural products and table salt harvesting. Salt is important in human daily life. It is used for conservation of food, softening water, industrial processes, road de-icing, food seasoning, etc. Seawater evaporation, salt mining, and salt brine are the major sources of salt production worldwide. However, in West Africa, particularly in Benin Republic, table salt is produced using methods that negatively impact the ecology of the mangrove. This study aimed at investigating the current status of salt production in Benin Republic, its impact on the mangrove and its related health issues. Field visits, meeting with associations of women salt producers in the coastal region of the country, allowed to quantify the number of women associations dealing with salt production, their difficulties, and the impacts on the mangrove. Salt is a seasonal activity and is produced from January to May. One kilogram salt production, along with health issues reported by salt producers, requires approximately 1 kg of firewood obtained by cutting down mangrove. Salt price varies from 250CFA (€0.38) to 400FCFA (€0.61) per kg depending on the season. The women salt producers are not aware of the ecological consequences of mangrove destruction. Sources of firewood are becoming increasingly scarce and prices prohibitive. Sensitization is not efficient. An alternative method of harvesting salt by solar drying and new ideas for implementing this activity in a participatory approach was discussed with the different associations of salt producers.

Insight into Genetic Diversity of Cultivated Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) in Benin

Lima bean is a tropical and subtropical legume from the genus Phaseolus which is cultivated for its importance in food and in medicine, but which remains a Neglected and Underutilized Crop in Benin. Understanding the genetic diversity of a species’ genetic resources is useful for the establishment of appropriate conservation strategies and breeding programs and for sustainable use. We use 6 out of ten SSR markers to analyze the diversity and population structure of 28 Lima bean landraces collected in Benin. A total of 28 alleles with an average of 4.16 alleles per SSR were amplified. The Polymorphic Information Content value ranged from 0.079 to 0.680 with an average of 0.408. The analysis of population structure revealed three subpopulations. PCoA revealed three well-separated clusters among the analyzed accessions in accordance with the population structure results and the clustering based on the Neighbor-Joining tree. AMOVA showed highly significant (p = 0.001) diversity among and within populations. Hence, 32% of the genetic variation was distributed among the population and 68% was distributed within populations. A high PhiP value (0.321) was found between the three sub-subpopulations indicating a high genetic differentiation between these sub-subpopulations. By exhibiting the highest average number of alleles, Shannon-Weaver information and Shannon-Weaver diversity indices, and the highest mean number of private alleles, subpopulation 1 is the main gene pool of the analyzed collection. The present study is an important starting point for the establishment of appropriate conservation strategies and breeding programs for Lima bean genetic resources.

Characterization of the Natural and Organomodified Clay Soil of Moukosso (Republic of Congo) by Dimethylsulfoxide: Application to the Adsorption of Lead (II) in Aqueous Solution

In this study, the authors characterized the raw clayey soil of Moukosso and modified by dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) by several analytical methods, namely: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and gravimetric thermal analysis (TGA). The cation exchange capacity (CEC) was also determined. Mineralogical analysis by XRD revealed the presence of muscovite (29.7%), kaolinite (8.9%), anatase (2.4%) and quartz (58.9%). The characterization of the organo-clay by infrared and by thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the intercalation of DMSO by the presence of vibration bands at 1008 cm-1 and 1070 cm-1 and a strong increase in the loss of mass. The cation exchange capacity of the raw material is 7.4 meq/100g. Rapid adsorption of Pb2+ ions was observed between 5 and 15 minutes of stirring time in both cases (raw clay and organomodified clay). The modeling of the isotherms by the models of Langmuir and Freudlich showed that these are of type S with a maximum amount of adsorption of 22.471 mg/g for the fine fraction and 41.493 mg/g for the clay intercalated with DMSO. Langmuir’s model best reproduces the experimental data of this study.

16S rRNA Gene-Based Metagenomic Analysis of Soil Bacterial Diversity in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Soil contains a great diversity of microorganisms, among which are bacteria. This study aimed to explore bacterial diversity in soil samples in Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo. Environmental DNA was extracted. The illumina MiSeq sequencing was held and the diversity indices have been computed. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed 21 Phyla, four of which were abundant: Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Soil microbial communities in the studied samples were phylogenetically diverse but with a stable community structure. 17 classes are represented with relative abundances of Rihzobiales, Bacillales, Actinomycetales and Acidobacteriales. 40 families, the Alphaproteobacteria, the Bacilli and the 12 Actinobacteria. 83 orders among which the Rhizobiales are the most abundant followed by Bacillales and the least abundant followed by the Flavobacteriaceae. Of the 28 genera listed, the Bradyrhizobium is the most dominant in Mw3 and Mw4. 25 listed species, Bradyrhizobium, Bacillus, Actinoplanes, and Candidatu coribacter Acidobacterium are the most abundant species. The Shannon indices of Mw3 and Mw4 are equal, the H’max of Mw4 is greater than the H’max of Mw3. The Simpson index of Mw4 is equal to the Simpson index of Mw3, and the Pielou index (J) of Mw4 is less than the R of Mw3, but very close. This study opens interesting perspectives on the knowledge and exploitation of telluric bacteria in several areas of life.

Modeling and Study Influence of the Temperature Parameter on Corrosion Factors in the Atmospheric Distillation Column of Crude Oil

Atmospheric distillation is the first step in separating crude oil into by-products. It uses the different boiling temperatures of the components of crude oil to separate them. But crude oil contains a large quantity of acids and corrosive gases, including sulfur compounds, naphthenic acids, carbon dioxide, oxygen, etc. However, the temperature has an important influence on the aggressiveness of the corrosion factors in the atmospheric distillation column. This paper aims to investigate the role of temperature on corrosive products in the atmospheric distillation column. The results of the developed model show that the temperature increases the corrosion rate in the atmospheric distillation column but above a certain temperature value (about 600 K), it decreases. This illustrates the dual role played by temperature in the study of corrosion within the atmospheric distillation column.

Endometrial Cancer: Epidemiological, Histological and Therapeutic Aspects in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of the Donka National Hospital, CHU of Conakry

Objective: To study the epidemiological, histological and therapeutic characteristics of endometrial cancer in the Gynecology-Obstetrics department of the Donka National Hospital, CHU of Conakry. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 86 patients with endometrial cancer treated in the Gynecology-Obstetrics department of the Donka National Hospital from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, based on their medical records. We analysed the epidemiological, histological and therapeutic aspects of the disease. Results: Endometrial cancer accounted for 3.1% of the 2793 gynecological pathology cases registered in the department during the study period, ranking third. The mean age of the patients was 63 ± 5 years. Most of them were uneducated (59.3%), postmenopausal (91.9%), nulliparous (30.2%), obese (65.1%) and hypertensive (77.1%). More than half of the patients (53.4%) were diagnosed at stage I. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type (68.6%). Surgery was performed in 96.6% of the patients, and chemotherapy in 14.0%. After a mean follow-up of 15 months, 84.5% of the patients were alive. Conclusion: Endometrial cancer is a common gynecological malignancy in our department. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is the most frequent histological subtype. Surgery is the main treatment modality.

RETRACTED:Effect of Long-Term Inorganic Fertilization on Diversity and Abundance of Bacterial and Archaeal Communities at Tillage in Irrigated Rice Field

Short Retraction Notice The paper does not meet the standards of "Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology". This article has been retracted to straighten the academic record. In making this decision the Editorial Board follows COPE's Retraction Guidelines. The aim is to promote the circulation of scientific research by offering an ideal research publication platform with due consideration of internationally accepted standards on publication ethics. The Editorial Board would like to extend its sincere apologies for any inconvenience this retraction may have caused. Editor guiding this retraction: Prof. Abass Alavi (EiC of ABB). Please see the article page for more details. The full retraction notice in PDF is preceding the original paper which is marked "RETRACTED".

Influence of the Nature of the Incoming Sludge on the Performance of a Vertical Flow Reed Beds in Dakar-Senegal

This work investigates the influence of the type sludge on drainage, plant development, purification performances and biosolids quality. Drainage properties were measured through the frequency of clogging, the percentage of leachate recovered and the dryness of accumulated sludge. Plant development was measured through the density, the height and the stem diameter. Purification performance was evaluated from the reduction rate. Biosolids quality was measured after 3 months of maturation. The results show that the clogging frequencies were 9.5%;0% and 3.7%;the volume of leachate recovered was 42.2%;20.4% and 24.7% and, the dryness was 33.4%;61.1% and 52.4% for FS-ST, FS-STT and SS respectively. Plants densities were about, with densities 197.1, 171.3 and 178.3 plants/m2 in beds fed respectively with FS-ST, FS-STT and SS. Despite the high removal rates, the concentrations of pollutants in the leachates are above the Senegalese standard NS 05-061 for discharge into the environment. The biosolids are all mature with C/N and NH4+/NO3?ratios lower than 12 and 1 respectively. The biosolids are also rich in organic and mineral elements. The concentrations of Ascaris eggs are higher than the WHO recommendations. These biosolids should be stored for additional time or composted.

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.

Phytochemical Screening and Assays of Phenolic Compounds in Senna occidentalis L. Leaf and Seed Extracts

Phytochemical screening and assay of secondary metabolites, crude extracts with distilled water, aqueous methanol, aqueous acetone and aqueous ethanol of leaves and seeds of Senna occidentalis L. were studied in this work. The aim was to verify the distribution of secondary metabolites according to S. occidentalis organs. Four leaf samples from four different localities (South, East, West and Central Senegal) and a mixed sample of seeds were used. Functional molecules such as polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins were then assessed in the leaves and seeds using various standard methods. The results show that Senna occidentalis L. leaf and seed samples display an identical and homogeneous profile, regardless of locality. They contain secondary metabolites and the polyphenol content of extracts from southern, eastern, western and central leaves is: 0.620 - 0.539 - 0.811 - 0.573 g GAE/100 g DM;flavonoids: 0.064 - 0.074 - 0.130 - 0.101 g CE/100 g DM and tannins: 0.326 - 0.264 - 0.269 - 0.494 g TAE/100 g DM. The efficacy of S. occidentalis L. infusions in therapy is thus justified by the presence of these metabolites, whose biological properties are well known. It is then possible to explore isolation of active principles of Senna occidentalis L. leaves and even seeds for producing medicines.

Stochastic Simulation of Saline Intrusion in the Coastal Aquifer of Saloum, Senegal

In the Saloum region of central-western Senegal, water needs are essentially met by tapping an underground aquifer associated with the sandy-clay formations of the Continental Terminal, in contact with both the ocean to the west and the highly saline waters of the Saloum River to the north. In this estuarine and deltaic zone with its very low relief, the hydraulic loads in the water tables are generally close to zero or even negative, creating a reversal of the natural flow and encouraging saline intrusion into this system, which makes it very vulnerable. This study concerns the implementation of a numerical model of saline intrusion to provide a better understanding of the vulnerability of the water table by analyzing the variability of the freshwater/saltwater interface. The Modflow-2005 code is used to simulate saline intrusion using the SWI2 module, coupled with the GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) software under the Linux operating system with the steep interface approach. The probable expansion of the wedge is studied in three scenarios, taking into account its position relative to the bedrock at 1 m, 5 m and 10 m. Simulations carried out under imposed potential and river conditions, based on variations in groundwater reserves using two effective porosity values, 10−1 and 10−2, show that the water table is highly vulnerable in the northwest sector. The probable expansion of the wedge increases as the storage coefficient decreases and is more marked with river conditions in the areas surrounding the Saloum River, reaching 6 km with a probability of 1. The probability of the wedge reaching a certain degree of expansion decreases from 1 to 0.5, and then cancels out as it moves inland. The probable position of the wedge is limited to 500 m or even 1 km depending on the corner around the coast to the southwest and in the southern zone. This modelling, carried out under natural conditions, will be developed further, taking into account climatic parameters and pumping from wells and boreholes.

Monte Carlo Simulations of Doping Properties of a Spin-3/2 Ising Nanotube

The effect of spin-1 impurities doping on the magnetic properties of a spin-3/2 Ising nanotube is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations within the Blume-Emery-Griffiths model in the presence of an external magnetic field. The thermal behaviors of the order parameters and different macroscopic instabilities as well as the hysteretic behavior of the material are examined in great detail as a function of the dopant density. It is found that the impurities concentration affects all the system magnetic properties generating for some specific values, compensation points and multi-cycle hysteresis. Doping conditions where the saturation/remanent magnetization and coercive field of the investigated material can be modified for permanent or soft magnets synthesis purpose are discussed.

Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Land in Southwest Niger: The Case of the Commune of Gothèye

In south-west Niger, ecosystems are losing several hectares of their surface area every year due to internally displaced persons and refugees. The commune of Gothèye is not immune to this situation. The aim of this research is to assess the impact of displaced persons and refugees on socio-spatio-temporal dynamics of ecosystems using Landsat images. To achieve this, Landsat TM, Landsat ETM+ and OLI 8 satellite images from September and March were used (2010 to 2024). Operations on Envi 5.3, field validation output and finally mapping on ArcGIS were the steps involved. Discrimination is significant, with kappa coefficients of 0.97, 0.96, 0.86 and 0.85. The results obtained indicate a degradation of natural ecosystems, reflected in a change in landscape structure, with a marked reduction in the quantity and quality of ecosystem goods. Analysis of the evolution of land use showed that 31% of the land remained in its initial state (unchanged), 69% underwent modifications, and 11% was converted to cropland. Over these fourteen years, the study area has undergone changes in land use patterns, which have resulted in a modification of landscape structure, with a marked decline in the quantity and quality of ecosystem services.

Multi-Elemental Analysis and 2D Image Mapping within Roots, Leaves and Seeds from O. glaberrima Rice Plants Using Micro-PIXE Technique

Understanding metal accumulation at organ level in roots, leaves and seeds in O. glaberrima (OG) is crucial for improving physiological and metabolic aspects in growing Asian and African rice in salted areas. The micro-analytical imaging techniques are required to reveal its accumulation and distribution within plant tissues. PIXE studies have been performed to determine different elements in rice plants. The existing microbeam analytical technique at the iThemba LABS will be applied for the 2D image mapping of fresh rice tissues to perform a concentration of low atomic mass elements (such as Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Br, Zn and K) with detection limits of typically 1-10 μg/g. Comparison of the distribution of the elements between leaves, root and seed samples using uptake and distribution of elements in particular environmental conditions with potential amount of salt in water have been performed. We are also expecting to indicate metal exclusion as salt tolerance strategies from leaves, root, and seed compartments using matrix correlation between samples and between elements on rice species.

A Hybrid Learning Algorithm for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In many fields, particularly that of health, the diagnosis of diseases is a very difficult task to carry out. Therefore, early detection of diseases using artificial intelligence tools can be of paramount importance in the medical field. In this study, we proposed an intelligent system capable of performing diagnoses for radiologists. The support system is designed to evaluate mammographic images, thereby classifying normal and abnormal patients. The proposed method (DiagBC for Breast Cancer Diagnosis) combines two (2) intelligent unsupervised learning algorithms (the C-Means clustering algorithm and the Gaussian Mixture Model) for the segmentation of medical images and an algorithm for supervised learning (a modified DenseNet) for the diagnosis of breast images. Ultimately, a prototype of the proposed system was implemented for the Magori Polyclinic in Niamey (Niger) making it possible to diagnose (or classify) breast cancer into two (2) classes: the normal class and the abnormal class.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Defence and Security Forces in Northern Benin (2023)

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as “actual exposure to death or the threat of death, serious injury or sexual violence”, either directly or indirectly, resulting in a symptomatic procession of repetition, avoidance, neurovegetative hyperactivity and individualized symptoms, with or without negative cognitive and mood changes. It therefore goes without saying that the defence and security forces constitute a high-risk population in need of attention. Objective: To study post-traumatic stress disorder in defence and security forces in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to July 2023. The study population consisted of active military, republican police and firefighters in the city of Parakou in 2023. Non-proportional stratified sampling was used, given the inaccessibility of the source population size for national security reasons. Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed using the “post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCLS-5) scale. Results: A total of 305 subjects participated in the survey. Males dominated 90.2%. The most represented corps was the Republican Police (41.6%), most of whom were non-commissioned officers (46.6%). The majority count between 11 and 20 years of service (48.9%), with 2 to 5 missions completed (67.5%). The calculated prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was 11.8%, based on the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCL-5). Of the 36 respondents with post-traumatic stress disorder, 20 (55.6%) had experienced an armed attack, 25 (69.4%) had witnessed a violent death, 18 (50.0%) had witnessed the agony of a colleague, 15 (41.7%) had been exposed to a fire or explosion, while 26 (72.2%) had been traumatized by physical and/or verbal aggression. 5 (13.9%) had consulted a specialist psychiatrist, while 6 (16.7%) were on medication and 26 (72.2%) used sport as a means of maintaining physical and mental health. Respectively 22 (61.1%) and 21 (58.3%) had definite symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between post-traumatic stress disorder and the following variables: total number of children ≤ 2 (p = 0.015), comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (p = 0.007), history of hepatitis (p = 0.017), work accidents (p = 0.016), alcohol dependence (p = 0.004), domestic violence (p = 0.004), psychological violence (p = 0.017) and anxiety disorders (p Conclusion: Defence and security personnel can also be prey to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which needs to be systematically taken into account when they are subjected to trauma in the course of their duties. Mental health should be an integral part of the periodic medical check-up objectives for defence and security forces throughout the country.