A review of loiasis and its vectors in Gabon.

Loiasis colloquially known as tropical eye worm is a neglected tropical helminthic disease that affects the rural poor population of Gabon. A systematic review of 51 documents (45 peer reviewed papers and six dissertations) over four decades has documented many knowledge gaps on loiasis and its vectors. Higher prevalence and high microfilaremia is typical wherever Chrysops vectors occur. The two main vectors were C. silacea and C. dimidiata along with the savanna species C. longicornis. The two main vectors were only caught around forested national parks at low density (<1 Chrysops per trap per day). Chrysops longicornis was trapped in the savanna zone at higher numbers at a cattle ranch in Nyanga province. Leukoconcentration and Field's stain for L. loa diagnosis performed well as diagnostic tools. However, studies on diagnostic efficacy remain scant, and no study has focused on the evolution of L. loa at the wildlife-human interface of Gabon.

Youth behavioural responses to regulated alcohol advertising content: Results from a mixed-methods study in France.

OBJECTIVES: The World Health Organization advocates measures regulating alcohol advertising content, as illustrated by the French Évin law. However, how people react to such regulation has been under-investigated. The research reported here has two objectives: to analyze how different advertising contents (regulated or not) affect the persuasion process from attention to behavioural responses, and whether young people are protected; to examine how alcohol warnings perform depending on their salience and the advertising content displayed (regulated or not). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study surveyed French people aged 15-30 using a mixed-methods design. In-depth interviews were conducted on 26 respondents to understand how non-regulated (NRA) and regulated (RA) alcohol advertising influence the persuasion process. An experiment on 696 people assessed the influence of RA vs. NRA on intentions to buy and drink alcohol, and whether less vs. more salient warnings displayed in the RA or NRA setting have differential effects on behavioural responses. RESULTS: NRA (vs. RA) had a greater influence on young people's desire to buy and drink alcohol, which we explain by different psychological processes. NRA appeared to trigger a heuristic process that involves affective reactions (e.g. image, symbolism) and product-oriented responses (e.g. quality), whereas RA appeared to trigger a more systematic process that had less influence. The protective effect of content regulations was strong for the youngest participants but fades as age increases, reaching its limits at age 22 years. Salience of the warnings had no influence on desire to buy and drink alcohol, whatever the ad content. CONCLUSION: Advertising content regulations need to be implemented to protect young people, particularly the youngest. Our results on alcohol health warnings highlighted that text-only labels similar to those adopted in many countries are ineffective at decreasing young people's intentions to buy and drink alcohol.

Assessment of environmental and spatial factors influencing the establishment of Anopheles gambiae larval habitats in the malaria endemic province of Woleu-Ntem, northern Gabon.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of Anopheles mosquito larval habitats and the environmental factors associated with them, as a prerequisite for the implementation of larviciding. METHODS: The study was conducted in December 2021, during the transition period between the end of the short rainy season (September-November) and the short dry season (December-February). Physical, biological, and land cover data were integrated with entomological observations to collect Anopheles larvae in three major towns: Mitzic, Oyem, and Bitam, using the "dipping" method during the transition from rainy to dry season. The collected larvae were then reared in a field laboratory established for the study period. After the Anopheles mosquitoes had emerged, their species were identified using appropriate morphological taxonomic keys. To determine the influence of environmental factors on the breeding of Anopheles mosquitoes, multiple-factor analysis (MFA) and a binomial generalized linear model were used. RESULTS: According to the study, only 33.1% out of the 284 larval habitats examined were found to be positive for Anopheles larvae, which were primarily identified as belonging to the Anopheles gambiae complex. The findings of the research suggested that the presence of An. gambiae complex larvae in larval habitats was associated with various significant factors such as higher urbanization, the size and type of the larval habitats (pools and puddles), co-occurrence with Culex and Aedes larvae, hot spots in ambient temperature, moderate rainfall, and land use patterns. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this research mark the initiation of a focused vector control plan that aims to eradicate or lessen the larval habitats of An. gambiae mosquitoes in Gabon's Woleu Ntem province. This approach deals with the root causes of malaria transmission through larvae and is consistent with the World Health Organization's (WHO) worldwide objective to decrease malaria prevalence in regions where it is endemic.

Polyphenol Analysis via LC-MS-ESI and Potent Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Jatropha multifida L. Extracts Used in Benin Pharmacopoeia.

Jatropha multifida L., a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, is commonly used in Benin's traditional medicine due to its therapeutic benefits. This study aims to explore the medicinal efficacy of Jatropha multifida L. by evaluating its various biological activities. An initial phytochemical analysis was conducted, following which the polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified and identified using LC-MS-ESI. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extracts was tested using agar diffusion. Their antioxidant capacity was assessed using several methods: DPPH radical reduction, ABTS radical cation reduction, ferric ion (FRAP) reduction, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Anti-inflammatory activity was determined based on the inhibition of protein (specifically albumin) denaturation. The study identified several phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, o-Coumaroylquinic acid, Apigenin-apiosyl-glucoside, and luteolin-galactoside. Notably, the extracts of J. multifida demonstrated bactericidal effects against a range of pathogens, with Concentration Minimally Bactericidal (CMB) values ranging from 22.67 mg/mL (for organisms such as S. aureus and C. albicans) to 47.61 mg/mL (for E. coli). Among the extracts, the ethanolic variant displayed the most potent DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 0.72 ± 0.03 mg/mL. In contrast, the methanolic extract was superior in ferric ion reduction, registering 46.23 ± 1.10 µgEAA/g. Interestingly, the water-ethanolic extract surpassed others in the ABTS reduction method with a score of 0.49 ± 0.11 mol ET/g and also showcased the highest albumin denaturation inhibition rate of 97.31 ± 0.35% at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. In conclusion, the extracts of Jatropha multifida L. are enriched with bioactive compounds that exhibit significant biological activities, underscoring their therapeutic potential.

Resistance and Biofilm Production Profile of Potential Isolated from Kpètè-Kpètè Used to Produce Traditional Fermented Beer.

This study aimed to characterize the pathogenicity of bacteria isolated from the starter of two traditional beers produced and consumed in Benin. After standard microbial identification, species were identified by specific biochemical tests such as catalase, coagulase, and API 20 E. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested according to the French Society of Microbiology Antibiogram Committee. The crystal violet microplate technique evaluated the biofilm production and conventional PCR was used to identify genes encoding virulence and macrolide resistance. According to our data, the traditional starter known as kpètè-kpètè that is used to produce beer is contaminated by Enterobacteriaceae and staphylococci species. Thus, 28.43% of the isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and 10.93% coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS). Six species such as Klebsiella terrigena (1.38%), Enterobacter aerogens (4.14%), Providencia rettgeri (5.51%), Chryseomonas luteola (6.89%), Serratia rubidae (15.16%), and Enterobacter cloacae (27.56%) were identified among Enterobacteriaceae. Those bacterial strains are multi-resistant to conventional antibiotics. The hight capability of produced biofilms was recorded with Enterobacter aerogens, Klebsiella terrigena (100%), Providencia rettgeri (75%), and Staphylococcus spp (60%). Enterobacter cloacae (4%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (5.55%) harbor the macrolide resistance gene. For other strains, these genes were not detected. Foods contaminated with bacteria resistant to antibiotics and carrying a virulence gene could constitute a potential public health problem. There is a need to increase awareness campaigns on hygiene rules in preparing and selling these traditional beers.

Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses Occurrence and Distribution in the Last Three Decades in Central Africa: A Systematic Literature Review.

Arboviruses represent a real public health problem globally and in the Central African subregion in particular, which represents a high-risk zone for the emergence and re-emergence of arbovirus outbreaks. Furthermore, an updated review on the current arbovirus burden and associated mosquito vectors is lacking for this region. To contribute to filling this knowledge gap, the current study was designed with the following objectives: (i) to systematically review data on the occurrence and distribution of arboviruses and mosquito fauna; and (ii) to identify potential spillover mosquito species in the Central African region in the last 30 years. A web search enabled the documentation of 2454 articles from different online databases. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the quality of reporting of meta-analyses (QUORUM) steps for a systematic review enabled the selection of 164 articles that fulfilled our selection criteria. Of the six arboviruses (dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), yellow fever virus (YFV), Zika virus (ZIKV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and West Nile virus (WNV)) of public health concern studied, the most frequently reported were chikungunya and dengue. The entomological records showed >248 species of mosquitoes regrouped under 15 genera, with Anopheles (n = 100 species), Culex (n = 56 species), and Aedes (n = 52 species) having high species diversity. Three genera were rarely represented, with only one species included, namely, Orthopodomyia, Lutzia, and Verrallina, but individuals of the genera Toxorhinchites and Finlayas were not identified at the species level. We found that two Aedes species (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) colonised the same microhabitat and were involved in major epidemics of the six medically important arboviruses, and other less-frequently identified mosquito genera consisted of competent species and were associated with outbreaks of medical and zoonotic arboviruses. The present study reveals a high species richness of competent mosquito vectors that could lead to the spillover of medically important arboviruses in the region. Although epidemiological studies were found, they were not regularly documented, and this also applies to vector competence and transmission studies. Future studies will consider unpublished information in dissertations and technical reports from different countries to allow their information to be more consistent. A regional project, entitled "Ecology of Arboviruses" (EcoVir), is underway in three countries (Gabon, Benin, and Cote d'Ivoire) to generate a more comprehensive epidemiological and entomological data on this topic.

A survey of Stomoxys Geoffroy, 1762 (Diptera: Muscidae) in eight administrative regions of Cameroon

ABSTRACT Stomoxys Geoffroy, 1762 are major livestock pests in the tropics and are common in diverse habitats. This study aims to conduct a survey on the Stomoxys fauna of Cameroon. From 2015 to 2017, entomological studies using standard traps (n=204) were conducted in eight administrative regions found in five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Cameroon with 606 trap-points over 22,032 traps days. A total of 77,804 Stomoxys specimens were collected, with eight taxa consisting of six species (S. calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758), S. omega Newstead, Dutton & Todd, 1907, S. xanthomelas Roubaud, 1937, S. inornatus Grunberg, 1906, S. transvittatus Villeneuve, 1916, and S. sitiens (Rondani, 1873)) and two subspecies (Stomoxys niger niger Macquart, 1851 and S. niger bilineatus Grunberg, 1906) identified. Among all the recorded taxa, S. calcitrans and S. n. niger were present in five and seven of the eight regions respectively, but S. sitiens was rare and only found in the North. Furthermore, the highest species number (seven out of eight) was recorded in the Guinee savanna of the Adamawa region. The highest apparent density range of 101 to 200 Stomoxys/ trap/ day (s/t/d) was recorded in the Sudan savanna AEZ of the Far North region. Stomoxys occurred in all the AEZs in eight regions, some of which are major cattle rearing regions. This represents risk for the mechanically transmission of dangerous pathogens in those regions.

Knowledge and practices toward COVID-19 preventive measures and symptoms: A case-control study in Benin

Introduction. Following communication and awareness actions related to COVID-19, we assessed the knowledge and practices about COVID-19 in Benin. Methods. A case-control survey was conducted from 14 September to 20 October 2020 in Benin. Questions relatingto knowledge and practices on COVID-19 were collected through a questionnaire survey. A total of 312 respondents (104 cases and 208 controls) were included in the study. Logistic regression and Spearman correlation tests were used to examine the relation between participants knowledge and practice at a 5% significance level. Results. From the survey, 65.4% of cases and 68.3% of controls knew about COVID-19 transmission via air droplets. Most of the cases (67.31%) and control (79.81%) participants reported cough as a symptom of COVID-19. Handwashing with soap and water was the most protective measure known by 87.5% of cases and 90.87% of controls. Concerning practice, the cloth mask was the type mostly worn by cases (54.81%) and controls (58.65%). Wearing a face mask in public areas was significantly associated with the COVID-19 health status of respondents (OR = 2.98, CI95% [1.16-7.67]; p = 0.022). Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation exists between knowledge of the COVID-19 protective measures and hand hygiene practices when leaving a public place (r = 0.184, p=0.001). Conclusion. Through this study, we observed some discrepancies between the knowledge and practices related to COVID-19 among cases and controls surveyed. Therefore, efforts should be directed toward raising awareness about the disease to improve their knowledge and practices

Satisfaction with alemtuzumab in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients: Results from the real-world PRO-ACT study.

Background: Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly used in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis to understand the patient's perspective of disease and treatment. These measures provide insights into important factors including treatment satisfaction, physical and psychological function, and quality of life. Objective: To present results from the real-world PRO-ACT study in patients with multiple sclerosis who switched to alemtuzumab from another disease-modifying therapy. Methods: This 24-month, prospective, multicenter, observational study had a primary endpoint of change in overall satisfaction, measured using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) version 1.4. Secondary endpoints included the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale-5 (MFIS-5), and the Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS). Safety was monitored with adverse events (AEs). Results: Of 199 enrolled patients, improvements were observed in mean TSQM scores for overall satisfaction (baseline, 50.3; year 2, + 13.2; p < 0.0001), effectiveness (49.3 and + 12.2; p < 0.0001), and side effects (77.6 and + 4.5; p = 0.04). Improvements were also observed in MSIS-29 physical (52.4 and -6.0; p < 0.0001), MSIS-29 psychological (53.4 and -7.0; p = 0.0003), and MFIS-5 (12.8 and -1.7; p < 0.0001). Most (95.0%) patients experienced ≥ 1 AE (88.4% mild, 67.8% moderate). Conclusions: The primary endpoint was met; the safety of alemtuzumab was consistent with pivotal studies.

Phylogenetic Groups, Pathotypes and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Western Lowland Gorilla Faeces (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) of Moukalaba-Doudou National Park (MDNP).

(1) Background: Terrestrial mammals in protected areas have been identified as a potential source of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Studies on antimicrobial resistance in gorillas have already been conducted. Thus, this study aimed to describe the phylogroups, pathotypes and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from western lowland gorilla's faeces living in MDNP. (2) Materials and Methods: Ninety-six faecal samples were collected from western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) during daily monitoring in the MDNP. Sixty-four E. coli isolates were obtained and screened for phylogenetic and pathotype group genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after DNA extraction. In addition, antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar. (3) Results: Sixty-four (64%) isolates of E. coli were obtained from samples. A high level of resistance to the beta-lactam family, a moderate rate for fluoroquinolone and a low rate for aminoglycoside was obtained. All E. coli isolates were positive in phylogroup PCR with a predominance of A (69% ± 11.36%), followed by B2 (20% ± 19.89%) and B1 (10% ± 8.90%) and low prevalence for D (1% ± 3.04%). In addition, twenty E. coli isolates (31%) were positive for pathotype PCR, such as EPEC (85% ± 10.82%) and EPEC/EHEC (15% ± 5.18%) that were obtained in this study. The majority of these MDR E. coli (DECs) belonged to phylogenetic group A, followed by MDR E. coli (DECs) belonging to group B2. (4) Conclusion: This study is the first description of MDR E. coli (DECs) assigned to phylogroup A in western lowland gorillas from the MDNP in Gabon. Thus, wild gorillas in MDNP could be considered as asymptomatic carriers of potential pathogenic MDR E. coli (DECs) that may present a potential risk to human health.

Tabanid-transmitted animal trypanosomiasis in Cameroon: Evidence from a study in the tsetse free pastoral zone of Galim.

The role of tabanids as potential transmitters of animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) has not yet been established in Cameroon. The objectives of this study were: (i) to trap and determine the species richness and abundance of tabanids, (ii) to identify circulating trypansomes in cattle and tabanids in a tsetse free area. A three year (2015 to 2017) tabanid survey in six regions of Cameroon was conducted. In Galim village, which is in a tsetse free area, both tabanids and cattle blood samples were screened by PCR for the presence of trypanosome DNA. Tabanids were diverse in Littoral (13 species) and in Adamawa (13 species), but were abundant in the Far North region (36.37 to 145.58 tabanids per trap per day (t/t/d)). In Galim, the tabanid trypanosomal DNA presence was 24.4% (95% CI: 11.25-37.53), while the bovine trypanosomal DNA presence was 4.8% (95% CI: 1.68-11.20). In this village, the Trypanosoma spp. identified in tabanids were T. theileri, T. vivax and T. evansi, while those in cattle were T. theileri and T. vivax. The control of tabanids is required to stop the mechanical spread of AAT in tsetse free areas.

Avelumab in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is known to use both local and systemic immunosuppressive strategies. One such strategy is the expression of the immune checkpoint protein programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) by both tumor cells and tumor-associated immune cells. Recent phase III trials using IgG4 antibodies targeting PD-1, the ligand for PD-L1, failed to show any benefit. Avelumab is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting PD-L1. In contrast to the previously tested immune checkpoint inhibitors, it can directly bind tumor cells and immune cells expressing PD-L1 and can induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. METHODS: We conducted a single center, open label, phase II study where avelumab 10 mg/kg IV Q2W was added concurrently to the first monthly temozolomide cycle in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on surgery samples. The primary objective was safety. Secondary objectives were efficacy outcomes according to the immunotherapy Response Assessment in Neuro Oncology criteria, progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Exploratory objectives aimed at determining prognostic biomarkers. RESULTS: Thirty patients were started on therapy and two were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up time (reverse Kaplan-Meier) was 41.7 months (IQR: 28.3-43.4). Three (10.0%) patients had a related or possibly related treatment emergent adverse event that lead to transient or permanent discontinuation of avelumab. Eight (26.7%) patients had one or more immune-related adverse events, and 8 (26.7%) patients had an infusion-related reaction. The overall response rate was 23.3%, median PFS was 9.7 months, and the median OS was 15.3 months. No pretreatment biomarkers showed any predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of avelumab to standard therapy in patients with GBM was not associated with any new safety signal. There was no apparent improvement in OS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03047473 Registered February 9, 2017.

Technological and microbiological characteristics of indigenous food produced in Gabon.

The purpose of this study was to provide contextual information on indigenous food's technologies and safety from Gabon. The strategic focus being to promote local food with enhanced nutritional value and improved safety. An investigation and monitoring were carried out to elucidate their process flow diagrams and to identify safety failures. Samples were taken for microbiological analysis using conventional culture-based techniques. Detection and identification of Salmonella in samples were confirmed using PCR based method by targeting invasion plasmid antigen B (IpaB) gene. The investigation shows that women play a protagonist role in the technical know-how of Gabonese indigenous foods in a context that is evolving towards the disappearance of this knowledge. The food production process remains archaic, which makes the environment impact on food safety. Indeed, the proximity of food manufacturing environment to animals, waste, or latrines coupled with the lack of hygiene and manufacturing practices affect the quality of these foods. This is reflected in our study's microbiological results, namely, Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria ranged from 3.53 to 11.96 log CFU/g and indicators of fecal contaminations of up to 8.21 log CFU/g. Salmonella is detected in 18.69% of samples. The presence of these bacteria is a risk for consumer health. Although some of these foods can be considered as a fermented food, the producers should be further educated and encouraged to take preventive measures to ensure the quality of these food products. A much more subtle approach based on microbial ecology of these foods should be explored for better exploitation.

Frequency and diversity of trypanosomes in sheep and goats from Mongo County in South Gabon, Central Africa.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Trypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock farming in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a vector-borne disease caused by several species of protozoan parasites, namely, trypanosomes. The present study aimed to identify the diversity of trypanosome species infecting sheep and goats from Mongo County and to determine the frequency of these parasites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 286 trypanotolerant goats and sheep from Mongo regions located in South Gabon, using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Analyses showed that the overall occurrence of trypanosomosis in small ruminants was 13.6% (39/286). Our results also showed that two factors, species and season, could affect the occurrence rate of Trypanosoma. A total of six Trypanosoma species were identified, two in sheep (Trypanosoma simiae and Trypanosoma theileri) and five in goats (Trypanosoma vivax, T. simiae, T. simiae Tsavo, Trypanosoma congolense, and Trypanosoma brucei), though Trypanosoma simiae was the most important species. Mixed infections were also found in goats (54.5%) and sheep (3.57%). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that small ruminants could represent a reservoir of biodiversity for Trypanosoma parasites.

Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19: Summary and Possible Interventions.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2019 over 4 million people have been infected and over 280,000 have died (1). Information about the SARS-CoV2 virus is evolving rapidly. At this time there are no interventions proven to be effective for cases infected with SARS-CoV2. Current knowledge about the clinical and laboratory manifestations of COVID-19 infection is reviewed and combined with knowledge about the immunopathogenic mechanisms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV1) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) to formulate theories and suggest possible therapeutic interventions. SARS-CoV2 immunopathogenic mechanisms vary from immunosuppression that initially enables viral escape to a hyperinflammatory immune response. Ultimately therapeutic intervention will be phase dependent.

Multicentre assessment of motor and sensory evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis: reliability and implications for clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Motor and sensory evoked potentials (EP) are potential candidate biomarkers for clinical trials in multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine test -retest reliability of motor EP (MEP) and sensory EP (SEP) and associated EP-scores in patients with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: In three centres, 16 relapsing and five progressive multiple sclerosis patients had MEPs and SEPs 1-29 days apart. Five neurophysiologists independently marked latencies by central reading. By variance component analysis, we estimated the critical difference (absolute reliability) for cross-sectional group comparison, comparison of longitudinal group changes, within-subject minimal detectable change and defined within-subject improvement. RESULTS: Cortical SEP responses and cortico-muscular MEP latencies were more reliable than central conduction times. For comparison of 20 subjects per arm, cross-sectional group difference ranged from 0.7 to 3.9 ms and 1.1 to 1.7, group difference in longitudinal changes from 0.4 to 1.8 ms and 0.36 to 0.62, within-subject minimal detectable change from 1.2 to 5.8 ms and 1.2 to 2.0, within-subject improvement from 0.8 to 3.8ms and 0.8 to 1.3, for single EP modalities and EP scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Multicentre EP assessment with central EP reading is feasible and reliable. The critical difference is reasonably low to detect significant group changes and to define responders. The results support the concept of using EP and EP-scores as candidate response biomarkers for quantification of disease progression and for studying remyelination in multiple sclerosis.

Characterization and comparison of poorly known moth communities through DNA barcoding in two Afrotropical environments in Gabon 1.

Biodiversity research in tropical ecosystems-popularized as the most biodiverse habitats on Earth-often neglects invertebrates, yet invertebrates represent the bulk of local species richness. Insect communities in particular remain strongly impeded by both Linnaean and Wallacean shortfalls, and identifying species often remains a formidable challenge inhibiting the use of these organisms as indicators for ecological and conservation studies. Here we use DNA barcoding as an alternative to the traditional taxonomic approach for characterizing and comparing the diversity of moth communities in two different ecosystems in Gabon. Though sampling remains very incomplete, as evidenced by the high proportion (59%) of species represented by singletons, our results reveal an outstanding diversity. With about 3500 specimens sequenced and representing 1385 BINs (Barcode Index Numbers, used as a proxy to species) in 23 families, the diversity of moths in the two sites sampled is higher than the current number of species listed for the entire country, highlighting the huge gap in biodiversity knowledge for this country. Both seasonal and spatial turnovers are strikingly high (18.3% of BINs shared between seasons, and 13.3% between sites) and draw attention to the need to account for these when running regional surveys. Our results also highlight the richness and singularity of savannah environments and emphasize the status of Central African ecosystems as hotspots of biodiversity.

Prolonged-Release Fampridine as Adjunct Therapy to Active Motor Training in MS Patients: A Pilot, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Both prolonged-release fampridine (PRF) and enabling active motor training (EAMT) are beneficial in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Their combined effect is, however, understudied. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to determine if PRF augments the beneficial effect of EAMT in MS patients as opposed to placebo. METHOD: This is a pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind 14-week study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive PRF 10 mg BID (n = 21) or placebo (n = 20). All patients underwent EAMT during the first six weeks. Patients were assessed at -4, 0, 6 and 14 weeks. RESULTS: Both groups remained stable between -4 to 0 weeks and showed statistically significant improvements for the six-minute walk and the five-times-sit-to-stand test at weeks 6 and 14. The PRF-treated group achieved a greater mean percentage improvement and a higher incidence of responders in all three tasks at both time points. The study was, however, underpowered to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm previous studies demonstrating that MS patients, despite significant disability, do benefit from a rehabilitation program. Our study is the first to show a trend suggesting that PRF in MS patients appears to enhance the benefit of EAMT. Further studies are required to confirm this.Clinical trial registration number with Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT02146534.

The effectiveness of current French health warnings displayed on alcohol advertisements and alcoholic beverages.

Background: Many countries use health warnings in an attempt to regulate alcohol consumption. However, there is a lack of conclusive evidence in the research on alcohol warnings to support decision-making on effective health policies. This study explores the effectiveness of two mandatory warnings introduced in France in 1991 and 2007: the first (Alcohol abuse is harmful) is displayed on alcohol advertisements; the second (a pictogram) on bottles. Given that advertising content regulations have been implemented in some countries to reduce the attractiveness of alcohol marketing (e.g. the Evin law in France), this research also aims to explore whether such regulations can improve the effectiveness of warnings. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 French people aged 15-29 years. The effectiveness of health warnings was assessed in terms of recall, noticeability, credibility, comprehension, responsiveness, and ability to encourage moderate drinking and abstinence during pregnancy. Participants were shown alcohol advertisements and bottles that either followed or challenged content regulations. The data were analyzed using double manual coding and NVivo software. Results: While both warnings suffered from a lack of visibility and noticeability due to their size, location, and outdatedness and because of competition from marketing design elements, the warning on the advertisement that followed content regulations was most visible. Both warnings were considered to be informationally vague, lacking in credibility and ineffective in terms of making participants feel concerned and influencing consumption habits. Conclusions: Current French warnings are ineffective and require modification. Improvements are suggested regarding the design and content of warnings to help increase their effectiveness.