Direct observation of ß-alkynyl eliminations from unstrained propargylic alkoxide Cu(i) complexes by C-C bond cleavage.

ß-Carbon eliminations of aryl, allylic, and propargylic alkoxides of Rh(i), Pd(ii), and Cu(i) are key elementary reactions in the proposed mechanisms of homogeneously catalysed cross-coupling, group transfer, and annulation. Besides the handful of studies with isolable Rh(i)-alkoxides, ß-carbon eliminations of Pd(ii)- and Cu(i)-alkoxides are less definitive. Herein, we provide a comprehensive synthetic, structural, and mechanistic study on the ß-alkynyl eliminations of isolable secondary and tertiary propargylic alkoxide Cu(i) complexes, LCuOC(H)(Ph)C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPh and LCuOC(ArF)2C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPh (L = N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), dppf, S-BINAP), to produce monomeric (NHC)CuC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPh, dimeric [(diphosphine)CuC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPh]2, and the corresponding carbonyl. Selective ß-alkynyl over ß-hydrogen elimination was observed for NHC- and diphosphine-supported secondary propargylic alkoxide complexes. The mechanism for the first-order reaction of ß-carbon elimination of (IPr*Me)CuOC(ArF)2C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPh is proposed to occur through an organized four-centred transition state via a Cu-alkyne π complex based on Eyring analysis of variable-temperature reaction rates by UV-vis kinetic analysis to provide ΔH ‡ = 24(1) kcal mol-1, ΔS ‡ = -8(3) e.u., and ΔG ‡ (25 °C) = 27 kcal mol-1 over a temperature range of 60-100 °C. Additional quantitative UV-vis kinetic studies conclude that the electronic and steric properties of the NHC ligands engendered a marginal effect on the elimination rate, requiring 2-3 h at 100 °C for completion, whereas complete ß-alkynyl eliminations of diphosphine-supported propargylic alkoxides were observed in 1-2 h at 25 °C.

Changes in early HIV/AIDS mortality rates in people initiating antiretroviral treatment between 2013 and 2023: A 10-year multicenter survival study in Senegal.

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS-related early mortality has long been a significant challenge. Subsequent to recent policy changes and treatment advancements, we aimed to assess changes in early mortality rates in 2013-16 and 2017-19 compared to 2020-23. METHODS: This is a 10-year multicenter survival study in people living with human immunodeficiency virus having initiated ART between 2013 and 2023. We used frailty-based competing risk models to estimate adjusted early (6-month and one-year) mortality hazard ratios (HRs) in people living with HIV (PW HIV) having initiated ART in 2013-16 (comparator), 2017-19, and 2020-23. RESULTS: We enrolled 4006 persons of whom 2281 (56.9 %) were female; median age was 40 years (IQR: 31-50); 635 (15.9 %) were at WHO clinical stage IV and 934 (23.3 %) had a CD4 count <200 cells/mm3. Median follow-up was 80.4 months (IQR: 48.6-106.7). All in all, 463 participants died (4.37 deaths per 100 person-years), including 296 at one year of follow-up (7.4 % [95 % CI: 6.6-8.2]). ART initiation in 2016-19 and 2020-23 was associated with 27 % (adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.73; 95 % CI: 0.55-0.98) and 63 % (aHR: 0.37; 95 % CI: 0.25-0.56) reductions in one-year mortality rates, respectively, compared to the 2013-16 period. CONCLUSION: Early mortality risk has significantly decreased over time in Senegal. However, the proportion of PW HIV with AIDS-defining conditions remains concerning. Continued efforts to ensure early diagnosis and prompt linkage to care are needed for more impact.

Serum calcium improves the relationship between fluoride exposure and hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones levels in males-a cross-sectional study on farmers in the lower reaches of the Yellow River.

Numerous studies have reported the toxicity of fluoride to the male reproductive system, but epidemiological evidence is limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Kaifeng City, Henan Province in 2011 to explore the association between fluoride exposure and hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis hormones in men. Morning urinary fluoride (UF), serum HPT axis hormones and serum calcium (SC) concentrations were detected. Percent changes and 95% confidence intervals in HPT axis hormones associated with UF were estimated using adjusted linear regression models, and performed subgroup analysis based on SC levels. The restricted cubic spline model was used to fit nonlinear relationships. For every 10% increase in UF, the concentrations of serum GnRH, T, SHBG and TSI decreased by 2.13%, 2.39%, 2.19% and 1.96%, while E2 and FEI increased by 1.11% and 3.33%. Subgroup analysis showed that for every 10% increase in UF, the levels of GnRH, T, TSI and FTI decreased by approximately 3.15%, 5.49%, 4.47% and 5.14%, while the E2 level increased by 2.92% in low-serum-calcium group (LCG). The levels of GnRH and T decreased by approximately 2.97% and 1.82% in medium-serum-calcium group (MCG). In high-serum-calcium group (HCG), serum SHBG levels decreased by 4.70%, while FTI and FEI levels increased by 4.93% and 4.20% as UF concentration increased (P<0.05, respectively). The non-linear relationship between serum GnRH and UF concentrations presented an approximately inverted U-shaped curve, with a turning point UF concentration of 1.164mg/L (P<0.001), and their nonlinear relationship in LCG and MCG were similar to that in the overall subjects. In conclusion, excessive exposure to fluoride can interfere with male serum HPT axis hormones, and a moderate increase in SC alleviates the effect of fluoride. Prospective cohort studies are essential to confirm the causality.

Cytokinin-related genes regulate cucumber fruit pedicel length.

Pedicel length is a crucial agronomic trait of cucumbers. Fruit deformation can occur When the pedicel is too long or too short. Moreover, an appropriate pedicel length is advantageous for mechanized harvesting. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying cucumber pedicel length. In the current study, we obtained a short pedicel mutant through EMS mutagenesis and discovered that the reduced cell number was the primary cause of the shortened pedicel. Upon analyzing the hormone content, we found that the level of trans zeatin in the long-pedicel material was significantly higher than that in the short-pedicel material. Further transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in cytokinin synthesis-related pathways. Based on these results, the present study concluded that cucumber pedicel length is regulated by genes related to the cytokinin synthesis pathway and that differences in length result from differences in zeatin content and cell number.

Development and feasibility of the peer and nurse-led HIV Self-Testing Education and Promotion (STEP) intervention among social networks of men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: application of the ADAPT-ITT model.

BACKGROUND: According to the 2016-2017 Tanzania HIV Impact Survey, only 45% of men living with HIV (MLWH) were aware of their HIV status. In an effort to increase HIV testing in Tanzania, including among men, the Government of Tanzania passed a law in December 2019 allowing HIV self-testing (HIVST) to be included in the national testing strategies. The objective of this paper is to describe the development and pilot feasibility assessment of the Self-Testing Education and Promotion (STEP) intervention, which includes male peer education and demand creation for HIVST, and nurse-led distribution of HIVST kits in a community setting. METHODS: The development and piloting processes were guided by the ADAPT-ITT model and informed by a national PEPFAR/USAID-funded HIV implementation science project called Sauti. The adapted STEP intervention included the following two components: 1) peer-based HIVST promotion; and 2) nurse-led HIVST distribution. For the feasibility assessment, 25 men were selected and trained as peer educators in 2019 to promote HIVST among their peers before recruiting 253 men who received instructions and an HIVST kit from a nurse at a community-based study tent site. RESULTS: Of the 236 participants who completed the 1-month follow-up survey, 98.3% reported using the kit. The majority (92.4%) of participants reported a negative HIVST result while 4.2% (n = 10) received a positive result. Most (70%, n = 7) of the participants with a positive result sought follow-up services at a healthcare facility while 40.3% (n = 95) of the participants with a negative self-test result visited the community-based project site. Most of the men (53%, n = 129) did not visit a healthcare facility or the study site. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that the combined peer-based promotion and nurse-led distribution of HIVST intervention was acceptable and feasible, though seeking follow-up services at healthcare facilities remained low. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of offering nurse-led community-based clinical follow-up services in addition to HIVST rather than referral to facilities.

Wafer-Sized CsPbBr3/CsPbCl3 Heterojunction: Breaking the Trade-Off between Sensitivity and Dark Current for Efficient X-ray Detector.

Polycrystalline lead halide perovskite finds promising use in fabricating X-ray detectors with a large lateral size, adjustable thickness, and diverse synthesis processes. However, a large dark current hinders its development for weak signal detection. Herein, we propose a multistep pressing strategy for manufacturing a CsPbBr3/CsPbCl3 heterojunction wafer for a reduced dark current X-ray detector, and the device keeps a high sensitivity value after the insertion of a barrier by heterojunction; thus, the trade-off between sensitivity and dark current can be broken. The X-ray detector with a metal-semiconductor-metal structure yields a sensitivity of 6.32 × 104 µC Gyair-1 cm-2 at a bias of 12 V, a 1/f noise of 1.02 × 10-13 A/Hz-1/2, and a detection limit of 66.58 nGy s-1. These performance parameters are considerably better than those of a similar X-ray detector based on the single-structure wafer. The improved device performance of the heterostructure X-ray detector is ascribed to the suppressed carrier recombination, enhanced carrier transportation of the heterojunction, and strong X-ray attenuation of the CsPbCl3 layer. The pixel array device is further used in imaging applications. Hence, this study provides an efficient strategy for fabricating heterostructure polycrystalline lead halide perovskite wafers for use in high-performance wafer-based X-ray detectors.

Step-Scheme SnO2/Zn3In2S6 Catalysts for Solar Production of Hydrogen Peroxide From Seawater.

Photocatalytic generation of H2O2, involving both oxygen reduction and water oxidation without sacrificial agents, necessitates maximized light absorption, suitable band structure, and efficient carrier transport. Leveraging the redox capacity this study designs and constructs a step-scheme heterostructured SnO2/Zn3In2S6 catalyst for H2O2 production from seawater under ambient conditions for the first time. This photocatalyst demonstrates a remarkable H2O2 production rate of 43.5 µmol g⁻¹ min⁻¹ without sacrificial agents, which can be increased to 80.7 µmol g⁻¹ min⁻¹ with additional O2 injection. Extensive in situ and ex situ characterizations, supported by theoretical calculations, reveal efficient carrier transport and robust redox ability, enabling complete photosynthesis of H2O2 at the oxidation and reduction sites in the S-scheme SnO2/Zn3In2S6 heterojunction. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that substituting SnO2 with other semiconductors such as TiO2, WO3, and BiVO4 can all form S-scheme and the results confirm the feasibility of such catalyst design. Additionally, it demonstrates the recycling and further utilization of the H2O2 produced. These findings offer new insights into the design of heterostructure catalyst architectures and present new opportunities for H2O2 production from seawater at ambient conditions without sacrificial agents.

Translation and validation of the CLEO tool in Vietnamese to assess the significance of pharmacist interventions.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no validated tool available for assessing the potential significance of pharmacist interventions in Vietnam. AIM: This study aimed to translate the CLEO tool from French into Vietnamese, validate the Vietnamese version, and demonstrate its feasibility in daily practice. METHOD: The CLEO tool was translated into Vietnamese (CLEOVN) using a 5-step process by bilingual experts. A total of 100 scenarios were compiled from clinical cases from nine hospitals evaluated by seven clinical pharmacists to determine inter-rater reliability and 30 out of 100 scenarios were re-evaluated one month later to determine test-retest reliability. Reliability was quantified using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). A 20-item questionnaire on a 7-point Likert scale assessed the tool's appropriateness, acceptability, precision, and feasibility. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability was good for clinical dimension (ICCA,1 = 0.71), excellent for economic dimension (ICCA,1 = 0.86), and fair for organizational/operational dimension (ICCA,1 = 0.56). Test-retest reliability scores were excellent for clinical (I̅C̅C̅A,1 = 0.79), excellent for economic (I̅C̅C̅A,1 = 0.84), and fair for organizational/operational (I̅C̅C̅A,1 = 0.56). The tool was rated as appropriate (mean = 5.86; SD = 1.03), acceptable (mean = 5.19; SD = 1.12), precise (mean = 5.71; SD = 1.17), and feasible (mean = 5.05; SD = 1.24). The maximum time required to evaluate an intervention was three minutes. CONCLUSION: The CLEOVN tool was successfully translated and validated for reliability, appropriateness, acceptability, precision, and feasibility. It will be suitable to evaluate the value of clinical pharmacy interventions.

Diuretics and risk of major adverse limb events in patients with type-2 diabetes: an observational retrospective study.

AIM: In patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are suspected to increase the risk of amputation. "Traditional" diuretics may increase major adverse limb events (MALEs), but the evidence is weak. We studied the association between common diuretics (i.e. thiazides, loop- and potassium-sparing diuretics) and MALEs/amputations in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Consecutive T2DM patients without cardiovascular history referred to our center for cardiovascular check-ups were retrospectively studied. Follow-up data on MALEs were collected. We used Cox models to assess the association between diuretics and MALEs, or amputation alone. A propensity score with inverse probability of diuretic treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed. RESULTS: We studied 1309 patients, (59.5±10.7 years, 51% females) with diabetes duration of 9.1±8.5 years, among whom 402 (30%) were taking diuretics. During a follow-up of 3.8±1.64 years, 121 (9.1%) had MALEs, including 19 (1.4%) amputations. Death occurred in 111 patients and the proportion of death was significantly different between groups: patients with diuretics n = 49, 44.1% vs patients without diuretics n = 62, 55.9 %, P = 0.001. Diuretics, in multivariable analysis, were associated with MALEs (aHR[95%CI] 1.96[1.32;2.91] P = 0.001), even after adjustment on propensity score (aHR 1.66[1.08;2.56] P = 0.02) and IPTW analysis (aHR 1.76[1.67;1.84] P < 0.0001). This risk was particularly increased in case of an abnormal ankle-brachial index (aHR 2.29[1.32;3.96], P = 0.003) at baseline. Looking at diuretic classes separately, the adjusted risk was increased with loop diuretics (aHR 2.56[1.16;5.64] P = 0.020), thiazides (aHR 2.21[1.37;3.57] P = 0.001) or potassium sparing diuretics (aHR 2.56[1.16;5.64] P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Diuretic treatment weighting may be associated with increased risk of MALEs. We identified several markers of increased risk of limb events where the use of diuretics should be considered with caution.

Erratum: Textbook Outcome of Delta-Shaped Anastomosis in Minimally Invasive Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in 4,505 Consecutive Patients.

This corrects the article on p. 341 in vol. 24, PMID: 38960892.

Prognostic cellular senescence-related lncRNAs patterns to predict clinical outcome and immune response in colon cancer.

Background: Cellular senescence (CS) is believed to be a major factor in the evolution of cancer. However, CS-related lncRNAs (CSRLs) involved in colon cancer regulation are not fully understood. Our goal was to create a novel CSRLs prognostic model for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy and exploring its potential molecular function in colon cancer. Methods: The mRNA sequencing data and relevant clinical information of GDC TCGA Colon Cancer (TCGA-COAD) were obtained from UCSC Xena platform, and CS-associated genes was acquired from the CellAge website. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify CSRLs. Then we used Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and univariate Cox analysis to acquire prognostic CSRL. Next, we created a CSRLs prognostic model using LASSO and multivariate Cox analysis, and evaluated its prognostic power by Kaplan-Meier and ROC curve analysis. Besides, we explored the difference in tumor microenvironment, somatic mutation, immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity between high-risk and low-risk groups. Finally, we verified the functions of MYOSLID in cell experiments. Results: Three CSRLs (AC025165.1, LINC02257 and MYOSLID) were identified as prognostic CSRLs. The prognostic model exhibited a powerful predictive ability for overall survival and clinicopathological features in colon cancer. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the proportion of immune cells and the expression of immunosuppressive point biomarkers between the different groups. The high-risk group benefited from the chemotherapy drugs, such as Teniposide and Mitoxantrone. Finally, cell proliferation and CS were suppressed after MYOSLID knockdown. Conclusion: CSRLs are promising biomarkers to forecast survival and therapeutic responses in colon cancer patients. Furthermore, MYOSLID, one of 3-CSRLs in the prognostic model, could dramatically regulate the proliferation and CS of colon cancer.

Coccoloba uvifera L. associated with Scleroderma Bermudense Coker: a pantropical ectomycorrhizal symbiosis used in restoring of degraded coastal sand dunes.

Coccoloba uvifera L. (Polygonacaeae), named also seagrape, is an ectomycorrhizal (ECM) Caribbean beach tree, introduced pantropically for stabilizing coastal soils and producing edible fruits. This review covers the pantropical distribution and micropropagation of seagrape as well as genetic diversity, functional traits and use of ECM symbioses in response to salinity, both in its native regions and areas where it has been introduced. The ECM fungal diversity associated with seagrape was found to be relatively low in its region of origin, with Scleroderma bermudense Coker being the predominant fungal species. In regions of introduction, seagrape predominantly associated with Scleroderma species, whereas S. bermudense was exclusively identified in Réunion and Senegal. The introduction of S. bermudense is likely through spores adhering to the seed coats of seagrape, suggesting a vertical transmission of ECM colonization in seagrape by S. bermudense. This ECM fungus demonstrated its capacity to enhance salt tolerance in seagrape seedlings by reducing Na concentration and increasing K and Ca levels, consequently promoting higher K/Na and Ca/Na ratios in the tissues of ECM seedlings vs. non-ECM plants in nursery conditions. Moreover, the ECM symbiosis positively influenced growth, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, chlorophyll fluorescence and content, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2, and water status, which improved the performance of ECM seagrape exposed to salt stress in planting conditions. The standardization of seagrape micropropagation emerges as a crucial tool for propagating homogeneous plant material in nursery and planting conditions. This review also explores the use of the ECM symbiosis between seagrape and S. bermudense as a strategy for restoring degraded coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and West African regions.

Minimally invasive spleen-preserving surgery to treat primary splenic hydatidosis: short and long-term outcomes: a cohort study.

Background: Primary splenic hydatidosis, a rare manifestation of Echinococcus granulosus infection, presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study compares spleen-preserving surgeries with total splenectomy for treating primary splenic hydatid cysts, focusing on short- and long-term outcomes in the Jordanian context, a region particularly affected by this condition. Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients diagnosed with primary splenic hydatid cysts at two Jordanian hospitals from January 2015 to June 2021. Selection criteria included confirmed diagnosis and complete medical records. Surgical approaches, including laparoscopic partial splenectomy, cystectomy, and cyst deroofing, supplemented by albendazole therapy, were compared based on patient demographics, symptoms, surgical details, complications, and recurrence rates. Results: The study group was composed of (n=7, 38.9%) male and (n=11, 61.1%) female patients, with an average age of 33.7 years. Most presented with left upper quadrant pain. Postoperative complications occurred in 22% of patients, with an 11% recurrence rate during follow-up. No significant statistical difference in recurrence rates was observed between spleen-preserving surgeries and total splenectomy. These findings highlight the efficacy of less invasive, spleen-preserving techniques in managing primary splenic hydatidosis, showing comparable outcomes to total splenectomy with minimal impact on recurrence rates. Conclusion: Spleen-preserving surgery offers a viable alternative to total splenectomy in treating primary splenic hydatid cysts. This approach maintains immune functionality and reduces septic risks, especially in pediatric patients. The study underscores the importance of individualized treatment approaches and suggests further research with larger cohorts for more comprehensive insights into managing this rare condition. The limitations of this study include its small sample size and retrospective nature.

Haematological features of telomere biology disorders diagnosed in adulthood: A French nationwide study of 127 patients.

Data on haematological features of telomere biology disorders (TBD) remain scarce. We describe haematological, extra-haematological characteristics and prognosis of 127 genetically confirmed TBD patients diagnosed after the age of 15. Ninety-three index cases and 34 affected relatives were included. At diagnosis of TBD, 76.3% of index cases had haematological features, half pulmonary features and a third liver features. At diagnosis, bone marrow failure (BMF) was present in 59 (46.5%), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 22 (17.3%) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in 2 (1.6%) while 13 (10.2%) developed or worsened bone marrow involvement during follow-up. At diagnosis, compared to MDS/AML patients, BMF patients were younger (median 23.1 years vs. 43.8, p = 0.007), and had a better outcome (4-year overall survival 76.3% vs. 31.8%, p < 0.001). While frequencies and burden of cytogenetical and somatic mutations increased significantly in myeloid malignancies, some abnormalities were also observed in patients with normal blood counts and BMF, notably somatic spliceosome variants. Solid cancers developed in 8.7% patients, mainly human papillomavirus-related cancers and hepatocellular carcinomas. TBD is a multiorgan progressive disease. While BMF is the main haematological disorder, high-risk myeloid malignancies are common, and are, together with age, the only factors associated with a worse outcome.

Factors associated with contraceptive use among adolescents in three regions of Senegal.

The study aimed to evaluate the use of contraception by adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in three municipalities of Senegal, as well as the associated factors. The study was conducted in 2022 and used a cross-sectional approach. The sample size was 940 participants. Sampling was done using a multistage stratified random sampling method. The chi-square test and logistic regression using R software version 4.2.1 were used to analyze the data. Only 2.2% of adolescents had ever used a contraceptive method. Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, those residing in Kolda, married adolescents, and those who were aware of family planning were more likely to use family planning methods. We conclude that policymakers in Senegal should implement policies and programmes for improving the reproductive health needs of adolescents in Senegal.

L'étude consistait à évaluer l'utilisation de la contraception par les adolescentes âgées de 10 à 19 ans dans trois communes du Sénégal, ainsi que les facteurs qui y sont associés. L'étude menée en 2022 a utilisé l'approche transversale. La taille de l'échantillon était de 940 participants. L'échantillonnage a été réalisé en utilisant une méthode de sondage aléatoire stratifié à plusieurs degrés. Le test de chi-carré et la régression logistique au moyen du logiciel R version 4.2.1 ont été utilisé pour analyser les données. Seulement 2,2% des adolescentes avaient utilisé une méthode contraceptive. Les adolescentes âgées de 15 à 19 ans, celles qui résident à Kolda, les adolescentes mariées étaient plus nombreuses et celles qui ont été sensibilisée à la planification familiale étaient plus nombreuses que les autres à utiliser les méthodes de planification familiale. Ainsi, il est nécessaire que les autorités améliorent la mise en œuvre des programmes axés sur les besoins de santé reproductive des adolescentes au Sénégal.

Knowledge and practice of health workers on sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence: Evidence from three municipalities in Senegal.

Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries face numerous developmental, sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) challenges, including exposure to multidimensional violence. Dealing with gender-based violence (GBV) is of great importance and health personnel are key players. The objective of this work was to study the knowledge and practices of health personnel on SRHR and gender-based violence in Guédiawaye, Kaolack and Kolda communities in Senegal. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, which consisted of health professionals (general practitioners and specialists, nurses, and midwives) and community health workers (community relays, bajenu gox, matrons). All health facilities in the three communities were included. Data analysis consisted of univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling to investigate the factors associated with the knowledge and practice of health personnels. An alpha risk of 5% was taken. A total of 78 health professionals and 128 community actors were included in the study. More than half of the health personnel (56.3%) had good knowledge of policies, standards and protocols relating to sexual and reproductive health services for women (adolescents) and about 60% on conventions and laws. The level of knowledge was good among 51% of respondents and good practices among 54.9%. The factors associated with good knowledge were the municipality in which the profession was practiced, and the effects of training received in the social construction of gender. The factors associated with the practices were knowledge of policies, standards and protocols through training, training received in the provision of family planning services, and in medico-psychosocial management of cases of sexual violence. We conclude that the knowledge of stakeholders (health professionals and community health workers) about sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence is important for better service provision and good management of cases of gender based violence.

Les adolescents des pays à revenu faible et moyen (PRFM) sont confrontés à de nombreux défis en matière de développement, de santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR), notamment l'exposition à une violence multidimensionnelle. La prise en charge des violences de genre est d'une grande importance et le personnel de santé en constituent des acteurs clés. L'objectif de ce travail était d'étudier les connaissances et les pratiques du personnel de santé sur la santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR) et les violences basées sur le genre dans les communes de Guédiawaye, Kaolack et Kolda au Sénégal. Une étude transversale descriptive et analytique a été menée. La population était constituée des professionnels de santé (médecins généralistes et spécialistes, infirmiers, sages-femmes) et des agents de santé communautaires (relais communautaires, bajénu gox, matrones). L'ensemble des structures de santé des trois communes ont été inclus avec un choix raisonné des cibles. Une analyse univariée une modélisation par une régression logistique a été effectuée pour rechercher les facteurs associés à la connaissance et la pratique du personnel de santé. Un risque alpha de 5% a été pris. Au total 78 professionnels de santé et 128 acteurs communautaires ont été inclus dans cette étude. Plus de la moitié du personnel de santé (56,3%) avaient une bonne connaissance des politiques, normes et protocoles (PNP) des services de santé sexuelle et reproductive des femmes (adolescentes) et environ 60% sur les conventions et Lois. Le niveau de connaissance était bon chez 51% des enquêtés et les pratiques bonnes chez 54,9%. Les facteurs associés à la bonne connaissance étaient la commune d'exercice de la profession, le fait de bénéficier d'une formation en construction sociale du genre. Les facteurs associés aux pratiques étaient la connaissance des PNP à travers la formation, les formations reçues en offre de services PF et contraception d'urgence, en prise en charge médico-psychosociale des cas de violences sexuelles. En conclusion, la connaissance des acteurs (professionnels de santé, agents de sante communautaires) sur la santé sexuelle et reproductive et les violences basées sur le genre est importante pour une meilleure offre de service et une bonne prise en charge des cas de violences. (Afr J Reprod Health 2024; 28 [8s]: 163-175).

Effects of porosity distribution on mechanical properties and osseointegration of porous polyetheretherketone.

Porous polyetheretherketone (P-PEEK) is widely used as the material for making implant screws, and yet its mechanical properties and osseointegration for ultilization are still unsatisfied. In this work, the effects of the porosity distribution on the mechanical properties and osseointegration were investigated. Functionally graded P-PEEK (FGP-PEEK) and uniform P-PEEK (UP-PEEK) were developed by infiltration casting technology. The mechanical properties of the P-PEEK were studied by compressive and bending tests, and the osseointegration was evaluated by in vitro and rabbit femur experiments. The prepared FGP-PEEK was composed of the central dense part and its surrounding porous one where the pores were isodiametric and interconnected. Both the compressive strength and bending strength of the FGP-PEEK with graded porosity were higher than those of the UP-PEEK with uniform porosity. The mechanical properties of the FGP-PEEK were comparable to that of the human cancellous bone. The in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated the FGP-PEEK had no cytotoxicity, and its osseointegration was better than the UP-PEEK. The results demonstrated that the graded porosity had a superiority in the mechanical properties and osseointegration of the P-PEEK scaffolds compared to the uniform porosity. The influencing mechanisms of the porosity distribution on the mechanical properties and osseointegration were also clarified. Additionally, the osseointegration of the FGP-PEEK gradually increased as the surface porosity increased from 30 % to 50 %. The 50 %-surface porosity FGP-PEEK was a promising material on the application of the implant screws.

Infiltrating treg reprogramming in the tumor immune microenvironment and its optimization for immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy has shown promising anti-tumor effects across various tumors, yet it encounters challenges from the inhibitory tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important contributors to immunosuppressive TIME, limiting tumor immunosurveillance and blocking effective anti-tumor immune responses. Although depletion or inhibition of systemic Tregs enhances the anti-tumor immunity, autoimmune sequelae have diminished expectations for the approach. Herein, we summarize emerging strategies, specifically targeting tumor-infiltrating (TI)-Tregs, that elevate the capacity of organisms to resist tumors by reprogramming their phenotype. The regulatory mechanisms of Treg reprogramming are also discussed as well as how this knowledge could be utilized to develop novel and effective cancer immunotherapies.