Population In Benin Research Articles

Role of local markets in illegal wildlife trade and conservation efforts for trafficked species

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in wildlife crime worldwide. In Benin, hunting activities are prevalent near protected areas, facilitating networks engaged in the illicit trade of wildlife products. Consequently, there is an urgent need to investigate the specific role of local markets in wildlife trafficking to support conservation efforts. This study examined 24 markets selling carcasses of animals and conducted interviews with forestry officers to compile a list of ex-situ wildlife management centres and the species they protect. A total of 161 wildlife species were identified, including 39 mammal species, 33 reptile species, and 89 bird species, whose products are traded in these markets. A substantial portion of these species is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and the appendices of the CITES convention. These products originate from both domestic and international sources, including Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cameroon, and Senegal. The beneficiaries of these trafficked products span populations in Benin, Nigeria, China, Burkina Faso, India, Ghana, Niger, and Togo. Interestingly, the proximity of markets to protected areas did not significantly impact species richness within the markets, although traded species reflected those found in protected areas. Furthermore, our investigation revealed 20 ex-situ wildlife management centres in Benin, demonstrating a strong correlation between species managed ex-situ and those traded. This study highlights the substantial pressure exerted by illegal wildlife trade on conservation efforts in Benin.

Nutritional Composition and Chemical Safety of Wagashi Gassirè Cheese Sold in the Southern Benin Markets

In this study, the nutritional composition and the chemical safety of Wagashi Gassirè (WG) cheese sold in southern Benin markets were assessed. For this purpose, 15 WG were analysed for fatty acids, essential minerals, and chemical hazards (dioxins, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), biogenic amines, metals, antibiotic and pesticide residues). The risks related to arsenic, lead, aluminium, AFM1, histamine, and tyramine were calculated using the methods recommended by the European Food Safety Authority. Oleic, palmitic and stearic acids, calcium, and phosphorus were the main fatty acids and minerals detected. Lead (0.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg) and AFM1 (0.3 ± 0.0 µg/kg) were detected in all samples and exceeded the maximum level set by the international standard. Cadaverine and tyramine were the main biogenic amines found. No pesticide residues were detected using a multi-residue method targeting compounds. Residues of quinolones, tetracyclines, and colistin antibiotics were also detected. The calculated chronic exposure indicated no public health concern for the chemical contaminants targeted. Moreover, the average cancer risk related to AFM1 intake was 3 × 10−4 cases/105 persons/year for the Benin population through WG consumption. This study contributes to the nutritional characterization of WG and identifies lead and AFM1 as the most relevant chemical hazards of this product.

The prevalence and demographic associations of headache in the adult population of Benin: a cross-sectional population-based study

BackgroundThe Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is increasingly well informed with regard to headache disorders, but sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains one of the large regions of the world with limited data directly derived from population-based studies. The Global Campaign against Headache has conducted three studies in this region: Ethiopia in the east, Zambia in the south and Cameroon in Central SSA. Here we report a similar study in Benin, the first from West SSA.MethodsWe used the same methods and questionnaire, applying cluster-randomized sampling in three regions of the country, randomly selecting households in each region, visiting these unannounced and randomly selecting one adult member (aged 18–65 years) of each household. The HARDSHIP structured questionnaire, translated into Central African French, was administered face-to-face by trained interviewers. Demographic enquiry was followed by diagnostic questions based on ICHD-3 criteria.ResultsFrom 2,550 households with eligible members, we recruited 2,400 participants (participating proportion 94.1%). Headache ever was reported by almost all (95.2%), this being the lifetime prevalence. Headache in the last year was reported by 74.9%. Age-, gender- and habitation-adjusted estimates of 1-year prevalence were 72.9% for all headache, 21.2% for migraine (including definite and probable), 43.1% for TTH (also including definite and probable), 4.5% for probable medication-overuse (pMOH) and 3.1% for other headache on ≥ 15 days/month. One-day (point) prevalence of headache was 14.8% according to reported headache on the day preceding interview.ConclusionsOverall, these findings are evidence that headache disorders are very common in Benin, a low-income country. The prevalence of pMOH, well above the estimated global mean of 1–2%, is evidence that poverty is not a bar to medication overuse. The findings are very much the same as those in a similar study in its near neighbour, Cameroon. With regard to migraine, they are reasonably in accord with two of three earlier studies in selected Beninese populations, which did not take account of probable migraine. This study adds to the hitherto limited knowledge of headache in SSA.

Association between 24-hour urinary sodium and iodine in a Beninese population

Aims: To evaluate the association between sodium concentration in 24-hour urine and iodine status in an urban and rural population of Benin. Patients and Methods: A two-center descriptive, and cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Three hundred and fifty-four apparently healthy subjects (men and women) aged 25 to 64 were selected. Adequate iodine intake was defined as an iodine/creatinine urinary ratio (I/Cr) between 32.7 and 70.0 μg/g, and deficiency and excess such as < 32.7 μg/g and ≥ 70.0 μg / g respectively. Urinary sodium / creatinine (Na/Cr) ratios were classified as low (< 96.0 mmol /g), intermediate (96.0 – 171.8 mmol/g), high (≥ 171.8 mmol/g). Results: The median urinary iodine concentration was 66.8 μg/L (IQI, 42 to 98) and the median urinary I/Cr ratio was 46.8 μg /g (IQI, 32.7 to 70.0). Iodine deficiency (< 100 μg /L) and iodine excess (> 300 μg /L) were observed in 75.1% and 2.5% of subjects, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between uncorrected UNaC and iodine status in the study population (p < 0.001). Paradoxically, no statistically significant association was found between the ratio I/Cr and Na/Cr in urine (p = 0.05). The distributions of UIC, UNaC and I/Cr, urinary Na /Cr ratios varied according to age group and sex. Conclusion: No significant association was recorded between iodine status and UNaC in the Beninese study population. The recommended optimal iodine intake for eliminating disorders related to iodine deficiency has not yet been achieved in the study population; at least 50% of participants had inadequate UIC even after correction. Keywords: Iodine; Benin; sodium; urine creatinine; nutrition.

Genetic diversity and wing geometric morphometrics among four populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Benin

BackgroundThe impact of the arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti is of major concern for global public health as the viruses that it transmits affect millions of people each year worldwide. Originating in Africa, Ae. aegypti has now spread throughout much of the world. While the genetic makeup of Ae. aegypti in the New World has been extensively studied, there is limited knowledge on its genetic diversity in Africa, particularly at a microgeographical level.MethodsWe investigated mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I of four Ae. aegypti populations from Benin and employed wing morphometric analyses as a cost-effective and reliable tool to explore population structure. Our sampling encompassed various areas of Benin, from the southern to the northern borders of the country, and included urban, semi-urban, and sylvatic sites.ResultsWe observed a notable level of genetic diversity (haplotype diversity of 0.8333) and nucleotide diversity (0.00421986), and identified seven distinct haplotypes. Sylvatic and semi-urban sites exhibited a greater number of haplotypes compared to urban sites. Utilizing 18 wing landmarks, we calculated the centroid size, which revealed significant variation among the three landscape types. However, principal component analysis, employed to assess wing shape variation, did not demonstrate significant differences between populations based on landscape type.ConclusionsOur findings indicate substantial genetic and morphological diversity among Ae. aegypti populations in Benin, and provide insight into important biological characteristics of these populations with respect to their potential to transmit viruses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study undertaken in Africa to integrate genetics with morphology to analyse the population structure of the major arbovirus vector Ae. aegypti.Graphical

Insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in southern Benin, West Africa

BackgroundThe emergence of insecticide resistance in Aedes mosquitoes could undermine efforts to control arboviruses. The present study aims to assess in some communes of Southern Benin, the susceptibility level of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) to insecticides commonly used in public health, as well as mechanisms involved.MethodsFemales Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti collected in Ifangni, Porto-Novo, Avrankou, Adjarra and Kétou from June 2021 to October 2022, were exposed to: deltamethrin 0.05%, permethrin 0.75%, alpha-cypermethrin 0.05%, pirimiphos methyl 0.25% and bendiocarb 0.1%, following the standard WHO susceptibility tube test protocol. In some sites, pre-exposure to the synergist PBO was used to verify if pyrethroid resistance of populations of Aedes was mediated by oxidases.ResultsFull susceptibility to deltamethrin and permethrin was observed in all tested populations of Ae. albopictus. However, with alphacypermethrin, a suspected resistance was observed in Adjarra (94.67%), Ifangni (93%) and Porto-Novo (94%), and a resistance in Avrankou (83%). The PBO-alphacypermethrin tests performed, led to a full susceptibility (100%) in all four sites, which confirms the full involvement of oxidases in resistance of all tested populations of Ae. albopictus to alphacypermethrin. At the opposite, Aedes aegypti was either resistant or suspected of being resistant to all tested pyrethroids in all four sites, except in Ifangni where a full susceptibility to alphacypermethrin was observed. The full susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to bendiocarb and pirimiphos-methyl in all communes suggests that these two insecticides can be good candidates for an effective control of pyrethroid-resistant Aedes vector populations. Use of permethrin and deltamethrin could also be considered for controlling populations of Ae. albopictus.ConclusionResults of the present study will help guide strategy to implement for an effective control of Aedes vector populations in Benin.

Techno-economic analysis of a utility-scale grid-tied solar photovoltaic system in Benin republic

About 60.0% of Benin's population currently lacks access to reliable electricity to perform their daily activities. The Benin Republic has abundant solar energy resource, which could be harnessed efficiently to increase its access rate to electricity and improve living standards. This study evaluates the techno-economic viability of installing a 10.0 MW utility-scale grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system in seven cities located in Benin. The RETScreen software was used to perform technical, economic, and greenhouse gas emission analyses on the proposed system. Based on the assumptions in this study, the PV system produces, on average, about 13,222 MWh/yr of electricity available for grid export. This yields a capacity factor of 15.1% and a performance ratio of approximately 67.3%. Without revenues and capital subsidies, the project generates a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) ranging from 0.110 USD/kWh to 0.125 USD/kWh. Also, the PV project is attractive for investment at a feed-in tariff of above 0.10 USD/kWh. Using the utility-scale PV plant for electricity generation at the installation sites saves about 76.0% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to the utility grid. The findings show that incentives and subsidies could lower the LCOE and increase solar PV investment in Benin. Investing in utility-scale PV systems could help Benin increase its electricity access rate and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable development. The study aims to alert stakeholders, decision-makers, and investors toward developing the Benin utility-scale solar PV sector.

Genetic diversity assessment of the indigenous goat population of Benin using microsatellite markers.

Improved knowledge of the diversity within and among local animal populations is increasingly necessary for their sustainable management. Accordingly, this study assessed the genetic diversity and structure of the indigenous goat population of Benin. Nine hundred and fifty-four goats were sampled across the three vegetation zones of Benin [i.e., Guineo-Congolese zone (GCZ), Guineo-Sudanian zone (GSZ), and Sudanian zone (SZ)] and genotyped with 12 multiplexed microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity and structure of the indigenous goat population of Benin were examined using the usual genetic indices (number of alleles Na, expected and observed heterozygosities He and Ho, Fixation index FST, coefficient of genetic differentiation GST), and three different methods of structure assessment [Bayesian admixture model in STRUCTURE, self-organizing map (SOM), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC)]. The mean values of Na (11.25), He (0.69), Ho (0.66), FST (0.012), and GST (0.012) estimated in the indigenous Beninese goat population highlighted great genetic diversity. STRUCTURE and SOM results showed the existence of two distinct goat groups (Djallonké and Sahelian) with high crossbreeding effects. Furthermore, DAPC distinguished four clusters within the goat population descending from the two ancestry groups. Clusters 1 and 3 (most individuals from GCZ) respectively showed a mean Djallonké ancestry proportion of 73.79% and 71.18%, whereas cluster 4 (mainly of goats from SZ and some goats of GSZ) showed a mean Sahelian ancestry proportion of 78.65%. Cluster 2, which grouped almost all animals from the three zones, was also of Sahelian ancestry but with a high level of interbreeding, as shown by the mean membership proportion of only 62.73%. It is therefore urgent to develop community management programs and selection schemes for the main goat types to ensure the sustainability of goat production in Benin.

Cardiovascular risk factors in Sub-Saharan African women.

Background: Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are associated with major cause of death and disability in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in women. The contribution of obstetrical, psychological, and socio-economic factors in CVRF are not yet well described in Africa. We aimed to compare the prevalence of CVRF between men and women, and to determine the factors associated to these sex-related differences. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the 2019 data of the TAHES cohort in a geographically defined general population in Benin. A standardized questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS instrument was used to collect data. Univariate and multivariate analysis has been performed to determine CVRF differences in both sexes. Women-specific logistic regressions have been performed on CVRF previously identified as positively associated to female sex, to assess their association with socio-economic, psychological, and obstetrical factors. Results: We included 1583 patients, with a median age of 39 years [range: 32-53 years]. Prevalence of diabetes (1.2% vs. 3.4%, p=0.0042), abnormal kidney function (15.5% vs. 8.4%, p=0.0002), obesity (12.5% vs. 4.1%, p<0.0001), tobacco-smoking (3.4% vs. 14.1%, p<0.0001) and reduced physical activity (69.9% vs. 50.7%, p<0.0001) differed significantly between women and men, respectively. In multivariate analysis, female sex was independently and significantly associated with obesity, anxiety, depression and reduced physical activity. Number of pregnancies was associated with a reduced physical activity. Hypertension was associated with gestational hypertension. Conclusions: Obesity and reduced physical activity are significantly and independently more frequent in Beninese women than the male counterparts. Hypertension prevalence in Benin is alarming in both sexes. Targeted prevention strategies against obesity, gestational hypertension and sedentary lifestyle are advocated in African women.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the General Adult Population in Benin (Parakou 2022)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the General Adult Population in Benin (Parakou 2022)

Genetic diversity and spatial structure of indigenous sheep population of Benin revealed by microsatellite markers

This study investigated the genetic variability existing within the indigenous sheep population of Benin. Hair samples from 681 unrelated sheep collected across the 10 phytogeographic zones of Benin were genotyped using a set of 12 microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity indices, Bayesian ancestral admixture model, Self-Organizing Map (SOM), and Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC), were performed to assess both the genetic diversity and spatial structure of the population under study. The polymorphism information content (PIC) recorded for each microsatellite marker used was greater than 0.50 with an average value of 0.70. The average number of alleles (12.17) and heterozygosity values (He = 0.73; Ho = 0.68) obtained suggest high genetic diversity within the Beninese sheep population. The population genetic structure analysis revealed two ancestral sheep populations in Benin, namely, the Djallonké and Sahelian sheep. Furthermore, SOM and DAPC identified four clusters of sheep within the 10 phytogeographic zones, including two Djallonké and two Sahelian subpopulations with some admixture. Djallonké sheep were predominant in the humid zones of southern Benin, with one subpopulation mainly present in the Pobè and Oueme Valley zones, and the second in Coastal, Plateau, and Zou zones. The latter subpopulation seemed the most admixed, with a mean Djallonké ancestral proportion of 86.15%. Sahelian sheep were predominant in the phytogeographic zones of northern Benin. Sheep from the driest North zone consisted the first Sahelian subpopulation and had a higher Sahelian ancestry proportion (89.81%) compared to the second subpopulation (69.29%) that most consisted of sheep from the other phytogeographic zones of the North.

Assessment of phenotypic diversity within Goliath chickens population in Benin.

Goliath chickens are a new strain of poultry that originated in the department of Zou, commune of Agbangnizoun in the Republic of Benin. The characteristics of this chicken strain have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to characterize the phenotypic diversity of Goliath chickens in departments of Zou and Couffo. A total of 140 birds made up of 92 females and 48 males were sampled using 18 morphological descriptors. The results showed a wide variation in plumage colour within overall population with the most dominant being black (18.57%), white (17.14%) and red (16.43%). Black (21.74%) and white (20.65%) plumage dominated in females and red in males (35.42%). Coloured beaks and shanks were common in both chicken sexes. Yellow eyes were more common in females (63.04%), while red eyes were the most prevalent in males (43.75%). Comb and wattle colours were red in both sexes. Morphometrically, sexual dimorphism is very marked most of the body measurements with male birds being significantly superior. The average body weight was 3.26kg in males and 2.78kg in females. The population was clustered in three morphotypes according to the gradient size. Chickens from Bohicon and Agbangnizoun on the one hand, and those from Zagnanado and Toviklin on the other, formed groups 1 and 2, respectively, while group 3 included individuals from Djidja. 77.96% of observed diversity was due to variation between individuals. Molecular characterization is recommended for a thorough knowledge of the Goliath chicken strain of Benin.

Seeking serpents: Ball python trade in Benin, West Africa

Ball pythons are traded as bushmeat, leather and belief-based medicine in West Africa, and specimens are exported in large numbers for the exotic pet trade. Here, we focused on understanding the purpose and socio-economic context of this trade in Benin through interviews with 44 actors involved in the trade of this species. We provided a snapshot of trade dynamics during a period when hunters are not predominantly actively involved in supplying eggs, neonates and gravid females for ranching and export as exotic pets. Our findings revealed that hunters and traders were largely focused on supplying the bushmeat and medicine markets in West Africa during this time. We estimated that the 21 collectors engaged in hunting in our study collectively hunt between 576 and 5,083 ball pythons from the wild each year. Collection rates reported by some suggests that they could earn more than 15,000 USD from ball python sales in bushmeat markets annually. Ball pythons hunted in Benin were mainly sold to local customers as “bushmeat” (53%) or for belief-based uses (39%) (including “fetish”, “medicinal products” and “voodoo”). However, cross-border trade with neighboring countries of Togo, Nigeria, and Ghana (or even further) also occurred. Although profitable for some, the scale of this practice, together with the widely reported decline in ball python populations in Benin, raises concern about the sustainability and long-term economic viability of this type of large-scale commercial wildlife trade in West Africa, especially as it occurs alongside extensive ranching practices to support the exotic pet trade.

Morphological characterization and habitat suitability modeling of the goat population of Benin under climate change scenarios

BackgroundInsufficient knowledge of the genetic and phenotypic diversity in the local Beninese goat population combined with the lack of understanding of its adaptive capacity to ongoing environmental and societal changes hampers the development of strategies for better management and genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to establish the current geographical distribution of goats in Benin based on their morphology and model the potential habitat suitability of the three known main goat phenotypes (i.e., Djallonké goat or Type I, Sahelian goat or Type II, and their Crossbreeds or Type III) under climate change scenarios. Ten qualitative and 26 linear body measurements were taken on 2114 adult female goats sampled across the three vegetation zones of the country. Fifteen ratios were generated from the quantitative variables. The data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures followed by multiple comparisons of least-squares means and multivariate analytical methods, including canonical discrimination analysis and hierarchical ascendant classification. Each goat was then assigned to one of the three aforementioned main goat phenotypes following its morphological characteristics and according to the a priori cluster membership defined in the previous step. The Maximum Entropy algorithm was used to model the current and future distribution of the three goat phenotypes under climate change scenario using the Representative Conservation Pathways 4.5 and 8.5.ResultsAll linear body measurements varied among vegetation zones. In the discriminant function analysis, 71% of the measured individuals were correctly classified in their vegetation zone of origin by seven measured variables and three ratios. The cluster procedure analysis revealed two groups of goats subdivided into the three main phenotypes. The modeling results showed that the currently highly favorable habitats were distributed in the South for Type I, in the North for Type II, and both South and North for Type III. However, under climate change scenarios, the favorable habitats for Type I decreased while those of Types II and III increased.ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm the spatial variation of the goat population in Benin. The habitat suitability model can be used to support decision-making toward better management of goat genetic diversity in Benin.

Hyperuricemia and Associated Cardiometabolic Factors: A Cross-sectional Study on Taxi-motorbike Drivers Working in Cotonou, Benin

Background: An elevated level of uric acid (UA), also known as hyperuricemia (HUA), contributes to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, epidemiolocal features of HUA in populations of Benin are rare. Objectives: We identified clinical and metabolic factors associated with HUA in taxi-motorbike drivers (TMDs) of Cotonou. Methods: A total of 134 participants with a mean age of 39.3 years were analyzed using a retrospective cross-sectional study design. Data from a self-administered questionnaire and biochemical markers including, plasma UA, glucose, insulin, creatinine, and lipids were obtained from each participant. HUA was defined as plasma UA greater than 416 μmol/L. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of various risk factors with HUA. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for HUA. Results: The overall prevalence of HUA was 19.4% (95% CI: 12.7-26.1) in TMDs. Multivariable logistic regression showed that IR (OR=3.60, 95% CI: 1.27-10.22, P=0.02), hypertension (OR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.00- 7.54, P=0.05), and triglycerides (TG; OR=4.25, 95% CI: 1.39-12.98, P=0.01) were risk factors for HUA. Furthermore, creatinine was inversely associated with HUA (OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.41-0.94, P=0.02). Conclusion: HUA was found in 19.4% of the patients. In addition, hypertension, IR, creatinine, and TG levels were independently associated with HUA in TMDs. Therefore, the monitoring of these markers may help prevent HUA.

Resistance of Local Actors to the Leasing of Water Supply in the Village of Atchannou in South-West Benin

Leasing as an innovation in the governance of the Village Water Supply System (VWSS) should, a priori, allow local authorities to manage the delivery of drinking water to rural populations in Benin rationally and transparently. However, instead of being favourably welcomed, this system has met with resistance from local actors. Based on the premise that leasing involves issues that are insufficiently elucidated by its innovators, this article analyses the causes of the resistance observed in its implementation. To achieve this goal, a qualitative social science research method was used, favouring discussion with 18 participants. The data were analysed in the backdrop of the market mode of local governance and fuzzy set theory. The results of this research show that the populations of Atchannou Village do not fully accept the leasing of water, or at least they set out the preconditions to be met by the local government authorities before this innovative approach to governance of the water point can become operational: guaranteeing the management of the funds from the sale of water (1), and repaying the debts related to the community management of the water supply (2). The local actors are therefore in a logic of preserving the interests that will be generated by the sale of water, which is now retroceded to the Municipality; this further increase their resistance to the leasing of the water supply system.

Socio-cultural importance of the species Blighia sapida koenig (Sapindaceae) in Benin

Objective: Blighia sapida is a species whose nutritional potential has been demonstrated by certain authors. Nevertheless, its valuation knows real constraints due to the lack of knowledge of the species by the community. The general objective of this study is to contribute to improving the levels of knowledge about B. sapida for its better use. Methodology and Results: Eight hundred and sixty-three (863) households were surveyed across 24 villages distributed in 8 communes chosen from the three phytogeographical regions of the country (south, center and north). Ethnobotanical data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Five uses of the species have been identified: food (81%), cosmetic (10%), medicinal (7%), commercial (0.31%) and fertilizer (0.21%) uses. The organs used are the fruit (arils, seed and fruit capsule), seed, bark, leaves and root. The use value obtained in the localities surveyed (VUt = 2.2) reflects the level of use of the species by the population. The diversity and equitability index values ​​(ID = 1.43 and IE = 0.57) show a heterogeneous distribution of knowledge about the species within the population groups. The low value of the vulnerability index (IV=2.50) justifies that the species is not yet under threat of extinction in Benin. Conclusion and application of the results: At the end of this study, it is observed that B. sapida is of high socio-cultural importance for the rural population of Benin. This level of importance assessed through ethnobotanical indices (IC, ID, VU and IV) justifies the perception that indigenous populations have given to the plant, which nevertheless provides an important source of income, food supply and pharmacopoeia.

Elevated White Blood Cell Count Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Insulin Resistance among Non-Diabetic Taxi-Motorbike Drivers Working in Cotonou, Benin

High white blood cell count (WBC) and insulin resistance (IR) are interrelated events that contribute to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type-2 diabetes (T2D). However, associations between IR and hematological parameters have never been explored in populations of Benin. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of IR and associated hematological parameters in taxi-motorbike drivers (TMDs) working in Cotonou. A total of 133 participants were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Complete blood count, including WBC and platelet, as well as fasting plasma glucose and insulin, were performed by standard procedures. IR was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Factors associated with IR, their odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined by logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the study participants was 39.3 years. The HOMA-IR cut-off (75th percentile) for IR was 5.9. The overall prevalence of IR was 24.1%. IR increased with the increase of exposure duration and WBC levels. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of IR increased significantly with higher total WBC, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) for the second and third tertiles of 3.56 (1.10 - 11.58) and 4.01 (1.21 - 13.31), respectively. Similar patterns of associations were observed in an analysis restricted to non-drinkers, although these estimates lacked statistical significance. BMI > 24.2 kg/m2 was independently associated with an increased risk of IR (OR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.33 - 11.03, P = 0.013). In conclusion, the prevalence of IR in TMDs was 24.1%. IR was significantly associated with elevated WBC count and BMI. WBC may serve as a biomarker to identify individuals at the greatest IR risk.

Impact assessment of CDC bottles treated with a combination of insecticide and synergist on insecticide-resistant Anopheles gambiae populations in Benin

Impact assessment of CDC bottles treated with a combination of insecticide and synergist on insecticide-resistant Anopheles gambiae populations in Benin

Ecophysiology of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lophira lanceolata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Seeds Germination and Conservation Perspectives

Lophira lanceolata is a multi-purpose woody plant species used by local populations in Benin. Its seeds are used for the manufacture of edible vegetable oil and also for medicinal care. However, reproduction by seed of this plant species is compromised not only by the multiple uses made of the seeds, but also by the difficulties of germination in the natural environment. Several ecological factors could explain this difficulty of germination. In this study, we investigated the species seeds ecophysiology in order to develop seedlings production techniques for its reintroduction. Beta regression was performed to test the effect of water, light and provenance on seeds germination rate. The germination speed was expressed as the median germination time. The results showed that the germination rate was better under light conditions (β = 0.77674 ± 0.14954, Z = 5.194, p β = -0.28222 ± 0.14809, Z = -1.906, p = 0.0567). The best provenance was the phytodistrict of Atacora chain. The cumulative germination rate reached 50% after 54 days for seeds collected from Atacora chain and after 57 days under light conditions. Regarding the level of watering, the germination rate remained below 50% regardless the treatment. The germination speed was higher for seeds collected from Atacora chain and that have germinated under light conditions and watered twice a week. For the sustainable management of L. lanceolata, domestication by establishment of plantations by rural communities is recommended based on seeds from Atacora chain.