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To meet lofty human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization goals in Tanzania, the Ministry of Health integrated HPV vaccination with adolescent health services using a school-based approach. A qualitative study was conducted in June–July 2021, examining the feasibility and sustainability of an integrated service package, HPV Plus. In-depth interviews with 46 programme implementers (i.e. health-care workers and teachers) and planning stakeholders (i.e. government officials and school administrators) in Dar es Salaam and Njombe Regions explored enablers and constraints to HPV Plus programme implementation, including resource and staffing requirements. Two facilitators and three barriers to HPV Plus feasibility and sustainability were identified from thematic analysis of interviews. Interviewed stakeholders emphasized the programme’s feasibility, especially if the efficiencies offered by a school-based platform were optimized. Implementation facilitators included (1) optimized service delivery efficiency through a school-based platform and (2) resources saved by combining adolescent health services and HPV immunization into a single programme package. Key barriers to HPV Plus feasibility and sustainability were (1) time, space and resource constraints (e.g. commodity stockouts and challenges delivering the complete service package to large cohorts of students within allotted times); (2) human resource gaps and increased workloads within the health workforce and (3) insufficient referral mechanisms linking schools to health facilities. Scaling up HPV Plus will require proactive commodity procurement and security; resource mobilization to reach ambitious service delivery targets and close co-ordination of programme implementation with school administrators.

Background In addressing the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) disparities for Black and Latina women, there is a need for the development of innovative programs, framed using theoretical underpinnings that are culturally and contextually tailored so that they align with lived experiences. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer considerable potential as a means of providing effective SRH education and services. However, there has been a lack of research assessing culturally and contextually tailored mHealth SRH interventions for Black and Latina women. Method A comprehensive literature search was undertaken using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Literature was reviewed to evaluate whether a culturally and contextually tailored approach was utilized in the development and implementation of mHealth interventions for Black and Latina women. Results A total of 12 articles were included in our synthesis, which encompassed mobile phone–, telephone-, and computer-based mHealth interventions for Black and Latina women. Cultural and/or gender-specific tailoring was included in 10 studies. Reduction of risky sexual behaviors and increased contraception usage were reported in 92% ( n = 11) of the studies. Interventions that incorporated tailored content and fostered interaction reported high rates of follow-up. Conclusions Tailored mHealth interventions can be effective in promoting behavior change and improving SRH outcomes for Black and Latina women. However, there is a need for more research assessing user engagement and retention for Black and Latina women, and whether improvements in SRH outcomes are sustainable over the long term.

International audience; Some amount of furanose in a southern conformation, possibly in both, but certainly in one of the two adjacent nucleotides of a dipyrimidine site, is necessary for (6-4) photoproduct formation in oligonucleotides. To explore the necessity, role, and most favorable location of each South sugar conformer on the formation of the (6-4) adduct in the thymine dinucleotide TpT, the photochemical behavior of two synthetic analogues, in which the South sugar conformation is prohibited for one of their two sugars, has been examined. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate that the presence of one sugar presenting some amount of South puckering, at any of the extremities, is sufficient to trigger (6-4) adduct formation. Nonetheless, the photochemical behavior of the dinucleotide with a South-puckered conformation at the 5'end, mimics more closely that of TpT. In addition, using the 5' North 3' South-dilocked dinucleotide, we demonstrate that the flexibility of the South pucker at the 3'-end has little influence on the (6-4) adduct formation.

Vaccination decision making in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has become increasingly complex, particularly in the context of numerous competing health challenges. LMICs have to make difficult choices on which vaccines to prioritize for introduction while considering a wide range of factors such as disease burden, vaccine impact, vaccine characteristics, financing and health care infrastructures, whilst adapting to each country’s specific contexts. Our scoping review reviewed the factors that influence decision-making among policymakers for the introduction of new vaccines in LMICs. We identified the specific data points that are factored into the decision-making process for new vaccine introduction, whilst also documenting whether there have been any changes in decision-making criteria in new vaccine introduction over the last two decades. A comprehensive database search was conducted using a search strategy consisting of key terms and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) phrases related to policy, decision-making, vaccine introduction, immunization programmes and LMICs. Articles were screened following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 843 articles were identified, with 34 articles retained after abstract screening, full-text screening and grading with the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). The Burchett framework for new vaccine introduction was used to identify indicators for vaccine-decision making and guided data extraction. Articles in our study represented a diverse range of perspectives and methodologies. Across articles, the importance of the disease, which included disease burden, costs of disease and political prioritization, coupled with economic factors related to vaccine price, affordability and financing were the most common criteria considered for new vaccine introduction. Our review identified two additional criteria in the decision-making process for vaccine introduction that were not included in the Burchett framework: communication and sociocultural considerations. Data from this review can support informed decision-making for vaccine introduction amongst policymakers and stakeholders in LMICs.

Mechanically peeled argan nuts are expensive. The cosmetics industry preferentially uses colorless and odorless ingredients and almost systematically deodorizes cosmetic grade argan oil before inco...

Black women carry a disproportionate number of new HIV infections in the USA. Studies that have assessed HIV risk perception along with HIV prevention interventions for Black women have primarily focused on Black women of low socioeconomic status. Few studies have assessed HIV risk perceptions and sexual behavior among college-educated Black women of higher socioeconomic status despite their high risk of HIV. College-educated Black women are most likely to acquire HIV while in college, and there has been a marked absence of research assessing the environmental and cultural influences present throughout college-campuses, coupled with evaluating how these factors shape sexual behaviors. We conducted surveys with Black female students attending a historically Black college and Black female students attending a predominately White university, and compared baseline differences in sexual behaviors among both populations. Results showed that for participants attending the historically Black college certain sociocultural elements, such as music and media, had a significantly stronger influence on sexuality and sexual behaviors compared with students attending predominately White universities. The development of future HIV prevention interventions for Black women necessitates an understanding of the diverse microcultures that Black women come from. This research is high priority for college-educated Black women given this population’s lack of inclusion in HIV prevention research.

Women living with HIV in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) are at high risk of developing cervical cancer due to their immunocompromised status. Screening is an imperative prevention measure for early detection and for ultimately reducing high rates of cervical cancer; however, cervical cancer screening uptake among this group remains low. This systematic review aimed to identify barriers to cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in LMIC. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken, and an analysis of included studies was completed to abstract major themes related to cervical cancer screening barriers for women living with HIV in LMIC. Lack of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening knowledge among patients was found to be the most prevalent barrier to cervical cancer screening. Our findings highlight a dire need for interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in LMIC, along with addressing barriers within health care systems.

OBJECTIVES: Data are scarce regarding the prevalence and predictors of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) among Black women. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of symptoms of PMADS among Black women. METHODS: Black women completed a paper survey between August 2019 and October 2019. Binomial logistic regression was employed to examine predictors of PMAD symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of symptoms of PMADs was 56%. A higher proportion of women with PMADs had experienced depression (16% vs. 32%, p = 0.006); physical (18% vs. 31%, p = 0.030), emotional (35% vs. 61%, p = 0.000), or sexual abuse (12% vs. 29%, p = 0.002); and symptoms of depression or anxiety before pregnancy (18% vs. 46%, p = 0.000). After adjusting for socio-demographics in multivariate analysis, experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety before pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.445, p = 0.001) was positively associated with experiencing symptoms of PMADs, whereas higher levels of self-esteem (aOR = 0.837, p = 0.000) were negatively associated with experiencing symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: The prevalence of PMAD symptoms among this sample of Black women was alarmingly high. Women who experienced PMADs were more likely to report adverse childhood experiences (e.g., physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse). By understanding the prevalence of PMADs and the factors associated with these disorders, healthcare professionals can improve diagnosis and treatment rates among this understudied and underserved population.

BACKGROUND Black women in college are disproportionately affected by HIV diagnoses. Mobile apps can facilitate the innovative delivery of accurate HIV and sexual and reproductive health information. However, mobile health interventions are severely underused in this population. OBJECTIVE We aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively explore the perspectives of college-aged Black women on using a mobile health app for HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health. The data obtained from Black women were used to design preliminary mobile app wireframes and features. METHODS This explanatory, sequential mixed methods study took place from 2019 to 2020 and targeted Black women who were enrolled in college or who had recently graduated from college. Convenience sampling was used during the quantitative phase, followed by purposive sampling in the qualitative phase. A cross-sectional web-based survey evaluating the willingness to use a mobile app for HIV prevention was conducted in the quantitative phase. Descriptive statistics were used for all variables. A separate focus group discussion was conducted with Black women in college to expand on the quantitative results. Focus group discussions explored their perceptions on HIV and health content delivered through a mobile app along with potential features that participants desired within the app. Using the data obtained, we selected the primary features for the app prototype. RESULTS In total, we enrolled 34 participants in the survey, with 6 participating in focus group discussions. Over half of the respondents reported a willingness to use an app that contained pre-exposure prophylaxis content. Women who claimed recent sexual activity reported being more likely to use an app feature that would allow them to order an at-home HIV testing kit than their non–sexually active counterparts. The emerging themes from the focus group session were Black women’s health concerns, HIV risk, sources of health information, and preferred app features. The content in our prototype included speaking with a specialist, HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis information, holistic wellness, and features promoting engagement and retention. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study guided the design of wireframes for an app prototype targeting HIV prevention in college-aged Black women. The rapid growth of mobile devices in Black communities, coupled with high rates of smartphone ownership among Black youth, makes mobile health interventions a promising strategy for addressing sexual and reproductive health disparities. Participants in our sample were willing to use a culturally appropriate and gender-considerate app for their sexual health needs. Our findings indicate that Black women in college may be excellent candidates for mobile app–based interventions.

Despite the high efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV acquisition, PrEP uptake among Black cisgender women remains low. Our qualitative study assessed Black cisgender women’s perspectives, attitudes, and acceptability towards PrEP, in addition to exploring PrEP-related attitudes, facilitators, and barriers to PrEP access among health care staff. This study was conducted to ascertain data to inform the development of our HIV prevention app—Savvy HER—which is being designed for Black cisgender women. Our findings indicated that Black women had low levels of PrEP acceptability and high levels of misconceptions, inaccurate knowledge, and stigma towards PrEP. Health care providers in our sample confirmed barriers of stigma, misconceptions, and knowledge among their patients coupled with difficulty accessing PrEP due to structural barriers. Our study indicated that there is a critical need to heighten Black cisgender women’s PrEP knowledge and HIV risk perception in order to increase PrEP acceptability and uptake.

International audience; The [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of natural pyrimidine nucleobases is devoid of regioselectivity. Although modified pyrimidines have been developed to selectively obtain syn-cyclobutane isomers, the targeted formation of anti-cyclobutane isomers has not been addressed yet. Herein, using NMR analyses and DFT calculations, we demonstrate that the acetone photosensitized excitation of the 4-tetrazolouracil motif in the nucleoside series specifically provides anti-cyclobutane photoproducts in 51% yield. In addition, the cis stereomer formation is preferred over the trans-cyclobutane formation (71:29).

BACKGROUND Access to continuing professional development (CPD) for health care workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is severely limited. Digital technology serves as a promising platform for supporting CPD for health care workers by providing educational content virtually and enabling virtual peer-to-peer and mentor interaction for enhanced learning. Digital strategies for CPD that foster virtual interaction can increase workforce retention and bolster the health workforce in LMICs. OBJECTIVE The objective of this integrative review was to evaluate the evidence on which digital platforms were used to provide CPD to health care workers and clinical students in LMICs, which was complemented with virtual peer-to-peer or mentor interaction. We phrased this intersection of virtual learning and virtual interaction as mobile-social learning. METHODS A comprehensive database and gray literature search was conducted to identify qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies, along with empirical evidence, that used digital technology to provide CPD and virtual interaction with peers or mentors. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Eligible articles were written in English, conducted in an LMIC, and used a mobile device to provide CPD and facilitate virtual peer-to-peer or mentor interaction. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened, followed by an assessment of the quality of evidence and an appraisal of the articles. A content analysis was then used to deductively code the data into emerging themes. RESULTS A total of 750 articles were identified, and 31 (4.1%) were included in the review. SMS text messaging and mobile instant messaging were the most common methods used to provide continuing education and virtual interaction between peers and mentors (25/31, 81%). Across the included articles, participants had high acceptability for using digital platforms for learning and interaction. Virtual peer interaction and mentorship were found to contribute to positive learning outcomes in most studies (27/31, 87%) through increased knowledge sharing, knowledge gains, improved clinical skills, and improved service delivery. Peer-to-peer and mentor interaction were found to improve social support and reduce feelings of isolation (9/31, 29%). There were several challenges in the implementation and use of digital technology for mobile-social learning, including limited access to resources (eg, internet coverage and stable electricity), flexibility in scheduling to participate in CPD, and sociobehavioral challenges among students. CONCLUSIONS The summary suggests that mobile-social learning is a useful modality for curriculum dissemination and skill training and that the interface of mobile and social learning serves as a catalyst for improved learning outcomes coupled with increased social capital. CLINICALTRIAL

Background Access to continuing professional development (CPD) for health care workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is severely limited. Digital technology serves as a promising platform for supporting CPD for health care workers by providing educational content virtually and enabling virtual peer-to-peer and mentor interaction for enhanced learning. Digital strategies for CPD that foster virtual interaction can increase workforce retention and bolster the health workforce in LMICs. Objective The objective of this integrative review was to evaluate the evidence on which digital platforms were used to provide CPD to health care workers and clinical students in LMICs, which was complemented with virtual peer-to-peer or mentor interaction. We phrased this intersection of virtual learning and virtual interaction as mobile-social learning. Methods A comprehensive database and gray literature search was conducted to identify qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies, along with empirical evidence, that used digital technology to provide CPD and virtual interaction with peers or mentors. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Eligible articles were written in English, conducted in an LMIC, and used a mobile device to provide CPD and facilitate virtual peer-to-peer or mentor interaction. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened, followed by an assessment of the quality of evidence and an appraisal of the articles. A content analysis was then used to deductively code the data into emerging themes. Results A total of 750 articles were identified, and 31 (4.1%) were included in the review. SMS text messaging and mobile instant messaging were the most common methods used to provide continuing education and virtual interaction between peers and mentors (25/31, 81%). Across the included articles, participants had high acceptability for using digital platforms for learning and interaction. Virtual peer interaction and mentorship were found to contribute to positive learning outcomes in most studies (27/31, 87%) through increased knowledge sharing, knowledge gains, improved clinical skills, and improved service delivery. Peer-to-peer and mentor interaction were found to improve social support and reduce feelings of isolation (9/31, 29%). There were several challenges in the implementation and use of digital technology for mobile-social learning, including limited access to resources (eg, internet coverage and stable electricity), flexibility in scheduling to participate in CPD, and sociobehavioral challenges among students. Conclusions The summary suggests that mobile-social learning is a useful modality for curriculum dissemination and skill training and that the interface of mobile and social learning serves as a catalyst for improved learning outcomes coupled with increased social capital.

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has burgeoned into a pandemic that highlights the countless social and health disparities that have existed in Black communities within the United States for centuries. Recent epidemiological data show that Black communities are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups. For Black women in particular, a long-standing history of systemic racism and marginalization has resulted in increased vulnerability and susceptibility to certain adverse health outcomes. Recent data show that COVID-19 knowledge rates among Black participants are low, and that Black women who become infected with COVID-19 have higher risks of complications and mortality compared to their non-Black counterparts. Given this data, there is a need to explore where and how Black women are obtaining information that pertains to COVID-19, along with the impacts that COVID-19 may be having on their daily lives. DESIGN: We conducted interviews with 15 Black women who are clients at a community-based family service center to assess their understanding of COVID-19, determine how they were obtaining COVID-19 information, and evaluate the various impacts that COVID-19 was having on their lives. An initial codebook was developed based on the recorded interviews which included deductive and inductive codes. A thematic analysis of the data was then conducted using MaxQDA (Verbi Software), focusing on Black women’s experiences related to COVID-19. RESULTS: The majority of participants were using a combination of social media platforms and news sources to obtain information about COVID-19. Most participants (79%) expressed confusion, misunderstanding, and mistrust of the information that they were receiving about COVID-19. CONCLUSION: In addressing COVID-19-related health disparities within Black communities, it is imperative for trusted entities and organizations within Black communities to provide accurate and tailored information regarding this novel virus.

Background Black women are an important but relatively overlooked at-risk group in HIV prevention efforts. Although there is an aggregate decline of HIV diagnoses among women in the United States, there are persistent disparate rates of new HIV infections among Black women compared to any other cisgender female subgroup. Strategies to end the HIV epidemic—as outlined in the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative—for all communities must consider HIV prevention messaging and message delivery mediums that are created with community input. Although mobile health (mHealth) is a popular platform for delivering HIV interventions, there are currently no mobile apps that consider cisgender Black women with the goal of promoting a comprehensive women’s reproductive health and HIV prevention lifestyle. Previous research recommends inclusion of the target population from project inception and iteratively throughout development, to promote use of the intervention. Objective The purpose of this study is to understand cisgender Black women’s preferences for functionality, format, and design of a mobile HIV prevention app and to examine their willingness to use an app for HIV prevention. Methods We conducted a series of four focus groups with 23 Black cisgender women. Focus groups included discussion and demonstration elements to address cisgender women’s general preference for apps, HIV prevention content that would be useful in an app, and preferred app features that would promote use of an HIV-centric app. During focus group discussions, participants were shown narrated, custom wireframes of HIV prevention app prototypes to demonstrate potential app function. Results Findings indicated the presence of eight subthemes within the coding structure of three overall themes: (1) health content within the mobile app, (2) mobile app functionality, format, and design, and (3) other suggested features. Specifically, participants detailed preferred educational content, content distribution, app aesthetics, privacy considerations, and marketing of the app. Conclusions Findings suggest that Black cisgender women preferred an app that integrated HIV prevention and optimal sexual health promotion. Participants provided a range of preferences for content integration and facilitators of app engagement with an HIV prevention app. Preferences centered on gender and cultural congruency of information and content, evidenced by visuals, language, and resources. Black cisgender women are viable consumers for a mobile app–based HIV prevention intervention.

BACKGROUND Black women are an important but relatively overlooked at-risk group in HIV prevention efforts. Although there is an aggregate decline of HIV diagnoses among women in the United States, there are persistent disparate rates of new HIV infections among Black women compared to any other cisgender female subgroup. Strategies to end the HIV epidemic—as outlined in the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative—for all communities must consider HIV prevention messaging and message delivery mediums that are created with community input. Although mobile health (mHealth) is a popular platform for delivering HIV interventions, there are currently no mobile apps that consider cisgender Black women with the goal of promoting a comprehensive women’s reproductive health and HIV prevention lifestyle. Previous research recommends inclusion of the target population from project inception and iteratively throughout development, to promote use of the intervention. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to understand cisgender Black women’s preferences for functionality, format, and design of a mobile HIV prevention app and to examine their willingness to use an app for HIV prevention. METHODS We conducted a series of four focus groups with 23 Black cisgender women. Focus groups included discussion and demonstration elements to address cisgender women’s general preference for apps, HIV prevention content that would be useful in an app, and preferred app features that would promote use of an HIV-centric app. During focus group discussions, participants were shown narrated, custom wireframes of HIV prevention app prototypes to demonstrate potential app function. RESULTS Findings indicated the presence of eight subthemes within the coding structure of three overall themes: (1) health content within the mobile app, (2) mobile app functionality, format, and design, and (3) other suggested features. Specifically, participants detailed preferred educational content, content distribution, app aesthetics, privacy considerations, and marketing of the app. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that Black cisgender women preferred an app that integrated HIV prevention and optimal sexual health promotion. Participants provided a range of preferences for content integration and facilitators of app engagement with an HIV prevention app. Preferences centered on gender and cultural congruency of information and content, evidenced by visuals, language, and resources. Black cisgender women are viable consumers for a mobile app–based HIV prevention intervention.

International audience; The potential of 2-methyloxolane (2-MeO) as an alternative solvent to extract cactus seed oil was compared, in qualitative and quantitative terms, with that of n-hexane, a solvent commonly used for the extraction of edible or cosmetic oils. With 2-MeO, the oil yield was higher (9.55 ± 0.12 g/100 g) than the oil extracted with n-hexane (8.86 ± 0.25 g/100 g). The chemical and physical parameters quality indices (acidity, peroxide value and extinction coefficients (K 232 and K 270) of 2-methyloxolane extracted oil were found to be much higher than that of oil extracted with n-hexane. A suitable refining scheme will have to be applied, probably leading to slight additional cost and losses. Also, the results showed that the sterol content was higher in the oil obtained with 2-MeO (111.5 ± 2.5 mg/100 g) as a solvent when compared to the oil extracted with nhexane (102.1 ± 7.54 mg/100 g). However, fatty acid and tocopherol content were not influenced by the extraction solvent. Therefore, the bio-based solvent 2-methyloxolane can be considered as an excellent alternative to the petroleum-based solvent n-hexane for edible/cosmetic oil extraction. The utilization of 2-MeO for oil extraction can drastically reduce the health and environmental impacts associated with n-hexane.; Le potentiel du 2-méthyloxolane (2-MeO) comme solvant alternatif pour l’extraction de l’huile de graines de cactus a été comparé, en termes qualitatifs et quantitatifs, à celui du n-hexane, un solvant couramment utilisé pour l’extraction des huiles alimentaires ou cosmétiques. Avec le 2-MeO, le rendement en huile est plus élevé (9,55 ± 0,12 g/100 g) que celui de l’huile extraite avec le n-hexane (8,86 ± 0,25 g/100 g). Les indices de qualité des paramètres chimiques et physiques (acidité, indice de peroxyde et coefficients d’extinction (K232et K270) de l’huile extraite au 2-méthyloxolane ont été comparés avec ceux de l’huile extraite au n-hexane. De plus, les résultats ont montré que la teneur en stérols était plus élevée dans l’huile obtenue avec le 2-MeO (111,5 ± 2,5 mg/100 g) comme solvant par rapport à l’huile extraite avec le n-hexane (102,1 ± 7,54 mg/100 g). Cependant, la teneur en acides gras et en tocophérols n’a pas été influencée par le solvant d’extraction. Par conséquent, le2-méthyloxolane, solvant d’origine végétale, peut être considéré comme une excellente alternative au n-hexane, solvant à base de pétrole, pour l’extraction des huiles alimentaires/cosmétiques. L’utilisation du 2-MeO pour l’extraction peut réduire considérablement les impacts environnementaux associés au n-hexane.

International audience; Sesame seeds collected in eight provinces of Yemen were used to prepare cold-pressed sesame oil over three consecutive years. After ascertaining the nutritional quality and compliance with official norm of each batch of oil, mineral composition was determined by ICP-OES. No major and significant variations were detected over three years indicating the high reproducibility of Yemeni sesame oil composition as a function of its geographic origin. Three physico-chemically distinct sub-groups were identified. A subgroup includes sesame oil from Al Bayda, Marib, Ibb, and Taiz; a second is constituted by sesame oil from Abyan, Shabwa, and Hadhramount while sesame oil from Hodeida presents its own specificity. Calcium content was between 3.02 and 9.66 mg/kg, this cation making up 50% of the total mineral content. The two other most abundant minerals were potassium (0.824–4.251 mg/kg) and magnesium (0.811–4.742 mg/kg). Potentially toxic metal (Cd, Pb, Cu, Sn and Zn) content was very low in all samples. Principal component analysis showed that Abyan oil presents a unique metal-content profile. The precise geographic origin of Yemeni sesame oil can be determined by element content analysis.

International audience; This work was aimed at studying variations in the element content of five famous Yemeni honeys of different floral origin. For this purpose, samples of honey were collected over three years from four mono-floral and one multi-floral honey. Element levels were determined by ICP-AES. Results show a highly reproducible level of element for each honey type and a significant change in element content in honey as a function of the floral source. In addition to demonstrating the impact of the floral origin on Yemeni-honey mineral content, our compiled values will be highly useful to ascertain honey quality once Yemen will return to less-trouble times.

Argan leaves along with fruit by-products serve, since ancient times, as animal feed as well as incorporated into other food products. Most of research works conducted on argan tree were devoted to oily fraction and little is known about by-product. In this study, thirteen elements including macro, micro-elements as well as heavy metals were quantified in argan leaves, cake and pulp using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. Sampling was carried out over 4 localities. Analyses of variance revealed that locality, by-product type and their interaction affect significantly data variability, while by-product was the main variability source. These outcomes were confirmed by principal component analysis, which allowed a clear discrimination among localities and by-products. Our samples were found to be rich in macro and micro-elements but lower levels of heavy metals demonstrating higher nutritional value on one hand and lack of toxicity concerns of argan by-products.

Argan oil is widely known as an edible, cosmetic, and pharmacologically active oil. It is also particularly expensive. Therefore argan oil adulteration with low price vegetable oils is frequent, making accurate, easy to use, and fast techniques to detect argan oil adulteration necessary. In this review, we present the advantages and disadvantages of a range of methods developed to detect argan oil adulteration. Though chromatography or infrared spectroscopy present the advantage of being efficient, easy to use and accurate, these techniques are time-consuming, expensive, and require somehow complexe sample preparation. At the present time, fluorescence spectroscopy appears to be the most efficient technique.

International audience; As a continuation of our interest in apoptosis-inducing triterpenoid saponins from Albizia genus, phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Albizia chevalieri led to the isolation of three new oleanane-type saponins, named chevalierosides A–C (1–3). Their structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR (1H-, 13C NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC) experiments, HRESIMS studies, and by chemical evidence. The pro-apoptotic effect of the three saponins was evaluated on two human cell lines (pancreatic carcinoma AsPC-1 and hematopoietic monocytic THP-1). Cytometric analyses showed that saponins 1–3 induced apoptosis of both human cell lines (AsPC-1 and THP-1) in a dose-dependent manner.

International audience; We herein demonstrate the UV resistance of glycol nucleic acid (GNA) dinucleotides. This resistance sustains the hypothesis of GNA as a nucleic acid prebiotic ancestor on early Earth, a time of intense solar UV light. Such photorobustness, due to the absence of intrastrand base stacking, could offer an opportunity for nanodevice development requiring challenging UV conditions.

International audience; The elemental profiling of sixteen coffee samples collected from eight major coffee producing Yemeni governorates was determined. Analyses were performed using inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-optical emission spectroscopy (OES). Among macro elements, K showed the highest levels. Ca was also present in high quantity in Yemeni coffee. This elevated content is in sharp contrast with coffees from Ethiopia and thus Ca-content can be used to differentiate Yemeni and Ethiopian coffees, the two most highly rated coffees on a commercial standpoint. Results were confirmed by chemometric (principal component and hierarchical agglomerative clustering) analyses.

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels, a tree that almost exclusively grows endemically in southern Morocco. If argan oil was initia11y only known around its traditional production area, major efforts combining chemical, agronomic and human sciences have led to its international recognition and marketing. In addition, to ensure the sustainable production of a sufficient quantity of argan kernels, a vast and unprecedented program that led to the reforestation of large areas of drylands has been developed in Morocco. Therefore, argan oil production is considered as an economic and ecologic success. Edible argan oil is prepared by cold-pressing roasted argan kernels. Unroasted kernels afford an oil of cosmetic grade, showing a bitter taste. Both oils, which are not refined and are virgin oils, share a similar fatty acid content that includes oleic and linoleic acids as major components. Additiona11y, argan oil is rich in antioxidants. Together, these components likely contribute to the oil pharmacological properties that, in humans, traditionally included cardiovascular disease and skin protection. Recent scientific studies have greatly expanded the scope of these pharmacological activities. Argan oil is now rewarded with a "Geographic Indication" that certifies its exclusive and authentic Moroccan origin and the compliance with strict production rules. In addition, the quality of argan oil can nowadays be ascertained by using an array of physicochemica1 methods. By-products, generated in large quantity during argan oil production, are also finding promising development routes.

Maple syrup is prepared by concentrating the sweet sap of the sugar maple tree (Acer saccharum March). Maple syrup is particularly appreciated by consumers for its unique flavor, taste, as well as its nutritional and health benefits. Due to the increase in its consumption and high price, the frequency of frauds resulting from deliberately mixing cheap and low-quality syrup with maple syrup is increasing. Fast, accurate, and modern analytical methods are needed to detect adulterations in maple syrup. This review focuses on the most recent advances on analytical methods used for detecting the different types of maple syrup adulterations.