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Societal Impact Statement: Despite strong historical declines, Guadeloupe and Haiti's coffee sectors remain important to rural communities' livelihood and resilience. Coffee also holds value as part of the islands' historical legacy and cultural identities. Furthermore, it is often grown in agroforestry systems providing important ecosystem services, which will become more important as these vulnerable islands work to adapt to a changing climate. Current efforts to revitalize coffee farms and target strategically important specialty markets would benefit from understanding existing genetic resources and the historical factors that shaped them. Our study reveals the rich history reflected in current coffee stands on the islands. Summary: The West Indies, particularly former French colonies like Haiti and Guadeloupe, were central to the spread of coffee in the Americas. The histories of these Islands are shared until the 19th century, where they diverged significantly. Still, both Islands experienced a strong decline in their coffee sector. Characterizing the genetic and varietal diversity of their coffee resources and understanding historical factors shaping them can help support revitalization efforts.To that end, we performed Kompetitve Allele‐Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping of 80 informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers on field samples from across main coffee‐growing region of Guadeloupe, and two historically important ones in Haiti, as well as 146 reference accessions from international collections. We also compared bioclimatic variables from sampled geographic areas and searched for historical determinants of present coffee resources.At least five Coffea arabica varietal groups were found in Haiti, versus two in Guadeloupe, with admixed individuals in both. The traditional Typica variety is still present in both islands, growing across a variety of climatic environments. We also found Coffea canephora on both islands, with multiple likely origins, and identified C. liberica var. liberica in Guadeloupe.These differences are explained by the Islands' respective histories. Overall, Guadeloupe experienced fewer, but older introductions of non‐Typica coffee. By contrast, several recent introductions have taken place in Haiti, driven by local and global factors and reflecting the history of Arabica varietal development and spread. Diversity on these islands is dynamic, and our results reveal opportunities and limits to the future of Guadeloupean and Haitian coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mariette Monpierre's and Michel Reinette's 2022 documentary, Les Derniers Blancs Matignon de Guadeloupe, and Estelle-Sarah Bulle's 2018 novel, Là, où les chiens aboient par la queue emblematize the complexities involved in reimagining postcolonial identities in Guadeloupe, especially that of the Blancs-Matignon. They are a mostly White, endogamous, and isolated group who have had a discreet existence in the thickly forested inland region of Grands-Fonds du Moule since the late 1600s. Through an analysis of the documentary and parts of the novel, the article explores historical, cultural, and linguistic convergences between the Blancs-Matignon and the majority Black and mixed-race population of Guadeloupe. The identity politics of weaving the narratives of the Blancs-Matignon into the matrix of Guadeloupe's contemporary society will also be examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the determinants of the nutritional quality of food imports in the French West Indies (Guadeloupe and Martinique), from 1995 to 2016. We use an original dataset reconciling data at the six-digit level of the Harmonized System with data from the French food composition table (Ciqual, 2017). We estimate the impact of several socioeconomic factors and food processing on per-capita imports of key markers of the nutrition transition: kilocalories, animal protein, saturated fat, and sugar. Results suggest that an increase in the per-capita GDP in the French West Indies increases per-capita imports in terms of kilocalories and saturated fat. Retail expansion is shown to contribute to the nutrition transition via increasing per-capita imports of our nutrition outcomes (except for sugar). We also show that processed and ultra-processed foods are associated with higher per-capita imports of our nutrition outcomes. Finally, the impact of the female labor force participation rate is found to be statistically insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Despite strong historical declines, Guadeloupe and Haiti's coffee sectors remain important to rural communities' livelihood and resilience. Coffee also holds value as part of the islands' historical legacy and cultural identities. Furthermore, it is often grown in agroforestry systems providing important ecosystem services, which will become more important as these vulnerable islands work to adapt to a changing climate. Current efforts to revitalize coffee farms and target strategically important specialty markets would benefit from understanding existing genetic resources and the historical factors that shaped them. Our study reveals the rich history reflected in current coffee stands on the islands. Summary The West Indies, particularly former French colonies like Haiti and Guadeloupe, were central to the spread of coffee in the Americas. The histories of these Islands are shared until the 19th century, where they diverged significantly. Still, both Islands experienced a strong decline in their coffee sector. Characterizing the genetic and varietal diversity of their coffee resources and understanding historical factors shaping them can help support revitalization efforts. To that end, we performed Kompetitve Allele‐Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping of 80 informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers on field samples from across main coffee‐growing region of Guadeloupe, and two historically important ones in Haiti, as well as 146 reference accessions from international collections. We also compared bioclimatic variables from sampled geographic areas and searched for historical determinants of present coffee resources. At least five Coffea arabica varietal groups were found in Haiti, versus two in Guadeloupe, with admixed individuals in both. The traditional Typica variety is still present in both islands, growing across a variety of climatic environments. We also found Coffea canephora on both islands, with multiple likely origins, and identified C. liberica var. liberica in Guadeloupe. These differences are explained by the Islands' respective histories. Overall, Guadeloupe experienced fewer, but older introductions of non‐Typica coffee. By contrast, several recent introductions have taken place in Haiti, driven by local and global factors and reflecting the history of Arabica varietal development and spread. Diversity on these islands is dynamic, and our results reveal opportunities and limits to the future of Guadeloupean and Haitian coffee.

The majority of tumor comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) currently does not include a matched normal control. The use of a tumor-only CGP approach needs the development of a strategy to refine germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (gP/LPVs) calls, so as to limit the performance of unnecessary germline reflex tests and instead successfully identify patients who are carriers of likely gP/LPVs. Guidelines have been developed for the identification of gP/LPVs in BRCA1/2 genes on the basis of tumor-only CGP results and for the evaluation of the appropriateness of performing germline reflex BRCA1/2 testing. In this study, an algorithm to assist decision-making for germline reflex testing of BRCA1/2 variants following tumor-only CGP is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new large muricids gastropods are named from the American tropics; one from the Lucasian Infraprovince of the Magdalenan Subprovince, Panamic Molluscan Province of the Eastern Pacific and the other from the Martiniquean Infraprovince of the Grenadian Subprovince, Caribbean Molluscan Province of the Caribbean Sea. The new Panamic species, Neorapana iwamasai Petuch, Berschauer, and Powell n. sp., is found on a very small stretch of coastline along Baja California Sur, Mexico. The other species, Phyllonotus bellettii Petuch, Berschauer, and Powell n. sp., is endemic to the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, and adjacent smaller islands, in the French West Indies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Falls are a common geriatric syndrome in older people. Falls are associated with adverse health events such as dependency, unplanned emergency admissions and death. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with fall severity, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cognitive decline and polypharmacy, as well as sociodemographic characteristics in patients aged 70 years and over admitted to the emergency department in Guadeloupe. Method: A single-center, observational, retrospective study of patients aged 70 years and over admitted to the emergency department (ED) of the University Hospital of Guadeloupe for a fall between 1 May 2018 and 30 April 2019 was conducted. Fall severity was defined as the need for hospitalization. Bivariate analysis was used to determine the associations between fall severity and sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, history of falls and polypharmacy (defined as the daily use of at least five drugs). Polypharmacy was analyzed as a binary variable (>5 drugs daily; yes or no) in categories (0–3 (ref.), 4–6, 7–9 and ≥10 drugs). Results: During the study period, 625 patients who attended the ED for a fall were included. The mean age was 82.6 ± 7.6 years, and 51.2% were women. Of these, 277 patients (44.3%) were admitted to the hospital, and 3 patients (0.5%) died. In the bivariate analysis, only polypharmacy was associated with hospitalization for a fall (OR: 1.63 [95% CI: 1.33–2.02]). The odds ratios for the polypharmacy categories were 1.46 [95% CI 0.99–2.14], 1.65 [1.09–2.50] and 1.48 [0.76–2.85] for 4–6, 7–9 and ≥10 drugs, respectively. Conclusions: Polypharmacy was associated with hospitalization as a proxy for fall severity. A regular review of drug prescriptions is essential to reduce polypharmacy in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cahiers d'Études Africaines is the property of Editions EHESS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Annales Historiques de la Révolution Française is the property of Librairie Armand Colin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Foster families may represent an alternative model for dependent older adults in many countries where nursing homes are insufficiently developed. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and its determinants in older adults living in foster families in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). Methods: This cross-sectional study was gathered from the KASAF (Karukera Study of Ageing in Foster families) study (n = 107, 41M/66F, Mdn 81.8 years). Nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form (MNA‐SF). Clinical characteristics and scores on geriatric scales (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Center for Epidemiologic Studies- Depression (CESD) and Questionnaire Quality of Life Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD)) were extracted. Bivariate analysis and logistic models adjusted for age and gender were performed to test the association of nutritional status with socio-demographic variables and geriatric scales. Results: Thirty (28.0%) older adults were malnourished (MNA-SF score ≤7). In bivariate analysis, malnutrition was associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (46.7% versus 19.5%, p = 0.004), the presence of hemiplegia (30.0% versus 6.5%, p = 0.003), a poorer cognitive status (MMSE score 4.7 ± 7.1versus 9.7 ± 10.7; p = 0.031), higher risk of depression (CESD score 27.3 ± 23.0 versus 13.5 ± 14.4; p = 0.035) and dependency (ADL score 1.9 ± 1.9 versus 2.3 ± 2.1; p<0.001). Malnutrition was also associated with lower caregivers'rating of QoL (QoL-AD score 21.8 ± 6.4 versus 26.0 ± 5.7; p = 0.001) but not by older adult's rating (24.1 ± 11.2 versus 28.3 ± 7.7; p = 0.156). Similar associations were observed in logistic models adjusted for age and gender. Conclusion: Malnutrition was common among foster families for older adults. Special attention towards the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in older adults from cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, dependency and depression is necessary in this model of dependency support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The primary aim of the study was to validate the Zulfiqar Frailty Scale (ZFS) and examine its concordance with the modified Short Emergency Geriatric Assessment (mSEGA) scale, Part A. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in Guadeloupe (France) over a two-month duration (from 20 February to 20 April 2024), involving elderly individuals aged 65 and older, deemed self-sufficient with an ADL (Activities of Daily Living) score exceeding four out of six. Results: Within this community cohort of 98 individuals, averaging 75 years in age, frailty according to the modified SEGA criteria was prevalent in 29%. Frailty according to the "ZFS" score was prevalent in 40%. Key predictors of frailty identified in our study included age, comorbidity (Charlson score), polypharmacy (total number of medications and therapeutic classes), and functional ability (ADL scores). Notably, experiences of falls and hospitalizations within the past six months significantly influenced the classification of frailty according to both ZFS and SEGA scales. Significant associations with the presence of home care aides (p < 0.0001), monopodal support test results (p < 0.0001), memory impairments (p < 0.0001), and recent hospitalizations (p = 0.0054) underscored the multidimensional impact of frailty. The Pearson correlation coefficient and its 95% confidence interval between the SEGA and Zulfiqar Frailty Scales stood at 0.73 [0.61: 0.81]. The discernment threshold for frailty was set at three out of six criteria, showcasing a sensitivity of 64% and a negative predictive value of 80%. The area under the curve (AUC) for the Zulfiqar Frailty Scale was reported as 0.8. Conclusion: The "ZFS" tool allows for the detection of frailty with a highly satisfactory sensitivity and negative predictive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Consumers' preferences for food crops are guided by quality attributes. This study aimed at deciphering the genetic basis of quality traits, especially tuber flesh color (FC) and oxidative browning (OB) in Dioscorea alata, based on the genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) approach. The D. alata panel was planted at two locations in Guadeloupe. At harvest, the FC was scored visually as white, cream, or purple on longitudinally sliced mature tubers. The OB was scored visually as the presence or absence of browning after 15 min of exposure of the sliced samples to ambient air. RESULTS: Phenotypic characterization for FC and OB of a diverse panel of D. alata genotypes highlighted significant variation within the panel and across two locations. The genotypes within the panel displayed a weak structure and could be classified into three subpopulations. GWAS identified 14 and 4 significant associations for tuber FC and OB, respectively, with phenotypic variance, explained values ranging from 7.18% to 18.04%. Allele segregation analysis at the significantly associated loci highlighted the favorable alleles for the desired traits, i.e., white FC and no OB. A total of 24 putative candidate genes were identified around the significant signals. A comparative analysis with previously reported quantitative trait loci indicated that numerous genomic regions control these traits in D. alata. CONCLUSION: Our study provides important insights into the genetic control of tuber FC and OB in D. alata. The major and stable loci can be further utilized to improve selection in breeding programs for developing new cultivars with enhanced tuber quality. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the re-establishment of slavery has become better known, the process by which this return was effected remains understudied. While scholars have examined the return of colour prejudice and the reactionary nature of civil law reforms, criminal justice has received little attention. Nevertheless, criminal tribunals, both exceptionally established and permanent, played an important role in the transition from a de jure regime of emancipation, in spite of de facto limits, to a renewal of the regime of enslavement. An examination of these court records reveals how long the government considered the colony needed jurisdictions of exception to deal with threats of rebellion; the variety of crimes that were considered 'rebellious'; and the transition from a regime of exception based on the emergency of rebellion to one based on the particularity of the slave system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic concepts and monophyly of the southern African genus Eurynotus and its subgeneric components (Biolus and Neosolenopistoma) are tested using cladistic analyses. Seventy morphological characters were scored and analysed using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference for 26 Eurynotina species, including all Eurynotus. Comprehensive revision of Biolus and Eurynotus resulted in Neosolenopistoma becoming a junior synonym of the genus Biolus stat. nov. (elevated to generic rank), restoration of one species (B. asperipennis stat. res.), recognition of seven new combinations, and descriptions of two new species (Biolus brunoi sp. nov. and Eurynotus privisolum sp. nov.). Lectotypes are designated for previously described species from syntype material, and a key to species of Biolus and Eurynotus is provided. Three species were confirmed as ovoviviparous (two Biolus and one Eurynotus) bringing the number of recorded ovoviviparous Tenebrionidae to 14. Shortened ovipositors are discounted as requisite for ovovivipary based on elongate paraprocts in Biolus and Eurynotus. Principal component analyses were used to examine three lineages of ovoviviparous tenebrionids; however, no single set of climatic variables was correlated with ovovivipary. Southern African, Malagasy, and Guadeloupe lineages of ovoviviparous Tenebrionidae probably have additional and/or separate evolutionary origins and selection pressures to consider when examining this reproductive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandy beaches have experienced substantial human modifications worldwide for centuries. Yet, sandy beaches are known as nursery areas for coral reef fishes. Due to global and local stressors, the degradation of nurseries such as the sandy beaches may have wide reaching consequences for the resilience of reef fishes. In our study, the impact of erosion vs. accretion phenomena was highlighted on coral reef fish community in Guadeloupe in comparing the abundance and diversity of juvenile fish between two nearby beach sites (one that undergoes accretion and the other one that undergoes erosion since the 1950s). The main result showed that a significant retreat of sandy beach along the entire coastline, by bringing out an old reef, could create new habitats, favorable to the settlement of fish juveniles. This result is surprising when considering that erosion negatively affects coral reefs through the sedimentation, deterioration of water quality, and loss of habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shark and ray populations continue to decline in many regions around the world. The contribution of artisanal fisheries to these declines remains poorly understood for many locations. A rapid assessment framework using fisheries-independent sampling and fisher interviews was employed to study elasmobranch occurrence and use in coastal artisanal fisheries of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Tobago. In-person interviews (n = 405) were conducted between June 2015-June 2017, and baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) (n = 50 video drops/reef) were deployed in nine reefs across the islands. The fate of elasmobranchs caught by artisanal fishers varied by island. Martinique reported the highest proportion of fishers keeping their catch for subsistence among the study locations. In Guadeloupe, fishers most frequently sold their catch, and Tobago fishers engaged in both subsistence fishing and sale. Fishers retained almost all animals caught and reported reduced catches of elasmobranch compared to when they started fishing. BRUVS revealed relatively low elasmobranch occurrence and a low Shannon diversity index compared to Caribbean nations with less fishing pressures on elasmobranchs. The present study highlights the need for improved data on, and monitoring of, artisanal fisheries.

The majority of cases of undifferentiated acute febrile illness (AFI) in the tropics have an undefined etiology. In Thailand, AFI accounts for two-thirds of illnesses reported to the Ministry of Public Health. To characterize the bacterial and viral causes of these AFIs, we conducted molecular pathogen screening and serological analyses in patients who sought treatment in Chum Phae Hospital, Khon Kaen province, during the period from 2015 to 2016. Through integrated approaches, we successfully identified the etiology in 25.5% of cases, with dengue virus infection being the most common cause, noted in 17% of the study population, followed by scrub typhus in 3.8% and rickettsioses in 6.8%. Further investigations targeting viruses in patients revealed the presence of Guadeloupe mosquito virus (GMV) in four patients without other pathogen co-infections. The characterization of four complete genome sequences of GMV amplified from AFI patients showed a 93–97% nucleotide sequence identity with GMV previously reported in mosquitoes. Nucleotide substitutions resulted in amino acid differences between GMV amplified from AFI patients and mosquitoes, observed in 37 positions. However, these changes had undergone purifying selection pressure and potentially had a minimal impact on protein function. Our study suggests that the GMV strains identified in the AFI patients are relatively similar to those previously reported in mosquitoes, highlighting their potential role associated with febrile illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismic and fumarollic activity of La Soufrière de Gaudeloupe increased in 1992. Continuing unrest led the Observatoire volocanologique et sismologique of Guadeloupe (OVSG-IPGP) to recommend in July 1999 to the authorities that the volcano alert be set to "Vigilance" (yellow). The OVSG-IPGP has been particularly vigilant and reinforced its monitoring following another significant increase of unrest in 2017 that culminated in magnitude 4.1 felt earthquake and a probable failed phreatic eruption. Volcanic activity remains difficult to forecast precisely, so the only way to stay safe, in case of an impending eruption, is to move away from the threatened area. This can be a major problem for the authorities and the population. In the French overseas departments, despite the presence of several volcanoes, there is limited experience in managing volcanic emergencies, especially in areas with a high population density and strategic assets, such as the Basse-Terre region of Guadeloupe. Therefore, it is crucial to devise and assess an emergency management strategy to identify potential problems and dangers that may arise during a mass evacuation. Crisis exercises can be planned to prepare the authorities and the population, but they are rarely carried out due to the human and resource costs involved. A series of evacuation scenarios are evaluated through simulations. The scenarios model staged and simultaneous evacuations with different speeds of individual response times. The aim of this research is to evaluate the two main evacuation strategies defined in the current volcano emergency response plan for La Soufrière of Guadeloupe, revised in 2018 by the authorities. This paper describes a calibrated agent-based model of mass evacuation and its exploration focusing on the potential staged evacuations of the southern Basse-Terre area. The overall objectives of this research are to: (1) test the evacuation strategy of the current emergency plan, and (2) provide relevant information to stakeholders. The results of these simulations suggest that there is no significant difference between the two evacuation strategies. It is estimated that 95% of the population will be evacuated within 20 h with a simultaneous or a staged evacuation. Whatever the scenario, the simulation results show high levels of road congestion. However, the staged evacuation will significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the network during the peak time of the evacuation and therefore reduce dangerous situations and the potential for adding crises within a volcanic crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African populations of the mosquito Aedes aegypti are usually considered less susceptible to infection by human-pathogenic flaviviruses than globally invasive populations found outside Africa. Although this contrast has been well documented for Zika virus (ZIKV), it is unclear to what extent it is true for dengue virus (DENV), the most prevalent flavivirus of humans. Addressing this question is complicated by substantial genetic diversity among DENV strains, most notably in the form of four genetic types (DENV1 to DENV4), that can lead to genetically specific interactions with mosquito populations. Here, we carried out a survey of DENV susceptibility using a panel of seven field-derived Ae. aegypti colonies from across the African range of the species and a colony from Guadeloupe, French West Indies as non-African reference. We found considerable variation in the ability of African Ae. aegypti populations to acquire and replicate a panel of six DENV strains spanning the four DENV types. Although African Ae. aegypti populations were generally less susceptible than the reference non-African population from Guadeloupe, in several instances some African populations were equally or more susceptible than the Guadeloupe population. Moreover, the relative level of susceptibility between African mosquito populations depended on the DENV strain, indicating genetically specific interactions. We conclude that unlike ZIKV susceptibility, there is no clear-cut dichotomy in DENV susceptibility between African and non-African Ae. aegypti. DENV susceptibility of African Ae. aegypti populations is highly heterogeneous and largely governed by the specific pairing of mosquito population and DENV strain. Author summary: African populations of the mosquito Aedes aegypti are usually thought to be less likely to get infected by flaviviruses compared to Ae. aegypti mosquitoes found outside Africa. While this has been well-demonstrated for Zika virus, it is not clear if the same is true for dengue virus, which is the most common flavivirus in humans. Studying this is complicated by the strain diversity of dengue virus, including four main genetic types, potentially causing different interactions. In this study, we compared several mosquito populations and found that, in general, African mosquitoes were less likely to get infected by dengue virus compared to mosquitoes from outside Africa. However, in some cases, African mosquitoes were just as or even more likely to get infected. The specific strain of dengue virus also influenced how likely African mosquitoes were to get infected, showing that the relationship between African mosquitoes and dengue virus is complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the captivity narratives of two British men who were captured by republican rebels in Grenada in 1795. It provides insights into the republican regime in Guadeloupe and the experiences of captivity. The article also discusses the tensions between American sailors, British sailors, and French whites in the region, as well as the complex challenge to nationalism during the revolution. The French revolutionary conflict in the Caribbean, particularly in Guadeloupe and Grenada, is explored, highlighting the role of Victor Hugues in the revolution. The text includes two narratives by prisoners, John Hay and Francis MacMahon, which shed light on the actions of Victor Hugues, the overextension of the republican war effort, and the contestations of nationalism and identity in the region. The article also provides a list of references and sources for further research on the topic. [Extracted from the article]

Vanilla production in Guadeloupe is expanding. The main species grown is Vanilla planifolia, but other species such as Vanilla pompona are also present and required by industries. To upgrade the value of vanilla production on this Caribbean Island, this study was performed to evaluate the aromatic specifies of these vanilla species according to the length of the post-harvest period (2 months and 9 months). For this purpose, Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla pompona were compared through scald and scarification transformation processes, as well as two different refining times (T1 and T2). For chemical characterization, 0.1 g of vanilla bean seeds was used for SMPE/GC-MS measurements, while 0.05 g of vanilla samples was subjected to infusion in milk (0.15%) for sensory evaluation. The latter involved generation of terms of aroma through olfaction and gustation sessions. The chemical results showed a significant difference between the two species, where vanillin was mostly present in Vanilla planifolia, unlike Vanilla pompona, where it was mainly rich in 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol. Interestingly, the second refining time was characterized by the appearance of two major components, 1,3-octadien and acetic acid. For sensory analysis, all the vanillas exhibited a high diversity of aromas including "sweet", "gourmand", "spicy" flavors and so on. The application of factorial correspondence analysis (FAC) as well as the agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) showed differences between the vanilla samples according to both the species and refining time. The combination of these analyses makes it possible to establish a chemical and organoleptic profile of vanillas. Varietal and processing factors both have a major impact on the aroma profile of vanillas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical Dry Forest (T-dF) is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the Neotropics, due to negative anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. (indio desnudo, resbalamono), is among the species most reported for the T-dF of the Colombian Caribbean. In this work, the chemical composition and antioxidant and biological activities of B. simaruba essential oil (EO) were determined. EO chemical analysis from leaves and, petiole, and young branches bark (PYBB) of B. simaruba was carried out by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry; polar and apolar columns were used for component separation. The biological activity of B. simaruba EO (PYBB) against Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera, Ptinidae) was determined by the preference area method. EO (PYBB) antioxidant capacity was determined by Oxygen Free Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay. Reference antioxidant and standard terpenes were used for relative analysis of ORAC results. α-Terpinene (27.7% and 16.4%), p-cymene (22.8% and 44.0%), and g-terpinene (16.7% and 14.6%), were the main constituents in B. simaruba EOs (leaves and PYBB). EOs were represented by a high percentage of hydrocarbon monoterpenes (∼79.1% and ∼88.9%, leaves and PYBB); while hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (∼3.1% and ∼4.6%, leaves and PYBB); contributed with a low percentage. B. simaruba EO (PYBB), showed attractant activity, at 0.4 μL.cm-2 (2h: -45%±7%; 4h: -50%±17%); in relation with Stay off, at 0.8 μL.cm-2, which was used as a positive control for repellent activity (2h: 66%±5%; 4h: 75%±21%). B. simaruba EO (PYBB) showed a very low antioxidant capacity (ORAC: 657.2±20.5 μmol Trolox/g sample), related to quercetin, used as reference antioxidant (50816.9±1559.1 μmol Trolox/g sample). However, EO ORAC was higher than the α-terpinene (68.0±10.8 μmol Trolox/g sample), γ-terpinene (51.2±2.0 μmol Trolox/g sample), p-cymene (105.6±6.4 μmol Trolox/g sample), used as standard terpenes. In conclusion, this is the first report on the chemical composition of the B. simaruba EO from Colombia, whose results differ from the previous ones from Jamaica and Guadeloupe. Chemical composition, reported here, with α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and p-cymene as principal compounds, could be used to establish a scientific support that explains some traditional uses. EO showed an attractive biological activity on L. serricorne. EO showed an antioxidant activity lowest quercetin (antioxidant reference), but higher that standard terpenes (α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and p-cymene). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1808 the French Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe represented the last threat to British colonial interests in the West Indies. Strategic concerns were not, however, the driving force behind British combined naval–military operations to capture them. Professional and financial gain were the primary motives for the officers in charge, Rear Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane and General Sir George Beckwith, as they debated fleet and troop dispositions for attacks on the islands. The chance to seize prizes, booty, and valuable appointments to colonial offices on captured territory played a large part in the formulation of plans, although changes to both the strategic situation in the region and the metropolitan–colonial relationship threatened their prospects. This article examines Cochrane and Beckwith's efforts to maintain autonomy in the face of stricter government oversight, sufficient to achieve their personal ambitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1958, the cities of Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Fort-de-France (Martinique) experienced a qualitative and quantitative housing crisis marked by the multiplication of spontaneous housing neighborhoods in the suburbs on the outskirts of the old colonial centers. To remedy this, real estate programs were carried out during the 1960s and 1970s. From these two examples, the aim is to determine what were the policies on social housing and habitat improvement in French West Indian cities.

Raymond Breton’s Dictionnaire caraïbe-français, first published in 1665, includes a montage of sentences and conversations held by the Dominican and the islanders of Guadeloupe. More than a linguistic tool, this work constitutes a first-rate testimony to the morals and customs of the country’s natives. Despite the efforts of rapprochement made by the missionary, the present investigation shows that the extracts in local language and the anecdotes reported reflect intercultural tensions and resistance of the natives in the face of the Dominican’s evangelization enterprise. The Caribbean statements recorded, evidently captured on the spot, clearly reveal the cultural gap that separates the visitor from his hosts, who are hostile to his teaching. For today’s researchers, the Dictionary therefore appears not only as a complement to Father Breton’s missionary relationships, but also as an essential source for reconstructing this episode in the history of Guadeloupe and the often conflicting relationships between the missionary and the Caribbeans.

Abstract Background Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) is the main pathogen responsible for eosinophilic meningitis in humans. One of its intermediate snail hosts, Achatina fulica, was already present in many countries around the world before it appeared in the West Indies in the late 1980s. In the French territories in the Caribbean and northern South America, the first cases of human neuroangiostrongyliasis were reported in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana in 2002, 2013 and 2017, respectively. In order to better characterize angiostrongyliasis in Guadeloupe, particularly its geographical origin and route of introduction, we undertook molecular characterization of adult worms of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and its intermediate host Achatina fulica. Methods Genomic DNA of adult Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Achatina fulica was extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the mitochondrial genes cytochrome B and C for A. cantonensis and 16S ribosomal RNA for A. fulica. The PCR products were sequenced and studied by phylogenetic analysis. Results Cytochrome B and cytochrome C molecular markers indicate a monophyletic lineage of A. cantonensis adult worms in Guadeloupe. Two sequences of A. fulica were identified. Conclusions These results confirm the recent introduction of both Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Achatina fulica into Guadeloupe. Achatina fulica in Guadeloupe shares a common origin with those in Barbados and New Caledonia, while Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Guadeloupe shares a common origin with those in Brazil, Hawaii and Japan. Graphical Abstract

In this study, alternatively to the megathrust, we identify upper plate normal faults orthogonal to the trench as a possible tsunami source along the Lesser Antilles subduction zone. We study the Morne Piton Fault system, a trench-perpendicular upper crustal fault affecting the Lesser Antilles forearc at the latitude of Guadeloupe. By the means of seismic reflection, high resolution bathymetry, Remotely Operated Vehicle images and dating, we reassess the slip rate of the Morne Piton Fault at 0.2 mm.yr-1 since fault inception (i.e. 7 Ma), dividing by five previous estimations and thus increasing the earthquake time recurrence and lowering the associated hazard. We evidence a metric scarp with striae at the toe of the Morne Piton Fault system suggesting a recent fault rupture. We estimate a fault rupture area of ~ 450-675 km2 and then a magnitude range for the seismic event around Mw 6.5 ± 0.5. We present results from a multi-segment tsunami model representative for the worst-case scenario which gives an overview of what could happen in terms of tsunami generation if the whole identified Morne Piton Fault segments ruptured together. Our model illustrates the potential impact of local tsunamis on the surrounding coastal area as well as local bathymetric controls on tsunami propagation as (i) shallow water plateaus act as secondary sources and are responsible for a wrapping of the tsunami waves around the island of Marie-Galante, (ii) canyons are focusing and enhancing the wave height in front of the most touristic and populated town of the island, (iii) a resonance phenomenon is observed within Les Saintes archipelago showing that the waves' frequency content is able to perturbate the sea-level during many hours after the seismic rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterborne faecal contamination is a major public health concern. The main objectives of this study were to investigate faecal contamination and Escherichia coli (E. coli) antibiotic resistance in recreational fresh water from Guadeloupe and to characterise the microbiome and resistome composition in biofilms from submerged rocks. Significant faecal contamination was observed at 14 freshwater sites. E. coli predominated (62%), followed by Enterobacter cloacae (11%) and Acinetobacter spp. (11%). Of 152 E. coli isolated, none produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), but 7% showed resistance to streptomycin and 4% to tetracycline. Biofilm resistome analysis revealed clinically significant antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs), including those coding for resistance to sulfonamides (sul1), carbapenems (blaKPC), and third-generation cephalosporins (blaCTX-M). Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (intI1, intI2, intI3) linked to resistance to aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, tetracycline, as well as heavy metal resistance determinants (copA, cusF, czcA, merA) conferring resistance to copper, silver, cadmium, and mercury were also detected. Diverse bacterial phyla were found in biofilm samples, of which Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctonomycetes, and Cyanobacteria were predominant. Despite the frequent presence of E. coli exceeding regulatory standards, the low levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in freshwater and of ARGs and MGEs in associated biofilms suggest limited antibiotic resistance in Guadeloupean recreational waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Poor quality of biological information, such as the relationship between length and weight parameters, could be a source of variability with a significant impact on stock assessment results. This relationship between the length and weight of individuals could differ between males and females as well as two separated islands and/or linked to the reproduction period according the studied species. In total, 109 fish species (24,996 individuals) were sampled around Guadeloupe and Martinique Islands from October 2021 to September 2022 to estimate the morphometric relationships between total length and weight (Length Weight Relationship: LWR) of each fish species according to potential spatial, temporal and sex differences. Of these species, this is the first time that the LWR was estimated in the Atlantic Ocean for 16 species. There is a significant relationship between length and weight for all tested species. For 83 tested species, the sex effect on the LWR showed significant sexual dimorphism for 24 species. Additionally, a link between the temporal effect and the reproduction period was tested for 68 species, of which 35 presented significant differences relative to the annual quarter of sampling. Finally, the geographical effect (i.e., the difference between samples from around Guadeloupe Island and those from Martinique Island) was significant for 60 species. This island effect was significant for 25 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for potent antimicrobial compounds is critical in the face of growing antibiotic resistance. This study explores Acalypha arvensis Poepp. (A. arvensis), a Caribbean plant traditionally used for disease treatment. The dried plant powder was subjected to successive extractions using different solvents: hexane (F1), dichloromethane (F2), methanol (F3), a 50:50 mixture of methanol and water (F4), and water (F5). Additionally, a parallel extraction was conducted using a 50:50 mixture of methanol and chloroform (F6). All the fractions were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, and the F6 fraction was characterized using untargeted metabolomics using SPME-GC×GC-TOFMS. The extracts of A. arvensis F3, F4, and F5 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (5 mg/mL), MRSA BA22038 (5 mg/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (10 mg/mL), and fraction F6 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (2 mg/mL), Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (20 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (10 mg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 (10 mg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus 024 (2 mg/mL), and Staphylococcus aureus 003 (2 mg/mL). Metabolomic analysis of F6 revealed 2861 peaks with 58 identified compounds through SPME and 3654 peaks with 29 identified compounds through derivatization. The compounds included methyl ester fatty acids, ethyl ester fatty acids, terpenes, ketones, sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. This study represents the first exploration of A. arvensis metabolomics and its antimicrobial potential, providing valuable insights for plant classification, phytochemical research, and drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synalpheopsis gen. nov. is established for a remarkable new alpheid species, Synalpheopsis laureae sp. nov., presently known only from the male holotype collected at 111–162 m east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles. Synalpheopsis gen. nov. peculiarly combines features of two genera, Alpheopsis Coutière, 1897 and Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888; however, it is presumably closer to the former genus. The new genus is characterised by the moderately developed orbital hoods, well-developed rostrum and orbital teeth, sixth pleonite without articulated flap, tip of the third maxilliped with crown of spiniform setae, chelipeds with two strong teeth on distolateral margin and lacking snapping mechanism on finger cutting edges, and gill formula without mastigobranchs and setobranchs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Alien species can host diverse microbial communities. These associated microbiomes may be important in the invasion process and their analysis requires a holistic community-based approach. We analysed the skin and gut microbiome of Eleutherodactylus johnstonei from native range populations in St Lucia and exotic range populations in Guadeloupe, Colombia, and European greenhouses along with their respective environmental microbial reservoir through a 16S metabarcoding approach. We show that amphibian-associated and environmental microbial communities can be considered as meta-communities that interact in the assembly process. High proportions of bacteria can disperse between frogs and environment, while respective abundances are rather determined by niche effects driven by the microbial community source and spatial environmental properties. Environmental transmissions appeared to have higher relevance for skin than for gut microbiome composition and variation. We encourage further experimental studies to assess the implications of turnover in amphibian-associated microbial communities and potentially invasive microbiota in the context of invasion success and impacts. Within this novel framework of "nested invasions," (meta-)community ecology thinking can complement and widen the traditional perspective on biological invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]