Annual Research & Review in Biology

Impact of the Soil and Climatic Characteristics of Growing Localities on the Nutritional Qualities and Phytochemical Constituents of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Seeds in Côte d’Ivoire

Aya Kan Marie Louise Kouamé — 2026-03-31

Aims: This study was conducted to assess the influence of soil and climate conditions on the nutritional properties and phytochemical constituents of sesame accessions in three locations in Côte d’Ivoire.

Study Design: The study is based on a comparative assessment of the biochemical characteristics of sesame accessions grown under different soil and climate conditions.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in three locations in Côte d’Ivoire (Diawala, Korhogo, and Touba), using samples from a multi-site agronomic trial.

Methodology: Seeds from eight productive and stable sesame accessions were selected from among twenty-two accessions studied in a multi-location agronomic trial. Soil samples were collected at each location for analysis, and climate data from the various sites were recorded. The biochemical evaluation focused on dry matter, macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytochemicals. Univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (PCA, AHC) analyses were performed using R software to identify relationships between biochemical parameters and growing conditions.

Results: The results revealed significant variability in the nutritional composition of sesame seeds across different locations. The seeds were dominated by lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, as well as calcium, potassium, and lignin. Principal component analysis (PCA) and ascending hierarchical classification (AHC) identified three distinct groups of accessions based on their biochemical compositions. Seeds from Diawala were richer in energy-providing nutrients and antioxidants. Those from Korhogo were characterized by a higher content of minerals and lignin, while those from Touba were characterized by a higher content of proteins and functional compounds.

Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of biochemical variability for the selection and nutritional enhancement of sesame accessions adapted to the agroclimatic conditions of Côte d’Ivoire.

Glymphatic Function in Health and Neurological Disease: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Targets

Abhishek Dhawan — 2026-04-01

Background: The glymphatic system is a recently characterized brain-wide transport pathway that supports the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through perivascular spaces, enabling removal of metabolic waste and potentially harmful proteins from neural tissue. Efficient functioning of this clearance mechanism is essential for maintaining neuronal stability and cognitive performance. Disturbances in glymphatic activity have been increasingly linked with neurological disorders. Although substantial progress has been made, the precise mechanisms governing glymphatic transport particularly the relative contributions of diffusion and bulk flow remain under active scientific debate.

Objective: The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the structure and physiological mechanisms of the glymphatic system, its regulatory factors, its contribution to neurological disease development, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting its function.

Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Implications: The glymphatic pathway operates through coordinated cerebrospinal fluid influx along periarterial spaces and interstitial fluid clearance via perivenous routes, largely mediated by aquaporin-4 channels located on astrocytic endfeet. Physiological factors such as sleep patterns, vascular pulsations, body posture, autonomic signaling, and aging significantly influence system efficiency. Impairment of glymphatic clearance contributes to accumulation of neurotoxic proteins, including amyloid and tau, which are associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Recent advances in imaging modalities and computational approaches have enhanced understanding of glymphatic dynamics and highlighted its therapeutic relevance.

Conclusion: The glymphatic system represents a promising target for preventive and therapeutic strategies in neurological diseases. Translating emerging experimental insights into effective clinical interventions remains a critical priority for future research.