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The Ukraine War and Russia's soft power in Africa
Ogunnoiki, Adeleke O.; Ekpo, Charles E.; Oyewole, Samuel (Sage, 2026)
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has attracted widespread international attention and condemnation, especially from Western countries. While Ukraine has received waves of assistance, Russia has been sanctioned and isolated by Western countries and their allies. Nevertheless, most countries in Africa have neither supported nor condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine. A growing number of literatures has explained the drivers of this and other related behaviours by African countries, but such attempts remain inadequate and incoherent. This article examines the influence of Russia in Africa within the analytical framework of soft power and employs some enduring historical bounds and contemporary dynamics to explain the dispositions of many African states towards Russia, sometimes against Western pressure on the Ukraine War, especially at the United Nations (UN). Embedded in these complex historical and emerging relationships are variables that qualify as ingredients of soft power, which keeps Russia attractive to some African countries, thereby influencing their positions on issues concerning the country in the international arena.
The temporal course of third molar mineralization in a black South African population
Wirtz, Julian; Smit, Chane; Robinson, Liam; Bernitz, Herman; Timme, Maximilian; Schmidt, Sven; Schmeling, Andreas (Springer, 2026-03)
There are only a few studies available on the temporal course of third molar mineralization in sub-Saharan Africans. In the present study, 904 orthopantomograms (OPGs) of self-classified black South Africans aged 12-26 years with confirmed dates of birth were examined. 748 OPGs showed at least one evaluable mandibular third molar. The stages of mineralization for teeth 38 and 48 were determined by consensus according to the stage classification by Demirjian et al. (Hum Biol 45:221-227, 1). For stages D to H, the minimum age, maximum age, mean age with standard deviation, and median age with lower and upper quartiles are presented separately for each sex. The mean ages for both sexes for both teeth are above 18 years of age from stage G onwards. The minimum ages in stage H are 17.9 years (tooth 38) and 18.0 years (tooth 48) for males. For females, these values are 18.1 and 17.2 years, respectively. Since the minimum ages are above the values reported in other studies, they cannot be recommended for age assessment practice. In order to avoid stage misclassifications, which are particularly problematic when applying the minimum age principle, experienced examiners should make stage classifications in future studies consensually by.
The subterranean niche provides protection against predators : a review of predation on members of the family Bathyergidae
Finn, Kyle T. (Springer, 2026)
African mole-rats (family Bathyergidae) are subterranean rodents endemic to sub-Saharan Africa which spend nearly their entire lives in complex underground burrows. The subterranean niche provides a drastically decreased predation risk compared to epigeous rodents. The underground burrows of mole-rats have been compared to hidden and well defended fortresses, nigh impossible for predators to locate and assail. Predation rates of mole-rats while in their burrows may be incredibly low, but the frequencies of predation have not been quantified. This review collates observations of predation in African mole-rats primarily from diet studies conducted on mammalian, avian, and reptilian species which may be predators of African mole-rats. This review also includes new observations obtained from citizen science platforms (iNaturalist), social media, and personal interviews. The results indicate that African mole-rats are rarely predated upon and comprise less than 10% of the diet of most potential predators. However, the frequent above-ground foraging by the large Cape dune mole-rat, may result in increased predation pressure from Verreaux’s eagles.
Transdisciplinary reflections for assessing the mental well-being of university undergraduates within the African context for sustainable problem-solving
Oladele, Jumoke Iyabode; Omotoso, Ayotunde Bolatito O.; Victor-Aigbodion, Vera; Onyishi, Charity Neejide; Adeosun, Oluwatosin Adebowale; Amaeze, Eze Fidelis; Otu, Mkpoikanke Sunday; Sowunmi, Emmanuel Tolulope (Springer Nature, 2026-02)
Collaboration is the currency of the 21st century. It is becoming increasingly obvious that collective efforts are required for addressing contemporary problems. This is especially underscored for multifactorial problems like mental health problems. The heart of research is problem-solving. A transdisciplinary approach is a sine qua non for sustainable problem-solving in mental health research. The aim of this study was to understand the concept of mental well-being through the lens of experts in the field and to explore how it can be effectively measured in the African context, particularly among university undergraduates. The study was designed as action research and carefully deployed using a transdisciplinary research model. Experts in behavioural psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, medical research, educational sociology, and educational measurement were contacted, and a one-on-one interview session was scheduled with 13 consultants who consented to participate in the study via Doodle. The collected data were subjected to the analytical framework approach, which falls within a broad family of analysis methods also termed thematic analysis or qualitative content analysis. Through this approach, the data were systematically reduced to a meaningful form using jointly agreed-upon codes and quotes on mental health assessment, as supported by the literature and the World Health Organisation. Findings from the exercise unanimously revealed that the mental well-being of university undergraduates is a multidimensional construct comprising coping strategies, potential realisation, academic productivity, social interaction, school-life balance, emotional stability, healthy living, and belief systems, all of which must be considered for effective measurement. This transdisciplinary method is hoped to create a novel path for researchers by merging various forms of knowledge and closing gaps in school mental health constructs. Understanding how experts view mental health is a relevant step for sustainable problem-solving among undergraduates in Africa.
Translational human and equine regenerative medicine in musculoskeletal conditions
Bosman, Lisa Marie; Logan, Murray Glen; Miszewski, A.; Pepper, Michael Sean (Elsevier, 2026-03)
Translational regenerative medicine, integrating human and veterinary approaches within the “One Health” framework, increasingly uses horses as models for human musculoskeletal conditions due to shared anatomical and functional features. Osteoarthritis and tendon disorders affect both species, often resulting from high-impact or repetitive strain activities. Regenerative medicine offers therapeutic opportunities by promoting tissue repair and modulating inflammation. Cellular orthobiologics such as mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) show promise for treating osteoarthritis and tendon injuries in humans and horses, while non-cellular orthobiologics—including platelet-rich plasma, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, and alpha-2 macroglobulin—provide growth factors and anti-inflammatory molecules that support tissue regeneration. However, challenges remain, including variable product manufacture, inconsistent MSC isolation and characterization protocols (particularly in equine applications), and regulatory or public scepticism toward these therapies. Standardized production methods and improved clinical integration are needed. Combinatory use of cellular and non-cellular orthobiologics offers strong translational potential to improve musculoskeletal repair across species. HIGHLIGHTS • Equine–human musculoskeletal research aligns with One Health principles. • Cost, lifespan, and ethics limit horses as human translational models. • Standardized orthobiologic production protocols are needed to improve reliability. • Regulatory and public scepticism continue to hinder adoption of cell therapies. • New technologies and combined therapies may improve clinical outcomes.