Vol 14 Issue 4 October 2026-December 2026

Abstract: Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a quantitative trait influenced by seed dormancy, hormone metabolism and germination-associated pathways. Ten rice genotypes contrasting for PHS response were evaluated during Kharif 2025, and resistant and susceptible groups were characterized using physiological, biochemical and molecular approaches. Five major QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 7 and 11, with qPHS7 showing the largest phenotypic effect (LOD 9.84; PVE 32.6%). SDR4, OsNCED5, ABI3 and ABI5 showed higher expression in resistant material, whereas GA20ox2,

GA3ox and α-amylase were higher in susceptible material. Resistant alleles of SDR4, OsNCED5,

ABI3 and ABI5 were significantly enriched in resistant genotypes. RNA-seq identified 943 differentially expressed genes, supporting enhanced ABA-associated dormancy and reduced GA- and carbohydrate-associated germination in resistant material. The integrated results identify candidate molecular components for further validation and breeding use.

Keywords: rice; pre-harvest sprouting; seed dormancy; QTL; SDR4; ABA; gibberellin; RNA-seq; candidate genes.

Title: Integrated QTL, Candidate-Gene and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Molecular Networks Underlying Pre-Harvest Sprouting Resistance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Author: Siddhartha Biswas, Dr. Nitin B. Mehetre

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 34-42

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 13-October-2026

Abstract: Modern contraceptive use is an effective strategy for preventing unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women. However, its utilization is influenced by socio-demographic, cultural, and behavioral factors. This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding modern contraceptive use and identified factors associated with its utilization among adolescent girls aged 15–19 years in Muhanga District, Rwanda. A cross-sectional study design was employed among 398 adolescent girls selected using the Yamane formula. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine factors associated with modern contraceptive use. Ethical approval and informed consent procedures were observed before data collection. The mean age of respondents was 17.3 years, with those aged 18 years constituting the largest proportion (29.2%). Most respondents were attending secondary school (60.1%), were Catholic (44.2%), lived with parents or guardians (91.2%), and were covered by Mutuelle de Santé (97.2%). Overall, 56.2% of respondents had a high level of knowledge about modern contraceptive use, while 29.1% had a low level of knowledge. Regarding attitudes, 69.3% demonstrated a positive attitude toward modern contraceptive use, whereas 36.1% demonstrated a negative attitude. The prevalence of lifetime modern contraceptive use was 33.4%. Bivariate analysis identified significant associations between contraceptive use and age, living arrangement, awareness of risks associated with unprotected sex, and discussion of sexual and reproductive health. In multivariable logistic regression, age, awareness of risks associated with unprotected sex, and discussion of sexual and reproductive health remained significant independent predictors of modern contraceptive use. The findings indicate that despite relatively high knowledge and generally positive attitudes, modern contraceptive use among adolescent girls remains limited. Strengthening adolescent-friendly reproductive health services in schools and health facilities, with emphasis on accessibility, confidentiality, accurate information, and supportive communication, may contribute to increased contraceptive uptake and reduced unintended and teenage pregnancies.

Keywords: KAP, Modern Contraceptive, Adolescent Girls, Southern Province, Rwanda.

Title: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Modern Contraceptive Use among Adolescent Girls in Muhanga District, Rwanda

Author: NYIRARUKUNDO LEONILLE, Dr. Japheths OGENDI

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 21-33

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 13-October-2026

Abstract: Background: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a postoperative complication of breast cancer surgery associated with cord-like structures, pain, restricted shoulder movement and impaired upper-limb function. Existing syntheses have largely focused on whether physiotherapy works or which modality performs best; less attention has been given to initiation timing, dose, progression, supervision, adherence and recovery trajectory.

Objective: To evaluate exercise-based and multimodal rehabilitation for AWS, emphasizing timing, therapeutic dose, progression, treatment exposure and recovery trajectory, and to develop an evidence-informed Axillary Web Syndrome Precision Rehabilitation Framework (AWS-PReF).

Methods: The review is designed according to PRISMA 2020. Eligible interventions include therapeutic exercise, active/assisted ROM, stretching, progressive resistance, functional exercise, home/supervised programs and multimodal rehabilitation containing an active physical component. Planned sources are MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and PEDro, supplemented by trial registries and citation searching. FITT-PRO characterizes Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Progression, Rehabilitation context and Onset. RoB 2 and GRADE are planned.

Current evidence synthesis: Contemporary randomized evidence supports active rehabilitation as a central component of conservative AWS management. Improvements have been reported in pain, shoulder ROM, disability and recovery trajectory. Selected manual, lymphatic and scar-directed adjuncts may add benefit, but differences in treatment exposure complicate causal attribution. A 2026 network meta-analysis identified 14 RCTs involving 1,007 participants and 11 intervention categories while highlighting sparse networks, heterogeneity and model-dependent findings.

Conclusion: The unresolved question is increasingly not simply whether physiotherapy works, but how AWS rehabilitation should be prescribed. Active progressive rehabilitation appears to form the therapeutic foundation. AWS-PReF provides a hypothesis-generating pathway from symptom-sensitive mobility through capacity restoration and functional reintegration, but requires prospective validation.

Keywords: axillary web syndrome; breast cancer; rehabilitation; physiotherapy; therapeutic exercise; cording; shoulder range of motion; manual lymphatic drainage; functional recovery; systematic review.

Title: From Cording to Recovery: Timing, Dose, Progression, and Personalization of Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Axillary Web Syndrome Following Breast Cancer Surgery (A Systematic Review and Evidence-to-Practice Framework AWS-PReF • FITT-PRO • AWS-CORE)

Author: Waseem Mumtaz Ahamed

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 12-20

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 07-October-2026

Abstract: This study examined the perceived influence of tourism growth on local infrastructure development and maintenance in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District, Rwanda, the gateway community to Volcanoes National Park. A descriptive, cross-sectional, single-case survey design was employed. Data were collected through face-to-face structured questionnaires from 396 respondents, comprising residents, tourism stakeholders, and local leaders. Two discussion questions were also administered to capture respondents’ views on infrastructure improvements and challenges. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages in SPSS version 26, while discussion responses were manually coded into predefined categories. The findings indicate that tourism growth is widely perceived to have contributed to improvements in local infrastructure and tourism-related services. Ninety-eight percent of respondents perceived tourism to have increased over the previous five years, while 97% rated its overall effect on infrastructure development as positive. Similarly, 93% expressed satisfaction with infrastructure development and maintenance, and 95% rated tourism-related infrastructure services as good or very good. Government investment was the most frequently identified driver of tourism growth (59%), while local government was most commonly identified as the institution supporting infrastructure development (65%). However, 91% of respondents perceived tourism growth as increasing infrastructure maintenance requirements, and land pressure was identified as the most prominent negative effect (70%). The findings suggest that tourism growth is perceived to generate important infrastructure benefits while simultaneously increasing maintenance demands and land-use pressures. The study therefore recommends strengthening maintenance-focused planning and financing, diversifying infrastructure funding mechanisms, and improving land-use planning in tourism-adjacent areas. Nevertheless, the cross-sectional design, reliance on self-reported perceptions, and absence of objective indicators or comparison areas limit causal interpretation. Future research should employ longitudinal and comparative designs with objective infrastructure indicators and inferential methods to provide stronger evidence on the relationship between tourism growth and local infrastructure development.

Keywords: Tourism Growth, Infrastructure, Development, Maintenance, Kinigi Sector, Rwanda.

Title: The Impact of Tourism Growth on Local Infrastructure Development and Maintenance: A Descriptive Case Study of Kinigi Sector, Rwanda

Author: NIYONZIMA Zacharie, Dr. Charles Aloo

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 1-11

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 06-October-2026