Strengthening human genetics research in Africa: report of the 9th meeting of the African Society of Human Genetics in Dakar in May 2016.

The 9th meeting of the African Society of Human Genetics, in partnership with the Senegalese Cancer Research and Study Group and the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Consortium, was held in Dakar, Senegal. The theme was Strengthening Human Genetics Research in Africa. The 210 delegates came from 21 African countries and from France, Switzerland, UK, UAE, Canada and the USA. The goal was to highlight genetic and genomic science across the African continent with the ultimate goal of improving the health of Africans and those across the globe, and to promote the careers of young African scientists in the field. A session on the sustainability of genomic research in Africa brought to light innovative and practical approaches to supporting research in resource-limited settings and the importance of promoting genetics in academic, research funding, governmental and private sectors. This meeting led to the formation of the Senegalese Society for Human Genetics.

Le 9ème congrès de la Société Africaine de Génétique Humaine, en partenariat avec le Groupe d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Cancer (GERC) et le Consortium H3Africa, s'est tenu à Dakar, au Sénégal. Le thème était «Renforcer la recherche en Génétique Humaine en Afrique¼. Les 210 participants sont venus de 21 pays africains et de six non africains. L'objectif était de valoriser la génétique et la génomique à travers l'Afrique avec comme but ultime d'améliorer la santé des populations, et de promouvoir les carrières des jeunes chercheurs Africains. Une session sur la pérennité de la recherche génomique a révélé des approches innovantes et pratiques supportant la recherche dans des contextes de ressources limitées et l'importance de promouvoir la formation universitaire en génétique, le financement de la recherche par les gouvernements et le privé. Ce congrès conduisit à la création de la Société Sénégalaise de Génétique Humaine.

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori detected by real-time PCR in the subgingival plaque of patients with chronic periodontitis]. / Prévalence d'helicobacter pylori détecté par PCR en temps réel dans la plaque sous-gingivale des patients atteints de parodontite chronique.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori plays a significant role in gastric disease. The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) in the sub-gingival plaque of chronic periodontitis patients and to determine periodontopathogens profile of positive sites at H. pylori. METHODOLOGY: 109 subgingival samples collected from 17 subjects with chronic periodontitis were studied. The DNA was extracted from the oral samples and analyzed for the presence of H. pylori by real-time PCR (LightCycler) using 16S rRNA#120 primers which targeted the 16S rRNA gene. DNA from H. pylori DSM 4867 was used as a positive control. Seven bacteria implicated in chronic periodontitis were selected to explore the presence of these periodontopathic species in the oral positive sites for H. pylori. RESULTS: 16 of 109 samples (14.7%) were positives of H. pylori. All the positives sites were also positives to Fusobacterium nucleatum and Eikenella corrodens, 62.5% to Porphyromonas gingivalis, 31.25% to Treponema denticola, 25% to Prevotella intermedia, 12.5% to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and 6.25% to Tannerella forsythia. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori may be present in the subgingival plaque samples of patients with chronic periodontitis who are resident in a developing country. F. nucleatum and E. corrodens could coaggregate with H. pylori in the subgingival dental plaque.

[Conceptual framework for integrating reproductive health in school: experience in Senegal]. / Cadre conceptuel pour l'intégration de la santéde la reproduction en milieu scolaire: expérience au Sénégal.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent reproductive health is a public health concern. The objective of this article is to report the conceptual framework for integrating reproductive health services in school from a pilot project carried out in Senegal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-year strategic plan from 2000 to 2010 for education and training has been established by the Ministry of Education and the component related to health and nutrition has been in charge by the medical health control division (DCMS). By putting into action the strategy of this component, a pilot project for integrating reproductive health in school had been set up and carried out from 2002 to 2006. This project was held within a secondary grade school and in a health structure especially designated for students. RESULTS: School health policy established by the Ministry of Education and the choice of the DCMS as the institutional leadership has helped to define a framework for synergic interventions directed to school-aged children. Thus, the coordination team with health experts has carried out the project held through a participatory process and advocacy since its conception phase putting together the authority of the Ministry, the school-aged children, the teachers and the parents. Capacities strengthening of different stakeholders through training, sensibilisation and information have been made with partnership development and a signed protocol between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of adolescent reproductive health problems justifies the integration of reproductive health services in school.

[Conceptual framework for integrating reproductive health in school: experience in Senegal]. / Cadre conceptuel pour l'intégration de la santé de la reproduction en milieu scolaire : expérience au Sénégal.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent reproductive health is a public health concern. The objective of this article is to report the conceptual framework for integrating reproductive health services in school from a pilot project carried out in Senegal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-year strategic plan from 2000 to 2010 for education and training has been established by the Ministry of Education and the component related to health and nutrition has been in charge by the medical health control division (DCMS). By putting into action the strategy of this component, a pilot project for integrating reproductive health in school had been set up and carried out from 2002 to 2006. This project was held within a secondary grade school and in a health structure especially designated for students. RESULTS: School health policy established by the Ministry of Education and the choice of the DCMS as the institutional leadership has helped to define a framework for synergic interventions directed to school-aged children. Thus, the coordination team with health experts has carried out the project held through a participatory process and advocacy since its conception phase putting together the authority of the Ministry, the school-aged children, the teachers and the parents. Capacities strengthening of different stakeholders through training, sensibilisation and information have been made with partnership development and a signed protocol between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of adolescent reproductive health problems justifies the integration of reproductive health services in school.

[Periodontal status of Senegalese patients with Sjögren's syndrome. A case control study at the Service of Internal Medicine]. / Santé parodontale et syndrome de Gougerot Sjögren. Etude cas-témoins au service de médecine interne.

The aim of this study is to compare the periodontal status of patients with Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome (GSS) to healthy subjects in order to investigate the relation between periodontal disease and GSS. To achieve this aim, one hundred and three patients, among whom 36 with primary GSS and 67 with secondary GSS, were selected and compared with one hundred and three (103) control subjects. The hygiene level was evaluated with Silness and Löe plaque index (PI) and inflammation level with Löe and Silness gingival index (GI). Probing depth and clinical attachment loss was measured with Williams periodontal probe. Mean plaque indices were identical for both groups (1.27 +/- 0.1 versus 1.22 +/- 0.1, p = 0.67). Compared with control subjects, the inflammation index scores were significantly higher among SSG patients (IG = 1.1 +/- 0.1 versus 0.44 +/- 0.2, p < 0,001). The logistical regression model applied to the whole sample showed that patients with GSS had a higher risk of developing periodontal disease (IG : OR 5.508, state 95% CI [1.66-9.60] ; PP : OR = 4.51 95% CI [1.692-12.024]). A training program for GSS patients seems essential, in order to manage the deleterious effects of defective oral-dental ground. It would allow convincing patients about the interest of prevention through regular surveillance and care.

[Periodontal status in a sample of Senegalese women using hormonal contraception]. / Etat parodontal d'une population de femmes Sénégalaises sous contraception hormonale.

Hormonal contraception is based on the use of synthetic hormones containing variable doses of oestrogen and progesterone making it possible to avoid pregnancy in a temporary and reversible way. The objective of this study is to evaluate the periodontal status of a sample of Senegalese women under hormonal contraceptive. One hundred women using contraception since at least 6 month were paired on the age, the socio-economic profile and oral hygiene with a control group. Oral hygiene (plaque index (PI) of Silness and Löe), the inflammation (gingival index (GI) of Löe and Silness), probing depth and clinical attachment loss were recorded. With equal hygiene, the scores of the gingival index were significantly higher among women under contraceptive (p < 0.001). Inflammation was significantly more marked for the women who used contraception in injectable form compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Probing depth (3.01 +/- 0.04) and clinical attachment loss (3.19 +/- 0.08) were significantly more important among women under contraceptive (p < 0.001). The women under contraceptive seem to set up a group at risk for developing a periodontal disease, it is thus necessary to systematise periodontal appraisal before and during contraceptive use period.

[Periodontal conditions in young sickle cell anemia Senegalese patients]. / Etat parodontal du jeune sénégalais drépanocytaire homozygote.

INTRODUCTION: The oral cavity holds a complex microbial flora including periodontal pathogens. The infectious complications are common in sickle cell anaemia, which reaches 1% of the population in Senegal. The objective of this study is to assess periodontal conditions in young Senegalese sickle cell anaemics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 82 subjects aged between 15 and 34 years with mean at 25.2 years +/- 4.6 was made up, including 35 homozygous and 47 non homozygous. Plaque index, gingival index and papillary bleeding index, tooth mobility and clinical attachment loss were assessed. Partial correlation between periodontal indexes and haemoglobin and hematocrit controlling for plaque index was performed. RESULTS: No significant statistical differences were found for periodontal indexes and clinical attachment loss between the two groups, even if homozygous show higher values. Periodontitis is less frequent in homozygous and odd ratio show protective effect of sickle cell anaemia (OR = 0.381, IC at 95% = [0.130; 1.1 18]). Tooth mobility is significantly increased in homozygous with mean at 1.0 +/- 0.8 versus 0.5 +/- 0.4 in control group (p = 0.000). Partial correlation show significant negative association between haematocrit and papillary bleeding index in homozygous (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis that sickle cell anaemia can affect periodontal conditions and worsen periodontal diseases is to be considered even if it has not been proved as risk factor. Increased tooth mobility could be marker of periodontal risk in homozygous.

[Periodontal status and diabetes: evaluation of 80 patients with diabetes mellitus in Conakry Teaching Hospital]. / Evaluation de l'etat parodontal au cours au diabète : a propos de 80 patients au CHU Donka de Conakry.

INTRODUCTION: Dental and periodontal diseases are frequent in diabetics. Few studies were carried out on oral pathologies of the diabetics in Africa. The objective of this study was to assess periodontal conditions in a population of diabetics followed in a hospital environment by comparing them with non diabetics. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In a cross-sectional study realized from January to April 1999, 80 diabetic patients followed in the Service of Endocrinology were compared to 35 non-diabetic patients, chosen among the patients attending in the Service of Internal medicine of the Donka Teaching Hospital in Conakry in the same period. Both groups were compared according to the simplified oral hygiene index (OHIS) and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). RESULTS: There was no difference between diabetics and nondiabetics according to the OHIS. Diabetics CPITN index was higher compared to non-diabetics (p = 0.019). In diabetics, scores of CPITN increase significantly with duration of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.019). Also correlation was found between OHIS and the duration of diabetes. Glycemic control was significantly correlated with OHIS (p < 0.001) and CIPTN (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients have more periodontal treatment need than controls. Better collaboration between diabetologist and odontostomatologist is needed to preserve the oral health of diabetics.

[Changes in oral mucosa of the partially edentulous who wear removable partial dentures ]. / Modification des muqueuses des cretes edentees dues au port de la prothese adjointe partielle en resine.

PURPOSE: to confirm or infirm structural modification of oral mycosis at the summit after fifteen days of wearing removable resin partial dentures. METHODS: our study took place at the health center of Rufisque in Senegal from January to July 1998, involved fourteen patients divided into two groups according to sex: seven males and seven females who came for removable resin partial dentures. The macroscopic examination was conducted through to inspection and touching of mycosis at the level of toothless summit before the wearing of the denture. A biopsy was conducted on each patient before and after the wearing of the resin dentures. Tissue reaction was appreciated qualitatively through morphological analysis. RESULTS: Before the wearing of the removable resin partial dentures 92.9% of patients had epithelial hyperplasia; 7.1% epithelial hypoplasia and 85.7% keratosis at the level of the chorion the number of collagen fibbers (28.6% discrete, 50% moderate, 21.4% important), fibroblasts (35.7% discrete; 42.9% moderate ; 21.4% important), inflammatory cells (71.4% discrete; 28.6% moderate; 0% important) and for blood vessels (64% discrete; 35.70% moderate; 0% important) after fifteen days of wearing partial denture. After fifteen days of the wearing removable resin partial dentures: 85.7% of patients had epithelial hyperplasia; 14.3% normal epithelial and 100% de keratosis at the level of the chorion the number of collagen fibbers (14.3% discrete; 21.4% moderate; 64.3% important), fibroblasts (42.9% discrete; 42.90% moderate; 14.3% important), inflammatory cells (50% discrete, 35.7% moderate: 14.3% important), blood vessels (43% discrete; 28.6% moderate; 28.6% important). CONCLUSION: Biopsies of the summit are reliable contribution; they provide precise information on the quality of tissue supporting resin partial dentures. This tissues may seem healthy appearance (inspection and touching) but show sign of suffering at this anatomy-pathological examination.

[Evaluation of gingival condition in homozygous children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia in Senegal]. / Evaluation de l'etat gingival chez l'enfant et l'adolescent drepanocytaires homozygotes au Senegal.

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited disorder of haemoglobin synthesis leading to haemolytic anaemia. It touches more than 50 million people in the world and 10% of the population in Senegal. Only the homozygous form is symptomatic and appears by painful crises of vaso-occlusive type. There is a lack of works carried out or published in Senegal about potential link between periodontal conditions and sickle-cell anaemia. The main objective of this study is to assess the gingival conditions in Senegalese children and adolescents homozygous sickle cell anaemic. Secondary, the gingival state is correlated with oral hygiene and rate of reticulocytes to determine their relationship. Fifty homozygous attending the Albert Royer Paediatric Hospital of Dakar and unscathed of other systemic pathologies, were examined. The patients are old between 3 and 16 years with an average age 9.4 years +/- 3.8. The gingival state is assessed by measurement of the gingival index (GI) and index of sulculary bleeding (SBI). Partial correlation is performed between the two indexes and average of reticulocytes. The gingival index mean is 1.7 +/- 0.6 and 66% of the patients present a severe inflammation, which is more frequent in the age bracket from 3 to 12 years. The SBI mean is 1 +/- 1.1 and 68% of the patients present gingival bleeding, which is moderate to severe in 18%, with a greater frequency in the age bracket from 13 to 16 years. Strong correlation is found between plaque index, GI and SBI. Damage of gingival state seems not to be linked to the high average of reticulocytes controlling for oral hygiene. Children and adolescent homozygous have an inflammatory periodontium associated to poor oral hygiene, which highlights their needs in periodontal treatments. Early tracking and preventive treatment of periodontal diseases during systematic oral visits must be required.

[Performance and Compatibility of Self Polymerizing Prime and Bond NT Adhesive and the Composite LuxaCore]. / Performances et compatibilite de l'adhesif prime & bond nt auto polymerisable et du composite LuxaCore a traitement dual.

AIM: To evaluate the performance of bond strength and the compatibility of Prime &Bond NT self etching adhesive resins without activator on dentin surface with dual composite resin LuxaCore, and verify the contribution of a coactivator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: twenty-four human teeth without decay, molars or pre-molar are used. The dental crowning is cut with diamond disc mounted on a hand piece; the roof surface is flattened and well humidified. Each tooth is embedded in cold self-etching resin (Plexil Excil). Samples are divided into two groups of 12. in the first group, self-etching Prime &Bond NT resin adhesive without activator is supplied on the flat mesial dentin roots, then dual cure composite resin LuxaCore) is bonded. The second group was subject to the same treatment but with addition of co-activator the Prime &Bond NT self-etching adhesive resin. Debonding was achieved with Universal testing machine and mean shear bond strengths were determined for each test group. The data were subjected to ANOVA (p < 0001). RESULT: Bond strength obtained with self-etching Prime &Bond NT without activator is 10.635 MPa. With addition of activator it is 15.185 MPa CONCLUSION: supplementing with an activator has significantly improved bonding strength.

[Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the school population in Senegal in 2002]. / Prevalence de la bilharziose urinaire en milieu scolaire au Senegal.

INTRODUCTION: The strong prevalence of schistosomiasis in the school population is correlated with underperformance in educational outcomes in Senegal. The geoclimatic conditions and bad socio-economic conditions facilitate transmission of these infections. This study was to define t he prevalence of these infections in sites throughout the country in school age children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was undertaken from November 2002 to January 2003 and included 63 schools; (n=2245) for an effectif of 30 000 pupils, means 7.4%. These pupils underwent urine examination for schistosomiasis in children with hematuria using millipore filtration method. RESULTS: The results of the study are: overall there were 364 cases (16%). Prevalence rates: Tambacounda 27.8%, Bakel 21.5%, Kédougou 21.8%, Matam 13%, Podor 22.5%, Dagana 28.3%, and Saint-Louis 0%. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of parasites in school age children. Notably there is unique infection patterns in each village and this data will help direct public health interventions. CONCLUSION: These results show a high rate prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in school population in these departments. It explains the underperformance in educational outcomes in these a reas.

[Perceptions and behavior toward dentistry in students and non-students in Dakar (Senegal)]. / Perceptions et vécus de l'art dentaire chez des etudiants et des non-etudiants a Dakar (Sénégal).

The authors try to appreciate the perception by student and non student population of dental care throughout fear of dentist, pain and dentist-patient relationship, also the patient preventive attitude. Results show more fear of the dentist by students and expressed pain. Dental cares are expensive according both students and non students but seem to be comfortable. Dentist-patient relationship is more appreciated at the Odontologic Institute which form future dentists and 80 per cent of patients consult for prophylactics care against 29 at the medico-social centre of the university. Dental care accessibility in developing country is a real problem and rate of dental diseases cannot be taken down without support of information and communication waves.

[Periodontal infection in pregnant women and low birth weight babies]. / Infection parodontale de la femme en etat de grossesse et faible poids du bebe a la naissance.

Among several factors in preterm low birth weight, we can find pre-conceptional causes and others depending on pregnant women's behaviour. In 1996 a scientific team composed by periodontists, gynaecologists and epidemiologists found that 18% of preterm low birth weight in 250,000 babies are due to periodontal infection. In our survey we used 113 pregnant women in gynaecological clinic in university hospital. By using Community Periodontal Index Treatment Needs (CPITN) in pregnant woman and by weighting babies as soon as accouchement done. In spite of percentage of preterm low birth weight, we registered 33.9% babies of normal birth weight with mother's CPITN under 1.

[Clinical and bacteriologic response to irrigation with a chlorhexidine solution in the treatment of periodontal pockets]. / Reponse clinique et bacteriologie a l'irrigation d'une solution de chlorhexidine dans le traitement de la poche parodontale.

Most of parodontal diseases have a bacterial aetiology. Their episodic and asynchronic evolution differs from site to site. The "in situs" antimicrobian used in the parodontal bags reduces the systemic administration. Various antibiotics or antiseptics slow liberation systems were experimented. Two patients suffering from advanced parodontitis were treated after radicular scraping by subgingival irrigation with a syringe filled with chlorhexidine. Each patient presented at last four parodontal bags more or less six millimetres (6 mm) deep. The following clinical parameters were noted: Patch index, bleeding index, bag depth. A bacteriological analysis was realized at the beginning and of the treatment. Controls were made at D60. Results showed a significant improvement of clinical parameters. It seems that the chlorhexidine irrigation improves the parodontal treatment efficiency.

Caries prevalence in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Senegal in 1989 and 1994.

Senegal, in middlewest Africa, has an estimated area of 197,000 km2 with a population of about 8.3 million of whom 45 per cent are less than 14-years of age. Apart from densely populated areas around the capital, Dakar, and other large towns, the population is scattered sparsely in rural areas. In the absence of any recent and representative oral health data, two cross-sectional studies on caries prevalence were conducted in 1989 and 1994 respectively to assess and compare the caries status among 12-year-old schoolchildren living in the urban and rural areas of Senegal. The results of the study are presented in this paper.

[Aging and periodontal disease. Clinical study of gingival recession]. / Vieillissement et parodontopathies. Etude clinique des récessions gingivales.

Gingival mucus in an older patient is the site of the slowing-down of the cellular turnover, of a lessening of metabolic activity and of keratinisation. The resistance to mechanical attacks and bacteria lessens thus its potential for repair. Thus one notes a worsening state of parodontal complaints during old age. By means of a study carried out at the Clinique de Parodontie of the Institut d'Odonto-Stomatologie in Dakar, we propose to attempt to see if the presence of gingival retraction can be linked with parodontal senescence by means of observing 318 patients.

[Gingival reactions to oral contraceptives in a female group in the Dakar region]. / Reactions gingivales aux contraceptifs oraux au sein d'une population feminine de la region de Dakar.

The authors study the periodontal modifications of 150 women during genital activity period, and of low socio economic level, aged from 17 to 40 years, using oral contraceptives. They value the effects of oral contraceptives on the gingivia and the role of oral hygiene. They use, for this study, the oral hygiene index simplified by Greene and Vermillon and the gingival index of Loe and Silness.

[Asepsis and vigorous antisepsis against infectious disease transmission in the dental office]. / Pour une asepsie et une antisepsie rigoureuses contre la transmission des maladies infectieuses au cabinet dentaire.

Therapeutic acts often surgically practised in the dental office can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases such as A.I.D.S. To prevent this, the authors propose guideline base acts for antisepsis and asepsis. In conclusion, the authors exhort for an integration of these antiseptic acts in the efficient working of the dental office for an effective prevention of these infectious diseases in the area.