[Sexuality assessment of homozygous adult sickle cell patients with a history of priapism in Senegal]. / Évaluation de la sexualité des drépanocytaires adultes homozygotes ayant des antécédents de priapisme au Sénégal.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the sexuality of SS sickle cell patients with a history of priapism. METHODS: This was a case-control study of adult SS sickle cell patients. The occurrence of priapism as well as the nature of the priapism had been investigated. The patients were subdivided into three groups: Group 1 (no priapism), Group 2 (intermittent priapism) and Group 3 (acute priapism). The patients' sexuality was studied using the IIEF-15 questionnaire. RESULTS: We interviewed 191 SS sickle cell patients. The mean age was 27.1±7.1 years. Priapism was observed in 43.5 %. Only 77 patients were eligible for the IIEF15 questionnaire. Groups 1 and 2 performed significantly better than group 3 on erectile function (EF) and orgasmic function (OF) scores. There was no significant difference in the EF and OF scores between groups 1 and 2. No significant difference was observed between the three groups for the scores of sexual desire (SD), intercourse satisfaction (IS), and overall satisfaction (OS). The impairment of erectile function in group 2 was related to the age of the first episode of priapism and the last episode. The impairment of erectile function in group 3 was related to the duration of evolution (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that priapism is responsible for impaired erectile function in SS adult sickle cell patients. A program to prevent intermittent episodes of priapism should be put in place.

Old World camels in a modern world - a balancing act between conservation and genetic improvement.

Old World camels have served humans in cross-continental caravans, transporting people and goods, connecting different cultures and providing milk, meat, wool and draught since their domestication around 3000-6000 years ago. In a world of modern transport and fast connectivity, these beasts of burden seem to be out-dated. However, a growing demand for sustainable milk and meat production, especially in countries affected by climate change and increasing desertification, brings dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) and Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) back onstage and into the focus of animal breeders and scientists. In this review on the molecular genetics of these economically important species we give an overview about the evolutionary history, domestication and dispersal of Old World camels, whereas highlighting the need for conservation of wild two-humped camels (Camelus ferus) as an evolutionarily unique and highly endangered species. We provide cutting-edge information on the current molecular resources and on-going sequencing projects. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of balancing the need for improving camel production traits with maintaining the genetic diversity in two domestic species with specific physiological adaptation to a desert environment.

Comparative study of fatty acid and sterol profiles for the investigation of potential milk fat adulteration.

Milk fat adulteration is a common issue in Central Asia. To assess the current situation in the commercial milk market, 17 milk samples were checked for fatty acid (FA) and sterol profiles to detect potential adulteration using multivariate analysis. Analysis of FA and sterols was performed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric detection, respectively. Cluster analysis of FA profiles revealed 3 types of milk samples: (1) samples containing a higher proportion of short-chain FA, (2) samples containing a higher proportion of long-chain FA, and (3) samples with significant amounts of C18 FA. Analysis of sterols showed that samples included (1) milk fat containing 100% cholesterol, sometimes with traces of phytosterols, (2) milk fat with high proportions of ß-sitosterol and campesterol, and (3) milk fat containing high proportions of brassicasterol. We found significant relationships between FA profiles and sterol profiles. The profiles were compared with vegetable oil patterns reported in the literature. More than 50% of the samples appeared to be counterfeited. We conclude that identification of adulteration in milk can be based solely on determination of sterol patterns.

Effect of diet composition on dry matter intake of dairy she-camels.

The present paper aims to propose an evaluation of the ingestibility and selectivity of food items, as well as the effect of different levels of energetic supplementation and concentrate feed ingredients, on camels dry matter intake (DMI). With this goal, an experiment on six dairy she-camels receiving every 14-15 days a progressive high level of concentrates was conducted. During experimental periods, DMI ranged from 1.30 to 1.96 kg DMI per 100 kg of body weight (BW) was used. In an effort to examine the feeding behavior, a sign of reduced appetite was observed. Based on the results, it can be unveiled that as soon as the concentrate intake (CI) reached a quantity of 3.3 kg DM/d, which represented 51% of the total DM intake, the camels did not appear to ingest more exceedingly and their eating activity occurred in a distributed manner during daytime. Besides, an amount of concentrate supplements, which can characterize a high selectivity to fermentable carbohydrates, fed camels consumed dates, as well. In addition, food items such as corn, soybean meal, and dates that are rich in simple nutrient improved DMI. However, the statistical analysis did not reveal any statistically significant negative effect of concentrates on hay ingestion used in the experimental diets. Therefore, the intake of concentrates did not substitute the ingested amount of hay. Furthermore, the immense incorporation of dates and the increase in energy density of diet (DER) negatively affected the ingestion of hay.

Comparative fatty acids composition and cholesterol content in Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) and dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) meat.

The present study is aimed at comparing the fatty acid profiles, cholesterol, and atherogenicity index of Bactrian and dromedary camel meat by using discriminant analysis to identify the more discriminating fatty acids. Six muscles were sampled from nine Bactrian and nine dromedary camels and analyzed for fatty acid parameters and cholesterol content. The mean fatty acid profiles differed in higher proportion between species than between muscles. The main discriminating fatty acids between species (100% well-classed samples) were C15:0, C17:1, C14:1, C20:0, and C18:0. A significant difference was also observed in cholesterol content, with more cholesterol in Bactrian meat (53.6 ± 12.5 mg/100 g) compared to dromedary meat (49.4 ± 11.2 mg/100 g). However, the atherogenicity index was lower in Bactrian meat (1.196 ± 0.148) than in dromedary meat (1.379 ± 0.109). Despite the dietetic interest in camel meat due to its low cholesterol and low-fat content, the high atherogenicity index compared to other red meat appeared as an unfavorable argument.

[Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum associated with HIV]. / Leishmaniose cutanée à Leishmania infantum associée à une infection par le VIH.

BACKGROUND: In Senegal, reported cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis are often due to Leishmania major. Immunosuppression related to HIV infection contributes to the emergence of leishmaniasis in humans and to cutaneous localization of viscerotropic species. We report the first observed case in Senegal of opportunistic cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum associated with HIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year-old boy presented crusted ulcerative lesions of the scalp and left forearm, together with axillary and cervical lymphadenopathy present for two months. Direct parasitological examination of the scalp and arm lesions, coupled with liquid aspiration of lymph nodes and bone marrow, enabled identification of amastigote forms of Leishmania. Polymerase chain reaction performed on skin, lymph node and bone marrow biopsy samples allowed identification of L. infantum. The child was positive for HIV1. Treatment of HIV infection and leishmaniasis resulted in clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Co-infection with cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. infantum and HIV is a complex combination in terms of the related therapeutic issues. The clinical and laboratory outcomes depend on restoration of immunity and on the efficacy, safety and availability of anti-leishmaniasis drugs.

Implementing haemophilia care in Senegal, West Africa.

Despite significant progres on haemophilia care in developed world, this disease remains unknown in many sub-Saharan African countries. The objectives of this article were to report Senegalese experience on the management of haemophilia care through 18 years of follow-up. This cohort study included 140 patients (127 haemophilia A, 13 haemophilia B), followed in Dakar's haemophilia treatment centre from 1995 to 2012. Our study reported a prevalence of 2.3/100,000 male births, accounting for 11.6% of what is expected in Senegal. From the period 1995-2003 to 2004-2012, significant progress was seen including 67.9% increase in new patient's identification, 11.3 years reduction in mean age at diagnosis (from 15.5 to 4.2 years), lower mortality rate (from 15.3% to 6.8%) and age at death evolved from 6.5 to 23.3 years. Of the 50 haemophilia A patients who were tested for inhibitor presence, 10 were positive (eight severe and two moderate) that is prevalence of 20%. All patients were low responders since inhibitor titre was between 1.5 and 3.8 BU. Disabilities were seen in 36.5% of patients above 20 years old who had musculoskeletal sequels and 39% had no scholar or professional activities in our setting. Implementing haemophilia care in sub-Saharan Africa is a great challenge as this disease is not yet counted in national health problems in many countries. Lessons learned from this study show a significant improvement in diagnosis and prognosis parameters. This emphasizes the needs to set up such follow-up initiatives and to enhance medical and lay cooperation for better results.

Microbiological quality and somatic cell count in bulk milk of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius): descriptive statistics, correlations, and factors of variation.

The objectives of the present study were to monitor the microbiological quality and somatic cell count (SCC) of bulk tank milk at the world's first large-scale camel dairy farm for a 2-yr period, to compare the results of 2 methods for the enumeration of SCC, to evaluate correlation among milk quality indicators, and to determine the effect of specific factors (year, season, stage of lactation, and level of production) on milk quality indicators. The study was conducted from January 2008 to January 2010. Total viable count (TVC), coliform count (CC), California Mastitis Test (CMT) score, and SCC were determined from daily bulk milk samples. Somatic cell count was measured by using a direct microscopic method and with an automatic cell counter. In addition, production parameters [total daily milk production (TDM, kg), number of milking camels (NMC), average milk per camel (AMC, kg)] and stage of lactation (average postpartum days, PPD) were recorded for each test day. A strong correlation (r=0.33) was found between the 2 methods for SCC enumeration; however, values derived using the microscopic method were higher. The geometric means of SCC and TVC were 394×10(3) cells/mL and 5,157 cfu/mL during the observation period, respectively. Somatic cell count was >500×10(3) cells/mL on 14.6% (106/725) and TVC was >10×10(3) cfu/mL on 4.0% (30/742) of the test days. Both milk quality indicators had a distinct seasonal pattern. For log SCC, the mean was lowest in summer and highest in autumn. The seasonal pattern of log TVC was slightly different, with the lowest values being recorded during the spring. The monthly mean TVC pattern showed a clear difference between years. Coliform count was <10 cfu/mL in most of the samples (709/742, 95.6%). A positive correlation was found between log SCC and log TVC (r=0.32), between log SCC and CMT score (r=0.26), and between log TVC and CC in yr 1 (r=0.30). All production parameters and stage of lactation showed strong seasonal variation. Log SCC was negatively correlated with TDM (r=-0.35), AMC (r=-0.37), and NMC (r=-0.15) and positively correlated with PPD (r=0.40). Log TVC had a negative correlation with AMC (r=-0.40) but a positive correlation with NMC (r=0.32), TDM (r=0.16), and PPD (r=0.45). The linear mixed model with stepwise variable selection showed that the main sources of log SCC variation were PPD, TDM, PPD × season, and season. For log TVC, the same factors and year contributed to the variation.

Preliminary enquiry into the availability, price and quality of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in the private health sector of six malaria-endemic countries.

OBJECTIVES: This enquiry aimed to provide a snap-shot of availability, price and quality of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in private health facilities at selected sites in six malaria-endemic countries in Africa, South East Asia and South America. METHODS: In each study site, data collectors surveyed private healthcare facilities which were selected based on accessibility from their home institution. Using a questionnaire, information was recorded about the facility itself and the malaria RDT(s) available. Where possible, a small number of RDTs were procured and quality control tested using a standardized procedure. RESULTS: Of the 324 private healthcare facilities visited, 35 outlets (mainly private clinics and hospitals) were found to supply 10 different types of RDTs products. RDT prices across the six countries ranged from US$1.00 to $16.81. Five of the 14 malaria RDTs collected failed quality control testing. CONCLUSIONS: In the private outlets sampled, the availability of RDTs was limited. Some of the RDTs whose quality we tested demonstrated inadequate sensitivity. This presents a number of risks. Given the more widespread distribution of antimalarials currently planned for private sector facilities, parasite-based diagnosis in this sector will be essential to adhere to the WHO guidelines for effective case management of malaria. Considerable regulation and quality control are also necessary to assure the availability of accurate and reliable RDTs, as well as adequate case management and provider adherence to RDT results. Public sector engagement is likely to be essential in this process.

Retinoblastoma Outcomes in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Luzon, The Philippines: A 15-Year Experience.

Roland Joseph D. TanObjective To describe the demographics, clinical profile, and outcomes of retinoblastoma patients seen in a tertiary hospital in northern Luzon. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of retinoblastoma patients at the departments of ophthalmology and pediatrics of a tertiary hospital in northern Luzon from 2005 to 2020. Results A total of 47 patients involving 53 eyes were included. Twenty nine (62%) are male and forty one (87%) had unilateral retinoblastoma. Mean age at consult was 24 ± 17 months, and mean interval from onset of symptoms to consult was 10 ± 11 months. Two (4%) had family history of retinoblastoma. Twenty-two (47%) patients had intraocular involvement. Leukocoria was the most common presenting symptoms at 62%. Overall survival was 53% with mean follow-up period of 24 ± 24 months. Difference in survival rates based on the extent of involvement was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Conclusion This is the first study that provided data on demographics, clinical profile, and outcomes of retinoblastoma patients in northern Luzon and the only study with data on clinical outcomes of retinoblastoma patients in The Philippines. Extraocular involvement is a significant factor in the low survival of retinoblastoma patients despite improvement in its management.

[Effect of intermittent presumptive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine on the acquisition of anti-VAR2CSA antibodies in pregnant women living in a hypoendemic area in Senegal]. / Influence du traitement présomptif intermittent par la sulfadoxinepyriméthamine sur l'acquisition d'anticorps anti-VAR2CSA chez la femme enceinte vivant en zone hypoendémique au Sénégal.

The impact of intermittent presumptive treatment (IPT) on the immunity of pregnant women in Senegal is still not very well known. We conducted a prospective study at the Roi-Baudouin maternity of Guediawaye in Senegal to assess IgG antibodies production against MSP1, GLURP and DBL5 in pregnant women under IPT. Blood samples were collected from the participating women at inclusion and delivery. Samples were analyzed after centrifugation for the detection of IgG antibodies in sera by Elisa. Informed consent was given by each study participant prior to their inclusion. A total of 101 eligible women aged from 18 to 44 were included in this study. Multigravidae women represented 70.3% of the study population, whereas primigravidae accounted for 29.7%. The IgG level decreased slightly from inclusion to delivery for the women with regard to anti-MSP1 (83.1at inclusion versus 79.5 at delivery, p = 0.52) as well as anti-GLURP-R2 (84.1 at inclusion versus 75.9 at delivery, p = 0.16). After adjustment for number of pregnancies, there was a significant decrease in the production of anti-VAR2CSA between inclusion and delivery (p < 0.05). By reducing the incidence of malaria during pregnancy, IPT reduced the acquisition of placental parasites antibodies suppressors which could delay the development of protective immunity against malaria. The application of IPT in pregnant women would thus be more appropriate in hypoendemic areas where malaria exposure is lower.

[Update on toxoplasmosis prevalence based on serological tests in pregnant women in Dakar, Senegal from 2002 to 2006]. / Evolution de la séroprévalence de la toxoplasmose chez la femme enceinte a Dakar, Sènegal de 2002 a 2006.

The purpose of this study was to update data on toxoplasmosis antibody prevalence based on antenatal surveillance tests in pregnant women in Dakar, Senegal. The study population consisted of 941 pregnant women referred for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in the Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology at Le Dantec University Hospital Center from 2002 to 2006. Two tests using the solid-phase immunoenzymatic method were performed on venous blood samples collected at 3 weeks of interval (S1 and S2). This double testing technique was designed to detect increases in IgM and IgG antibody levels in order to confirm diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by ruling out immune response, acquired immunity or nonspecific antibody fixation. Comparison of S1 and S2 results in the 941 patients indicated a prevalence of 7.7% and 0% respectively for IgM+IgG- cases, 23.3% and 24.3% respectively for IgM+IgG-cases, and 11.3% and 10.2% respectively for IgM+IgG+ cases. The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis antibodies was 34.5%. These data showing a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Dakar underscore the need to improve serological screening and follow up.

[Prevalence of halitosis in patients with dental prostheses in Senegal]. / Prevalence de l'halitose chez des patients sénégalais porteurs de prothèses dentaires.

INTRODUCTION: Bad breath is a disease affecting 25% of the world's population. Despite the widespread nature of this problem, people's knowledge about this condition is poor. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of halitosis in a cohort of 62 Senegalese subjects with dental prostheses. METHODS: Breath analysis was based on measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) using a halimeter. Halitosis was diagnosed ifVSC level was > or = 125 ppb. RESULTS: Mean VSC level was 157.7 +/- 152.6 ppb. The prevalence of halitosis was of 35.4% overall, 72.7% in persons with fixed dentures and of 27.3% in persons with removable prostheses. CONCLUSION: The relatively high prevalence of halitosis observed in this study indicates a need to enhance patient awareness of daily hygiene measures for dental prosthesis.

[Mycetomas diagnosed in Senegal from 2008 to 2010]. / Mycétomes diagnostiqués au Sénégal de 2008 à 2010.

INTRODUCTION: Mycetomas are inflammatory pseudotumours of subcutaneous and possibly osseous soft fabrics, generally polyfistulas with chronic mode of evolution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out at the laboratory of parasitology and mycology of Le Dantec hospital in Dakar, Senegal, including 113 patients, from june 2008 to july 2010. RESULTS: Patients were from different regions in Senegal and in neighborhood countries, referred to the laboratory for mycetoma diagnosis. Among the 250 patients referred, 113 were positives after direct observation and culture corresponding to 45.2% index of infestation. The age range varies between 13 to 73years with an average age of 33.9years. The age bracket ranging between 20-39years is more infected (27.34%), followed by 40-59years (25.2%), 60years and more (4.5%), 30-39years (16.64%), 13-19years (7.2%). The infection sex rate were, male: 79.6% and female: 20.4%. Infection prevalence profession dependant was found mainly in farmers and breeders with respectively: 48.7%, and 42.5%. The foot infestation is most represented with 72.5%, then leg (12.3%), knee (7.1%), scalp (2.7%), hand (1.8%). The other localizations are found with less than 1%: back, thigh, chest and ganglion inguinal. According to mycetoma agents, fungy are represented than mycetomas actinomycosic with respectively 70% and 30%. The species found were: Madurella mycetomatis (53.1%), Actinomadura pelletieri (23%), Leptosphaeria senegalensis (9.7%), Streptomyces somaliensis (2.6%), Actinomadura madurae (2,6%), Pseudallescheria boydii (1.8%), Nocardia spp. (1.8%), Scedosporium apiospermum (0.9%), Fusarium solani (0.9%). We found agents of dermatophytes: Microsporum langeronii (1.8%), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (0.9%). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that mycetomas are endemic affections in Senegal, where it still remain a real cause of disability among population leaving in rural area.

Molecular Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia in Domestic Large Ruminants and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Ticks From Southern Luzon, Philippines.

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are tick-borne rickettsial diseases that cause significant economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. Although bovine anaplasmosis is known to be endemic in the Philippines, epidemiological data is fragmented. Moreover, little is known about bovine ehrlichiosis in the country. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia in cattle and water buffalo from provinces in the southern part of Luzon, Philippines, was investigated through PCR. Blood samples from 620 animals comprised of 512 cattle and 108 water buffalo and 195 tick samples were subjected to nested PCR targeting the groESL gene of Anaplasmataceae. Positive samples were further subjected to another nested PCR and conventional PCR to amplify the A. marginale groEL gene and the Ehrlichia dsbA gene, respectively. Selected A. marginale-positive samples were also subjected to nested PCR targeting the msp5 gene. Regardless of the animal host, the overall prevalence in blood samples obtained was 51.9% for Anaplasmataceae, 43% for A. marginale, and 1.1% for Ehrlichia. No water buffalo were positive for Ehrlichia. Meanwhile, 15.9, 6.7, and 2% of the tick samples, all morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, were positive for Anaplasmataceae, A. marginale, and Ehrlichia, respectively. Sequence analysis of selected A. marginale msp5 amplicons showed that the isolates from the region share 94-98% identity to reported A. marginale from other countries. The phylogenetic tree showed clustering of isolates in the region and a close relationship with A. marginale isolates from other countries. Sequences of Ehrlichia amplicons from cattle and ticks were 97-100% similar to reported Ehrlichia minasensis isolates. This study showed the high prevalence of A. marginale in Luzon, Philippines, and provided the first molecular evidence of E. minasensis in the country.

Combat urologic trauma in US military overseas contingency operations.

BACKGROUND: This article reports on the occurrences and patterns of genitourinary (GU) trauma in the contemporary high-intensity conflict of the overseas contingency operations (OCOs). METHODS: The Joint Theater Trauma Registry was queried for all US military members who received treatment for GU wounds and concomitant injuries sustained in OCOs for >75 months between October 2001 and January 2008. RESULTS: Of the 16,323 trauma admissions annotated in the Joint Theater Trauma Registry, 819 (5%) had one or more GU injuries. Of the GU casualties, 90% were sustained in Iraq and 65% were because of explosions. The average casualty age was 26 years (range, 18-58 years) and 98.5% were men. There were 887 unique GU injuries distributed as follows: scrotum, 257 (29.0%); kidney, 203 (22.9%); bladder, 189 (21.3%); penis, 126 (14.2%); testicle, 81 (9.1%); ureter, 24 (2.7%); and urethra, 7 (0.8%). Of the 203 patients with kidney injuries, 22% went to the operating room with 31 patients having nephrectomies. There were 189 bladder injuries with 26 patients (14%) having concomitant pelvic fractures. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest report of GU injuries during any military conflict. The distribution and percentage of casualties with GU injuries in the OCO are similar to those of previous conflicts. Consideration should be given to personnel protective equipment for the areas associated with GU injuries and predeployment training directed at the care of these injuries.

Physiological change in camel milk composition (Camelus dromedarius) 2: physico-chemical composition of colostrum.

Eleven samples of dromedary camel colostrum in Kazakhstan, which originated from one farm only, were collected to study the changes in the physico-chemical composition (total fat, total protein, iodine index, lactose, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C, urea, ammonia, density, Dornic acidity, pH, and skimmed dry matter) all along the first postpartum week. At that time, the fat matter decreased from 25.9% to 3.1% and protein from 17.2% to 4.2%, in contrast to vitamin C which increased. Minerals showed high variations with lower values the first day after parturition and variable changes up to the end of the week where the values were stabilized. The iron concentration decreased from the second day postpartum. No clear changes of the other parameters were observed, notably for the non-protein nitrogen (urea and ammonia).

Gender label and perceived infant emotionality: a partial replication of a classic study.

In a study often referred to as "classic," Condry and Condry (1976) showed a videotaped infant to participants, telling half of them the infant was a boy and half it was a girl. Participants who thought they were viewing a boy rated the infant's reaction to a jack-in-the-box as anger; those who thought they were viewing a girl rated the reaction as fear. Participants in the present partial replication of the Condrys' study did not rate the infant differently based on the infant's gender label, although there was evidence that participants' own sex affects their perception of an infant's emotionality. Results were discussed in light of inconsistent results among other gender-labeling studies and relevant methodological, historical, and theoretical issues.