Application of the QuEChERS method for the determination of pesticides, PAHs and PCBs in fish in Senegal.

Pollution of water by persistent organic pollutants is well described; however, little is known about the accumulation of these pollutants by aquatic organisms. For this reason, a method based on QuEChERS extraction and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the muscles of five fish species from the bay of Soumbedioune (Dakar, Senegal). This method shows good recoveries of extraction (68.2-98.1% for pesticides, 83.87-98.10% for PAHs and 81.30-98.15% for PCBs), precision (% RSD ≤ 1%), sensitivity (LODs between 0.001 and 0.079 ng g-1), linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99) and repeatability and reproducibility, evaluated for three concentration levels (10 ng g-1, 200 ng g-1 and 500 ng g-1), ≤ 15% for the majority of pollutants under study except for alachlor, atrazine, acetochlor, dicofol, deltamethrin and dichlorvos where a RSD ≥ 20% was determined for the 10 ng g-1 concentration. Organic pollutants have been detected in fish from the Soumbedioune coast demonstrating the necessity of a regular survey of water and fish in order to protect the populations.

Biological Investigation of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid Extracts from the Bulbs of Pancratium trianthum Collected in the Senegalese Flora.

Amaryllidaceae plants are rich in alkaloids with biological properties. Pancratium trianthum is an Amaryllidaceae species widely used in African folk medicine to treat several diseases such as central nervous system disorders, tumors, and microbial infections, and it is used to heal wounds. The current investigation explored the biological properties of alkaloid extracts from bulbs of P. trianthum collected in the Senegalese flora. Alkaloid extracts were analyzed and identified by chromatography and mass spectrometry. Alkaloid extracts from P. trianthum displayed pleiotropic biological properties. Cytotoxic activity of the extracts was determined on hepatocarcinoma Huh7 cells and on acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells, while agar diffusion and microdilution assays were used to evaluate antibacterial activity. Antiviral activity was measured by infection of extract-treated cells with dengue virus (DENVGFP) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1GFP) reporter vectors. Cytotoxicity and viral inhibition were the most striking of P. trianthum's extract activities. Importantly, non-cytotoxic concentrations were highly effective in completely preventing DENVGFP replication and in reducing pseudotyped HIV-1GFP infection levels. Our results show that P. trianthum is a rich source of molecules for the potential discovery of new treatments against various diseases. Herein, we provide scientific evidence to rationalize the traditional uses of P. trianthum for wound treatment as an anti-dermatosis and antiseptic agent.

Susceptibility testing of Anopheles malaria vectors with the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin; results from 16 African countries, in preparation for indoor residual spraying with new insecticide formulations.

BACKGROUND: In 2017, more than 5 million house structures were sprayed through the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, protecting more than 21 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. New IRS formulations, SumiShield™ 50WG and Fludora Fusion™ WP-SB, became World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified vector control products in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Both formulations contain the neonicotinoid active ingredient, clothianidin. The target site of neonicotinoids represents a novel mode of action for vector control, meaning that cross-resistance through existing mechanisms is less likely. In preparation for rollout of clothianidin formulations as part of national IRS rotation strategies, baseline susceptibility testing was conducted in 16 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: While work coordinated by the WHO is ongoing to develop a suitable bottle bioassay procedure, there was no published guidance regarding clothianidin susceptibility procedures or diagnostic concentrations. Therefore, a protocol was developed for impregnating filter papers with 2% w/v SumiShield™ 50WG dissolved in distilled water. Susceptibility tests were conducted using insectary-reared reference Anopheles and wild collected malaria vector species. All tests were conducted within 24 h of treating papers, with mortality recorded daily for 7 days, due to the slow-acting nature of clothianidin against mosquitoes. Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) adults from wild collected larvae were tested in 14 countries, with wild collected F0 Anopheles funestus s.l. tested in Mozambique and Zambia. RESULTS: One-hundred percent mortality was reached with all susceptible insectary strains and with wild An. gambiae s.l. from all sites in 11 countries. However, tests in at least one location from 5 countries produced mortality below 98%. While this could potentially be a sign of clothianidin resistance, it is more likely that the diagnostic dose or protocol requires further optimization. Repeat testing in 3 sites in Ghana and Zambia, where possible resistance was detected, subsequently produced 100% mortality. Results showed susceptibility to clothianidin in 38 of the 43 sites in sub-Saharan Africa, including malaria vectors with multiple resistance mechanisms to pyrethroids, carbamates and organophosphates. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an interim diagnostic dose of 2% w/v clothianidin on filter papers which can be utilized by National Malaria Control Programmes and research organizations until the WHO concludes multi-centre studies and provides further guidance.

Morphology of the lateral fossa of the brain (sylvian valley): anatomo-radiological aspects and surgical application.

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge acquired on the lateral fossa of the brain (LFB) is heterogeneous and incomplete. Our goal was to provide a morphological description of the LFB and analyze the impact of these descriptions on the surgical approach of the region. METHODS: The morphology of LFB was studied on 40 cerebral hemispheres of 20 right-handed subjects aged 18-55 years with an MRI of 1.5 T. The anatomo-radiological identification of the two section levels preceded the description of the shapes of the LFB. From these landmarks, the forms presented by the LFB were identified and described on each of the transverse, sagittal and frontal planes. The comparison of the proportion of shapes made it possible to identify the typical shapes at each section level and on each section plane. RESULTS: The average age of the subjects was 33 years with extremes of 19 and 54 years including 7 women and 13 right-handed men. According to the plane and the level of section, 6 typical morphologies of the LFB have been described, 2 of which were identical. The forms did not vary according to the cerebral hemisphere or the sex of the subject. The set of typical morphologies made it possible to determine a reference subject called NSK which presented the greatest number of typical morphological characteristics. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of LFB anatomical imaging is of paramount importance in the pre-surgical evaluation of pathologies in this region. The reference subject will be used for our future biometric and three-dimensional manual reconstruction work in this region.

Insecticide resistance in Anopheles arabiensis populations from Dakar and its suburbs: role of target site and metabolic resistance mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Urban malaria is an increasing concern in most of the sub-Saharan Africa countries. In Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, the malaria epidemiology has been complicated by recurrent flooding since 2005. The main vector control measure for malaria prevention in Dakar is the community use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. However, the increase of insecticide resistance reported in this area needs to be better understood for suitable resistance management. This study reports the situation of insecticide resistance and underlying mechanisms in Anopheles arabiensis populations from Dakar and its suburbs. RESULTS: All the populations tested showed resistance to almost all insecticides except organophosphates families, which remain the only lethal molecules. Piperonil butoxide (PBO) and ethacrinic acid (EA) the two synergists used, have respectively and significantly restored the susceptibility to DDT and permethrin of Anopheles population. Molecular identification of specimens revealed the presence of An. arabiensis only. Kdr genotyping showed the presence of the L1014F mutation (kdr-West) as well as L1014S (kdr-East). This L1014S mutation was found at very high frequencies (89.53%) in almost all districts surveyed, and in association with the L1014F (10.24%). CONCLUSION: Results showed the contribution of both target-site and metabolic mechanisms in conferring pyrethroid resistance to An. arabiensis from the flooded areas of Dakar suburbs. These data, although preliminary, stress the need for close monitoring of the urban An. arabiensis populations for a suitable insecticide resistance management system to preserve core insecticide-based vector control tools in this flooded area.

Chemical Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity of Volatile Compounds from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Lam. according to Compound Classes, Plant Organs and Senegalese Sample Locations.

The chemical diversity of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides growing wild in Senegal was studied according to volatile compound classes, plant organs and sample locations. The composition of fruit essential oil was investigated using an original targeted approach based on the combination of gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) both coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). The volatile composition of Z. zanthoxyloides fruits exhibited relative high amounts of hydrocarbon monoterpenes (24.3 - 55.8%) and non-terpenic oxygenated compounds (34.5 - 63.1%). The main components were (E)-ß-ocimene (12.1 - 39%), octyl acetate (11.6 - 21.8%) and decanol (9.7 - 15.4%). The GC and GC/MS profiling of fruit essential oils showed a chemical variability according to geographical locations of plant material. The LC/MS/MS analysis of fruit oils allowed the detection of seven coumarins in trace content. The chemical composition of fruit essential oils was compared with volatile fractions of leaves and barks (root and trunk) from the same plant station. Hexadecanoic acid, germacrene D and decanal were identified as the major constituents of leaves whereas the barks (root and trunk) were dominated by pellitorine (85.8% and 57%, respectively), an atypic linear compound with amide group. The fruit essential oil exhibited interesting antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, particularly the alcohol fraction of the oil.

Non-falciparum malaria in Dakar: a confirmed case of Plasmodium ovale wallikeri infection.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium ovale is rarely described in Senegal. A case of clinical malaria due to P. ovale wallikeri in West Central of Senegal is reported. CASE: A 34-year-old male baker in Dakar, with no significant previous medical history, was admitted to a health clinic with fever and vomiting. Fever had been lasting for 4 days with peaks every 48 h. As monospecific Plasmodium falciparum HRP-2 RDT was negative, he was treated with antibiotics. However, owing to persisting symptoms, he was referred to the emergency unit of the Youssou Mbargane Diop Hospital, Dakar, Senegal. Clinical examination found impaired general condition. All other physical examinations were normal. Laboratory tests showed anaemia (haemoglobin 11.4 g/dl), severe thrombocytopaenia (platelets 30 × 10(9)/mm(3)), leukopenia (3650/mm(3)), lymphocytopenia (650/mm(3)). Renal function was normal as indicated by creatininaemia and uraemia (11 mg/l and 0.25 g/l, respectively) and liver enzymes were slightly elevated (aspartate aminotransferase 77 UI/l and alanine aminotransferase 82 UI/l). Blood smear evaluations in Parasitology Laboratory of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital showed malaria parasites of the species P. ovale with a 0.08 % parasitaemia. Molecular confirmation was done by real time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. The P. ovale infection was further analysed to species level targeting the potra gene and was identified as P. ovale wallikeri. According to the hospital's malaria treatment guidelines for severe malaria, treatment consisted of intravenous quinine at hour 0 (start of treatment) and 24 h after initial treatment, followed by artemether-lumefantrine 24 h later. A negative microscopy was noted on day 3 post-treatment and the patient reported no further symptoms. CONCLUSION: Malaria due to non-falciparum species is probably underestimated in Senegal. RDTs specific to non-falciparum species and/or pan specific RDTs should be included as tools of diagnosis to fight against malaria in Senegal. In addition, a field-deployable molecular tool such as the loop-mediated isothermal amplification can be considered as an additional useful tool to detect low malaria parasite infections and for speciation. In addition, national malaria control policies should consider other non-falciparum species in treatment guidelines, including the provision of primaquine for the treatment of relapsing parasites.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a radio-clinical entity associating reversible damage of the central nervous system and typical brain imaging. The clinical context is often suggestive with, in half of cases, the use of vasoactive substances (cannabis, antidepressants, nasal decongestants) and/or postpartum. The etiologies are dominated by hypertensive encephalopathy, preeclampsia, eclampsia, immunosuppressive therapies, and systemic diseases. We report a case of posterior encephalopathy syndrome occurring in a young female without hypertension. It was about a 40-year-old female without hypertension underlying condition, received at the emergency department for headaches and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The physical examination was unremarkable, and her blood pressure was 130/70 mm Hg. CT scan revealed bilateral white matter hypodensity in the posterior occipital regions and a right frontal subarachnoid hemorrhage. There was no aneurysmal malformation of the polygon of Willis and no cerebral thrombophlebitis. Brain MRI showed T2 and FLAIR hypersignal areas in the occipital and frontal cortico-subcortical regions, with no diffusion signal abnormalities or contrast enhancement, and a right frontal subarachnoid hemorrhagic lesion with no other impairment. The diagnosis of reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome was made up, and the outcome was favorable under treatment. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is an uncommon but probably underdiagnosed condition. Hypertensive encephalopathy is the most common etiology. However, there would be cases of PRES without hypertension as shown in this observation.

Presurgical embolization of nasopharyngeal fibroma: A case report.

Nasopharyngeal fibroma (NF) is a rare nasopharyngeal tumor of a benign histological nature but with local aggressiveness. It is a hypervascular tumor and the main feeding artery comes from the internal maxillary artery. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this tumor but carries a significant risk of bleeding from surgical treatment. Thus, embolization carried out preoperatively effectively reduces intraoperative bleeding and thereby allows complete resection for large tumors.

Qatar's National Mental Health Survey-The World Mental Health Qatar: Sampling design, instrument adaptation, quality control, and fielding procedures.

OBJECTIVES: The World Mental Health Qatar (WMHQ) study, the first national general population mental health survey in Qatar, was conducted as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative. It was one of the few WMH survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper presents the methodological advances and challenges encountered while conducting the survey by telephone during the pandemic. METHODS: Disproportionate stratified sampling using a national-level cellular telephone frame selected a representative sample of Arabic-speaking adults. Participants were initially contacted via Short Message Service text, followed by telephone interviews. WMH training materials supported a comprehensive training program, and data quality was ensured through a quality control indicator system and extensive monitoring. RESULTS: Over 234 days, 5195 interviews in Arabic were completed, averaging 77 min each. In line with Qatar's population, the majority of participants were non-Qatari residents living in Qatar (72.2%). CONCLUSIONS: A distributed remote Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing system facilitated centralized quality monitoring and data security. However, the pandemic intensified challenges such as remote management of interviewer productivity, low response rates, and rising survey costs. The findings will inform Qatar's mental health policymakers, and the strategies used to address these challenges offer valuable insights for researchers worldwide.

Feasibility of replacing face-to-face with telephone interviews for the World Mental Health Qatar survey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the feasibility of replacing face-to-face with telephone interviews conducted as part of the World Mental Health Qatar (WMHQ) survey and discuss the main methodological changes across the two pilots that were subsequently implemented in the full-scale WMHQ telephone survey. METHODS: We assessed the net mode effect by comparing the lifetime prevalence estimates of the main mental disorder classes (mood and anxiety disorders) and a number of disorders across the two survey pilots conducted prior to and post-pandemic. RESULTS: The main differences in terms of methodology for both pilots stemmed from differences in the survey mode, including questionnaire length, study recruitment method, and fielding team size and structure. These factors influenced response rates and costs. However, the lifetime prevalence estimates and other key indicators of survey results did not differ across modes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the comparability of data collected via telephone and face-to-face modes, supporting the adoption of telephone surveys for future mental health studies, particularly in the context of pandemics. They also confirm the feasibility of changing or mixing modes depending on field conditions in future psychiatric epidemiological research.

Chemical Constituents and Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Dried Seeds of Xylopia aethiopica.

The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil from dried seeds of Xylopia aethiopica. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. The essential oil yield was 1.35%. Forty-nine compounds were identified in the essential oil with 1,8-cineole (16.3%), ß-pinene (14.8%), trans-pinocarveol (9.1%), myrtenol (8.3%), α-pinene (5.9%), and terpinen-4-ol (5.6%) as major components. The antimicrobial activity of this essential oil was studied using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods on four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and one fungus (Candida albicans). The essential oil exhibited excellent activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis, and C. albicans and moderate activity against E. coli. Among all strains tested, C. albicans showed the best sensitivity with a MIC of 50 mg/mL. The antioxidant activity was examined using a DPPH-free radical scavenging assay. The essential oil of X. aethiopica showed low antioxidant activity (IC50 = 784.604 ± 0.320 mg/mL) compared to that of ascorbic acid and the reference compound (IC50 = 0.163 ± 0.003 mg/mL). The results indicate that consumption of X. aethiopica seeds can reduce the virulence of food-borne pathogens and their resistance to antibiotics.

Distribution and dynamics of Anopheles gambiae s.l. larval habitats in three Senegalese cities with high urban malaria incidence.

Urban malaria has become a challenge for most African countries due to urbanization, with increasing population sizes, overcrowding, and movement into cities from rural localities. The rapid expansion of cities with inappropriate water drainage systems, abundance of water storage habitats, coupled with recurrent flooding represents a concern for water-associated vector borne diseases, including malaria. This situation could threaten progress made towards malaria elimination in sub-Saharan countries, including Senegal, where urban malaria has presented as a threat to national elimination gains. To assess drivers of urban malaria in Senegal, a 5-month study was carried out from August to December 2019 in three major urban areas and hotspots for malaria incidence (Diourbel, Touba, and Kaolack) including the rainy season (August-October) and partly dry season (November-December). The aim was to characterize malaria vector larval habitats, vector dynamics across both seasons, and to identify the primary eco- environmental entomological factors contributing to observed urban malaria transmission. A total of 145 Anopheles larval habitats were found, mapped, and monitored monthly. This included 32 in Diourbel, 83 in Touba, and 30 in Kaolack. The number of larval habitats fluctuated seasonally, with a decrease during the dry season. In Diourbel, 22 of the 32 monitored larval habitats (68.75%) were dried out by December and considered temporary, while the remaining 10 (31.25%) were classified as permanent. In the city of Touba 28 (33.73%) were temporary habitats, and of those 57%, 71% and 100% dried up respectively by October, November, and December. However, 55 (66.27%) habitats were permanent water storage basins which persisted throughout the study. In Kaolack, 12 (40%) permanent and 18 (60%) temporary Anopheles larval habitats were found and monitored during the study. Three malaria vectors (An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis and An. funestus s.l.) were found across the surveyed larval habitats, and An. arabiensis was found in all three cities and was the only species found in the city of Diourbel, while An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis, and An. funestus s.l. were detected in the cities of Touba and Kaolack. The spatiotemporal observations of immature malaria vectors in Senegal provide evidence of permanent productive malaria vector larval habitats year-round in three major urban centers in Senegal, which may be driving high urban malaria incidence. This study aimed to assess the presence and type of anopheline larvae habitats in urban areas. The preliminary data will better inform subsequent detailed additional studies and seasonally appropriate, cost-effective, and sustainable larval source management (LSM) strategies by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP).

Early stage of cerebral amyloid angiopathy revealed by follow-up of a minimal head injury.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is an age-related cerebral microangiopathy characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide in the wall of leptomeningeal arteries and cortical vessels. Diagnosis of sporadic amyloid angiopathy is most often made in elderly patient with lobar hematoma. We report a case of a 68-year-old female who had minimal head injury. Cerebral CT showed a right cerebellar hematoma. Follow-up MRI after 4 months showed signs of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Through this observation, we describe the MRI semiology that helps make the diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Interest of preoperative embolization of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC): A case report.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare lesion that primarily affects young adults and children. The optimal treatment approach for ABC remains controversial and varies depending on the preferences of the medical team. While some advocate for surgery as the treatment of choice, others recommend a less invasive first-line option such as selective embolization. In this case report, we present the case of a 41-year-old female patient with an ABC in the right iliac bone who underwent surgical treatment following preoperative selective embolization. Additionally, we provide a literature review on the topic.

Pylephlebitis secondary to inflammatory colitis: A case report.

Pylephlebitis is a thrombotic occlusion of the portal vein or its branches secondary to infection in regions that drain to the portal venous system. Clinical presentation is often atypical, and patients may initially present with non-specific abdominal symptoms. We report a case of pylephlebitis secondary to inflammatory colitis depicted by CT scan in a 35-year-old female admitted for acute abdominal pain associated with vomiting and fever.

Atypical fibromuscular dysplasia or carotid web revealed by cerebral infarction: A review of 2 cases.

Atypical fibromuscular dysplasia of the bulb or carotid web is a nonatheromatous pathology more common in African and African-American populations. It is implicated in the occurrence of cerebral infarcts of unknown causes. Its diagnosis is made by angio-CT of the supra-aortic trunks and is characterized by a defect in the posterior wall of the bulb. Treatment with antiplatelet agents prevents the occurrence of stroke, but radical treatment remains surgical and endovascular. We report 2 observations of carotid web diagnosed and medically managed at the regional hospital of Saint Louis.

Pylephlebitis complicating acute calculous cholecystitis: A case report.

Pylephlebitis is a complication of intra-abdominal infections. Its occurrence during cholecystitis is a rare situation. We report the case of a 43-year-old female patient who presented with septic thrombosis of the right portal branch following acute calculous cholecystitis diagnosed on abdominal CT. The clinical evolution was favorable under antibiotic therapy and a cholecystectomy was scheduled.

Pollution of water in Africa: a review of contaminants and fish as biomonitors and analytical methodologies-the case of Senegal.

Environmental pollution is one of the major problems facing human health, ecosystems, and biodiversity. This is particularly the case for water quality in Senegal. Fish can be used as a biomonitor of pollution by accumulating pollutants from the environment through their tissues. Fish is an indispensable element in the assessment of the quality of the environment due to the diversity of biological cycles and their position in the food chain. Fish, which is very sensitive to chemical and bacterial pollution, concentrates pollutants and is a good indicator of water quality. This review presents water pollution in Senegal and the possibility of using fish as an ideal monitoring matrix for marine environments, to detect the concentration of heavy metals and organic pollutants. The different extraction and analytical techniques used for fish biomonitoring will be also described.

Surgical Treatment of Upper Cervical Spine Trauma: Experience in a Regional Neurosurgery Unit in a Country with Limited Health Care Resources-About 22 Consecutives Cases.

Objectives Representing approximately 22% of cervical spine injuries, upper cervical spine injuries are becoming more frequent with the increase in road traffic accidents. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the results of our surgical series and to compare them with the literature. Materials and Methods In this monocentric retrospective study of over three years (June 2019-May 2022), all the patients with traumatic injuries of the upper cervical spine with a surgical treatment and a minimum of 12 months follow-up were included. Results The average age was 32.7 years, with a predominance of young patients. The predominant cause of injury was road traffic accident (86.3%). The clinical symptoms were cervical pain, associated with a motor deficit in two cases. Jefferson fracture associated with odontoid fracture was the most frequent injury (36.3%), followed by Hangman fracture (22.7%). Ten patients were treated with the Harms technique, four with occipitocervical C0-C2-C3 fixation, two with anterior screw insertion of the odontoid, and six with anterior C2-C3 arthrodesis. The average duration of follow-up was 12.2 months. The outcome was favorable in 21 cases and average in 1 case. Surgical morbidity and mortality were inexistent. Conclusion This short series shows the effectiveness of surgical treatment in the managing traumatic injuries of the upper cervical spine and in the regression of the pain with a low risk of surgical morbidity and mortality.