Uric acid-lowering effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for preventing cardiovascular events and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of a 1 mg/dl reduction in uric acid (UA) on cardiovascular events and mortality in patients treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases searched up to 30 June 2023 (PROSPERO, CRD42022355479) to identify large-scale SGLT2 inhibitor trials. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool the estimates. RESULTS: In total, five SGLT2 inhibitor trials (31 535 patients, 54% with heart failure) were analysed. Over a median follow-up of 2.2 years, the mean reduction in UA was -0.79 mg/dl (95% confidence interval (CI), -1.03 to -0.54). Every 1 mg/dl reduction in UA was associated with a significantly lower risk of a composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure [hazard ratio, 0.64 (95% CI, 0.46-0.88)] and hospitalization for heart failure (0.68; 95% CI, 0.62-0.74), with a similar risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2 inhibitors reduced UA levels and cardiovascular events independently of heart failure status.

Toward streaked collective Thomson scattering measurements on an extreme ultraviolet plasma light source.

We show through forward modeling calculations that streaked collective Thomson scattering measurements are feasible on laser-produced tin plasmas generated under conditions relevant for extreme ultraviolet lithography. Using a 532 nm probe laser beam, the feasibility of simultaneous measurements of electron plasma wave (EPW) and ion acoustic wave (IAW) spectra is investigated. Absolute photon counts for laser scattering off both waves are calculated. Probe laser electron heating and bremsstrahlung background radiation effects are accounted for. While a large spatiotemporal region can be successfully probed based on the IAW feature, only one measurement location can be accessed through the EPW as a result of the low signal to noise ratio. A portable/traveling tabletop system is proposed.

Genetic Structure and TALome Analysis Highlight a High Level of Diversity in Burkinabe Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. oryzae Populations.

Bacterial Leaf Blight of rice (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a major threat for food security in many rice growing countries including Burkina Faso, where the disease was first reported in the 1980's. In line with the intensification of rice cultivation in West-Africa, BLB incidence has been rising for the last 15 years. West-African strains of Xoo differ from their Asian counterparts as they (i) are genetically distant, (ii) belong to new races and, (iii) contain reduced repertoires of Transcription Activator Like (TAL) effector genes. In order to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of Xoo populations in Burkina Faso, 177 strains were collected from 2003 to 2018 in three regions where BLB is occurring. Multilocus VNTR Analysis (MLVA-14) targeting 10 polymorphic loci discriminated 24 haplotypes and showed that Xoo populations were structured according to their geographical localization and year of collection. Considering their major role in Xoo pathogenicity, we assessed the TAL effector repertoires of the 177 strains upon RFLP-based profiling. Surprisingly, an important diversity was revealed with up to eight different RFLP patterns. Finally, comparing neutral vs. tal effector gene diversity allowed to suggest scenarios underlying the evolutionary dynamics of Xoo populations in Burkina Faso, which is key to rationally guide the deployment of durably resistant rice varieties against BLB in the country.

Contribution to a better analysis of spermatic and ultrasound testicular parameters in the follow-up of male infertility at the Histology Embryology Cytogenetic Laboratory of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD).

INTRODUCTION: In Senegal, marital infertility is a real problem for society. We undertook the study of this subject to make an analysis of the spermatic parameters of the infertile Senegalese man and to better understand the impact of testicular morphological anomalies on male fertility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study of 100 infertile patients followed at the Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetics laboratory of UCAD in Dakar, during the year 2020. Sperm parameters, presence of varicocele, and testicular volume were evaluated in our patients. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The mean age of the patients was 35.17±8.7 years. A history of sexually transmitted infections was found in 57% of patients. The mean duration of infertility was 5.67±3.2 years. The mean sperm count was 14,871,230/ml±4,950,000. Necrospermia was the most frequent abnormality found (60%), followed by asthenospermia (51%). The high rate of necrospermia could be explained by the high frequency of sexually transmitted infections. Other abnormalities were oligospermia (48%, including 09% cryptospermia), azoospermia (19%), teratospermia (19%), and hypospermia (13%). The predominance of azoospermia and oligospermia should prompt a search for a genetic predisposition in these subjects. The mean testicular volume was 10.3±4.9 cc on the right and 9.5±4.8 cc on the left. A single or bilateral varicocele was found in 43% of subjects. Patients with azoospermia and teratospermia were associated with testicular hypotrophy with a significant value (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Overall, the senegalese man consulting for infertility is a young adult, married for an average of 5 years. Necrospermia is the most frequently found anomaly. The severity of both qualitative and quantitative abnormalities should lead to a systematic search for a genetic origin. The etiological research of infertile patients must be done within a multidisciplinary framework to propose better management of these patients.

Novel angular velocity estimation technique for plasma filaments.

Magnetic field aligned filaments such as blobs and edge localized mode filaments carry significant amounts of heat and particles to the plasma facing components and they decrease their lifetime. The dynamics of these filaments determine at least a part of the heat and particle loads. These dynamics can be characterized by their translation and rotation. In this paper, we present an analysis method novel for fusion plasmas, which can estimate the angular velocity of the filaments on frame-by-frame time resolution. After pre-processing, the frames are two-dimensional (2D) Fourier-transformed, then the resulting 2D Fourier magnitude spectra are transformed to log-polar coordinates, and finally the 2D cross-correlation coefficient function (CCCF) is calculated between the consecutive frames. The displacement of the CCCF's peak along the angular coordinate estimates the angle of rotation of the most intense structure in the frame. The proposed angular velocity estimation method is tested and validated for its accuracy and robustness by applying it to rotating Gaussian-structures. The method is also applied to gas-puff imaging measurements of filaments in National Spherical Torus Experiment plasmas.

Adult groin hernia surgery in sub-Saharan Africa: a 20-year systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To realize a systematic review to evaluate groin hernia surgery for adults in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, the primary objective of which was to determine the surgical techniques used for unilateral groin hernia surgery in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies published in the last 20 years were considered. A meta-analysis estimated the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) of mortality, chronic pain and recurrence. A subgroup analysis compared the rate of complications between complicated or uncomplicated hernia. RESULTS: We included 113 articles. The most used technique was Bassini in 40.1%, followed by Lichtenstein in 29.9% and Shouldice in 12.6%. The overall mortality rate was 0.6% (95% CI 0.4-0.9). The pooled recurrence rate was 1.4% (95% CI 1.05-1.9). The pooled rate of chronic pain was 2.7% (95% CI 1.9-3.7). We found that mortality rate for complicated hernias (6.4%) was higher compared to uncomplicated hernias (0.2%). This difference was statistically significant [p ≤ 0.001; OR = 47.7; 95 CI (27.2-83.47)]. CONCLUSION: This review showed that pure tissue repairs are the most used techniques with Bassini and Shouldice as leading procedures. The post-operative rates of recurrence and chronic pain are low. However, there is a high heterogeneity between studies than can underestimate these pooled prevalences. The consultation at complication stage remains frequent and associated with a higher mortality. Futures studies should focus on improving the quality of studies in terms of design and follow-up to increase the degree of evidence.

Cellulite cervico-faciale à l'hôpital national Ignace Deen de Conakry: résultats d'une étude de 5 ans / Cervico-facial cellulitis at the Ignace Deen hospital in Conakry: results of a 5-year study

Introduction : La cellulite cervico-faciale est une diffusion cellulaire d'un foyer infectieux vers les tissus cellulo-adipeux du cou et de la face, avec une prédominance des anaérobies et des germes commensaux de la flore orale. L'objectif de ce travail était de contribuer à l'amélioration de la prise en charge de cellulites cervico-faciales à l'Hôpital National Ignace Deen. Méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une étude rétro-prospective de type descriptif sur une période de cinq (5) ans (01 janvier 2017 au 31 décembre 2021) réalisée aux services d'ORLCCF et d'Odontostomatologie/CMF de l'Hôpital National Ignace Deen de Conakry. Résultats : 97 patients qui présentaient une cellulite cervico-faciale, soit une fréquence de 4,36% ont été inclus. La tranche d'âge de 21 à 30 ans était la plus représentée soit 40,21%. L'âge moyen était de 33 ,15 ± 13,97 ans avec des extrêmes de 1 et 65 ans. Le sex-ratio était de 1,30. La tuméfaction douloureuse était le principal motif de consultation soit 98,97%. Les Anti-Inflammatoires Non Stéroïdiens étaient le facteur le plus présent chez 85 patients soit 78,35%. L'état général était peu satisfaisant chez 94 patients soit 96,91%. Une cellulite suppurée a été retrouvée chez 82,47% patients. Le traitement était médico-chirurgical chez 85 patients soit 87,63%. L'évolution était bonne chez 90 patients soit 92,78%. Conclusion : La cellulite cervico-faciale est une urgence médicochirurgicale qu'il faut savoir diagnostiquer et prendre en charge dans les meilleurs délais. Non traitée, elle peut engager le pronostic vital.

Introduction: Cervico-facial cellulitis is a cellular diffusion of an infection to the cellulo-adipose tissues of the neck and face, with a predominance of anaerobic and commensal germs of oral flora. The objective of this work was to contribute improving the management of cervicofacial cellulitis at Ignace Deen National Hospital. Methods: This was a five (5) year (01 January 2017 to 31 December 2021) descriptive retro-prospective study conducted at the ENT-RTC and Odontostomatology / FJA departments of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry. Results: 97 patients who presented cervico-facial cellulitis, i.e. a frequency of 4.36%, were included. The 21- 30 age group was the most represented, either 40.21%. The average age was 33.15 ± 13.97 years with extremes of 1 and 65 years. The sex ratio was 1.30. Painful swelling was the main reason for consultation, 98.97%. Non- Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs were the most common factor in 85 of our patients, either 78.35%. The overall condition was unsatisfactory in 94 of our patients, either 96.91%. Suppurated cellulitis was found in 82.47% of our patients. Treatment was medico-surgical in 85 patients, either 87.63%. The evolution was good in 90 patients, either 92.78%. Conclusion: Cervico-facial cellulitis is a medical and surgical emergency that must be diagnosed and managed as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can trigger a vital prognosis.

Traitement chirurgical du Mal de Pott et de ses séquelles au Centre Hospitalier de l'Ordre de Malte Dakar / Surgical treatm ent of Pott's diseaseand its sequelae at the Hospital of the Order of Malta/Daka

Introduction. Evaluer les résultats du traitement chirurgical du Mal de Pott et de ses séquelles au Centre hospitalier de l'ordre de Malte de Dakar. Patients et méthodes. Nous présentons les résultats préliminaires d'une série consécutive de 23 patients (13 hommes et 10 femmes) d'âge moyen de 32,35 ans [6 ­70 ans] présentant des Maux de Pott ou de leurs séquelles nécessitant un traitement chirurgical. L'échelle d'incapacité d'Oswestry, l'échelle visuelle analogique et le score ASIA ont été utilisés pour l'évaluation clinique. Les radiographies pré opératoires, post opératoires et au recul ont été utilisés pour les résultats anatomiques. Tous ces patients ont été opérés selon trois stratégies opératoires sur une période de 67 mois (Avril 2014- Novembre 2019). Nous avons réalisé une laminectomie arthrodèse postérieure dans 52,2% ; une laminectomie plus OTP et arthrodèse postérieure dans 43,5% ; une discectomie et hémicorporectomie avec arthrodèse antérieure par plaque vissée de Roy Camille à l'étage cervical dans 4,3%. Résultats. La symptomatologie était dominée par la douleur rachidienne, la cyphose et les troubles neurologiques. La cyphose post opératoire était significativement améliorée (la moyenne passe de 48,52° en pré opératoire à 17,09° en post opératoire). On a obtenu 100% de fusion vertébrale. On note une nette amélioration de la douleur rachidienne (avec une baisse au recul de 55,44 points pour l'OID et de 5,66 pour l'EVA) ; 78,3% des patients étaient très satisfaits, 17,4% satisfaits et 4,3% mécontents. Conclusion. Le traitement chirurgical du Mal de Pott et de ses séquelles a fortement amélioré les rachis au Centre hospitalier de l'Ordre de Malte.

Introduction. To evaluate the results of the surgical treatment of Pott's disease and its sequelae at the Hospital Center of the Order of Malta in Dakar. Patients and methods. We present the preliminary results of a consecutive series of 23 patients (13 men and 10 women) with an average age of 32.35 years [6-70 years] presenting with Pott's disease or its sequelae requiring treatment. surgical treatment. Oswestry Disability Scale, Visual Analogue Scale and ASIA score were used for clinical assessment. Preoperative, postoperative and followup radiographs were used for anatomical results. All these patients were operated according to three operating strategies over a period of 67 months (April 2014- November 2019). We performed posterior laminectomy-arthrodesis in 52.2%; laminectomy plus OTP and posterior arthrodesis in 43.5%; discectomy and hemicorpectomy with anterior arthrodesis by Roy Camille screwed plate at the cervical level in 4.3%. Results. The symptomatology was dominated by spinal pain, kyphosis and neurological disorders. Postoperative kyphosis was significantly improved (the average goes from 48.52° preoperatively to 17.09° postoperatively). We got 100% spinal fusion. There is a clear improvement in spinal pain (with a drop at follow-up of 55.44 points for the OID and 5.66 for the EVA); 78.3% of patients were very satisfied, 17.4% satisfied and 4.3% dissatisfied. Conclusion. The surgical treatment of Pott's disease and its sequelae greatly improved the spines at the Hospital Center of the Order of Malta.

System-on-chip approach microwave imaging reflectometer on DIII-D tokamak.

System-on-chip millimeter wave integrated circuit technology is used on the two-dimensional millimeter-wave imaging reflectometer (MIR) upgrade for density fluctuation imaging on the DIII-D tokamak fusion plasma. Customized CMOS chips have been successfully developed for the transmitter module and receiver module array, covering the 55-75 GHz working band. The transmitter module has the capability of simultaneously launching eight tunable probe frequencies (>0 dBm output power each). The receiver enclosure contains 12 receiver modules in two vertical lines. The quasi-optical local oscillator coupling of previous MIR systems has been replaced with an internal active frequency multiplier chain for improved local oscillator power delivery and flexible installation in a narrow space together with improved shielding against electromagnetic interference. The 55-75 GHz low noise amplifier, used between the receiver antenna and the first-stage mixer, significantly improves module sensitivity and suppresses electronics noise. The receiver module has a 20 dB gain improvement compared with the mini-lens approach and better than -75 dBm sensitivity, and its electronics noise temperature has been reduced from 55 000 K down to 11 200 K. The V-band MIR system is developed for co-located multi-field investigation of MHD-scale fluctuations in the pedestal region with W-band electron cyclotron emission imaging on DIII-D tokamak.

Diagnosing the pedestal magnetic field and magnetohydrodynamics radial structure with pedestal-scrape of layer electron cyclotron emission radiation inversion in H-mode plasma (invited).

Forward modeling is used to interpret inversion patterns of the pedestal-Scrape of Layer (SOL) Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) in DIII-D H-mode experiments. The modeling not only significantly improves the ECE data interpretation quality but also leads to the potential measurements of (1) the magnetic field strength |B| at the separatrix, (2) the pedestal |B| evolution during an inter-Edge Localized Mode (ELM) period, and (3) the pedestal Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) radial structure. The ECE shine-through effect leads to three types of pedestal-SOL radiation inversions that are discussed in this paper. The first type of inversion is the non-monotonic Te,rad profile with respect to the major radius. Using the ECE frequency at the minimum Te,rad, the inversion can be applied to measure the magnetic field |B| at the separatrix and calibrate the mapping of the ECE channels with respect to the separatrix. The second type of inversion refers to the opposite phase between the radiation fluctuations δTe,rad at the pedestal and SOL. This δTe,rad phase inversion is sensitive to density and temperature fluctuations at the pedestal foot and, thus, can be used to qualitatively measure the MHD radial structure. The third type of inversion appears when the pedestal and SOL Te,rad evolve in an opposite trend, which can be used to infer the pedestal |B| field change during an inter-ELM period. The bandwidth effect on measuring δTe,rad due to pedestal MHD is also investigated in the radiation modeling.

A 2020 baseline assessment for the monitoring of the End TB indicator of catastrophic costs in Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND Prior assessment of the economic burden of TB showed high risk of catastrophic costs in Burkina Faso. A decade later, the National TB Programme conducted the first national patient cost survey, establishing a baseline for future policymaking.METHODS A national TB patient cost survey was conducted early 2020. Following WHO methods, a structured questionnaire was administered to 465 patients (20 clusters) to report on the direct and indirect costs of TB, household income and coping strategies adopted by the TB-affected families. The share of households facing catastrophic costs was assessed. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with catastrophic costs due to TB.RESULTS One in two (54.4%) TB-affected households in Burkina Faso faced catastrophic costs, resulting in major improvements over the past decade. On average, households incurred in US$962.64 per episode of care (respectively US$741.7, US$122.3 and US$98.6 for indirect, direct medical and non-medical costs), leaving substantial costs requiring mitigation strategies (39.8%). Major risk factors were associated with hospitalisation and wealth-related variables. Job loss, food insecurity and other social consequences were also experienced.CONCLUSION Despite progress, reducing the End TB indicator of catastrophic costs remains central to policymaking to ensure effective financial protection in Burkina Faso.

[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.

[Anatomical and Junctional results of total hip prosthesesat Kati University Hospital]. / Résultats anatomiques et Fonctionnels des prothèses totales de hanche au CHU de Kati.

INTRODUCTION: Hip prosthetic surgery is a commonly performed procedure in orthopedic trauma. It has changed the prognosis of traumatic, degenerative and inflammatory hip diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the functional and anatomical results of a series of total hip replacements in our department in the short and medium term and to compare them with the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study of a series of 96 total hip replacements performed at the University Hospital of Kati, from January 2019 to December 2021. Functional discomfort was assessed in all patients before and after surgery. The prostheses used were of the Aston, AK, Surgival, Evolutus and Sharma types. The anatomical results were assessed by radiological criteria and the functional results by Postel Merle d'Aubigné criteria. RESULTS: In our study, 96 hips were operated on by total prosthesis in 91 patients, including five bilateral cases. The patients were 49 men and 42 women. The average age was 46.9 years. Coxarthrosis associated with necrosis of the femoral head was the most frequent indication for arthroplasty (n=51), followed by femoral neck fracture (n=26). The inclination of the cup was anatomical in 73.3% of cases. The mean femoral offset was 44.1 mm with extremes of 26 and 59 mm. Cup anteversion was normal in 79.4% of cases. The mean preoperative PMA score increased from 5.2 (0 and 15) to 16.9 (4 and 18) late postoperatively. Our results were satisfactory in 89% of cases. CONCLUSION: Total hip arthroplasty allows, in the vast majority of cases, to recover indolence and perfect functionality of the hip.

INTRODUCTION: La chirurgie prothétique de hanche est une intervention couramment pratiquée en orthopédie traumatologie. Elle a changé le pronostic des pathologies traumatiques, dégénératives et inflammatoires de la hanche. OBJECTIF: Le but de ce travail était d'évaluer à court et moyen terme les résultats fonctionnels et anatomiques d'une série de prothèses totales de hanche dans notre service et de les comparer avec la littérature. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective descriptive et analytique d'une série de 96 prothèses totales de hanche réalisées au CHU de Kati, allant de janvier 2019 à décembre 2021. Les gênes fonctionnelles ont été appréciées chez tous les patients avant et après l'intervention. Les prothèses utilisées étaient de type Aston, AK, Surgival, Evolutus et Sharma. Les résultats anatomiques ont été appréciés par les critères radiologiques et les résultats fonctionnels par les critères de Postel Merle d'Aubigné. RÉSULTATS: Au cours de notre étude 96 hanches ont été opérées par prothèse totale chez 91 patients dont cinq cas bilatéraux. Il s'agit de 49 hommes et 42 femmes. L'âge moyen était 46,9 ans. La coxarthrose associée à la nécrose de la tête fémorale était l'indication de l'arthroplastie la plus fréquente (n=51) suivie de la fracture du col fémoral (n=26). L'inclinaison de la cupule était anatomique dans 73,3% des cas. L'offset fémoral moyen était 44,1 mm avec des extrêmes de 26 et 59 mm. L'antéversion de la cupule était normale dans 79,4% des cas. Le score moyen du PMA préopératoire était passé de 5,2 (0 et 15) à 16,9 (4 et 18) en postopératoire tardive. Nos résultats étaient satisfaisants dans 89% des cas. CONCLUSION: L'arthroplastietotaledehanchepermet,danslatrèsgrandemajoritédescas,deretrouve runeindolenceet une fonctionnalitéparfaite de la hanche.

Novel 2D velocity estimation method for large transient events in plasmas.

Dynamics of fast transient events are challenging to be analyzed with high time resolution. Such events can occur in fusion plasmas such as the filaments during edge-localized modes (ELMs). In this paper, we present a robust method-the spatial displacement estimation-for estimating the displacements of structures with fast dynamics from high spatial and time resolution imaging diagnostics [e.g., gas-puff imaging (GPI)] with sampling time temporal resolution. First, a background suppression method is shown, which suppresses the slowly time-evolving and spatially non-uniform background in the signal. In the second step, a two-dimensional polynomial trend subtraction method is presented to tackle the remaining polynomial order trend in the signal. After performing these pre-processing steps, the spatial displacement of the propagating structure is estimated from the two-dimensional spatial cross-correlation coefficient function calculated between consecutive frames. The method is tested for its robustness and accuracy by simulated Gaussian events and spatially displaced random noise. An example application of the method is presented on propagating ELM filaments measured by the GPI system on the National Spherical Torus Experiment spherical tokamak.

Initial operation and data processing on a system for real-time evaluation of Thomson scattering signals on the Large Helical Device.

A scalable system for real-time analysis of electron temperature and density based on signals from the Thomson scattering diagnostic, initially developed for and installed on the NSTX-U experiment, was recently adapted for the Large Helical Device and operated for the first time during plasma discharges. During its initial operation run, it routinely recorded and processed signals for four spatial points at the laser repetition rate of 30 Hz, well within the system's rated capability for 60 Hz. We present examples of data collected from this initial run and describe subsequent adaptations to the analysis code to improve the fidelity of the temperature calculations.

System-on-chip upgrade of millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics for fusion plasma.

Monolithic, millimeter wave "system-on-chip" technology has been employed in chip heterodyne radiometers in a newly developed Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) system on the DIII-D tokamak for 2D electron temperature and fluctuation diagnostics. The system employs 20 horn-waveguide receiver modules each with customized W-band (75-110 GHz) monolithic microwave integrated circuit chips comprising a W-band low noise amplifier, a balanced mixer, a ×2 local oscillator (LO) frequency doubler, and two intermediate frequency amplifier stages in each module. Compared to previous quasi-optical ECEI arrays with Schottky mixer diodes mounted on planar antennas, the upgraded W-band array exhibits >30 dB additional gain and 20× improvement in noise temperature; an internal eight times multiplier chain is used to provide LO coupling, thereby eliminating the need for quasi-optical coupling. The horn-waveguide shielding housing avoids out-of-band noise interference on each module. The upgraded ECEI system plays an important role for absolute electron temperature and fluctuation measurements for edge and core region transport physics studies. An F-band receiver chip (up to 140 GHz) is under development for additional fusion facilities with a higher toroidal magnetic field. Visualization diagnostics provide multi-scale and multi-dimensional data in plasma profile evolution. A significant aspect of imaging measurement is focusing on artificial intelligence for science applications.

Participating in a vaccine trial for COVID-19 in Senegal: trust and information.

This research aims to understand the level and determinants of people's willingness to participate in a vaccine trial for COVID-19 in Senegal. We conducted a telephone survey among a marginal quota sample of 607 people over 18 years of age. Only 44.3% of the participants wanted to participate in a vaccine trial for COVID-19, with females intending to participate more than males (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.22-2.72]). Participants who intended to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (AOR = 6.48, 95% CI [4.12-10.4]) and who thought that being infected with the coronavirus would have a significant impact on their health (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI [1.57, 3.51]) were more likely to agree to take part in the COVID-19 vaccine trial. Confidence in the vaccine, health personnel, and the government in the fight against the pandemic are key factors in participants' willingness to participate in a vaccine trial in Senegal.

Factors Associated with Foot Lesions in Diabetic Patients at Saint-Louis Hospital (Senegal): A Case-Control Study Protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes prevalence has increased over the past years. In Senegal, this prevalence is 4% in the general population. However, the region of Saint-Louis (in the north of the country) has the highest rate with 10.4%. The main prognosis problem is the occurrence foot lesions that can lead to lower-limbs amputation. Diabetic foot is a real public health issue, due to its economic burden and its serious repercussions on patients, leading to poor quality of life. The objective of this case-control study is to identify factors associated with foot lesions in diabetic patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: It will be a case-control study from January to December 2021. The patients will be recruited from the departments of general surgery, internal medicine, and emergency. An univariate then multivariate analysis (logistic regression) will allow us to select the variables associated with foot lesions in our study population. The parameters included in the logistic regression will be those with a p < 0.20 in the univariate analysis. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis (with the calculation of Odds Ratios (OR) with confidence intervals (CI)) according to the backward stepwise method will identify the factors independently associated to foot lesions in diabetic patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This research protocol will be submitted to the Ethics Committee of our institution for approval. The knowledge of factors causing diabetic foot will help to communicate with policymakers to raise the awareness in our community. Finally, it will help to prevent lower limb amputations. HIGHLIGHTS: Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation in the world.The region of Saint-Louis (Senegal) has the highest prevalence of diabetes.Controlling factors associated with foot lesions in diabetic patients can prevent from amputation.

Profile of Patients with Gallstone Disease in a Sub-Saharan African General Surgery Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study Protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstone disease is a disorder characterised by the formation of stones in the biliary tract. It is the most common biliary condition accounting for more than 98% of all gallbladder and biliary tract disorders. In Africa, previous studies have shown a relative rarity of this condition with a prevalence less than 5%; since it is between 2 and 5 times higher in other continents. A good knowledge of the profile of patient with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment. To our knowledge, there was no previous study about gallstone disease in this region even if there is a high prevalence of metabolic factors of gallstone disease. METHODS: This study objective is to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic profile of patients with gallstone disease at the Department of General Surgery of Saint-Louis Hospital (Senegal). It will be a single-centre retrospective cohort study in a period of 5 years (January 2015 - December 2020). The patients' record of the department of general surgery will be consulted and the patient contacted if there are missing data. Patients with gallstone disease diagnosed with imaging (ultrasonography and/or CT scan) regardless the presentation (asymptomatic, biliary colic, cholecystitis, common bile duct lithiasis, angio-cholitis, pancreatitis) will be included. Adults and paediatric patients will be enrolled. Patient records lacking sufficient data will be excluded. Studied parameters will be epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Anonymity and confidentiality of information collected in patients will be respected. This research protocol will be submitted to the Ethics Committee of our institution for approval. The knowledge of the profile of patients with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment. Finally, it will help to reduce the burden of gallstone disease. HIGHLIGHTS: Gallstone disease is the most common biliary tract conditionTo our knowledge, there was no previous study about gallstone disease in this region even if there is a high prevalence of risk factors of gallstone disease (sickle cell disease, diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia)Good knowledge of the profile of patients with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment.