Clinical, paraclinical and genetic aspects of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) in Mali.

Introduction: Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) are a group of rare and heterogynous neurodegenerative diseases mainly characterized by unbalance and walking difficulty and movement incoordination. Objectives: To clinically and paraclinically characterize ARCA in the department of Neurology at the Teaching Hospital of Point G and identify the underlying genetic defect. Patients and method: We have conducted a longitudinal and prospective study from January 2018 to December 2020. Patients with ARCA phenotype seen in the Department of Neurology at the Teaching Hospital of Point "G" were enrolled. Results: We have enrolled 7 families totaling 13 patients after giving an informed verbal and written consent. The sex ratio was 2.2 in favor of males, Kayes region and Fulani ethnic group were respectively the most represented region and ethnic group.Walking difficulty represented the major symptom followed by loss of vibration and joint sense, nystagmus, dysarthria and skeletal deformities. Alpha-foetoprotein level was high in one patient. Genetic testing confirmed Friedreich ataxia in one family and was not conclusive in 4 families. Conclusion: This study showed that ARCA are not uncommon in Mali and genetic testing is crucial to confirm the diagnosis.

Introduction: Les ataxies cérébelleuses autosomiques récessives (ACAR) constituent un groupe de maladies neurodégénératives rares et hétérogènes caractérisées essentiellement par un trouble de l'équilibre et de la marche, et un trouble de la coordination des mouvements. Objectifs: Caractériser les signes cliniques, paracliniques et génétiques des ataxies cérébelleuses autosomiques récessives au Service de Neurologie du CHU du Point "G". Patients et méthodes: Nous avons réalisé une étude de cas enrôlé dans le cadre d'une étude longitudinale et prospective allant de Janvier 2018 à Décembre 2020, portant sur des patients présentant des symptômes d'ACAR et ayant donné leur consentement éclairé. Résultats: Nous avons enrôlé sept familles totalisant 13 patients. Le sexe ratio était de 2,2 en faveur des hommes, la région de Kayes était la plus représentée et l'ethnie peulh était majoritaire. Les troubles de la marche ont représenté les signes majeurs suivis de troubles de la sensibilité profonde, de nystagmus, de dysarthrie, et des déformations ostéoarticulaires. L'alpha-foetoprotéine était élevée chez une patiente. Le test génétique a retrouvé l'ataxie de Friedreich dans une famille et n'a pas été concluant dans quatre autres. Conclusion: Cette étude montre que les ACAR ne sont pas rares au Mali et l'exploration génétique constitue un outil indispensable pour leur diagnostic de certitude.

[Progressive myoclonic epilepsy in the department of neurology of the University Teaching hospital Point "G"]. / EPILEPSIES MYOCLONIQUES PROGRESSIVES AU SERVICE DE NEUROLOGIE DU CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE DU POINT "G".

Background: Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy (PME) is a heterogeneous group of pathologies associating epileptic seizures and other neurological and non-neurological disorders. Objectives: We aim to characterize patients with symptoms of PME and identify the underlying genetic disorder. Methods: After informed consent, the patients seen in the protocol for hereditary neurological diseases and presenting signs of epilepsy without a secondary cause were clinically evaluated over a three-year period in the Department of Neurology of the CHU Point "G". EEG, brain imaging and laboratory tests were performed to consolidate our diagnosis. DNA was extracted for genetic analysis. Results: 141 families including five families with PME totaling eight cases were enrolled. The predominant symptoms in our patients were myoclonus in 87.5% (N = 8), followed by GTCS and cognitive impairment in 50%, each. A notion of parental consanguinity was found in 60% and autosomal recessive transmission evoked in 80% (N = 5). The EEG was pathological in 62.5% and imaging showed ponto-cerebellar atrophy in 25% (N = 8). The combination of sodium valproate and clonazepam was the main treatment. One case of death was recorded. Conclusion: We report cases of PME in Mali with a possibility of discovering new genes.

Prospects for the utilization of Senna obtusifolia products as protein supplements for poultry.

The scarcity and high cost of conventional ingredients are major factors limiting the growth of the poultry industry globally. This has driven research into alternative ingredients for poultry feeding. Senna obtusifolia or cassia, a widely distributed shrub, is invasive in many regions of the world. The seeds and leaves of the plant are moderate protein sources with the protein having an acceptable amino acid profile, especially essential amino acids. This nutritional profile of Senna obtusifolia products (seeds and leaves), coupled with their availability make them potential protein supplements for poultry feeding; however, the presence of several antinutritional factors (ANFs) (Oxalate, phytate, saponins, tannins and haemagglutinins) hinders their fullest use in the diet. In recent years, there has been increasing research interest into processing techniques to reduce the ANFs content and make these products safe for poultry feeding. Depending on birds age, fermented Senna seed meal may be included in the diet of broilers and cockerels up to 200 g/kg without compromising birds' performance but raw meal as low as 50 g/kg exerts antinutritional effects. More research is needed into maximum utilization of Senna products to reduce cost of production on smallholder to medium scale poultry farms. Newer processing methods will need to be developed in response to the increasing market price of conventional protein sources.

Impact of commercial feed dilution with copra meal or cassava leaf meal and enzyme supplementation on broiler performance.

A preliminary study investigated the impact of commercial feed dilution with copra meal (CM) or cassava leaf meal (CLM) and enzyme supplementation on broiler performance. Commercial feed alone (control) or diluted with CM and CLM at a concentration of 100 and 200 g/kg in the starter and finisher diets, respectively, was fed without and with Challenzyme 300A at a concentration of 300 g/tonne in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements with a control. Two hundred, 7-day-old male, Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 diets containing 4 replicates of 10 birds each. There were no interaction or main effects (P > 0.05) on feed intake during either the starter or finisher phase. In the starter phase, feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) increased (P < 0.05) in the group fed with CM without enzyme. Enzyme supplementation restored F:G similar to the control. Diet dilution with CM or CLM had no effect (P > 0.05) on weight gain (WG) in the starter phase. Diluting the feed with CM or CLM without enzyme suppressed (P < 0.05) WG and F:G in the finisher phase, but enzyme supplementation restored the lost performances. There were no interaction or main effects (P > 0.05) on the carcass traits. Enzyme supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) feed cost per kilogram of carcass. Heavier ceca were observed in the group fed with dilution diets (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation reduced cecum weight in the group fed with CM (P < 0.05). The heaviest (P < 0.05) abdominal fat was recorded in the group fed with enzyme-supplemented CM diet, and the lightest (P < 0.05) abdominal fat was recorded in the group fed with CLM with enzyme. In the main effects, lighter (P < 0.05) liver, gizzard, and proventriculus were recorded in the group fed with control diet than in the group fed with the CLM diets, but the weight of these segments did not differ (P > 0.05) between the control and CM groups and between the fiber sources. The results suggest that dilution of commercial diet with CM or CLM may be a viable option for medium- and small-scale broiler production in the region. There is need for more research in the level of dilution, enzyme source, and concentration.

[Supporting factors of diarrhoea diseases in the children under 5 years in Commune II of the district of Bamako- Mali]. / Facteurs favorisant les maladies diarrheiques chez les enfants de 0 à 5 ans en Commune II du district de Bamako-Mali.

Diarrhea remains a real public health problem as it is the second leading cause of under-five mortality. In tropical environments, studies show several factors contributing to the frequency and severity of diarrhea. It is in this context that the present study of the factors favoring diarrheal diseases in children from 0 to 5 years old has been carried out. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional cluster survey involving 200 mothers of 0-5 year-old children from November 2015 to October 2016. The Pearson Chi2 test was used with a 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Married women accounted for 85.5% of our sample, 47% of whom had no education. Of the mothers surveyed, 17% of their children had had at least one episode of diarrhea in the two weeks before the survey. Almost all mothers (94%) washed their hands before feeding their children and 13% did not do so after cleaning the children. Regarding the cleanliness of the concession, it was bad in 23.5%. The majority of mothers (51%) did not know the significance of diarrhea, 43% reported the means of transmission, and 28% had inadequate practice in managing diarrhea. Some factors favor the occurrence of diarrhea such as: mixed breastfeeding that was statistically significant (p = 0.014), as well as poor hand hygiene practices (p = 0.027) and concessions (p = 0.000), as well as than the bad knowledge of the subject (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that diarrhea was a disease of the hands rooms, hence the interest of strengthening the awareness of mothers for best practices for behavior change.

Les diarrhées demeurent un véritable problème de santé publique parce qu'elles constituent la deuxième cause de mortalité des moins de 5 ans. En milieu tropical, des études montrent plusieurs facteurs concourent à la fréquence et à la gravité des diarrhées. C'est dans ce contexte que la présente étude a été réalisée avec objectif de déterminer les facteurs favorisant les maladies diarrhéiques chez les enfants de 0 à 5 ans. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Etude transversale par sondage en grappe ayant concerné 200 mères d'enfant de 0-5 ans, de novembre 2015 à octobre 2016. Le test de Chi2 de Pearson a été utilisé avec un niveau de confiance de 95%. Résultats : Les femmes mariées représentaient 85,5% de notre échantillon dont 47% n'avaient reçu aucune instruction. Parmi les mères interrogées, 17% de leurs enfants avaient présenté au moins un épisode de diarrhée dans les deux semaines ayant précédé l'enquête. Presque toutes les mères (94%) se lavaient les mains avant d'alimenter leurs enfants et 13% ne le font pas après le nettoyage des enfants. Concernant la propreté de la concession, elle était mauvaise dans 23,5%. La majorité des mères (51%) ne connaissait pas la signification de la diarrhée, 43% les moyens de sa transmission et 28% avait une pratique inadéquate de la prise en charge de la diarrhée. Certains facteurs favoriseraient la survenue de la diarrhée comme : l'allaitement mixte avec (p = 0,014), de même que les mauvaises pratiques d'hygiène des mains (p =0,027)et des concessions (p = 0,000), ainsi que les mauvaises connaissances du sujet (p = 0,000). CONCLUSION: Notre étude montre que la diarrhée était une maladie des mains salles, d'où l'intérêt de renforcer la sensibilisation des mères pour de meilleures pratiques en faveur du changement de comportement.

Differences in genetic structure assessed using Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA markers do not shape the contributions to diversity in African sires.

Up to 173 African sires belonging to 11 different subpopulations representative of four cattle groups were analysed for six Y-specific microsatellite loci and a mitochondrial DNA fragment. Differences in Y-chromosome and mtDNA haplotype structuring were assessed. In addition, the effect of such structuring on contributions to total genetic diversity was assessed. Thirty-five Y-chromosome and 71 mtDNA haplotypes were identified. Most Y-chromosomes analysed (73.4%) were of zebu origin (11 haplotypes). Twenty-two Y-haplotypes (44 samples) belonged to the African taurine subfamily Y2a. All mtDNA haplotypes belonged to the "African" taurine T1 haplogroup with 16 samples and nine haplotypes belonging to a recently identified subhaplogroup (T1e). Median-joining networks showed that Y-chromosome phylogenies were highly reticulated with clear separation between zebu and taurine clusters. Mitochondrial haplotypes showed a clear star-like shape with small number of mutations separating haplotypes. Mitochondrial-based FST -statistics computed between cattle groups tended to be statistically non-significant (p > .05). Most FST values computed among groups and subpopulations using Y-chromosome markers were statistically significant. AMOVA confirmed that divergence between cattle groups was only significant for Y-chromosome markers (ΦCT  = 0.209). At the mitochondrial level, African sires resembled an undifferentiated population with individuals explaining 94.3% of the total variance. Whatever the markers considered, the highest contributions to total Nei's gene diversity and allelic richness were found in West African cattle. Genetic structuring had no effect on patterns of contributions to diversity.

[Clones of Neisseria meningitidis strains in Mali]. / Clones des souches de Neisseria meningitidis au Mali.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to identify strains of Neisseria meningitidis isolated from 2005 to 2007 in Mali. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We carried out a cross-sectional and descriptive study of 1573 meningitidis suspected case cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples before antibiotherapy. The identification of isolated germs was serogroup, serotype, subtype, sequence type, and clonal complexes. RESULTS: CSF samples were taken from children under 1 (30.1%), children between 1 and 4 (26.3%), and children between 5 and 14 years of age (25.7%). Neisseria meningitidis was identified in 144 out of 244 CSF positive samples. Streptococcus pneumoniae (73/244), and Haemophilus influenzae b (44/244) were also present. The most frequent Neisseria meningitidis serogroups were A, W135, and Y. Genotyping of the 33 live Neisseria meningitidis strains showed that three clonal complexes were present, especially serogroup A complex ST-5 with sequence type ST-7 and ST-2859, serogroup W135 complex ST-11 with sequence type ST-11, and serogroup Y complex ST-167 with sequence type ST-167 and ST-192. DISCUSSION: The introduction of tetravalent vaccine ACYW135 should be considered in Mali and West Africa.

Emigration from the Sahel.

PIP: This report on international migration from the Sahel (the band of countries which lies just south of the Sahara and extends to the Atlantic) opens with a historical overview of the region which includes a description of the response of its people to periodic droughts (including gradual migration to the south), a look at commercial expansion which led to the growth of urban centers, and the destabilizing effects of Atlantic trade and subsequent colonization. The report continues by examining 1) the ethnic and political factors which influenced migration, 2) emigration trends from the region, 3) economic factors, and 4) the effect of the agricultural system on male migration. It is noted that the agricultural sector is unlikely to meet the region's needs for food or cash and that the mining sector can generate cash but not food or sufficient jobs. Industrial growth has been limited, and only the public sector has shown consistent growth. After examining the macro-economic context formed by foreign aid and foreign debt, the current international migration situation is described. The recent phenomenon of female migrants is analyzed as a response to economic crisis. A case study is then presented of emigration from Mali with an emphasis on emigration from the Senegal River Valley which has been plagued by drought. Finally, it is projected that migration trends will continue as long as the propelling economic, environmental, and political crises continue. A need exists for programs to help migrants channel their funds for their return. In addition, collaborative development projects should incorporate the emigration process by 1) strengthening the financial contribution of emigrants, 2) incorporating return migrants, and 3) strengthening the underlying economic insecurity which exacerbates migration.^ieng

[A cutting obstacle to the harmonious development of the country. The migratory phenomenon in Mali]. / Un obstacle de taille au developpement harmonieux du pays. Le phenomene migratoire au Mali.

PIP: Mali has long been affected by migration because of its location between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Around 80% of the population depends on agriculture or herding for its livelihood. During the rainy season, from June-October, most of the population is busy in agricultural work, but during the dry season from November to May seasonal migration in search of wage employment is common. Seasonal migration is also part of the long tradition of commerce with neighboring countries. Economic difficulties of the last several years have encourage migration to urban centers and foreign countries. The drought that has afflicted Mali for over a decade is a further impetus to migration. 2 types of migration can be distinguished in Mali, shortterm movements of nomads and seasonal migration lasting less than 6 months, and definitive movements lasting longer including rural-urban and international migration. 4 further categories of migration include rural-rural movements especially in the south and in areas of industrial development, rural-urban migrations which are 1 of the most important factors in rapid urban growth especially around Bamako,, urban-urban migration essentially reflecting step migration from rural areas to secondary urban centers and finally to large cities, and urban-rural migration which occurs much less frequently. Over 80% of temporary movements take place within Mali. About 80% of those residing temporarily outside Mali are men. Temporary migrants inside Mali are oriented from the north to the region of Sikasso and the District of Bamako in the south and primarily are young men aged 15-29. There has been a progressive decline in the proportion of nomads in the general population from 7% in 1976 to 4% in 1987. There has been an increase in definitive migration from areas less favored ecologically to more desirable areas. A 1985 demographic survey found that 21% of the population aged 15 or over were migrants. 51.4% of migrants were male. 86% cited the drought and search for work as reasons for migrating. In 1987, foreigners accounted for less than 1% of the population of Mali. Most international migrants go to the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, or France. The major causes of migration are poverty and lack of employment opportunities, population pressure on arable land, surplus labor at the household level, displacement of population by dams and large construction projects, and miscellaneous socioeconomic and political reasons such as fascination with the city, desire for better health care, and the wish to be liberated from family pressures. Consequences of migration for sending areas include reduced production due to loss of manpower and instability of households due to absence of members. In the areas of destination, problems may include conflicts between migrants and natives or accentuation of desertification due to deforestation and intensive use of lands.^ieng