Precision Measurement of Vibrational Quanta in Tritium Hydride.

Saturated absorption measurements of transitions in the (2-0) band of radioactive tritium hydride are performed with the ultrasensitive noise-immune cavity-enhanced optical-heterodyne molecular spectroscopy intracavity absorption technique in the range 1460-1510 nm. The hyperfine structure of rovibrational transitions of tritium hydride, in contrast to that of hydrogen deuteride, exhibits a single isolated hyperfine component, allowing for the accurate determination of hyperfineless rovibrational transition frequencies, resulting in R(0)=203 396 426 692(22) kHz and R(1)=205 380 033 644(21) kHz. This corresponds to an accuracy 3 orders of magnitude better than previous measurements in tritiated hydrogen molecules. Observation of an isolated component in P(1) with reversed signal amplitude contradicts models for line shapes in hydrogen deuteride based on crossover resonances.

Lamb Dip of a Quadrupole Transition in H_{2}.

The saturated absorption spectrum of the hyperfineless S(0) quadrupole line in the (2-0) band of H_{2} is measured at λ=1189 nm, using the NICE-OHMS technique under cryogenic conditions (72 K). It is the first time that a Lamb dip of a molecular quadrupole transition has been recorded. At low (150-200 W) saturation powers a single narrow Lamb dip is observed, ruling out an underlying recoil doublet of 140 kHz. Studies of Doppler-detuned resonances show that the redshifted recoil component can be made visible for low pressures and powers, and prove that the narrow Lamb dip must be interpreted as the blue recoil component. A transition frequency of 252 016 361 164 (8) kHz is extracted, which is off by -2.6 (1.6) MHz from molecular quantum electrodynamical calculations therewith providing a challenge to theory.

Genetic control of rhizosheath formation in pearl millet.

The rhizosheath, the layer of soil that adheres strongly to roots, influences water and nutrients acquisition. Pearl millet is a cereal crop that plays a major role for food security in arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa and India. We previously showed that root-adhering soil mass is a heritable trait in pearl millet and that it correlates with changes in rhizosphere microbiota structure and functions. Here, we studied the correlation between root-adhering soil mass and root hair development, root architecture, and symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and we analysed the genetic control of this trait using genome wide association (GWAS) combined with bulk segregant analysis and gene expression studies. Root-adhering soil mass was weakly correlated only to root hairs traits in pearl millet. Twelve QTLs for rhizosheath formation were identified by GWAS. Bulk segregant analysis on a biparental population validated five of these QTLs. Combining genetics with a comparison of global gene expression in the root tip of contrasted inbred lines revealed candidate genes that might control rhizosheath formation in pearl millet. Our study indicates that rhizosheath formation is under complex genetic control in pearl millet and suggests that it is mainly regulated by root exudation.

Laryngeal Papillomatosis in Adults: Assessment for Ten Years at the ENT Department of the National University Hospital of Fann (Dakar, Senegal).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of adult laryngeal papillomatosis in Senegal. Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective descriptive study of patients aged above 18 years with laryngeal papillomatosis and followed at the ENT department of the NUH of Fann between 01 January 2009 and 31 December 2018. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 37.74 years and a sex ratio of 0.93. The 20-29 age group was the most represented (45.2%). The average consultation delay was 8.34 years. All patients had dysphonia at the moment of the diagnostic and in 35.5% of cases, and it was associated with laryngeal dyspnea. Glottis localization was present in all our patients, i.e., 100% of the cases. A tracheotomy was performed in 9.67% of cases. All of our patients have had their papilloma peeled per endoscopic with tweezers. No cases of malignant degeneration were found in our study. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal papillomatosis is the most common benign tumor of the larynx in both children and adults. Despite the progress of endoscopy and antiviral treatments, its treatment poses many problems in our undermedicalized countries.

A rare case of non-traumatic rupture of spleen secondary to Plasmodium ovale malaria.

OBJECTIVE: Plasmodium ovale malaria occurs mainly from mild form of malaria. We present a rare case of a splenic rupture secondary to complication of Plasmodium ovale malaria. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old female from Mali admitted to intensive care unit with hemorrhagic shock secondary to splenic rupture. A laparoscopic exploration was performed and patient received a massive blood transfusion for a hemodynamic stabilization. The diagnosis of malaria was confirmed by a blood smear test indicating the presence of P. ovale. A treatment of injectable Quinine was initiated with a positive outcome. CONCLUSION: Although usually considered as a cause of a mild form of malaria, P. ovale may be responsible for a ruptured spleen which can lead to a state of life- threatening hemorrhagic shock.

The association of lung ultrasound images with COVID-19 infection in an emergency room cohort.

Lung ultrasound could facilitate the triage of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection admitted to the emergency room. We developed a predictive model for COVID-19 diagnosis based on lung ultrasound and clinical features. We used ultrasound to image the lung bilaterally at two anterior sites, one and two hands below each clavicle, and a posterolateral site that was the posterior transverse continuation from the lower anterior site. We studied 100 patients, 31 of whom had a COVID-19 positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A positive test was independently associated with: quick sequential organ failure assessment score ≥1; ≥3 B-lines at the upper site; consolidation and thickened pleura at the lower site; and thickened pleura line at the posterolateral site. The model discrimination was an area (95%CI) under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (0.75-0.90). The characteristics (95%CI) of the model's diagnostic threshold, applied to the population from which it was derived, were: sensitivity, 97% (83-100%); specificity, 62% (50-74%); positive predictive value, 54% (41-98%); and negative predictive value, 98% (88-99%). This model may facilitate triage of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection admitted to the emergency room.

The value of post-operative antibiotic therapy after laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated acute appendicitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase III study (ABAP study).

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of appendectomies are for complicated acute appendicitis (CAA). With laparoscopy, the main post-operative complication is deep abscesses (12% of cases of CAA, versus 4% for open surgery). A recent cohort study compared short and long courses of postoperative antibiotic therapy in patients with CAA. There was no significant intergroup difference in the post-operative complication rate (12% of organ/space surgical site infection (SSI)). Moreover, antibiotic therapy is increasingly less indicated for other situations (non-complicated appendicitis, post-operative course of cholecystitis, perianal abscess), calling into question whether post-operative antibiotic therapy is required after laparoscopic appendectomy for CAA. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a prospective, multicenter, parallel-group, randomized (1:1), double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase III non-inferiority study with blind evaluation of the primary efficacy criterion. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of the absence of post-operative antibiotic therapy on the organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) rate in patients presenting with CAA (other than in cases of generalized peritonitis). Patients in the experimental group will receive at least one dose of preoperative and perioperative antibiotic therapy (2 g ceftriaxone by intravenous injection every 24 h up to the operation) and metronidazole (500 mg by intravenous injection every 8 h up to the operation) and, in the post-operative period, a placebo for ceftriaxone (2 g/24 h in one intravenous injection) and a placebo for metronidazole (1500 mg/24 h in three intravenous injections, for 3 days). In the control group, patients will receive at least one dose of preoperative and perioperative antibiotic therapy (2 g ceftriaxone by intravenous injection every 24 h up to the operation) and metronidazole (500 mg by intravenous injection every 8 h up to the operation) and, in the post-operative period, antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone 2 g/24 h and metronidazole 1500 mg/24 h for 3 days). In the event of allergy to ceftriaxone, it will be replaced by levofloxacin (500 mg/24 h in one intravenous injection, for 3 days). The expected organ space SSI rate is 12% in the population of patients with CAA operated on by laparoscopy. With a non-inferiority margin of 5%, a two-sided alpha risk of 5%, a beta risk of 20%, and a loss-to-follow-up rate of 10%, the calculated sample size is 1476 included patients, i.e., 738 per group. Due to three interim analyses at 10%, 25%, and 50% of the planned sample size, the total sample size increases to 1494 patients (747 per arm). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethical authorization by the Comité de Protection des Personnes and the Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament: ID-RCB 2017-00334-59. Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03688295) on 28 September 2018.

Complications of sinusitis: An 80-case series from the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center of Dakar, Senegal.

INTRODUCTION: Locoregional complications of sinusitis are dominated by oculo-orbital and/or cranioencephalic manifestations that may be life-threatening or jeopardize functional prognosis. The aim of this study was to report epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included inpatients managed for sinusitis complications in the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center in Dakar, Senegal between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2016. RESULTS: In all, 80 files were collected. Mean age was 18.5 years, with male predominance. Mean time to treatment was 18.2 days. Cranio-encephalic complications were the most frequent (54 cases; 67.5%): mainly subdural empyema (30 cases) and brain abscess (10 cases). Seventeen patients (21.25%) had oculo-orbital complications: mainly orbital cellulitis (52.9%) and preseptal cellulitis (29.4%). Nine patients (11.25%) had both cranioencephalic and oculo-orbital complications. Acute sinusitis (82.5%) was the main cause of complications. 52.5% of patients showed pansinus involvement. Medical treatment consisted in broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy combining third-generation cephalosporins, metronidazole and gentamycin in cranio-encephalic complications and clavulanic acid and metronidazole in oculo-orbital complications. Thirty-four patients (42.5%) underwent surgical sinus drainage. Neurosurgical drainage was performed in 35 cases (43.75%). Post-treatment course was marked by 6.25% mortality (5 cases) and 16.25% sequelae. CONCLUSION: With 6.25% mortality and a high rate of functional sequelae, complications of sinusitis are a serious concern in our region. Improving prognosis requires earlier management and better coordination between health professionals.

Precision measurement of the fundamental vibrational frequencies of tritium-bearing hydrogen molecules: T2, DT, HT.

High-resolution coherent Raman spectroscopic measurements of all three tritium-containing molecular hydrogen isotopologues T2, DT and HT were performed to determine the ground electronic state fundamental Q-branch (v = 0 → 1, ΔJ = 0) transition frequencies at accuracies of 0.0005 cm-1. An over hundred-fold improvement in accuracy over previous experiments allows the comparison with the latest ab initio calculations in the framework of non-adiabatic perturbation theory including nonrelativisitic, relativisitic and QED contributions. Excellent agreement is found between experiment and theory, thus providing a verification of the validity of the NAPT-framework for these tritiated species. While the transition frequencies were corrected for ac-Stark shifts, the contributions of non-resonant background as well as quantum interference effects between resonant features in the nonlinear spectroscopy were quantitatively investigated, also leading to corrections to the transition frequencies. Methods of saturated CARS with the observation of Lamb dips, as well as the use of continuous-wave radiation for the Stokes frequency were explored, that might pave the way for future higher-accuracy CARS measurements.

[Diagnostic performance of imaging examinations in acute non-traumatic abdominal pain in the radiology department of the Kaolack Regional Hospital]. / Apport de l'imagerie dans la prise en charge des douleurs abdominales aigues non traumatiques au Centre Hospitalier Regional de Kaolack.

AIM: The aim of this work was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of imaging examinations in the presence of acute non-traumatic abdominal pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study over 6 months in the radiology and medical imaging department of the Kaolack Regional Hospital, including any patient received for acute non-traumatic abdominal pain with informed consent in whom the etiological diagnosis is supported by an imaging examination. We investigated the etiologies of acute abdominal pain and compared the imaging findings with surgical exploration. Our data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and Excel 2013 with a coefficient of significance of less than 5%. RESULTS: 106 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 32 years and the gender-ratio was 1.52 in favour of women. Acute abdominal pain was diffuse in 25.5% of patients and localized in 74.5%, of which 18.9% were at right iliac fossa.Abdominal X-ray was performed alone in 4 patients (3.8%), ultrasound alone in 46 patients (43.3%) and abdominal CT scan in 34 patients (32%). CT was combined with ultrasound in 6 patients (5.7%) and with abdominal X-ray in 16 patients (15%). The initial clinical diagnosis was corrected in 49.1% of patients. The sensitivity of the imaging compared to the final diagnosis retained was 96.2%. CONCLUSION: Imaging represents a turning point in the management of patients with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain by providing better diagnostic guidance and avoiding serious complications and unnecessary interventions.

BUT: le but de ce travail était d'évaluer les performances diagnostiques des examens d'imagerie devant des douleurs abdominales aigües non traumatiques. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: il s'agissait d'une étude prospective, transversale et descriptive sur 06 mois dans le service de radiologie et imagerie médicale de l'hôpital régional de Kaolack, incluant tout patient reçu pour douleur abdominale aigue non traumatique avec son consentement éclairé chez qui le diagnostic étiologique est appuyé par un examen d'imagerie. Nous avons recherché les étiologies des douleurs abdominales aigues et confronter les résultats de l'imagerie à l'exploration chirurgicale. Nos données ont été analysés avec les logiciels SPSS 24.0 et Excel 2013 avec un coefficient de significativité inférieur à 5%. RÉSULTATS: 106 patients ont été retenu. L'âge moyen était de 32 ans et le genre-ratio de 1,52 en faveur des femmes. La douleur abdominale aigüe était diffuse chez 25,5% des patients et localisée chez 74,5% dont 18,9% à la FID. L'ASP a été réalisé seul chez 4 patients (3,8%), l'échographie seule chez 46 patients (43,3%) et le scanner abdominal chez 34 patients (32%). Le scanner a été couplé à l'échographie chez 6 patients (5,7%) et avec l'ASP chez 16 patients (15%). Le diagnostic clinique initial a été rectifié chez 49,1% des patients. La sensibilité de l'imagerie par rapport au diagnostic final retenu était de 96,2%. CONCLUSION: L'imagerie constitue un tournant décisif dans la prise en charge des patients présentant une douleur abdominale aigüe non traumatique en apportant une meilleure orientation diagnostique évitant aux patients des complications graves et des interventions inutiles.

Lamb-dips and Lamb-peaks in the saturation spectrum of HD.

The saturation spectrum of the R(1) transition in the (2-0) band in hydrogen deuteride (HD) is found to exhibit a composite line shape, involving a Lamb-dip and a Lamb-peak. We propose an explanation for such behavior based on the effects of crossover resonances in the hyperfine substructure, which is made quantitative in a density matrix calculation. This resolves an outstanding discrepancy on the rovibrational R(1) transition frequency, which is now determined at 217,105,181,901 (50) kHz and in agreement with current theoretical calculations.

Prevalence of anti-S100A10 antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome patients.

INTRODUCTION: Annexin A2 (ANXA2), an endothelial cell receptor for plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator, has been identified as a new autoantigen in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). ANXA2 can exist as a monomer or a heterotetrameric complex with S100A10 protein. This S100A10 subunit also plays a pivotal role in the regulation of fibrinolysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of autoantibodies directed against S100A10 protein in patients with APS. METHODS: Patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS), patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and patients with unexplained thrombosis were retrospectively included in this study. Patients were followed in the department of Internal Medicine of Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France. IgG and IgM anti-S100A10 antibodies were detected in the serum of patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cut-off value for positivity was defined as 3 standard deviations above the mean optical density (OD) obtained in the sera of 116 healthy blood donors. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 116 healthy individuals and 106 patients: 42 APS patients (26 patients with PAPS and 16 patients with secondary SLE-related APS), 43 SLE patients without APS and 21 patients with unexplained thrombosis. The median age of APS patients, SLE patients without APS, patients with unexplained thrombosis and healthy individuals was 47, 38, 53 and 42 years, respectively. Anti-S100A10 antibodies were detected in 11.9% of APS patients and this prevalence was statistically higher than that observed in healthy individuals (1.7%) (p = 0.0148). Highest levels of anti-S100A10 were observed in the serum of one PAPS patient with venous thrombosis and one SLE patient with APS with a history of stroke and recurrent miscarriage. CONCLUSION: S100A10 protein, the binding partner of ANXA2, was identified as a target of autoantibodies in sera from patients with APS. Further studies involving a large cohort of APS patients are required to determine whether these antibodies could play a role in thrombogenic mechanisms of APS and to determine their diagnostic value in discriminating clinical subgroups of patients with APS, particularly those with seronegative APS.

A single typical trichoscopic feature is predictive of tinea capitis: a prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Specific trichoscopic signs of tinea capitis (TC) were first described in 2008. The accuracy of this diagnostic tool has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of trichoscopy. METHODS: A prospective, multicentre study was done between March 2015 and March 2017 at the dermatology departments of four French university medical centres. Patients with a presumed diagnosis of TC were included. Trichoscopy was considered to be positive if at least one specific trichoscopic sign was observed. Trichoscopy results were compared with the gold standard for diagnosis of TC (mycological culture). RESULTS: One hundred patients were included. Culture was positive for 53 patients and negative for 47. The sensitivity of trichoscopy was 94% [95% confidence interval (CI) 88-100], specificity was 83% (95% CI 72-94), positive predictive value was 92% and negative predictive value was 86%. Comma hairs, corkscrew hairs, zigzag hairs, Morse-code-like hairs and whitish sheath were significantly more frequent in patients with a positive mycological culture (P < 0·001). Comma hairs were more frequent in patients with Trichophyton TC (P = 0·026), and zigzag hairs were more frequent in patients with Microsporum TC (P < 0·001). Morse-code-like hair was not observed in any patients with Trichophyton TC and therefore appears to be highly specific for Microsporum TC. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a single trichoscopic finding is predictive of TC. Trichoscopy is a useful, rapid, painless, highly sensitive tool for the diagnosis of TC - even for dermoscopists with little experience of trichoscopy. It enhances physicians' ability to make treatment decisions. What's already known about this topic? Tinea capitis (TC) must be confirmed by a mycological culture that may take up to 6 weeks, delaying treatment. Specific trichoscopic signs of TC were first described in 2008, but the accuracy of trichoscopy for diagnosing TC has not previously been evaluated. What does this study add? The present series is the largest yet on the use of trichoscopy in the diagnosis of TC. Our results demonstrated that the presence of a single feature (comma hair, corkscrew hair, zigzag hair, Morse-code-like hair or whitish sheath) is predictive of TC. Trichoscopy is painless and highly sensitive. Morse-code-like hair appears to be highly specific for Microsporum TC.

Schwannome endonasal à localisation turbinale inférieure. A propos d'un cas

Introduction : Le schwannome est une tumeur bénigne développée aux dépens des cellules de Schwann des nerfs périphériques. La localisation endonasale en particulier au niveau des cornets est rare. Observation : Nous rapportons le cas d'une femme de 23 ans reçue dans notre structure pour une masse de la fosse nasale droite localisée au niveau du cornet inférieur, obstruant totalement la lumière nasale, sans envahissement local. Après un bilan endoscopique et radiologique, l'exérèse a été effectuée par voie endoscopique endonasale. L'analyse de la pièce opératoire avait mis en évidence un schwannome. Avec un recul de 24 mois nous n'avons pas noté de récidive. Conclusion : Le schwannome à point de départ turbinal inférieur constitue une entité rare. Il doit être considéré dans le diagnostic différentiel d'une tumeur bénigne unilatérale des cavités naso-sinusiennes

[Profile of neovascular glaucoma in Senegalese patients]. / Profil du glaucome néovasculaire chez les patients sénégalais.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the etiologies, clinical presentation and therapeutic management of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in Senegalese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied the records of patients followed for NVG between 1993 and 2016. We included eyes with Iridis rubeosis with or without ocular hypertension. We recorded age, sex, medical and ophthalmologic history, results of the eye examination, treatment modalities broken up into hospitalisation, procedural interventions and number of antiglaucoma medications prescribed. The data analysis was performed by epi-info 7. RESULTS: Forty-eight eyes of 44 patients were included. The mean age was 59.7 years and sex ratio 2.1. Etiologies were type 2 diabetes in 31.8 % cases and central retinal vein occlusion in 16.6 % cases. All eyes were blind. Eye pain was present in 75 % of eyes, a limbal flush in 29.1 % of eyes and mydriasis in 31.25 % of eyes. Mean intraocular pressure was 49.7mmHg. Corneal edema occured in 54.1 % of eyes. Fundus examination showed proliferative retinopathy in 14.5 %. Treatment required hospitalisation for 43.75 % of patients. Therapeutic procedures were cyclocryoapplication for 31.25 % of eyes, retrobulbar xylo-alcohol injection for 14.5 % of eyes and panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) for 12.5 % eyes. Antiglaucoma preparations were used in dual therapy for 29 % of eyes, in triple therapy and quadruple therapy for 25 % of eyes each. DISCUSSION: The etiologies are comparable to those described in the literature. The diagnosis was late and treatment limited by adverse economic conditions. CONCLUSION: NVG in Senegalese patients is an affection of men in their sixties. It is responsible for irreversible painful blindness for which treatment is difficult - thus the interest in prevention by strict monitoring and prompt treatment of any retinal ischemia.