Quantitative estimates of glacial refugia for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) since the Last Interglacial (120,000 BP).

Paleoclimate reconstructions have enhanced our understanding of how past climates have shaped present-day biodiversity. We hypothesize that the geographic extent of Pleistocene forest refugia and suitable habitat fluctuated significantly in time during the late Quaternary for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Using bioclimatic variables representing monthly temperature and precipitation estimates, past human population density data, and an extensive database of georeferenced presence points, we built a model of changing habitat suitability for chimpanzees at fine spatio-temporal scales dating back to the Last Interglacial (120,000 BP). Our models cover a spatial resolution of 0.0467° (approximately 5.19 km2 grid cells) and a temporal resolution of between 1000 and 4000 years. Using our model, we mapped habitat stability over time using three approaches, comparing our modeled stability estimates to existing knowledge of Afrotropical refugia, as well as contemporary patterns of major keystone tropical food resources used by chimpanzees, figs (Moraceae), and palms (Arecacae). Results show habitat stability congruent with known glacial refugia across Africa, suggesting their extents may have been underestimated for chimpanzees, with potentially up to approximately 60,000 km2 of previously unrecognized glacial refugia. The refugia we highlight coincide with higher species richness for figs and palms. Our results provide spatio-temporally explicit insights into the role of refugia across the chimpanzee range, forming the empirical foundation for developing and testing hypotheses about behavioral, ecological, and genetic diversity with additional data. This methodology can be applied to other species and geographic areas when sufficient data are available.

[An action research network to improve the quality of tuberculosis care in West Africa]. / Améliorer la qualité des soins aux patients tuberculeux par la recherche-action en réseau. Une expérience en Afrique de l'Ouest.

BACKGROUND: Improvement in management systems for tuberculosis (TB) care is urgently needed in West Africa. In 2003, an experimental action research network began there, involving care providers, health system managers, and TB programme managers. Each project in all 6 countries used a "patient-centered" approach to improve tuberculosis case management. METHODS: The research teams included care providers, district medical officers, anthropologists and TB programme managers. Each research team conducted its project for a one-year period and then assessed its results. The specific problems identified were low TB detection rates (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Niger) and poor compliance among patients receiving treatment, including their ensuing loss to follow-up (Benin, Mali and Senegal). Investigators concluded that these weaknesses were due to the lack of access to care (geographical, financial and cultural), the complexity of the care system and the low quality of care. Solutions for all 6 countries aimed at improving access to high-quality care. RESULTS: One year after the experiment began, results varied from one country to another. In general, all participants understood the need to collaborate beyond national health systems because the problems from all 6 countries were quite similar. The research process led to better sharing of work between care providers and sometimes between care providers and TB patients. It provided participants with new concepts and a constant opportunity to implement them. These repeated meetings, however, keep care providers away from their offices. CONCLUSION: The research would have improved case management and care more effectively had the teams taken into account the psychological and sociological need of TB patients. A new regional dynamic has begun and must be pursued to help improve health care systems.

Description de la situation du pian dans le district sanitaire d'Adzope: cas des localites d'Asseudji

Le plan est une maladie qui a fait l'objet d'intenses campagnes d'eradication durant les decennies 1950-1990 dans les pays en developpement; en collaboration avec l'OMS. Mais; 15 ans apres les dernieres campagnes en Cote d'ivoire force est de reconnaitre que le pian continu de sevir dans certains foyers qui pourraient etre le point depart d'une reactivation des zones indemnes. Notre etude avait pour objectif d'evaluer la prevalence du pian dans les localites d'Asseudji; du district sanitaire d'Adzope. C'est une etude transversale descriptive qui s'est deroulee du 15 septembre au 31 decembre 2004 dans le village dAsseudji et qui a porte sur 206 menages dont 184 dans le village d'Asseudji et 22 dans les campements environnants. Les principaux resultats etaient les suivants: *Les principales sources de pollution des menages etaient les dechets des animaux en divagation dans 100pour cent des cas suivis des dechets domestiques dans 49pour cent des cas ; *Une notion de promiscuite a ete retrouvee dans 43;7pour cent des menages ; *Les formes de plan les plus connus etaient le pianome et le plan crabe ; *Les facteurs favorisants du plantaient meconnus par 64;1pour cent des chefs de manages ; *52;9pour cent des chefs de menage ignoraient la contagiosite du pian ; *la prevalence estimee du pian par menage etait de 5;35pour cent ; *La prevalence par habitants etaient de 0;.5pour cent; *81;8pour cent des malades avaient de moins de 15 ans ; *63;6pour cent des malades avaient un antecedent de pian. Les recommandatjons qui decoulent; de ces resultats tournent autour des actions d'hygienes appuyees par une medicalisation basee sur la penicillonotherapie

[Conventional and 3-D cephalometry: descriptive analysis]. / Céphalométrie conventionnelle et réalité 3D: analyse descriptive.

Today, the three dimension (3D) teleradiographic different construction enable a three dimensional studies of different mandible structures. Then we can approach the result obtained with the news images processing techniques like scanner. In this paper we present the different between the measure provided by different pictures (lateralis, frontalis, axiales) and the three dimensional measure which is real. The best 3D values correlation is obtained with the frontalis.

[Correlations among mandibular structures in black African children]. / Corrélations inter structurales mandibulaires chez l'enfant noir Africain.

With the mandible decomposition we can check the relation between mandible structure, we used the black African children three, dimensional teleradiographic. The mandible structures correlation depend of the origin and the function of this structures.

[Artifacts induced by dental reconstruction materials: the case of titanium]. / Artéfacts induits par les matériaux de reconstruction odonto-stomatologiques: cas du titane.

MRI is becoming an important tool of examination of the head and neck. However, certain dental alloys cause artifacts characterized by a loss of signal surrounded by bright line and sometimes distortions. In our work, we studied artifacts caused by Titanium, metallic biomaterial used for oral implantology. Therefore, 2 experimental were investigated in a 1.5 T MR unit, with 2 sequences commonly used (SE, GRE). The investigation showed minor artefacts, without distortions. In order to minimize these "ghost images", the Titanium and its alloys should be an alternative.

[Self medication during orodental diseases in urban Ivory Coast. Results of a study in the region of Abidjan]. / L'automedication au cours des affections bucco-dentaires en milieu urbain ivoirien. Résultats d'une enquête dans la région d'Abidjan.

During six months, a study enclosing 418 patients from 15 to 60 years old, has been realised in nine dental offices of the Abidjan area. Self-medication has been found among 37.32 per cent of the patients. The most concerned medicines are no steroid inflammatories, analgesics and antibiotics. According to this study, the main reasons of the self-medication are the pain, the lack of money, the practice and the fear of the dental surgeon. The medicines are obtained at the chemist's or bought at the market or in the street. The results of the study are compared to others did in different specialities.

Sonomorphologic evaluation of goiter in an iodine deficiency area in the Ivory Coast.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the extent of thyroid abnormalities in a remote iodine-deficient area of the Ivory Coast. METHODS: Ultrasonography was used in detecting the presence of goiter. RESULTS: The overall prevalence rates of goiter were 64.7% among females and 53.3% among males. In children aged 6 to 15 years (n = 314), the prevalence of goiter was 62% regardless of sex. Thyroid volume increased steadily with age, with significantly larger goiters in women 25 years and older. Frequency of cysts and calcifications did not correlate with sex. CONCLUSIONS: Especially in developing countries, prophylaxis of iodine deficiency disorders must be improved in iodine-deficient areas to prevent substantial morbidity, which is more severe in women and elderly persons.

[Cheek perforation of dental origin and the effect of anti-inflammatory drug treatment during self-medication. Apropos of a case]. / Perforation juguale d'origine dentaire et influence de l'anti-inflammatoire pris en automedication. A propos d'une observation.

Complications of dental caries not treated and mal-treated are frequent in Africa (cellulitis, osteitis, etc...). Patients consult late due to effective automedication with anti-inflammatory agents but the continuing pathological process leading to fistulae, perforation and persistent pain are finally the reasons of consultation. We present a case of a young Ivorian student of 22 years we have received after one year of erratic treatment with a right jaw perforation.

[Image-M, a tool for use in medical image analysis]. / Image-M, un outil d'aide a l'analyse d'images medicales.

Images processing is used today in some research area like robotic, teledetection and medicine. Images processing is not taught and applied enough. The reason of this situation depends on the cost of images processing equipment. To solve this hardware problem we had developed a running on images processing software which need only one personal computer. This software is used now by our team to do some research in medical images processing.

[The effect of conical radiographic projection: a study in 3D]. / Effet de la projection radiographique cônique: etude en 3D.

Since 1925, the work of BROADBENT and the invention of the cephalostat (in 5), radiographic cephalometry has enabled us to have a detailed knowledge of craniofacial structures, and to better understand the form of the skull. At the same time it enabled us to understand the maxillo-facial growth and dental maturation. However, they have given rise to many controversies because of magnifying power and distortions. The question posed by magnification is still debated, even if some authors have attempted to solve the problems brought forward by distortion effect which seem to neglect radiographic conical projection. This study aims to appreciate not only the magnifying and its distortion consequences but equally the effect of conical X ray. The authors make use of mathematical equations and attempt to bring forward a correction based on 3D projection.

[Management strategies for endemic goiter in developing countries]. / Stratégies de prise en charge d'une endémie goitreuse en situation de développement.

Despite significant progress in the last decades, endemic goiter remains a serious public health problem in the developing world, especially in Africa. Even in countries that have successfully reduced overall incidence to acceptable levels, endemic areas often remain. This persistence is due to the inadequacy of preventive measures and poor follow-up of control programs. The main etiologic factor in endemic goiter is inadequate dietary intake of iodine. This commonly occurs in communities depending exclusively on local produce grown on iodine-poor land, especially in mountain areas. Endemic goiter is epidemiologically associated with cretinism, deaf-mutism, and mental retardation. Even mild iodine deficiency leads to clinical hypothyroidism and moderate myxoedema with significantly reduced intellectual performance. Prevention of endemic goiter depends mainly on increasing the iodine intake of people in endemic areas. When iodine intake reaches the estimated adult minimum requirement (100 to 150 micrograms per day), the prevalence of goiter decreases. Two approaches have been used to increase iodine intake. The first consists of adding iodine to food staples such as table salt. The second consists of medical treatment using agents such as iodized oil. Iodization or iodination of salt is the most widespread and cost-effective method of prevention. Administration of iodized oil has been used only in severely endemic areas and in regions where reliable provision of iodinized salt is prevented by geographical barriers or political factors. However, iodized oil has been helpful in the start-up phase of prevention programs using iodized salt, either as an emergency measure or as a mean of convincing officials of the efficacy of iodine prophylaxis.

[Difficulties in the surgery of lower wisdom teeth in dental offices in Ivory Coast]. / Les difficultes de la chirurgie des dents de sagesse inferieures au cabinet en Cote d'Ivoire.

Extraction of impacted inferior molars is becoming a frequent surgical intervention in Ivory Coast. Patients are mainly young adults who come for consultation due to difficult eruption of the impacted molars. They are often referred after attempted extraction by professional colleagues. Perioperative difficulties during, extraction of inferior molars depict. particular dental character of Negroid African: limited surgical sundries, perioperative haemorrhage, intraosseous anatomical relation with inferior dental nerve, corono-radicular morphology of the tooth.

[Causes of late odontostomatologic consultations in Ivory Coast]. / Causes des consultations odonto-stomatologiques tardives en Cote d'Ivoire.

In Africa, particularly in Ivory-Coast, dental patients present late with life threatening complications. The authors designed a questionnaire to be filled by each patient who presented with serious dental pathology whose only remedy was tooth extraction. Causes of late consultation including financial deprivation, fear of dentist, self medication are some of the factors identified by the authors as the most frequent factors. Dental health education and a comprehensive, social policy are advanced as possible ways of prevention.

Endemic goitre: a research protocol elaboration for eradication.

The iodine deficiency (ID), which affects 1 person out of 6, is relatively neglected by the responsible of Public Health Service, particularly in developing countries. Consequences of ID are far from being negligible: mental retardation, hypofertility, hyperplasia, carcinoma, early ageing and, in very exposed areas, endemic cretinism. Nevertheless, eradication is easy and cheap but it requires rigorous protocols and control of results. The elaboration of these protocols is complex because it must be adapted to environment, population and financial possibilities of concerned countries. Based on our experience in this field, we propose a combined protocol, between the Public Health too liberal approach and that of too expensive research, which can be adapted to several situations.

The prevalence of goitre and cretinism in a population of the west Ivory Coast.

Iodine deficiency is a major public health problem in developing countries. The main areas where goitre is prevalent have been identified, but the different degrees of severity and the populations affected have not. Most countries are now attempting to obtain reliable and more extensive data. A pilot study was carried out in the Ivory Coast in order to improve epidemiological knowledge of iodine deficiency and collect the information required to set up an elimination programme. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of goitre and cretinism and to measure the main biochemical indicators of thyroid function (T3, T4 and TSH). The study involved 1433 people identified from a census. The prevalence of goitre was 50.3%. There was a significant difference between the examined ethnic groups: 52.7% of the Yacouba and 28.6% of the non-Yacouba had goitre. The most affected age group was 15-45 year. The predominance of women demonstrated the susceptibility of women at child-bearing age to develop the condition. The prevalence of cretinism was approximately 1.5%. Through the assessment carried out using a grid of clinical indicators, it was possible to identify 10 cases of laboratory proven myxedematous cretinism due to hypothyroidism. The concentration of iodine in foodstuffs was below the limit of detection (< 7.5 micrograms/kg) and iodine could not be detected in the water (< 1 microgram.l) The biological profile of the population was affected to a very limited extent, with a mean value (+/- standard deviation) for TSH of 1.93 (+/- 1.56) mIU/l (0.1-4.0) and a free T4 value of 10 (+/- 3.46) pmol/l (8.2-20). These initial results confirm the high prevalence of endemic goitre and the low iodine content of the soil, water and food in the investigated region. The study will be complemented by a nutritional investigation to improve the understanding of iodine balance, after which an appropriate action plan will be proposed.

Registers and follow-up methods of populations in a public health survey: the example of the village Glanlé in Ivory Coast.

Demography has a fundamental place in a public health survey, and it is essential to provide the population follow-up. A population exhaustive census is the first compulsory phase. It turns out that this phase is necessary if we want to know with precision the size of the population studied and its main demographic characteristics (sex, age ...). The census allows us to provide a real population follow-up, in order to measure the evolution of the different disorders and to estimate the effects of a prophylaxis on each individual in a precise time. This follow-up requires a computerized population register which contains all the information concerning every individual. This data file is updated with new data collected by next surveys. The realization of the nominal population pyramid, is a complementary tool to the population follow-up. Each individual, characterized by sex and age, is allocated a position in the pyramid by his identification number. The figurative contrasts show several cases noticed according to the studied events. The reconstruction of the genealogy represents another form of the population follow-up, by reconstructing biological kinship relationships between the inhabitants.