Sustainable conversion of agriculture wastes into activated carbons: energy balance and arsenic removal from water.

The aims of this study are to investigate the production of activated carbons (AC) from Senegal agricultural wastes such as cashew shells, millet stalks and rice husks and to implement them in adsorption processes devoted to arsenic (V) removal. AC were produced by a direct physical activation with water steam without other chemicals. This production of AC has also led to co-products (gas and bio-oil) which have been characterized in terms of physical, chemical and thermodynamical properties for energy recovery. Considering the arsenic adsorption results and the energy balance for the three studied biomasses, the first results have shown that the millet stalks seem to be more interesting for arsenate removal from natural water and an energy recovery with a GEEelec of 18.9%. Cashew shells, which have shown the best energy recovery (34.3%), are not suitable for arsenate removal. This global approach is original and contributes to a recycling of biowastes with a joint recovery of energy and material.

[Study of echocardiographic parameters of type 2 black African diabetics at high cardiovascular risk. A cross-sectional study of 79 cases in Senegal]. / Étude des paramètres échocardiographiques du diabétique de type II noir africain à haut risque cardiovasculaire. Étude transversale de 79 cas sénégalais.

INTRODUCTION: The discovery of silent myocardial ischemia in a diabetic placed in a logic of secondary prevention. The objectives of this study were to investigate the echocardiographic parameters of type 2 Senegalese diabetics at high cardiovascular risk and identify those that are predictors of silent myocardial ischemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 79 diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk. After clinical examination, we conducted laboratory tests (glucose, creatinine, lipid profile, blood count and blood chemistry panel), ECG, standard echocardiography and dobutamine stress echocardiography looking for silent myocardial ischemia. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17 and echocardiographic parameters determining predictors of silent myocardial ischemia using a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-nine with type 2 diabetics at high cardiovascular risk were assessed, including 56 women. The mean age was 58.8±11.8 years (44-72ans). The abnormalities found in echocardiography were dominated by left atrium dilation (72.2%), increased filling pressures of left ventricle and increased left ventricular mass in 62.02% cases respectively. At stress echocardiography, regional wall motion abnormalities were found in 67.1% of patients. These disorders were significantly more frequent in patients who had a dilated left atrium (P=0.0001), increased filling pressures (P=0.001) and high left ventricular mass (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: In diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk, the existence of a dilation of the left atrium to left ventricular hypertrophy or increased filling pressures of the left ventricle may indicate a silent myocardial ischemia.

Anthropometric characteristics and cardiometabolic risk factors in a sample of urban-dwelling adults in Senegal.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and cardiometabolic risk factors in urban-dwelling adults in Senegal to evaluate future threats to the public health in terms of chronic diseases. METHODS: Age- and gender-matched control subjects for a study on the prevalence of lipodystrophy in HIV+ patients were selected between June and September 2006 from the general population through systematic home visits guided by area of residence of cases. After consenting to participate, these subjects underwent anthropometric, clinical and biological examinations in their homes. RESULTS: The sample included 60 men and 106 women, mean age of 43.2 ± 9.4 years. Although the prevalence of overweight and obesity was much higher in women (30.2 and 29.2%, respectively) vs. 23.3 and 3.4%, respectively, in men (P<0.001), the women had lower waist-to-hip ratios (mean [95% CI]: 0.78 [0.77-0.80] vs. 0.86 [0.84-0.88] in men; P<10(-4)) and better systolic blood pressure, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels. However, their insulin levels were significantly higher (32.1 [28.2-36.5] pmol/l vs. 25.5 [21.0-30.8] in men; P<0.04). Principal component analysis showed that glucose and insulin correlated with subcutaneous fat, whereas blood pressure correlated with central fat distribution. Lipids were distributed between these two factors. CONCLUSION: Obesity still appears to be rare in Senegalese urban-dwelling men, whereas women, despite their overweight, have no untoward cardiometabolic profiles. However, the observed correlations between cardiometabolic risk factors and the amount and/or distribution of body fat suggest that obesity prevention should not be overlooked in the public health agenda for sub-Saharan Africa.

[Screening of silent myocardial ischaemia by dobutamine stress echocardiography among type 2 diabetics at high cardiovascular risk in Senegal]. / Dépistage de l'ischémie myocardique par l'échocardiographie de stress à la dobutamine chez le diabétique de type 2 à haut risque cardiovasculaire au Sénégal.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease witch may develop insidiously. Several non-invasive methods are used to detect silent myocardial ischaemia, especially in diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk. We project to screen, by dobutamine stress echocardiography, silent myocardial ischaemia in type 2 diabetics in Senegal. METHODOLOGY: We randomly recruited in hospital in Senegal type 2 diabetics aged at least 40 years and a dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed in those selected according to the French Society of Cardiology and the French Language Association for the Study of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases. RESULTS: Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed in 79 diabetics at high cardiovascular risk, including 56 women. The average age was 58.8±11.8 years. The exam was positive in 67.1% of cases (53/79), with a predominance of motion abnormalities in anterior territory (83%). Cardiovascular risk factors associated with positivity of test were microalbuminuria (p=0.0001), inactivity (p=0.0001), dyslipidemia (p=0.0002), arterial hypertension (p=0.001), smoking (0.003) and male sex (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: In Africa, dobutamine stress echocardiography has the advantage of its accessibility and its feasibility. Early detection of silent myocardial ischaemia in diabetics at high risk could optimize their care.

[Ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus: 73 cases in Dakar]. / Acidocetose Chez Le Sujet Diabetique De Type 1 : A Propos De 73 Cas Colliges A Dakar.

INTRODUCTION: The follow-up of diabetes mellitus in children and teenagers remains a challenge. Ketoacidosis is the most frequent acute metabolic complication and is of bad prognosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate etiologicals factors of decompensation and evolutions in type 1 diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a transversal and prospective study from January 2009 to October 2010. All type 1 diabetic patients hospitalized for ketoacidosis had been included. For every patient, we have studied the epidemiologicals, etiologicals and clinicals factors as well as the outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence was to 55.3 % among all ketoacidosis. Sex-ratio (Men/Women) was 0.78, mean age to 25.73 years and mean duration of diabetes was 3.9 years. Ketoacidosis was inaugural in 26 % of cases. Except Kussmaul dyspnea, prevailed digestives symptoms (87.6 %). Coma was noted in 82.1 % among whom 54.7 % had no previous diabetic follow-up. A decompensation factor was found in 93.1 % of which an infection (78 %) or stop insulin (53.42 %). Prevailing infectious sites were urogenitals (24.6 %), respiratories (20.5 %). The outcome was fatal in 6.8 % of the cases. It was about 24.3 years middle-aged, 1,6 year diabetes mellitus mean duration, without regular follow-up in 80 % of the cases. Other associated factors were coma stage 2 or 3 (80%), infection (60 %), hypokalemia (40 %). CONCLUSION: Ketoacidosis is frequent in type 1 diabetic patients and has a bad prognosis. Infection and stop insulin are major factors of decompensation. Its prévention requires an adapted therapeutic education associated to a regular follow-up of patients.

[Descriptive study of diabetic foot at the Marc Sankale Diabetes Center. Report of 105 cases]. / Etude descriptive du pied diabetique au centre du diabete marc sankale. A propos de 105 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot is a major complication of diabetes due to its frequency and its high risk of evolution to amputation. We report 105 cases recruited at the diabetes centre Marc Sankale. METHOD: It's a prospective study including all diabetic patients who attended the diabetes centre for any foot lesion during a one year period. Besides clinical examination data, results of glycaemia, foot X-ray Doppler and bacteriological analysis of the pus were collected. RESULTS: foot lesion represented 2.8% of diabetologist causes of consultation. Mean age of occurrence was 55 +/- 14 years in 63% women and 37% men. Diabetes was type 2 in 90% cases, poorly controlled in 63.92 % cases. Foot lesion was dominated by infection (97%), isolated or associated to peripheral vascular disease (32.4%) or neuropathy (13.3%). 67 patients had medical treatment and healed their wounds in 3 months in 76% cases. 38 other cases needed surgery : major amputation (15%), minor amputation (13%) debridment (9%) and revascularization (1%). CONCLUSION: Diabetic foot is a frequent reason for consultation at the National diabetes centre. Despite all the improvements made after the implementation of the patient's educational program, treatment starts late because of economical and cultural reasons that increase morbidity.

[Toxic nodular goiter]. / Les goîtres nodulaires toxiques.

INTRODUCTION: To date no study in our country was specifically dedicated on toxic nodular goiter. They were just mentioned in generally studies about hyperthyroidism. METHOD: The authors report a retrospective series of 62 cases of toxic nodular goitre collected between 1979 and 1999 at the internal medical clinic of Dakar teaching hospital. The diagnostic of toxic nodule was retained on following criteria: to existence of one or several thyroid nodule with signs or thyrotoxicosis, the existence of a hyperfixating nodule at 131 iodine scintigraphy. Increasing of T3 and/or T4 thyroide hormone. The aims of the study was to analyse the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutics aspects. RESULTS: We are collected 49 cases of solitary nodule (79.03%) and 13 cases of multi nodular goitre (20.97%). In the cases of solitary nodule, mean age was 40 years, sex ratio of 0.04 (47 female, 2 men). The nodule was clinically diagnosed in 47 cases (95.9%) and extinctive in 73.5%. 34.3% of patients have cardiothyreosis. In the cases of multi nodular goitre mean age was 45 years, all cases were female, goitre was clinically identified in 95.3% (12 patients) and 46.5% had cardiothyreosis. 62% of patients were lost to follow up during medical treatment. Only 2 patients on the 37 who were addressed for surgery come back after thyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: This study confirm the predominance of toxic nodular goitre in young female, its severity related to cardiothyreosis and underlines the difficulties limited to the therapeutical care.

[Sarcoidosis in Dakar: 30 case reports]. / La sarcoidose a Dakar: etude retrospective de 30 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis cases had been rarely reported in Senegal in spite of the high frequency of sarcoidosis in black people. The purpose of this work was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and evaluative profile of sarcoidosis in Dakar. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a multicentric retrospective trial in order to characterise sarcoidosis cases in Senegal from 1968 to 2004. RESULTS: Twenty cases (21 females and 9 men) were observed. The average age was 40 years. Duration before first medical attention was up to one year in 20 cases. Ten patients received an anti tuberculosis treatment before sarcoidosis diagnosis. Sarcoidosis was a systemic disease in 76% of cases and only cutaneous in 24%. Cutaneous lesions were found in 66,66% of cases. Presenting features were cutaneous (46%), general (30%), rheumatoid, (16,6%), Lofgren syndrome (3 cases). The cutaneous lesions were specific in 94% of cases as small nodules (50%), placards (20%), great nodules (15%) and scars sarcoidosis (10%). Extra cutaneous involvement were pulmonary (73,33%), lymphadenopathy (66,66%), and rheumatoid (20%). Pulmonary tuberculosis was associated in 4 cases. DISCUSSION: Our data confirmed rarity of sarcoidosis in Senegal opposite to the high reported frequency in other black population in developed country. Clinical features were polymorph and the systemic forms predominant. Tuberculosis may be rule out in order to avoid miss diagnosis.

Les goitres nodulaires toxiques

Introduction : Jusqu'ici; aucune etude dans notre pays n'avait porte specifiquement sur les goitres nodulaires toxiques. Elles n'ont ete citees que dans des etudes generales des hyperthyroidies. Methodes : Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective de 62cas de goitres nodulaires toxiques colliges entre 1979 et 1999 a la clinique medicale 2 du CHU de Dakar. Le diagnostic de nodule toxique a ete retenu sur les criteres suivants : la coexistence d'un ou plusieurs nodules thyroidiens et de signes de thyrotoxicose; l'existence d'un nodule hyperfixiant a la scintigraphie thyroidienne a l'iode 131; l'elevation des hormones thyroidiennes T3 et/ou T4. Nous nous sommes interesses aux aspects epidemiologiques; cliniques; aux complications et aux aspects therapeutiques et evolutifs. Resultats : Il s'agissait de 49 nodules uniques (79;03) et de 13 goitres multi nodulaires (20;97). Dans les cas de nodules uniques; l'age moyen etait de 40 ans; le sexe ratio de 0;04 (47 femmes; 2 hommes). Le nodule etait cliniquement decelable dans 47 cas (95;9) et extinctif dans73;5; La cardiothyreose existait dans 34;6des cas. En cas de goitre multi nodulaire; l'age moyen etait de 45ans; le sexe feminin dans tous les cas. Le goitre etait cliniquement decelable chez 12 patients (95;3). La cardiothyreose existait dans 46;15des cas. 62des patients ont ete perdus de vue en cours de traitement d'equilibration de l'hyperthyroidie. Sur les 37adresses en chirurgie; seuls deux ont ete revus apres thyroidectomie. Conclusion : Cette etude confirme la predominance du goitre nodulaire toxique chez la femme jeune; sa gravite par la frequence de la cardiothyreose et souligne les difficultes liees a la prise en charge therapeutique

[Norplant contraceptive implant]. / Les implants contraceptifs Norplant: évaluation des effects secondaires, du poids et de la tension artérielle dans les cliniques de planification familiale à Dakar (Sénégal).

OBJECTIVE: Norplant is a long lasting contraceptive method which protect again pregnancy for five years. We studied the side effects and the variations related to weight and blood pressure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in three family planning clinics in Dakar with 450 women who have had their implants for at least six months. Data collection was based on patient interviews and review of medical files. RESULTS: The side effects reported were mainly menstrual problems with 54.7% of the women reporting menstrual spotting. The other non-menstruel side effects were headaches (64.2%) and dizziness (59.1%). The side effects at the insertion site were pruritus (16%) and pain (3.1%). Regarding weight and blood pressure, an increase in weight was observed up to three years of Norplant use and a decrease to the initial weight was seen during the fifth year of use. No variation was noted regarding blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Norplant is a contraceptive method widely used in Senegal. Most of the side effects involve menstrual problems. A slight increase of weight was observed in general with no variation in blood pressure.

[Epidemiological and angiofluorographic aspects of diabetic retinopathy in Senegal]. / Aspects épidémiologiques et angiofluorographiques de la rétinopathie diabétique au Sénégal.

PURPOSE: Attempting to improve life expectancy among diabetics reveals degenerative complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR) linked to microangiopathy. We assessed the incidence of diabetic retinopathy in its various forms amongst diabetics in Senegal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a survey between March and October 1998. The 51 patients surveyed had been affected for more than 5 years. They were divided into two groups: insulin-dependent diabetes (IDD) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDD). Patients were aged 17-71 and included 27 IDD and 24 NIDD. Each patient was given both a biological checkup (blood sugar level, HBA1c, creatininemy, triglycerides, cholesterol, albuminaria and urinary glucose) and an ophthalmological checkup with angiography in fluorescence. RESULTS: Of the 51 patients studied, 26 presented a progression span of the disease of over 10 years. DR was detected in 62 eyes out of 102 (60.78%), with 37.25% of nonproliferating DR, 17.65% of preproliferating DR, and 5.88% of proliferating DR. Maculopathy was detected in 10 eyes (9.80%). Amongst the IDD patients, diabetic retinopathy accounted for 57.14% of diabetes, with a progression span of less than 10 years, compared to 84.62% for diabetes with a progression span of over 10 years. Amongst the NIDD patients, diabetic retinopathy accounted for 36.36% compared to 61.54%. DISCUSSION: Through these results, a connection can be made between diabetic retinopathy, the progression span of diabetes, the type of diabetes, and the other microangiopathies. We noted a rise in retinopathy that increased with the age of diabetes patients and their IDD group. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary support of diabetes ensures early detection of diabetic retinopathy; hence the need for closer collaboration between the endocrinologist and the ophthalmologist.

[Frequency of microalbuminuria during diabetes in Dakar, Senegal]. / Fréquence de la microalbuminurie au cours du diabète a Dakar (Senegal).

Nephropathy is one of the complications occuring during diabetes and it is diagnosed via microalbuminuria. From 1992 to 1999, five hundred and eighty seven (587) diabetic patients were recruited and distributed into two groups, A (n = 270) and B (n = 317). Microalbuminuria was determined by immunonephelemetry for group A and immunoturbidimetry for group B. The results showed respectively 15.5% and 20.19% pathological cases in the two groups (NS). Considering the distribution of patients with microalbuminuria according to the type of diabetes, there were 16.12% type 1 and 15.07% type 2 in group A against 22.60% and 18.13% in group B; no statistically significant differences were observed either in the same group or from one group to another. These frequencies might reflect the situation in the nineties; they are lower than those encountered in other populations. Nevertheless monitoring is needed through a regular schedule to prevent nephropathy.

[Occupational carpal tunnel syndrome: the case of a secretary]. / Syndrome du canal carpien d'origine professionnelle à propos d'un cas survenu chez une secrétaire.

We report a case of carpal tunnel syndrome which occurred in a office secretary, whose job task was mainly type writing. Occupational origin of this disease was stressed based on unilateral lesion, absence of personal and familial risk factors. Working conditions seem to explain the occurrence of symptoms. The recognition of occupational origin is important for physicians, because it eases the implementation of ergonomic sound measures which supply medical treatment. It also allows to take into account medico-legal aspects.

[Frequency of micoalbuminuria during diabetes in Dakar (Senegal)]. / Frequence de la microalbuminurie au cours du diabète à Dakar (Sénégal).

Nephropathy is one of the complications occuring during diabetes diagnosed via microalbuminuria. From 1992 to 1999, five hundred and eighty seven (587) diabetic patients were recruited in groups A (n = 270) and B (n=317). Microalbuminuria was determined by immunonepheletry for A and immunoturbidimetry for B. The results pointed out respectively 15.5% and 20.19% pathological cases (NS). Considering the distribution of patients with microalbuminuria according to the type of diabetes there were 16.12% type 1 and 15.07% type 2 in group A against 22.60% and 18.13% in group B ; no stastically significant differences were observed either in the same group or from one group to another. These frequencies would reflect the situation in the nineties; they are lower than those encountered in other populations. Nevertheless monitoring is needed through a regular schedule to prevent nephropathy.

[Evaluation of thrombotic risk in type 2 diabetes: determination of platelet factor 4 and beta thromboglobulin]. / Evaluation du risque thrombotique dans le diabète de type 2: dosage du facteur 4 plaquettaire et de la bêta thromboglobuline.

We achieved the dosage of platelet factor 4 (PF 4) and beta thromboglobulin (B-TG), two proteins stored in platelet alpha granules and released from the platelets when activated. These proteins were studied by ELISA technics in patients with type 2 diabetes without any complications (n = 32), with thrombotic complication (n = 32) and in a healthy control group (n = 32). The diabetic patients with complications had significantly elevated plasma levels of PF4 and B-TG compared with diabetic patients without complications, whereas levels of these proteins where normal in control group. These high rates of PF4 and B-TG were significantly related to a disturbance of lipidic balance. Our data suggest that platelet hyperactivation may be a reliable element in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications in type 2 diabetes.

[Bronchial hyperreactivity syndrome : a case report following exposure to sulfur dioxide]. / Syndrome d'hypereactivité bronchique: à propos d'un cas consécutif à une exposition à l'oxyde de soufre.

A variety of occupational asthma is induced by important exposure to irritants. A case is reported, where le patient developed asthma symptoms like, following huge exposure to sulfur dioxide. All Books criteria were met, except for the metachlorine challenge which was not performed. Nevertheless the bronchial reactivity in the work place, shown by a portable pick flow eased le diagnosis. General practitioners and occupational physicians should be aware of this new medical entity for a better management.