[Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in five villages of Dogon country, Mali]. / Épidémiologie clinique et parasitologique de la leishmaniose cutanée dans cinq villages du Pays Dogon, Mali.

The epidemiology of the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with Leishmania major is poorly documented in Mali. Following reports of CL in the tourist areas of the Dogon country (Bandiagara Escarpment), a joint French and Malian bio-clinical team conducted a field study from 16 to 27 January, 2010. The population of 5 villages has been examined by a dermato-infectiologist and cases were selected by visual inspection of skin lesions. Smears and biopsies (from the lesions) and venous blood were obtained from suspected cases of CL. Diagnosis was performed by light microscopy, in vitro cultures, serology and molecular biology. Fifty patients with skin lesions have been examined. Twenty-one have been suspected as CL. At least one sample was obtained from 18 patients. The lesions were predominantly old, more or less scarring and secondary infected. A skin smear was performed for 15 patients, a skin biopsy for 14 patients: smears and cultures were all negative. The PCR (Leishmania spp.) made on 14 biopsies was positive for 12 patients (86%). The low amount of amplified DNA obtained did not allow the sequencing and identification of the species of Leishmania. Western blot (WB) serology was positive in 11 cases out of 12 (92%). This investigation showed the presence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Bandiagara. A further investigation is required during transmission period (September-October) to confirm the presence of Leishmania major epidemic in Dogon country.

Excision in girls: Life-threatening acute complications in girls within 7 days of excision: Experience of the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Toure in Bamako, Mali.

The practice of excision in girls poses a significant risk to their health. The objective of this study was to determine the immediate acute complications associated with this practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study over a period of 15 months including all girls aged 0-15 years hospitalized for acute complications related to excision within 7 days of the practice in the pediatric department of the University Hospital Gabriel Toure. RESULTS: We collected 17 patient files. The median consultation time was 43 h. The main reason for consultation was post-excision bleeding in 76.4% of the cases. Pallor associated with respiratory distress was found in almost all cases. On admission, four girls (23.5%) were comatose and five girls (29.4%) showed signs of shock. The reasons for hospitalization were hemorrhage associated with post-excisional sepsis (52.9%), complicated shock anemia (23.5%), and severe post-excision anemia (23.5%). The average hemoglobin level was 5.5 g/dL; there was severe anemia in 94.1% of the girls (Hb <7g/dl). All the girls received blood transfusions with red blood cell concentrate. The other treatments received were local care (100%), administration of analgesics (100%), antibiotic therapy (82.4%), and oxygen therapy (41.2%). The outcome was unfavorable in two patients (11.8% deaths). CONCLUSION: This study shows the seriousness of the immediate complications associated with the practice of excision.

[Morbidities of psychiatric disorders among women prisoners of the "Bollé" detention and reintegration center for women (CSDRF)]. / Morbidites psychiatriques chez les detenues du centre specialise de detention et de reinsertion des femmes « Bolle ¼ (CSDRF).

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this work was to determine the frequency of mental disorders among female inmates of the C.S.D.R.F "Bollé". METHOD: This was a descriptive, cross-cutting, prospective study that took place from August to September 2016 at (C.S.D.R.F) "Bollé" in Bamako. It concerned all female inmates present during the study period. The data were collected from pre-established fact sheets, the administration of the Mental Health Screening Questionnaire (MSQ) and clinical variables according to ICD10 criteria. RESULTS: In total, 85 of inmates, or 74% (N-115) agreed to participate in the study. The 14-24 age group accounted for 61.0%. Singles accounted for 56.5% and 95.3% of female inmates had no previous prison history. Seventy-four percent were in pre-trial detention 12.6% had psychotic disorders. Personality disorders were observed in 11.8%. An inmate was on the committee. Thyme disorders were present in 4.7% of female inmates. Drug abuse was observed in 2.4% of female inmates. CONCLUSION: Detention can trigger, promote or aggravate a mental disorder.

INTRODUCTION: L'objectif de ce travail était de déterminer la fréquence des troubles psychiques chez les détenues du C.S.D.R.F « Bollé ¼. MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude descriptive, transversale, prospective qui s'est déroulée d'Août à Septembre 2016 au (C.S.D.R.F) « Bollé ¼ de Bamako. Elle a concerné toutes les détenues présentes pendant la période d'étude. Les données ont été collectées sur des fiches d'enquête préétablies, l'administration du Questionnaire de Dépistage en Santé Mentale (QDSM) et des variables cliniques selon les critères du CIM10. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 85 détenues, soit 74 % (N=115) ont accepté de participer à l'étude. La tranche d'âge de 14-24 ans représentait 61,0%. Les célibataires représentaient 56,5% et 95,3% des détenues étaient sans antécédent carcéral. Soixante quatorze pourcent (74%) étaient en détention provisoire 12,6% présentaient des troubles psychotiques. Les troubles de la personnalité étaient observés chez 11,8%. Une détenue présentait la comitialité. Les troubles thymiques étaient présents chez 4,7% des détenues. L'usage abusif de drogue avait été observé chez 2,4% des détenues. CONCLUSION: La détention peut déclencher, favoriser ou aggraver un trouble psychique.

[Factors associated with mental disorders in the psychiatric department of the university hospital centre of Point G in Mali.] / FACTEURS ASSOCIÉS AUX TROUBLES MENTAUX DANS LE SERVICE DE PSYCHIATRIE DU CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE DU POINT G AU MALI.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health is a state of equilibrium and well-being, any alteration of which leads to the appearance of a state of distress and/or mental disorder. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to study familial and environmental factors associated with mental disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Psychiatry Department of the Point G University Hospital Center from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 among outpatients with a psychiatric disorder in whom factors associated with psychiatric disorders were studied. RESULTS: We included 288 patients. The median age was 33.0 years. The sex ratio was 1.88 in favor of males. Married patients accounted for 45.5%. First born uterine siblings accounted for 26.7%. Patients born of an inbreeding alliance accounted for 25.7%. Cases with a family history of a psychiatric disorder represented 59.0% and those who spent their childhood with their parents accounted for 64.2%. Cases of psychoactive substance use prior to the onset of the mental disorder accounted for 42.7%. The main psychosocial stress factors that preceded the onset of the mental disorder were grief (46.2%) and family conflict (22.6%). Psychotic disorders accounted for 77.8%. CONCLUSION: Our results show an association of mental disorders with family history of psychiatric disorder among patients followed in psychiatry. Further studies, such as genetic association may prove useful.

Constipation de l'enfant dans un service de pédiatrie générale à Bamako / Childhood constipation in a general pediatrics Unit in Bamako

Introduction : La constipation est un symptôme qui correspond à une anomalie des selles ou de leur élimination : elles sont trop volumineuses ou trop dures, trop rares, ou leur élimination est douloureuse, voire incomplète. Objectif : le but de cette étude était de déterminer la fréquence, les facteurs favorisants, les signes et les modalités thérapeutiques de la constipation de l'enfant dans le département de pédiatrie du CHU Gabriel Touré. Patients et Méthode : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive à collecte prospective allant du 1 avril 2019 au 31 Janvier 2020. Ont été inclus tous les patients de 0 à 15 ans ayant consulté dans le département de pédiatrie pour constipation et répondant aux critères de Rome IV. Résultat : Nous avions enregistré 75 patients.Lafréquence hospitalière était de 0,23 %. La tranche d'âge d'un mois à deux ans représentait 61,3% des patients, l'âge moyen était de 27,7 +/- 43 mois. Le sexe masculin prédominait avec 58,7%. La constipation était le motif de consultation le plus fréquent avec 62,6%. Une selle par semaine a été retrouvée chez 77,3 % des patients. La douleur à la défécation a été retrouvée chez 65,3 % des patients. La constipation était fonctionnelle chez 69,3% des patients. La maladie de Hirschsprung était la cause de la constipation organique chez 65,2% des patients. Les laxatifs ont été prescrits chez 64 % des patients à la consultation. Conclusion: La constipation est une pathologie fréquente qui touche les enfants à tout âge. Elle est d'origine fonctionnelle dans la majeure partie des cas.

Introduction: Constipation is a symptom that corresponds to an anomaly of the stools or their elimination: they are too bulky or too hard, too rare, or their elimination is painful, even incomplete. Objective: was to determine the frequency, the contributing factors, the signs and the therapeutic methods of constipation in children in the pediatric department of the CHU Gabriel Touré. Patients and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective collection from April 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020. All patients aged 0 to 15 who consulted in the pediatric department for constipation and responding to the Rome IV criteria. Result: We registered 75 patients. The hospital frequency of 0.23%. The age group from one month to two years represented 61.3% of the patients, the average age was 27.7 +/- 43 months. The male gender predominated with 58.7%. Constipation alone was the most common reason for consultation with 62.6%. One stool per week was found in 77.3% of patients. Pain on defecation was found in 65.3% of patients. Constipation was functional in 69.3% of patients. Hirschsprung disease was the cause of organic constipation in 65.2% of patients. Laxatives were prescribed in 64% of patients at the consultation. Conclusion: Constipation is a frequent pathology that affects children at all ages. It is of functional origin in most case

Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques de l'asthme de l'enfant dans le département de pédiatrie du CHU Gabriel Touré / Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of childhood asthma in the department of pediatrics of the Gabriel Touré university hospital

Introduction: L'asthme est la maladie chronique de l'enfant la plus fréquente. Il estl'une des principales causes de consultations aux urgences, d'hospitalisation et d'absentéisme scolaire.L'asthme est un véritable problème de santé publique. La prévalence de cette maladie ne cesse d'augmenter dans le monde entier. Patients et méthode : Nous avions mené une étude prospective, auprès des enfants asthmatiques sur une période d'une année, de Janvier 2018à décembre 2018. Résultats : Nous avions recensé105 patients asthmatiques pour un total de 14344 consultations soit une fréquence de 0,73%. Le sex ratio était de 1.9, La tranche d'âge 2-5 ans était la plus fréquente soit 52%, l'âge de la première crise se situait généralement entre 1 et 2 ans soit 75.24%. Nous avions observé que près de 22% des crises survenaient au mois de décembre (21.90%). La fumée et l'humiditéétaient les principaux facteurs déclenchants. Tous les malades avaient bénéficié de la nébulisation par lesB 2 mimétiques. Conclusion : l'éducation de l'enfant asthmatique ainsi que de sa famille et la mise en place de protocoles standards de prise en charge pourraient réduire de façon considérable la morbidité liée à l'asthme dans nos pays

Introduction : Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children. It is a leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalization and school absenteeism. Asthma is a real public health problem. The prevalence of this disease is increasing worldwide. Patients and method: We had conducted a prospective study, among children with asthma over a period of one year, from January 2018 to December 2018. Results: We counted 105 asthmatic patients for a total of 14344 consultations, or a frequency of 0,73%. The sex ratio was 1,9, the age group 2-5 years was the most frequent, (52%), the age of the first attack was generally between 1 and 2 years, ( 75,24%). We observed that almost 22% of the attacks occurred in December (21,90%). Smoke and humidity were the main triggers. All the patients had benefited from nebulization with B 2 mimetics. Conclusion: Education of asthmatic children, their families and the establishment of standard management protocols could significantly reduce asthmarelated morbidity in our countries.

Intracellular adhesion molecule-1 up-regulation on thyrocytes by iodine of non-obese diabetic.H2(h4) mice is reactive oxygen species-dependent.

Intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on the thyroid follicular cells of non-obese diabetic (NOD).H2(h4) mice is enhanced by iodide treatment, which correlates with autoimmune thyroid disease in genetically susceptible NOD.H2(h4) mice. The current study examines the mechanism of iodine-enhanced up-regulation of ICAM-1 on the surface of thyroid cells. We hypothesized that the up-regulation of ICAM-1 is due to a transient increase in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS may initiate signalling of the ICAM-1 gene promoter, enhancing up-regulated ICAM-1 protein on the cell surface. Single-cell suspensions of thyroid follicular cells from thyroiditis-susceptible NOD.H2(h4) or non-susceptible BALB/c mice were treated in vitro with sodium iodide. Extracellular and intracellular ROS were assessed by luminol-derived chemiluminescence and flow cytometry assays respectively. Our results demonstrate that thyroid follicular cells of NOD.H2(h4) generate higher levels of ROS compared with cells from non-susceptible strains of mice. Expression of a subunit protein of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, p67(phox), was analysed by Western blot immunoassay. A constitutive expression of the p67(phox) subunit protein was observed in NOD.H2(h4) mice prior to iodine treatment. No such expression was found in BALB/c mice. Treatment of NOD.H2(h4) thyroid cells with diphenyleneiodium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, reduced generation of ROS and of ICAM-1 protein expression. Thus, thyrocytes from NOD.H2(h4) mice produce enhanced levels of ROS that may be mediated by NADPH oxidase. Consequently, in NOD.H2(h4) mice the ROS-induced signal for ICAM-1 up-regulation may contribute to mononuclear cellular infiltration of the thyroid gland and the progression of autoimmune thyroid disease.

[Epidemiological aspects of autism in mental health care structures in the district of Bamako, Mali]. / Aspects Epidemiologiques de L'Autisme dans les Structures de Prise en Charge en Sante Mentale du District de Bamako au Mali.

AIMS: Autism is a global and early developmental disorder that appears before the age 3 years old. It is characterized by a triad of symptoms affecting the following domains: social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, imagination and behaviors. This work aimed to determine the frequency of autism and to identify its risk factors in Malians aged 0-17 years old. METHOD: In a cross sectional and prospective study, we reviewed clinical data in 2068 medical charts dating from 1992 to 2012 from all the mental health care centers in Bamako. RESULTS: We found a frequency of 7.8% (162/2068). The age range 0-5 years old was the most represented. The sex ratio was 1.7. The autistic child was issued from a consanguineous marriage in 25.4% (41/162) of the cases. To have parents in divorce, being the first child, and male gender were associated with autism with statistical significance. Our data suggest an elevated number of autism cases in Mali. We plan to carry out a larger prospective study to determine other autism risk factors and importantly to identify autistic families for a molecular genetic study.

BUT: L'autisme est un trouble global et précoce du développement qui apparait avant l'âge de 3 ans. Il se caractérise par une triade de symptômes affectant les domaines d'interaction sociale, la communication verbale et non verbale, l'imagination, et les comportements. Le but de ce travail était de déterminer la fréquence de l'autisme et d'identifier les facteurs favorisants chez les sujets maliens de 0­17ans. MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale rétrospective de dossiers médicaux de 1992 à 2012 à partir des données cliniques dans les structures de prise en charge en santé mentale dans le district de Bamako au Mali. RÉSULTAT: Sur les 2068 dossiers constitués durant la période d'étude, nous avons colligé 162 dossiers de troubles autistiques (de janvier à décembre 2012), soit une fréquence de 7,8% (162/2068). La tranche d'âge de 0 ­ 5 ans était la plus représentée. Le sex-ratio était de1,7. La consanguinité entre les deux parents était présente dans 25,4% (41/162) des cas. Avoir les parents en divorce, être le premier enfant, et surtout du sexe masculin étaient associés de façon statistiquement significative à la présence de l'autisme. Nos données témoignent du nombre de cas élevé d'autisme au Mali. Une étude prospective plus élaborée pour déterminer les autres facteurs favorisants de l'autisme et surtout d'identifier les familles autistes pour une étude génétique moléculaire est à planifier.

Risk assessment of etofenprox (Vectron) on non-target aquatic fauna compared with other pesticides used as Simulium larvicide in a tropical environment.

Within the rotational scheme developed by the Programme to fight the resistance of Simulium damnosum to chemical larvicides, there was an operational gap at discharges between 5 and 70 m3 s(-1) for the treatment of rivers where resistance to organophosphates was present. The use of permethrin and carbosulfan was precluded because of risk of environmental impact and, Bacillus thuringiensis ser. H-14 treatments were not envisageable due to cost and logistics constraints. Among the possible complementary groups of larvicides tested, the pseudo-pyrethroids, held promise, because of a mode of action similar to that of pyrethroids, but along with a usually lower toxicity for fish. Etofenprox, one of the pseudo-pyrethroids tested, shows a global detachment of non-target insects in 24 h close to that of pyraclofos, an organo-phosphorus compound (27 against 23%). In laboratory conditions, six times the operational dose which is 0.03 mg l(-1) 10 min, is needed to cause 50% mortality of Caridina sp. (a small shrimps species) and 30 times this same dose for 95% mortality. For fish species, a safety margin of 400-800 times the operational dose is observed for Oreochromis niloticus and 200-400 times for Tilapia zillii.

[Preliminary study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the town of Ouagadougou from 1996 to 1998]. / Etude préliminaire de la leishmaniose cutanée dans la ville de Ouagadougou de 1996 à 1998.

Since 1996, there have been reports of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the town of Ouagadougou. The incidence has been on the rise but precise figures are not known. The object of the present study has been, first, to record cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis having occurred in private and public health centres in Ouagadougou from 1996 to 1998 and, second, to determine the progression of the disease in space and time. We wished also to confirm clinical cases in 1998 by parasitological examination, identify different clinical forms of the disease and map out cases in the town. We carried out a retrospective study from 1996 to 1998 and a prospective study in 1998. All cases recorded in this period in visited health centres were included. A total of 1845 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis was identified, 50.3% of whom concerned women. The age of patients varied between 1 and 79 years for 356 patients, with a mean age of 26.7 years. Cases increased between 1996 and 1998 (1996 = 61 cases, 1997 = 552 cases, 1998 = 1218 cases). The months of highest incidence were August (13%), September (15%) and October (17%). Peripheral districts (28, 30, 29, 16, 15) in south-eastern areas of the town were the worst touched with 87% of cases. On average, patients seek care after 2 months of progression of the disease. The ulcero-crusted form (68.2%) was the most frequent clinical form observed for 327 patients, but almost half of the cases had more than one site of infection, (43.5%). Over half of the patients presented fewer than 10 lesions with an average of 6. The most common locations were on uncovered parts of the body, notably the superior (53%) and inferior limbs (49%). The parasite could be tested for by smear on 52 patients only in 1998 and 53.8% of cases tested were positive. Leishmania major, which is very prevalent in West Africa was identified in one patient. The vectors and main reservoirs of the parasite were not studied. Case management was generally incomplete; the most commonly prescribed drugs were antibiotics (70% of patients), but self-medication was frequent. Our recommendations after this preliminary study are: undertake multidisciplinary studies on cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ouagadougou in order to understand the local aetiology (vectors responsible for transmission, rodent and domestic animals involved in the epidemiological chain, parasite species); identify all other areas in the country where the disease is highly prevalent provide health care staff with a decisional algorithm and protocol therapy carry out and active control programme for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Burkina Faso.

Les femmes professionnelles de santé (FPS) de la ville d'Abidjan face au dépistage du cancer du col de l'utérus

En Côte d'Ivoire, le cancer du col utérin (CCU) est découvert dans 75 % à des stades localement avancés. Ce fait s'explique par, entre autres, une insuffisante implication des professionnels de santé dans leur rôle de sensibilisation. Aussi nous a-t-il paru opportun d'évaluer le comportement des femmes personnelles de santé (FPS) face à leur propre dépistage du cancer du col utérin et à celui de leurs patientes. Nous avons ainsi, entrepris une étude descriptive transversale sur trois mois (de janvier à mars 2016) concernant des infirmières, sages-femmes et médecins des structures sanitaires publiques et privées de la ville d'Abidjan. 445 FPS avaient été interrogées, dont 260 sages-femmes, 110 infirmières et 75 médecins. Parmi elle, 217 (61 %) n'avaient jamais pratiqué leur propre dépistage, dont 192 par négligence. Seulement 55 % l'avaient conseillé systématiquement à leurs patientes. Malgré de bonnes connaissances sur le CCU, très peu de FPS croyaient en la possibilité de guérison et de conservation de l'utérus, ce qui influençait significativement leur propre dépistage (p=0,00) et celui des femmes rencontrées (p=0,00).L'amélioration des connaissances et du comportement des FPS face au dépistage du CCU, pourraient participer à la fois à leur bonne santé physique et à celle de leurs patientes

Niveau de connaissance de la population Abidjanaise sur le rapport hépatite virales B (VHB) et cancer primitif du foie (CPF)

L'infection virale B (VHB) sévit à l'état endémique en Afrique subsaharienne en général et en Côte d'Ivoire en particulier. Si son rôle dans la carcinogénèse hépatique est maintenant établi, il n'en demeure pas moins de l'existence d'une vaccination efficace anti-VHB. Cette dernière affirmation contraste avec une incidence élevée du Cancer Primitif du Foie (CPF) dans nos pays en voie de développement. Dans le but de contribuer à la lutte contre ce fléau, notre travail avait pour objectif d'évaluer niveau de connaissance des populations abidjanaises sur la relation VHB-CPF.1537 sujets apparemment sains ont été enquêtés dans deux communes d'Abidjan (739 à Cocody et 798 à Attécoubé). Ces deux sont différentes de par leurs caractéristiques socio-économiques.La grande majorité des enquêtés avait une notion du cancer (89%) en général et du CPF (64,4%) en particulier. Cependant très peu en connaissait le rôle du VHB dans la survenue du CPF (10,9%). Ce faible niveau de connaissance était corrélé à l'âge, au niveau d'étude, au lieu d'habitation, à la profession. Il était par contre indépendant du sexe.Toutes ces constatations posent la problématique de la prévalence de l'hépatite virale B et du CPF chez nos populations africaines en général et ivoiriennes en particulier

Aspects épidémiologiques de l'autisme dans les structures de prise en charge en santé mentale du district de Bamako au Mali

But : L'autisme est un trouble global et précoce du développement qui apparait avant l'âge de 3 ans. Il se caractérise par une triade de symptômes affectant les domaines d'interaction sociale, lacommunication verbale et non verbale, l'imagination, et les comportements. Le but de ce travail était de déterminer la fréquence de l'autisme et d'identifier les facteurs favorisants chez les sujets maliens de 0-17ans. Méthode : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale rétrospective de dossiers médicaux de 1992 à 2012 à partir des données cliniques dans les structures de prise en charge en santé mentale dans le district de Bamako au Mali. Résultat : Sur les 2068 dossiers constitués durant la période d'étude, nous avons colligé 162 dossiers de troubles autistiques (de janvier à décembre 2012), soit une fréquence de 7,8% (162/2068). La tranche d'âge de 0 ­ 5 ans était la plus représentée. Le sex-ratio était de1,7. La consanguinité entre les deux parents était présente dans 25,4% (41/162) des cas. Avoir les parents en divorce, être le premier enfant, et surtout du sexe masculin étaient associés de façon statistiquement significative à la présence de l'autisme. Nos données témoignent du nombre de cas élevé d'autisme au Mali. Une étude prospective plus élaborée pour déterminer les autres facteurs favorisants de l'autisme et surtout d'identifier les familles autistes pour une étude génétique moléculaire est à planifier

[Knowledge and attitudes of medical personnel in blood transfusion in Bamako, Mali]. / Connaissances et attitudes du personnel médical en matière de transfusion sanguine au Mali.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We undertook a study to determine the level of knowledge and practice of medical staff personnel on transfusion medicine in Mali at Bamako and Kati. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from January to April 2010 in the three main teaching hospitals of Bamako and Kati and in the six referral health centers of the district of Bamako. Medical staff knowledge and practice were assessed using a questionnaire. The study population consisted of specialized practitioners (15%), general practitioners (21.4%), nurses (41.6%), and midwives (22%). RESULTS: Overall, 70.9% of the staff did not receive any training in blood transfusion since their graduation. The general knowledge about blood transfusion was insufficient in 53.9% of staff and excellent in 46.1%. Only 42.9% of medical staff has a good basic knowledge of blood products, their indications, and related accidents. CONCLUSION: Our study showed weaknesses in the transfusion system in Bamako, with insufficient knowledge of the medical staff in blood transfusion and little experience.

Soil organic carbon dynamics and crop yield for different crop rotations in a degraded ferruginous tropical soil in a semi-arid region: a simulation approach.

In recent years, simulation models have been used as a complementary tool for research and for quantifying soil carbon sequestration under widely varying conditions. This has improved the understanding and prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and crop yield responses to soil and climate conditions and crop management scenarios. The goal of the present study was to estimate the changes in SOC for different cropping systems in West Africa using a simulation model. A crop rotation experiment conducted in Farakô-Ba, Burkina Faso was used to evaluate the performance of the cropping system model (CSM) of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) for simulating yield of different crops. Eight crop rotations that included cotton, sorghum, peanut, maize and fallow, and three different management scenarios, one without N (control), one with chemical fertilizer (N) and one with manure applications, were studied. The CSM was able to simulate the yield trends of various crops, with inconsistencies for a few years. The simulated SOC increased slightly across the years for the sorghum-fallow rotation with manure application. However, SOC decreased for all other rotations except for the continuous fallow (native grassland), in which the SOC remained stable. The model simulated SOC for the continuous fallow system with a high degree of accuracy normalized root mean square error (RMSE)=0·001, while for the other crop rotations the simulated SOC values were generally within the standard deviation (s.d.) range of the observed data. The crop rotations that included a supplemental N-fertilizer or manure application showed an increase in the average simulated aboveground biomass for all crops. The incorporation of this biomass into the soil after harvest reduced the loss of SOC. In the present study, the observed SOC data were used for characterization of production systems with different SOC dynamics. Following careful evaluation of the CSM with observed soil organic matter (SOM) data similar to the study presented here, there are many opportunities for the application of the CSM for carbon sequestration and resource management in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Persistence of dracunculiasis in northern Mali: the case of the Gao region.

Summary Dracunculiasis is a dermo-epidermal filariasis that seems to persist in areas of Mali where potable water is scarce. From January to December of 2004 we carried out a study in the Gao region in an effort to determine the frequency of dracunculiasis and describe control efforts and their impact to date. To meet this objective we collected all documented cases of dracunculiasis during the study period and analyzed their reported activity and outcomes in the same year. In total, 294 patients suffering from dracunculiasis were reported in the Gao region during 2004, corresponding to a frequency of 82 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The male to female ratio favored women by a factor of 1.05, or 151 women per 143 men. All age groups were affected with 34.69% of cases falling into the 5 to 14 year old age group and 62.93% in the group of 15 year old and above. Children represented 15.30% of detected cases. School childrean lead with a proportion of 31.97%, followed by homemakers' 31.63%. The needs for trained personnel in the context of dracunculiasis control were met at 90%(48/53); supervision rates of various regional circles were satisfied 100%. This rate varied from 50 to 66% at the outskirts. The need for filters was met, but 39% of these supplies were not distributed to the population. These activities resulted in an augmentation of isolated cases from 52% in 2003 to 62.26% in 2004. Dracunculiasis remains a public health problem in northern Mali. To eradicate this ailment efforts must be made at every level: by medical personnel in the field, sanitation authorities, and the general population. These actions must be accompanied by the provision of additional clean drinking water.

Profil genomique tumoral d'une patiente atteinte d'un cancer du sein triple negatif : interet therapeutique

La biologie moleculaire est aujourd'hui un atout majeur pour la prise en charge adequate de cancer. Le profil genomique tumoral ou sequencage genomique des tumeurs est un test qui permet de dresser l'inventaire des genes d'une tumeur dont l'analyse conduit a identifier les cibles therapeutiques. Leur association avec les donnees cliniques; permet d'etablir un traitement personnalise. Ce procede constitue un recours precieux devant une tumeur multi-resistante aux traitements conventionnels. C'est cette derniere situation que les auteurs ont decidee de presenter; devant un cancer du sein triple negatif; resistant a plusieurs de lignes de chimiotherapie conventionnelle. L'evolution a change apres la realisation du profil genomique et l'ajustement du traitement

Effects of permethrin as Simulium larvicide on non-target aquatic fauna in an African river.

: The side-effects of permethrin (20% EC) as a Simulium larvicide on aquatic invertebrates and fish was studied under operational vector control conditions to contribute to the evaluation of the product for its possible adoption by the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa. After 15 weekly applications of the formulation at 0.045 litre per m(3) of water discharge, drift samples virtually contained no Ephemeroptera. Saxicolous fauna density and proportional diversity were also affected. However, both drift and saxicolous fauna recovered to almost pretreatment levels a month after treatment was terminated. Fish showed some evidence of stress but remained in the active treated zone to make trends of catches in the area comparable with those of the control station. The treatment did not result in fish mortalities, and the condition of fish before and after the experimental period was significantly unchanged. Thus, operational use of permethrin by the Programme would not be expected to have permanent adverse effects on the non-target fauna.