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Around 90% of all undiagnosed people with haemophilia (PWH) live in developing countries. In Mali, in sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 90% of potential PWH are not identified. We initiated a two-year study involving an integrated programme of training and awareness-raising with the aim of improving diagnosis and access to care for PWH, based on partnership with those who regularly interact with them.

Circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) can emerge and lead to outbreaks of paralytic polio as well as asymptomatic transmission in communities with a high percentage of under-vaccinated children. Data from the WHO Polio Information System (POLIS) and the Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN) are used below to describe global polio outbreaks due to cVDPVs during January 2023-June 2024. This updates previous reports. During the reporting period, 74 cVDPV outbreaks were detected in 39 countries, predominantly in Africa. Of the outbreaks, 47 (64%) were new and were detected in 30 (77%) of the 39 countries. Three countries reported cVDPV type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreaks; 39 reported cVDPV type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks; and 2 countries reported co-circulating cVDPV1 and cVDPV2. Seventy cVDPV2 outbreaks were reported in 38 countries. cVDPV transmission lasted for >1 year into 2024 in 15 countries. In Nigeria and Somalia, countries with security-compromised areas, persistent cVDPV2 transmission has spread to neighbouring countries. Delayed implementation of outbreak response and low-quality campaigns have resulted in further international spread. Countries can control cVDPV outbreaks with timely allocation of resources to implement prompt, high-quality responses after outbreak confirmation. Stopping cVDPV transmission requires vaccination to increase population immunity; this requires overcoming barriers to vaccinating children. Des emergences de poliovirus circulants derives d'une souche vaccinale (PVDVc) peuvent se produire et donner lieu a des flambees epidemiques de poliomyelite paralytique et a une transmission asymptomatique dans les communautes comptant une forte proportion d'enfants sous-vaccines. Le present rapport, qui est une mise a jour des rapports precedents, s'appuie sur les donnees du Systeme d'information de l'OMS sur la poliomyelite (POLIS) et du Reseau mondial de laboratoires pour la poliomyelite (RMLP) pour decrire les flambees epidemiques de poliomyelite dues aux PVDVc qui sont survenues dans le monde entre janvier 2023 et juin 2024. Au cours de la periode couverte par ce rapport, 74 flambees de PVDVc ont ete detectees dans 39 pays, principalement en Afrique. Parmi elles, on compte 47 (64%) flambees nouvelles, dans 30 (77%) des 39 pays. Trois pays ont signale des flambees dues aux PVDVc de type 1 (PVDVcl), 39 pays ont notifie des flambees de PVDVc de type 2 (PVDVc2) et 2 pays ont fait etat d'une cocirculation de PVDVcl et de PVDVc2. Les flambees de PVDVc2 signalees dans 39 pays etaient au nombre de 70. Dans 15 pays, la transmission des PVDVc a dure >1 an, se poursuivant en 2024. Au Nigeria et en Somalie, pays dont certaines zones sont en proie a des problemes de securite, la transmission persistante des PVDVc2 s'est etendue aux pays voisins. La mise en oeuvre tardive des activites de riposte et la faible qualite des campagnes ont conduit a une propagation internationale supplementaire. Les flambees epidemiques de PVDVc peuvent etre endiguees rapidement si les pays deploient en temps utile les ressources necessaires a la mise en oeuvre d'une riposte rapide et de qualite une fois que l'epidemie est confirmee. Pour interrompre la transmission des PVDVc, il est essentiel d'accroitre l'immunite de la population grace a la vaccination, ce qui suppose de surmonter les obstacles qui entravent la vaccination des enfants., Introduction Live, attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) induces long-term protection against paralytic disease and limits virus shedding in vaccinated people who are infected. (1) Circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) (2) occur [...]

Assessing the feasibility of 2030 as a target date for global elimination of trachoma, and identification of districts that may require enhanced treatment to meet World Health Organization (WHO) elimination criteria by this date are key challenges in operational planning for trachoma programmes. Here we address these challenges by prospectively evaluating forecasting models of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) prevalence, leveraging ensemble-based approaches. Seven candidate probabilistic models were developed to forecast district-wise TF prevalence in 11 760 districts, trained using district-level data on the population prevalence of TF in children aged 1-9 years from 2004 to 2022. Geographical location, history of mass drug administration treatment, and previously measured prevalence data were included in these models as key predictors. The best-performing models were included in an ensemble, using weights derived from their relative likelihood scores. To incorporate the inherent stochasticity of disease transmission and challenges of population-level surveillance, we forecasted probability distributions for the TF prevalence in each geographic district, rather than predicting a single value. Based on our probabilistic forecasts, 1.46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-1.48%) of all districts in trachoma-endemic countries, equivalent to 172 districts, will exceed the 5% TF control threshold in 2030 with the current interventions. Global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem by 2030 may require enhanced intervention and/or surveillance of high-risk districts.

Abstract Background Attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs) have the potential to significantly reduce infective female Anopheles mosquitoes in arid areas, such as in Northern Mali. Malaria is epidemic in the north due to the limited viability of Anopheles species in the desert climate. The goal of this study was to determine of the effect of ATSB on the number of older female An. gambiae and on the number of sporozoite-positive females in villages in northern Mali. Methods Villages were located in the north of Mali. In this study, 5677 ATSB stations were deployed, two on each home, in ten villages during late July and early August 2019. Ten villages served as controls. After a pre-treatment monitoring period in July, An. gambiae populations were monitored again from August to December using CDC-UV light traps, pyrethrum spray catches (PSC), and human landing catches (HLC). Mosquitoes were dissected to estimate their age, while ELISA detected sporozoite positivity. The monthly entomological inoculation rates (EIRs) were calculated for HLC indoors and outdoors. Data from villages were compared using t-tests, while bait station weighted density versus amount of collected females was checked with a Pearson’s correlation. Results A total of 2703 female An. gambiae were caught from treated villages, 4582 from control villages, a 41.0% difference. Dissection of 1759 females showed that ATSB significantly reduced the number of older females. The proportion of older females in treated villages was 0.93% compared to 9.4% in control villages. ELISA analysis of 7285 females showed that bait stations reduced the number of sporozoite-positive females. The infective females in treated villages was 0.30% compared to 2.73% in the controls. The greater the density of bait stations deployed, the fewer the older, infective females (P

Dans les exploitations cotonnieres a l'Ouest du Burkina Faso, les bovins de trait dont le role est capital (energie, fumure, et d'autres) dans la durabilite du systeme agricole sont plus affectes au deficit fourrager en saison seche. Pour y faire face, les residus de recolte issus des cereales cultivees principalement en rotation avec le cotonnier peuvent jouer un role important. Cette etude vise a analyser la disponibilite des residus de cereales pour leur utilisation optimale dans l'alimentation animale. Elle s'est deroulee dans neuf villages des provinces du Mouhoun et du Tuy de la zone cotonniere Ouest du Burkina Faso et a concerne 72 producteurs de coton constitues d'agriculteurs, d'eleveurs et d'agroeleveurs. La collecte des donnees a consiste en des enquetes aupres des menages et des mesures de biomasse dans les principales parcelles de mais, mil et sorgho a travers la pose de 522 placettes de 25 [m.sup.2]. La valeur nutritive des residus de recolte a ete estimee par la methode de la spectrometrie dans le proche infrarouge. Les resultats ont montre que les superficies moyennes emblavees pour le mais, mil et sorgho ont ete respectivement de 3,8 [+ ou -]3,7, 2,9 [+ ou -]2,3 et de 1,7 [+ ou -]1,4ha. Les rendements en biomasse ont ete respectivement de 3,2 [+ ou -]1,4, 2,5 [+ ou -]0,9 et de 4,9 [+ ou -]2,6 tonnes de matiere seche par hectare, avec des capacites de charge animale respectives de 2,0 [+ ou -]0,9, 2,0 [+ ou -]0,9 et 3,0 [+ ou -]1,6 UBT/ha. Les bilans fourragers saisonniers enregistres chez les agriculteurs, eleveurs et agroeleveurs ont ete respectivement de 0,68, -22,59 et -2,24 UBT. La teneur moyenne en energie metabolisable (7,55 MJ/kgMS) et la digestibilite in vitro (46,89 [+ ou -] 2,57%) des residus de recolte du sorgho ont ete superieures respectivement a celles du mil (6,56 [+ ou -] 0,35 MJ/kgMS et 41,83 [+ ou -] 0,88%) et du mais (7,10 [+ ou -] 0,58 MJ/kgMS et 44,40 [+ ou -] 0,86%). Les teneurs en matieres azotees totales des tiges de cereales ont ete faibles. Elles ont ete comprises entre 3,16 [+ ou -] 0,27% et 4,64 [+ ou -] 0,81% pour respectivement les residus de recolte de sorgho et du mais, ce qui met en exergue la necessite de complementation avec des sources proteiques dans l'utilisation alimentaire de ces residus de recolte dans les exploitations cotonnieres. Une orientation davantage des producteurs vers le sorgho pourrait ameliorer l'offre fourragere et contribuer au renforcement de l'integration agriculture-elevage et donc de la durabilite du systeme de production. Mots-cles : Cereales, Mil, Mais, Sorgho, Valeur nutritive, Rendement, Bilan fourrager, Bovin On cotton farms in western Burkina Faso, draught cattle, which play a vital role (energy, manure, and others) in the sustainability of the farming system, are more affected by the fodder deficit in the dry season. Crop residues from cereals grown mainly in rotation with cotton can play an important role in coping with this situation. This study analysed the availability of cereal stalks for optimal use in animal feed. The study was conducted in nine villages in the Mouhoun and Tuy provinces of Burkina Faso's western cotton-growing zone and involved 72 cotton farmers, livestock breeders, and agro-pastoralists. Data collection consisted of household surveys and biomass measurements of the main maize, millet, and sorghum plots, using 522 plots of 25m2. The nutritional value of the crop residues was estimated using near-infrared spectrometry. The results showed that the average area sown for maize, millet, and sorghum were 3.8 [+ or -] 3.7, 2.9 [+ or -] 2.3 and 1.7 [+ or -] 1.4 hectares, respectively. Biomass yields were 3.2 [+ or -] 1.4, 2.5 [+ or -] 0.9 and 4.9 [+ or -] 2.6 tons of dry matter per hectare, respectively, with respective animal carrying capacities of 2.0 [+ or -] 0.9, 2.0 [+ or -] 0.9 and 3.0 [+ or -] 1.6 tropical cattle units (TCU) per hectare. The seasonal fodder balances recorded for farmers' stockbreeders and agro-pastoralists were 0.68, 22.59, and -2.24 TCU, respectively. The average metabolisable energy content (7.55 MJ/kg of dry matter) and in vitro digestibility (46.89 [+ or -] 2.57%) of sorghum residues were respectively higher than those of millet (6.56 [+ or -] 0.35 MJ/kgDM et 41.83 [+ or -]0,88%) and maize (7.10 [+ or -] 0.58 MJ/kgDM et 44.40 [+ or -] 0.86%). The total nitrogen content of the cereal stalks was low. They were between 3.16 [+ or -] 0.27% and 4.64 [+ or -] 0.81% for sorghum and maize harvest residues, respectively, which highlights the need for protein supplementation in the use of these harvest residues on cotton farms. If producers focused more on sorghum, this could improve the supply of fodder and strengthen the integration of agriculture and livestock farming, and hence the sustainability of the production system. Key words: Cereals, Millet, Maize, Sorghum, Nutritional value, Yield, Fodder balance, Cattle, INTRODUCTION A l'Ouest du Burkina Faso, la baisse progressive de la productivite des terres agricoles resultant notamment de la pression demographique (exploitation et expansion continues des terres agricoles) et des [...]

Objective To estimate the feasibility, positivity rate and cost of offering child testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to mothers living with HIV attending outpatient clinics in Burkina Faso. Methods We conducted this implementation study in nine outpatient clinics between October 2021 and June 2022. We identified all women [less than or equal to] 45 years who were attending these clinics for their routine HIV care and who had at least one living child aged between 18 months and 5 years whose HIV status was not known. We offered these mothers an HIV test for their child at their next outpatient visit. We calculated intervention uptake, HIV positivity rate and costs. Findings Of 799 eligible children, we tested 663 (83.0%) and identified 16 new HIV infections: 2.5% (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.5-4.1). Compared with HIV-negative children, significantly more HIV-infected children were breastfed beyond 12 months (8-value: 0.003) and they had not been tested before (8-value: 0.003). A significantly greater proportion of mothers of HIV-infected children were unaware of the availability of child testing at 18 months (8-value: < 0.001) and had more recently learnt their HIV status (8-value: 0.01) than mothers of HIVnegative children. The intervention cost 98.1 United States dollars for one child testing HIV-positive. Barriers to implementing this strategy included shortages of HIV tests, increased workload for health-care workers and difficulty accessing children not living with their mothers. Conclusion Testing HIV-exposed children through their mothers in outpatient clinics is feasible and effective in a low HIV-prevalence setting such as Burkina Faso. Implementation of this strategy to detect undiagnosed HIV- infected children is recommended. Objectif Evaluer la faisabilite, le taux de positivite et le cout que representerait un depistage du virus de l'immunodeficience humaine (VIH) chez les enfants s'il est propose aux meres vivant avec le VIH qui se rendent dans des cliniques externes au Burkina Faso. Methodes Nous avons deploye cette etude de mise en oeuvre dans neuf cliniques externes entre octobre 2021 et juin 2022. Nous avons identifie toutes les femmes agees de [less than or equal to] 45 ans qui frequentaient ces cliniques pour leurs soins de routine dans le cadre d'une prise en charge du VIH et avaient au moins un enfant vivant de minimum 18 mois et maximum 5 ans, dont le statut VIH n'etait pas connu. Nous avons propose a ces meres de proceder au depistage de leur enfant lors de leur prochaine visite a la clinique. Enfin, nous avons calcule le nombre de recours a cette intervention, le taux de positivite du VIH et les couts. Resultats Sur 799 enfants eligibles, nous en avons teste 663 (83,0%) et avons detecte 16 nouvelles infections au VIH: 2,5% (intervalle de confiance de 95%: 1,5-4,1). Par rapport aux enfants seronegatifs, un nombre nettement superieur d'enfants seropositifs avaient ete allaites au-dela de 12 mois (valeur-p: 0,003) et n'avaient pas ete testes auparavant (valeur-p: 0,003). Un pourcentage sensiblement plus eleve de meres d'enfants seropositifs ignoraient l'existence d'un depistage chez les enfants ages de 18 mois (valeur-p: < 0,001) et avaient appris leur statut VIH plus recemment (valeur-p: 0,01) que les meres d'enfants seronegatifs. Cette intervention a coute 98,1 dollars americains par enfant seropositif. Parmi les obstacles a cette strategie figurent la penurie de tests de depistage du VIH, l'augmentation de la charge de travail pour les professionnels de la sante et les difficultes d'acces aux enfants qui ne vivent pas avec leur mere. Conclusion Tester les enfants exposes au VIH par l'intermediaire de leur mere dans les cliniques externes est faisable et efficace dans les lieux oU la prevalence du VIH est faible, comme au Burkina Faso. Nous recommandons l'application de cette strategie pour identifier les enfants seropositifs non diagnostiques. Objetivo Estimar la viabilidad, la tasa de positividad y el coste de ofrecer pruebas de deteccion del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en ninos a las madres seropositivas que acuden a las clinicas de atencion ambulatoria de Burkina Faso. Metodos Se realizo este estudio de implementacion en nueve clinicas de atencion ambulatoria entre octubre de 2021 y junio de 2022. Se identifico a todas las mujeres [less than or equal to] 45 anos que acudian a estas clinicas para su atencion de rutina del VIH y que tenian al menos un hijo vivo de entre 18 meses y 5 anos, cuyo estado serologico respecto al VIH se desconocia. Se ofrecio a estas madres una prueba del VIH para su hijo en su siguiente consulta externa. Se calcularon la aceptacion de la intervencion, la tasa de positividad del VIH y los costes. Resultados De 799 ninos que cumplian los requisitos, se realizaron pruebas a 663 (83,0%) y se identificaron 16 nuevas infecciones por VIH: 2,5% (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,5-4,1). En comparacion con los ninos seronegativos, un numero significativamente mayor de ninos infectados por el VIH fueron amamantados mas de 12 meses (valor de p: 0,003) y no se habian sometido a pruebas anteriormente (valor de p: 0,003). Un porcentaje significativamente mayor de madres de ninos infectados por el VIH desconocia la disponibilidad de pruebas infantiles a los 18 meses (valor de p: Conclusion La realizacion de pruebas a ninos expuestos al VIH a traves de sus madres en clinicas de atencion ambulatoria es viable y eficaz en un entorno de baja prevalencia del VIH como Burkina Faso. Se recomienda la aplicacion de esta estrategia para detectar a los ninos infectados por el VIH no diagnosticados., Introduction Despite great improvements in the response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the 90-90-90 targets of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) for 2020 [...]

Abstract Introduction Human papilloma virus testing is a new method of screening for precancerous cervical lesions. Here we identified factors associated to the positive Human papilloma virus-testing in the context of cervical precancer screening at the Souro Sanou National Teaching Hospital in Burkina Faso. Materials and method Conducted from June 2021-May 2022, this was a cross-sectional study, including patients aged between 25 and 55 years-old and screened for precancerous lesions and received HPV-testing at the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine (DGORM) of the SSNTH. The proportion of positive HPV-test was calculated, and we identified factors associated to positive HPV-test using logistic regression. Results Of the 759 patients came for precancerous lesions screening, 559 patients were included. Their mean-age was 38.8 ± 7.9 years-old, 94.3% were from urban area and 50.3% identified as housewives. Regarding the past medical history, it noted: number of gestures (3.2 ± 2.0), parity (2.8 ± 1.9), number of living children (2.8 ± 1.9), having abortion experience (24.0%), age of first-sexual-intercourse(18.6 ± 2.3 years), alcohol (9.1%) and tobacco (1.0%) consumption, sexually-transmitted-infection (27.0%), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)infection (5.0%); none had been vaccinated against HPV. Biologically, 16.6% [95% CI: 13.6–20] of the women had a positive HPV-test. The factors significantly associated with positive HPV-test were: occupation in the private sector [OR: 0.06(0.0–0.5); p

The review presents the main results of scientific and technical cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Guinea over 10 years of joint work, since the deployment of a group of Russian specialists and mobile laboratories from the mobile complex of the specialized anti-epidemic team of the Rospotrebnadzor in August 2014 to provide practical and methodological assistance in eliminating the epidemic caused by the Ebola virus. The main areas of cooperation are the strengthening of laboratory and hospital facilities, joint research and training of specialists from specialized institutions in Guinea on biosafety issues. During the implementation of the Russian Federation programs of assistance to the Republic of Guinea in combating infectious diseases, public-private partnership mechanisms with UC “RUSAL” were involved, which made it possible to bring Russia’s participation in eradicating the epidemic of Ebola virus disease and subsequently strengthening Guinea’s national capacity to combat biological threats to the maximum effect.

Abstract Persistence of malaria parasites in asymptomatic hosts is crucial in areas of seasonally-interrupted transmission, where P. falciparum bridges wet seasons months apart. During the dry season, infected erythrocytes exhibit extended circulation with reduced cytoadherence, increasing the risk of splenic clearance of infected cells and hindering parasitaemia increase. However, what determines parasite persistence for long periods of time remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether seasonality affects plasma composition so that P. falciparum can detect and adjust to changing serological cues; or if alternatively, parasite infection length dictates clinical presentation and persistency. Data from Malian children exposed to alternating ~6-month wet and dry seasons show that plasma composition is unrelated to time of year in non-infected children, and that carrying P. falciparum only minimally affects plasma constitution in asymptomatic hosts. Parasites persisting in the blood of asymptomatic children from the dry into the ensuing wet season rarely if ever appeared to cause malaria in their hosts as seasons changed. In vitro culture in the presence of plasma collected in the dry or the wet seasons did not affect parasite development, replication or host-cell remodelling. The absence of a parasite-encoded sensing mechanism was further supported by the observation of similar features in P. falciparum persisting asymptomatically in the dry season and parasites in age- and sex-matched asymptomatic children in the wet season. Conversely, we show that P. falciparum clones transmitted early in the wet season had lower chance of surviving until the end of the following dry season, contrasting with a higher likelihood of survival of clones transmitted towards the end of the wet season, allowing for the re-initiation of transmission. We propose that the decreased virulence observed in persisting parasites during the dry season is not due to the parasites sensing ability, nor is it linked to a decreased capacity for parasite replication but rather a consequence decreased cytoadhesion associated with infection length.

Abstract Background Malaria is a major public health issue in Guinea and care-seeking behaviour is dominated by self-medication and delayed access to appropriate care. However early and appropriate care-seeking are essential to control and reduce complicate forms and mortality, particularly for the most vulnerable. This study was conducted to analyse the diagnostic pathway, and the factors associated with early and appropriate care-seeking for malaria patients in the Republic of Guinea. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out between December 2022 to March 2023 in nine health districts within health facilities and at community level. The study population was confirmed malaria patients with RDT or microscopy. Kroeger’s conceptual framework was used to design the questionnaire. Conventional recourse was defined as using a healthcare facility or community services, early and appropriate care-seeking was defined as within 24 h of symptom onset in a conventional recourse, and care pathway as the sequence of recourses followed by each patient. Sankey alluvial plots were used to represent patients' diagnostic pathways, and logistic regression to identify factors associated with early and appropriate care-seeking. Results A total of 3300 malaria patients were studied, of which 1632 (49.45%) were female and 1132 (34.30%) were under 5 years of age, with a median age of 23 months. At the time of the survey, 1337 (40.52%), 1423 (43.12%), and 437 (13.85%) of patients were respectively in their first, second and third recourse. A total of 2002 (60.67%) patients had sought care from a conventional recourse as a first line. Of all patients, 1757 (53.25%) had sought care within 24 h, while 28.55% had sought early and appropriate care. In the initial stages of treatment, self-medication was the most common approach, used by 1214 (37.30%). Patients from the health districts of Boffa (Lower Guinea, coastal region) OR = 0.48 95% CI 0.33–0.70, Dabola (Upper Guinea, savanna region) OR = 0.43 95% CI 0.30–0.63 and Labe (Middle Guinea, mountain region) OR = 0.63 CI 95% 0.43–0.91 (p

Abstract The Sahel is a region particularly characterized by undernutrition in several forms. In Burkina Faso, where several interventions have been carried out across the past several years, the nutritional situation of children under five years of age is still characterized by persistent stunting in the Est, Sahel, and Cascades regions. This study aims to understand the factors associated with the high prevalence of chronic malnutrition in these regions. National nutrition survey data as well as data from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation were used for bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses to identify factors statistically associated with stunting in children aged 0–59 months who participated in the national nutritional surveys from 2009 to 2019. Around one in ten mothers in all regions had no schooling at all. The improving of IYCF practice has a positive impact on the reduction of the prevalence of chronic malnutrition among children in the Cascades, Est and Sahel regions. In the three target regions, gender and province were significantly associated with stunting. Fever, diarrhea, vitamin A supplementation, household size, and maternal education level were also associated with stunting but only in the Sahel and Cascades regions. Overall, the results of the study show that the fight against stunting must be carried out in a multisectoral approach and target certain provinces particularly because stunting is not uniformly present in all provinces.

Full-field transmission X-ray microscopy has been recently implemented at the hard X-ray ROCK–SOLEIL quick-EXAFS beamline, adding micrometre spatial resolution to the second time resolution characterizing the beamline. Benefiting from a beam size versatility due to the beamline focusing optics, full-field hyperspectral XANES imaging has been successfully used at the Fe K-edge for monitoring the pressure-induced spin transition of a 150 µm × 150 µm Fe(o-phen)2(NCS)2 single crystal and the charge of millimetre-sized LiFePO4 battery electrodes. Hyperspectral imaging over 2000 eV has been reported for the simultaneous monitoring of Fe and Cu speciation changes during activation of a FeCu bimetallic catalyst along a millimetre-sized catalyst bed. Strategies of data acquisition and post-data analysis using Jupyter notebooks and multivariate data analysis are presented, and the gain obtained using full-field hyperspectral quick-EXAFS imaging for studies of functional materials under process conditions in comparison with macroscopic information obtained by non-spatially resolved quick-EXAFS techniques is discussed.

Zambia has recently faced prolonged load shedding due to reduced hydroelectricity generation caused by unfavourable rainfall patterns. To tackle this issue and satisfy increasing energy demands, the government aims to explore alternative energy sources like wind energy. However, the uncertainty surrounding the economic feasibility of implementing wind power projects in Zambia poses a significant challenge. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of eight proposed wind farm sites using net present value (NPV), simple payback period (SPP), internal rate of return (IRR), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). By examining energy yield analysis (EYA), wind speed, and financial indicators, the study identifies the most economically viable wind farm site(s). The results reveal that the Lusaka wind farm is the most economical, with an energy yield analysis of 386 GWh, wind speed of 8 m/s, NPV of USD 316 million, SPP of 2.9 years, IRR of 82%, and LCOE of 0.182 USD/kWh. An economic sensitivity analysis, varying the average electricity tariff, also points to Lusaka as the most financially viable site. Consequently, policymakers are advised to develop cost-reflective feed-in tariff (FiT) schemes and power purchase agreements to establish electricity tariffs that encourage investment from independent power producers in Zambia.

Background: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease caused by an Orthonairovirus of the Nairoviridae family transmitted by tick bites and also contact with infected blood, tissues or body fluids. Until now, fewer studies have been conducted in animals in Burkina Faso. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of CCHF in two provinces of Burkina Faso. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 371 bovine animals. In addition, questionnaire surveys were performed with cattle breeders. The double-antigen sandwich ELISA test was used to determine the presence of antibodies against the CCHF virus in serum samples. Results: The results showed an overall prevalence of 72.2% (95% CI: 67.6% - 76.7%). Within the 74 herds included in the study a herd prevalence of 96% (95% CI: 91.4% - 100%) was obtained. The prevalence was significantly higher in Mouhoun province (80%, 95% CI: 74% - 86%) compared to Kenedougou province (65.6%, 95% CI: 59.1% -72.2%). Multivariable regression analysis showed that females were more likely to be infected (OR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6, p=0.023) than males. In addition, cross-breed animals (OR= 6.42, 95% CI: 1.71-24.14, p=0.006) were more likely to be infected compared to local-bred animals. This study revealed the presence of antibodies of CCHF virus in cattle in the study area, indicating the need of implementing control measures in veterinary sector. Conclusion: Despite the importance of CCHF in public health, no study has been implemented regarding this condition in animal in Burkina Faso. This study described evidence of cattle exposure to the virus in Burkina Faso. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(8.000): 1912-1920]

Abstract Background Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is a World Health Organization-recommended intervention for the prevention of malaria among children at high risk in areas with seasonal transmission. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, SMC drug distribution was rapidly adapted to reduce contact and mitigate the risk of transmission between communities and community distributors, with caregivers administering doses. To address the challenges and find local solutions to improve administration and adherence, the role model approach was designed, implemented and evaluated in selected communities of Burkina Faso, Chad and Togo. This paper describes the results of this evaluation. Methods Focus group discussions were held with primary caregivers in all three countries to understand their perceptions of the approach’s acceptability and feasibility. In Burkina Faso and Togo, household surveys assessed the characteristics of caregivers reached by role model activities. Key indicators on SMC coverage and adherence allowed for an assessment of caregiver engagement outcomes related to participation in activities. Statistical associations between participation in study’s activities and caregiver beliefs related to SMC had been tested. Results The majority of caregivers believed the approach to have a positive effect on drug administration, with most adopting the promoted strategies. Greater involvement of fathers in drug administration and acknowledgement of their joint responsibility was a notable positive outcome. However, several barriers to participation were noted and there was criticism of the group approach. In Burkina Faso and Togo, end-of-round survey results revealed that 98.4% of respondents agreed the approach improved their knowledge and skills in malaria prevention, while 100% expressed a desire to continue practicing the behaviours learned. However, there was a relatively low level of awareness of the approach among communities. Participation was strongly associated with participants’ self-reported belief in ease of remembering to administer, and ease of administering, SMC medicines. Conclusion Caregivers perceived the role model approach to be beneficial in aiding drug administration, with other positive impacts also reported. Replication and scale-up should utilize the most popular communication channels and existing community structures to ensure activities are promoted effectively. A mixture of group and one-on-one approaches should be used where appropriate and feasible.

Abstract Introduction Hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS) is one of the main causes of massive splenomegaly in malaria-endemic zones. Diagnosis is often challenging in Bobo-Dioulasso. This study aimed to describe the clinical and socio-demographic profile, and the reasons for delay in the diagnosis of HMS cases recorded in the Medicine and Medical Specialties wards of Souro Sanou Teaching hospital. Methods A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from August 2022 by focusing on HMS cases diagnosed in the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Hematology wards of Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital. Results Overall, 65 patients met our inclusion criteria over the 12-year period. Burkinabe nationals and have been residing in Burkina Faso since their birth. 79% (79%) of the patients were seen for medical consultation with the reason for consultation being a voluminous mass in the left hypochondrium. Indigence, self-medication, and lack of information were essential elements in late diagnosis of HMS in Bobo-Dioulasso. All patients were treated with a single tablet of Artemether (80 mg) and Lumefantrine (480 mg) in the morning and evening for 3 days, followed by sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine per week. Nine months later, patients were clinically asymptomatic. Conclusion This study provides a database on hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS) in the south-west region of Burkina Faso. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of the disease and appropriate use of effective antimalarial drugs would significantly reduce the burden of HMS in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Abstract Objective To determine the estimated prevalence of anxiety, depression, and anxiety–depression syndrome (ADS) and to identify the associated factors in Moroccan people with epilepsy (PWE). Method A cross‐sectional study was conducted among adult PWE (June 2021–December 2022) in the Casablanca–Settat region. PWE were interviewed by completing a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic and clinical data. Anxiety and depression were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Out of 21 points, a score ≥8 is in favor of considerable anxiety/depression symptoms and a sum of the two scores ≥15 indicates the presence of ADS. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0. p‐values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant and logistic regression was performed to determine the associated factors. Results Among 294 PWE, the median age was 39 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 25.75–54.00). The median anxiety, depression, and ADS scores were 8 (IQR: 5.00–10.00), 7 (IQR: 4.00–10.00), and 15 (IQR: 10.00–20.00), respectively. Anxiety, depression, and ADS were revealed in 51.4%, 44.9%, and 51.0% of PWE, respectively. Depression was the only predictor for anxiety (aOR = 24.20; 95%CI: 12.45–47.01). Antiseizure polytherapy (aOR = 3.35; 95%CI: 1.72–6.54) and anxiety (aOR = 24.04; 95%CI: 12.12–47.67) were the factors associated with depression. The risk of ADS was increased by female gender (aOR = 2.83; 95%CI: 1.68–4.78), antiseizure polytherapy (aOR = 2.75; 95%CI: 1.62–4.65), structural epilepsy (aOR = 1.73; 95%CI: 1.01–2.94), and the presence of concomitant conditions with epilepsy (aOR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.16–3.31). Significance Our study reports high psychiatric comorbidity prevalence in epilepsy, which supports the bidirectional link hypothesis. Associated factors found are important in the prognosis and prevention. Plain Language Summary The neural mechanisms underlying epilepsy tend to expose PWE to psychiatric disorders. Our study aims to quantify the rate of psychiatric comorbidities and their predictive factors in Moroccan PWE. The estimated prevalences of significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, and ADS were 51.4%, 44.9%, and 51.0%, respectively. Depression was the predictor of anxiety. Antiseizure polymedication and anxiety were the associated factors with depression. The risk of SAD was increased by female gender, antiseizure polymedication, structural epilepsy, and concomitant diseases with epilepsy. Our results are important for considering the psychiatric aspect of PWE and improving their care and quality of life.

Abstract Background This study aimed to demonstrate that the genomic material of SARS-CoV-2 can be isolated from strips of COVID-19 rapid diagnostic test cassettes. Method It was a prospective cross-sectional study involving patients admitted to treatment centers and sampling sites in the city of Conakry, Guinea. A total of 121 patients were double sampled, and 9 more patients were tested only for RDT. PCR was conducted according to the protocol of the RunMei kit. Sequencing was performed by using the illumina COVIDSeq protocol. Nine COVID-19 RDTs without nasopharyngeal swabs were in addition tested. Result Among the 130 COVID-19 RDTs, forty-seven were macroscopically positive, whereas seventy-two were positive according to PCR using RDT strip, while among the 121 VTM swabs, sixty-four were positive. Among eighty-three negative COVID-19 RDTs, twenty-seven were positive by PCR using RDT strip with a geometric mean Ct value of 32.49 cycles. Compared to those of PCR using VTM, the sensitivity and specificity of PCR using RDT strip were estimated to be 100% and 85.96%, respectively, with 93.39% test accuracy. Among the fifteen COVID-19 RDT extracts eligible for sequencing, eleven had sequences identical to those obtained via the standard method, with coverage between 75 and 99.6%. Conclusion These results show that COVID-19 RDTs can be used as biological material for the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract Background Viruses, which are transmitted mainly via the digestive tract, are responsible for the high morbidity and mortality of diseases, particularly in low-income countries. Although several studies have established the prevalence and characterization of various enteric viruses in Burkina Faso, to date, no aggregate data have been released. Objective Our objective was to describe the available data on the prevalence and circulating genotypes of enteric pathogen viruses responsible for human infections in Burkina Faso by carrying out a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Potentially relevant studies were identified by a search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, university libraries and by a manual search of the reference lists of identified studies. The search with no restrictions on language or age was limited to studies conducted only in Burkina. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of the included studies were performed independently by two investigators. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 test statistics based on the random effects model. Comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA 3.7) was employed to compute the pooled prevalence of pathogens identified in the studies. Results Forty-three (43) studies reporting 4,214 diagnosed cases in all aged human populations were selected. Overall, 72.6% of the pathogens diagnosed were gastroenteritis, and 27.2% were entero-transmissible hepatitis viruses. Rotavirus was the most common cause of human viral gastroenteritis, accounting for 27.7% (95% CI: 20.9 - 35.8) of the cases, followed by norovirus (16% (95% CI: 12.25 - 20.6)) and sapovirus (11.2% (95% CI: 6.2 - 19.4)). In terms of human entero-transmissible infections, hepatitis A virus (HAV) was the most prevalent (52% [95% CI: 14.2–87.7] of total antibodies), followed by hepatitis E virus (HEV) (28.3% [95% CI: 17.7–42]). Conclusions This study highlights the substantial burden of viral enteric infections and highlights the need for more molecular epidemiological studies to improve preventive measures against these viruses.