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Men and women often respond differently to infectious diseases and their treatments. Tuberculosis (TB) is a life-threatening communicable disease that affects more men than women globally. Whether male sex is an independent risk factor for unfavorable TB outcomes, however, has not been rigorously investigated in an African context, where individuals are likely exposed to different microbial and environmental factors. We analyzed data collected from a cohort study in Mali by focusing on newly diagnosed active pulmonary TB individuals who were treatment naive. We gathered baseline demographic, clinical, and microbiologic characteristics before treatment initiation and also at three time points during treatment. More males than females were affected with TB, as evidenced by a male-to-female ratio of 2.4:1. In addition, at baseline, males had a significantly higher bacterial count and shorter time to culture positivity as compared with females. Male sex was associated with lower smear negativity rate after 2 months of treatment also known as the intensive phase of treatment, but not at later time points. There was no relationship between patients’ sex and mortality from any cause during treatment. This study suggests that sex-based differences in TB outcomes exist, with sex-specific effects on disease outcomes being more pronounced before treatment initiation and during the intensive phase of treatment rather than at later phases of treatment.

Tuta absoluta poses a serious threat to tomato production worldwide as it can cause more than 80% yield losses. Its control is currently mainly based on the use of synthetic chemical insecticides, which unfortunately selects resistant populations and entails public health risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal, repellent and sublethal effects of Carapa procera seed oil on all stages of T. absoluta. Larvicidal (by contact and by ingestion), ovicidal and anti-feeding effects were evaluated by testing 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6% and 7.5% concentrations of oil. Larvicidal and ovicidal effects were tested by direct application of Carapa solutions on larvae and eggs but also by feeding the larvae leaves dipped in solutions. The adult repellent effect was investigated by identifying the preferred area on filter paper partly non-treated vs fully treated using LC10, LC50 et LC90 of larvae after ingestion. LC50 was also used on 2-day-old larvae to evaluate the sublethal effects on larval and pupal duration, longevity and adult morphology. Results showed that, regardless of the mode of application, all concentrations had larvicidal effects with a higher dose-response effect and a higher mortality rate via ingestion than via topical application. The ovicidal effect varied with the concentrations tested, the highest mortality rate was obtained at a concentration of 7.5%. At the same dose, Carapa oil reduced large feeding galleries from 92.22 ± 5.02% in controls to 3.33 ± 3.65% at the highest dose and had a repellent effect on 80% of adults. Carapa oil increased larval and pupal duration by 2.14 and 1.35 days, respectively, and reduced adult female longevity by 2.2 days and male longevity by 1.1 days. A deformation rate of 28.33% was observed in newly emerged adults. This study demonstrated insecticidal and insect repellent effects of Carapa oil on different stages of T. absoluta. This botanical oil is a very promising biopesticide to control this major new pest of Solanaceous crops. Its use in an agroecological pest management strategy is discussed.

Summary: Introduction: Knowledge of the birth cycle is important in the organization of reproductive health services in a facility. The main objective was to study the determinants of the birth cycle at the Kalaban-Coro health center. However, it seems that there are other determinants of the birth cycle, hence the relevance of this study. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study from October 1 to December 31, 2020. Results: The study included 977 parturients who gave birth in the department. It recorded more night deliveries (59.1%) than day deliveries (40.9%). The average age of the women was 25 years. Non-educated births were the most represented with 39% of cases. Nocturnal admissions were predominant (58.8%); 59% of parturients had a history of nocturnal delivery and 40% preferred to give birth at night, while 30% had no preference. At admission, 57.91% of parturients were in the active phase during the night, compared to 42.59% during the day; 52.6% of parturients had a nocturnal onset of labor, compared to 47.4% during the day. Conclusion: The study showed that childbirth is more frequent at night than during the day. It highlighted the admission nycthemer, the previous nycthemer of deliveries and the preference of the parturient as other determinants of the nycthemer of the delivery.

In order to know the local predators of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (1917) in Côte d'Ivoire and their host plants, a survey was carried out in 15 vegetable growing areas in 15 cities across the country. The study took place from November 2019 to February 2020. It concerned mainly tomato crops and African eggplant crops but also some companion plants such as tobacco. Observations were made on 30 plants per plant species. Farmers were questioned about the phytosanitary practices they use to protect their crops against pests. In total, 208 predators were captured. The predators collected were Heteroptera from the Miridae family: Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (1895) (51.92%); Nesidiocoris volucer Kirkaldy (1902) (30.28%) and Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (1839) (17.78%). These predators were collected on tobacco (45.19%), tomato (32.21%) and African eggplant (22.60%), except for the species N. volucer which was collected only on tobacco. The survey revealed that for pest management, 69% of the producers used conventional products and 31% used biological control method based on plant extracts. Insect predators were mainly collected on non-treated plants such as tobacco or on crops with a biological protection (78.85%). The plant extracts used by farmers, preserved insect predators much better than conventional treatments. Actually, these generalist predators complement the effect of plant extracts as they can feed on a large number of pests from different species such as T. absoluta or Bemisia tabaci and at different stages (eggs, larvae). Host plants such as tobacco could be used by farmers to attract and maintain these insect predators in vegetable areas, or even to introduce them into crops under cover such as greenhouse or net house.

Introduction: In resource-limited countries, epilepsy prevalence is underestimated and little is known about its risk factors. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for epilepsy in six health districts (HDs) in Mali. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional and nested case-control study was conducted in 180 villages with the highest number of suspicious epilepsy cases (SECs) in the six study HDs. The SECs were observed as part of a Phase 1 screening conducted by community health workers. For the nested case-control study, one case was matched with at least one control based on residence and age. A case of epilepsy was a person diagnosed with convulsive epilepsy after clinical assessment by a neurologist. A control was a person diagnosed as normal after neurological assessment by a neurologist. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, familial and medical history of epilepsy, consanguinity, place of delivery, preterm birth, length/type of delivery, and history of meningitis and cerebral malaria. A univariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression model was used to analyse factors associated with epilepsy. Results: A total of 1,506 cases of epilepsy and 2,199 controls were enrolled in six HDs. The mean prevalence of epilepsy was 2‰, with the highest in Kenieba (3‰), a previously meso-endemic-onchocerciasis HD, and the lowest in Kadiolo (1.5‰), a hypo-endemic-onchocerciasis HD. Age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.02 [95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.02–1.03]), history of cerebral malaria (aOR = 11.41 [95% CI 8.86–14.85]), history of meningitis (aOR = 1.95 [95% CI 1.16–3.29]), living in the HD of Tominian (aOR = 1.69 [95% CI 1.29–2.22]), delayed delivery (aOR = 3.21 [95% CI 2.07–5.07]), and dystocia (aOR = 3.37 [95% CI 2.03–5.73]) were all significantly associated with epilepsy. Conclusion: The prevalence of epilepsy (3‰) in a previously meso-endemic-onchocerciasis HD was much lower than the prevalence (13.35‰) documented in onchocerciasis endemic areas in 2,000. This decrease epilepsy prevalence in the previously meso-endemic region was induced by onchocerciasis, and the reduction was due to an effective community direct treatment with ivermectin programme. Cerebral malaria and obstetrical complications were the main risk factors for epilepsy and interventions improving malaria prevention/treatment and optimizing prenatal and obstetrical care need to be implemented to reduce incidence.

Introduction : La période postnatale immédiate est une étape fondamentale d’adaptation physiologique et psychologique pour le nouveau-né. La plupart des difficultés d'adaptation à la vie extra-utérine sont prévisibles et doivent être anticipées. Le but de cette étude était de contribuer à l’amélioration des pratiques de soins essentiels aux nouveau-nés dans le centre de santé communautaire et universitaire (CSCom-U) de Konobougou. Matériel et méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude de recherche action qui s’est déroulée dans la maternité du CSCom U de Konobougou dans le district sanitaire de Barouéli/Région de Ségou du 01 décembre 2020 au 31 janvier 2021. Nous avons introduit dans cette étude 32 mères et 8 agents de santé. Résultats : Les matrones étaient plus représentées avec 62,5% suivies des sages-femmes avec 25%. Avant l’enquête tous les matériels étaient disponibles sauf la sonde naso-gastrique. Suite à notre recommandation l’équipe a décidé de s’en procurer une, ce qui a permis de porter la disponibilité des matériels à 100%. A la phase initiale de l’étude, 25% des mères enquêtées avaient reçu des consignes sur les soins du cordon ombilical, suite à la mise à niveau des prestataires nous avons obtenu une augmentation de 75% à la phase finale soit 100%. Conclusion : Les soins essentiels du nouveau-né restaient insuffisants pour déficit de formation initiale et/ou conti­nue d’une part et pour instabilité du personnel d’autre part. Ainsi, nous avons recommandé une mise en place de programme de formation continue et de suivi-évaluation destiné aux prestataires. Mots clés : Soins essentiels, nouveau-nés, centre de communautaire et universitaire, Konobougou

The facial trauma is frequent, severe and of great diversity. The severity of FMD is primarily related to the presence of known or potential respiratory distress, profuse bleeding and / or associated lesions. Moreover, it must also be considered in terms of secondary functional and aesthetic consequences. The objective of this work was to determine the socio-demographic and clinical aspects of facial trauma in our practice. So a retrospective retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the stomatology and maxillofacial surgery department of the national center of odontostomatology of Bamako from June 1st to December 31st. 2012 and concerned all patients admitted for trauma massive facial. There were 58 cases. 84.50% of which were men with a sex ratio of 6.2. The best represented age group was 21-30 years old. The average age was 28.56 years old. School children accounted for 39.90% of cases. Road traffic accidents were the main etiology with 79.30% of cases. Bone lesions accounted for 93.10% of cases versus 20.70% of soft tissue lesions. He main fracture sites were the malar. The maxilla the bones of the nose with 63.80%, 39.70% and 31.00% respectively. Extra-facial lesions accounted for 18.96% of cases. The cranio-facial scanner was performed in 77.60% of patients. The orthopedic treatment method was used in 66.10% of cases. The facial trauma remains frequent. His emphasis must be on the empowerment of road users and on the stricter control of compliance with the Highway Code.

After a year of coronavirus epidemic, Côte d'Ivoire is completing a third wave of Covid-19. Although the epidemic has been confined mainly to Greater Abidjan, thanks in particular to the isolation measures imposed on the Ivorian economic capital, the impact of the health crisis has nevertheless been marked. Like other West African countries, Côte d'Ivoire did not experience the epidemic tsunami that some predicted in March 2020, but more than 45 000 cases and nearly 300 deaths have been reported, although these figures underestimate the epidemiological reality. With the advent of vaccination, Côte d'Ivoire hopes to control the epidemic, but the possible circulation of variants, particularly South African variants, and the difficulties in obtaining vaccine doses are challenges that the Ivorian health authorities will have to overcome. The resilience of the population has been significant during this crisis, illustrating the ability of Ivorians to withstand the impact of this crisis.

International audience; Domains of antiferroelectric PbZrO3 have been studied. The (111) PbZrO3 has lower field transitions due to the reduction of the angle between the ferroelectric polar axis and the applied electric field. The study of the permittivity reveals also that the (111) PbZrO3 has a higher correlation of dipoles (|Shf| = 0.007) due to the energy gain associated with their orientation. Therefore, the (111) crystallographic orientation is a better choice for obtaining easily switching domain. The dielectric response of the domain walls in the (100) and (111) PbZrO3 are identical because they have the same environment (same grain size and similar defects) and interact in the same way. Only the domain wall density is higher in the (111) PbZrO3 due to its lower crystallographic orientation factor. Different crystallographic directions have more obstacles due to the inhomogeneity of the crystallization and consequently has more nucleation site for domain walls.

La région de Tombouctou est l'une des régions du Mali les plus affectées par l'insécurité alimentaire et la malnutrition. C'est dans ce contexte que la présente étude portant sur les facteurs influençant la consommation et la diversité alimentaire des ménages de la région de Tombouctou en février 2018 a été initiée. Il s'agissait d'une analyse secondaire des données de l'Enquête Nationale de Sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition (ENSAN) de février 2018 du Mali pour la région de Tombouctou. La méthodologie de base utilisée était le sondage en grappe à deux degrés. L'analyse des données a été effectuée sur (SPSS) version 21. Des tests de khi-carré de Pearson et de régression logistique ont été réalisés avec un niveau de confiance de 95%. Notre étude avait concerné 113514 ménages à 91% ruraux et 99,2% résidents. La plupart des chefs de ménages (CM) étaient des hommes (85,2%) et mariés (86,1%).Plus de deux quarts des chefs de ménage (40,2%) n'avait aucun niveau d'instruction. Le score de consommation alimentaire (SCA) des ménages était acceptable dans 78,1% et celui de la diversité alimentaire (SDA) dans 75,1%. Seul le statut du ménage et le statut quintile de richesse moyen n'avaient pas de lien statistique avec la consommation alimentaire. La diversité alimentaire n'avait pas de lien statistique avec le quintile de richesse. Notre étude a montré que la consommation alimentaire avait un lien statistique avec toutes les caractéristiques sociodémographiques excepté le statut du ménage et la classe moyenne du quintile de richesse tandis que la diversité alimentaire avait un lien statistique avec toutes les caractéristiques sociodémographiques hors mis le statut du ménage et le quintile de richesse.

Vitamin A status assessment is not straightforward. Retinol isotope dilution (RID) testing requires time for the tracer dose to mix with the total body stores of vitamin A (TBS). Researchers are interested in shortening the time interval between tracer administration and follow-up blood draws, and in re-examining current assumptions about liver mass for calculation of total liver vitamin A reserves (TLR, in µmol/g liver). Schoolchildren (aged 7–12 years; n = 72) were recruited from one school in Burkina Faso. After a baseline blood draw, 1.0 µmol [14,15]-13C2-retinyl acetate was administered to estimate TBS and TLR by retinol isotope dilution with follow-up blood samples at days 7 and 14. Correlations were determined to evaluate if sampling at day 7 could be used to predict TLR compared with day 14. Liver mass was estimated using body surface area and compared with the currently used assumption of liver weight equivalent to 3% of body weight. (This trial was registered at Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR201702001947398). Liver mass calculated using body surface area did not differ from the standard assumption of 3% of body weight and yielded similar TLR values. The children in this study had mean TLR (0.67 ± 0.35 µmol/g) in the adequate range, while serum retinol concentrations (0.92 ± 0.33 µmol/L) predicted 25% vitamin A deficiency. TLR values at seven days were highly correlated with, but significantly different from day 14 ( P < 0.0001, r = 0.85) and needed a correction factor added to the equation to yield equivalency. Blood drawing at day 7, using correction factors in the prediction equation and the current assumption of liver mass as 3% of body weight, can be used to estimate TLR in schoolchildren with adequate vitamin A status in 13 C2-RID applications, but further investigations are needed to verify the seven-day predictive equation. Impact statement Biomarkers of vitamin A status that reflect the gold standard, i.e. liver biopsy, are available but undergoing refinement to increase accessibility in community-based applications. Retinol isotope dilution testing is one such biomarker. Researchers are interested in decreasing the length of time between isotope administration and follow-up blood draws. This study compared a 7-day blood draw with a 14-day sample. With the simple addition of a correction factor to the prediction equation, the values for total body vitamin A stores were similar, but variation increased with increasing liver reserves. The assumption of 3% of body weight as liver weight in school-aged children was also investigated and confirmed as appropriate in the calculation for total liver vitamin A reserves. Simplifying isotope dilution for population evaluation and building capacity for mass spectrometry analyses are important areas of nutrition development to inform public health programs.

Background: Severe acute malnutrition is associated with the high risk of infection and lethality in children 6-59 months at age. The purpose of this study was to determine the infections associated with it in the 6-59 months at the district's 1 URENI. Material and methods: The study was cross-sectional with a comprehensive sample of 156 children aged 6-59 months seen at the URENI of the district I Referral Centre to Bamako in 2013. The anthropometric measurements were carried out for nutritional evaluation. The analysis of the data set was done with SPSS version 17.0 and that of anthropometric data with ENA for SMART version 2011. Multiple logistic regression was achieved with a threshold of p.0.05. The ethical aspects were respects. Results: The 6-12 months (93.10%) were most affected by the slump with OR:1.32 [IC95%:1,14-1.53], p-0.002. Liquid diarrhea with 92.50% (OR:2.29 [IC95%:2,11-2.48], p- 0.003) and skin infection (OR:0.17 [IC95%:0.07-0.44], p- 0.001) were associated with the slump. Children aged 12-59 months had more kwashiorkor (22.45%, OR:0.19 [IC95%:0.05-0.66], p-0.006). Skin infection (43.48%, OR:3.85 [IC95%:1.98-2.51]), gastroenteritis (21.30%, OR:6.22 [IC95%:0.40-2.58], p- 0.008) and liquidian diarrhea (5.66%, OR:0.22 [IC95%:0.06-0.78], p-0.011). Conclusion: The management of severe acute malnutrition with complications requires specialized units for associated infections.

Introduction : L'utilisation des produits locaux est fortement préconisée dans la lutte contre la malnutrition. Le but de cette étude était de contribuer à la valorisation des produits locaux dans la lutte contre la malnutrition aigüe modérée dans la région de Koulikoro. Matériel et Méthodes : Cette étude s'est déroulée du 1er Novembre 2017 au 31 Mars 2018 dans un village du cercle de Koulikoro. Une étude a été conduite auprès de 12 enfants atteints de malnutrition modère vivants dans les villages à proximité du Centre de Sante Communautaire (CSCOM) de Tienfala. Elle était basée sur un test de dégustation et d'appréciation de trois formules de bouillies par ces enfants. Ces formules étaient à base de niébé, maïs, sorgho et de soja. Cette dégustation devrait permettre d'identifier la formule la plus appréciée qui pourrait être utilisée comme aliment pour lutter contre la malnutrition des enfants. Résultats : La prévalence moyenne de la malnutrition aigüe globale était de 1,3%. Les cercles les plus touchés étaient Dioïla, Kolokani, Banamba et Nara avec des prévalences moyennes respectives de 2,2 ; 1,9 ; 1,8 et 1,1%. Trois formules alimentaires de bouillies à base de farines enrichies de produits locaux ont été utilisées. Leurs valeurs énergétiques étaient de 1055,7 kcal ; 1063,9 kcal et 1013,1 kcal. Elles ont été acceptées et appréciées par les enfants lors de la séance de dégustation avec une préférence pour la première formule. Conclusion : La présente étude a consisté à déterminer l'état nutritionnel des enfants de 6-59 mois et proposer des formules d'aliments de haute valeur nutritionnelle à base des produits locaux.

Introduction : La consommation alimentaire est une activité qui engage les individus ainsi que les ménages. La présente étude avait pour objectif d'évaluer les caractéristiques sociodémographiques associées à la consommation alimentaire dans le District de Bamako en février 2016. Matériels et méthodes : Une analyse secondaire des données de d'une enquête nationale de la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle réalisée en février 2016 et a porté sur 1429 ménages du district de Bamako. La régression logistique multinomiale a été utilisée pour le lien entre le profil de consommation alimentaire des ménages avec leurs caractéristiques sociodémographiques. Résultats : Les résultats ont montré que 78,8% des ménages avaient un score de consommation alimentaire acceptable. Le score de consommation alimentaire était statistiquement associé au sexe, à l'âge, à la situation matrimoniale du chef de ménage, au statut de résidence et au quintile de richesse du ménage. L'analyse de la diversité alimentaire montrait que 77,8% des ménages avaient un score de diversité alimentaire (SDA) élevée. Le niveau d'instruction et le statut matrimonial étaient les seules variables qui n'avaient pas de lien statistique avec le SDA. Conclusion : La majorité des ménages avait un SCA acceptable. Cependant il y a lieu de sensibiliser pour des bonnes pratiques d'alimentations.

Objectifs : Déterminer la séroprévalence des infections transmissibles par transfusion de produits sanguin labiles chez les donneurs de sang à l'hôpital Nianankoro Fomba de Ségou. Patients et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive effectuée chez les donneurs de sang de Janvier à Décembre 2016 à l'unité de la banque de sang de l'hôpital Nianankoro Fomba de Ségou. Les tests rapides ont été utilisés pour le dépistage des infections recommandées par l'OMS. Résultats : 3941 donneurs ont été colligés. L'âge moyen était de 31,21± 8,7 ans (Extrêmes : 18-60 ans). Le sex- ratio M/F était de 15,63. Les donneurs familiaux et les nouveaux donneurs de sang prédominaient avec respectivement 91,4% et 81%. La séroprévalence du VIH, de l'hépatite B, de l'hépatite C, et de la syphilis était respectivement de 5,30% ; 11% ; 2,40% et 5,40%. La séroprévalence du VIH, de l'hépatite B, de l'hépatite C et de la Syphilis était plus élevée chez les primo-donneurs de sang avec respectivement ; 4,62%, 9,69%, 2,11% et 4,69%. Conclusions : La séroprévalence du VIH, de l'hépatite B, de l'hépatite C et la syphilis est élevée chez les donneurs familiaux et les primo- donneurs d'où l'importance de fidéliser les donneurs bénévoles de sang

In this study, the dielectric properties of PbZrO3 thin films are studied as a function of the water/acetic acid solvent ratio of the precursor sol–gel solution. By increasing the water ratio from 35/65 to 85/15, the saturation polarization increases from 24.3 to 27.2 µC/cm2 and the antiferroelectric–ferroelectric field transition (EAF) from 528 to 564 kV/cm. When the hydrolysis rate is higher, the antiferroelectric phase is stabilized due to a denser antiferroelectric matrix with lower defects. As the consequence, the energy storage performances are better for a higher hydrolysis rate: the recoverable energy density increases from 6.3 to 10 J/cm3 and the efficiency from 67 to 71%. A higher permittivity and lower dielectric losses confirm also the enhancement of the antiferroelectric matrix when increasing the amount of water in the precursor solution. In order to obtain better energy storage and dielectric properties, it is preferable to have a high ratio water/acetic acid in the precursor sol–gel solution.

In this study, First-Order Reversal Curves (FORC) measurements and impedance spectroscopy coupled to hyperbolic law analysis have been used in order to characterize lead zirconate antiferroelectric thin films elaborated by a sol-gel process. The presence of a weak residual ferroelectric behavior has been shown even if this contribution is not clearly visible on the polarization-electric field loops. Moreover, FORC measurements indicate that the weak ferroelectric phase switch only when the antiferroelectric phase state of the cell is modified. On the other hand, impedance spectroscopy reveals a fairly good distribution of small residual ferroelectric clusters in the material as no coalescence of ferroelectric domains has been observed at low fields. This study aims to show that FORC distribution measurements and impedance spectroscopy coupled to the hyperbolic law analysis are very sensitive and complementary methods for the understanding of the polarization switching dynamics in antiferroelectric materials.

International audience; Enhancement of lead zirconate (PbZrO 3) polarization is achieved by using a titanium seed layer on alumina polycrystalline substrate. Thanks to the reduction of the lattice mismatch between the platinum electrode (3.92 Å) and the PbZrO 3 films (4.14 Å), lead zirconate thin films oriented along the (111) direction with an orientation factor of around 65 % has been obtained. The (111) PbZrO 3 presents an increase of 56 % of the polarization compared to the (100) PbZrO 3. This enhancement is responsible of the higher recoverable energy storage density obtained in the (111) PbZrO 3 thin films (8 J/cm 3 at 600 kV/cm with an efficiency of 72 %). The (111) PbZrO 3 also has a higher figure of merit, which indicates that the (111) crystallographic plane is the most favorable direction for energy storage.

International audience; In antiferroelectric PbZrO 3 thin films, a weak residual ferroelectric phase is often observed on the double hysteresis loop and it is important to know its impact on the dielectric properties. To study this residual phase, a low and homogeneous electric field can be used because antiferroelectric domain walls are not sensitive to homogeneous fields; thus, contributions of ferroelectric domain wall motions to permittivity and dielectric losses can be isolated. In this paper, the hyperbolic law characterization is used on lead zirconate thin films, which present a residual ferroelectric phase. The study shows that domain wall contributions of the ferroelectric phase are small (less than 2% of the total permittivity), but their impacts are very important in the overall dielectric losses (%26%). These losses are, however, lower than those obtained in pure ferroelectric materials due to a residual state composed of well distributed ferroelectric clusters of small size with no interactions between domain walls.

Malaria transmission largely depends on environmental, climatic, and hydrological conditions. In Mali, malaria epidemiological patterns are nested within three ecological zones. This study aimed at assessing the relationship between those conditions and the incidence of malaria in Dangassa and Koila, Mali. Malaria data was collected through passive case detection at community health facilities of each study site from June 2015 to January 2017. Climate and environmental data were obtained over the same time period from the Goddard Earth Sciences (Giovanni) platform and hydrological data from Mali hydraulic services. A generalized additive model was used to determine the lagged time between each principal component analysis derived component and the incidence of malaria cases, and also used to analyze the relationship between malaria and the lagged components in a multivariate approach. Malaria transmission patterns were bimodal at both sites, but peak and lull periods were longer lasting for Koila study site. Temperatures were associated with malaria incidence in both sites. In Dangassa, the wind speed (p = 0.005) and river heights (p = 0.010) contributed to increasing malaria incidence, in contrast to Koila, where it was humidity (p &lt, 0.001) and vegetation (p = 0.004). The relationships between environmental factors and malaria incidence differed between the two settings, implying different malaria dynamics and adjustments in the conception and plan of interventions.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci have emerged as significant pathogens which cause various infections and its multidrug resistance is a major concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene and antibiotic resistance patterns of staphylococci isolated from clinical infections in Abidjan. A total of 35 staphylococci strains was obtained from 35 clinical samples (pus, blood, pleural fluid, sputum, wound, and urine), then, characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to differentiate S. aureus from coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and to detect the presence of PVL genes (LukS). The antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using disk diffusion method and the phenotype of resistance to macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B (MLSB) was detected. Out of 35 strains, 80% (28/35) were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 20% (7/35) were methicillin-resistant CNS (MR-CNS). S. aureus were isolated from 75% of outpatient samples and 84.2% of inpatient samples. However, CNS were isolated from 25% of outpatient samples and 15.8% of inpatient samples. LukS were detected in 68.6% of strains (20 MRSA and 4 MR-CNS) and both inpatients and outpatients. The highest resistance rates were observed for penicillin (100%), cefoxitin (100%), ciprofloxacin (66%), tobramycin (66%), tetracyclin (66%), sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (63%), erythromycin (60%), kanamycin (57%) and gentamicin (54%). In addition, S. aureus strains were subdivided into five antibiotics resistance phenotypes: 57.1% belonged to phenotype 1 (Methicillin-resistant and susceptible to Kanamycin-Tobramycin-Gentamicin) followed by 25% of phenotype 4 (Resistant to Methicillin-Kanamycin-Tobramycin-Gentamicin), 7.1% of phenotype 2 (MR with constitutive MLSB), 7.1% of phenotype 5 (MR and resistant to Kanamycin-Tobramycin-Gentamicin with inducible MLSB) and 3.6% of phenotype 3 (MR with inducible MLSB). CNS strains were grouped in three phenotypes (1, 4 and 5). 100% of LukS positive MRSA were multi-drug resistant, with 45% of strains resistant to 6 or more antibiotics. The high level of multi-drug resistance of clinical PVL positive staphylococci with inducible MLSB, suggest increasing the monitoring of these pathogens in Cote d’Ivoire. Key words: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Panton-Valentine Leukocidin, inducible MLSB, multi-drug resistance.

L'alimentation est influencée par les caractéristiques sociodémographiques et économiques. C'est dans ce contexte que la présente étude d'évaluation de la qualité du régime alimentaire des ménages et les facteurs associés dans la région de Mopti en Février 2016 a été réalisée. Il s'agissait d'une analyse secondaire des données de l'Enquête Nationale de Sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle (ENSAN) de Février 2016 du Mali pour la région de Mopti. La méthodologie de base était le sondage en grappe à deux degrés. L'analyse des données a été effectuée sur (SPSS) version 21.0. Des tests de khi-carré de Pearson et de régression logistique ont été réalisés avec un niveau de confiance de 95%. Notre étude avait concerné 148176 ménages à 91% ruraux et 99,2% de résidents. Les chefs de ménages (CM) étaient très majoritairement des hommes (93,5%), mariés (93,9%). Près de 46% des hommes CM étaient sans instruction contre 76% de femmes. Le score de consommation alimentaire (SCA) des ménages était acceptable dans 67% et un score de diversité alimentaire (SDA) de 95,9%.Le régime quotidien était composé de céréales, légumes, huiles et sucres. Les ménages à diversité faible consommaient les céréales et huiles. Ceux à diversité moyenne consommaient en plus des légumes et du sucre. Ceux à diversité élevée consommaient en plus, des légumineuses, viandes/abats et lait. Le SCA et le SDA étaient statiquement liés (p=0,000) au niveau socioéconomique, au milieu de résidence, au niveau d'instruction, au statut matrimonial et l'âge du chef de ménage. Le SCA était lié au statut du ménage et au sexe du CM. Le régime était monotone dans l'ensemble de la région, d'où l'intérêt de renforcer la sensibilisation des ménages à une diversification de la consommation alimentaire.

La sécurité alimentaire des ménages s'est posé de plus en plus avec acuité dans le monde et au Mali en particulier surtout dans certaines régions. La présente étude compare le profil de sécurité alimentaire des ménages des régions de Gao et Sikasso. Il s'agissait d'une étude comparative à partir des données d'une enquête transversale par sondage stratifié en grappe à deux degrés a été réalisée en février 2016 en période de post-récolte dans les régions de Gao et Sikasso par le Système d'Alerte Précoce (SAP) du Mali. Les tests de Chi² de Pearson et d'Anova ont été utilisés pour la comparaison des proportions et des moyennes avec un niveau de confiance de 95% et de signification p value de 0,05. À Gao, 12,3% des ménages avaient un score de consommation alimentaire pauvre contre 9,8% à Sikasso. Le score de diversité alimentaire des ménages était plus élevé à Sikasso (89,7%) qu'à Gao (85,6%). L'insécurité alimentaire affectait plus les ménages pauvres à Gao avec 31,5% contre 28,4% à Sikasso. L'insécurité alimentaire prédominait dans les ménages dirigés par des femmes avec 57,2% à Gao et 43,6% à Sikasso et affectait plus les chefs de ménages sans niveau d'instruction avec 53,3% à Gao contre 21,6% à Sikasso. La sécurité alimentaire des ménages par contre était assurée beaucoup plus à Sikasso (33,1%) qu'à Gao (3,8%) avec un niveau d'insécurité alimentaire sévère trois fois plus élevé à Gao (6,3%) qu'à Sikasso (2,2%). L'insécurité alimentaire a touché principalement la région de Gao en particulier les ménages pauvres et les ménages dirigés par des femmes ou des personnes sans niveau d'instruction d'où l'intérêt de mettre en place des stratégies prioritairement dirigées vers ses groupes vulnérables.

Les diarrhées demeurent un véritable problème de santé publique par qu'elles constituent la deuxième cause de mortalité des moins de 5 ans. En milieu tropical, des études montrent plusieurs facteurs concourent à la fréquence et à la gravité des diarrhées. C'est dans un tel contexte que la présente étude des facteurs favorisants les maladies diarrhéiques chez les enfants de 0 à 5 ans en commune II du district de Bamako a été réalisée. Matériels et méthodes : Une étude transversale par sondage en grappe ayant concerné 200 mères d'enfant de 0-5 ans, de novembre 2015 à octobre 2016. Le test de Chi² de Pearson a été utilisé pour avec un niveau de confiance de 95%. Résultats: Les femmes mariées représentaient 85,5% de notre échantillon dont 47% n'avaient reçu aucune instruction. Parmi les mères interrogées, 17% de leurs enfants avaient présenté au moins un épisode de diarrhée dans les deux semaines ayant précédé l'enquête. Presque toutes les mères (94%) se lavaient les mains avant d'alimenter leurs enfants et 13% ne le fait pas après le nettoyage des enfants. Concernant la propreté de la concession, elle était mauvaise dans 23,5%. La majorité des mères (51%) ne connaissait pas la signification de la diarrhée, 43% les moyens de sa transmission et 28% avait une pratique inadéquate de la prise en charge de la diarrhée. Certains facteurs favoriseraient la survenue de la diarrhée comme les mauvaises pratiques d'hygiène, la mauvaise connaissance du sujet et l'alimentation inappropriée. Conclusion : Notre étude a montré que la diarrhée était une maladie des mains sales, d'où l'intérêt de renforcer la sensibilisation des mères pour de meilleures pratiques en faveur du changement des comportements.

Vitamin A status assessment is not straightforward. Retinol isotope dilution (RID) testing requires time for the tracer dose to mix with the total body stores of vitamin A (TBS). Researchers are interested in shortening the time interval between tracer administration and follow-up blood draws, and in re-examining current assumptions about liver mass for calculation of total liver vitamin A reserves (TLR, in µmol/g liver). Schoolchildren (aged 7–12 years; n = 72) were recruited from one school in Burkina Faso. After a baseline blood draw, 1.0 µmol [14,15]-(13)C(2)-retinyl acetate was administered to estimate TBS and TLR by retinol isotope dilution with follow-up blood samples at days 7 and 14. Correlations were determined to evaluate if sampling at day 7 could be used to predict TLR compared with day 14. Liver mass was estimated using body surface area and compared with the currently used assumption of liver weight equivalent to 3% of body weight. (This trial was registered at Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR201702001947398). Liver mass calculated using body surface area did not differ from the standard assumption of 3% of body weight and yielded similar TLR values. The children in this study had mean TLR (0.67 ± 0.35 µmol/g) in the adequate range, while serum retinol concentrations (0.92 ± 0.33 µmol/L) predicted 25% vitamin A deficiency. TLR values at seven days were highly correlated with, but significantly different from day 14 (P

We describe a simple method to validate data collected from a study using the deuterium oxide dose-to-the-mother technique for breastfeeding evaluation. We used human milk intake calculation spreadsheets (n=180). The calculation was performed by fitting the deuterium enrichment data to a model for water turnover in the mother and in the baby. We assumed that the validity of the results is as high as the square root mean square error (SRMSE) between calculated and fitted data is low. Based on the original spreadsheets that fitted well with the model (n=87), we developed a simple prediction of the SRMSE and we used it as cut-off to check, correct (by removing enrichment data) and validate or remove the other spreadsheets. We found a cut-off dependent on the measured enrichment (E_m) that was. And the mean SRMSE (90%CI) of the fitted sheets was 23.37 mg.kg-1 (22.01 mg.kg-1, 24.73 mg.kg-1) with a maximum of 38.96 mg.kg-1. After correction we noticed that the number of enrichments removed per file varied from 1 to 4. We observed within the corrected spreadsheets a significant reduction (p≤0.0001, n=53) of the SRMSE (90%CI) from 49.78 mg.kg-1 (46.35 mg.kg-1, 53.20mg.kg-1) before correction to 25.88 mg.kg-1 (24.13 mg.kg-1, 27.64 mg.kg-1) after correction. We also observed that after correction, the mean difference (90%CI) of HM respectively non-HM that was 29.34 mg.kg-1 (21.71 mg.kg-1, 36.97 mg.kg-1) respectively 24.13 mg.kg-1 (17.4 mg.kg-1, 30.79 mg.kg-1) was strongly (p≤0.0001, n=53) different from zero. Therefore, the correction is very important to optimizing the results. Keywords:Breastfeeding; Deuterium; Excel spreadsheet; Square root mean square error; Validation

Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), the causative agent of Buruli ulcer (BU), skin disease, is considered to be an environmental pathogen. The pathogenic virulence of MU is being linked to the expression of toxin called Mycolactone. Genetic analyses have shown the high diversity with variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU) in M. ulcerans and in mycolactone producing Mycobacteria (MPMs). The purpose of this study is the molecular characterization of potentially pathogenic environmental mycobacteria strain, apart from the M. ulcerans, from aquatic environments in Cote d’Ivoire. A total of 473 samples were collected comprising of 251 water and 222 sediment based on sampling sites. The sediments were the most contaminated by mycobacteria with 60% as against 43.3% in water samples from the hyper endemic areas. In hypo-endemic areas, water was the most contaminated with 53.57% against 43.24% in sediment. Microscopy by Ziehl-Neelsen-staining, and PCR diagnostics using IS2404 and KR were performed on strains. 20% fast growing isolated mycobacteria species including Mycobacterium mucogenicum, Mycobacterium peregrinum and Mycobacterium sp. was found carrying the IS2404 gene previously found in M. ulcerans. 9.23% of strains carry the ketoreductase (KR) genes, one of the synthesis of mycolactone enzymes. In terms of genetic analysis using the MIRU/VNTR, the MIRU 1 was the most amplified sequence, and LOCUS 6 less amplified; no known profile have been identified in this study. This study is the first step taken in order to understand different skin infections encountered in Cote d’Ivoire. Key words: Mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR; ketoreductase, LOCUS 6, IS2404, Mycobacteria, Buruli ulcer.

Improved methods for the detection and characterization of carried Neisseria meningitidis isolates are needed. We evaluated a multiplex PCR algorithm for the detection of a variety of carriage strains in the meningitis belt. To further improve the sensitivity and specificity of the existing PCR assays, primers for gel-based PCR assays (sodC, H, Z) and primers/probe for real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays (porA, cnl, sodC, H, E, Z) were modified or created using Primer Express software. Optimized multiplex PCR assays were tested on 247 well-characterised carriage isolates from six countries of the African meningitis belt. The PCR algorithm developed enabled the detection of N. meningitidis species using gel-based and real-time multiplex PCR targeting porA, sodC, cnl and characterization of capsule genes through sequential multiplex PCR assays for genogroups (A, W, X, then B, C, Y and finally H, E and Z). Targeting both porA and sodC genes together allowed the detection of meningococci with a sensitivity of 96% and 89% and a specificity of 78% and 67%, for qPCR and gel-based PCR respectively. The sensitivity and specificity ranges for capsular genogrouping of N. meningitidis are 67% - 100% and 98%-100% respectively for gel-based PCR and 90%-100% and 99%-100% for qPCR. We developed a PCR algorithm that allows simple, rapid and systematic detection and characterisation of most major and minor N. meningitidis capsular groups, including uncommon capsular groups (H, E, Z).

Benign tumors are frequently encountered pathologies on the oral mucosa. They comprise a number of different lesions, including fibrous epulis. Its diagnosis is only possible by histological examination. We are presenting the case of a patient who consulted for an externalized maxillary swelling. Clinical examination showed an oval, painless swelling of solid consistency, independent of the alveolar bone, covered by a fibrous grayish membrane, prolonging the gingival fibro-mucosa at the vestibular level. The treatment was surgical excision of the tumor. Histological examination concluded that there was a lack of cytonuclear atypia and retained the diagnosis suggesting atypical fibrous epulis. We reviewed the clinical data, diagnosis and treatment of this type of tumor.Les tumeurs bénignes sont des pathologies fréquemment rencontrées au niveau de la muqueuse buccale. Elles regroupent un ensemble de lésions dont l'épulis fibreuse. Le diagnostic positif de cette dernière n'est confirmé que par l'examen histologique.Nous rapportons le cas d'un patient ayant consulté pour une tuméfaction maxillaire extériorisée. L'examen clinique a permis de trouver une tuméfaction de forme ovalaire, indolore, de consistance ferme n'intéressant pas l'os alvéolaire, recouverte par une membrane grisâtre d'aspect fibreux, prolongeant la fibro-muqueuse gingivale au niveau vestibulaire. Le traitement réalisé fut l'exérèse chirurgicale de la tumeur. L'examen histologique a conclu en une absence d'atypie cytonucléaire et a retenu le diagnostic d'épulis fibreuse remaniée. Nous avons passé en revue les données cliniques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques de ce type de tumeur.