Metabolic syndrome does not affect sustained virologic response of direct-acting antivirals while hepatitis C clearance improves hemoglobin A1c.

AimTo determine whether successful treatment with directacting antivirals (DAA) is associated with improvements in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and if type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or metabolic syndrome affects sustained virologic response (SVR).MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of all hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System treated with varying DAA therapy between 2014-2016. Separate multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of HbA1c decrease ≥ 0.5 after DAA treatment and predictors of SVR 12-wk post treatment (SVR12).ResultsA total of 1068 patients were treated with DAA therapy between 2014-2016. The presence of T2DM or metabolic syndrome did not adversely affect SVR12. 106 patients had both HCV and T2DM. Within that cohort, patients who achieved SVR12 had lower mean HbA1c pre treatment (7.35 vs 8.60, P = 0.02), and lower mean HbA1c post-treatment compared to non-responders (6.55 vs 8.61, P = 0.01). The mean reduction in HbA1c after treatment was greater for those who achieved SVR12 than for non-responders (0.79 vs 0.01, P = 0.03). In adjusted models, patients that achieved SVR12 were more likely to have a HbA1c decrease of ≥ 0.5 than those that did not achieve SVR12 (adjusted OR = 7.24, 95%CI: 1.22-42.94).ConclusionIn HCV patients with T2DM, successful treatment with DAA was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c suggesting that DAA may have a role in improving insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the presence of T2DM or metabolic syndrome does not adversely affect SVR12 rates in patients treated with DAA

Pression d’inoculum de la maladie des raies noires (MRN) causée par Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet, dans les plantations industrielles de bananiers, en Côte d’ivoire

The Black Leaf Streak Disease (BLSD) is one of main parasitic constraints of the agro-industrial plantations of banana in the world. Caused by a fungus ascomycete (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet), the losses of yield are up to 50 %, without of resistant cultivars and effective management. This study relative to the level of the disease has been conducted in 12 industrial plantation in 6 production area: Aboisso, Grand- Bassam, Dabou, Agboville, Azaguié and Tiassalé; for a total surface of 2576 ha. The observations concerned the ranks of Youngest Leaf Spotted (YLS), of the Youngest Leaf Necrosed (YLN), the Number of Standing Leaves (NSL) and the gap between the Youngest Leaf Spotted and the Number of Standing Leaves. The results showed that chronic re-infestation of industrial plantation during the last five years, except CDBCI Tiassalé-Songon in 2011 and 2012. An acceptable level of re-infestation was observed in 2012 on other plantations, with the rank of YLS greater than or equal to 3, except BATIA Tiassalé and CDBCI Azaguié. The internal inoculum pressure (YLS) varied a lot from one plantation to another and from one year to another. Except plantation SBMK Aboisso and BATIA Tiassalé, other plantations had at least one value of the rank of the top YLS or equal to 8, during the study indicating a relatively low severity of the BLSD. From 2009 to 2012, all plantations have shown over 8 standing leaves, the minimum required for proper filling of the bunch of banana regime at the time of flowering

Prosthodontic perspective of laser application: A review

Background: A laser works primarily through stimulated emission which is responsible for the biological effects produced by the lasers. With the development of the ruby laser by Maiman in 1960, various studies on applications of lasers in dentistry have been conducted. Various wavelengths of dental lasers have been discovered so far but not all of them are used in prosthetic rehabilitation. Advent of diff erent laser systems has a considerable spectrum of applications in removable prosthodontics and fixed prosthodontics. Aim: When compared to traditional methods, laser treatments are less invasive and painful. Various studies have documented the capacity of laser wavelength and laser parameters used in prosthetic dentistry. Moreover, it is important to study the diff erent reactions; they can produce on the soft and hard tissues. Therefore, proper knowledge of properties of lasers and its mode of action are also important for its advantageous use. The aim of this article is to debrief the application of lasers in a prosthodontic perspective. Conclusion: The knowledge and ideas of pioneers in the field of laser are being developed and expanded into clinical practice that can enhance the quality of dental care and make the patient comfortable. The unique features and vast potential of dental lasers allow the overall success rate of any procedures. Thus, lasers have become an inexorable clinical tool in a dental armamentarium. Despite the benefits, laser energy also poses some risks. Hence, the clinician must understand the principles of lasers to take full advantage of its benefits and to provide safe and effective treatment. Clinical Significance: Recently, computer-aided design and rapid prototyping technology, surface treatment of base metal alloys, and study of occlusion in complete dentures using three-dimensional laser scanner have been developed. Thus, laser seems to be very helpful in reducing the complexity and thus provides a better platform and easier accomplishment of the task

Diversité et sélection participative de variétés locales productives de banane plantain de Côte d’Ivoire

Objectif: Parmi les principales cultures vivrières qui contribuent à la sécurité alimentaire en Côte d’Ivoire, la banane plantain occupe une place de choix. Cependant, la production reste toujours faible à cause de l’utilisation de variétés traditionnelles à faible rendement et aux mauvaises pratiques agricoles appliquées par les producteurs. Cette étude se propose d’identifier des variétés locales performantes pour accroire les rendementsMéthodologie et résultats: Pour apporter une solution à ces problèmes, plusieurs variétés locales de banane plantain ont été collectées dans les zones de production de bananiers en Côte d’Ivoire. Une diversité élevée de variétés de banane plantain a été observée à l’Est du pays. L’évaluation agronomique en station de recherche a permis de sélectionner de nombreux génotypes qui présentent des potentialités agronomiques intéressantes (haut rendement, tolérance aux maladies, précocité, etc.). Parmi ces variétés, 10 ont fait l’objet d’une sélection participative dans deux zones agro-écologiques différentes de la Côte d’Ivoire. Les résultats de cette évaluation ont permis de sélectionner 6 (CNRA-PLA-3, CNRA-PLA-4, CNRA-PLA-15, CNRA-PLA-7, CNRA-PLA-18 et CNRA-PLA-9) parmi les 10 variétés par les producteurs eux-mêmes. Ces variétés ont été choisies par les producteurs sur la base de leur rendement élevé, leur précocité et leur tolérance à la cercosporiose noire.Conclusion et application des résultats: La présente étude a permis de mettre en évidence 6 variétés locales productives de banane plantain à la suite d’une sélection participative. Ces variétés peuvent être conseillées aux producteurs pour accroître ainsi les productions afin d’assurer la sécurité alimentaire des populations.Mots clés: Banane plantain, rendement, tolérance, sélection participative, Côte d’IvoireEnglish AbstractEnglish Title: Diversity and participatory selection of high-yielding local plantain varieties in Côte d’IvoireObjective: Among the main food crops that contribute to food security in Côte d’Ivoire, plantain occupies a place of choice. However, the production is still low due to the use of traditional varieties with low yield and poor agricultural practices applied by the producers. This study aims to identify performant local plantain varieties to increase the yield.Methods and Results: To provide a solution to these problems, several local varieties of plantain have been collected in plantains production areas in Côte d’Ivoire. A high diversity of plantain varieties has been observed in the east of the country. The agronomic evaluation in research station allowed to select many genotypes with interesting agronomic potential (high yield, tolerance to diseases, precocity, etc.). Among these varieties, 10 were used for participatory selection in two different agro-ecological areas in Côte d’Ivoire. The results of this evaluation allowed the producers to select 6 (CNRA-PLA-3, CNRA-PLA-4, CNRA-PLA-15, CNRA-PLA-7, CNRA-PLA-18 and CNRA-PLA-9) among the 10 varieties. These varieties have been chosen by the producers on the basis of their high yield, their precocity and their tolerance to black sigatoka.Conclusion and application of results: The present study permitted to identify 6 performant local plantain varieties during a participatory selection. The varieties may be recommended to the producers in order to increase the productions and ensure the food security of the population.Keywords: Plantain, yield, tolerance, participatory selection, Cote d'Ivoir

Incidence de la densité de plantation sur la croissance et le rendement du bananier plantain en Côte d’Ivoire : cas de deux hybrides (PITA 3 et FHIA 21) et deux variétés locales (Corne 1 et Orishele)

La présente étude a été entreprise pour déterminer la densité de plantation susceptible de permettre un rendement optimum des variétés (Corne 1 et Orishele) et des hybrides (PITA 3 et FHIA 21). L’effet de trois densités de plantation (1667 ; 2000 et 2500 plants.ha-1), a été testé dans un dispositif expérimental de blocs complets randomisés à quatre répétitions. Les paramètres de croissance et de développement observés, ont été peu affectés par la densité de plantation. Le cycle de production des bananiers Corne 1 a été allongé de 9 jours avec l’augmentation de la densité. Concernant les caractéristiques des doigts, aucun effet significatif n’a été observé. Le plus grand poids moyen des régimes, 8,1 et 11,3 kg pour Corne1 et Orishele et 16 kg pour les hybrides, a été obtenu à la densité de 1667 plants.ha-1. Le plus haut rendement, Corne 1 (19,2 t.ha-1), Orishele (23,2 t.ha-1), PITA 3 (35,6 t.ha-1) et FHIA 21 (38,1 t.ha-1), a été obtenu à la densité de 2500 plants.ha-1. La densité de 2500 plants. ha-1 pourrait donc être recommandée pour accroître la productivité des variétés et des hybrides étudiés dans les conditions de l’essai.Mots clés: bananier plantain, densité de plantation, croissance, rendement, Côte d’IvoireEnglish Title:  Effect of planting density on growth and yield of plantain in Côte d’Ivoire : case of two hybrids (PITA 3 and FHIA 21) and two local varieties (Corne 1 and Orishele)English AbstractThe present study was under taken to determine the planting density may allow optimum performance of varieties (Corne 1 and Orishele) and hybrids (PITA 3 and FHIA 21). The effect of three planting densities (1667, 2000 and 2500 plants.ha-1), was tested in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Observed growth and development parameters were little affected by planting density. The crop cycle has been lengthened significantly 9 days, in plantain Corne 1, planted at adensity of 2500 plants.ha-1 compared to the density 1667 plants.ha-1. On characteristics of the fingers, no significant effect was observed. The highest bunch weight, 8.1 and 11.3 kg with Corne 1 and Orishele, and 16 kg with the hybrids, was obtained at lower density.The highest yield was obtained at a density of 2500 plants.ha-1.19.2 and 23.2 t.ha-1 were obtained with Corne 1 and Orishele ; 35.6 and 38.1 t.ha-1 with PITA 3 et FHIA 21. The density of 2500 plants.ha-1 could be recommended to increase the productivity of varieties and hybrids studied under the conditions of the test.Keywords: plantain, planting density, growth, yield, Côte d’Ivoir

A Fuzzy Simulation Model for Military Vehicle Mobility Assessment

There has been increasing interest in improving the mobility of ground vehicles. The interest is greater in predicting the mobility for military vehicles. In this paper, authors review various definitions of mobility. Based on this review, a new definition of mobility called fuzzy mobility is given. An algorithm for fuzzy mobility assessment is described with the help of fuzzy rules. The simulation is carried out and its implementation, testing, and validation strategies are discussed

Promising high-yielding tetraploid plantain-bred hybrids in west Africa

Open Access Journal; Published online: 21 April 2019The devastating threat of black leaf streak disease caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis on plantain production in West Africa spurred the development of resistant hybrids. The goal of this research and development (R&D) undertaken was assessing the development and dissemination of two plantain hybrids PITA 3 and FHIA 21 bred in the 1980s by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA, Nigeria) and the Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA, Honduras), respectively. In Côte d’Ivoire, plantain growers selected PITA 3 and FHIA 21 based on their improved agronomic characteristics and, between 2012 and 2016, they were massively propagated and distributed to farmers in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo under the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAAP) coordinated by the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF). In 2016, the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique in Côte d’Ivoire included the hybrids in the improved cultivar directory. This R&D activity illustrates how three decades of crossbreeding, selection, and distribution led to local acceptance. It also highlights how a CORAF-led partnership harnessed CGIAR research for development. The dissemination and acceptance of these plantain hybrids will enhance the sustainable intensification in plantain-based farming systems across the humid lowlands of West and Central Africa

Worldwide Effects of Coronavirus Disease Pandemic on Tuberculosis Services, January-April 2020

Coronavirus disease has disrupted tuberculosis services globally. Data from 33 centers in 16 countries on 5 continents showed that attendance at tuberculosis centers was lower during the first 4 months of the pandemic in 2020 than for the same period in 2019. Resources are needed to ensure tuberculosis care continuity during the pandemic

Impact of exposure to patients with COVID-19 on residents and fellows: An international survey of 1420 trainees

Objectives To determine how self-reported level of exposure to patients with novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) affected the perceived safety, training and well-being of residents and fellows. Methods We administered an anonymous, voluntary, web-based survey to a convenience sample of trainees worldwide. The survey was distributed by email and social media posts from April 20th to May 11th, 2020. Respondents were asked to estimate the number of patients with COVID-19 they cared for in March and April 2020 (0, 1-30, 31-60, >60). Survey questions addressed (1) safety and access to personal protective equipment (PPE), (2) training and professional development and (3) well-being and burnout. Results Surveys were completed by 1420 trainees (73% residents, 27% fellows), most commonly from the USA (n=670), China (n=150), Saudi Arabia (n=76) and Taiwan (n=75). Trainees who cared for a greater number of patients with COVID-19 were more likely to report limited access to PPE and COVID-19 testing and more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Compared with trainees who did not take care of patients with COVID-19, those who took care of 1-30 patients (adjusted OR [AOR] 1.80, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.51), 31-60 patients (AOR 3.30, 95% CI 1.86 to 5.88) and >60 patients (AOR 4.03, 95% CI 2.12 to 7.63) were increasingly more likely to report burnout. Trainees were very concerned about the negative effects on training opportunities and professional development irrespective of the number of patients with COVID-19 they cared for. Conclusion Exposure to patients with COVID-19 is significantly associated with higher burnout rates in physician trainees