Conjugate Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines for sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: People affected with sickle cell disease are at high risk of infection from Haemophilus influenzae type b. Before the implementation of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccination in high-income countries, this was responsible for a high mortality rate in children under five years of age. In African countries, where coverage of this vaccination is still extremely low, Haemophilus influenzae type b remains one of the most common cause of bacteraemias in children with sickle cell disease. The increased uptake of this conjugate vaccination may substantially improve the survival of children with sickle cell disease. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine whether Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines reduce mortality and morbidity in children and adults with sickle cell disease.The secondary objectives were to assess the following in children and adults with sickle cell disease: the immunogenicity of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines; the safety of these vaccines; and any variation in effect according to type of vaccine, mode of administration (separately or in combination with other vaccines), number of doses, and age at first dose. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group\u27s Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also contacted relevant pharmaceutical companies to identify unpublished trials.Date of last search: 23 November 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines with placebo or no treatment, or comparing different types of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines in people with sickle cell disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No trials of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines in people with sickle cell disease were found. MAIN RESULTS: There is an absence of evidence from randomised controlled trials relating to the subject of this review. AUTHORS\u27 CONCLUSIONS: There has been a dramatic decrease in the incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections observed in the post-vaccination era in people with sickle cell disease living in high-income countries. Therefore, despite the absence of evidence from randomised controlled trials, it is expected that Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines may be useful in children affected with sickle cell disease, especially in African countries where there is a high prevalence of the disease. The implementation of childhood immunisation schedules, including universal Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccination, may substantially improve the survival of children with sickle cell disease living in low-income countries. We currently lack data to evaluate the potential effect of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination among unvaccinated adults with sickle cell disease. Further research should assess the optimal Hib immunisation schedule in children and adults with sickle cell disease

Techno-economic Analysis of a Wind-Diesel Hybrid Power System in the South Algeria

The electrical energy is often produced with the help of diesel generators in isolated areas in the Saharan region. While the latter requiring relatively little investment because is generally expensive to exploit due to the transportation to remote areas adds extra cost, significant fuel consumption and relatively high maintenance cost, etc. Moreover, the electricity production by the diesel is ineffective, presents significant environmental risks. But these isolated areas have significant wind energy potential; which is good position for the exploitation of clean and sustainable wind energy. The use of wind-diesel power system is widely recommended especially to reduce fuel consumption and in this way to reduce system operating costs and environmental impact. The subject of this paper is to present the techno-economic analysis of a wind-diesel hybrid power system. In this context, the contribution envisaged with this research is to collaborate on the optimal design of a hybrid power system including a wind turbine generator, a diesel generator and an energy storage system for powering a continuous way an isolated site in the South Algerian installed power of 120 kW.This system has a high control strategy for the management of different power sources (wind, diesel, battery) that depending to weather conditions, especially wind speed values and the power demanded by the consumer load

Chemical analysis of the essential oils of three cistus species growing in North-West of Algeria

The study reports for the first time the chemical composition and the antibacterial activity of the essential oil hydrodistilled from three Cistaceae growing in Algeria: Cistus ladaniferus L., C. albidus L. and C. monspeliensis L. The oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. The major components of C. ladaniferus were 5-epi-7-epi-α-eudesmol (13.6%) and borneol (12.5%) whereas for C. albidus the main constituents were epi-α-bisabolol (11.4%) and β-bourbonene (8.7%). Epi-13-manoyl oxide (28.6%), kaur-16-ene (8.1%) and nonanal (5.4%) were the principal ones for C. monspeliensis. In vitro, antimicrobial activity of the oils was investigated against nine microorganisms by disk diffusion and agar dilution assays. The Gram-positive bacteria resulted sensitive to the three oils, especially Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The volatiles of C. monspeliensis showed the best activity compared with other oils, comparable to or better than Gentamicin, a conventional antibiotic used as positive control in this study. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of the oil was 0.25μg/L

The 6th international conference on envenomation by snakebites and scorpion stings in Africa : a crucial step for the management of envenomation

During the 6th International Conference on Envenomation by Snakebites and Scorpion Stings in Africa held in Abidjan, from 1 to 5 June 2015, the measures for the management of envenomation were discussed and new recommendations were adopted by the participants. The high incidence and severity of this affliction were confirmed by several studies conducted in African countries. The poor availability of antivenom, particularly because of the cost, was also highlighted. Some experiences have been reported, mainly those regarding the financial support of antivenom in Burkina Faso (more than 90 %) and Togo (up to 60 %) or the mandatory reporting of cases in Cameroon. Key recommendations concerned: improvement of epidemiological information based on case collection; training of health workers in the management of envenomation; policy to promote the use of effective and safe antivenom; and antivenom funding by sharing its costs with stakeholders in order to improve antivenom accessibility for low-income patients

Examen de l’aptitude à la reproduction chez le bélier et le bouc

Male breeding soundness examination (BSE) is an important component of sheep and goat farming. BSE is best performed 2 months before the breeding season and is based on clinical and physical examination as well as sperm abnormalities detection. Rams are classified based on physical examination and semen evaluation finding in one of 4 categories: Unsatisfactory, questionable, satisfactory, and excellent. The satisfactory rams will achieve good reproductive performance if joined to ewes at a ratio of 1:50 for 60 days. However exceptional rams are expected to achieve good reproductive performance at a ratio of 1 ram to 100 ewes. For Buck, scrotal circumference should be at least 25 cm for breeds weighing more than 40 kg. Buck is deemed satisfactory breeder if he passes the physical examination, and has an ejaculate with at least 50 % progressively motile spermatozoa and less than 30 % total sperm abnormalities. This paper reviews factors affecting fertility, sperm production and quality as well as libido and mating ability in the ram. Details of genital examination and semen evaluation and interpretation of results are discussed. Classification of rams according to their reproductive potential is presented. Specific recommendations, when available for the buck, are highlighted. The main genital diseases are presented. The most frequent culling reason for ram is epididymitis due to Brucella ovis. Systematic culling of rams with epididymitis improves flock lambing rates by 10 to 15 %. Overall, the examination of the reproductive capacity in the ram and the buck is an important tool for improvement of flocks/herds fertility and prevention of contagious or hereditary diseases. Keywords: Genital diseases, fertility, sheep, goat.L’examen de l’aptitude à la reproduction (EAR) du mâle est une composante importante de l’élevage des petits ruminants. L’EAR est mieux réalisée 2 mois avant la saison de reproduction. Il est basé sur l’examen clinique et physique ainsi que sur la détection des anomalies des spermatozoïdes. En considérant les résultats de cet examen, les béliers sont classés en 4 catégories: Insatisfaisant, douteux, satisfaisant et excellent. Les béliers satisfaisants permettront d’obtenir de bonnes performances de reproduction s’ils sont mis pendant 60 jours pour saillir des brebis au ratio de 1:50. Cependant, des béliers exceptionnels peuvent réaliser une bonne performance reproductive au ratio de 1 bélier pour 100 brebis. Chez le bouc, la circonférence scrotale doit être d’au moins 25 cm pour les races pesant plus de 40 kg. Il est considéré comme satisfaisant s’il passe l’examen physique et produit un éjaculat avec au moins 50 % de spermatozoïdes progressivement mobiles et moins de 30 % d’anomalies totales des spermatozoïdes. Cet article examine les facteurs affectant la fertilité, la production et la qualité du sperme ainsi que la libido et la capacité de saillie chez le bélier. Les détails de l’examen de l’appareil génital et du sperme et l’interprétation des résultats sont traités. La classification des béliers selon leur potentiel de reproduction est présentée. Des recommandations spécifiques, lorsqu’elles sont disponibles pour le bouc, sont mises en évidence. Les principales maladies génitales sont traitées. La cause de réforme la plus fréquente chez le bélier est l’épididymite à Brucella ovis. La réforme systématique des béliers à épididymite améliore les taux d’agnelage des troupeaux de 10 à 15 %. Globalement, l’examen de l’aptitude de reproduction chez le bélier et le bouc est un outil important pour l’amélioration de la fertilité des troupeaux et la prévention des maladies contagieuses ou héréditaires. Mots-clés: Reproduction, maladies génitales, fertilité, bélier, bou

Anatomie et examen échographique des organes génitaux chez le bélier et le bouc

Breeding soundness examination (BSE) of rams and bucks is performed by veterinarians as a service for producers to help identify males that may not be capable of settling females early in the breeding season and sire offspring with the genetic potential for rapid and efficient growth. In the routine BSE, palpation of the testis cannot assess with accuracy testicular parenchyma and presence of small lesions. Ultrasonography and testicular biometric parameters are a better approach for evaluation of the testes. In addition, testicular ultrasonography can be a important tool for the evaluation of scrotal circumference and testicular volume and prediction of fertility potential. To provide a basis for this BSE, this paper presents a detailed overview of the anatomy of ram and buck reproductive system and outlines the basis for ultrasonographic examination of the genital tract. Common and uncommon ultrasonographically visible lesions of the scrotum and its content including abnormalities of the various testicular envelops, the spermatic cord, the testicular parenchyma, the epididymis and the internal genitalia are described and illustrated. Keywords: Ram, buck, breeding soundness examination, genital tract, anatomy, ultrasonography.L’examen de l’aptitude à la reproduction (EAR) des géniteurs réalisé par les vétérinaires permet d’identifier dès le début de la saison de reproduction, les mâles qui seraient capables de fertiliser des femelles. Ces mâles sont supposés garantir la production de descendants porteurs d’un potentiel génétique qui assure une croissance rapide et efficace. Lors de la réalisation d’un EAR de routine, la palpation du testicule ne permet pas d’évaluer avec précision l’état du parenchyme testiculaire et de détecter la présence de petites lésions. L’échographie et la détermination des paramètres biométriques testiculaires constituent une meilleure approche pour l’évaluation de l’état sanitaire des testicules. En outre, l’échographie testiculaire peut être un outil précieux pour l’évaluation de la circonférence scrotale et du volume testiculaire et pour la prédiction du potentiel de fertilité. Le présent article présente en détail l’anatomie du système reproducteur du bélier et du bouc, et décrit ensuite les bases de l’examen échographique du tractus génital. Les lésions échographiquement visibles du scrotum et son contenu, y compris les anomalies des différentes enveloppes testiculaires, le cordon spermatique, le parenchyme testiculaire, l’épididyme et les organes génitaux internes y sont détaillées et illustrées. Mots-clés: Bélier, bouc, examen de reproduction, tractus génital, anatomie, échographie

Entrepreneurial intention among rural youth in Moroccan Agricultural Cooperatives: the future of rural entrepreneurship

Open Access Journal; Published online: 18 Aug 2021Rural entrepreneurship in the developing world has long been hailed as a powerful tool for promoting the socioeconomic integration of young people and the key to avoiding rural depopulation as well as ensuring these areas remain attractive places for rural youth. However, there have been no efforts to investigate the role of collective entrepreneurship in the creation and management of new businesses in Morocco. Furthermore, we build on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate and explain entrepreneurial intention among the rural youth members of agricultural cooperatives, and identify the vulnerabilities and factors that influence the choice or decision-making between permanent membership at the cooperative and an entrepreneurial career. In this case, we apply the cognitive approach to survey rural youth in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morocco in 2020. The binary logistic regression analysis technique has been used and applied to build the best model to explain why some rural youth members of the cooperative, but not others, choose to become entrepreneurs. We model how agricultural cooperatives may favor or inhibit the translation of entrepreneurial intention into new venture creation. A random sample size of 130 young people has been selected, from which 54 are intending to start a business and 76 have a negative intention of self-employment. The results of the analysis showed that socio-demographic variables, individual perceptions, previous experience, and the activities of the cooperative were statistically significant and reliable in building the binary logistic regression model. Findings also suggest that the risks of agribusiness and financing constraints have a negative influence on entrepreneurial intentions of the youth and women in agricultural cooperatives

Synthesis, physicochemical, conformation and quantum calculation of novel N-(1-(4-bromothiophen-2-yl)ethylidene)-2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethanamine Schiff base

N-(1-(4-bromothiophen-2-yl)ethylidene)-2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethanamine Schiff base ligand was prepared in very good yield by condensation of equimolar amounts of 1-(4-bromothiophen-2-yl)ethanone with 2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethanamine under reflux condition using alcohol media. The desired Schiff base was analyzed on the basis of its MS, elemental analysis, UV-visible, FT-IR and NMR analysis. The E and Z optimization was performed to figure out the most stable isomer. Several DFT quantum calculation like: TD-SCF, MPE, IR-vibration, NMR, Mulliken population were carried out by B3LYP level of theory. The experimental analyses of the compound were compared to their theoretical coordinates

Alzheimer's early detection in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: a systematic review and expert consensus on preclinical assessments.

The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older adults increasingly is being discussed in the literature on Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS). Remote digital Assessments for Preclinical AD (RAPAs) are becoming more important in screening for early AD, and should always be available for PACS patients, especially for patients at risk of AD. This systematic review examines the potential for using RAPA to identify impairments in PACS patients, scrutinizes the supporting evidence, and describes the recommendations of experts regarding their use. We conducted a thorough search using the PubMed and Embase databases. Systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis), narrative reviews, and observational studies that assessed patients with PACS on specific RAPAs were included. The RAPAs that were identified looked for impairments in olfactory, eye-tracking, graphical, speech and language, central auditory, or spatial navigation abilities. The recommendations' final grades were determined by evaluating the strength of the evidence and by having a consensus discussion about the results of the Delphi rounds among an international Delphi consensus panel called IMPACT, sponsored by the French National Research Agency. The consensus panel included 11 international experts from France, Switzerland, and Canada. Based on the available evidence, olfaction is the most long-lasting impairment found in PACS patients. However, while olfaction is the most prevalent impairment, expert consensus statements recommend that AD olfactory screening should not be used on patients with a history of PACS at this point in time. Experts recommend that olfactory screenings can only be recommended once those under study have reported full recovery. This is particularly important for the deployment of the olfactory identification subdimension. The expert assessment that more long-term studies are needed after a period of full recovery, suggests that this consensus statement requires an update in a few years. Based on available evidence, olfaction could be long-lasting in PACS patients. However, according to expert consensus statements, AD olfactory screening is not recommended for patients with a history of PACS until complete recovery has been confirmed in the literature, particularly for the identification sub-dimension. This consensus statement may require an update in a few years

COMPLICATIONS RETINIENNES DES ANTIPALUDEENS DE SYNTHESE. A PROPOS DE 2 CAS

Treatment with the antimalarials chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine is frequently used in dermatology and rheumatology. However irreversible retinal damage can occurs, that’s why intensive monitoring is still required. We report 2 cases of females patients aged of 33 and 42 years old, treated by antimalarials for polyarthritis and sclerodermia. After 4 years of treatment without ophthalmologic examination, they complain of decreased vision. The fundoscopic exam found a bilateral bull's eye appearence confirmed by fluorescein angiography. Even after cessation of treatment the visual acuity didn’t increase.Ocular toxicity of antimalarials treatment is rare but it can occurs. The retinopathy is the major concern. We found three stages: asymptomatic, obvious maculopathy and advanced retinopathy. Appropriate examinations (color vision, automatic visual field and electroretinogram) should be performed regularly. The frequency of screening should be based on patients’ classification.Les antipaludéens de synthèse sont largement utilisés en rhumatologie et en dermatologie pour leur action anti-inflammatoire. Ils exposent toute fois à des complications rétiniennes irréversibles d’où la nécessité d’une surveillance ophtalmologique régulière. Nous rapportons l’observation de deux patientes âgées de 33 et 42 ans, mises sous antipaludéens de synthèse respectivement pour une polyarthrite rhumatoïde et une sclérodermie. Elles ont poursuivies leur traitement pendant 3 à 4 ans sans surveillance ophtalmologique avant de consulter pour une baisse importante de l’acuité visuelle. L’examen ophtalmologique a retrouvé une acuité visuelle inférieure à 2/10ème dans le premier cas et une acuité visuelle inférieure à 6/10ème dans le deuxième cas ; avec au fond d’oeil un aspect de maculopathie bilatérale en oeil de boeuf typique confirmée par l’angiographie rétinienne à la fluoresceine. Malgré l’arrêt des antipaludéens de synthèse, l’acuité visuelle est restée stationnaire dans les deux cas. L’intoxication clinique aux antipaludéens de synthèse est rare mais possible. Elle prédomine dans la région maculaire et évolue en 3 stades: asymptomatique, maculopathie confirmée et stade de rétinopathie évoluée. Un bilan ophtalmologique initial doit être fait systématiquement, avant le début du traitement avec réalisation d’examens paracliniques (vision des couleurs, champs visuel automatisé, électrorétinographie maculaire). Au terme des ces examens les patients seront classés en trois groupes permettant ainsi de déterminer leur rythme de surveillance