Diversity of woodlands in the groundnut basin of Kaffrine region in Senegal

Objective: This work has examined the current state of woodlands in the groundnut basin to determine its importance Methodology and results: The floristic diversity of woodlands in the Groundnut Basin of was studied through ecological parameters. The woody flora contained 75 species with a predominance of three (3) families (Combretaceae, Mimosaceae and Caesalpiniaceae) represented by more than six (6) species. The statements from the four targeted rural communities indicated: 31 species for Ndiognick, 43 for Birkelane, 46 for Saly Escale and 48 for Ida mouride. The overall average density was 17 individuals/ha and varied depending on rural communities: 7 individuals/ha for Ndiognick, 9 individuals/ha for Birkelane, 18 individuals for Ida mouride and 39 individuals for Saly Escale. In Ndiognick and Birkelane rural communities, the cover was lower because they were less provided in species (Cordyla pinnata, Combretum glutinosum, Piliostigma reticulatum and Adansonia digitata) with summits higher than 5m2/ha. The flora and the woody vegetation selected parameters indicated that the level of organization of the woody species was not similar as well as the pressure on the woody species in the rural communities. The diversity of the wood species was reducing due to anthropogenic action and the deterioration due to climate conditions. Key words: Diversity floristic, diversity index, impact inde

Trading HIV for sheep: Risky sexual behavior and the response of female sex workers to Tabaski in Senegal

We use a cohort of female sex workers (FSWs) in Senegal to show how large anticipated economic shocks lead to increased risky sexual behavior. Exploiting the exogenous timing of interviews, we study the effect of Tabaski, the most important Islamic festival celebrated in Senegal, in which most households purchase an expensive animal for sacrifice. Condom use, measured robustly via the list experiment, falls by between 27.3 percentage points (pp) (65.5%) and 43.1 pp (22.7%) in the 9 days before Tabaski, or a maximum of 49.5 pp (76%) in the 7 day period preceding Tabaski. The evidence suggests the economic pressures from Tabaski are key to driving the behavior change observed through the price premium for condomless sex. Those most exposed to the economic pressure from Tabaski were unlikely to be using condoms at all in the week before the festival. Our findings show that Tabaski leads to increased risky behaviors for FSWs, a key population at high risk of HIV infection, for at least 1 week every year and has implications for FSWs in all countries celebrating Tabaski or similar festivals. Because of the scale, frequency, and size of the behavioral response to shocks of this type, policy should be carefully designed to protect vulnerable women against anticipated shocks

Comparison of CD63 Upregulation Induced by NSAIDs on Basophils and Monocytes in Patients with NSAID Hypersensitivity

Background. An in vitro basophil activation test, based on the detection of CD63 upregulation induced by NSAIDs, has been described. Its clinical significance remains controversial. Objectives. In patients with a history of nonallergic NSAID hypersensitivity, stratified according to the severity of the symptoms, to assess with NSAIDs the predictive value of basophil (BAT) and monocyte (MAT) activation tests. Patients/Methods. Sixty patients who had NSAIDs-induced or exacerbated urticaria/angiooedema and 20 controls was included. After incubation with NSAIDs or acetaminophen, leukocytes were analysed for CD63 upregulation. Results. With aspirin, the sensitivity (37%) and specificity (90%) of BAT agree with already published results. In contrast, when patients had had cutaneous and visceral reactions, the frequency of positive BAT 14/22 (64%, P < 0.001) or MAT 10/22 (46%, P < 0.01) were increased. Conclusions. Positive tests were more frequent among patients having a severe hypersensitivity contrasting with the other patients who had results similar to controls

Positive Impact of Increases in Condom Use among Female Sex Workers and Clients in a Medium HIV Prevalence Epidemic: Modelling Results from Project SIDA1/2/3 in Cotonou, Benin

Background A comprehensive, HIV prevention programme (Projet Sida1/2/3) was implemented among female sex workers (FSWs) in Cotonou, Benin, in 1993 following which condom use among FSWs increased threefold between 1993 and 2008 while FSW HIV prevalence declined from 53.3% to 30.4%. Objective Estimate the potential impact of the intervention on HIV prevalence/incidence in FSWs, clients and the general population in Cotonou, Benin. Methods and Findings A transmission dynamics model parameterised with setting-specific bio-behavioural data was used within a Bayesian framework to fit the model and simulate HIV transmission in the high and low-risk population of Cotonou and to estimate HIV incidence and infections averted by SIDA1/2/3. Our model results suggest that prior to SIDA1/2/3 commercial sex had contributed directly or indirectly to 93% (84–98%) of all cumulative infections and that the observed decline in FSWs HIV prevalence was more consistent with the self-reported post-intervention increase in condom use by FSWs than a counterfactual assuming no change in condom use after 1993 (CF-1). Compared to the counterfactual (CF-1), the increase in condom use may have prevented 62% (52–71%) of new HIV infections among FSWs between 1993 and 2008 and 33% (20–46%) in the overall population. Conclusions Our analysis provides plausible evidence that the post-intervention increase in condom use during commercial sex significantly reduced HIV prevalence and incidence among FSWs and general population. Sex worker interventions can be effective even in medium HIV prevalence epidemics and need to be sustained over the long-term

Caractérisation des risques de contamination des agrosystèmes périurbains de Dakar par les éléments traces métalliques

L’application de produits résiduaires organiques (PRO) améliore la fertilité des sols, mais induit des effets négatifs sur les agrosystèmes, en raison de la présence de contaminants tels que les éléments traces métalliques (ETM). Cette étude vise à évaluer l’influence de deux doses (20 et 60 T.ha-1) d’apport de boue de station d’épuration STEP et de fiente de volaille sur la disponibilité de quatre ETM (Ni, Cd, Cr et Pb) dans un arenosol et un fluvisol. Une incubation de 88 jours en conditions contrôlées a été conduite sur les deux sols mélangés aux différentes doses de boue et de fiente. La disponibilité des ETM dans les sols incubés a été évaluée par la technique DGT (Diffusive Gradient in Thin films). Les boues ont abaissé le pH des deux sols tandis que les fientes ont alcalinisé l’arenosol durant les 14 premiers jours d’incubation. Ces PRO ont augmenté les concentrations de Ni, Cd, Pb et Cr disponibles dans les sols. Les  disponibilités du Ni, Cd et Pb sont plus élevées dans l’arenosol que dans le fluvisol. La boue à 60 T.ha-1 a induit les plus fortes disponibilités en Cd et Pb tandis que la fiente à 60 T.ha-1 a induit les plus fortes disponibilités en Ni et Cr dans les deux sols.Mots clés : Eléments traces métalliques, arenosol, fluvisol, boue d’épuration, fiente.  CHARACTERIZATION OF CONTAMINATION RISKS OF THE  SUBURBANAGROECOSYSTEMS OF DAKAR BY TRACE ELEMENTSOrganic wastes (OW) spreading improve soil fertility, but can induce negative effects on agroecosystems, due to the presence of contaminants such as trace elements (TE). This study aims to evaluate the impacts of two doses (20 and 60 T.ha-1) of sewage sludge and poultry manure on the availability of four trace elements (Ni, Cd, Cr and Pb) in arenosol and  fluvisol. Soils mixed with different doses of sewage sludge and poultry manure were incubated for 88 days under controlled conditions. The  availability of trace elements in incubated soils was evaluated by the DGT (Diffusive Gradient in Thin films) technique. Sewage sludge has decreased the pH of both soils while poultry manure induced an alkalinization of arenosol during the first 14 days of incubation. OW increased Ni, Cd, Pb and Cr availability in the soils. Availability of Ni, Cd and Pb were higher in arenosol than in the fluvisol. Sewage sludge at 60 T.ha-1 induced the highest availability of Cd and Pb while the poultry manure at 60 T.ha-1 induced the highest availability of Ni and Cr in both soils.Keywords : Trace elements, arenosol, fluvisol, sewage sludge, poultry manure

The association between malaria parasitaemia, erythrocyte polymorphisms, malnutrition and anaemia in children less than 10 years in Senegal:a case control study

BACKGROUND: Malaria and anaemia (Haemoglobin <11 g/dl) remain frequent in tropical regions and are closely associated. Although anaemia aetiologies are known to be multi-factorial, most studies in malaria endemic areas have been confined to analysis of possible associations between anaemia and individual factors such as malaria. A case control study involving children aged from 1 to 10 years was conducted to assess some assumed contributors to anaemia in the area of Bonconto Health post in Senegal. METHODS: Study participants were randomly selected from a list of children who participated in a survey in December 2010. Children aged from 1 to 10 years with haemoglobin level below 11 g/dl represented cases (anaemic children). Control participants were eligible if of same age group and their haemoglobin level was >= 11 g/dl. For each participant, a physical examination was done and anthropometric data collected prior to a biological assessment which included: malaria parasitaemia infection, intestinal worm carriage, G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disorders, and alpha-talassaemia. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty two children < 10 years of age were enrolled (176 case and 176 controls). In a logistic regression analysis, anaemia was significantly associated with malaria parasitaemia (aOR=5.23, 95%CI[1.1-28.48]), sickle cell disorders (aOR=2.89, 95%CI[1,32-6.34]), alpha-thalassemia (aOR=1.82, 95%CI[1.2-3.35]), stunting (aOR=3.37, 95%CI[1.93-5.88], age ranged from 2 to 4 years (aOR=0.13, 95%CI[0.05-0.31]) and age > 5 years (aOR=0.03, 95%CI[0.01-0.08]). Stratified by age group, anaemia was significantly associated with stunting in children less than 5 years (aOR=3.1 95%CI[1.4 – 6.8]), with, sickle cell disorders (aOR=3.5 95%CI [1.4 – 9.0]), alpha-thalassemia (or=2.4 95%CI[1.1–5.3]) and stunting (aOR=3.6 95%CI [1.6–8.2]) for children above 5 years. No association was found between G6PD deficiency, intestinal worm carriage and children’s gender. CONCLUSION: Malaria parasitaemia, stunting and haemoglobin genetic disorders represented the major causes of anaemia among study participants. Anaemia control in this area could be achieved by developing integrated interventions targeting both malaria and malnutrition

Energetic crisis and space reconstruction in Senegal: traditional crops vs biofuels?

La crise énergétique mondiale est fortement ressentie par les pays pauvres importateurs de pétrole. Les stratégies élaborées par les gouvernements de ces États sont certes diversifiées, mais les résultats semblent encore peu efficaces. Parmi ces stratégies, un important programme de biocarburant est mis en oeuvre au Sénégal, à travers un dispositif de culture de pourghère ( Jatropha curcas L). Ce programme du Gouvernement du Sénégal constitue une nouvelle politique énergétique conçue pour atténuer la dépendance vis-à-vis de l’extérieur. Le programme est bâti sur une base de production utilisant les réserves foncières dans les différentes Communautés rurales du Sénégal. Une projection de 1000 hectares de Jatropha par Communauté rurale est envisagée. Cette disposition a plusieurs implications, dont l’utilisation de la terre, source de revenus, mais aussi de conflits sociaux. Dans cette posture, les incertitudes concernant l’alimentation sont-elles écartées ? L’analyse diachronique de l’occupation des sols et des superficies utilisées pour la culture du Jatropha montre que le mode d’utilisation de la terre peut être facteur de risque pour la sécurité alimentaire. En effet, les systèmes de culture de Jatropha Curcas reposent sur une association des cultures avec les céréales, les légumineuses, les cultures oléagineuses ; ou sur une culture en plein champs (souvent prise en charge par des opérateurs privés ayant obtenu des collectivités locales le droit d’usage par voie de délibération du Conseil rural). Les modalités de contractualisation constituent des facteurs déterminants dans l’utilisation des espaces cultivés et l’allocation de superficies pour la culture bioénergétique. Cependant, l’implication des acteurs (les producteurs, particulièrement) dans une stratégie d’extension/substitution des superficies destinées aux cultures traditionnelles vivrières et de rente aux cultures énergétiques dépendra des débouchés offerts par les biocarburants mais également des performances économiques de cette filière

Impact of combining intermittent preventive treatment with home management of malaria in children less than 10 years in a rural area of Senegal: a cluster randomized trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Current malaria control strategies recommend (i) early case detection using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and treatment with artemisinin combination therapy (ACT), (ii) pre-referral rectal artesunate, (iii) intermittent preventive treatment and (iv) impregnated bed nets. However, these individual malaria control interventions provide only partial protection in most epidemiological situations. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the potential benefits of integrating several malaria interventions to reduce malaria prevalence and morbidity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A randomized controlled trial was carried out to assess the impact of combining seasonal intermittent preventive treatment in children (IPTc) with home-based management of malaria (HMM) by community health workers (CHWs) in Senegal. Eight CHWs in eight villages covered by the Bonconto health post, (South Eastern part of Senegal) were trained to diagnose malaria using RDT, provide prompt treatment with artemether-lumefantrine for uncomplicated malaria cases and pre-referral rectal artesunate for complicated malaria occurring in children under 10 years. Four CHWs were randomized to also administer monthly IPTc as single dose of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) plus three doses of amodiaquine (AQ) in the malaria transmission season, October and November 2010. Primary end point was incidence of single episode of malaria attacks over 8 weeks of follow up. Secondary end points included prevalence of malaria parasitaemia, and prevalence of anaemia at the end of the transmission season. Primary analysis was by intention to treat. The study protocol was approved by the Senegalese National Ethical Committee (approval 0027/MSP/DS/CNRS, 18/03/2010).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 1,000 children were enrolled. The incidence of malaria episodes was 7.1/100 child months at risk [95% CI (3.7-13.7)] in communities with IPTc + HMM compared to 35.6/100 child months at risk [95% CI (26.7-47.4)] in communities with only HMM (aOR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.09-0.41; <it>p </it>= 0.04). At the end of the transmission season, malaria parasitaemia prevalence was lower in communities with IPTc + HMM (2.05% versus 4.6% <it>p </it>= 0.03). Adjusted for age groups, sex, <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>carriage and prevalence of malnutrition, IPTc + HMM showed a significant protective effect against anaemia (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.42-0.82; <it>p </it>= 0.02).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Combining IPTc and HMM can provide significant additional benefit in preventing clinical episodes of malaria as well as anaemia among children in Senegal.</p