Family And Community Practices Relating To Infant Feeding In Central Togo:A study preceding implementation of the family and community component of the «Integrated Management of Childhood Illness» strategy (C-IMCI).

The aim of this study was to assess neonate and infant feeding practices in the central region of Togo before implementation of the community component of the «Integrated Management of Childhood Illness» (C-IMCI) strategy. It was a cross-sectional study from 29th March to 8th April 2004 and included a random sample of 983 households, 506 caretakers and 733 under-five children. Using the Epi-info and SPSS softwares, this study assessed mainly breast feeding, the use of breast milk substitutesand weaning practices. It was noted that out of the 733 children, 52% were males and 48% females, 27% less than one year and 21.6% between 12 and 23 months. After delivery, 29.3% of infants were breastfed within one hour, and 75.6% within the first 24 hours. Only 78.4% of the children received colostrum after birth. It was also noted insufficient breast milk flow in 53.1% of the mothers and water was the main substitute for breast milk in 21% of the children. If 57.7% of the children were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, only 9.5% of the infants were breastfed up to the 23rd month. Complementary foods were introduced at an average age of 6 months with water, pap, «diuri» (a plant decoction), and at an average age of 11 months with other family foods. Altogether,65% of mothers stopped breastfeeding between 18 and 30 months for varying reasons : 7% because of pregnancy, 6% due to insufficient breast milk flow, 3% professional constraints and 3% death. From this study we recommend that sustained efforts have to be made on the sensitization of mothers during C-IMCI implementation on cultural practices that do not support optimal feeding of the neonate and young infant

Relative performance of indoor vector control interventions in the Ifakara and the West African experimental huts.

BACKGROUND: West African and Ifakara experimental huts are used to evaluate indoor mosquito control interventions, including spatial repellents and insecticides. The two hut types differ in size and design, so a side-by-side comparison was performed to investigate the performance of indoor interventions in the two hut designs using standard entomological outcomes: relative indoor mosquito density (deterrence), exophily (induced exit), blood-feeding and mortality of mosquitoes. METHODS: Metofluthrin mosquito coils (0.00625% and 0.0097%) and Olyset® Net vs control nets (untreated, deliberately holed net) were evaluated against pyrethroid-resistant Culex quinquefasciatus in Benin. Four experimental huts were used: two West African hut designs and two Ifakara hut designs. Treatments were rotated among the huts every four nights until each treatment was tested in each hut 52 times. Volunteers rotated between huts nightly. RESULTS: The Ifakara huts caught a median of 37 Culex quinquefasciatus/ night, while the West African huts captured a median of 8/ night (rate ratio 3.37, 95% CI: 2.30-4.94, P  4-fold higher mosquito exit relative to the West African huts (odds ratio 4.18, 95% CI: 3.18-5.51, P < 0.0001), regardless of treatment. While blood-feeding rates were significantly higher in the West African huts, mortality appeared significantly lower for all treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The Ifakara hut captured more Cx. quinquefasciatus that could more easily exit into windows and eave traps after failing to blood-feed, compared to the West African hut. The higher mortality rates recorded in the Ifakara huts could be attributable to the greater proportions of Culex mosquitoes exiting and probably dying from starvation, relative to the situation in the West African huts

Application d’un modèle conceptuel et d’un modèle de réseaux de neurones artificiels à la simulation des débits annuels dans le bassin versant du N’zi-Bandama (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cette étude présente la comparaison de deux approches de modélisation de la transformation pluie-débit à l'échelle annuelle : un modèle conceptuel et un réseau de neurones artificiels (RNA). Les deux modèles sont appliqués sur trois sous-bassins du fleuve N’zi-Bandama en Côte d'Ivoire. L’analyse comparative est basée sur les performances de simulation en termes de critère de Nash-Sutcliffe. Les modèles ont été testés sur deux périodes, l’une sèche (1973-1997) et l’autre humide (1961-1972). Les données d’entrée des deux modèles sont la pluie et l’évapotranspiration potentielle au pas de temps annuel. Les principaux résultats de ce travail montrent que les performances des deux modèles (conceptuel et neuronal) restent en général satisfaisantes avec des critères de Nash-Sutcliffe supérieurs à 60%. Ces modèles se sont révélés aussi robustes et adaptés pour la simulation des débits annuels des rivières. La comparaison des deux modèles a montré que le réseau de neurones a obtenu des résultats significativement meilleurs que le modèleconceptuel.Mots-clés : modélisation pluie-débit, modèle conceptuel, réseaux de neurones artificiels, N’zi-Bandama, Côte d’Ivoir.Application of a conceptual model and a model of artificial neural networks for the simulation of annual flows in the N'Zi-Bandama watershed (Ivory Coast).This study presents the comparison of two approaches of modelisation of the rainfall-runoff transformation on an annual scale: a conceptual model and an artificial neural network. The two models are applied to three watersheds of the N’zi-Bandama river in Ivory Coast. The comparative analysis is based on the performances of simulation in terms of criterion of Nash-Sutcliffe. The models were tested over two periods, one dries (1973-1997) and the other wet one (1961-1972). The data input of the two models are the rain and the potential evapotranspiration with the step of annual time. The principal results of this work show that the performances of the two models (conceptual and neuronal) remain satisfactory in general with criteria of Nash-Sutcliffe higher than 60%. These models appeared also robust and adapted for the simulation of the annual flow of the rivers. The comparison of the two models showed that the network of neurons had results significantly better than the conceptual model.Keywords : rainfall-runoff modelling, conceptual model, artificial neural network, N’zi-Bandama, Ivory Coast

Aspects Histo-Epidemiologiques Des Cancers Solides Du Rein De L’enfant En Cote D’ivoire

Objectifs: A partir d&rsquo;une &eacute;tude r&eacute;trospective transversale, les auteurs&nbsp; rapportent 34 cas de cancer du rein histologiquement confirm&eacute;s chez l&rsquo;enfant de moins de 16 ans, observ&eacute;s dans les services d&rsquo;Anatomie Pathologique des centres hospitaliers et universitaires d&rsquo;Abidjan (R&eacute;publique de C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire) au cours de la p&eacute;riode allant de janvier 1984 &agrave; d&eacute;cembre 2007e.Patients et m&eacute;thodes: Le mat&eacute;riel d&rsquo;&eacute;tude &eacute;tait constitu&eacute; de pi&egrave;ce de&nbsp; n&eacute;phrectomie. Apr&egrave;s fixation dans le formol &agrave; 10%, les pr&eacute;l&egrave;vements ont &eacute;t&eacute; inclus en paraffine et color&eacute; &agrave; l&rsquo;h&eacute;mat&eacute;ine &eacute;osine.R&eacute;sultats: Le cancer du rein de l&rsquo;enfant repr&eacute;sentait 0.28% de l&rsquo;ensemble des cancers. Il y avait 18 gar&ccedil;ons (52.94%) et 16 filles (47.06%). L&rsquo;&acirc;ge moyen &eacute;tait de 4.88 ans. Au plan histologique nous avons observ&eacute; 31 cas de n&eacute;phroblastome (91.18%), 2 cas de lymphome de Burkitt (5.88%) et 1 cas de carcinome &agrave; cellule r&eacute;nale (2.94%).Conclusion: Les cancers solides du rein de l&rsquo;enfant sont domin&eacute;s par le n&eacute;phroblastome

Effets de scenarios de changements climatiques sur la cacaoculture en Cote d’Ivoire

L’influence des scenarios de changements climatiques a été analysée pour les régions Centre et Sud de production cacaoyère en Côte d’Ivoire. A partir des modèles RCP 4.5 et 8.5 de concentration des Gaz à Effets de Serre (GES), les paramètres température et pluviométrie ont été projetés sur les horizons 2021-2050 et 2041-2070 en comparaison à la période de référence 1980-2010. Les résultats ont montré qu’en dehors du nombre élevé de jours chauds qui pourrait provoquer la disparition de la cacaoculture dans les zones marginales de la région Centre, les indices climatiques se situent dans des conditions normales de production du cacaoyer dans les deux régions. Les risques liés aux maladies et ravageurs pourraient être similaires ou potentiellement réduits. En région Sud, les variations climatiques n’auraient aucun impact sur la cacaoculture. Comme stratégies de résilience, les programmes de sélection variétale devront mettre à la disposition des producteurs un matériel végétal tolérant à la sécheresse et aux maladies accompagnée de formations sur les bonnes pratiques agricoles dont l’agroforesterie. Toutefois, l’accès des producteurs à l’information météorologique devra être renforcé.&nbsp; English title: Climate change effects in cocoa cultivation Abstract The influence of climate change scenarios was analyzed for the Center and South regions of cocoa farming in Côte d’Ivoire. From greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration models RCP 4.5 and 8.5, the parameters of temperature and rainfall were projected over the time in years 2021-2050 and 2041- 2070 compared to year 1980-2010 as reference period. The results showed that apart from the high number of hot days which could cause the disappearance of cocoa farming in marginal areas of the Center region, the climatic indices are normal within cocoa production conditions in both regions. Risks on cocoa pests and disease could be similar or potentially reduced. In the South region, climatic variations would have no impact on cocoa farming. As resilience adaptation strategies, tolerant germplasm to drought and pest and disease should be provided to farmers by cocoa research program with training package on good agricultural practices (GAP) including agroforestry. Therefore, theaccess to meteorological information has to be strengthened for smallholders cocoa farmers. Key words: Climate change scenarios, impact, cocoa farming, Côte d’Ivoire

Perceived water-related risk factors of Buruli ulcer in two villages of south-central Côte d'Ivoire

Background Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a neglected tropical skin disease that is primarily endemic in West and Central Africa, including Côte d'Ivoire. Studies indicate that M. ulcerans infections are caused by contact with an environmental reservoir of the bacteria, governed by specific human biological conditions. Yet, the nature of this reservoir and the exact mode of transmission remain unknown. Methodology To identify ecologic risk factors of Buruli ulcer in south-central Côte d'Ivoire, we pursued a qualitative study matched with geo-referencing inquiry. Embedded in a broader integrated wound management research project, we (i) mapped households and water sources of laboratory confirmed Buruli ulcer cases and (ii) interviewed 12 patients and four health care workers to assess exposure to surface water and to deepen the understanding of perceived transmission pathways. Principal findings Water availability, accessibility, and affordability were reported as key determinants for choosing water resources. Furthermore, perceived risks were related to environmental, structural, and individual factors. Despite the presence of improved water sources (e.g., drilled wells), communities heavily relied on unprotected surface water for a multitude of activities. The nearby Bandama River and seasonal waterbodies were frequently used for washing, bathing, and collection of water for drinking and cooking. Many residents also reported to cross the river on a daily basis for agricultural chores, and hence, are exposed to stagnant water during farming activities. Conclusions/significance Our study in two Buruli ulcer endemic villages in south-central Côte d'Ivoire revealed a wide range of water-related domestic activities that might expose people to an increased risk of contracting the disease. Environmental, biological, social, and cultural risk factors are closely interlinked and should be considered in future investigations of Buruli ulcer transmission. Active participation of the communities is key to better understand their circumstances to advance research and fight against Buruli ulcer and other neglected tropical diseases

L’automutilation génitale : intérêt d’un avis psychiatrique dans la prise en charge urologique

Les automutilations sont des conduites fréquentes, souvent associées à une morbidité psychiatrique. Les auteurs rapportent trois observations de sujets admis dans le service d’urologie du CHU de Cocody d’Abidjan, pour des automutilations génitales. Au cours de la prise en charge chirurgicale, l’avis psychiatrique demandé chez ces patients a conclu au diagnostic de schizophrénie paranoïde. Les frustrations survenues dans l’accomplissement de leur sexualité ontconstitué les motifs évoqués par les patients pour réaliser l’automutilation génitale. La blessure auto-infligée a eu pour fonctions de communiquer à l’entourage la souffrance psychique, exprimerla dissociation psychique caractéristique de la schizophrénie. Le traitement chirurgical débuté avant la prise en charge psychiatrique ou de façon concomitante, a consisté en une suture des corps caverneux chez le 3ème patient; suture des corps caverneux et urétrorraphie chez le 2ème, puis à une urétrostomie définitive chez le premier. Ces observations soulignent l’intérêt de la collaboration entre chirurgiens et psychiatres dans la prise en charge des automutilations

Environmental determinants of access to shared sanitation in informal settlements: a cross-sectional study in Abidjan and Nairobi

BACKGROUND: Universal access to basic sanitation remains a global challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Efforts are underway to improve access to sanitation in informal settlements, often through shared facilities. However, access to these facilities and their potential health gains-notably, the prevention of diarrheal diseases-may be hampered by contextual aspects related to the physical environment. This study explored associations between the built environment and perceived safety to access toilets, and associations between the latter and diarrheal infections. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between July 2021 and February 2022, including 1714 households in two informal settlements in Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire) and two in Nairobi (Kenya). We employed adjusted odds ratios (aORs) obtained from multiple logistic regressions (MLRs) to test whether the location of the most frequently used toilet was associated with a perceived lack of safety to use the facility at any time, and whether this perceived insecurity was associated with a higher risk of diarrhea. The MLRs included several exposure and control variables, being stratified by city and age groups. We employed bivariate logistic regressions to test whether the perceived insecurity was associated with settlement morphology indicators derived from the built environment. RESULTS: Using a toilet outside the premises was associated with a perceived insecurity both in Abidjan [aOR = 3.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-8.70] and in Nairobi (aOR = 57.97, 95% CI: 35.93-93.53). Perceived insecurity to access toilets was associated with diarrheal infections in the general population (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29-2.79 in Abidjan, aOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.22-2.34 in Nairobi), but not in children below the age of 5 years. Several settlement morphology features were associated with perceived insecurity, namely, buildings' compactness, the proportion of occupied land, and angular deviation between neighboring structures. CONCLUSIONS: Toilet location was a critical determinant of perceived security, and hence, must be adequately addressed when building new facilities. The sole availability of facilities may be insufficient to prevent diarrheal infections. People must also be safe to use them. Further attention should be directed toward how the built environment affects safety

Physicochemical characterization of organic matter during co-composting of shea-nut cake with goat manure

Wastes constitute a source of pollution for the environment. By composting, the value of organic matter (OM) can be improved in agriculture. From this perspective, the aim of this our work was to study the biodegradation of shea-nut cake, which is a food industry waste. The shea-nut cake was composted with caprine manure for six months. Chemical parameters were followed during composting. The compost obtained had a pH of 6.5, an OM-loss of 52.1% and a C/N ratio of 9.2. Total lipid content was reduced by 84%. The parameters for humifying the organic matter CHA/CFA and E4/E6 were stabilized at 1.33 and 2.68, respectively. The sum of the three principal fertilizing elements (N+P2O5+K2O) represents 7.4% of the compost dry weight. These chemical characteristics show that shea-nut cake can be successfully composted. Stable and mature compost obtained can contribute to the maintenance and increase of the organic matter stock of soils. It can also bring fertilizing elements to the plant.Keywords: Shea-nut cake, composting, organic matter, goat manure.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(22), pp. 3466-347

La Leucémie Myéloïde Chronique Pédiatrique: Une Entité Très Rare Au Service d’Hématologie De Yopougon

Contexte: La leucémie myéloïde chronique (LMC) est un syndrome myéloprolifératif dû à une prolifération myéloïde monoclonale prédominant sur la lignée granuleuse. Son pronostic a été amélioré par l’avènement des inhibiteurs de la tyrosine kinase. Elle survient le plus souvent chez l’adulte jeune. Les auteurs rapportent un cas clinique chez un enfant de 6 ans. Présentation de cas: Il s’agissait d’un enfant de 6 ans, de sexe masculin, référé en consultation en hématologie pour splénomégalie volumineuse évoluant depuis 3 mois. L’hémogramme a montré une hyperleucocytose à 282 Giga/L avec myélémie importante et polymorphe une anémie à 66 g/l et une thrombocytose à 870G/L. L’examen cytogénétique a retrouvé le chromosome Philadelphie sans anomalie additionnelle. Le traitement par imatinib mesylate a pu être débuté. Conclusion: La leucémie myéloïde chronique est certes rare chez l’enfant mais les praticiens doivent y penser devant une hyperleucytose importante persistente. Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative syndrome due to monoclonal myeloid proliferation predominant over the granular line. His prognosis was improved by the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It occurs most often in young adults. The authors report the clinical case of a 6-year-old child because of its rarity. Case report: This was a 6-year-old male child, referred in hematology consultation for persistent of large splenomegaly. The hemogram showed hyperleucocytosis at 282 Giga/L with large myelemia and polymorphic anemia at 66 g/l and thrombocytosis at 870 G/L. the cytogenetic analyse found the Philadelphia chromosome without additional anomaly. The treatment with imatinib mesylate has therefore begun. Conclusion: Although the CML is uncommon at young people, but practicians must think about it when we have an important hyperleucocytosis