The influence of KrF excimer laser irradiation on the surface of collagen and collagen/PVP films

The surface properties of collagen and collagen/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) films after KrF excimer laser irradiation (λ=248nm) were investigated by means of the technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The laser irradiation of the used specimens caused an expansion of materials above their surface with pronounced sings of its melting. The height of the ablated volume in a case of collagen film at a fluence of 1.1J/cm2 was approximately 5μm. A white damage appears on the treated surfaces at a threshold of 0.5J/cm2 with a single pulse and becomes more visible for a higher fluence. It is also noteworthy that along with increasing fluences (beginning from the fluence of 1.7J/cm2), the characteristic filaments at the spot edges are observed. The local heat and pressure generated by the laser radiation were able to induce bubble formation on the surface. Further bubble colliding and bursting produce a three-dimensional polymer “microfoam” structure with interconnected pores. These results can be of interest for some new applications

Prolapsus Gravidique: Facteurs de Risque, Complications et Prise en Charge en Afrique Sub-Saharienne

Objectif :  Le but de cette étude était d’aborder les caractéristiques socio démographie, les aspects thérapeutiques et le pronostic du prolapsus utérin extériorisé survenu pour la première fois pendant la grossesse. Patientes et Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude prospective sur une période de 12 mois (1er janvier au 31 décembre 2021) portant sur les patientes prise en charge pour prolapsus gestationnel. Résultats: Sept cas ont été enregistrés durant la période d’étude. La fréquence du prolapsus gestationnel était de 2 cas/1000 accouchements dans notre service. Les patientes étaient jeunes (28-31 ans), multipares avec un âge moyen de 28,57 ans et une parité moyenne de quatre enfants. Elles étaient très jeunes à leurs premier accouchement (16-20 ans). La plupart de facteurs de risques décrits dans la littérature étaient retrouvés chez nos patientes. La rupture prématurée des membranes (2 cas, 28,57%), la chorioamniotite (1 cas, 14,28%), l’accouchement prématuré (1 cas, 14,28%), l’hémorragie de la délivrance (1 cas, 14,28%) et l’anémie (1 cas, 14,28%) ont été les complications retrouvées. Un traitement conservateur a été réalisé chez toutes les patientes (100%). L’évolution était favorable avec une régression spontanée du prolapsus dans le post-partum immédiat chez toutes nos patientes (100%). Après six mois de suivi, les prolapsus n´ont pas récidivés. Conclusion : Le prolapsus gestationnel n’est pas exceptionnel dans notre contexte. Malgré son caractère angoissant pour la patiente, sa famille et l’équipe obstétricale, une attitude conservatrice peut se discuter devant un prolapsus apparu pour la première fois au cours de la grossesse chez une patiente jeune sans antécédents pathologiques particuliers.   Objective : The aim of this study was to address the socio-demographic characteristics, therapeutic aspects and prognosis of externalized uterine prolapse occurring for the first time during pregnancy. Patients and Methods : This was a prospective study over a period of 12 months (January 1 to December 31, 2021) focusing on patients treated for gravidarum prolapse. Results : Seven cases were recorded during the study period. The frequency of gravidarum prolapse was 2 cases/1000 deliveries in our department. The patients were young (28-31 years old), multiparous with an average age of 28.57 years and an average parity of four children. They were very young when they first gave birth (16-20 years old). Most of the risk factors described in the literature were found in our patients. Premature rupture of membranes (2 cases, 28.57%), chorioamnionitis (1 case, 14.28%), premature delivery (1 case, 14.28%), postpartum hemorrhage (1 case, 14.28%) and anemia (1 case, 14.28%) were the complications found. Conservative treatment was carried out in all patients (100%). The evolution was favorable with spontaneous regression of the prolapse in the immediate postpartum period in all our patients (100%). After six months of follow-up, the prolapses have not recurred. Conclusion : gravidarum prolapse is not exceptional in our context. Despite its distressing nature for the patient, her family and the obstetric team, a conservative attitude can be questioned when faced with a prolapse appearing for the first time during pregnancy in a young patient without any particular pathological history

Effect of Charcoal Earth Kilns Construction and Firing on Soil Chemical Characteristics

Assessments of localized ecological and environmental impacts of charcoal production including effects on soils at kiln sites is seldom undertaken, with more emphasis being placed on the global effects of the practice such as forest degradation and deforestation. A study was undertaken in Narok, Eldoret, Moiben, and Turbo in Kenya on known charcoaling sites to investigate the impact of charcoal production on the soil chemical characteristics. Composite soil samples from 12 sampling points for all study sites were taken randomly at a depth of 0–15 cm. The samples were conditioned and analyzed for pH, particle size, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), extractable phosphorus, organic carbon, nitrogen, and exchangeable bases. A comparison of the soil properties between undisturbed sites and charcoaling sites showed significant differences for all chemical properties except CEC, Mg, and K. For the Moiben site, only the pH showed no significant difference (p < 0.05).  The observed high carbon content reduced with time for the one year following charcoaling activity and was attributed to soil erosion since charcoal production activities reduced the sites vegetation cover. Most chemical changes positively enhanced the nutrients content and availability, but were short lived probably due to soil erosion.  These results demonstrate the need to adopt technologies with minimum impact on the soil, or a shift to centralized production sites outside forest ecosystems or farmlands.

Trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activity of six limonoids

Six limonoids [kotschyienone A and B (1, 2), 7-deacetylgedunin (3), 7-deacetyl-7-oxogedunin (4), andirobin (5) and methyl angolensate (6)] were investigated for their trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities using bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei and promastigotes of Leishmania major. Whereas all compounds showed anti-trypanosomal activity, only compounds 1–4 displayed anti-leishmanial activity. The 50% growth inhibition (GI 50) values for the trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activity of the compounds ranged between 2.5 and 14.9 μM. Kotschyienone A (1) was found to be the most active compound with a minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) value of 10 μM and GI 50 values between 2.5 and 2.9 μM. Only compounds 1 and 3 showed moderate cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells with MIC and GI 50 values of 100 μM and 31.5–46.2 μM, respectively. Compound 1 was also found to show activity against intracellular amastigotes of L. major with a GI 50 value of 1.5 μM. The results suggest that limonoids have potential as drug candidates for the development of new treatments against trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis

HIV and STI Prevalence among Female Sex Workers in Côte d'Ivoire: Why Targeted Prevention Programs Should Be Continued and Strengthened

Objective: To assess condom use and prevalence of STIs and HIV among female sex workers (FSWs), as part of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan of a nationwide sex worker prevention project in Côte d’Ivoire. Design and Methods: Cross sectional surveys were conducted among FSWs attending five project clinics in Abidjan and San Pedro (2007), and in Yamoussoukro and Gagnoa (2009). A standardized questionnaire was administered in a face-toface interview, which included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and condom use. After the interview, the participants were asked to provide samples for STI and HIV testing. Results: A total of 1110 FSWs participated in the surveys. There were large differences in socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics between FSW coming for the first time as compared to FSW coming on a routine visit. The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae or C.trachomatis was 9.1%, 11.8 % among first vs. 6.9 % routine attendees (p = 0.004). The overall HIV prevalence was 26.6%, it was lower among first time attendees (17.5 % as compared to 33.9 % for routine attendees, p,0.001). The HIV prevalence among first attendees was also lower than the proportion of HIV positive tests from routine testing and counselling services in the same clinics. Conclusions: The results show a relatively high STI and HIV prevalence among FSWs in different cities in Côte d’Ivoire. In th

HIV Genetic Diversity in Cameroon: Possible Public Health Importance

To monitor the evolving molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of HIV in a country where many distinct strains cocirculate, we performed genetic analyses on sequences from 75 HIV-1-infected Cameroonians: 74 were group M and 1 was group O. Of the group M sequences, 74 were classified into the following env gp41 subtypes or recombinant forms: CRF02 (n = 54), CRF09 (n = 2), CRF13 (n = 2), A (n = 5), CRF11 (n = 4), CRF06 (n = 1), G (n = 2), F2 (n = 2), and E (n = 1, CRF01), and 1 was a JG recombinant. Comparison of phylogenies for 70 matched gp41 and protease sequences showed inconsistent classifications for 18 (26%) strains. Our data show that recombination is rampant in Cameroon with recombinant viruses continuing to recombine, adding to the complexity of circulating HIV strains. This expanding genetic diversity raises public health concerns for the ability of diagnostic assays to detect these unique HIV mosaic variants and for the development of broadly effective HIV vaccines.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/63150/1/aid.2006.22.812.pd

Effect of Charcoal Earth Kilns Construction and Firing on Soil Chemical Characteristics

Assessments of localized ecological and environmental impacts of charcoal production including effects on soils at kiln sites is seldom undertaken, with more emphasis being placed on the global effects of the practice such as forest degradation and deforestation. A study was undertaken in Narok, Eldoret, Moiben, and Turbo in Kenya on known charcoaling sites to investigate the impact of charcoal production on the soil chemical characteristics. Composite soil samples from 12 sampling points for all study sites were taken randomly at a depth of 0–15 cm. The samples were conditioned and analyzed for pH, particle size, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), extractable phosphorus, organic carbon, nitrogen, and exchangeable bases. A comparison of the soil properties between undisturbed sites and charcoaling sites showed significant differences for all chemical properties except CEC, Mg, and K. For the Moiben site, only the pH showed no significant difference (p < 0.05).  The observed high carbon content reduced with time for the one year following charcoaling activity and was attributed to soil erosion since charcoal production activities reduced the sites vegetation cover. Most chemical changes positively enhanced the nutrients content and availability, but were short lived probably due to soil erosion.  These results demonstrate the need to adopt technologies with minimum impact on the soil, or a shift to centralized production sites outside forest ecosystems or farmlands.