Four-Year Trends in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors according to Baseline Abdominal Obesity Status in West-African Adults: The Benin Study

The study examined whether abdominal obesity (AO) according to waist circumference was associated with more unfavourable changes in other cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors in sub-Saharan Africans. The study included 541 randomly selected and apparently healthy subjects (50% women) aged 25–60 years. Complete data at baseline, 24, and 48 months later was available in 366 subjects. AO was associated with higher CMR at baseline and over the follow-up period, except for high blood pressure. A significantly higher incidence of high ratio of total cholesterol : HDL-cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) was associated with AO. Controlling for WC changes, age, baseline diet, and lifestyles, the relative risk (RR) of low HDL-C and high TC/HDL-C was 3.2 (95% CI 1.06–9.61) and 7.4 (95% CI 2.01–25.79), respectively, in AO men; the RR was not significant in women. Over a four-year period, AO therefore appeared associated with an adverse evolution of cholesterolemia in the study population

Estimation of allele-specific Ace-1 duplication in insecticide-resistant Anopheles mosquitoes from West Africa

Background: Identification of variation in Ace-1 copy number and G119S mutation genotype from samples of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii across West Africa are important diagnostics of carbamate and organophosphate resistance at population and individual levels. The most widespread and economical method, PCR–RFLP, suffers from an inability to discriminate true heterozygotes from heterozygotes with duplication. Methods: In addition to PCR–RFLP, in this study three different molecular techniques were applied on the same mosquito specimens: TaqMan qPCR, qRTPCR and ddPCR. To group heterozygous individuals recorded from the PCR–RFLP analysis into different assumptive genotypes K-means clustering was applied on the Z-scores of data obtained from both the TaqMan and ddPCR methods. The qRTPCR analysis was used for absolute quantification of copy number variation. Results: The results indicate that most heterozygotes are duplicated and that G119S mutation must now be regarded as a complex genotype ranging from primarily single-copy susceptible Glycine homozygotes to balanced and imbalanced heterozygotes, and multiply-amplified resistant Serine allele homozygotes. Whilst qRTPCR-based gene copy analysis suffers from some imprecision, it clearly illustrates differences in copy number among genotype groups identified by TaqMan or ddPCR. Based on TaqMan method properties, and by coupling TaqMan and ddPCR methods simultaneously on the same type of mosquito specimens, it demonstrated that the TaqMan genotype assays associated with the K-means clustering algorithm could provide a useful semi-quantitative estimate method to investigate the level of allele-specific duplication in mosquito populations. Conclusions: Ace-1 gene duplication is evidently far more complex in An. gambiae and An. coluzzii than the better studied mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus, which consequently can no longer be considered an appropriate model for prediction of phenotypic consequences. These require urgent further evaluation in Anopheles. To maintain the sustained effectiveness carbamates and organophosphates as alternative products to pyrethroids for malaria vector control, monitoring of duplicated resistant alleles in natural populations is essential to guide the rational use of these insecticides

Research protocol: essential stage of research process guaranteeing validity of results

La recherche scientifique est une activité obligatoire à tout enseignant à l’université. Nous avons réalisé ce travail de synthèse en apportant des innovations dans les composantes d’un protocole de recherche. Le but de notre travail est de rappeler aux chercheurs de tous les domaines, la démarche à suivre pour rédiger un bon projet de recherche encore appelé protocole de recherche. Un protocole de recherche complet doit contenir les onze composantes suivantes : le titre ; l’introduction ; la problématique ; l’hypothèse ; les objectifs ; les généralités ; la méthode ; le calendrier ; le budget ; la bibliographie et la mention des liens d’intérêt. La méthode d’étude est la partie essentielle du protocole de recherche. En conclusion, tout chercheur doit maîtriser la procédure d’élaboration d’un protocole de recherche lui permettant d’aboutir à des résultats valides et de publier des articles scientifiques de bonne qualité.Scientific research is a compulsory activity for every university teacher. We realized this synthetic work by bringing innovations in research protocol components. The purpose of our work is to remind the searchers in all domains, the approach to be followed to draft a good research project also called research protocol. A complete research protocol has to include the eleven following components: title, introduction, problem, hypothesis, objectives, majorities, method, timetable, budget, bibliography and conflict of interests. The method of study is an essential part of the research protocol. As a conclusion, we can say every searcher should know and be able to elaborate a research protocol in order to obtain valid results and to publish quality scientific articles

Family Relationship, Water Contact and Occurrence of Buruli Ulcer in Benin

Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer) is the most widespread mycobacterial disease in the world after leprosy and tuberculosis. How M. ulcerans is introduced into the skin of humans remains unclear, but it appears that individuals living in the same environment may have different susceptibilities. This case control study aims to determine whether frequent contacts with natural water sources, family relationship or the practice of consanguineous marriages are associated with the occurrence of Buruli ulcer (BU). The study involved 416 participants, of which 104 BU-confirmed cases and 312 age, gender and village of residence matched controls (persons who had no signs or symptoms of active or inactive BU). The results confirmed that contact with natural water sources is a risk factor. Furthermore, it suggests that a combination of genetic factors may constitute risk factors for the development of BU, possibly by influencing the type of immune response in the individual, and, consequently, the development of BU infection per se and its different clinical forms. These findings may be of major therapeutic interest

Promotion de la santé et approche communautaire de l'ulcère de Buruli: résultats d'une enquête psychosociocomportementale dans deux villages du Bénin

L’ulcère de Buruli (UB), infection bactérienne cutanée, est provoqué par Mycobactérium ulcérans. En l’absence de traitement précoce, il entraîne des déformations et amputations. La plupart des cas surviennent dans des régions tropicales ou subtropicales. Le Bénin, pays parmi les plus touchés, a recensé 365 cas en 2012. Cet article présente les résultats d’une enquête psycho socio comportementale menée dans le cadre d’un projet de promotion de la santé (PS) par participation communautaire. Son objectif est de décrire les facteurs cognitifs, comportementaux préventifs, curatifs ainsi que les perceptions et vécus des populations concernant l’UB. Une étude transversale a été réalisée dans 2 villages (Azonmè, Houédota) situés dans les arrondissements de Kpomè et Hécanmè, du département de l’Atlantique au Bénin. Du 15 mai au 19 juin 2011, une enquête par entretiens, s’est déroulée auprès d’un échantillon de 15 malades, 15 anciens malades sélectionnés par choix raisonné et 30 personnes saines choisies aléatoirement. L’encodage et l’analyse des données ont été faits dans SPSS et Excel. Les enquêtés sont âgés de 11 à 100 ans, avec une moyenne d’âge de 36,63 ans, 55% sont des hommes. Plus de 96% des interviewés ont au moins une connaissance correcte sur l’UB (prévention, transmission, symptômes, traitement). De tous les enquêtés, 20% connaissent les modes de transmission et un seul, tous les moyens préventifs. Les causes de la maladie attribuées ou perçues (et non médicales) sont l’eau (52), la bactérie (17) le mauvais sort (5). Les interviewés s’approvisionnent majoritairement en eau dans les citernes (33), forages (26), rivières (25). Sur 30 malades ou anciens malades, 29 ont été soignés à l’hôpital. Une majeure partie des répondants (92%) est satisfaite des prestations des professionnels mais proposent des changements (76%) concernant l’accessibilité à l’hôpital et le coût des soins. Ces résultats montrent des similitudes et des différences comparés à ceux retrouvés dans la littérature sur le sujet. Au Bénin, l’UB est une priorité nationale illustrée par une politique de lutte intensive, qui a modifié favorablement les connaissances et comportements des populations victimes enquêtées. Il existe un dynamisme communautaire, mais individuellement, les interviewés manquent de confiance en eux mêmes, d’initiative et de contrôle. Ces enquêtes ont amorcé l’intervention en PS car elles ont entraîné l’adhésion des 2 communautés.[Health promotion and community-based approach to Buruli ulcer: Results of a psychosocial- and behavioural survey in two villages in Benin] Buruli ulcer (BU), is an infectious disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. In the absence of early treatment, this “neglected” disease can end up with lasting deformities and amputation of limbs. Most cases occur in tropical or subtropical regions. Benin, one of the most affected countries, notified 365 cases in 2012. This article presents the results of a psycho socio behavioral survey conducted through a health promotion (HP) drafted by community-based participation. Its objective is to describe its diagnosis, prevention, behaviors, as well as perceptions and experiences of the people related to BU. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two villages (Azonme, Houedota) of Benin Atlantic department. From 15 May to 19 June 2011, a volunteering survey was conducted with the former 15 patients, the 15 new patients, selected by purposive and 30 healthy individuals randomly selected. Encoding and data analysis were done in SPSS and Excel. Respondents aged 11 to 100 years, with an average age of 36.63 years. 55% were men. Off school (73%), polygamous (60%) and Christians (50%). Over 96% of respondents had an awareness on the BU ( Symptoms, spread, prevention and treatment). 20% knew the way it spread, but one was aware of preventive measures. 55 They mostly got water in, tanks (33), wells (26) and rivers (25). Of 30 patients or former patients, 29 were treated with CS. The causes of the disease were water (52), bacteria (17), bad luck (5). 92% of respondents were satisfied with the services of health professionals but proposed changes (46) regarding the hospital accessibility and the care cost. These results had shown similarities and differences compared with those found in the literature on the subject. In Benin, the BU is a national priority illustrated by a strong policy struggle, which has favorably modified the knowledge and behavior of the populations surveyed. There is a community dynamism, but individually, respondents lack self-confidence, initiative and control. These surveys began intervention PS as they led the accession of two communities

Lifestyle and Dietary Factors Associated with the Evolution of Cardiometabolic Risk over Four Years in West-African Adults: The Benin Study

Aim. To assess in adults from Benin changes in cardiometabolic risk (CMR) using both the Framingham risk score (FRS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to examine the effects of diet, and lifestyles, controlling for location and socioeconomic status. Methods. Apparently healthy subjects (n=541) aged 25–60 years and randomly selected in the largest city, a small town, and rural areas were included in the four-year longitudinal study. Along with CMR factors, socioeconomic, diet and lifestyle data were collected in individual interviews. A food score based on consumption frequency of four “sentinel” food groups (meat and poultry, dairy, eggs, and vegetables) was developed. Lifestyle included physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use. Education and income (proxy) were the socioeconomic variables. Results. Among the subjects with four-year follow-up data (n=416), 13.5% were at risk at baseline, showing MetS or FRS ≥ 10%. The incidence of MetS and FRS ≥ 10% during follow-up was 8.2% and 5%, respectively. CMR deteriorated in 21% of subjects. Diet and lifestyle mediated location and income effects on CMR evolution. Low food scores and inactivity increased the likelihood of CMR deterioration. Conclusion. Combining MetS and FRS might be appropriate for surveillance purposes in order to better capture CMR and inform preventive measures

Data quality assessment in the routine health information system: an application of the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling in Benin

Health information systems in developing countries are often faulted for the poor quality of the data generated and for the insufficient means implemented to improve system performance. This study examined data quality in the Routine Health Information System in Benin in 2012 and carried out a cross-sectional evaluation of the quality of the data using the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling method. The results confirm the insufficient quality of the data based on three criteria: completeness, reliability and accuracy. However, differences can be seen as the shortcomings are less significant for financial data and for immunization data. The method is simple, fast and can be proposed for current use at operational level as a data quality control tool during the production stage.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe