Dietary Intakes and Nutritional Status of Mother-Child (6-23 Months Old) Pair Targeted through the "Organic Residual Products for Biofortified Foods for Africa Project" in Rural Area in Senegal

Background: Despite micronutrient supplementation and food fortification strategies carried out for decades, micronutrient deficiencies remain prevalent among children under 5 years old in rural area in Senegal. The OR4FOOD project was implemented as a preventive and long-term approach to reduce malnutrition through biofortification. Objective: We aimed to assess the baseline dietary intakes and nutritional status of the mother-child (6-23 months old) pair in a rural community in Senegal. Methods: Dietary intakes were assessed using dietary recall questionnaires and weight food records. All foods and beverages consumed from waking to bedtime were quantified, and nutrient intakes were calculated. The nutritional status was measured by anthropometry. Results: Results showed that 77.2% of children had low dietary diversity score. Only 18% of them received an appropriate complementary feeding according to the minimum acceptable diet. Cereals and legumes were among the most consumed food groups, whereas orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and animal food products were rarely consumed. Median dietary intakes of iron, zinc, and vitamin A were lower than the recommended dietary allowances. Acute malnutrition and stunting affected 14.6% and 16.9% of children, respectively. Overall, 20.8% of mothers were underweighted, and overweight/obesity affected 23.1% of them. Conclusion: Malnutrition remains prevalent in rural areas of Senegal and affects both mothers and children. Furthermore, their nutrient requirements were not covered by the diet. Millet and cowpea being widely consumed, optimizing their iron and zinc content through biofortification and the introduction of OFSP might improve micronutrient intakes and would be promising strategies to prevent child malnutrition

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Contents of Four Species of Smoked Fish from Different Sites in Senegal

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds resulting from any incomplete combustion process. These are pollutants that have proven toxicity due to their carcinogenic nature and can contaminate food during traditional smoking methods. Their highly toxic effect on human health requires monitoring of their levels in food products and the development of appropriate analytical methods for their determination. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the level of PAHs contamination of four (4) species of smoked fish (Arius heudelotii, Sardinella aurita, Ethmalosa fimbriata, and Sardinella maderensis) which were sampled in seventeen (17) localities in Senegal. The compounds targeted in this study were benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), benzo(a)anthracene (B(a)A), benzo(b)fluoranthene (B(b)F), and chrysene (Chr). The QuEChERS method was used for the extraction of PAHs, and their contents were quantified by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS). The validation method was performed in accordance with the French standard NF V03-110 (2010). Satisfactory linearity (R2 > 0.999), LOD (0.05–0.09 μg/kg), LOQ (0.19–0.24 μg/kg), and precision (1.33–3.13%) of the four PAHs were obtained. The results of analysis in the 17 localities showed that all samples are contaminated by the four (4) PAHs with great variability of the contents between the different species and their origin. The B(a)P and ∑4PAHS contents in the samples ranged from 1.7 to 33 µg/kg and from 4.8 to 1082.3 µg/kg, respectively. Twelve (12) samples showed high levels of B(a)P, ranging from 2.2 to 33 µg/kg, thus exceeding the maximum authorized level (2 µg/kg). Fourteen (14) samples showed an overall ∑4PAHS content varying from 14.8 to 1082.3 µg/kg, which is above the maximum authorized limit (12 µg/kg). The principal component analysis showed that sardinella (Sardinella aurita and Sardinella maderensis) have very low levels of B(a)P, B(b)F, B(a)A, and Chr contents. However, high ∑4PAHS contents characterize smoked fish of the Kong species (Arius heudelotii), from Cap Skiring, Diogne, Boudody, and Diaobé, and of the Cobo species (Ethmalosa fimbriata) from Djiffer. Thus, based on the authorized limits for PAHs in smoked fish, it appears that smoked fish of the sardinella species are less carcinogenic for human consumption

Assessment of the Effect of Different Varieties of Tomato and Hot Pepper on Nematodes Attack in Senegal

Tomato and hot pepper are very susceptible to nematodes. The Parasitic Plant Nematodes (PPN) are controlled using chemicals or resistant varieties. This study focuses on appraising the resistance levels of local and American varieties through the plant characteristics (growth, biomass) and the nematodes metrics (gall index, population). For each crop, three American varieties were tested to ascertain their resistance to the nematodes in Senegal using the following plant materials and protocol. American tomatoe varieties are as follows: Small Fry, Jet Setter, and Celebrity. The hot pepper American varieties include Charleston Bell, Carolina Cayenne, and Carolina Wonder. All of these were provided by the Entomology and Nematology Department and Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Florida. They were compared with highly susceptible Senegalese local varieties which were Roma and Orbit for tomato and Safi for hot pepper. The test was conducted in pots containing sterilized sand of dune and placed in a shelter in a completely randomized design. There were 200 second stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne inoculated in each pot thirteen days after transplantation. After fifty days, plants were uprooted to collect agronomic and nematological parameters. Results for tomato showed, in general, better growth from Roma than the other American tomato varieties. Celebrity offered possibilities of reducing Meloidogyne population, while Small Fry and Jet Setter’s growth were not affected by Meloidogyne populations. Safi, which is the local hot pepper variety, displayed the poorest growth. Carolina Cayenne variety also performed better than Safi in heavy infestations. Analysis of Meloidogyne J2 final population data (in the soil and root) showed a significant difference between Small Fry and Celebrity for tomato. As for hot pepper, Carolina Cayenne performed significantly better than Carolina wonder and Safi. This opens up further research opportunities on the impact of Meloidogyne nematode genus and the agronomic parameters

Pratiques de gestion des ressources naturelles, avantages et inconvénients des régimes fonciers dans le bassin versant de Diaforè, Fouta Djallon, Guinée

xii, 66 p

Les formes psychiatriques des hematomes sous-duraux chroniques

Introduction: L’hématome sous-dural chronique est une pathologie fréquente du sujet âgé et fait partie du groupe des démences curables. Les formes à révélation neuropsychiatrique sont moins connues et posent des problèmes médico-légaux. L’objectif de cette étude était de relever les particularités de ces formes à travers 26 observations prises en charge au Sénégal.Matériels et méthodes: Il s’agissait d’une étude rétrospective de 26 cas d’hématome sous-dural chronique (HSDC) révélés uniquement par des troubles psychiatriques admis en neurologie, neurochirurgie et en psychiatrie de l’Hôpital Général de Grand Yoff et du CHU de Fann de Dakar entre 2001 à 2009. Un recul d’au moins 6 mois était nécessaire.Résultats: L’âge moyen des patients était de 80,6 ans. Aucun patient ne présentait d’antécédent psychiatrique et 11 (42,3%) étaient éthyliques. Le délire (53,8%), la désinhibition (38,5%) et les hallucinations (34,6%) étaient les principaux signes. Nous avons eu 3 personnes victimes de coups et blessure volontaire sans plainte judiciaire. Les signes ayant motivé la réalisation d’une imagerie étaient : antécédent récent de traumatisme crânien (11,5%), suspicion d’une démence (15,4%), détérioration neurologique secondaire (23,1%), inefficacité du traitement médical (26,9%), recherche d’une hydrocéphalie chronique de l’adulte (23,1%). L’imagerie avait retrouvée dans 69,2% un HSDC bilatéral dont 7 cas en bifrontal. Au recul, on notait chez tous les patients une disparition de la symptomatologie initiale.Conclusion: Les formes neuropsychiatriques des hématomes sous duraux chroniques doivent sont favorisées par l’âge élevé, l’éthylisme chronique et la topographie frontale de l’hématome et posent des problèmes médicolégaux.Mots clés: Démence - Hématome sous-dural chronique - Formes psychiatriques - SénégalEnglish Title: Psychiatric features of chronic subdural hematomasEnglish AbstractBackground: Chronic subdural hematoma is a common disease in the elderly and is part of treatable dementia. The neuropsychiatric features are less rare. The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of these clinical presentation acrossMethods: This was a retrospective study of 26 cases of chronic subdural hematoma with psychiatric disorders admitted in neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry of Hôpital Général de Grand Yoff and Fann’s CHU of Dakar (Senegal) between 2001 in 2009.Results: The mean age of patients was 80.6 years. No patient had a psychiatric history and 11 (42.3%) were alcoholic. Delirium (53.8%), disinhibition (38.5%) and hallucinations (34.6%) were the main signs. We had 3 persons victim of inflicted injury without judicial complaint. The signs that led to the realization of imagery were: recent history of brain injury (11.5%), suspected dementia (15.4%), neurological secondary deterioration (23.1%), ineffective medical treatment (26.9%), research of chronic hydrocephalus of adults (23.1%). CT scan and the MRI showed bilateral chronic subdural hematoma (69.2%) including 7 bifrontal location cases. In the follow up, we noticed in all patients the disparition of the initial symptoms.Conclusion: Neuropsychiatric features of chronic subdural hematomas must be suspected in dementia and poses a legal problem.Keywords: Chronic subdural hematoma - Dementia - Psychiatric features —Senega

Syndrome hémolytique et urémique de l’enfant au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Dakar: à propos de quatre observations

Le syndrome hémolytique et urémique (SHU) est une cause fréquente d’insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA) organique chez l’enfant. C’est une complication évolutive des gastroentérites aiguës (GEA) en particulier à Escherichia coli de l’enfant. Notre objectif était de décrire les aspects cliniques, thérapeutiques et évolutifs de cette affection chez quatre enfants. Nous avions colligé quatre cas de SHU. L’âge moyen était de 10,5 mois (5-15mois) exclusivement des garçons. L’examen clinique retrouvait une anémie de type hémolytique (pâleur et ictére), un syndrome oedémateux avec oligo-anurie (2 cas), une hypertension artérielle (1 patient), une GEA avec déshydratation sévère et choc hypovolémique (2 patients), des troubles de conscience. L’IRA était notée chez tous les patients de même que la thrombopénie et les schizocytes au frottis. Le Coombs direct était négatif. Il y avait une hyperkaliémie (3patients) dont 1 patient supérieure à 9,2 mmol/l, une hyponatrémie à 129mmol/l(1 patient) et une hypernatrémie à 153mmol/l (1 patient). Le shu était secondaire à une pneumonie à pneumocoque (1 patient), une GEA à E. coli (1 patient). Le traitement était essentiellement symptomatique et comprenait la restriction hydrique, la transfusion de concentrés érythrocytaires, les diurétiques, la dialyse péritonéale et l’hémodialyse. L’évolution était marquée par la survenue d’une insuffisance rénale chronique (1 patient) après 6 mois de suivi et la guérison (1 cas). Nous avions noté 3décés.Le SHU est la cause la plus fréquente d’IRA organique du nourrisson. Le diagnostic est essentiellement biologique, le traitement est surtout symptomatique. The Pan African Medical Journal 2016;2

Hypothyroïdie congénitale à Dakar: à propos de 28 cas

L’hypothyroïdie de l’enfant é été peu étudiée au Sénégal. Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer les aspects épidémiologiques, diagnostiques et évolutifs de l’hypothyroïdie congénitale. Il s’agissait d’une étude rétrospective descriptive et analytique portant sur tous les enfants suivis pour hypothyroïdie congénitale au Centre Hospitalier National d’Enfants Albert Royer sur la période de 2001 à 2014 (14 ans). A partir des dossiers des malades, nous avons recueilli et analysé les données sociodémographiques, cliniques et évolutives. Au total, 28 patients ont été inclus, soit une moyenne de 2 cas par an. L’âge moyen de découverte de l’hypothyroïdie était de 54,25 ± 43 mois avec une prédominance féminine (Sex- ratio 0,47). Seuls 2 cas d’hypothyroïdie ont été diagnostiqués dans la période néonatale. La consanguinité était présente chez 68% des patients. Les signes cliniques étaient dominés par le retard des acquisitions psychomotrices (96%), l’hypothermie (46%), la dysmorphie cranio-faciale (43%) et le goitre (39%). Le retard statural était constant au-delà de 6 mois. Les étiologies étaient dominées par les troubles de l’hormonosynthèse (84,21%). Dans l’évolution, la taille moyenne des patients était passée de -3,5 DS à -2,25 DS pour une durée de traitement moyenne de 28 mois. La débilité mentale était présente dans 73% des cas. Le retard de croissance et la débilité mentale étaient d’autant plus sévères que le diagnostic était tardif. Nos résultats confirment l’insuffisance d’une prise en charge précoce des patients. Il urge de mettre en place un système de dépistage néonatale systématique, afin d’améliorer le pronostic mental de cette affection. The Pan African Medical Journal 2016;2