Qualite et vitesse de decomposition des litieres des principaux arbustes natifs de la savane humide au centre de la Cote d’Ivoire

Cette étude a été conduite en zone de savane humide de Côte d’Ivoire pour évaluer la qualité et la vitesse de décomposition des litières de feuilles de trois espèces d’arbustes dominantes: Crossopteryx febrifuga, Terminalia schimperiana et Piliostigma thonningii et la contribution des termites dans ce processus. La vitesse de décomposition a été suivie pendant six mois dans des sachets (Litterbags) puis le coefficient de décomposition k a été déterminé. La contribution des termites a été estimée à travers la quantité de sol « termitique » déposée sur les sachets. Les résultats montrent que les teneurs des litières en C, N, K et Mg étaient plus élevés avec C. febrifuga qu’avec P. thonningii et T. schimperiana respectivement. Le rapport N/P suivait exactement la même tendance. La teneur en P n’a pas varié significativement avec les espèces. Les rapports C/N et C/P n’ont pas non plus varié significativement. La concentration de Ca des litières était plus élevée avec P. thonningii. La densité surfacique des litières (caractéristique physique) était plus élevée avec P. thonningii qu’avec les autres espèces. La décomposition des litières de T. schimperiana (0,64 mois-1) était plus rapide que celles de C. febribuga (0,52 mois-1) et de P. thonningii (0,39 mois-1). L’activité des termites était plus importante sous les litières les plus denses (P. thonningii). L’espèce C. febrifuga est apparue comme ayant le meilleur potentiel d’amélioration de la fertilité du sol.   English title: Quality and decomposition rate of native shrub species’ leaf litters in a wet savanna in central Côte d’Ivoire This study was conducted in Central Côte d’Ivoire, aimed to assess the quality and rate of decomposition of the dominant native shrub species’ leaf litters, namely Crossopteryx febrifuga, Terminalia schimperiana and Piliostigma thonningii and the termite’s contribution in this process. Investigations took place in the Lamto Natural Reserve, including five replicate trees per species. Leaf litters were left to decompose in litterbags for six months and then, the decomposition coefficient (k) was determined. The termites’ contribution to decomposition was estimated by the amount of soil they deposited on the litterbags. Results showed that higher leaf litter C, N, K and Mg concentrations were associated with C. febrifuga compared to P. thonningii and T. schimperiana, respectively. The N/P ratio followed the same order. Litter P, C/N and C/P ratios did not varied across species. Higher litter Ca was observed with P. thonningii. Litter surface area was higher with P. thonningii compared to the other two species while decomposition was faster with T. schimperiana (k = 0.64 month-1) followed by C. febribuga (k = 0.52 month-1) and P. thonningii (0.39 months-1). The contribution of the termites to decomposition were found to be greater on high surface area-leaf litters, supposedly more ligneous (P. thonningii). These results suggest that C. febrifuga holds a greater ability to improve soil fertility

Diagnostic Étiologique Échographique des Douleurs Pelviennes Aigues de la Femme en Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction : les douleurs pelviennes aigues chez la femme sont fréquentes et objet d’exploration échographique systématique dans notre pratique quotidienne. Objectif : contribuer à la recherche étiologique des douleurs pelviennes aigues (DPA) de la femme dans une zone où l’outil échographique est pratiquement le seul moyen d’imagerie accessible. Patiente et méthodes : étude prospective d’une durée de 6 mois réalisée au centre hospitalo-universitaire de Yopougon (Abidjan-Côte d’Ivoire). Une série continue de 153 femmes chez qui nous avons réalisé une échographie pelvienne au motif de DPA ont été enrôlées. Les examens échographiques ont été réalisées à l’aide de 3 sondes (convexe, linéaire et endocavitaire) en mode B et Doppler. Résultats : l’âge moyen des patientes était de 30, 2 ans avec des extrêmes de 12 et 68 ans. Les échographies étaient normales dans 25,5% et objectivaient une pathologie dans 74,5 % des cas. Ces pathologies concernaient les organes génitaux internes dans 89,5% des cas et dans 10,5% des cas il s’agissait de pathologie extra-génitale. Les ovaires étaient les organes génitaux les plus concernés (64,1%) suivis de l’utérus (28,2%) et des trompes (7,7%). Les causes extra-génitales étaient la hernie inguinale (4 cas), l’appendicite aigüe (5 cas), la sigmoïdite (1 cas) et la lithiase du bas uretère (2 cas). Conclusion : une proportion non négligeable de causes extra-génitales des douleurs pelviennes, objectivée dans notre étude, impose un examen clinique minutieux de toute la sphère hypogastrique voire abdominale par les cliniciens. L’utilisation de la sonde linéaire de haute fréquence qui n’est pas toujours sollicitée par les échographistes, au cours de la prise en charge des DPA devrait être préconisée. Introduction: Acute pelvic pain in women is common and systematically explored by ultrasound in our daily practice. Objective: Contribute to the aetiological research of women's acute pelvic pain (APD) in an area where the ultrasound tool is practically the only means of accessible imagery. Patient and methods: A prospective study lasting 6 months was carrried out at the Yopougon University Hospital Center (Abidjan-Ivory Coast). A continuous series of 153 women who had a pelvic ultrasound for DPA were enrolled. Ultrasound examinations were performed using 3 probes (convex, linear and endocavitary) in B and Doppler mode. Results: The mean age of the patients was 30, 2 years with extremes of 12 and 68 years. About a quarter (25.5%) of the ultrasound examinations were normal and in 74.5% of cases, a pathology was objectified. These pathologies concerned the internal genital organs in 89.5% of the cases and in 10.5% of cases they were extragenital pathologies. The ovaries were the most affected genitals (64.1%)followed by the uterus (28.2%) and the fallopian tubes (7.7%). Extra-genital causes were inguinal hernia (4 cases), acute appendicitis (5 cases), sigmoiditis (1 case) and lithiasis of the lower ureter (2 cases). Conclusion: a significant proportion of extragenital causes of pelvic pain, objectified in our study, requires a careful clinical examination of the whole hypogastric or even all abdominal regions by clinicians and the use of the high frequency linear probe which is not not always solicited by sonographers, during the care of the DPA

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.  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

ANTIDIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF AN ETHANOL EXTRACT OF THE STEM BARK OF PILIOSTIGMA RETICULATUM (CAESALPINIACEAE) IN RATS

Piliostigma reticulatum (Caesalpiniaceae) is used in Africa as a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and diarrhoea. We investigated the antidiarrhoeal properties of a crude ethanol extract from the stem bark of Piliostigma reticulatum (EEPR) in Wistar albino rats to substantiate its traditional use and to determine its phytochemical constituents. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the plant extract was evaluated in a castor oil-induced diarrhoea model in rats and compared with loperamide. The effect of the extract on gastrointestinal motility was also determined by the oral administration of charcoal meal and castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling). EEPR showed remarkable dose-dependent antidiarrhoeal activity evidenced by a reduction of defecation frequency and change in consistency. Extracts at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced diarrhoeal faeces. EEPR also significantly inhibited gastrointestinal motility and castor oil-induced enteropooling at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, similar to the inhibition obtained in control rats treated by atropine. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols and reducing sugars in the stem bark of P. reticulatum. No mortality or visible signs of general weakness were observed in the rats following administration of the crude extract in doses up to 6000 mg/kg body weight in an acute toxicity study. Our results show that the stem bark of P. reticulatum possesses antidiarrhoeal activity and strongly suggest that its use in traditional medicine practice could be justified

Technical Basis for Assessing Uranium Bioremediation Performance

In situ bioremediation of uranium holds significant promise for effective stabilization of U(VI) from groundwater at reduced cost compared to conventional pump and treat. This promise is unlikely to be realized unless researchers and practitioners successfully predict and demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of uranium bioremediation protocols. Field research to date has focused on both proof of principle and a mechanistic level of understanding. Current practice typically involves an engineering approach using proprietary amendments that focuses mainly on monitoring U(VI) concentration for a limited time period. Given the complexity of uranium biogeochemistry and uranium secondary minerals, and the lack of documented case studies, a systematic monitoring approach using multiple performance indicators is needed. This document provides an overview of uranium bioremediation, summarizes design considerations, and identifies and prioritizes field performance indicators for the application of uranium bioremediation. The performance indicators provided as part of this document are based on current biogeochemical understanding of uranium and will enable practitioners to monitor the performance of their system and make a strong case to clients, regulators, and the public that the future performance of the system can be assured and changes in performance addressed as needed. The performance indicators established by this document and the information gained by using these indicators do add to the cost of uranium bioremediation. However, they are vital to the long-term success of the application of uranium bioremediation and provide a significant assurance that regulatory goals will be met. The document also emphasizes the need for systematic development of key information from bench scale tests and pilot scales tests prior to full-scale implementation

Pharyngeal Carriage of Beta-Haemolytic Streptococcus Species and Seroprevalence of Anti-Streptococcal Antibodies in Children in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire

The pharynx of the child may serve as a reservoir of pathogenic bacteria, including beta-haemolytic group A streptococci (GAS), which can give rise to upper airway infections and post-streptococcal diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of beta-haemolytic Streptococcus spp. in pharyngeal samples stemming from children aged 3–14 years in Bouaké, central Côte d’Ivoire. Oropharyngeal throat swabs for microbiological culture and venous blood samples to determine the seroprevalence of antistreptolysin O antibodies (ASO) were obtained from 400 children in March 2017. Identification was carried out using conventional bacteriological methods. Serogrouping was performed with a latex agglutination test, while an immunological agglutination assay was employed for ASO titres. The mean age of participating children was 9 years (standard deviation 2.5 years). In total, we detected 190 bacteria in culture, with 109 beta-haemolytic Streptococcus isolates, resulting in an oropharyngeal carriage rate of 27.2%. Group C streptococci accounted for 82.6% of all isolates, whereas GAS were rarely found (4.6%). The ASO seroprevalence was 17.3%. There was no correlation between serology and prevalence of streptococci (p = 0.722). In conclusion, there is a high pharyngeal carriage rate of non-GAS strains in children from Bouaké, warranting further investigation

Negative Cross Resistance Mediated by Co-treated bed nets: A Potential Means of Restoring Pyrethroid-susceptibility to Malaria Vectors.

Insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spray programs for malaria control are entirely dependent on pyrethroid insecticides. The ubiquitous exposure of Anopheles mosquitoes to this chemistry has selected for resistance in a number of populations. This threatens the sustainability of our most effective interventions but no operationally practicable way of resolving the problem currently exists. One innovative solution involves the co-application of a powerful chemosterilant (pyriproxyfen or PPF) to bed nets that are usually treated only with pyrethroids. Resistant mosquitoes that are unaffected by the pyrethroid component of a PPF/pyrethroid co-treatment remain vulnerable to PPF. There is a differential impact of PPF on pyrethroid-resistant and susceptible mosquitoes that is modulated by the mosquito's behavioural response at co-treated surfaces. This imposes a specific fitness cost on pyrethroid-resistant phenotypes and can reverse selection. The concept is demonstrated using a mathematical model

Subsurface Biogeochemical Heterogeneity (Field-scale removal of U(VI) from groundwater in an alluvial aquifer by electron donor amendment)

Determine if biostimulation of alluvial aquifers by electron donor amendment can effectively remove U(VI) from groundwater at the field scale. Uranium contamination in groundwater is a significant problem at several DOE sites. In this project, the possibility of accelerating bioreduction of U(VI) to U(IV) as a means of decreasing U(VI) concentrations in groundwater is directly addressed by conducting a series of field-scale experiments. Scientific goals include demonstrating the quantitative linkage between microbial activity and U loss from groundwater and relating the dominant terminal electron accepting processes to the rate of U loss. The project is currently focused on understanding the mechanisms for unexpected long-term ({approx}2 years) removal of U after stopping electron donor amendment. Results obtained in the project successfully position DOE and others to apply biostimulation broadly to U contamination in alluvial aquifers