Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements, regardless of their zinc content, increase growth and reduce the prevalence of stunting and wasting in young Burkinabe children : a cluster-randomized trial

Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) are promising home fortification products, but the optimal zinc level needed to improve growth and reduce morbidity is uncertain. We aimed to assess the impact of providing SQ-LNS with varied amounts of zinc, along with illness treatment, on zinc-related outcomes compared with standard care. In a placebo-controlled, cluster-randomized trial, 34 communities were stratified to intervention (IC) or nonintervention cohorts (NIC). 2435 eligible IC children were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) SQ-LNS without zinc, placebo tablet; 2) SQ-LNS containing 5mg zinc, placebo tablet; 3) SQ-LNS containing 10mg zinc, placebo tablet; or 4) SQ-LNS without zinc and 5mg zinc tablet from 9-18 months of age. During weekly morbidity surveillance, oral rehydration salts were provided for reported diarrhea and antimalarial therapy for confirmed malaria. Children in NIC (n = 785) did not receive SQ-LNS, tablets, illness surveillance or treatment. At 9 and 18 months, length, weight and hemoglobin were measured in all children. Reported adherence was 97 +/- 6% for SQ-LNS and tablets. Mean baseline hemoglobin was 89 +/- 15g/L. At 18 months, change in hemoglobin was greater in IC than NIC (+8 vs -1g/L, p<0.0001), but 79.1% of IC were still anemic (vs. 91.1% in NIC). Final plasma zinc concentration did not differ by group. During the 9-month observation period, the incidence of diarrhea was 1.10 +/- 1.03 and of malaria 0.54 +/- 0.50 episodes per 100 child-days, and did not differ by group. Length at 18 months was significantly greater in IC compared to NIC (77.7 +/- 3.0 vs. 76.9 +/- 3.4cm; p<0.001) and stunting prevalence was significantly lower in IC (29.3%) than NIC (39.3%; p<0.0001), but did not differ by intervention group within IC. Wasting prevalence was also significantly lower in IC (8.7%) than in NIC (13.5%; p = 0.0003). Providing SQ-LNS daily with or without zinc, along with malaria and diarrhea treatment, significantly increased growth and reduced stunting, wasting and anemia prevalence in young children

Differing growth responses to nutritional supplements in neighboring health districts of Burkina Faso are likely due to benefits of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS)

Background : Of two community-based trials among young children in neighboring health districts of Burkina Faso, one found that small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) increased child growth compared with a non-intervention control group, but zinc supplementation did not in the second study. Objectives : We explored whether the disparate growth outcomes were associated with differences in intervention components, household demographic variables, and/or children's morbidity. Methods : Children in the LNS study received 20g LNS daily containing different amounts of zinc (LNS). Children in the zinc supplementation study received different zinc supplementation regimens (Z-Suppl). Children in both studies were visited weekly for morbidity surveillance. Free malaria and diarrhea treatment was provided by the field worker in the LNS study, and by a village-based community-health worker in the zinc study. Anthropometric assessments were repeated every 13-16 weeks. For the present analyses, study intervals of the two studies were matched by child age and month of enrollment. The changes in length-for-age z-score (LAZ) per interval were compared between LNS and Z-Suppl groups using mixed model ANOVA or ANCOVA. Covariates were added to the model in blocks, and adjusted differences between group means were estimated. Results : Mean ages at enrollment of LNS (n = 1716) and Z-Suppl (n = 1720) were 9.4 +/- 0.4 and 10.1 +/- 2.7 months, respectively. The age-adjusted change in mean LAZ per interval declined less with LNS (-0.07 +/- 0.44) versus Z-Suppl (-0.21 +/- 0.43; p<0.0001). There was a significant group by interval interaction with the greatest difference found in 9-12 month old children (p<0.0001). Adjusting for demographic characteristics and morbidity did not reduce the observed differences by type of intervention, even though the morbidity burden was greater in the LNS group. Conclusions : Greater average physical growth in children who received LNS could not be explained by known cross-trial differences in baseline characteristics or morbidity burden, implying that the observed difference in growth response was partly due to LNS

Phytochemical screening of Saye, a traditional herbal remedy for malaria

phytochemical assay was conducted to establish the chemical profile of “Saye”, a mixture of leaf of Cassia alata, root of Cochlospermum planchonii and whole plant of Phyllantus amarus, used as antimarial remedy. Water and organic extracts were prepared. Characterization of phytoconstituents using specific chemical reagents was performed in tubes, by thin layer chromatography and by high performance liquid chromatography. Steroids and/or triterpenes, cathechic tannins were identified in the decocted and the macerated water extracts of “Saye”. An anthraquinone with a retention time Rt corresponding to 3.34 min was identified by the HPLC analysis.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Chemical profile, anthraquinones, steroids, triterpenes, tannins

Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile (Balanitaceae) roots bark

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del (Balanitaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments such as syphilis, jaundice and liver disorders, epilepsy, ... This study was designed to evaluate acute toxicity and hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Methods: Acute toxicity was assessed with the extract at a dose of 2000 mg / kg bw. The extract at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg / kg b.w. was orally administered respectively to CC14-induced hepatotoxicity (0.5 ml / kg) animals. Silymarin (100 mg / kg) was given as a reference. Biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, PT, ALB and ALP were assayed as well as enzymatic antioxidant activities SOD, CAT and MDA. Nitrogen monoxide (NO) involved in inflammation was also measured.Results: Activities of liver marker enzymes, ALT, AST and ALP, total protein, albumin and showed a significant hepatoprotective effect. Regarding antioxidant enzymatic activities in vivo (SOD, CAT and MDA) of aqueous extract exhibited a significant effect showing increasing levels of SOD, CAT and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The production of NO is significantly reduced compared to the batch intoxicated by CCl4.Conclusion: Balanites aegyptiaca is endowed with hepatoprotective properties that can be attributed to antioxidant potential which could justify its use in traditional medicine in liver disorders

Analyse de la prise en charge du nouveau-né dans le cadre de la stratégie nationale de subvention des accouchements et des soins obstétricaux et néonatals d’urgence au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle, Ouagadougou (Burkina Fa

Introduction: il s'agit d'analyser la prise en charge du nouveau-né dans le cadre de la stratégie na-tionale de subvention des accouchements etdes soins obstétricaux et néonatals d'urgence mis en place par le  gouvernement du Burkina Faso en 2006. Méthodes: nous avons menée une étude à visée descriptive et analytique comportant un volet  ré-trospectif du 01 janvier 2006 au 31 décembre 2010 portant sur les paramètres épidémiologiques, cliniques des nouveau-nés hospitalisés et un volet prospectif du 3 octobre 2011 au 29 février 2012 par une entrevue des accompagnateurs des nouveau-nés et des prestataires des services de santé. Résultats: les hospitalisations ont augmenté de 43,65% entre 2006à 2010 Le taux de mortalité néo-natale hospitalière qui était de 11,04% a connu une réduction moyenne annuelle de 3,95%. L'entrevue a porté sur 110 accompagnateurs et 76 prestataires. La majorité des prestataires (97,44%) et des ac-compagnateurs (88,18%) étaient informés de la  stratégie mais n'avait pas une connaissance exacte de sa définition. Les prestataires (94,74%) ont signalé des ruptures de médicaments,   consommables médicaux et des pannes d' appareils de laboratoire et  d'imagerie. Parmi les accompagnateurs (89%) disaient être satisfaits desservices offerts et (72,89%) trouvaient les coûts abordables mais   évoquaient les difficultés du transport. Conclusion : La subvention a amélioré la prise en charge du nou-veau-né mais son optimisation  nécessiterait une meilleur information et implication de tous les acteurs

Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background: In Burkina Faso, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay is not routinely used in the biological qualification of blood donations and this constitutes a risk factor for the transmission of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during blood transfusion. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of occult B infection (OBI) among blood donors for the purposes of improved blood safety in Burkina Faso. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 300 HBsAg negative blood donors was conducted in the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from April to October 2020. Anti-HBc antibody was determined using the BOSON® brand rapid tests. HBV DNA was detected in 75 selected donors by real-time PCR (rt PCR) using the 7500 Fast Real Time PCR assay technique. Results: Of the 300 HBsAg negative donors, 208 (69.3%) were males while 92 (30.7%) were females, with average age of 30.18 years. Anti-HBc antibody was detected in 39 cases (13%). Of the 75 donor samples tested by rt PCR, 3 (4%) were positive for HBV DNA (occult B infection); 2 of which were anti-HBc antibody positive (seropositive OBI) while 1 was anti-HBc antibody negative (seronegative OBI). Conclusion: Given the prevalence of OBI of 4% in this study and its consequences in blood recipients, it appears necessary that in addition to the classic serological markers of hepatitis B, to test for the presence of HBV DNA among blood donors in order to improve transfusion safety. Keywords: Prevalence, Occult B infection; Blood donors, Ouagadougou. &nbsp; French title: Prévalence de l'infection occulte par le virus de l'hépatite B chez les donneurs de sang à Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Contexte: Au Burkina Faso, la polymérase chain réaction (PCR) n’est pas utilisée lors de la qualification biologique des dons et cela constitue un facteur de risque de transmission de l’Infection Occulte du virus B (VHB) lors des transfusions sanguines. L’objectif de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence de l’infection occulte B chez les donneurs de sang en vue d’une meilleure sécurité transfusionnelle. Méthodologie: Une étude transversale prospective, réalisée d’avril à octobre 2020 dans la ville de Ouagadougou incluant 300 donneurs de sang AgHBs négatif. L’anticorps anti HBc a été déterminé par les tests rapides de marque BOSON®. L’ADN du VHB a été recherché chez 75 donneurs par PCR en temps réel (rt PCR) avec le 7500 Fast Real Time PCR. Résultats: Parmi les 300 donneurs AgHBs négatifs, 208 (69,3%) étaient des hommes et 92 (30,7%) des femmes. L’âge moyen était de 30,18 ans. La recherche de l’Ac anti-HBc était positive dans 39 cas (13 %). Parmi les 75 échantillons passés à la rt PCR, 3 (4%) étaient positifs pour l’ADN du VHB. Sur les 3 cas d’ADN VHB positifs, 2 (66,67%) étaient positifs Ac anti HBc et 1 (33,33%) Ac anti HBc négatif. Conclusion: Compte tenu de la prévalence de l’infection occulte B et ses conséquences chez les donneurs de sang et chez les receveurs, il devient nécessaire de rechercher, en plus des marqueurs sérologiques classiques de l’hépatite B, l’ADN VHB pour une meilleure sécurité transfusionnelle. Mots clés: Prévalence, Infection occulte de l’HBV, Donneurs de sang, Ouagadougou &nbsp

Knowledge, practices and beliefs of students regarding health effects of shisha use in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: A cross‐sectional study

Background. The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Shisha use has recently been gaining increased popularity in many developed and developing countries. Objective. To determine the prevalence of shisha use among students in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and associated knowledge, smoking practices and beliefs about health effects. Method. A total of 443 students were selected for this cross-sectional study, using a stratified sampling method. Data on shisha use, knowledge about shisha, shisha smoking practices, and factors associated with use of shisha were collected via a questionnaire. The association between the independent variables and shisha use was assessed using a χ2 test (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine variables that were independently associated with shisha smoking. Results. Of the 421 respondents, 162 (38.5%) indicated that they had smoked shisha; 14.0% were regular smokers. We found that 183 students (43.5%) had poor knowledge about the health effects of shisha. The main reasons for shisha smoking were being in the company of friends who were users (57.4%), the pleasant flavour and fragrance of shisha (25.9%), and fashion (22.2%). Ninety-nine shisha smokers (61.1%) also consumed alcohol. Factors associated with shisha smoking included age <20 years (p<0.001), gender (p=0.034), and educational level of the respondent’s father (p=0.0001) and mother (p=0.0004). Conclusion. We found a relatively high prevalence of shisha smoking among the students, and that 43.5% of them had poor knowledge about its effects on health. Developing surveillance, intervention and regulatory/policy frameworks specific to shisha has become a public health priority

Formulation of a Robust National Rural Sector Program in Burkina Faso: What new themes have emerged from the socio-economic and climate scenarios process?

Under the partnership initiated in 2015 between the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the Permanent Secretariat for Coordination of Agricultural Sector Policies (SP-CPSA), in collaboration with other CGIAR research programs and centers, an analysis of the National Rural Sector Program (PNSR) based on the CCAFS socio-economic and climate scenarios was conducted with the effective participation of rural sector stakeholders in Burkina Faso. Twenty-two (22) recommendations were made to allow for the effective mainstreaming of plausible socio-economic, environmental and climatic factors in the near and distant future, that will make PNSR II more robust to face future uncertainties related to climate change, global dynamics, socio-economic changes, changes in norms and values, etc. In addition, an exercise with all the stakeholders helped in translating the said recommendations into new actions and themes to be taken into account when formulating PNSR II. Discussions between the stakeholders also underscored the need for crosscutting involvement of research in the implementation of the activities of PNSR II

Formulation d’un Programme National du Secteur Rural robuste au Burkina Faso : Quelles thématiques nouvelles issues du processus des scénarios socio- économiques et climatiques?

Dans le cadre du partenariat initié en 2015 entre le Programme de recherche du CGIAR sur le Changement Climatique, l’Agriculture et la Sécurité Alimentaire (CCAFS) et le Secrétariat Permanent de la Coordination des Politiques Sectorielles Agricoles (SP-CPSA), en collaboration avec d’autres programmes et centres de recherche du CGIAR, une analyse du Programme National du Secteur Rural (PNSR) fondée sur les scénarios socio-économiques et climatiques du CCAFS a pu être menée avec la participation effective des parties prenantes du secteur rural du Burkina Faso. Les 22 recommandations qui en sont issues devraient permettre une prise en compte effective des facteurs socio- économiques, environnementaux et climatiques plausibles dans le futur proche et lointain, et ainsi aider à rendre le PNSR II plus robuste face aux incertitudes futures liées au changement climatique, aux dynamiques mondiales, aux évolutions socioéconomiques, aux changements des normes et valeurs, etc. En outre, un exercice avec l’ensemble des acteurs impliqués a consisté à traduire lesdites recommandations en actions et thématiques nouvelles à prendre en compte lors de la formulation du PNSR II. Les échanges entre acteurs ont également fait ressortir la nécessité d’une implication transversale de la recherche dans la mise en œuvre des activités de cet important outil politique qu’est le PNSR I

Issue des accouchements sur utérus cicatriciel dans un hôpital universitaire au Burkina

Certains auteurs ont tendance à privilégier la césarienne comme méthode de prise en charge d’une parturiente porteuse d’un utérus cicatriciel.D’autres auteurs préconisent un accouchement par voie basse quand des paramètres cliniques précis sont observés. Le but de cette étude estd’analyser la prise en charge et l’issue des accouchements sur utérus cicatriciel au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro Sanou de Bobo-Dioulasso et de la comparer aux différentes approches recommandées. Nous avons menés une étude transversale dans le Département de Gynécologie d’Obstétrique et de Médecine de la Reproduction du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sanou Souro de Bobo Dioulasso du 1er août 2006 au 1er août 2007 et a concerné 252 parturientes ayant un utérus cicatriciel parmi 4256 accouchements déroulés pendant la même période. Les accouchements sur utérus cicatriciels ont représenté 5,92 % de l’ensemble des accouchements dans notre département. La moyenne d'âge des patientes était de 26,2 ans et la parité moyenne de 4,3. Une césarienne d’emblée a été pratiquée chez 44% des parturientes ayant un utérus cicatriciel et 56 % parmi elles ont fait l'objet d'une épreuve utérine. Sur l’ensemble des épreuves utérines, 61% des parturientes ont accouché par voie basse. La mortalité maternelle était nulle et La mortalité périnatale était relativement importante. Les conditions d’acceptabilité de la voie basse ont été les mêmes chez toutes les patientes et un check liste a été proposé pour une meilleure prise en charge. L'épreuve utérine en salle d’accouchement doit être la règle à chaque fois que cela est possible chez une parturiente porteuse d’utérus cicatriciel. L’établissement d’un check liste pour accouchement par voie basse sur utérus cicatriciel facilite les prises de décision.Key words: Utérus cicatriciels, épreuve utérine, accouchement par voie basse, check-lis