Decentralized Managment of Irrigation Areas in the Sahel : Water User Associations in the Senegal River Valley

human development, water, sanitation

Efficacy and tolerability of a new formulation of artesunate-mefloquine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in adult in Senegal: open randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Prompt treatment of malaria attacks with arteminisin-based combination therapy (ACT) is an essential tool for malaria control. A new co-blister tablet of artesunate-mefloquine (AM) with 25 mg/kg mefloquine has been developed for the management of uncomplicated malaria attacks. This non-inferiority randomized trial, was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new formulation of AM in comparison to artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults in Senegal. METHODS: The study was carried out from September to December 2010 in two health centres in Senegal. The study end points included (i) PCR corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at day 28, (ii) ACPR at days 42 and 63, (iii) parasites and fever clearance time, (iv) incidence of adverse events and patients biological profile at day 7 using the WHO 2003 protocol for anti-malarial drug evaluation. RESULTS: Overall, 310 patients were randomized to receive either AM (n = 157) or AL (n = 153). PCR corrected ACPR at day 28 was at 95.5% in the AM arm while that in the AL arm was at 96.7% (p = 0.83). Therapeutic efficacy was at 98.5% in the AM arm versus 98.2% in the AL group at day 42 (p = 1). At day 63, ACPR in the AM and AL arms was at 98.2% and 97.7%, respectively (p = 0.32). The two treatments were well tolerated with similar biological profile at day 7. However, dizziness was more frequent in the AM arm. CONCLUSION: Artesunate-mefloquine (25 mg/Kg mefloquine) is efficacious and well-tolerated for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in adult patients

Safety and Efficacy of Adding a Single Low Dose of Primaquine to the Treatment of Adult Patients With Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Senegal, to Reduce Gametocyte Carriage: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: More information is needed about the safety of low-dose primaquine in populations where G6PD deficiency is common. Methods: Adults with Plasmodium falciparum malaria were randomized to receive 1 of 3 artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) with or without primaquine (0.25 mg/kg). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) status was determined using a rapid test. Patients were followed for 28 days to record hemoglobin concentration, adverse events, and gametocyte carriage. The primary end point was the change in Hb at day 7. Results: In sum, 274 patients were randomized, 139 received an ACT alone, and 135 received an ACT + primaquine. The mean reduction in Hb at day 7 was similar in each group, a difference in the ACT + PQ versus the ACT alone group of -0.04 g/dL (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.23, 0.31), but the effect of primaquine differed according to G6PD status. In G6PD-deficient patients the drop in Hb was 0.63 g/dL (95% CI 0.03, 1.24) greater in those who received primaquine than in those who received an ACT alone. In G6PD-normal patients, the reduction in Hb was 0.22 g/dL (95% CI -0.08, 0.52) less in those who received primaquine (interaction P = .01). One G6PD normal patient who received primaquine developed moderately severe anaemia (Hb < 8 g/dL). Dark urine was more frequent in patients who received primaquine. Primaquine was associated with a 73% (95% CI 24-90) reduction in gametocyte carriage (P = .013). Conclusion: Primaquine substantially reduced gametocyte carriage. However, the fall in Hb concentration at day 7 was greater in G6PD-deficient patients who received primaquine than in those who did not and one patient who received primaquine developed moderately severe anemia. Clinical Trial registration: PACTR201411000937373 (www.pactr.org)

Comportement Biophysique et Écophysiologique de Cinq Espèces Ligneuses en Plantation dans la Commune Rurale de Massala (Cercle de Ségou, Mali)

Au Mali, très peu d’études écophysiologiques ont été menées sur les espèces ligneuses notamment à leur stade juvénile. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer le comportement biophysique et écophysiologique de cinq espèces ligneuses en plantation. Pour ce faire, les plants de trois espèces autochtones (Combretum micranthum, Combretum glutinosum et Piliostigma reticulatum) et deux espèces exotiques (Acacia auriculiformis et Cassia siamea) ont été produits en pépinière et transplantés à l’âge de 4 mois dans un dispositif expérimental en blocs de Fisher avec 4 répétitions. Par la suite, les paramètres biophysiques (taux de survie, diamètre au collet et hauteur totale des plants) ont été évalués 29 mois après plantation alors que les paramètres écophysiologiques ou traits fonctionnels (teneur relative en eau (RWC), surface foliaire spécifique (SLA) et teneur en matière sèche foliaire (LDMC)) ont été évalués entre 12 et 24 mois après plantation pendant 4 périodes distinctes de l’année. Comme résultats obtenus, le taux de survie a varié en fonction des espèces étudiées. De même, pour la croissance en hauteur et en diamètre, il a été obtenu une différence hautement significative (P&lt;0,001) entre les cinq espèces. Concernant les traits fonctionnels, la teneur relative en eau a varié significativement en fonction d’une part de la période de l’année et d’autre part de l’espèce alors que l’interaction des deux facteurs a eu un effet significatif sur la surface foliaire spécifique et la teneur en matière sèche foliaire des plants. Enfin, globalement tous les traits fonctionnels étudiés étaient significativement corrélés entre eux. &nbsp; In Mali, very few ecophysiological studies have been conducted on woody species, particularly at their juvenile stage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biophysical and ecophysiological behavior of five woody species in plantations. To do this, the plants of three native species (Combretum micranthum, Combretum glutinosum and Piliostigma reticulatum) and two exotic species (Acacia auriculiformis and Cassia siamea) were produced in the nursery and transplanted at the age of 4 months into an experimental device in Fisher blocks with 4 repetitions. Subsequently, the biophysical parameters (survival rate, collar diameter and total height of the plants) were evaluated 29 months after planting, while the ecophysiological parameters or functional traits (relative water content (RWC), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC)) were evaluated between 12 and 24 months after planting during 4 distinct periods of the year. As results obtained, the survival rate varied according to the species studied. Likewise, for the growth in height and in diameter, a highly significant difference (P&lt;0.001) was obtained between the five species. Regarding the functional traits, the relative water content varied significantly according to the time of year on the one hand and to the species on the other, while the interaction of the two factors had a significant effect on the specific leaf area and the leaf dry matter content of plants. Finally, globally all the functional traits studied were significantly correlated with each other

Comportement Biophysique et Écophysiologique de Cinq Espèces Ligneuses en Plantation dans la Commune Rurale de Massala (Cercle de Ségou, Mali)

Au Mali, très peu d’études écophysiologiques ont été menées sur les espèces ligneuses notamment à leur stade juvénile. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer le comportement biophysique et écophysiologique de cinq espèces ligneuses en plantation. Pour ce faire, les plants de trois espèces autochtones (Combretum micranthum, Combretum glutinosum et Piliostigma reticulatum) et deux espèces exotiques (Acacia auriculiformis et Cassia siamea) ont été produits en pépinière et transplantés à l’âge de 4 mois dans un dispositif expérimental en blocs de Fisher avec 4 répétitions. Par la suite, les paramètres biophysiques (taux de survie, diamètre au collet et hauteur totale des plants) ont été évalués 29 mois après plantation alors que les paramètres écophysiologiques ou traits fonctionnels (teneur relative en eau (RWC), surface foliaire spécifique (SLA) et teneur en matière sèche foliaire (LDMC)) ont été évalués entre 12 et 24 mois après plantation pendant 4 périodes distinctes de l’année. Comme résultats obtenus, le taux de survie a varié en fonction des espèces étudiées. De même, pour la croissance en hauteur et en diamètre, il a été obtenu une différence hautement significative (P&lt;0,001) entre les cinq espèces. Concernant les traits fonctionnels, la teneur relative en eau a varié significativement en fonction d’une part de la période de l’année et d’autre part de l’espèce alors que l’interaction des deux facteurs a eu un effet significatif sur la surface foliaire spécifique et la teneur en matière sèche foliaire des plants. Enfin, globalement tous les traits fonctionnels étudiés étaient significativement corrélés entre eux. &nbsp; In Mali, very few ecophysiological studies have been conducted on woody species, particularly at their juvenile stage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biophysical and ecophysiological behavior of five woody species in plantations. To do this, the plants of three native species (Combretum micranthum, Combretum glutinosum and Piliostigma reticulatum) and two exotic species (Acacia auriculiformis and Cassia siamea) were produced in the nursery and transplanted at the age of 4 months into an experimental device in Fisher blocks with 4 repetitions. Subsequently, the biophysical parameters (survival rate, collar diameter and total height of the plants) were evaluated 29 months after planting, while the ecophysiological parameters or functional traits (relative water content (RWC), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC)) were evaluated between 12 and 24 months after planting during 4 distinct periods of the year. As results obtained, the survival rate varied according to the species studied. Likewise, for the growth in height and in diameter, a highly significant difference (P&lt;0.001) was obtained between the five species. Regarding the functional traits, the relative water content varied significantly according to the time of year on the one hand and to the species on the other, while the interaction of the two factors had a significant effect on the specific leaf area and the leaf dry matter content of plants. Finally, globally all the functional traits studied were significantly correlated with each other

Monitoring the efficacy and safety of three artemisinin based-combinations therapies in Senegal: results from two years surveillance

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a major public health problem in developing countries. Then in these countries prompt access to effective antimalarial treatment such as Artemisinin based-Combination Therapies (ACT) proves to be an essential tool for controlling the disease. In Senegal, since 2006 a nationwide scaling up program of ACT is being implemented. In this context it has become relevant to monitor ACT efficacy and provide recommendations for the Senegalese national malaria control program. METHODS: An open randomized trial was conducted during two malaria transmission seasons (2011 and 2012) to assess the efficacy and safety of three combinations: dihydro-artemisinin-piperaquine (DHAPQ), artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ). The primary end point of the study was represented by a PCR adjusted adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at day 28. Secondary end points included: (i) a ACPR at days 35 and 42, (ii) a parasite and fever clearance time, (iii) ACTs safety and tolerability. The 2003 WHO’s protocol for antimalarial drug evaluation was used to assess each outcome. RESULTS: Overall, 534 patients were randomized selected to receive, either ASAQ (n = 180), AL (n = 178) or DHAPQ (n = 176). The PCR adjusted ACPR at day 28 was 99.41% for the group ASAQ, while that was 100% in the AL and DHAPQ groups (p = 0.37). The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated at 99.37% in the ASAQ arm versus 100% in AL and DHAPQ arm at day 35 (p = 0.37). At day 42, the ACPR was 99.27% in the ASAQ group versus 100% for both AL and DHAPQ groups, (p = 0.36). No serious adverse event was noted during the study period. Also a similar safety profile was noted in the 3 study groups. CONCLUSION: In the context of scaling up of ACTs in Senegal, ASAQ, AL and DHAPQ are highly effective and safe antimalarial drugs. However, it’s remains important to continue to monitor their efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PACTR 201305000552290

Impact of Composting and Vermicomposting of Three Types of Animal Manure on the Dynamics of Macronutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium

The management of animal manure remains a major environmental challenge, sparking growing interest in valorization methods such as composting and vermicomposting. However, the efficiency of the composting method largely depends on the type of organic substrate used. This study aims to evaluate the impact of composting methods on the final concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in three types of animal manure. Three types of animal manure (horse dung, cow dung, and poultry droppings) underwent a five-week pre-composting phase, followed by seven weeks of vermicomposting. Two earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia fetida, were used in the vermicomposting process. Soluble concentrations of N, P, and K were measured at the end of the composting and vermicomposting processes, and the impact of composting method on nutrient dynamics (N, P, K) in the soil was assessed both before transplanting and after harvesting a lettuce crop. During composting, cow dung and poultry droppings showed similar nitrogen levels (0.3 kg N/ha), which were significantly higher than those of horse manure (0.2 kg N/ha). Poultry droppings displayed the highest phosphorus (0.18 kg P/ha) and potassium (0.25 kg K/ha) concentrations, compared to cow dung (0.12 kg P/ha, 0.1 kg K/ha) and horse manure (0.1 kg P/ha, 0.1 kg K/ha). In vermicomposting, nutrient differences between manure types were less pronounced. Nitrogen levels were higher in compost than in vermicompost for poultry droppings (0.38 kg N/ha vs. 0.33 kg N/ha), while P and K levels remained similar between the two processes for cow dung. This study highlights the differential impact of composting and vermicomposting on the nutrient content of organic amendments. Composting appears to be more effective for poultry droppings, while vermicomposting yields comparable nutrient levels for horse and cow manure. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing organic waste recycling to enhance soil fertility

Impact of Composting and Vermicomposting of Three Types of Animal Manure on the Dynamics of Macronutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium

The management of animal manure remains a major environmental challenge, sparking growing interest in valorization methods such as composting and vermicomposting. However, the efficiency of the composting method largely depends on the type of organic substrate used. This study aims to evaluate the impact of composting methods on the final concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in three types of animal manure. Three types of animal manure (horse dung, cow dung, and poultry droppings) underwent a five-week pre-composting phase, followed by seven weeks of vermicomposting. Two earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia fetida, were used in the vermicomposting process. Soluble concentrations of N, P, and K were measured at the end of the composting and vermicomposting processes, and the impact of composting method on nutrient dynamics (N, P, K) in the soil was assessed both before transplanting and after harvesting a lettuce crop. During composting, cow dung and poultry droppings showed similar nitrogen levels (0.3 kg N/ha), which were significantly higher than those of horse manure (0.2 kg N/ha). Poultry droppings displayed the highest phosphorus (0.18 kg P/ha) and potassium (0.25 kg K/ha) concentrations, compared to cow dung (0.12 kg P/ha, 0.1 kg K/ha) and horse manure (0.1 kg P/ha, 0.1 kg K/ha). In vermicomposting, nutrient differences between manure types were less pronounced. Nitrogen levels were higher in compost than in vermicompost for poultry droppings (0.38 kg N/ha vs. 0.33 kg N/ha), while P and K levels remained similar between the two processes for cow dung. This study highlights the differential impact of composting and vermicomposting on the nutrient content of organic amendments. Composting appears to be more effective for poultry droppings, while vermicomposting yields comparable nutrient levels for horse and cow manure. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing organic waste recycling to enhance soil fertility

Evaluation of the effectiveness of leachates derived from the vermicomposting of different organic wastes on the growth of mint (mentha sp.) in hydroponic culture in Senegal

This study evaluates the effectiveness of different vermicompost leachates derived from various organic sources (horse manure, cow dung, green wastes, and poultry droppings) on the growth of mint in hydroponic cultivation. For each type of leachate, the plants were subjected to three different doses (D1, D2, D3), along with a chemical control (Tc) and a neutral control (Te). The parameters assessed included the number of leaves, plant height, and fresh leaf biomass. The results show that treatments based on vermicompost leachates produced a number of leaves comparable to the chemical control, with approximately 140 leaves per plant. Regarding plant height, the D2ch treatment exhibited the best growth, reaching 30 cm. For fresh aerial biomass, the D2ch, D2va, and Tc treatments yielded similar weights, ranging between 30 and 35 g. These findings highlight the potential of vermicompost leachates as viable alternatives to liquid chemical fertilizers in hydroponic system