Effects of exposing adults of Amblyomma variegatum to neem cake extracts in traps baited with semiochemicals under semi–laboratory conditions

The efficacy of a trap baited with an attractant blend comprising of attraction aggregation- attachment pheromone (AAAP), 1-octen-3-ol and CO2 and treated with Neem (Azadirachta indica) cake extracts (0.6% of azadirachtin) to attract and expose the ticks, Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius) (Acari: Ixodidae) to the active constituents of the cake was evaluated in circular field plots.. Ticks were released at various distances from trap placed at the center of the plots. Ticks that arrived at the trap (and exposed to the extracts) and those in control plots were collected and their mortality was monitored in the laboratory over a three-week period. All concentrations of the neem extracts caused mortality of A. variegatum adults with highest mortality rate (97.8%) recorded in the concentration of 30 % of extracts. The mortality of the ticks was also dependent upon the time ticks were exposed to the extracts. The findings suggest the possibility of using semiochemicals-baited traps in combination with neem extracts for off-host control of these ticks in smallholder farms.Key words: Amblyomma variegatum, traps, Azadirachta indica, semiochemical

Hepatitis B testing and treatment in HIV patients in The Gambia - compliance with international guidelines and clinical outcomes

Background Compliance with WHO guidelines on HBV screening and treatment in HIV-coinfected patients is often challenging in resource limited countries and has been poorly assessed in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Between 2015 and 2016, we assessed physician’s compliance with WHO guidelines on HIV-HBV coinfection in the largest HIV clinic in The Gambia, and the hepatic outcomes in HIV-HBV coinfected patients as compared to randomly selected HIV-monoinfected controls. Results 870 HIV-infected patients regularly seen in this clinic agreed to participate in our study. Only 187 (21.5%, 95% CI 18.8–24.3) had previously been screened for HBsAg, 23 (12.3%, 95% CI 8.0–17.9) were positive of whom none had liver assessment and only 6 (26.1%) had received Tenofovir. Our HBV testing intervention was accepted by all participants and found 94/870 (10.8%, 95% CI 8.8–13.1) positive, 78 of whom underwent full liver assessment along with 40 HBsAg-negative controls. At the time of liver assessment, 61/78 (78.2%) HIV-HBV coinfected patients received ART with 7 (11.5%) on Tenofovir and 54 (88.5%) on Lamivudine alone. HIV-HBV coinfected patients had higher APRI score compared to controls (0.58 vs 0.42, p = 0.002). HBV DNA was detectable in 52/53 (98.1%) coinfected patients with 14/53 (26.4%) having HBV DNA >20,000 IU/L. 10/12 (83.3%) had at least one detectable 3TC-associated HBV resistance, which tended to be associated with increase in liver fibrosis after adjusting for age and sex (p = 0.05). Conclusions Compliance with HBV testing and treatment guidelines is poor in this Gambian HIV programme putting coinfected patients at risk of liver complications. However, the excellent uptake of HBV screening and linkage to care in our study suggests feasible improvements

Le lymphangiome cervico-facial congenital de l’enfant au chu de conakry : analyse de trois cas

Le lymphangiome kystique est une tumeur vasculaire, bénigne, rare, d’origine lymphatique. La forme principale est représentée par le lymphangiome cervico-facial congénital de l’enfant. Sa pathogenèse est inconnue. Cette malformation congénitale du système lymphatique est composée de formations kystiques développées à partir d’endothélium lymphatique et remplies de lymphe et de sang. L’atteinte des voies aérodigestives supérieures (VaDS) peut conduire à des complications graves, mettant en jeu le pronostic vital. nous présentons trois observations de lymphangiomes kystiques de diagnostic post natal. Le traitement était chirurgical dans tous les cas consistant en exérèse complète de la tumeur et le diagnostic confirmé par l’examen histopathologique de la pièce opératoire. après un recul d’au moins 12 mois, aucune récidive locale n’a été observée cependant la surveillance reste de mise.Mots clés : Lymphangiomes kystique, malformation, cervico-facialeCystic lymphangioma is a vascular tumor, rare benign lymphatic origin. The main form is represented by the cervicofacial congenital lymphangioma of the child. Its pathogenesis is unknown. This congenital malformation of the lymphatic system is composed of cystic formations developed from lymphatic endothelium and filled with lymph and blood. Involvement of the upper aero digestive tract (UaDT) can lead to serious complications, involving life-threatening. We present three cases of cystic lymphangiomas of postnatal diagnosis. Treatment was surgical in all cases consisting of complete resection of the tumor and the diagnosis confirmed by histopathological examination of the surgical specimen. after a decline of at least 12 months, no local recurrence was observed; however, monitoring is still required.Keywords : cystic lymphangioma malformation, cervicofacia

Etude de la cinétique de l’hémolyse dans les poches de concentrés érythrocytaires des donneurs de sanghétérozygotes AS et son implication transfusionnelle

Introduction: Le don de sang par le sujet drépanocytaire hétérozygote AS constitue un champ d’investigation peu exploré.Objectif: Contribuer à la définition des conditions du don de sang par les sujets AS.Methodologie: Il s’agissait d’une étude prospective horizontale qui s’est déroulée au Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS) à Abidjan-Treichville sur une durée de 02 mois d’octobre 2010 à novembre 2010. Nous avons sélectionné 11 donneurs AS dans une population de donneurs de sang réguliers et 11 donneurs témoins AA. Tous répondaient aux critères d’ap tude au don. Une Numération Formule Sanguine (NFS) et un dosage de la kaliémie ont été réalisés à Jour 0 Jour 10 Jour 20 et Jour 30. Les dosages ont été faits de façon comparative.Resultats: Le taux d’hémoglobine moyen de nos donneurs avant le don était supérieur ou égal à 12g/dl. On observait une diminution du taux d’hémoglobine dans le temps à par r de Jour 10 chez les AS. Chez les AA, après une diminution brève à Jour 10, le taux restait stable dans le temps. Le poids moyen en hémoglobine des poches issues de donneurs AS était proche des normes de production des Concentrés de Globules Rouges à Jour 0 et Jour 10 mais le poids baissait à partir de Jour 20. Le poids en hémoglobine des poches AS était inférieur à celui des poches AA. La kaliémie augmentait dans le temps, ceci traduisait indirectement l’hémolyse. Cette augmentation de la kaliémie était paradoxalement plus importante chez les AA que les AS.Conclusion: Cette étude montre une cinétique de l’hémolyse plus importante dans les poches AS à partir de Jour 10.Mots Clés: Cinétique, Hémolyse, Trait drépanocytaireEnglish AbstractEnglish Title: Study of the kinetics of hemolysis in red cell concentrated blood units from heterogenous AS sickle cell blood donors and its transfusion implication.Introduction: Blood donation from heterogeneous AS sickle cell donors represents a little explored field of research.Objective: To contribute to define of blood donation conditions by AS subjects.Methodology: This was a prospective and cross-sectional study held at the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) Abidjan-Treichville over a period of 02 months from October 2010 to November 2010. We selected 11 AS donors in a population of repeat blood donors and 11 AA donors who served as controls. All met the suitability criteria for donation. A full blood count (FBC) and a monitoring of serum potassium were done at Day 0, Day 10 Day 20 and Day 30. The results of assays were done compared.Results: The mean hemoglobin levels of our donors before donation was greater than or equal to 12g / dl. We observed a decrease in hemoglobin levels over the me from Day 10 in AS. In AA, after a brief decline at Day 10, the rate remained stable over the time. The average weight of hemoglobin AS donors in blood bags was close to those of standards of Red Cell Concentrates on Day 0 and Day 10 but the weight felt from Day 20. Weights of hemoglobin AS blood bags were lower than those of AA. Serum potassium levels increased over the time, it indirectly reflected hemolysis. The increase in serum potassium was paradoxically higher in the AA than in AS blood units.Conclusion: This study shows that hemolysis kinetic is more important in AS blood units from Day 10

Potential of Malian Landraces in Hybrid Combination

The first possibility of economic hybrid seed production in sorghum has been discussed since the discovery of the genetic-cytoplasmic male-sterility. The greater advantage of hybrids to yields, compared to cultivars, has been demonstrated throughout the world. Hybrids made with local cultivars of Mali used as the male parents and were compared to their parents. Heterosis was observed in all stages of plant growth. Seedling vigour and seedling drought tolerance were emphatically better than the Malian parents. The frequency of landraces with fertility reactions was more frequent than those with maintainer reactions. Significant and positive heterotic effects were recorded for grain yield per panicle and the panicle yield components, seed number and seed weight. However, there was no scope for direct exploitation of the hybrids involving the ATx623 and Malian landrace parents. The typical Caudatum “turtle-back” seed shape was dominant in hybrid combinations with all Malian races. This seed shape renders the grain more difficult to dehull than local cultivars. The grain of hybrids made with guinea parents had a thick brown sub coat with astringent tannins, which was undesirable for food uses

An integrated, probabilistic model for improved seasonal forecasting of agricultural crop yield under environmental uncertainty

We present a novel forecasting method for generating agricultural crop yield forecasts at the seasonal and regional-scale, integrating agroclimate variables and remotely-sensed indices. The method devises a multivariate statistical model to compute bias and uncertainty in forecasted yield at the Census of Agricultural Region (CAR) scale across the Canadian Prairies. The method uses robust variable-selection to select the best predictors within spatial subregions. Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation and random forest-tree machine learning techniques are then integrated to generate sequential forecasts through the growing season. Cross-validation of the model was performed by hindcasting/backcasting and comparing forecasts against available historical data (1987–2011) for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The model was also validated for the 2012 growing season by comparing forecast skill at the CAR, provincial and Canadian Prairie region scales against available statistical survey data. Mean percent departures between wheat yield forecasted were under-estimated by 1–4% in mid-season and over-estimated by 1% at the end of the growing season. This integrated methodology offers a consistent, generalizable approach for sequentially forecasting crop yield at the regional-scale. It provides a statistically robust, yet flexible way to concurrently adjust to data-rich and data-sparse situations, adaptively select different predictors of yield to changing levels of environmental uncertainty, and to update forecasts sequentially so as to incorporate new data as it becomes available. This integrated method also provides additional statistical support for assessing the accuracy and reliability of model-based crop yield forecasts in time and space

Rice yields enhanced through integrated management of cover crops and phosphate rock in phosphorus-deficient ultisols in West Africa

The relatively low solubility and availability of phosphorus (P) from indigenous phosphate rock could be enhanced by legumes in the acid soils of humid forest agroecosystems. Crotalaria micans L. was grown in a screenhouse without P or with P from triple superphosphate (TSP) and Malian Tilemsi Rock P. The P response of 20 cover crops was field-evaluated using TSP and Rock P. In both experiments, the fertilized cover crops were followed by upland rice without mineral N or P application. Mean rice grain yield and agronomic residual P-use efficiency were similar for both P sources. In the field, 1-year fallow treatment of Canavalia ensiformis (velvet bean) supplied with Mali Rock P gave the highest rice grain yield of 3.1 Mg ha-1, more than 180% that of 2-year continuous unfertilized rice (cv. 'WAB 56-50'). Among continuous rice plots, 'NERICA 2' (interspecific rice) supplied with Rock P produced the highest yield (2.0 Mg ha-1), suggesting that 'NERICA 2' might have greater potential to solubilize rock P. Results indicate that when combined with an appropriate legume, indigenous rock-P can release sufficient P to meet the P requirement of the legume and a following upland rice crop in rotation

Systematic review on human resources for health interventions to improve maternal health outcomes: Evidence from low- and middle-income countries

There is a broad consensus and evidence that shows qualified, accessible, and responsive human resources for health (HRH) can make a major impact on the health of the populations. At the same time, there is widespread recognition that HRH crises particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) impede the achievement of better health outcomes/targets. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), equitable access to a skilled and motivated health worker within a performing health system is need to be ensured. This review contributes to the vast pool of literature towards the assessment of HRH for maternal health and is focused on interventions delivered by skilled birth attendants (SBAs). Studies were included if (a) any HRH interventions in management system, policy, finance, education, partnership, and leadership were implemented; (b) these were related to SBA; (c) reported outcomes related to maternal health; (d) the studies were conducted in LMICs; and (e) studies were in English. Studies were excluded if traditional birth attendants and/or community health workers were trained. The review identified 25 studies which revealed reasons for poor maternal health outcomes in LMICs despite the efforts and policies implemented throughout these years. This review suggested an urgent and immediate need for formative evidence-based research on effective HRH interventions for improved maternal health outcomes. Other initiatives such as education and empowerment of women, alleviating poverty, establishing gender equality, and provision of infrastructure, equipment, drugs, and supplies are all integral components that are required to achieve SDGs by reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal health

Syndrome Keratitis-Ichtyosis-Deafness (KID) chez un enfant togolais issu d’un mariage consanguin

Le syndrome KID est une affection génétique rare associant kératite, ichtyose et surdité. Nous rapportons un cas dont la surdité s'est compliquée de mutisme chez un enfant togolais issu d'un mariage consanguin.Il s'agissait d'une fillette de 9 ans admise en dermatologie pour une peau sèche et une kératodermie palmoplantaire évoluant depuis l'enfance, une surdité sévère et un mutisme total évoluant depuis la naissance. Il n'y avait pas d'histoire familiale connue de syndrome KID. Les parents de cet enfant sont des cousins germains. A l'examen, on notait une kératodermie palmoplantaire typique en cuir grossier, une peau sèche ichtyosiforme finement squameuse avec un aspect pachydermique aux genoux et un aspect arlequin aux jambes. L'examen ophtalmologique avait noté une blépharo-conjonctivite, une xérophtalmie, une photophobie et une absence de sourcils. L'examen ORL avait objectivé une hypotrophie des pavillons des oreilles, une surdité sévère et un mutisme total. La particularité de cette observation réside dans la sévérité de l'atteinte auditive qui s'est compliquée de mutisme. Notre enfant étant née de parents consanguins sains, sans histoire familiale de KID, nous pensons que le mode de transmission est probablement sporadique. Une étude moléculaire du cas index et de ses parents, non réalisée à cause de notre plateau technique limité aurait pu le confirmer

Options de Modèles d’Affaires pour Assurer la Durabilité de l’Utilisation des Services d’Information Climatique au Sénégal

USAID/CINSERE (Services d’information climatiques pour améliorer la résilience et la productivité au Sénégal) est un projet de résilience qui vise à renforcer les capacités nationales pour la production, l’accès et la diffusion efficiente d’informations météorologiques et climatiques (IC) et de développer des stratégies pour une mise à l’échelle durable de l’utilisation des services d’information météorologiques et climatiques (SIC) sur toute l’étendue du territoire national. Le projet est financé par l’USAID et mis en oeuvre par le Programme de Recherche du CGIAR sur le Changement Climatique, l’Agriculture et la Sécurité Alimentaire hébergé par ICRISAT (CCAFS/ICRISAT) en collaboration avec l’ANACIM. La zone d’intervention du projet est celle des projets Feed the Future (FtF) au Sénégal, notamment Naatal Mbay (clôturé en 2019), Yaajeende (remplacé par Kawolor en 2018), ERA (remplacé par Youth in Agriculture en 2018) et COMFISH (remplacé par Dekkal Geej en 2019). Démarré en Mai 2016 pour une durée de trois ans (Jusqu’en mai 2019), le projet a bénéficié d’une extension d’un an. Ainsi, cette première phase de l’USAID/CINSERE prend fin en avril 2020. Durant presque quatre années de mise en oeuvre, des résultats assez probants ont été atteints tant dans la production des SIC, la communication et l’utilisation de ces SIC, que dans le renforcement des capacités des bénéficiaires à utiliser de façon efficiente ces SIC. Dans le souci de préserver les acquis du projet et d’assurer une mise à l’échelle soutenue du système de développement et de fourniture des IC en vue d’une utilisation durable des IC au Sénégal, l’USAID a recommandé l’identification, le test, la validation et la mise en oeuvre de modèles économiques viables impliquant des partenaires aussi bien du public que du privé (PPP). Le projet USAID/CINSERE s’est donc inspiré des expériences et leçons apprises au Sénégal, au Ghana, au Mali, en Inde et en Amérique Latine (Colombie) en matière de modèles économiques dans la fourniture des SIC pour bâtir des modèles adaptés au contexte du Sénégal. Ce document présente les modèles identifiés ainsi que les défis et perspectives