Interdisciplinarity is strongly promoted by institutions and is the subject of abundant scientific publications on its history,definition,and typologies,as well as on its obstacles and challenges.This article aims to ...Interdisciplinarity is strongly promoted by institutions and is the subject of abundant scientific publications on its history,definition,and typologies,as well as on its obstacles and challenges.This article aims to provide insight into the development of an interdisciplinary research question.We will present the path that led from an administrative management question to a doctorate in philosophy of medicine on supportive care,thanks to a rich collaboration between a wide range of academic,hospital,and association players.An analysis of the literature will show how the long history of science underpins disciplinary issues in the development of a research question.The method will make visible the long dialogue between the partners in this project.The results will show how the research question evolved throughout the project.Finally,the discussion will propose three concepts to put interdisciplinarity into perspective:collaboration,attention,and tranquility.展开更多
This paper summarizes the work held at the Cancéropôle Ile-de-France's annual SHS research seminar on the theme:Pluridisciplinarity and methods for SHS research in thefield of cancer.After clarifying the...This paper summarizes the work held at the Cancéropôle Ile-de-France's annual SHS research seminar on the theme:Pluridisciplinarity and methods for SHS research in thefield of cancer.After clarifying the concepts of pluri-,inter-,and transdisciplinarité,it aimed to describe how this type of research is carried out in practice,addressing successively:the role of stakeholders and their respective positions,the need for a shared language,the various temporalities involved and task sharing,the interview and analysis methods as well as the implication of patient-researchers.It highlighted the personal qualities required to practice this type of research,such as psychologicalflexibility and adaptability,a strong desire for collaborative work,acceptance of risk,and a humble stance.展开更多
The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given th...The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer with varied incidence and epidemiology worldwide.Sorafenib is still a recommended treatment for a large proportion of patients...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer with varied incidence and epidemiology worldwide.Sorafenib is still a recommended treatment for a large proportion of patients with advanced HCC.Different patterns of treatment responsiveness have been identified in differentiated hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and metastatic HCC SNU449 cells.AIM To define the long non-codingRNA-microRNA-mRNA(lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA)predicted signatures related to selected hallmarks of cancer(apoptosis,autophagy,cell stress,cell dedifferentiation and invasiveness)in RNAseq studies using Sorafenib-treated HepG2 and SNU449 cells.Various available software analyses allowed us to establish the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes following treatment in HepG2 and SNU449 cells.METHODS HepG2 and SNU449 cells were treated with Sorafenib(10μmol/L)for 24 hours.Total RNA,including small and long RNA,was extracted with a commercial miRNeasy kit.RNAseq was carried out for the identification of changes in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes.RESULTS MALAT,THAP9-AS1 and SNGH17 appeared to coordinately regulate miR-374b-3p and miR-769-5p that led to upregulation of SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4 and FAXDC2 in HepG2 cells.SNHG12,EPB41 L4A-AS1,LINC01578,SNHG12 and GAS5 interacted with let-7b-3p,miR-195-5p and VEGFA in SNU449 cells.The axes MALAT1/hsamir-374b-3p/SMAD7 and MALAT1/hsa-mir-769-5p/TFAP4 were of high relevance for Sorafenib response in HepG2 cells,whereas PVT1/hsa-miR-195-5p/VEGFA was responsible for the differential response of SNU449 cells to Sorafenib treatment.CONCLUSION Critical lncRNAs acting as sponges of miRNA were identified that regulated mRNA expression,whose proteins mainly increased the antitumor effectiveness of the treatment(SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4,FAXDC2 and ADRB2).However,the broad regulatory axis leading to increased VEGFA expression may be related to the side effect of Sorafenib in SNU449 cells.展开更多
There is a need to develop interventions to slow or reverse the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s disease after diagnosis.Given that preclinical and clinical studies suggest benefits of dietary n-3 poly...There is a need to develop interventions to slow or reverse the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s disease after diagnosis.Given that preclinical and clinical studies suggest benefits of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,and exercise in Parkinson’s disease,we investigated whether both could synergistically interact to induce recovery of the dopaminergic pathway.First,mice received a unilateral stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum to establish an animal model of nigrostriatal denervation.Four weeks after lesion,animals were fed a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched or a control diet for the next 8 weeks.During this period,the animals had access to a running wheel,which they could use or not.Docosahexaenoic acid treatment,voluntary exercise,or the combination of both had no effect on(i)distance traveled in the open field test,(ii)the percentage of contraversive rotations in the apomorphine-induction test or(iii)the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta.However,the docosahexaenoic acid diet increased the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive terminals and induced a rise in dopamine concentrations in the lesioned striatum.Compared to docosahexaenoic acid treatment or exercise alone,the combination of docosahexaenoic acid and exercise(i)improved forelimb balance in the stepping test,(ii)decreased the striatal DOPAC/dopamine ratio and(iii)led to increased dopamine transporter levels in the lesioned striatum.The present results suggest that the combination of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid may act synergistically in the striatum of mice with a unilateral lesion of the dopaminergic system and provide support for clinical trials combining nutrition and physical exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.展开更多
Every day walking consists of frequent voluntary modifications in the gait pattern to negotiate obstacles.After spinal cord injury,stepping over an obstacle becomes challenging.Stepping over an obstacle requires senso...Every day walking consists of frequent voluntary modifications in the gait pattern to negotiate obstacles.After spinal cord injury,stepping over an obstacle becomes challenging.Stepping over an obstacle requires sensorimotor transformations in several structures of the brain,including the parietal cortex,premotor cortex,and motor cortex.Sensory information and planning are transformed into motor commands,which are sent from the motor cortex to spinal neuronal circuits to alter limb trajectory,coordinate the limbs,and maintain balance.After spinal cord injury,bidirectional communication between the brain and spinal cord is disrupted and animals,including humans,fail to voluntarily modify limb trajectory to step over an obstacle.Therefore,in this review,we discuss the neuromechanical control of stepping over an obstacle,why it fails after spinal cord injury,and how it recovers to a certain extent.展开更多
This research aims to study the bio-adsorption process of two dyes,Cibacron Green H3G(CG-H3G)and Terasil Red(TR),in a single system and to bring them closer to the industrial textile discharge by a binary mixture of t...This research aims to study the bio-adsorption process of two dyes,Cibacron Green H3G(CG-H3G)and Terasil Red(TR),in a single system and to bring them closer to the industrial textile discharge by a binary mixture of two dyes(TR+CG-H3G).The Cockle Shell(CS)was used as a natural bio-adsorbent.The characterizations of CS were investigated by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET).The adsorption potential of Cockle Shells was tested in two cases(single and binary system)and determined by:contact time(0–60 min),bio-adsorption dose(3–15 g/L),initial concentration(10–300 mg/L),temperature(22–61°C)and pH solution(2–12).The study of bio-adsorption(equilibrium and kinetics)was conducted at 22°C.The kinetic studies demon-strated that a pseudo-second-order adsorption mechanism had a good correlation coefficient(R2≥0.999).The Langmuir isotherm modeling provided a well-defined description of TR and CG-H3G bio-adsorption on cockle shells,exhibiting maximum capacities of 29.41 and 3.69 mg/g respectively at 22°C.The thermodynamic study shows that the reaction between the TR,CG-H3G dyes molecules and the bio-adsorbent is exothermic,spontaneous in the range of 22–31°C with the aleatory character decrease at the solid-liquid interface.The study of selectivity in single and binary systems has been performed under optimal operating conditions using the industrial textile rejection pH(pH=6.04).CG-H3G dye is found to have a higher selectivity than TR in single(0–60 min)and binary systems with a range of 6–45 min,as shown by the selectivity measurement.It was discovered that CS has the capability to remove both CG-H3G and TR dyes in both simple and binary systems,making it a superior bio-adsorbent.展开更多
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is strongly associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events,including severe outcomes such as pulmonary embolism.Elevated D-dimer levels are a critical biomarker for...BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is strongly associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events,including severe outcomes such as pulmonary embolism.Elevated D-dimer levels are a critical biomarker for assessing this risk.In Gabon,early implementation of anticoagulation therapy and D-dimer testing has been crucial in managing COVID-19.This study hypothesizes that elevated Ddimer levels are linked to increased COVID-19 severity.AIM To determine the impact of D-dimer levels on COVID-19 severity and their role in guiding clinical decisions.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 patients admitted to two hospitals in Gabon between March 2020 and December 2023.The study included patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and available D-dimer measurements at admission.Data on demographics,clinical outcomes,D-dimer levels,and healthcare costs were collected.COVID-19 severity was classified as non-severe(outpatients)or severe(inpatients).A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between D-dimer levels and disease severity,with adjusted odds ratios(OR)and 95%CI.RESULTS A total of 3004 patients were included,with a mean age of 50.17 years,and the majority were female(53.43%).Elevated D-dimer levels were found in 65.81%of patients,and 57.21%of these experienced severe COVID-19.Univariate analysis showed that patients with elevated D-dimer levels had 3.33 times higher odds of severe COVID-19(OR=3.33,95%CI:2.84-3.92,P<0.001),and this association remained significant in the multivariable analysis,adjusted for age,sex,and year of collection.The financial analysis revealed a substantial burden,particularly for uninsured patients.CONCLUSION D-dimer predicts COVID-19 severity and guides treatment,but the high cost of anticoagulant therapy highlights the need for policies ensuring affordable access in resource-limited settings like Gabon.展开更多
In 1993,the World Bank released a global report on the efficacy of health promotion,introducing the disability-adjusted life years(DALY)as a novel indicator.The DALY,a composite metric incorporating temporal and quali...In 1993,the World Bank released a global report on the efficacy of health promotion,introducing the disability-adjusted life years(DALY)as a novel indicator.The DALY,a composite metric incorporating temporal and qualitative data,is grounded in preferences regarding disability status.This review delineates the algorithm used to calculate the value of the proposed DALY synthetic indicator and elucidates key methodological challenges associated with its application.In contrast to the quality-adjusted life years approach,derived from multi-attribute utility theory,the DALY stands as an independent synthetic indicator that adopts the assumptions of the Time Trade Off utility technique to define Disability Weights.Claiming to rely on no mathematical or economic theory,DALY users appear to have exempted themselves from verifying whether this indicator meets the classical properties required of all indicators,notably content validity,reliability,specificity,and sensitivity.The DALY concept emerged primarily to facilitate comparisons of the health impacts of various diseases globally within the framework of the Global Burden of Disease initiative,leading to numerous publications in international literature.Despite widespread adoption,the DALY synthetic indicator has prompted significant methodological concerns since its inception,manifesting in inconsistent and non-reproducible results.Given the substantial diffusion of the DALY indicator and its critical role in health impact assessments,a reassessment is warranted.This reconsideration is imperative for enhancing the robustness and reliability of public health decisionmaking processes.展开更多
Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making ...Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making countries, presents a quality problem to the point of suffering a discount on the international market. One of these quality problems is the content of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin produced by fungi. Finally, to verify the level of contamination in beans produced in Côte d’Ivoire, a study was carried out. It consisted of collecting information on fermentation and drying times (The two major post-harvest operations) and collecting beans, which were analyzed by electrophoresis using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The results obtained show ochratoxin A contents of between 0.05 µg/kg and 0.17 µg/kg. The general level of contamination is therefore very low and below the tolerable limit which is 2 µg/kg. In addition, the correlative study between the fermentation and drying times of the beans revealed no significant influence (p < 0.01) of the duration of these operations on the level of ochratoxin A contamination. Major contamination can occur after post-harvest activities carried out by producers. This is certainly due to the development of fungi responsible for the production of ochratoxin A during the period of storage and marketing of cocoa beans in conditions of high humidity in storage enclosures. Producers need to be made more aware of the need to ensure that cocoa beans are properly dried and stored in dry areas to avoid moisture build-up, which is a source of mould growth and ochratoxin A production.展开更多
Background Agroecological cropping systems are recognised as an alternative way to ensure the sustainability of cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in the context of climate change and degradation of soil fertili...Background Agroecological cropping systems are recognised as an alternative way to ensure the sustainability of cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in the context of climate change and degradation of soil fertility. A study was conducted in Benin from 2020 to 2023 to compare six different cotton cultivars in three agroecological cropping systems in two cotton-growing zones. Plough-based tillage plus incorporation of cover crop biomass(PTI), conservation agriculture with strip tillage(CA_ST), and conservation agriculture with no tillage(CA_NT) were compared with the reference plough-based tillage(PT). The objective was to identify morpho-physiological traits of cotton that increase yield in agroecological cropping systems. Our approach combined a field experiment and crop simulation model(CSM) of CROPGRO-Cotton to evaluate the effects of genotype(G) × environment(E) × management(M) interactions on seed cotton yield(SCY).Results Cultivars Tamcot_camde and Okp768 and simulated ideotypes performed best in CA systems. Increased seed mass, large and thick leaves, and later maturity were identified as beneficial for yield enhancement in CA systems. Cultivars and ideotypes that combine these traits also resulted in better nitrogen and water use efficiencies in CA systems. Under different climate scenarios up to 2050, ideotypes designed could increase SCY in Benin.Conclusion A set of morpho-physiological traits associated with vegetative vigour is required to ensure a good SCY in agroecological cropping systems. These results provide scientific evidence and useful knowledge for breeders and research programmes on cropping systems focused on the adaptation of cotton to climate change.展开更多
Sweet potato is one of the most important crops in Côte d’Ivoire. However, some constraints related to climate change limit its production. This study evaluated the agronomic and technological performances of ei...Sweet potato is one of the most important crops in Côte d’Ivoire. However, some constraints related to climate change limit its production. This study evaluated the agronomic and technological performances of eight varieties of orange-fleshed of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) to identify the most promising ones. The results show three groups of varieties with different agronomic performances. Group 1 composed of Irene and Vita is characterized by low production of small and large tuberous roots, low number of productive plants and low yield. Group 2 consisting mainly of Kabode is characterized by high production and weight of large tuberous roots as well as high yield. Group 3, composed of Tacha-2 Ininda, Ejumula Gloria, TIB-440060, CIP-199062-1, Bela bela is characterized by high production of small and large tuberous roots, high number of productive plants and average yield. The TIB-440060 variety has a recovery rate of 100%. The Irene, Kabode, Vita, Kabode varieties were resistant to viral and fungal diseases. In terms of technological quality, the TIB-440060 and CIP-199062-1 varieties have the best organoleptic qualities. Given the agronomic performances of the Kabode, TIB-440060 and CIP-199062-1 varieties, could be selected as the elites varieties and distributed to producers.展开更多
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 threats to global health and it is estimated around 10 millions of deaths per year are associated with AMR until 2050. Burkina Faso is also facing the emergence and ...Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 threats to global health and it is estimated around 10 millions of deaths per year are associated with AMR until 2050. Burkina Faso is also facing the emergence and spread of AMR of several bacteria resistant strains such as those of public health concerns under surveillance Enterobacteriaceae. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) clinical isolates from patients attending the bacteriology laboratory of the Centre MURAZ in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Clinical isolates from urine, pus, stool, and semen were collected from April to June 2017. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 compact automated system according to EUCAST version 2015 recommendations. ESBL detection was then performed on the Muller-Hinton medium using the combined disc method. One hundred (100) strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 100 patients, including 52% of ESBLS. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most commonly isolated ESBL [(84.62, 44/72) ESBL], followed by Klebsiella spp. [(40%, 06/15) ESBL], then Enterobacter spp. [(40%, 2/5) ESBL]. Risk factor analysis revealed that ESBL-PE infection was frequently found in pus samples (P = 0.042;[OR] = 3.16;95% [CI] = 1.04 - 9.61) and that E. coli was the strain most likely to harbour ESBL (P = 0.008;[OR] = 3.60;95% [CI] = 1.40 - 9.31). This study reports a high prevalence of ESBL-PE associated with strong resistance to quinolones and cotrimoxazole (over 80%), which calls for increased surveillance of these superbugs, the adoption of a rational antibiotic prescription policy, and rigorous hygiene measures to prevent the spread of these multi-resistant bacteria.展开更多
In Burkina Faso, as in other African countries, infertility has become a social burden for the population and a public health problem. Male infertility accounts for 30% to 40% of all infertility cases. The diagnosis o...In Burkina Faso, as in other African countries, infertility has become a social burden for the population and a public health problem. Male infertility accounts for 30% to 40% of all infertility cases. The diagnosis of male infertility or hypofertility is often made by a simple laboratory analysis of sperm to explore sperm parameters. In most African countries, such as Burkina Faso, microbiological analysis in the context of sperm analysis is still not developed, and is carried out solely based on microscopy and traditional culture, which does not allow the growth of fragile and demanding bacteria. Our study investigated the microorganisms of sperm that may be involved in male infertility, using conventional bacteriology techniques and real-time PCR. However, it did not intend to perform a multivariate statistical association analysis to estimate the association of microorganisms with abnormal semen parameters. This prospective cross-sectional pilot study was carried out on patients who visited the bacteriology laboratory of Centre MURAZ, a research Institute in Burkina Faso, for male infertility diagnosis between 2 August and 31 August 2021. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard bacteriology techniques. In parallel, common pathogenic microorganisms known to be associated with male infertility were targeted and detected in the sperm using a multiplex real-time PCR assay. A total of 38 sperm samples were analyzed by bacteriological culture and bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) 5.55%, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) and Staphylococcus hoemalyticus (S. hoemalyticus) respectively 2.70%. Real-time PCR targeted and detected Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) at 7.89%, Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) at 21.05%, Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) at 18.42%, Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) at 15.79%, Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) at 10.53% and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) at 2.63%. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) was targeted by the real-time PCR assay and was not detected (0%) in the tested semen samples. Our study highlights critical limitations of culture performance (low sensitivity), particularly in Burkina Faso, which has a total inability to detect microorganisms (fragile and demanding microorganisms) detected by PCR-based assays. There is therefore an urgent need to at least optimize culture, procedures and algorithms for detection of microorganisms associated with male infertility in clinical laboratories of Burkina Faso. The most effective solution is the routine implementation of molecular diagnostic methods.展开更多
One of the most promising vector control strategies for controlling dengue fever is the stable introduction of the obligate intracellular Wolbachia bacteria strain into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This method reduces th...One of the most promising vector control strategies for controlling dengue fever is the stable introduction of the obligate intracellular Wolbachia bacteria strain into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This method reduces the mosquito’s ability to transmit dengue through reproductive strategies associated with Wolbachia infection, such as parthenogenesis, male elimination or feminization, sex ratio distortions and cytoplasmic incompatibility. Expert knowledge and a risk assessment framework were used to identify the risks associated with the release of Wolbachia-bearing mosquitoes. Then, consultations with individual participants were organized and a Bayesian network (BN) was developed to capture the relationship between the hazards as well as the likelihood of these adverse events occurring. Finally, risk was calculated from the probability and consequence estimates obtained from our Burkina Faso participants, using a questionnaire based on the identified risks. Our “Cause More Harm” study yielded 46.15% negligible risk, 44.23% very low risk and 9.62% low risk. The “socio-cultural change” parameter had the greatest influence, with the perception that the dissemination project would be poorly received by the local population. This parameter alone accounted for 80% of the most significant risks. This explains the fact that hazard RA 49 “negative messages in social media” is ranked as the highest individual risk (although the risk is low) with a calculated risk of 0.261. The risk assessment was designed to integrate the interdependent complexity of hazards likely to affect the dissemination of technology in the environment. It represents an important implementation phase in the success of this innovative research, introducing a new technology to combat the transmission of dengue fever.展开更多
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of ...Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted genital infections by traditional methods as culture remains extremely delicate, difficult or impossible (to find extremely fragile organisms that can be cultured). Thus, molecular techniques constitute an alternative to improve accurate diagnostic, personalized patient treatment, and public health. A total of 83 clinical samples including urethral discharge and urine samples from individual patients with symptoms of urethritis received were analyzed using traditional methods and a commercial real-time PCR (qPCR) method. Out of 83 urethritis patients, n = 55 (66.26%) were positive for at least one of the STI pathogens detected by qPCR. qPCR assay was more sensitive (50/83, positive cases) compared to culture (15/83, positive cases) and light microscopy (28/83, positive cases). The most prevalent NTD pathogen in the suspected patients was N. gonorrhoeae with 60.24% (50/83) based on real-time PCR diagnosis. Among the positive cases of STI pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae had the highest frequency 49/55 (89.01%) followed by low frequencies of Trichomonas vaginalis 4/55 (7.27%) and Chlamydia trachomatis 1/55 (1.82%). This highlights the high prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in male urethritis patients and a very important misdiagnosis using traditional routine methods in Burkina Faso by medical laboratories. Thus, this situation may negatively impact patients’ personalized treatment and care and public health with the possible rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. This study also highlights the urgent need to optimize culture for the diagnosis of NTD pathogens in Burkina Faso and the usefulness and the need for the introduction of molecular diagnostic methods in routine diagnosis for the detection of NTD pathogens in the medical laboratories in Burkina Faso.展开更多
Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests....Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests. A trial was conducted during the 2020 and 2022 cropping seasons at the INRAN station in the Maradi region. A Fischer experimental design with 6 repetitions was used to compare 4 treatments: synthetic chemical pesticide;the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana;aqueous extracts of neem seeds, and control. Observations were carried out every three days. The cowpea pod-sucking bug, pod borer, and thrips were the main insect pests recorded. In terms of effectiveness, the synthetic pesticide was the best treatment. It reduced insect pest densities by 71.35% to 90.40% in 2020 and by 35.11% to 42.13% in 2022. Grain yields varied between treatments. Neem seed extract followed the synthetic pesticide and significantly reduced insect infestations in both years. The synthetic pesticide and neem seed extract resulted in yields 3 to 5 times higher than the control treatment in 2020. By contrast, B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract produced similar yields in 2022. Therefore, the results of this study showed that B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract have insecticidal potential and could be used as an ecological alternative for managing cowpea insect pests in the Sahel.展开更多
Production of this crop is experiencing significant challenges, resulting in a decline in seed and fiber quality. To address this challenge, generations of high-performance cotton plants of the Gossypium hirsutum L. s...Production of this crop is experiencing significant challenges, resulting in a decline in seed and fiber quality. To address this challenge, generations of high-performance cotton plants of the Gossypium hirsutum L. species have been developed and are currently being commercialized. This study evaluated the impact of gin types on the agro-industrial quality of cotton in Côte d’Ivoire. To this end, cotton from the G3, R1, and R2 generations was harvested, sampled, and ginned on machines with 10 and 170 saws in the localities of Ouangolodougou, Ferkessédougou, Korhogo, M’Bengué, Boundiali, Séguéla, and Mankono, as well as at the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique CNRA) in Bouaké. The results demonstrated that cotton fibers obtained from ginning on 10-saw machines exhibited superior quality compared to those from 170-saw machines. Fiber length, fiber length uniformity, and short fiber rate exhibited the highest deviations according to gin type. The use of 170-saw gins resulted in a notable decline in quality. Conversely, micronaire index, fiber tenacity and elongation, and reflectance remained consistent across machine types. These results will enable us to more effectively regulate and advise cotton-processing factories, which primarily utilize 170-saw gins to enhance agro-industrial quality in Côte d’Ivoire. Furthermore, these results will assist breeders in incorporating them into their processes to enhance the quality of the varieties they offer to farmers.展开更多
The conversion of forest land to other types of land cover is one of the major issues in the global fight against climate change. Understanding the direct and indirect factors of these conversions from local studies i...The conversion of forest land to other types of land cover is one of the major issues in the global fight against climate change. Understanding the direct and indirect factors of these conversions from local studies in the tropics is essential to project the future impact of human activities on the preservation of tropical forests in general and the forests of the Republic of Congo in particular. This study, conducted in five localities with different socioeconomic contexts in the Republic of Congo, aims to analyze the variability of drivers of deforestation and forest degradation linked to urbanization in the Congo Basin. Using a series of land cover maps from the years 1986, 2003 and 2019 for the cities of Ouesso, Pokola, Ngombe, Impfondo and Dongou, as well as field data and socio-economic information collected from local and central administrations, a unique model has been developed to understand the explanatory patterns of forest loss. Deforestation around urban centers is mainly due to urban agriculture due to population growth, as well as the spatial expansion of cities, which have a major impact on the stability and integrity of forests. Shifting agriculture is the main direct cause of deforestation and forest degradation, representing 48% of the total sample, followed by the collection of wood fuel (22%), the collection of construction wood (19%), illegal logging (6%) and urban expansion (5%). Forecasts indicate that forest loss around major cities will increase by 487, 20 ha to 5266, 73 ha by 2050 compared to the base year of 2019. This study highlights the need for a new system of land management and poverty alleviation of local populations to ensure the stability of the Congo Basin tropical forests around large and small African cities.展开更多
Introduction: Arbovirus diseases such as dengue and chikungunya threaten public health worldwide. Early and rapid diagnosis and surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections are essentia...Introduction: Arbovirus diseases such as dengue and chikungunya threaten public health worldwide. Early and rapid diagnosis and surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections are essential to the control of these diseases. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic performance of our new in-house multiplex RT-qPCR method for detecting DENV serotypes and CHIKV in an external laboratory. Methodology: The evaluation study was conducted on 200 clinical samples of suspected patients for arbovirus disease infection, collected in Centre de Recherche Biomoléculaire Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Our new multiplex RT-qPCR was compared to the commercial kit, the Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya (ZDC) Real-Time PCR Assays kit (Bio-Rad, California, USA). Results and Conclusions: Among 200 samples, 21.5% (43/200) were DENV-positive by multiplex RT-qPCR, and 21.5% (43/200) were also DENV-positive by reference real-time RT-PCR. 157 (78.5%) samples tested negative for DENV by both tests (new mRT-qPCR and reference test). The sensitivity and specificity of mRT-qPCR were 100%. The DENV serotypes detected were DENV-1 60.5% (26/43) and DENV-3 39.5% (17/43). CHIKV was not detected in this study. Our new mRT-qPCR is sensitive, cost-effective, simple, and can be used in developing country laboratories.展开更多
文摘Interdisciplinarity is strongly promoted by institutions and is the subject of abundant scientific publications on its history,definition,and typologies,as well as on its obstacles and challenges.This article aims to provide insight into the development of an interdisciplinary research question.We will present the path that led from an administrative management question to a doctorate in philosophy of medicine on supportive care,thanks to a rich collaboration between a wide range of academic,hospital,and association players.An analysis of the literature will show how the long history of science underpins disciplinary issues in the development of a research question.The method will make visible the long dialogue between the partners in this project.The results will show how the research question evolved throughout the project.Finally,the discussion will propose three concepts to put interdisciplinarity into perspective:collaboration,attention,and tranquility.
文摘This paper summarizes the work held at the Cancéropôle Ile-de-France's annual SHS research seminar on the theme:Pluridisciplinarity and methods for SHS research in thefield of cancer.After clarifying the concepts of pluri-,inter-,and transdisciplinarité,it aimed to describe how this type of research is carried out in practice,addressing successively:the role of stakeholders and their respective positions,the need for a shared language,the various temporalities involved and task sharing,the interview and analysis methods as well as the implication of patient-researchers.It highlighted the personal qualities required to practice this type of research,such as psychologicalflexibility and adaptability,a strong desire for collaborative work,acceptance of risk,and a humble stance.
基金supported by a grant from the French Society of Sleep Research and Medicine(to LS)The China Scholarship Council(to HL)The CNRS,INSERM,Claude Bernard University Lyon1(to LS)。
文摘The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
基金Supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III(ISCiii),No.PI19/01266 and No.PI22/00857Consejería de Salud y Familias(Junta de Andalucía),No.PI-0216-2020 and No.PIP-0215-2020Biomedical Research Network Center for Liver and Digestive Diseases(CIBERehd)founded by the ISCIII and co-financed by European Regional Development Fund“A way to achieve Europe”ERDF.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer with varied incidence and epidemiology worldwide.Sorafenib is still a recommended treatment for a large proportion of patients with advanced HCC.Different patterns of treatment responsiveness have been identified in differentiated hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and metastatic HCC SNU449 cells.AIM To define the long non-codingRNA-microRNA-mRNA(lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA)predicted signatures related to selected hallmarks of cancer(apoptosis,autophagy,cell stress,cell dedifferentiation and invasiveness)in RNAseq studies using Sorafenib-treated HepG2 and SNU449 cells.Various available software analyses allowed us to establish the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes following treatment in HepG2 and SNU449 cells.METHODS HepG2 and SNU449 cells were treated with Sorafenib(10μmol/L)for 24 hours.Total RNA,including small and long RNA,was extracted with a commercial miRNeasy kit.RNAseq was carried out for the identification of changes in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes.RESULTS MALAT,THAP9-AS1 and SNGH17 appeared to coordinately regulate miR-374b-3p and miR-769-5p that led to upregulation of SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4 and FAXDC2 in HepG2 cells.SNHG12,EPB41 L4A-AS1,LINC01578,SNHG12 and GAS5 interacted with let-7b-3p,miR-195-5p and VEGFA in SNU449 cells.The axes MALAT1/hsamir-374b-3p/SMAD7 and MALAT1/hsa-mir-769-5p/TFAP4 were of high relevance for Sorafenib response in HepG2 cells,whereas PVT1/hsa-miR-195-5p/VEGFA was responsible for the differential response of SNU449 cells to Sorafenib treatment.CONCLUSION Critical lncRNAs acting as sponges of miRNA were identified that regulated mRNA expression,whose proteins mainly increased the antitumor effectiveness of the treatment(SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4,FAXDC2 and ADRB2).However,the broad regulatory axis leading to increased VEGFA expression may be related to the side effect of Sorafenib in SNU449 cells.
基金supported by funding from Parkinson Canadafunded by a scholarship from Parkinson Canadaa scholarship from Fonds d’Enseignement et de Recherche (FER) (Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval)
文摘There is a need to develop interventions to slow or reverse the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s disease after diagnosis.Given that preclinical and clinical studies suggest benefits of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,and exercise in Parkinson’s disease,we investigated whether both could synergistically interact to induce recovery of the dopaminergic pathway.First,mice received a unilateral stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum to establish an animal model of nigrostriatal denervation.Four weeks after lesion,animals were fed a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched or a control diet for the next 8 weeks.During this period,the animals had access to a running wheel,which they could use or not.Docosahexaenoic acid treatment,voluntary exercise,or the combination of both had no effect on(i)distance traveled in the open field test,(ii)the percentage of contraversive rotations in the apomorphine-induction test or(iii)the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta.However,the docosahexaenoic acid diet increased the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive terminals and induced a rise in dopamine concentrations in the lesioned striatum.Compared to docosahexaenoic acid treatment or exercise alone,the combination of docosahexaenoic acid and exercise(i)improved forelimb balance in the stepping test,(ii)decreased the striatal DOPAC/dopamine ratio and(iii)led to increased dopamine transporter levels in the lesioned striatum.The present results suggest that the combination of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid may act synergistically in the striatum of mice with a unilateral lesion of the dopaminergic system and provide support for clinical trials combining nutrition and physical exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
文摘Every day walking consists of frequent voluntary modifications in the gait pattern to negotiate obstacles.After spinal cord injury,stepping over an obstacle becomes challenging.Stepping over an obstacle requires sensorimotor transformations in several structures of the brain,including the parietal cortex,premotor cortex,and motor cortex.Sensory information and planning are transformed into motor commands,which are sent from the motor cortex to spinal neuronal circuits to alter limb trajectory,coordinate the limbs,and maintain balance.After spinal cord injury,bidirectional communication between the brain and spinal cord is disrupted and animals,including humans,fail to voluntarily modify limb trajectory to step over an obstacle.Therefore,in this review,we discuss the neuromechanical control of stepping over an obstacle,why it fails after spinal cord injury,and how it recovers to a certain extent.
基金supported by the University Salah Boubnider-Constantine 3 (Algeria).
文摘This research aims to study the bio-adsorption process of two dyes,Cibacron Green H3G(CG-H3G)and Terasil Red(TR),in a single system and to bring them closer to the industrial textile discharge by a binary mixture of two dyes(TR+CG-H3G).The Cockle Shell(CS)was used as a natural bio-adsorbent.The characterizations of CS were investigated by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET).The adsorption potential of Cockle Shells was tested in two cases(single and binary system)and determined by:contact time(0–60 min),bio-adsorption dose(3–15 g/L),initial concentration(10–300 mg/L),temperature(22–61°C)and pH solution(2–12).The study of bio-adsorption(equilibrium and kinetics)was conducted at 22°C.The kinetic studies demon-strated that a pseudo-second-order adsorption mechanism had a good correlation coefficient(R2≥0.999).The Langmuir isotherm modeling provided a well-defined description of TR and CG-H3G bio-adsorption on cockle shells,exhibiting maximum capacities of 29.41 and 3.69 mg/g respectively at 22°C.The thermodynamic study shows that the reaction between the TR,CG-H3G dyes molecules and the bio-adsorbent is exothermic,spontaneous in the range of 22–31°C with the aleatory character decrease at the solid-liquid interface.The study of selectivity in single and binary systems has been performed under optimal operating conditions using the industrial textile rejection pH(pH=6.04).CG-H3G dye is found to have a higher selectivity than TR in single(0–60 min)and binary systems with a range of 6–45 min,as shown by the selectivity measurement.It was discovered that CS has the capability to remove both CG-H3G and TR dyes in both simple and binary systems,making it a superior bio-adsorbent.
文摘BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is strongly associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events,including severe outcomes such as pulmonary embolism.Elevated D-dimer levels are a critical biomarker for assessing this risk.In Gabon,early implementation of anticoagulation therapy and D-dimer testing has been crucial in managing COVID-19.This study hypothesizes that elevated Ddimer levels are linked to increased COVID-19 severity.AIM To determine the impact of D-dimer levels on COVID-19 severity and their role in guiding clinical decisions.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 patients admitted to two hospitals in Gabon between March 2020 and December 2023.The study included patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and available D-dimer measurements at admission.Data on demographics,clinical outcomes,D-dimer levels,and healthcare costs were collected.COVID-19 severity was classified as non-severe(outpatients)or severe(inpatients).A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between D-dimer levels and disease severity,with adjusted odds ratios(OR)and 95%CI.RESULTS A total of 3004 patients were included,with a mean age of 50.17 years,and the majority were female(53.43%).Elevated D-dimer levels were found in 65.81%of patients,and 57.21%of these experienced severe COVID-19.Univariate analysis showed that patients with elevated D-dimer levels had 3.33 times higher odds of severe COVID-19(OR=3.33,95%CI:2.84-3.92,P<0.001),and this association remained significant in the multivariable analysis,adjusted for age,sex,and year of collection.The financial analysis revealed a substantial burden,particularly for uninsured patients.CONCLUSION D-dimer predicts COVID-19 severity and guides treatment,but the high cost of anticoagulant therapy highlights the need for policies ensuring affordable access in resource-limited settings like Gabon.
文摘In 1993,the World Bank released a global report on the efficacy of health promotion,introducing the disability-adjusted life years(DALY)as a novel indicator.The DALY,a composite metric incorporating temporal and qualitative data,is grounded in preferences regarding disability status.This review delineates the algorithm used to calculate the value of the proposed DALY synthetic indicator and elucidates key methodological challenges associated with its application.In contrast to the quality-adjusted life years approach,derived from multi-attribute utility theory,the DALY stands as an independent synthetic indicator that adopts the assumptions of the Time Trade Off utility technique to define Disability Weights.Claiming to rely on no mathematical or economic theory,DALY users appear to have exempted themselves from verifying whether this indicator meets the classical properties required of all indicators,notably content validity,reliability,specificity,and sensitivity.The DALY concept emerged primarily to facilitate comparisons of the health impacts of various diseases globally within the framework of the Global Burden of Disease initiative,leading to numerous publications in international literature.Despite widespread adoption,the DALY synthetic indicator has prompted significant methodological concerns since its inception,manifesting in inconsistent and non-reproducible results.Given the substantial diffusion of the DALY indicator and its critical role in health impact assessments,a reassessment is warranted.This reconsideration is imperative for enhancing the robustness and reliability of public health decisionmaking processes.
文摘Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making countries, presents a quality problem to the point of suffering a discount on the international market. One of these quality problems is the content of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin produced by fungi. Finally, to verify the level of contamination in beans produced in Côte d’Ivoire, a study was carried out. It consisted of collecting information on fermentation and drying times (The two major post-harvest operations) and collecting beans, which were analyzed by electrophoresis using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The results obtained show ochratoxin A contents of between 0.05 µg/kg and 0.17 µg/kg. The general level of contamination is therefore very low and below the tolerable limit which is 2 µg/kg. In addition, the correlative study between the fermentation and drying times of the beans revealed no significant influence (p < 0.01) of the duration of these operations on the level of ochratoxin A contamination. Major contamination can occur after post-harvest activities carried out by producers. This is certainly due to the development of fungi responsible for the production of ochratoxin A during the period of storage and marketing of cocoa beans in conditions of high humidity in storage enclosures. Producers need to be made more aware of the need to ensure that cocoa beans are properly dried and stored in dry areas to avoid moisture build-up, which is a source of mould growth and ochratoxin A production.
基金supported by the Benin Cotton Research Institute (IRC)the Cotton Interprofessional Association (AIC)+1 种基金the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD)the TAZCO_(2) project (Transition Agroécologique des Zones Cotonnières du Bénin),which is funded by the Republic of Benin and the French Development Agency (AFD)。
文摘Background Agroecological cropping systems are recognised as an alternative way to ensure the sustainability of cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in the context of climate change and degradation of soil fertility. A study was conducted in Benin from 2020 to 2023 to compare six different cotton cultivars in three agroecological cropping systems in two cotton-growing zones. Plough-based tillage plus incorporation of cover crop biomass(PTI), conservation agriculture with strip tillage(CA_ST), and conservation agriculture with no tillage(CA_NT) were compared with the reference plough-based tillage(PT). The objective was to identify morpho-physiological traits of cotton that increase yield in agroecological cropping systems. Our approach combined a field experiment and crop simulation model(CSM) of CROPGRO-Cotton to evaluate the effects of genotype(G) × environment(E) × management(M) interactions on seed cotton yield(SCY).Results Cultivars Tamcot_camde and Okp768 and simulated ideotypes performed best in CA systems. Increased seed mass, large and thick leaves, and later maturity were identified as beneficial for yield enhancement in CA systems. Cultivars and ideotypes that combine these traits also resulted in better nitrogen and water use efficiencies in CA systems. Under different climate scenarios up to 2050, ideotypes designed could increase SCY in Benin.Conclusion A set of morpho-physiological traits associated with vegetative vigour is required to ensure a good SCY in agroecological cropping systems. These results provide scientific evidence and useful knowledge for breeders and research programmes on cropping systems focused on the adaptation of cotton to climate change.
文摘Sweet potato is one of the most important crops in Côte d’Ivoire. However, some constraints related to climate change limit its production. This study evaluated the agronomic and technological performances of eight varieties of orange-fleshed of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) to identify the most promising ones. The results show three groups of varieties with different agronomic performances. Group 1 composed of Irene and Vita is characterized by low production of small and large tuberous roots, low number of productive plants and low yield. Group 2 consisting mainly of Kabode is characterized by high production and weight of large tuberous roots as well as high yield. Group 3, composed of Tacha-2 Ininda, Ejumula Gloria, TIB-440060, CIP-199062-1, Bela bela is characterized by high production of small and large tuberous roots, high number of productive plants and average yield. The TIB-440060 variety has a recovery rate of 100%. The Irene, Kabode, Vita, Kabode varieties were resistant to viral and fungal diseases. In terms of technological quality, the TIB-440060 and CIP-199062-1 varieties have the best organoleptic qualities. Given the agronomic performances of the Kabode, TIB-440060 and CIP-199062-1 varieties, could be selected as the elites varieties and distributed to producers.
文摘Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 threats to global health and it is estimated around 10 millions of deaths per year are associated with AMR until 2050. Burkina Faso is also facing the emergence and spread of AMR of several bacteria resistant strains such as those of public health concerns under surveillance Enterobacteriaceae. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) clinical isolates from patients attending the bacteriology laboratory of the Centre MURAZ in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Clinical isolates from urine, pus, stool, and semen were collected from April to June 2017. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 compact automated system according to EUCAST version 2015 recommendations. ESBL detection was then performed on the Muller-Hinton medium using the combined disc method. One hundred (100) strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 100 patients, including 52% of ESBLS. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most commonly isolated ESBL [(84.62, 44/72) ESBL], followed by Klebsiella spp. [(40%, 06/15) ESBL], then Enterobacter spp. [(40%, 2/5) ESBL]. Risk factor analysis revealed that ESBL-PE infection was frequently found in pus samples (P = 0.042;[OR] = 3.16;95% [CI] = 1.04 - 9.61) and that E. coli was the strain most likely to harbour ESBL (P = 0.008;[OR] = 3.60;95% [CI] = 1.40 - 9.31). This study reports a high prevalence of ESBL-PE associated with strong resistance to quinolones and cotrimoxazole (over 80%), which calls for increased surveillance of these superbugs, the adoption of a rational antibiotic prescription policy, and rigorous hygiene measures to prevent the spread of these multi-resistant bacteria.
文摘In Burkina Faso, as in other African countries, infertility has become a social burden for the population and a public health problem. Male infertility accounts for 30% to 40% of all infertility cases. The diagnosis of male infertility or hypofertility is often made by a simple laboratory analysis of sperm to explore sperm parameters. In most African countries, such as Burkina Faso, microbiological analysis in the context of sperm analysis is still not developed, and is carried out solely based on microscopy and traditional culture, which does not allow the growth of fragile and demanding bacteria. Our study investigated the microorganisms of sperm that may be involved in male infertility, using conventional bacteriology techniques and real-time PCR. However, it did not intend to perform a multivariate statistical association analysis to estimate the association of microorganisms with abnormal semen parameters. This prospective cross-sectional pilot study was carried out on patients who visited the bacteriology laboratory of Centre MURAZ, a research Institute in Burkina Faso, for male infertility diagnosis between 2 August and 31 August 2021. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard bacteriology techniques. In parallel, common pathogenic microorganisms known to be associated with male infertility were targeted and detected in the sperm using a multiplex real-time PCR assay. A total of 38 sperm samples were analyzed by bacteriological culture and bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) 5.55%, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) and Staphylococcus hoemalyticus (S. hoemalyticus) respectively 2.70%. Real-time PCR targeted and detected Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) at 7.89%, Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) at 21.05%, Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) at 18.42%, Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) at 15.79%, Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) at 10.53% and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) at 2.63%. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) was targeted by the real-time PCR assay and was not detected (0%) in the tested semen samples. Our study highlights critical limitations of culture performance (low sensitivity), particularly in Burkina Faso, which has a total inability to detect microorganisms (fragile and demanding microorganisms) detected by PCR-based assays. There is therefore an urgent need to at least optimize culture, procedures and algorithms for detection of microorganisms associated with male infertility in clinical laboratories of Burkina Faso. The most effective solution is the routine implementation of molecular diagnostic methods.
文摘One of the most promising vector control strategies for controlling dengue fever is the stable introduction of the obligate intracellular Wolbachia bacteria strain into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This method reduces the mosquito’s ability to transmit dengue through reproductive strategies associated with Wolbachia infection, such as parthenogenesis, male elimination or feminization, sex ratio distortions and cytoplasmic incompatibility. Expert knowledge and a risk assessment framework were used to identify the risks associated with the release of Wolbachia-bearing mosquitoes. Then, consultations with individual participants were organized and a Bayesian network (BN) was developed to capture the relationship between the hazards as well as the likelihood of these adverse events occurring. Finally, risk was calculated from the probability and consequence estimates obtained from our Burkina Faso participants, using a questionnaire based on the identified risks. Our “Cause More Harm” study yielded 46.15% negligible risk, 44.23% very low risk and 9.62% low risk. The “socio-cultural change” parameter had the greatest influence, with the perception that the dissemination project would be poorly received by the local population. This parameter alone accounted for 80% of the most significant risks. This explains the fact that hazard RA 49 “negative messages in social media” is ranked as the highest individual risk (although the risk is low) with a calculated risk of 0.261. The risk assessment was designed to integrate the interdependent complexity of hazards likely to affect the dissemination of technology in the environment. It represents an important implementation phase in the success of this innovative research, introducing a new technology to combat the transmission of dengue fever.
文摘Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted genital infections by traditional methods as culture remains extremely delicate, difficult or impossible (to find extremely fragile organisms that can be cultured). Thus, molecular techniques constitute an alternative to improve accurate diagnostic, personalized patient treatment, and public health. A total of 83 clinical samples including urethral discharge and urine samples from individual patients with symptoms of urethritis received were analyzed using traditional methods and a commercial real-time PCR (qPCR) method. Out of 83 urethritis patients, n = 55 (66.26%) were positive for at least one of the STI pathogens detected by qPCR. qPCR assay was more sensitive (50/83, positive cases) compared to culture (15/83, positive cases) and light microscopy (28/83, positive cases). The most prevalent NTD pathogen in the suspected patients was N. gonorrhoeae with 60.24% (50/83) based on real-time PCR diagnosis. Among the positive cases of STI pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae had the highest frequency 49/55 (89.01%) followed by low frequencies of Trichomonas vaginalis 4/55 (7.27%) and Chlamydia trachomatis 1/55 (1.82%). This highlights the high prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in male urethritis patients and a very important misdiagnosis using traditional routine methods in Burkina Faso by medical laboratories. Thus, this situation may negatively impact patients’ personalized treatment and care and public health with the possible rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. This study also highlights the urgent need to optimize culture for the diagnosis of NTD pathogens in Burkina Faso and the usefulness and the need for the introduction of molecular diagnostic methods in routine diagnosis for the detection of NTD pathogens in the medical laboratories in Burkina Faso.
文摘Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests. A trial was conducted during the 2020 and 2022 cropping seasons at the INRAN station in the Maradi region. A Fischer experimental design with 6 repetitions was used to compare 4 treatments: synthetic chemical pesticide;the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana;aqueous extracts of neem seeds, and control. Observations were carried out every three days. The cowpea pod-sucking bug, pod borer, and thrips were the main insect pests recorded. In terms of effectiveness, the synthetic pesticide was the best treatment. It reduced insect pest densities by 71.35% to 90.40% in 2020 and by 35.11% to 42.13% in 2022. Grain yields varied between treatments. Neem seed extract followed the synthetic pesticide and significantly reduced insect infestations in both years. The synthetic pesticide and neem seed extract resulted in yields 3 to 5 times higher than the control treatment in 2020. By contrast, B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract produced similar yields in 2022. Therefore, the results of this study showed that B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract have insecticidal potential and could be used as an ecological alternative for managing cowpea insect pests in the Sahel.
文摘Production of this crop is experiencing significant challenges, resulting in a decline in seed and fiber quality. To address this challenge, generations of high-performance cotton plants of the Gossypium hirsutum L. species have been developed and are currently being commercialized. This study evaluated the impact of gin types on the agro-industrial quality of cotton in Côte d’Ivoire. To this end, cotton from the G3, R1, and R2 generations was harvested, sampled, and ginned on machines with 10 and 170 saws in the localities of Ouangolodougou, Ferkessédougou, Korhogo, M’Bengué, Boundiali, Séguéla, and Mankono, as well as at the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique CNRA) in Bouaké. The results demonstrated that cotton fibers obtained from ginning on 10-saw machines exhibited superior quality compared to those from 170-saw machines. Fiber length, fiber length uniformity, and short fiber rate exhibited the highest deviations according to gin type. The use of 170-saw gins resulted in a notable decline in quality. Conversely, micronaire index, fiber tenacity and elongation, and reflectance remained consistent across machine types. These results will enable us to more effectively regulate and advise cotton-processing factories, which primarily utilize 170-saw gins to enhance agro-industrial quality in Côte d’Ivoire. Furthermore, these results will assist breeders in incorporating them into their processes to enhance the quality of the varieties they offer to farmers.
文摘The conversion of forest land to other types of land cover is one of the major issues in the global fight against climate change. Understanding the direct and indirect factors of these conversions from local studies in the tropics is essential to project the future impact of human activities on the preservation of tropical forests in general and the forests of the Republic of Congo in particular. This study, conducted in five localities with different socioeconomic contexts in the Republic of Congo, aims to analyze the variability of drivers of deforestation and forest degradation linked to urbanization in the Congo Basin. Using a series of land cover maps from the years 1986, 2003 and 2019 for the cities of Ouesso, Pokola, Ngombe, Impfondo and Dongou, as well as field data and socio-economic information collected from local and central administrations, a unique model has been developed to understand the explanatory patterns of forest loss. Deforestation around urban centers is mainly due to urban agriculture due to population growth, as well as the spatial expansion of cities, which have a major impact on the stability and integrity of forests. Shifting agriculture is the main direct cause of deforestation and forest degradation, representing 48% of the total sample, followed by the collection of wood fuel (22%), the collection of construction wood (19%), illegal logging (6%) and urban expansion (5%). Forecasts indicate that forest loss around major cities will increase by 487, 20 ha to 5266, 73 ha by 2050 compared to the base year of 2019. This study highlights the need for a new system of land management and poverty alleviation of local populations to ensure the stability of the Congo Basin tropical forests around large and small African cities.
文摘Introduction: Arbovirus diseases such as dengue and chikungunya threaten public health worldwide. Early and rapid diagnosis and surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections are essential to the control of these diseases. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic performance of our new in-house multiplex RT-qPCR method for detecting DENV serotypes and CHIKV in an external laboratory. Methodology: The evaluation study was conducted on 200 clinical samples of suspected patients for arbovirus disease infection, collected in Centre de Recherche Biomoléculaire Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Our new multiplex RT-qPCR was compared to the commercial kit, the Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya (ZDC) Real-Time PCR Assays kit (Bio-Rad, California, USA). Results and Conclusions: Among 200 samples, 21.5% (43/200) were DENV-positive by multiplex RT-qPCR, and 21.5% (43/200) were also DENV-positive by reference real-time RT-PCR. 157 (78.5%) samples tested negative for DENV by both tests (new mRT-qPCR and reference test). The sensitivity and specificity of mRT-qPCR were 100%. The DENV serotypes detected were DENV-1 60.5% (26/43) and DENV-3 39.5% (17/43). CHIKV was not detected in this study. Our new mRT-qPCR is sensitive, cost-effective, simple, and can be used in developing country laboratories.
