Electrogeneration of H2O2 through carbon-based ink on Al foam for electro-Fenton treatment of micropollutants in water

In the present work, the catalytic efficiency of inks based on different carbon materials, namely activated carbon (AC), carbon graphite (CG), and carbon black (CB) was investigated for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Additionally, we explored the feasibility of using this ink as a coating for an Aluminum foam (Alfoam) cathode in an electrochemical cell. The goal was to utilize this setup to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the electro-Fenton (EF) process, targeting for treating water contaminated with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Among the materials investigated, all of them exhibited the ability to facilitate the ORR. However, AC proved to be the most suitable material due to its optimal balance between physical and electrocatalytic properties, thus enabling the formation of H2O2. When the different inks were applied to the surface of aluminum foam, it was observed that only the ink based on carbon black CB achieved a homogeneous distribution with the same ink quantity. As a result, it was observed that the Alfoam/CB electrode exhibited the highest H2O2 generation capacity, producing 45.6 mg L-1, followed by electro-generation of 5.1 mg L-1 using Alfoam/AC and 11 mg L-1 using Alfoam/CG. Furthermore, the application of Alfoam/CB in EF processes allowed for the almost complete degradation of 15 emerging contaminants of concern (CECs) present in secondary effluent. The innovative outcome of this study positions the developed technology as a promising and effective alternative for the treatment of water contaminated with CECs, demonstrating significant potential for industrial-scale application.

Recent advancements in peroxicoagulation process: An updated review

The present article describes the recent advancements (since 2018) in peroxicoagulation (PC) process, which was introduced by Professor Enric Brillas and his group in 1997. Instead of checking the efficiency of PC process to degrade a targeted pollutant in synthetic wastewater, researchers started testing its efficacy for the treatment of complex real wastewater. Applications like disinfection and removal of heavy metals as well as oxidative removal of arsenite from water were tested recently. To improve the efficiency of PC process, modifications were made for electrode materials (both anode and cathode) and electrolytic cells. Performance of PC process in combination with other treatment technologies is also discussed.

Biomass-Derived Carbon-Based Electrodes for Electrochemical Sensing: A Review

The diverse composition of biomass waste, with its varied chemical compounds of origin, holds substantial potential in developing low-cost carbon-based materials for electrochemical sensing applications across a wide range of compounds, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and heavy metals. This review highlights the latest developments and explores the potential of these sustainable electrodes in electrochemical sensing. Using biomass sources, these electrodes offer a renewable and cost-effective route to fabricate carbon-based sensors. The carbonization process yields highly porous materials with large surface areas, providing a wide variety of functional groups and abundant active sites for analyte adsorption, thereby enhancing sensor sensitivity. The review classifies, summarizes, and analyses different treatments and synthesis of biomass-derived carbon materials from different sources, such as herbaceous, wood, animal and human wastes, and aquatic and industrial waste, used for the construction of electrochemical sensors over the last five years. Moreover, this review highlights various aspects including the source, synthesis parameters, strategies for improving their sensing activity, morphology, structure, and functional group contributions. Overall, this comprehensive review sheds light on the immense potential of biomass-derived carbon-based electrodes, encouraging further research to optimize their properties and advance their integration into practical electrochemical sensing devices.

Enhanced catalytic reduction of emerging contaminant by using magnetic CuFe2O4@MIL-100(Fe) in Fenton-based electrochemical processes

Fenton-based electrochemical processes (FEPs) using newly engineered 3D photocatalyst nanocomposites have garnered significant attention owing to their ability to remove emerging contaminants. Despite the development of numerous materials, there is still a need to enhance their efficiency, stability, and recyclability to address the limitations of FEPs. This study seeks to address this issue by investigating sustainable methods to engineer novel 3D core-shell photocatalyst composites for application in FEPs. These materials can update the photo-assisted PEFs activity, and magnetism can be helpful for the easy recyclability of the catalyst. Herein, we successfully synthesized a magnetic and photoactive CuFe₂O₄@MIL-100(Fe) (CM) composite through sustainable methods and assessed its morphological structure and physicochemical and photocatalytic properties. The catalytic performance of CM was investigated in an undivided RuO₂/air-diffusion cell to treat Cefadroxil. The results show that heterogeneous photoelectro-Fenton (HPEF) (100% in 120 min) has higher degradation efficiency than electro-Fenton (100% in 210 min) and electrooxidation (73.3% in 300 min) processes. The superior degradation efficiency of HPEF is attributed to the formation of a large amount of hydroxyl radicals indicating the excellent photocatalytic activity of the material due to the direct excitation of the Fe-O cluster, which boosts the redox reaction of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺. Key operational parameters such as pH, catalyst concentration, current density, and CuFe₂O₄ proportion on MIL-100(Fe) in the composite were optimized in the HPEF process. The optimized composite exhibited good stability and easy recyclability, allowing high removal efficiency, which can be kept up after five cycles of 90 min. High degradation performance was observed using natural sunlight radiations. Additionally, possible catalytic degradation mechanisms in HPEFs were proposed based on radical quenching experiments. This study has significant potential to contribute to the development of more sustainable and effective water treatment strategies.

New development of a solar electrochemical raceway pond reactor for industrial wastewater treatment

In this work, a solar electrochemical-raceway pond reactor (SEC-RPR) is used to treat textile industrial wastewater by solar photoelectron-Fenton (SPEF) at pilot plant scale for the first time. The SEC-RPR is composed of an electrochemical filter press-cell coupled to RPR, where H₂O₂ is electro-generated. A complete study about experimental variables such as current, catalyst concentration, pollutant load or liquid depth is conducted based on methyl orange removal, mineralization and decolorization. Validation of the SPEF process using SEC-RPR reached more than 80% of mineralization, as well as the complete decolorization of the solution. The good performance of the SPEF treatment in the new SEC-RPR led to quick degradation kinetics, mainly due to the synergetic action of solar radiation and good distribution of H₂O₂ electrogenerated in the photoreactor. 100% Methyl Orange degradation was achieved after 150, 60, 45, 30 and 20 min of reaction time applying current density equal to 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 mA cm^-2, respectively. However, the increase of current density decreased the mineralization current efficiency. Up to 10 aromatics intermediates and 5 short-chain carboxylic acids were identified by LC-MS and HPLC analysis and a reaction pathway for MO mineralization by SPEF is proposed. This study represents an essential preliminary step towards the development of the first SEC-RPR at demo scale.

Insight into BDD electrochemical oxidation of florfenicol in water: Kinetics, reaction mechanism, and toxicity

Antibiotics in the environment provoke serious consequences on living beings and can be effectively remediated by prominent advanced oxidation process. In this study, electrochemical advanced oxidation treatment in a lab-scale reactor for the degradation of florfenicol (FLO) was studied with the aid of boron-doped diamond anode (BDD). The results exhibited that the FLO degradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. As the current intensity rose from 60 mA to 250 mA, the FLO removal efficiency increased and the corresponding reaction rate constant increased from 0.0213 to 0.0343 min^-1, which was likely due to the more efficient participation of free hydroxyl radical (^•OH) generated at the BDD anode. Faster degradation and higher mineralization of electrolyzed FLO solution were achieved at higher current intensity as well as in higher SO₄^2- concentration medium, as a consequence of catalytic participation of oxidants (free ^•OH as well as sulfate radical (SO₄^•-) and persulfate (S₂O₈^2-)). The increase in FLO concentration from 30 to 50 mg L^-1 resulted in a reaction rate constant decrease (from 0.0235 to 0.0178 min^-1). Eight transformation by-products (m/z = 372.99, 359.8, 338.0, 324.04, 199.00, 185.02, 168.99 and 78.989) and three inorganic ions (NO₃^-, Cl^- and F^-) were analyzed by UPLC‒Q‒TOF‒MS/MS and Ion‒chromatography, respectively. The Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition revealed an increase of toxicity during the electrochemical oxidation that could be attributed mostly to the generated organic chlorinated by-products (m/z = 372.99, 359.8) and inorganic species (ClO₂^- and ClO₃^-).

Study of degradation of amitriptyline antidepressant by different electrochemical advanced oxidation processes

Amitriptyline (AMT) is the most widely used tricyclic antidepressant and is classified as a recalcitrant emergent contaminant because it has been detected in different sources of water. Its accumulation in water and soil represents a risk for different living creatures. To remove amitriptyline from wastewater, the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) stands up as an interesting option since generate highly oxidized species as hydroxyl radicals (OH) by environmentally friendly mechanism. In this work, the oxidation and mineralization of AMT solution have been comparatively studied by 3 Electrochemical AOPs (EAOPs) where the OH is produced by anodic oxidation of H₂O (AO-H₂O₂), or by electro-Fenton (EF) or photoelectro-Fenton (PEF). PEF process with a BDD anode showed the best performance for degradation and mineralization of this drug due to the synergistic action of highly reactive physiosorbed BDD (OH), homogeneous OH and UVA radiation. This process achieved total degradation of AMT at 50 min of electrolysis and 95% of mineralization after 360 min of treatment with 0.5 mmol L^-1 Fe²⁺ at 100 mA cm^-2. Six aromatic intermediates for the drug mineralization were identified in short time of electrolysis by GC-MS, including a chloroaromatic by-product formed from the attack of active chlorine. Short-chain carboxylic acids like succinic, malic, oxalic and formic acid were quantified by ion-exclusion HPLC. Furthermore, the formation of NO₃^- ions was monitored. Finally, the organic intermediates identified by chromatographic techniques were used to propose the reaction sequence for the total mineralization of AMT.

Elimination of pharmaceutical pollutants by solar photoelectro-Fenton process in a pilot plant

In this study, the simultaneous degradation of antibiotics (ampicillin, sulfamethazine, and tetracycline; and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (diclofenac and salicylic acid)) including the total organic carbon abatement by solar photoelectro-Fenton process was assessed. Eight liters of solution containing the mixture of the five pharmaceuticals in 1 mmol L^-1 Fe²⁺, 0.05 mol L^-1 Na₂SO₄ at pH 3 and 35 °C were electrolyzed applying different current densities (j = 10, 25, and 50 mA cm^-2) in a solar-electrochemical pilot plant. The pilot plant was equipped with an electrochemical filter press cell with a dimensionally stable anode (DSA type) and an air-diffusion cathode coupled to a solar photoreactor exposed directly to sunlight radiation. All pharmaceuticals were degraded during the first 10 min. A TOC removal efficiency of 99.2% after 100 min of treatment with an energy consumption of 534.23 kW h (kg_TOC)^-1 and 7.15 kW h m^-3 was achieved. The pharmaceutical concentration decay followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics. The specific energy per unit of mass of ampicillin, diclofenac, salicylic acid, sulfamethazine, and tetracycline was obtained at 11.73, 19.56, 35.2, 11.73, and 39.32 kW h (kg_PD)^-1 for ampicillin, diclofenac, salicylic acid, sulfamethazine, and tetracycline, respectively. With our results, we demonstrated that SPEF is an emerging technology for the treatment of this type of pollutants in short time.

Arsenic and fluoride removal by electrocoagulation process: A general review

The environmental sector has expressed a growing interest in using electrocoagulation (EC) to treat groundwater/wastewater for drinking/recycling purposes. In the EC process, the electro-dissolution of sacrificial metallic anodes through direct application of current/cell potential dissolves the metals, which precipitate as oxides and hydroxides depending on the electrolyte pH. These particles have large surface areas and can remove pollutants by coagulation. The EC process has been considered an alternative technology due to its versatility, efficiency, low cost, and environmental compatibility. Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge about scaling-up this process has limited its implementation at the industrial scale. The aim of this study is to provide a review of the EC process used for removing arsenic and fluoride from groundwater and wastewater. Approximately 80 published studies were reviewed for this paper. The fundamentals of the EC process and importance of its operating conditions, i.e., electrode material, current density, supporting electrolyte, and pH, are reported in this paper. Additionally, overview of floc characterization and energy consumption are also presented. Finally, this paper also discusses the future perspectives.

Treatment of antibiotic cephalexin by heterogeneous electrochemical Fenton-based processes using chalcopyrite as sustainable catalyst

The development of heterogeneous Fenton-based electrochemical advanced oxidation processes is important for the removal of organic pollutants at industrial level in the near future. This work reports the application of heterogeneous photoelectro-Fenton (HPEF) with UVA light as an enhanced alternative to the more widespread heterogeneous electro-Fenton (HEF) process. The treatment of the antibiotic cephalexin using chalcopyrite as a sustainable catalyst was studied using an undivided IrO₂/air-diffusion cell. XPS analysis showed the presence of Fe(III), Cu(I) and Cu(II) species on the surface. The amount of Fe²⁺ ions dissolved upon chalcopyrite exposure to continuous stirring and air bubbling was proportional to chalcopyrite content. In all cases, the occurrence of pH self-regulation to an optimum value near 3 was observed. The HEF and HPEF treatments of 100 mL of 50 mg L^-1 cephalexin solutions with 0.050 M Na₂SO₄ have been studied with 1.0 g L^-1 chalcopyrite at 50 mA cm^-2. Comparative homogeneous EF and PEF with dissolved Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ catalysts were also performed. HPEF was the most effective process, which can be mainly explained by the larger production of homogeneous and heterogeneous OH and the photodegradation of the complexes formed between iron and organics. The effect of applied current and catalyst concentration on HPEF performance was assessed. Recycling experiments showed a long-term stability of chalcopyrite. Seven initial aromatics and six cyclic by-products of cephalexin were identified, and a plausible degradation route that also includes five final carboxylic acids is proposed.

In-situ dosage of Fe2+ catalyst using natural pyrite for thiamphenicol mineralization by photoelectro-Fenton process

The degradation of the antibiotic thiamphenicol has been studied by photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) process with UVA light using pyrite particles as catalyst source. Pyrite is a sulfide mineral that naturally acidifies the reaction medium and releases Fe²⁺, thus promoting the effective generation of OH from Fenton's reaction. The assays were made in an IrO₂/air-diffusion cell, which yielded similar results to a boron-doped diamond (BDD)/air-diffusion one at a lower cost. In dark conditions, electro-Fenton (EF) process showed an analogous ability for drug removal, but mineralization was much poorer because of the large persistence of highly stable by-products. Their photolysis explained the higher performance of PEF. Conventional homogeneous PEF directly using dissolved Fe²⁺ exhibited a lower mineralization power. This suggests the occurrence of heterogeneous Fenton's reaction over the pyrite surface. The effect of current density and drug content on pyrite-catalyzed PEF performance was examined. The drug heteroatoms were gradually converted into SO₄^2-, Cl^- and NO₃^- ions. Nine aromatic derivatives and two dichloroaliphatic amines were identified by GC-MS, and five short-chain carboxylic acids were detected by ion-exclusion HPLC. A reaction route for thiamphenicol mineralization by PEF process with continuous H₂O₂ and Fe²⁺ supply on site is proposed.

Complications of sinusitis: An 80-case series from the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center of Dakar, Senegal

INTRODUCTION

Locoregional complications of sinusitis are dominated by oculo-orbital and/or cranioencephalic manifestations that may be life-threatening or jeopardize functional prognosis. The aim of this study was to report epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study included inpatients managed for sinusitis complications in the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center in Dakar, Senegal between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2016.

RESULTS

In all, 80 files were collected. Mean age was 18.5 years, with male predominance. Mean time to treatment was 18.2 days. Cranio-encephalic complications were the most frequent (54 cases; 67.5%): mainly subdural empyema (30 cases) and brain abscess (10 cases). Seventeen patients (21.25%) had oculo-orbital complications: mainly orbital cellulitis (52.9%) and preseptal cellulitis (29.4%). Nine patients (11.25%) had both cranioencephalic and oculo-orbital complications. Acute sinusitis (82.5%) was the main cause of complications. 52.5% of patients showed pansinus involvement. Medical treatment consisted in broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy combining third-generation cephalosporins, metronidazole and gentamycin in cranio-encephalic complications and clavulanic acid and metronidazole in oculo-orbital complications. Thirty-four patients (42.5%) underwent surgical sinus drainage. Neurosurgical drainage was performed in 35 cases (43.75%). Post-treatment course was marked by 6.25% mortality (5 cases) and 16.25% sequelae.

CONCLUSION

With 6.25% mortality and a high rate of functional sequelae, complications of sinusitis are a serious concern in our region. Improving prognosis requires earlier management and better coordination between health professionals.

Fenton-based electrochemical degradation of metolachlor in aqueous solution by means of BDD and Pt electrodes: influencing factors and reaction pathways

This work explores the role of electrode material and the oxidation ability of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs), such as electro-oxidation (EO) with or without H₂O₂ production, electro-Fenton (EF), and UVA photoelectron-Fenton (PEF), in the degradation of metolachlor. The performance of the EAOPs using Boron-doped diamond (BDD) or Pt as anode has been compared from the analysis of decay kinetics, mineralization profile, and energy consumption using small undivided batch cell. Metolachlor concentration always decays following a pseudo-first-order kinetics. Using the Pt anode, none of the processes reaches 30% mineralization, including PEF. In contrast, the BDD anode showed a higher mineralization rate allowing almost total mineralization in PEF due to the synergetic action of UVA light and oxidant hydroxyl radicals formed in the bulk from Fenton's reaction, as well as in the BDD, which has large reactivity to oxidize the pollutants. The increase in current density and decrease in metolachlor concentration accelerated the mineralization in PEF, although lower current efficiency and higher energy consumption was obtained. The GC-MS and HPLC analysis allowed the identification of up to 17 aromatics intermediates and 7 short-chain carboxylic acids. Finally, a reaction pathway for metolachlor mineralization by EAOPs is proposed. PEF with BDD allowed total removal of the herbicide in real water matrix and a high mineralization (83.82%).

On the performance of electrocatalytic anodes for photoelectro-Fenton treatment of synthetic solutions and real water spiked with the herbicide chloramben

The destruction of the herbicide chloramben in 0.050 M Na₂SO₄ solutions at natural pH has been studied by photoelectro-Fenton with UVA light (PEF). The trials were carried out in a cell equipped with an air-diffusion cathode for H₂O₂ generation and different electrocatalytic anodes, namely active IrO₂-based and RuO₂-based electrodes and non-active boron-doped diamond (BDD) and PbO₂ ones. Similar removal rates were found regardless of the anode nature because the herbicide was mainly oxidized by OH formed from Fenton's reaction, which was enhanced by UVA-induced photo-Fenton reaction. The use of an IrO₂-based anode led to almost total mineralization at high current density, as also occurred with the powerful BDD anode, since photoactive intermediates originated from OH-mediated oxidation were degraded under irradiation with UVA light. The good performance of the IrO₂-based anode in PEF was confirmed at different current densities and herbicide concentrations. The presence of Cl^- in the medium caused a slight deceleration of herbicide removal as well as mineralization inhibition, owing to the production of active chlorine with consequent formation of persistent chloroderivatives. Seven aromatic products along with oxalic and oxamic acids were identified in sulfate medium. Five aromatic derivatives were detected in Cl^--containing matrix, corroborating the generation of organochlorine compounds. In secondary effluent, larger mineralization was achieved by PEF with a BDD anode due to its high oxidation ability to destroy the chloroderivatives, although an acceptable performance was also obtained using an IrO₂-based anode.

Daclatasvir, asunaprevir and beclabuvir fixed-dose combination for patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is killing 350,000 persons per year worldwide, 60% of the cases being patients with genotype 1 (GT-1). The fixed-dose tablet combination of daclatasvir (30 mg)/asunaprevir (200 mg)/beclabuvir (75 mg), DCV-TRIO, is one of the latest drugs in the pipeline of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies. DCV-TRIO increases the genetic barrier to resistance by acting at the same time against three hepatitis C key viral proteins. Results from the UNITY 1, 2, 3 and 4 phase III clinical trials showed that DCV-TRIO exhibited high sustained virologic responses at 12 weeks (between 92% and 100% for HCV GT-1 treatment-naive patients). Furthermore, DCV-TRIO was well tolerated in all studies with reported adverse events (AEs) with an incidence of at least 10% mostly being headache, diarrhea, fatigue and nausea and few AE-related discontinuations. Further research should focus on more real-life data on DCV-TRIO and on developing a pill regimen that works on other HCV genotypes with high genetic barriers and that is available at a reduced cost.

[Results of anastomotic urethroplasty for male urethral stricture disease]

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with anastomotic uretroplasty (AU) due to male urethral stricture disease (USD) and to identify factors affecting the results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 4 years and 6 months (July 2012 to December 2016). Any subsequent use of endoscopic urethrotomy or new urethroplasty was considered a failure.

RESULTS

Forty-eight cases were included. The mean age of patients was 53.5±17.3 years (23-87 years). Urinary retention was the reason for consultation in 42 cases (87.5%). The most common localization of USD was the bulbar urethra (n=45). The mean length of USD was 1.23±0.62cm (0.5-3cm) with a median length of 1cm. The etiology was post-infectious in 56.3% of cases. More than half (58.3%) of patients had already undergone at least one urethral manipulation. After an average follow-up of 21.1±12.6 months (1 to 52 months), the overall success rate was 77.1%. In univariate analysis, length, cause and location of the stricture, age of patient, the presenting symptoms of the stricture, previous urethral manipulation and surgeon experience did not significantly impact on the success rate of anastomotic urethroplasty at one and two years follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The AU had provided good results in our practice. The infectious origin of the stricture and previous urethral manipulation did not significantly impact the result of this surgical technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Electrochemical destruction of trans-cinnamic acid by advanced oxidation processes: kinetics, mineralization, and degradation route

Acidic solutions of trans-cinnamic acid at pH 3.0 have been comparatively treated by anodic oxidation with electrogenerated H₂O₂ (AO-H₂O₂), electro-Fenton (EF), and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF). The electrolytic experiments were carried out with a boron-doped diamond (BDD)/air-diffusion cell. The substrate was very slowly abated by AO-H₂O₂ because of its low reaction rate with oxidizing ^•OH produced from water discharge at the BDD anode. In contrast, its removal was very rapid and at similar rate by EF and PEF due to the additional oxidation by ^•OH in the bulk, formed from Fenton's reaction between cathodically generated H₂O₂ and added Fe²⁺. The AO-H₂O₂ treatment yielded the lowest mineralization. The EF process led to persistent final products like Fe(III) complexes, which were quickly photolyzed upon UVA irradiation in PEF to give an almost total mineralization with 98 % total organic carbon removal. The effect of current density and substrate concentration on all the mineralization processes was examined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of electrolyzed solutions allowed identifying five primary aromatics and one heteroaromatic molecule, whereas final carboxylic acids like fumaric, acetic, and oxalic were quantified by ion exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). From all the products detected, a degradation route for trans-cinnamic acid is proposed.

[Profiles of IgG responses against CSP, GLURP and LSA-3NR2 in urban malaria (Dakar): relations with haemoglobin levels and parasite densities]

Malaria remains a major health problem in sub- Saharan African countries despite substantial decreases in morbidity and mortality due to sustained control programs. Vaccines candidates were mainly tested in rural endemic setting; however increasing proportion of the population is living in urban area. Evaluation of the qualitative or quantitative immune responses to key targets of anti-Plasmodium immunity requires further investigation in urban area. In a cohort of 144 patients with mild malaria living in Dakar, we analyzed IgG responses against target antigens of P. falciparum: CSP, LSA-3NR2 and GLURP by ELISA. A mean age of 15 yrs (4-65 yrs) was found and patients were separated in 59 adults (<15yrs) and 85 children (≤15 yrs). Parasites densities (0,01-15%) did not differ between the two age groups. In contrast, haemoglobin levels appeared lower in children (4.5-16.6 g/dl) (p<0.01). For the immune results, the most recognized antigens were GLURP and CSP compared to LSA-3NR2. Levels of IgG against these antigens were significantly different between the two age groups and they were positively correlated (rho = 0.32; p<0.001). In addition, levels of IgG anti-GLURP were associated with low parasitemia (≤1%) and absence of anemia (≥11g/dl), particularly in adults (p<0.001). In a multiple regression analysis, no significant relationship was found between parasite densities and IgG responses against all the tested antigens. Our study shows the implication of IgG anti-GLURP in humoral immune response against the parasite. The present work contributes to determine IgG levels that can be used as relevant immunologic biomarkers in urban clinical malaria.

[Inflammatory pseudo-tumor of the bladder expelled through the urethral meatus in a girl]

Inflammatory pseudo-tumors of the bladder are rare benign tumors that mostly arise in the differential diagnosis of sarcomas in children. The authors report an unusual case of pedunculated inflammatory pseudo-tumor of the bladder that externalized by the urethral meatus in a 13-year-old girl. The treatment consisted of a ligation-resection of the pedicle, followed by resection of the tumor. After regular follow-up for 18 months there was no tumor recurrence.

Decolorization and mineralization of Allura Red AC azo dye by solar photoelectro-Fenton: Identification of intermediates

The degradation of 2.5L of Allura Red AC solutions in sulfate medium containing 0.50mM Fe(2+) has been studied by solar photoelectro-Fenton (SPEF) using a flow plant equipped with a Pt/air-diffusion cell and a solar photoreactor. Comparative electro-Fenton treatment yielded rapid total decolorization but poor mineralization, since most products were slowly destroyed by OH formed from Fenton's reaction between Fe(2+) and H2O2 generated at the air-diffusion cathode. In contrast, the potent action of UV radiation from sunlight in SPEF allowed the rapid photolysis of recalcitrant intermediates, thus giving rise to a quick mineralization. Sulfate and nitrate ions, along with a large proportion of volatile N-derivatives, were always released. The increase in current density and decrease in azo dye concentration accelerated the decolorization and mineralization in SPEF, although lower current efficiency and greater specific energy consumption were obtained. The most cost-effective SPEF treatment was found for 460 mg L(-1) azo dye in 0.05 M Na2SO4 at 50 mA cm(-2), which yielded 95% mineralization with 81% current efficiency and 8.50 kW h m(-3). No significant effect of sulfate concentration was found. Up to 16 aromatic intermediates and 11 short-chain carboxylic acids, including oxalic and oxamic as the most persistent ones, were detected by GC-MS and HPLC. The large oxidation ability of SPEF can be explained by the quick photolysis of Fe(III)-oxalate complexes and other undetected intermediates.

Treatment of a mixture of food color additives (E122, E124 and E129) in different water matrices by UVA and solar photoelectro-Fenton

The degradation of 130 mL of mixtures of food azo dyes E122, E124 and E129 has been studied by electro-Fenton (EF) and UVA photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) using a stirred tank reactor with either a boron-doped diamond (BDD) or Pt anode and an air-diffusion cathode. The main oxidant was hydroxyl radical formed at the anode from water oxidation and in the bulk from Fenton's reaction between added Fe(2+) and H2O2 generated at the cathode. In sulfate medium, fast decolorization was found for all systems, but the almost total mineralization was more rapidly achieved by PEF with BDD. The performance with a real water matrix was slightly worse, although the removal of total organic load was still as high as 95%. The solar PEF (i.e., SPEF) treatment of dye mixtures using a 2.5 L flow plant with a BDD/air-diffusion cell coupled to a planar solar photoreactor is also reported. Fast decolorization and almost total mineralization was found in the presence of either sulfate, perchlorate, nitrate or a mixture of sulfate + chloride ions. In chloride medium, however, the formation of recalcitrant chloroderivatives decelerated the degradation process. Greater current efficiency and lower specific energy consumption were attained in sulfate medium at lower current density and higher azo dye content. A plausible reaction sequence based on 18 aromatic intermediates identified by GC-MS and 6 short-linear carboxylic acids detected by ion-exclusion HPLC has been proposed. The SPEF process promoted the photodegradation of Fe(III)-oxalate complexes and other undetected products. Sulfate and nitrate ions were always released to the medium.

Decolorization and mineralization of Allura Red AC aqueous solutions by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes

The decolorization and mineralization of solutions containing 230 mg L(-1) of the food azo dye Allura Red AC at pH 3.0 have been studied upon treatment by electrochemical oxidation with electrogenerated H2O2 (EO-H2O2), electro-Fenton (EF) and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF). Experiments were performed with a stirred tank reactor containing a boron-doped diamond (BDD) or Pt anode and an air-diffusion cathode to generate H2O2. The main oxidants were hydroxyl radicals formed at the anode surface from water oxidation and in the bulk from Fenton's reaction between H2O2 and added Fe(2+). The oxidation ability increased in the sequence EO-H2O2 < EF < PEF and faster degradation was always obtained using BDD. PEF process with BDD yielded almost total mineralization following similar trends in SO4(2-), ClO4(-) and NO3(-) media, whereas in Cl(-) medium, mineralization was inhibited by the formation of recalcitrant chloroderivatives. GC-MS analysis confirmed the cleavage of the −N=N− bond with formation of two main aromatics in SO4(2-) medium and three chloroaromatics in Cl(-) solutions. The effective oxidation of final oxalic and oxamic acids by BDD along with the photolysis of Fe(III)-oxalate species by UVA light accounted for the superiority of PEF with BDD. NH4(+), NO3(-) and SO4(2-) ions were released during the mineralization.

Initial suboptimal CD4 reconstitution with antiretroviral therapy despite full viral suppression in a cohort of HIV-infected patients in Senegal

OBJECTIVE

We determined the risk factors and incidence of clinical events associated with suboptimal immune reconstitution (SIR) defined by an increase in CD4 inferior to 50 cells/μL, from inclusion up to six months of antiretroviral treatment (ARVT), in patients with an undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL).

METHODS

Logistic regression and Cox's proportional hazards model were used to examine risk factors for SIR and the association between SIR and the risk of new clinical events or death, respectively after six months of ARVT.

RESULTS

One hundred and two (15.5%) of the 657 patients presented with SIR. Age > 40 years (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.10-2.75), baseline CD4 ≥ 100 cells/μL (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.24-3.42), ARVT including AZT (aOR = 4.57, 95% CI=1.06-19.76), and the occurrence of a severe opportunistic infection during the first semester of ARVT (aOR = 2.38 95% CI= 1.49-3.80) were associated with SIR. After six months of ARVT and up to seven years of follow-up, 39 patients with SIR had presented with an opportunistic infection or death (rate= 9.78/100 person-years) compared to 168 with a normal recovery (rate = 7.75/100 person-years) but the difference was not statistically significant (aHR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.74).

CONCLUSION

SIR is less common in our country and is not associated with increased mortality or a greater incidence of opportunistic infections after six months of ARVT.

[IgG responses to candidate malaria vaccine antigens in the urban area of Dakar (Senegal): evolution according to age and parasitemia in patients with mild symptoms]

Malaria remains a major problem in African countries despite substantial decreases in morbidity and mortality due to sustained control programs. Studies for the evaluation of qualitative or quantitative Ab responses to key targets of anti-plasmodium immunity were mostly done in rural endemic setting compared to urban area. In a cohort of 200 patients with mild malaria and living in Dakar, we analyze total and subclasses IgG responses to a panel of P. falciparum blood stage antigens: MSP1p19, MSP3, EB200, GST-5 and R23. A mean age of 15 yrs (4 to 56 yrs) and parasitemia between 0.1 to 17% were found. Levels of IgG anti-MSP3 were higher in patients with low parasitemia (≤1%) and appear negatively correlated to parasite densities (Rho =. 0.54; p= 0.021). This correlation is more significant in children (≤ 15 yrs). In addition, an increase of IgG responses against MSP1p19 is highly observed in adults having a parasitemia less than 1%. In those patients, we find that IgG1 subclasses were predominant (p <0.01). Our study shows an association between Ab responses and parasitemia. This association is dependant to IgG anti-MSP3 in children and IgG anti-MSP1p19 in adults living in urban area.

Profile of parotid gland tumours: experience of 93 cases over a period of 16 years

OBJECTIVE

The pathology of the salivary glands focuses on that of the parotid gland. The purpose of this study is to clarify and explain the epidemiological features of parotid tumors in a Senegalese context, to highlight the importance of clinical examination when access to complementary investigations is limited, to discuss respective indications and finally to describe certain aspects of treatment in our context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study of 114 cases of parotidectomy spans 16 years, from 1992 to 2007. It was performed in the ENT department of University Hospital of Fann, Senegal. All patients operated on for chronic mass of the parotid region for whom histological results were available when initially included. Benign swellings were subsequently excluded. The study parameters were epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and surgical.

RESULTS

The 114 parotidectomies showed a predominance of benign tumours: 63 procedures (55.26%) essentially concerned pleomorphic adenoma; 30 cases (26.31%) concerned malignant tumours, mainly parotid adenocarcinoma. There were 21 cases of benign swelling (18.4%). The study focused on the series of 93 cases of benign and malignant tumours of the parotid gland. Both sexes were affected similarly. All age groups were concerned, from 5 to 89 years. A total of 97% of patients underwent surgery: conservative total parotidectomy in 75.51% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Although there are features specific to the local context, the epidemiological profile of parotid tumours is well-known. Indications for complementary investigations are discussed, as availability in Senegal is restricted, highlighting the important role of clinical examination in the management of parotid tumours.

[Pathology of the processus vaginalis in urological practice]

PURPOSE

To describe the epidemiological, anatomico-clinical and therapeutic aspects of the patent vaginoperitoneal canal (PVPC) in urological practice and to compare our results with those of pediatric teams.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective descriptive study of PVPC cases operated in a urology unit. The following parameters were studied: medical history, age, method of installation, the anatomo-clinical type, side and the results of the treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 163 cases were collected over a period of 5 years. The average age was 7.5 ± 7 years with a range of 2 months and 39 years. Thirty-four patients had less than or equal to age 2 ears and 28 patients were adults. The reason for consultation was an inguinal or scrotal inguinal, painless and intermittent swelling in 72.3% of cases. Installation mode was progressive in 45 patients (27.6%). The PVPC was sitting right in 81 patients (49.7%) and was bilateral in 12 patients (7.3%). The anatomo-clinical types were dominated by the communicating hydrocele (52%). The treatment was carried out in controlled surgery in all patients and the mean duration of hospitalization was 24 hours. The postoperative course was marked by 5 cases of scrotal hematoma and 2 cases of parietal suppuration. Postoperative mortality was zero. After a mean postoperative decrease of 2 years we observed 3 cases of testicular atrophy and two recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Our results in terms of morbidity and mortality although satisfactory were lower than those of pediatric teams.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

[Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the vagus nerve]

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors are a rare type of malignant neuroectodermal tumor that is very aggressive. Cervicofacial location is rare, even exceptional. We report a case of a 4-month-old male infant, referred from the pediatric clinic for severe supralaryngeal dyspnea, a firm mass under the left mandibular angle, mobile and extended to the parotid area, painful, with a curve of the left side wall of the oropharynx. Cervical computed tomodensitometry showed a well-limited mass in the carotid area, enhanced by the contrast product. A vascularized mass, which had developed at the expense of the vagus nerve, was removed surgically. Histology found a primitive neuroectodermal tumor.

[Post-hysterectomy vesicovaginal fistula]

OBJECTIVE

Describe the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of all cases of VVF secondary to hysterectomy. The following parameters were studied: age, parity, indication for hysterectomy, risk factors, the consultation period, the anatomical type of VVF, the paraclinical, the surgical approach and results of the cure.

RESULTS

Fourteen cases were identified over 10 years. All hysterectomies were performed by laparotomia. The average age of patients was 54.3±13 years. Hysterectomy was performed in view of a uterine leiomyoma in eight cases, a cancer of the cervix in four cases, a menometrorrhagia in one case and a choriocarcinoma in one case. Four patients had received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The mean time from injury was 13.5±18 months. Examination under valve was allowed to find 11 VVF type 1 and three type 2 VVF. IVU was normal in seven patients and allowed to find an ureterohydronephrose stage III in one patient. VVF was addressed by high in ten cases including 5 by transperitoneovaginale and 5 by transvesical pure. The postoperative course was uneventful in 11 patients (78%) but marked by vesicocutaneous fistula, parietal suppuration and one failure.

CONCLUSION

In this short series of post-hysterectomy VVF treated by laparotomia, we observed a rate of cure satisfying in spite of an important psychosocial morbidity.

[Prevalence and factors related to therapeutic adherence among black African outpatients with stable coronary artery disease in a cardiology department of Dakar in Senegal]

INTRODUCTION

The management of coronary artery disease has made important progress. Adherence to therapeutic measures is a great challenge for improving the long-term prognosis. In this work, we evaluate factors related to therapeutic adherence in black African patients with stable coronary artery disease.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a survey over three months (February-May 2008) in three cardiology departments in Dakar. We studied the regularity of drug intake, the adherence to the dietary advices and the appointments for consultation as well as the factors related to adherence. Good adherence was defined by a compliance rate greater or equal to 80% and a compliance rate less than 40% defined poor adherence.

RESULTS

We included 105 patients (61 men) with a mean age of 60.67±11.29 years. Good compliance was noted in 56.2% of cases for drug treatment, 42% for dietary advices and 65% for appointments for consultation. A history of acute coronary events (P=0.04), a good knowledge of the disease (P=0.03) and a healthcare (P=0.02) were the factors related to a good adherence to drug treatment, whereas ischemic cardiomyopathy was a factor for poor adherence (P=0.002). Knowledge of coronary disease was the only factor correlated with good adherence to lifestyle (P=0.014).

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic adherence remains unsatisfactory in Black African patients with stable coronary artery disease, hence the importance of patient education to reach a good adherence for therapeutic, because better adherence improves long-term prognosis of coronary artery disease.

[Anderson-Hynes open pyeloplasty: which indications in the area of laparoscopic surgery?]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the results of Anderson-Hynes open pyeloplasty in our institution. And then to compare them to those of laparoscopic procedure and identify what can be considered now as the indications of the open procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It was a retrospective study on 30 cases of ureteropelvic junction syndrome managed by Anderson-Hynes open procedure. The clinical, biological and radiologic characteristics of the patients as well as the surgical technique and its results were taken into account. The patients were classified, according to Valdeyer and Cendron classification as type II in eight cases (26.7%), type III in ten cases (33.3%) and type IV in four cases (13.3%). There were also eight cases of giant hydronephrosis (26.7%). The operating time, the length of hospital stay and the outcomes were studied and compared with those of the laparoscopic pyeloplasty found in the medical literature.

RESULTS

The mean operating time was 115 ± 33.4 minutes (90-230 min). The mean length of hospital stay was 10.4 ± 5.1 days. Six patients (20%) had postoperative complications. After a mean follow-up of 28 ± 13.7 months (13-48 months), our first-hand success rate was 90% (n=27).

CONCLUSION

Anderson-Hynes open pyeloplasty reached good results but nowadays its indications can be limited to laparoscopic contraindications, severe hydronephrosis (grade IV or giant hydronephrosis) and second-hand cases. The two latter indications depend on the surgeon experience in laparoscopic surgery.

Cancer du pénis au Sénégal : aspects cliniques et thérapeutiques

Buts

décrire les aspects cliniques et thérapeutiques des cancers de la verge au Sénégal.

Patients et méthodes

nous avons effectué une étude rétrospective qui s’est intéressée aux dossiers des patients suivis pour cancer de la verge au service d’urologie du CHU Aristide Le Dantec entre janvier 2000 et décembre 2011.

Résultats

huit patients d’âge moyen de 51,5 ans avec des extrêmes de 27 à 77 ans ont été répertoriés. Ils étaient tous circoncis dans l’enfance. L’examen clinique avait mis en évidence une tumeur ulcérobourgeonnante intéressant le gland et une partie du corps de la verge dans cinq cas; dans deux cas, elle intéressait la totalité de la verge alors que seul un cas était limité au gland. Les patients étaient ainsi classés selon le système TNM 2002 de l’UICC en cT2 (quatre cas), cT3 (trois cas) et cT1 (un cas). Le type histologique de la tumeur était le carcinome épidermoïde chez tous les patients. Il n’y avait pas de localisation secondaire au scanner thoracoabdomino-pelvien. Sur le plan thérapeutique, une pénectomie partielle a été réalisée dans cinq cas, une pénectomie totale avec curage ganglionnaire dans un cas. Deux patients ont refusé le traitement chirurgical. Aucune récidive n’était notée chez les cinq patients ayant subi une amputation partielle du pénis. La survie globale était donc de 83,3 % pour les patients opérés.

Conclusion

le cancer de la verge est rare au Sénégal. La prise en charge est délicate du fait du diagnostic tardif avec des lésions évoluées, d’où l’importance d’une sensibilisation des populations.

[Pyonephrosis: 44 cases in Senegal]

PURPOSE

To report epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical features of pyonephrosis and describe current management methods in Senegal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study includes a series of patients admitted for pyonephrosis to the Urology Department of the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar between 1995 and 2009. The following information was collected for each patient: age, sex, clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, treatment modalities and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients with a mean age of 34 years were included. The most common clinical manifestations were acute flank pain, sepsis and renal mass. Diagnostic was usually based on medical imaging, i.e., renal utrasonography and computed tomography. Urolithiasis was the underlying etiology in 73.2% of cases. Nephrectomy was performed in 83% of cases with or without preliminary nephrostomy catheterization.

CONCLUSION

Development of both diagnostic (medical imaging) and therapeutic methods for management of pyonephrosis has been consistent with the rarity of this condtion in Senegal.

Aspects diagnostiques et thérapeutiques de la torsion du cordon spermatique au CHU Aristide-Le-Dantec de Dakar

Objectif

Étudier les aspects diagnostiques et thérapeutiques de la torsion du cordon spermatique (TCS) dans notre pratique quotidienne et faire une revue de la littérature.

Patients et méthodes

Étude rétrospective de janvier 2002 à décembre 2009 sur tous les cas de suspicion de TCS reçus en urgence.

Résultats

La TCS était confirmée chez 58 patients après scrototomie exploratrice. L’âge moyen des patients était de 21 ans (avec des extrêmes de 1 et de 44 ans) et 48 patients (83 %) étaient âgés de plus de 15 ans. Le délai moyen entre le début de la symptomatologie douloureuse et l’arrivée aux urgences était de 102 heures (avec des extrêmes de 2 et de 480 heures); 47 patients ont été reçus après la sixième heure et 19 patients ont été référés d’une structure périphérique. La torsion était supravaginale chez cinq sujets âgés de plus de 15 ans et était sanctionnée d’une orchidectomie chez 30 patients (52 %).

Conclusion

Notre série est caractérisée par un taux élevé de castration d’où l’intérêt de mettre l’accent sur la sensibilisation des populations qui doivent venir consulter en urgence devant une grosse bourse douloureuse aiguë.

[Three-point bending moment of two types of resin for temporary bridges after reinforcement with glass fibers]

One of the concerns of the dental surgeon in the realization of any operational act is the durability of this one. The mechanical resistance of the provisional prostheses contributes in a large part to the durability of those. The resins in general, have weak mechanical properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the resistance in inflection of temporary bridges reinforced with glass fibre. To remedy the weak mechanical properties of resins, we thought in this study, to reinforce them with glass fibres. For this purpose, we realized with two different resins, four groups of temporary bridges of 3 elements, including two groups reinforced fibreglass and the others not. Tests of inflection 3 points have been made on these bridges and resistance to fracture was analysed. The statistical tests showed a significant difference in four groups with better resistance for the reinforced bridges.