[Portal cavernoma at child about two observations]

We report two observations of portal cavernoma diagnosed successively in Bamako and Dakar. The first is a 6-year-old male admitted to the service for ascites and abdominal pain. At admission the clinical parameters (weight, height, temperature, cranial perimeter and temperature) were within the norms for age. The clinical examination noted a moderate skin-mucosal pallor, asthenia. The biological assessment returned to moderate normochrome anemia with impaired pancreatic function while renal and hepatic functions were maintained. The abdominal scan performed after two low-contribution abdominal ultrasounds, objected signs in favor of a portal cavernoma with perisplenic and gastric varicose veins. The second is an 8-year-old male child born from an unborn marriage and from a followed pregnancy with premature delivery. His pathological history includes a notion of prematurity that required a stay in neonatology with umbilical catheterization and repeated abdominal pain. He had an acute abdominal episode in March 2015 justifying a surgical hospitalization for suspicion of appendicitis. At admission the clinical parameters (weight, height, temperature, cranial perimeter and temperature) were within the norms for age. The abdominal ultrasound prescribed for this was suggestive of portal cavernoma, later confirmed by abdominal computed tomography.

Rapidly rising cases with omicron In Senegal

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Omicron variant continues to progress in Senegal with the appearance of new contaminations.

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IRESSEF detected the first positive case of the Omicron variant on Friday, December 3, 2021.

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Since this date, the number of Omicron variant infections has increased over the weeks.

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Molecular surveillance of the Omicron variant is carried out in real time to inform the medical authorities.

Taxonogenomics description of Bacillus marasmi sp. nov., a new species isolated from the stool sample

Using the culturomics method, two strains were isolated, identified, and characterised following the taxonogenomics concept. Bacillus marasmi sp. nov. strain Marseille-P3556 (= CSURP3556) is isolated from a 13-month-old girl living in Niger. The phylogenetic tree, phenotypic criteria, and genomic analysis described here clearly show that this bacterium is different from previously known bacterial species withstanding in nomenclature and new members of Bacillus genus.

Tuberculosis treatment outcomes in a rural area of Senegal: a decade of experience from 2010 to 2019 by StopTB Italia

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) unevenly affects individuals across the globe, especially in rural areas of low-income countries. Aim of the study was to assess the impact of social protection to increase TB awareness on treatment outcomes among TB patients in a rural area of Senegal. Materials & methods: The study, conducted in Fimela district (Senegal) from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019 and the intervention started from 31 January 2013, includes activities to increase awareness, active case finding, active follow-up and social protection. Results: Overall, 435 subjects - mainly male and young - were included in the analysis. Among TB cases, 94% had pulmonary involvement, 87% had no previous TB history, and 6% resulted positive HIV. Improved outcome was observed once intervention began (from 71 to 91%, p < 0.001); whereas mortality decreased (from 15 to 5%; p < 0.001), especially for those HIV co-infected for whom TB mortality rate dropped from 70 to 29%. Conclusion: After beginning the cooperation program, TB treatment success increased as a result of the decline of mortality, especially in people living with HIV.

Tuberculosis prevalence and associated factors among persons with diabetes mellitus after intensified case finding in three West African countries

Background

To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and associated factors in persons with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Benin, Guinea and Senegal.

Patients and Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the largest DM center in each country. Participants systematically underwent clinical screening and chest radiography. Participants who were symptomatic or with abnormal radiography underwent bacteriological investigations (sputum smear, Xpert MTB/RIF and culture) on sputum. Participants with no TB at enrolment were re-examined for TB six months later. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with TB.

Results

There were 5,870 DM patients: 1,881 (32.0%) in Benin, 1,912 (32.6%) in Guinea and 2,077 (35.4%) in Senegal. Out of these, 114 had bacteriologically-confirmed TB, giving a pooled prevalence of 1.9% (95%CI=1.6-2.3). TB prevalence was 0.5% (95%CI=0.3-1.0), 2.4% (95%CI=1.8-3.2) and 2.8% (95%CI=2.2-3.6), respectively, in Benin, Guinea and Senegal. Factors associated with an increased odds of TB diagnosis were a usual residence in Guinea (aOR=2.62;95%CI=1.19-5.77; p=0.016) or in Senegal (aOR=3.73;95%CI=1.85-7.51; p<0.001), the age group of 35-49 years (aOR=2.30;95%CI=1.11-4.79; p=0.025), underweight (aOR=7.34;95%CI=4.65-11.57; p<0.001) and close contact with a TB case (aOR=2.27;95%CI=1.37-3.76; p=0.002). Obesity was associated with lower odds of TB (aOR=0.20; 95%CI=0.06-0.65; p=0.008).

Conclusion

TB is prevalent among DM patients in Benin, Guinea and Senegal and higher than among the general population. The findings support the need for intensified case finding in DM patients in order to ensure systematic early detection of TB during the routine consultation process.

Virgibacillus ihumii sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from the stool of healthy African children

During a case–control study on severe acute malnutrition, strain Marseille-Q1233 was isolated. It is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped and halophilic bacillus isolated from a stool sample of Malian child under the age of 5. The fatty acid profile of the strain consisted of C15:0-anteiso and C14:0-iso as major components. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity calculation showed 23.10% and 80.81% similarity respectively between strain Marseille-Q1233 and Virgibacillus siamensis strain Marseille-P2607, the phylogenetically closely related species with standing in nomenclature. On the basis of these results, we report the description of Virgibacillus ihumii sp. nov. strain Marseille-Q1233 as a new bacterial species.

The potential for quality assurance systems to save costs and lives: the case of early infant diagnosis of HIV

OBJECTIVES

Scaling up of point-of-care testing (POCT) for early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) could reduce the large gap in infant testing. However, suboptimal POCT EID could have limited impact and potentially high avoidable costs. This study models the cost-effectiveness of a quality assurance system to address testing performance and screening interruptions, due to, for example, supply stockouts, in Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, with varying HIV epidemics and different health systems.

METHODS

We modelled a quality assurance system-raised EID quality from suboptimal levels: that is, from misdiagnosis rates of 5%, 10% and 20% and EID testing interruptions in months, to uninterrupted optimal performance (98.5% sensitivity, 99.9% specificity). For each country, we estimated the 1-year impact and cost-effectiveness (US$/DALY averted) of improved scenarios in averting missed HIV infections and unneeded HIV treatment costs for false-positive diagnoses.

RESULTS

The modelled 1-year costs of a national POCT quality assurance system range from US$ 69 359 in South Africa to US$ 334 341 in Zimbabwe. At the country level, quality assurance systems could potentially avert between 36 and 711 missed infections (i.e. false negatives) per year and unneeded treatment costs between US$ 5808 and US$ 739 030.

CONCLUSIONS

The model estimates adding effective quality assurance systems are cost-saving in four of the five countries within the first year. Starting EQA requires an initial investment but will provide a positive return on investment within five years by averting the costs of misdiagnoses and would be even more efficient if implemented across multiple applications of POCT.

Halobacillus ihumii sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from stool of healthy children living in Mali

Strain Marseille-Q1234^T is a new species from the genus Halobacillus that was isolated in 2019 from a stool sample in a healthy Malian child <5 years old. Cells are Gram-positive and strictly halophilic bacilli. Strain Marseille-Q1234^T exhibits 98.46% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Halobacillus naozhouensis strain JSM 071068^T (NR_116505.1), the phylogenetically closely related species with standing in nomenclature. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, OrthoANI values and results of the biochemical tests, the new species is named Halobacillus ihumii sp. nov., for which strain Marseille-Q1234^T (= CSURQ1234) is proposed as the type strain.

Taxonogenomics description of Bacillus dakarensis sp. nov., Bacillus sinesaloumensis sp. nov. and Bacillus massiliogabonensis sp. nov., three new species isolated from human stools

Using microbial culturomics, three Bacillus strains were isolated, identified and characterized following the taxonogenomics strategy. Bacillus dakarensis strain Marseille-P3515^T (=CSURP3515), Bacillus sinesaloumensis strain Marseille-P3516^T (=CSURP3516), and Bacillus massiliogabonensis strain Marseille-P2639^T (=CSURP2639) were isolated from human stool samples. The phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics and genotypic data presented here prove that these three bacteria are different from previously known bacterial species with standing in nomenclature and represent new Bacillus species.

SiO2 thin film growth through a pure atomic layer deposition technique at room temperature

In this study, less contaminated and porous SiO₂ films were grown via ALD at room temperature. In addition to the well-known catalytic effect of ammonia, the self-limitation of the reaction was demonstrated by tuning the exposure of SiCl₄, NH₃ and H₂O. This pure ALD approach generated porous oxide layers with very low chloride contamination in films. This optimized RT-ALD process could be applied to a wide range of substrates that need to be 3D-coated, similar to mesoporous structured membranes.

In this study, less contaminated and porous SiO₂ films were grown via ALD at room temperature.

Acute circulatory failure in two cardiology departments in Dakar: 44 cases

INTRODUCTION

Acute circulatory failure is a life-threatening emergency whose prognosis depends on early management and aetiological diagnosis. The aim of our study was to assess the epidemiological, aetiological, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of acute circulatory failure in two cardiology departments in Dakar.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal, multicentre, descriptive study over a period of six months from October 2014 to March 2015. We included all patients with acute circulatory failure (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg, oligoanuria, tachycardia, tachypnoea, onset of altered consciousness) either on admission or during hospitalisation during the study period. A long-term survival survey (six months to one year) was conducted on all included patients.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were enrolled. The average age was 54.9 years, ranging from 20 to 83 years. The gender ratio was 1.1. Acute circulatory failure occurred most often during hospitalisation (63%), with known cardiomyopathy in 47.7% of cases. Consciousness was impaired in 11 patients while oligoanuria was present in 27.3% of cases. Inflammatory syndrome was mostly found in 63.6% of cases and renal insufficiency and acute liver failure were reported in 45.5 and 29.5% of patients, respectively. Left ventricular dysfunction was the most common echocardiographic feature (70%). Acute circulatory failure was cardiogenic in most cases, with a predominance of advanced dilated cardiomyopathy (44.9%). Septic shock was found in 25% of patients, with pulmonary infection as the main location (20%). Nine per cent of patients had hypovolaemic shock. The most used inotropic drug was dobutamine in 79.5% of cases, followed by adrenaline (18.2%) and norepinephrine (4.5%). Intra-hospital mortality rate was high (52.3%) and one-year survival rate was 27.2%. Poor prognostic factors such as advanced age and renal impairment were associated with a higher overall mortality rate of 18 to 90%, with no statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute circulatory failure is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency with a high mortality rate.

[Study of echocardiographic parameters of rheumatoid arthritis black African without clinically evident cardiovascular manifestations: A cross-sectional study of 73 cases in Senegal]

INTRODUCTION

Research of cardiac involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can prevent complications and place in a logical secondary prevention. The objective of this study was to investigate the echocardiographic parameters in a population of Senegalese patients with rheumatoid arthritis without clinically evident cardiovascular manifestations.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study, which included prospectively from outpatients in the internal medicine department of university hospital center Aristide Le Dantec in Dakar, Senegal, with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis without clinically evident cardiovascular disease. It focused on a sample of 73 patients of both sexes aged at least 18 years. Following clinical examination, we conducted laboratory tests (CRP, fibrinogen, ESR, rheumatoid factors: Latex and Waaler-Rose, anti-CCP, antinuclear factors and anti-ENA antibodies), ECG, echocardiography standard. Data were analyzed using a descriptive study of the different variables with the calculation of proportions for categorical variables, and the positional parameters and dispersion for quantitative variables.

RESULTS

A total of 73 patients with rheumatoid arthritis without obvious cardiac events and meeting the criteria of definition of the ACR 1987 were included in the study. The mean age was 44.17±14.43 years with extremes of 18 and 75 years. The mean duration of RA was 5.93±4.78 years. The concept of family inflammatory arthritis was reported in 35.60% of cases and almost one in six patients had at least a factor of cardiovascular risk (16.96%). The abnormalities found in Doppler echocardiography were dominated by diastolic LV dysfunction (42.46%), increased left ventricular mass in 35.61%. Valvular leaks of variable grades were highlighted regarding all orifices but were rarely significant.

CONCLUSION

The realization of echocardiography in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without clinically evident cardiovascular manifestations helps to highlight cardiovascular abnormalities related to the natural course of the disease.

[Kangaroo mother care for low birth weight infants at Albert-Royer National Children Hospital Center of Dakar]

INTRODUCTION

Kangaroo care (KC) is an effective method to care for low birth weight (LBW) newborns, particularly in developing countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the efficacy of this method and its impact on morbidity and mortality of LBW infants admitted to the KC unit of Albert-Royer National Children's Hospital Center (ARNCHC) in Dakar, Senegal.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center study from July 2011 to July 2013. We collected sociodemographic, maternal, and obstetrical data, neonatal characteristics and information during KC (age and weight at inclusion, thermoregulation, feeding, growth, and overall progression). Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 9.0.

RESULTS

We included 135 newborns, with a female predominance (sex ratio: 0.78). One-third of the mothers (35.5%) were primiparous and only 21.1% had a socioprofessional activity and the majority had a low educational level. The mean gestational age (GA) was 33.08±2.06 weeks of amenorrhea and the mean birth weight 1485±370 g. There were 20 term babies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (14.8%) and 115 (85.2%) preterm newborns, 83 (72.2%) of whom, showed IUGR. The mean duration of conventional care was 12.3 days (range: 4-27 days) and the main complications were respiratory distress (46.2%), infection (36.9%), and necrotizing enterocolitis (15.1%). At KC admission, the mean post-conceptional age was 34.2±2.46 weeks and the mean weight 1445±319 g (minimum, 700 g). The main complications in KC were infections (20.2%), hypoglycemia (18.5%), and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (16.4%). Only 56.3% of the babies were exclusively breastfed. The mean weight gain during the stay in the KC unit was 15.3±9.08 g/kg/day and the mean weight at discharge was 1761±308 g. Only three episodes of hypothermia were noted. The mean duration in the KC unit was 10.2 days (range: 3-24 days). Five babies died (3.7%): one during KC, one at home, and the three others after readmission to neonatology.

CONCLUSION

Kangaroo care for LBW infants is highly effective in our context. This method should be spread to a large majority of health centers in the country.

Shifts in Mycobacterial Populations and Emerging Drug-Resistance in West and Central Africa

In this study, we retrospectively analysed a total of 605 clinical isolates from six West or Central African countries (Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Conakry, Niger and Senegal). Besides spoligotyping to assign isolates to ancient and modern mycobacterial lineages, we conducted phenotypic drug-susceptibility-testing for each isolate for the four first-line drugs. We showed that phylogenetically modern Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are more likely associated with drug resistance than ancient strains and predict that the currently ongoing replacement of the endemic ancient by a modern mycobacterial population in West/Central Africa might result in increased drug resistance in the sub-region.

Measuring pesticide ecological and health risks in West African agriculture to establish an enabling environment for sustainable intensification

We outline an approach to pesticide risk assessment that is based upon surveys of pesticide use throughout West Africa. We have developed and used new risk assessment models to provide, to our knowledge, the first detailed, geographically extensive, scientifically based analysis of pesticide risks for this region. Human health risks from dermal exposure to adults and children are severe enough in many crops to require long periods of up to three weeks when entry to fields should be restricted. This is impractical in terms of crop management, and regulatory action is needed to remove these pesticides from the marketplace. We also found widespread risks to terrestrial and aquatic wildlife throughout the region, and if these results were extrapolated to all similar irrigated perimeters in the Senegal and Niger River Basins, they suggest that pesticides could pose a significant threat to regional biodiversity. Our analyses are presented at the regional, national and village levels to promote regulatory advances but also local risk communication and management. Without progress in pesticide risk management, supported by participatory farmer education, West African agriculture provides a weak context for the sustainable intensification of agricultural production or for the adoption of new crop technologies.

[Post operative Caldwell-Luc procedure maxillary cyst: Report of a case]

Rare complication of radical surgery (Caldwell Luc procedure) of the maxillary sinus, maxillary cyst can occurred several years after. We describe the case of a patient 56 years old, who came to our consultationfor repeated pain in the right maxillary region with moderate facial asymmetry. In her history we noted a previous sinus surgery (Caldwell Luc) more than 10 years before. The imaging showed an expansive process filled with proteinic tissue of the posterior wall of the maxillary. With the history of the former surgery, we suspected the existence of a mucocele. She underwent an endonasal surgery and the pathological examination of the specimen revealed an intra osseous cyst lined with ciliated respiratory type mucosa post surgery of the maxillary sinus. The diagnosis of a maxillary cyst complicating a Caldwell Luc was established based on the results obtained with the clinico-radiological and pathological results.

Interactions of allelic variance of PNPLA3 with nongenetic factors in predicting nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and nonhepatic complications of severe obesity

OBJECTIVE

Allelic variation (rs738409C→G) in adiponutrin (patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3, PNPLA3) has been associated with hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis. The physiologic impact of the PNPLA3 G allele may be exacerbated in patients with severe obesity. In this study, we investigated the interactions of PNPLA3 rs738409 with a broad panel of metabolic and histologic characteristics of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with medically complicated obesity.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery were selected for a prospective study. They underwent extensive laboratory and histologic (liver biopsy) assessment, as well as evaluation of rs738409 polymorphism by TaqMan assay.

RESULTS

Only 12 (8.3%) of the 144 patients had normal liver histology, with 72 (50%) NASH, of whom 15 (10.4% of total patients) had fibrosis stage 2-3. PNPLA3 GG genotype correlated positively (P < 0.05) with serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, fibrinogen, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, and presence of NASH. Multivariate analysis indicated that PNPLA3 rs738409 G versus C allele remained an (independent) risk factor for NASH, in addition to CK-18 >145 IU/l, glucose >100 mg/dl, and C-reactive protein (CRP) >0.8 mg/dl. The probability of NASH increased from 9% (no risk factor) to 82% if all four risk factors were present.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of patients with medically complicated obesity, PNPLA3 rs738409 G allelic expression is associated with hepatic (NASH) and nonhepatic complications of obesity, such as insulin resistance. These novel findings may be related to a greater impact of PNPLA3 variant in magnitude and scope in patients with severe obesity than in less obese populations. Further studies are needed to characterize the nature of these associations.

Vascular complications of infective endocarditis

The complications of infective endocarditis (IE) are frequent and severe. Our objectives were to analyze the clinical, paraclinical, and prognostic features of IE vascular complications observed in two cardiology units, in Dakar.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 90 patients presenting with of IE, hospitalized between January 2005 and February 2011. The diagnostic criteria for IE were modified Duke University criteria. We selected in our study population, patients with vascular complications.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (18.8%) presented with one or more vascular complications of IE: eight male and nine female patients, with a mean age of 28 years. Infective endocarditis occurred on an abnormal valve in 15 cases. We identified 22 vascular lesions: ten neurological complications, seven arterial complications in the limbs, two myocardial infarctions, two cases of pulmonary embolism, and one splenic infarction. The vascular complication revealed an IE in seven cases. The vascular complication occurred during antibiotic treatment, in 15 cases including seven cases before the 14th day, nine of the 17 patients died. Death was related to vascular complications in six cases, in one case it was related to septic shock.

CONCLUSION

Vascular complications of IE are frequent, the most common are neurological. Their prevention requires early and adequate management of IE.

[Epidemiological, clinical and ultrasonographic aspects of right-sided infective endocarditis in Senegal: 6 cases]

Right-sided infective endocarditis accounts for 5 to 10% of endocarditic involvement and usually affects the tricuspid valve. The purpose of this report is to describe epidemiological, clinical and echocardiographical aspects of 6 cases of right-sided infective endocarditis observed in the Cardiology Department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar, Senegal from December 2007 to February 2010. Diagnosis was based on Duke's modified criteria. There were 3 men and 3 women with a mean age of 28.2 years (range: 20 and 43). Five of the 6 patients presented tricuspid endocarditis including one case associated with pulmonary endocarditis. In another case, pulmonary endocarditis was associated with aortic endocarditis. Infective endocarditis was acute in three cases and primary in four. One case of infective endocarditis was observed in a tetralogy of Fallot. Fever was present in 4 cases with an mean temperature of 38.4 degrees C (range, 37.2 to 40 degrees C) and heart failure was present in 5 cases. In 2 patients, blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. All patients had leucocytosis with a neutrophilic predominance. Doppler echocardiography depicted vegetations in all cases. Contributing factors included congenital heart disease in 1 case, insertion of a venous catheter in 2 and dental infection in 2. No patient was addicted to intravenous drugs or infected by HIV. Outcomes included one in-hospital death with signs of refractory heart failure. Right-sided endocarditis is often primary and is dominated by the tricuspid involvement. It affects both sexes. Contributing factors include venous catheterization during the postpartum period and dental infection. Prevention requires strict asepsis during venous catheter insertion, treatment of dental infections and improved management of congenital heart disease.

[Prevalence of halitosis in patients with dental prostheses in Senegal]

INTRODUCTION

Bad breath is a disease affecting 25% of the world's population. Despite the widespread nature of this problem, people's knowledge about this condition is poor.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of halitosis in a cohort of 62 Senegalese subjects with dental prostheses.

METHODS

Breath analysis was based on measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) using a halimeter. Halitosis was diagnosed ifVSC level was > or = 125 ppb.

RESULTS

Mean VSC level was 157.7 +/- 152.6 ppb. The prevalence of halitosis was of 35.4% overall, 72.7% in persons with fixed dentures and of 27.3% in persons with removable prostheses.

CONCLUSION

The relatively high prevalence of halitosis observed in this study indicates a need to enhance patient awareness of daily hygiene measures for dental prosthesis.

The vascular endothelium masks the persistent inhibition of rat thoracic arterial tone induced by S-nitrosoglutathione

AIM

In endothelium-denuded arteries, the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) induced a persistent hypo-reactivity to vasoconstrictors, and low-molecular weight thiols such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) produced a relaxant effect. These effects were attributed to the formation of vascular NO stores. In arteries with a functional endothelium, such long-lasting effects on arterial tone have not been well characterised. In this study, we proposed to examine the possibility of storing exogenous NO when the vascular endothelium is still able to produce its own NO.

METHODS

For this purpose, changes in isometric tension of isolated arteries were assessed in organ chambers, and nitrosothiol formation was characterised by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

In rat aortic rings with endothelium pre-exposed to GSNO, the contractile response to norepinephrine (NE) was not attenuated in comparison with control rings, but NAC induced a relaxant effect. However, an attenuation of the response to NE was observed in GSNO-exposed, intact aortic rings after inhibition of NO synthase by N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-AME) or in GSNO-denuded rings. The relaxing effects of NAC were due to the mobilisation of NO from nitrosothiols after nitrosylation of protein SH residues. Moreover, the hypo-reactivity to NE and the relaxant effect of NAC were abolished by 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, and partially by the K+-sensitive channel inhibitor tetra-ethyl-ammonium (TEA).

CONCLUSION

These data show that endothelium-derived NO masked the persistent effect of GSNO in rat thoracic aorta. However, the ability of GSNO to form releasable NO stores without altering the vascular tone can be particularly useful in preventing endothelial dysfunction in which NO formation decreases.

[Role of thrombolysis in massive pulmonary embolism]

AIMS

Massive pulmonary embolism is a life threatening pathology with a high mortality over 20%. Thrombolysis is one of therapy ways that leads to a lower rate of death. The aim of the study is to show interest, limits and complications of thrombolytic therapy in massive pulmonary embolism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This descriptive study presents 8 cases of pulmonary embolism admitted to the Cardiology Division of Grand-Yoff from March 2003 to March 2006. All cases confirmed by Tomodensitometry (TDM) with massive pulmonary embolism were included in this study.

RESULTS

We used thrombolytic only in 8 cases of massive pulmonary embolism about 32. In-hospital prevalence was 25%. The average age was 49.8 ± 19.1 (from 15 to 72) and sex-ratio 0.33. Seven patients had a moderate clinical probability Well's score and one of them 1 had a high clinical probability. The clinical signs were: cardio-vascular collapse (7 cases), syncope (1) and cardio-vascular arrest. The electrocardiogram showed a sub-epicardial ischemia (4 cases), a right bundle branch block and a Mac Ginn White's sign. Two patients had a right-basal opacification at the chest X ray. The echocardiography found 5 cases of right ventricular dilatation, 1 case of paradoxal septum, 1 case of multiple thrombi in the right ventricule. The TDM confirmed diagnosis with 3 cases of bilateral pulmonary embolism, 1 case of pulmonary aneurysm. The treatment used thrombolytic : 1,500,000 IU of streptokinase, sympathomimetic drugs, anticoagulation with heparins and vitamin K antagonists.

[Evolution and thromboembolic complications of the idiopathic peripartal cardiomyopathy at Dakar University Hospital: forward-looking study about 33 cases]

The aims of this work are to study the nursery futures during idiopathic myocardiopathy of peripartum (IMPP), to measure the prevalence of thromboses and spontaneous contrast during the IMPP and to determine their evolution.

METHODOLOGY

It is about a longitudinal exploratory study carried out with the Aristide-Le-Dantec teaching hospital of Dakar, beginning January 2001 to November 2004, having included 33 patients.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 26 years; the average pregnancy was of 3.39 gestures. The signs of cardiac insufficiency were constant and four patients (12%) had presented an ischemic cerebral vascular accident. We had raised an auricular case of fibrillation and tachycardia atrial multifocal. The transthoracic echography (ETT) noted an aspect of hypokinetic myocardiopathy dilated with deterioration of the systolic function of the left ventricle, a thrombus in ten patients (30.3%) and a spontaneous contrast in two cases (6%). The transoesophageal echocardiography (ETO) was superposable with the ETT with regard to dimensions of the cardiac cavities and the presence of thrombus but its sensitivity was higher (100% against 66%) with regard to the detection of contrasts spontaneous. All the patients had the treatment of a congestive heart failure associated to an anticoagulant treatment. The evolution was marked by an improvement of the heart failure. The thrombus and spontaneous contrast had disappeared in all the patients. The absence of anaemia and the presence of spontaneous contrast (p=0.003) were correlated with the presence of thrombosis (p=0.05).

CONCLUSION

The idiopathic myocardiopathy of the peripartum is a relatively frequent affection in zone Soudano-Sahelian. Occurrence of thromboses is frequent at the time of this affection. Our study confirms the superiority of the echocardiography transoesophageal in the detection of intracardiac spontaneous contrast. The evolution can be favourable subject to a rigorous care and a regular surveillance.

[Ventricular dysfunction during acute fever in Dakar, Senegal. Clinical data and serological studies]

During a study, the authors observed clinical and ultrasound evidence of "ventricular dysfunction during acute fever" due to ue to "severe acute myocarditis" supports therapeutic management since 4/8 patients in this study were infected either by Chlamydia (CT and especially CP) or by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, that are both sensitive to antimicrobial therapy using macrolides. Five of 8 patients presented coinfection with 2 and even 3 infectious agents (CP-enterovirus-adenovirus).

[Evaluation of the canal shaping duration with Pro Taper: 50 cases--clinical experience]

INTRODUCTION

Shaping canal is one of the most important steps in endodontic treatment. It allows the cleaning solutions to reach the totality of the canal and to control any infection of the canal system. To achieve this goal is not without difficulty with the steel instruments, because of their rigidity. Recently, the Nickel Titanium instruments were introduced in Endodontics, to allow a setting form technically simplified and faster The aim of this study was to evaluate the duration of the canal shaping with the Pro Taper system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This exploratory study was carried out in Conservative Odontology and Endodontics service (OCE) of the department of Odontology of Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology of the University CheikhAnta Diop of Dakar in 2006. Sixty nine root canals (50 teeth) were shaped with ProTaper.

RESULTS

The results showed that an average time of 17.35 minutes was necessary for the shaping of the long canals against 15.38 minutes for the middle canals and 14.29 minutes for the short canals. The average duration of canal shaping of the one-root teeth is 13.76 minutes and 17.77 minutes for the plural root teeth.

CONCLUSION

Taking into account the necessity of maintaining the teeth on the arcade during long year; include that we have now to respect imperatively the biological principles during the canal shaping in a restricted duration to realize a dense and hermetic canal obturation of the canal system in the same meeting. The Pro Taper system is so a reliable means.

[Pulmonary embolism: autopsy study of 73 cases in Senegal]

INTRODUCTION

The Pulmonary emblism is a vascular disease which is characterized by the more or less complete obstruction of one or several pulmonary arteritis and/or their branches by an embol. Very polymorphic affection, mortal in the massiv form, it has in the average forms of the atypical or misleading aspects which make its clinical diagnosis difficult. The diagnostic strategy of the pulmonary embolism remains incompletely solved. The objectives of this work are: --to evaluate the prevalence with the autopsy of the pulmonary embolism and its distribution according to the age, --to appreciate the correlation enters the ante and the post-mortems diagnoses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It is about a retrospective study, over 10 years period, having inclued the files of all the patients died in the various services of medicine or surgery of the university hospital of Aristide Le Dantec but also those transferred from outside of the hospital and at which the pulmonary diagnosis post-mortem of embolism was retained.

RESULTS

Sixty thirteen (73) cases of pulmonary embolism had been found during autopsies during the period of study (10 ans), that is to say a prevalence of 1.9%. The average was 35 years. The most representative age bracket was that ranging beetwin 21 and 30 years is 36% of the studied population. On the 73 indexed patients, 30 (41%) were transferred from outside of the hospital and 43 (59%) came from the servicies of medecine and surgery with a prevalance of the service of cardiology (26%). The correlation beetween ante-mortems diagnosis and the anatomical result was 11% for the whole of the patients incleded in the study. However, it was 42% for the sub-grup of patients comming from the service of cardiology.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence with the autopsy of pulmonary embolism is weak. The clinical diagnosis of this affection is difficult even in a specilised service with a high rate of negatif forgeries. This pathology is very under- evaluated even in these services.

Cognac polyphenolic compounds increase bradykinin-induced nitric oxide production in endothelial cells

We recently reported that in vitro Cognac polyphenolic compounds (CPC) induce NO-dependent vasorelaxant effects and stimulate cardiac function. In the present study, we aim to investigate the effect of CPC on both nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anions (O(2)(-)) production in cultured human endothelial cells. In addition, its effect on the bradykinin (BK)-induced NO production was also tested. The role and sources of O(2)(-) in the concomitant effect of BK plus CPC were pharmacologically determined. NO and O(2)(-) signals were measured using electron paramagnetic resonance technique using specific spin trappings. Both, CPC and BK induced an increase in NO production in human endothelial cells. The combination of both further enhanced NO release. The capacity of CPC plus BK to increase NO signal was blunted by the NO synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, and was enhanced in the presence either of superoxide dismutase or catalase. Moreover, CPC plus BK response was greater after inhibition of either NADPH oxidase by apocynin or xanthine oxidase by allopurinol but it was not affected by rotenone. CPC did not affect O(2)(-) level either alone or after its increase upon lipopolysaccharide treatment. Finally, the capacity of BK alone to increase NO was enhanced either by apocynin or allopurinol. Altogether, these data demonstrate that CPC is able to directly increase NO production without affecting O(2)(-) and enhances the BK-induced NO production in human endothelial cells. The data highlight the ability of BK to stimulate not only NADPH oxidase- but also xanthine oxidase-inhibitor sensitive mechanisms that reduce its efficiency in increasing NO either alone or in the presence of CPC. These results bring pharmacological evidence for vascular protection by CPC via its potentiating effect of BK response in terms of endothelial NO release.

Prevalence and technical quality of root fillings in Dakar, Senegal

AIM

To examine the prevalence and technical quality of root fillings and the periapical status of root-filled teeth in a subpopulation of Dakar, Senegal.

METHODOLOGY

Full-mouth periapical radiographs were obtained from 208 consecutive adults presenting as new patients to the Dental Service of the University. The occurrence and technical quality of root fillings were assessed for each root according to the apical extent of the root fillings and its density. The periapical status was evaluated using the Periapical Index Scoring System with a PAI > 2 indicating periapical disease. The presence of coronal restorations and posts was also noted. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test with a significance level set at P < 0.05%.

RESULTS

Of the 6234 teeth examined, 2.6% were root filled. A PAI > 2 was associated with 56.1% of the filled roots. Only 17.7% of the root fillings were technically acceptable and 26.2% of these were associated with a PAI > 2. In roots with unacceptable root fillings, 62.5% had a PAI > 2. Unacceptable root fillings were associated with a higher prevalence of periapical disease (P < 0.001). A post was seen in 18.9% of the filled roots with 66.2% associated with a PAI > 2. A permanent coronal restoration was present in 78.5% of the filled roots, of which 50.7% had a PAI > 2 vs 75.7% for no permanent restoration. At least one periapical lesion was seen in 59.6% of the subjects.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate a low prevalence of teeth with radiographic periapical disease, a low prevalence of root-filled teeth and a high prevalence of unacceptable root fillings.

[Infantile cortical hyperostosis: case report]

Infantile cortical hyperostosis (ICH) or Caffey-Silverman disease is affection that attained skeleton most frequently flat bones, contiguous fasciae and muscles. We reported the case of a 3 months old female infant of Mauritanian origin, referred for recurrent osteitis of the left clavicle. The present complaints are incessant snivelling and functional disability of the left upper limb. Examination showed clavicular and mandibular swelling, without fever. Biological check-up showed inflammatory signs. Radiographies showed cortical thickening of the left clavicle and mandible. Interest of such an observation is in the rarity of this affection, its originality as for the striking age limitation, in the disconcerting but suggestive symptomatology, at least in the classical sites and in the possibility of its antenatal diagnosis.

[Important pericardial effusions: apport of echocardiography guided pericardocentensis: about 30 consecutive cases]

INTRODUCTION

Western countries have good mastery of abundant pericardial effusion while in Africa this still raises some problems regarding diagnosis and therapy. The aim was to see to what extent echo guided pericardiocentesis could contribute in severe cases.

METHODS

All patients with abundant pericardial effusion diagnosed by echocardiography with or without compression were considered in a prospective study. They experienced a pericardiocentesis. Some patients did undergo an additional surgical biopsy. The liquid was preliminarily submitted to chemical, bacteriological, cytological analysis. Tissues were observed through an anatomic pathology in biopsy. Heart tuberculosis was diagnosed through histology for following therapeutic testing.

RESULTS

Thirty consecutive patients aged 37 in average were included. The sex ratio was 3.75. Prior to draining off, 3 neoplasies (2 of lung bronchitis, 1 of cervix ), 1 leukaemia, 2 extra pericardium tuberculosis and 1 amoebic abscess were diagnosed . Clinical occurrence: the most frequent case, besides the tampon (10 cases, i.e. 30%), was isolated pericardial effusion associated or not with an alteration of the global state (13 cases, i.e. 4%). The average quantity of liquid extracted was 600c c which provoked a kind of haemorrhage in 18 cases, i.e. 60%. Tuberculosis was the major aetiology: 15 cases e i 50% out of which 4 were HIV positive. Three additional surgical biopsies were carried out. Seven patients died. CCONCLUSION In addition to its diagnostic contribution, echo guided pericardiocentesis offers an alternative to endoscopy surgery.

[Epidemiological and clinical aspects of paediatric HIV infections in Albert-Royer Paediatric Hospital (Dakar, Senegal)]

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection prevalence rate is estimated at 1.4% in Senegal, and about 3,000 children could be infected. HIV positive children are followed up since 2000 in Albert Royer Hospital (Dakar, Senegal).

OBJECTIVES

To describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of HIV paediatric infection, and to evaluate the implementation of high active antiretroviral therapy in HIV positive children in our country.

POPULATION AND METHODS

Over a period of three years, the medical reports of 98 infected patients have been collected, 96% with HIV 1 infection.

RESULTS

Most of the patients had a maternally transmitted HIV infection (99%). At their enrollment, the median age was 60 months; malnutrition (79%), persistent lymphadenopathy (65%) and skin lesions (64%) were the common clinical manifestations. Thirty-nine percent of the patients were in class C (CDC) and 81% had CD4 cell count< or =25%. Median viral load were 421,852 copies/ml at presentation. Seven infants had a rapid progressive disease with encephalopathy. Thirty-six patients received high active antiretroviral therapy with high observance and good tolerance.

CONCLUSION

This study allowed to define clinical and biological profile of paediatric HIV infection in our country and to update the implementation of high active antiretroviral therapy.

[Supervision of body composition and cardiovascular parameters in long sprint running athletes (400 m)]

INTRODUCTION

The follow-up of performances and the prevention about possible incidents at the athletes make necessary the medical supervision in physical training. The aims of this study are to estimate the effect of a precompetition training program in athletes' body composition, and cardiovascular modifications (in clinical examination and electrocardiogram)

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten athletes (3 men and 7 women; mean age of 23.6 +/- 3.16 years) of Dakar international Athletics' Center are subjected to a training on a period of 2 months in aerobic dominant followed by a period of 3 months in anaerobic dominant. At the beginning and the end of training program, an electrocardiogram is recorded after blood pressure (BP) measure in lying and standing posture and heart rate (HR) take. The weight, height and cutaneous folds are measured to calculate the body fat percentage, fat body mass, fat-free mass and body mass index. Every athlete has performed the Ruffier test Comparisons are realized by the paired t-test, statistically significant for a p value < 0,05 RESULTS: Significant declines after training interest HR (79.2 +/- 14.7 vs 63.2 +/- 10.25 beat min(-1); p< 0.001), systolic BP in standing posture (11.8 +/- 0.44 vs 10.6 +/- 0.96 mmHg; p= 0.02), and Ruffier index (4.4 +/- 3.28 vs 2.23 +/- 1.62; p= 0.048) whereas the fat-free mass increased (53.14 +/- 8.41 vs 54.16 +/- 9.67 kg; p= 0.046). At the electrocardiogram, the number of athletes having sinusal bradycardia is crossed from 1 to 4; there is no modification as for the two cases of uncomplete right bundle-branch block and the pre-existent left ventricular hypertrophy. Negative T waves in V1 and V2 leads are present in one athlete before training and in two others after.

CONCLUSION

The impact of the specific training on body is real, interesting more the cardiovascular system.