Enhanced biodegradation of crude oil in soil by a developed bacterial consortium and indigenous plant growth promoting bacteria

AIMS

This study aimed to develop an efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly bacterial consortium to degrade petroleum sludge.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four bacterial strains belonging to genera Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas were selected to constitute three different consortia based on their initial concentration. The highest degradation rate (78%) of 1% (v/v) crude oil after 4 weeks of incubation was recorded when the concentration of biosurfactant (BS) producing isolate was high. Genes, such as alkB, almA, cyp153, pah-rhdGN, nah, phnAC and cat23 were detected using the polymerase chain reaction method and their induction levels were optimal at pH 7·0. A crude oil sludge was artificially constituted, and its bacterial composition was investigated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results showed that the soil bacterial community was dominated by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) after crude oil treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate the decontamination of the crude oil contaminated soil was more effective in the presence of both the constituted consortium and PGPB compared to the presence of PGPB alone.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study showed that the PGPB (Taibaiella) present in petroleum uncontaminated soil can promote the soil decontamination. The addition of both efficient hydrocarbon-degrading and BS producing bacteria is also necessary to improve the decontamination.

[Factors associated to loss of follow-up in patients underwent antiretroviral therapy in an ambulatory HIV treatment center at Conakry]

BACKGROUND

Late or inadequate therapeutic management increases the risk of mortality associated with HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to analyze the proportion and factors associated with loss of follow-up in HIV patients who receiving antiretroviral therapy at Conakry.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in HIV patients aged over 15 years and who receiving antiretroviral therapy. Between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2015, all patients managed by the ambulatory treatment center of the Guinean Women Association against AIDS and sexually and transmissible infection were included. Loss of follow-up was defined as no follow-up visit within 3 months. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze factors associated with loss of follow-up. Analyses were performed by using Stata 13 software.

RESULTS

614 patients aged 36.3±11.2 years, mainly females (68.4%) and living in Conakry (80.5%) were included. Among them, 104 were loss to follow-up, corresponding to a proportion rate of 16.9% (95% CI: 14.2-19.7%) or 5.79/100 person-years. The results of multivariate analyses showed that factors independently associated with loss of follow-up were malnutrition (AHR=7.05; 95% CI: 2.05-24.27; P=0.002) and CD4 cells account at the initiation of AHR (2.35; 95% CI: 1.61-6.39; P=0.016) in patients with 201-350 CD4/μL and 5.83 (95% CI: 2.85-11.90; P<0.001) in patients with less than 150CD4/μL.

CONCLUSION

Despite efforts of health care workers and free antiretroviral therapy, many patients were loss to follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that malnutrition and low CD4 account were independently associated with loss to follow-up.

[Peripheral facial paralysis revealing HIV infection in black African populations]

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP), a frequent complication during infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is a major cause of morbidity for these patients. The aim of this study was to show the place of unilateral PFP in the discovery of HIV infection in tropical areas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection over a 12-month period, in the ENT departments of the Ignace Deen National Hospital and Neurology Hospital of the Sino-Guinean Friendship Hospital (CHU de Conakry).

RESULTS

Of the 2517 patients received during the study period, 64 had PFP, a prevalence of 2.54%. HIV serology was performed in 56 patients, 24 of whom had a positive serological reaction, a prevalence of 42.86%. The young adult population was the most exposed, with an average age of 34.5 years. There were 9 men and 15 women, or a sex ratio of 0.6. In 70.83% of cases, the consultation period occurred between the 1st and 3rd week. Unilateral facial asymmetry and persistent opening of the palpebral fissure were the main clinical signs. A total of 75% of our patients were infected with HIV1. CD4 levels ranged from 175 to 400/mm3. All our patients had received PFP and HIV treatments. The evolution was marked by a complete recovery with no sequelae of PFP in 62.5% of cases.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of isolated PFP in apparently healthy adults should suggest seroconversion to HIV. The prognosis of these PFPs is often good despite the delay in diagnosis.

[Floating elbows: anatomo-clinical aspect and review of treatment method]

INTRODUCTION

Floating elbows are rare pathologies that cause a number of problems to manage. The current treatment tendency is surgical. The orthopedic treatment is a good management option when the technical plateau is limited.

METHODS

We performed an 18-month prospective study that included patients with floating elbows. Two treatment methods were used and chosen following predefined indication criteria. The final evaluation was made on average 10 months (minimum 6 and maximum 18 months) according to the functional classification of the mayo clinic.

RESULTS

In 18 months, we treated 8 patients with floating elbow, who were all victims of traffic accidents. On an anatomo-clinical level, real floating elbows accounted for 37.5% of all cases, the rest were derived pathologies. Among these derived pathologies, the association of diaphyseal fracture of the humerus with a lesion of one or both forearm bones represented 50% of the cases. Regarding skin condition, open fractures were present in 37.5% of all patients. At the final evaluation we obtained two unsatisfactory results in patient treated surgically. No orthopedic treatment achieved an excellent final result, but they ranged between good and fair.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the orthopedic treatment maintains its position as valid treatment for floating elbows. Nevertheless it is important to master the technique and recognize its limits.

Traditional birth attendant training for improving health behaviours and pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND

Between the 1970s and 1990s, the World Health Organization promoted traditional birth attendant (TBA) training as one strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. To date, evidence in support of TBA training remains limited and conflicting.

OBJECTIVES

To assess effects of TBA training on health behaviours and pregnancy outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Trials Registers of the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group and Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group (EPOC) (June 2006); electronic databases representing fields of education, social, and health sciences (inception to June 2006); the internet; and contacted experts.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (RCT), controlled before/after and interrupted time series studies comparing trained and untrained TBAs or women cared for/living in areas served by TBAs.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Four studies, involving over 2000 TBAs and nearly 27,000 women, are included. One cluster-randomized trial found significantly lower rates in the intervention group regarding stillbirths (adjusted OR 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57 to 0.83, P < 0.001), perinatal death rate (adjusted OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.83, P < 0.001) and neonatal death rate (adjusted OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.82, P < 0.001). Maternal death rate was lower but not significant (adjusted OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.22, P = 0.24) while referral rates were significantly higher (adjusted OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.90, P < 0.001). A controlled before/after study among women who were referred to a health service found perinatal deaths decreased in both intervention and control groups with no significant difference between groups (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.76, P = 0.95). Similarly, the mean number of monthly referrals did not differ between groups (P = 0.321). One RCT found a significant difference in advice about introduction of complementary foods (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.90, P = 0.02) but no significant difference for immediate feeding of colostrum (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.62 to 3.03, P = 0.44). Another RCT found no significant differences in frequency of postpartum haemorrhage (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.17, P = 0.60) among women cared for by trained versus TBAs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The potential of TBA training to reduce peri-neonatal mortality is promising when combined with improved health services. However, the number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria is insufficient to provide the evidence base needed to establish training effectiveness.

Devenir à long-terme des craniopharyngiomes de l'adulte

There is few published series dealing on the long-term outcome of the adult-onset craniopharyngiomas. We report the long term clinical, tomodensitometric and MRI data outcome of 35 (23 woman and 12 men) consecutive adult-onset cured for craniopharyngiomas between 1983 and 2002, and followed-up in Rennes University Hospital. The operation was performed via frontopterional approach in 59% and transphenoïdal approach in 41% of cases. Their age at the time of diagnosis was 44.7+/-15.1 years (21-74). The average postoperation follow-up was 7.4+/-7.0 years (0.1-19.1). Recurrence of tumour occurred in 8 patients (25.8%) and a tumor progression in 1 case. The delay of recurrence after initial surgery was 4.1+/-1.3 years (1.4-6.3). Two patients had 5 and 6 years treatment by growth hormone (GH), without tumor recurrence. The observed increase of weight after the surgical cure of craniopharyngiomas concerned 22 patients (63%). The average weight gain was 17.5+/-14.7 kg (1.5-58). In 7 cases (20%) neuropsychological disorders were noted, of which 2 with lost of professional activity. Three patients died. In conclusion the craniopharyngiomas recurrence is frequent and can appear in very prolonged deadlines after the initial surgery.

[Erectile dysfunction and diabetes in Conakry (Guinea): frequency and clinical characteristics from 187 diabetic patients]

Sexual dysfunction is frequent in the diabetic population. In Africa, medical care for erectile dysfunction is underprovided, profoundly altering the quality of life of the patients. We report the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in 187 diabetic patients followed in the department of Endocrinology of the Conakry teaching hospital. Prevalence was estimated from the French version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Erectile dysfunction concerned 90 patients (48%) of whom a severe form was observed in 54%, a moderate form in 35% and a mild form in 12%. The patients who presented erectile dysfunction were significantly older, displayed longer duration of diabetes with more complications (sensorial neuropathy and macroangiopathy) and often took drugs for associated cardiovascular diseases. In 28% of the cases, erectile dysfunction was associated with a decline in libido and in 26% with ejaculation disorders. In conclusion, erectile dysfunction is frequent and severe among diabetic patients in Guinea. The medical staff plays an essential role to initiate early diagnosis, promote psychological support and provide medication, if possible.

Associated tuberculosis and diabetes in Conakry, Guinea: prevalence and clinical characteristics

SETTING

Anti-tuberculosis centres in Conakry.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with tuberculosis (TB), identify the associated risk factors and describe the clinical signs of the association of TB and diabetes.

METHOD

A total of 388 patients with TB selected by simple random sampling from the register of cases diagnosed in Conakry were examined and administered a capillary blood glycaemia test to detect diabetes.

RESULTS

Thirteen cases of diabetes were identified, giving a prevalence rate of 3.35% (95%CI 1.35-5.35). Four (31%) had not been diagnosed before the survey. The diagnosis of diabetes preceded that of TB by an average of 5 years (range 1-9 years). The clinical characteristics of TB (frequent exposure to infection, site and proportion of new and retreated cases) did not differ from one group to another. Increased age (P < 0.0001), obesity (P < 0.005), sedentary lifestyle (P < 0.0004), and previous family history of diabetes (P = 0.04) or obesity (P = 0.04) were significantly associated with diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of diabetes among TB patients is higher than previously estimated for Guinea. Because of frequent co-morbidity, systematic testing for diabetes among TB patients may be recommended, particularly if risk factors are present.

Herbal medicine and treatment of diabetes in Africa: an example from Guinea

AIM

Use of medicinal plants is widespread in Africa, particularly in Guinea where oral transmission of practices is part of the social ritual. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of diabetic patients who use herbal medicine and identify the types of plants in use. Reasons for using herbal medicine and the formulations employed were also noted.

METHODS

A questionnaire on use of herbal medicine was proposed to all diabetic patients hospitalized or consulting the Endocrinology Unit of the Conakry University Hospital between April 1 and June 30, 2003.

RESULTS

A total of 397 patients responded; 33% declared they used herbal medicine. They proposed many motivations, sometimes in association: belief in its efficacy (74%), easy access to medicinal plants (70%), lower cost (48%), and search for complete cure of diabetes (37%). Hearing about a positive experience had convinced 78% of the users to use herbal medicine. The majority of the users were satisfied (85%). One or more clinical manifestations occurring concomitantly with use of herbs was observed in 23 patients (18%), particularly gastrointestinal disorders (n = 10) and skin problems (n = 8). Two cases of hypoglycaemia were noted.

CONCLUSION

Herbal medicine plays an important role in anti-diabetes treatment in Guinea. This type of treatment should be based on scientific evidence but very few studies have been conducted. Conditions of use should be better defined and patients should be informed of potential adverse effects.

[Hypertension: epidemiology and metabolic abnormalities in Foutah-Djallon in Guinea]

The objectives of this transverse study were to clarify the prevalence of the hypertension in Foutah-Djallon in Guinea, the influence of the environment (rural or urban areas) and to identify the associated metabolic abnormalities (AMA) (hyperglycaemia, weighty excess). 1537 subjects of 35 and more years old living in urban zones (Labé, n=886) and in rural areas (Fellö-Koundoua in Tougué, n=651), were selected by a cluster sampling, and examined between February 1st and March 31st, 2003.The prevalence of the hypertension (blood pressure: BP > or = 140/90 mm of Hg) was 43.6% in urban areas, 14.9% in rural areas (p < 0.001). The subjects living in urban areas had more often a weighty excess and were more sedentary. Among them, 3.6% presented an AMA (waist measurement > or = 95 cms in the man and > or = 88 cms in the woman, BP > or = 130/85 mm of Hg, and fasting capillary blood glycaemia > or = 1.10 g/l) against 0.3% in the subjects living in rural areas. These results confirm the important role of the changes of way of life (urbanization and sedentary) in the increase of the prevalence of the hypertension and the AMA in Africa. Appropriate programs educational sanitary in wide scale are indispensable.