Prognostic Nutritional Index Associates with the Severity of Silicosis:A Study from a Tertiary Class A Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases in China

Pneumoconiosis is a group of heterogeneous fibrotic lung diseases caused by inorganic mineral dust and includes coal workers’pneumoconiosis and silicosis.Silicosis involves diffuse or nodular interstitial pulmonary fibrosis caused by exposure to asbestos or silica dust.China is thought to have the highest number of silicosis cases,with 6,000 new cases reported annually^([1]).Currently,the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of silicosis relies mainly on a history of occupational exposure and radiological abnormalities^([2]).Therefore,determining further indicators is crucial to reflect the severity of silicosis.

The value of toxicological analysis in acute poisoning patients with uncertain exposure histories:a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning

BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.

Building the Capacity of Health Professionals in Monitoring and Evaluation in a Public Health Institution: Experience of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire

Background: In the context of the fight against HIV, a lack of skills in monitoring and evaluating the personnel in charge of activities has been identified at the national level. It was the subject of a priority axis of the national plan for monitoring and evaluating the fight against HIV (2006-2010) that was aimed at strengthening the capacities of actors in this area. To increase the critical mass of competent human resources in the short term, the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire organized monitoring and evaluation training sessions for healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2016. Methods: A single case study with multiple levels of analysis was carried out, combining a qualitative survey and a literature review. An evaluation was carried out six months after each training session. In addition, the results of the pre- and post-tests and of the daily and final evaluations that accompanied the various training sessions were used to provide further information. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using INVIVO 15 software. Results: Some 89 health professionals (69% men and 31% women) working at the national level (51% at the central level, including 58% in health programs) and in development partner agencies (37%) participated in this capacity building program. Most participants were senior health managers (56%), data managers (23%), and statisticians and computer scientists (10%). Almost all the trainings were financed by 16 technical and financial partners (85%), mainly the MEASURE Evaluation project (27%). Conclusion: M&E training, despite all its imperfections, has made it possible to identify M&E training needs at the national level and to increase the critical mass of national skills and to have some culture in M&E.

Risk Factors for Neonatal Mortality at the Institute of Nutrition and Child Health of the Donka/Guinea-Conakry National Hospital

Introduction: The birth of a baby is a moment of joy and celebration. However, the neonatal period is a very delicate phase of life. Neonatal mortality rates remain high in low-income countries. In Guinea, after 20 years, this rate has fallen from 34.2% in 1998 to 32% in 2018. Objective: To identify the main risk factors for neonatal mortality. Methods: This was an observational, analytical case-control study, lasting 6 months from January 1 to June 30, 2019, conducted at the Institut de Nutrition et de la Santé de l’Enfant (INSE) at Donka National Hospital. Results: We collected 242 cases and 242 controls, i.e. a total of 484 records. 748 patients were registered, with 32.35% deaths. 82.86% of deaths occurred in the early neonatal period. Statistical analysis revealed the main risk factors: prematurity (RQ 7.39 95% CI 3.27 - 16.61 p = 0.0000003), hypothermia (RQ 2.29 95% CI 1.51 - 3.46 p = 0.0001), acute fetal distress (RQ 2.13 95% CI 1.33 - 3.43 p = 0.0016), low birth weight (QR 1.91 95% CI 1.12 - 3.24 p = 0.016), home birth (QR 3.26 95% CI 1.25 - 8.46 p = 0.015). Conclusion: Neonatal mortality is a health problem in the INSE neonatology department. To reduce the mortality rate in this referral facility, it is essential to equip it and provide ongoing training for staff.

Clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with extra-nodal Hodgkin lymphoma: a 20-year retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database

Background:Hodgkin lymphoma refers to a malignancy of the lymphatic tissue.Extra-nodal Hodgkin lymphoma(ENHL)is a rare variant consisting of Hodgkin lymphoma occurring outside the lymphatic system.Studies investigating the epidemiology associated with ENHL are rare.Methods:618 ENHL cases were analyzed using the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database(2000–2020).Demographics including sex,race/ethnicity,rural-urban continuum,age group(categorized as adolescent and young adult(AYA)if between years of 15 and 39,and adult if over the age of 40),and living status(alive/deceased)were examined,with survival status as the main outcome.Results:This study included 335 males(54.2%)and 283 females(45.8%).Of this total,47.9%were in the AYA group.In terms of ethnicity the distribution was 12.5%non-Hispanic Black,67.5%non-Hispanic White,5.2%non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander,and 14.9%Hispanic.Bivariate analyses evidenced significant differences in survival by age group with 91.6%in AYA vs.72.4%in adults(P<0.001)alive by the end of the study period.Multivariable analyses identified age as a key predictor of survival,as the AYA patients had a lower odds ratio for death(odds ratio=0.25,P<0.001).In addition,survival outcomes were also impacted by race,with non-Hispanic Blacks showing higher survival probabilities.Regarding treatment,27.0%of patients underwent surgery,with 10.2%receiving post-surgery radiation,reducing odds of mortality(odds ratio=0.32,P=0.046).Conclusion:The background research as such,tends to affirm that these two factors–age and race are quite crucial in the prognosis as well as management of ENHL.Compared to adults,AYA patients had significantly lower odds of death,while non-Hispanic Black individuals exhibited reduced survival probabilities.It should be noted that 27.0%of patients underwent surgery with 10.2%receiving post-operative radiation which led to decrease in mortality rates.Thus,these results reiterate the necessity for tailor-made treatment methods according to demographic characteristics to boost patient outcomes effectively.For better ENHL care,future studies could shed light on these disparities and improve treatment regimens as needed.

Practice and Reflection on the Science and Technology Propaganda Work of Agricultural Research Institutes in the New Era : A Case Study of Changli Pomology Institute, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences

Taking Changli Fruit Tree Research Institute of Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences as an example,starting from the importance of strengthening scientific and technological propaganda work in agricultural research institutes,the current situation of scientific and technological propaganda work in agricultural research institutes is analyzed in this paper.In response to the problems of lack of targeted evaluation mechanism,lack of distinctive publicity forms,and weak news sensitivity of science and technology propaganda workers in agricultural research institutions,strategies such as establishing a scientific and standardized evaluation system,improving incentive policies,deeply exploring propaganda content,leveraging the joint advantages of new and traditional media,and cultivating and training science and technology propaganda teams are proposed.

Practice and Reflection on Strengthening Grassroots Party Building Work in Agricultural Research Institutes:A Case Study of Changli Pomology Institute,Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences

Changli Pomology Institute,Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences is taken as the research object.Starting from the relationship between party building and scientific research,in response to the problems in grassroots party building in agricultural research institutes such as insufficient theoretical learning,single party building activity mode,and lack of incentive mechanism in party affairs work,the"three integrations"approach and"four integrations"model are proposed to strengthen the deep integration of party building and scientific research in provincial-level agricultural research institutes.The"three integrations"approach is the integrated development of party building and scientific and technological innovation,the integrated development of party building and scientific and technological services,and the integrated development of party building and technology talents.The"four integrations"model includes the implementation of party building innovation projects,the implementation of 1+N branch pairing and co-construction,the implementation of the"party building+"work method,and the implementation of"theme intersection"activities.The research aims to promote the deep integration of party building and scientific research in provincial-level agricultural research institutes.

Sanitary Evacuations at the Maternity Unit of the Social Hygiene Institute (IHS) in Dakar in 2020

Objective: Determine the frequency of evacuations, specify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the evacuees, evaluate the data of the evacuation, the management and the maternal-fetal prognosis. Methods: Prospective and descriptive retrospective study concerning obstetrical evacuations received at the maternity ward of the Hospital of the Institute of Social Hygiene in Dakar between January 1 and December 31, 2020, i.e. a period of 12 months. Results: During the study period, we collected 1156 evacuees out of a total of 3507 patients treated in the Service, i.e. a frequency of 33%. The average age of the patients was 27.07 years with extremes of 14 and 46 years. Patients aged between 20 and 29 were the most represented (51.73%). The average parity was 1.6 with extremes of 0 and 10 pares. The nulliparous (46.37%) were the majority. The majority of evacuated patients (99.6%) resided in the Dakar region, including 58% in the suburbs and 42% in the city center. The patients received had performed an average of 3 prenatal consultations with extremes ranging from 0 to 9 CPN. They most often came from health centers (55.05%) or hospitals (29.09%). The reasons for evacuations were dominated by dystocia (21.54%) followed by premature rupture of membranes (17.21%) and premature deliveries (16.35%). On admission, only 176 patients (15.2%) had an evacuation sheet. Patients transited on average through two health structures (extremes ranging from 0 to 7 structures) before reaching the reception structure. The evacuation was most often done with a private vehicle on the patient’s own means (91.96%). The outcome of the evacuees was most often vaginal delivery or hospitalization (72.79%). The majority of patients (99.4%) had evolved favorably but we deplore one maternal death (0.09%) linked to a late puerperal infection. We recorded 74 perinatal deaths and 1041 live births, i.e. a stillbirth rate of 71.1‰ live births. The causes of death were dominated by prematurity (24.7%). Conclusion: Obstetrical evacuations are frequent in our practice but they should be better organized to improve the maternal-fetal prognosis.

Macroscopic Congenital Malformations at the Institute of Nutrition and Child Health (INSE)

Introduction: A congenital malformation is defined as a morphological abnormality of an organ or body region resulting from an abnormal developmental process during the formation of the embryo or fetus. Depending on their type, location and size, malformations can cause functional, psychological and aesthetic defects. The aim of this study is to document the frequency of congenital malformations, describe the characteristics of malformed newborns and their biological mothers, and identify the different types of malformations presented by newborns at the INSE. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of clinically visible malformed newborns. It was carried out from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022 at the INSE neonatology unit. Epi info version 3.1 software was used for data entry and analysis. Results: Of a total of 2332 neonates hospitalized during the study period, 81 (3.5%) cases had at least one clinically visible congenital malformation. Nearly 84% had an age ≤ 7 days at the time of admission. The male sex was most concerned (60.5%). Newborns referred by a health facility accounted for 84%. Malformations of the digestive system accounted for 30.9% of cases, followed by those of the limbs (19.8%) and poly malformative syndrome (19.8%). Conclusion: This study shows that congenital malformations exist and are frequent in Guinea. Our results could therefore be the starting point for the future establishment of a national register of congenital malformations.

In memory of Dr. Azar Andami, an eminent researcher and scholar at the Pasteur Institute of Iran

This paper focuses on the remarkable contributions and achievements of Dr.Azar Andami(1926–1984),a renowned physician and specialist at the Pasteur Institute of Iran.Dr.Andami conducted extensive research on infectious diseases,particularly cholera,utilizing her knowledge in medicine,bacteriology,and laboratory sciences.She played a crucial role in the mass production of the cholera vaccine at the Pasteur Institute of Iran and in controlling the spread of communicable diseases both locally and globally.This paper aims to highlight her remarkable works and accomplishments.

Physics design of 14 MeV neutron generator facility at the Institute for Plasma Research

A high energy and high yield neutron source is a prime requirement for technological studies related to fusion reactor development. It provides a high-energy neutron environment for small-scale fusion reactor components research and testing such as tritium breeding, shielding, plasmafacing materials, reaction cross-section data study for fusion materials, etc. Along with ITER participation, the Institute of Plasma Research, India is developing an accelerator-based 14 MeV neutron source with a yield of 10^(12)n s^(-1). The design of the source is based on the deuterium–tritium fusion reaction. The deuterium beam is accelerated and delivered to the tritium target to generate 14 MeV neutrons. The deuterium beam energy and tritium availability in the tritium target are the base parameters of the accelerator-based neutron source design. The paper gives the physics design of the neutron generator facility of the Institute for Plasma Research. It covers the requirements, design basis, and physics parameters of the neutron generator. As per the analytical results generator can produce more than 1 × 10^(12)n s^(-1)with a 110 keV D^(+) ion beam of 10 mA and a minimum 5 Ci tritium target. However, the detailed simulation with the more realistic conditions of deuteron ion interaction with the tritium titanium target shows that the desired results cannot be achieved with 110 keV. The safe limit of the ion energy should be 300 keV as per the simulation. At 300 keV ion energy and 20 mA current, it reaches 1.6 × 10^(12)n s^(-1). Moreover, it was found that to ensure sufficiently long operation time a tritium target of more than 20 Ci should be used. The scope of the neutron source is not limited to the fusion reactor research studies, it is extended to other areas such as medical radioisotopes research, semiconductor devices irradiations, and many more.

Construction and Quality Assurance of Outstanding Applied Horticultural Talent Training Curriculum System under the Background of New Agricultural Science:A Case Study of Huaiyin Institute of Technology

Huaiyin Institute of Technology is taken as the research object.The content of horticulture curriculum system under the background of new agricultural science is constructed and elaborated,including theoretical curriculum system of"three platforms and seven curriculum groups"and practice system of"two platforms,three levels and four modules".Moreover,the quality assurance strategy of the curriculum system is discussed from three angles of enhancing professional emotion,enhancing professional practice and strengthening innovation ability,to reach the training objective of outstanding applied horticultural talents under the background of new agricultural science.

Jump further,leap higher,and consolidate stronger:A brief review of the long-term partnership between Kunming Institute of Zoology(KIZ)and the Chinese University of Hong Kong(CUHK)in bioresources and molecular research

The molecular etiologies of many prevalent diseases stem from genetic variations that arise during evolution and natural selection,as well as from environmental effects.The study of genetic diversity in human populations and analysis of molecular evolution in primates and other animal species can provide important insights regarding the pathogenesis of common diseases in both human and animal populations.

Study on good clinical practices among researchers in a tertiary healthcare institute in India

BACKGROUND Good clinical practice(GCP)is put in place to protect human participants in clinical trials as well as to ensure the quality of research.Non-adherence to these guidelines can produce research that may not meet the standards set by the scientific community.Therefore,it must be ensured that researchers are wellversed in the GCP.But not much is known about the knowledge and practices of the GCP in the medical colleges of North India.AIM To assess the knowledge and practices of researchers about GCP and analyze these with respect to the demographics of participants.METHODS This is a cross-sectional study.A self-structured questionnaire about GCP,after expert validations,was circulated among researchers,at a tertiary healthcare institute,All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS),Rishikesh.A total of 59 individuals,who were selected by universal sampling,participated in the study.All healthcare workers who have been investigators of Institutional Ethics Committee-approved research projects,except residents and faculty,and are still a part of the institute have been included in the study.The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of AIIMS,Rishikesh.We used descriptive analysis and the Chi-squared test to analyze data.P value<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS Out of 59 participants,only 11(18.6%)were certified for GCP.Most of the participants(64.4%)had“Average”knowledge,33.9%had“Good”knowledge and 1.7%had“Poor”knowledge.Only 49%of participants had satisfactory practices related to GCP.There was a significant difference in the knowledge based on the current academic position for the items assessing knowledge of institutional review board(P=0.010),confidentiality&privacy(P=0.011),and participant safety&adverse events(P<0.001).There was also a significant difference in knowledge of research misconduct(P=0.024)and participant safety&adverse events(P=0.011)based on certification of GCP.There was a notable difference in the practices related to recruitment&retention on the basis of current academic position(P<0.001)and certification of GCP(P=0.023).We also observed a considerable difference between the knowledge and practices of GCP among the participants(P=0.013).CONCLUSION Participants have basic knowledge of GCP but show a lack thereof in certain domains of GCP.This can be addressed by holding training sessions focusing on these particular domains.

High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy: Epidemiological, Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Prognostic Aspects at the Maternity Unit of the Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar (Senegal)

Objectives: To specify the epidemiological and clinical profile of the patients, to determine the methods of management and to evaluate the maternal and perinatal prognosis in the association of arterial hypertension and pregnancy (HTA) at the Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study on the management of the association of hypertension and pregnancy in the maternity ward of the Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar between January 1st, 2019 and on December 31st, 2020. Results: During the study period, we recorded 326 cases of hypertension associated with pregnancy among the 4290 pregnant women, i.e. a frequency of 7.6%. The epidemiological profile of the patients was that of a woman with an average age of 29, nulliparous (48.2%), married (99.1%), at a low socioeconomic level (61.3%) and with a personal history preeclampsia (14.4%). Most patients (83.1%) were evacuated or referred with pre-ec- lampsia as the main reason (40.8%). The average gestational age was 37 weeks of amenorrhea (SA) with extremes of 20 SA 6 days and 41 SA 5 days. Term pregnancies were the most represented (76.7%). Prenatal follow-up (CPN) was carried out in 319 patients (97.8%) with an average number of CPN of 3 and extremes of 1 and 9. Severe diastolic and severe systolic hypertension concerned respectively 19.3% and 16, 9% of patients. One hundred and eighty patients (55.2%) presented with oliguria. Strip albuminuria was performed in 235 patients (72.1%). It found 3 or more crosses in 38.3% of cases. We recorded 53 cases of anemia (16.3%), 16 cases of significant proteinuria (5%), hepatic cytolysis in 22 patients (6.7%), thrombocytopenia in 37 patients (11.3%), and 43 cases of hyperuricaemia (13.2%). Obstetric ultrasound found 36 cases of severe oligohydramnios (11%), 8 twin pregnancies (2.4%) and an umbilical Doppler anomaly in 10 patients (3.1%). Pre-eclampsia was the most common clinical form (70.5%), followed by chronic hypertension (15.1%) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (14.4%). In our study, 32 patients (9.8%) had received resuscitation. The most used anti-hypertensives were alpha methyl-dopa (46.1%) and nicardipine (24.5%). The obstetrical treatment consisted of uterine evacuation which was most often done by caesarean section (63.1%). Maternal complications were dominated by retroplacental hematoma (16.3%) followed by eclampsia (7.4%) and HELLP syndrome (6.7%). We have not recorded any maternal deaths. Prematurity (19.3%) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (16.3%) were the most common perinatal complications. Severe and moderate neonatal asphyxia concerned respectively 14.8% and 14.4% of newborns. The birth weight was on average 2400 grams with extremes of 400 and 4500 grams. Low birth weight accounted for 49.5% of the sample. One hundred and twelve newborns (34.4%) were referred to neonatology most often for neonatal asphyxia (29.2%). We recorded 37 fetal deaths in utero (11.3%) and 10 neonatal deaths (3.1%), representing a perinatal mortality of 168.5 per 1000 live births. During the postnatal follow-up, we noted a normalization of the blood pressure figures in 98.8% of the patients. Contraception was instituted in 150 patients (46.1%). These were most often progestogen implants (32.2%) or intrauterine device (IUD) (11.7%). The choice of delivery route was significantly associated with the clinical form. Indeed, caesarean section was more frequent in case of preeclampsia compared to pregnancy-induced hypertension (p = 0.03). Maternal and perinatal complications such as HELLP syndrome (86.4%), PRH (64.2%), eclampsia (79.2%) and UFID (23.6%) were more frequent in cases severe preeclampsia (p = 0.028, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The association of hypertension and pregnancy is frequent in our practice. Its prognosis is marked by the risk of prematurity, IUGR and maternal complications.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection in Patients at Pasteur Institute of Dakar in Senegal from 2016 to 2020: Prevalence and Seroprotection Level

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly endemic in Senegal. Vaccination of all children against HBV was introduced in 1999 and included in Expanded Programme on Immunisation in 2005. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and immune status against HBV in patients received at Pasteur Institut in Dakar, Senegal. Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2020, patients aged between 1 and 96 years received laboratory were included in the study. Serum samples were analysed for HBV serology (HBs antigen: HBsAg, HBs antibody: HBsAb and HBc antibody: HBcAb) using ARCHITECT? analyser. Patients with anti-HBs antibody levels (HBsAb ≥ 10 IU/l) were considered seroprotected against HBV. Results: A total of 5629 patients were analysed with a mean age of 39 years and extremes from 1 to 96 years. The most represented age group was 31 - 45 years with 38.4%. HBsAg was present in 520 patients (9.2%) and was signed by sex and age group. Anti-HBc antibodies were found in 52.7% of patients and 1603 (28.48%) had isolated anti-HBs antibodies reflecting proportion of people vaccinated at the time of the study. However, 2143 patients (41.9%) had no seroprotection (HBsAb 10 IU/L) and 640 (12.6%) had strong seroprotection defined as HBsAb > 1000 IU/L. Conclusion: Our results show a significant presence of virus in Senegalese population and low vaccination coverage, especially in adults. Evaluation of HBsAb levels and provision of HBV booster shots should be considered for children in Senegal.

Heart Failure: Organization of Care after Hospitalization at the Abidjan Cardiology Institute

Introduction: The care pathway for heart failure (HF) patients is poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa. A multidisciplinary management reduces hospitalizations and mortality. In our context of frequent rehospitalization of heart failure patients, the objective of this study was to analyse the post-hospital follow-up health care. Methods: We conducted a prospective study in the medical department of a Heart Institute from January 1st to December 31, 2015. Patients over 18 years of age, hospitalized for heart failure, consenting and followed up on an outpatient basis for 2 years were included. Results: We collected 396 patients hospitalized for HF. The mean age was 57.4 ± 16 years with a male predominance (59.3%). Retired and unemployed people represented 27% and 16.2% respectively. During the post-hospitalization follow-up, patients who were regularly followed up represented 10.8% of the cases. 74.1% of the cases were regular patients. Patients were not followed up by the usual practitioner (58.2%). Only 94 patients had undergone a cardiovascular rehabilitation programme, of which 21.3% for exercise rehabilitation and 78.7% for therapeutic education. Patients who had attended titration sessions (n = 59) had reached optimal doses of ACE inhibitors, ARB II and beta blockers in 67.8%, 7.3% and 38.5% respectively. The rates of decompensation (73.3%) and rehospitalization (49.5%) were higher. The paraclinic check-up (ECG, X-ray, Cardiac Doppler ultrasonography, Biology) was rarely requested. The probability of survival was higher in patients regularly monitored than in those irregularly monitored. Conclusion: The organisation of care and coordination between professionals should be structured or planned. Therapeutic strategies need to be intensified in order to optimise their long-term benefits.

Experimentation of a Forced Convection Solar Dryer for Drying Sweet Potatoes at the Higher Institute of Technology of Mamou-Guinea

This study was carried out at the Mamou Higher Institute of Technology during the period from March 10 to April 15, 2022, with the aim of designing and testing a solar dryer with forced convection by drying potatoes. The dryer was designed using local materials. Its main geometric parameters are: 1) height of the drying chamber (90 cm), 2) length of the drying chamber (50 cm), 3) width of the drying chamber (43 cm), 4) surface of the racks (0.1806 m2), 5) surface of the heat accumulator (0.2537 m2). The experiment focused on the vacuum test of the dryer for two days and that of the drying of the sweet potato for three days from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The average vacuum test temperature values of the three environments are respectively accumulator (43°C), dryer chamber (41°C) and ambient environment (34°C). Four kilograms (4 kg) of boiled sweet potato were dried. The average temperatures in the accumulator and in the drying chamber during the three days of drying are respectively 33°C and 39°C. The final mass of the dried product is 1.2 kg, with a quantity of water extracted of 2 liters or 63% of the initial mass of the product. The average drying rate is 0.074 kg/h. The drying kinetics showed a decreasing rate in the absence of the heating period and the constant rate period.

Cardio-Renal Syndrome: Frequency and Associated Factors in the Abidjan Heart Institute’s Medical Department

Introduction: Cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) is a pathophysiological disorder of the heart and kidneys in which acute or chronic dysfunction of one organ can lead to acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. In Africa, particularly in C?te d’Ivoire, the incidence of cardio-renal syndrome is not precisely known. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of CRS and to contribute to a better understanding of the condition in the medical department of the Abidjan Heart Institute. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective analytical study including all patients with heart failure hospitalised in the medicine department of the Abidjan Heart Institute from March to October 2020. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 22. Results: We included 111 patients in the study. The incidence of CRS was 64%, with a predominance of males (sex ratio 1.8). The mean age was 53 ± 15 years. Patients’ medical history was dominated by hypertension (56.8%), diabetes (15%), dyslipidaemia (18%), obesity (17.1%) and smoking (14.4%). The main causes of heart failure were dilated cardiomyopathy (22.8%) and ischaemic heart disease (21.4%). Symptomatology was mainly congestive heart failure (42.8%). Mean evaluated clearance (MDRD) was 39.9 ± 17.1 ml/min/m2. Doppler echocardiography showed a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction in 74.3% of patients. Factors statistically associated with the occurrence of cardio-renal syndrome were: age > 60 years (p = 0.04), diabetes (p = 0.03), arterial hypertension (p = 0.001) and Hb Conclusion: The cardio-renal syndrome is a reality and marks an important point in the evolution of cardiac and renal diseases. It is highly frequent in the medical department of the Abidjan Heart Institute, as well as a high rate of CKD.

Urinary Tract Infections in a Tunisian Orthopedic Institute: Major Strain Microbiological Profile

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) detected in the hospital and in the community is one of the most common reasons for consultation in everyday practice;it represents a major source of antibiotic consumption. This study’s objectives were to outline the microbiological profile of Tunisian patients with UTI and assess antibiotic resistance over the course of three years at the Orthopedic Institute. Methods: All strains identified in urine samples between January 1st, 2019, and December 31st, 2021, were included. Standard laboratory procedures were used to identify the bacterium. The Microscan Walkway 40 Plus was used to do biochemical assays and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The EUCAST criteria were used to interpret the findings. Results: A total of 1313 strains were isolated. The bacteriological study showed the predominance of enterobacteria (96.8%), especially E. coli (52.2%) and K. pneumoniae (19.3%). Overall resistance rates to antimicrobial agents were as follows: for hospital, E. coli strains were in descending order amoxicillin (73.05%), trimeth/sulfamethoxazole (46.9%), ofloxacin (40.3%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (35.05%) and gentamicin (20.5%). Our results showed low resistance to fosfomycin for E. coli 2.6% in hospitals while ≥12.1% for K. pneumoniae. Amikacin resistance remains medium-low for E. coli being ≥20% and 10% for K. pneumonia. Nitrofuran resistance has affected 1.06% of E. coli strains in hospital settings and 21.5% of K. pneumoniae. Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) production was present in a number of enterobacteria (19.3% of K. pneumoniae and 14.4% of E. coli). Conclusion: The prevalence of E. coli and K. pneumoniae producers ESBLs in UTI is increasing. Rigorous surveillance of resistance rate is necessary to determine appropriate empirical treatment and limit the spread of multiresistant strains.