Contribution of GIS to Soil Landscape Mapping by Multi-Criteria Analysis Using Weighting: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro (Centre) and Daloa (Centre-West) in Ivory Coast

As part of the drive to improve coffee and cocoa production in Ivory Coast, studies are carried out to identify soils that are favourable for these crops. It is therefore necessary to orientate soil investigations based on reliable criteria that best discriminate soil cover. With this in mind, this study is being carried out to help improve survey methods by mapping soil landscapes. It uses GIS and weighted multicriteria analysis. To do this, satellite images were processed and the geological map of the square degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa was reclassified. The results show that relief is the main factor in soil landscape differentiation, with respective weights of 0.58 and 0.67 for the forest and pre-forest zones. In contrast, the weight of geological formation in soil landscape differentiation remains low (0.05 for the forest zone and 0.07 for the pre-forest zone). The criteria used on the base of aggregation sum methods have made it possible to formulate soil landscape mapping prediction functions according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation of soil survey work. Nevertheless, other comparative methods, such as the coding mapping method, could provide elements for discussion to validate the models.

Management of Mandibular Fractures in Children in Ivory Coast: Experience of the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the University Hospital of Cocody from 2000 to 2019

Introduction: Mandibular fractures in children are becoming increasingly common. Treatment of these fractures is difficult due to their anatomical and physiological complexity. Therefore, there is a need for well-codified management. Our main aim was to develop a decision algorithm for the management of mandibular fractures in children based on our experience. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in the Department of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital of Cocody over a period of 20 years (2000-2019). Results: We enrolled 58 patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.35 ± 2.3 years with a sex ratio of 2.22. Traffic accidents were the main cause of mandibular fractures (60.35%). Condylar fractures were the most common (46.87%). Treatment was orthopedic in 45.76% of cases, mixed (orthopedic and surgical) in 24.14% and surgical in 5.17%. Patients were followed up weekly for 1 month, then monthly for 6 months and annually for 3 years, with panoramic radiographs of the maxilla starting at 21 days. We observed 2 cases of complications: temporomandibular ankylosis and gingival stomatitis. Conclusion: Mandibular fractures are common in children. Management is difficult due to anatomical and physiological peculiarities. The choice of treatment depends on several criteria.

Micropenis Associated or Not with Cryptorchidism in the Endocrinology Department of Yopougon University Hospital in Ivory Coast: Epidemiological, Clinical, Paraclinical and Therapeutic Aspects

Background: Congenital malformations such as micropenis and cryptorchidism do not have immediate dramatic consequences. However, the diagnosis is often unknown at birth, and therefore late. In Ivory Coast, there are few studies on cryptorchidism and micropenis. We conducted this study to identify the epidemiological, clinical, etiological and therapeutic characteristics of the micropenis associated or not with cryptorchidism at Yopougon University Hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study in the Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology of the Yopougon University Hospital carried out over 13 years from January 2005 to December 2018. All patients were included regardless of the presence of a micropenis associated or not with cryptorchidism in the clinical or paraclinical examination. Results: A total of 14 micropenis were reported associated in 6 cases with cryptorchidism. It was unilateral cryptorchidism in 4 patients or 66.66% of cases. The average age of affected patients was 21.32 years with extremes ranging from 10 months to 48 years. The reason for consultation was micropenis in 12 out of 14 cases or 85.75%. The associated signs apart from cryptorchidism were obesity in 42.86% of cases, gynecomastia in 35.71% of cases. The aetiology was dominated by idiopathic causes. Treatment with testosterone enanthate was more effective in pre-pubertal children than in adults. Conclusion: The diagnosis of micropenis associated or not with cryptorchidism is late because of the frustrations, taboos and psycho-social states that it causes. However, drug treatment is effective when treatment is started early.

Response of the Maize Variety EV87-28 to a Fertilization Strategy Involving Indorama Granular Urea on Ferralsol in the Central Ivory Coast

In Côte d’Ivoire, the decline in soil fertility strongly impacts the productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) on heavily leached ferralitic soil. In this study, the general objective was therefore to improve the productivity of maize EV87-28 on the Ferralsols in pre-forested areas during different cropping seasons. Eight (8) micro-plots were set up according to a total randomization device with three repetitions. Two factors were studied: nitrogen fertilizer modalities (main factor) and crop season (secondary factor). Growth, flowering and yield parameters were measured and analyzed. The results showed that there was no interaction between the nitrogen fertilizer factor and the cropping season factor. In addition, this study showed the short rainy season had the most positive impact on growth, flowering and yield parameters than the long rainy season. The results also showed that the different nitrogen fertilizer modalities had no statistically different effects on growth, flowering and yield parameters. However, quantitative differences were reported, highlighting one nitrogen fertilizer modality, which is the combination of urea granule + farm manure (75% urea indorama granules and 25% farm manure). The combination of urea granule + farm manure (75% urea indorama granules and 25% farm manure) had the best effect on corn grain yield. So, the combination of urea (75%) and manure (25%), that resulted in yield gain, could be recommended for corn fertilization during the small rainy season.

Technical-Economic Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of COBB500 Broilers Fed Rations Incorporating Mango By-Product Feeds in Ivory Coast (West Africa)

The study evaluated the growth performance and carcass quality of COBB500 broilers fed two experimental rations incorporating feed and mango fine ED10 for a batch of 83 birds, ED20 (batch of 83 birds) in comparison with a commercial control ration CCD (84 birds). For this purpose, 250 day-old chicks of this breed were purchased in Korhogo and transported to Tengréla in Ivory Coast for rearing. The results show that substituting mango provender ans and mango seed flour for maize resulted in rations with costs per kgMS of 215.35FCFA, 2016.93FCFA and 320FCFA for the ED10, ED20 and CCD rations respectively. The production costs per kg of chicken (FCPkgLW) of the CCD ration were significantly higher than those of the ED10 and ED20 (p 0.05). ADGs were significantly different and decreasing from CCD, ED20 to ED10 (p 0.05). Average weights at 42nd day for ED20 and CCD were homogeneous (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than for ED10 (p 0.05). By day 49th the average weight of ED20 had reached and exceeded that of CCD by day 42nd. PSLW, HCW and CCW were significantly different and decreasing from CCW, ED20 to ED10 (p 0.05). Average hot (HCY) and cooled (CCY) carcass yields of ED20 and CCD rations were comparable (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than those of ED10 ration (p = 0.009) and 0.003). Average drumstick and neck weights were significantly higher and lower for CCD, ED20 and ED10 (p 0.05). For all other parts of the cut, the average weights of the CCD ration were significantly higher (p 0.05) than those of the ED20 and ED10 rations, which were homogeneous (p 0.05). The incorporation of mango provender and mango seed flour in broiler rations offers the prospect of reduced production costs, less competition between man and animals over cereals, and lean meat production that is more appreciated than that of chickens fed conventional feed. As it stands, the ED20 ration can be recommended as a growth diet for broilers. It would be necessary to determine the levels of anti-nutritional substances in mango feeds and to assess the in vivo digestibility of mango ingredients and the diets incorporating them.

Analysis of the Quality of Physical and Chemical Parameters of Groundwater in Three Localities in the Sub-Prefecture of Zanzra (Ivory Coast)

The availability of groundwater of acceptable quality has become a difficult challenge to meet in many countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire. The State of Côte d’Ivoire and rural populations are building hydraulic infrastructure for this purpose. However, the quality of water coming from these infrastructures remains to be determined. This study therefore aims to analyze certain physicochemical parameters of the groundwater of Gloazra, Kouezra and Trahonfla. These are temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, salinity level, hardness, alkalinity, chloride content and bicarbonate. To determine the pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, TDS, and salinity rate, an electrochemical analysis was carried out. The titrimetric analysis made it possible to determine the chloride and bicarbonate content, alkalinity, and hardness. The results indicate that the studied groundwater is soft and acidic with good mineralization. This water does not present a health hazard to consumers but can affect hydraulic equipment and household containers.

Contribution of SAR Radar Imagery in the Detection of Suspicious Vessels in the Ivorian EEZ

The present work proposed a method for match SAR and AIS data to detect vessels carrying out suspicious activity in the Ivorian EEZ. Two superposition methods, detected AIS and SAR data, based on point-to-point association on the one hand and point-to-line on the other hand, were used to detect suspicious vessels in Ivorian marine waters. The results showed that most vessels detected in the Ivorian EEZ do not declare their positions to avoid being spotted. These funds are likely to practice illegal, undeclared and unregulated fishing (INN fishing). This clandestine activity is very recurrent in Ivorian waters. This is illustrated by the number of suspicious vessels detected by SAR radar imagery which is greater compared to declared or authorized vessels.

Calcium-Magnesium Ca/Mg Ratios and Their Agronomic Implications for the Optimization of Phosphate Fertilization in Rainfed Rice Farming on Acidic Ferralsol in the Forest Zone of Ivory Coast

This study is a contribution to improving rice productivity on acidic plateau soils of the tropical rainforest zone. It is based on taking into account the cationic balances of the soil in order to optimize the phosphorus (P) nutrition of rice on these acidic soils, where this nutrient constitutes a limiting factor for agricultural production. Three (3) pot trials were conducted in Adiopodoumé in the forested south of Côte d’Ivoire. The interactive effects of calcium carbonate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Ca ha−1) and magnesium sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Mg ha−1) were evaluated on the response of NERICA 5 rice at doses 0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P ha−1 of natural phosphate from Togo, applied only once at the start of the experiment. Additional fertilizers of nitrogen (N) (100 kg N ha−1) and potassium (K) (50 kg KCl ha−1) were added to each of the tests in a split-plot device. The test results revealed a paddy production potential of approximately 3 to 5 t⋅ha−1 for NERICA 5 on an acidic soil, under the effect of the interaction of P, Ca and Mg. The quadratic response of rice yield to the doses of these fertilizers would be more dependent on their balance, itself influenced by Ca nutrition. For the sustainability and maintenance of rice production in agro-ecology studied, it was recommended doses of 38 kg Ca ha−1, 34 kg Mg ha−1 in a Ca/Mg ratio (1/1) with intakes of 41 kg P ha−1, overall in a ratio 1/1/1 (P/Ca/Mg) more favorable to the availability of free iron considered a guiding element of mineral nutrition. Thus, these promising results should be confirmed in a real environment for better management of the fertilization of rice cultivated on acidic plateau soils in Côte d’Ivoire.

One Case of Acute Fluid Pericarditis and Hyperthyroidism at Teaching Hospital of Bouake (Ivory Coast): Cause-Effect Relationship or Accidental Association?

Cardiovascular complications during hyperthyroidism are dominated by arrhythmias, heart failure and coronary heart disease. Pericardial effusion which is a common complication of hypothyroidism is extremely rare in hyperthyroidism. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman admitted for management of pleuro-pericarditis associated with atrial fibrillation in the context of cardiothyreosis. The treatment consisted of a pericardial puncture associated with synthetic anti-thyroid drugs and anti-tuberculosis drugs with positive clinical and echocardiographic outcomes.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Intestinal Metaplasia in Chronic Helicobacter pylori Gastritis in a Country with High Endemicity: Ivory Coast Case

Context/Objective: Few studies have been carried out in a country with high endemicity for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Sub-Saharan Africa looking for the association of intestinal metaplasia (IM) with chronic gastritis. We hypothesize that IM is correlated with the intensity of H. pylori infection in a country with high endemicity, Ivory Coast. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia in chronic H. pylori gastritis in Ivory Coast. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study, carried out over a period of 5 months, in the reference hospital centers of Abidjan, specialized in Gastroenterology. All patients who had undergone Gastroscopy with biopsies according to the criteria of the Sydney System for the anatomopathological study, those with chronic gastritis and/or H. pylori intestinal metaplasia on histology and in whom all the parameters of the Sydney system classification had been well informed. The quantitative variables were expressed by their means accompanied by their standard deviations and the qualitative variables by their numbers and percentages. Chi-square and Fischer tests were used to look for associations between variables. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: 152 patients were retained. The mean age was 44.9 ± 12.9 years. The prevalence of intestinal metaplasia was 11.8%. In univariate analysis, no significant association was found between clinical and pathological sociodemographic factors (age, sex, ethnicity, educational level, profession) and intestinal metaplasia in chronic Helicobacter pylori gastric cases. In multivariate analysis we found that prolonged use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and a history of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) were significantly associated with the absence of IM. Conclusion: Chronic H. pylori gastritis is the main risk factor for intestinal metaplasia. Prolonged use of PPIs and a history of GERD were significantly identified as factors that would protect against intestinal metaplasia.

燎祭对三星堆古象牙周际土壤微生物群落的影响

三星堆遗址四号祭祀坑象牙表面留有灼烧痕迹,其上附着黑色灰烬.为了解黑色灰烬土对古象牙保存的影响,本研究比较了灰烬土和对照黄土的理化性质,并对其中微生物进行了高通量测序和多组学分析.结果发现,灰烬土中水分和有机碳含量显著高于未灼烧黄土(P<0.05).高通量测序显示,灰烬土和黄土中均以变形菌门(Proteobacteria)和担子菌门(Basidiomycota)占优势,灰烬土中含有更高丰度的细菌属Methylotenera、Flavobacterium和Ac⁃idovorax,以及真菌属Mortierella、Penicillium和Aspergillus.代谢组显示,灰烬土中L-苹果酸、泛酸等有机酸显著低于黄土,而对古象牙腐蚀性更强的草酸则显著高于黄土(P<0.05).因此,烧灼引起土壤理化性质的显著变化,使灰烬土中含有更高水分和有机碳,以及更低pH值,其微生物群落结构和组成改变导致草酸增高,增加了出土古象牙的腐蚀风险.

三星堆出土象牙多层级结构及失水过程研究

由于长期埋藏于潮湿的地下环境,三星堆遗址祭祀区出土的象牙含水率高,且存在本体断裂、表面开裂和剥落等问题,保存状况差。出土后的象牙极易快速失水,而发生开裂和粉化等不可逆的损害。为明确三星堆出土象牙的保存现状,采用光谱、能谱、电镜、纳米压痕等测试手段,深入解析了2021年三星堆遗址3、4、7和8号坑(K3、K4、K7、K8)发掘出土象牙的组成、结构及失水过程。结果表明:三星堆遗址四个坑出土象牙的主要物相为碳羟基磷灰石[Ca_(10)(PO_(4))_(3)(CO_(3))_(3)(OH)_(2)],有机纤维蛋白成分基本消失殆尽,形成了以介孔为主(孔径分布在3~50 nm)的孔隙结构,且孔隙被大量水分占位,其中,K3出土象牙(K3XY-54)和K4出土象牙(K4YW-289)热重所测含水率分别为43.8%和43.4%;四个坑出土象牙均存在片状和针状晶体结构,其中K3XY-54以针状晶体结构为主,并呈现出明显的取向生长,K4YW-289呈现晶体聚集,其晶体尺寸厚度明显增加;出土象牙表面和内部吸附水的挥发使象牙微观结构产生内应力,从而造成出土象牙干裂、粉化等不可逆损坏;采用纳米压痕技术,初步探索了出土象牙在糟朽状态下表面微观硬度的变化,其中K4YW-289经失水前后的表面微观硬度变化差异最大(饱水状态0.090±0.049 GPa,失水后1.553±0.312 GPa),这可能与其组分结构内吸附水含量较少和高泥化现象有关,结合K3XY-54、K7XY-43和K8XY-11-13研究可发现出土象牙在失水前后微观硬度和弹性模量受组分结构-失水速率关系的影响较大。对三星堆出土象牙多层级结构和失水过程的初步研究结果为其后期实施有效保存和本体加固提供有力的科学依据和参考数据。

Eco-Epidemiological Characteristics of Human Rabies in Côte d’Ivoire, 2012-2017

Introduction: Human rabies is a major public health problem in many African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire. The present work aims at describing the eco-epidemiological characteristics of human rabies cases recorded in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: This was a retrospective and prospective cross-sectional descriptive study based on epidemiological surveillance data that ran from september 2014 to december 2017. The clinical data were extracted from the database of the human rabies epidemiological surveillance management service of the National Institute of Public Hygiene’s rabies centre. These data cover the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017. Results: Human rabies is endemic in Côte d’Ivoire, with most people exposed in the south and especially in the west of the country. There was no association between any of the climatological parameters (temperature, humidity, rainfall) and the occurrence of human rabies during the months of exposure to rabies infection. Conclusion: Ultimately, effective prevention and control of human rabies requires a thorough understanding of the links between climatological parameters and rabies. Health authorities must take ownership of these results if we are to achieve our goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.

Prevalence of Work-Aggravated Asthma among Bakery Workers in Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire)

Introduction: Work-aggravated asthma is pre-existing or concomitant asthma whose symptoms are aggravated by the work environment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of this pathology and its associated factors among bakery workers in Abidjan. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of four (4) months from 18 December 2019 to 18 April 2020. Two questionnaires were used, one on employees and the other on the indoor environment of bakeries. In addition, a spirometry test was performed on all bakery workers. Statistical analysis was performed using stata 15.1 software. Results: A total of 599 bakery employees, including bakers (59.73%), sales assistants/ cashiers (23.52%), cleaners (6.34%) and administrative staff (10.18%), were investigated. The mean age was 30.8 ± 8 years, with a sex ratio (M/F) = 2.2. Asthma symptoms were found in 95 (15.86%) employees, of whom 74 (77.9%) had work-related asthma and 11 (14.9%) had asthma aggravated by work. The factors associated with work-aggravated asthma were personal or family history of allergy or atopy [ORa = 3.75;CI95%: 1.56 - 8.93;p = 0.003], exposure to dust [ORa = 5.01;CI95%: 1.43 - 7.50;p = 0.011] and humidity level (60% - 70%) [ORa = 1.80;CI 95%: 0.99 - 3.28;p = 0.05]. Conclusion: Work-aggravated asthma is a reality in bakeries in Abidjan, with an estimated prevalence of 14.9%. Two of the three factors associated with this condition suggest a link with indoor air pollution. Combating air pollution in these establishments must therefore be a priority for the relevant authorities, in order to provide employees with a working environment that protects their health.

猛犸象牙“冻土料”与猛犸臼齿的形貌、化学成分及谱学特征研究

本文借助宝石学显微镜、超景深显微镜、傅里叶变换红外光谱仪、X射线荧光光谱仪及拉曼光谱仪对西伯利亚猛犸象牙“冻土料”(猛犸象牙门齿次外层区域)、猛犸臼齿(槽牙)的形貌特征、化学成分及谱学特征进行了较系统性测试分析,旨在拓展猛犸象牙的研究资料。结果显示,猛犸象牙“冻土料”样品具有明显的勒兹纹生长结构,且外层平行/垂直于牙皮的生长纹理与勒兹纹交点的垂线的交角小于90°,冻土层丰富的矿物组成对样品的表皮造成不同颜色和深度的侵染、对其结构及花纹的多样性产生一定影响;成分分析显示,猛犸象牙“冻土料”样品和猛犸臼齿样品均含有大量的P与Ca等元素,且Sr/Ni+Cu的元素含量比值均小于20;拉曼光谱测试到的960 cm^(-1)和580 cm^(-1)指示了猛犸象牙中磷酸盐的成分。猛犸臼齿样品的表面、缝隙、珠孔处的灰蓝色-黑色物质的红外光谱显示为环氧树脂,且该样品表面局部覆无色透明膜,棕色及白色主体部分具猛犸象牙谱线特征,指示其经过充填和覆膜处理。

Pancreatic Cancer: Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects in Abidjan (Ivory Coast)

Aim: The aim was to study the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of pancreatic cancers in Ivory Coast. Materials and methods: A retrospective multi-center and multidisciplinary study aimed at describing sixteen years and four months from January 1, 2000 to April 30, 2016 in several hospitals in the city of Abidjan taking charge of pancreatic cancers (hepato-gas troenterology services of the universities hospitals of Cocody and Yopougon), internal medicine departments of University Hospital of Treichville and Abidjan Military Hospital, the department of oncology of the university hospital center of Treichville, private clinics (DANGA, PISAM and GMP), the COBA center in Treichville. The diagnosis of cancer was based on either histological criteria or a set of clinical and paraclinical arguments. Patients whose files did not include imaging were excluded from this study. The following parameters were collected: age, sex, reason for consultation, physical signs, personal and family antecedents, tumor characteristics, delay in diagnosis and the nature of the treatment administered. Results: We have observed 150 cases of pancreatic cancer. The mean age of patients was 59.09 years with extremes ranging from 24 years to 88 years. Our study population consisted of 98 men and 52 women (sex ratio 1.88). Risk factors were dominated by diabetes 20.7%. Epigastralgia is the main reason for consultation (48%). The tumor was localized at the cephalic level in 84.67%. In 13 cases the diagnosis was histological and was dominated by adenocarcinoma (100%). The majority of our patients was seen at an advanced stage of the disease: stage IV (74.56%). The average time to diagnosis was 2.76 months. Fourteen of our patients (9.33%) had benefited surgery. This was curative surgery in 35.71% (n = 5) and palliative in 64.29% (n = 9). Among those who benefited from this curative surgery, three died two months after surgery and two lost to follow-up. The majority (90.67%) of our patients had received symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: Pancreatic cancer is an appalling cancer with a very bad and late diagnosis because of its insidious symptomatology. Most of the time, tumors had already metastasized before diagnosis, so the treatment is often symptomatic.

Impact of Climate Variability on Water Resources: The Case of Marc Delorme-Cnra Station, Southeast of Ivory Coast

This study aims to characterize the climatic variability in the South-East of Ivory Coast and to show its impact on the supply of water resources. To do this, statistical and hydrological methods were applied to climatic data collected at the Marc DELORME Research Station of the CNRA. The statistical trend tests on this data revealed a significant decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature, insolation and evaporation. Statistical break methods indicate a rainfall break in 1982 which marks a modification of the rainfall regime thus translating a drop in rainfall of 15%, a recession in the frequency of rainy days in general and in particular in rainfall heights between 10 and 30 mm and greater than 50 mm. This break is accompanied by a shortening of the rainy seasons, with average rainfall durations ranging from 54 days (short rainy season) to 104 days (great rainy season). Despite the disturbances in the different seasons of the year, the monthly rainfall regimes in the area have not changed. The assessment of the effects of drought on water resources using the Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for three-time scales (1 month, 3 months and 12 months) indicates a severe drought ranging from 3% to 7% over the period 1961 to 2018. However, despite the presence of this severe drought, the intensity of the drought was found to be moderate on all time scales. The Thorrnthwaite method was used to highlight the impacts of this climatic variability on the region’s water resources. The average annual recharge estimated at 402 mm, has been reduced to 153 mm during a deficit period, a decrease of about 62%. The average annual runoff, which was 294 mm, fells to 257 mm, a decrease of about 13%. This recorded decrease in the water infiltrated after the rainfall break (1983-2018), explains the heterogeneous decrease in the depth of the water table.

Doppler Ultrasound Abnormalities of the Lower Limbs in Patients with Diabetic Foot at the Yopougon University Hospital in Ivory Coast

Background: Diabetic foot is a frequent complication of diabetes, of multifactorial origin, associating nervous and/or circulatory disorders to which infection is often added. Its care is multidisciplinary and requires coordination between different actors. In this context, arterial doppler ultrasound is essential in the diagnosis of diabetic arteriopathy and participates in therapeutic decision-making. The aim of this study was to describe the abnormalities found on Doppler ultrasonography of patients hospitalized for the diabetic foot in the Ivory Coast. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study including 235 patients hospitalized for the diabetic foot in the Endocrinology department of the Yopougon University Hospital from February 2002 to December 2015. All records of patients who performed arterial Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs were selected and the various abnormalities were described. Results: The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.1 (124 men to 111 women). The predominant age group was 61.2 years. Type 2 diabetes was found in 97.4% of cases. The average evolution of diabetes was 8.9 years with extremes of 1 and 32 years. Wet gangrene was the most common type of lesion found in 75.8% of cases. On ultrasonography, 98.7% of the patients had an arterial abnormality of the lower limbs. It was bilateral in 62.2% of cases, dominated by atheromatous overloads and mediacalcosis in 46.4% and 43.8% of cases, respectively. Arterial stenosis was lesions hemodynamically found in 76.3% of cases and arterial occlusions in 32.7% of cases. The amputation rate was 72.7%. Conclusion: This study shows the high frequency of arterial abnormalities in patients with the diabetic foot with a predominantly distal involvement. Arterial Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs remains an essential tool in the care of diabetic foot. This easily accessible, non-invasive examination has a key role in therapeutic decision-making.

PRODUCTION AND TRANSFORMATION OF IVORY BONE IN OSTEOARTHRITIC FEMORAL HEAD

Twelve femoral heads were collected during total hip replacement forosteoarthritis of hip joint. The areas on the femoral head denuded of articular cartilageand the ivory bone were studied with scanning electron microscope. The following findingswere observed: 1. Over the area denuded of articular cartilage, the subchnodral bone platerevealed flake-like trabeculae whick were unequal in size and haphazard in array. Therewas a transformation of the flake-like trabeculae into lamellar bone tissues. 2. Over theivory bone, the lamellar bone tissues turned into Haversian systems and interstitiallamellae, thereby revealing characteristics of compact bone and became extremely hard. 3.Over the surface of the ivory bone could be seen fibrocartilaginous islands, representingreparative response from the marrow tissues.

Predictors of Direct-Acting Antivirals Failure in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus in Ivory Coast: About 5 Cases

Context and Aim: Direct-acting antivirals are the therapeutic revolution in the management of viral hepatitis C, but often with a few cases of failure. The aim of this study was to identify factors that may be implicated in the failure of direct-acting antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus in Ivory Coast. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study with a retrospective compendium of data from the year 2016 to the year 2018. This study included all patients with chronic viral hepatitis C, patients naive to antiviral treatment, or pre-treated patients in whom a failure to treatment with direct-acting antiviral has been diagnosed. Results: During the study period, 5 patients out of 14 cases of therapeutic failure were included, i.e. 35.71%. Most of the patients were over 50 years (4 out of 5) and predominantly female (3 out of 5). High blood pressure was the most common comorbidity (3 out of 5 patients). Genotype 1 was found in 4 patients versus 1 case of genotype 2. None of the patients had hepatitis B or HIV coinfection. A viral load > 6log was found in 4 patients at baseline. All our patients had hepatic cytolysis. Two of them were cirrhotic. All 4 cases of genotype 1 benefited from the combination sofosbuvir + ledipasvir for 12 weeks and the case of genotype 2 from the combination sofosbuvir + ribavirin for 24 weeks. The resistance mutations were observed mainly on the sequencing of NS5A at the Y93H, L31M, 28L, 30T, 31V, 58S and 93H genes and a case of mutation on the N3 gene sequencing. Conclusion: Age > 50 years, comorbidities (high blood pressure), polymedication, female gender, genotype 1b, viremia > 6log, and cytolysis were the profile of patients with treatment of HCV by direct-acting antiviral failure.