Obstacles to the Integrated Care of Children Aged 6 to 59 Months Suffering from Acute and Severe Malnutrition at the Chu-Me and HATC of N’Djamena/Chad

Introduction: the problem of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and its consequences concern and challenge all social actors worldwide. The objective of the study was to identify the real obstacles that actors face in the integrated management of children aged 6 - 59 months suffering from SAM at the University Hospital of Mother and Child (CHUME) and the Chad-China Friendship Hospital (HATC) of N’Djamena. Methodology: this is a cross-sectional descriptive and interpretative study conducted from January to October 2023 at the CHUME and HATC of N’Djamena. It is based on questionnaires and direct observation of two hundred and thirty-six (236) parents or guardians of malnourished children admitted to these health facilities. All 236 agreed to participate freely in this study. Results: it appears from this study that the obstacles to the integrated management of malnourished children were: poor care-care relationship (26.7%) permanent product breaks (22.9%), the direct costs of services ranged from 30,000 to 60,000 FCFA (41.53%), drugs used for the treatment of patients came from the street (66.10%), malaria and anemia occupy an important place (27.5%), 57.2% respondents had monthly income below 60,000 CFAF. Conclusion: the present study carried out has identified the real bottlenecks to the integrated management of children suffering from SAM in the therapeutic nutritional units of the city of N’Djamena. .

Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Papillomavirus in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection in the world. Today, there is growing evidence that HPV can be transmitted early in life, and one potential route is mother-to-child transmission. Data on this route of HPV transmission are scarce in Africa and particularly in Burkina Faso, where no data on the subject are yet available. The aim of our study was to estimate the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HPV infection and to identify circulating genotypes. Methodology: Cervico-uterine samples were collected from 100 full-term pregnant women and, buccal samples were obtained from their newborns at Hopital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO) by the specialist physician. HPV DNA amplification and genotyping were performed by PCR followed by hybridization using the HPV Direct Flow Chips kit, detecting 36 genotypes including 18 high-risk and 18 low-risk. Results: The prevalence of HPV in newborns was 8% (8/100). Six (6) HPV-positive neonates had HPV-positive mothers, while 2 HPV-positive neonates had HPV-negative mothers. The vertical transmission rate was 26.09% (6/23). Mother-newborn genotypes were concordant. However, the genotype profile of the newborns was more restricted than that of the mothers. Conclusion: HPV DNA was found in 8% of newborns in our study. The genotype profile of the mother-newborn pair was concordant. Asymptomatic HPV infection in a pregnant woman could constitute a risk factor for vertical transmission.

Evolution of Mother-to-Child HIV-1 Transmission Rate in Mali from 2009 to 2018

Despite enormous efforts to achieve the goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1, it remains a major challenge for many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Mali. Our objective is to assess changes in the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. We conducted a cross-sectional study between January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018 (10 years) of early diagnosis activity in newborns and children born to HIV-1-positive mothers at the National Institute for Public Health (INSP). The samples came from health and referral centers in mali. All samples were received at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the INSP. Proviral DNA extraction was performed from a blood spot sample with a Roche DNA kit, Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 qualitative Test, V2.0 (Roche Molecular System, Inc, USA) following the company procedures. Molecular diagnosis was performed using the same kits using an algorithm of three identical PCRs. The Epi Info version 7 software was used for data analysis with a significance threshold of 5%. A total of 10,714 samples of infants and children born to HIV-positive mothers were analyzed by PCR. Ninety-six percent of mothers were on ARV prophylaxis (AZT 3TC NVP and AZT NVP) and 60% of newborns received the same ARV prophylaxis. Of these children, 956 tested positive with an overall transmission rate of 8.92%, varying between 7.27% in 2009 and 08.01% in 2018. This rate was relatively low among children receiving prophylaxis at 2.04% and remained high for children who received breastfeeding at 5.62%. However, the transmission rate remains low for those who have benefited from mixed and artificial breastfeeding at 1.58% and 1.27% respectively. A significant proportion of children remained infected by their mothers during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. This study shows the importance of early diagnosis of HIV in children using molecular technology.

Experiences of Mothers on the Utilization of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka

Introduction: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is one of the leading causes of mortality among women of reproductive age and Mother to Child Transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus is still a challenge affecting many countries. Globally, an estimation of 180,000 children under 15 years acquire the Human immunodeficiency virus every day, and more than 90% of those infections are due to Mother to Child Transmission. The study sought to explore the experiences of mothers on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka. Materials and Methods: Qualitative interpretive phenomenology study design was employed using in-depth interviews to collect data from a sample that was selected using purposive sampling technique. Thirteen participants were recruited, and these were HIV-positive mothers at least between the ages of 15 and 49 years and enrolled in the Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV program. The in-depth interviews were audiotape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic method. Findings: Three main themes that emerged are;living with HIV, support system and barriers to utilization of Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV services. Most of the participants expressed having acquired knowledge from the program, and received counselling and support from spouses, family as well as health personnel at Mtendere health facility which culminated into a positive experience and enhanced their uptake of the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services. However, barriers to service utilization were identified and these included fear of stigma, negative attitudes from health workers, long waiting times, lack of support and lack of transport to the health facility. Conclusion: Interventions such as community awareness campaigns on Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV, male involvement and implementing mother-to-mother peer support strategies in Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV service utilization should be prioritized so as to alleviate stigma and enhancing a positive experience for these mothers thus reducing on the Mother to Child HIV Transmission burden and mortality rates.

Study on Influencing Factors of Childbearing-Aged Women’s Willingness to Have Multiple Children in China

The fertility rate of China has shown an overall decline trend,so the fully understanding of the factors affecting China’s fertility intention has become the focus of the research.Based on CFPS2020 data,the study subjects were women of age between 20 and 49,who were born after the 1970s and were influenced by the family planning policy.Then,SMOTE-Catboost algorithm was used to construct a model.The results show that:(1)For the women’s willingness to have multiple children,the SMOTE-Catboost algorithm is more effective than the Catboost algorithm,and the classification accuracy is improved by 8 percentage points.(2)The factors influencing women’s willingness to have multiple children were ranked by social status,intergenerational care,education level and age.Women with high social status are more willing to have multiple children;All-day intergenerational care has a positive effect on women’s willingness to have multiple children.And women’s willingness to have multiple children declines with the rise of education level but increases with age.(3)Combined with the CFPS2018 data,the influencing factors changed over time.In 2018,the important factors related to women’s willingness to have multiple children were mainly related to economic,within which the income ranked locally is the most important one.In 2020,the most important factor changed to be social status while economic became less important.

Factors influencing willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials and strategies for effective recruitment

AIM:To explore the factors influencing individuals’willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials.METHODS:A questionnaire survey was conducted from January to April 2021 among patients and their family members at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-sen University,in Guangzhou,China.The survey gathered data on respondents’willingness,demographic and socioeconomic profiles,as well as their reasons and concerns regarding engagement in clinical trials.RESULTS:Of the 1078 residents surveyed(mean age 31.2±13.1y;65.8%females)in Guangzhou,749(69.5%)expressed a willingness to participate in future ophthalmic clinical trials.Specific characteristics associated with greater willingness included a younger age,lower annual income,higher education,prior participation experience,previous ophthalmic treatment,and a better understanding of clinical trials.With the exception of age,these characteristics were significantly linked to a higher willingness.The primary barrier to participation,expressed by 64.8%of those willing and 54.4%of those unwilling,was“Uncertain efficacy”.In terms of motivations,the willing group ranked“Better therapeutic benefits”(35.0%),“Professional monitoring”(34.3%),and“Trust in healthcare professionals”(33.1%)as their top three reasons,whereas the unwilling participants indicated“Full comprehension of the protocol”(46.2%)as the key facilitator.CONCLUSION:This study reveals a substantial willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials and demonstrates the predictive role of demographic and socioeconomic factors.Variations in motivators and concerns between willing and unwilling participants highlight the significance of tailored recruitment strategies.Importantly,the need for and trust in healthcare professionals stand out as powerful motivations,underscoring the importance of enhancing physician-patient relationships,adopting patient-centered communication approaches,and addressing individualized needs to improve accrual rates.

Large Conventional Osteosarcoma of the Proximal Humerus in a 13-Year-Old Child: Case Report

Introduction: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children. It is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis. A late presentation modifies and makes difficult the management affecting the survival of children. We report the case of a large conventional osteosarcoma in a 13-year-old girl. Case Presentation: Adolescent girl admitted for painful swelling of the left shoulder with absolute functional impotence of the thoracic limb and severe anemia. The painful swelling was thought to have been caused by a minor trauma that had occurred six months previously. The patient’s general condition was poor, and she presented with a large, shiny, painful mass over the shoulder and upper 2/3 of the left arm, measuring 28 cm long by 28 cm wide and 57 cm in circumference, and a large fistulous axillary adenopathy. CT scan showed a tumour lesion of the left humerus with liver and lung metastases, raising suspicion of osteogenic osteosarcoma. The tumor was classified according to TNM staging: T2N1M1(a + b). Management was modified when uncontrolled bleeding developed. It consisted of an extended amputation of the left thoracic limb. Pathological analysis showed a high-grade conventional osteosarcoma. Quality improvement was obtained for thirty days, followed by the onset of dyspnea. The evolution was towards death at forty days post-operatively. Conclusion: Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive cancer. Delayed treatment leads to a fatal outcome. Early diagnosis is one of the challenges to be met in order to improve survival.

The Development of a Feeding Coparenting Scale for Japanese Parents of Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Elementary School Children

Aim: Recently, the role of feeding coparenting has gained attention in the child eating research field. The Feeding Coparenting Scale (FCS), a measure of how caregivers interact with their partners when feeding their children was developed in the United States in 2019. However, there is no valid and reliable measure to assess feeding coparenting among caregivers of school-aged children in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the FCS (FCS-J) questionnaire for caregivers with school-aged children. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey completed by caregivers of children aged 10-12 years. A preliminary survey using interviews and a web-based survey was conducted and found that the translated items of the FCS into Japanese were understandable to Japanese people. The developed survey was administered to parents of children at an elementary school. The reliability of the survey was assessed using both test-retest reliability and internal consistency analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was used to test construct validity, and known population validity was examined in relation to attributes, marital satisfaction, and feeding tasks. Results: Findings with 135 parents of school-aged children showed good internal reliability and validity of the FCS-J. The mean score for the overall FCS-J score was 46.2 (SD = 6.2), with Cronbach’s α of 0.72. For the subscales, Cronbach’s α ranged from 0.75 to 0.79. In sum, the present study’s results support the three-factor structure of the FCS in Japanese caregivers in Japan. Conclusions: The developed FCS-J was found to have a certain degree of reliability and validity. In this study, a Japanese version of the FCS-J was developed. .

Special electromyographic features in a child with paramyotonia congenita: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Paramyotonia congenita(PMC)stands as a rare sodium channelopaty of skeletal muscle,initially identified by Eulenburg.The identification of PMC often relies on electromyography(EMG),a diagnostic technique.The child’s needle EMG unveiled trains of myotonic discharges with notably giant amplitudes,alongside irregular wave trains of myotonic discharges.This distinctive observation had not surfaced in earlier studies.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 3-year-old female child with PMC,who exhibited la-ryngeal stridor,muffled speech,myotonia from birth.Cold,exposure to cool water,crying,and physical activity exacerbated the myotonia,which was relieved in warmth,yet never normalized.Percussion myotonia was observable in bilateral biceps.Myotonia symptoms remained unchanged after potassium-rich food consumption like bananas.Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis was excluded.Cranial magnetic resonance imaging yielded normal results.Blood potassium remained within normal range,while creatine kinase showed slight elevation.Exome-wide genetic testing pinpointed a heterozygous mutation on chromosome SCN4A:c.3917G>A(p.G1306E).After a six-month mexiletine regimen,symptoms alleviated.CONCLUSION In this case revealed the two types of myotonic discharges,and had not been documented in other studies.We underscore two distinctive features:Giant-amplitude potentials and irregular waves.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescribing in the Pediatric Department of Gabriel TouréTeaching Hospital, Bamako, Mali

Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate antibiotic prescribing in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted from September 1 to November 31, 2018, in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. All children aged 0 to 15 years hospitalized for any pathology during the study period and having received at least one antibiotic had been included. Results: We collected 445 children’s records out of 1032 admissions during the study period, representing a hospital frequency of 43.1%. The sex ratio was 1.3%. The 2 - 5 age group accounted for 48.1%. Fever was the reason for consultation in 45.6% of cases. Patients’ general condition was altered in 60% of cases. The fathers were blue-collar workers in 65.4% and the mothers housewives in 85%, and had no education in 42.9% and 64.5% respectively. Hepatomegaly was present in 18.2%, splenomegaly in 9.6% and peripheral adenopathy in 3.1%. The site of infection was pulmonary in 37.6% and ENT in 9.2%. Bacterial infection was assumed on admission in 54% of cases, and meningitis in 57.7%. The discharge diagnosis was malaria in 54.6%, severe acute malnutrition in 18.6% and meningitis in 6.7%. The death rate was 3.8%. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was present in 47.3% of patients. CRP was positive in 85% of patients. Blood cultures taken in 27.6% of patients were positive in 5. CSF analysis in 30% of patients showed elevated leukocytes in 6.5%. No cultures were positive. Antibiotic prescription was justified by infectious hypotheses in 43.1% of patients. β-lactam antibiotics were prescribed in 98.6%. Antibiotic therapy was not adapted to national/international recommendations in 68.3% of cases, and was not justified in 16.3% of cases on D5 of hospitalization. Conclusion: Antibiotic use was justified in more than half of patients, but remained inadequate in almost two-thirds of cases, in line with national and international recommendations.

Elbow Dislocation in Children: About Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Background: Elbow dislocations in pediatric patients are rare injuries. This is a therapeutic emergency because a delay in treatment can have disastrous consequences on the functional level of the upper limb. Objective: To present the management of elbow dislocation in children in cases of limited resources. Presentation of the Cases: These were 2 older male children aged 7 and 9 years old, admitted to the emergency room for painful functional impotence of the right elbow after a fall and landing on the right hand. Clinical and radiological examinations were in favor of posterior elbow dislocations. The reductions were carried out under sedation and immobilization in Jersey. According to Robert’s criteria, the functional result was excellent in both patients. Conclusion: Emergency reduction and immobilization whatever the means ensure an excellent functional prognosis even in cases of limited resources.

Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital Center in Dakar

Introduction: Infantile spinal muscular atrophy (ISA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by primary degeneration of cells in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and hypotonia. Its incidence is estimated at 1 in 6000 births worldwide. In Africa, particularly in Senegal, there are few studies interested on this pathology. We therefore deemed this study necessary, which set itself the objective of describing the diagnostic, therapeutic and progressive aspects of infantile spinal muscular atrophy at the Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital Center in Dakar (CHNEAR). Methodology: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study over a period of two (2) years from December 2020 to December 2022. Included were all hospitalized patients in whom the diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy was made with or without genetic confirmation. The data were collected on a pre-established form then entered and analyzed with the following software: Excel 2013 and R version 4.1.3. Results: During our study period, 2100 children were hospitalized, the annual incidence was 0.76%. The average age of our patients was 9 ± 9 months with a range of 3 months to 32 months and the median was 6.5 months. The sex ratio was 7. The notion of family consanguinity was found in 62.5% of cases and the notion of ISA in the family in 25% of cases. Hypotonia and respiratory distress were found at the forefront in equal proportions (50% of cases). Electromyogram (EMG) was performed in 3 patients (37.5%). Symptomatic medical treatment was administered in 100% of patients, 04 patients had benefited from respiratory physiotherapy, i.e. 50% of cases, and genetic counseling was carried out in one patient (12.5%). The evolution was immediately favorable in 2 patients or 25% of cases, unfavorable in 75% of cases with a death rate of 50% and the average age of death was 5.5 months ± 1 with extremes ranging from 3 to 7 months. Conclusion: The number of Infantile spinal muscular atrophy cases remains low in hospitals in Dakar. Diagnostic means are still difficult to access. The course is difficult to predict and is often marked in the long term by respiratory difficulties which can be fatal.

Management of Severely Malnourished Children Aged 6 - 59 Months Hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward of Kayanza Hospital/Burundi

The implementation of WHO guidelines has significantly reduced hospital mortality due to severe malnutrition. Nevertheless, severe acute malnutrition in children under five remains a major public health problem in all low-income countries and is little studied. The study aimed to assess the nutritional status and quality of management of severe acute malnutrition in children aged 06 to 59 months hospitalized in the pediatric ward of Kayanza Hospital. This is a prospective study with descriptive and analytical aims over 6 months from February 10 to July 9, 2023. All children aged 6 to 59 months admitted for severe acute malnutrition are included in this study. The results show that the most affected age group is 12 to 23 months (42.55%). Marasmus is the most common clinical form, at 70.2%. Housewives and mothers from rural areas are the most affected, with rates ranging from 69.14% to 91.49%. The study shows that the reasons for consultation are respectively: edema (29.78%), diarrhea (26.59%), vomiting (19.14%), and fever (14.89%). Dehydration and hypothermia were the main complications observed in 45.74% and 22.34% respectively. Medical treatment was provided by antibiotics (44.68%), artesunate (31.91%), and resomal (21.27%). Nutritional treatment consisted of F75 100% milk and F100 100% milk. Pathologies observed were: anemia 38.29%, malaria 37.23%, urinary tract infection 12.7%, measles 11.7%. The national protocol for integrated management of acute malnutrition (PCIMA) was followed. This study shows that 72.3% of children were successfully treated, with 9.5% dropping out and dying, and 8.5% not responding. We found that malnutrition remains a public health problem, affecting mostly children aged 12 to 24 months. The main complications or pathologies associated with malnutrition are diarrhea, malaria, and fever, and the majority of children suffer from marasmus.

Changes in the Non-targeted Metabolomic Profile of Three-year-old Toddlers with Elevated Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Objective To investigate changes in the urinary metabolite profiles of children exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)during critical brain development and explore their potential link with the intestinal microbiota.Methods Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine ten hydroxyl metabolites of PAHs(OH-PAHs)in 36-month-old children.Subsequently,37 children were categorized into low-and high-exposure groups based on the sum of the ten OH-PAHs.Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to identify non-targeted metabolites in the urine samples.Furthermore,fecal flora abundance was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq.Results The concentrations of 21 metabolites were significantly higher in the high exposure group than in the low exposure group(variable importance for projection>1,P<0.05).Most of these metabolites were positively correlated with the hydroxyl metabolites of naphthalene,fluorine,and phenanthrene(r=0.336–0.531).The identified differential metabolites primarily belonged to pathways associated with inflammation or proinflammatory states,including amino acid,lipid,and nucleotide metabolism.Additionally,these distinct metabolites were significantly associated with specific intestinal flora abundances(r=0.34–0.55),which were mainly involved in neurodevelopment.Conclusion Higher PAH exposure in young children affected metabolic homeostasis,particularly that of certain gut microbiota-derived metabolites.Further investigation is needed to explore the potential influence of PAHs on the gut microbiota and their possible association with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Unraveling the Impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals on Hepatitis-Linked Cirrhosis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Fibrosis, Child Score, and Disease Progression

The treatment of hepatitis C has undergone a significant boom since the advent of direct acting antivirals (DAA). Indeed, the interferon-ribavirin combination that has been used to treat hepatitis C has a virological response in only 45% of cases with significant side effects. The advent of direct-acting antivirals has changed the prognosis of cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C. DAAs have ensured a sustained viral response in the majority of patients. Our work aims to see the evolution of hepatitis C patients at the cirrhosis stage under DAA. We conducted a retrospective study over 15 years (January 2009, January 2024) including all patients with post-viral cirrhosis C, whom we divided into two groups: group A, cirrhotic patients who received ribavirin and interferon, and group B, patients on DAA. From January 2009 to January 2024, we conducted a study of 182 patients with viral hepatitis C, including 102 cirrhotic patients. The mean age was 55 years. 66% of patients were initially treated with the ribavirin interferon combination, while 34% received direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Since the introduction of DAAs, the most commonly used regimens have been sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir with or without ribavirin. Group A achieved sustained virological response (SVR) in 60% of cases, with notable side effects. In Group B, SVR was 98.18%, with improved tolerability and fewer side effects than previous treatments. Fifteen patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a significantly lower mortality rate in those treated with DAAs compared with pegylated dual therapy (p: 0.001).

Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Inguinal Hernia in Children in the General Surgery Department of Reference Health Center in Commune I of Bamako Mali

Inguinal hernia in children is a congenital pathology in children linked to the persistence of the peritoneo-vaginal canal in children and the NüCK canal in girls;persisting into adulthood. This work aimed to study inguinal hernia in children in the general surgery department of the Reference Health Center of Commune I of the Bamako District;to determine the frequency of inguinal hernia;describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of inguinal hernias and in order to evaluate the cost of treatment. This was a prospective study from April 2017 to March 2018 during which 60 children with an inguinal hernia were collected. Inguinal hernias in children represented 9.23% of patients operated on in the department. The average age was 59.23 months with extremes of one month and 180 months and a standard deviation of 49.23 years. The male sex was dominant with a sex ratio equal to 9:1. The notion of prematurity was found in 11.7% and was associated with a testicle not in place in 1.7% of cases. 41.7% of our patients were referred by a doctor and 66.7% of patients presented with painless, intermittent inguino-scrotal swelling (83.3% of cases). The hernia was discovered before one week of life in 50% of cases. Inguinal swelling was absent in 11.7% but observed intraoperatively. The inguinal hernia was unilateral in 91.7% of cases and 70% of hernias were discovered by the parents during pushing efforts. The inguinal hernia was located on the right in 61.7% of cases. The hernia swelling was soft, painless, impulsive and reducible in 78.3% of cases. The swelling was inguino-scrotal in 58.3% of cases. The hernia was simple in 95% of patients and hernial strangulation was observed in 3 cases or 5% of cases. 98.3% of patients were ASA I. The treatment was carried out openly in all our patients including closure of the vaginal peritoneal canal in 95% of cases under general anesthesia in 98.3% of cases. The morbidity rate was 8.4% (surgical site infection: 6.7% of cases and hematoma: 1.7%). The immediate consequences were simple in 96.6% of cases. No cases of recurrence occurred during the 6 months after the intervention. The average cost of care was estimated at 69,743 FCFA.

Solitary Osteogenic Exostosis of the Femur Revealed by Recurring Acute Distal Thigh Pain: About a Case

Introduction: Solitary exostoses are the most common benign tumors of the fertile metaphyses of the long bones of children. Their radiological diagnosis of metaphyseal bone growth must be confirmed on pathological examination. These tumors can remain asymptomatic for a long time and reveal themselves during a particularly vascular complication. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of these tumors. Patient and Observation: We report the case of a 15-year-old adolescent girl, with no particular pathological history, received in the pediatric surgery department of the Donka National Hospital (HND) of the Conakry University Hospital for recurrent acute painful swelling of the lower third of the left thigh in an afebrile context accompanied by lameness and stopping school for a few days (2 - 3 days). The symptoms appear to have evolved over the past 3 years and after physical activities. It regresses with rest, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The notion of trauma and sickle cell disease was not reported in the patient's clinical history. It is the persistence of the symptomatology which motivates the said consultation. On palpation, a small hard mass is noted at the expense of the internal metaphysis of the left distal femur. Deep palpation of this area causes a tingling sensation and during rapid mobilization of the knee. The remainder of the orthopedic examination was unremarkable. Standard x-ray of the femur shows a bony growth with a pointed tip from the distal metaphysis of the left femur. On surgical exploration, we noted a wedge-shaped exostosis oriented towards the vastus medialis muscle. Histological examination of the surgical specimen confirms osteogenic exostosis. There is no recurrence after 2 years. Conclusion: The distal femoral metaphysis is the most common location of solitary osteochondromas in children. Their definitive diagnosis requires the histology of the surgical specimen. Only symptomatic exostoses should be operated on in children.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome as the Primary Presentation of Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), in its secondary form, often complicates rheumatic diseases but rarely constitutes a mode of revelation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects women in adulthood. MAS is a serious condition that may be the first presentation of SLE. Here, we report the case of a 4-year-old female with MAS as the primary manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In this case, we outline the characteristics of a complex case of SLE that was initially accompanied with MAS, and also review the literature to discuss the clinical, biological, and therapeutic aspects of this condition.

Assessing Community Health Interventions in Reducing Infant and Child Mortality in the Southeastern Benin

Background: To reduce infant and child mortality in Benin, a package of high-impact interventions per healthcare level was implemented in 2009. This study aimed to assess the quality of community-based health interventions in reducing infant and child mortality within the municipality of Pobè in southeastern Benin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional evaluative study carried out in November 2021 focused on children aged 0 - 59 months, their mothers, health workers, community facilitators, community health workers and the Town Hall health focal point. Mothers and their children were targeted by cluster sampling, and exhaustive selection was used to recruit all other participants. Predetermined scores based on rating criteria were used to assess the quality of community health interventions using the “input, process and outcome” of Donabedian approach. Results: Over 300 mother-child couples, 46 community health workers, 7 health agents, 1 community facilitator and 1 health focal point from Pobè town hall were surveyed. Intervention quality was judged as “average”, with a score of 73.80%. The “inputs” and “outcomes” components were the weakest links. Conclusion: Improving access to the inputs needed by community health workers can enhance the quality of PIHI interventions.

Impact mechanism of perception on the protection intention of tourist heritage sites:Taking the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal as an example

Heritage tourism is a hot research topic in the academic field,and most scholars focus on the development model of heritage tourism and heritage conservation theory and methods,but less on the heritage tourists themselves.Based on the theory of planned behavior,the study introduces the variable of“perception”,and takes the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal as a case study,and investigates tourists through literature,fieldwork and questionnaires.The study constructs a“perception-subjective norm-willingness to protect”model to explore the influence of tourists’“perception”and“subjective norm”on“willingness to protect”.The study found that:first,heritage tourists’perceptions significantly affect attitudes,subjective norms,perceptual behavior control and willingness to conserve.Second,tourists’attitudes,subjective norms and perceptual behavior control significantly affect their willingness to conserve.Third,heritage tourists’economic perceptions,social perceptions and emotional perceptions can affect willingness to conserve.The study provides references for relevant governments and tourism enterprises to conserve and develop the Grand Canal section.