Colorectal Cancer in the Oncology Department at the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, Antananarivo, Madagascar: Retrospective Study

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer morbidity. The epidemiological and therapeutic data available are very limited in Antananarivo. The aim of this study was to provide an updated report on the management of colorectal cancer and know the survival of patients. Patients and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study during 2018 and 2019 carried out in the oncology department of Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Antananarivo Hospital. Newly diagnosed patients with histological evidence were included in the study. Results: Sixty-five cases of cancer were collected, including 39 colon cancers and 26 rectal cancers. The average age was 53 years with extremes of 18 and 83 years. In 41.53%, the patients were young people under 50 years old. The sex ratio was 0.95. Four patients (6.15%) had a family history of first degree cancer. The left colon was the most common location in 43.06% of cases. Only 39% of patients were diagnosed within 6 months of the first symptoms. The most common histological type was lieberkuhnian adenocarcinoma (87.69%). None of the patients underwent an immunohistochemistry examination. Stage IV and III accounted for 41.53% and 35.38% respectively. The majority (55.38%) of patients had benefited from surgery. Chemotherapy was performed in 56.89% of cases. One metastatic patient had received targeted therapy. Nine patients (34.61%) among the 26 with rectal cancers had benefited from concomitant radiochemotherapy. Survival at 30 months was 20%. Conclusion: The survival rate of patients at 30 months is very low. Improving the management of colorectal cancer requires awareness-raising and early detection.

Study of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Hôpital de Référence Saint Joseph, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Foot infections resulting from biofilm producers and multi-drug resistant organisms is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus, as it can impede the wound healing process. This study was carried out in order to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern and the biofilm production in diabetic foot ulcers isolates. Clinical samples were collected from patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers by using sterile swabs. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using disk diffusion method on Mueller Hinton Agar. Biofilm formation was assessed by Crystal Violet Staining Method. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were resistant to ofloxacin (83.3%), ciprofloxacin (75.0%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (75.0%), and gentamicin (58.8%) but very sensitive to oxacillin (100.0%) and vancomycin (91.7%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates showed resistance to the commonly used antibiotics such as ofloxacin, cefotaxime, ampicillin (81.8%), ceftazidime and imipenem (72.7%). The majority of bacteria studied were biofilm producers. This study showed that bacteria isolated from diabetic foot ulcers were biofilm producers and presented resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Knowledge on antibiotic sensitivity pattern and biofilm phenotype of the isolates will be helpful in determining the drugs for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

The Epidemio-Clinic Profile of Clandestine Abortion at Saint Joseph Hospital (Kinshasa)

Objective: To identify the epidemiologic profile of the woman having practiced the clandestine abortion, to determine the frequency and the complications of the clandestine abortion and to evaluate the prognosis of the clandestine abortion in our area. Method: The present study is descriptive and retrospective covering the period from January 2017 to December 2017, the one year period. On 118 patients received in the service for clandestine abortion, 60 were retained for the study. The 58 other files were excluded because of not containing sufficient information for this study. The descriptive statistical analyses were applied for the data analysis. Results: The frequency of the allowed patients for complication of clandestine abortion caused at the Saint Joseph hospital of Kinshasa was 6.03%. The most concerned population with this practice was less than 15 years and more than 45 years;they were unmarried (41.6%) and nulliparous (41.6%) in most cases. Ancillary medical staff (especially nurses) was accused the most in this practice of the illegal abortion caused by the dilatation and curettage with 50%. The genital haemorrhage constitutes the principal complication and reason for consultation and accounted for 78.3%. The assumption of responsibility is primarily medical and surgical. The vital prognosis is satisfactory for the immediate one, because no death is noted. Conclusion: The clandestine abortion remains public health problem in our communities. The results found in our study call for certain reflections so that to reduce its frequency and to avoid its complications.

离校转衔课程指标体系建构的初步研究

离校转衔课程对于残疾儿童过渡至成人生活有重要意义。经文献分析,离校转衔课程框架涵盖日常生活、社会融合、教育与升学、就业与工作和自我决定五大领域;经工作分析,编制包括36个二级指标和115个三级指标的离校转衔课程指标体系。采用问卷法,调查54名特殊教育学校毕业年级教师对该指标体系的评价,结果显示,该课程所有指标的评价处于中上水平。未来应在各指标检验的完善、课程的优化及评估工具的开发等方面做进一步研究。

Prevalence of Drug Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli from Immunocompromised Diabetic Patients Attending Selected Health Facilities in Benue State

Escherichia coli is the commonest bacterial uropathogen of UTIs, the commonest infections in immunocompromised diabetic patients. Better understanding of their main resistance mechanisms to commonly used antibacterial agents will help to reduce the burden of this infection. The prevalence of drug resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from immunocompromised diabetic patients attending selected health facilities in Benue State was investigated. Two hundred and ninety-six midstream urine samples were collected for both study and control diabetic patients. Bacterial isolation was done using semi-quantitative method. Drug resistant Escherichia coli were identified as multidrug resistant (MDR), extensive drug resistant (XDR) and pan-drug resistant organisms (PDR). Statistical significance was considered at p E. coli isolates from the study and control subjects with overall prevalence of 20.9% and 8.4% respectively. The isolates were highly resistant to penicillin (ampicillin), monobactam (aztreonam), older quinolone (nalidixic acid) whereas the majority of them showed high susceptibility to aminoglycoside (streptomycin), cephalosporin (cefotaxime) and carbapenem (imipenem). None showed complete susceptibility to all the tested antibiotics. Twenty-five E. coli were identified in this MDR, eight, XDR while 5 were PDR. High numbers of drug resistant E. coli isolates were identified in the study group of which 25 were MDR, 8 XDR while 5 were PDR isolates. High prevalence of UTI and drug resistant isolates occur in diabetic patients with hyperglycemic condition.

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.

Stochastic Model of Dengue: Analysing the Probability of Extinction and LLN

In this article, we develop and analyze a continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) model to study the resurgence of dengue. We also explore the large population asymptotic behavior of probabilistic model of dengue using the law of large numbers (LLN). Initially, we calculate and estimate the probabilities of dengue extinction and major outbreak occurrence using multi-type Galton-Watson branching processes. Subsequently, we apply the LLN to examine the convergence of the stochastic model towards the deterministic model. Finally, theoretical numerical simulations are conducted exploration to validate our findings. Under identical conditions, our numerical results demonstrate that dengue could vanish in the stochastic model while persisting in the deterministic model. The highlighting of the law of large numbers through numerical simulations indicates from what population size a deterministic model should be considered preferable.

Taxonomic Study of Five Parasitic Polypores of the Hymenochaetaceae Family of TIN Vegetation in Western Burkina Faso

The aim of this work is to inventory and study the lignicolous parasitic macrofungi of the Tin plant formation. The mycological outings from July to September 2018 and 2019, collected forty-four (44) basidiomes through a random sampling device over an area of 40,000 m2 including 1000 m long by 40 m2 wide. The standard methods and techniques used in mycology for taxonomic studies were used to describe and classify the carpophores collected in three families: Hymenochaetaceae, Ganodermataceae and Polyporaceae, into eight genera: Onnia (4.55%), Amauroderma (4.55%), Ganoderma (20.45%), Phellinus (52.27%), Inonotus (4.55%), Phellinopsis (6.82%), Grammothele (2.27%) and Trametes (4.55%). The genera Phellinus and Ganoderma were the most abundant. Finally, eight species were identified: Inonotus cf. ochroporus, Inonotus cf. pachyphloeus, Phellinus cf. cryptarum, Phellinus cf. hartigii, Phellinus cf. hippophaecola;Phellinus cf. robustus, Phellinus cf. igniarius, et Amauroderma cf. fasciculatum. Seven fungal species belong to the family Hymenochaetaceae and only the species Amauroderma cf. fasciculatum is a Ganodermataceae. However, all these fungal species are shown to be parasites of trunks and/or branches of the following woody: Parkia biglobosa (50%), Anogeissus leiocarpus (25%), Annona senegalensis (12.5%) and Mangifera indica (12.5%). Authors attest that the presence of phytoparasitic polypores in a plant formation is an indicator of aging hence the urgency to put in place the appropriate measures to safeguard and restore Tin’s plant formation.

Pulsed lavage in joint arthroplasty: A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Knee and hip osteoarthritis affects millions of people around the world and is expected to rise even more in frequency as the population ages.Joint arthroplasty is the surgical management of choice in these articulations.Heterotopic ossi-fication and radiolucent lines formation are two frequent problems faced in hip and knee replacements respectively.Some studies show that the usage of pulsed lavage may prevent their formation.AIM To compare pulsed lavage to standard lavage in joint arthroplasty.METHODS PubMed,Cochrane,and Google Scholar(page 1-20)were searched till December 2023.Only comparative studies were included.The clinical outcomes evaluated were the heterotopic ossification formation in hip replacements,radiolucent lines formation,and functional knee scores in knee replacements.RESULTS Four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis.Pulsed lavage was shown to reduce the formation of radiolucent lines(P=0.001).However,no difference was seen in the remaining outcomes CONCLUSION Pulsed lavage reduced the formation of radiolucent lines in knee replacements.No difference was seen in the remaining outcomes.Furthermore,the clinical significance of these radiolucent lines is poorly understood.Better conducted randomized controlled studies and cost-effectivity studies are needed to reinforce these findings.

HPV/HBV or HPV/HCV Co-Infections in Women Treated for Chronic Hepatitis at Hôpital Saint Camille in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a public health concern and is mainly caused by Human papillomaviruses (HPV). In many parts of the world, studies are being carried out to understand the different genotypes to better tackle this issue. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence of HPV genotypes in women with chronic hepatitis B or C infection, co-infected or not with HIV, treated at the Hôpital Saint Camille in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Methods: This study was conducted from April to July 2023, including 100 women in gastroenterology at Hôpital Saint Camille. A questionnaire on their socio-demographic and life style was administrated;and endocervical samples were collected using sterile swabs and then sent to Centre of Biomolecular Research Pietro Annigoni (CERBA). HPV molecular detection and genotyping were performed by PCR and hybridization using the HPV Direct Flow Chips kit. Data were analysis using chi square test or Fischer’s exact test with a significance threshold for p Results: The prevalence of HPV infection was 28% (28/100) on the sample of women tested. The most frequent genotypes were HPV 52 (8.33%), followed by HPV 18 and 68 (6.25% each) for high-risk HPVs, and HPV 6, 44/55 and 62/81 (8.33% each) for low-risk HPVs. Conclusion: This study, the first of its kind in Burkina Faso on this group of the population, reveals that the most frequent genotypes found in this study are not included in the vaccine available in Burkina Faso (Gardasil®4).

Measuring Cognitive and Psychosocial Accessibility to Modern Contraception: A Comprehensive Framework

Nowadays, more than ever, the improvement of access to family planning (FP) has become an international goal. What constitutes access to FP? Current human rights-based contraceptive guidelines indicate that access begins as soon as women or couples express a desire to avoid pregnancy and their risk of unintended pregnancy is established. However, few studies have sought to define and measure cognitive and psychosocial access to contraception. To propose a comprehensive framework for the cognitive and psychosocial accessibility of contraception, we critically analyzed the literature on attitudes toward FP. The main dimensions that emerged were knowledge about FP, fear of side effects, approval of contraception, and contraceptive agency. We then identified and adjusted some questions that can capture these dimensions more comprehensively. As a result, we developed a questionnaire module comprising 15 questions, which was integrated into the 6th round of the PMA2020 survey in Burkina Faso in 2019. This research highlighted that previous studies have collected separate dimensions of contraceptive access, and the psychosocial dimension tended to be neglected. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to collect comprehensive data on cognitive and psychosocial dimensions of access to family planning.

Effect of Prone Position in Severe Covid-19 Patients in a Referral Center: A Cohort Retrospective Study

Introduction: Covid-19 is defined as a pandemic disease by WHO, in November 2023, WHO recorded 772.1 million confirmed cases and 6.9 million deaths, including 68,382 confirmed cases and 1426 deaths in Madagascar. The management of severe cases of Covid-19 remains a challenge for the healthcare system in a resource-limited country, due to the consumption of human resources, the shortage of medical resources and the lack of capacity in resource-limited countries. Prone position (PP) improves survival in acute respiratory distress, and numerous studies have shown that during Covid-19, it reduces mortality rates at 28 and 90 days, and increases the number of days without mechanical ventilation. However, data on the beneficial effects of PP remain limited in low-income countries. In this context, our study aims to evaluate the benefits of the prone position for severe Covid-19 patients in a referral center in Madagascar. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study, during the 2nd and 3rd waves of COVID-19, over a period of 11 months in two wards managing COVID-19 cases. We included all patients aged 15 and over with severe forms of COVID-19 who required 6 l/min of oxygen therapy. Results: We enrolled 123 patients, including 40 in the prone position and 83 in the supine position, with a mean age of 60.5 ± 12 years. The prone position (DV) reduced the risk of probable complications of COVID-19 with a strong association in terms of use of respiratory assistance (OR = 0.15;95% CI = 0.05 - 0.47), respiratory deterioration (OR = 0.22;95% CI = 0.09 - 0.58), shock (OR = 0.30;95% CI = 0.11 - 0.79) and hemodynamic instability (OR = 0.33;95% CI = 0.12 - 0.95). Univariate analysis of the effect of prone position on SpO2 showed improvement with significant associations with SpO2 at Day 1- Day 3, D4 - D7, D8 - D14, and persisting even at D15 - D21, D3 and D2 before discharge, and at discharge. In the overall population, the mean length of hospital stay was 22.8 ± 22.1 days, with extremes of 1 and 67 days. Univariate analysis of the effect of the prone position showed a reduction in length of hospital stay with a strong association (p = 0.001) and a mean difference of 14 days. The prone position reduced mortality with a significant association (OR = 0.44;95% CI = 0.20 - 0.98). Conclusion: Awake prone position prevents complications of COVID, improves SPO2 even up to hospital discharge and reduces hospital stay. This practice is simple, less costly and suitable in low income countries.

Study of Harmful Vaginal Practices of Women in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Vaginal practices include washing, altering, cutting, cleaning, enhancing, drying, tightening, lubricating, or loosening of the vagina, labia, clitoris, or hymen. This study aimed to investigate the different vaginal practices of women using non-pharmaceutical products. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical purposes that took place from January 15 to April 23, 2023, in the four largest markets in the municipality of Ouagadougou. This was performed using the data collection sheet in the KoboCollect application. Epi info 7.2.5.0. software was used for data analysis. For the analysis of associated factors, a p-value Results: In total, 977 women were surveyed. Among them, 43.19% underwent vaginal procedures using non-pharmaceutical products. The female practitioners were 34.34 ± 7.44 years old. The products used included plants, mineral substances, ointments, tablets, and solutions. Among the practicing women, 40.99% were looking for vaginal tightening. The main purpose was to maintain their partners (45.97%). Three-point thirty-two percent (3.32%) of the women who underwent vaginal procedures had reported adverse events. Conclusion: Raising awareness of the consequences of vaginal practices and encouraging women to go to a health center for any gynecological problem could significantly reduce the prevalence of vaginal practices.

Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in HBsAg-Negative and Anti HBc Positive Patients

Background: Surface antigen (HBsAg) is the mean marker of hepatitis B virus infection. During the course of the infection, some patients lose the HBsAg and only the presence of anti-HBc antibody indicates previous contact with the virus. Among these patients, some have detectable viral load (occult infection) but most without viral replication. There is no guideline regarding these patients. The aim of this study was to assess hepatic fibrosis in patients with only the hepatitis B virus contact marker “total anti-HBc”. Patients and methods: it was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted in three private hospitals from January to August 2022. Were included HBsAg-negative and HBc-positive patients, consulting in Gastroenterology departments. Noninvasive methods (APRI, FIB-4 and FIBROSCAN) were used to evaluate liver stiffness because of their easy accessibility and low-cost. The hepatic fibrosis was considered significant when the score determined by APRI, FIB-4 and FIBROSCAN® tests was respectively greater than 1.5;2.67 and 8 kPa corresponding to fibrosis level 2 (F2). Results: A total of 63 HBsAg-negative/total HBcAg-positive patients were included. The mean age was 49.9 ± 13.4 years. The male/female sex ratio was 1.78. Of the 63 patients, 19 had significant liver fibrosis (30.1%) among which 9 patients had HCC. The FIB-4 score outperformed the APRI score in assessing liver fibrosis, with a sensitivity of 84.2%, a specificity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 93.6%. In univariate analysis, there was a significant association between the occurrence of significant liver fibrosis and age over 40 years, dyslipidaemia, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, herbal medicine, negative anti-HBs immunological status and detectable viral load. Conclusion: Our study revealed a high prevalence of significant to severe hepatic fibrosis in anti-HBc positive patients. In most of the cases, the fibrosis was severe. Progression to HCC has also been possible. There is no consensus on the follow-up strategy for those patients. However, screening for hepatic fibrosis using noninvasive methods should be recommended for patients aged over 40 years, alcohol or herbal medicine users, patients with metabolic syndrome or occult hepatitis B. In HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients, liver stiffness should be evaluated and if it is greater than F2, HCC screening should be started.

Microbiological Quality Assessment of Mutton in the Saaba District in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: This study was carried out to assess the quality of sheep meat sold to consumers in Saaba municipality. Methods: A preliminary survey consisted of assessing hygiene and sampling meat in butchers’ stores. To achieve this, 100 sales outlets were surveyed for their hygiene conditions. 25 mutton meat samples were sampled in the three villages in Saaba district and analyzed using conventional microbiological techniques. The analysis consisted of determining the microbiological characteristics. Results: According to the results of this study, 100% of the butchers surveyed were men of the region. Among these men, 13% had secondary education, 46% had primary education and 41% were illiterate. Of the 100 retail outlets visited, 96% of the sellers were unaware of the hygiene rules and the dangers of microorganisms. The microbiological analysis of the samples revealed that 100% of the meat was of unsatisfactory microbiological quality. The average contamination rate by total aerobic mesophilic flora, total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and yeasts and molds was 8.93 × 106, 3.12 × 105, 3.69 × 106, and 6.74 × 103 CFU/g respectively. No Salmonella strain was detected in any of the samples analyzed. Conclusion: Our results pointed out the unsatisfactory safety quality of the sheep meat sold in the sheep meat and good hygiene practices.

Nutritional and Sanitary Quality of Infant Flours Produced in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The quality of infant flours used during the weaning age is of great importance in that it conditions the nutritional health of infants and young children. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and sanitary quality of infant flours produced in the city of Ouagadougou. This was a cross-sectional study including 11 out of 25 infant flour production units that gave their consent to partake in the study. In total, 25 infant flour samples have been collected from July to September 2021. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters were determined according to standard methods. The ANOVA analysis of variance showed significant differences between the means of the physico-chemical and the means of the microbiological parameters respectively. The results showed that 60% of proteins and 80% of lipid and total carbohydrate contents were below the authorised limits. The energy values were below the authorised limit in 88% of the cases. All instant infant flours had microbiological loads compliant with Burkinabè standards. As for infant flour to be cooked, 63.64% and 81.82% had satisfactory numbers of total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were detected in these samples with 86.36% of infant formulae having results below the recommended limit. These results show that the infant flours produced in Ouagadougou were somehow of acceptable quality. However, there is a need to improve the formulae for macronutrient contents, energy values and sanitary quality to comply with the recommendations.

Assessing the Impact of Gold Mining on the Quality of Water Resources in the Commune of Meguet, Burkina Faso

Despite its often illegal nature, artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso contributes to the economic and social development of the country. However, the rudimentary techniques used in gold panning have a significant impact on the environment due to inappropriate practices and the use of various chemical substances. This study aims to assess the impact of artisanal gold mining on the quality of water resources in a rural community at Méguet, Burkina Faso. To this end, surface and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed at the BUMIGEB laboratory. Field results show that the waters are slightly alkaline (6.97 < pH < 8.1), weakly mineralized and conductive (124 < EC < 543 μS/cm), with temperatures ranging from 24.6˚C to 31.6˚C. In addition, trace metals (TMEs) analyzed from surface and subsurface waters show very high levels, generally deviating from the levels recommended by WHO guidelines for Burkina Faso. Trace metals contamination of water resources in the commune of Méguet is mainly due to Fe (3.78 - 11.12 mg/kg), Hg (0.03 - 0.29 mg/kg), As (0.01- 6.31 mg/kg) and Pb (0.01 - 3.8 mg/kg). This study can serve as a basis for guiding national environmental policies to protect the water resources of the Méguet mine.

Biocontrol of Aspergillus flavus Strains Isolated from Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Seeds Using Essential Oils of Lippia multiflora Moldenke, Ocimum americanum L. (Lamiaceae) and Eucalyptus cameldulensis Dehnh

In nature, plant extracts play a crucial role in defending plants against biotic and abiotic stressors. Moreover, the use of plant-based products, such as plant extracts, represents a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides, which pose potential health risks to consumers. In this study, the antifungal activity of the essential oils (EOs) of Lippia multiflora, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Ocimum americanum was evaluated against two strains of Aspergillus flavus via the agar dilution method. These two Aspergillus flavus fungi was isolated from Bamabra groundnut seeds. Lippia multiflora essential oil (EO) showed the best results compared with the other oils, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 9000 μg∙mL−1. The MIC for Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Ocimum americanum EOs was 10,800 μg∙mL−1. In view of their antifungal properties, these EOs could be used to develop a new, safe antifungal agent for food preservation.

Nutritional Characterization of Traditional Foods Based on Millet, Sorghum and Cowpea from the North-Central Region of Burkina Faso

The food and nutrition situation in Burkina Faso, like most developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is marked by growing food vulnerability. The majority of local dishes are being abandoned in favor of a minority of imported cereal dishes and other ultra-processed foods. This minority of cereal foods is blamed for stunted growth in children, while ultra-processed foods are linked to chronic diseases such as hypertension, certain types of diabetes and cancer. Knowledge of the nutritional value of local foods is needed to determine their nutritional quality. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional values of local dishes based on millet, sorghum and cowpea in the Centre-North region. The methodology consisted of making an inventory of millet-, sorghum- and cowpea-based dishes using focus groups made up of women and men from three age groups comprising young people, adults and the elderly in the communes of Lebda and Boussouma. The dishes were reproduced, and standard biochemical methods were used for nutritional characterization. A total of 34 dishes were inventoried, including 16 millet/sorghum-based dishes, 8 cowpea-based dishes and 10 dishes composed of millet/sorghum and cowpea or leaves. The mean protein, carbohydrate, ash and iron contents per 100 g DM of the three types of dishes were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05), ranging respectively from 13.61 to 22.63 g, 70.76 to 80.88 g, 1.87 to 5.96 g and 7.67 to 12.06 mg. Those for lipid, energy and zinc were not significantly different, ranging from 5.51 to 6.56 g, from 427 to 433 Kcal and from 2.98 to 3.32 mg respectively. Cowpea-based and mixed dishes cover the nutritional requirements for protein, carbohydrates, iron, zinc and energy recommended for children and adults. The consumption of mixed dishes and cowpea-based dishes could be promoted by nutritional policy to reduce stunting and recommended to obese, hypertensive and diabetic people as part of their diet.

Rotavirus, Norovirus and Astrovirus in Children Aged 0 - 5 Years: Evolution of Prevalence over 10 Years (2013-2023) Following the Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccines in Burkina Faso

Rotaviruses, noroviruses, and astroviruses are responsible for gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old. The objective of our study was to estimate the evolution of prevalence of rotavirus, norovirus and astrovirus infections in children aged 0 to 5 years with gastroenteritis, after the introduction of rotavirus vaccines in Burkina Faso. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and December 2023, collecting 100 stool samples from children with gastroenteritis at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou and the Charles De Gaulle University Paediatric Hospital. Noroviruses and astroviruses were detected using multiplex real-time PCR with a Sacace biotechnology detection kit. Data analysis was performed with Stata statistical software, version 16.0. The prevalence of norovirus infections was 14% and astrovirus infections were 9%. Rotavirus infections were found at prevalence of 15%. The age group most affected by norovirus and astrovirus infections was 0 - 12 months, with respective prevalence rates of 73.34% and 55.56%. The most frequently observed clinical signs in children infected with astrovirus were fever (77.78%), diarrhea (55.56%), and vomiting (44.44%). The introduction of rotavirus vaccines has reduced rotavirus-related infections. However, this has not significantly impacted the prevalence of norovirus and astrovirus infections in Burkina Faso.