Blood Pressure Profile and Glycemic Control of Type 2 Diabetics and Hypertensives at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital: A Review of 116 Cases

Objective: The association hypertension and diabetes is important. The two pathologies may influence each other. The aim was to study the correlation between glycemic control and blood pressure control and to determine the factors associated with blood pressure control. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical focus over 7 months. Patients were recruited as outpatients and all underwent ambulatory blood pressure measure, glycated hemoglobin and creatinine measurements, and assessment of compliance with treatment. Results: During this period 116 patients were collected. The predominance was female 69%. The mean age of the patients was 62 ± 7 years with a peak between 60 and 70 years. The average age of hypertension was 12 years and that of diabetes 6 1/2 years. The most frequently associated cardiovascular risk factor was a sedentary lifestyle (71.5%) after age. 57.8% of patients were not controlled at the office, with a predominance of systolic hypertension (58.2%). 61.6% of patients were controlled by ambulatory blood pressure measure, a rate of 47.8% of white coat hypertension. Glycemic control was observed in 42.2% of cases and 87% of patients had good renal function (glomerular filter rate ≥ 60 ml/mn). Therapeutic compliance was good in 53.4% of cases and dual therapy was the most used therapeutic modality 44.8% (52 patients) followed by triple therapy. The factors associated with poor blood pressure control were glycemic imbalance, non-compliance and monotherapy. Dual therapy had a protective effect. Conclusion: The association of hypertension and type 2 diabetes is frequent. The risk of occurrence increases with age. Ambulatory blood pressure measure is the best method to assess blood pressure control. Optimization of blood pressure control should also include optimization of glycemic control.

Practice of Barrier Measures against COVID-19 Among Diabetic People Followed at Departmental University Hospital Center Ouémé-Plateau, Benin, in 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-COV2 appeared in China in 2019. The aim of the study was to evaluate the practice of barrier measures against COVID-19 and to identify associated factors among diabetics followed at Departmental University Hospital Center Ouémé-Plateau, Benin, in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to August 2021, including diabetics aged 18 and over, hospitalized or received for medical visits in the department of medicine at the target hospital. Data were collected during an interview with each participant thanks to a questionnaire. “Good practice” was defined as regular practice of at least two of three barrier measures: hand washing, physical distancing and mask-wearing. Results: A total of 110 diabetics were included with a female predominance (55.5%) and a mean age of 57 ± 11.3 years. Among them, 89.1% washed their hands, 41.8% respected physical distancing and 12.7% wore a mask. The proportion of good practice was 47.3%. Only 5 practiced the three barrier measures. Only age group was associated with good practice. Conclusion: The study showed a low proportion of good practice of barrier measures against COVID-19 among diabetic people surveyed. It is important to continue the action for COVID-19 prevention among diabetic people in the targeted hospital and in other hospitals in Benin.

Pathological and Clinical Correlation European Union-Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (EU-TIRADS) Classification of Thyroid Nodules in Two University Hospitals in Cotonou

Introduction: Since its creation in 2017 by the European community, the EU-TIRADS classification has enjoyed an excellent reputation in several countries around the world. Indeed, several studies conducted in these countries testify to the effectiveness of this tool for the management of nodular thyroid pathology. However, in Benin, the contribution of this classification has not yet been evaluated. It is therefore to overcome this inadequacy that we undertook this study. Objective: Participate in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic management of thyroid nodules at the CNHU HKM in Cotonou and at the CHUZ in Suru-Léré. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection spread over a period of 3 years 5 months, from January 2019 to May 2022 and carried out jointly in the Endocrinology Metabolism Nutrition and ORL-CCF departments of the CNHU HKM of Cotonou and in the ORL-CCF department of the CHUZ of Suru-Léré. The study population consisted of patients who consulted the University Clinic of Endocrinology Metabolism Nutrition, the University Clinic of ORL-CCF of the CNHU-HKM and the University Clinic of ORL-CCF of the CHUZ of Suru-Léré for thyroid nodule and who have had surgery. The study data was collected from patients hospitalization records using a survey form. Results: On ultrasound, according to the EU-TIRADS classification, 56.8% of nodules presented a low risk of malignancy (EU-TIRADS 3) compared to respectively 19.8%;23% and 2.5% of nodules with zero (EU-TIRADS 2), intermediate (EU-TIRADS 4) and high (EU-TIRADS 5) risk of malignancy. Regarding the performance of this classification, it is sensitive in 37.5% of cases and has a specificity of 78.5% with a PPV (Positive Predictive Value) and a NPV (Negative Predictive Value) respectively of 6.6 % and 91.6%. Furthermore, the bivariate correlations revealed that the size of the nodule was significantly associated with the malignancy of the nodule (p = 0.014) and the calculated value of the Yule’s Q coefficient (0.375) reflects a moderate intensity of the connection between the EU-TIRADS and histology. Conclusion: the EU-TIRADS classification, due to its excellent NPV, is of great interest for the management of thyroid nodules at the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou and at the CHUZ of Suru-Léré. In view of this, particular emphasis must be placed on its regular and rigorous use.

Assessment of precipitation type discrimination methods on glacier of Qilian Mountains

Solid precipitation is not only the main supply for glacier mass,but also exerts an important influence on surface albedo and intensifies glacier melting.However,precipitation type observation is very scarce in the high alpine glaciers,which limits the precise simulation of glacier mass balance.This study assessed three discrimination methods of precipitation types including Ding method,Dai method and Froidurot method based on surface albedo observation data on the Laohugou Glacier No.12(LHG Glacier)in western Qilian Mountains.The results showed that Ding method had a best applicability on the LHG Glacier,the other two need to calibrate parameters when they are used in the high elevation glacier region.Then we fitted the relationship between snowfall probability and fresh snow albedo,and put forward a revised formula to simulate fresh snow albedo based on Ding method,which is expected to reduce the uncertainty in glacier mass and energy balance model.Finally,we found a best air temperature threshold of 4℃for discriminating monthly precipitation types.In order to accurately simulate the glacier melt,it is necessary to obtain the threshold temperature appropriately in different glacier region with different elevation and humidity.

Bacteriological Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Cervico-Facial Cellulitis at the Regional Teaching Hospital of Ouahigouya (Burkina Faso)

Context and Objective: Cervicofacial cellulitis is a lethal infection without treatment. The aim of this study is to establish the bacteriological and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of cervico-facial cellulitis at the Regional Teaching Hospital (RTH) of Ouahigouya, in order to guide practitioners in the development of effective probabilistic antibiotic therapy protocols. Subjects and Methods: This was a transversal descriptive study with prospective data collection from July 1 to December 31, 2021 at the RTH of Ouahigouya. All cases of suppurative cervicofacial cellulitis that had been the subject of pyoculture were retained. Results: A total of 63 patients were chosen including 41 men, with 40.91 years as the average age and the sex ratio was 1.86. In 90.48% of cases, the front door was dental. All patients took antibiotics before their admission. Pus culture was positive in 34/63 subjects (53.97%) and showed monomicrobial infection. The isolates were Gram-negative bacilli for 20.59% and Gram-positive cocci for 79.41%. These isolates were all resistant to certain beta-lactams (such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid). However, some isolates were susceptible to cefoxitin, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone. All isolates were sensitive to amikacin for aminoglycosides. As for macrolides, erythromycin had excellent activity (100%) against Gram-positive cocci. Indeed, some isolates were susceptible and others resistant to ciprofloxacin for quinolones. Conclusion: Bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility knowledge of cervicofacial cellulitis may propose an effective probabilistic antibiotic therapy protocol.

Correlation between Ultrasound Aspects of Fibrosis and Fibroscan Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus

Background: The assessment of liver fibrosis is an essential part of the fol-low-up of patients with chronic HBV. Ultrasound and fibroscan are two com-monly used non-invasive examinations and the purpose of this study is to as-sess the correlation between the results of these two examinations in the as-sessment of liver fibrosis. Methodology: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with retrospective collection over a period of 30 months from January 01, 2018 to June 30, 2020 on the correlation between the ultra-sound aspects and the results of the fibroscan of patients with chronic carriers of Hepatitis B virus at the Teaching Hospital of Bogodogo and at the faith-based health center CANDAF. Results: A total of 85 patients with fibrosis were collected. The 30 - 40 age group was the most represented (41.18%), with a male predominance of 52.94%. The patients with a married life were the most represented (77.64%), the social stratum the most represented were the middle managers (32.94%). University level was predominant among educa-tion levels (45.64%). The personal history was traditional circumcision (34.12%), excision (21.18%), manicure (16.47%). The circumstances of the findings were blood donation (34.12%), screening (21.18%), fortuitous findings (16.47%). The association between echostructure and fibrosis on the fibroscan scan was significant (homogeneous hyperechoic echostructure p = 0.0028 and granular echostructure p = 0.0001). Fibrosis on scans had a significant associa-tion with liver contour (Regular contours p = 0.0009 and p = 0.0002). Fibrosis on CT scan had a significant association for the diagnosis of fibrosis on ultra-sound (p = 0.0002 for hepatic steatosis and cirrhosis and p = 0.0013 for hepat-ic dysmorphia), on the other hand, no significant association for hepatomegaly (p = 0.8883). Conclusion: Detecting the presence of fibrosis and monitoring its progression improves the management of patients with chronic liver disease. Ultrasound scans and fibroscan are complementary in the follow-up of pa-tients with chronic HBV.

Quality of Life of Patients with Urticaria in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Introduction: The prevalence of urticaria is increasing. Approximately 20% of individuals have suffered from an acute episode of urticaria at least at some point in their lives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and therapeutic socio-demographic profile and quality of live of patients followed for urticaria in the dermatology-venereology department of the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital in Ouagadougou. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a 5-year period from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. The data were collected retrospectively by analysing the files and prospectively by evaluating the quality of life with DLQI. All the records of patients treated for urticaria at the Dermatology-Venerology Department of the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital during the period were included. Results: Urticarial frequency is 1.91%. There were 36 men (25.71%) and 104 women (74.28%), i.e. a sex ratio of 0.34. The median age was 31 years with extremes of 4 to 70 years. The 30 - 45 age group accounted for 51.42%, followed by the 16 - 29 age group (31.42%), then the 46 - 65 age group (9.28%), the 4 - 15 age group (5.71%) and the over 66 age group (2.14%). In terms of occupation, pupils/students accounted for 37.1%, housewives for 18.6% and workers for 44.3%. As for the residence of the patients, 88.57% lived in Ouagadougou Personal history of atopy, it concerned 19.26% of patients, with precisely 9.28% having asthma history, 7.14% having rhino-sinusitis history, 1.42% of atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis respectively. For clinical aspects, 97.14% of the patients had superficial urticaria, and 2.86% had facial angioedema. There were 35% (49) patients with acute urticaria and 65% (91) with chronic urticaria. Chronic urticaria was spontaneous in 55% (50) and physically inducible in 10% (9) (sweating, pressure or friction). 97.14% of patients received antihistamines associated with systemic corticoids in 2.86%. For Quality of life, the mean DLQI score was 7.51, indicating a moderate effect of urticaria on patients’ quality of life. The quality of life of women was more affected than that of men, especially in the professional and social spheres. Conclusion: In hospital frequency of urticaria is low in Ouagadougou, a predominance of chronic spontaneous urticaria whose management involves the use of second generation antihistamines at a dosage and duration that do not meet international recommendations. The patients’ quality of life was moderately impaired.

Clinical Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of the Phytomedicine APIVIRINE Based on Aqueous Extracts of Dichrostachys glomerata (Forssk.). Chiov. (D. cinerea) in COVID-19 Patients without Signs of Severity

Background: Since the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic, several drugs have also been proposed for the treatment of the COVID-19, but the therapeutic effectiveness of those drugs is not satisfactory. This situation has led to the search for therapeutic solutions based on recipes from traditional medicine. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety, efficacy and tolerability of the phytomedicine APIVIRINE in patients with non-severe COVID-19. Methods: Patients were included following defined criteria and followed on an outpatient basis until recovery in accordance with national guidelines for the management of single cases of COVID-19 in Burkina Faso. Vital signs, anthropometric parameters as well as electrocardiographic, hematological and biochemical examinations were measured on D4, D7, D14 and D21. Adverse events were recorded during maintenance. Results: The present study included 45 patients. The clinical signs present at inclusion were mostly cough (44.44%), asthenia (42.22%), headache (40%), and anosmia (35.55%). Dyspnoea and chest pain were less represented in 05 (11.11%) and 06 (13.33%) patients. Cough, dyspnoea, chest pain, fever, sore throat, headache, and nasal obstruction present at inclusion disappeared before Day 4 of treatment. Anosmia and asthenia disappeared before Day 7. At the inclusion visit (Day 1), CRP, WBC, and blood glucose were abnormal in 15 (33.33%), 13 (28.89%), and 11 (24.44%) patients respectively. In addition, 3 (6.66%) patients had elevated creatinine levels. Transaminases Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) were elevated in 05 (11.11%) patients while Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) was elevated in 04 (8.89%) patients. After 4 days of treatment, the cure rate was 33.33% of patients and 48.89% after 7 days. The cumulative cure rate was 86.67% after 14 days of treatment. Conclusion: No serious side effects or allergic reactions were observed during treatment. No clinical complications were observed and all symptoms present resolved on the 7th day of treatment.

Management of Maxillofacial Gunshot Trauma in the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Departments of Ouagadougou

Introduction: Maxillofacial ballistic trauma is a serious injury that is difficult to manage, with significant complications and after-effects. The authors report their experience in managing this type of trauma in the context of insecurity linked to terrorism. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection covering the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 in the stomatology and maxillofacial surgery departments of the university hospitals of Ouagadougou. Results: In 5 years, 52 patients were collected, i.e. 10.4 cases per year. The mean age of the patients was 31.46 ± 15.41 years, and the sex ratio was 3. In 67.31% of patients, these injuries were the result of shootings during terrorist attacks. The jugal (36.54%) and chin (32.69%) regions were the most affected. The mandible (36.54%) and zygomatic bones (28.85%) were the most injured bones in these traumas. All patients underwent surgical treatment, and 25% suffered secondary complications. All patients retained at least one sequela. Conclusion: Maxillofacial injuries caused by ballistic trauma are true emergencies that can be life-threatening and functionally disabling. Their management is delicate and the outcome is uncertain, hence, the prevention is important.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Difficulties in Diagnosis at the Souro Sanou University Hospital, Burkina Faso

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is the most common enzymopathy worldwide. The precise prevalence of G6PD is unknown in Burkina Faso. The objective of the study was to describe the difficulties to diagnose this disease at the Souro Sanou University hospital (CHUSS) in Bobo-Dioulasso. It involved five patients comprising one child with homozygous SS sickle cell disease, one adolescent screened following a family investigation, and three adults including a man and two women. Blood smear stained with May Grunwald Giemsa was performed to look for specific signs of G6PD-deficient red blood cell and brilliant cresyl Blue for Heinz Bodies. A microscope Olympus BX53 equipped with a Camera (XC10) and connected to a computer was used to read blood smears and capture images. Genes sequencing by Sanger method were performed in a specialized laboratory in molecular genetics. For each analysis, the protocol and instructions of the equipment and reagent manufacturer were applied. Of the five patients, three had anemia and only one had hyperreticulocytosis. Two patients had biological signs of hemolysis and one patient had an elevated CRP. Blood smear stained with MGG and cresyl blue showed specific signs of G6PD-deficient red blood cells and Heinz bodies in all patients. Biochemical analysis and molecular typing confirmed G6PD deficiency. The presence of G6PD-deficient red blood cells in the blood smear guides the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency. The diagnosis is biochemical and is based on the combined measurement of G6PD plus pyruvate kinase and/or hexokinase.

Epidemiology of Lower Extremity Artery Disease in People Living with HIV Followed at the Departmental University Hospital Center Ouémé-Plateau in 2019

Introduction: Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) is a serious cardiovascular disease. People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at risk. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of LEAD and identify the associated factors among people living with HIV who were followed at the departmental university hospital Ouémé-Plateau in Benin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. It included all HIV-infected people who were monitored at the department of medicine of the target hospital during the study period and met the inclusion criteria (followed for at least three months, aged at least 25 years, and having given their written consent to participate). Data were collected during an individual interview, followed by the measurement of parameters. The ankle brachial index ≤ 0.9 was used for the diagnosis of LEAD. Associated factors were searched through a multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of LEAD was 34.2% among 222 respondents having a mean age was 42.9 ± 10.8 years and a female predominance (77.5%). No significant association was found between the presence of LEAD and sociodemographic factors. The presence of LEAD was significantly associated with hypertension and antiretroviral therapy. Hypertensive patients had a higher risk of LEAD compared to non-hypertensive patients (OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.04-3.83], p = 0.037). Those who were receiving second-line therapy also had a higher risk of LEAD compared to those on first-line therapy (OR = 2.95, 95% CI [1.14-7.60], p = 0.025). Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of LEAD especially among hypertensive patients and those who were receiving second-line antiretroviral therapy. LEAD diagnosis and management should be included in the routine care of people living with HIV in Benin.

Meningitis Outbreak Caused by Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C ST 10217 in 2019 in Diapaga, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis constitutes a burden for the countries in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan in general and particularly for Burkina Faso. In 2019 the Diapaga health district experienced a meningitis epidemic due to N. meningitidis serogroup C. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim in the health district of Diapaga where all cases of meningitis were included in this work. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), culture as well as real-time PCR were used for the biological analysis of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples. Results: Of 155 CSF samples analysed, 42% (65/155) were tested positve. Of them, N. meningitidis C accounted for 83% of all positive cases. Likewise, all thirteen (13) NmC strains were susceptible to oxacillin, ceftriaxone, penicillin and chloramphenicol. All strains of NmC belonged to the sequence type (ST) 10 217 and to the clonal complex (CC) 10 217. These CCs belonged to the same variant PorA type: P1.21-15.16;FetA type: F1-7;PorB type: 3-463. Conclusion: Burkina Faso had known an epidemic of meningitis caused by NmC in 2019 in the health district of Diapaga. This outbreak was contained in time due to the performance of the epidemiological surveillance system which made it possible to investigate on time and introduce the vaccine against the pathogen NmC.

ECG and Echocardiographic Findings of Female Hypertension (fHTN) in the Cardiology Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Touré (UH-GT)

Introduction: In our setting there is a lack of publications on female hypertension in general population motivating this study to look for electro- and echocardiographic findings of female hypertension. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study during 6 months in the cardiology department of the UH-GT including 324 female patients aged 18 and more seen in the outpatient unit and by whom the diagnosis of hypertension was set. All patients consented to be study participants after receiving clearly information about the study and that care giving will not be affected by their eventual refusal. Data collection has been done with all needed confidentiality rules. A survey formular was used to collect data in order to record them in an Access database. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS software. Quantitative data are presented as mean with standard deviation and qualitative as proportion. Level of significance for statistic test was set at 5%. Results: During the study time 324 among 524 hypertensive patients visited our outpatient unit giving a prevalence of fHTN of 61.8%. The means for age, body mass index (BMI) in female hypertensive patients were respectively 52 ± 14.461 years and 27.35 ± 06.585 Kg/m2. Main ECG findings were left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and sinus tachycardia with respectively 93.6% and 46.4% followed by isolated ventricular extrasystole with 33.7%. Echocardiography findings included LVH, relative wall thickness (RWT) and reduced ejection fraction (EF) in respectively 41.05%, 37.35% and 21.91%. The left ventricular mass (LV) mass and geometry were abnormal in 44.4% and 37.3%. Remodeling as geometry modification (18.2%) and mitral flow Type 2 (90.4%) have been the most abnormal findings. Conclusion: Hypertension induced modifications mainly LVH in ECG and Echocardiography in female patients less than encountered among male hypertensive patients.

Risks Factors Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy at the National University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) at the National University Hospital Center-Hubert Koutoukou MAGA (CNHU-HKM). Patients and method: this was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. It was carried out over a three-month period from July 10 to October 10, 2019. It concerned all patients suffering from diabetes mellitus and who consulted in the Endocrinology department during the study period. Results: the frequency of diabetic retinopathy was 30.46% (53/174 patients). A female predominance was observed with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.57. The main modifiable risk factors were represented by occupation and those that were not modifiable were represented by the presence of old nephropathy, glycated hemoglobin, age of discovery of diabetes and its length of service. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. The frequency of DR remains high in our study.

Patient Experience at Endoscopy Centers in Three West African Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Corona virus infection and the risk of contagiousness to medical personnel or patients during endoscopy necessitated further measures in the endoscopy rooms. The objective of this study was to assess the experience of patients in endoscopy rooms during the COVID-19 epidemic in West Africa. Patients and Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study that took place over a period of 3 months (June to August 2020) in endoscopy centers in Burkina Faso, Benin and Niger. An online questionnaire was sent to patients who had performed upper digestive endoscopies, in 8 digestive endoscopy centers including private, public and religious structures. Depending on the choice of patients, questionnaires were either sent electronically or completed in the endoscopy room with the help of field investigators. The choice of centers was random from the list of centers and descriptive analyses were carried out. Results: A total of 294 patients responded to the online questionnaire. There were 37 lower and 257 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. The female sex represented 52.1%. The wait times for obtaining an endoscopy appointment were considered satisfactory by 281 patients 95.6%. In the endoscopy departments, 112 patients, or 38.1%, were questioned about the risk factors for contamination of SARS-CoV-2. Among the risk factors found, 6 patients (2.0%) would have traveled abroad in the 2 weeks preceding the examination, 4 patients 1.4% had already been in contact with a subject at risk. The most frequent symptoms were chest pain (80 cases;27.2%), flu-like syndrome (29 cases;9.9%), cough (40 cases;13.6%), fever (46 cases;15.6%). In contrast, ageusia (7 cases;2.4%) and anosmia (5 cases;1.7%) were only found in very few patients. Twenty-two patients (7.5%) felt highly exposed to COVID-19 during the endoscopy examination and 144 patients (48.9%) rated the examination as satisfactory. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal symptoms initially described as rare are being reported with increasing frequency in studies and may motivate the request for endoscopy examinations. However, the risk associated with infection with SARS-CoV-2 does not seem to have been sufficiently taken into account in endoscopy centers in the 3 countries.

Resistance to Abiotic Stress and Effectiveness of Native Rhizobia on Bambara Groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] in Benin

Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.], as a legume, can establish relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium. However, Rhizobium efficacy is not always optimal due to the lack or poor efficient strains in the soil. This study aimed to evaluate symbiotic efficiency of endogenous Rhizobia nodulating Bambara groundnut and their resistance to abiotic conditions. Root nodules were randomly sampled from three agroecological zones across the country, surface sterilized, ground and paste plated on YEMA media. After 24 hours, the bacterial colonies were purified. The pure cultures were further characterized using morphological and biochemical methods and their resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals was evaluated. Lastly, the symbiotic efficiency of the isolates was assessed through a greenhouse experiment. A total of eighty-five presumptive strains were isolated from Bambara groundnut roots nodules obtained from the farms. The physiological characterization of the isolated showed a decrease in isolates growth when NaCl concentration was more than 7%. In addition, 47% of the isolates were tolerant to a temperature of 40°C. Most of the isolates were highly resistant to Erythromycin in all its concentration levels and to Kanamycin, Spectinomycin, Neomycin and Ampicillin at 10 μg⋅mL−1. Most of them showed resistance to Cu and Zn at 10 μg⋅mL−1. Results of the effectiveness test on two Bambara groundnut varieties yielded dry shoot matter varying from 3.33 g⋅plant−1 to 7.21 g⋅plant−1 for variety 1 and from 4.38 g⋅plant−1 to 8.38 g⋅plant−1 on variety 2. N uptake ranged between 0.09 g⋅plant−1 and 0.29 g⋅plant−1 for variety 1 and between 0.12 and 0.29 g⋅plant−1 for variety 2. The isolates yielding higher shoot dry weight and N uptake were LMSEM312, LMSEM338, LMSEM307, LMSEM351 for variety 1 and LMSEM338, LMSEM309, LMSEM307 for variety 2. The isolates showing better performance can be used to develop bio-fertilizer for sustainable Bambara groundnut production in Benin.

GENERAL DECAY FOR A POROUS-THERMOELASTIC SYSTEM WITH MEMORY: THE CASE OF NONEQUAL SPEEDS

The aim of this paper is to establish a general decay result for a one-dimensional porous elastic system with different speeds of wave propagation in the presence of macrotem- perature effect and visco-porous dissipation.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at University Hospital Souro Sanou Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), about 1022 Cases: Signs and Lesions Observed

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is an excellent way for the diagnosis of high digestive pathology. We report the results of 1022 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed at Bobo-Dioulasso CHU-SS, in western Burkina Faso (West Africa). The aim of this study was to document the indications and lesions found in high endoscopy at the CHUSS. Patients and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, prospective to describe the results of gastroscopy performed from 1st January 2015 to 30th June 2016 at the digestive endoscopy unit CHU-Souro Sanou Bobo-Dioulasso. Results: In the study period, 1022 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed. The main indications were: The epigastric pain (48.6%), portal hypertension (10.7%) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (9.9%). The pathologies observed were dominated by gastropathies (48.11%), peptic ulcer (27%) and oesophageal varices (9.68%). Epigastralgias were the main circumstance for the discovery of: 52.3% of esophagitis, 49.17% of gastropathies and 46.12% of peptic ulcers. Histopathologically, the results of the 236 biopsies were dominated by gastritis (88.56%), stomach cancers (7.63%) and esophagus (3.81%). Conclusion: The main indication of the UGIE at the CHU-Souro Sanou in Bobo-Dioulasso was epigastralgia. The pathologies observed were dominated by gastropathy, esophagitis and PUD.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum: A look beyond the chimneystacks

Despite the low incidence, squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) remains the most common scrotal malignancy featuring a propensity for recurrence and metastasis. In recent years there has been a significant change in the epidemiology of scrotal SCC. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for resectable disease. Sentinel lymph node dissection similar to algorithm for patients with penile SCC can reduce the morbidity of routine lymph node dissection. Emerging treatments for advanced and metastatic SCC are at the cusp of significantly changing management of this disease. We have performed a comprehensive review of scrotal SCC with a focus on these topics.

Morbidity and Mortality of Inpatients in the Department of Infectious Diseases of the University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Background: Infectious Diseases are responsible for nearly 17 million annual deaths worldwide. Burkina Faso, like the majority of poor countries, remains vulnerable to infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to analyze the profile of inpatients, including the mortality and causes of death, in the Infectious Diseases Department of SourôSanou teaching hospital (Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso). Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study based on medical records of all inpatients from 2011 to 2015. Results: We included 1169 patients. The gender ratio was 0.8. The age group 30 to 39 was more represented (30.2%) as well as housewives and farmers (73.7%). Over one-thirds of the patients (35.3%) were consulted within an average of 7 days. The most common reason for consultation was fever (65.1%). Around 62.0% of inpatients were infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Digestive diseases ranked first (21.8%) followed by nervous system disorders (19.4%) and tuberculosis (17.8%). Overall morbidity rate was 31.3%. About 42% were admitted to the emergency ward while 83.3% already arrived with poor health condition. And 82.1% of deaths occurred on pathological grounds of which 66.7% were related to HIV. Main causes of death included nervous system diseases (28.6%), tuberculosis (21.9%) and gastrointestinal diseases (18.3%). Conclusion: Infectious diseases remain a major public health issue. Further efforts are needed to improve their management in Burkina Faso.