Epidemiological, Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Prognostic Profile of Non-Tuberculous Community-Acquired Purulent Pleurisy in Children at the Bouaké University Hospital Center, 2017-2021

Introduction: In Côte d’Ivoire, there is a scarcity of data on children’s purulent pleurisies. Objective: This study aims to elucidate the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary facets of non-tuberculous purulent pleurisies in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the medical records of children aged one month to fifteen years with purulent pleurisies at Bouaké University Hospital Center from January 2017 to December 2021. Results: The study identified 124 cases of purulent pleurisies, constituting 18% of lower respiratory tract infections and 0.8% of all hospitalizations. The majority of these cases (69%) were in children between 1 and 24 months of age. Prominent symptoms included dyspnea (85.5%), O2 saturation below 95% in room air (76.6%), respiratory distress (68.5%), cutaneous-mucosal pallor (63.7%), and fever (43.5%). Radiological findings predominantly showed right-sided pleurisy (62.1%). The pleurisy was often extensive (78.2%), accompanied by pneumothorax (37.1%), alveolo-interstitial opacities (8.1% of cases), and abscess formations (1.6%). Pleural fluid cultures were positive in 46.9% of cases, with Staphylococcus aureus (75%, methi-S) identified among 32 bacteria. Initial antibiotic treatment was empirical, favoring oxacillin (53.2%) or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (53.2%) in dual (42%) or triple therapy (33%) with gentamicin (64.1%) and/or metronidazole (21.8%). Treatments also included pleural drainage (68.5%) or repeated evacuation punctures (33.1%), and blood transfusion (39%). The mortality rate was 18.8%. Conclusion: Non-tuberculous purulent pleurisy remains a significant concern in pediatric hospitalizations at the CHU of Bouaké, marked by high mortality rates.

Production of Yam Tubers Using Seed Tubers from Vitroplants Regenerated from Aerial Stems in the Yam Species Dioscorea alata (L.) and Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata (L. & P.) in Côte d’Ivoire

The aim of this study is to produce large quantities of yam tubers in the field from seed tubers derived from vitroplants regenerated from aerial stem cuttings and farmers’ tuber seeds. Seed tubers from ten yam cultivars, including five from Dioscorea alata (cDa083, cDa053, cDa115, cDa150 and cDa266) and five from Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata (cDr015, cDr027, cDr150, cDr206 and cDr148) with distinct agro-morphological characteristics, were used as material. A completely randomized block design with 3 replications was used. In each block, all cultivars and seed types were represented. When put into cultivation, the tubers produced by the vitroplants all germinated and gave 100% healthy plants, compared with 86% to 100% healthy plants for the seed tubers produced by the farmers. Yields per hectare ranged from 10 to 25 tonnes for seed tubers produced by in vitro plants, and from 4 to 9 tons for seed tubers produced by farmers. Seed tubers from vitroplants can therefore be recommended to farmers as a solution to the problem of seed tuber unavailability.

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

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

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

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

Multicriteria Analysis by Codification for the Determination of Soil Landscape Units in Forest and Pre-Forest Zones of Cote D’Ivoire: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa

The present study, carried out in the forest (Daloa) and pre-forest (M’Bahiakro) zones of Cote d’Ivoire, aims to determine soil landscape units using the coding method. Geological maps and satellite images (SRTM and Landsat) were used for this purpose. The methodological approach adopted consisted in producing maps of slope, geology, land use and topography using the codification method. These various maps, integrated into a GIS using the coding aggregation method, were used to generate soil landscape maps. Twenty-seven (27) soil landscapes have been identified for the pre-forest zone (M’Bahiakro), with a strong dominance of acid rock over a moderate relief under savannah, forest/degraded forest and crops/fallow. However, the forest zone (Daloa), with forty-one (41) soil landscapes identified over the entire zone, is characterized by a majority of mafic rocks on a medium altitude under forest/degraded forest, water and crops/fallow. The criteria used from the codification method (sum of aggregations) made it possible to predict the spatial distribution of soil map units according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation and reinforcement of soil survey tools. However, a comparative evaluation of the different multicriteria analysis methods for coding and weighting soil landscape unit mapping would enable us to identify the most suitable and efficient method for drawing up base maps for soil surveys.

ISO Certification and Technical Efficiency in the Banking Sector:An Evidence from WAEMU’s Countries Using the DEA Method

In the view of the international organization of standardization,the introduction of ISO standards is typical of quality management systems oriented towards strengthening the efficiency of enterprises.Business banks are not excluded from this requirement.The current study aims to evaluate the effect of ISO certification on the technical performance of WAEMU banks.Using BCEAO data(2020),the DEA model and Tobit estimates show that ISO certification has no effect on the efficiency scores of the banks in the sample.It is therefore appropriate for these banks to work on improving their business climate.

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

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

Evaluation of Particle Properties of MgO/TiO2 Material by Monte Carlo Simulation Method

The simulation by the Monte Carlo method executed by the software PyPENELOPE proved effective to specify the particle propagation characteristics by calculating the absorption fractions, backscattering and transmission of electrons and secondary photons under the incidence of 0.5 to 20 KeV range of primary electrons. More than 99.9% of the primary electrons were transmitted in the 125 nm thick MgO/TiO2 material at 20 KeV. This occurred because several interactions took place in the transmitted primary irradiation such as characteristic, fluorescence, and bremsstrahlung produced when of the occupation of the KL3, KL2, KM3, and KM2 shell and sub-shell of titanium and magnesium which are the elements with a high atomic number in the material. The transmission particle characteristic of this material is therefore an indicator capable of improving the electrical performance and properties of the sensor.

Missed Opportunities for Diagnosing Bacilliferous Pulmonary Tuberculosis by Optical Microscopy versus GeneXpert MTB/RIF in Endemic Areas

Objective: To assess the missed opportunities from the diagnosis of bacilliferous pulmonary tuberculosis by optical microscopy compared to GeneXpert MTB/RIF between 2015 and 2019. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the diagnostic results of bacilliferous pulmonary tuberculosis in patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis at their first episode during the period. GeneXpert MTB/RIF (GeneXpert) and optical microscopy (OM) after Ziehl-Neelsen stained smear were performed on each patient’s sputum or gastric tubing fluid sample. Results: Among 341 patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis, 229 patients were declared bacilliferous tuberculosis by the two tests (67%), 220 patients by GeneXpert and 95 patients by OM, i.e. 64.5% versus 28% (p i.e. 58.5% of the positive cases detected by the two tests (134/229 patients) and 39.3% of the patients suspected of tuberculosis (134/341 patients). On the other hand, among 95 patients declared positive by OM, the GeneXpert ignored 9 (9.5%), i.e. 4% of all the positive cases detected by the two diagnostic tests (9/229 patients) and 3% of the patients suspected of tuberculosis (9/341 patients). The differences observed between the results of the two tests were statistically significant at the 5% threshold (p Conclusion: This study reveals missed diagnostic opportunities for bacilliferous pulmonary mycobacteriosis, statistically significant with optical microscopy than GeneXpert. The GeneXpert/optical microscopy couple could be a good contribution to the strategies for the elimination of pulmonary tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa.

Patterns of Acute Kidney Injury in a Medical Emergency Department in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common in community and a serious outcome in hospital setting. Despite the progress of dialytic and non-dialytic therapeutic means, its mortality remains high. Our objective was to contribute to a better knowledge of how AKI managed in an emergency medical ward in an African country located in the southern part of the Sahara. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from January 1 to December 31, 2019, conducted at the emergency department of the University Teaching Hospital of Bouake, on cases of AKI. Results: During the study period, we collected 221 cases of AKI out of a total of 1778 files giving a prevalence of 12.4%. The mean age was 54 ± 19 years. A male predominance with a sex ratio of 1.4 was observed. The main past histories were hypertension in 40.4%, cardiac disease in 16.9%, and diabetes in 14.3%. The patients in were classified in 63.8% of cases as stage I, in 22.1% as stage II and in 14.1% as stage III according to the AKIN criteria. AKI was functional in 93.2% of cases. Hemodialysis was indicated in 15 (6.8%) patients, but only 3 (1.4%) underwent it. The mortality rate was 45.2%. Factors associated with mortality were: creatinine level greater than or equal to 30 mg/l, sepsis and impaired vigilance. Conclusion: Acute renal failure was frequent in subjects under 60 years old. Its mechanism of occurrence is functional and therefore it can be prevented by vascular filling. The majority of patients were seen at AKIN Stage I. The outcome was favorable in more than one third of the cases and the mortality rate remains high.

Management of Ovarian Hernia in Children, in Teaching Hospital of Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire Prise en Charge des Hernies de l’ovaire de l’enfant au CHU de Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire

Objective: To analyze our experience in the management of ovarian hernia in children. Methods: It was a retrospective study about 11 cases treated in pediatric surgery unit of the Teaching Hospital of Bouaké, in 2 years period. Results: Ovarian hernia represented 7.69% of the hernias and 73.33% of the hernia cases in girls. The mean age was 4 years and the median 36 months. The main reason for consultation was inguinal swelling (45.45%) following by swelling of the labia majora (36.36%), and a round mass of labia majora palpated by parents while bathing the child (18.18%). Nine (9) patients had been operated on;we realize the closure of peritoneo-vaginal canal, associated in 66.66% cases with a routine surgical exploration of the contralateral side. Average age of these children with contralateral hernia was 20 months. The mean follow up was 6 months (15 days - 15 months). We noticed an appearance of contralateral ovarian hernia in a girl operated on at 3 years old without routine surgical exploration. Conclusion: We recommend early management with a systematic surgical exploration of the contralateral side in young female child. A preoperative ultrasonography could be a routine in case of strangulated hernia, if available.

Nutrient Intake and Impact of the Consumption of Two Street Foods (Garba and Rice Eggplant Sauce) in Humans

Many lifestyle factors can affect health, but nutrition is an important, modifiable, and powerful factor in promoting health, preventing and treating disease, and improving quality of life. Inadequate dietary intake, regardless of the cause, can have negative effects on human growth and development. Analysis of tuna “Garba” and rice with eggplant sauce consumed in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) revealed low levels of water-soluble B vitamins. Also, the analysis of these dishes observed the presence of histidine, leucine, valine, glutamine, arginine, cysteine and alanine. The tuna “Garba” (Gab) dish showed levels in amino acids ranging from 69.8 ± 1.33 to 764 ± 2.08 mg/kg and 77.1 ± 1.95 to 754.67 ± 2.8 mg/kg in the eggplant sauce rice (Risa) dish. During 15 days of consumption of these dishes by the wistar rats, anthropometric parameters, namely body length and abdominal circumference, showed a significant increase in the rats consuming the rice eggplant sauce. The rats showed BMI, Lee’s Index and Adipocyte Index ranged from 0.27 ± 0.01 to 0.31 ± 0.01 g/cm2;0.25 ± 0.01 to 0.26 ± 0.00 cm and 1.67% ± 0.25% to 1.96% ± 0.21% respectively. The nutritional profiling of these two street foods by LIM and SAIN score presented poor profiles.

Modulation of Postprandial Glucose Bioavailability in a Cohort of Healthy and Pre-Diabetics Subjects during Ramadan Fasting in cote d'Ivoire

Objective: After the Ramadan fasting period, there is an increasing prevalence of diabetes in Cote d’Ivoire, in diabetes care centers. The objective of this study was to assess the consumption of sugary foods during this period and to determine the risks of diabetes in Muslim populations. Methods: Information was collected on the type and amount of sugary foods consumed. Methods for the preparation of these foods have been determined. Intake frequencies and postprandial glycemic responses were studied. The usual statistical methods were used. Results: Between 70% and 85% of the “fasters” consume plenty of these sugary foods during this period, with an average added sugar level varying between 10% and 35% and a daily consumption of between 250 cl and 0.5 l. The added sugar leads to hyperglycemia in both healthy subjects and pre diabetics. Conclusion: Regular consumption of these sugary foods results in significant hyperglycaemia throughout the month of fasting with a significantly higher blood glucose level in pre diabetic subjects. This makes pre diabetics people more at risk of diabetes among Muslim populations during Ramadan fasting.

Community knowledge,attitudes and practices related to schistosomiasis and associated healthcare-seeking behaviours in northern Côte d’Ivoire and southern Mauritania

Background:Among parasitic infections,schistosomiasis ranks second after malaria in terms of worldwide morbidity.Despite efforts to contain transmission,more than 230 million people are infected,of which 85%live in Sub-Saharan Africa.While the epidemiologic characteristics of schistosomiasis have been extensively studied across endemic settings,social factors have been paid less attention.The current study assesses community knowledge of schistosomiasis causes,transmission,signs,symptoms and prevention,as well as healthcare-seeking behaviours in two West African settings,with the aim of strengthening schistosomiasis control interventions.Methods:From August 2014 to June 2015,we conducted two cross-sectional surveys in Korhogo,Cote d’Ivoire and Kaedi,Mauritania.We applied a questionnaire to collect quantitative data at the household level in Korhogo(n=1456)and Kaedi(n=1453).Focus group discussions(Korhogo:n=32,Kaedi:n=32)and participatory photography(photovoice)(Korhogo:n=16,Kaedi:n=16)were conducted within the communities to gather qualitative data.In addition,semi-structured interviews were used to discuss with key informants from control programmes,nongovernmental organizations and health districts(Korhogo:n=8,Kaedi:n=7).Results:The study demonstrated that schistosomiasis is not well known by the communities;64.1%claimed to know the causes of the disease,but the reality is different.This knowledge is more from cultural than biomedical source.It was observed that social construction of the disease is different from the biomedical definition.In Korhogo,schistosomiasis was often associated with several other diseases,notably stomach ulcer and gonorrhoea.The populations believe that schistosomiasis is caused by exposure to goat or dog urine in the environment.In Kaedi,schistosomiasis is considered as a disease transmitted by environmenal elements such as sunshine and dirty water.In both settings,the care-seeking pathways were found to be strongly influenced by local customs and self-medication acquired from the informal sector.Conclusions:This study revealed that knowledge about the aetiology,transmission,symptoms,prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis among the populations in Korhogo and Kaedi is based on their local culture.Deep-rooted habits could therefore pose a significant obstacle to the elimination of schistosomiasis.

Correction to:Community knowledge,attitudes and practices related to schistosomiasis and associated healthcareseeking behaviours in northern Côte d’Ivoire and southern Mauritania

Correction After publication of this article[1]it came to our attention that Tables 2,3,4,5,6,7 were presented incorrectly.The correct tables can be found below and the table citations in the article were corrected as well.The original article has been updated to reflect this change.