No abstract

The speed of sound in methyl caprate (C11H22O2) and ethyl caprate (C12H24O2) was measured using a pulse echo technique operating at 3 MHz. The measurements were carried out at pressures up to 210 MPa in the temperature range (283.15 to 403.15) K. Additional density measurements were performed up to 100 MPa from (293 to 393) K. From these measurements, the density was evaluated up to 210 MPa, and the isentropic and isothermal compressibilities were determined in the same P–T domain.

Speeds of sound have been measured in ethyl myristate (C 16 H 32 O 2 ), methyl myristate (C 15 H 30 O 2 ), and methyl palmitate (C 17 H 34 O 2 ) at pressures up to 100 MPa along isotherms ranging from (293.15 to 403.15) K. The measurements were carried out using a pulse echo technique operating at 3 MHz. Additional compressed liquid density measurements were performed from (293.15 to 393.15) K with pressures from (0.1 to 100) MPa in order to evaluate isentropic compressibility using speed of sound measurements. An equation of state that represents both the density and the speed of sound temperature reported experimental data within their estimated uncertainties is given to evaluate the volume as well as its derivatives of these components.

No abstract

Bed bugs are known to carry several microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of bed bug infestation in two rural areas of Senegal and determine the species present in the population. A screening was conducted to detect some arthropod associated pathogenic bacteria in bed bugs and to evaluate the prevalence of endosymbiont carriage. One survey took place in 17 villages in Niakhar and two surveys in Dielmo and Ndiop and surroundings area in the same 20 villages. Bed bugs collected were identified morphologically and by MALDI-TOF MS tools. Microorganisms screening was performed by qPCR and confirmed by sequencing. During the survey in the Niakhar region, only one household 1/255 (0.4%) in the village of Ngayokhem was found infested by bed bugs. In a monitoring survey of the surroundings of Dielmo and Ndiop area, high prevalence was found during the two rounds of surveys in 65/314 (21%) in 16/20 villages (January–March) and 93/351 (26%) in 19/20 villages (December). All bed bugs were morphologically identified as the species Cimex hemipterus, of which 285/1,637 (17%) were randomly selected for MALDI-TOF MS analysis and bacteria screening. Among the Bacteria tested only Wolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales, Rickettsiaceae) DNA was found in 248/276 (90%) of the bedbugs. We briefly describe a high level of non-generalized bed bug infestation in rural Senegal and the diversity of Wolbachia strains carried by C. hemipterus. This study opens perspectives for raising household awareness of bed bug infestations and possibilities for appropriate control.

Speeds of sound were measured for methyl oleate and methyl linoleate (C15H30O2) at pressures up to 200 MPa along isotherms ranging from (283.15 to 393.15) K. Additional density measurements were carried out by using a U-tube densimeter up to 100 MPa from (293 to 393) K. From the integration of speed of sound, density was evaluated up to 200 MPa, and the isentropic compressibility was determined in the same p–T domain. A correlation that represents both the density and the speed of sound within their experimental uncertainties is reported to evaluate both the volume and its derivatives with respect to pressure (isothermal compressibility) and temperature (isobaric expansion).

Background Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is the most common vector-borne bacterial disease in humans in West Africa. It is frequently clinically confused with malaria. Our study aims to determine, on a micro-geographic scale, the conditions for the maintenance and spread of TBRF in the Niakhar district of Senegal. Methodology/Principal findings We conducted clinical, entomological and animal reservoir investigations. Field surveys were carried out in order to investigate the presence of Ornithodoros sonrai vector ticks and to detect Borrelia spp. by qPCR using the 16S rRNA and glpQ genes, respectively. Micromammal trapping series were carried out inside homes and Borrelia infection was detected using brain tissue qPCR. Capillary blood samples from febrile patients were also tested for Borrelia using qPCR. More than 97% (40/41) of the villages surveyed were infested with O. sonrai ticks. The prevalence of Borrelia spp. infections in ticks was 13% (116/910), and over 73% (85/116) were positively confirmed as being Borrelia crocidurae. Borreliosis cases accounted for 12% (94/800) of episodes of fever and all age groups were infected, with children and young people between the ages of 8–14 and 22–28 being the most infected by the disease (16% and 18.4%). TBRF cases occurred in all seasons, with a peak in August. In two species of small rodents that were found to be infected (Arvicanthis niloticus, Mus musculus), the proportion of Borrelia infection was 17.5% (10/57), and the highest prevalence of infection (40.9%, 9/22) was observed in A. niloticus. Conclusion/Significance Our study indicates that TBRF is an endemic disease in the Niakhar district, where children and young people are the most infected. Arvicanthis niloticus and O. sonrai ticks are massively present and appear to be the main epidemiological reservoirs causing its extensive spread to humans.

No abstract