Background: Equity seems inherent to the pursuance of universal health coverage (UHC), but it is not a natural consequence of it. We explore how the multidimensional concept of equity has been approached in key global UHC policy documents, as well as in country-level UHC policies. Methods: We analysed a purposeful sample of UHC reports and policy documents both at global level and in two Western African countries (Benin and Senegal). We manually searched each document for its use and discussion of equity and related terms. The content was summarised and thematically analysed, in order to comprehend how these concepts were understood in the documents. We distinguished between the level at which inequity takes place and the origin or types of inequities. Results: Most of the documents analysed do not define equity in the first place, and speak about "health inequities" in the broad sense, without mentioning the dimension or type of inequity considered. Some dimensions of equity are ambiguousespecially coverage and financing. Many documents assimilate equity to an overall objective or guiding principle closely associated to UHC. The concept of equity is also often linked to other concepts and values (social justice, inclusion, solidarity, human rightsbut also to efficiency and sustainability). Regarding the levels of equity most often considered, access (availability, coverage, provision) is the most often quoted dimension, followed by financial protection. Regarding the types of equity considered, those most referred to are socioeconomic , geographic, and gender-based disparities. In Benin and Senegal, geographic inequities are mostly pinpointed by UHC policy documents, but concrete interventions mostly target the poor. Overall, the UHC policy of both countries are quite similar in terms of their approach to equity. Conclusions: While equity is widely referred to in global and country-specific UHC policy documents, its multiple dimensions results in a rather rhetorical utilisation of the concept. Whereas equity covers various levels and types, many global UHC documents fail to define it properly and to comprehend the breadth of the concept. Consequently, perhaps, country-specific policy documents also use equity as a rhetoric principle, without sufficient consideration for concrete ways for implementation.

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PURPOSE The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing in low- to middle-income countries such as Senegal. Our prospective study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Senegal. PATIENTS AND METHODS Our study included women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy as initial treatment at the Center Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar. Clinical, sociodemographic, and QoL data were collected and analyzed at three different times: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after the start of systemic therapy. Health-related QoL was assessed using a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapies-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire after translation into the Wolof language. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to assess the changes in QoL scores. RESULTS Between July 2017 and February 2018, 120 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 45 years. Most patients (n = 105; 92%) had locally advanced disease (T3 to T4 stage) and lymph node involvement (n = 103; 88%), and half had metastatic disease. The FACT-B total scores significantly improved over time (β = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.67; P < .01). Nausea and vomiting were significantly associated with a decrease in FACT-B total scores (β = −16.89, 95% CI, −29.58 to −4.24, P = .012; and β = −13.44, 95% CI, −25.15 to −1.72, P = .028, respectively). CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the feasibility of standardized QoL assessment in Senegalese patients with breast cancer. Our results indicated a potential improvement of QoL over the course of chemotherapy. Optimizing nausea and vomiting prevention may improve QoL.

Key Clinical MessageRight atrial thrombus is a rare medical emergency that should be suspected in all cases of pulmonary embolism, and rapid action should be taken to ensure a timely, proper management.

Appendiceal schistosomiasis is a rare disease of only histopathological diagnosis. Appendectomy should be followed by treatment with praziquantel to avoid complications. We report two cases of appendiceal schistosomiasis while discussing the place of this infection in the pathogenesis of appendicitis. Finally we recommend a routine pathological examination of any part of appendectomy for better care for patients.

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Les chondrosarcomes sont des tumeurs cartilagineuses malignes à localisation maxillaire rare. Ils sont caractérisés par une évolution généralement lente dans le temps et par une tendance élevée aux récidives locorégionales après traitement chirurgical. Leur pronostic médiocre dépend de leur degré de différenciation et de la qualité de résection. Les auteurs rapportent un cas clinique de chondrosarcome mandibulaire et précisent les particularités épidémio-logiques, diagnostiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de ces tumeurs. Mots clés Chondrosarcome · Mandibule · Tumeur cartilagineuseAbstract Chondrosarcoma is a malignant cartilaginous tumor rarely found in the jaw bone. Tumor progression is slow with strong propensity to recurrence after surgical removal. The prognosis is poor and depends on the degree of differentiation and the quality of resection. We report a case of mandibular chondrosarcoma and discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of these tumors.