The choice of appropriate artemisin-based combination therapy depends on several factors (cost, efficacy, safety, reinfection rate, and simplicity of administration). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that artesunatemefloquine (Artequin™) is as efficacious as artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem) in treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The study was carried out from August 2004 through February 2005 in Kambila, Mali. Subjects with weights Ն 10 kg and uncomplicated malaria were enrolled. Artesunate-mefloquine was given once a day for three days and artemether/lumefantrine twice a day for three days. A total of 470 (235 in each arm) patients were enrolled. The unadjusted 28-day cure rate was higher in artesunate-mefloquine arm than in the artemether-lumefantrine arm (79.7% versus 67.8%; P < 0.004). After correction for reinfection, the 28-day cure rates were similar in the two groups (96.04% versus 96.93%). Artesunate-mefloquine is well-tolerated and is as effective as artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria. Artesunate-mefloquine also prevented more new infections.

Introduction: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is defined as a complete and persistent cessation of the transit of materials and gases. It occurs in a segment of the digestive tract located between the pylorus and the colorectal junction. Herein, we report a case of small bowel obstruction (SBO) following excessive consumption of wild grapes with no previous abdomen medical or surgical history. Presentation of case: A 65-year-old male farmer presented with cessation of materials and gas associated with vomiting of food and then bilious. The abdomen was bloated and painful on palpation with a moving, painful mass in the left iliac fossa. The hypothesis of acute occlusion of the colon was retained and confirmed on the X-Ray which showed a dilation of small bowel with air-fluid levels. The diagnostic of acute SBO was retained. We performed urgently a median laparotomy. We found the dilation of the loops from the jejunum to the sigmoid colon with a compact mass at the sigmoid colon of 15 cm in length and 6 cm in diameter. We proceeded to crush the mass that was made up with wild grape seed fecal, and push it back to the rectum. The phytobezoar made up with wild grape seeds was extracted through the anus with the fingers after anal dilation.

Background Current mark release recapture methodologies are limited in their ability to address complex problems in vector biology, such as studying multiple groups overlapping in space and time. Additionally, limited mark retention, reduced post-marking survival, and the large effort in marking, collection and recapture, all complicate effective insect tracking. Method We have developed and evaluated a marking method using a fluorescent dye (SmartWater) combined with synthetic DNA tags to informatively and efficiently mark adult mosquitoes using an airbrush pump and nebulizer. Using handheld UV flashlights, the fluorescent marking enabled quick and simple initial detection of recaptures in a simple, field-ready, and non-destructive approach that when combined with a simple, extraction-free PCR on individual mosquito legs provides potentially unlimited marking information. Results This marking, first tested in the laboratory with Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes, did not affect survival (median ages 24-28 days, p-adj > 0.25), oviposition (median eggs/female of 28.8, 32.5, 33.3 for water, green, red dyes, respectively, p-adj > 0.44), or Plasmodium competence (mean oocysts 5.56 to 10.6, p-adj > 0.95). DNA and fluorescence had 100% retention up to 3 weeks (longest time point tested) with high intensity, indicating marks would persist longer. Conclusions We describe a novel, simple, no/low-impact, and long-lasting marking method that allows separation of multiple insect sub-populations by combining unlimited length and sequence variation in the synthetic DNA tags. This method can be readily deployed in the field for marking multiple groups of mosquitoes or other insects.

Background: The increasing prevalence of hepatitis viral markers in developing countries results in a concern in the setting of blood transfusion safety. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis viral markers among blood donors and their link with sociodemographic factors. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on blood donors screened for HBV and HCV. HBV and HCV serologies were performed by immunochromatographic methods using Alere DetermineTM HBs-Ag and SD BIOLOLINETM HCV-Ab. Data were analyzed by R 3.4.3. The logistic regression was fitted in univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 11.372 donors were enrolled. The overall prevalence was 10.4%. The specific prevalence of HBV and HCV were 8.9% and 1.5% respectively. The co-infection rate was 0.3%. HBV seropositivity proportion was significantly higher in family donors compared to volunteer (9,8% vs 6,0%, or = 1.71 [1.30-2.29] p < 0,001). HBV seropositivity was positively influenced by male sex aOR = 1,77 [1,4-2,26], p < 0.001 and unemployed aOR = 1.20 [1.03-1.40], p = 0.02 in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Our data suggest that voluntary donors and particularly female which had an occupation had a lower prevalence of hepatitis viral markers.

Background: Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and low and middle-income countries suffer from preventable premature death. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors for noncommunicable disease (NCDs) in general and particular cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among the outpatients of our department of medicine. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study from April to December 2017 by the consecutive enrollment of outpatients who attended in our department of medicine of Hôpital Sominé DOLO de Mopti, Mali. Clinical and laboratory data were measured for cardiovascular risk assessment. Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Systemic Coronary Risk Estimation (SCORES) were computed by using Framingham and SCORE equations. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the harmonized criteria from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI). Data were captured in excel and analyzed with R version 4.0.3. The statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. Results: A total of 292 patients were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors was 36.64%, 21.57%, 14.04%, and 13.01% for high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, smoking, and alcohol consumption, respectively. The metabolic syndrome accounted for 23.63%.