Modeling and optimization of compaction pressure, and retention time in the production process of carbonized sawdust-based biofuel briquettes using response surface methodology (RSM).

The importance of parameters such as compaction pressure, binder percentage and retention time and their interaction in the production of carbonized briquettes for domestic or industrial use cannot be overestimated, as they have a considerable impact on the properties of the resulting briquettes. This study used Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) to show how the above parameters and their interactions significantly influence the Higher Heating Value (HHV), ash content and Impact Resistance Index (IRI) of the biofuels obtained. The briquettes are characterized in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM D-(5865 and 3172).

Modelling habitat suitability of the invasive tick Rhipicephalus microplus in West Africa.

Ticks have medical and economic importance due to their ability to transmit pathogens to humans and animals. In tropical and sub-tropical countries, tick-borne diseases (TBD) are among the most important diseases affecting livestock and humans. The fast spread of ticks and TBD requires a quick development and application of efficient prevention and/or control programs.

Expert Consensus on a List of Inappropriate Prescribing after Prescription Review in Pediatric Units in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Introduction: Inappropriate prescribing (IP) includes inappropriate prescription and omission of prescription. IP can adversely affect the quality of health care in pediatric units. A list of IP taking into account frequently encountered drug-related problems (DRPs) can be useful to optimize prescriptions in pediatrics.

Models for Studying the Distribution of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Animals: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis with a Focus on Africa.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBD) are constraints to the development of livestock and induce potential human health problems. The worldwide distribution of ticks is not homogenous. Some places are ecologically suitable for ticks but they are not introduced in these areas yet.

Cross border transhumance involvement in ticks and tick-borne pathogens dissemination and first evidence of Anaplasma centrale in Burkina Faso.

In West Africa, cross-border transhumance, also called seasonal migration, is known to be a very important animal production strategy, as it involves about 70 to 90% of cattle. In spite of the cattle movements, some strategic areas of transhumance remain poorly explored regarding ticks and their associated pathogens investigations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the involvement of transhumance in the spread of cattle ticks and associated pathogens in Burkina Faso (BF) and Benin (BN), in a context of speedy invasion of West African livestock by Rhipicephalus microplus.

First tick and tick damage perception survey among sedentary and transhumant pastoralists in Burkina Faso and Benin.

Background: Transhumance, a main ancestral animal production strategy of the West African Countries (WAC), can favour the spread of vectors and vector-borne diseases within and/or across countries. Transhumance has been implicated in such spread as well as that of related tick-borne diseases (TBD).

Methods And Principal Findings: Using a questionnaire survey and statistical modelling, this study explores the perception of herders about ticks and TBD in cattle, their practices in tick control and the social groups involved in cattle farming in eastern Burkina Faso (46 random herds) and in the northern Benin (44 random herds).

Identification and Evaluation of New Potential Inhibitors of Human Neuraminidase 1 Extracted from L.: A Preliminary Study.

Sialidases, also called neuraminidases, are involved in several human pathologies such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, as well as infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have shown that neuraminidases, such as neuraminidase 1 (NEU-1), may be promising pharmacological targets. Therefore, the discovery of new selective inhibitors of NEU-1 are necessary to better understand the biological functions of this sialidase.

A cost-effectiveness analysis comparing a conventional mechanical needle to a radiofrequency device for transseptal punctures.

Introduction: Transseptal puncture is an integral step in various catheter-based cardiac procedures and can be performed with either the conventional mechanical needle or an FDA-cleared device utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy. Although a previous randomized trial suggested that the RF transseptal device may be faster and more often successful, the increased equipment costs may dissuade operators from routine use. This analysis compares the cost-effectiveness of the mechanical needle to the RF device during pulmonary vein isolation.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated with Cosmetic Use of Bleaching Agents: About a Case in Ivory Coast.

Voluntary skin depigmentation is defined as a set of procedures for obtaining skin clarification for cosmetic purposes. Skin cancers are possible complications, but rarely reported. We describe a case observed in Ivory Coast.

Isolation and structure elucidation of cyclopeptide alkaloids from the leaves of Heisteria parvifolia.

Heisteria parvifolia Sm. is prescribed in traditional medecine against numerous diseases in Côte d'Ivoire. Due to the shortcoming in scientifical knowledge of use of this species, our investigations revealed five undescribed cyclopeptide alkaloids added to one known derivative namely anorldianine.

Triterpene saponins from the roots of Parkia bicolor A. Chev.

Five undescribed triterpene-type saponins, parkibicolorosides A-E, a cassane-type diterpene, and a known trimethoxy benzene glucoside were isolated from the roots of Parkia bicolor A. Chev. Their structures were elucidated by different spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments as well as HR-ESI-MS analysis.

New Oleanane-type glycosides and secoiridoid glucoside from .

Four new saponins, camelliagenin A and B derivatives, and one new secoiridoid glucoside were isolated from the stem bark of Engl. (Aptandraceae) together with two known secoiridoid glucosides. Their structures were determined based on a combination of 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments techniques and HR-ESI-MS analysis.

[Epidemioclinical and Therapeutic Study of Condylomas (Genital Warts) in Dermato-Venereology Department (CHU Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 2013-2016)].

We have conducted a retrospective study in the dermatology department of the CHU Treichville in Abidjan during 4 years. Three hundred and fifty cases of venereal warts were recorded with a hospital frequency of 1.5%, an average age of 29.

Triterpene glycosides from the aerial parts of Gouania longipetala.

Six previously undescribed triterpenoid saponins, gouaniaside I-VI, were isolated from the aerial parts of Gouania longipetala Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae), in addition to four known triterpenes. The structure elucidation of these compounds was based on analyses of spectroscopic data including 1D- and 2D-NMR and HR-ESI-MS techniques.

Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis of Gougerot-Carteaud on Black Skin: Two Observations.

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Goujerot-Carteaud is a rare and benign skin disease characterized by flat papules taking a reticulated appearance. It is a skin disease of unknown etiology and nosology that is always discussed. This disease preferentially involves the chest and interscapular regions.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic triterpenoids from the roots of Combretum racemosum.

A new pentacyclic triterpenoid glucoside, together with fourteen known compounds, was isolated from the roots of Combretum racemosum. Combretaceae). The structure of the new compound was established as 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-2α,3β,21β,23-tetrahydroxyolean-18-en-28-oate (1) on the basis of detailed spectroscopic data including MS, 1D, and 2D NMR.

Allergy to Red Meat: A Diagnosis Made by the Patient and Confirmed by an Assay for IgE Antibodies Specific for Alpha-1,3-Galactose.

We report the first case of allergy to red meat observed in Ivory Coast. A 49-year-old male presented with pruritus. The diagnosis of allergy to red meat was confirmed by an assay for IgE antibodies specific for alpha-1,3 galactose.

Multiple Pathogens Including Potential New Species in Tick Vectors in Côte d'Ivoire.

Background: Our study aimed to assess the presence of different pathogens in ticks collected in two regions in Côte d'Ivoire.

Methodology/principal Findings: Real-time PCR and standard PCR assays coupled to sequencing were used. Three hundred and seventy eight (378) ticks (170 Amblyomma variegatum, 161 Rhipicepalus microplus, 3 Rhipicephalus senegalensis, 27 Hyalomma truncatum, 16 Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, and 1 Hyalomma impressum) were identified and analyzed.

Epidemiological, Clinical, and Paraclinic Aspect of Cutaneous Sarcoidosis in Black Africans.

The specific objectives were to identify the epidemiology of cutaneous sarcoidosis and describe the clinical and laboratory aspects of the disease. Materials and Methods. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 24 referred cases of cutaneous sarcoidosis in 25 years (1990-2014) collected at Venereology Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Treichville (Abidjan) both in consultation and in hospitalization.

Investigation of dye adsorption onto activated carbon from the shells of Macoré fruit.

The activated carbon obtained from the shells of Macoré fruit was used as an adsorbent for the removal of dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) from synthetic contaminated aqueous solutions. It holds that the adsorption is more favourable at acidic pH, with an optimum adsorption at pH = 2. At this pH, the adsorption rate is more than 98% for the two dyes.

Craniofacial modifications in Ivorian melanoderm children with chronic retronasal obstruction.

Objective: To determine the influence of the chronic retro nasal airway obstruction on craniofacial morphology.

Methods: It was a case-control study which included fifty-eight melanoderm children aged from 3 to 6 years (31 males and 27 females), divided in 2 samples. A studied group of 29 habitual snorers presenting chronic retro nasal obstruction due to enlarged adenoid and a control group of 29 age matched children selected among patients consulting for routine evaluation.

Multifocal Buruli Ulcer Associated with Secondary Infection in HIV Positive Patient.

Buruli ulcer is a chronic and infectious skin disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. It leads to large skin ulceration and sometimes bone infection which is responsible for deformities. Here, we report a case of multifocal form of Buruli ulcer associated with secondary infection in a 46-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive woman.

Protein energy malnutrition revealing an esophageal foreign body.

It is not unusual for a foreign body to be swallowed and be lodged in the esophagus. It is however, very unusual for such a foreign body to remain lodged for a period of 8 months. This particular case, a 15-month-old male infant, is under focus because of the time length the foreign body remained in the esophagus without local complications, what is unusual is a protein energy malnutrition complication.