Northeastern Benin Research Articles

Sexual Assault and Its Psychopathological Repercussions in the Life of Female Students in Northeastern Benin (2023)

Sexual Assault and Its Psychopathological Repercussions in the Life of Female Students in Northeastern Benin (2023)

Estimation of Surface Water Contamination by Pyrethroids and Glyphosate in the Kerou and Pehunco Cotton Growing Areas of Northeastern Benin

With the use of pesticides in cotton production areas, environmental components, including water bodies intended for consumption, become exposed. The study aims to assess the level of contamination of water bodies by pyrethroids and glyphosate in the Kerou and Pehunco cotton-growing areas in Benin. To do this, through a sampling campaign, water samples were taken in triplicate, followed by analysis of nutrient salts on the one hand, and of pesticide active ingredients on the other, by spectrophotometry and chromatography. The nutrient salts NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, Cl- and SO42-, although globally in low levels, are more concentrated in the waters in agglomerations than in the cotton production zone. On the other hand, the water has very high levels of cypermethrin (18 mg/L), deltamethrin (41 mg/L) and glyphosate (11 mg/L) in the cotton-growing zone, sometimes quadrupling the pesticide levels in the urban areas, particularly in the areas of Gando-Baka, Marékpo and Pehunco-Gah. These results indicate that mineral salts in the Kérou and Pehunco plans have a dual origin, namely chemical fertilizers and, above all, animal droppings and other domestic discharges from the agglomerations. In addition, the pesticides come mainly from the dispersion in cotton growing areas with risks of gastric, nervous and dermal health problems. These results are an alert that should reorient agricultural policies in order to preserve the health of the population.

Seasonal change in species composition and target-site mutations in Anopheles gambiae s.l. in the severe drought area of Kandi, North-eastern Benin

The persistence of malaria transmission in areas with very arid environmental conditions remains enigmatic. The present study investigated seasonal variation of mosquito species composition and Kdr and Ace-1 mutations in Anopheles gambiae s.l. in the very arid district of Kandi in North-eastern Benin.Adult mosquitoes were sampled over 1 year using both human landing catches (HLC) and pyrethrum spray catches in 4 villages belonging to 2 areas of different levels of aridity. The collections were carried out on a bi-monthly basis in the wet season, and once every month in the dry season to better capture the entomological situation in drought period. Females An. gambiae sl specimens were kept aside and analysed by PCR for species identification. Presence of kdr and Ace-1 mutations was also assessed in the An. gambiae s.l. collection.A total of 2,211 host-seeking mosquitoes belonging to 15 species were collected in the study area. An. gambiae s.l. was the most abundant species and represented 67% of the collection. Other Anopheles species were found at very low frequency among which An. funestus, An. pharoensis, An. broheri and An. coustani. Molecular species identification showed in dry season a significantly higher frequency of An. coluzzii over An. gambiae s. s. in both less dry (70% vs 29% with p < 0.001) and driest (70% vs 30% and p = 0.034) areas of the district of Kandi. In the rainy season, there was similar frequency of An. coluzzii and An. gambiae s. s. in the less arid area (53% vs 45%; p = 0.153), while An. coluzzii remained significantly predominant (62% vs 38%; p = 0.012) in the driest zone. The frequency of kdr mutation was significantly higher in dry season than in rainy season (93% vs 84%; p

Growth, Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Corchorus olitorius under Irrigated and Rain-fed Conditions in Northeastern Benin (West Africa)

Aims: Investigated the influence of organic manures (municipal solid waste compost [MSWC] and cow dung) and N-fertilizer on growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) under two water regimes (rain-fed and irrigated).&#x0D; Study Design: Randomized complete block.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Farm of Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Parakou, Northern Benin (latitude 09°20’16.8’’N and longitude 002°38’54’’ E, 353 m asl), during 2013 rainy (June to August) and dry seasons (October to December 2013).&#x0D; Methodology: Ten treatments derived from a factorial combination of five levels of organic manures (control, MSWC at 10 t/ha, MSWC at 20 t/ha, cow dung at 10 t/ha and cow dung at 20 t/ha) and two levels of N-fertilizer (0 kg and 50 kg urea/ha), arranged in a randomized complete block with three replicates were considered.&#x0D; Results: Results showed that water regime significantly (p&lt;.001) affected growth and yield of jute mallow. In addition, the growth and yield parameters showed significant differences (p&lt;.001) in relation to different rates of organic manures. The integrated use of organic manure and urea increased plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, number of branches, leaf growth parameters and leaf yield. The maximum amount of leaf yield (7554.88 kg/ha) was obtained with 20 tons/ha of MSWC and 50 kg urea/ha.&#x0D; Conclusion: Fertilizer types also had highly significant effects on nutrient use efficiency. Application of these treatments could help to enhance yield and growth of the jute mallow.

Post-operative Morbidity and Mortality of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis at one Teaching Hospital in North-eastern Benin.

Background and Aim: Surgical management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is a common practice. This study aimed to report the morbidities and mortalities observed during surgical treatment of LSS and the outcome of these patients after management over an 8-year study period. Methods and Materials/Patients: It was a retrospective, descriptive, and transversal study performed at the Departmental Teaching Hospital of Borgou in the Republic of Benin (West Africa) from January 2010 to December 2018. This study included the patients who underwent surgical management for LSS. Type of complication, its management, and the patient’s outcomes was registered. Results: During the study period and based on the selection criteria, 239 patients were selected. These patients were divided into 135 men (56.5%) and 104 women (43.5%). The mean age of the patients was 52.3±10.9 years. Laminectomy was performed on one, two, and three lumbar spinal segments in 17.6%, 55.6% and 26.8% of cases, respectively. Laminectomy was associated with discectomy in 6.3% of the cases. No arthrodesis with spinal fixation was performed. Ninety percent of patients had no post-operative complications. Functional post-operative results were considered excellent, good, acceptable and poor in 32.1%, 52.1%, 10.9% and 4.9% of cases, respectively. Five types of complications were observed in 22 patients (9.2%). A reoperation was performed in 1.6% of cases. These different complications included dural tear (4.6%), wound infection (3.3%), stroke (0.8%), cauda equina syndrome (0.4%) and pseudomeningocele (0.4%). The mortality rate was 0.8% (n=2). Conclusion: Lumbar canal stenosis surgery is not without complications. Careful selection of patients, consideration of risk factors, and selection of an appropriate surgical strategy can reduce or avoid these complications.

Modifiable Behavioral Risk Factors Associated with Biological Risk Factors in Subjects at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Benin: PREDIBE Study

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed at identifying modifiable behavioral risk factors associated with biological factors in people at risk of type 2 diabetes which could be targeted in the design and implementation of appropriate interventions to prevent the disease. Methods: 180 subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes (aged 15 - 60 years) were identified and selected at random during a preliminary survey conducted in two groups of villages in northeastern Benin. The study took part on August 2017. Questionnaires were administered to consenting subjects; anthropometric measurements taken and blood samples withdrawn. Blood samples were subjected to biochemical testing according to standard protocols. Results: Data was obtained from 180 subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes. The average age of the subjects was 42.76 ± 11.30 years. Multivariate analysis showed inadequate dietary intake score, low physical activity and tobacco use as behavioral factors significantly associated with high waist circumference, high blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, high triglyceride levels and high body fat percentage. Conclusion: There is a possible association between biological and behavioral risk factors.

Towards community-based in situ conservation strategies: a typological analysis of Borgou cattle herding systems in northeastern Benin.

A thorough knowledge of cattle herding systems is very important for planning sustainable genetic improvement and conservation strategies. This paper is initiated to characterize Benin native Borgou cattle farming systems in its department of origin by mean of survey including 180 cattle farmers owning at least one phenotype of that breed. Using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical ascending classification, four groups of Borgou cattle farms have been identified. The first group qualified as "semi-intensive purebred Borgou cattle farming" own high numbers (87.2 ± 3.95 heads) purchased and reared with the view to promote its genetic improvement, its production, and its conservation as Benin animal genetic resource. The second group (sedentary purebred Borgou cattle farming) is represented by Bariba ethnic group with small numbers (22.18 ± 0.71 heads) of purebred Borgou cattle used mainly for draught. Cattle farmers of the third group are "large transhumant of Zebu and Borgou crossbred cattle farmers" represented by Fulani and Gando ethnic groups whose herds are generally composed of high numbers (75.20 ± 3.43 heads) of cattle acquired by purchasing, inheriting, and fostering. The last one is the "small transhumant of Zebu and Borgou crossbred cattle farming" with an average herd size of 31.98 ± 0.72 heads. Cattle farming is their main activity and animals are used for the production of milk and cheese. These distinctions between Borgou cattle farmers can be an anchorage point for designing sustainable community-based in situ conservation strategies for safeguarding this local breed in its original cradle.

Pilot of a mobile money school fee payment system in rural Benin.

We present a rationale for, and results from, the pilot of a direct individual-to-institution remittance system in the context of school fee payment in rural Benin. Data confirm that school fees act as an impediment to educational attainment, and in very rural poor settings such as northern Benin, students often depend on extended family and kinship networks to pay fees. But existing remittance options are costly, in terms of fees, time, and risk. We pilot a new technology bundle in a single public high school in northeastern Benin, and evaluate its effectiveness. Here we describe the technical and institutional implementation of the project, as well as our findings from the first year of operation. We discuss takeaways and implications for scale-up.

Application De La Télédétection Et Du Sig Au Suivi Des Formations Végétales De La Forêt Classée Des Trois Rivières Au Nord-Est Du Bénin

The creation of protected areas was intended to counter the advance of the agricultural front and other forms of pressure on natural ecosystems, but today these pressures strongly affect these protected areas. The dynamics of the vegetation was studied in Trois Rivières forest reserve in north-eastern Benin, based on Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. This study aims to analyse the vegetation evolution and determine the drivers of that dynamics using 1995 Landsat TM, 2013 Landsat OLI-TIRS imageries and field surveys. The supervised classification based on the ‘‘Maximum likelihood’’ algorithm was derived from ENVI 5.0 software. The transition matrix derived from Intersect function of ArcToolbox in ArcGIS 9.3 software was used to calculate the different conversion of land cover. The transition matrix was used to measure the intensities and speeds of land cover categories changes from 'PontiusMatrix22' 'and' 'Intensity Analysis02 programs. In addition, 200 household were surveyed from individual interviews and focus group on questionnaires and interview guides basis. The results show that the forest formations decreased from 48 % in 1995 to 20.4 % in 2013. The mosaics of fields and fallows have increased from 3 % to 24 %. The intensity change per land cover category shows that tree and shrub savannahs occurred the most significant change of 73 % of the study area with a 34 % of gain, 32 % of stability and 7 % of loss. In the order hand, the mosaics of fields and fallows, built up areas and dry dense forests occurred the biggest change. According to the perceptions of surveyed people, agriculture, logging and charcoal production are the main direct drivers of Trois Rivières forest reserve degradation.

Molecular detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae in Amblyomma variegatum ticks from Benin

Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are obligate intracellular, Gram-negative bacteria transmitted by ticks and causing febrile illness in humans. Despite the presence of suitable tick vectors, the occurrence of SFG rickettsiae has never been investigated in the Republic of Benin (West Africa). In the present study, 910 Amblyomma variegatum ticks collected from 8 different locations in North Eastern Benin were tested for SFG rickettsiae. The samples were first screened for the presence of rickettsial bacteria using 16S rDNA PCR and positive samples were subsequently characterized by ompA PCR. Randomly selected samples among those positive for both assays were subjected to sequencing of 16S rDNA and ompA genes for species identification. The 16S rDNA gene was amplified in 63.4% of the samples (585/910) and the SFG rickettsia-specific ompA gene was detected in 29.4% of the samples (267/910). The prevalence of SFG rickettsiae varied according to the location, and tick gender. Sequence analyses demonstrated the presence of Rickettsia africae and/or closely related species in Benin. These findings extend the geographic distribution of R. africae and spotted fever rickettsioses in Africa. Clinicians in Benin and those treating travellers should be aware of the possibility of SFG rickettsiae infection when they are treating patients with febrile illness.

Response of Jute Mallow (&lt;i&gt;Corchorus olitorius&lt;/i&gt; L.) to organic manure and inorganic fertilizer on a ferruginous soil in North-eastern Benin

Objective : The study aimed to evaluate the effects of three types of fertilizers (Municipal solids waste compost, cow dung and chemical fertilizer) on growth characters and leaf yield of Corchorus olitorius under irrigated conditions Methodology and results : A field experiment was conducted in Parakou in the dry season using a randomized complete block design with three factors and twelve treatments: 1) Municipal solids waste Compost (MSWC) at 0, 10, 20 and 30 t.ha -1 ; 2) Cow dung at 0, 10, 20 and 30 t.ha -1 ; Urea fertilizer (46% N) at 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg.ha -1 . The plant height and stem diameter were significantly higher with Compost (20 t/ha) and lowest was recorded in control at all growth stages. The application of compost, cow dung and chemical fertilizer significantly increased the total number of branches at all growth stages. The highest number was recorded in MSWC 20 t.ha -1 as compared to the other treatments. The highest marketable leaves yield was obtained with MSWC at 20 t.ha -1 (8.1 t.ha -1 ) followed by MSWC at 30 t.ha -1 (6.6 t.ha -1 ), cow dung at 30 t.ha-1 (5.4 t.ha -1 ) and urea at 100 kg.ha -1 (5.4 t.ha -1 ), while control recorded lower values. A significant quadratic response on fresh leaf yield was observed with MSWC leading to a maximum of yield of 8.15 t.ha -1 at 23.03 t.ha -1 . Conclusion and application of results : The results indicated that the MSWC performs better when used at the optimal rate (23.03 t.ha -1 ), and can be used as a promising fertilizer source in Corchorus olitorius production in Benin. Key words: Leaf yield, waste compost, cow dung, Corchorus olitorius, Benin

Prévalence et caractéristiques des douleurs chroniques avec caractère neuropathique en population générale à Parakou au nord du Bénin en 2012

The burden of chronic and neuropathic pain is high making it an important public health problem. The epidemiology is not well known in the general population in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic pain with a neuropathic component at Tititou in Parakou in northeastern Benin. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st April to 31 May 2012 and included 2314 people in a door-to-door survey. Chronic pain was defined as pain occurring for more than three months. Neuropathic pain was assessed with the DN4 score. A neurological exam was performed by a young physician for all people with chronic pain. During the interview, sociodemographic data, past medical history, weight and height were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the main associated factors. Among the 2314 people included in this survey, 49.7% were male. The mean age was 32.3±13.1years. Nine hundred seven reported pain occurring for more than 3months. The prevalence of chronic pain was 39.2% (CI95%: 29.3–34.7). It was more frequent in females, older people, among diabetics, people with a history of any surgery, stroke, brain trauma, and alcoholism. The prevalence of chronic pain with a neuropathic component was 6.3% (CI95%: 5.0–7.9). The main associated factors were age, matrimonial status, professional occupation, body mass index, diabetes, history of zoster, history of any surgery, brain trauma. People with neuropathic pain often reported pain with burning (87.6%), prickling (82.8%), numbness (66.9%), tingling (63.4%), and lightning pain (48.3%). The main locations were the lower limbs and low back pain. This study suggested the high frequency of chronic neuropathic pain in the general population in Parakou compared with rates reported in western countries.

Dry season refugia for anopheline larvae and mapping of the seasonal distribution in mosquito larval habitats in Kandi, northeastern Benin.

BackgroundThe dynamics of mosquito populations depends on availability of suitable surface water for oviposition. It is well known that suitable management of mosquito larval habitats in the sub-Saharan countries, particularly during droughts, could help to suppress vector densities and malaria transmission. We conducted a field survey to investigate the spatial and seasonal distribution of mosquito larval habitats and identify drought-refugia for anopheline larvae.MethodsA GIS approach was used to identify, geo-reference and follow up longitudinally from May 2012 to May 2013, all mosquito breeding sites in two rural sites (Yondarou and Thui), one urban (Kossarou), and one peri-urban (Pèdè) site at Kandi, a municipality in northeastern Benin. In Kandi, droughts are excessive with no rain for nearly six months and a lot of sunshine. A comprehensive record of mosquito larval habitats was conducted periodically in all sites for the identification of drought-refugia of anopheline larval stages. With geospatialisation data, seasonal larval distribution maps were generated for each study site with the software ArcGIS version 10.2.ResultsOverall, 187 mosquito breeding sites were identified of which 29.95% were recorded during drought. In rural, peri-urban and urban sites, most of the drought-refugia of anopheline larvae were domestic in nature (61.54%). Moreover, in rural settings, anopheline larvae were also sampled in cisterns and wells (25% of larval habitats sampled during drought in Yondarou and 20% in Thui). The mapping showed a significant decrease in the spatial distribution of mosquito larval habitats in rural, peri-urban and urban sites during drought, except in Yondarou (rural) where the aridity did not seem to influence the distribution of larval habitats.ConclusionOur data showed that the main drought-refugia of anopheline larvae were of a domestic nature as well as wells and cisterns. A suitable management of mosquito larvae in sub-Saharan countries, particularly during droughts, should target such larval habitats for a meaningful impact on the dynamics of mosquito populations and malaria transmission.

Evidence for perennial malaria in rural and urban areas under the Sudanian climate of Kandi, Northeastern Benin.

BackgroundIn arid settings, droughts usually lead to periods of very low or no malaria transmission. However, in rural Kandi (Sonsoro) in northeastern Benin, several malaria cases are often diagnosed during dry seasons. The underlying factors accounting for this phenomenon remain unknown.MethodsThe entomological profile of Sonsoro has been studied compared to a location in urban Kandi (Gansosso) for a period of one year. During this period, Anopheles larval habitats were investigated and populations of Anopheles gambiae s.l. were sampled by human landing catches in both areas. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) were conducted on vector specimens and the entomological inoculation rates (EIR) were determined per season (wet versus dry) in each area. In addition, during the severe drought period, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) were conducted on school children under the age 10 years in these areas to provide a global view of drought-malaria prevalence and to perform a crossing with entomological data in Kandi.ResultsOverall, An. gambiae s.l. was particularly abundant in rural Kandi compared to the urban area with a significant decrease of vector density in both sites during the dry season. In this period, larval sampling data identified household water sources as potential breeding sites in urban and rural Kandi. We also observed a significant seasonal variation of the infectivity rate in both areas but for each period (season), the EIR was higher in the rural site than in the urban. Data of P. falciparum detection was the reflection of entomological findings. The drought-malaria prevalence was 5.5 times higher in rural Kandi as compared to urban Kandi. The presence of a permanent water site and the low level of urbanization in rural Kandi were identified as a risk factor.ConclusionOur data showed a high level of malaria transmission in the municipality of Kandi. Household water source plays an important role in maintaining the breeding of anopheles larvae and the malaria transmission in Kandi. In rural settings, the proximity to permanent water sites could probably be the aggravating factor.

A description of teleost fish diversity in floodplain pools (‘Whedos’) and the Middle-Niger at Malanville (north-eastern Benin)

Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 27, Issue 4 p. 1095-1099 Short communication A description of teleost fish diversity in floodplain pools (‘Whedos’) and the Middle-Niger at Malanville (north-eastern Benin) M. E. Hauber, M. E. Hauber Department of Tropical Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorD. Bierbach, D. Bierbach Department of Ecology and Evolution, J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorK. E. Linsenmair, K. E. Linsenmair Department of Tropical Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this author M. E. Hauber, M. E. Hauber Department of Tropical Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorD. Bierbach, D. Bierbach Department of Ecology and Evolution, J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorK. E. Linsenmair, K. E. Linsenmair Department of Tropical Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this author First published: 04 April 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2011.01702.xCitations: 4 Author’s address: Melanie E. Hauber, Department of Tropical Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany.E-mail: [email protected] Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume27, Issue4August 2011Pages 1095-1099 RelatedInformation

Assessment of the domestication state of ackee (Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig) in Benin based on AFLP and microsatellite markers

Ackee (Blighia sapida) is a native multipurpose species important for the livelihoods of the rural populations in Benin. Trees are found in natural forests or are managed by farmers in different traditional agroforestry systems. Genetic variation at amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, four nuclear microsatellites (nSSRs) and one chloroplast microsatellite (cpSSR) were investigated in 279 individuals from six wild and eight cultivated populations from Benin. The AFLP data revealed moderate levels of diversity of ackee in Benin (mean diversity values are proportion of polymorphic loci = 52.8% and Nei’s gene diversity = 0.157, for 375 AFLP fragments). The mean diversity values based on nSSR-markers are expected heterozygosity = 0.286, allelic richness = 2.77. Genetic variation of wild and cultivated populations did not differ markedly. AMOVA revealed that only 7.3 and 5.2% of the variation was partitioned among populations for nSSR- and AFLP-markers, respectively. A Mantel test based on these both marker-types revealed significant correlations between population pairwise geographic distance and genetic differentiation. Differentiation among cultivated populations was higher than among wild populations. The only polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite marker (ccmp7) showed three haplotypes. Cultivated populations from northeastern Benin were fixed on one haplotype which was not observed elsewhere indicating a different origin of these populations possibly from neighboring Nigeria. Farmer-led domestication had an impact on the spatial distribution of genetic variation but did not result in significant losses of diversity within populations. Measures to conserve genetic resources of ackee in each of the three main bioclimatic zones in Benin are proposed.

Marine influences in the so-called continental sediments of the Paleozoic-Mesozoic Kandi Basin (Northern Benin - West Africa)

The continental Sende Formation of northeastern Benin dated by means of silicified wood as Lower Cretaceous overlies the Kandi Formation unconformably. Trace fossils ( Arthrophycus and Cruziana) place the Kandi Formation in the Lower Paleozoic. These traces indicate two marine transgressions, one during the middle to Late Ordovician, the other during Lower Silurian, supported by fluvial-marine sandstones from deltaic, marginal-littoral and epicontinental environments. This proposed stratigraphic and paleogeographic model contradicts the former idea of the “Kandi basin” as being a Mesozoic, continental deposit. The Ordovician transgression previously, described in northern Niger, thus extended 1000 km further south, thereby implying a new interpretation of the geological history of West Africa. Close ichnofaunistic relationships are found between the study area and the North African domain, thus supporting the proposal of an Ordovician transgression across the Sahara. These results should be seen in the context of a circumgondwanan province along this northeastern margin.