IntroductionPrevalence of abdominal obesity dramatically increases both in developed countries and in developing countries. In several regions in Africa, obesity (especially abdominal) is seen as a sign of affluence, dignity and respect. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of abdominal obesity and seek some factors associated in a peri-urban population of West Africa.MethodsDuring April-May 2014, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Anonkoi 3, a neighborhood of Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Adults of 18 years old and over, not bedridden were included. Sampling was done in two stages. First, we selected the households. Then in each household we randomly chose one adult. Abdominal obesity was measured using a measuring tape and defined by waist circumference ratio (TT) to hip circumference (TH) greater or equal to 0.80 in women and greater or equal to 0.95 in men. Data from sociodemographic, corpulence, socioeconomic level, food habit, level of physical activity and blood pressure were analyzed. Univariate analysis using the Pearson KHI-square test at a significance level of 0.05 and a logistic regression was performed.ResultsWe visited 486 households in which 486 people aged 36.1 ± 12.83 years agreed to participate in the study. Prevalence of abdominal obesity was 50.8%. Those aged 30–45 years, women, couples, those with a primary level of education, the poor, people with high blood pressure, subjects less active and obese (general obesity) had more abdominal obesity. After logistic regression, individuals aged 30–45 years (adjusted OR = 2.35; p = 0.004) and 45 years and older (adjusted OR = 3.18; p = 0.001); females (adjusted OR = 49.05; p = 0.000); hypertension (adjusted OR = 2.26; p = 0.014) and obesity (OR = 2.94; p = 0.009).ConclusionThis work allowed us to estimate a relatively high prevalence of abdominal obesity in a peri-urban African population.

Abstractobjective To assess the number of sputum specimens necessary for a reliable diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in a pastoralist population in Ethiopia.method Using routine data from Ethiopia, where three sputum specimens are currently recommended for the diagnosis of PTB, we documented, (i) the proportion of persons with suspected, PTB who submitted a first, second and third sputum specimen for smear examination and (ii) the incremental smear-positive yield from the first, to the second and third specimens.results Of 505 persons with suspected PTB, 107 (22%) failed to submit three samples. Of 60 patients who submitted three sputum samples with at least one smear-positive sample, the first sputum sample was smear positive in 56 (93%) cases; the second sputum sample was the first to be positive in 3 (5%) cases and in only one case was the third sample the first to be smear positive (additional yield 2%).conclusion In a pastoralist setting, a reliable diagnosis of PTB can be achieved with two sputum specimens and PTB diagnosis may be adequate with just one sputum specimen. However, if this more radical approach was adopted, ways of increasing diagnostic sensitivity should be explored.

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Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) is an important differential diagnosis for knee pain. If diagnosed early, SIFK can be treated conservatively with non-weight bearing ambulation. If left untreated, this disease may lead to catastrophic complications such as subchondral fragment detachment and fragmentation or subchondral collapse which will warrant the need for surgical intervention. The author reports a 44-year-old triathlete that presented with complaint of a trivial left anteromedial knee pain for one-year duration. This disease presented at an unusual site of the medial tibial condyle. Moreover, the patient is a healthy triathlete that does not have any predisposing factors for SIFK. Magnetic resonance imaging showed subchondral insufficiency fracture of the medial tibial condyle with a complex multi-directional medial meniscus tear in the same knee. Could the undiagnosed medial meniscus injury be the causation leading to the development of SIFK? Here, the author will summarize the literature on various clinical features, work-up and management of SIFK.