Genetic algorithm with cross-validation-based epidemic model and application to the early diffusion of COVID-19 in Algeria.

A dynamical epidemic model optimized using a genetic algorithm and a cross-validation method to overcome the overfitting problem is proposed. The cross-validation procedure is applied so that available data are split into a training subset used to fit the algorithm's parameters, and a smaller subset used for validation. This process is tested on Italy, Spain, Germany, and South Korea cases before being applied to Algeria. Interestingly, our study reveals an inverse relationship between the size of the training sample and the number of generations required in the genetic algorithm. Moreover, the enhanced compartmental model presented in this work has proven to be a reliable tool to estimate key epidemic parameters and the non-measurable asymptomatic infected portion of the susceptible population to establish a realistic nowcast and forecast of the epidemic's evolution. The model is employed to study the COVID-19 outbreak dynamics in Algeria between February 25th, 2020, and May 24th, 2020. The basic reproduction number and effective reproduction number on May 24th, after three months of the outbreak, are estimated to be 3.78 (95% CI 3.033-4.53) and 0.651 (95% CI 0.539-0.761), respectively. Disease incidence, CFR, and IFR are also calculated. Numerical programs developed for this study are made publicly accessible for reproduction and further use.

Review shows that using surfactant a number of times or as a vehicle for budesonide may reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

AIM: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common respiratory morbidity in immature infants. This review describes the diagnosis of BPD has evolved and summarises the therapeutic approaches that have made it possible to limit the incidence of BPD. METHOD: We reviewed the literature from the first definition of BPD by Northway in 1967 to the surfactant treatment policies that are currently in use, drawing on more than 50 papers up to 2017. RESULTS: Our review showed that improvements in neonatal survival have been associated with an increased risk of severe BPD, significant levels of long-term morbidity and the increased use of healthcare resources. These issues have encouraged researchers to explore potential new treatments that limit the incidence of BPD. Repeated surfactant instillation and the use of surfactant as a vehicle for budesonide are promising strategies for alleviating the burden of chronic lung disease. Ongoing research on surfactant or stem cell therapy may further improve the respiratory prognosis for prematurely born children. CONCLUSION: Considerable research has been carried out into the increase in BPD, which has resulted from improvements in neonatal survival. Key areas of research include repeated surfactant administration, using surfactant as a vehicle for budesonide and stem cell therapy.

The effect of nefopam on lactation after caesarean section: a single-blind randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Nefopam is a centrally acting analgesic which has a theoretical risk of stopping lactation due to its anticholinergic and dopaminergic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nefopam on lactation and to investigate potential adverse effects on newborns. METHODS: Seventy-two women, scheduled to undergo a caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia and wanting to breastfeed, were randomised to one of two groups: nefopam (20mg, six hourly) or paracetamol (1g, six hourly). In both groups, postoperative analgesia was supplemented with ketoprofen (50mg, six hourly) in conjunction with intrathecal morphine 0.1mg. The primary outcome was onset of lactation, estimated by weighing the newborns before and after feeding; by maternal perception of breast fullness and based on serum prolactin concentration 48hours postpartum. Secondary outcomes were neonatal adverse effects evaluated by neurobehavioural score at 12, 24, 48, and 72hours after birth. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-squared, Fisher exact and Student t tests as appropriate. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The difference in the weight of the newborn before and after each feed, maternal perception of breast fullness and serum prolactin did not significantly differ between groups. The volume of artificial milk given to newborns of mothers in the nefopam group on days two and three was significantly greater than for the paracetamol group. Neurobehavioural scores were comparable at each time point. CONCLUSION: Nefopam does not appear to delay the onset of lactation or present any clear risk to the newborn.

[Childhood's ophthalmologic involvement in Sturge-Weber-Krabbe syndrome]. / Atteintes ophtalmologiques de l'enfance dans le cadre du syndrome de Sturge-Weber-Krabbe.

Ophthalmologic involvement in Sturge-Weber-Krabbe syndrome (SWKS) is present in 30-70% of cases and needs to be reviewed because of its impact on visual development. We report a case of a newborn for whom SSWK with ophthalmologic involvement was suspected. She had a right segmental plane angioma associated with right congenital glaucoma and suspected right pial angioma. Ophthalmic involvement in SWKS may be nonocular: iatrogenic by treatment-associated complications and central by leptomeningeal damage. Ophthalmologic involvement can occur throughout childhood and is mainly represented by glaucoma and diffuse choroidal hemangioma and then conjunctival hemangioma, retinal detachment, and iris heterochromia. SWKS requires multidisciplinary care with eye examination and prolonged follow-up as soon as clinical suspicion arises.

[Secondary right-sided diaphragmatic hernia following neonatal group B Streptococcal septicaemia in a preterm infant]. / Hernie diaphragmatique droite à révélation secondaire et septicémie néonatale à Streptocoque B chez un prématuré.

We report on a case of a secondary right-sided diaphragmatic hernia following group B streptococcal (GBS) septicaemia in a very low birth weight infant born at 30 weeks. After initial improvement, the diagnosis of a secondary right-sided diaphragmatic hernia was suspected with the persistent radiological pulmonary right-sided image on the chest x-ray and the clinical degradation. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography on day 43. The postoperative course was simple. Persistent respiratory distress in a neonate, after a GBS septicaemia associated with a right pulmonary opacity on the chest x-ray, should prompt a careful evaluation. A secondary right-sided diaphragmatic hernia should be considered. Treatment is surgery, the prognosis is good in the absence of pulmonary hypoplasia.

[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a newborn]. / Purpura thrombotique thrombocytopénique chez un nouveau-né.

A newborn presented with haemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia and renal failure as early as the first hours of life. An early plasmatherapy was undertaken, followed by good outcome. The specific von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS 13) was found at less than 5%. This is the specific biologic diagnostic element of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or Upshaw-Schulman syndrome. This disease of constitutional thrombotic microangiopathy was well identified and understood only few years ago. It's a rare disease which early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in order to preserve functional and vital capacities of the patient.

[Neonatal renal vein thrombosis in a heterozygous carrier of both factor V Leiden and prothrombin mutations]. / Thrombose veineuse rénale néonatale et double hétérozygotie pour le facteur V Leiden et la prothrombine.

UNLABELLED: We report a case of renal vein thrombosis, treated with heparin and thrombolytic therapy, in a patient who was heterozygous for both factor V Leiden and prothrombin mutations. CASE REPORT: A full-term infant was treated with heparin and fibrinolytics at the fourth day of life because of renal vein thrombosis, inferior vena cava thrombosis and adrenal hemorrhage. After four days of treatment, the repermeabilization was complete but a renal atrophy developed. The investigation for congenital coagulation disorders revealed a heterozygous mutation for both factor V Leiden and prothrombin. CONCLUSION: Search for inborn blood coagulation disorders should be systematic in the newborn infant with venous thrombosis because of the risk of recurrence, even in the presence of a known acquired risk factor. The thrombolytic treatment improves the prognosis.