Plasma Viral Load of 200 Copies/mL is a Suitable Threshold to Define Viral Suppression and HIV Drug Resistance Testing in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Evidence From a Facility-Based Study in Cameroon.

Introduction: In low-and-middle-income-countries (LMIC), viral suppression is defined as plasma viral load (PVL) below 1000 copies/mL (low-level viremia [LLV]) and threshold for HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) testing. However, there is evidence that drug resistance mutations (DRMs) may emerge at LLV, thus compromising antiretroviral treatment (ART) response We evaluated sequencing success rates (SSR) at LLV, described HIVDR profiles and adequacy with potential efficacy of tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir (TLD).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals with LLV at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon from January 2020 through August 2021.

Periodontal disease and serum uric acid levels in the absence of metabolic syndrome: is there a link? A study on a sample of Cameroonian adults.

Background: The relationship between serum uric acid level (SUA) and periodontal diseases (PD) is still controversial, and few studies have been carried out in population with no element of metabolic syndrome especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between PD and SUA in Cameroonian adults not suffering from metabolic syndrome.

Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study including Cameroonians aged over 18 years recruited in the general population and free of metabolic syndrome elements.

A Variational Network for Biomedical Images Denoising using Bayesian model and Auto-Encoder.

Auto-encoders have demonstrated outstanding performance in computer vision tasks such as biomedical imaging, including classification, segmentation, and denoising. Many of the current techniques for image denoising in biomedical applications involve training an autoencoder or convolutional neural network (CNN) using pairs of clean and noisy images. However, these approaches are not realistic because the autoencoder or CNN is trained on known noise and does not generalize well to new noisy distributions.

Ethanolic Extracts of Linn. (Vitaceae) Attenuate Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Rats: An Evidence of the Antioxidant, Calcium Inhibitory, and Neuromodulatory Properties.

Linn. (, Vitaceae) is a plant reported to treat injured tendons, broken bones, asthma, stomach ache, scurvy, and digestive disorders. The present study evaluated the antihyperalgesic effects of ethanolic extract of Linn.

The Effects of Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Treatment Uptake and Outcomes in the Fako Division of Cameroon.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an infectious disease affecting mainly the lungs and persists as the leading cause of death worldwide. With the emergence of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the management and outcome of TB has been greatly affected because of the global shift in attention. This study aims to determine the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the TB treatment uptake and outcomes in the Fako Division of Cameroon.

Hendrickson Class II Palatal Fracture Following a Road Trauma Accident in a Pediatric Patient.

Pediatric palatal fractures are rare clinical presentations owing to the relative plasticity of their bones. We present a case of a 3-year-old pedestrian struck male patient presenting with a mid-sagittal palatal fracture which corresponds to a Hendrickson class II fracture. Diagnosis and treatment of these rare cases are very critical to ensuring proper manducatory functions and normal facial growth in these children.

Binding kinetics of highly mutated HIV-1 subtype C protease inhibition by Lopinavir and Darunavir in the face of altered conformational dynamics.

Highly mutated HIV-1 protease (PR) compromises the efficacy of lopinavir (LPV) and darunavir (DRV) used to formulate salvage regimens in HIV/AIDS management. Here, we report the kinetics of inhibition of lopinavir (LPV) and darunavir (DRV) on highly mutated South African HIV-1 subtype C PR obtained from clinical isolates. The wild-type and mutant South African HIV-1 subtype C PR were cloned and purified.

Validation of prognostic models predicting mortality or ICU admission in patients with COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries: a global individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: We evaluated the performance of prognostic models for predicting mortality or ICU admission in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Clinical Platform, a repository of individual-level clinical data of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: We identified eligible multivariable prognostic models for predicting overall mortality and ICU admission during hospital stay in patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 from a living review of COVID-19 prediction models. These models were evaluated using data contributed to the WHO Global Clinical Platform for COVID-19 from nine LMICs (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, India, Niger, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe).

Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections and determinants of carriage in a seasonal malaria chemoprevention setting in Northern Cameroon and south Senegal (Kedougou).

Background: Among the several strategies recommended for the fight against malaria, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine combination (SPAQ) targets children 3 months to 5 years in Sahel regions of Africa to reduce mortality and mortality. Since SMC with SPAQ is administered to symptoms-free children for prevention of malaria, it is anticipated that a proportion of asymptomatic parasitaemic children will also be treated and may result in a drop in both the overall population prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections, subsequent risk of symptomatic malaria infections and transmission. Age-specific carriage of asymptomatic Plasmodium spp.

Two highly selected mutations in the tandemly duplicated CYP6P4a and CYP6P4b genes drive pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles funestus in West Africa.

Background: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in malaria vectors is crucial for optimising the effectiveness of insecticide-based vector control methods and developing diagnostic tools for resistance management. Considering the heterogeneity of metabolic resistance in major malaria vectors, the implementation of tailored resistance management strategies is essential for successful vector control. Here, we provide evidence demonstrating that two highly selected mutations in CYP6P4a and CYP6P4b are driving pyrethroid insecticide resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles funestus, in West Africa.

Utility of colposcopy for the screening and management of cervical cancer in Africa: a cross-sectional analysis of providers' training and practices.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a public health issue in Africa with devastating socioeconomic consequences due to the lack of organized screening programs. The success of screening programs depends on the appropriate investigation and management of women who test positive for screening. Colposcopic assessment following positive screening results is a noteworthy issue in Africa.

Genome-wide association studies unveil major genetic loci driving insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus in four eco-geographical settings across Cameroon.

Background: Insecticide resistance is jeopardising malaria control efforts in Africa. Deciphering the evolutionary dynamics of mosquito populations country-wide is essential for designing effective and sustainable national and subnational tailored strategies to accelerate malaria elimination efforts. Here, we employed genome-wide association studies through pooled template sequencing to compare four eco-geographically different populations of the major vector, Anopheles funestus, across a South North transect in Cameroon, aiming to identify genomic signatures of adaptive responses to insecticides.

Effect of integrating paediatric tuberculosis services into child healthcare services on case detection in Africa: the INPUT stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial.

Introduction: Paediatric tuberculosis (TB) underdiagnosis is a critical concern. The INPUT stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial assessed the impact of integrating child TB services into child healthcare on TB case detection among children under age 5 years.

Methods: We compared the standard of care, providing TB care in specific TB clinics (control phase), with the Catalysing Paediatric TB Innovations (CaP-TB) intervention, integrating TB services across all child health services (intervention phase).

Cost-effectiveness of integrating paediatric tuberculosis services into child healthcare services in Africa: a modelling analysis of a cluster-randomised trial.

Background: In 2021, over one million children developed tuberculosis, resulting in 214 000 deaths, largely due to inadequate diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis is limited in most high-burden countries because services are highly centralised at secondary/tertiary levels and are managed in a vertical, non-integrated way. To improve case detection and treatment among children, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends decentralised and integrated tuberculosis care models.

A multicountry evaluation of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of intrathoracic tuberculosis in children using alternative specimens (nasopharyngeal aspirate and stool): A prospective cohort study conducted in Madagascar, Ivory Coast and Cameroon (TB Kids project).

Context: Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in children remains challenging due to the paucibacillary nature of specimens and the difficulty in obtaining suitable samples. The use of alternative samples like nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) and stools, alongside Xpert MTB/RIF testing, offers promising improvements.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF test on NPA and stool samples for detecting intrathoracic TB in children from Madagascar, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.

Flavonoids and other constituents from Jacaranda mimosifolia: In vitro analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulations of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The investigation of the methanol extract of the flowers of Jacaranda mimosifolia led to the isolation and characterisation of fourteen secondary metabolites (1-14) by the means of chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis. These compounds include eight flavonoids sorted as two flavonols (1-2), three flavones (3, 7-8), and three isoflavones (4, 9-10), two glucoiridoids (5-6), and four triterpenoids sorted as one oleanane (11), one hopane (12), and two lupane (13-14). The in vitro antioxidant potential of all the isolated compounds was evaluated using the ABTS- and FRAP- methods, which demonstrated concentration-dependent activity.

Burden and predictors of M-pox suspected cases in a rural setting of Cameroon: implications for developing countries.

Introduction: M-pox is a re-emerging pathogen that is spreading rapidly in developing countries, presenting a serious health risk. Data are scarce on M-pox and its determinants in endemic countries such as Cameroon. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological burden and factors linked to the resurgence of M-pox in high-risk communities in Cameroon.

Findings From the Todurujo na Kadurok (Empowering Youth) HIV Self-Testing and Edutainment Comic Randomized Controlled Trial With Refugee Youth in a Humanitarian Setting in Uganda.

Introduction: Humanitarian settings are underserved by HIV self-testing (HIV-ST).

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of HIV-ST (Arm 1), HIV-ST alongside edutainment comics (Arm 2), and edutainment comics (Arm 3), compared with the standard of care (SOC), in increasing HIV testing with refugee youth aged 16-24 in the Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Intervention effects on HIV testing at 3-month follow-up (T2) were assessed using generalized estimating equation models alongside open-ended questions.

Antibiotics' resistance profile of pathogens isolated from fish products sold in the city of Bangangté, Cameroon: Aqueous extracts from spices' formulations used as accompanying soup of braised fish as antimicrobial alternative.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts of the mixture of spices used as accompanying soup of braised fish against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria isolated from raw and braised fish collected in the city of Bangangté, Cameroon. A survey was conducted in the city of Bangangté to diagnose the braising fish processes. Pathogens were isolated from raw and braised fish samples collected in fish farms and selling points, and their susceptibility to 16 commonly used antibiotics was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.

Interplay Between Helminth Infections, Malnutrition, and Gut Microbiota in Children and Mothers from Pemba, Tanzania: Potential of Microbiota-Directed Interventions.

Background/objectives: Despite efforts within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goal to end malnutrition by 2030, malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections persist in sub-Saharan Africa. A significant barrier to success is the inadequate understanding of effective intervention methods. Most research on the gut microbiota's role in health has been conducted in developed countries, leaving a critical gap in knowledge regarding low-income populations.

Finding the missed millions: innovations to bring tuberculosis diagnosis closer to key populations.

Current strategies to promptly, effectively, and equitably screen people with tuberculosis (TB) and link them to diagnosis and care are insufficient; new approaches are required to find the millions of people around the world with TB who are missed each year. Interventions also need to be designed considering how people interact with health care facilities and where appropriate should be suitable for use in the community. Here, the historical, new, and reemerging technologies that are being utilised for TB diagnosis globally are discussed, whilst highlighting that how we use and evaluate tests is just as important as the tests themselves.

Contraceptive use, unmet need, and demand satisfied for family planning across Cameroon: a subnational study including indirect effects of COVID-19 and armed conflict on projections.

Background: Cameroon is among countries that have made notable investments nationwide in line with the Family Planning 2030 initiative. This study examines the progress made across the 10 regions and 58 divisions of the country, including potential impairments following COVID-19 and armed conflict.

Methods: In this time-series analysis, parameters were sourced from 5 Demographic and Health Surveys and 3 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys conducted between 1991 and 2018.

Inflammation and hemostasis in loiasis before and after ivermectin treatment: A biological pilot cross-sectional study.

We assessed the impact of loiasis and its treatment with ivermectin on hemostasis and inflammation in 38 adults in Cameroon. Participants were divided into four balanced groups based on their Loa loa microfilarial densities. At baseline, eosinophils and platelets increased with microfilarial densities (p<0.

Epidemiological Assessment of Malaria Prevalence among Children Under 5 in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Cameroon, particularly affecting children under 5 years of age. Despite these efforts, its prevalence persists, highlighting the need for comprehensive epidemiological studies to guide interventions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected health areas across five regions of Cameroon.

Morphological identification of hookworm species in five regions of Cameroon.

Infections with hookworms ( and ) remain a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. However, the information about the distribution of each species is inaccurate in many countries since their traditional diagnosis is based only on the identification of eggs in stool under a microscope. We aimed to identify the prevalence of hookworm species using morphological stools to identify L3 larvae to gain insights into the distribution of both species in five regions of Cameroon.