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Our systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among parents within 12 months of their child’s burn injury. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Psychinfo, and CINAHL on January 6, 2023, for quantitative studies reporting the prevalence of PTSD and/or PTSS in parents within 12 months following their child’s burn injury. The risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool version 2018. A narrative synthesis of prevalence was presented. We identified 15 articles that met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of PTSS within 12 months following the burn injury ranged from 6% to 49%. Prevalence estimates of PTSD within the 12 months following a burn injury were limited, ranging from 4.4% to 22%. Our findings highlight the significant impact of burn injuries on parental mental health, with a considerable proportion of parents experiencing PTSS within 12 months following their child’s burn injury. Prevalence estimates for PTSD were limited and warrant further investigation. Our review also underscores the need for standardization of PTSS/PTSD terminology. Timely and targeted psychological support is needed for parents in the aftermath of their child’s burn injury.

This article analyzes the so-called “anti-French sentiment” that many journalists, academics, and political leaders believe they detect in sub-Saharan Africa. It is argued here that the hostility toward the former colonial power, observable for several years in most French-speaking countries on the continent, is the consequence of half a century of neocolonial domination, arrogance, and indifference. The criticism is directed at France for its support for despotic regimes, its continual military interventions, and the maintenance of its monetary supervision through the CFA franc. Long suppressed, these critical voices are now determined to be heard. A new generation of activists using social media has broken through the communication monopolies and appealed to the growing population of youth that sees no future other than through a second independence. The challenge will be to steer this movement toward a project of social transformation in the service of the people.

ABSTRACTThe need to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts has reached monumental heights in the past decade as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement and other DEIA efforts. This shift in thought has impacted recruitment and hiring practices in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. For years, universities have tried a variety of mechanisms to increase the pool of minority applicants in PhD programs as well as the faculty ranks. However, many of these efforts have not been sustainable. In this article, we discuss the results from a survey of graduate-level public affairs programs to discern specific efforts to increase the number of minority students pursuing graduate degrees and subsequently the number of minority faculty. In addition, we completed an extant review of the literature to determine additional practices that have proven fruitful in other graduate programs.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in mangrove crabs has been reported and most of them are toxic to animals and potential human carcinogens. Given that the land crab Cardisoma armatumHerklots, 1951 is more consumed by surrounding populations, this study aimed to quantify the levels of metals in its tissues and to assess the human health risks. Soft tissues were isolated in adult crabs and frozen then; samples were dried, crushed and handled following the standard procedures. Human health risks were evaluated using some indices. Heavy metal levels in each tissue were shown in decreasing order: Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Cd > Pb. Cadmium, lead and copper metals were in upper levels in the hepatopancreas (0.35, 0.19 and 7.88 mg/kg) whereas iron, aluminium and zinc were higher in muscles (129.30, 15.96 and 82.83 mg/kg). Most EDI values were apparently below the PTDI and CRLim values signifying that the consumption of C. armatumremains safe for consumers although, a limit in intake frequency might be required for children. For all metals, THQ and HI values were below the standard value 1 indicating no health risks in consumers due to the intake of single or several metals. Also, the carcinogenic risks for Cd and Pb metals are considered to be negligible because they are lower than 10−6. Overall, regarding the results, consumption of C. armatumseems harmless for human health in the study area.

Il a été décrit par certains auteurs des cas de syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë (SDRA) secondaire à une envenimation vipérine associée à d’autres signes habituels liés au syndrome cytotoxique et hématotoxique. Nous rapportons le cas d’une adolescente victime d’une envenimation vipérine et d’un SDRA d’évolution favorable. La multiplication des doses de sérum anti-venin a probablement contribué au bon pronostic de la patiente.

Psychological and social support for adolescents living with HIV remains undocumented and unaddressed in Central Africa. This study aimed at assessing effectiveness of a peer-facilitated community-based support model in improving retention in care among adolescents living with HIV and attending care in Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon.

Introduction: High salt intake is a major risk factor for hypertension and its complications such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to determine level of sodium consumption and its relation with kidney function in the rural populations of Ferlo (centre of Senegal). Subjects and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study including 400 volunteers aged > 18 years. Clinical, biological and dietary data were collected during household visits. Daily sodium intake was measured in the 24 h-urine outpout and CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min. Linear regression analysis was used to assess association between sodium intake and covariates. Results: Mean age was 46.42 ± 15.60 and sex-ratio was 1.05. Prevalence of hypertension, CKD and overweight were 21.5, 11.7 and 20.5%, respectively. The median daily salt intake was 11.7 g with interquartile range of 14.8 g. Only 11.25% of participants consumed less than 5 g/day. After multivariate analysis, high salt intake was associated with age > 60 years, overweight and CKD. However, gender and hypertension were not significantly associated with salt intake. Industrial broths (91.5%) and bread (85%) represented the main sources of dietary salt. Conclusion: This study revealed high levels of daily salt intake contrasting with low potassium intakes in the majority of participants. Participants with CKD, overweight and age > 60 years presented higher salt consumption. Stategies to reduce salt consumption are urgently needed to reduce burden of CKD in rural Senegalese populations.

SPC/E molecular dynamics simulations are used to examine the structure of liquid water as a function of temperature between 25 and 350 °C at a constant pressure of 25 MPa. Analysis of the calculated oxygen–oxygen (O–O) and oxygen-hydrogen (O–H) radial distribution functions shows that water undergoes a structural change around 150 °C, characterized by large drops in the O–O/O–H coordination numbers. This structural change could explain some apparent anomalies experimentally observed in the radiolysis of water at elevated temperatures. These include the thermalization distance of secondary subexcitation electrons and the rate constant of the bimolecular reaction of two hydrated electrons, both of which experience a sudden and sharp drop near 150 °C.

Évaluer la sécrétion lacrymale chez les patients atteints de limbo-conjonctivite endémique des tropiques (LCET).

The article discusses about the geopolitical aspects of global race for green hydrogen. Topics discussed include India's and China's ambitions as green hydrogen powerhouses, need of shift in the relationship between global finance, central banks, and fiscal authorities, and a state-led development project.

Étudier les facteurs pronostiques et le devenir fonctionnel visuel des militaires après un traumatisme oculaire par arme à feu en zone de conflit.

Objectives. This study assessed musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their correlates among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 healthy male handlers. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence while logistic regression was performed to determine associated factors. Results. MSD prevalence was 100 and 87.7% during the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. Main sites affected were, respectively, the lower back (84.1 and 61.1%), hips/thighs (81.1 and 47.2%) and neck (74.7 and 43.2%). MSD risk factors were age 25–30 years during the last 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] [−1.2, 6.5]) and 7 days (OR = 4.2; 95% CI [−1.7, 10.7]) for the neck and the last 12 months (OR = 2.6; 95% CI [−1.1, 5.8]) for shoulders. Overweight was a risk factor for wrists/hands in the last 12 months (OR = 2.7; 95% CI [−11.0, 7.2]). Seniority of 5–10 years was a risk factor for the lower back (OR = 1.8; 95% CI [−1.0, 3.3]) and hips/thighs (OR = 3.2; 95% CI [−1.7, 5.8]) in the last 7 days. Conclusion. Handlers showed high MSD prevalence in most sites, e.g., lower back, upper back, hips/thighs, shoulders and neck. Associated significant factors were age, overweight and seniority.

We compared the 2012 and 2015 Clinical Case Definitions for Classification of Intrathoracic Tuberculosis in Children in 438 HIV-infected children with presumptive tuberculosis. Agreement between the classifications was substantial but more children were considered as tuberculosis using the 2015 version.

The world’s second-largest rainforest is key to limiting climate change — it needs urgent study and protection.

The multi-country May Measurement Month (MMM) screening campaign aims to raise awareness on blood pressure (BP) and hypertension in individuals and communities, and measure BP, ideally, of those who had no BP measurement in the preceding year. We here report key findings from the Cameroon arm of MMM 2019. An opportunistic sample of adults (≥18 years) was included from 5 May to 5 June 2019 across 15 sites (markets, churches, homes, motor parks, workplaces, and hospitals/clinics). Data collection, cleaning, the definition of hypertension, and statistical analysis followed the standard protocol. The mean age of the 30 187 participants screened was 36.9 (SD: 14.9) years, 50.4% were female (5% of whom were pregnant), and 94.4% were screened out of the hospital/clinic settings. After multiple imputation of missing data, 6286 (20.8%) had hypertension, 24.0% were taking antihypertensive medication, and 705 (11.2%) of all participants with hypertension had controlled BP. In linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and antihypertensive medicines use, a previous diagnosis of hypertension, a history of stroke, and use of antihypertensive medicines were significant predictors of systolic and diastolic BP levels. BPs were also significantly higher when measured in public outdoors, public indoors (diastolic BP only), workplaces, and other unspecified areas compared to hospitals/clinic settings. MMM19 is the largest ever BP screening campaign in a single month, in Cameroon and despite the limitations resulting from non-random sample selection, the opportunistic screening allows access to awareness and screening for hypertension out of the hospital/clinic settings.

In March 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak was declared as a world pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The only measures for controlling the outbreak are testing and isolation of infected cases. Molecular real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are very sensitive but require highly equipped laboratories and well-trained personnel. In this study, a rapid point-of-need detection method was developed to detect the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), envelope protein (E), and nucleocapsid protein (N) genes of SARS-CoV-2 based on the reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay. RdRP, E, and N RT-RPA assays required approximately 15 min to amplify 2, 15, and 15 RNA molecules of molecular standard/reaction, respectively. RdRP and E RT-RPA assays detected SARS-CoV-1 and 2 genomic RNA, whereas the N RT-RPA assay identified only SARS-CoV-2 RNA. All established assays did not cross-react with nucleic acids of other respiratory pathogens. The RT-RPA assay’s clinical sensitivity and specificity in comparison to real-time RT-PCR (n= 36) were 94 and 100% for RdRP; 65 and 77% for E; and 83 and 94% for the N RT-RPA assay. The assays were deployed to the field, where the RdRP RT-RPA assays confirmed to produce the most accurate results in three different laboratories in Africa (n= 89). The RPA assays were run in a mobile suitcase laboratory to facilitate the deployment at point of need. The assays can contribute to speed up the control measures as well as assist in the detection of COVID-19 cases in low-resource settings.

Au Cameroun, la couverture des enfants éligibles au traitement antirétroviral (TARV) (15 %) était l’une des plus faibles des 21 pays prioritaires du Fonds Mondial en 2012. Le but de cette étude était de faire une analyse situationnelle de l’offre des soins pour améliorer la prise en charge du VIH pédiatrique (PECP) au Cameroun.

This paper reviews local and bio-sourced materials for construction through their thermomechanical characteristics, but with an emphasis on their thermal conductivity that allows us to assess the thermal performance (insulation) of these materials. Then, we discuss the energy problems in Mauritania, while highlighting the local and bio-sourced materials existing in this country. These materials could be an alternative to solve these energy problems. Finally, we focus on the thermal performance of Typha Australis, a plant that grows abundantly in fresh water mainly in Senegal and Mauritania, which would have good advantages over the thermal performance of the building.

•Vertebral artery stenosis (VAS) following head rotation can be attributed to the presence of an osteophyte.•VAS can lead to posterior circulation stroke symptoms such as visual impairments and gait disturbances.•CDF is a safe, effective surgery for VAS, allowing for complete surgical removal of offending bone spurs.•Prompt diagnosis and restoring normal vascular function are vital to reduce ischemic risk in vertebral artery compression.

Perinatally HIV-Infected Adolescents (HIVIA) are more likely to have mental health problems than their uninfected peers. In resource-limited settings, mental health disorders are rarely taken into account in the care offered to HIVIA and have an impact on their routine follow-up. The objective of this study was to assess the baseline socio-demographic factors and mental health conditions associated with detectable viral load or poor ART adherence in HIVIA on ART followed at the Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaoundé (CME-FCB), Cameroon.

Tuberculosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children, but is difficult to diagnose. We studied mortality and its determinants in antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive HIV-infected children presenting with suspected tuberculosis.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of burnout syndrome among university teaching staff in Cameroon; and to establish if the practice of physical activities and leisures could have preventive effect.

•Phage therapy is a promising alternative treatment for Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumaniiinfections.•Acinetobacterphage vAbaIN10 do not contain any virulence and lysogenic genes and is physically stable.•The characterization results showed that Acinetobacterphage vAbaIN10 is suitable for phage therapy.

Rechercher la relation entre le profil réfractif et la longueur axiale oculaire chez l’albinos.

•A comparative study out on six cassava varieties (two local and four improved) to determine their resistance levels against S. vayssiereiwas studied.•Infestation of plants with scale insects reduces growth and productivity and triggers the production of biochemical compounds.•Biochemical compounds can be used in varietal improvement to reduce the number of scale insects infesting cassava plants as part of IPM.•The linear regression model performed from the biochemical data variables in the cortex (CAT and HCN) and in the pith (TPC and CAT) have a negative linear relationship with the scale insect density.

Background: Living areas in developing countries impact seriously lifestyle by modifying energy consumption and energy expenditure. Thus, urbanization is associated with less practice of physical activity (PA), a leading cause of metabolic syndrome (MetS) which prevalence vary in African countries. The present study aimed to assess the effect of PA on MetS according to urbanization level in the littoral region, Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three geographical settings (urban, semi-urban, and rural) in the littoral region in Cameroon. A total of 879 participants were included (urban: 372, semi-urban: 195 and rural: 312). MetS was defined according to the International Federation of Diabetes 2009. The level of PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity questionnaire. Results: Low level of PA was (P< 0.0001) reported in urban (54.5%), semi-urban (28.7%) and rural (16.9%) and high level in rural area (77.9%). The prevalence of MetS was higher in urban areas (37.2%), then rural (36.8%) and finally semi-urban (25.9%). Hyperglycemia (p= 0.0110), low HDL-c (p< 0.0001) and high triglyceridemia (p= 0.0068) were most prevalent in urban residents. Participants with low level of PA were at risk of MetS (OR: 1.751, 95% CI 1.335–2.731, p= 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.909, 95% CI 1.335–2.731, p= 0.0004) abdominal obesity(OR: 2.007, 95% CI 1.389–2.900, p= 0.0002), low HDL-c (OR: 1.539, 95% CI 1.088–2.179, p= 0.014) and those with moderate level of PA were protected against high blood pressure(OR: 0.452, 95% CI 0.298–0.686, p= 0.0002) and compared to those with high level of PA. Urban dwellers were at the risk of MetS compared to rural residents (OR: 1.708, 95% CI. 1.277–2.285, p= 0.003) and protected against high blood pressure (OR:0.314, 95% CI 0.212–0.466,p< 0.0001), abdominal obesity (OR: 0.570, 95% CI 0.409–0.794,p= 0.0009), and low HDL-c (OR: 0.725, 95% CI 0.534–0.983,p= 0.038) compared to rural residents. Conclusions: MetS was more prevalent in urban dwellers and was associated with a low level of PA.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

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Three new alkaloids, janetinine (1a), pleiokomenine A (2), and huncaniterine B (3a), and 13 known compounds, pleiomutinine (3b), huncaniterine A (3c), 1-carbomethoxy-β-carboline (4), evoxanthine (5), deformyltalbotine acid lactone (6), pleiocarpamine (7), N4-methyl-10-hydroxygeissoschizol (8), spegatrine (9), neosarpagine (10), aspidofractinine (11), N1-methylkopsinin (12), pleiocarpine (13), and N1-methylkopsinin-N4-oxide (14), were isolated from the stem bark of Pleiocarpa pycnantha. Janetinine (1a) is a carbazole alkaloid; in pleiokomenine A (2), two aspidofractinine-type alkaloids are bridged by a methylene unit in an unprecedented way, and huncaniterine B (3a) is a pleiocarpamine–aspidofractinine-type dimer. The structures and relative configurations of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of NMR and MS analyses. Their absolute configurations were defined by means of experimental and calculated ECD data, and additionally, the structures of 5and 13were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1a, 2, 3b, 4, 6, 9, and 12displayed cancer chemopreventive properties through either quinone reductase induction (CD= 30.7, 30.2, 29.9, 43.5, and 36.7 μM for 1a, 4, 6, 9, and 12, respectively) and/or NF-κB inhibition with IC50values of 13.1, 8.4, 9.4, and 8.8 μM for 2, 3b, 6, and 12, respectively.

La drépanocytose pose un problème de santé publique au Sénégal. Elle concerne principalement les enfants et les adolescents. L’objectif de notre travail était de déterminer les profils épidémiologiques, cliniques et hématologiques de la drépanocytose homozygote SS dans une cohorte d’enfants suivis à l’hôpital de la paix de Ziguinchor.

Malgré une population plutôt jeune, le Sénégal est confronté à une augmentation du nombre de personnes âgées. Cette situation impose une plus grande vigilance par rapport à la politique sanitaire, ce qui passe par une meilleure connaissance du profil épidémiologique. Pour ce faire, nous avions réalisé une étude rétrospective et descriptive. Elle couvrait une période de dix ans, allant de la période du 1er janvier 2004 au 31 décembre 2014, portant sur les nouveaux cas de patients âgés d’au moins 60 ans et intéressant un effectif de 1490 personnes. La moitié des patients de cette étude avait comme diagnostic une démence (34,6 %) ou une dépression (19,8 %). Près des deux tiers (73 %) souffraient d’une comorbidité somatique essentiellement représentée par : l’hypertension artérielle, le diabète et les pathologies neurologiques. Les patients étaient adressés en consultation par la famille (77 %) ou référés par les centres de soins médicaux (17 %). Il y avait une légère prédominance des femmes qui représentaient 56 %, soit un sex-ratio de 1,26. La moitié des patients était mariée, le tiers veuf. La famille reste la principale ressource en psychogériatrie, étant à l’origine de l’essentiel des demandes. En matière de sensibilisation, le message devra donc plus être centré sur elle. La formation s’impose également pour permettre aux autres acteurs de soins d’être plus attentifs par rapport à la démence et à la dépression de la personne âgée, afin de faciliter un dépistage et une prise en charge précoces.

In the 1H NMR-guided fractionation of extracts from the edible mushroom Lactarius deliciosus, two new azulene-type sesquiterpenoids, 7-isopropenyl-4-methyl-azulene-1-carboxylic acid (1) and 15-hydroxy-3,6-dihydrolactarazulene (2), together with seven known compounds were characterized. Their structures were determined on basis of spectroscopic evidence, as well as by comparing with literature data. Amongst the known metabolites, the 13C NMR assignment of 15-hydroxy-6,7-dihydrolactarazulene (3) is reported here for the first time. Moreover, 7-acetyl-4-methylazulene-1-carbaldehyde (5) displayed a moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. *Digital image of L. deliciosus.Retrieved March 17, 2017 from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Lactarius_deliciosus_1_(1).jpg.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept has been implemented in many surgical specialties, with improved surgical and clinical outcomes, all while decreasing hospital cost. We have established a single center ERAS protocol for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) same-day surgeries. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospective collected data of all patients undergoing one to two level ACDF surgeries at the CHUM based on a patient selection criteria’s list. Demographics, BMI, patient report outcome measures (NDI, VAS, mJOA), operative time, wake up time, time in recovery room and time till discharge were analysed. Complications were also noted. Results: When compared to our pre-ERAS group, our study showed that an ERAS protocol in select patients is not associated with any peri-operative complications, no 30-day / 90-day readmissions, nor any conversion to admission. All patients were safely discharged as planned. Operative length was similar. There was no dysphagia noted. There was improvement in all PROMs. Conclusions: ERAS protocol for ACDF same day surgeries in carefully selected patients is safe and provide same clinical outcomes. Meticulous surgical techniques, close post operative observation with a follow-up telephone call the next day are all key in assuring a safe and successful surgery and patient discharge.

Background: Following craniotomy, there is widespread agreement that post-operative neurological impairments require specialized evaluation to evaluate fitness to drive. However, for patients who had a craniotomy and do not have neurological deficits or known seizures, there is less consensus as to when return to driving is safe. In this study, we aim to review existing guidelines regarding driving post-craniotomy and assess the current practices for post-craniotomy recommendations in Canada. Methods: Our study has three components: 1) systematic review of existing guidelines for return to driving after cranial procedure; 2) review of primary evidence (cohort studies) regarding seizure risk following a craniotomy, depending of the underlying pathology; 3) online questionnaire distributed to Canadian neurosurgeons by the Canadian Neurosurgery Collaborative (CNRC) network. Results: Our systematic review unveiled various sets of guidelines for driving after a craniotomy. For instance, UK Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency writes into law specific guidelines for return to driving varying based on underlying pathology. Their results were drawn from large cohort studies measuring the occurrence of post-operative seizures after craniotomy for a variety of conditions. The questionnaire is currently being distributed to Canadian neurosurgeons. Conclusions: Our study lays the first steps towards the development of Canadian guidelines for return to driving post-craniotomy.

There is increasing attention towards understanding the modifying factors influencing the relationship between meteorological information utilization and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. Much as several studies have established that meteorological information is vital for adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, not much research has been conducted to contextualize the influence of modifying factors in that relationship. The study is derived from a sample of 341 households. Adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and modifying effects were understood through a series of univariate, bivariant, and linear regression analyses. Findings from the study indicate that the climate-smart agriculture practices adopted most are; intercropping (71.8%), cover cropping (71%), and crop rotation (69.5%), while the least adopted are mulching (2.3%) and minimum tillage (4.1%). The relationship between meteorological information utilization and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices is influenced by peers’ or community influence, indigenous knowledge or cultural beliefs, and trust. Trust in weather forecasts scored highest in the relationship between meteorological information utilization and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (x2=0.01, P = 0.002**). After accounting for the mediating role of trust, meteorological information utilization positively impacted the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (B = 0.376, t = 2.045, p < 0.05). The Sobel test results indicate that the mediation effect was also significant (Z = 6.45369270, p < 0.000001). Therefore, trust in meteorological information partially accounts for the relationship between meteorological information utilization and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. It can be recommended that there is a need for integration of indigenous knowledge in the scientific meteorological information and provision of finer grain forecasts that can be trusted by the end-users in a timely fashion. This will promote meteorological information utilization in the climate-smart agricultural practices adoption decision.

Adolescents living with HIV are more likely to experience mental health challenges compared to their peers who do not have HIV. However, there is a lack of data regarding the mental health of adolescents living with HIV in Cameroon. Understanding risk factors and protective factors that influence mental health amongst adolescents is critical for effective programming. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and the factors associated with depression in adolescents infected with HIV and receiving ART in a Cameroonian referral hospital.

ABSTRACTLymphocyte subset reference values used to monitor infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, or other immunological disorders in healthy children in Cameroon, are lacking. Values for Caucasian cohorts are already being utilized for clinical decisions but could be inappropriate for African populations. We report here the immunological profile for children aged from birth through 6 years in Cameroon and also compare our values to data from other African and Caucasian populations. In a cohort of 352 healthy children, aged 0 to 6 years, the relative and absolute numbers of T-cell subsets, B cells, and NK lymphocytes were determined from peripheral blood collected in EDTA tubes. Samples were stained with BD Multitest reagents in Trucount tubes and analyzed by using CellQuest-Pro and FlowJo software. We evaluated about 23 different lymphocyte subsets in which the absolute number and percentage values differed significantly (P< 0.05) with age and peaked between 6 and 12 months. B-cell values were higher compared to reported values from developed countries. Differences in activated and differentiated T cells were observed in subjects between 1 and 6 years of age. The absolute CD8+T-cell count and the CD4+/CD8+ratio seem to depend on gender. Normal lymphocyte subsets values among children from Cameroon differ from reported values in Caucasian and some African populations. The differences observed could be due to genetic and environmental factors coupled with the methodology used. These values could be used as initial national reference guidelines as more data are assembled.

During chronic inflammation, immune cells, notably Th17 cells, infiltrate the inflammatory site and interact with local mesenchymal cells. Applied to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the aim is to study the interactions between synoviocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with a focus on the Th17 pathway and to identify a mechanism which leads to high IL-17 secretion with an interest on podoplanin. PBMC from healthy donors and RA patients were co-cultured with RA synoviocytes during 48 h, in the presence or not of phytohemagglutinin. An antibody against podoplanin was used in co-culture. Cytokine production (IL-6, IL-1β and IL-17) was measured by ELISA and cell staining (CD3, CD4, IL-17 and podoplanin) by flow cytometry. In control conditions, IL-6 and IL-1β production was increased in PBMC-synoviocyte co-culture compared to PBMC alone (p= 0.02). No additional effect was observed with PBMC activation. Flow cytometry analysis showed no difference in the percentage of Th17 cells in activated PBMC alone or with synoviocytes (p= 0.4), indicating that Th17 differentiation requires only T cell activation. Conversely, IL-17 production was highly increased in co-cultures with activated PBMC vs. activated PBMC alone (p= 0.002). Transwell experiments confirm that cell-cell contact was critical for IL-17 secretion. The incubation of either PBMC or synoviocytes with an anti-podoplanin antibody decreased IL-17 secretion by 60 % (p= 0.008). Interactions between resting PBMC and synoviocytes are sufficient to induce IL-6 and IL-1β production. Both PBMC activation and cell interactions are needed to induce a high IL-17 secretion. Podoplanin contributes at the level of both lymphocytes and synoviocytes.

But Étudier l’influence de la limbo-conjonctivite endémique des tropiques (LCET) sur la distribution de l’astigmatisme dans une population d’enfants mélanodermes.

In this article, we consider the stochastic wave equation on R + × R driven by the Lévy white noise introduced in Balan (2015). Using Rosenthal’s inequality, we develop a maximal inequality for the moments of order p ≥ 2 of the integral with respect to this noise. Based on this inequality, we show that this equation has a unique solution, which is weakly intermittent in the sense of Foondun and Khoshnevisan (2009) and Khoshnevisan (2014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased cost associated with the used of high quality materials have led to the need for local soils to be used in civil engineering works. In this paper, geo-chemical approaches coupled with conventional geotechnical techniques has been used to investigate vertical and lateral peculiar engineering index properties (EIP) of micaschist derived soils from Mfou, Central-Cameroon for their uses in road construction. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis conducted on the soils indicated the absence of swelling clays. The main mineral phases were quartz, kaolinite, goethite, magnetite and chlorite. Geo-chemical results show that the investigated soils are “true laterites” made up of 41 wt.% of Fe2O3, 35 wt.% of SiO2, 21 wt.% of Al2O3, 1.17 wt.% of K2O and 0.05 wt.% of CaO. The results of geotechnical tests suggest that the upper clayey layer (UCL) and bottom mottled clayey layer (MCL) of the weathering profiles are poorly graded soils with EIP (fines particles (FP) of 61 and 63%, plasticity index (PI) of 30 and 31%, Californian Bearing Ratio (CBR) at 95% of 21 and 19%), which do not allow their use as raw materials in road construction whereas, intermediate nodular layer (INL) are well graded soils having EIP (FP of 26%, PI of 26% and CBR of 39%) that meet the specification required for sub-base materials for light traffic roads. The relatively high sesquioxyde present in these residual soils may act as cementing agent, thereby making the compacted soils relatively brittle. The direct shear test results show that the soils have high bearing capacity (cohesion of 62 Kpa and 27.2° angle of internal friction) making them to be useful in slope stability and shallow foundation design. The comparison of the studied soils with some lateritic soils in Sub-Saharan Africa indicates that i) genesis and climatic conditions are potentials factors that influence EIP of lateritic soils, ii) lateritic soils developed under semi-arid conditions exhibits EIP better than those developed under tropicaland sub-tropical conditions.

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a supratherapeutic dose of lersivirine (LRV) on corrected QT (QTc) interval using Fridericia's equation (QTcF) in healthy subjects. In this randomized, single-dose, placebo- and active-controlled 3-way crossover study, healthy adult males (n= 48) were randomized to receive LRV (2,400 mg), moxifloxacin (400 mg), or placebo for each treatment period. Triplicate 12-lead electrocardiogram measurements were performed, PK samples were collected, and vital signs were measured. Adverse event monitoring and safety laboratory testing were performed. All subjects were white (mean age, 39 years; body mass index [BMI], 25.6 kg/m2) and completed the study. Following LRV administration, the upper bound of the 90% confidence interval (CI) for time-matched adjusted mean differences to placebo QTcF at each time point postdose was below the regulatory threshold of 10 ms, satisfying the criteria for a negative thorough QT/QTc study. The highest upper bound of QTcF 90% CI occurred at 6 h for LRV (3.32 ms; 90% CI, 1.47 to 5.17 ms). The study was deemed adequately sensitive as the lower bound of the 90% CI for the adjusted mean QTcF differences between moxifloxacin and placebo at the moxifloxacin historical Tmaxof 3 h was >5 ms (15.29 ms; 90% CI, 13.44 to 17.14 ms). There was no statistically significant relationship between LRV exposure and placebo-adjusted change from baseline QTcF or clinically significant changes in QRS complex, pulse rate (PR) interval, heart rate, or blood pressure. LRV (2,400 mg) did not prolong the QTcF interval, and no clinically relevant electrocardiogram or vital sign changes were observed in healthy subjects.

ABSTRACTLersivirine (UK-453,061) is a new nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor currently being developed as a treatment for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. Lersivirine shows potent activity against wild-type and clinically relevant drug-resistant strains. Previous studies have demonstrated that lersivirine is metabolized by glucuronidation via UGT2B7 and by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Lersivirine is also a weak inducer of the CYP3A4 enzyme. Therefore, coadministered lersivirine could potentially affect the pharmacokinetics of maraviroc, a CCR5 antagonist metabolized by CYP3A4, and raltegravir, an integrase inhibitor metabolized by glucuronidation. Two open-label studies assessed the pharmacokinetics of raltegravir and of maraviroc when they were coadministered with lersivirine and the pharmacokinetics of lersivirine when it was coadministered with raltegravir. Minor, clinically nonsignificant effects on the pharmacokinetics of raltegravir coadministered with lersivirine were observed at steady state for raltegravir, with estimated mean changes of −15%, −29%, and +25% in the area under the concentration-time profile from time zero to the end of the dosing interval (AUCtau), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and concentration observed 12 h postdose (C12), respectively. There were no clinically relevant effects of steady-state raltegravir on lersivirine AUCtau, Cmax, or concentration observed 24 h postdose (C24) (estimated mean changes of −2 to +5%). Coadministration of lersivirine at steady state with maraviroc resulted in no clinically relevant effects on maraviroc AUCtau, Cmax, or C12(estimated mean changes of +3.4 to +8.6%). Lersivirine appeared to be generally well tolerated in these studies and appears to be suitable for coadministration with raltegravir or maraviroc without the need for dose modification.