Combinatorial therapies for spinal cord injury repair

Spinal cord injuries have profound detrimental effects on individuals, regardless of whether they are caused by trauma or non-traumatic events. The compromised regeneration of the spinal cord is primarily attributed to damaged neurons, inhibitory molecules, dysfunctional immune response, and glial scarring. Unfortunately, currently, there are no effective treatments available that can fully repair the spinal cord and improve functional outcomes. Nevertheless, numerous pre-clinical approaches have been studied for spinal cord injury recovery, including using biomaterials, cells, drugs, or technological-based strategies. Combinatorial treatments, which target various aspects of spinal cord injury pathophysiology, have been extensively tested in the last decade. These approaches aim to synergistically enhance repair processes by addressing various obstacles faced during spinal cord regeneration. Thus, this review intends to provide scientists and clinicians with an overview of pre-clinical combinatorial approaches that have been developed toward the solution of spinal cord regeneration as well as update the current knowledge about spinal cord injury pathophysiology with an emphasis on the current clinical management.

Secretome of polarized macrophages:potential for targeting inflammatory dynamics in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury(SCI)involves an initial traumatic phase,followed by secondary events such as ischemia,increased blood-spinal cord barrier permeability,ionic disruption,glutamate excitotoxicity,and metabolic alterations.A pe rsistent and exagge rated inflammato ry response within the spinal cord accompanies these events(Lima et al.,2022).The complexity and interplay of these mechanisms exacerbate the initial injury,leading to a degenerative process at the injury site.While the initial trauma is unavoidable,the secondary injury begins within minutes and can last for months,creating an optimal window for therapeutic intervention.

Amyloid-beta pathology-induced nanoscale synaptic disruption:the case of the GABA_B-GIRK assembly

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory brain networks,leading to aberrant homeostatic synaptic plasticity.AD has progressively been recognized as syna ptopathy and syna ptic dysfunction has been identified as a key component of its pathogenesis (Schirinzi et al.,2020).Syna ptic dysfunction is believed to precede synapse loss,a primary biological correlate of cognitive decline in AD,inevita bly associated with neuronal death.

Evaluation of patient visual comfort and repeatability of refractive values in non-presbyopic healthy eyes

AIMTo evaluate the intra-operator repeatability in healthy subjects using the WAM-5500 auto-kerato/refractometer and the iTrace aberrometer, to compare the refractive values and the subjective refraction obtained with both devices and to determine which of these three spherocylindrical corrections allows the subject to achieve the best visual comfort.METHODSForty-two non-presbyopic healthy eyes of 42 subjects were enrolled in this prospective study. Refractive values were compared, evaluating the repeatability, the relationship between the methods and the best visual comfort obtained.RESULTSSphere, cylinder and axis results showed good intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC); the highest ICC was obtained using the spherical refraction with the autorefractometer and the aberrometer, achieving levels of 0.999 and 0.998, respectively. The power vector (PV) was calculated for each refraction method, and the results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between them (P>0.05). Direct comparison of PV measurements using the three methods showed that aberrometer refraction gave the highest values, followed by the subjective values; the autorefractometer gave the lowest values. The subjective method correction was most frequently chosen as the first selection. Equal values were found for the autorefractometer and the aberrometer as the second selection.CONCLUSIONThe iTrace aberrometer and the WAM-5500 auto-kerato/refractometer showed high levels of repeatability in healthy eyes. Refractive corrections with the aberrometer, the autorefractometer and subjective methods presented similar results, but spherocylindrical subjective correction was the most frequently selected option. These technologies can be used as complements in refractive evaluation, but they should not replace subjective refraction.

Handgrip strength and health outcomes: Umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies

Purpose:The aim of the present study was to assess both the credibility and strength of evidence arising from systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies on handgrip strength and health outcomes.Methods:An umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies was conducted.We assessed meta-analyses of observational studies based on random-effect summary effect sizes and their p values,95%prediction intervals,heterogeneity,small-study effects,and excess significance.We graded the evidence from convincing(Class I)to weak(Class IV).Results:From 504 articles returned in a search of the literature,8 systematic reviews were included in our review,with a total of 11 outcomes.Overall,nine of the 11 of the outcomes reported nominally significant summary results(p<0.05),with 4 associations surviving the application of the more stringent p value(p<106).No outcome presented convincing evidence.Three associations showed Class II evidence(i.e.,highly suggestive):(1)higher handgrip values at baseline were associated with a minor reduction in mortality risk in the general population(n=34 studies;sample size=1,855,817;relative risk=0.72,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.670.78),(2)cardiovascular death risk in mixed populations(n=15 studies;relative risk=0.84,95%CI:0.780.91),and(3)incidence of disability(n=7 studies;relative risk=0.76,95%CI:0.660.87).Conclusion:The present results show that handgrip strength is a useful indicator for general health status and specifically for early all-cause and cardiovascular mortality,as well as disability.To further inform intervention strategies,future research is now required to fully understand mechanisms linking handgrip strength scores to these health outcomes.

The Ghana Project in Psychiatry: A Systematic Description of the Mental Health Services

Introduction: Mental health is a neglected field within the health care system in Ghana. Studies and public education focusing on mental health remain low, leading to poor knowledge and awareness of mental health among the population. Objective: The overall aim of this study was to provide a systematic description of mental health services in Ghana. Methods: A snowball technique was used to select a total of 42 mental health professionals from six hospitals for interviews. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Major findings of this study include inadequate human and material resources;poor knowledge of mental health among the population;weak coordination between general practitioners and mental health professionals;inadequate mental health services in schools and prisons. Additionally, 54.8% of respondents reported limited mental health educational materials, and most schools (54.8%) lacking trained resident mental health professionals. The main interventions for service delivery are taking over activities of daily living by nurses, problem assessment, and psychological interventions which achieved the same results (69%). A tendency to consult faith-based healers and prayer camps;a lack of mental health research capacity, specifically research focusing on policies;and weakness in the organization and decentralization of mental health services in Ghana are among the common challenges to seeking care. Conclusion: Public mental health education on available resources and services is important. Capacity research focusing on dissemination and implementation of mental health policies can serve as the basis for addressing mental health challenges and improving service delivery in Ghana.

The Perception of Health Workers and Stakeholders Involved in the Process of Selecting Indigent in Burkina Faso

Background: Indigent selected for their health care is complex and poses enormous challenges. The actors involved have an influence on health actions and their perception is decisive for better care for the indigent. Little evidence exists on these perceptions and this paper has captured this. Methods: A case study involved 163 participants with a questionnaire and an interview guide. The quantitative responses were classified according to a measurement scale, proportions and overall indices of perception (Ip) and satisfaction (CSAT) were calculated. The relationship between variables was investigated using chi-square. Thematic analysis was used with qualitative data. The study met ethical requirements. Results: The participants had a positive perception of the selection: Ip = 0.77, but a minority (1/5) were dissatisfied with the selection. The perception of selection did not differ significantly depending on the experience of the actors. For the vast majority, the definition of indigent was satisfactory (CSAT = 91.4). The selection was done in a top down fashion and steps such as setting up committees, informing stakeholders, had shortcomings which negatively impacted the effectiveness of the selection. The needs of the participants included transparency in the indigent select process, matching the tools for selecting the indigent to the context, strengthening of local action, deconstruction of prejudices in terms of the indigent, power of actors to act, and importance for health services to reach out to the indigent. Conclusion: Considering the perception of the actors as well as their needs will improve the selection for effective care of the indigent.

Preliminary Study on Renal Ultrasound Biometry in Apparently Healthy 18 to 30-Year-Old Subjects with Normal Renal Function in Ouagadougou

Introduction: In our practice, renal measurements in patients with normal renal function usually appear to be lower compared to standards reported in reference literature. The standards are probably different in our context. Given the importance of renal biometrics in nephrological practice, we felt it necessary to carry out this preliminary study in order to identify an order of reference measurements appropriate to our context. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that took place from 18 August to 04 November 2018 at the Yalgado Ouedrarogo University Hospital Center. The first 100 subjects aged between 18 and 30 years who met the following inclusion criteria were selected: to be black african Burkinabe and to have normal renal function. The height, width and thickness of each kidney were measured using ultra-sound scanners. For statistical tests, a value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age was 23.9 ± 6.1 years and the sex ratio was 2.2. Mean heights, widths and renal thicknesses were 94.5 ± 14.5, 38.7 ± 10.7 and 36.3 ± 10.3 mm, and 96.7 ± 16.7, 42.7 ± 16.7 and 36.8 ± 10.8 mm respectively for right and left kidneys. The distribution of the different renal dimensions in our sample followed a normal distribution. In the particular case of the right kidney, the probability that its height was between 79.2 and 109.7 mm was 0.95 and the probability that it was less than 79.2 mm or greater than 109.7 mm was 0.05. Renal height was significantly higher in subjects with height greater than 1.70 m (p ≤ 0.02). The left kidneys were on average significantly larger than the right kidneys (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Our study is not extrapolable to the general population of Burkina Faso. It suggests, however, that the kidneys of the apparently healthy Burkinabe subject are smaller than what is reported in anatomy reference books. Our work, which is preliminary, should be deepened through a national survey. In the meantime, we should consider, in the nephrological assessment of the Burkinabe patient, the results of the renal biometrics we report.

Development of the Diabetes Oral Health Assessment Tool ©for Nurses

Although some studies had suggested a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, there were no appropriate tools for nurses to evaluate oral status and oral health behaviors in patients with diabetes. Therefore, the Diabetes Oral Health Assessment Tool (DiO-HAT ?) was developed with items contributed by health care professionals (diabetologists, periodontal specialists, a preventive dentist, a Certified Nurse in Diabetes Nursing, a national registered dietitian, registered nurses, a dental hygienist, and nursing researchers) who were involved in the medical care of patients with diabetes. Subsequently, a survey of 700 Diabetes Nurse Specialists (DNS) was conducted to determine their score of recognition and implementation of the DiOHAT ?, however, 304 participants (43.4%) responded. Constructive concept validation and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for all assessment items were 0.931, indicating high reliability: Factor 1, Patient’s oral health status (α = 0.831);Factor 2, Implementation of oral health behaviors (α = 0.890);Factor 3, Information transmission regarding dental visits (α = 0.862);and Factor 4, Perceptions and knowledge of oral health behaviors (α = 0.793). Although the mean score of recognition of DiOHAT ? was 3.5 ± 0.4 points, the mean value of the implementation score was 1.5 ± 0.5 points (obtained using a 4-grade scale). The implementation scores were significantly lower than the recognition scores for all items (p < 0.001). The findings suggested that the DNS were not inclined to implement all items of DiOHAT ?, despite recognizing their importance.

Capsule endoscopy and panendoscopy:A journey to the future of gastrointestinal endoscopy

In 2000,the small bowel capsule revolutionized the management of patients with small bowel disorders.Currently,the technological development achieved by the new models of double-headed endoscopic capsules,as miniaturized devices to evaluate the small bowel and colon[pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy(PCE)],makes this non-invasive procedure a disruptive concept for the management of patients with digestive disorders.This technology is expected to identify which patients will require conventional invasive endoscopic procedures(colonoscopy or balloon-assisted enteroscopy),based on the lesions detected by the capsule,i.e.,those with an indication for biopsies or endoscopic treatment.The use of PCE in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases,namely Crohn’s disease,as well as in patients with iron deficiency anaemia and/or overt gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding,after a non-diagnostic upper endoscopy(esophagogastroduodenoscopy),enables an effective,safe and comfortable way to identify patients with relevant lesions,who should undergo subsequent invasive endoscopic procedures.The recent development of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy to evaluate the upper GI tract,is a further step towards the possibility of an entirely non-invasive assessment of all the segments of the digestive tract,from mouth-to-anus,meeting the expectations of the early developers of capsule endoscopy.

The effect of celastrol in combination with 5-fluorouracil on proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cell lines

Background:Despite the availability of chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil(5-FU),the treatment of some cancers such as gastric cancer remains challenging due to drug resistance and side effects.This study aimed to investigate the effect of celastrol in combination with the chemotherapy drug 5-FU on proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human gastric cancer cell lines(AGS and EPG85-257).Materials and Methods:In this in vitro study,AGS and EPG85-257 cells were treated with different concentrations of celastrol,5-FU,and their combination.Cell proliferation was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay.The synergistic effect of 5-FU and celastrol was studied using Compusyn software.The DNA content at different phases of the cell cycle and apoptosis rate was measured usingflow cytometry.Results:Co-treatment with low concentrations(10%inhibitory concentration(IC10))of celastrol and 5-FU significantly reduced IC50(p<0.05)so that 48 h after treatment,IC50 was calculated at 3.77 and 6.9μM for celastrol,20.7 and 11.6μM for 5-FU,and 5.03 and 4.57μM for their combination for AGS and EPG85-257 cells,respectively.The mean percentage of apoptosis for AGS cells treated with celastrol,5-FU,and their combination was obtained 23.9,41.2,and 61.9,and for EPG85-257 cells 5.65,46.9,and 55.7,respectively.In addition,the 5-FU and celastrol-5-FU combination induced cell cycle arrest in the synthesis phase.Conclusions:Although celastrol could decrease the concentration of 5-fluorouracil that sufficed to suppress gastric cancer cells,additional studies are required to arrive at conclusive evidence on the anticancer effects of celastrol.

Metabologenomics and network pharmacology to understand the molecular mechanism of cancer research

In this editorial I comment on the article“Network pharmacological and molecular docking study of the effect of Liu-Wei-Bu-Qi capsule on lung cancer”published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases 2023 November 6;11(31):7593-7609.Almost all living forms are able to manufacture particular chemicals-metabolites that enable them to differentiate themselves from one another and to overcome the unique obstacles they encounter in their natural habitats.Numerous methods for chemical warfare,communication,nutrition acquisition,and stress prevention are made possible by these specialized metabolites.Metabolomics is a popular technique for collecting direct mea-surements of metabolic activity from many biological systems.However,con-fusing metabolite identification is a typical issue,and biochemical interpretation is frequently constrained by imprecise and erroneous genome-based estimates of enzyme activity.Metabolite annotation and gene integration uses a biochemical reaction network to obtain a metabolite-gene association so called metabologe-nomics.This network uses an approach that emphasizes metabolite-gene consensus via biochemical processes.Combining metabolomics and genomics data is beneficial.Furthermore,computer networking proposes that using meta-bolomics data may improve annotations in sequenced species and provide testable hypotheses for specific biochemical processes.CONCLUSION The genome and metabolites of biological organisms are not fully characterized with current technologies.However,increasing high-throughput metabolomics and genomics data provide promising generation of paired data sets to understand the molecular mechanism of biochemical processes as well as determining targets for pharmaceutical drug design.Contemporary network infrastructures to integrate omics analysis can provide molecular mechanism of biochemical pathways.Furthermore,clinical data may be integrated to gene expression–metabolite expression by system genetics approach.Calculating pair-wise correlations and weighted correlation network analysis provide the basis of this integration[11-13].The occurrence of strong correlations between classified metabolites and co-expression transcripts implies either various roles of metabolites or linkages between metabolic pathways and the immune system.

Black radish root extract alleviates sodium valproate-induced liver damage via inhibiting mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and oxidative stress in mice

Objective:To explore the effect of black radish(Raphanus sativus L.var niger)root extract on liver enzymes,oxidative stress,and histopathological alterations in mice with sodium valproate-induced hepatotoxicity.Methods:Thirty-two mice were divided into four groups:the control group received drinking water by gavage,the second group was administered with 100 mg/kg of sodium valproate,the third group received 300 mg/kg of black radish root extract,and the fourth group was given both sodium valproate(100 mg/kg)and black radish root extract(300 mg/kg).After 28 days,the mice were euthanized,and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP),along with liver malondialdehyde(MDA),reactive oxygen species(ROS),mitochondrial parameters,tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)gene expression,and histopathological changes were assessed.Results:Sodium valproate caused hepatic damage in mice,characterized by elevated serum levels of liver enzymes,increased MDA and ROS levels and TNF-αgene expression,as well as histopathological alterations.The black radish root extract significantly alleviated sodium valproate-caused hepatic injury by decreasing the serum levels of ALT and AST,MDA,ROS,TNF-αgene expression,as well as mitochondrial impairment,but did not have a significant effect on sodium valproate-induced histopathological changes.Conclusions:The black radish root extract demonstrates protective effects against sodium valproate-induced liver injury,possibly through mitigating oxidative stress,mitochondrial impairment,and inflammatory mediator expression.

Unraveling the nexus between cellular senescence and malignant transformation:a paradigm shift in cancer research

Cellular senescence, a natural process wherein cells cease division and undergo irreversible growth arrest, has long captivated the curiosity of scientists because of its many implications in aging and disease. Recent research has shed light on the nexus between cellular senescence and malignant transformation, thus leading to a paradigm shift in understanding cancer development and progression.

Platelet-derived microparticles and their cargos: The past, present and future

All eukaryotic cells can secrete extracellular vesicles, which have a double-membrane structure and are important players in the intercellular communication involved in a variety of important biological processes. Platelets form platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) in response to activation, injury, or apoptosis. This review introduces the origin, pathway, and biological functions of PMPs and their importance in physiological and pathological processes. In addition, we review the potential applications of PMPs in cancer, vascular homeostasis, thrombosis, inflammation, neural regeneration, biomarkers, and drug carriers to achieve targeted drug delivery. In addition, we comprehensively report on the origin, biological functions, and applications of PMPs. The clinical transformation, high heterogeneity, future development direction, and limitations of the current research on PMPs are also discussed in depth. Evidence has revealed that PMPs play an important role in cell-cell communication, providing clues for the development of PMPs as carriers for relevant cell-targeted drugs. The development history and prospects of PMPs and their cargos are explored in this guidebook.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Pi^(*)Z allele as important co-factors in the development of liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency(AATD)is a codominant autosomal hereditary condition that predisposes patients to the development of lung and/or liver disease,and Pi*Z allele is the most clinically relevant mutation.AIM To evaluate the impact of clinical parameters and AATD phenotypes,particularly the Pi*Z allele,in liver fibrosis.METHODS Cross-sectional cohort study including consecutive patients with AATD followed in Pulmonology or Hepatology consultation.RESULTS Included 69 patients,49.3%had Pi*MZ phenotype and 10.1%Pi*ZZ.An age≥55 years,age at diagnosis≥41 years and AAT at diagnosis<77 mg/dL predicted a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score(NFS)not excluding advanced fibrosis[area under the curve(AUC)=0.840,P<0.001;AUC=0.836,P<0.001;AUC=0.681,P=0.025].An age≥50 years and age at diagnosis≥41 years predicted a fibrosis-4 index of moderate to advanced fibrosis(AUC=0.831,P<0.001;AUC=0.795,P<0.001).Patients with hypertension,type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM),dyslipidaemia,metabolic syndrome,and regular alcohol consumption were more likely to have a NFS not excluding advanced fibrosis(P<0.001,P=0.002,P=0.008,P<0.001,P=0.033).Patients with at least one Pi*Z allele and type 2 DM were 8 times more likely to have liver stiffness measurement≥7.1 kPa(P=0.040).CONCLUSION Risk factors for liver disease in AATD included an age≥50 years,age at diagnosis≥41 years,metabolic risk factors,regular alcohol consumption,at least one Pi*Z allele,and AAT value at diagnosis<77 mg/dL.We created an algorithm for liver disease screening in AATD patients to use in primary care,selecting those to be referred to Hepatology consultation.

Prevalence of Dyslipidemia among Patients Received at the Biochemistry Unit of the Charles de Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital in Ouagadougou

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease represents a major public health burden worldwide. Research and management of risk factors contribute to the prevention of these diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the biochemistry unit of the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital (CHUP-CDG) in Ouagadougou. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. Patients of all ages who performed a lipid panel in the CHUP-CDG biochemistry unit during the study period have been included. Results: A total of 2872 patients have been included. The mean age of the study population was 27.72 ± 19.51 years and the M/F sex ratio was 0.81. Among the patients, 22.84% had at least one dyslipidemia. The prevalences of hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and hyper-LDL cholesterolemia were 11.57%, 49.19% and 57.50% respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia were present in 9.04% and 2.08% of patients. Hypercholesterolemia was significantly more frequent in the female sex (p = 0.0077);hyper-LDL cholesterolemia (p = 0.0255) and mixed hyperlipidemia (p Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of dyslipidemia in the study indicates a worrying situation. It would therefore appear essential to extend the search for risk factors nationwide, particularly those that can be modified, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality linked to cardiovascular disease.

Study of the Mineral Element Status in Sickle Cell Patients Attending the Mixed Medicine and Sickle Cell Anemia Center “Yolo Mabanga” in Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: Sickle cell disease, also called sickle cell anemia, is a genotypic disorder prevalent in the black population;it is characterized by a hemolytic type anemia and can worsen following a deficiency of copper, zinc and serum iron. Methods: It was a question of evaluating the plasma status of copper and zinc by the photometric method, serum iron was measured by spectrophotometry, and finally ferritin and transferrin were measured by the immunoenzymatic method;in subjects with sickle cell disease and healthy subjects of all ages followed at the mixed medicine and sickle cell anemia center in Kinshasa (CMMASS). Results: A total of 60 subjects participated in this study. The sex ratio was 1.30;the average age of sickle cell patients was 7.4 years ± 3.8 and 27.4 years ± 5.1;for the control group, the average age was 8.2 years ± 4.2 and 29 years ± 6.7. 13.3% of children with sickle cell disease presented hypocupremia and 13.3% hypercupremia. For adults with sickle cell disease, 26.7% had hypocupremia and 13% had hypercupremia. Regarding zincemia, 67% of children and adults with sickle cell disease presented hypozincemia;60% of child subjects with sickle cell desease demonstrated hyposideremia;in adults with sickle cell desease 20% have hyposideremia and 13% have hypersideremia. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate not only the effective presence of iron overload in adult sickle cell patients, but also an iron deficiency in controls and sickle cell patients, ignoring hemolysis. .

Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium Isolates from Urine and Pleural Fluid in Two Hospitals of Cameroon

Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium rank among the leading causes of nosocomial bacteremia and urinary tract infections. They often persist on hospital surfaces due to their ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions (low or high temperatures, high pH, and high salinity). The global Enterococcus faecalis-Enterococcus faecium ratio is currently shifting towards Enterococcus faecium. Enterococci present variable levels of resistance to certain families of antibiotics. This is the case for aminoglycosides, beta-lactams and cephalosporins. In 2017, WHO ranked Enterococci among priority pathogens for research and development of new antibiotics. The objective of our study was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates from urine and pleural fluid in two hospitals in Cameroon. This cross-sectional and analytic study was carried out between June to August 2023 on hospitalized and day patients in which a cytobacteriological test of urine and pleural fluid was done. The samples were inoculated on CLED Agar for urine and on Chocolate + polyvitex and blood agar (prepared from Columbia agar) for pleural fluid samples and incubated at 37℃ for 18 to 24 hours. Identification of isolates was carried out using the API 20 STREP micro gallery (Biomerieux, France) and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. The data on socio-demographical and potential risk factors were recorded using self-administered questionnaires and data from laboratory analyses of the specimen were collected in a data capture sheet. Potential risk factors associated with the presence of Enterococci, were evaluated using the logistic regression in univariate and multivariate analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. A total of 511 patients were recruited who were predominantly females. Enterococcus spp were isolated in 27.79% of our samples with Enterococcus faecalis mostly encountered. Enterococcus spp showed a high level of resistance to penicilline (99.3% to Ampicilline), macrolides (66.2% to Erythromycin) and cyclines (85.2% to Doxycycline). Hospitalisation, access to health facilities, contact with urine specimen and hand hygiene practices were risk factors related to infection with Enterococcus spp while hospitalisation, health facility and hand hygiene were related to glycopeptide resistant Enterococcus. Strict compliance with hygiene rules and appropriate antibiotic consumption could help in the fight against these infections.

Genetic diversity and occult hepatitis B infection in Africa: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B infection(OBI)is a globally prevalent infection,with its frequency being influenced by the prevalence of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection in a particular geographic region,including Africa.OBI can be transmitted th-rough blood transfusions and organ transplants and has been linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The associated HBV genotype influences the infection.AIM To highlight the genetic diversity and prevalence of OBI in Africa.METHODS This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and involved a comprehensive search on PubMed,Google Scholar,Science Direct,and African Journals Online for published studies on the prevalence and genetic diversity of OBI in Africa.RESULTS The synthesis included 83 articles,revealing that the prevalence of OBI varied between countries and population groups,with the highest prevalence being 90.9%in patients with hepatitis C virus infection and 38%in blood donors,indicating an increased risk of HBV transmission through blood transfusions.Cases of OBI reactivation have been reported following chemotherapy.Genotype D is the predominant,followed by genotypes A and E.CONCLUSION This review highlights the prevalence of OBI in Africa,which varies across countries and population groups.The study also demonstrates that genotype D is the most prevalent.