Profils bactériens et fongiques dans les fèces des tisserins villageois (Ploceus cucullatus) dans la ville de Dschang et ses environs (Ouest-Cameroun)

Cette étude participe à l’établissement de l’état de santé des tisserins villageois (Ploceus cucullatus) dans la ville de Dschang et de ses environs, ainsi que sur les risques potentiels de transmission de leurs germes à l’homme et aux autres animaux. A cet effet, un total de 65 oiseaux ont été capturés et examinés pour la recherche des microorganismes. Les techniques de culture, d’isolement, les tests colorimétriques et biochimiques, de même que les observations microscopiques ont permis l’identification de neuf genres d’entérobactéries et deux espèces de levures dans les fèces des oiseaux. Les prévalences obtenues pour les différents microorganismes étaient les suivantes : Salmonella sp.  (78,46%), Escherichia coli (60,00%), Enterobacter sp. (56,92%), Proteus sp. (44,62%), Candida albicans (38,46%), Shigella sp. (9,23%), Yersinia sp. (9,23%) et Cryptococcus neoformans (4,62%). L’analyse de ces résultats a pris en compte l’interaction des différentes variables  environnementales (sites de capture et saisons) et les caractéristiques de l’oiseau (âge, sexe et poids). Les sites de capture, l’âge et le sexe semblent ne pas influencer la transmission de ces agents infectieux chez le tisserin gendarme. Les hôtes de faible poids ont tendance à être plus infectés par Salmonella sp. La saison a influencé significativement la transmission de Salmonella sp. et de Candida albicans. L’ensemble de ces observations permet de mieux comprendre l’interaction tisserin-microorganismes et soulève bon nombre de questions sur la pathogénicité de ces microorganismes. Mots clés : Tisserin gendarme, agents infectieux, prévalence, transmission, Dschang

Procalcitonin Correlates With Cardiovascular Risk Better Than Highly Sensitive C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results From a Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin have been shown to be independent markers of cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to assess the correlation between serum levels of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study at a tertiary level reference hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon. We assessed the cardiovascular risk using the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron-MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) cardiovascular risk prediction model in 80 adults with type 2 diabetes. Serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein were measured in 80 and 76 subjects respectively, using a highly sensitive quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Correlations were examined using Spearman's rank correlation test and the correlation coefficients were compared using the Z-test statistic. Results Females represented the majority of the study population (62.5%). The median duration of diabetes was 5 (3-10) years and 62.5% of participants had a high cardiovascular risk score. Median serum procalcitonin levels was significantly higher in females compared to male participants: 2.48 (1.76-3.01 ng/mL) vs 1.42 (0.86-1.87 ng/mL); p<0.001. There was no difference in the serum C-reactive protein levels between females and males: 1.20 (0.33-3.33) mg/L vs 0.85 (0.36-2.77) mg/L; p=0.669. Procalcitonin was moderately correlated with cardiovascular risk (r=0.58, p<0.001). The correlation was slightly higher in females (R=0.56, p<0.001) versus males (R=0.49, p=0.005) although not significantly different (Z-statistic=0.734, p=0.463). Serum C-reactive protein did not show a meaningful correlation with cardiovascular risk (R=0.23, p=0.050). At a threshold of 2 ng/ml, serum procalcitonin identified participants with a high cardiovascular risk score, with a sensitivity and specificity of 64% and 80% respectively. Conclusion Compared to C-reactive protein, procalcitonin may be a better surrogate marker for cardiovascular risk prediction in this population with type 2 diabetes

Low intrinsic efficacy for G protein activation can explain the improved side-effect profile of new opioid agonists

Biased agonism at G protein–coupled receptors describes the phenomenon whereby some drugs can activate some downstream signaling activities to the relative exclusion of others. Descriptions of biased agonism focusing on the differential engagement of G proteins versus β-arrestins are commonly limited by the small response windows obtained in pathways that are not amplified or are less effectively coupled to receptor engagement, such as β-arrestin recruitment. At the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), G protein–biased ligands have been proposed to induce less constipation and respiratory depressant side effects than opioids commonly used to treat pain. However, it is unclear whether these improved safety profiles are due to a reduction in β-arrestin–mediated signaling or, alternatively, to their low intrinsic efficacy in all signaling pathways. Here, we systematically evaluated the most recent and promising MOR-biased ligands and assessed their pharmacological profile against existing opioid analgesics in assays not confounded by limited signal windows. We found that oliceridine, PZM21, and SR-17018 had low intrinsic efficacy. We also demonstrated a strong correlation between measures of efficacy for receptor activation, G protein coupling, and β-arrestin recruitment for all tested ligands. By measuring the antinociceptive and respiratory depressant effects of these ligands, we showed that the low intrinsic efficacy of opioid ligands can explain an improved side effect profile. Our results suggest a possible alternative mechanism underlying the improved therapeutic windows described for new opioid ligands, which should be taken into account for future descriptions of ligand action at this important therapeutic target

RAGA IDENTIFICATION BY PAKAD MATCHING IN NORTH INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC

ABSTRACT Computational Musicology is new and emerging field of Data Mining. Raga is the most aspect of Indian Classical Music. It consists of unique set of notes (swara) and Pakad that correspond to a specific pitch. North Indian Classical Music has its root in Vedic ritual chants and has remained relatively untouched. Here, we depict a system that takes audio input file, convert it into sequence of notes and then find its most matching pattern. This pattern resembles with pakad of a raga and there by identifies the raga

Incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes is reported to have significant mortality in Africa. However, there is a paucity of data on pooled estimates of its incidence and prevalence in Africa. This first systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted to determine the incidence and prevalence of this condition in Africa. METHODS: Based on predefined criteria, electronic databases, including PubMed, Excerpta Medica database, Africa Journal Online and Web of Science, will be searched for relevant studies involving paediatric and adult patients, with no language restrictions. Quality assessment of the individual studies will be performed, and the Q-statistic test and I(2) statistic test will be used to assess statistical heterogeneity. Appropriate meta-analysis will then be used to pool studies judged to be clinically homogenous. Egger’s test will be used to detect publication bias. The planned search dates for the eligible articles are from 1 September to 30 September 2022. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Since this review will use previously published studies, it will not require the consent of an ethics committee. The results will be prepared and disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented in relevant conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021278227

Image_1_Gestational diabetes mellitus in Cameroon: prevalence, risk factors and screening strategies.jpeg

BackgroundThe burden of gestational diabetes (GDM) and the optimal screening strategies in African populations are yet to be determined. We assessed the prevalence of GDM and the performance of various screening tests in a Cameroonian population.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study involving the screening of 983 women at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy for GDM using serial tests, including fasting plasma (FPG), random blood glucose (RBG), a 1-hour 50g glucose challenge test (GCT), and standard 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). GDM was defined using the World Health Organization (WHO 1999), International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Special Group (IADPSG 2010), and National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE 2015) criteria. GDM correlates were assessed using logistic regressions, and c-statistics were used to assess the performance of screening strategies.FindingsGDM prevalence was 5·9%, 17·7%, and 11·0% using WHO, IADPSG, and NICE criteria, respectively. Previous stillbirth [odds ratio: 3·14, 95%CI: 1·27-7·76)] was the main correlate of GDM. The optimal cut-points to diagnose WHO-defined GDM were 5·9 mmol/L for RPG (c-statistic 0·62) and 7·1 mmol/L for 1-hour 50g GCT (c-statistic 0·76). The same cut-off value for RPG was applicable for IADPSG-diagnosed GDM while the threshold was 6·5 mmol/L (c-statistic 0·61) for NICE-diagnosed GDM. The optimal cut-off of 1-hour 50g GCT was similar for IADPSG and NICE-diagnosed GDM. WHO-defined GDM was always confirmed by another diagnosis strategy while IADPSG and GCT independently identified at least 66·9 and 41·0% of the cases.InterpretationGDM is common among Cameroonian women. Effective detection of GDM in under-resourced settings may require simpler algorithms including the initial use of FPG, which could substantially increase screening yield.</p

Image_2_Gestational diabetes mellitus in Cameroon: prevalence, risk factors and screening strategies.jpeg

BackgroundThe burden of gestational diabetes (GDM) and the optimal screening strategies in African populations are yet to be determined. We assessed the prevalence of GDM and the performance of various screening tests in a Cameroonian population.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study involving the screening of 983 women at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy for GDM using serial tests, including fasting plasma (FPG), random blood glucose (RBG), a 1-hour 50g glucose challenge test (GCT), and standard 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). GDM was defined using the World Health Organization (WHO 1999), International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Special Group (IADPSG 2010), and National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE 2015) criteria. GDM correlates were assessed using logistic regressions, and c-statistics were used to assess the performance of screening strategies.FindingsGDM prevalence was 5·9%, 17·7%, and 11·0% using WHO, IADPSG, and NICE criteria, respectively. Previous stillbirth [odds ratio: 3·14, 95%CI: 1·27-7·76)] was the main correlate of GDM. The optimal cut-points to diagnose WHO-defined GDM were 5·9 mmol/L for RPG (c-statistic 0·62) and 7·1 mmol/L for 1-hour 50g GCT (c-statistic 0·76). The same cut-off value for RPG was applicable for IADPSG-diagnosed GDM while the threshold was 6·5 mmol/L (c-statistic 0·61) for NICE-diagnosed GDM. The optimal cut-off of 1-hour 50g GCT was similar for IADPSG and NICE-diagnosed GDM. WHO-defined GDM was always confirmed by another diagnosis strategy while IADPSG and GCT independently identified at least 66·9 and 41·0% of the cases.InterpretationGDM is common among Cameroonian women. Effective detection of GDM in under-resourced settings may require simpler algorithms including the initial use of FPG, which could substantially increase screening yield.</p

Table_1_Gestational diabetes mellitus in Cameroon: prevalence, risk factors and screening strategies.pdf

BackgroundThe burden of gestational diabetes (GDM) and the optimal screening strategies in African populations are yet to be determined. We assessed the prevalence of GDM and the performance of various screening tests in a Cameroonian population.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study involving the screening of 983 women at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy for GDM using serial tests, including fasting plasma (FPG), random blood glucose (RBG), a 1-hour 50g glucose challenge test (GCT), and standard 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). GDM was defined using the World Health Organization (WHO 1999), International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Special Group (IADPSG 2010), and National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE 2015) criteria. GDM correlates were assessed using logistic regressions, and c-statistics were used to assess the performance of screening strategies.FindingsGDM prevalence was 5·9%, 17·7%, and 11·0% using WHO, IADPSG, and NICE criteria, respectively. Previous stillbirth [odds ratio: 3·14, 95%CI: 1·27-7·76)] was the main correlate of GDM. The optimal cut-points to diagnose WHO-defined GDM were 5·9 mmol/L for RPG (c-statistic 0·62) and 7·1 mmol/L for 1-hour 50g GCT (c-statistic 0·76). The same cut-off value for RPG was applicable for IADPSG-diagnosed GDM while the threshold was 6·5 mmol/L (c-statistic 0·61) for NICE-diagnosed GDM. The optimal cut-off of 1-hour 50g GCT was similar for IADPSG and NICE-diagnosed GDM. WHO-defined GDM was always confirmed by another diagnosis strategy while IADPSG and GCT independently identified at least 66·9 and 41·0% of the cases.InterpretationGDM is common among Cameroonian women. Effective detection of GDM in under-resourced settings may require simpler algorithms including the initial use of FPG, which could substantially increase screening yield.</p