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Background Persons with HIV are prone to other infections. Lassa virus (LASV)coinfection with HIV is a public health concern. Viral hemorrhagic fever caused by LASV has been endemic in parts of West Africa. Clinical diagnosis has been a major challenge for effective management and control because the majority of patients are asymptomatic. As such, rapid diagnosis is desirable for prompt therapeutic intervention and the implementation of control measures. The high prevalence of LASV recorded in Nigeria, a neighboring country, places Cameroon at risk. However, the detection of LASV infection among HIV patients, which we investigated in this study, has not been carried out in Cameroon. Methods Plasma samples were obtained between December 2021 and April 2022 from 330 HIV-positive patients who provided consent. They were tested for LASV IgG and/or IgM antibodies specific for LASV nucleoprotein and/or prefusion envelope glycoproteins via the ReLASV ® Pan-Lassa Combo NP/Prefusion GP IgG/IgM ELISA Test Kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The data were analysed via SPSS and GraphPad. Results Analysis of these samples revealed that IgG and both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 2.4% (8/330) and 1.8% (6/330) of the samples, respectively. Our data revealed that both IgG and IgM antibodies do not depend ( p  > 0.05) on age, sex, or duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART), although the prevalence was high in individuals < 25 years of age, males, and those who had taken ART for < 5 years. The mean ODs of both IgG (0.6 0vs 0.03) and IgM (0.88 vs. 0.04) were significantly greater ( p  < 0.05) between LAVS-positive and LAVS-negative patients. Conclusions The finding of this study shows co-infection of HIV and Lassa Virus. The presence of LASV-specific antibodies suggests exposure to LASV. These findings have direct implications for understanding the transmission risk, mitigation, and prevention and control of LASVs in Cameroon. Our results indicate the urgent need to extend LASV surveillance if there is recurrent LASV infection in any country.

BackgroundIndividuals living with HIV are susceptible to other infections due to poor or weakened immune system. Viral haemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa Virus (LASV) has been endemic in parts of West Africa. About four lineages have been discovered in Nigeria a country bordering Cameroon. The porosity of the borders and increased movement across West African countries put Cameroon at risk of LASV. Interestingly, there has not been any report of Lassa fever in Cameroon. Here we evaluated, the seroprevalence of LASV antibodies among HIV patients in Cameroon. MethodsSerum samples obtained between December 2021 and April 2022 from 330 HIV-positive consented patients were tested for LASV IgG and/or IgM antibodies specific for LASV nucleoprotein and/or prefusion envelope glycoproteins using ReLASV® Pan-Lassa IgG/IgM ELISA Test Kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Data were analysed using SPSS and GraphPad. ResultsAnalysis of these samples showed that IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 2.4% (8/330) and 1.8% (6/330) samples respectively. All the IgM positive samples were also positive for IgG. Our data showed that both IgG and IgM antibodies do not depend (p>0.05) on age, gender and duration on antiretroviral therapy (ART) though the prevalence was high in age group <25 years, males, and those who had taken ART for <5years. The mean OD of both IgG (0.06 Vs 0.03) and IgM (0.88 Vs 0.04) were significantly higher (p< 0.05) between LAVS positive and negative cases.ConclusionOur results are the first to detect LASV antibodies in Cameroon. With increase movement and porosity of the border, it is plausible that exposure to LASV is inevitable. This has direct implications for understanding the transmission risk, mitigation, and eventually the prevention and control of LASV in Cameroon. Our results indicate the urgent need to extend LASV surveillance in other part of Africa.

Background The emigration of healthcare professionals significantly contributes to brain drain within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, exacerbating existing workforce shortages. This study investigates the emigration intentions of Nigerian medical and nursing students, focusing on preferred destinations, key motivating factors, and the potential long-term consequences for the nation’s healthcare system. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical and nursing students from six universities, purposefully selected to represent Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. A total of 2,152 students (Medicine and Surgery = 1254; Nursing = 898) participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were applied, with statistical significance set at p  < 0.05. Results 72.9% of students expressed intentions to practice abroad, primarily seeking specialist training within the first five years post-graduation (97.7%). Alarmingly, 32.7% had no intention of ever returning to Nigeria, while only 11.7% of those intending to stay intend to leave after completing specialist training. The top three emigration destinations were the United States (28.5%), the United Kingdom (24.6%), and Canada (23.1%). The main drivers of emigration included better training opportunities (75.2%), access to advanced equipment (61.1%), and improved career prospects (56.7%). Respondents predicted negative impacts on Nigeria’s healthcare system, including increased mortality rates and potential system collapse. Conclusion The findings reveal a high propensity for emigration among Nigerian medical and nursing students, with significant implications for the country’s healthcare system. The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions that address systemic challenges such as inadequate resources, poor working conditions, remuneration and career development opportunities. Strengthening local training conditions and offering competitive incentives may help mitigate the brain drain and ensure a sustainable healthcare workforce in Nigeria.

Background Utilization of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) has been associated with reduction of malaria incidence, especially among children. The 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed Osun State had the least proportion (5.7%) of under-five children (U5) who slept under LLIN the night before the survey. A study was conducted to assess caregivers’ knowledge about LLIN, utilization of LLIN and factors influencing LLIN use among U5 in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1020 mothers/caregivers of U5 selected from six communities in Osun State using a multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, mothers’ knowledge about LLIN, ownership and utilization of LLIN and factors influencing use of LLIN in U5. Questions on knowledge about LLIN were scored and categorized into good (scored ≥ 5) and poor (score < 5) knowledge out of a maximum obtainable score of seven. Utilization of LLIN was defined as the proportion of U5 who slept under net the night before the survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi square test and logistic regression at α < 0.05. Transcripts from focus group discussions (FGD) were analysed for emerging themes related to caregivers’ perspectives on utilization and factors affecting use of LLIN among U5. Results Majority of the respondents 588 (58.3%) fall between age 25–34 years, with a mean age of 30.0 ± 6.3 years. All were aware of LLIN but only 76.1% had good knowledge and 59.0% reported use of LLIN among their U5. Reported barriers to utilizing LLIN were; heat (96.4%), reactions to the chemical (75.5%) and unpleasant odour (41.3%). These were corroborated at FGD. Those with formal education [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–2.1] and those with good knowledge of LLIN (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.4–2.5) were more likely to use LLIN than their counterparts without formal education and those with poor knowledge of LLIN respectively. Conclusions The level of knowledge of respondents about LLIN was high and the utilization of LLIN among U5 was above average, however, it is still far below the 80% target. Efforts should be made to further improve utilization of LLIN through intensified promotion and health education.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Africa, experiencing an increasing burden due to rising incidences driven by urbanization, lifestyle changes, and non-communicable diseases. This scoping review maps stroke rehabilitation interventions in Africa, identifying barriers to implementation and adherence, and highlighting research gaps to inform future policy and clinical practices. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and African Journals Online (AJOL), supplemented by grey literature from WHO reports and government publications. Inclusion criteria focused on studies of stroke rehabilitation interventions in African countries, targeting adults diagnosed with stroke, and included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, qualitative studies, and systematic reviews. Findings indicate that stroke rehabilitation interventions in Africa, including physical therapy, task-specific training, psychoeducational programs, tele-rehabilitation, mobile phone-supported interventions, and programs targeting activities of daily living (ADLs), are implemented in some settings to enhance functional independence, motor, cognitive, and speech functions, and psychological well-being. However, adherence to these protocols is often limited by significant barriers, including financial constraints, geographical and transportation challenges, a shortage of skilled rehabilitation professionals, cultural and language barriers, and patient-related factors such as cognitive impairments and lack of social support. The review also reveals variability in the availability of standardized rehabilitation protocols across African settings, with some regions lacking consistent implementation. Research gaps include insufficient epidemiological data, limited evaluation of cost-effective and culturally appropriate rehabilitation models, and underexplored caregiver burden. This review advocates further studies on technology integration, community-based rehabilitation, and culturally tailored interventions to improve adherence and accessibility. It also emphasizes addressing systemic and infrastructural barriers to ensure equitable access to rehabilitation services for stroke survivors across Africa. Future research should focus on optimizing rehabilitation strategies, reducing long-term disability, and improving quality of life for stroke survivors in Africa.

BackgroundIn Nigeria and other resource-limited countries (RLCs), paediatric kidney transplantation (PKT) uptake remains low, causing preventable deaths from kidney failure.ObjectivesThis study identifies challenges and solutions for inequitable kidney transplantation (KT) in RLCs through a scoping review. Based on an analysis of questionnaires administered to Nigerian paediatric nephrologists (NPNs), consensus recommendations for expanding PKT in Nigeria are derived.Eligibility criteriaThe Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome framework extracts data on the Population (challenges beleaguering adult KT or PKT in RLCs), Intervention (solutions offered for KT/PKT) and Comparison/Outcome (successes of solutions) of published articles.Sources of evidenceLiterature published in the English language from January 2003 to December 2023 was sourced from PubMed, Scopus and African Journals Online and references from relevant articles.MethodsTwo reviewers independently analysed the studies using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension - Scoping Review guidelines. Using the most common solutions proposed for expanding KT in RLCs in the reviewed articles, a questionnaire was drafted to gain consensus among NPNs on solutions most suitable for the Nigerian setting. The NPNs used performance indicators, including efficiency, equity, quality of care, effects on catastrophic health expenditure and sustainability. To reach consensus, a solution had to satisfy all performance indicators and achieve at least 75% agreement among NPNs.ResultsOf the 41 065 records identified, 39 articles were included for syntheses. Key barriers included inadequate financing and organ availability. The respondents comprised fourteen NPNs from 13 Nigerian clinical sites. Agreed solutions include the formation of a Nigeria Transplant Community to oversee PKT expansion, public KT centres (one per each of the six geopolitical zones), generic immunosuppressants and local dialysate production to cut costs.ConclusionsThis study outlines a scalable pathway for PKT in Nigeria using a methodology adaptable to other RLCs. It emphasises government-backed financing and policy frameworks.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a primary global health concern, leading to long-term cognitive, neurological, and functional impairments. Secondary injury mechanisms, including excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation, contribute substantially to poor outcomes. Neuroprotective interventions that target these mechanisms are urgently needed. Xenon gas has emerged as a promising candidate due to its unique neuroprotective properties, including modulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, anti-apoptotic effects, and anti-inflammatory actions. This narrative review critically evaluates Xenon gas as a neuroprotective intervention in TBI. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies evaluating Xenon gas as a neuroprotective agent in TBI. Search terms included “Xenon,” “neuroprotection,” and “traumatic brain injury,” including both in vivo and in vitro studies. Articles published in English without date restrictions were considered. Data were synthesized qualitatively, emphasizing experimental outcomes, mechanisms, and innovative delivery approaches. Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate that Xenon gas reduces neuronal injury, mitigates neuroinflammation, preserves cognitive and motor function, and improves survival in animal and in vitro models of TBI. Innovative delivery strategies, such as microbubbles and ultrasound-mediated delivery, allow for targeted cerebral administration and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Across studies, Xenon was generally well-tolerated, with minimal adverse effects reported. No clinical trials in human TBI patients were identified, highlighting a significant translational gap. Xenon gas exhibits multifaceted neuroprotective effects in preclinical TBI models, suggesting significant therapeutic potential. Its mechanisms of action, safety profile, and innovative delivery strategies support further investigation. However, rigorous clinical trials are needed to evaluate efficacy, optimize dosing and administration, and determine real-world applicability in human TBI patients. Addressing these gaps is crucial for translating Xenon therapy from the bench to the bedside.

The kidney–brain axis represents a bidirectional pathophysiological link between chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. CKD affects over 800 million individuals globally and is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. This review synthesizes evidence that uremic toxins, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal dysregulation (erythropoietin deficiency, RAAS activation), and gut dysbiosis converge to impair BBB integrity via tight junction degradation, endothelial activation, and pericyte–astrocyte decoupling. These alterations facilitate neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and leukocyte infiltration, contributing to the pathogenesis of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and CKD-associated leukoencephalopathy. Hemodialysis-induced osmotic shifts and sleep fragmentation further exacerbate BBB and glymphatic dysfunction. Preserving BBB integrity through uremic toxin reduction, anti-inflammatory strategies, RAAS inhibition, and lifestyle interventions (e.g., exercise) emerges as a critical therapeutic goal. Future research must prioritize biomarker validation (claudin-5, S100B), neuroimaging correlations, and targeted BBB-protective therapies to mitigate neurological morbidity in renal disease.

Background Research shows that trust in government is associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. However, there is no empirical evidence suggesting the pathway by which this association is formed. This study examines how dimensional attitudes towards vaccination explain the relationship between mistrust in government and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Methods The study was an online cross-sectional survey involving 1026 adults (of which 58.9% are female) resident in Nigeria with a mean age of 26.09 (±8.46) years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing the level of mistrust in government, dimensional attitudes towards vaccination, and acceptance to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. Results Results show that 56.8% of participants mistrust the government, while COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rate was 28.2%. Mistrust in government was significantly associated with low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, mistrust in the government was predictive of negative attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination which include worries about unforeseen future effects of vaccines, mistrust of vaccine benefits (MVB), concerns about commercial profiteering (CCP), and preference for natural immunity. The outcomes of indirect effect analyses indicated that mistrust in government was associated with high mistrust in vaccine benefits (MVB) and increased concerns about commercial profiteering (CCP), which in turn lead to low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions Mistrust in the government was high and was coupled with low vaccination acceptance. It is important to initiate culturally relevant awareness programs aiming at combating false notions about COVID-19 vaccination such as MVB and CCP arising from mistrust in government.

This paper is about the development of a hybrid renewable energy-powered Laboratory-Scale plastic bottle waste converter for the conversion (pyrolysis) of plastic (PET) bottle wastes Into useful petroleum products such as Diesel, kerosene, gasoline, etc. Waste plastic disposal and Indiscriminate use of fossil fuels have caused environmental and health concerns in our societies. This is not unconnected with the ever-increasing consumption of products packaged in plastics by the teeming population the world over. Plastics are non-biodegradable products that pollute our environments, clog our canals and drainages, and eventually end up in the seas where they pollute and affect marine ecological systems. The process of converting waste plastic bottles Into useful petroleum products is one of the viable solutions for the recycling of plastic bottle waste and turning the problems of plastic bottle careless disposals Into an opportunity to make wealth from waste and also save the ecosystem. Heat is provided externally to the heating chamberthat runs at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen by a DC heating element. The waste plastic bottles are shredded to reduce their volume-to-weight ratio and filled into the heating chamber where it is subjected to excessive heat to depolymerize, pyrolyze, and thermal cracking. The resulting gases are passed through a condenserto obtain different products such as petrol, kerosene, diesel, etc depending on the operating temperature of the chamber. The fuel obtained is useful in firing boilers and furnaces directly without any analysis or purification. It can be scaled up for commercial applications.