Bamenda University of Science and Technology

Abstract Background Liver fibrosis is a serious problem in the context of HIV/HBV coinfection, where the risk of accelerated liver damage is increased. However, comprehensive estimates of its dynamics remain limited worldwide. This review aims to assess liver fibrosis evolution in HIV/HBV coinfected patients under antiretroviral treatment (ART). Method We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in PubMed and Google Scholar between 2010 and 2025. Longitudinal studies assessing liver fibrosis evolution in HIV/HBV coinfected patients were included. Cross-sectional studies, case reports, systematic reviews, and studies with no longitudinal follow-up were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed via the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool for cohort studies. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of liver fibrosis progression and regression of liver fibrosis, with 95% confidence intervals. Results Database searches resulted in the identification of 894 articles. After various selection processes, a total of 22 articles were included. The estimated pooled prevalence of liver fibrosis progression was 16.55% (95% CI: 10.07–23.03), and the pooled prevalence of liver fibrosis regression was 56.15% (95% CI: 34.58–77.73). Liver fibrosis progression was significantly associated with male sex (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.56–7.17) and low CD4 nadir (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.57–6.10). Conclusion This study documents the beneficial effect of current antiretroviral therapy on liver fibrosis regression in HIV/HBV co-infected patients. However, these benefits remain heterogeneous, as hepatic outcomes are influenced by patient-specific factors not fully addressed by current therapeutic strategies. These findings support the need to evaluate new therapeutic protocols aimed at reducing the burden of liver fibrosis in high-risk HIV/HBV co-infected patients, particularly those with a low CD4 nadir and men. Trial registration The protocol was registered in the Prospero database CRD42025641308.

This study aimed to evaluate the concentration, vertical distribution, sources, and potential human health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from informal automobile repair workshops across different geological settings in Cameroon, Central Africa. A cross-sectional environmental assessment involving field sampling, laboratory analysis, and quantitative health risk modeling. The study was conducted at six automobile repair workshops located in Bamenda, Buea, and Douala, Cameroon, representing volcanic, ferralitic, and alluvial soil types, respectively. Soil sampling and laboratory analysis were carried out during the dry season. Composite soil samples were collected at three depth intervals (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–60 cm) from each workshop and corresponding control sites. Sixteen priority PAHs were extracted using ultrasonic extraction and quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Source identification was performed using molecular diagnostic ratios. Carcinogenic risk to adult workers was assessed using benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalency (BaP-TEQ) and total cancer risk (TCR) models for ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation exposure pathways, respectively. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 110 to 3,780 µg/kg in workshop soils, compared to 22–226 µg/kg in control soils. Surface soils generally showed higher PAH levels, although enhanced vertical migration was observed in alluvial soils. High-molecular-weight PAHs dominated most samples, indicating mainly combustion-related inputs with additional petrogenic contributions. BaP-TEQ values ranged from 19.5 to 65.9 µg/kg. Total cancer risk values ranged from 1.8 × 10-7 to 6.3 × 10-7, all below acceptable risk thresholds. Automobile repair workshop soils in Cameroon are contaminated with PAHs at levels exceeding background concentrations; however, associated carcinogenic risks to adults are currently negligible. The findings highlight the influence of soil type on PAH mobility and emphasize the need for routine monitoring and improved environmental management in informal workshop settings.

As global sustainability imperatives intensify, NGOs in Cameroon especially those focused on environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and community development - are expected to lead by example not only in their external interventions but also in their internal human resource management practices. This article examines the effect of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices on organizational sustainability in selected non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The study examines the effects of green recruitment and selection, green training and development, and green reward and compensation on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. The findings, derived from primary data collected via questionnaires from 87 NGO employees and analyzed using SPSS (OLS regression and Pearson correlation), reveal a significant positive relationship between GHRM practices and sustainability. Green training and development emerged as the most impactful practice, followed by green recruitment. The study recommends strategic reinforcement of these practices and urges NGOs to adopt robust internal green policies to build a sustainable future.

Objectives To summarise the best available evidence on tertiary prevention interventions for patients with stroke conducted in African countries, identify the gaps in stroke prevention research and augment efforts to establish stroke rehabilitation guidelines in African countries.DesignWe performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement on the basis of a published protocol.Data sourcesWe conducted a systematic search of nine electronic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library and African Index Medicus, published until August 2023 and additionally contacted authors and screened reference lists.Eligibility criteriaWe included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies on African adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke. The primary outcome was global disability, and secondary outcomes were neurologic function scales.Data extraction and synthesisTwo authors independently screened the search results, with data extracted by one author and verified by a second author. The data were narratively synthesised. A meta-analysis was done using a random-effects model for metric data using standardised mean differences. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.ResultsOf 3305 publications, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria involving cumulatively 973 patients with subacute and chronic stroke. Two-thirds of the trials were conducted in Nigeria and Egypt. The interventions covered physiotherapeutic, electrophysiologic, psychotherapeutic and transitional care domains with mostly beneficial outcomes. All included studies were RCTs with some concerns about methodologic quality.ConclusionThis systematic review comprises heterogeneous effective interventions for tertiary stroke prevention mostly conducted in small productive research clusters. There is a growing body of research from African countries covering important fields of stroke rehabilitation, including local adaptations of the rehabilitation process and new knowledge concerning transcranial magnetic stimulation. There remains an urgent need to implement interventions aimed at overcoming barriers to stroke rehabilitation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020159125.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate milk production of lactating Holstein Friesian cows in relation to the feeding practices by dairy farmers in three Sub Divisions in Mezam Division, Northwest region of Cameroon.The research was conducted from 5th March to 2nd May 2022.A multistage sampling technique was used for this study.16 farms were used out of 32 enlisted; 08 experimental farms and 08 control farms.Lactating cows were fed commercial feed (treatment) and homemade feed (control) alongside forage for a period of 6 weeks.The cows were fed twice daily with water adlib.Results showed a significantly higher (p<0.05)mean commercial feed given to the cows as compared to the homemade feed with mean 6.1831.2534kgand 5.5612.0709kgrespectively, t = 69.811,p = 0.000.Similarly, the average daily milk production for the cows fed with commercial feed was significantly higher (p<0.05)than that for cows fed with homemade feed (13.839L6.4546Land 12.294L3.1395respectively, t = 124.554,p = 0.000).On the average, animals that were less than 60months of age produced more milk irrespective of the feed.Also, cows in the second parity produced more milk irrespective of the type of feed consumed.It can be concluded that, milk production in lactating Holstein Frisians is greatly influenced by the concentrate (complete compounded) feed plus forage fed during lactation.Farmers here can only improve on the milk production of their cows if feed remains subsidized at the cost of 0.417USD (250FCFA) per kg.