Poor quality of sleep and musculoskeletal pains among highly trained and elite athletes in Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that poor sleep quality (PSQ) was associated with musculoskeletal pains (MSP) and poor physical performance in athletes. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed at determining PSQ and its associations with MSP in some sub-Saharan athletes. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 205 highly trained and 115 elite athletes (aged: 25 ± 2 years, Body mass index: 22.8 ± 0.9 kg/m2) in Dakar, Senegal, during a competitive season in a variety of sport disciplines including athletics, basketball, football, rugby, wrestling, tennis. Quality of sleep and MSP were assessed using the French version Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and French version of Nordic questionnaire respectively. Pain on body joints during a week was defined as seven-day MSP (MSP-7d) and PSQ for a PSQI > 5. RESULTS: 27.8% (95%CI: 23.2-32.9) of the overall sample suffered PSQ, with 33.7% (95%CI: 24.7-44.0) in basketball and 24.7% (95%CI: 16.9-34.6) in football. According to athletic status and gender, PSQ was more prevalent among highly trained (66.3; 95%CI: 55.9-75.3) and men (69.7%; 95%CI: 59.5-78.7). Among athletes with PSQ 43.8% (95%CI: 33.9-54.2) suffered MSP-7d, with 36.6%; highly trained (95%CI: 23.7-42.9) and 28.1% female. Considering body region, hips/thigh (14.6%; 95% CI: 8.74-23.4) and upper back (13.5%; 95%CI: 7.88 -21, 1) were more affected. Basketball players were more affected from MSP (MSP-7d = 38.5%; 95%CI: 24. 9-54.1) on high on wrists/hands (MSP-7d = 44.4%; 95%CI: 18.9 -73.3; P = 0.04). Based on athletic status, MSP-7d were higher on highly trained necks (100%; 95%CI: 56.1-100; p = 0.04). PSQ was associated with basketball (OR: 3.062, 95%CI: 1.130-8.300, p = 0.02) compared to Athletic. PSQ and MSP-7d were associated on Wrist/hands (OR: 3.352, 95%CI: 1.235-9.099, p = 0.01), and at the upper back (OR: 5.820, 95%CI: 2.096-16.161, p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that PSQ is considerable among Senegalese athletes and is associated with MSP during a week. Hence, we recommend to look for strategies optimizing good quality of sleep in order to reduce pains, to improve health.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components in secondary school student population in the city of Douala, Cameroon.

While the burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a lack of data among young Cameroonian population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its components among secondary school students in Douala. This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out on 803 students recruited from February to May 2021 in public and private secondary schools in Douala city, Cameroon. MetS was assessed according to the IDF/AHA/NHLBI 2009 consensus definition. The data collection consisted of a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, measurement of anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference) and overnight fasting blood sample. Blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured using standard methods. The mean age was 18±3 years, 73.3% female. The prevalence of MetS was 27.4%, common among participants aged ≥16 years, and higher in females compare to males (33.7% vs. 11.1%, P#x003C;0.0001). The prevalence of MetS components i.e abdominal obesity, high BP, fasting hyperglycemia, low-level HDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia were 14.1, 18.1, 42.8, 51.4 and 38.6% respectively. All MetS components were significantly higher in females compared to males except for high BP which was similar among the genders. In our study population, the prevalence of MetS is high and this calls for improved monitoring to limit the evolution of associated cardiometabolic complications among young Cameroonians.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and components in rural, semi-urban and urban areas in the littoral region in Cameroon: impact of physical activity.

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.

High risk of virologic failure among HIV-infected children and adolescents routinely followed-up in Littoral region of Cameroon.

Virological response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a challenge for HIV-infected children and adolescents due to non-optimization of pediatric ART for resource-limited settings. In this study, we aimed to investigate factors associated with virologic failure (VF) in HIV-infected-children and adolescents on ART in Cameroon. A prospective patient-based cohort study was conducted among HIV-infected children (0-9 years) and adolescents (10-19 years) followed-up between November 2018 and October 2019 in 38 healthcare centers located in the Littoral region of Cameroon. The 1st viral load (VL) was assessed after 6 months of ART initiation and the 2nd VL between 3 and 6 six months later in patients with VL ≥1000 copies/ml in accordance with the national algorithm using Abbott Real-Time HIV-1 Viral Load Assay. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the determinants of higher risk of VF. Of 1,029 HIV-infected children and adolescents (393 children and 636 adolescents), 801 (77.8%) cumulatively presented with VL <1000 copies/mL within 12 months on ART. Adolescents were more likely to have VF than children (24.5% vs 18.3%, OR: 1.39; 95%CI: 1.00-1.93; p = 0.047). Patients followed-up in decentralized care units were significantly more likely to have VF compared to those attending the accredited treatment centers (26.1% vs 16.6%, OR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.37-2.58; p<0.001). Our findings show a high rate of VL suppression (VLS, 77.8%) among HIV-infected children and adolescents, albeit lower than the established target of 90%. Being adolescent and patients followed in the decentralized care units are high risk factors for VF, thereby necessitating routine therapeutic education of patients and guardians in resource limited countries to improve VLS.

Musculoskeletal pains among amateur and professional athletes of five disciplines in Senegal: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) in sport are cause of poor performances and loss of competition in athletes. The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSPs with regard to sport disciplines and athletic status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 Senegalese professional and amateur athletes practicing football, basketball, rugby, tennis, athletics, and wrestling. Rates of MSPs in the past year (MSPs-12) and week (MSPs-7d) were assessed using standard questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d were 70 and 74.2%, respectively. MSPs-12 were more frequently reported on shoulders (40.6%), neck (37.1%) and hips/thigh (34.4%), while MSPs-7d were predominant on hips/thigh (29.5%), shoulders (25.7%), and upper back (17.2%). Proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d varied significantly by sport disciplines, with highest values among basketball players. Again, highest MSPs-12 proportions on shoulders (29.7%, P = 0.02), wrists/hands (34.6%, P = 0.001), (40.2%, P = 0.0002), and knees (38.8%, P = 0.002) were seen among basketball players. High proportions of MSPs-7d were seen on shoulders (29.6%, P = 0.04) for tennis players, wrists/hands (29.4%, P = 0.03) for basketball and football players, and hips/thigh (38.8%, P < 0.00001) for basketball players. Football players had reduced risk of MSPs-12 by 75% on lower back (OR = 0.25; 95% CI. 0.10-0.63; P = 0.003) and by 72% on knees (OR = 0.28; 95% CI. 0.08-0. 95; P = 0.04). In contrast, tennis players were more at risk of MSPs-12 on shoulders (OR = 3.14; 95% CI. 1.14-8.68; P = 0.02), wrists/hands (OR = 5.18; 95% CI.1.40-11.13; P = 0.01), and hips/thigh (OR = 2.90; 95% CI. 1.1-8.38; P = 0.04). Professionals were protected from MSPs-12 on neck pain with a significant reduction of risk by 61% (OR = 0.39, 95% CI. 0.21-0.75, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: MSPs are a reality among athletes and their risk is modulated by sport disciplines, athletic status and gender.

Burnout syndrome among healthcare professionals in the Fako division, Cameroon: Impact of physical activity and sleep quality.

Objectives: Burnout syndrome (BOS) is an affection mostly resulting from chronic job-related stress. Many studies have identified job-related and non-job-related factors associated with BOS. Our aim of this study was to assess the level of BOS in private and public hospital healthcare providers in Fako division, Cameroon and evaluate the impact of physical activity and sleep quality (SQ). Methods: The study was carried out in five randomly selected hospitals in Fako Division over a three-month period. Consenting doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians were recruited using consecutive sampling methods. Sociodemographic and professional characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. BOS was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Sleep quality (SQ) and physical activity (PA) were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) respectively. Odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and a statistical significance was set for p-value < 0.05. Results: The mean age was 32 ± 6 years and 70.9% female. BOS prevalence was 66.3% with 71.4% in females and 53.9% in males (p = 0.002). Of the 232 participants with BOS, 65.7%, 52% and 53.7% had moderate to high emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased personal accomplishment, respectively. Moderate to high PA as well as poor SQ were not significantly associated with BOS while longer sleep duration (>8 h) was associated with a greater odd of BOS. Conclusions: The prevalence of BOS was high among healthcare professionals. While PA showed no protective effects, high sleep duration could increase its risk.

Post-exercise heart rate variability recovery after 800-m endurance run load among Cameroonian adolescent's males.

The 800-m (m) run is part of Physical Education classes in Cameroon, after which arrhythmias may occur during recovery. Hence, this study aimed at determining relationship between 800-m run loads on cardiac autonomic recovery among school adolescents. Forty-two male adolescents (aged [17 â€‹± â€‹1] years) performed 800-m. Post-exercise heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded during 5-min (min) (HRV5-min) and 15-min (HRV15-min) in time: Standard deviation of normal to normal (SDNN); Root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and frequency domain (LH: Low frequency, HF: High frequency, TP: Total power). Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration (BLa) were measured after exercise. In HRV5-min, RPE was associated with SDNN (r â€‹= â€‹-0.44, p â€‹< â€‹0.01) and RMSSD (r â€‹= â€‹-0.38, p â€‹< â€‹0.05). BLa was correlated with SDNN (r â€‹= â€‹-0.38, p â€‹< â€‹0.05) and RMSSD (r â€‹= â€‹-0.56, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) in the time-domain, LF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.64, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.58, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and TP (r â€‹= â€‹-0.61, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) in frequency-domain. Moreover, RPE was correlated with LF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.44, p â€‹< â€‹0.01), TP (r â€‹= â€‹-0.49, p â€‹< â€‹0.01) while exercise duration with HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.38, p â€‹< â€‹0.05). In HRV15-min, BLa was correlated with RMSSD (r â€‹= â€‹-0.53, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and SDNN (r â€‹= â€‹-0.68, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). RPE was negatively correlated SDNN (r â€‹= â€‹-0.53, p â€‹< â€‹0.01) and RMSSD (r â€‹= â€‹-0.44, p â€‹< â€‹0.01). BLa was associated with HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.55, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), TP (r â€‹= â€‹-0.50, p â€‹< â€‹0.01) and RPE with LF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.51, p â€‹< â€‹0.01), HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.50, p â€‹< â€‹0.01), TP (r â€‹= â€‹-0.49, p â€‹< â€‹0.01). In addition, exercise duration was negatively linked to HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.36, p â€‹< â€‹0.05). This study outlined that in untrained adolescents an increase of 800-m loads is associated with a slow vagal indexes of HRV during the recovery.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among taxi drivers in Yaoundé, Cameroon: preventive effect of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are very common conditions in the workplace. Among professional drivers, there would be an increased risk of developing these disorders. Identifying the associated factors would allow us to better devise effective prevention strategies. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among taxi drivers in the city of Yaoundé and to search for associated factors, mainly the level of physical activity. METHODS: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of 151 adult male professional taxi drivers. We used a non-probabilistic consecutive and non-exhaustive sampling method. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and occupational data were collected. MSDs over the past 12 months were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire and physical activity level was determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Univariate logistic regression models, followed by a multivariate logistic regression, were used to determine factors associated with the presence of MSDs. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MSDs was 86.8% (95% CI 80.8 - 91.4); the most affected areas were mainly the lower back (72.8%) the neck (42.4%), and the knees (29.1%). Job dissatisfaction was associated with MSDs (OR = 2.1 95%CI = 1.1-3.9). Most taxi drivers (62.9%) had a low physical activity level and no association was found between the physical activity level and MSDs. CONCLUSIONS: MSDs are common ailments among taxi drivers in Yaoundé (Cameroon). There is a need to think about how to address job dissatisfaction and better identify other associated factors in order to define good prevention strategies.

Musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon.

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.

Musculoskeletal disorders among secondary school teachers in Douala, Cameroon: The effect of the practice of physical activities.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent an important threat to public health in both developed and developing countries, and are present in many occupational sectors including education. Regular practice of physical activity (PA) is known elicit preventive effects on the occurrence of MSDs. Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSDs and the preventive impact of PA on their occurrence among secondary school teachers. Participants and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 179 teachers in five government secondary schools in Douala, Cameroon. The Nordic and Ricci-Gagnon questionnaires were used to determine MSDs and to assess the level of PA, respectively. Results: The 12-month and 7-day prevalence of MSD (PMSD-12m and PMSD-7d) were 84.3% and 69.3%, respectively. The most affected body regions by MSDs were neck (PMSD-12m = 54.2%, PMSD-7d = 33.5%), lower back (PMSD-12m = 43%, PMSD-7d = 33%), and shoulders (PMSD-12m = 35%, PMSD-7d = 22.9%). Compared to female, males were protected against MSDs during the last 12 months (OR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.16-0.93; p = 0.04). The risk of MSDs during the last seven days was higher in teachers aged 30-40 years (OR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.14-7.14; p = 0.02) and 40-50 years (OR = 4.28; 95% CI 1.49-16.29; p = 0.008) than those under 30 years. This risk was tripled in inactive teachers (OR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.40-6.78; p = 0.005), compared to their active counterparts. Conclusion: MSDs are prevalent among secondary school teachers and associated with aging, gender, and lower level of PA.

Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Teaching Staff of the University of Douala, Cameroon: Association with Physical Activity Practice.

The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the teaching staff of the University of Douala and determine their association with physical activity (PA) practice. The Nordic questionnaire was used to assess MSDs. Ricci-Gagnon questionnaire was used to determine the level of PA. We recruited 104 participants mean-aged 42 ± 8 years, 80% male. Previous 7 days and 12 months prevalence were 56.7% and 80.8%, respectively. The most affected body regions were neck, shoulders and lower back. No significant association was found between MSDs and PA. Celibacy was significantly associated with previous 7-days MSDs (p = 0.048) while age ≥ 45 years and job seniority ≥ 10 years were significantly associated with a reduced risk of previous 12-months MSDs (p = 0.039 and p = 0.016, respectively). The prevalence of MSDs among university of Douala teaching staff showed no significant effect with the practice of PA.

Surveillance of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Fifth Military Sector Health Center, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon: Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. They were responsible for 40 million of the 57 million deaths recorded worldwide in 2016. In Cameroon, epidemiological studies have been devoted to NCDs and their risk factors. However, none provides specific information on their extent or the distribution of their risk factors within the Cameroonian defense forces. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the cardiovascular risk of a Cameroonian military population compared with that of its neighboring civilian population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study that involved subjects aged 18 to 58 years, recruited from October 2017 to November 2018 at the Fifth Military Sector Health Center in Ngaoundéré, Cameroon. Data collection and assessment were done according to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s STEPS manual for surveillance of risk factors for chronic NCDs and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Five cardiovascular risk factors were assessed: smoking, harmful alcohol consumption, obesity/overweight, hypertension, and diabetes. The risk was considered high in subjects with 3 or more of the factors. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were carried out according to their indications. RESULTS: Our study sample of 566 participants included 295 soldiers and 271 civilians of the same age group (median age 32 years versus 33 years, respectively; P=.57). The military sample consisted of 31 officers and 264 noncommissioned officers (NCOs). Soldiers were more exposed to behavioral risk factors than civilians, with a prevalence of smoking of 13.9% versus 4.4% (P<.001) and excessive alcohol consumption of 61.7% versus 14.8% (P<.001). They also presented with a higher cardiovascular risk than civilians (odds ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.50-4.81; P<.001), and among the military participants, the cardiovascular risk was higher for officers than for NCOs (51.6% versus 14.0%, respectively; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cameroonian soldiers are particularly exposed to cardiovascular behavioral risk factors and consequently are at higher risk of NCDs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04315441; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04315441.

Effect of a 12-week training program on the anthropometric and physiological profiles of some participants registered in a fitness center in Douala, Cameroon.

Fitness centers are remarkably abundant in Cameroon. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a 12-week training program on the anthropometric and physiological profiles of some participants in a fitness center. A total of 86 participants (40 from the experimental group and 46 from the control group) with age ranging from 17 to 53 years were subjected to pre- and posttraining assessments of, anthropometric parameters, physiological parameters, and performance. Anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC]) and blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure [SBP]) were measured according to standard protocols. Heart rate was recorded using a heart rate monitor. Cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake or VO2peak) was estimated by the 20-multistage shuttle run test. All the data was collected twice within 12 weeks. Weight, BMI, and WC did not show any significant variation (P>0.05) after a 12-week training program. VO2peak increase was insignificant (P>0.05) higher in men (7.5%, P=0.06), compared to women (5.4%, P=0.4). We noticed a significant reduction (P=0.002) in the SBP of men. Significant increase of HR max was found in women. There was an improvement of 13.7% in the VO2peak of the participants who did not consume alcohol. These results demonstrate the slight benefits of a 12-week training program on health. The weight characteristics of the participants and lifestyle may play an important role in these interactions.

Sperm parameters quality and reproductive effects of methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves on senescent male rats.

The effect of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves on the fertility of senescent male rats was assessed in this study. 40 rats received daily distilled water, testosterone, 200 and 400 mg/kg of extract of Alchornea cordifolia. The reproductive organs weight, the gonadotropins, testosterone and cholesterol level, the sperm parameters, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. The weight of testes and prostate (400 mg/kg) significantly increased (p < 0.05) as well as the level of FHS (p < 0.001), LH and testosterone (p < 0.01) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, respectively, while the cholesterol decreased at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01) respectively. The testes and epididymis were full of spermatozoa particularly at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The sperm count and morphology significantly increased at both doses of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001; p < 0.01) respectively. The sperm motion (PROG, VAP, VSL, VCL) (p < 0.001), (ALH, BCF) (p < 0.05) increased at a dose of 200 mg/kg and decreased at a dose of 400 mg/ kg. The overall results provide the strong evidence of the fertility potential of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves in senescent male rats.

Association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases in Cameroon.

To assess the association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases in dental patients in Cameroon, a prospective observational study was carried out in 3 hospitals in Cameroon from January 2013 to December 2015. Data on general condition, age, gender and lifestyle were collected during medical history taking. The Dutch Periodontal Screening Index assessed periodontal health during oral examination. The Wilcoxon test, the Fisher test and logistic regression analysis were performed. 558 patients (53.9% women) were included in the study. The mean age was 44±13 years (30 to 85). In terms of overall health, 161 (28.9%) had cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and 73 (13.1%) had diabetes. Hypertension accounted for 87.6% of CVD. In terms of periodontal diseases (PD), 431 (77.2%) patients had PD, the break-down by PD was 347 (62.2%) gingivitis and 84 (15%) periodontitis. Statistical associations were found between CVD and gingivitis [OR=4.30 (1.85-10.00), P=0.001], and CVD and periodontitis [OR=2.87 (1.04-7.93); P=0.04].

Association of the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio with metabolic syndrome in a sub-Saharan African population.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide there is an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome mainly due to life-style modifications, and Africans are not saved of this situation. Many markers have been studied to predict the risk of this syndrome but the most used are leptin and adiponectin. Data on these metabolic markers are scare in Africa and this study aimed to assess the association between the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR) with metabolic syndrome in a Cameroonian population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included 476 adults among a general population of Cameroon. Data collected concerned the body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, plasma lipids, adiponectin, leptin, insulin and homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). To assess correlations we used Spearman's analyses and association of the studied variables with metabolic syndrome were done using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The leptin to adiponectin ratio was significantly and positively correlated with the body mass index (r = 0.669, p < 0.0001), waist circumference (r = 0.595, p < 0.0001), triglycerides (r = 0.190, p = 0.001), insulin levels (r = 0.333, p < 0.0001) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.306, p < 0.0001). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that leptin, adiponectin and LAR were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome with respective unadjusted OR of 1.429, 0.468 and 1.502. After adjustment, for age and sex, the associations remained significative; LAR was also found to be significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.573, p value =0.000) as well as lower levels of adiponectin (OR = 0.359, p value =0.000) and higher levels of leptin (OR = 1.469, p value =0.001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that LAR is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in sub-Saharan African population, independently to age and sex.

Pre- and post-exercise electrocardiogram pattern modifications in apparently healthy school adolescents in Cameroon.

Background Physical Education and Sport (PES) is compulsory in Cameroonian education system. Cardiac accidents and sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) have been reported during PES examinations. This study aimed to contribute in the prevention of these cardiac accidents by studying pre- and post-exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern modifications in apparently healthy school adolescents. Methods One hundred school adolescents without apparent heart disease [aged 18 ± 2 years; body mass index (BMI): 21.9 ± 2.3] were included. Participants performed two intermittent sprint-endurance tests. The test consisted in walking 2000 m as warm-up, followed by sprint and endurance races. A 12-leads ECG was performed before and in 5 min after the tests. ECG patterns changes were studied with particular attention to abnormalities that could be associated with risk of SCD. Results At rest, ECG patterns variants consisted of bradycardia (30%), sinus arrhythmia (9%), posterior hemi post-block (2%), and early repolarization (3%). which disappeared after exercise in all participants. QTc (ms) and heart rate (HR) increased after exercise (p < 0.001); and RR (ms) decreased post-exercise (p < 0.001). Other changes includes the appearance of the T-waves reversed in precordial leads (V2-V4) (p < 0.001), ventricular (6%), atrial and other supraventricular premature beats (2%) in the post-exercise ECG. Left ventricular hypertrophy (2%), right auricular enlargement (2%), short PR (2%) appeared at the end of the tests. Conclusion This study suggests that an intermittent exercise can induce cardiac abnormalities able to provoke cardiac accidents and SCD in apparently healthy school adolescents.

Is there a beneficial effect difference between age, gender, and different cardiac pathology groups of exercise training at ventilatory threshold in cardiac patients?

BACKGROUND: Research on cardiac rehabilitation has raised interesting methods and effects without however establishing the share of the profits according to age, sex and cardiac pathology. Yet today, this disease with various pathologies strikes people of all ages and both sexes, and the recommended rehabilitation exercise intensity is often the ventilatory threshold. The aim of this study was to compare benefits of a training program at ventilatory threshold according to age, gender and cardiac pathology. METHODS: One hundred and eighty eight cardiac patients, of whom 62 had coronary artery bypass surgery, 22 artery angioplasty, 54 myocardial infarction and 50 valve replacements, aged 31-82 years, performed spirometric and cardiopulmonary exercise tests before and after a training program. This program consisted of exercise on a cycloergometer for three sessions of 45 min per week for eight weeks at heart rates attenuated at ventilatory threshold (V(Th)) obtained during a cardiopulmonary exercise test conducted before the training period. RESULTS: Peak heart rate, peak aerobic power, and peak oxygen uptake determined at V(Th) increased during the training period in all groups of subjects. Men and adult groups had higher absolute values compared to women and elderly groups. No difference was observed in cardiac pathology groups. Similar improvements of aerobic capacities were observed in age, gender and cardiac pathology groups. CONCLUSIONS: A training program conducted at personalised V(Th) significantly improves the aerobic physical capacities of all cardiac patients, and inducessimilar benefits whatever the age, gender or cardiac pathology.