ABSTRACT
Background: Kinesiophobia, defined as an excessive fear of movement due to pain or reinjury, has emerged as a significant psychological factor influencing recovery in musculoskeletal conditions. In fracture rehabilitation, where early mobilization is essential, fear-related avoidance behaviors may compromise functional outcomes despite adequate biological healing. Objective: To evaluate the role of kinesiophobia as a predictor of functional outcomes following fracture rehabilitation and to synthesize current evidence regarding its prevalence, mechanisms, and clinical implications. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using evidence from peer-reviewed literature indexed journals. Studies examining kinesiophobia in fracture populations, its association with functional outcomes, and related rehabilitation strategies were analyzed and synthesized. Results: Kinesiophobia is highly prevalent in fracture populations, affecting approximately 50–60% of patients. Evidence demonstrates a consistent negative association between kinesiophobia and functional outcomes, with reported correlation coefficients ranging from r = –0.40 to –0.77. Higher levels of fear are linked with reduced mobility, lower functional independence, and delayed recovery. Mechanistically, kinesiophobia contributes to avoidance behavior, altered motor patterns, reduced rehabilitation adherence, and physical deconditioning. Longitudinal findings suggest that early kinesiophobia may predict long-term functional limitations. Conclusion: Kinesiophobia is a significant and modifiable predictor of functional outcome following fracture rehabilitation. Integrating psychological assessment and targeted interventions such as graded exposure and cognitive-behavioral strategies into physiotherapy practice may enhance recovery and reduce disability. Further high-quality research is required to establish standardized protocols and optimize management approaches.

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Introduction: According to the results of the Demographic and Health Survey of Mali, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in the Koulikoro region and the Bamako district is 65.8% and 48.2%, respectively. Anemia remains a public health problem in Mali and one of the most common pathologies during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary factors associated with anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at the Kalaban-Coro Reference Health Center. Methodology: This was a case-control study conducted at the Kalaban-Coro Reference Health Center from August 5 to 31, 2025. The sample size was calculated using Epi Info 7 software version 7.1.2.0. It included 324 pregnant women, comprising 108 cases and 216 controls. Data were entered using the Kobocollecte tool and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. We performed descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses with a significance level of 5%. Results: The multivariate analysis showed that anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Kalaban-coro Reference Health Center was associated with consuming fewer than three meals per day (p=0.00), low dietary diversity (p=0.00), low fruit and vegetable consumption (p=0.00), low consumption of roots and tubers (p=0.00), and low dairy consumption (p=0.03). Conclusion: Based on these results, we recommend strengthening awareness and nutrition education activities to promote better dietary diversity among women of reproductive age.

ABSTRACT
In the realm of medical mycology, Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe fungal disease primarily affecting individuals with weakened immunity. Because conventional diagnostics like fungal cultures are often slow and lack sensitivity, this study focuses on evaluating two advanced testing methods- Aspergillus-specific PCR and galactomannan ELISA (GM-ELISA)- to identify which delivers more reliable and timely results across sample types and patient profiles. The research was conducted over 13 months in a hospital setting, analyzing bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum samples from patients suspected of having IA. GM-ELISA targeted the presence of fungal antigens, while PCR was used for genetic detection and species differentiation. Thorough statistical methods were applied to assess the performance and correlations between both techniques. Patients aged 61–70 years, predominantly male (60%), were most affected. GM-ELISA showed more positives than PCR, though overlap between methods was limited. Antigen levels were higher in BALF than serum, and PCR cycle thresholds inversely correlated with GM-ELISA values, indicating higher fungal loads lead to quicker detection. Aspergillus fumigatus showed the highest antigen burden, while Aspergillus flavus had lower nucleic acid levels. No significant link was found with haematological markers or conditions like diabetes and renal issues.Radiological findings often matched IA pulmonary changes, and Voriconazole was the most common treatment. In conclusion, GM-ELISA proved to be a sensitive tool, particularly for respiratory samples, while PCR contributed valuable specificity and early-stage detection. When used together, they offer a more complete diagnostic picture, enhancing early identification and treatment strategies for IA.

ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major public health issue affecting over 8–16% of the global population, with significant health consequences. The incidence and financial burden of managing this condition are substantial, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is about 3–4 times more common. An often overlooked but important effect of CKD is the alteration of sleep patterns, which impacts quality of life. Objective: This study sought to describe the characteristics and factors associated with sleep disorders among CKD patients at the Yaoundé General Hospital. Methodology: This case-control study was conducted at the Dialysis and Nephrology outpatient units of the Yaoundé General Hospital in Cameroon from November 2016 to April 2017. Consenting CKD cases and controls were assessed for sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a validated clinical tool. Sociodemographic, medical, and other relevant data were obtained from hospital records. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 with a significance level of 0.05. Results: A total of 244 participants were included, with 141 CKD cases and 143 controls. Mean age was 48.32 ± 14.66 years for cases and 50 ± 14.19 years for controls. Hypertension/vascular nephropathy was the leading CKD cause (41.2%), and 83% of patients were on dialysis for an average of 36 ± 5 months. Poor sleep affected 60.3% of CKD patients versus 14% of controls, OSA risk was 61% versus 11.5%, RLS occurred in 42.5% versus 16.1%, and EDS in 58.9% versus 20.6%. Poor sleep was associated with anemia, hypertension, sex, diabetes, dialysis, and physical exercise. Conclusion: Sleep disorders are more frequent in individuals with CKD than in the general population in our setting, with a negative impact on quality of life.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Sub-Saharan African population is experiencing an increase in neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the major ND encountered due to a steady increase in life expectancy. We aimed to determine the prevalence, describe the clinical characteristics, and the most common comorbidities of patients with PD. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the neurology outpatient department of the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH). Sociodemographic, clinical data and paraclinical data were obtained after informed consent. Moreover, the UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank Diagnostic Criteria (UKPDSB) was used for diagnosis, and the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) was used to assess severity and disease progression. Results: Out of a total of 725 patients consulted at the YCH, PD accounted for a hospital-based prevalence of 4.27%. Bradykinesia and rest tremor were the most common presenting motor symptoms (96.77% each), followed by cogwheel rigidity (58.06%) and postural instability (22.58%). Non-motor symptoms were fatigue (64.52%), autonomic dysfunctions with cardiovascular disorders [orthostatic hypertension (64.52%)], gastrointestinal disorders [constipation (41.94%)], and urinary problems (38.71%). Hypertension was found to be the most common comorbidity in the study population (35,48%). Conclusion: The hospital prevalence of PD is not negligible and remains one of the most frequent ND in SSA.

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Background: Intensity of physical works were maybe important in menopausal status. There were some risks for reproductive systems and might be caused early menopause. Objective was the determination of menopausal risks according to intensity of physical activities. Methods: This was a study and was done on articles about aerobic tests and symptoms of menopause. According to metabolic equivalent task (METs) of works articles were divided to three groups; light physical work (group 1), moderate (group 2) and heavy physical work (group 3). Frequency of menopausal symptoms compared between three groups, compared between two groups by SPSS 16 ANOVA, Chi-2, relative risks with P<0.05. Results: In this study, frequency of dysthymic disorder, loss of concentration and malaise were the most in group 3 with heavy physical work and relative risks were the most in these items too. Menopausal score was the most in group 3. Conclusion: Heavy physical work was a harmful job for reproductive health and could be caused early menopause.

ABSTRACT
The increasing cost of conventional microbiological culture media have prompted the mining for alternative, cost-effective and locally formulated options. This study evaluated the potential of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds formulation as an alternative culture media for the growth of selected pathogenic bacteria. The following test bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella flexneri, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were characterized via Gram staining and biochemical tests. Proximate analysis of the okra seeds, formulation of okra seed agar and broth were carried out. Total colony count on okra agar and population density (0-72 hours) in the okra and nutrient broth was also ascertained. The proximate analysis okra seeds revealed moisture content (8.5%), ash content (0.5%), crude lipids or fat (1.58%), crude fiber (30.9%), crude protein (15.6%), carbohydrate (4.92%), and calorific content (220.113Kcal). Okra seed agar media was formulated by dissolving 4g of okra seed powder, 0.5g of NaCl, and 1.5g of agar (solidifying agent) into 100ml of distilled, while okra seed broth was formulated without the addition of agar. Total colony count (CFU/mL) of the test bacteria on okra agar includes Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.7x109) , Shigella flexneri, (2.9×10⁸) , Proteus mirabilis (2.6×10⁹) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.3×10⁸) and Staphylococcus aureus (3.1×10⁷). Highest population density (CFU/mL) after 24hours incubation recorded in okra broth was demonstrated by Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.7x108), Shigella flexneri, (3.2x108) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.8x108) and Staphylococcus aureus (4.0x108); while Proteus mirabilis (3.2x108) recorded the highest in nutrient broth. Findings demonstrated that the okra seed formulations supported significant bacterial growth and can be deployed as an alternative culture media for the isolation of some pathogenic bacteria.