Baobab Index

Across the world, human (anthropophonic) sounds add to sounds of biological (biophonic) and geophysical (geophonic) origin, with human contributions including both speech and technophony (sounds of technological devices). To characterize society's contribution to the global soundscapes, we used passive acoustic recorders at 139 sites across 6 continents, sampling both urban green spaces and nearby pristine sites continuously for 3 years in a paired design. Recordings were characterized by bird species richness and by 14 complementary acoustic indices. By relating each index to seasonal, diurnal, climatic and anthropogenic factors, we show here that latitude, time of day and day of year each predict a substantial proportion of variation in key metrics of biophony-whereas anthropophony (speech and traffic) show less predictable patterns. Compared to pristine sites, the soundscape of urban green spaces is more dominated by technophony and less diverse in terms of acoustic energy across frequencies and time steps, with less instances of quiet. We conclude that the global soundscape is formed from a highly predictable rhythm in biophony, with added noise from geophony and anthropophony. At urban sites, animals experience an increasingly noisy background of sound, which poses challenges to efficient communication.

Zoonoses are diseases transmitted from animals to humans, highlighting the inseparable link between animal and human health. They are responsible for approximately 2.4 billion cases of illness and 2.2 million deaths annually, posing a significant challenge to public health and food security. Transmission of infectious agents from animals to humans occurs through direct contact, ingestion, inhalation, or inoculation of the infectious agent. Finding practical ways to monitor the presence and/or abundance of zoonotic pathogens is important to estimate the risk of spillover to humans. Since rodents are present almost everywhere, live in proximity with humans and host several zoonotic viruses, we conducted a screening in different tissue samples of black rats (Rattus rattus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) collected in São Tomé and Príncipe in 2021 and 2022 for the presence of five zoonotic families of viruses, including Arenaviridae, Coronaviridae, Flaviviridae, Hantaviridae, and Poxviridae. Although we found no evidence of the presence of these viral taxa among the rodent samples tested, our study does not exclude their presence in São Tomé and Príncipe. Continued monitoring of these and other zoonotic viruses is advisable to prevent or mitigate the emergence of viral diseases that are often fatal to humans.

Understanding the ecological roles of critically endangered species is essential for effective conservation planning. This study investigates the foraging ecology and nutritional condition of the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in São Tomé Island, a key foraging ground in the Gulf of Guinea. We integrated stable isotope analyses of epidermal tissues with RNA/DNA ratios to assess habitat use, trophic position, and physiological status across life stages. Thirty hawksbill turtles (juveniles and adults) were sampled during in-water surveys conducted between 2021 and 2022 using minimally invasive techniques. Prey samples were also collected for isotopic baselines. Carbon (δ

Cameroon is an epicenter of diverse HIV-1 strains, with diagnostic and management challenges. The objective herein was to update HIV-1 non-M prevalence and compare diagnostic performance of two- versus three-test algorithms. A facility-based study was conducted in February 2024 on 2207 HIV-1 clinical samples at the Chantal Biya International Reference Centre (Yaoundé, Cameroon). HIV-1 non-M were identified by molecular phylogeny. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) used in the two-test (Determine and KHB colloidal gold) versus three-test (First Response, One Step, and KHB) algorithms were evaluated on non-M, with ACRO (HIV1/2 and p24) as independent RDT. No group N (0%) nor P (0%) was found, whereas nine group O were identified (0.4%; 95% CI, 0.2%-0.8%). For individuals harboring group O (mean age, 43 ± 12 years; 50% female), median (IQR): duration since HIV diagnosis was 627 (423 to 775) weeks; viremia, 12,385 (5340 to 72,682) copies/mL; and CD4 count, 52 (39 to 228) cells/mm

Annona muricata (soursop), a traditional medicinal plant renowned for its anticancer properties due to annonaceous acetogenins, was investigated to identify potent phytochemicals targeting colon cancer. Considering the significant role of genetic mutations such as MLH1 in colorectal carcinogenesis, this study aimed to explore natural compounds with therapeutic potential. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 52 phytochemicals from A. muricata, which were filtered through Lipinski's rule of five to select 14 drug-like candidates. Molecular docking using PyRx prioritized seven compounds-alpha-tocopherol, 4,6-O-benzylidene-D-galactose, methyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, (5 S)-2(3 H)-furanone dihydro-5-methyl-5-phenyl-, (2R,3R,4aR,5 S,8aS)-2-hydroxy-4a,5-dimethyl-3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)octahydronaphthalen-1(2 H)-one, naphthalene 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-4,7-dimethyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-, and isobutyl phenylacetate. Pharmacokinetic properties (ADMET) were evaluated, and electronic characteristics were analyzed via density functional theory (DFT). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations over 100 ns confirmed the stability of drug-protein complexes through RMSD, radius of gyration (Rg), SASA, RMSF, and hydrogen bonding patterns. Results demonstrated that these phytochemicals exhibited superior binding affinities compared to standard therapy, 5-fluorouracil, with alpha-tocopherol notably outperforming it. ADMET analyses verified favorable pharmacokinetics, indicating non-toxicity and non-carcinogenicity. Stability assessments showed consistent parameters throughout the simulation. Overall, the prioritized phytochemicals from A. muricata, especially alpha-tocopherol, exhibit significant anticancer potential and stability, supporting further experimental validation and development as therapeutic agents for colon cancer.

Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas are Gram-negative and comprise of at least 107 diverse species. Certain members of the genus Pseudomonas emerged as major opportunistic human pathogens, and others have been used as biocontrol agents. Tsetse flies, the biological vectors of African trypanosomes, harbour diverse communities of microorganisms. Tsetse microbiota is of interest because of their possible effect on vector competence. The aim of this study was to explore genetic features of a novel Pseudomonas species strain CAM1A isolated from tsetse caught in Dodeo, Cameroon. The bacterium was isolated from tsetse fly, and the whole genome was sequenced on the Illumina Miseq platform. Sequences were assembled with SPAdes and annotated using RAST and PATRIC annotation pipelines. The draft genome, made of 61 contigs was found to be at least 5,848,000 bp long, with 5,339 coding sequences, a DNA G + C content of 64.3%, and at least 80 tRNA + rRNA genes. No plasmid was found. Taxonomic analysis based on whole-genome sequences (ANI and GGDC) and MLSA indicated that CAM1A represents a putative novel species closely related to Pseudomonas soli. Several antimicrobial resistance and efflux-mediated resistance genes were predicted, suggesting its ability to evade many antimicrobial therapies. Determination of secondary metabolites within the genome revealed seven different secondary metabolites distributed on 11 biosynthetic gene clusters. Various virulence factors were found, but the isolate was predicted to be a non-human pathogen.

Virologic failure (VF) in children living with HIV (CLHIV) remains challenging in sub-Saharan Africa, reaching alarming rates in Cameroon. We sought to evaluate predictors of virologic response and HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) among CLHIV in Cameroon during the introduction of pediatric dolutegravir (pDTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted a facility-based longitudinal study from November 2022 through April 2023 among CLHIV (age 0-10 years) attending the Chantal BIYA Foundation's Mother and Child Centre in Yaoundé-Cameroon. Plasma viral load (PVL) and HIVDR were evaluated, with VF defined as 2 consecutive PVL ≥1000copies/mL under active adherence counseling/support. Overall, the 318 enrolled participants had a median (interquartile range) age of 8 (6-9) years and 162/318 (50.9%) girls. Most (299/318, 94.03%) received pDTG-based ART and mean ART duration was 5.6 ± 2.6 years. At enrollment, 37 (11.6%) children were virally unsuppressed (PVL≥1000copies/mL), with higher odds among children from rural areas ( P = 0.018) and among those reporting poor adherence ( P < 0.001). After active adherence counseling and support, 30/37 (81.1%) children were resampled after 1 month and 3 remained unsuppressed, indicating <1% (3/311) with VF overall. Among those experiencing VF, HIVDR mutations were found in <1% (2/311) children [L74V(1/3), K103N(1/3), M184V(2/3), P225H(1/3)]. Virologic response among children receiving pDTG-containing ART was strong in Cameroon. Combining robust ART regimens with active adherence support can advance sustained progress towards HIV elimination in children by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa.

Diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disorder, is often exacerbated by conventional antibiotic treatments that disrupt gut microbiota, necessitating the exploration of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) alternatives. This study investigates the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of Streptococcus thermophilus NCU074001 (ST) in a rat model of PEG3350-induced osmotic diarrhea. ST treatment mitigated diarrheal symptoms and improved key markers of intestinal health by acting as a key modulator of the gut ecosystem. Its efficacy was driven by balancing immune responses via elevated IL-10 and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ). Furthermore, ST reinforced the intestinal barrier by upregulating MUC2 expression and reshaping gut microbial ecology by suppressing certain genera (Bacteroides and Anaerofilum) while enriching others (Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Phascolarctobacterium, and Parabacteroides). This taxonomic restoration was accompanied by a functional metabolic shift, characterized by increased production of short-chain fatty acids (acetate and butyrate) and a targeted modulation of tryptophan metabolism that enhanced the production of anti-inflammatory indole derivatives. Correlation analyses suggested potential links between ST-mediated microbiota remodeling and barrier strengthening and immunomodulation. Collectively, these results indicate that ST functions as a promising probiotic integrating immunomodulation, microbiota restoration, and metabolic reprogramming to alleviate diarrhea, and thus presents a promising therapeutic alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Rapid genomic sequencing (rGS) is increasingly used in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units (ICUs) to inform diagnosis and guide management of critically ill infants and children. Although rGS has a high diagnostic yield and potential to influence treatment and care planning decisions, little is known about how families experience rGS in the ICU and the emotional and contextual factors influencing their testing-related decisions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty-three parents of infants who consented to rGS in an ICU at two tertiary hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; all interviews took place in close proximity to the decision to pursue rGS. Parents' experiences with rGS and the related genetics consultation demonstrated a complex interplay of emotional, pragmatic, relational, and temporal 'sense-making' to grasp what was happening. Overall, parents felt overwhelmed in the ICU. Some de-prioritized genetic testing compared to other aspects of care while others reflected negatively or ambivalently on rGS or felt that it was implicitly expected that they pursue it. We conclude that an rGS approach tailored to the ICU setting is needed. Consideration should be given to distributing complex decisions (such as those relating to primary vs. secondary findings) across multiple briefer visits, and alleviating decisional burden by reframing rGS as one of the many shared decisions made with families in this setting.

Onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus and is transmitted through the bites of blackflies of the genus Simulium that breed in rivers and streams. The current WHO definition of transmission zones is limited, leaving country programmes to address challenges such as delineating transmission zones correctly, addressing blackfly migration, managing parasite and host movement and handling cross-border transmission issues. A more data-driven approach to the practical definition of transmission zones in African countries would be advantageous. A review of the documents in the WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (WHO IRIS) and using standard search engines (e.g. PubMed, Google Scholar) has identified previously less recognised factors that could enhance the definition and use of transmission areas in onchocerciasis areas. These guiding observations integrate historical operational, entomological, epidemiological and ecological information with genomic aspects.