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Background HIV infection exacerbates the prognosis of HCV infection, with a faster progression of hepatitis. Hepatic fibrosis is the major disruption of the hepatic tissue architecture characterized by anarchic deposition and excess of the extracellular matrix. The objective of this study was to evaluate hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals as compared to HCV mono-infected. Methods A total of 97 participants (mean age 60.2 ± 14.3 years and 0.76 male/female sex ratio) was enrolled in a study conducted in Yaoundé, Cameroon from November 2018 to January 2019. Liver fibrosis was assessed by the APRI score (Aspartate Aminotransferase or AST/Platelet Ratio Index) which identifies the stage of fibrosis as classified by the Metavir system (F0 to F4). CD4 counts and plasmatic HIV viral load of HIV/HCV co-infected individuals were determined and the correlation between hepatic fibrosis and immuno-virological status established. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2016 and EpiInfo7 software. Results A high proportion (63.6%) of HIV/HCV co-infected participants had an abnormal AST level: 73.6 ± 45.8 IU/L as compared to 58.5 ± 39.3 IU/L (59.3%) among HCV mono-infected participants. The frequency of thrombocytopenia was 63.6% with a mean platelet count of 137 ± 50 ×  103 IU/L in HIV/HCV co-infected participants as compared to 176 ± 67 × 103 IU/L in HCV mono-infected participants (38.4%). The progression of hepatic fibrosis in participants with clinically significant fibrosis: F2, F3 and F4 was higher among HIV/HCV co-infected and the mean APRI score was 1.7 ± 1.4 versus 1 ± 0.8 among HCV mono-infected (26.7%). All participants (100%) with detectable HIV viral load had clinically significant fibrosis compared to 33.4% in those with undetectable HIV viral load (p = 0.55). Only 42.9% participants with CD4 >  500 cells/μL had clinically significant fibrosis (p = 0.72) while 100% participants with CD4 <  200 cells/μL had clinically significant fibrosis (p = 0.58). Conclusions A high level of AST combined with thrombocytopenia (APRI score > 1.5) is an indicator of hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals. Because of its non-invasive and less costly nature, the APRI score can be a suitable biomarker to monitor hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in resource constrained settings.

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Pepper is a high perishables and seasonal fruit. The aim of this work was to reduce the postharvest losses of Capsicum chinenses Linn. by diverting the preservation techniques and valorise the product. A survey was carried out in Ngaoundéré, Adamawa region, Cameroon to know the level of pepper consumption, and the ingredients commonly added in pepper sauces. A simplex lattice mixture design was used to optimise the pepper cube formulation, which was therefore characterized. The sensory evaluation was done to select the best sample among those produced. From the survey, 76.92% of the population consume pepper. Onion, garlic, white pepper, and pebe were found to be the spices commonly used along with pepper sauces preparation. The pepper cubes were obtained by incorporating onion and pebe at different proportions. The enriched pepper was formulated at the optimal condition of the basic ingredients which were 0.817, 0.133 and 0.05% respectively for pepper, white pepper and garlic. Sample 107 with the colours ranging between orange yellow and yellow, made up of 50% pepper, 32.5% onion and 17.5% pebe was selected through sensorial analysis by the panellist as the best specimen. This product exhibited about 50% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Practical Applications The pepper cube produced in this work is made up from local natural resources: pepper, garlic, onion, pebe and white pepper which contribute to the antioxidant capacity of the final product. Compared to the existing cube this can be used as natural antioxidant and does not content monosodium glutamate which is one of the main cause of hypertension.

Aims: The objective of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial and sensory properties of a formulated medicinal soap. Study Design:  Extraction of essential oils, purchase of vegetable oils and caustic soda, soap formulation, testing of its antibacterial and antifungal activities, evaluation of its acceptability. Place and Duration of Study: Research unit of biochemistry of medicinal plant, food and nutritional sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang from October 2019 to July 2020. Methodology: Cold saponification method was used for the production of soap using the following ingredients: Palm kernel oil, olive oil, coconut oil, Palm oleic, caustic soda, essential oils from ginger roots and cloves buds. The formulated soap was used for the evaluation of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities as well as its acceptability using the 9-points hedonic scale. The soap was tested on the following microorganisms: Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01, Staphylococcus aureus 56, Staphylococcus aureus 18, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Candida albican, Candida tropicalis. Results: Results showed that the produced soap has bactericidal activities against staphylococcus aureus 18 and staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and a bacteriostatic activity against staphylococcus aureus 56. Its activity against fungi was very low. The results of the sensory analysis of this product showed that it can be accepted by consumer since the lowest score was 6.55 in a scale of 9.  Conclusion: Results showed that the produced soap has bactericidal activities against staphylococcus aureus 18 and staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and a bacteriostatic activity against staphylococcus aureus 56. It was accepted with a score of at least 6.55/9 by the participants.