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Background: The troponin complex plays a crucial role in regulating skeletal and cardiac contraction. Congenital myopathies can occur due to several mutations in genes that encode skeletal troponin. Moreover, there is limited information regarding the composition of skeletal troponin. This review specifically examines a comprehensive review of the TNNC gene mutations on cardiac and skeletal regulations., Main Body: Troponin C (TNNC) has been linked to a newly discovered inherited muscle disorder. Genetic variations in genes that encode skeletal troponin can impair the function of sarcomeres. Various treatment approaches have been employed to mitigate the impact of variations, including the use of troponin activators, the injection of wild-type protein via AAV gene therapy, and myosin modification to enhance muscle contraction. The processes responsible for the pathophysiological implications of the variations in genes that encode skeletal troponin are not fully understood., Conclusion: This comprehensive review will contribute to the understanding of the relationship between human cardiomyopathy and TNNC mutations and will guide the development of therapy approaches., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: As part of efforts to reach the elimination target by 2030, the WHO and CDC recommend that all HCWs adhere to the three-dose Hepatitis B vaccination schedule to protect themselves against the infection. This study assessed Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and associated factors among personnel working in health facilities in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 530 HCWs was conducted in four hospitals in Kumasi from September to November 2023. An investigator-administered questionnaire was employed in gathering participant demographics and other information related to vaccination coverage. IBM SPSS Version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 were used for analysing the data. Results: Even though the majority (70.6%) reported having taken at least one dose of the vaccine, only 43.6% were fully vaccinated (≥ 3 doses). More than a quarter (29.4%) had not taken any dose of the HBV vaccine. Close to a quarter (23.6%) had not screened or tested for HBV infection in their lifetime. The statistically significant variables influencing vaccination status were age, marital status, profession, and status in the hospital. Nearly one-half (44.9%) of the participants who have not taken the vaccine reported they do not have a reason for not taking it, and a high proportion (80.1%) were willing to take the vaccine when given for free. Conclusion: To combat the low Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among healthcare workers in Kumasi, Ghana, amidst the significant public health threat of HBV infection, comprehensive measures are necessary. These include implementing infection prevention control programmes, enhancing occupational health and safety, and conducting health promotion campaigns in healthcare facilities. Extending and intensifying Hepatitis B screening and vaccination initiatives to tertiary institutions and encouraging employers, supervisors, or team leaders to provide these services nationwide are also recommended., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Daniel Kobina Okwan et al.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that there no conflict of interest.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Background and Aim: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant global health challenge, with approximately 39 million people living with HIV worldwide as of 2022. Despite progress in antiretroviral therapy, achieving the UNAIDS "95-95-95" target to end the HIV epidemic by 2025 faces challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The pursuit of an HIV vaccine is crucial, offering durable immunity and the potential to end the epidemic. Challenges in vaccine development include the lack of known immune correlates, suitable animal models, and HIV's high mutation rate. This study aims to explore the current state of HIV vaccine development, focusing on the challenges and innovative approaches being investigated., Methods: In writing this review, we conducted a search of medical databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The exploration of messenger ribonucleic acid vaccines, which have proven successful in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, presents a promising avenue for HIV vaccine development. Understanding HIV-1's ability to infiltrate various bodily compartments, establish reservoirs, and manipulate immune responses is critical. Robust cytotoxic T lymphocytes and broadly neutralizing antibodies are identified as key components, though their production faces challenges. Innovative approaches, including computational learning and advanced drug delivery systems, are being investigated to effectively activate the immune system., Results and Conclusions: Discrepancies between animal models and human responses have hindered the progress of vaccine development. Despite these challenges, ongoing research is focused on overcoming these obstacles through advanced methodologies and technologies. Addressing the challenges in HIV vaccine development is paramount to realizing an effective HIV-1 vaccine and achieving the goal of ending the epidemic. The integration of innovative approaches and a deeper understanding of HIV-1's mechanisms are essential steps toward this transformative breakthrough., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Prostate cancer, constituting a substantial portion of global cancer incidence and mortality, prompts a critical examination of potential modifiers, notably ejaculation frequency. This narrative review explores the complex relationship between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, addressing the paucity of consensus and the intricate interplay of factors. The evidence drawn from eleven studies with diverse methodologies reveals a complex understanding of this association. While some studies suggest an inverse correlation between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, signifying a potential protective effect, others present conflicting findings, necessitating a comprehensive exploration. Evidence synthesis underscores the importance of considering age, urinary health, and lifestyle factors in elucidating the ejaculation frequency-prostate cancer relationship. Notably, technological advancements, including machine learning models and genetic markers, enhance the precision of patient counselling and individualized care. In a clinical context, the findings emphasize the clinical relevance of incorporating sexual behavior into preventive strategies. Public health campaigns emerge as influential tools, breaking taboos, raising awareness, and empowering men to prioritize their well-being. The paradigm shift in prostate cancer understanding, fueled by technology and personalized medicine, holds promise for more accurate risk assessments. Liquid biopsies, multiparametric MRI, and considerations of the gut microbiome present avenues for tailored preventive strategies. However, methodological challenges and study variations necessitate further research, emphasizing consistency, exploring underlying mechanisms, and a life course perspective., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that continues to pose a significant public health threat globally, including Nigeria. Here, we provided a review of dengue fever outbreaks in Nigeria from 1972 to 2023, examining the epidemiology, prevention strategies, challenges faced in combating the disease, and recommendations to mitigate its spread and transmission. We utilized scholarly databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar in writing this paper. The search keywords like, "dengue fever", "break-bone fever", "dengue fever virus" "outbreak", "Nigeria", "prevalence", and "epidemiology", were used to get appropriate published articles about the subject areas. Over the past five decades, Nigeria has experienced intermittent outbreaks of dengue fever, with varying degrees of severity and geographic distribution. Factors such as urbanization, climate change, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure have contributed to the resurgence and spread of the disease in the country. Despite efforts to control dengue transmission through vector control measures and public health interventions, challenges persist, including limited surveillance capacity, diagnostic delays, and gaps in vector control strategies. The emergence of new dengue virus serotypes and the potential for co-circulation with other arboviruses further complicate control efforts. This review highlights the importance of strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing vector control measures, improving diagnostic capabilities, and increasing public awareness to effectively mitigate the burden of dengue fever in Nigeria. Collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, researchers, and international partners is crucial in addressing the growing threat of dengue fever and reducing its impact on public health in Nigeria., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Background and Aims: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in laboratory medicine, promising significant advancements in healthcare delivery. This study explores the potential impact of AI on diagnostics and patient management within the context of laboratory medicine, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)., Methods: In writing this article, we conducted a thorough search of databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar within 20 years. The study examines AI's capabilities, including learning, reasoning, and decision-making, mirroring human cognitive processes. It highlights AI's adeptness at processing vast data sets, identifying patterns, and expediting the extraction of actionable insights, particularly in medical imaging interpretation and laboratory test data analysis. The research emphasizes the potential benefits of AI in early disease detection, therapeutic interventions, and personalized treatment strategies., Results: In the realm of laboratory medicine, AI demonstrates remarkable precision in interpreting medical images such as radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Its predictive analytical capabilities extend to forecasting patient trajectories and informing personalized treatment strategies using comprehensive data sets comprising clinical outcomes, patient records, and laboratory results. The study underscores the significance of AI in addressing healthcare challenges, especially in resource-constrained LMICs., Conclusion: While acknowledging the profound impact of AI on laboratory medicine in LMICs, the study recognizes challenges such as inadequate data availability, digital infrastructure deficiencies, and ethical considerations. Successful implementation necessitates substantial investments in digital infrastructure, the establishment of data-sharing networks, and the formulation of regulatory frameworks. The study concludes that collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including international organizations, governments, and nongovernmental entities, are crucial for overcoming obstacles and responsibly integrating AI into laboratory medicine in LMICs. A comprehensive, coordinated approach is essential for realizing AI's transformative potential and advancing health care in LMICs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Leptospirosis, also known as Weil's disease, is an emerging zoonotic infection that occurs worldwide but is particularly common in the tropics. There has been an increasing trend of leptospirosis in the Philippines since the outbreak occurred in 2020. The number of reported cases was 182 in 2020, 1661 in 2021, and 2794 in 2022. This present article aimed to access previously published studies on the prevalence, implications, and efforts to combat leptospirosis worldwide, with a particular focus on the Philippines from 2001 to 2023. In writing this article, we conducted a thorough search of databases such as PubMed, Researchgate, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar within 20 years. This present article found that more than 810 cases were reported from 1 January to 4 March 2023. The Cagayan Valley Region has 103 cases, the Zamboanga Peninsula has 77 cases, and the Western Visayas Region has 176 cases, making them the worst-hit areas. The increase in leptospirosis cases in the Philippines is primarily attributed to several factors. Firstly, the country is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and landslides, which increase the risk of water sources and the environment being contaminated with Leptospira bacteria. To address the menace of leptospirosis in the Philippines, we urge the Philippine government to focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, providing swift, reliable, and effective treatments, implementing safety regulations, supplying personal protective equipment to medical authorities, and taking strict actions to improve water sanitation., Competing Interests: There are no Conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

It is a prevalent misconception that healthcare professionals are specialists and thus can effectively manage their health. This is probably true, but given recent pandemics and the rise in violence in medical settings, one is compelled to question whether their health and safety are sufficient for a robust healthcare system. This is important because protecting and promoting the health, safety, and well-being of health workers will improve the quality of patient care and increase the resilience of health services in the face of outbreaks and public health emergencies. We thus strive to answer this question and suggest potential remedies to this growing public health issue., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s).)

Various infectious disease outbreaks linked to zoonotic sources have been recorded over the years, some of which have resulted in epidemics on a national, regional, or global scale. In Africa, a number of such outbreaks occur intermittently, especially in countries like Nigeria with a high-risk of epidemiological transmission. Three viral outbreaks with zoonotic links have hit the Nigerian healthcare system hardest, which are the Ebola virus disease, Lassa fever and Coronavirus disease 2019. Due to the fragile nature of the Nigerian health system, several challenges were encountered in the process of responding to these viral outbreaks, some of which included inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited diagnostic capacity, unfledged nature of emergency response, unsatisfactory remuneration of health workers, misinformation trends, amongst others. By reminiscing on the challenges and lessons learnt from these viral disease outbreaks, the Nigerian government and policymakers will be able to adopt more effective approaches towards emergency preparedness for future outbreaks of infectious diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Cholera is an enteric disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by the toxins of the bacteria - Vibrio Cholerae. Its transmission is exacerbated by poor sanitary conditions and poor hygiene practices. Affected individuals may present with severe symptoms such as watery diarrhoea and vomiting that can lead to death within few hours. Cameroon is experiencing its worst cholera outbreak in decades. The outbreak is severest in the South-West and the Littoral regions. As of the time of writing, in six regions of the country, 6652 suspected cases of cholera including 134 deaths (CFR 2%) have been reported and the number is rising. Shortage of safe drinking water and contamination of rivers has exacerbated the outbreak, especially in the rural and hard to reach communities. The trans -border movement at the South-West region, defecation in the open and on rivers, and overcrowding at the Littoral region have been particularly challenging towards curbing the outbreak. Despite the challenges, Cameroon's health authorities have been working to bring the situation under control by engaging in community sensitization on good hygiene habits, disinfection of houses and vaccination campaigns. In the light of these, it is recommended that Cameroon should improve and strengthen its vaccination campaign across the country. Adequate health systems should be established at the point of entry to prevent cross-border cholera transmission and retransmission. Access to hard to reach communities should be improved so that vaccines and basic health care and sanitation services such as provision of safe drinking water can be provided., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Royal Society for Public Health.)