Article
Immunology
Yunfei Wei, Shiting Tang, Zhouhua Xie, Yaoqin He, Yunli Zhang, Yiju Xie, Shijian Chen, Liuyu Liu, Yayuan Liu, Zhijian Liang
Summary: This study explores the clinical features and underlying pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis-related ischemic stroke (TBRIS) in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The study finds that most TBRIS patients experienced ischemic stroke events within 3 months after tuberculosis diagnosis. The study also identifies several independent risk factors for TBRIS and establishes an index that helps clinicians identify high-risk TBRIS patients among pulmonary tuberculosis patients.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Florencia S. Buchera, Vitus Silago, Geofrey Japhet, Conjester Mtemisika, Prisca Damiano, Helmut A. Nyawale, Martha F. Mushi, Mariam M. Mirambo, Jeremiah Seni, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and co-infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic bacteria among presumptive cases of tuberculosis in selected hospitals in Mwanza, Tanzania. The study found that presumptive TB cases were more commonly infected with other pathogenic bacteria rather than M. tuberculosis. Therefore, considering other pathogenic bacteria is important for ensuring favorable treatment outcomes in presumptive TB cases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michael N. Bates, Karl Pope, Tula R. Sijali, Autumn E. Albers, Sharat C. Verma
Summary: This study found a protective association between owning bovines and reduced risk of both pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), with the strongest effect observed in women who manage the animals in Nepal. The number of bovines owned was also found to be closely related to the risk of infection.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Gerald Jamberi Makuka, Emmanuel Balandya, Patricia Munseri
Summary: In Tanzania, the prevalence of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) was 1.8%, with 54.5% diagnosed through GeneXpert testing and 45.5% diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and chest radiographs. The risk of active TB was lower in patients aged 45-64 years compared to those below 45 years, and in patients with normal chest examination findings compared to those with abnormal findings.
Article
Immunology
Jiawei Zhou, Ruoyu Ji, Rui Zhu, Jingya Zhou, Jing Li, Xinping Tian, Yuexin Chen, Yuehong Zheng
Summary: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a chronic, granulomatous vasculitis correlated with tuberculosis (TB). This study reviewed hospitalized TAK patients and identified that those with active TB (ATB) were more likely to exhibit symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough, weight loss, and night sweating. Factors such as elevated hsCRP levels and positive T-SPOT.TB results were found to be independent risk factors for ATB in TAK patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Stellah G. Mpagama, Kaushik Ramaiya, Troels Lillebaek, Blandina T. Mmbaga, Marion Sumari-de Boer, Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, Jan-Willem Alffenaar, Scott K. Heysell, Ib C. Bygbjerg, Dirk L. Christensen
Summary: The translated article introduces the Adaptive Diseases control Expert Programme in Tanzania (ADEPT) model, which aims to shift traditional vertical programmes to an adaptive diseases management approach through integrating communicable and non-communicable diseases, using tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus as a case study.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuanhe Xiong, Liting Xu, Fenant Laurent Mhagama, Sophia Shuang Chen, Kexin Zhu, Qun Gao, Hengpeng Li, Weizhong Su
Summary: This paper analyzes the nitrogen budget of Mwanza region using the URCNC model and provides a clear description of the nitrogen flow process in different subsystems. The results indicate that the cropland and livestock subsystems have the largest nitrogen fluxes, and there is an increasing trend in nitrogen input in surface water subsystem. The study also highlights the importance of technology and policy in reducing nitrogen pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Deepak Garg, Kathirvel Soundappan, Ritesh Agarwal, Soham Mukherjee, Mahendra Kumar, Sahajal Dhooria, Inderpaul Singh Sehgal, Kuruswamy Thurai Prasad, Raja Ramachandran, Shivakumar Patil, Ashutosh Nath Aggarwal, Shivaprakash Mandya Rudramurthy, Arunaloke Chakrabarti, Valliappan Muthu
Summary: Pulmonary mucormycosis in subjects with diabetes mellitus is not associated with cattle dung exposure. Instead, factors such as male sex, poor glycemic control, COVID-19 infection, and housing type are associated with the disease.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yukang Wang, Mei Dou, Tingyan Kou, Yufeng Liu, Wenshan Lv, Lei Han, Na Wang, Aiguo Ma, Frans J. Kok, Evert G. Schouten, Qiuzhen Wang
Summary: The study identified factors associated with a higher risk of developing TB in DM patients, including smoking, poor glycemic control, low frequency of DM reexamination, and a history of TB contact. Conversely, higher BMI and education level were associated with a lower risk of TB in DM patients. These findings can help target DM populations at risk for TB and aid in controlling the TB epidemic in high burden countries.
ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jean de Dieu Longo, Sylvain Honore Woromogo, Gaspard Tekpa, Henri Saint-Calvaire Diemer, Herve Gando, Fernand Armel Djidere, Gerard Gresenguet
Summary: This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in patients admitted to a pneumo-physiology clinic in Central African Republic. The main factors associated with MDR-TB were male gender, residence in a peri-urban/urban area, history of previous TB treatment, and the presence of multidrug-resistant TB in the family.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lijun Zheng, Jinfeng Yin, Siyi Wang, Hui Jiang, Puqi Hu, Ziqing Kang, Pingxin Lv, Weimin Li, Chao Cai
Summary: This study found distinct clinical symptoms and CT features in patients with co-existent PTB and lung cancer, which aid in early diagnosis. Patients with PTB and fibrous calcification may have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Further multicenter prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wan-mei Song, Yi Liu, Qian-yun Zhang, Si-qi Liu, Ting-ting Xu, Shi-jin Li, Qi-qi An, Jin-yue Liu, Ning-ning Tao, Yao Liu, Chun-Bao Yu, Cui-xiang Yu, Yi-fan Li, Huai-chen Li
Summary: The study found that high O-3 exposure was associated with increased drug resistance, while NO2 was linked to decreased drug resistance risk. PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 showed protective effects on certain drug resistance.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Min Yang, Pei Li, Han Liu, Xiaojie Zhu, Guofeng Zhu, Peize Zhang, Guofang Deng
Summary: The co-occurrence of tuberculosis and diabetes presents a significant obstacle to TB eradication. The study confirms an association between diabetes and pulmonary cavitation in TB patients. The study also suggests that different immunological mechanisms may be employed in TB patients with IGRA positivity compared to TB patients with IGRA negativity.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Prisca Damiano, Vitus Silago, Helmut A. Nyawale, Martha F. Mushi, Mariam M. Mirambo, Emmanuel E. Kimaro, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: Contaminated hospital surfaces are a significant source of pathogenic bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections. However, the evaluation of disinfectants and their efficacy is not routinely practiced in most resource-limited countries. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) and chloroxylenol against strains causing neonatal sepsis and suggests the use of freshly prepared 0.5% NaDCC for effective disinfection practices in healthcare facilities.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Flora Martinez Figueira Moreira, Renu Verma, Paulo Cesar Pereira dos Santos, Alessandra Leite, Andrea da Silva Santos, Rafaele Carla Pivetta de Araujo, Bruna Oliveira da Silva, Julio Henrique Ferreira de Sa Queiroz, David H. Persing, Erik Sodersten, Devasena Gnanashanmugam, Purvesh Khatri, Julio Croda, Jason R. Andrews
Summary: This study conducted a diagnostic case-control study of tuberculosis screening strategies in two prisons in Brazil, showing that Xpert-MTB-HR is highly sensitive in detecting individuals with medium or high sputum bacillary burden. However, CRP and Xpert-MTB-HR did not meet TPP benchmarks for a triage test.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Erica Sanga, Zahara Nampewo, George PrayGod, Alison Wringe
Summary: HIV status disclosure rates to sexual partners are low in Tanzania. This qualitative study found that the decision to disclose HIV status is based on weighing the perceived benefits and risks. Benefits of disclosure include freedom from guilt and living honestly, while risks include stigma, family break-up, and abandonment. Many participants reported that disclosure has helped them adhere to treatment and clinic appointments.
AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Maria Hein Hegelund, Lasse Fjordside, Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen, Dirk Lund Christensen, Ib Christian Bygbjerg
Summary: This study proposes the concept of 'opportunistic non-communicable diseases (NCDs)' to highlight the impact of inadequate healthcare services on the spread of NCDs in societies. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including disrupted healthcare services and changes in lifestyle and living conditions, are likely to accelerate the development of NCDs. In order to address the existing NCD crisis and prepare for future epidemics, it is crucial to ensure equal vaccine distribution, promote global vaccine acceptance, and invest in primary healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Garazi P. Alzua, Anne F. Pihl, Anna Offersgaard, Rodrigo Velazquez-Moctezuma, Carlos R. Duarte Hernandez, Elias H. Augestad, Ulrik Fahnoe, Christian K. Mathiesen, Henrik Krarup, Mansun Law, Jannick Prentoe, Jens Bukh, Judith M. Gottwein
Summary: This study identified key determinants of HCV infection and found that N-linked glycosylation motifs can trigger changes in the virus's sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. These findings contribute to the understanding of how HCV evades antibodies and provide a theoretical basis for vaccine design.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Maria H. H. Hegelund, Christian Ritz, Thyge L. Nielsen, Mette F. Olsen, Christian Soborg, Lone Braagaard, Christian Molgaard, Rikke Krogh-Madsen, Birgitte Lindegaard, Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effect of an individualized nutritional intervention among individuals with severe COPD. It is an open-label randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups, recruiting participants from a pulmonary outpatient clinic in Denmark. The intervention lasts for 3 months and combines individual nutritional care with adherence support and practical tools. The primary outcome is the difference in HRQoL between the intervention and control group.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Clara Lundetoft Clausen, Trine Holm Johannsen, Niels Erik Skakkebaek, Hanne Frederiksen, Camilla Koch Ryrso, Arnold Matovu Dungu, Maria Hein Hegelund, Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen, Rikke Krogh-Madsen, Birgitte Lindegaard, Allan Linneberg, Line Lund Karhus, Anders Juul, Thomas Benfield
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of pituitary-gonadal hormones in COVID-19 patients and their associations with inflammation, severe respiratory failure, and mortality. The results showed that reduced testosterone concentrations were associated with severe respiratory failure in men with COVID-19, while reduced LH and FSH concentrations were associated with severe respiratory failure in women with COVID-19.
ENDOCRINE CONNECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yvonne Adams, Anne Skovsbo Clausen, Peter Ostrup Jensen, Malin Lager, Peter Wilhelmsson, Anna J. Henningson, Per-Eric Lindgren, Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen, Helene Mens, Peter Kraiczy, Kasper Norskov Kragh, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Andreas Kjaer, Anne-Mette Lebech, Anja R. Jensen
Summary: We screened a group of low-passage Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. isolates using a novel human-derived 3D blood-brain barrier (BBB)-organoid model. The results showed that human-derived BBB-organoids can be invaded by Borrelia spirochetes, leading to swelling and loss of structural integrity. The BBB-organoid model highlights the tropism between B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to central nervous system infection.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Bikila S. Megersa, Beakal Zinab, Rahma Ali, Elias Kedir, Tsinuel Girma, Melkamu Berhane, Bitiya Admassu, Henrik Friis, Mubarek Abera, Mette F. Olsen, Suzanne Filteau, Dorothea Nitsch, Daniel Yilma, Jonathan CK. Wells, Gregers S. Andersen, Rasmus Wibaek
Summary: This study found that birth weight and birth fat mass were associated with height and body composition at 10 years of age, while birth fat-free mass was not. Children with higher birth weight and birth fat mass had higher insulin levels and insulin resistance at 10 years old.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brenda Kitilya, Erica Sanga, George PrayGod, Bazil Baltazar Kavishe, Kia Ditlevsen, Robert Peck, Mette Frahm Olsen
Summary: This study investigated the perceptions and barriers to physical activity among PLWH in Tanzania. The findings showed that most PLWH considered physical activity beneficial to their health, but their perceptions were influenced by gender stereotypes and roles in the community. Lack of time, money, facilities, social support, and inadequate information from healthcare providers were identified as barriers to physical activity.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Silvenus O. Konyole, Selina A. Omollo, John N. Kinyuru, Bethwell O. Owuor, Benson B. Estambale, Christian Ritz, Kim F. Michaelsen, Suzanne M. Filteau, Jonathan C. Wells, Nanna Roos, Henrik Friis, Victor O. Owino, Benedikte Grenov
Summary: This study examined the association between undernutrition and body composition in young Kenyan children. The findings suggest that low length-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores are associated with decreased lean tissue, while fat mass index is not related to stunting. This study highlights the importance of early growth in determining future health.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Joseph Mbabazi, Hannah Pesu, Rolland Mutumba, Gareth McCray, Kim F. Michaelsen, Christian Ritz, Suzanne Filteau, Andre Briend, Ezekiel Mupere, Benedikte Grenov, Henrik Friis, Mette Frahm Olsen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of milk protein (MP) versus soy and whey permeate (WP) versus maltodextrin in large-quantity, lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS), as well as LNS itself versus no supplementation, on child development and head circumference among stunted children aged 1-5 years. The results showed that neither MP nor WP had an effect on any developmental domain. Although LNS itself had no impact on development, it resulted in a 0.07cm increase in head circumference.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Marie Louise osterdal, Kyle Raymond, Christian Bressen Pipper
Summary: We propose a two-stage adaptive procedure for evaluating average bioequivalence, and discuss its theoretical properties. The procedure utilizes Two One-Sided Tests (TOST) to assess average bioequivalence based on the stagewise p-values. Notable features include built-in futility, sample size reassessment, and the ability to concurrently evaluate multiple endpoints while controlling the familywise error rate. Simulation studies in the context of comparing different administration methods for an antibody treatment of atopic dermatitis are conducted to evaluate the performance of the procedure.
STATISTICS IN BIOPHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Evangelista Malindisa, Haruna Dika, Andrea M. Rehman, Mette Frahm Olsen, Filbert Francis, Henrik Friis, Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen, Suzanne Filteau, George PrayGod
Summary: The dietary patterns of adults living with and without HIV in Tanzania were examined using PCA and RRR. The study identified a vegetable-rich pattern (VRP), a vegetable-poor pattern (VPP), and a carbohydrate-dense pattern (CDP), which were associated with prediabetes/diabetes in different ways.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Jeppe Ekstrand Halkjaer Madsen, Thomas Scheike, Christian Pipper
Summary: This article introduces causal inference reasoning into crossover trials, focusing on thorough QT (TQT) studies. Different sets of assumptions and their impact on modeling strategy and estimation procedure are proposed for such trials. Using a g-computation approach and weighted least squares predictions from a working regression model, unbiased estimates of a causal treatment effect can be obtained. The article shows that a large class of Gaussian linear mixed working models can lead to unbiased estimates of a causal treatment effect, even if they do not capture the true data-generating mechanism. In a simulation study comparing various working regression models, it is found that working models adjusting for baseline QTc measurements have comparable performance, even if they are too simplistic to capture the true data-generating mechanism. Crossover trials and TQT studies can be effectively analyzed using simple working regression models without biasing the estimates for the causal parameters of interest.
BIOMETRICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bibi Uhre Nielsen, Inger Hee Mabuza Mathiesen, Rikke Moller, Rikke Krogh-Madsen, Terese Lea Katzenstein, Tacjana Pressler, James A. M. Shaw, Christian Ritz, Michael R. Rickels, Darko Stefanovski, Thomas Peter Almdal, Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen
Summary: The study aims to further understand the pathophysiology of CF-related diabetes and explore potential factors causing hypoglycaemia. The results indicate that there is an association between beta cell stress and abnormal alpha cell function in adults with CF. Hypoglycaemia in CF patients may be due to a temporal mismatch between glucose and insulin levels rather than an impaired glucagon response.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Lasse Ringsted Mark, Simone Karlsson Terp, Henrik Bygum Krarup, Mads Thomassen, Inge Sokilde Pedersen, Martin Bogsted
Summary: Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) can result from genomic mutations or alterations in the homologous recombination repair pathway. Promising tests have been developed to detect HRD, which can predict response to PARP inhibitors in cancer patients. However, there is no consensus on the gold standard test for HRD. This systematic review provides an overview of available HRD tests and highlights important factors to consider when planning clinical trials and studies.
