Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Peter G. MacPherson, Emily H. Webb, Wala T. Kamchedzera, Elizabeth M. Joekes, Gugu Mjoli, David Lalloo, Titus Divala, Augustine Choko, Rachael L. Burke, Hendramoorthy Maheswaran, Madhukar Pai, S. Bertel Squire, Marriott Nliwasa, Elizabeth Corbett
Summary: The study investigated the costs and yields of systematic HIV-TB screening in emergency primary care services in Malawi, finding that in the HIV-TB screening group, the time to TB treatment initiation was shorter, and the proportion of undiagnosed/untreated HIV and TB patients was lower.
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexander E. Mbuya, Innocent Mboya, Hadija Semvua, Simon Mamuya, Sia Msuya
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, especially in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) where it accounts for 25% of the global burden. A study conducted in Mererani, northern Tanzania, found a high prevalence of TB (7%) among mining communities, much higher than the national average. Risk factors for TB included lower education level, previous lung disease, and symptoms of TB.
Article
Immunology
Qiao Liu, Nannan You, Juan Wen, Jianming Wang, Yang Ge, Ye Shen, Xiaoyan Ding, Peng Lu, Cheng Chen, Baoli Zhu, Limei Zhu, Wei Lu, Leonardo Martinez
Summary: We conducted a mass tuberculosis screening program for nearly 90,000 individuals with diabetes. The program was feasible but had a low yield of disease detection and was not cost-efficient. This study evaluated the yield and costs of mass screening among individuals with type 2 diabetes in eastern China.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Deepashree Gupta, Holly Wilhalme, Gabriela Sauder, Tannaz Moin
Summary: The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors of cognitive dysfunction in patients with diabetes and compare cognitive screening results in different clinical settings. The study found that older adults with diabetes in the geriatric and geriatric-endocrine settings were more likely to have lower Mini-Cog scores and higher prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular events. Age > 75 years, previous cardiovascular events, and body mass index < 30 were significantly associated with lower Mini-Cog scores.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sagal Mohamed, Happiness C. Mvungi, Margaretha Sariko, Prakruti Rao, Peter Mbelele, Erwin M. Jongedijk, Claudia A. J. van Winkel, Daan J. Touw, Suzanne Stroup, Jan-Willem C. Alffenaar, Stellah Mpagama, Scott K. Heysell
Summary: The study aimed to explore the feasibility of using a portable UV spectrophotometer to measure levofloxacin concentrations in saliva of MDR-TB patients. Results showed a positive linear correlation between serum and saliva AUC(0-24), with the spectrophotometry method demonstrating high sensitivity in detecting subtarget serum AUC(0-24) values below 80mg.h/L. The findings suggest potential for utilizing this method for point-of-care screening and personalized dosing strategies in the future.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Madhurananda Pahar, Marisa Klopper, Byron Reeve, Rob Warren, Grant Theron, Thomas Niesler
Summary: The study achieved automatic discrimination between coughing sounds of patients with tuberculosis and those with other lung ailments using machine learning techniques, meeting the minimum WHO specifications for TB screening and showing potential for community-based TB triage.
PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Anja van't Hoog, Kerri Viney, Olivia Biermann, Bada Yang, Mariska M. G. Leeflang, Miranda W. Langendam
Summary: This study assessed the sensitivity and specificity of symptom questioning and chest radiography (CXR) as screening tools for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis disease. The results showed that symptom questioning had low sensitivity but high specificity, while CXR had high sensitivity but low specificity. These findings are important for designing screening and diagnostic algorithms and implementing tuberculosis screening programs in specific settings.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julian T. Hertz, Sainikitha Prattipati, Godfrey L. Kweka, Jerome J. Mlangi, Tumsifu G. Tarimo, Blandina T. Mmbaga, Nathan M. Thielman, Francis M. Sakita, Matthew P. Rubach, Gerald S. Bloomfield, Preeti Manavalan
Summary: In this study, the researchers examined the cardiovascular comorbidities among people with HIV in Tanzania. The results showed a high prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity among the participants, with a majority of them having uncontrolled hypertension. Older age and higher body mass index were associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Werner Maokola, Bernard Ngowi, Lovetti Lawson, Masanja Robert, Michael Mahande, Jim Todd, Sia Msuya
Summary: A retrospective study in Tanzania showed that factors such as female sex, obesity, WHO clinical stage II, hospital enrollment, region, and enrollment in public health facilities were associated with increased IPT uptake, while being on ART and severe nutritional status were associated with decreased IPT initiation. Strategies are needed to address barriers and sustain enabling factors to improve IPT coverage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jill K. Gersh, Ruanne Barnabas, Daniel Matemo, John Kinuthia, Zachary Feldman, Sylvia M. Lacourse, Jerphason Mecha, Alex J. Warr, Maureen Kamene, David J. Horne
Summary: In Kenyan PLHIV treated with IPT, tuberculosis prevalence was low at a median of 1.4 years after IPT completion. WHO symptoms screening, Xpert, and candidate biomarkers were insensitive for identifying pulmonary tuberculosis in antiretroviral-treated PLHIV.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Phoebe Tran, Lam Tran, Liem Tran
Summary: The study found that the levels of nonadherence to diabetes management measures are similar among US stroke survivors and those who had never had a stroke, but stroke survivors have lower nonadherence with daily blood glucose checks. Additional interventions are needed to improve diabetes care for stroke survivors in order to reduce the risk of further complications.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Katherine R. Tuttle, Cami R. Jones, Kenn B. Daratha, Alain K. Koyama, Susanne B. Nicholas, Radica Z. Alicic, O. Kenrik Duru, Joshua J. Neumiller, Keith C. Norris, Nilka Rios Burrows, Meda E. Pavkov
Summary: Despite a recent decline, the incidence of chronic kidney disease remains high in the United States among adults with diabetes. White adults with diabetes have a lower incidence compared to most other adults with diabetes.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Simon C. Mendelsohn, Andrew Fiore-Gartland, Denis Awany, Humphrey Mulenga, Stanley Kimbung Mbandi, Michele Tameris, Gerhard Walzl, Kogieleum Naidoo, Gavin Churchyard, Thomas J. Scriba, Mark Hatherill
Summary: This study aimed to explore the utility of clinical factors in predicting tuberculosis (TB) among people with HIV not seeking care. The study found that CD4 count and antiretroviral initiation were associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) sensitisation and TB disease. Models incorporating clinical features alone performed poorly in diagnosing prevalent TB and predicting progression to incident TB.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Altacilio Nunes, Ariane Abreu, Barbara Furtado, Anderson Soares da Silva, Eduardo B. Coelho, Eliana N. C. de Barros
Summary: This review aimed to describe the impact of pertussis on adolescents, adults, and older adults in selected Latin American countries between 2007 and 2018. Limited epidemiological data were available for individuals aged over 10 years, and inconsistencies were found in case definitions, diagnostic methods, and age groups across studies.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Duncan K. Hau, Emmanuela E. Ambrose, Luke R. Smart, Neema M. Kayange, Robert N. Peck
Summary: A pilot study was conducted in Tanzania to evaluate the effectiveness of a linkage to care intervention with social workers for children with sickle cell disease, resulting in a significant decrease in 12-month post-hospital mortality compared to a historical cohort.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Camilla G. Aukrust, Karishma Parikh, Luke R. Smart, Ibrahimu Mdala, Heidi E. Fjeld, James Lubuulwa, Antonia Msafiri Makene, Roger Hartl, Andrea Sylvia Winkler
Summary: This study examined the demographics, clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and early clinical outcomes of pediatric patients with hydrocephalus in Tanzania. The findings highlight the importance of targeted investments in clinical services to improve access to care and surgical capacity, as well as reduce the burden of pediatric hydrocephalus in sub-Saharan Africa.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Lily D. Yan, Sarah S. Matuja, Kevin J. Pain, Margaret L. McNairy, Anthony O. Etyang, Robert N. Peck
Summary: This narrative review examines the interaction between hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and emerging viral infections in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The findings indicate an association between COVID-19 and preexisting hypertension or CVD, but research gaps remain for other emerging viral infections in SSA.
Article
Hematology
Luke R. R. Smart, Emmanuela E. E. Ambrose, Georgina Balyorugulu, Primrose Songoro, Idd Shabani, Protas Komba, Mwesige Charles, Thad A. A. Howard, Kathryn E. E. McElhinney, Sara M. M. O'Hara, Jodie Odame, Maria Nakafeero, Janet Adams, Susan E. E. Stuber, Adam Lane, Teresa S. S. Latham, Abel N. N. Makubi, Russell E. E. Ware
Summary: SPHERE is a clinical trial for sickle cell anemia in Tanzania, which incorporates TCD screening to predict stroke risk and provide relevant treatment. The study findings show a high prevalence of elevated baseline TCD velocities and splenomegaly among participants, and SPHERE aims to determine the benefits of hydroxyurea in stroke prevention and expand access to hydroxyurea treatment in Tanzania.
ACTA HAEMATOLOGICA
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Hematology
Emmanuela E. Ambrose, Teresa Latham, Primrose Songoro, Mwesige Charles, Adam Lane, Susan E. Stuber, Abel Nkono Makubi, Russell E. Ware, Luke R. Smart
Article
Hematology
Peter Olupot-Olupot, George Tomlinson, Thomas N. Williams, Leon Tshilolo, Brigida Santos, Luke R. Smart, Kathryn McElhinney, Thad A. Howard, Banu Aygun, Susan E. Stuber, Adam Lane, Teresa S. Latham, Russell E. Ware
Summary: The REACH study provides hydroxyurea at maximum tolerated dose for children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa, and it not only reduces SCA-related clinical events but also decreases malaria incidence by around 50%. The study analyzed the associations between hydroxyurea and lower malaria rates, through recording infections in clinical sites across Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Uganda. The results showed that ANC and splenomegaly were significant factors associated with malaria risk, and hydroxyurea treatment at MTD led to lower malaria incidence through incompletely defined mechanisms.
Article
Hematology
Emmanuela E. Ambrose, Teresa S. Latham, Primrose Songoro, Mwesige Charles, Adam C. Lane, Susan E. Stuber, Abel N. Makubi, Russell E. Ware, Luke R. Smart
Summary: This study aimed to estimate stroke risk in children with sickle cell anaemia in Tanzania and determine the efficacy of hydroxyurea to decrease and prevent stroke. The results showed that hydroxyurea at the maximum tolerated dose significantly lowered transcranial Doppler velocities and reduced the risk of stroke, supporting wider access to hydroxyurea for patients with sickle cell anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa.
LANCET HAEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luke R. Smart, Mwesige Charles, Kathryn E. McElhinney, Min Dong, Alexandra Power-Hays, Thad Howard, Alexander A. Vinks, Emmanuela E. Ambrose, Russell E. Ware
Summary: Hydroxyurea is an effective treatment for sickle cell anemia. Pharmacokinetic-guided dosing can predict a personalized optimal dose, but requires complex analytical techniques. This study successfully simplified the hydroxyurea pharmacokinetic analysis and demonstrated its feasibility in low-resource settings.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Luke R. Smart, Catherine I. Segbefia, Teresa S. Latham, Susan E. Stuber, Kwesi N. Amissah-Arthur, Klenam Dzefi-Tettey, Adam C. Lane, Yvonne A. Dei-Adomakoh, Russell E. Ware
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the safety of hydroxyurea treatment and its effects on clinical and laboratory parameters in individuals with HbSC disease, and to provide measurable outcome measures for future phase III clinical trials.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexandra Power-Hays, Min Dong, Nieko Punt, Tomoyuki Mizuno, Luke R. Smart, Alexander A. Vinks, Russell E. Ware
Summary: Hydroxyurea treatment is effective for children with sickle cell anemia, but determining the optimal dose is challenging. HdxSim, an online clinical decision support tool, provides accurate dosing predictions and improves outcomes.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cody Cichowitz, Godfrey Kisigo, Grace Ruselu, Bahati Wajanga, Bernard Desderius, Anthony O. Etyang, Saidi Kapiga, Robert Peck
Meeting Abstract
Pediatrics
Duncan K. Hau, Emmanuela E. Ambrose, Luke R. Smart, Neema M. Kayange, Robert N. Peck
Meeting Abstract
Hematology
R. Clark Brown, Kimberly Cruz, Theodosia A. Kalfa, Frans A. Kuypers, Santosh L. Saraf, Jeremie H. Estepp, Luke R. Smart, Punam Malik, Mark Lerman, Renae Mayer, Maria D. Ribadeneira, Sanjeev Forsyth, Patricia Schroeder, Eric Wu, Patrick Kelly, Marilyn J. Telen
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Pediatrics
Luke Smart, Emmanuela Eusebio Ambrose, Mwesige Charles, Marina Perez-Plazola, Idd Shabani, Protas Komba, Primrose Songoro, Erika Tyburski, Wilbur Lam, Russell E. Ware, Patrick T. McGann
Meeting Abstract
Pediatrics
Luke Eastburg, Andrew Peckham, Esther Kawira, Bwire Chirang, David Adler, Brian Dee Akungo, Luke Smart, Emmanuela Eusebio Ambrose
