Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin L. Rice, Akshaya Annapragada, Rachel E. Baker, Marjolein Bruijning, Winfred Dotse-Gborgbortsi, Keitly Mensah, Ian F. Miller, Nkengafac Villyen Motaze, Antso Raherinandrasana, Malavika Rajeev, Julio Rakotonirina, Tanjona Ramiadantsoa, Fidisoa Rasambainarivo, Weiyu Yu, Bryan T. Grenfell, Andrew J. Tatem, C. Jessica E. Metcalf
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown low burdens in sub-Saharan Africa compared to other regions, potentially influenced by factors such as climate and population demographics. Caution is needed when interpreting analyses that aggregate data from low- and middle-income settings. Heterogeneity in connectivity across sub-Saharan Africa may contribute to variance in the pace of viral spread.
Article
Pediatrics
Rossella Miccio, Maria Quattrociocchi, Lorenzo Valgoi, Liliane Chatenoud, Salvatore Lentini, Elena Giovanella, Luca Rolla, Nicoletta Erba, Sofia Gatti, Daniela Rocchi, Manahel Badr Saad, Alessandro Salvati, Martin Langer, Gina Portella, Gino Strada
Summary: This article discusses a humanitarian project by the NGO EMERGENCY to establish and operate the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Sudan, providing free high-quality treatment for patients with advanced rheumatic and congenital heart disease. The program not only includes surgical procedures, but also guarantees long-term follow-up and anticoagulant treatment, showcasing positive outcomes and inter-African cooperation.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Francesca F. Norman, Marta Gonzalez-Sanz, Beatriz Gullon-Pena, Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro, Marta Rosas, Clara Crespillo-Andujar, Begona Monge-Maillo, Belen Comeche, Maria-Dolores Corbacho-Loarte, Cristina Arcas, Ignacio Pena, Maria C. Tenorio, Rogelio Lopez-Velez, Jose A. Perez-Molina
Summary: A cohort study in recently arrived, mainly asymptomatic, young sub-Saharan Africans found a frequency of 15% for HbS or haemoglobin C trait using a simple point-of-care screening test. Screening enables early diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies in vulnerable populations, facilitating access to care, genetic counselling, and the implementation of treatment and prevention strategies.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Shibikom Tamirat, Amine Mazine, Louis-Mathieu Stevens, Fekede Agwar, Kefelegn Dejene, Mohammed Bedru, Azene Dessie, Jean-Sebastien Lebon, Denis Bouchard
Summary: This study evaluated the outcomes of aortic and mitral valve surgery for rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia. It found higher rates of death and major adverse valve-related events in the bioprosthetic valve implantation group compared with the mechanical valve implantation group.
JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Salman Tariq, Xueqing Zhang
Summary: The study identified nine root causes of failure in water PPP projects in sub-Saharan Africa through a rigorous examination of eight failed case studies. By reviewing the literature on water PPP failures in developing countries, the problematic issues hindering the implementation of successful projects were highlighted.
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECTURAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Oliver Asiamah, Samuel Kwaku Agyei, Bossman Ahmed, Ellen Animah Agyei
Summary: The natural resource endowment in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries has not led to economic growth and development. The study finds evidence supporting the existence of the Dutch disease and pull effect mechanisms, suggesting that natural resource dependence hinders growth in non-natural resource sectors and the overall economy. The findings emphasize the need for resource-rich countries in SSA to encourage innovation, diversification, and prudent financial management, while building strong institutional structures, to stimulate economic growth and reduce dependence on natural resources.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Kishal Lukhna, Derek J. Hausenloy, Abdelbagi Sidahmed Ali, Abdullah Bajaber, Alistair Calver, Arthur Mutyaba, Awad Abdalla Mohamed, Brian Kiggundu, Chishala Chishala, Ebrahim Variava, Ehab Ali Elmakki, Elijah Ogola, Eltayeb Hamid, Emmy Okello, Isam Gaafar, Keiran Mwazo, Makoali Makotoko, Mergan Naidoo, Mohamed Elhadi Abdelhameed, Motasim Badri, Nasief van der Schyff, Omaima Abozaid, Paul Xafis, Sara Giesz, Trevor Gould, Waldo Welgemoed, Malcolm Walker, Mpiko Ntsekhe, Derek M. Yellon
Summary: Despite evidence of myocardial infarct size reduction in animal studies, remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) failed to improve clinical outcomes in the large CONDI-2/ERIC-PPCI trial. The RIC-AFRICA trial aims to investigate whether RIC can improve clinical outcomes in higher-risk STEMI patients in environments with limited access to early reperfusion or PPCI.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Richard Gyan Aboagye, Michael Boah, Joshua Okyere, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Bupe Mwamba, Sanni Yaya
Summary: Skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns is important for child health outcomes, but its prevalence and predictors in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. This study used data from a recent survey in 17 countries and found that approximately 42% of mothers practiced skin-to-skin contact. Prevalence differed across countries, with the highest in Benin (75.1%) and the lowest in Nigeria (11.7%). Factors associated with higher likelihood of skin-to-skin contact included health insurance, delivery in health facilities, higher education, and receiving antenatal care. Cesarean delivery was associated with lower likelihood of skin-to-skin contact.
Article
Plant Sciences
Samuel K. Mutiga, Felix Rotich, Vincent M. Were, John M. Kimani, David T. Mwongera, Emmanuel Mgonja, Geoffrey Onaga, Kadougoudiou Konate, Claudine Razanaboahirana, Joseph Bigirimana, Alexis Ndayiragije, Emily Gichuhi, Mary J. Yanoria, Miriam Otipa, Lusike Wasilwa, Ibrahima Ouedraogo, Thomas Mitchell, Guo-Liang Wang, James C. Correll, Nicholas J. Talbot
Summary: Rice is a key food security crop in Africa, and efforts are being made at country-specific, regional, and multinational levels to develop germplasm and policies to boost production. Rice blast disease remains a major constraint to rice production in sub-Saharan Africa, and multinational collaborative research efforts are essential in enhancing sustainable rice production and advancing regional policies. Through international partnerships, progress has been made in establishing networks for disease surveillance, engaging with farmers, monitoring pathogen virulence, and developing blast-resistant rice varieties.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Scott Dougherty, Emmy Okello, Jeremiah Mwangi, Raman Krishna Kumar
Summary: Despite possessing knowledge for over 70 years, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains the most common cause of cardiovascular morbidity and early mortality in young people worldwide. RHD is a neglected disease that is prevalent among the poorest populations. Challenges such as limited access to penicillin and lack of concerted efforts in endemic regions contribute to its persistence. However, there is optimism due to increased scientific interest in the past 15 years.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Baffour Badu-Apraku, Ana Luisa Garcia-Oliveira, Cesar Daniel Petroli, Sarah Hearne, Samuel Adeyemi Adewale, Melaku Gedil
Summary: Assessment and effective utilization of genetic diversity in breeding programs are crucial for sustainable genetic improvement. In this study, 439 early and extra-early maize inbred lines were analyzed for genetic variability, with results showing informative SNP markers and grouping of the lines into four major classes based on selection history, ancestry, and kernel color. The study provides valuable insights for breeders to develop breeding strategies for sustainable maize production.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Duncan McCloskey, Aggrey Semeere, Racheal Ayanga, Miriam Laker-Oketta, Robert Lukande, Matthew Semakadde, Micheal Kanyesigye, Megan Wenger, Philip LeBoit, Timothy McCalmont, Toby Maurer, Andrea Gardner, Juan Boza, Ethel Cesarman, Jeffrey Martin, David Erickson
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of a point-of-care device for molecular diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), achieving high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to traditional pathology. The results highlight the potential for the use of this diagnostic method to overcome barriers in limited-resource settings.
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
David Laborde, Valeria Pineiro
Summary: The Russia-Ukraine conflict had an impact on staple crop prices and stimulated interest in tropical wheat production. Regional consumption patterns and trade have a better potential to guide effective and sustainable food security policy strategies.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Danielle Whiting, Asiimwe Ian Shane, Rachel Pope, Stephen Payne, Suzie Venn
Summary: Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent among women in sub-Saharan Africa, with non-fistulous stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence being the most common types. Both obstetric and non-obstetric factors contribute to the development of urinary incontinence. The condition has significant social and emotional consequences, and there is a lack of understanding and awareness surrounding its etiology in sub-Saharan Africa. More resources and trained specialists are needed to address the needs of women with non-fistulous leakage in the region.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Richmond Silvanus Baye, Albert Ahenkan, Samuel Darkwah
Summary: This paper examines the underlying factors driving renewable energy output in Sub-Saharan African countries, finding that factors such as CO2 emissions, income levels, oil prices, trade openness, and natural resource rents play a significant role. The study proposes several policy recommendations, including incorporating environmental awareness into national development plans, encouraging middle-class consumption of renewable energy, and implementing and expanding feed-in-tariff systems.