Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Tinashe Chikowore, Abram Bunya Kamiza, Ovokeraye H. Oduaran, Tafadzwa Machipisa, Segun Fatumo
Summary: Non-communicable diseases are a major cause of death globally, with Africa facing a potentially higher burden in the future. Despite lagging behind in genetic research, Africa shows promise in applying precision medicine through emerging genomic research initiatives.
Article
Psychiatry
Wei Hua, Sen Wang, Xi Wang, Ying Shao, Yali Wang, Jiangzhu Ye, Bin Su, Taiyi Jiang, Tong Zhang, Hao Wu, An Liu, Qunhui Li, Supriya D. Mahajan, Zaicun Li, Lijun Sun, Lili Dai
Summary: The study found that the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances decreased significantly after 12 months of EFV treatment, indicating a positive impact on improving neuropsychiatric adverse events. Additionally, risk factors such as low education level, low income, unemployment, divorce, and WHO III/IV stages were associated with severe neuropsychiatric disorders.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jullye Campos Mendes, Maria das Gracas Braga, Adriano Max Moreira Reis, Micheline Rosa Silveira
Summary: This study aimed to measure the incidence of neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in individuals living with HIV who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) with either dolutegravir (DTG) or efavirenz (EFV) and to investigate associated factors. The study found that individuals using EFV were more likely to experience neuropsychiatric ADRs, while those using DTG had a lower incidence rate.
CURRENT MEDICAL RESEARCH AND OPINION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Noelia Fernandez-Bargiela, Sandra Rotea-Salvo, Luis Margusino-Framinan, Vanesa Balboa-Barreiro, Isabel Martin-Herranz, Angeles Castro-Iglesias, Alvaro Mena-De-Cea, Soledad Lopez-Calvo, Pilar Vazquez-Rodriguez, Enrique Miguez-Rey, Purificacion Cid-Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and tolerability of DTG-based and EFV-based antiretroviral regimens in HIV-infected patients. The results showed that compared to EFV, the DTG treatment group had a lower rate of discontinuation due to adverse events, especially neuropsychiatric adverse events. Female gender and patients with psychiatric disorders were associated with discontinuation due to adverse events.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Primary Health Care
Shavani Pillay, Mwila Mulubwa, Michelle Viljoen
Summary: This study aimed to assess South African parents' awareness and knowledge on reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs). While majority of participants were aware of the term ADR, there were gaps in knowledge regarding reporting procedures, indicating a need for targeted efforts to increase awareness and improve reporting practices.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE & FAMILY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Primary Health Care
Mafora F. Matlala, Martha S. Lubbe, Hanlie Steyn
Summary: This study evaluated the completeness of adverse drug reaction reports in South Africa and found that the reports had a low level of completeness. Multiple measures are recommended to improve the quality of reporting.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE & FAMILY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bronwyn Myers, Felicia A. Browne, Tara Carney, Tracy Kline, Courtney Peasant Bonner, Wendee M. Wechsberg
Summary: For socially vulnerable adolescent girls and young women, exposure to multiple forms of abuse is associated with increased risks of mental health issues, substance use, and sexual risks. Trauma-informed interventions are needed to address these issues and reduce risks for this group.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Radia Hassan, Imane Allali, Francis E. Agamah, Samar S. M. Elsheikh, Nicholas E. Thomford, Collet Dandara, Emile R. Chimusa
Summary: Research on the complex interactions between host genetics and microbiome in drug response can improve drug efficacy and personalize drug treatment. However, limited knowledge on the relationship between host genetics and gut microbiota highlights the need for more comprehensive studies and the development of new methods.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zeruesenay Desta, Ahmed El-Boraie, Li Gong, Andrew A. Somogyi, Volker M. Lauschke, Collet Dandara, Kathrin Klein, Neil A. Miller, Teri E. Klein, Rachel F. Tyndale, Michelle Whirl-Carrillo, Andrea Gaedigk
Summary: PharmVar catalogs star (*) allele nomenclature for the polymorphic human CYP2B6 gene, which plays a significant role in the metabolism and bioactivation of several clinically important drugs, including those used for HIV treatment, opioid use disorder, depression, and smoking cessation.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Mothusi W. Moloi, Jody A. Rusch, Fierdoz Omar, Udeme Ekrikpo, Collet Dandara, Aminu K. Bello, David Jayne, Ikechi G. Okpechi
Summary: The study demonstrates that uMCP-1 and uTWEAK are elevated in patients with active LN, correlated with the remission status (response to treatment) at the end of induction therapy, and can be useful for monitoring disease activity and treatment response.
INTERNATIONAL UROLOGY AND NEPHROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Ambroise Wonkam, Nchangwi S. Munung, Collet Dandara, Kevin K. Esoh, Neil A. Hanchard, Guida Landoure
Summary: Research into African genomic variation is essential for accurate diagnosis of monogenic conditions, predicting disease risks, tailoring treatment, and potentially curing diseases. It requires sustained commitment and equitable collaboration from the scientific community and funding agencies, as well as support from African governments to develop genetic medicine workforce and governance frameworks recognizing the ethical implications and empowering its application in African contexts.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF GENOMICS AND HUMAN GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Judit Kumuthini, Brittany Zick, Angeliki Balasopoulou, Constantina Chalikiopoulou, Collet Dandara, Ghada El-Kamah, Laura Findley, Theodora Katsila, Rongling Li, Ebner Bon Maceda, Henrietta Monye, Gabriel Rada, Meow-Keong Thong, Thilina Wanigasekera, Hannah Kennel, Veeramani Marimuthu, Marc S. Williams, Fahd Al-Mulla, Marc Abramowicz
Summary: Genomic medicine aims to improve health using individual genomic data, but its clinical utility in polygenic traits is less evident. Although polygenic risk scores have potential clinical application, further research is needed.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Tashinga E. Bapiro, Rose Hayeshi, Collet Dandara
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Oppah Kuguyo, Nyasha Chambwe, Charles F. B. Nhachi, Nomsa Tsikai, Collet Dandara, Alice Matimba
Summary: This study describes the establishment of a biorepository using a cervical cancer cohort in Africa, recruiting 410 women with cervical cancer and collecting biospecimens and phenotype data. A workflow pipeline was developed for the collection, storage, and analysis of data and biospecimens, ensuring compliance with local and international biospecimen and data protection laws and policies.
Review
Oncology
Kevin Dzobo, Dimakatso A. Senthebane, Collet Dandara
Summary: Tumors are not composed of cancer cells alone, but also include other cells and components such as fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, secreted factors, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix (ECM). The tumor cell surroundings play an active role in tumor growth and resistance to treatment. Better understanding of tumor cells and their surroundings contributes to the development of improved drugs.
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Kevin Dzobo, Collet Dandara
Summary: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for maintaining tissue and organ integrity, regulating cellular processes, and influencing cell phenotype. The composition, architecture, and stiffness/elasticity of the ECM play important roles in cellular phenotypes. Dysregulation of ECM synthesis, remodeling, and degradation in pathological conditions can lead to altered tissue integrity. Receptors such as integrins sense physical and chemical cues from the ECM, driving cellular proliferation and differentiation, and influencing disease progression. This review highlights the role of the ECM in normal development and pathological conditions, as well as current ECM-targeted therapies for cancer treatment.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nyarai Desiree Soko, Sarudzai Muyambo, Michelle T. L. Dandara, Elizabeth Kampira, Dirk Blom, Erika S. W. Jones, Brian Rayner, Delva Shamley, Phumla Sinxadi, Collet Dandara
Summary: Pharmacogenomic variants important in Southern Africa were identified by studying comorbidities in patients from Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The top 20 prescribed drugs in this population were identified, and a list of pharmacogenes vital in the response to these drugs was constructed. The most reported morbidity was hypertension, making antihypertensives the most prescribed drugs, while statins were commonly prescribed for dyslipidemia.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Collet Dandara, Arinao Ndadza, Nyarai Soko
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Allergy
Tshegofatso Mabelane, Refiloe Masekela, Collet Dandara, Sabelo Hadebe
Summary: Asthma is more prevalent in urban areas compared to rural areas in an African setting. The efficacy of first-line asthma drugs in people of African ancestry is reduced, and there is a lack of pharmacogenetic evidence and genetic association studies in Africa. This review aims to discuss the scarcity of data on the pharmacogenetics of asthma drugs in people of African ancestry and propose strategies to improve asthma health outcomes in Africa.
FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Denis Horgan, Rizwana Mia, Tosan Erhabor, Yosr Hamdi, Collet Dandara, Jonathan A. Lal, Joel Fokom Domgue, Oladimeji Ewumi, Teresia Nyawira, Salome Meyer, Dominique Kondji, Ngiambudulu M. Francisco, Sadakatsu Ikeda, Chai Chuah, Roselle De Guzman, Anupriya Paul, Krishna Reddy Nallamalla, Woong-Yang Park, Vijay Tripathi, Ravikant Tripathi, Amber Johns, Mohan P. Singh, Maude E. Phipps, France Dube, Kate Whittaker, Deborah Mukherji, Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Marta Kozaric, Joseph A. Pinto, Stephen Doral Stefani, Federico Augustovski, Maria Eugenia Aponte Rueda, Ricardo Fujita Alarcon, Hugo A. Barrera-Saldana
Summary: This paper discusses the challenges of tackling cancer on a global scale, focusing on Europe but also addressing regions with fewer resources. The article highlights the diversity in key issues of cancer care in different regions, leading to disparities in access and diagnostics, low patient engagement, and gaps in understanding cancer.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nyarai D. Soko, Sipho Dlamini, Mpiko Ntsekhe, Collet Dandara
Summary: This article evaluates the impact of COVID-19 genetic variations on the spread of the pandemic in Africa and globally, suggesting that genomic variation should be considered an important factor in determining infection and outcomes.
OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sarudzai Muyambo, Arinao Ndadza, Nyarai D. Soko, Bianca Kruger, Gerard Kadzirange, Emile Chimusa, Collen M. Masimirembwa, Mpiko Ntsekhe, Charles F. B. Nhachi, Collet Dandara
Summary: Pharmacogenomics is important for modern therapeutics worldwide, but its application in African clinical practice is limited. African patients often have multiple comorbidities, yet current research primarily focuses on controlled medical settings.
OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)