Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stephen M. Weiss, Violeta J. Rodriguez, Ryan R. Cook, Kasonde Bowa, Robert Zulu, Oliver Mweemba, Royd Kamboyi, Jose Castro, Victoria Orrego Dunleavy, Maria L. Alcaide, Deborah L. Jones
Summary: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of offering combined Early-Infant Medical Circumcision (EIMC) and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) services, as well as couple-level behavioral interventions in Zambia. The results showed that this combined approach can effectively increase the rate of EIMC, particularly among older sons of couples. This study provides a new opportunity for promoting HIV prevention strategies in Zambia.
Article
Dermatology
Daya Wang, Zhijia Li, Ximeng Chen, Haibo Wang
Summary: A meta-analysis study comparing conventional circumcision (CC) with ring circumcision (RC) found that RC had significantly lower wound infection rate (WIR) and wound bleeding rate (WBR) compared to CC, but no significant difference in wound healing rate (WHR), wound edema rate (WER), and wound dehiscence rate (WDR). However, caution should be exercised due to the low sample size of some studies included in the meta-analysis.
INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yanxiao Gao, Yinghui Sun, Weiran Zheng, Yi-Fan Lin, Tian Tian, Yuwei Li, Leiwen Fu, Huachun Zou
Summary: This review examines changes in sexual behaviors after voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) and suggests the importance of maintaining effective sexual health education.
CURRENT HIV/AIDS REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Mitch Matoga, Mina C. Hosseinipour, Sara Jewett, Irving F. Hoffman, Charles Chasela
Summary: Evidence on the protective effect of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) against HIV is well established. Recent findings continue to strongly support the protective effect of male medical circumcision against acquisition and transmission of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis in heterosexual men and women, and bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis in women. More evidence is needed for men who have sex with men (MSM). This review supports policy recommendations for the protective benefits of VMMC against STIs.
CURRENT OPINION IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Andrology
Nahid Punjani, Spyridon P. Basourakos, Quincy G. Nang, Richard K. Lee, Marc Goldstein, Joseph P. Alukal, Philip S. Li
Summary: Male circumcision is a longstanding surgical procedure used to treat foreskin-related conditions and prevent infections. Existing data suggest that male circumcision may play a significant role in preventing genitourinary infections and safeguarding male fertility.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Rajib Dey, Riya Mukherjee, Jayanta Haldar
Summary: This report introduces an intrinsically antimicrobial hydrogel (HyDex) that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, hemostatic ability, and rapid wound closure efficacy. The hydrogel demonstrates effective antibacterial and antifungal effects, rapid blood clotting, and reduction in inflammatory responses in various models, showing great potential in addressing resistant bacteria, fungal infections, bleeding, and inflammation.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chia Hung Chen, Wei-Ming Cheng, Yu-Hua Fan, Tung-Ping Chang
Summary: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Taiwan to investigate patient satisfaction with male circumcision. Of the 376 circumcised men surveyed, 66.2% reported satisfaction with the procedure. Factors associated with satisfaction included higher education levels, circumcision for phimosis or balanitis, adult circumcision, larger penile size, and fewer long-term complaints. The study highlights the importance of proper patient selection and postoperative symptom prevention in enhancing patient satisfaction.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katherine S. Ong, Catharine Laube, Diwakar Mohan, Lara Iverson, Albert Kaonga, Omega Chituwo, Royd Kamboyi, Makando Kabila, Carlos Toledo
Summary: This study explores factors associated with VMMC uptake, including outreach setting, information sources, HIV risk behaviors, intention to undergo the procedure, and behavioral-psychographic profile. The findings highlight the importance of both general factors and person-centered approaches in maximizing VMMC uptake.
Article
Microbiology
Ashish Kumar Dubey, Mohini Sharma, Sachin Raut, Pawan Gupta, Neeraj Khatri
Summary: The study demonstrates that Lp2621 has potent anti-MRSA and antioxidant properties and can prevent and eliminate biofilm formation. It also shows promise when applied to mice with MRSA-infected wounds.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice Sychrova, Gabriela Skovranova, Marie Culenova, Silvia Bittner Fialova
Summary: This review explores prenylated flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents for topical skin infections and wounds. It discusses the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and low cytotoxic effects of certain flavonoids that are important for wound healing. However, further studies are needed to establish proper dosing, evaluate potential toxicity, and determine the optimal formulation and delivery technologies for these compounds.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mwewa E. Kasonde, Bwalya Bupe Bwalya, Elizabeth T. Nyirenda, Chabila Christopher Mapoma, Milika Sikaluzwe, Kafiswe Chimpinde, Gloria Songolo
Summary: This study investigates the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy in Zambia. The findings suggest that sexual violence and ever use of contraception are significant predictors of unintended pregnancy among women in Zambia.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lateef Amusa, Temesgen Zewotir, Delia North, Ayesha B. M. Kharsany, Lara Lewis
Summary: This study utilized TMLE technique to investigate the association between medical male circumcision and HIV and HSV-2 infections. Results from the study in South Africa suggest that circumcision may be linked to lower prevalence of HIV and HSV-2 infections, providing further evidence for the protective effect of circumcision in this setting.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Taimin Xu, Yongchang Tian, Rong Zhang, Bing Yu, Hailin Cong, Youqing Shen
Summary: Hydrogels as drug carriers have wide applications in medical fields such as treating wound infections and promoting wound healing. Especially, hydrogel vectors based on peptide and peptide-like substances exhibit good biocompatibility and efficient drug loading and releasing capabilities.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Choolwe Muzyamba
Summary: Through a qualitative study involving 80 participants, this research explores the relevance of the MeToo movement in addressing sexual violence among women in Zambia. The findings reveal the diversity of local perspectives on the movement and highlight the complexity and multidimensionality of its characterization in Zambia, questioning a one-size-fits-all understanding. Recommendations are provided to navigate this complexity.
SEXUAL ABUSE-A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Ana Elisa Belotto Morguette, Guilherme Bartolomeu-Goncalves, Gabriella Maria Andriani, Giovana Elika Silveira Bertoncini, Isabela Madeira de Castro, Lais Fernanda de Almeida Spoladori, Ariane Mayumi Saito Bertao, Eliandro Reis Tavares, Lucy Megumi Yamauchi, Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta
Summary: Wounds, which can be acute or chronic, are a prevalent health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Among the causes of impaired wound healing, microbial infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), play a significant role. Unfortunately, MRSA has developed resistance to various antibacterial agents, limiting treatment options. Studies have shown that extracts, essential oils, and metabolites from native plants possess antimicrobial and healing properties, making them potential sources for developing new drugs or strategies to treat Staphylococcus aureus wound infections.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nora Schmit, Shevanthi Nayagam, Mark R. Thursz, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: Comparing different sources of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalence estimates reveals consistent global distribution trends, with larger discrepancies observed in sub-Saharan African countries and children under 5 years old. These variations may stem from factors such as data sources, modeling methods, and age distribution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alastair Heffernan, Yanling Ma, Shevanthi Nayagam, Polin Chan, Zhongdan Chen, Graham S. Cooke, Yan Guo, Chuntao Liu, Mark Thursz, Wanyue Zhang, Xiaobing Zhang, Xiujie Zhang, Manhong Jia, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: Introducing DAAs in Yunnan, China is cost-effective, with optimal screening measures targeting high-risk groups, and there are likely positive returns from investing in such HCV interventions. Targeted investment in HCV interventions will have net benefits to society, which will increase as DAA costs continue to decrease.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paul Middleton, Pablo N. Perez-Guzman, Alexandra Cheng, Naveenta Kumar, Mara D. Kont, Anna Daunt, Sujit Mukherjee, Graham Cooke, Timothy B. Hallett, Katharina Hauck, Peter J. White, Mark R. Thursz, Shevanthi Nayagam
Summary: Patients with strong clinical features of COVID-19 but negative swab results present a common clinical challenge, with one in five eventually receiving a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. This group showed similar demographics, symptoms, and laboratory findings compared to swab-positive patients, but had better outcomes including shorter hospital stays, reduced need for supplementary oxygen, and lower mortality rates. Healthcare systems need to recognize and plan for the management of swab-negative patients in COVID-19 clinical care and epidemiological assessments.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Charles Whittaker, Oliver J. Watson, Carlos Alvarez-Moreno, Nasikarn Angkasekwinai, Adhiratha Boonyasiri, Luis Carlos Triana, Duncan Chanda, Lantharita Charoenpong, Methee Chayakulkeeree, Graham S. Cooke, Julio Croda, Zulma M. Cucunuba, Bimandra A. Djaafara, Cassia F. Estofolete, Maria-Eugenia Grillet, Nuno R. Faria, Silvia Figueiredo Costa, David A. Forero-Pena, Diana M. Gibb, Anthony C. Gordon, Raph L. Hamers, Arran Hamlet, Vera Irawany, Anupop Jitmuang, Nukool Keurueangkul, Teresia Njoki Kimani, Margarita Lampo, Anna S. Levin, Gustavo Lopardo, Rima Mustafa, Shevanthi Nayagam, Thundon Ngamprasertchai, Ng'ang'a Irene Hannah Njeri, Mauricio L. Nogueira, Esteban Ortiz-Prado, Mauricio W. Perroud, Andrew N. Phillips, Panuwat Promsin, Ambar Qavi, Alison J. Rodger, Ester C. Sabino, Sorawat Sangkaew, Djayanti Sari, Rujipas Sirijatuphat, Andrei C. Sposito, Pratthana Srisangthong, Hayley A. Thompson, Zarir Udwadia, Sandra Valderrama-Beltran, Peter Winskill, Azra C. Ghani, Patrick G. T. Walker, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: The focus of COVID-19 drug development has been on reducing deaths among hospitalized patients, however, greater public health impact could come from providing drugs to outpatients early in the course of disease to prevent hospitalization and transmission. Early interventions targeting different patient populations and benefits, such as reducing disease severity or infectiousness, could have significant impact, especially in resource-poor settings facing large epidemics.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeffrey V. Lazarus, Kelly Safreed-Harmon, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Jane Anderson, Ricardo Baptista Leite, Georg Behrens, Linda-Gail Bekker, Sanjay Bhagani, Darren Brown, Graham Brown, Susan Buchbinder, Carlos Caceres, Pedro E. Cahn, Patrizia Carrieri, Georgina Caswell, Graham S. Cooke, Antonella d'Arminio Monforte, Nikos Dedes, Julia del Amo, Richard Elliott, Wafaa M. El-Sadr, Maria Jose Fuster-Ruiz de Apodaca, Giovanni Guaraldi, Tim Hallett, Richard Harding, Margaret Hellard, Shabbar Jaffar, Meaghan Kall, Marina Klein, Sharon R. Lewin, Ken Mayer, Jose A. Perez-Molina, Doreen Moraa, Denise Naniche, Denis Nash, Teymur Noori, Anton Pozniak, Reena Rajasuriar, Peter Reiss, Nesrine Rizk, Juergen Rockstroh, Diana Romero, Caroline Sabin, David Serwadda, Laura Waters
Summary: Despite improvements in identifying, diagnosing, treating, and achieving viral suppression among people living with HIV, many still experience a higher burden of multimorbidity and poorer health-related quality of life compared to those without HIV. Stigma and discrimination worsen these outcomes. A global multidisciplinary group of HIV experts developed a consensus statement highlighting the importance of health systems addressing key issues to provide integrated, person-centered healthcare for PLHIV throughout their lives, moving beyond the focus on viral suppression.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wingston Felix Ng'ambi, Joseph H. Collins, Tim Colbourn, Tara Mangal, Andrew Phillips, Fannie Kachale, Joseph Mfutso-Bengo, Paul Revill, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: This study explores the socio-demographic factors associated with early initiation of first antenatal care contact and attending at least four antenatal care visits in Malawi. The proportion of women reporting at least four antenatal care visits has increased, but most women in Malawi do not access the recommended number of visits. The study highlights significant variation in coverage according to key socio-demographic variables.
Article
Immunology
Paul Revill, Ajay Rangaraj, Albert Makochekanwa, Amon Mpofu, Andrea L. Ciaranello, Andreas Jahn, Andrew Gonani, Andrew N. Phillips, Anna Bershteyn, Benson Zwizwai, Brooke E. Nichols, Carel Pretorius, Cliff C. Kerr, Cindy Carlson, Debra Ten Brink, Edinah Mudimu, Edward Kataika, Erik Lamontagne, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Frances M. Cowan, Gerald Manthalu, Gemma Oberth, Gesine Mayer-Rath, Iris Semini, Isaac Taramusi, Jeffrey W. Eaton, Jinjou Zhao, John Stover, Jose A. Izazola-Licea, Katherine Kripke, Leigh Johnson, Loveleen Bansi-Matharu, Marelize Gorgons, Michelle Morrison, Newton Chagoma, Owen Mugurungi, Robyn M. Stuart, Rowan Martin-Hughes, Rose Nyirenda, Ruanne Barnabas, Sakshi Mohan, Sherrie L. Kelly, Sibusiso Sibandze, Simon Walker, Stephen Banda, R. Scott Braithwaite, Thato Chidarikire, Timothy B. Hallett, Thoko Kalua, Tsitsi Apollo, Valentina Cambiano
Summary: HIV modelling should align with national priorities and collaborate with government and ministry of health. Areas of model agreement should be prioritised for action, while uncertainties should be further studied and analysed. Integration with other health needs modelling can improve resource allocation efficiency. Capacity strengthening in African countries is necessary for African researchers to lead modelling exercises.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
W. Waites, M. Cavaliere, V. Danos, R. Datta, R. M. Eggo, T. B. Hallett, D. Manheim, J. Panovska-Griffiths, T. W. Russell, V. I. Zarnitsyna
Summary: Transmission models for infectious diseases typically do not consider underlying biological processes and lack flexibility for modifications and combination at different scales. This study presents a simple immune response model and transmission model that can be easily modified and merged, allowing for more refined simulations.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY A-MATHEMATICAL PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
M. Quaife, G. F. Medley, M. Jit, T. Drake, M. Asaria, P. van Baal, R. Baltussen, L. Bollinger, F. Bozzani, O. Brady, H. Broekhuizen, K. Chalkidou, Y-L Chi, D. W. Dowdy, S. Griffin, H. Haghparast-Bidgoli, T. Hallett, K. Hauck, T. D. Hollingsworth, C. F. McQuaid, N. A. Menzies, M. W. Merritt, A. Mirelman, A. Morton, F. J. Ruiz, M. Siapka, J. Skordis, F. Tediosi, P. Walker, R. G. White, P. Winskill, A. Vassall, G. B. Gomez
Summary: This article discusses how to consider health equity in disease transmission models and provides guidance on technical approaches, including specifying equity concepts, choosing evaluation frameworks, model structures, and data requirements.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nora Schmit, Shevanthi Nayagam, Maud Lemoine, Gibril Ndow, Yusuke Shimakawa, Mark R. Thursz, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of different monitoring strategies for HBV-infected individuals. The findings showed that monitoring every 5 years for 15-45 year olds in a community-based screening program in The Gambia was the most cost-effective strategy.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Fuqiang Cui, Sarah Blach, Casimir Manzengo Mingiedi, Monica Alonso Gonzalez, Ahmed Sabry Alaama, Antons Mozalevskis, Nicole Seguy, Bharat Bhushan Rewari, Po -Lin Chan, Linh-vi Le, Meg Doherty, Niklas Luhmann, Philippa Easterbrook, Mae Dirac, Catherine de Martel, Shevanthi Nayagam, Timothy B. Hallett, Peter Vickerman, Homie Razavi, Olufunmiayo Lesi, Daniel Low-beer
Summary: This study aimed to identify gaps in data availability or quality and create a new mechanism to monitor the progress of hepatitis elimination. The findings showed that globally, the number of people living with chronic hepatitis B and C infections is still high. The progress towards hepatitis elimination requires an increase in testing and treatment capacity, as well as monitoring of the elimination efforts.
LANCET GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Gregory F. Guzauskas, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: The study modeled the long-term health and cost outcomes of HIV in various countries, comparing a hypothetical CTx with ART alone. The introduction of CTx was found to lower HIV prevalence, increase life-years, reduce AIDS-related deaths, and ultimately lead to fewer DALYs. The country-specific value-based prices (VBPs) of CTx ranged from $5400 in Kenya to $812,300 in the United States, with factors like ART coverage, HIV incidence, and CTx cure probability influencing the VBP estimates.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Shevanthi Nayagam, Margaret J. de Villiers, Yusuke Shimakawa, Maud Lemoine, Mark R. Thursz, Nick Walsh, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: In 2020, WHO recommended adding peripartum antiviral prophylaxis to hepatitis B vaccination to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV. This study evaluated the impact and cost-effectiveness of this recommendation and a simplified strategy of providing antiviral prophylaxis to all HBsAg-positive pregnant women. The findings suggest that the addition of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis could be cost-effective in many countries, especially if diagnostic costs are reduced.
LANCET GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Andrew N. Phillips, Anna Bershteyn, Paul Revill, Loveleen Bansi-Matharu, Katharine Kripke, Marie-Claude Boily, Rowan Martin-Hughes, Leigh F. Johnson, Zindoga Mukandavire, Lise Jamieson, Gesine Meyer-Rath, Timothy B. Hallett, Debra ten Brink, Sherrie L. Kelly, Brooke E. Nichols, Eran Bendavid, Edinah Mudimu, Isaac Taramusi, Jennifer Smith, Shona Dalal, Rachel Baggaley, Siobhan Crowley, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Peter Godfrey-Faussett, Irene Mukui, Andreas Jahn, Kelsey K. Case, Diane Havlir, Maya Petersen, Moses Kamya, Catherine A. Koss, Laura B. Balzer, Tsitsi Apollo, Thato Chidarikire, John W. Mellors, Urvi M. Parikh, Catherine Godfrey, Valentina Cambiano
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of risk-informed PrEP use. The study found that PrEP is cost-effective in reducing HIV incidence, especially in settings with higher HIV viral load. This suggests the need for the implementation and ongoing evaluation of this approach.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zheng Hui, Shevanthi Nayagam, Polin Chan, Wang Fuzhen, Mark Thursz, Yin Zundong, Miao Ning, Sun Xiaojin, Fuqiang Cui, Zhang Guomin, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: By developing a dynamic model, it was projected that China will achieve the elimination target of HBV MTCT by 2029 if current prevention interventions are maintained. Increasing coverage of birth-dose vaccination can bring the target forward to 2025, while the administration of tenofovir to HBeAg-positive pregnant women can bring it forward to 2024. Predicting a MTCT rate of less than 2% in 2020 would help achieve the target by 2025.
BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
(2021)
