Generating evidence for health policy in challenging settings: lessons learned from four prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV implementation research studies in Nigeria.

Background: Implementation research (IR) facilitates health systems strengthening and optimal patient outcomes by generating evidence for scale-up of efficacious strategies in context. Thus, difficulties in generating IR evidence, particularly in limited-resource settings with wide disease prevention and treatment gaps, need to be anticipated and addressed. Nigeria is a priority country for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT).

Vitamin D deficiency and periodontal clinical attachment loss in HIV-seropositive women: A secondary analysis conducted in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).

Objective: The aim of this study was to test a hypothesized positive association between low vitamin D (VitD) serum levels and the severity of periodontal disease in women with HIV infection.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of data from an oral substudy conducted within the Chicago site of the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Serum VitD levels and clinical attachment loss (CAL) measurements were available for 74 women with HIV infection.

Alterations of haemodynamic parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats by A Vahl. (Aristolochiaceae).

Vahl. (Aristolochiaceae (AR) is used traditionally in Nigeria for the management of various disorders including oedema. Preliminary investigation revealed its modulatory effect on the cardiovascular system.

Screening of chemical compound libraries identified new anti-Toxoplasma gondii agents.

Toxoplasma gondii is the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis, a common parasitic disease that affects nearly one-third of the human population. The primary infection can be asymptomatic in healthy individuals but may prove fatal in immunocompromised individuals. Available treatment options for toxoplasmosis patients are limited, underscoring the urgent need to identify and develop new therapies.

Citrullus colocynthis Linn. Fruit extract ameliorates cisplatin-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats.

Background Cisplatin-induced acute liver and kidney injuries are serious problems in cancer patients during treatment of solid tumours. Objective This study sought to investigate possible protective effect of ethanolic fruit extract of Citrullus colocynthis (CC) against cisplatin-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats. Methods Thirty male albino rats (150-200 g) were divided into five groups (n=6) and treated as follows: group 1: vehicle (10 mL/kg, p.

Photodynamic inactivation of bacteriophage MS2: The A-protein is the target of virus inactivation.

Singlet oxygen mediated oxidation has been shown to be responsible for photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of viruses in solution with photosensitisers such as 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridinio) porphyrin tetra p-toluenesulfonate (TMPyP). The capsids of non-enveloped viruses, such as bacteriophage MS2, are possible targets for viral inactivation by singlet oxygen oxidation. Within the capsid (predominantly composed of coat protein), the A-protein acts as the host recognition and attachment protein.

Modulation of host HIF-1α activity and the tryptophan pathway contributes to the anti- potential of nanoparticles.

Background: Toxoplasmosis constitutes a large global burden that is further exacerbated by the shortcomings of available therapeutic options, thus underscoring the urgent need for better anti- therapy or strategies. Recently, we showed that the anti-parasitic action of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) could, in part, be due to changes in redox status as well as in the parasite mitochondrial membrane potential.

Methods: In the present study, we explored the in vitro mode of action of the anti- effect of NPs by evaluating the contributions of host cellular processes, including the tryptophan pathway and hypoxia-inducing factor activity.

Ursodeoxycholic acid prevents ventricular conduction slowing and arrhythmia by restoring T-type calcium current in fetuses during cholestasis.

Background: Increased maternal serum bile acid concentrations in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) are associated with fetal cardiac arrhythmias. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been shown to demonstrate anti-arrhythmic properties via preventing ICP-associated cardiac conduction slowing and development of reentrant arrhythmias, although the cellular mechanism is still being elucidated.

Methods: High-resolution fluorescent optical mapping of electrical activity and electrocardiogram measurements were used to characterize effects of UDCA on one-day-old neonatal and adult female Langendorff-perfused rat hearts.

Soluble ST2 correlates with some indicators of right ventricular function in hypertensive heart failure.

Purpose: ST2 receptor, which is a member of the Toll-like/interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor family, has been found to be increased in the serum of patients 1 day after myocardial infarction. Several other studies have shown that soluble ST2 levels correlate with severity of heart failure (HF), left ventricular ejection fraction, creatinine clearance, B-type natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein, and are predictors of mortality in HF. Most of these studies were not only limited to ischemic heart disease but also concentrated on left-sided HF.

Correlates of facility delivery for rural HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled in the MoMent Nigeria prospective cohort study.

Background: Low rates of maternal healthcare service utilization, including facility delivery, may impede progress in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and in reducing maternal and infant mortality. The MoMent (Mother Mentor) study investigated the impact of structured peer support on early infant diagnosis presentation and postpartum maternal retention in PMTCT care in rural Nigeria. This paper describes baseline characteristics and correlates of facility delivery among MoMent study participants.

Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous whole plant extract of Aerva lanata (l.) Juss. ex Schult (Amaranthaceae).

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Aerva lanata (L.) of the family Amaranthaceae is a Nigerian medicinal plant used traditionally for the management of lithiasis, headache, renal disorder, haematemesis, bronchitis, nasal bleeding, cough, scorpion stings, fractures and spermatorrhoea. Studies that show the pharmacological basis for some of such uses have been reported.

A multi-template multiplex PCR assay for hepatitis B virus and human β-globin.

The Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the hallmark of HBV infection. Detection of antibodies to HBs and the core (ie, HBsAg and HBcAb) are primary serological algorithms in the laboratory diagnosis of HBV. Detection of HBsAg DNA is an important supplement to serological diagnosis especially in clinical cases.

Impact of the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination on pneumonia in The Gambia: population-based surveillance and case-control studies.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are used in many low-income countries but their impact on the incidence of pneumonia is unclear. The Gambia introduced PCV7 in August, 2009, and PCV13 in May, 2011. We aimed to measure the impact of the introduction of these vaccines on pneumonia incidence.

A Prospective Study of Spectrum, Risk Factors and Immediate Outcome of Congenital Anomalies in Bida, North Central Nigeria.

Background: Congenital disorders are structural, metabolic, behavioral and functional disorders that are present at birth. Their manifestations are protean ranging from mild anomalies to life-threatening conditions.

Aim: The objectives of this study were to describe the congenital anomalies in children seen at Federal Medical Center, Bida over a 12 month period, determine possible factors associated with these anomalies; and their short term outcome.

Child marriage and maternal health risks among young mothers in Gombi, Adamawa State, Nigeria: implications for mortality, entitlements and freedoms.

Background: Efforts toward liberation of the girl-child from the shackles of early marriage have continued to be resisted through tradition, culture and religion in some parts of Nigeria.

Objective: This study therefore examines the maternal health implications of early marriage on young mothers in the study area.

Methods: Multistage sampling technique was employed to obtained data from 200 young mothers aged 15-24 years who married before aged 16 years.

Paratubal Cyst Size Correlates With Obesity and Dysregulation of the Wnt Signaling Pathway.

Study Objective: Paratubal cysts (PTCs) occur in 7%-10% of women, regardless of age. Although common, PTCs often are found incidentally because of the potential for these cysts to be asymptomatic. The specific aims of the study were to determine if PTC number and size correlated with signs of hyperandrogenism and obesity, as well as to investigate the molecular profiles of these PTCs in samples derived from female adolescents.

Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus in Patients Coinfected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1: An Open-Label, Phase 3 Study.

Background: A safe, simple, effective, and pan-genotypic regimen to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains a medical need. We assessed the efficacy and safety of the NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and the NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir for HCV in patients coinfected with HIV-1.

Methods: This phase 3, open-label, single-arm study at 17 sites in the United States enrolled patients with HCV of any genotype and HIV-1 coinfection, including those with compensated cirrhosis.

TURQUOISE-I Part 1b: Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir with Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Virus Infection in HIV-1 Coinfected Patients on Darunavir.

Background: Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/r + DSV) ± ribavirin (RBV) is approved for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1) treatment in HIV-1 coinfected patients. In healthy controls, coadministration of OBV/PTV/r + DSV + darunavir (DRV) lowered DRV trough concentration (Ctrough) levels. To assess the clinical significance of this change, TURQUOISE-I, Part 1b, evaluated the efficacy and safety of OBV/PTV/r + DSV + RBV in coinfected patients on stable, DRV-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Inorganic nanoparticles kill via changes in redox status and mitochondrial membrane potential.

This study evaluated the anti- potential of gold, silver, and platinum nanoparticles (NPs). Inorganic NPs (0.01-1,000 µg/mL) were screened for antiparasitic activity.

Dengue virus and malaria concurrent infection among febrile subjects within Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease of public health importance. It is caused by four serotypes of Dengue virus (i.e, DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4).

Inhibition of Kupffer cell functions modulates arsenic intoxication in Wistar rats.

Study determined the influence of the inhibition of Kupffer cell functions by GdCl3 in arsenic intoxication. Twenty-four Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 160 g were randomly assigned into four groups. Group 1 received sodium arsenite (1.

Mechanistic assessment of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic actions of Dalbergia saxatilis in animal models.

Context: Aqueous root extract of Dalbergia saxatilis, Hook, f., (Leguminosae) (DS) is reported useful for toothache, pains, and fever, but not scientifically proven.

Objective: This study determined its effectiveness in pain, inflammation, and fever, applying scientific models.

Loneliness in Older Black Adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Is Associated with Poorer Cognition.

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with cognitive impairment, and loneliness is associated with cognitive decline in old age. Older Black adults with HIV may be at particular risk of loneliness due to stigma and lack of social resources.

Objective: We tested the hypotheses that (1) older Black adults with HIV would show greater loneliness than older White adults with HIV, and (2) greater loneliness among older Black adults with HIV would be associated with poorer cognitive function.

New Imidazole-Based Compounds Active Against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Background: Current drugs available for the treatment of Chagas disease are fraught with several challenges including severe toxicity and limited efficacy. These factors coupled with the absence of effective drugs for treating the chronic stage of the disease have rendered the development of new drugs against Chagas disease a priority.

Objective: This study screened several imidazole-based compounds for anti-Trypanosoma potential.

Increasing Type 1 Poliovirus Capsid Stability by Thermal Selection.

Unlabelled: Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus (PV). It can result in paralysis and may be fatal. Integrated global immunization programs using live-attenuated oral (OPV) and/or inactivated (IPV) PV vaccines have systematically reduced its spread and paved the way for eradication.