Converging evidence that short-active photoperiod increases acetylcholine signaling in the hippocampus.

Seasonal variations in environmental light influence switches between moods in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and bipolar disorder (BD), with depression arising during short active (SA) winter periods. Light-induced changes in behavior are also seen in healthy animals and are intensified in mice with reduced dopamine transporter expression. Specifically, decreasing the nocturnal active period (SA) of mice increases punishment perseveration and forced swim test (FST) immobility.

Impact and Cost of the HIV/AIDS National Strategic Plan for Mozambique, 2015-2019--Projections with the Spectrum/Goals Model.

Introduction: Mozambique continues to face a severe HIV epidemic and high cost for its control, largely born by international donors. We assessed feasible targets, likely impact and costs for the 2015-2019 national strategic HIV/AIDS plan (NSP).

Methods: The HIV epidemic and response was modelled in the Spectrum/Goals/Resource Needs dynamical simulation model, separately for North/Center/South regions, fitted to antenatal clinic surveillance data, household and key risk group surveys, program statistics, and financial records.

Integration of HIV care and treatment in primary health care centers and patient retention in central Mozambique: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: In 2004, the Mozambican Ministry of Health began a national scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) using a vertical model of HIV clinics colocated within large urban hospitals. In 2006, the ministry expanded access by integrating ART into primary health care clinics.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including adult ART-naive patients initiating ART between January 2006 and June 2008 in public sector clinics in Manica and Sofala provinces.

An assessment of the accuracy and availability of data in electronic patient tracking systems for patients receiving HIV treatment in central Mozambique.

Background: Since the rapid scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs in sub-Saharan Africa, electronic patient tracking systems (EPTS) have been deployed to respond to the growing demand for program monitoring, evaluation and reporting to governments and donors. These routinely collected data are often used in epidemiologic and operations research studies intended to improve programs. To ensure accurate reporting and good quality for research, the reliability and completeness of data systems need to be assessed and reported.

An assessment of routine primary care health information system data quality in Sofala Province, Mozambique.

Background: Primary health care is recognized as a main driver of equitable health service delivery. For it to function optimally, routine health information systems (HIS) are necessary to ensure adequate provision of health care and the development of appropriate health policies. Concerns about the quality of routine administrative data have undermined their use in resource-limited settings.

Patient volume, human resource levels, and attrition from HIV treatment programs in central Mozambique.

Introduction: Human resource shortages are viewed as one of the primary obstacles to provide effective services to growing patient populations receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to expand ART access further. We examined the relationship of patient volume, human resource levels, and patient characteristics with attrition from HIV treatment programs in central Mozambique.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult, ART-naive, nonpregnant patients who initiated ART between January 2006 and June 2008 in the national HIV care program.