Psychotic disorders in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative patients: comparative study of clinical characteristics.

Background: Clinical characteristics of psychosis in HIV infection have been described, but there have been limited comparative studies in HIV-endemic low-resource regions.

Aim: To compare clinical characteristics of psychosis in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients at the main psychiatric referral units in Uganda.

Method: Patients with psychosis were consecutively recruited and completed a standardised demographic questionnaire and psychiatric and laboratory assessments including an HIV test.

Self-Management Intervention for Reducing Epilepsy Burden Among Adult Ugandans with Epilepsy (SMART-U): Randomised Clinical Trial Protocol.

Background: People of all ages are affected by epilepsy, a prevalent chronic brain illness that is primarily found in underdeveloped nations. It is very necessary to implement epilepsy self-management techniques to support individuals with epilepsy in order to impact outcomes related to epilepsy. The purpose of this 2-site randomised controlled experiment is to investigate this further, based on encouraging preliminary evidence.

Administration patterns of magnesium sulphate for women with preeclampsia and immediate newborn outcomes in Kawempe National Referral Hospital-Uganda: a cohort study.

Background: Preeclampsia is the second leading cause of maternal death in Uganda. WHO recommends using magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) to prevent and treat preeclampsia with severe features (PEC) and eclampsia. MgSO4 is used to prevent eclampsia and treat women who experience an eclamptic convulsion to avoid severe maternal/infant illnesses and death.

Computational Microbiome Pharmacology Analysis Elucidates the Anti-Cancer Potential of Vaginal Microbes and Metabolites.

The vaginal microbiome's role in risk, progression, and treatment of female cancers has been widely explored. Yet, there remains a need to develop methods to understand the interaction of microbiome factors with host cells and to characterize their potential therapeutic functions. To address this challenge, we developed a systems biology framework we term the Pharmacobiome for microbiome pharmacology analysis.

Stroke Recurrence Rate and Risk Factors Among Stroke Survivors in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: Evidence supporting secondary stroke in sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. This study describes the incidence of stroke recurrence and associated risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods And Materials: Scientific databases were systematically searched from January 2000 to December 2022 for population-based observational studies, case-control or cohort studies of recurrent stroke involving adults aged 18 years and above in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Prevalence and factors associated with psychosis among adults with epilepsy at a tertiary hospital in Uganda, cross-sectional study.

Background: Psychotic disorders are prevalent among people with epilepsy compared to the general population. However, there is limited information regarding psychosis among people with epilepsy in Uganda. This study therefore determined the prevalence and associated factors of psychosis among adults with epilepsy attending Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital in Uganda.

Post-traumatic seizures and factors associated among adult patients with depressed skull fractures at Mulago National Referral hospital; cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are common among patients with depressed skull fractures (DSF). Understanding the burden of post traumatic seizures and the factors associated among adult patients with DSF is important to improve clinical care.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic seizures among adult patients with DSF at Mulago National Referral hospital (MNRH).

Systemic inflammation and Oxidative stress with stroke mortality among patients admitted in tertiary Hospital in Uganda: a prospective cohort study in southwestern Uganda.

Background: Stroke is an inflammatory state that causes death and chronic disability. Inflammation and oxidative stress are a predictor of poor clinical outcome, its effects are controversial and has not been evaluated in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of CT head confirmed ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke admitted within 7 days of onset of motor weakness.

Self-management Intervention for Reducing Epilepsy Burden Among Adult Ugandans With Epilepsy (Smart-u), Randomised Clinical Trial Protocol.

Background: Epilepsy is a common chronic brain disorder globally affecting people of all ages, with the majority living in developing countries. The introduction of epilepsy self-management approaches to help people with epilepsy is urgently needed to influence epilepsy-related outcomes. This 2-site randomised controlled trial building on promising preliminary data is intended to explore this further.

Evidence-Supported Interventions for Reducing Secondary Stroke Risk in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review.

The study set out to perform a systematic literature review of evidence-based interventions that target the reduction of secondary stroke risk in Africa. The review analyzed longitudinal intervention studies conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on adult participants who had suffered a prior stroke. It encompassed publications and peer-reviewed papers sourced from reputable databases, including PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane, and Web of Science.

Blood pressure variability and early neurological outcomes in acute and subacute stroke in Southwestern Uganda.

Background: Greater blood pressure variability has detrimental effects on clinical outcome after a stroke; its effects are controversial and have not been evaluated in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods: We conducted a prospective study of patients with CT head confirmed ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes admitted to a tertiary hospital within 7 days of onset of unilateral neurological deficits. Blood pressure variability indices, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between day 0 and day 7, were calculated with a subsequent modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score on day 14 post-stroke.

Thirty-day mortality rates among young adult stroke patients and their characteristics at Kiruddu and Mulago hospitals in Uganda: A prospective observational cohort study.

Stroke outcomes among young adults in Uganda are unclear. This study therefore determined the clinical characteristics and 30-day outcome among young adults with an acute stroke. In a prospective observational cohort study, 61 young adults with confirmed stroke were followed up for 30 days.

Prevalence and factors associated with pre-hospital delay among acute stroke patients at Mulago and Kiruddu national referral hospitals, Kampala: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Despite advancements in acute stroke care, acute stroke patients present late for care resulting in high mortality and poor functional outcomes. This study determined the prevalence of pre-hospital delay and associated factors among adult acute stroke patients in Uganda.

Methods: In a hospital based, cross-sectional study, one hundred and forty-three study participants with confirmed acute stroke presenting to the emergency units of Mulago and Kiruddu national referral hospitals were enrolled.

Vaginal epithelial dysfunction is mediated by the microbiome, metabolome, and mTOR signaling.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by depletion of Lactobacillus and overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria, leading to increased mucosal inflammation, epithelial disruption, and poor reproductive health outcomes. However, the molecular mediators contributing to vaginal epithelial dysfunction are poorly understood. Here we utilize proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses to characterize biological features underlying BV in 405 African women and explore functional mechanisms in vitro.

Prevalence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment among stroke survivors in Uganda.

Background: Little is known about the characteristics and determinants of post-stroke cognitive impairment in residents of low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to determine the frequencies, patterns, and risk factors for cognitive impairment in a cross-sectional study of consecutive stroke patients cared for at Uganda's Mulago Hospital, located in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: 131 patients were enrolled a minimum of 3-months after hospital admission for stroke.

Upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes persists beyond the transitory broad immunologic changes of acute HIV-1 infection.

Chronic immune activation during HIV-1 infection contributes to morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV. To elucidate the underlying biological pathways, we evaluated whole blood gene expression trajectories from before, through acute, and into chronic HIV-1 infection. Interferon-stimulated genes, including MX1, IFI27 and ISG15, were upregulated during acute infection, remained elevated into chronic infection, and were strongly correlated with plasma HIV-1 RNA as well as TNF-α and CXCL10 cytokine levels.

Prevalence and Predictors of Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment among Stroke Survivors in Uganda.

Background Little is known about the characteristics and determinants of post-stroke cognitive impairments in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to determine the frequencies, patterns, and risk factors for cognitive impairment in a cross-sectional study of consecutive stroke patients cared for at Uganda's Mulago Hospital, located in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods From August 2019 to July 2020, patients were enrolled a minimum of 3-months post-stroke hospital admission.

Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University College of Health Sciences: a case study of a sustainable capacity building model for health care, research and training.

Unlabelled: The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), established in 2001, was the first autonomous institution of Makerere University set up as an example of what self-governing institutes can do in transforming the academic environment to become a rapidly progressive University addressing the needs of society This paper describes the success factors and lessons learned in development of sustainable centers of excellence to prepare academic institutions to respond appropriately to current and future challenges to global health. Key success factors included a) strong collaboration by local and international experts to combat the HIV pandemic, along with b) seed funding from Pfizer Inc., c) longstanding collaboration with Accordia Global Health Foundation to create and sustain institutional strengthening programs, d) development of a critical mass of multi-disciplinary research leaders and managers of the center, and e) a series of strong directors who built strong governance structures to execute the vision of the institute, with subsequent transition to local leadership.

Cognitive functioning and prevalence of seizures among older persons in Uganda: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study.

There is limited data on the prevalence of seizures and dementia among older persons in Uganda. We evaluated cognitive functioning, and the prevalence and factors associated with seizures among older persons attending an outpatient medical clinic in Uganda. We randomly selected older adults (60 years and above) attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital medical outpatient clinics between October 2020 and March 2021.

Stroke in young adults, stroke types and risk factors: a case control study.

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death above the age of 60 years, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15 to 59 years old as reported by the World Health Organization global burden of diseases. Stroke in the young is particularly tragic because of the potential to create long-term disability, burden on the victims, their families, and the community at large. Despite this, there is limited data on stroke in young adults, and its risk factors in Uganda.

A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study of perceived stigma among Ugandans with epilepsy.

Background: Epilepsy is associated with stigma and negatively impacts the lives of people living with epilepsy (PLWE) and their immediate families. More understanding of the stigma and discrimination experienced by PLWE in sub-Saharan Africa is needed.

Methods: In a cross-sectional, mixed methods study, forty- eight PLWE who met the study inclusion criteria were enrolled.

Willingness to pay for an mHealth anti-retroviral therapy adherence and information tool: Transitioning to sustainability, Call for life randomised study experience in Uganda.

Introduction: Evidence shows benefit of digital technology for people living with human immunodeficiency virus on antiretroviral therapy adherence and retention in care, however, scalability and sustainability have scarcely been evaluated. We assessed participants' willingness to pay a fee for mHealth "Call for life Uganda" support, a mobile-phone based tool with the objective to assess sustainability and scalability.

Methods: "Call for Life study", approved by Makerere University, School of Public Health research & ethics committee, at 2 sites in Uganda, evaluated a MoTech based software "CONNECT FOR LIFE™" mHealth tool termed "Call for life Uganda".

Epilepsy in Older People in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review.

Background: Over one-fourth of new onset epilepsy occurs after age 60. However, the burden of epilepsy and other seizure disorders among this special population in Africa is largely unknown, despite a growingnumber of elderly persons on the continent. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for epilepsy among persons aged 60 years or older in Africa.

Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an adopted novel self-management intervention among people with epilepsy in Uganda.

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterized by poor quality of life and associated stigma. Studies in long-term health conditions suggest that self-management interventions improve the quality of life (QoL) and reduce the perceived stigma among people with epilepsy (PWE). Yet, the utilization of these interventions remains low in sub-Saharan Africa.