Perceptions, facilitators and barriers to the implementation of interpersonal group therapy to treat depression among people living with HIV in Senegal: a qualitative study.

Background: Depression is highly prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH) but remains under treated in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this context, we conducted the first study of Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to treat depression in PLWH in Senegal. We assessed the perceptions and experiences of patients and group facilitators, as well as barriers to implementation.

Food Insecurity at HIV Diagnosis Associated with Subsequent Viremia Amongst Adults Living with HIV in an Urban Township of South Africa.

We assessed the temporal impact of food insecurity on 12-month antiretroviral (ART) adherence, retention in care, hospitalization, and HIV viremia (> 1000 copies/mL) in ART naïve adults presenting for HIV testing in Umlazi, South Africa. At the time of HIV testing and prior to ART initiation, we determined each participants' food security status using the validated Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Following HIV testing and ART initiation, we then assessed the above outcomes of each study participant at 3-month intervals for a total of 12 months.

Severe dengue in adults and children, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), West Africa, October 2015-January 2017.

Introduction: Although dengue is the most common arbovirus infection worldwide, studies of severe dengue in Africa are lacking, and risk factors for severe dengue have been insufficiently described. This study was conducted in the context of the 2016 dengue epidemic in Burkina Faso to determine the prevalence of severe dengue, identify factors associated with severe dengue, and perform mapping of dengue cases in the country's capital, Ouagadougou.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to January 2017.

Impact of Traditional Healers on the HIV Care Cascade in Senegal, West Africa: A Longitudinal Study.

Consultation with traditional healers (THs) is common among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study to determine the association between consultation with THs and HIV outcomes following 12 months of antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV-infected individuals presenting for care and initiation of ART in Dakar and Ziguinchor, Senegal were eligible for enrollment.

Food insecurity predicts loss to follow-up among people living with HIV in Senegal, West Africa.

The goals of this study were to assess retention on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to identify predictors of loss to follow-up (LTFU) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Senegal. HIV-positive individuals presenting for initiation of ART in Dakar and Ziguinchor were enrolled and followed for 12 months. Data were collected using interviews, clinical evaluations, laboratory analyses, chart review, and active patient tracing.

The impact of food insecurity on HIV outcomes in Senegal, West Africa: a prospective longitudinal study.

Background: Understanding the impact of food insecurity on HIV outcomes is critical for the development and implementation of effective, evidence-based interventions to address food insecurity and improve the HIV care cascade. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study to determine the impact of food insecurity on HIV outcomes in Senegal, West Africa.

Methods: HIV-infected individuals presenting for care and initiation of ART through the Senegalese National AIDS program in Dakar and Ziguinchor were eligible for enrollment.

Nutrition support for HIV-TB co-infected adults in Senegal, West Africa: A randomized pilot implementation study.

Background: Food insecurity can contribute to poor adherence to both tuberculosis treatment and HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). Interventions that target food insecurity have the potential to increase treatment adherence, improve clinical outcomes, and decrease mortality. The goals of this study were to compare the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of implementing two different forms of nutrition support for HIV-TB co-infected adults in the Casamance region of Senegal.

Traditional healers, HIV outcomes, and mortality among people living with HIV in Senegal, West Africa.

Objectives: The goals of this study were to determine the frequency of traditional healer use among people living with HIV in Senegal, to identify predictors of traditional healer use, and to determine if traditional healer use is associated with HIV outcomes.

Design: Prospective longitudinal study.

Methods: Participants were enrolled from April 2017 to April 2018 in Dakar and Ziguinchor, Senegal.

Prevalence, predictors, and management of advanced HIV disease among individuals initiating ART in Senegal, West Africa.

Background: The WHO guidelines for the management of advanced HIV disease recommend a package of care consisting of rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), enhanced screening and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and cryptococcal meningitis, co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), fluconazole pre-emptive therapy, and adherence support. The goals of this study were to determine the prevalence of advanced HIV disease among individuals initiating ART in Senegal, to identify predictors of advanced disease, and to evaluate adherence to the WHO guidelines.

Methods: This study was conducted among HIV-positive individuals initiating ART in Dakar and Ziguinchor, Senegal.

Correction: Increasing prevalence of hypertension among HIV-positive and negative adults in Senegal, West Africa, 1994-2015.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Increasing prevalence of hypertension among HIV-positive and negative adults in Senegal, West Africa, 1994-2015.

Background: Non-communicable diseases, including hypertension (HTN), are increasingly recognized as important causes of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource-limited settings. The goals of this study were to determine the prevalence of HTN among PLHIV in Senegal over time and to identify predictors of HTN among HIV-positive versus HIV-negative adults.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using data from individuals enrolled in previous studies in Senegal from 1994-2015.

HIV and the dual burden of malnutrition in Senegal, 1994-2012.

The aims of this study were to determine the nutritional status of HIV-positive versus HIV-negative adults in Senegal and to identify predictors of nutritional status among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We conducted a retrospective study using data from individuals enrolled in previous studies in Senegal. Undernutrition was defined as body mass index (BMI) <18.

The dimensions of food insecurity and malnutrition among people living with HIV in Senegal, West Africa.

An understanding of the factors contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Senegal is urgently needed in order to develop effective interventions. The goals of this study were to identify differences in the dimensions of food security among PLHIV in Dakar versus Ziguinchor, Senegal, to determine which of these dimensions are most predictive of severe food insecurity, and to identify factors associated with malnutrition. We conducted a cross-sectional study at outpatient clinics in Dakar and Ziguinchor, Senegal.

High Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity and Malnutrition among HIV-Infected Adults in Senegal, West Africa.

Background: Malnutrition and food insecurity are associated with increased mortality and poor clinical outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS; however, the prevalence of malnutrition and food insecurity among people living with HIV/AIDS in Senegal, West Africa is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of food insecurity and malnutrition among HIV-infected adults in Senegal, and to identify associations between food insecurity, malnutrition, and HIV outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at outpatient clinics in Dakar and Ziguinchor, Senegal.

Sustained high incidence of injuries from burns in a densely populated urban slum in Kenya: an emerging public health priority.

Introduction: Ninety-five percent of burn deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, longitudinal household-level studies have not been done in urban slum settings, where overcrowding and unsafe cook stoves may increase likelihood of injury.

Methods: Using a prospective, population-based disease surveillance system in the urban slum of Kibera in Kenya, we examined the incidence of household-level burns of all severities from 2006-2011.

Results: Of approximately 28,500 enrolled individuals (6000 households), we identified 3072 burns.

Assessing the effectiveness of a community intervention for monkeypox prevention in the Congo basin.

Background: In areas where health resources are limited, community participation in the recognition and reporting of disease hazards is critical for the identification of outbreaks. This is particularly true for zoonotic diseases such as monkeypox that principally affect people living in remote areas with few health services. Here we report the findings of an evaluation measuring the effectiveness of a film-based community outreach program designed to improve the understanding of monkeypox symptoms, transmission and prevention, by residents of the Republic of the Congo (ROC) who are at risk for disease acquisition.

Olfactory metamorphosis in the coastal tailed frog Ascaphus truei (Amphibia, Anura, Leiopelmatidae).

The structure of the olfactory organ in larvae and adults of the basal anuran Ascaphus truei was examined using light micrography, electron micrography, and resin casts of the nasal cavity. The larval olfactory organ consists of nonsensory anterior and posterior nasal tubes connected to a large, main olfactory cavity containing olfactory epithelium; the vomeronasal organ is a ventrolateral diverticulum of this cavity. A small patch of olfactory epithelium (the "epithelial band") also is present in the preoral buccal cavity, anterolateral to the choana.

Laboratory worker knowledge, attitudes and practices towards smallpox vaccine.

Background: Recent cases of laboratory-acquired vaccinia virus (VV) infection highlight the need for laboratory safety.

Aims: To determine laboratory worker adherence to the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices smallpox vaccination recommendations, assess potential barriers to vaccination and determine the influence of training on laboratory worker attitudes.

Methods: Ninety-two laboratory workers in Pennsylvania were contacted and asked to complete an online survey about VV usage; 45 responded.