Understanding postpartum depression in adolescent mothers in Mashonaland Central and Bulawayo Provinces of Zimbabwe.

This study has shown evidence of significant prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) among adolescent mothers (ADLM) (13.0%) than among adult mothers (ADM) (7.2%) (p < 0.

Mammalian cell models to advance our understanding of wound healing: a review.

Rapid and efficient healing of damaged tissue is critical for the restoration of tissue function and avoidance of tissue defects. Many in vitro cell models have been described for wound healing studies; however, the mechanisms that underlie the process, especially in chronic or complicated wounds, are not fully understood. The identification of cell culture systems that closely simulate the physiology of damaged tissue in vivo is necessary.

Potential of Zimbabwean commercial probiotic products and strains of Lactobacillus plantarum as prophylaxis and therapy against diarrhoea caused by Escherichia coli in children.

Objective: To evaluate the potential of commercial fermented products sold in the country, and strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) as prophylaxis and therapy against diarrhoea in children.

Methods: The antimicrobial potential of cultures of lactobacilli enriched from 4 Zimbabwean commercial food/beverage products: Dairibord Lacto sour milk (DLSM), Probrand sour milk (PSM), Kefalos Vuka cheese (KVC) and Chibuku opaque beer (COB); and four strains of L.

Culture, myths and panic: Three decades and beyond with an HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is going through a generalised acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. The first five years of the epidemic (1985-1990) were characterised by lack of medicines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and an exponential increase in prevalence (65-fold) and incidence (13-fold), which were fuelled by high-risk sexual behaviour. The high HIV prevalence, mortality and stigma yielded great fear and panic in the population, which are thought to have led to confusion and hopelessness, and, in turn, increased risky sexual behaviour.

Mammalian cell cultures as models for Mycobacterium tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interaction studies: A review.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infections have remained a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in Southern Africa. Yet our understanding of the molecular interactions between the pathogens has remained poor due to lack of suitable preclinical models for such studies. We reviewed the use, this far, of mammalian cell culture models in HIV-MTB interaction studies.

Therapeutic and Prophylactic Potential of Morama (Tylosema esculentum): A Review.

Tylosema esculentum (morama) is a highly valued traditional food and source of medicine for the San and other indigenous populations that inhabit the arid to semi-arid parts of Southern Africa. Morama beans are a rich source of phenolic acids, flavonoids, certain fatty acids, non-essential amino acids, certain phytosterols, tannins and minerals. The plant's tuber contains griffonilide, behenic acid and starch.