Extracellular matrix re-normalization to improve cold tumor penetration by oncolytic viruses.

Immunologically inert or cold tumors pose a substantial challenge to the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells is a well-established strategy for initiating the cancer immunity cycle (CIC). This process promotes the trafficking and infiltration of CD8+ T cells into tumors, thereby eliciting a tumor-specific immune response.

Preoperative waiting time and outcomes of non-traumatic emergency abdominal surgeries: Insights from a zonal referral hospital in northern Tanzania, a reference for health centers with similar capacities.

Background: Non-traumatic emergency abdominal surgeries are common in most healthcare settings. To a significant extent, the outcomes of treatment are determined by the promptness of surgical interventions. However, the in-hospital waiting time which reflects perioperative promptness remains largely unexplored in developing countries.

Safety of combined drug use in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: an analysis based on the spontaneous reporting database of adverse drug reactions in Hubei Province.

Objective: There is a lack of studies investigating the safety of combination regimens specifically for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of combination drugs for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases using real-world data.

Methods: We analyzed adverse drug reaction data received by the Hubei Adverse Drug Reaction Center from the first quarter of 2014 to the fourth quarter of 2022.

Factors associated with HIV testing among young women in Tanzania: Insights from the 2022 Tanzanian Demographic and Health Survey using Anderson's Behavioral Model.

Background: HIV continues to be a significant global health issue, particularly affecting sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. Knowing one's HIV status is a crucial first step in combating HIV/AIDS and achieving the targets set for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. However, despite ongoing efforts, HIV testing coverage remains low in developing countries, including Tanzania, where testing among young people poses particular challenges.

Development of the PIP score: A metric for predicting Intensive Care Unit admission among patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.

Background: Emergency laparotomy cases account for a significant proportion of the surgical caseload requiring postoperative intensive care. However, access to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services has been limited by the scarcity of resources, lack of guidelines, and paucity of triaging tools.

Objective: This study aimed at developing a feasible ost-emergency laparotomy CU admission redictive (PIP) scoring tool.

Adult Wilms Tumor With Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus on an Incomplete Duplex Collecting System Ureter Fissus Proximalis Managed at a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Wilms' tumor (WT), also known as nephroblastoma, is a malignant embryonal kidney tumor composed of embryonic cells and is the most prevalent tumor among children, but isolated cases occur infrequently in the adult population. Adult WT is defined according to the criteria of Kilton, Matthews, and Cohen, which comprise age above 15 years and histological patterns characteristic of WT. We report a case of an adult WT with venous thrombus on an incomplete duplex collecting system.

Atypical presentation of gouty tophi in a resource-limited setting.

A man in his early 50s from Tanzania presented with chronic nodular skin lesions and joint pain, likely due to gout complicated by obesity, after over 15 years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Despite various therapies for leprosy, tuberculosis and steroid use, his condition worsened, leading to hyperglycaemia and significant financial strain. Missed opportunities to use simple, low-cost diagnostic tests such as ultrasound and examining nodule fluid for urate crystals led to delays in diagnosis.

Emerging of non-vaccine Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes colonizing the nasopharynx of children under the age of five years in the 13-vallent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era in Moshi district, Tanzania. A short communication.

In this study, we describe S. pneumoniae serotype distribution before and after PCV13 rollout in Tanzania. We serotyped S.

Community responses to a novel house design: A qualitative study of "Star Homes" in Mtwara, southeastern Tanzania.

Introduction: To evaluate the impact of a novel design "Star Home" on the incidence of malaria, respiratory tract infections and diarrheal diseases among children, randomly selected households in Mtwara, Tanzania were offered a free, new Star Home. Drawing on longitudinal qualitative research that accompanied the Star Homes study, this article describes the experiences of residents and the wider community of living with these buildings.

Methods: A total of four rounds of face-to-face interviews were undertaken with residents of Star Homes (n = 37), control (wattle/daub) homes (n = 21), neighboring households n = 6), community members (n = 17) and community leaders (n = 6).

A unique case of cutaneous tuberculosis of the scalp with extensive intracranial invasion from sub Saharan Africa.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis can present with a large variety of mimics of other, treatable, disorders. We present a young man with advanced cranial disease responding to tuberculostatic treatment but posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Extensive Inactive Neurocysticercosis: A Case Report in Mbeya, Southern Highlands of Tanzania.

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) and Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are both highly prevalent in Africa. Clinical presentation of NCC ranges from asymptomatic to manifestations, including epileptic seizures, severe progressive headache, and focal neurological deficits. It is influenced by the number, size, location, and stage of the cysts, as well as the parasite's potential to cause inflammation and the immunological response of the host.

Complete heart block with SARS-COV-2 infection inducing permanent pacing: a case report from a tertiary private hospital In Tanzania.

There is an increased risk of cardiac complications in COVID-19 among patients with pre-existing comorbidities due to their existing pro-inflammatory status. The manifestation of complete heart block has been evidenced as transient and in no need of intervention. This case presents a previously healthy woman who was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and complete heart block; she underwent permanent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation after successful treatment and a negative COVID-19 test.

Geographic origin and evolution of dengue virus serotypes 1 and 3 circulating in Africa.

Despite the increasing burden of dengue in Kenya and Africa, the introduction and expansion of the virus in the region remain poorly understood. The objective of this study is to examine the genetic diversity and evolutionary histories of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes 1 and 3 in Kenya and contextualize their circulation within circulation dynamics in the broader African region. Viral RNA was extracted from samples collected from a cohort of febrile patients recruited at clinical sites in Kenya from 2013 to 2022.

An exploration of unusual antimicrobial resistance phenotypes in Salmonella Typhi from Blantyre, Malawi reveals the ongoing role of IncHI1 plasmids.

Typhoid fever is a significant public health problem endemic in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Antimicrobial treatment of typhoid is however threatened by the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) Typhi, especially in the globally successful lineage (4.3.

Vitamin K Antagonist Use and Level of Anticoagulation Control Among Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Tanzania.

Background: Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) continue to be the principal anticoagulants for both the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism. The use of VKA often requires regular monitoring to avoid over-anticoagulation and prevent thromboembolic complications. The aim was to determine the indication for VKA use and factors associated with suboptimal anticoagulation control among patients in northern Tanzania.

Swatting Flies: Biting Insects as Non-Invasive Samplers for Mammalian Population Genomics.

Advances in next-generation sequencing have allowed the use of DNA obtained from unusual sources for wildlife studies. However, these samples have been used predominantly to sequence mitochondrial DNA for species identification while population genetics analyses have been rare. Since next-generation sequencing allows indiscriminate detection of all DNA fragments in a sample, technically it should be possible to sequence whole genomes of animals from environmental samples.

Assessment of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests and Histidine-Rich Protein 2 Deletions among Asymptomatic Children and Adults in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) that detect histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) remain the mainstay of falciparum malaria diagnosis in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding their test characteristics when used for surveillance in asymptomatic populations is important. We explored the rate of false-positive and false-negative mRDT results among asymptomatic persons >5 years old screened for malaria at schools and clinics in the rural Bagamoyo District using 18S ribosomal RNA real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as the reference test.

Longitudinal observational (single cohort) study on the causes of trypanocide failure in cases of African animal trypanosomosis in cattle near wildlife protected areas of Northern Tanzania.

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) in cattle is primarily managed through trypanocide administration and insecticide application. Trypanocides can be used for both treatment and prophylaxis, but failure is often reported; this may occur due to resistance, substandard drugs, or inappropriate administration. This study in Tanzania aims to quantify reasons for trypanocide failure.

High unmet needs for cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in six African countries: A population-based study.

Background: Cisgender women living with HIV (WLWH) are disproportionately impacted by cervical cancer. Nevertheless, disparities in uptake and implementation of cervical cancer services persist in sub-Saharan Africa, where population-level estimates of screening coverage remain scarce.

Methods: We pooled data from nationally representative Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) surveys conducted in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (2015-2019).

A Large Thoracolumbosacral Meningomyelocele From Northern Tanzania: A Case Report.

Meningomyelocele and meningocele are types of neural tube defects, which are congenital abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord. These conditions are frequently encountered by pediatric neurosurgeons worldwide and represent a significant public health concern due to their association with a range of collateral conditions, other malformations, and increased morbidity. While many cases can be identified during prenatal ultrasound screenings, this is often challenging in resource-limited settings with poor health-seeking behaviors.

High prevalence of fecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing among patients with urinary tract infections in rural Tanzania.

Introduction: The global rise of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL-PE) challenges resource-limited countries with insufficient laboratory infrastructure. This study investigates fecal carriage and risk factors for ESBL-PE and carbapenemase-producing organisms among patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) in rural Tanzania.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at St.

Empirical effect of the Dr Lee Jong-wook Fellowship Program to empower sustainable change for the health workforce in Tanzania: a mixed-methods study.

Purpose: This study evaluated the Dr Lee Jong-wook Fellowship Program's impact on Tanzania's health workforce, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability in addressing healthcare gaps.

Methods: A mixed-methods research design was employed. Data were collected from 97 out of 140 alumni through an online survey, 35 in-depth interviews, and one focus group discussion.

Genomic detection of Panton-Valentine Leucocidins encoding genes, virulence factors and distribution of antiseptic resistance determinants among Methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates from patients attending regional referral hospitals in Tanzania.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a formidable public scourge causing worldwide mild to severe life-threatening infections. The ability of this strain to swiftly spread, evolve, and acquire resistance genes and virulence factors such as pvl genes has further rendered this strain difficult to treat. Of concern, is a recently recognized ability to resist antiseptic/disinfectant agents used as an essential part of treatment and infection control practices.

Mixed vulnerabilities: the biological risk of high parity is aggravated by emergency referral in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.

Identification of interacting vulnerabilities is essential to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). High parity (≥ 5 previous births) is an underemphasized biological vulnerability linked to poverty and affecting a sizeable proportion of SSA births. Despite increased risk, high parity women rarely use hospitals for childbirth.

Association between serum uric acid levels and left ventricular hypertrophy based on electrocardiographic findings: a sex-specific analysis across cardiometabolic diseases.

The association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate this association using electrocardiographic findings. Health examination data from Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital included 79,200 participants without cardiovascular diseases.