Incidence, trends and patterns of female breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers in Antigua and Barbuda, 2017-2021: a retrospective study.

Background: Globally, estimates of cancer cases and deaths have increased since 2018, particularly in Latin America and Caribbean countries. In Antigua and Barbuda, understanding the burden of common cancers such as female breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers is critical. This study aimed to assess the incidence, trends, and patterns of these four cancers from 2017 to 2021.

Review of Impact of Risk Reduction Sessions on Sexual Behaviors in HIV Prevention Trials: Insights from Africa.

Over the past two decades, numerous HIV prevention trials have targeted thousands of young African women, aiming not only to reduce transmissions through biomedical interventions but also to promote safe sexual practices through intensive risk reduction sessions. The primary objective of this study was to review the impact of risk reduction sessions in HIV prevention trials conducted in Africa. We assessed changes in sexual behaviors among women enrolled in various biomedical intervention trials across the African region using both visual and quantitative evaluations.

Influence of Ageing on the Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of Chronically Administered Medicines in Geriatric Patients: A Review.

As people age, the efficiency of various regulatory processes that ensure proper communication between cells and organs tends to decline. This deterioration can lead to difficulties in maintaining homeostasis during physiological stress. This includes but is not limited to cognitive impairments, functional difficulties, and issues related to caregivers which contribute significantly to medication errors and non-adherence.

Municipal anaerobic filter effluent treatment using advanced oxidation processes for potential use in unrestricted crop production.

To meet wastewater treatment quality standards for reuse, integrating advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) is promising. This study aimed to optimize AOPs (ozonolysis, UV photolysis, TiO photocatalysis) for polishing anaerobic filter (AF) effluent from DEWATS, as an alternative to constructed wetlands. Metrics included pathogen reduction efficiency, post-disinfection regrowth, and effects on physical parameters (pH, EC, turbidity), organic matter (soluble COD, BOD, DOC, humic), and nutrient concentration (ammonium, nitrates, ortho-P).

Effect of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Macro- and Microvascular Endothelial Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the effect of four weeks of creatine monohydrate (CrM) on vascular endothelial function in older adults. In a double-blind, randomized crossover trial, twelve sedentary, healthy older adults were allocated to either the CrM or placebo (PL) group for four weeks, at a dose of 4 × 5 g/day for 5 days, followed by 1 × 5 g/day for 23 days. Macrovascular function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD%], normalized FMD%, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity [baPWV], pulse wave analysis [PWA]), microvascular function (microvascular reperfusion rate [% StO/sec]), and biomarkers of vascular function (tetrahydrobiopterin [BH], malondialdehyde [MDA], oxidized low-density lipoprotein [oxLDL], glucose, lipids) were assessed pre- and post-supplementation with a four-week washout period.

Comparative Transcriptomics Reveal Differential Expression of Coding and Non-Coding RNAs in Clinical Strains of .

Coding and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are potential novel markers that can be exploited for TB diagnostics in the fight against . The current study investigated the mechanisms of transcript regulation and ncRNA signatures through Total RNA Seq and small (smRNA) RNA Seq followed by Bioinformatics analysis in Beijing and F15/LAM4/KZN (KZN) clinical strains compared to the laboratory strain. Total RNA Seq revealed differential regulation of RNA transcripts in Beijing (n = 1095) and KZN (n = 856) strains compared to the laboratory H37Rv strain.

Genomic Analysis of Virulent, Multidrug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca from Bloodstream Infections, South Africa.

Unlabelled: The study investigated the resistome, virulome and mobilome of multidrug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca clinical isolates.

Methods: A total of 46 suspected Klebsiella species (spp.) were collected from blood cultures within the uMgungundlovu District in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

MTHFR C677T rs1801133 and TP53 Pro72Arg rs1042522 gene variants in South African Indian and Caucasian psoriatic arthritis patients.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is involved in homocysteine and folic acid metabolism. Tumour suppressor protein TP53 gene maintains cellular and genetic integrity. To date, no studies associated the MTHFR C677T rs1801133 and TP53 Pro72Arg rs1042522 with CRP levels and methotrexate (a folic acid antagonist) treatment outcomes in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients.

Ergonomics and Occupational Health: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Botswana.

: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are, to this day, considered one of the major occupational health risks, especially among healthcare workers. Poor working conditions, such as awkward postures, are associated with the development of MSD. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses at a public tertiary hospital in Botswana relating to ergonomic principles.

Country-specific key lifestyle factors and health outcomes for resource allocation in the general population: a network analysis across 29 countries.

Background: We aimed to identify the central lifestyle, the most impactful among lifestyle factor clusters; the central health outcome, the most impactful among health outcome clusters; and the bridge lifestyle, the most strongly connected to health outcome clusters, across 29 countries to optimise resource allocation for local holistic health improvements.

Methods: From July 2020 to August 2021, we surveyed 16 461 adults across 29 countries who self-reported changes in 18 lifestyle factors and 13 health outcomes due to the pandemic. Three networks were generated by network analysis for each country: lifestyle, health outcome, and bridge networks.

Proposed framework for the integration of refractive error services into the eye health ecosystem in Kenya via social enterprise.

The global burden of uncorrected refractive error demands for adoption of different approaches inclined towards scaling effective refractive error coverage. While innovative approaches such as utilization of telemedicine is being adopted by social enterprises in different parts of the world to scale refractive error service delivery, commercial entrepreneurship still dominates the optical industry in Kenya with minimal focus on accessibility and affordability. However, to achieve effective refractive error coverage across the economic pyramid, integration of enterprises inclined towards fulfilling a social mission through innovative approaches such as telemedicine is desirable.

Early intervention in psychosis programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America; challenges and recommendations.

Background: While early intervention in psychosis (EIP) programs have been increasingly implemented across the globe, many initiatives from Africa, Asia and Latin America are not widely known. The aims of the current review are (a) to describe population-based and small-scale, single-site EIP programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America, (b) to examine the variability between programs located in low-and-middle income (LMIC) and high-income countries in similar regions and (c) to outline some of the challenges and provide recommendations to overcome existing obstacles.

Methods: EIP programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America were identified through experts from the different target regions.

Prevalence and demographic profile of keratoconus among high school students in Kenya.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and demographic profile of keratoconus (KC) among high school students in Nairobi County, Kenya.

Methods: In this population-based, prospective, cross-sectional study, multistage cluster sampling was used to select the participants. All students underwent visual acuity measurement, auto-refraction, retinoscopy and corneal topography.

The Impact of Selected Regimens of Chronic HIV-Antiretroviral Treatment on Glycemic Control Markers and Correlates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol.

Background And Aim: Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases worldwide. The etiology of diabetes can be mainly attributed to factors such as genetic susceptibility, unhealthy diets, and chronic medications. Chronic medications such as HIV-antiretrovirals (ARVs) have been previously associated with the risks of developing metabolic complications.

3-(2-Hy-droxy-eth-yl)-1-(4-nitro-phen-yl)-1-benzo[]imidazol-3-ium bromide.

The cation of the title salt, CHNO ·Br, has a dihedral angle of 24.26 (6)° between its fused imidazole and 4-nitro-phenyl rings and the N-C-C-O torsion angle associated with the hy-droxy-ethyl substituent is 60.15 (17)°.

Facile Synthesis of Oxazolidinones as Potential Antibacterial Agents.

An efficient microwave-assisted synthesis route for novel oxazolidinone analogues has been developed. The general synthesis of these compounds began with an L-proline-mediated three-component Mannich reaction between commercially available 3-fluoro-4-morpholinoaniline, aqueous formaldehyde and α-hydroxyacetone. This was followed by a one-step cyclisation to form the core structure of oxazolidinone antibiotics which was subsequently derivatized.

Baseline trichoscopic values for afro-textured hair in indigenous South Africans show lower density and unique features.

Background: Afro-textured hair exhibits distinct physicochemical properties with possible variations in measurable hair parameters. Standardized documentation of trichoscopic norms of afro-textured hair in indigenous Africans is notably lacking.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 122 South Africans of both genders of African ancestry (mean age 20.

Statistical methods in the analysis of multicentre HIV randomized controlled trials in the African region: a scoping review.

Background: The majority of phase 3 clinical trials are implemented in multiple sites or centres, which inevitably leads to a correlation between observations from the same site or centre. This correlation must be carefully considered in both the design and the statistical analysis to ensure an accurate interpretation of the results and reduce the risk of biased results. This scoping review aims to provide a detailed statistical method used to analyze data collected from multicentre HIV randomized controlled trials in the African region.

Prevalence and determinants of pregnancy termination for childbearing women using the modified Poisson regression model: a cross-sectional study of the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2022.

Background: Termination of pregnancy continues to be one of the major public health problems. The prevalence and determinants associated with pregnancy termination among women from low-middle income countries such as Tanzania have previously not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study aims to explore the prevalence and determinants associated with pregnancy termination among Tanzanian women.

Mapping the HPV Landscape in South African Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Viral Genotypes, Microbiota, and Immune Signals.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence, genotype distribution, and associations with cervicovaginal microbiota and cytokine profiles among South African women, where cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched for studies on HPV infection up to 21 September 2024. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses by province, sample type, and HIV status.

Evaluation of Hippocampal Microanatomy and Neuro-Biomarkers Following Administration of Silver Nanoparticles Conjugated with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Experimental Diabetic Rats.

Adverse complications like metabolic disorders, neurotoxicity, and low central nervous system (CNS) penetration are associated with the long-term use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Therefore, some modifications are required to enhance neurological functions using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-conjugated TDF as AgNPs-TDF on the hippocampal microanatomy and some neuro-biomarkers of diabetic rats.

Benzylic C-H Oxidation: Recent Advances and Applications in Heterocyclic Synthesis.

Benzylic C-H oxidation to form carbonyl compounds, such as ketones, is a fundamental transformation in organic synthesis as it allows for the preparation of versatile intermediates. In this review, we highlight the synthesis of aromatic ketones via catalytic, electrochemical, and photochemical oxidation of alkylarenes using different catalysts and oxidants in the past 5 years. Additionally, we also discuss the synthesis of heterocyclic molecules using benzylic C-H oxidation as a key step.

Compounds Inhibit MtrCDE Efflux Pump Transport Protein for the Potential Management of Gonorrhoea Infection.

The progressive development of resistance in to almost all available antibiotics has made it crucial to develop novel approaches to tackling multi-drug resistance (MDR). One of the primary causes of antibiotic resistance is the over-expression of the MtrCDE efflux pump protein, making this protein a vital target for fighting against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in . This study was aimed at evaluating the potential MtrCDE efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) and their stability in treating gonorrhoea infection.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Physical Exercise in Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Staff at a Tertiary Institution.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a global epidemic, where increasing urbanization encourages sedentary lifestyles. Persistent physical inactivity can lead to T2DM and increase the risk of T2DM in the general population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding exercise amongst T2DM and non-diabetic (ND) staff at a tertiary institution in KwaZulu Natal South Africa.

Cost Analysis Related to Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Cervical Cancer in Antigua and Barbuda: A Prevalence-Based Cost-of-Illness Study.

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue globally. In Antigua and Barbuda, cervical cancer is ranked among the top five most common cancers in terms of incidence and mortality among females. There is no evidence that the costs of diagnosing, treating, and managing this cancer have been studied before in Antigua and Barbuda.