Makerere University

About: Makerere University is a education organization based out in Kampala, Uganda. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 7220 authors who have published 12405 publications receiving 366520 citations. The organization is also known as: Makerere University Kampala & MUK.

Interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Induced Transforming Growth Factor β1 and Interleukin-10

Abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is associated with the activation of cytokine circuits both at sites of active tuberculosis in vivo and in cultures of mononuclear cells stimulated by M. tuberculosis or its components in vitro. Interactive stimulatory and/or inhibitory pathways are established between cytokines, which may result in potentiation or attenuation of the effects of each molecule on T-cell responses. Here we examined the interaction of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in purified protein derivative (PPD)-stimulated human mononuclear cell cultures in vitro. TGF-β1 induced monocyte IL-10 (but not tumor necrosis factor alpha) production (by 70-fold, P < 0.02) and mRNA expression in the absence but not in the presence of PPD. Both exogenous recombinant (r) IL-10 and rTGF-β1 independently suppressed the production of PPD-induced gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in mononuclear cells from PPD skin test-positive individuals. Synergistic suppression of IFN-γ in cultures containing both rTGF-β1 and rIL-10 was only seen when the responder cell population were peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and not monocyte-depleted mononuclear cells and when PBMC were pretreated with rTGF-β1 but not with rIL-10. Suppression of PPD-induced IFN-γ in PBMC containing both rTGF-β1 (1 ng/ml) and rIL-10 (100 pg/ml) was 1.5-fold higher (P < 0.05) than cultures containing TGF-β1 alone and 5.7-fold higher (P < 0.004) than cultures containing IL-10 alone. Also, neutralization of endogenous TGF-β1 and IL-10 together enhanced PPD-induced IFN-γ in PBMC in a synergistic manner. Thus, TGF-β1 and IL-10 together potentiate the downmodulatory effect on M. tuberculosis-induced T-cell production of IFN-γ, and TGF-β1 alone enhances IL-10 production. At sites of active M. tuberculosis infection, these interactions may be conducive to the suppression of mononuclear cell functions.

Predatory behavior of crowned hawk-eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) in Kibale National Park, Uganda

Abstract: Evaluating the nature and significance of preda- tion on populations of wild primates has been difficult given a paucity of data regarding the phenomenon. Here we addressed this problem in a 37-month study of the pre- datory behavior of crowned hawk-eagles living at the Ngogo study site in Kibale National Park, Uganda. We collected prey remains underneath the nests of two pairs of eagles and census data on potential prey species to in- vestigate prey selection and the ecological impact of predation on the Ngogo primate population. Results indi- cate that primates form the vast majority of all prey items. Eagles prey selectively on monkeys according to sex and species. Male primates were taken more often than fe- males, while two species, redtail monkeys and manga- beys, were captured significantly more and less, respec- tively, than chance expectation. In addition, there was no bias in the age of prey: adult and non-adults were killed in numbers roughly equal to their proportional representa- tions in the forest. Further analyses indicate that a non- trivial fraction of the entire primate population at Ngogo succumbs to crowned hawk-eagle predation each year. These results reveal both parallels and contrasts with those reported previously. Some of the parallels are due to simi- larities in prey availability, while contrasts are likely relat- ed to methodological differences between studies, inter- individual variations in predator hunting styles, and differ- ences in prey abundance, demography, and behavior.

Determinants of maternal health services utilization in Uganda

Abstract: Background: Uganda’s poor maternal health indicators have resulted from weak maternal health services delivery, including access to quality family planning, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, and postnatal care for mothers and newborns. This paper investigated the predictors of maternal health services (MHS) utilization characterized as: desirable, moderate and undesirable. Methods: We used a sample of 1728 women of reproductive ages (15–49), who delivered a child a year prior to the 2011 UDHS survey. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the relative contribution of the various predictors of ideal maternal health services package utilization. Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization guided the selection of covariates in the regression model. Results: Women with secondary and higher education were more likely to utilize the desirable maternal health care package (RRR = 4.5; 95 % CI = 1.5-14.0), compared to those who had none (reference = undesirable MHS package). Women who lived in regions outside Kampala, Uganda’s capital, were less likely to utilize the desirable package of maternal health services (Eastern – RRR= 0.2, CI=0.1-0.5; Western – RRR=0.3, CI=0.1-0.8; Central – RRR= 0.3, CI=0.1-0.8; Northern – RRR=0.4, CI=0.2-1.0). Women from the richest households were more likely to utilize the desirable maternal health services package (RRR =1.9; 95 % CI=1.0-3.7). Residence in rural areas, being Moslem and being married reduced a woman’s chances of utilizing moderate maternal health care services. Conclusions: Utilization of maternal health services varied greatly by demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Women with a secondary and higher education, and those of higher income levels, were more likely to utilize the ideal maternal health services package. Therefore, there is need to formulate policies and design maternal health services programs that target the socially marginalized women.

Grand challenges: Improving HIV treatment outcomes by integrating interventions for co-morbid mental illness.

Abstract: Mental neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders occur frequently in patients with HIV and are associated with negative outcomes including reduced adherence to antiretroviral medications and diminished quality of life. Clinical depression alcohol abuse and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders are highly prevalent in people living with HIV and have negative consequences for HIV treatment outcomes. Effective interventions exist for recognition and treatment of these co-morbid mental disorders and can be implemented successfully by trained non-specialized providers. “Task-sharing” requires supportive supervision monitoring and feedback to inform quality improvement in comprehensive HIV/AIDS services providing mental health care. Multidisciplinary collaboration coordination and communication on common concerns are imperative for HIV services that integrate mental health care. Integration of mental health interventions into HIV prevention and treatment platforms can reduce opportunity costs of care and improve treatment outcomes. This paper is the fourth in a series of five articles providing a global perspective on integrating mental health.

Domestic violence as risk factor for unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion in Mulago Hospital Kampala Uganda.

Abstract: The objective was to compare pregnancy intention and domestic violence among women with induced and spontaneous abortion. Case-control study in Mulago Hospital Uganda from September 2003 to June 2004 of 942 women seeking post-abortion care. Direct inquiry records review and clinical examination identified 333 with induced abortion (cases) and 609 with spontaneous abortion (controls) who were compared regarding socio-demographic characteristics contraceptive use domicile (rural or urban nuclear or extended families) pregnancy intention household decision-making and domestic violence. Data was analysed with EPI-INFO and STATA using Student t-test and analysis of variance for continuous and chi-square for categorical variables. Stratified and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounding and interaction at the 95% confidence level. Cases significantly differed from controls as they were younger or more often single; had lower parity and education less household decision-making and fewer living children. They were similar to controls (P > 0.05) regarding employment spouses age years spent in marital relationship and domicile. Cases more frequently (P < 0.001) had mistimed unplanned or unwanted pregnancy at conception and presentation. Cases were more likely to have a recent history of domestic violence (physical sexual or psychological) [OR: 18.7 (95%CI: 11.2-31.0)] after adjusting for age pregnancy intention and marital status. Domestic violence is a risk factor for unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion among women seeking post-abortion care. (authors)