University of Zimbabwe

About: University of Zimbabwe is a education organization based out in Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The organization has 4378 authors who have published 6800 publications receiving 160720 citations. The organization is also known as: UZ & University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

Caudal analgesia in children

Abstract: Summary The author's first 500 caudal anaesthetics in children up to the age of 10 years are reviewed. Emphasis is laid upon sedation, both by premedication and by the anaesthetic technique. Nearly all the children were anaesthetised briefly for the sacral injection. Despite high levels of blockade, cardiovascular stability was well maintained, particularly in the younger children. There was a good correlation between volume of injection per unit of body weight and level of blockade. Dosage can be calculated on this basis for operations on the perineum, lower limb and groin with 97 to 98% confidence. The volume of solution appeared to be more important than its concentration in determining extent of blockade.

Type-specific cervico-vaginal human papillomavirus infection increases risk of HIV acquisition independent of other sexually transmitted infections.

Abstract: Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 are associated with an increased risk of HIV infection. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common STI, but little is know about its role in HIV transmission. The objective of this study was to determine whether cervico-vaginal HPV infection increases the risk of HIV acquisition in women independent of other common STIs.

Health effects of household solid fuel use: Findings from 11 countries within the prospective urban and rural epidemiology study

Abstract: Background: Household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel use for cooking affects 2.5 billion individuals globally and may contribute substantially to disease burden. However, few prospective studi...

Cervical inflammation and immunity associated with hormonal contraception, pregnancy, and HIV-1 seroconversion.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Hormonal contraception (HC) younger age and pregnancy have been associated with increased HIV risk in some studies. We sought to elucidate the biological mechanisms for these associations. DESIGN: Case-control selection of specimens from a large prospective clinical study. METHODS: We enrolled and followed 4531 HIV-negative women from Uganda and Zimbabwe using either the injectable depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) combined oral contraception or no HC (NH). Innate immunity mediators were measured in cervical samples collected from women at their visit before HIV seroconversion (n = 199) and matched visits from women remaining HIV uninfected (n = 633). Generalized linear models were applied after Box-Cox power transformation. RESULTS: Higher RANTES and lower secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) levels were associated with HIV seroconversion. DMPA users had higher RANTES and lower BD-2 levels. Most inflammation-promoting and/or inflammation-inducible mediators were higher [interleukin (IL)-1beta IL-6 IL-8 MIP-3alpha vascular endothelial growth factor and SLPI] and the protective BD-2 and IL-1RA:IL-1beta ratio were lower among combined oral contraception users. Pregnant women showed a similar cervical immunity status (higher IL-1beta IL-6 IL-8 vascular endothelial growth factor SLPI and IL-1RA; lower IL-1RA:IL-1beta). Age <25 years was associated with lower SLPI IL-8 MIP-3alpha but higher IL-1RA:IL-1beta. Zimbabwean women (with higher HIV seroconversion rates) had overall higher pro-inflammatory and lower anti-inflammatory protein levels than Ugandan women. CONCLUSIONS: HC use pregnancy and young age alter cervical immunity in different ways known to increase risk of HIV for example through increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines or decreased levels of SLPI. Higher levels of RANTES may be one factor underlying a possible association between DMPA use and risk of HIV acquisition.