Papers by Prof Henry Ademola Adeola
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2024
Keloid disease (KD) is a common connective tissue disorder of unknown aetiopathogenesis with ill-... more Keloid disease (KD) is a common connective tissue disorder of unknown aetiopathogenesis with ill-defined treatment. Keloid scars present as exophytic fibroproliferative reticular lesions post-cutaneous injury, remain benign yet behave locally aggressive and expansive. To date, there is limited understanding, and validation of biomarkers identified through combined proteomic and genomic evaluation of KD. Therefore, the aim here was to identify putative-causative candidates in KD, by performing a comprehensive proteomics analysis of subcellular fractions as well as the whole cell, coupled with transcriptomics data analysis of normal compared with KD fibroblasts. We then applied novel integrative bioinformatics analyses to demonstrate that NF-kappa-Beta-p65 (RELA) from the cytosolic fraction and Calpain-2 (CAPN2) from the whole cell lysate were significantly up-regulated in KD and associated with alterations in relevant key signalling pathways including apoptosis. Our findings were further confirmed by showing upregulation of both RELA and CAPN2 in KD using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, functional evaluation using real-time cell analysis and flow cytometry, demonstrated that both omeprazole and dexamethasone inhibited the growth of KD fibroblasts by enhancing the rate of apoptosis. In conclusion, to our knowledge previously unreported, subcellular fractionation and metaproteogenomic analyses have identified two novel biomarkers of relevance to keloid diagnostics and therapeutics.
PLoS One, 2024
Introduction: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), degenerative aortic stenosis (AS), and congenital va... more Introduction: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), degenerative aortic stenosis (AS), and congenital valve diseases are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Many knowledge gaps remain in understanding disease mechanisms, stratifying phenotypes, and prognostication. Therefore, we aimed to characterise patients through clinical profiling, imaging, histology, and molecular biomarkers to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of RHD and AS.
Methods: In this cross-sectional, case-controlled study, we plan to recruit RHD and AS patients and compare them to matched controls. Living participants will undergo clinical assessment, echocardiography, CMR and blood sampling for circulatory biomarker analyses. Tissue samples will be obtained from patients undergoing valve replacement, while healthy tissues will be obtained from cadavers. Immunohistology, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptome analyses will be used to analyse circulatory- and tissue-specific biomarkers. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses will be used for hypothesis testing and identification of important biomarkers. In summary, this study aims to delineate the pathophysiology of RHD and degenerative AS using multiparametric CMR imaging. In addition to discover novel biomarkers and explore the pathomechanisms associated with RHD and AS through high-throughput profiling of the tissue and blood proteome and metabolome and provide a proof of concept of the suitability of using cadaveric tissues as controls for cardiovascular disease studies.
Cells, 2023
The rising mortality and morbidity rate of head and neck cancer (HNC) in Africa has been attribut... more The rising mortality and morbidity rate of head and neck cancer (HNC) in Africa has been attributed to factors such as the poor state of health infrastructures, genetics, and late presentation resulting in the delayed diagnosis of these tumors. If well harnessed, emerging molecular and omics diagnostic technologies such as liquid biopsy can potentially play a major role in optimizing the management of HNC in Africa. However, to successfully apply liquid biopsy technology in the management of HNC in Africa, factors such as genetic, socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural acceptability of the technology must be given due consideration. This review outlines the role of circulating molecules such as tumor cells, tumor DNA, tumor RNA, proteins, and exosomes, in liquid biopsy technology for the management of HNC with a focus on studies conducted in Africa. The present state and the potential opportunities for the future use of liquid biopsy technology in the effective management of HNC in resource-limited settings such as Africa is further discussed.
Nigerian Dental Journal, 2023
Resource-constrained regions such as sub-Saharan Africa urgently need to leverage innovative appr... more Resource-constrained regions such as sub-Saharan Africa urgently need to leverage innovative approaches to dental care provision and research, using available scarce resources. Even though a lot of clinical dental research has emerged in Africa, from the use of clinical dental samples (or data) and carried out by dental healthcare personnel, the principles of clinical dental research (CDR) and the embellishment of a translational dental research (TDR) pipeline is not widely used and considered. Neither has this principle trickled down to curriculum-integrated mechanisms at many academic dental schools on the continent. Equipping future dental professionals with robust clinical dental research skill need to be implemented in an integrated and systematized manner on the continent. It is therefore important to define the precise parameters of CDR and what it should entail, as well as what the exact purpose of carrying out such research should be. Furthermore, key concepts in TDR, as well as precision and personalized oral health (PPOH) need to be established, in the era of precision and omics-based dentistry. Hence, this paper discusses an integrative implementation framework and models for optimizing the use of TDR for cost effective CDR in resource-limited settings. We also proposed the utilization of a CDR and TDR model that uses a systems-oriented, multiscale integration of CDR, TDR and PPOH within the clinical dental practice settings, dental research environments, as well as incorporation of these concepts into the pedagogical curriculum of undergraduate and postgraduate dental training programs. Using the proposed integrative implementation framework for CDR and TDR in resource-constrained regions, it is envisaged that cost- and labour-effective practices will be instituted. Not least, effective incorporation of PPOH and one health into CDR and TRD will hopefully translate into beneficial global oral public health policies and systems reform in Africa.
Society 5.0 and Next Generation Healthcare- SpringerLink, 2023
Conceptualized in Japan, Society 5.0 sets an ambitious goal of advancing the human endeavor from ... more Conceptualized in Japan, Society 5.0 sets an ambitious goal of advancing the human endeavor from the current information-intensive society to a knowledge-intensive society by creating a human-centered society based on the integration of cyberspace with real-world physical space, exploiting the powers of artificial intelligence technologies for the betterment of all human life at both individual and societal levels. It is a society that uses technological advancement objectively to provide an equitable and fair distribution of the world’s resources, circumventing the current inter-personal and global-regional based disparities and inequalities. Such a society will be incomplete without a human-centered health care system, designed to understand patients holistically and provide suitable comprehensive solutions to a patient’s health needs. Artificial intelligence (AI) in the drug discovery process uses machine learning and deep learning computational models that enhance the understanding of disease heterogeneity, identify dysregulated molecular pathways, and find the right therapeutic target as well as the appropriate drug candidate during the discovery and design process; thereby, improving efficacy and speed of drug discovery. AI can use deep learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data from scientific text and publications relating it to a patient’s clinical data and laboratory characteristics and thereby identify suitable candidates for inclusion in a particular clinical trial. AI can also predict the responses to therapy including drug-drug or drug-food interactions. Another crucial aspect of achieving a human-centered health care system will be the protection and upholding of basic human rights as enshrined in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Drug development has notable impact on some of these rights and now even more so with the incorporation of AI and machine learning. In this chapter, we outline a brief overview of some of the uses of AI in the drug development process. We discuss the possible influence of AI-enhanced drug discovery in a human-centered health care system with special reference to the drug discovery process, the challenges of availability of therapeutics, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and the challenge posed by the energy crisis on big pharma. And finally, we touch on the human rights issues posed by AI in drug discovery.
Society 5.0 and Next Generation Healthcare- SpringerLink, 2023
The society we envision to live in for the future is one where scientific and technological innov... more The society we envision to live in for the future is one where scientific and technological innovations lead to human health innovations that merge cyberspace and physical space. In women’s health, this can be compared with an autonomous driving of these cyber services toward improved women’s health and early identification of diseases where strategies and services are decentralized such that women of all ages, languages, and citizenship lead high-quality lives. Imagine a system where women’s health information is collected and processed, and such results are applied in the real world whether rural or urban. With the current advancement in technology, access to smartphones and other intelligent gadgets, such ideas should be explored in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) for managing cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among women. Women, in this age of advanced healthcare services, should not be dying from preventable cancers such as cancer of the cervix. Besides advancements in primary prevention strategies such as HPV vaccines, the disease is often preceded by pre-malignant lesions which, when identified early, can be removed entirely and their development into invasive cancer arrested. This dismal picture can be improved by merging cyberspace information with day-to-day physical space. Applying Society 5.0 to a subunit of society such as a village or a suburb in a metropolitan city can potentially offer solutions in our setting. This chapter discusses the opportunities for employing technological innovations in Society 5.0 to improve cervical cancer management and women’s health in South Africa, as an example of lower-middle-income countries. For the SDGs targets to be met in the LMICs, there is a need to simultaneously address challenges such as the energy crisis and bureaucratic issues such as those affecting oversight by government departments as they may deter the implementation of some of Society 5.0 programs. Not only is preventing and treating cervical cancer a human right but also a reproductive health right that requires adequate resources distribution, protection of women’s privacy, and maintaining security to their personal information that may be collected during periods of piloting and implementation of research programs that are aimed at finding solutions for cervical cancer programs in LMICs.
Society 5.0 and Next Generation Healthcare- SpringerLink, 2023
The average life expectancy of adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is less than 70... more The average life expectancy of adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is less than 70 years. Noncommunicable diseases which include trauma, cardiometabolic conditions and cancer are the leading causes of death globally. Cancer is one of the two most common causes of deaths in adults between the age of 40 and 60 years. Around 70% of deaths due to cancer occur in LMICs. Cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, gastric, cervix, uterine, ovarian, hepatocellular, skin, thyroid and pancreas are among the more commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. Majority of LMICs are not able to provide quality curative or end of life oncological care of the individuals who have cancer as they commonly present when the cancer is at an advanced stage, shortage of expertise and protracted diagnostic work-up due to limited resources including access to modern imaging and treatment. Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and Vision 2030 include provisioning of quality healthcare across all countries of the world regardless of the income status and include prevention of cancer and the promotion of personalized oncological care to all citizens of the world. The MDG emphasizes the importance of participation by all the countries and every capable individual in the world, and prevention of environmental degradation. Recent technological developments and advances in computing have increased the gap in the quality of oncological care between LMICs and high-income countries (HICs). The ability to communicate and share information widely is also a potential threat to independence and sovereignty of countries and autonomy of individuals. Advances in computing Society 5.0 is human-centric and promotes physical and cyber space integration in its economic development and innovation framework. Society 5.0 intends to promote human centeredness to make life better for all individuals across the world. Over 70% of mortalities due to cancer occur in LMICs. Quality personalized oncological care requires a multidisciplinary team. The chapter presents a theoretical framework of how the implementation of Society 5.0 would improve access to personalized quality oncological services in LMICs. It concludes with suggestions on how potential threats to the environment, sustainable energy supply, human rights including safety, privacy and security, autonomy of countries, communities and individuals and management of e-waste can be ensured.
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2023
High-throughput metabolomics techniques are a useful tool to understand many disease conditions i... more High-throughput metabolomics techniques are a useful tool to understand many disease conditions including cardiovascular disease such as valvular heart disease(s) (VHD). VHD involves damage to heart valves, mostly presenting as stenosis, regurgitation or prolapse and can be classified into degenerative, rheumatic, congenital, or prosthetic valve disease. Gaps remain in our understanding of the pathogenesis of the common VHD. It is now fitting to place into perspective the contribution of metabolomics in the mechanism of development, diagnosis, and prognosis of VHD. A structured search for metabolomics studies centred on human VHD was undertaken. Biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis of bicuspid aortic valve disease, mitral valve disease, rheumatic heart disease, and degenerative aortic valve stenosis are reviewed and discussed. In addition, metabolic biomarkers reported to prognosticate patient outcomes of post-valve repair or replacement are highlighted. Finally, we also review the pitfalls and limitations to consider when designing metabolomics studies, especially from a clinician's viewpoint. In the future, reliable and simple metabolic biomarker(s) may supplement the existing diagnostic tools in the early diagnosis of VHD.
MicroRNA, 2023
Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a non-melanoma skin cancer with several risk factors... more Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a non-melanoma skin cancer with several risk factors including age and sun exposure. The degree of histological differentiation is considered an independent predictor of recurrence, metastasis, and survival. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play an important role in regulating gene expression, culminating in the initiation and progression of multiple tumors. The aim of this study was to determine changes in miRNA expression as a result of the mode of differentiation in SCC. Methodology: We analyzed 29 SCC samples that were separated by mode of differentiation into well (n=4), moderate (n=20) and poor (n=5). Of the 29 samples, five had matched normal tissues, which were used as controls. Total RNA was extracted using the RNeasy FFPE kit, and miRNAs were quantified using Qiagen MiRCURY LNA miRNA PCR Assays. Ten miRNAs (hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-146b-3p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-451a, hsa-miR-196-5p, hsa-miR-221-5p, hsa-miR375, hsa-miR-205-5p, hsa-let-7d-5p and hsa-miR-491-5p) that have been previously differentiated in cancer, were quantified. A fold regulation above 1 indicated upregulation and below 1, downregulation. Results: Hierarchical clustering showed that the miRNA expression profile in the moderately differentiated group was similar to the well-differentiated group. The miRNA with the greatest upregulation in the moderate group was hsa-miR-375, while in the well group, hsa-miR-491-5p showed the greatest downregulation. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study observed that the well and moderate groups had similar microRNA expression patterns compared to the poorly differentiated group. MicroRNA expression profiling may be used to better understand the factors underpinning mode of differentiation in SCC.
Nanomaterials in Dental Medicine- SpringerLink Nature, 2023
Nanotechnology harnesses the phenomenal atomic and molecular behaviour of materials at a nanoscal... more Nanotechnology harnesses the phenomenal atomic and molecular behaviour of materials at a nanoscale size (1–100 nm) to provide solutions to a vast array of scientific applications. Although nanomaterials are commonly classified as carbon-based, organic-based, inorganic-based and composite-based, there are several other classification systems (based on chemical composition, shape, origin, dimensionality and crystallinity). The use of nanobiomaterials finds crucial use in all domains of regenerative tissue engineering, including cellular therapies (mostly stem cells), hybrid biomimetic organic–inorganic materials, as well as artificial/purely inorganic prosthetic devices. Although the field of regenerative nanomedicine has gained significant popularity, regenerative nanodentistry and its potential manifold applications in the era of precision medicine still needs to be promoted, to bring much desired advancement to the field of individualized/precision dentistry. Dental tissues like the rest of human tissues are made up of molecules, and the application of nanotechnology to molecular science will foster remarkable progress in regenerative nano-dental science problem management, leveraging molecular knowledge to improve and maintain “molecular-scale” dental health. Despite the invaluable promise of regenerative nanodentistry, ethicolegal, regulatory, privacy, metaphysical, equity, safety, social security and public acceptance issues, viz-a-viz its use, persists. Hence, this review focuses on discussing the current and potential applications of note in the field of nanobiotechnology in regenerative dental medicine.
Experimental Dermatology, 2022
Introduction: Raised dermal scars including hypertrophic, keloid and scalp-associated fibrosing F... more Introduction: Raised dermal scars including hypertrophic, keloid and scalp-associated fibrosing Folliculitis Keloidalis Nuchae (FKN) are fibrotic disorders that mostly occur following cutaneous injury. They are characterized by increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, primarily excessive collagen type 1 production by hyperproliferative fibroblasts. The intensity of ECM deposition is proportional to the severity of fibrosis as such; with hypertrophic scars being less fibrotic, compared with keloids and FKN. Due to a lack of suitable study models, therapy for raised dermal scars remains ill-defined. Aim: Studies have not fully elucidated the immunological cues in cutaneous fibrosis, hence the desired effect of several immune related therapies including regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines are yet to be elucidated. In this review, we will discuss the importance of immune factors in the pathogenesis of raised dermal scarring. Methods: We provide an up-to-date comprehensive review of the literature, from PubMed, Scopus, and other search engines to describe the immunological factors associated with raised dermal scarring. Results: Importance of immune cells including mast cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and relevant molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, antibodies, transcription factors and other immune-associated molecules as well as immune factors and tissue lymphoid aggregates with raised dermal scarring will be presented. Growing body of evidence points to a shift from proinflammatory Th1 response to regulatory/anti-inflammatory Th2 response is linked to fibrogenesis in raised dermal scarring. Conclusions: A better understanding of immune and associated molecular markers will enable better understanding of their potential as possible therapeutic, diagnostic and theragnostic targets in fibrotic raised dermal scarring.
Health Science Reports, 2022
The clinicopathological and microrna expression signature associated with lymphovascular invasion... more The clinicopathological and microrna expression signature associated with lymphovascular invasion in squamous cell carcinoma: A basic descriptive study
Future oncology (London, England), 2016
Targeted proteomics of potential biomarkers is often challenging. Hence, we developed an intermed... more Targeted proteomics of potential biomarkers is often challenging. Hence, we developed an intermediate workflow to streamline potential urinary biomarkers of prostate cancer (PCa). Using previously discovered potential PCa biomarkers; we selected proteotypic peptides for targeted validation. Preliminary in silico immunohistochemical and single reaction monitoring (SRM) verification was performed. Successful PTPs were then prevalidated using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) and reconfirmed in 15 publicly available databases. Stringency-based targetable potential biomarkers were shortlisted following in silico screening. PRM reveals top 12 potential biomarkers including the top ranking seven in silico verification-based biomarkers. Database reconfirmation showed differential expression between PCa and benign/normal prostatic urine samples. The pragmatic penultimate screening step, described herein, would immensely improve targeted proteomics validation of potential disease biomarkers.
The long-term efficacy of targeted therapeutics for cancer treatment can be significantly limited... more The long-term efficacy of targeted therapeutics for cancer treatment can be significantly limited by the type of therapy and development of drug resistance, inter alia. Experimental studies indicate that the factors enhancing acquisition of drug resistance in cancer cells include cell heterogeneity, drug target alteration, drug inactivation, DNA damage repair, drug efflux, cell death inhibition, as well as microenvironmental adaptations to targeted therapy, among others. Combination cancer therapies (CCTs) are employed to overcome these molecular and pathophysiological bottlenecks and improve the overall survival of cancer patients. CCTs often utilize multiple combinatorial modes of action and thus potentially constitute a promising approach to overcome drug resistance. Considering the colossal cost, human effort, time and ethical issues involved in clinical drug trials and basic medical research, mathematical modeling and analysis can potentially contribute immensely to the discove...
The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal, 2011
Oral manifestations in Human Immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome (H... more Oral manifestations in Human Immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) are associated with adverse effects on quality of life such as pain, difficulty in eating, bad breath, altered taste and sometimes altered appearance. There is also a predisposition to poor nutrition which confers an additional burden on the body's immune defences and the ability to fight off infections. Knowledge of the oral lesions will enable People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA) to seek dental treatment on time. To assess the general knowledge of HIV/AIDS, its oral manifestations and willingness to know more about its oral lesions among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Lagos, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to two hundred and thirty-five patients (235) who were randomly selected from attendees at an NGO clinic supporting PLWHA in Lagos. Majority of the participants exhibited poor knowledge of the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS although many of th...
Cancers, 2022
An important driving force for precision and individualized medicine is the provision of tailor-m... more An important driving force for precision and individualized medicine is the provision of tailor-made care for patients on an individual basis, in accordance with best evidence practice. Liquid biopsy(LB) has emerged as a critical tool for the early diagnosis of cancer and for treatment monitoring, but its clinical utility for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) requires more research and validation. Hence, in this review, we have discussed the current applications of LB and the practicality of its routine use in Africa; the potential advantages of LB over the conventional “gold-standard” of tissue biopsy; and finally, practical considerations were discussed in three parts: pre-analytic, analytic processing, and the statistical quality and postprocessing phases. Although it is imperative to establish clinically validated and standardized working guidelines for various aspects of LB sample collection, processing, and analysis for optimal and reliable use, manpower and technological infrastructures may also be an important factor to consider for the routine clinical application of LB for OSCC. LB is poised as a non-invasive precision tool for personalized oral cancer medicine, particularly for OSCC in Africa, when fully embraced. The promising application of different LB approaches using various downstream analyses such as released circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell free DNA (cfDNA), microRNA (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), and salivary exosomes were discussed. A better understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of OSCC, using LB applications, would significantly reduce the cost, provide an opportunity for prompt detection and early treatment, and a method to adequately monitor the effectiveness of the therapy for OSCC, which typically presents with ominous prognosis.
Keywords: Africa; cfDNA; circulating tumour cells; exosomes; liquid biopsy; oral squamous cell carcinoma
AAS Open Research, 2022
Background: Information on health education institutions is required for planning, implementing a... more Background: Information on health education institutions is required for planning, implementing and monitoring human resources for health strategies. Details on the number, type and distribution of medical and health science programs offered by African higher education institutions remains scattered.
Methods: We merged and updated datasets of health professional and post-graduate programs to develop a mapping of health education institutions covering the World Health Organization African Region as of 2021.
Results: Nine hundred and nine (909) institutions were identified in the 47 countries. Together they offered 1,157 health professional programs (235 medicine, 718 nursing, 77 public health and 146 pharmacy) and 1,674 post-graduate programs (42 certificates, 1,152 Master’s and 480 PhDs). Regionally, East Africa had the most countries with multiple academic health science centres - institutions offering medical degrees and at least one other health professional program. Among countries, South Africa had the most institutions and post-graduate programs with 182 and 596, respectfully. A further five countries had between 53-105 institutions, 12 countries had between 10 and 37 institutions, and 28 countries had between one and eight institutions. One country had no institution. Countries with the largest populations and gross domestic products had significantly more health education institutions and produced more scientific research (ANOVA testing).
Discussion: We envision an online database being made available in a visually attractive, user-friendly, open access format that nationally, registered institutions can add to and update. This would serve the needs of trainees, administrators, planners and researchers alike and support the World Health Organization’s Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030.
Experimental Dermatology, 2021
According to the American Hair Research Society’s (AHRS) working classification system, primary c... more According to the American Hair Research Society’s (AHRS) working classification system, primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) can be classified into 4 groups, based (histologically) on the predominant inflammatory infiltrate observed [1]. The cause and pathogenesis of most PCAs is still unclear; and even without histopathological examination, clinicians can diagnose these lesions by scalp distribution examination. For instance, within the lymphocytic group, frontal
fibrosing alopecia (FFA) causes a band-link recession of the hairline; while central centrifugal alopecia (CCCA - which predominantly affects African females) and lichen plano-pilaris (LPP) tend to start at the centre of the scalp. Thus, histopathological examination of PCA scalp biopsy, does not usually add much to the diagnosis or improved patient care. Hence, there is a pressing need for more reliable approaches for diagnostic precision in PCA, using modern molecular tools.
Port Harcourt Medical Journal, 2007
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Papers by Prof Henry Ademola Adeola
Methods: In this cross-sectional, case-controlled study, we plan to recruit RHD and AS patients and compare them to matched controls. Living participants will undergo clinical assessment, echocardiography, CMR and blood sampling for circulatory biomarker analyses. Tissue samples will be obtained from patients undergoing valve replacement, while healthy tissues will be obtained from cadavers. Immunohistology, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptome analyses will be used to analyse circulatory- and tissue-specific biomarkers. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses will be used for hypothesis testing and identification of important biomarkers. In summary, this study aims to delineate the pathophysiology of RHD and degenerative AS using multiparametric CMR imaging. In addition to discover novel biomarkers and explore the pathomechanisms associated with RHD and AS through high-throughput profiling of the tissue and blood proteome and metabolome and provide a proof of concept of the suitability of using cadaveric tissues as controls for cardiovascular disease studies.
Keywords: Africa; cfDNA; circulating tumour cells; exosomes; liquid biopsy; oral squamous cell carcinoma
Methods: We merged and updated datasets of health professional and post-graduate programs to develop a mapping of health education institutions covering the World Health Organization African Region as of 2021.
Results: Nine hundred and nine (909) institutions were identified in the 47 countries. Together they offered 1,157 health professional programs (235 medicine, 718 nursing, 77 public health and 146 pharmacy) and 1,674 post-graduate programs (42 certificates, 1,152 Master’s and 480 PhDs). Regionally, East Africa had the most countries with multiple academic health science centres - institutions offering medical degrees and at least one other health professional program. Among countries, South Africa had the most institutions and post-graduate programs with 182 and 596, respectfully. A further five countries had between 53-105 institutions, 12 countries had between 10 and 37 institutions, and 28 countries had between one and eight institutions. One country had no institution. Countries with the largest populations and gross domestic products had significantly more health education institutions and produced more scientific research (ANOVA testing).
Discussion: We envision an online database being made available in a visually attractive, user-friendly, open access format that nationally, registered institutions can add to and update. This would serve the needs of trainees, administrators, planners and researchers alike and support the World Health Organization’s Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030.
fibrosing alopecia (FFA) causes a band-link recession of the hairline; while central centrifugal alopecia (CCCA - which predominantly affects African females) and lichen plano-pilaris (LPP) tend to start at the centre of the scalp. Thus, histopathological examination of PCA scalp biopsy, does not usually add much to the diagnosis or improved patient care. Hence, there is a pressing need for more reliable approaches for diagnostic precision in PCA, using modern molecular tools.
Methods: In this cross-sectional, case-controlled study, we plan to recruit RHD and AS patients and compare them to matched controls. Living participants will undergo clinical assessment, echocardiography, CMR and blood sampling for circulatory biomarker analyses. Tissue samples will be obtained from patients undergoing valve replacement, while healthy tissues will be obtained from cadavers. Immunohistology, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptome analyses will be used to analyse circulatory- and tissue-specific biomarkers. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses will be used for hypothesis testing and identification of important biomarkers. In summary, this study aims to delineate the pathophysiology of RHD and degenerative AS using multiparametric CMR imaging. In addition to discover novel biomarkers and explore the pathomechanisms associated with RHD and AS through high-throughput profiling of the tissue and blood proteome and metabolome and provide a proof of concept of the suitability of using cadaveric tissues as controls for cardiovascular disease studies.
Keywords: Africa; cfDNA; circulating tumour cells; exosomes; liquid biopsy; oral squamous cell carcinoma
Methods: We merged and updated datasets of health professional and post-graduate programs to develop a mapping of health education institutions covering the World Health Organization African Region as of 2021.
Results: Nine hundred and nine (909) institutions were identified in the 47 countries. Together they offered 1,157 health professional programs (235 medicine, 718 nursing, 77 public health and 146 pharmacy) and 1,674 post-graduate programs (42 certificates, 1,152 Master’s and 480 PhDs). Regionally, East Africa had the most countries with multiple academic health science centres - institutions offering medical degrees and at least one other health professional program. Among countries, South Africa had the most institutions and post-graduate programs with 182 and 596, respectfully. A further five countries had between 53-105 institutions, 12 countries had between 10 and 37 institutions, and 28 countries had between one and eight institutions. One country had no institution. Countries with the largest populations and gross domestic products had significantly more health education institutions and produced more scientific research (ANOVA testing).
Discussion: We envision an online database being made available in a visually attractive, user-friendly, open access format that nationally, registered institutions can add to and update. This would serve the needs of trainees, administrators, planners and researchers alike and support the World Health Organization’s Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030.
fibrosing alopecia (FFA) causes a band-link recession of the hairline; while central centrifugal alopecia (CCCA - which predominantly affects African females) and lichen plano-pilaris (LPP) tend to start at the centre of the scalp. Thus, histopathological examination of PCA scalp biopsy, does not usually add much to the diagnosis or improved patient care. Hence, there is a pressing need for more reliable approaches for diagnostic precision in PCA, using modern molecular tools.