African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Pesticide knowledge, practice and attitude and how it affects the health of small-scale farmers in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.
Over the past years there has been an increase in the use of pesticides in developing countries. This study describes pesticide use among small-scale farmers in Uganda and analyses predictors of pesticide poisoning (intoxication) symptoms. ⋯ Unlike the practice in several other developing countries, small-scale farmers in Uganda do not use the most hazardous pesticides (WHO class 1a and 1b). However use of WHO class II pesticides and those of lower toxicity is seen in combination with inadequate knowledge and practice among the farmers. This poses a danger of acute intoxications, chronic health problems and environmental pollution. Training of farmers in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods, use of proper hygiene and personal protective equipment when handling pesticides should be promoted.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Decreased levels of circulating sex hormones as a biomarker of lung cancer in male patients with solitary pulmonary nodules.
An early differentiation of malignant from benign solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is essential for management and prognosis of lung cancer. ⋯ The reduced sex hormones levels seemed to be uniquely associated with lung cancer. Therefore, measurement of sex hormones may have clinical potential in the diagnosis of malignancy in patients with SPNs.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Comparative StudyRural-urban disparities in maternal immunization knowledge and childhood health-seeking behavior in Nigeria: a mixed method study.
Immunization and appropriate health-seeking behavior are effective strategies to reduce child deaths. ⋯ Knowledge of VPDs was poor and multiple treatment sources were common among rural and urban women. Education is vital to improve immunization knowledge and health-seeking behavior in both areas.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Current practice about the evaluation of antibody to streptolysin O (ASO) levels by physicians working in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The diagnosis of post streptococcal diseases is usually confirmed by immunological tests. Only the antistreptolysin O is usually prescribed by physician. This study aimed to describe the current practice of these requests in Antananarivo. ⋯ Our study found that in most of requests, ASO titre levels were not significant.
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African health sciences · Jun 2014
Evaluation of antibacterial, antifungal and modulatory activity of methanol and ethanol extracts of Padina sanctae-crucis.
Multi-resistantmicroorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida tropicalis e Candida krusei are the main causes of microbial infections. Padina sanctae-crucis is a seaweed often used to check the contamination of ecosystems by materials such as heavy metals, but studies of the antimicrobial activity of the same seaweed were not found. ⋯ The results showed a moderate modulatory effect against some microorganisms studied.