African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
The protective effects of aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds in paracetamol induced nephrotoxicity in male wistar rats.
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of drug induced nephrotoxicity. The study aimed to determine the nephroprotective and ameliorative effects of Carica papaya seed extract in paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. ⋯ Carica papaya contains nephroprotective phytochemicals and may be useful in preventing kidney damage induced by paracetamol.
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
Prevalence of hepatitis B and C and relationship to liver damage in HIV infected patients attending Joint Clinical Research Centre Clinic (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda.
Hepatitis B and C viruses cause death due to liver disease worldwide among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive individuals. Hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV have similar routes of transmission primarily; sexual, intravenous injections and prenatal while hepatitis C (HCV) is transmitted mainly through blood transfusion. Human immunodeficiency virus increases the pathological effect of hepatitis viruses and potentiates re-activation of latent hepatitis infections as a result of reduced immunity. The increase in use of antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs has led to longer period for patient survival and apparent increase in liver disease among HIV positive individuals. ⋯ The prevalence of HBV is high in HIV positive individuals with more women commonly infected. The Prevalence of HCV is lower than that of HBV with more men commonly infected. Co-infection of Hepatitis B and C viruses was uncommon. This study reveals a high prevalence of liver cell injury among HIV positive individuals although the injury due to HBV or HCV infection was lower than that which has been documented. From this study, the high prevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV positive individuals point to a need for screening of HIV positive individuals for the hepatitis viruses.
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
Epidemiology of road traffic crashes among long distance drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Few studies in Ibadan have focused on the distribution and determinants of RTC among long distance drivers. ⋯ Road traffic crashes occurred commonly on bad roads, in the afternoon and during weekends, among young and uneducated long-distance drivers studied. Reconstruction of bad roads and implementation of road safety education programmes aimed at discouraging the use of alcohol and targeting the identified groups at risk are recommended.
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
Musculoskeletal disorders among first-year Ghanaian students in a nursing college.
To estimate the prevalence and extent of MSDs among a sample of freshmen in a nursing college in Ghana. ⋯ Nursing students are at reasonably high risk of MSDs. Strategies to prevent this important public health problem amongst future generation of nursing students must be given utmost priority. This study provides the baseline data for more elaborative studies in the Ghanaian population.
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African health sciences · Jun 2015
A retrospective evaluation of critically ill patients infected with H1N1 influenza A virus in Bursa, Turkey, during the 2009-2010 pandemic.
H1N1 influenza A virus infections were first reported in April 2009 and spread rapidly, resulting in mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with H1N1 infection treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) in Bursa, Turkey. ⋯ When compared to the literature, the demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics were similar in the cases we encountered. The mortality rate was high despite the use of appropriate treatment. We believe that the high mortality is related to higher APACHE II scores. The H1N1 virus should be considered in community acquired pneumonia, especially in younger patients presenting with severe pneumonia.