African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
GATA4 molecular screening and assessment of environmental risk factors in a Moroccan cohort with tetralogy of Fallot.
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect (CHD) with an incidence of 1/3600 live births. This disorder was associated with mutations in the transcription factors involved in cardiogenesis, like Nk2 homeobox5 (NKX2-5), GATA binding protein4 (GATA4) and T-BOX1 (TBX1). GATA4 contributes particularly to heart looping and differentiation of the second heart field. ⋯ The present study allowed, for the first time, the molecular and environmental characterisation of Moroccan TOF population. Our findings emphasise particularly the strong association of passive smoking with the emergence of tetralogy of Fallot.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Is Khat chewing habit a risk factor for occlusal caries progression?
People in Yemen and in East African countries chew khat more than five hours daily. ⋯ Khat is a risk factor for occlusion caries progression among low income group.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Resistance status to deltamethrin pyrethroid of Culex pipiens pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) collected from three districts of Tunisia.
The aim of the present study was to determine the susceptibility status of Culex pipiens pipiens populations against deltamehtrin insecticide. ⋯ The results obtained from this study should be considered in the current control programs to combat mosquitoes in Tunisia.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Cytomegalovirus infection among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected individuals on highly active anti-retroviral therapy in North-Central Nigeria.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common among HIV-infected individuals. Its contribution to morbidity and mortality became more apparent following introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) which improved survival among HIV-infected individuals. ⋯ This study has demonstrated high level of latent and active CMV infection among HAART recipients in Ilorin and highlighted the need for incorporation of anti-herpes drugs in the treatment regimen.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Geophagia, nutrition and health of women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Calcium is a major nutrient implicated in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Aside dietary sources, geophagia has been reported to provide calcium needed to prevent PIH. These soils are shown to contain significant amount of heavy metals which have been associated with hypertension. ⋯ In this study, geophagia during pregnancy is not directly associated with PIH but is detrimental to maternal health. The pregnant women in this study had considerably low intakes of energy and nutrients. There is a need for measures to ensure adequate maternal nutrition for a positive health and pregnancy outcomes.