African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples in a hospital-based study.
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a deadly infectious disease. India contributes to one-third of the global TB burden. However, no studies have been carried out in the Telangana (Hyderabad) population using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Therefore, the current study evaluated the role of RT-PCR as a rapid and non-invasive test to diagnose TB by testing for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). ⋯ The results showed that RT-PCR should be implemented and given top priority in TB diagnosis to save time and facilitate a definitive diagnosis. Tissue samples are highly recommended to screen the Mtb through the technique RTPCR. Future studies should extend the technique to the global population and exome sequencing analysis should be performed to identify TB risk markers.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Trace metal toxicity in some food items in three major markets in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria and associated health implications.
Many of the markets in Nigeria are open, where foodstuffs are laid bare on flat trays and open baskets, directly exposing them to environmental contaminants. This study aimed at determining whether some food items on sale around an industrialized area of Ogun State are contaminated with trace metals. ⋯ Some of the food items consumed in this area are not entirely safe from metal toxicity and this may have serious health consequences.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Meta AnalysisA systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and predictors of anemia among children in Ethiopia.
Anemia is a wide-spread public health problem characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin concentration and/ or red blood cell volume below an established cut-off value. In developing countries including Ethiopia, about half of children are estimated to be anemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of anemia and its predictor factors among children in Ethiopia. ⋯ In this study, one in three children were anemic in Ethiopia. It is a moderate public health problem in children in this study. Low literacy, low socioeconomic status as well as rural residence of the families and helminthic infection of the children were found to be predictors of anemia in the children. Community and school-based interventions should be strengthened to improve the problem.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Meta AnalysisAssociation of ERCC gene polymorphism with osteosarcoma risk.
The relationship between ERCC gene polymorphism and osteosarcoma risk / overall survival of osteosarcoma is still conflicting, and this meta-analysis was performed to assess these associations. ⋯ ERCC2 rs13181 A allele and GG genotype were associated with overall survival of osteosarcoma.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Bilateral paediatric cataract surgery - outcomes of 298 children from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The leading cause of childhood blindness globally is paediatric cataract. Bilateral cataract surgery can help to improve visual performance and to diminish the burden of childhood blindness. ⋯ In spite of the post conflict challenges, elimination of cataract blindness in children remains a priority. Children present at a late age for surgery and long term follow-up is poor. There is need for program strengthening in these areas.