African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2021
Assessment of hepatitis B surface antigen negative blood units for HBV DNA among replacement blood donors in a hospital based blood bank in Nigeria.
Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the greatest threats to blood safety all over the world. The laboratory algorithm based on only the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) leaves a gap for infected HBsAg negative donors to donate blood during the "window period" (WP) and late stages of infection. ⋯ There is still a risk of HBV infected blood unit escaping detection when donor testing is limited to HBsAg screening. The use of NAT which can substantially reduce HBV infected blood donors from the donor pool should be considered.
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African health sciences · Sep 2021
Comparison of survival models and assessment of risk factors for survival of cardiovascular patients at Addis Ababa Cardiac Center, Ethiopia: a retrospective study.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is disorders of heart and blood vessels. It is a major health problem across the world, and 82% of CVD deaths is contributed by countries with low and middle income. The aim of this study was to choose appropriate model for the survival of cardiovascular patients data and identify the factors that affect the survival of cardiovascular patients at Addis Ababa Cardiac Center. ⋯ The governmental and non-governmental stakeholders should pay attention to give training on the risk factors identified on the current study to optimize individual's knowledge and awareness so that death due to CVDs can be minimized.
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African health sciences · Sep 2021
Increased ambulatory arterial stiffness index and blood pressure load in normotensive obese patients.
It has been shown that blood pressure (BP) values measured in obese subjects are higher than the individuals with normal weight, even in normotensive limits. However, data concerning the Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI) and blood pressure load in normotensive obese subjects is lacking. This study was aimed to compare the ambulatory arterial stiffness index and blood pressure load in normotensive obese and healthy controls. ⋯ Blood pressure load and ambulatory arterial stiffness index are increased in normotensive obese patients. Moreover, body mass index is an independent predictor for an abnormal ambulatory arterial stiffness index. Our results indicate that obese subjects are at higher risk for future cardiovascular events despite normal office BP levels.
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Low-cost care strategies can be implemented to avert the morbidity and mortality associated with hypothermia in preterm neonates. ⋯ Massage therapy increases body temperature in preterm neonates.
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African health sciences · Sep 2021
Detection of hepatitis C virus among HIV patients in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) a major human pathogen infecting millions of individuals worldwide, thereby increasing the risks for chronic liver diseases and has been discovered that HIV/HCV co-infected patients have a greater risk. ⋯ From this study HIV/HCV co-infection occurs among HIV infected people in Port Harcourt. The CD4+ count was discovered to be low and was not age, nor gender dependent. HIV infected people should therefore be routinely screened for HCV.