African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Genotypic characterization of extended spectrum beta-lactamase in gram negative bacterial contaminants of some door handles in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun state.
Nosocomial infections due to cross-transmission by microorganisms from inanimate surfaces have become a recognized public health problem. ⋯ This study revealed that door handles of different sections in hospital environment were contaminated by multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria encoding ESBL genes.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Aflatoxin exposure in a population of HIV patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma North-Central, Nigeria.
Aflatoxin B1causes damage to the DNA by the alkylation of bases and P53 mutation. Exposure to this mycotoxin is associated with the development of liver cancer. Measures to reduce grain and cereal contamination have been a focus however, the effects of these measures are still lagging behind and exposure continues to occur even in populations at risk of developing liver cancer. ⋯ There is high prevalence of aflatoxin B1 exposure in this population. Concerted efforts must be put in place to mitigate exposure because of the potential effects of short- and long-term exposure to aflatoxin.
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There is little research on length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients post stroke in South African rehabilitation facilities. As LOS is an important indicator of cost-of-care, this information may be useful to all stakeholders. ⋯ Admission FIM score had an influence on patient outcomes and LOS. Patients with higher admission FIM motor scores may be able to participate in rehabilitation better and thus have shorter LOS. Being able to predict LOS on admission allows facility administrators to manage bed occupancy, human and clinical resources in post stroke rehabilitation.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Antiviral use among hepatitis B infected patients in a low resource setting in Africa: a case study of West Nile, Uganda.
Failure to access antiviral medications is a leading cause of hepatitis B (HBV)-associated morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite guideline availability, SSA is not on course to meet its elimination targets. We characterized factors associated with antiviral medication use and challenges to offering chronic care in a large Ugandan institution. ⋯ In multivariate analysis, age ≥35 years [OR (95% CI) = 1.52 (1.01-2.28), p=0.043], APRI ≥2 [OR (95% CI) =1.79 (1.482.16), p<0.001], hepatitis B viral load >2,000IU/mL [OR (95% CI) = 6.22 (5.08-7.62), p<0.001] were associated with antiviral medications use. Over half of participants in care had not been fully evaluated although on treatment and many eligible patients did not access medications. There is need to bridge these gaps for SSA to realise its HBV elimination goals.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Diagnostic and prognostic value of c-MYC gene expression in hematological malignancies.
c-MYC plays vital role in regulation of cell proliferation and has been associated with tumorigenesis. This study is aimed at assessing diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma c-MYC expression to aid in early diagnosis and prognosis of hematological malignancies. ⋯ Plasma c-MYC ratio showed promising screening/diagnostic value for hematological malignancies.