African health sciences
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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
Clinical roles of autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and mTOR in smoking and non-smoking patients with oral leukoplakia.
To study the expressions of autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in smoking and non-smoking patients with oral leukoplakia (OLK). ⋯ Autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and mTOR may be involved in the smoking-induced pathogenesis of OLK.
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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.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Women's experience of unexpected caesarean section birth in Kitui County, Kenya.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 72% of all Caesarean section (CS) births are unplanned compared to 27% of unplanned CS births done in developed countries. Various researches have been conducted on lived experiences following unexpected CS birth but none in Kitui County, Kenya. ⋯ Disruption, dissatisfaction with the birth process, and unmet expectations were negative experiences. Healthcare workers should be sensitive when informing mothers of unplanned CS. More research to look for coping strategies to reduce negative birthing experiences.
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African health sciences · Jun 2023
Alisma Shugan Decoction attenuates hepatic fibrosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis.
Over the years, Alisma Shugan Decoction (ASD), because of its potent anti-inflammation activity, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of many inflammation-associated disorders including those of the heart, blood vessel and brain. ⋯ In conclusion, the present study provides preclinical evidence for the use of ASD as an efficacious therapeutic option in cases of chemical-induced liver damage and/or fibrosis. Further large-cohort validation of these findings is warranted.