African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2015
No relation between EFHC2 gene polymorphism and Idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) is an epilepsy form without an underlying brain lesion or neurological indication or symptom. Recent investigations on the genetic origins of IGE and its subtypes report that certain mutations of various ion and non-ion channels genes in the central nervous system may be associated with IGE. ⋯ In our series of 96 IGE patients and 96 healthy controls, there was no relation between S430Y polymorphism in EFHC2 gene and IGE presence.
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African health sciences · Dec 2015
Effect of low-intensity continuous training on lung function and cardiorespiratory fitness in both cigarette and hookah smokers.
The decline in cardiorespiratory fitness and lung function was higher in smokers. Training method could mitigate some of the negative consequences of smoking among smokers unable or unwilling to quit. ⋯ The low-intensity continuous training improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces lung function decline in both cigarette and hookah smokers. It seems to be beneficial in the prevention programs of hypertension. It could have important implications in prevention and treatment programs in smokers unable or unwilling to quit.
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African health sciences · Dec 2015
Burden and pattern of micro vascular complications in type 2 diabetes in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) afflicts at least 5 million people in Nigeria, with more than 80% having type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Microvascular complications increase both morbidity and mortality inpatients with T2DM. The aims of this study were to report the burden of various microvascular complications in T2DM and to identify various factors associated with these complications in patients with T2DM attending the diabetes outpatients' clinic. ⋯ There is a high burden of microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Age, male gender, hypertension, glycaemic control, BMI and duration of diabetes, and glycaemic control were factors associated with microvasular complications.
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African health sciences · Dec 2015
"The fairer the better?" Use of potentially toxic skin bleaching products.
Skin bleaching is a widespread phenomenon in spite of their potentially toxic health effects. ⋯ There is need for further research especially among pregnant women and possible effects on newborns. Products should be tested for toxicity. Public health information should be developed and health care providers educated and aware of this practice, due to their potential negative health implications.
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African health sciences · Sep 2015
Implementation of POCT in the diabetic clinic in a large hospital.
Point-of-care testing (POCT) is gaining renewed interest, especially in resource-limiting primary health care, due to rise in prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases hence POCT needscontinuous appraisal. ⋯ Venous or capillary blood can be used in POCT for HbA1c. POCT is ideal for monitoring glucose control and management of diabetes in resource-limited countries such as South Africa.