African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2015
Comparative StudyPolymerase chain reaction to search for Herpes viruses in uveitic and healthy eyes: a South African perspective.
To analyse aqueous polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results in patients diagnosed with undifferentiated uveitis and determine prevalence of herpesviridae in non-uveitic patients undergoing routine cataract extraction. ⋯ We recommend PCR testing for Herpesviridae as a safe second line test for patients with undifferentiated uveitis. We were unable to establish prevalence and suggest that the idea of a commensal herpes virus is unlikely if the blood-ocular barrier is intact.
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African health sciences · Sep 2015
Variations in antimalarial components of Artemisia annua Linn from three regions of Uganda.
Artemisia annua plant from the family Asteracea is a powerful antimalarial plant introduced to Uganda around 2003. In addition to the artemisinin component, the plant also contains flavonoids which work in synergy to artemisinin against malaria parasites. The plant also contains aromatic oils which repel mosquitoes. In this paper we report the variations in antimalarial components of A. annua samples from the regions cultivating it in Uganda. ⋯ Our findings show that the active components in Artemisia annua cultivated and used in the Uganda vary with geographical regions and this calls for standardisation by source.
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African health sciences · Sep 2015
Triple positivity of HBsAg, anti-HCV antibody, and HIV and their influence on CD4+ lymphocyte levels in the highly HIV infected population of Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Few studies exist on hospital-based seroprevalence of triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV in Nigeria. ⋯ The study further confirms that triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV infection is common in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Testing of these triple infections should be a big concern in the best choice and commencement of ART. Also, the study showed that consistent and prolonged use of HAART had a positive impact on the CD4 count of HIV-infected individuals.
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African health sciences · Sep 2015
Comparative StudyComparison of the inhibition capability of oleanolic acid and betulinic acid towards drug-metabolizing enzymes.
Human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are important membrane proteins located in endoplasmic reticulum, and play important roles in metabolism of a variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds. ⋯ Given that UGT1A6 and UGT1A8 play key role in the the inhibition of oleanolic acid towards UGT1A6 and UGT1A8 will induce drug-drug interaction and the risk of diseases.
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African health sciences · Sep 2015
Sonographic evaluation of the spleen among sickle cell disease patients in a teaching hospital in Nigeria.
Regional variations in size and parenchyma echo-texture of the spleen among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have been documented in various publications. The objectives of this study were to assess the size and parenchyma echo-texture of the spleen of SCD patients and ascertain the relationship of age, height and weight with the spleen sizes. ⋯ Routine sonographic assessment of spleen size and echo-texture is useful in the management of SCD patients.