The Pan African medical journal
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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the development of a highly contagious disease called coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Ten months after the onset of the pandemic, America and Europe remain the most affected regions. ⋯ In this review, we discuss possible explanations and reasons for this unexpected low burden of COVID-19 in Africa. We focus on the characteristics of the virus, specificities of the sub-Saharan African population and local environment.
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The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamics of its spread is unprecedented. Therefore, the need for a vaccine against the virus is huge. Researchers worldwide are working around the clock to find a vaccine. ⋯ The race is on to find both medicines and vaccines for the COVID-19 pandemic. As with drugs, vaccine candidates go through pre-clinical testing first before they go through the three phases of clinical trials in humans. Of the over 130 vaccine candidates, 17 are in clinical trials while others are expected to move to clinical testing after the animal studies.
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The potential threat of COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of care for cancer patients is thought to be significant. Oncologists are weighing up the balance of risks and benefits carefully when planning daily cancer care and making treatment decisions in the face of rapid change during this public health crisis. This report describes management strategies and care models that have been adopted by a single Medical Oncology department in a North Africa, Morocco.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
The efficacy of Mohs micrographic surgery over the traditional wide local excision surgery in the cure of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
Usually most patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) may present rather late when the tumor is in protuberant phase due to its rarity and indolent onset. It has a high propensity for local recurrence and destructive nature. Management of DFSP requires a biopsychosocial and Multidisplinary approach regardless of the clinical or immunohistochemical variant. ⋯ The expected increased recurrence rate by zones was in WLE head and neck zone at 38.19% then trunk and extremities zone at 13.34%. In the MMS group it was at of 23.4% as compared to 16.0% in the head and neck zone. Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is more efficacious in the cure rate and recurrence reduction of DFSP and should be advocated for as first line therapy especially in high recurrence prone zones.
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Review Case Reports
Traumatic anterior hip dislocation with associated bilateral femoral fractures in a child: a case report and review of the literature.
Traumatic anterior hip dislocation is rare, because the hip joint is a highly stable joint. It is extremely rare for the anterior hip dislocation with combined bilateral femoral fracture in children. We present a case of 7-year-old boy with traumatic anterior hip dislocation with associated bilateral femoral fractures. ⋯ Radiographs at 3 months, at 6 months showed the fractures healed well and hardware were removed respectively. However, irregularities of the femoral head meaned avascular necrosis of the femoral head. This case stresses the importance of a rapid evaluation and treatment for the dislocation of the hip, providing a stable reduction and a firm internal fixation of the associated fractures.