African health sciences
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The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is increasing worldwide as well as the associated risk factors, some of which include exposure to aflatoxin B1, Hepatitis B (HBV) virus and hepatitis C (HCV) virus. Mutation of tumour suppressor gene p53 at codon 249(ser) at exon 7 has been found to contribute significantly to replication of damaged DNA and subsequent tumour progression. The x gene of HBV (HBx) is the most common open reading frame integrated into the host genome in hepatocellular carcinoma and the integrated HBx is frequently mutated in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mutant HBx proteins still retain their ability to bind to p53 thereby attenuating DNA repair and p53-mediated apoptosis.
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African health sciences · Mar 2010
Integrating cervical cancer and genital tract infection screening into mother, child health and family planning clinics in Eldoret, Kenya.
Visual inspection, with acetic acid (VIA) and with Lugol's iodine (VILI), has been demonstrated to have test characteristics comparable to those of Pap smear but are more affordable and easier implement. It also presents an opportunity for management of female genital tract infection. ⋯ Integration of cervical cancer screening and genital tract infection identification and treatment into the existing MCH-FP appears feasible.
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Tumors of the testis and paratesticular tissues are rare, especially in men of African descent. In recent reviews however, the incidence is rising among the Caucasians and black Americans. We set out to determine the incidence in South-Western Nigeria and to examine the histopathologic variants. ⋯ There still remains a low incidence of testis cancer in the South Western Nigeria. The reduction in the incidence of seminomas makes rhabdomyosarcomas the most predominant tumor in South Western Nigeria.
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African health sciences · Mar 2010
Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among nurses in a typical Nigerian hospital.
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among nurses in a typical Nigerian Specialist Hospital. ⋯ It was concluded that poor back care ergonomics is the major predisposing factor of LBP.
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Management of surgical emergencies in Nigeria is characterised by mismatch between supply of facilities and demand for care. This study aimed to evaluate the waiting time between presentation at hospital with acute abdominal disease and operative intervention. ⋯ Emergency abdominal operations were delayed in our patients mainly because of scarce financial resources. Delayed interventions were associated with higher morbidity and mortality.