African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Meta AnalysisAssociation of FokI, TaqI, BsmI and ApaI polymorphisms with diabetic retinopathy: a pooled analysis of case-control studies.
To assess synthetically the association between polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene (FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). ⋯ This meta-analysis of case-control studies revealed that the VDR-FokI polymorphism (F allele) decreased the risk of DR in Chinese people, among included studies without publication bias, during a comparison analysis between normal subjects and DR patients, and among articles published after 2010. Further rigorous and prospective studies with large sample size are needed to confirm our findings.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Meta AnalysisHMGA1 variant IVS5-13insC is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: an updated meta-analysis.
High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) polymorphism has been suspected as a gene variant associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, conflicting outcomes have been reported. ⋯ This meta-analysis indicated that the HMGA1 variant IVS5-13insC can be a risk factor of T2D development, particularly among Caucasians. Significant risks were also found (Asian: OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.86, P < 0.0001, Hispanic-American: OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.65 to 1.01, P < 0.0001) in non-Caucasian population. However, ethnical studies should be conducted to reveal whether the HMGA1 variant IVS5-13insC is associated with an increased risk of T2D.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialPASCAL laser platform produces less pain responses compared to conventional laser system during the panretinal photocoagulation: a randomized clinical trial.
Most of patients experience pain during the panretinal photocoagulation(PRP). Laser photocoagulation delivery has advanced with the introduction of pattern-scanning laser systems (PASCAL). Shorter pulse duration and less choroidal penetration believed to reduce pain during the laser treatment. ⋯ PASCAL laser significantly alleviates pain levels possibly due to the shorter laser pulse duration and lower intensity.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Comparative Studycomparative study of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in sickle cell disease subjects and controls in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.
Sickle cell disease is characterized by chronic complications that affect almost all body organs. Pancreatic disease is rare in SCD. CA 19-9 is a non-specific surrogate marker for pancreatic disease especially carcinoma. CA 19-9 levels have not been evaluated in SCD patients in our environment. ⋯ Low levels of CA 19-9 in Hb SS may suggest reduced pancreatic disorders in SCA.
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African health sciences · Dec 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialWalking as a feasible means of effecting positive changes in BMI, waist, and blood pressure in black South African women.
In the context of a growing obesity pandemic in sub-Saharan African countries little is known on how to address the problem /disease in the region. ⋯ Our data demonstrates that positive changes in BMI, waist, and BP were observed in the intervention group, indicating the potential scalability of the intervention.