African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Meta AnalysisA systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and predictors of anemia among children in Ethiopia.
Anemia is a wide-spread public health problem characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin concentration and/ or red blood cell volume below an established cut-off value. In developing countries including Ethiopia, about half of children are estimated to be anemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of anemia and its predictor factors among children in Ethiopia. ⋯ In this study, one in three children were anemic in Ethiopia. It is a moderate public health problem in children in this study. Low literacy, low socioeconomic status as well as rural residence of the families and helminthic infection of the children were found to be predictors of anemia in the children. Community and school-based interventions should be strengthened to improve the problem.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Meta AnalysisAssociation of ERCC gene polymorphism with osteosarcoma risk.
The relationship between ERCC gene polymorphism and osteosarcoma risk / overall survival of osteosarcoma is still conflicting, and this meta-analysis was performed to assess these associations. ⋯ ERCC2 rs13181 A allele and GG genotype were associated with overall survival of osteosarcoma.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Meta AnalysisAssociation between APOC3 polymorphisms and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk: a meta-analysis.
The apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) polymorphism has been reported to predispose to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the results remain inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to provide insights into the association between APOC3 polymorphisms and NAFLD risk. ⋯ The meta-analyses suggests that the rs2854116 polymorphism but not rs2854117 polymorphism in APOC3 gene might be a risk factor for NAFLD among Asians. That is, individuals with CT+CC genotype have higher risk of developing NAFLD. However, studies with sufficient sample size are needed for the further validation.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Bilateral paediatric cataract surgery - outcomes of 298 children from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The leading cause of childhood blindness globally is paediatric cataract. Bilateral cataract surgery can help to improve visual performance and to diminish the burden of childhood blindness. ⋯ In spite of the post conflict challenges, elimination of cataract blindness in children remains a priority. Children present at a late age for surgery and long term follow-up is poor. There is need for program strengthening in these areas.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Developmental outcomes of HIV-exposed infants in a low-income South African context.
Effective HIV transmission prevention strategies have led to a growing population of vulnerable HIV- and antiretroviral-exposed infants in sub-Saharan Africa, however uncertainty exists regarding their development. ⋯ Findings were reassuring and suggested that HE and HU participants had similar development. Developmental differences may, however, only emerge with age, therefore large-scale longitudinal research is recommended. It is suggested that the entire sample was vulnerable, highlighting the importance of developmental surveillance in low-income contexts, irrespective of HIV and antiretroviral exposure status.