African health sciences
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African health sciences · Mar 2022
Conceptualization and practices in digital health: voices from Africa.
This paper presents voices from Africa on digital health in Africa. These voices were gleaned during interviews and an online, focus group session in May 2020, during which 30 experts across Africa, among others from the South, were asked about their experiences and observations on the conceptualisation of, and practices in, digital health in their respective communities and countries. Extensive input was provided, both orally and textually. ⋯ In addition, the quotes show how a one-size-fits-all solution approach does not exist, it is not a solution to Africa. Further, the community-focus, fit, and fragmentation of existing activities digital health interventions is questioned. The narratives provide a rich resource indicating capable and local agency and the need to address power-differences in international health development.
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African health sciences · Mar 2022
Assessing the protective effect of Crassocephalum vitellinum against Rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.
Crassocephalum vitellinum is widely used by traditional medical practitioners and local people in East Africa to manage a large number of ailments including hepatitis 1. However, its hepatoprotective effects had not been evaluated prior to this study. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an ethanolic leaf extract of Crassocephalum vitellinum against rifampicin-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. ⋯ The plant extract loweres the liver biomarker enzymes (ALT, ALP, AST) and preserves the histomorphology of the hepatocytes which is suggestive that the plant possess hepatoprotective properties.
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African health sciences · Mar 2022
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF 23) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) as markers of mineral bone disease among Nigerians with non-diabetic kidney disease.
Excess cardiovascular burden in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been attributed to the occurrence of CKD-Mineral Bone Disease (CKD - MBD). This study aimed to determine the spectrum of CKD-MBD among Nigerians with CKD using Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF 23) and intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH). ⋯ The study demonstrated high prevalence of CKD-MBD among patients with non-diabetic CKD while FGF23 and iPTH were useful assays in the diagnosis of CKD-MBD among Nigerians with CKD.