African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2023
Risk factors of recurrent thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation.
To investigate the risk factors of thyroid nodule recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS The medical record information of 120 patients with thyroid nodules admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to April 2022 was retrospectively analysed. All participants received RFA treatment. According to the results of the postoperative thyroid ultrasound examination (USG), the patients were divided into the recurrence group (R, N=16) and the non-recurrence group (NR, N=104). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors of thyroid nodule recurrence after RFA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyse the value of the forecast of each independent factor and combined model for thyroid nodule recurrence after RFA. ⋯ During the follow-up period, 16 patients recurred, and the recurrence rate was 13.33%. Univariate regression analysis showed that whether the nodules are solitary (WNS), nodule diameter (ND), the degree of risk of nodular location (DRN), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury were associated with thyroid nodule recurrence after RFA (P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that WNS, ND, DRN and RLN injury were independent risk factors for the recurrence of thyroid nodules after RFA (P<0.05). ROC analysis of independent factors and combined model showed that solitary nodules, nodule diameter and nodule location risk degree had diagnostic value, while RLN injury had no predictive value. The combined model is more predictive than the independent factors. Conclusions: The risk factors of recurrent thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation are related to WNS, ND, DRN and so on, which should be paid attention to and preventive measures should be taken.
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African health sciences · Sep 2023
Endoscopic esophageal foreign body removal among children at Lubaga Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
Diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy involves examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach and part of the duodenum. Interventional endoscopy in addition to evaluating the upper gastrointestinal tract to make a diagnosis, also offers a treatment benefit. Traditionally, esophageal foreign bodies (FBs) in Uganda were removed using rigid endoscopy. We therefore report an emerging trend of using flexible endoscopy to remove these FBs. ⋯ We report high success rates of 90.16% for endoscopic removal of impacted esophageal foreign bodies among Ugandan children using the now widely available flexible endoscopy.
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African health sciences · Sep 2023
Perception and level of satisfaction with the quality of antenatal care services among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at plateau state specialist hospital, Jos, Nigeria.
This study evaluated pregnant women's perception and level of satisfaction with quality of antenatal care received at Plateau State Specialist Hospital. ⋯ The respondents had positive perception and are satisfied with the quality of antenatal care services received. A Periodic patient satisfaction survey should be established as part of the antenatal evaluation to provide feedback for continuous quality improvement.
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African health sciences · Sep 2023
Cervical cancer awareness and risk factors among women residing in an urban slum in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
Poor awareness of cervical cancer and high prevalence of its risk factors may be responsible for the large burden of cervical cancer in low-income countries. This study assessed awareness of cervical cancer and prevalence of risk factors among women residing in a slum in Lagos, Nigeria. ⋯ Awareness of cervical cancer among the women was poor and prevalence of risk factors of cervical cancer was high. Campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of cervical cancer, and screening should be carried out by governmental and charitable organizations for women residing in slums.
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African health sciences · Sep 2023
The balance between CD4+ T helper 17 and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 is involved in the pathogenesis and development of atrial fibrillation.
To investigate the expression of Th17, T lymphocyte immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM-3+) cells and their related cytokines in atrial fibrillation (AF) and their clinical significance. ⋯ Th17 / Tim-3 + cell balance is involved in AF, and can be used as a target for AF treatment.