African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Modelling CD4 counts before and after HAART for HIV infected patients in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa.
This study aims to make use of a longitudinal data modelling approach to analyze data on the number of CD4+cell counts measured repeatedly in HIV-1 Subtype C infected women enrolled in the Acute Infection Study of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa. ⋯ Effective HAART initiation immediately after HIV exposure is necessary to suppress the increase of viral loads to induce potential ART benefits that accrue over time. The data showed evidence of strong individual-specific effects on the evolution of CD4+ counts. Effective monitoring and modelling of disease biomarkers are essential to help inform methods that can be put in place to suppress viral loads for maximum ART benefits that can be accrued over time at an individual level.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Acute effects of electronic cigarette smoking on ventricular repolarization in adults.
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is constantly increasing. However, the association between e-cigarette use and ventricular arrhythmia is unknown. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the markers of ventricular repolarization such as QT interval, corrected QT (QTc), QT dispersion (QTd), peak-to-end interval of the T wave (Tp-e), corrected Tp-e and Tp-e/QT ratios in e-cigarette users. ⋯ This is the first study to show the disruption of ventricular repolarization properties in e-cigarette users. E-cigarette use in terms of public health leads to augmentation of transmural dispersion of repolarization, which may be potential indicator of ventricular arrhythmogenesis.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
The prevalence of hypertension and influencing factors among the employees of a university hospital.
Hypertension is a serious disease with increasing worldwide prevalence, leading to life-threatening complications. ⋯ The prevalence of hypertension was highest among staff members. Special programs would facilitate the diagnosis, control, and prevention of high blood pressure among the high-risk groups, especially men, the elderly and the obese hospital employees.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Transverse cerebellar diameter: a reliable predictor of gestational age.
To determine accuracy of transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) measurement in the prediction of gestational age (GA) in normal fetuses; to develop reference chart for TCD according to GA in Indian population. ⋯ In normally developing fetuses the TCD has linear correlation with advancing gestational age. A separate reference chart is required for every different population because ethnicity, nutrition and environmental factors can have impact on normal TCD values. This will help to avoid misinterpretation of data to determine gestational age.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA): a cross-sectional study of primary school teachers.
Teachers are in advantage position to propagate correct information with regard to HIV/AIDS thereby influencing attitude towards PLWHA. With correct information stigmatization leading to spread of the scourge might be prevented. ⋯ Our findings underscore the need for a universal health education programme, focusing on HIV/AIDS education, in education institutions that train teachers in Nigeria so as to possibly mitigate the discrepancy in knowledge regarding curability of AIDS and any undesirable attitude towards PLWHA that may arise among teachers.