African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
The epidemiology of seasonal influenza after the 2009 influenza pandemic in Africa: a systematic review.
Influenza infection is a serious public health problem that causes an estimated 3 to 5 million cases and 250,000 deaths worldwide every year. The epidemiology of influenza is well-documented in high- and middle-income countries, however minimal effort had been made to understand the epidemiology, burden and seasonality of influenza in Africa. This study aims to assess the state of knowledge of seasonal influenza epidemiology in Africa and identify potential data gaps for policy formulation following the 2009 pandemic. ⋯ Significant progress has been made since the last pandemic in understanding the influenza epidemiology in Africa. However, efforts still remain for most countries to have sufficient data to allow countries to prioritize strategies for influenza prevention and control.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Relationship of left ventricular and atrial dimensions with moderate to severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (grade II and above).
Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) is an entity in which the ventricle fails to fill up properly due to impaired ventricular relaxation and/or decreased compliance. The diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction is based on a variety of parameters in doppler echocardiograpy. However, some parameters like interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSd), posterior wall thickness in diastole (PWd), left ventricular internal end diastolic and systolic diameters (LVIDD and LVISD) along with left atrial diameters (LAD) have yet to be evaluated for the diagnostic workup of DD. ⋯ IVSd, LAD and PWd showed significant performance in the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction and hence can be used as a screening and diagnostic tool in diastolic dysfunction of grade ll and above.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Case ReportsEctopic pregnancy in the ampulla of the fallopian tube at 16 gestational weeks: lessons from a case report.
It is uncommon to find ampullary tubal pregnancy in the second trimester. ⋯ The growth of a pregnancy in the ampulla beyond the first trimester is possibly due to increased thickness and or distensibility of the fallopian tube. A tubal pregnancy may present with a normal pulse despite significant haemorrhage.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
The relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Vitamin D deficiency is frequently seen in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and has been shown to exhibit multiple effects on the disease process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of vitamin D deficiency in complex PCOS pathophysiological pathways. ⋯ The study findings show that low 25(OH)D3 levels are associated with high androgen levels in women with PCOS. Vitamin D deficiency should be considered as an additional risk factor in the development of PCOS. We think that providing vitamin D supplementation for women from identified deficiency areas can reduce the risk of PCOS development.
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African health sciences · Dec 2020
Knowledge, attitude and practices about dengue fever among adults living in Pwani Region, Tanzania in 2019.
Dengue fever (DF) is currently widespread in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Among the triggers of epidemic include urbanization and internal migrations. Within the past few years, there have been DF outbreaks in Tanzania. Although Pwani region is among the predicted risk areas for the DF, there is insufficient data about people's knowledge, attitude and practices towards prevention of DF in their settings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices about DF among adults in Pwani region in Tanzania. ⋯ Lack of enough knowledge and positive attitude about disease transmission, symptoms and preventive measures put the population at high risk of contracting the disease. There is need to create and improve friendly, correct and simple information, education and education messages for the rural populations.