African health sciences
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Certain real life applications of scientific and social science ideas that knowingly reject accumulated empirical biomedical evidence have been termed 'pseudoscience,' or empirical rejectionism. An uncritical acceptance of empiricism, or even of evidence-based medicine, however, can also be problematic. ⋯ It is argued that the validity of all theory should not be assumed before sufficient empirical evidence has accumulated to support its validity across contexts. However, caution is required, to avoid the consequences of an unquestioning approach to empiricism.
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
Stigmatization and discrimination as predictors of self-esteem of people living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria.
Self-esteem is a major psychological health issue. People living with HIV and AIDS have been found to be victims of discrimination and stigmatization which affect their self-esteem. ⋯ Conclusively, intervention programmes should evolve enlightenment through television, movies, and educational programs that incorporate the ill effects of discrimination and stigma so as to boost self-esteem of PLHIV.
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
Case ReportsImmunoglobulin heavy variable (IgHV) gene mutation and micro-RNA expression in Burkitt's lymphoma at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Western Kenya.
Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is a virus associated childhood B-cell cancer common in Eastern Africa. Continued survival of B-cells in germinal centres depend on expression of high affinity immunoglobulins (Ig) to complementary antigens by somatic hypermutation of Ig genes. Cellular microRNAs, non-coding RNAs have been reported to play role in cell cycle regulation. Both viral antigen dependent mutation and micro-RNA expression maybe involved in BL pathogenesis. ⋯ B-cell in BL contained somatic mutated IgHV gene and upregulated cellular microRNAs with possible pathogenetic role(s).
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
An overview of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia for the African generalist practitioner.
Pneumocystis jirovecii is the causative organism of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in humans, which is more common among immunocompromised patients. Classically patients present with fever, non-productive cough, and dyspnoea. In the HIV-infected individuals the symptoms may be subtle at first, but gradually progress over several weeks. In the HIV-uninfected patient, however, the duration of symptoms is shorter and more severe, mainly due to the increased inflammatory response of the HIV-uninfected patient. ⋯ This overview is presented by clinicians who have experience with PCP and is directed mainly at first-line healthcare providers.
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African health sciences · Dec 2019
Uptake and utilization of institutional voluntary HIV testing and counseling services among students aged 18-24 in Kenya's public Universities.
Kenya is home to an estimated 1.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS. According to the Kenya AIDS Indicator survey KAIS 2012, HIV prevalence in the age group 15-24 stood at 2.2%. Globally, young people aged 15-24 are a highly vulnerable population with respect to HIV/AIDS infection and transmission. HIV testing and counseling services play a critical role as an entry point to care and treatment. However, uptake of HIV testing and counseling services among the youth in Kenya has been reportedly low. Youths at Universities are among the priority populations in HIV/AIDS programs. ⋯ It is necessary for policy makers in institutions of higher learning together with those tasked with managing healthcare services in these institutions to adopt approaches that will overcome the barriers to utilization of VCT services among students. With knowledge of the factors associated with uptake and utilization of VCT services in institutional facilities, efforts to tackle the barriers and maximize on enhancers should be utilized fully in order to improve uptake and utilization of services. More research should also focus on the persisting risky sexual behaviors among University students despite the high knowledge they have on HIV/AIDS.