African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2018
Status of thiocyanate levels in the serum and saliva of non-smokers, ex-smokers and smokers.
Use of tobacco is often implicated in the development of oral diseases. Questionable accuracy of the traditional questionnaires to assess cigarette exposure necessitates the use of biomarkers like thiocyanate which provide a definitive quantitative measure. ⋯ This study highlights the high level of thiocyanate in the serum and saliva of smokers when compared to non-smokers and ex-smokers. Significant increase in thiocyanate level was also seen in saliva. Hence it can be stated that saliva can be used as a reliable, non-invasive tool to assess smoking behaviour in the population and its changes over time.
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African health sciences · Sep 2018
Clinical presentation of newly diagnosed diabetes patients in a rural district hospital in Eastern Uganda.
Our objective was to describe the clinical presentation of new diabetes patients in a rural hospital, to enhance clinical detection in low resource settings. ⋯ Out-patients aged 40-65 years should be prioritised for early diabetes diagnosis and associated risk factors in this setting.
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African health sciences · Jun 2018
Review Case ReportsManagement challenges of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the Axis with an unusual C2-C3 posterior subluxation in a paediatric patient: case report and literature review.
Paediatric cervical spine injuries are uncommon. Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis (TSA) is commonly encountered in the trauma setting. The management of TSA may be surgical or non-surgical. Decision making is quite challenging depending on patient presentation and nature of injury, and even more so in the paediatric age group. ⋯ The case shows that surgical intervention as a primary management for TSA even in the paediatric age group is safe and also avoids risks inherent in conservative management.
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African health sciences · Jun 2018
Prevalence of hearing loss at primary health care clinics in South Africa.
Hearing loss prevalence data in South Africa is scarce, especially within primary health care settings. ⋯ Hearing loss prevalence was comparable at both primary health care clinics. Participants 40 years and older were at significantly higher risk for hearing loss. The current study is the first attempt to establish hearing loss prevalence for primary health care clinics in South Africa.
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African health sciences · Jun 2018
ReviewThe biomechanics of lower limb injuries in frontal-impact road traffic collisions.
We aimed to review the biomechanics of lower limb injuries caused by frontal-impact road traffic collisions. ⋯ Understanding the biomechanics of frontal-impact road traffic collisions is useful in alerting clinicians to the potential lower limb injuries sustained in these collisions.