African health sciences
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African health sciences · Mar 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialInflammatory cytokines and immune system modulation by aerobic versus resisted exercise training for elderly.
Aging is characterized with immunosenescence associated with a hyper-inflammatory state, characterized by elevated circulating levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. Physical exercise is a potential strategy for improving the immune system dysfunction and chronic inflammation that accompanies aging. However, there is a need to differentiate between aerobic and resistance exercise training regarding human immune system and systemic inflammation among the elderly Saudi population. ⋯ The current study provides evidence that aerobic exercise is more appropriate in modulating the immune system and inflammatory markers among the elderly population.
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African health sciences · Mar 2018
Predictors of esophageal candidiasis among patients attending endoscopy unit in a tertiary hospital, Tanzania: a retrospective cross-sectional study.
Esophageal candidiasis is a common disease among patients with impaired cell mediated immunity. In the current study, we report esophageal candidiasis among patients with various co-morbidities attending the endoscopic unit at the Bugando Medical Centre. ⋯ Patients with a history of drinking alcohol, smoking, use of antibiotics and those with chronic diseases such as peptic ulcers were at high risk of developing esophageal candidiasis. Further studies are needed to identify Candida spp. and their anti-fungal susceptibility for proper management of esophageal candidiasis in HIV and non-HIV individuals.
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African health sciences · Mar 2018
Knowledge, awareness and practice of infection control by health care workers in the intensive care units of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), one of the leading causes of, morbidity and mortality, are common in developing countries. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), commonest cause of HAIs, has been isolated from the hands of more than half of health care workers. Practice of hand hygiene may help in the control of nosocomial infections. We evaluated the practice of infection control among health care workers in the intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital. ⋯ Knowledge and awareness of infection control among the health care workers in our ICU is good but the practice is poor. Training workshop on infection control should be organized for all ICU health care workers to reduce noso-comial infections.
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Human bite is a growing public health concern. It may be seen in both victims and aggressors following assault. Effects of human bite are both social and medical. ⋯ Human bite is a common outcome of assault and so should be anticipated in cases of assault. Patterns of location of bites seem related to nature of crime.
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African health sciences · Mar 2018
Illicit drug use and violence in acute psychosis among acute adult admissions at a South African psychiatric hospital.
The prevalence of mental illness and illicit substance use has increased markedly in South Africa's Western Cape Province, over the last 2 decades; potentially increasing demand for psychiatric care. This paper describes the demographic and substance use profile of patients admitted to Lentegeur (LGH), the largest of the four psychiatric hospitals in the Province. ⋯ Substance use and violence were high, yet only a small proportion of the patients utilised available drug rehabilitation services. This may have implications on psychotic relapses, morbidity and subsequent pressure on financial resources within the health care system. Efforts are needed to maximise utilisation of existing rehabilitative resources for these patients.