Recently Published Articles
Prevalence and Risk Factors of HIV Infection among Children Born from HIV Positive Women Musanze District, Rwanda
Abstract:
In Rwanda the prevalence of mother-to-child HIV transmission is 1.5%, the prevalence was found to be higher in rural area. The purpose of this study was to determine the Prevalence and Risk Factors of HIV Infection among Children born from HIV Positive Women in Musanze District. The study findings help to decrease the rate of HIV infection among children born from mother HIV positive to zero. This study was conducted in Musanze District, Northern Province in Rwanda. The study targeted 420 HIV positive mothers who delivery in different health facilities located in Musanze district form January 2019 to December 2020 and their children. SPSS version 22 was used for analysis. Of 420 children born from HIV positive mothers 91.7% were aged between 18-24 months, 55.2% were female. The majority of HIV positive mothers 80.2% who participated in the study were married. The prevalence of HIV infection among children born from HIV positive women was 2.9%. Children whose moth...
Use of the Remaining Sample from the Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device for the Molecular Screening of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern B.1.1.7
Abstract:
Real-time surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) is of essential public health importance. Rapid Antigen Detection Tests (RAgDT) have become first-line COVID-19 diagnostic methods in many regions, but this strategy can hamper the surveillance of the virus variants due to their decentralized performance. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the remaining sample of a widely used RAgDT (Panbio) for the surveillance of the B.1.1.7 VOC using molecular methods. Symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases were routinely screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection using the RAgDT in Primary Health Care Centers. After performing the test, the extraction tubes containing the remaining biological material of RAgDT-positive cases were sent to the clinical mic...
Embolization for Perimedullary Arteriovenous Fistulae: Pioneering Experience in Peru
Abstract:
Perimedullary arteriovenous fistulae, or type IV spinal cord arteriovenous malformations, are very rare and not well-known lesions. This paper aims to present our endovascular experience with these lesions. We report our experience with 4 patients with perimedullary arteriovenous fistulae, subtypes b and c (macrofistulae), exhibiting severe neurological impairment. The patients were treated with endovascular embolization. Complete fistula eradication was achieved in all of them. One complication occurred. We discuss the natural history, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, prognosis and embolization techniques, along with the angiographic and clinical outcomes.
Molecular Evolution of the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
Abstract:
The coronavirus infectious disease (20)19 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a newly identified virus (2019) SARS-CoV-2, a beta coronavirus that shares similarities with other human-infecting coronaviruses. Genomic analysis suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to SARS-CoV, a bat-related coronavirus, RaTG13, and to other pangolin-associated coronaviruses. The spike protein of coronaviruses are glycoproteins and are responsible for attaching the virus to the host cell and entering. Amino acid changes within the spike protein-encoding gene from SARS-CoV to SARS-CoV-2 enable SARS-CoV-2 to form a stable spike protein, to form a stable complex between the S protein and the receptor ACE2, to increase binding points between the S protein and ACE2, and to survive at higher temperatures. SARS-CoV-2 is zoonotic, with genomic analysis implicating bats as the original host and pangolins as the most likely intermediate host to infect humans. As SARS-CoV-2 infects humans, v...
Factors and Conditions that Influence Teenage Pregnancy among In-school Adolescents in Umuahia North Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Abia State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Adolescence is a critical stage in human development that is characterized by peer pressure, confusion, exuberance and experimentation, particularly with sexual relationships. This is why attention should be paid to adolescents’ reproductive health issues so as to reduce their exposure to aggressive sexual activities which could expose them to sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and others. This study aimed at reducing the factors and conditions that influence teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. The study used a cross sectional descriptive study. A randomly selected sample of 416 adolescents between the ages of 13-19 years were studied. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptiv...
Community Health Needs Assessment in Urban Communities in Kigali City In Rwanda: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Abstract:
Reporting of suspected or confirmed communicable diseases is paramount. Although physicians have primary responsibility for reporting, school nurses, laboratory directors, infection control practitioners, daycare center directors, health care facilities, state institutions and any other individuals providing health care services are also required to report communicable disease. Therefore, community health needs assessment in urban communities remains an essential instrument for the rapid and accurate dissemination of epidemiological information on cases and outbreaks of diseases under the national health regulations and other communicable diseases of public health importance, including emerging or re-emerging infections. Todescribe relevant medical needs of townspeople so that treat...
Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chains in Zimbabwe
Abstract:
Zimbabwe like many other sub-Saharan African states has been struggling to provide a quality health service delivery system. Nations with rampant corruption and ineffective bureaucracy made worse, the response towards the fight against COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019. Despite the Zimbabwean government setting out protocols with international agencies such as WHO, World Health Organization to mount an effective response against COVID-19, the health system has been overstretched with lack of personal protective equipment, shortage of drugs and essential equipment and wanton corruption practices coupled with shortage of staff. Timely delivery of orders is still a challenge due to strict bureaucratic measures when transporting goods and the existing competition between countries. Manufacturers and donors are shifting their focus to their countries leaving the Zimbabwean health service underfunded and under-resourced. However, among the challenges experienced the co...
Yasmin Induced Pulmonary Embolism: a Case Report
Abstract:
We evaluate a case report of Yasmin induced pulmonary embolism in order to provide reference for safety use of oral contraceptives.
Adjacent Segment Disease Associated with Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A New Classification System with Corresponding Therapeutic Options
Abstract:
Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is described as the clinical triad of short neck, low posterior hairline, and limitation of neck mobility. Topresent our clinical experience with KFS patients who also had adjacent segment disease (ASD) and to propose a novel classification system for these patients. This retrospective study was performed in the neurosurgery department of our tertiary care center. Data were gathered using the medical records of 22 KFS patients (10 males, 12 females) with ASD. Diagnosis was confirmed with imaging modalities including X-ray, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical and radiological findings as well as therapeutic outcomes were noted.