scholarly journals Metabolic Pathways and Pathological Outcomes of Aflatoxins: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-68
Author(s):  
Aashma Dahal ◽  
Ashish Lamichhane ◽  
Alina Karna
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Major Constituent ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Fungal Metabolite ◽  
Group I ◽  
Carcinogenic Agents ◽  
Sub Saharan

Aflatoxin is a secondary fungal metabolite that contaminates foods, mostly staple diets like maize, peanuts, chillies, and even rice. These foods are also a major constituent of weaning food for infants in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The fungal metabolite contaminates food during production, harvest, storage, and processing. The contamination is largely promoted by genotypes of crops, soil conditions, temperate regions, and insect activity. Once ingested into the body, aflatoxins get metabolized into different hydroxylated derivatives such as AFb1, AfM1, AFP1, aflatoxicol, and Aflatoxin B1. AFB1 is the most carcinogenic and potent of the known metabolites and they have been categorized as Group I carcinogenic agents by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The toxic metabolites of aflatoxins have been found in blood samples, breast milk and also have been shown to traverse the placental route. Through various metabolic pathways aflatoxins are responsible for different types of pathological outcomes like gut enteropathy, anemia, stunting, and other immunological disorders. Moreover, socioeconomic determinants have indirectly shown to be strong predictors of aflatoxins exposure and thus its related pathological outcomes. Since we have a very limited number of researches about aflatoxins, this review altogether puts forward what is known about the toxin and its harmful metabolites. Keywords: Aflatoxins; aflatoxinB1; carcinogens; fungal toxins.

scholarly journals Management of Advanced and Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Need for a Sub-Saharan Guideline

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayun Cassell ◽  
Bashir Yunusa ◽  
Mohamed Jalloh ◽  
Medina Ndoye ◽  
Mouhamadou M. Mbodji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Androgen Deprivation Therapy ◽  
Metastatic Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Androgen Deprivation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Castrate Resistant

The estimated incidence rate of prostate cancer in Africa was 22.0/100,000 in 2016. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has cited prostate cancer as a growing health threat in Africa with approximated 28,006 deaths in 2010 and estimated 57,048 deaths in 2030. The exact incidence of advanced and metastatic prostate cancer is not known in sub-Saharan Africa. Hospital-based reports from the region have shown a rising trend with most patients presenting with advanced or metastatic disease. The management of advanced and metastatic prostate cancer is challenging. The available international guidelines may not be cost-effective for an African population. The most efficient approach in the region has been surgical castration by bilateral orchidectomy or pulpectomy. Medical androgen deprivation therapy is expensive and may not be available. Patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer tend to be palliated due to the absence or cost of chemotherapy or second-line androgen deprivation therapy in most of Africa. A cost-effective guideline for developing nations to address the rising burden of advanced prostate cancer is warranted at this moment.

scholarly journals Mapping evidence on the distribution of paediatric cancers in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sehlisiwe R. Ndlovu ◽  
Desmond Kuupiel ◽  
Themba G. Ginindza
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Paediatric cancers account for a minor fraction of deaths and hence receive little attention from policymakers. In low-income countries, the absence of comprehensive national paediatric strategies results in a lack of access for a majority of children with cancer. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the burden of childhood cancers is underestimated due to a lack of paediatric cancer registries, poor health care systems and competing healthcare needs. The objective of this study is to map evidence on the distribution of paediatric cancers in the SSA region. Method A scoping review will be conducted to map literature on the distribution of paediatric cancers in SSA. An electronic literature search will be conducted from the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost (CINAHL and Health Source) and World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) (GLOBOCAN databases). We will also search the reference lists of included studies to source relevant literature. A pilot search was conducted to determine the feasibility of the study. Study selection will be guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After charting the data, a descriptive overview of the studies will be presented in a narrative format. An account of the study characteristics will be described in this narrative. The analysis will be mainly based on mapping the country-specific outcomes emerging from the studies, and a numerical summary of these outcomes will be conducted. Tables, maps and charts will be produced and presented in the result section. Discussion This review study will identify existing research gaps for future research to influence policy implementation and to improve the availability of diagnosis and treatment of paediatric cancers in SSA.

scholarly journals Corruption and the Rule of Law in Sub-Saharan Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart S. Yeh
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Rule Of Law ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
International Agency ◽  
The Rule Of Law ◽  
The World Bank ◽  
Centralized Planning ◽  
Sub Saharan

AbstractThe World Bank and IMF attribute underdevelopment in sub-Saharan Africa to the practice of directing economic activity through centralized planning. They prescribe privatization and economic liberalization to restructure African economies, promote competition, reduce the scope for corruption, and promote good governance. However, inadequate checks on political power permit African elites to subvert these reforms. This article reviews the political economy of sub-Saharan countries as well as a case study of Sierra Leone to illustrate the problem. The analysis suggests the need for an international agency such as the UN to provide the capacity to investigate, expose and check corruption by employing UN inspectors who are immune to pressure from powerful African elites. This type of check on corruption is necessary to promote the rule of law in sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Malnutrition and associated factors among adults starting on antiretroviral therapy at PASADA Hospital in Temeke District, Tanzania

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Titus K. Kabalimu ◽  
Edson Sungwa ◽  
Warles C. Lwabukuna
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Severe Malnutrition ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cd4 Cell Count ◽  
Art Initiation ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: Malnutrition is known to play a significant role in HIV/AIDS progression. Severe malnutrition has been previously found to be associated with early mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) undergoing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among adult PLHIV attending care and treatment centre (CTC) in Temeke District, Tanzania.Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study involved consecutive eligible patients attending the CTC for initiating in ART, between January and April, 2014. All participants who agreed to sign a consent form were enrolled. The participants had undergone baseline workup for ART initiation (by CTC), which included blood tests for liver and renal function tests, and CD4+ cell count, using calibrated instruments and standard techniques. In all patients the weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI), denoting the nutritional status. This parameter was recorded in the study instrument together with the CD4+ count for each patient. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain more information, namely demographic and lifestyle data.Results:  A total of 125 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of malnutrition among participants was 19.4%.  Those with severe malnutrition comprised of 9%. Significant association was noted between malnutrition and irregular income (OR= 3.8, CI: 1.2-11.5) and also inability to get at least two meals a day (OR= 3.4, CI: 1.2-9.2).  Severe malnutrition was significantly associated with the CD4+ counts of <200 cells/mm(OR =7.6; CI: 1.7-34.6).Conclusion: About 19% of participants were malnourished at the time of initiation of ART and among them 9% were severely malnourished. The most important risks for malnutrition were found to be irregular income and inability to get adequate feeding. This calls for routine nutritional assessment at CTCs prior to initiation of ART so as to identify those who need immediate intervention, including those with severe malnutrition.

scholarly journals Adoption and Impact of OER in the Global South

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Hodgkinson-Williams ◽  
Patrícia Arinto
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Global South ◽  
Open Educational Resources ◽  
The Body ◽  
Educational Resources ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Open Educational Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan

Education in the Global South faces several key interrelated challenges, for which Open Educational Resources (OER) are seen to be part of the solution. These challenges include: unequal access to education; variable quality of educational resources, teaching, and student performance; and increasing cost and concern about the sustainability of education. The Research on Open Educational Resources for Development (ROER4D) project seeks to build on and contribute to the body of research on how OER can help to improve access, enhance quality and reduce the cost of education in the Global South. This volume examines aspects of educator and student adoption of OER and engagement in Open Educational Practices (OEP) in secondary and tertiary education as well as teacher professional development in 21 countries in South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia. The ROER4D studies and syntheses presented here aim to help inform Open Education advocacy, policy, practice and research in developing countries.

scholarly journals Gene Therapy : The New Weapon Against Diseases Until There Difficult To Overcome: Some Current Facts Of Gene Therapy And Cases Of Sickle Cell Anaemia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Carolle Kpoumie
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Genetic Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell Anaemia ◽  
Black People ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Mass Migration ◽  
Sub Saharan

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited genetic disease that affects the hemoglobin chains of red blood cell hemoglobin, carrying oxygen less well through the body. It is a rare disease, however, it is the most widespread genetic disease in the world and especially widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. It causes anemia, painful seizures that affect several organs, it is also called sickle cell anemia, this disease results in a deformation of red blood cells in the form of sickle or a crescent moon, which prevents normal circulation in the blood vessels. This will cause blood flow to be blocked. It is a disease that is geographically concentrated in certain areas such as Africa, India, Brazil, the Mediterranean Basin, but it is currently found everywhere because of mass migration and has been considered since 2008 by United Nations as a public health priority. Sickle cell disease affects black people and accounts for 50% of deaths in childhood.

PERSONALITY AND PERSON PERCEPTION IN AFRICA

2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Peltzer
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Person Perception ◽  
Social Intelligence ◽  
The Body ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Three Dimension ◽  
The People ◽  
Sub Saharan

The paper reviews personality and social behavior in Africa. Three distinctive components of the people inhabiting present-day sub-Saharan Africa are identified: (1) traditional persons who are yet little affected by modernization, (2) transitional persons, and (3) modern individuals. The socialization of traditional and transitional persons can be illustrated in the form of a model in three dimensions: the authority dimension (vertical, diachronic, historic); the group dimension (horizontal, synchronic, social); the body – mind – environment dimension. Various personhood attributes are identified along the three dimension such as that the traditional person is socialized primarily by people, while the modern person is socialized primarily by objects. By being exposed to people, the traditional person will develop more social intelligence than technological intelligence.

scholarly journals Analysing the Sustainability Challenges of Informal Urban Settlements: The Case of Chibolya in Lusaka Zambia

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Jonathan Simbeya Mwamba
Keyword(s):  
Informal Settlement ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Major Constituent ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Settlement Development ◽  
Development Interventions ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sustainability Challenges ◽  
Development Literature

Presently, informal settlements exist as part of the urban fabric and a major constituent of the residential geographies of most Cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The growth of informal settlements in cities of the global south has been widely discussed in existing literature as a critical concern. Urban development literature in Zambia in particular has focused on the rapid urbanization and poverty growth, but barely explains how this affects settlement sustainability. Studies have focused on measures put in place by government and supporting organisations to help find solutions to the problem. But this has been done without providing specifics as relates to interventions for settlement sustainability and user perceptions of their living environments. The article provides a conceptual analysis of the local dynamics influencing informal settlement development and sustainability. The historical perspective and modern day realities of informal urban settlement settings in Lusaka in Zambia are also reviewed. The case study findings indicate a need to refocus development interventions in informal settlements by considering informal dwellers concerns and requirements when formulating settlements development strategies. The article offers an insight into sustainability challenges that the settlement population faces despite a variety of development interventions by the State and private agencies. The article shows the potential success and sustainability of interventions when informal settlement residents are empowered and take responsibility of their own development agenda. The paper points out the need for collaborative approach to informal settlement improvement where all stakeholders including the local residents, participate in all stages of settlement development.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of visual impairment: focus on Delta State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 4171
Author(s):  
John E. Moyegbone ◽  
Ezekiel U. Nwose ◽  
Samuel D. Nwajei ◽  
Joseph O. Odoko ◽  
Emmanuel A. Agege ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Social Demographic

The eyes being the most delicate organs as well as the window of the body to the world make it dysfunction a public health problem. The aim of this study is to review the epidemiology of visual impairment in relation to anaemia, antioxidant vitamins and nutritional status in order to identify and proffer appropriate solution to various factors associated with visual impairment. A systematic review and evaluation of published literatures globally, in sub Saharan Africa and in Nigeria was done through web search and Mendeley reference library. Findings showed that visual impairment increases with increase in age. Gender, race, geographical location, literacy level, income and culture are social demographic factors that influence visual impairment. Refractive error, cataract, glaucoma and age-related macula degeneration (ARMD) are the most common causes of visual impairment worldwide. Over 80% of visual impairment are preventable. Hence, early detection and prompt treatment especially at the primary health care level is the most effective ways to prevent visual impairment.

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