University of Zambia

About: University of Zambia is a education organization based out in Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 2593 authors who have published 4402 publications receiving 122411 citations. The organization is also known as: UNZA.

Comparison of intestinal absorption rates of glycine and glycylglycine in man and the effect of glucose in the perfusing fluid.

Abstract: SUMMARY 1. Using a double-lumen tube perfusion system the rates of glycine, glycylglycine, and glycylglycine and glucose absorption from a 30-cm jejunal segment have been studied in vivo in a group of relatively normal Zambian African subjects. 2. To determine the kinetic curve for glycine absorption, four subjects were given consecutive perfusions of 50, 100 and I50 m-glycine. 3. Six other subjects had consecutive perfusions of (1) a 100 mwglycine and (2) a 50 mM-glycylglycine solution. Five of the six had a higher absorption rate of glycine from the glycylglycine solution. When data from a further six similar subjects in another study are included, the mean rate of glycine absorption is significantly greater from the glycylglycine compared with he glycine solution (P

Tuberculin sensitivity and HIV-1 status of patients attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract: A cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis (TB) in a group of Zambians at high risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and to examine the effect of HIV-1 infection on the tuberculin response was conducted in the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia during July to September 1990. Patients were selected from those presenting to the out-patient clinic for first referral with either sexually transmitted or skin disease. 268 adults were included in the study; 158 (59%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 53-65%) were HIV-1 antibody positive. Of 82 HIV-1 negative participants who returned for Mantoux skin test reading, 51 (62%; 95% CI = 57-67%) had a positive test reaction (diameter > or = 10 mm) after receiving 2 units of RT-23 tuberculin. Of 106 HIV-1 positive participants who returned, only 32 (30%; 95% CI = 26-34%) had a diameter > or = 10 mm. Nine (28%) of the HIV-1 positive and Mantoux positive participants had large reactions > or = 30 mm, compared to 4 (8%) of the HIV-1 negative, Mantoux positive participants (P = 0.03). Results in the HIV-1 negative group indicated a prevalence of latent TB of 62% in this population. HIV-1 infection was associated with a much higher frequency of negative response to tuberculin and with a few large skin test responses. Thus, in populations where HIV seropositivity is high, Mantoux skin tests cannot be used to assess those with latent TB who might benefit from chemoprophylaxis.

Schistosomiasis and Carcinoma of the Bladder in Zambia

Abstract: Carcinoma of the bladder is the third most important malignancy seen in Zambia, accounting for nearly 9% of all malignancies seen in the Department of Pathology at the University of Zambia. A review of 217 cases of carcinoma of the bladder seen in the department over a 5-year period revealed a preponderance of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (75%). Of the 217 cases, 65% had concomitant schistosomiasis. These tumours tended to occur in a younger age group than that reported from England and North America. The pattern of pathology conforms with that reported from other parts of Africa with hyperendemic and endemic schistosomiasis. The aetiological role of schistosomiasis in bladder cancer is critically examined.

Rural household participation in markets for non-timber forest products in Zambia

Abstract: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) support livelihoods in rural communities through provision of food, fuel, materials, medicines and income from sales. We estimated the contribution of NTFPs to rural household income in Zambia, and used a two-stage tobit alternative model to identify the factors associated with participation in NTFP markets. NTFPs accounted for 35 per cent of household income for participating households, second only to trading. Human capital variables and the value of assets were found to be significant determinants of both participation in business activities related to NTFPs and the associated household income, and the poor were more dependent on NTFPs than wealthier households. The effect of average rainfall underscores the role that NTFPs play in providing a safety net during periods of low crop yields. Rural development policies should recognize the role played by NTFPs in rural livelihoods and the need to balance welfare improvement and sustainable forest management.