Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of malaria infection among pregnant women and children below five years of age attending rural health facilities of Kenya: A cross-sectional survey in two counties of Kenya

Background In Kenya, health service delivery and access to health care remains a challenge for vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and children below five years. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the positivity rate of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in pregnant women and children below five years of age seeking healthcare services at the rural health facilities of Kwale and Siaya counties as well as their access and uptake of malaria control integrated services, like antenatal care (ANC), offered in those facilities. Methods Cluster random sampling method was used to select pregnant women and children below five years receiving maternal and child health services using two cross-sectional surveys conducted in eleven rural health facilities in two malaria endemic counties in western and coastal regions of Kenya. Each consenting participant provided single blood sample for determining malaria parasitaemia using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results Using PCR technique, the overall malaria positivity rate was 27.9% (95%CI: 20.9–37.2), and was 34.1% (95%CI: 27.1–42.9) and 22.0% (95%CI: 13.3–36.3) in children below five years and pregnant women respectively. Additionally, using microscopy, the overall positivity rate was 39.0% (95%CI: 29.5–51.6), and was 50.4% (95%CI: 39.4–64.5) and 30.6% (95%CI: 22.4–41.7) in children below five years and pregnant women respectively. Siaya County in western Kenya showed higher malaria positivity rates for both children (36.4% and 54.9%) and pregnant women (27.8% and 38.5%) using both PCR and microscopy diagnosis techniques respectively, compared to Kwale County that showed positivity rates of 27.2% and 37.9% for children and 5.2% and 8.6% for pregnant women similarly using both PCR and microscopy techniques respectively. Pregnant women presenting themselves for their first ANC visit were up to five times at risk of malaria infection, (adjusted odds ratio = 5.40, 95%CI: 0.96–30.50, p = 0.046). Conclusion Despite evidence of ANC attendance and administration of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) dosage during these visits, malaria positivity rate was still high among pregnant women and children below five years in these two rural counties. These findings are important to the Kenyan National Malaria Control Programme and will help contribute to improvement of policies on integration of malaria control approaches in rural health facilities.
Glycaemic index of wheat bread

In the paper, the concept and the critical reviews concerning the glycaemic index were presented and the influence on human health as regards the diets of various glycaemic indexes were thoroughly reviewed. It was stated that wheat bread is regarded as high glycaemic index food, with some solutions having been proposed in order to reduce this indicator in three research areas: (i) the raw materials, (ii) the milling process, and (iii) bread making along with the post baking processes. Regarding the use of raw materials, future trends in bakery production might include the application of some plants that are rich in antioxidants, along with some selected, edible by-products. Jet milling - with high air pressure - was proposed as a modification of the traditional method. As regards bread making, together with the post baking process, it has been proposed that the kneading time should be reduced, along with extended fermentation, sourdough fermentation, reduced yeast quantity, decreasing bread volume, post-baking processes with the application of freezing and frozen storage before final baking, and a combination of sourdough or dietary fibre with the freezing and frozen storage before final baking. Growing consumer demands have led to the search for more innovative ingredients. In this context, further studies on the impact of newly designed breads on the glycaemic index are required.
Thinking outside the blood: Perspectives on tissue-resident Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that causes human and animal African trypanosomiases (HAT and AAT). In the mammalian host, the parasite lives entirely extracellularly, in both the blood and interstitial spaces in tissues. Although most T. brucei research has focused on the biology of blood- and central nervous system (CNS)-resident parasites, a number of recent studies have highlighted parasite reservoirs in the dermis and adipose tissue, leading to a renewed interest in tissue-resident parasite populations. In light of this renewed interest, work describing tissue-resident parasites can serve as a valuable resource to inform future investigations of tissue-resident T. brucei. Here, we review this body of literature, which describes infections in humans, natural hosts, and experimental animal models, providing a wealth of information on the distribution and biology of extravascular parasites, the corresponding immune response in each tissue, and resulting host pathology. We discuss the implications of these studies and future questions in the study of extravascular T. brucei.
An equilibrium and kinetic study of phenolic acids adsorption onto β-glucan

Article history: Received: February 12, 2018 Accepted: February 20, 2018 Phenolic acids belong to the group of natural polyphenols, which are secondary plant metabolites. Polyphenols show many positive bioactivities, which are not completely investigated. One of these bioactivities is the polyphenol interaction with food compounds, such as lipids, proteins, and dietary fibres. The information about the interactions between polyphenols and dietary fibres can be obtained through the parameters of adsorption equilibrium models, like Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and others. Also, the reaction order and the kinetic constants can be obtained through kinetic models, like pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models. The objective of this study was to obtain information about the interactions between phenolic acids, like, p-coumaric and caffeic acid, and β-glucan as a natural dietary fibre, through non-linear adsorption models and kinetic models of the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order. The adsorption was carried out at 25 °C for 16 h, in a model solution which contained polyphenol, β-glucan and phosphate buffer pH 5.5. Kinetics was conducted at 25 °C during 1, 2, 5, 10, and 16 h. After reaching the adsorption equilibrium, the un-adsorbed polyphenols were separated from the adsorbed ones by ultrafiltration. The non-linear adsorption equilibrium models and kinetic models were determined. Adsorption process of phenolic acids and β-glucan was favored and chemical, and was best described by the pseudo-second order model.
The Renaissance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty appears rational – A radiograph-based comparative Study on adverse Events and patient-reported Outcomes in 353 TKAs and 98 UKAs

Purpose Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are both considered suitable for antero-medial osteoarthritis and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee. National registry data are consistent in showing higher revision rates for UKA. Adequately adjusted, these findings may be challenged by differences in adverse events and patient-reported outcomes, as both can have serious long-term implications. Based on preoperative radiographs, the aim was to retrospectively compare the two principle surgeries in these respects. Methods All TKA procedures in 2016 in one Swedish county council were, according to certain radiograph-based consensus criteria, visually evaluated for medial UKA suitability. Then, using different regression models, they were compared with the corresponding medial UKAs performed in 2015–2017 regarding complications and patient-reported outcomes one year after surgery. Results The UKA group showed an 82% reduced risk (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.0–0.6) of any complications, whereas the 55% reduced risk of severe complication did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.1–2.1). These findings corresponded in high-volume surgeries to an absolute complication rate of 0% in the UKA group and 10% in the TKA group (p = 0.005) and to a severe complication rate of 0% and 5% respectively (p = 0.05). Though no differences were seen in any general patient-reported outcomes, the pain and function based OMERACT-OARSI responder criteria indicated in both around a 60% better chance of any response (OR 1.6 CI % 0.6–4.5) and a high response (OR 1.6; 95% CI 0.7–3.4) in the UKA group. Conclusion No differences were shown in patient-reported outcomes but a clear difference in risk of complications, favoring the UKA procedure.
Reduced mood variability is associated with enhanced performance during ultrarunnning

Ultrarunning requires extraordinary endurance but the psychological factors involved in successful ultrarunning are not well understood. One widely held view is that fluctuations in mood play a pivotal role in performance during endurance events. However, this view is primarily based on comparisons of mood before and after marathons and shorter running events. Indeed, to date no study has explicitly examined mood changes during a competive ultramarathon. To address this issue, we measured mood fluctuations in athletes competing in the Hardmoors 60, a 100 km, single day continuous trail-ultramarathon, and examined how variation in mood related to performance, as measured by completion time. The key finding was that the variability of athletes Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score was significantly and positively correlated with completion time, consistent with the idea that mood is an important factor in determining race performance. Athletes also experienced a significant increase in tension immediately prior to race onset. This effect was more pronounced in less experienced athletes and significantly attenuated by measurement stage 1 at 35.4 km, which suggests the effect was driven by the release of pre-competition anxiety. Depression, anger and TMD were significantly lower at the pre-race measurement compared to the baseline measurement taken the week before. Consistent with previous studies, there were also significant increases in fatigue, anger and TMD during the race. The data are interpreted in terms of the Psychobiological model of endurance and may have broader implications for the understanding of endurance performance in other domains.
Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Theileria annulata in cattle from central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Theileria annulata is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasite responsible for tropical theileriosis in the bovine population, which causes substantial economic losses to the livestock sector. The present study has investigated, characterized, and shaped epidemiologic and phylogenetic profiles of T. annulata infection in the cattle population of central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 600 blood samples were collected from cattle. Microscopy and PCR (18S rRNA taxonomic marker) assays were performed to detect T. annulata infection in cattle from the study area. The overall relative prevalence rates of T. annulata in the examined cattle population were 12.8% (microscopy) and 23.7% (PCR). District-wise analysis (microscopy/PCR) showed that cattle from district Mardan were found more infected (16.0%/28.0%), as compared to cattle from district Charsadda (13.5%/25.5%) and district Peshawar (9.0%/17.5%). Based on host demographic and ecological parameters analysis, theileriosis was found to be higher in young, female, crossbred, freely grazing, tick-infested, and irregular/no acaricides treated cattle. The univariate logistic analysis showed that host age, tick infestation, acaricides use, and feeding method were significant risk factors (P<0.05) whereas multivariate analysis indicated that host age, gender, tick infestation, acaricidal application, and feeding method were potential risk factors (P<0.05) for tropical theileriosis in the cattle population. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis showed that T. annulata 18S rRNA isolates shared homology and phylogeny with other isolates from Asia and Europe. This study has addressed the epidemiology and phylogeny of T. annulata circulating in bovid in the study area where gaps were still present. These findings will serve as a baseline and will facilitate future large-scale epidemiological investigations on tropical theileriosis in the cattle population at a national level.
EFFECT OF PRE-TREATMENT AND AIR TEMPERATURE ON DRYING TIME OF CHERRY TOMATO

The effects of pre-treatment and air temperature with on drying and rehydration characteristics of cherry tomato slices were studied. Drying experiments are carried out with the air temperature of 55, 65, and 75°C. Drying time decreased with pre-treatment, and it also decreased considerably with increase in air temperature. The results indicated that the cherry tomatoes which were pre-treated with potassium solution were explored within the shortest time. Furthermore, superior rehydration was observed the samples which were pre-treated with potassium solution. The moisture effective diffusivity calculated from the second Fick’s law of diffusion ranged from 2.26 to 6.22 ´ 10 -9 m 2 /s over the temperature range studied. Activation energy was estimated by an Arrhenius type equation and the activation energy values varied from 26.51 to 32.79 kJ/mol.
Pattern and Outcome of Acute Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Seen in Adult Emergency Department of Al-Shaab Teaching Hospital: A prospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Cardiology Center

Background Despite investments to improve the quality of emergency care for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), few studies have described national, real-world trends in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) care in the emergency department (ED). We aimed to describe the characteristics, management, and outcomes of NSTEMI. Methods A prospective single-center study enrolled 40 NSTEMI patients in Alshaab Teaching Hospital during the period from May to July 2021. Data regarding demographics, medical history, clinical presentations, laboratory investigation, Killip classifications, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiogram, diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG), management strategies, medications used, and 30-days outcomes were collected. Results Among 40 patients, NSTEMI was common in the age groups from 56 to 70 years (60%) and males (67.5%; p=0.002). Diabetes (n=24; 60%) and hypertension (n=20; 50%) were the major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. In most of the cases, 29 (72%) had a late presentation (>6 hours; p=0.0001). In Killip classifications, 36 (90%) patients were Killip class I and four (10%) were Killip class II (p=0.005). No patients underwent risk score assessment during a hospital stay. All patients had sinus rhythm in ECG and 28 (70%) had T-wave inversion. An echocardiogram was performed for 36 (90%) patients, among them six (16.7%) patients had LV systolic dysfunction (p=.003). The median ejection fraction was 52% (ranged from 25-75%). Diagnostic CAG was performed for 38 (95%) patients and a stent was inserted for 23 (58%) of them. The major final management strategy among our study group was PCI in 23 (58%) patients. All patients received aspirin, clopidogrel, parenteral anticoagulant, and ACEi/ARBs, 38 (95%) had statin, 28 (70%) were given PPI, and seven (17.5%) received diuretics. As for 30-day outcomes, all patients survived, but ten (25%) patients were readmitted, and no in-hospital or 30-days mortality occurred. Conclusion NSTEMI predominantly affected male and older patients. Most of them had a delayed presentation to ED. Hypertension and DM were the major risk factors. All patients were in sinus rhythm and the main ECG abnormality was a T-wave inversion. Most of the patients received standard NSTEMI protocol with exception of risk stratification. PCI was the major final management strategy used. Albeit no in-hospital or 30-days mortality occurred, 25% were readmitted.
Non-utilization of Public Health Care Facilities by Women of Reproductive Age Group: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Urban Area of Central India

Introduction Non-utilization of public health care facilities by women in India is one of the crucial concerns when ensuring universal health coverage. However, contrary to the fact that women need more health care assistance throughout their lifespan, there is a considerable lack of awareness among them, and this is a major contributor to their unwillingness to use these services. Methods A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women of the reproductive age group (15-49 years) in an urban field practice area of a tertiary health care center in central India. Data were collected for two months by interview technique using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2. 2.6 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia) software. Results Of the total 132 women, 77 (58.33%) respondents were aware of the availability of public health care facilities in their area of residence. Despite this, only 59 (44.69%) were utilizing the services. Non-utilization of public health care facilities was significantly more in those belonging to upper socioeconomic status (chi-square = 14.36, p < 0.05 at a degree of freedom [df] = 2). The common reasons being lack of personal attention, cleanliness, and overcrowding at these facilities. Conclusion Even though a substantial population in central India cannot afford private or corporate health care services, the utilization of public health care facilities has not been up to the mark. Overall, most of the subjects were aware of the facilities available to them. This awareness, however, did not match with the utilization of such facilities. Less than half of the women were utilizing the public health care facilities.
Aedes albopictus bionomics data collection by citizen participation on Procida Island, a promising Mediterranean site for the assessment of innovative and community-based integrated pest management methods

In the last decades, the colonization of Mediterranean Europe and of other temperate regions by Aedes albopictus created an unprecedented nuisance problem in highly infested areas and new public health threats due to the vector competence of the species. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) are insecticide-free mosquito-control methods, relying on mass release of irradiated/manipulated males, able to complement existing and only partially effective control tools. The validation of these approaches in the field requires appropriate experimental settings, possibly isolated to avoid mosquito immigration from other infested areas, and preliminary ecological and entomological data. We carried out a 4-year study in the island of Procida (Gulf of Naples, Italy) in strict collaboration with local administrators and citizens to estimate the temporal dynamics, spatial distribution, and population size of Ae. albopictus and the dispersal and survival of irradiated males. We applied ovitrap monitoring, geo-spatial analyses, mark-release-recapture technique, and a citizen-science approach. Results allow to predict the seasonal (from April to October, with peaks of 928–9,757 males/ha) and spatial distribution of the species, highlighting the capacity of Ae. albopictus population of Procida to colonize and maintain high frequencies in urban as well as in sylvatic inhabited environments. Irradiated males shown limited ability to disperse (mean daily distance travelled <60m) and daily survival estimates ranging between 0.80 and 0.95. Overall, the ecological characteristics of the island, the acquired knowledge on Ae. albopictus spatial and temporal distribution, the high human and Ae. albopictus densities and the positive attitude of the resident population in being active parts in innovative mosquito control projects provide the ground for evidence-based planning of the interventions and for the assessment of their effectiveness. In addition, the results highlight the value of creating synergies between research groups, local administrators, and citizens for affordable monitoring (and, in the future, control) of mosquito populations.
Qualitative and Quantitative Anatomy of the Human Quadriceps Tendon in Young Cadaveric Specimens

Background: A detailed understanding of the anatomy of the quadriceps tendon (QT) is clinically relevant, owing to its increased use as a graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Purpose: To qualitatively and quantitatively describe the anatomy of the QT in younger adult specimens. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 18 nonpaired cadaveric knees with a mean age of 30.1 years (range, 18-38 years) were utilized for this study. A 3-dimensional coordinate measuring system was used to assess the structural relationships between the different layers of the QT and their attachments to the patella, and QT thickness was measured medially, centrally, and laterally at 2-cm intervals from the patellar eminence line (PEL; defined as a straight line between the medial and lateral patellar eminences) and proximally. Results: In all specimens, 3 distinct layers formed the QT. The first (superficial) layer was formed by the rectus femoris, which was fused to the second layer with an unclearly defined direct attachment to the patella. The median length of the QT was 86.9 mm (range, 68.4-98.9 mm). The second (middle) layer consisted of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis and was found to have fibers running in an oblique direction that attached on the patella. A “fuse point,” where the proximal part of the rectus femoris started to merge to the second layer, was identified at a median of 48.7 mm (range, 27.9-62.6 mm) from the PEL. The third (deep) layer consisted of the vastus intermedius. The median thickness of the graft centrally at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mm from the PEL was 8.5, 7.2, 7.5, 6.5, and 5.4 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, 3 different layers of the QT were consistently found in all specimens. The first layer was fused with the second layer, and the direction of the fibers of the second layer or the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis was oblique. The median length of the QT was 86.9 mm, and the thickness of the tendon diminished proximally. Clinical Relevance: This study allows for a better understanding of QT anatomy when harvesting the tendon as a graft for ligamentous reconstruction.
Thermal transport characterization of hexagonal boron nitride nanoribbons using molecular dynamics simulation

Due to similar atomic bonding and electronic structure to graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has broad application prospects such as the design of next generation energy efficient nano-electronic devices. Practical design and efficient performance of these devices based on h-BN nanostructures would require proper thermal characterization of h-BN nanostructures. Hence, in this study we have performed equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulation using an optimized Tersoff-type interatomic potential to model the thermal transport of nanometer sized zigzag hexagonal boron nitride nanoribbons (h-BNNRs). We have investigated the thermal conductivity of h-BNNRs as a function of temperature, length and width. Thermal conductivity of h-BNNRs shows strong temperature dependence. With increasing width, thermal conductivity increases while an opposite pattern is observed with the increase in length. Our study on h-BNNRs shows considerably lower thermal conductivity compared to GNRs. To elucidate these aspect.