Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Have Hand Hygiene Practices in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Improved in 2023 following Operational Research in 2021?

In 2021, an operational research study in two tertiary hospitals in Freetown showed poor hand hygiene compliance. Recommended actions were taken to improve the situation. Between February–April 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the same two hospitals using the World Health Organization hand hygiene tool to assess and compare hand hygiene compliance with that observed between June–August 2021. In Connaught hospital, overall hand hygiene compliance improved from 51% to 60% (p < 0.001), and this applied to both handwash actions with soap and water and alcohol-based hand rub. Significant improvements were found in all hospital departments and amongst all healthcare worker cadres. In 34 Military Hospital (34MH), overall hand hygiene compliance decreased from 40% to 32% (p < 0.001), with significant decreases observed in all departments and amongst nurses and nursing students. The improvements in Connaught Hospital were probably because of more hand hygiene reminders, better handwash infrastructure and more frequent supervision assessments, compared with 34MH where interventions were less well applied, possibly due to the extensive hospital reconstruction at the time. In conclusion, recommendations from operational research in 2021 contributed towards the improved distribution of hand hygiene reminders, better handwash infrastructure and frequent supervision assessments, which possibly led to improved hand hygiene compliance in one of the two hospitals. These actions need to be strengthened, scaled-up and guided by ongoing operational research to promote good hand hygiene practices elsewhere in the country.
Comparative Evaluation of Tissue Adhesives and Sutures in the Management of Facial Laceration Wounds in Children

Background: This study evaluated tissue adhesives in comparison to sutures for treating facial lacerations in children. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from September 2017 to August 2022 involving pediatric facial lacerations managed with either tissue adhesives or sutures. Results: Among 50 children, 20 received tissue adhesives, and 30 received sutures. Both methods showed comparable outcomes in terms of wound complications such as dehiscence (adjusted odds ratio = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.08–31.25) and infection (adjusted odds ratio = 2.17, 95% CI = 0.08–58.80). The cosmetic outcomes, assessed using the Hollander Wound Evaluation Score, were also consistent between groups (adjusted beta = −0.55, 95% CI = −1.15–0.05). Notably, those treated with tissue adhesives reported greater satisfaction (adjusted beta = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.63 −1.63) and experienced significantly less pain (adjusted beta = −3.03, 95% CI = −4.15–−1.90). Conclusions: Both techniques displayed similar rates of infection, dehiscence, and cosmetic outcomes. However, tissue adhesives were associated with increased patient comfort, especially in terms of reduced pain and greater satisfaction.
Antismoking agents do not contribute synergistically to semaglutide’s ability to reduce alcohol intake in rats

Preclinical studies have identified glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, and the antismoking agents varenicline and bupropion as tentative agents for treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Combining different medications is a recent approach that has gained attention regarding heterogenous and difficult-to-treat diseases, like AUD. Successfully, this approach has been tested for the combination of varenicline and bupropion as it prevents relapse to alcohol drinking in rats. However, studies assessing the effects of the combination of semaglutide, an FDA-approved GLP-1R agonist for diabetes type II, and varenicline or bupropion to reduce alcohol intake in male and female rats remains to be conducted. Another approach to influence treatment outcome is to combine a medication with feeding interventions like high fat diet (HFD). While HFD reduces alcohol intake, the ability of the combination of HFD and semaglutide to alter alcohol drinking is unknown and thus the subject for a pilot study. Therefore, three intermittent alcohol drinking experiments were conducted to elucidate the effectiveness of these treatment combinations. We show that semaglutide, bupropion or HFD reduces alcohol intake in male as well as female rats. While various studies reveal beneficial effects of combinatorial pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD, we herein do not report any additive effects on alcohol intake by adding either varenicline or bupropion to semaglutide treatment. Neither does HFD exposure alter the ability of semaglutide to reduce alcohol intake. Although no additive effects by the combinatorial treatments are found, these findings collectively provide insight into possible monotherapeutical treatments for AUD.
Institutional Structures as Mediators for Diversifying State Education Policymaking Bodies

Abstract Drawing on longitudinal data of state K–12 education policymaker demographics, we examine education policymaking body diversity over time, and across states and institutional structures. Though dominated by white businessmen, females and professional educators increased their presence at the education policymaking table. There was little movement in representation of policymakers of color. Institutional structures such as election type and professionalism were related to greater representation of females and persons of color in state education policymaking bodies.
Mucocutaneous Findings in Hematolymphoid Neoplasms: An Observational Study

Background: Cutaneous manifestations of hematological neoplasms can be divided into three broad categories – direct infiltration, paraneoplastic conditions, and those due to the treatment of hematological cancers. Objectives: To study the frequency and patterns of mucocutaneous manifestations in patients with hematolymphoid neoplasms and those due to chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study done with 172 patients. Categorization of mucocutaneous manifestations was done into malignancy-associated and chemotherapeutic drugs-associated and data was analyzed. Results: Out of a total of 172 patients, 15.6% (27/172) had malignancy-related mucocutaneous manifestations. Among these, 4.6% (8/172) had direct infiltration of malignant cells into the skin and 11% (19/172) had paraneoplastic manifestations. The most common chemotherapy-related mucocutaneous manifestations were nail changes – 47.1% (81/172), of which transverse melanonychia was the most common (20.9%). About 44.2% (76/172) had a cutaneous infection, the commonest of which was a fungal infection (15.1%). Chemotherapy-induced alopecia was noted in 46.5% (80/172) and found to be significantly associated with cytarabine, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and vincristine. Cutaneous hyperpigmentation was found to be significantly associated with cytarabine, doxorubicin, and vincristine. Conclusion: Mucocutaneous manifestations cause additional discomfort to a patient undergoing chemotherapy. Early recognition and timely and appropriate management facilitate symptom control and prevent treatment-related morbidity. A multidisciplinary approach involving hemato-oncologists and dermatologists can help achieve this target.
TCM “medicine and food homology” in the management of post-COVID disorders

Background The World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of global concern on May 5, 2023. Post-COVID disorders are, however, becoming more common. Hence, there lies a growing need to develop safe and effective treatment measures to manage post-COVID disorders. Investigating the use of TCM medicinal foods in the long-term therapy of post-COVID illnesses may be beneficial given contemporary research’s emphasis on the development of medicinal foods. Scope and approach The use of medicinal foods for the long-term treatment of post-COVID disorders is highlighted in this review. Following a discussion of the history of the TCM “Medicine and Food Homology” theory, the pathophysiological effects of post-COVID disorders will be briefly reviewed. An analysis of TCM medicinal foods and their functions in treating post-COVID disorders will then be provided before offering some insight into potential directions for future research and application. Key findings and discussion TCM medicinal foods can manage different aspects of post-COVID disorders. The use of medicinal foods in the long-term management of post-COVID illnesses may be a safe and efficient therapy choice because they are typically milder in nature than chronic drug use. These findings may also be applied in the long-term post-disease treatment of similar respiratory disorders.
Pollution Studies of Some Water Bodies in Lagos, Nigeria

Over the years, there has been an obvious pollution problem in Lagos area, Nigeria with high population of over eleven million and the near absence of waste management infrastructures. Concentrations of some pollution parameters and trace elements (temperature, pH, salinity, SO42-, NO3-, PO43-, F-, DO, BOD, COD and coliform, Cr, Co, Ni, Ag, Cd and Pb) were determined from water bodies of Isolo Canal, Lagos lagoon and the Seaport in Lagos area, during the rainy season (July, August, September and October) of 2002. Temperature was fairly constant with a range of 26 ? 31oC while salinity, SO42-, NO3-, BOD, COD decreased in the three water bodies as the rains increased. DO and coliform counts increased, while F- was almost constant during the same period. Phosphate was below detection limit in all the water bodies. The concentrations of dissolved metals varied between the water bodies. The concentration of Pb was found to be highest in the Sea and Cd was not detected in all the water bodies. The concentrations of the Cr, Co, Ni and Ag varied differently with salinity in all the water bodies. Pb concentrations did not show any significant variation with salinity in all the water bodies. REFERENCES APHA (1992) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (18th ed.). Published jointly by American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and, Water Pollution Control and Environment Federation, U. S. A. Bhattacharya, B. , Sarkar, S. K. and Maji, P. K (1994) Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in flora and fauna of Hooglily Estuary, East Coast of India. Toxicol. Environ. Chem., 42, 123-130. Boughriet, A. , Ouddane, B. , Fischer, J. C. , Wastel, M. and Leman, G. (1992) Variability of dissolved Mn and Zn in the Seine Estuary and chemical speciation of these metals in suspended matter. Water Res., 26, 1359-1378. Chapman, D. (1992) Water quality assessment. A guide to the use of biota, sediments and water in environmental monitoring. Published on behalf of UNESCO, WHO and UNEP. Chapman Hall, London. Davis, A. G. (1983) The effects of heavy metals upon natural marine phytoplankton population. Prog. Phycol. Res., 2,113-145. Goulden, P. D. (1978) Environmental pollution analysis. Heyden and Sons Ltd. Norfolk. Konar, S.K. and Mullick, S. (1993) Pollutional hazards of coastal waters by petrol, detergents and heavy metals. Environ. Ecol. 11, 688-690. Kraepiel, A. M. L. , Chiffoleau, J.F. , Martin, J.M. , Morel, F.M. M. (1997) Geochemistry of trace metals in the Gironde Estuary. Geochim. Cosmochin Acta., 61, 1421-1436. Lee, S.H. and Lee, K.W. (1983) Heavy metals in sediments from Juhae Bay, Korea. Haeyang Haklwechi, 18, 49-54. Morris, A.W. (1990). Kinetic and equilibrium approaches to estuarine chemistry. Sci. Tot. Environ, 97, 253-266. Vanzquez, G. F. , Diaz, R. A. , Salvador, L. G. and Virender, K.S. (1998) Dissolve metals in Alvarado Lagoon, Mexico. Environ. Inter. 24, 721-727.
Climate, Happiness and the Kyoto protocol: someone does not like it hot

The effects of climate on well-being have been investigated by focusing on the impact of climate on real estate prices, rents and wages, migrations and, recently, human happiness. We follow this last direction by merging individual data on happiness from the World Value Survey (third and fourth waves) with climate conditions of the WVS respondents’ cities from the NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration of the US Department of Commerce) database. More specifically, we use more than 118,000 observations to test the impact of climate on happiness and estimate the effects on it of climate related gains/losses arising when individuals move from one city to another (e.g. from Rome to London). Our research documents the existence of significant links between several climatic factors (rain, fog, temperature, wind) and happiness.
From Cereal Grains to Immunochemistry—What Role Have Antibodies Played in the History of the Home Pregnancy Test

Today, the home pregnancy test is the most frequently performed laboratory test for self-diagnosis (home diagnostic test). It is also the first laboratory test that has been adapted for self-use at home. This is probably because women have always wanted to know the answer to the question: “Am I pregnant or not? ” and always preferred to know the answer to this question intimately and in a discreet way. The history of the pregnancy test is also an interesting example of how the discovery of antibodies and the development of in vitro diagnostic methods based on the antigen–antibody reaction were important for the development of laboratory and clinical diagnostics. Immunodiagnostic techniques (based on the antigen–antibody reaction) are currently the basis of modern specialist laboratory diagnostics, which is essential in clinical diagnosis. The history of the pregnancy test is an interesting one and dates back to ancient times. A pregnancy test is defined as a procedure intended to reveal the presence or absence of pregnancy. Nowadays, every pregnancy test is based on the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood. Human chorionic gonadotropin is secreted by the placenta right after a fertilized egg cell implants in the uterus and can be detected in both the urine and blood of pregnant women. Urine pregnancy tests are convenient for self-use at home. Blood tests are performed in medical laboratories. Specialized laboratory methods not only detect hCG but also determine the concentration of this hormone. However, both of these methods are highly accurate and common. Throughout the ages, many different methods were used to detect pregnancy at the earliest stage. Grain, wine, and various small animals were used as research tools. These were both long-term and often unreliable; most were based on folk beliefs and superstitions. Animal pregnancy tests were the first biological tests used in this field. This was a significant advance in the accurate detection of relatively early pregnancy. Animal tests in modern times are considered cruel and inhumane, no matter how reliable their results can be. Their place is now taken by much more specific, more sensitive, and definitely more ethical immunochemical tests. The pregnancy test and the methods to find out whether a woman is pregnant have gone through massive transformations, from bioassays using plants to bioassays on animals to advanced immunochemical techniques and biosensors. Modern pregnancy tests are not invasive and are very sensitive. Nowadays, it takes only about 3 min to know the answer to the question: “Am I pregnant or not? ”. However, it was not always as simple as it is today. This manuscript aims to show the important role played by antibodies in the development of laboratory and clinical diagnostics in the example of the interesting history of the pregnancy test.
A Homozygous MAN2B1 Missense Mutation in a Doberman Pinscher Dog with Neurodegeneration, Cytoplasmic Vacuoles, Autofluorescent Storage Granules, and an α-Mannosidase Deficiency

A 7-month-old Doberman Pinscher dog presented with progressive neurological signs and brain atrophy suggestive of a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. The dog was euthanized due to the progression of disease signs. Microscopic examination of tissues collected at the time of euthanasia revealed massive accumulations of vacuolar inclusions in cells throughout the central nervous system, suggestive of a lysosomal storage disorder. A whole genome sequence generated with DNA from the affected dog contained a likely causal, homozygous missense variant in MAN2B1 that predicted an Asp104Gly amino acid substitution that was unique among whole genome sequences from over 4000 dogs. A lack of detectable α-mannosidase enzyme activity confirmed a diagnosis of a-mannosidosis. In addition to the vacuolar inclusions characteristic of α-mannosidosis, the dog exhibited accumulations of autofluorescent intracellular inclusions in some of the same tissues. The autofluorescence was similar to that which occurs in a group of lysosomal storage disorders called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). As in many of the NCLs, some of the storage bodies immunostained strongly for mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit c protein. This protein is not a substrate for α-mannosidase, so its accumulation and the development of storage body autofluorescence were likely due to a generalized impairment of lysosomal function secondary to the accumulation of α-mannosidase substrates. Thus, it appears that storage body autofluorescence and subunit c accumulation are not unique to the NCLs. Consistent with generalized lysosomal impairment, the affected dog exhibited accumulations of intracellular inclusions with varied and complex ultrastructural features characteristic of autophagolysosomes. Impaired autophagic flux may be a general feature of this class of disorders that contributes to disease pathology and could be a target for therapeutic intervention. In addition to storage body accumulation, glial activation indicative of neuroinflammation was observed in the brain and spinal cord of the proband.
Safety and Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Real-World Studies

Abstract The safety and immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in people living with HIV (PLWH) in real-world studies remain controversial. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to address this issue. Data search were conducted from PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE. Adverse events following vaccination, the risk ratio (RR) of SARS-CoV-2–specific IgG seroconversion and the level of anti–SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were compared between the PLWH group and a healthy control group. A total of 10,582 PLWH from 22 studies were included. In our analysis, the incidence of local or systemic adverse events after the first SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose was not statistically different between PLWH and healthy controls. However, there was a statistical difference after the second dose (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71–0.98). The seroconversion rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in PLWH was significantly lower than that in the healthy control group (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89–0.98; I2 = 80%, P < 0.01). The anti–SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers in PLWH after full immunization were also significantly lower than those in the healthy control group (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.98; I2 = 81%, P < 0.01). The safety and tolerance of COVID-19 vaccines in PLWH are acceptable. However, their immunogenicity may be impaired to a certain extent, characterized by a lower IgG seroconversion rate and neutralizing antibody titers compared with healthy individuals. These findings should provide guidance for optimizing future COVID-19 vaccination strategies among PLWH.
Topiramate (Topamax): Evolving Role in Weight Reduction Management: A Narrative Review

Obesity has emerged as a widespread disease with epidemic proportions, necessitating effective management to enhance the overall health outcomes of patients. Medical intervention for weight loss becomes necessary when diet and exercise prove ineffective, and topiramate emerges as a potential treatment option for this global problem. Currently approved as an anti-epileptic and migraine prophylaxis medication, topiramate is frequently utilized as adjunctive therapy for patients with mood and eating disorders, as well as for alcohol use disorders. Its multifaceted mechanisms of action contribute to reducing neuronal excitation and enhancing neuronal inhibition. Given its variety of mechanisms, topiramate shows several off-label outcomes, including weight loss, for patients prescribed this medication. Although the specific mechanism of action concerning weight loss remains uncertain, various hypotheses have been reported. Notably, topiramate may contribute to weight loss by reducing calorie intake, decreasing fat gain, and lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Additionally, its impact on reward pathways associated with food could play a role. Multiple clinical studies have supported the use of topiramate as a weight-loss medication. Notably, the medication demonstrates effectiveness in reducing body weight across different dosages and sustaining weight loss over time, outperforming alternative weight loss methods. Moreover, it was generally well-tolerated in clinical studies, with few side effects observed. In conclusion, topiramate offers promising potential as a weight loss solution and can be a valuable addition to the range of treatment options for combating obesity.
Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Compositions of Foamed Banana Powders (Pisang Awak, Musa sapientum L.) Dehydrated by Various Drying Methods

The objective of this research was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and nutritional compositions of foamed banana powders, as affected by various drying methods. The foaming process of banana puree was undertaken by using whey protein concentrate (5 %) as a foaming agent. After that, the banana foam was dehydrated by various drying methods, including hot air drying, vacuum drying, and freeze drying. Unfoamed banana puree dried by hot air drying was used as the control treatment. All the foamed banana powders exhibited higher L* and b* and lower a* values than that of the unfoamed one. Lower solubility and hygroscopicity were observed in the unfoamed banana powder, compared to all the foamed banana powders. All the foamed banana powders contained higher total phenolic contents (TPC), β-carotene, thiamine, and riboflavin, as well as ascorbic acid, compared with the unfoamed banana powder. Among the foamed banana powders, the freeze dried powder had the lowest bulk and compaction density, while the solubility and hygroscopicity were the highest. The highest nutrition components, mentioned above, and antioxidant activities were found in the foamed banana powders dehydrated by freeze drying, followed by vacuum drying and hot air drying, respectively. Therefore, the banana powder made by the foaming process and consequently subjected to freeze drying was of a higher quality, in terms of nutritional compositions as well as antioxidant capacities.
Application of biogeographical data of frogs to prioritize conservation areas in Borneo

Prioritization of conservation areas is an important aspect of conservation biology to enhance biodiversity conservation. WillI the increase in threats to biodiversity and environment, prioritization of conservation. areas has become crucial as it reviews areas with the best representation of biodiversity so that conservation efforts can be targeted. Feasibility and effectiveness of conservation translate to saving of time, money, personnel and most importantly, the limited natural resources. Prioritization of conservation areas requires four components: analytical tool, biodiversity value, selected organism and selected site.