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This article examines the expansion of methodologies for articulating heterogeneous (experiential and behavioral) data within the course-of-action research program (Theureau, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2015). In the area of sports expertise, recent studies have articulated verbalizations based on conscious awareness and behavioral data from largely unconscious processes in order to shed light on expert instrumented activity. The methodological differences between these studies are highlighted, especially regarding the priority given to the types of data and the conditions under which these data were collected. Three studies are presented, covering trail running, swimming, and ice climbing, and each is distinct in its conditions for data collection and processing and its methodology for data articulation. We examine their advantages and limitations for aiding the design of sports equipment and question the observatory within the course-of-action research program. Essentially, the program’s methodological advances raise questions about how sports equipment is designed, the athlete-researcher-designer relationship, and the heuristic scope for analyzing activity in work situations that share similarities with the instrumented activity of sports situations.

This article examines the expansion of methodologies for articulating heterogeneous (experiential and behavioral) data within the course-of-action research program (Theureau, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2015). In the area of sports expertise, recent studies have articulated verbalizations based on conscious awareness and behavioral data from largely unconscious processes in order to shed light on expert instrumented activity. The methodological differences between these studies are highlighted, especially regarding the priority given to the types of data and the conditions under which these data were collected. Three studies are presented, covering trail running, swimming, and ice climbing, and each is distinct in its conditions for data collection and processing and its methodology for data articulation. We examine their advantages and limitations for aiding the design of sports equipment and question the observatory within the course-of-action research program. Essentially, the program’s methodological advances raise questions about how sports equipment is designed, the athlete-researcher-designer relationship, and the heuristic scope for analyzing activity in work situations that share similarities with the instrumented activity of sports situations.

Une équipe pluridisciplinaire de chercheurs a collaboré pour concevoir un modèle théorique d’aide au tutorat à distance. Cet effort, qui nécessitait en premier lieu que le collectif développe une culture scientifique partagée – envisagée dans le projet comme une condition nécessaire pour l’efficacité d’un travail collectif – est une tâche qui ne va pas de soi et qui s’avère particulièrement délicate lorsqu’elle réunit autour d’un projet commun des professionnels experts de domaines différents: dans notre cas, des domaines scientifiques variés. Pour cela, les trois dimensions (l’engagement mutuel, le répertoire partagé et l’entreprise commune) qui organisent le fonctionnement d’une communauté de pratique (Lave & Wenger, 1991) ont servi de cadre. Dans cet article, nous décrivons les façons dont ces trois dimensions ont été actualisées pour mener à bien cette entreprise collective. Sur cette base, des pistes d’aide pour la collaboration pluridisciplinaire à des fins de recherche sont évoquées.

Many of the studies on motor learning have investigated the dynamics of learning behaviors and shown that the learning process is non-linear, self-organized, and situated. Aligned with this research trend, studies within the enactive paradigm focus on learners’ lived experience to understand how it shapes their intentions, actions, and perceptions. Thus, a joint analysis of experiential and behavioral assessments might help to explain the dynamics of learning (e.g., the transition between stable states). The aim of this case study was to analyze the dynamics of a beginner climber’s lived experience as his performance progressed (i.e., climbing fluency) during a learning protocol. The protocol comprised 10 climbing sessions over 5 weeks. During the sessions, the climber had to climb a “control route” (CR) (i.e., a route that never changed) and “variants” (i.e., novel routes, in which the spatial layout of the holds was modified). Phenomenological data were collected with self-confrontation interviews after each session. From the verbalizations, a thematic analysis of the climber’s intentions, actions, and perceptions was performed to detect the general dimensions of his experience. The behavioral data (the climber’s performance) were assessed using four indicators of climbing fluency: climbing time (CT), immobility ratio (IR), geometric index of entropy (GIE) of the hip trajectory, and the jerk. Our results highlighted the dynamics of the climber’s lived experience and performances in the unchanged and novel environments. The dynamics on the CR were characterized by four crucial episodes and the dynamics on the variants, by four ways of experiencing novelty. Our results are discussed around three points: (i) the climber’s definition of his enacted fluency in terms of intentions, actions, and perceptions; (ii) how the definition was identified through a dynamic phenomenological synthesis; and (iii) three effects that characterize the dynamics: challenge, metaphor, and a refinement in perceptions.

This study investigated the functional intra-individual movement variability of ice climbers differing in skill level to understand how icefall properties were used by participants as affordances to adapt inter-limb coordination patterns during performance. Seven expert climbers and seven beginners were observed as they climbed a 30 m icefall. Movement and positioning of the left and right hand ice tools, crampons and the climber's pelvis over the first 20 m of the climb were recorded and digitized using video footage from a camera (25 Hz) located perpendicular to the plane of the icefall. Inter-limb coordination, frequency and types of action and vertical axis pelvis displacement exhibited by each climber were analysed for the first five minutes of ascent. Participant perception of climbing affordances was assessed through: (i) calculating the ratio between exploratory movements and performed actions, and (ii), identifying, by self-confrontation interviews, the perceptual variables of environmental properties, which were significant to climbers for their actions. Data revealed that experts used a wider range of upper and lower limb coordination patterns, resulting in the emergence of different types of action and fewer exploratory movements, suggesting that effective holes in the icefall provided affordances to regulate performance. In contrast, beginners displayed lower levels of functional intra-individual variability of motor organization, due to repetitive swinging of ice tools and kicking of crampons to achieve and maintain a deep anchorage, suggesting lack of perceptual attunement and calibration to environmental properties to support climbing performance.

Background: Data on the asymptomatic burden of malaria in endemic areas is essential for Ghana's malaria elimination efforts. Consequently, the situation of asymptomatic malaria in the Fanteakwa South District (FSD) is determined in this study. The FSD is predominantly forested with more rural than peri-urban communities. Additionally, artisanal mining is prevalent in the district. Despite that the forgoing could promote high incidence of malaria, the burden of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors in the district have never been determined. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in four randomly selected communities in the FSD in the Eastern region of Ghana. The participating households were systematically selected, of which one household member was randomly enrolled in the study. With prior consent, 2 mL of whole blood was collected from the participants. Subsequently, the study variables were obtained from the enrolees using a structured questionnaire. The malaria status of the enrolled participants was determined using the CareStart™ malaria rapid diagnostic test kit (mRDT) (USA). The multiple logistic regression model was used to fit the model to predict the groups at risk of P. falciparum infection in the district. Results: In total, 412 study participants were enrolled. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in the district was 43.4 % (179/412). The prevalence rate was 36.9 %, 27.7 %, 50 % and 58.8 % (37.5 °C (

Education remains the key to development in all countries. Thus, every country is making efforts to promote education for all. However, despite these efforts, the school dropout rate continues to rise. With this in mind, this research is carried out with the aim of analyzing the factors underlying the phenomenon of school dropout in rural and urban areas. Mixed research method was carried out on one hundred and six (106) participants identified using purposive and accidental sampling techniques. Due to the similar characteristics of the population and its unknown size (exact number of students who dropped out in the two municipalities being unknown), it was logical, for statistical reasons, to determine the size of this sample accordingly. Data processing was based on an analytical model inspired by Viau’s (1999) theory of motivational dynamics and Ryan and Deci’s (1985) theory of self-determination. The results research show that a student’s environment necessarily influences his or her school life. School dropout in rural areas, unlike in urban areas, is more influenced by economic factors and those linked to the family circle. The identified specific factors imply policy decisions and interventions tailored to the needs of students in urban and rural communities.

Background: Psychoactive substance (PAS) use is a worldwide problem and has many health, sociological and economic effects. Several countries are alarmed by the growing incidence of drug use by students, and Ghana is no exception. Few studies have been carried out among students in Ghana. Aim: This study assessed general PAS use, its association with psychological distress and possible risk factors among undergraduate students in a Ghanaian tertiary institution. Methodology: The World Health Organization (WHO) students' drug use questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used to gather information from a total of 400 students to evaluate the prevalence of PAS use and its association with psychological distress. The study employed proportion and chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests as well as logistic regression modelling in fitting models for factors of PAS use and psychological distress. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.66±2.19. Alcohol was the most (54.8 %) commonly used psychoactive substance. Students residing in university hostels (AOR=0.08; CI: 0.04, 0.16) and those who participate in regular religious activities (AOR=0.14; CI: 0.06, 0.28) were less likely to use any non-medical drug. Students who use alcoholic beverages (AOR=40.74; CI: 15.79, 121.87) and benzodiazepines (AOR=2.47; CI: 1.04, 5.93) were more likely to suffer psychological distress. Conclusion: There is significant psychoactive substance use among undergraduate students of the institution. The most frequently used substance in this research was alcohol, which followed the general trend. Residing on campus and engaging in regular religious activities were negatively correlated with the use of psychoactive substances.

The impact of vaccine hesitancy on global health is one that carries dire consequences. This was evident during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, where numerous theories and rumours emerged. To facilitate targeted actions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance, it is essential to identify and understand the barriers that hinder vaccine uptake, particularly regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in Ghana, one year after its introduction in the country.We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing self-administered questionnaires to determine factors, including barriers, that predict COVID-19 vaccine uptake among clients visiting a tertiary and quaternary hospital using some machine learning algorithms. Among the findings, machine learning models were developed and compared, with the best model employed to predict and guide interventions tailored to specific populations and contexts. A random forest model was utilized for prediction, revealing that the type of facility respondents visited and the presence of underlying medical conditions were significant factors in determining an individual's likelihood of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The results showed that machine learning algorithms can be of great use in determining COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Measurement of low-level radionuclide transfer from food drying surfaces is of radiological importance in environmental protection, especially in West Africa where farmers commonly preserve their foodstuffs by a low cost method of sun-drying on surfaces such as rock, asphalt, concrete, wood, metals, or roofing sheets which are reported sources of natural radionuclides. The transfer coefficient of natural radionuclides from drying surfaces into food samples is therefore a concern for dietary intake for the consumers. The radioactivity measurements of commonly used food drying surfaces in Ogbomoso, as well as cassava flour sun-dried on these surfaces were performed via gamma-ray spectrometry. Cassava flour was sun-dried on fabric raised 1 meter above the ground to serve as control sample (CF control ). Activity concentrations of 40 K, 238 U, 232 Th in rock, asphalt, concrete and cassava flour dried on these surfaces were determined using a lead-shielded NaI(Ti) detector crystal. Food consumption data and the measured activity concentrations in dried cassava flour were used to estimate ingestion effective dose of radionuclide intake from cassava flour due to these drying surfaces. Annual ingestion effective doses (mSvy−1) in cassava flour dried on concrete, rock, asphalt and fabric were estimated to be 0.72, 0.59, 0.42 and 0.26, respectively. Radionuclide addition was observed in cassava flour dried on concrete, rock and asphalt with transfer variation maximum in rock surface and minimum in asphalt surface. Result of this study is useful for radiometric data analysis in the study area especially on food safety regulations.

At the resource frontier of Prey Lang Forest in Cambodia, a new food regime marks multiple rifts in the social fabric. As the forest gives way to rural road development, migrant incursions, and cash cropping, long-term residents lament the paucity of available food. At the same time, new migrants suggest that there is now more food than ever. Based on how food is defined, we find one food, motofish, that emerged as a significant semiotic sign. It is a fish, regardless of species, that is farm-raised and carried from the market to the village by motorbike. It is opposed to a real fish that grows by itself in a river or stream. Long-term Kuy and Khmer residents of the forest see the fish as a sign of destruction and loss, because there are so few fish in the rivers and streams. New migrants see motofish as part of a new abundance coming to this remote corner of the world where there used to be no food. This abundance is facilitated by Cambodia's growing fish farming industry, fed by wild-harvested 'trashfish' and subsidized soy pellets. Motofish is more than a sign of gastropolitics, as it marks a rift in the semiotic landscape through which individual and collective worlds emerge. We use this worldmaking fish to launch a discussion of both the epistemic and metabolic rifts of agrarian transformation and how these rifts are interpreted by different actors in the same landscape: One that recognizes the metabolic rift and the other that carries with them its epistemic cleansing.

To mitigate food insecurity and the low economic status of amaranth farmers in south-west Nigeria, it is imperative to evaluate the predominant commercial A. hybridus cultivars using key yield and nutrient components to identify promising lines with optimum yield and nutritional quality. The current study evaluated five cultivars of Amaranthus hybridus in south-west Nigeria farms using key morphological, biochemical, and seed-proximate component parameters. The results revealed significant differences in the cultivars’ growth and yield indices. The number of leaves ranged from 16.40 to 29.48 (x- = 22.10) with plant height (x- = 50.28 cm), while other leaf metrics varied at maturity. Days to 50% flowering ranged from 49 to 90 days. Seed proximate composition also varied significantly. Carbohydrate content ranged from 65.01–76.28%, protein content 6.57–12.42%, ash content 2.73–3.59%, total polyphenols 23.36–29.64 mg/100 g GAE, and total antioxidants 31.6–181.59 mg/100 g AAE. The Pearson correlation matrix and path analysis showed significant relationships among the yield components. The phenotypic variance of the yield components mainly stemmed from environmental factors, indicating their crucial role in the traits’ expression. Careful evaluation of the cultivars revealed that AM-1 and AM-3 had the best growth and yield attributes. Additionally, the two cultivars showed a significant degree of relatedness, suggesting a common ancestor. They have the potential to increase productivity, farmers’ profitability, and consumers’ nutrient gain compared to other cultivars. They are recommended for cultivation and can be further crossed in breeding programs to develop superior lines.

This study aims to analyze and describe the chemical constituents of various crude extracts derived from the root of Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae), an ethnomedicinal plant commonly found in Nigeria. The root of Morinda lucida was dried at room temperature and pulverized into powder. The soxhlet extraction technique was used with solvents of different polarities, namely hexane, chloroform, and methanol, to obtain three distinct extracts. Subsequently, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was carried out on the extracts. A total of 69 compounds were identified from the different extracts of M. lucida root. The hexane extract had 3 major compounds and 8 minor ones, with diethyl phthalate being the most prominent with 87.10% peak area. The chloroform extract had 24 compounds, with phthalic acid, 2-Ethylhexyl isohexyl ester being the highest with 16.61% peak area. Six of these compounds had more than 5%, while the remaining 18 ranged from 2.50% to 1.00%. The ethanol extract contained 36 compounds, with 6 compounds being greater than 5% and the remaining 30 less than 5%. The highest percentage in the ethanol extract was 2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-methyl-, at 16.05%. In terms of the biological and pharmacology benefits, these chemicals are regarded as crucial. Also, each of the three extracts has a few similarities in their physicochemical properties that can be related to the natural substances that are abundantly found in M. lucida root. The GC-MS analysis of different extracts of M. lucida revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds that have potential therapeutic properties.

Abstract This study compared the level of lubricity and pain reduction of a novel shea lubricant to 2% lidocaine gel during digital rectal examination (DRE). Our research group performed a 9-week single-blind non-inferiority trial at the Ho Teaching Hospital involving 153 patients. The primary outcome measure was the mean pain difference during the procedure using a Visual Analogue Scale. 75 and 78 patients were randomized to the shea lubricant and 2% lidocaine gel groups respectively. The analysis considered the per-protocol population. The mean pain difference at endpoint was Δ − 0.01. The 95% lower confidence interval was a -0.595 difference in means, above the non-inferiority (NI) limit of − 0.720, thus establishing non-inferiority (Δ − 0.01, 95% CI − 0.59 to 0.57, NI − 0.72). With secondary outcome measures, perianal pruritus (p = 0.728), discomfort (p = 0.446), bowel urgency (p = 0.077) and urinary urgency (p = 0.841) were similar during the procedure. Shea lubricant had better lubricity and ease of use (p = 0.002). While the novel shea lubricant achieved similar level of pain reduction as obtained with 2% lidocaine gel, it had better ease of performance and lubricity.

Background: Yellow fever (YF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the yellow fever virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquito species. Despite the availability of a very effective vaccine, yellow fever virus (YFV) remains a public health threat across Africa. Enhanced disease surveillance, vector control, and high vaccination coverages are key to the prevention and control of YF. This paper aimed to describe yellow fever surveillance in Ondo state and the outbreak investigation activities conducted in the LGAs where outbreaks occurred in the year 2021.Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. We conducted an epidemiological investigation of yellow fever suspected and confirmed cases in Ondo State in Nigeria in 2021, using the YF case-based surveillance data. We described outbreak investigation and response activities carried out in affected LGAs, where the outbreaks were confirmed.Results: A total of 62 suspected YF cases were reported from January to December 2021, with no record of mortality. More than half (53%) of the cases were between the age of 15 to 29 years. About three-quarter of the reported cases (73%) had received the YF vaccine. The overall attack rate was 1.33 cases per 100,000 population. Only 3 out of the 62 reported cases were confirmed as yellow fever cases.Conclusion: The resurgence of yellow fever in the state puts the state at high-risk for yellow fever transmission. To reduce the immediate risks to the health of the population, specific activities should be tailored towards increasing awareness on yellow fever transmission, prevention, and control. These include activities on risk communication and community engagement, active surveillance, vector control, strengthening of routine immunization, as well as continued implementation of preventive mass vaccination campaigns.

Pain is a symptom that many people who visit the hospital with various illnesses experience. Inadequate pain management has been regularly shown to have a negative impact on patients' health and reduce patient satisfaction. Patients' satisfaction with pain management is therefore important. The aim of this study was therefore to assess patients’ satisfaction and experience with pain management at the Ho Teaching Hospital, Volta Region, Ghana. The study was a prospective cross-sectional investigation and was carried out among 196 adult patients (older than 18 years) at the emergency, medical, and surgical wards. Data was collected using the 2010 version of the patient outcome and satisfaction survey questionnaire developed by the American Pain Society. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were employed in analysing the data obtained from the respondents. p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.The results revealed that 96% of the respondents were satisfied with their pain management. Expectations for pain treatment (r = 0.221, p-value=0.002), percentage of pain relief in first 48 h (r = 0.439, p-value

Background: Among the numerous challenges that Africa faces in improving its healthcare systems, the paucity of health data stands out as paramount. This study aims to examine the challenges related to the paucity of health data in Africa and its impact on the implementation of digital health and evidence-based practice. The findings of the study reveal that health data availability in Africa is both limited and frequently of poor quality. Several factors contribute to this concerning situation, encompassing inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of resources, and cultural barriers. Furthermore, the available data, despite its limitations, is often underutilized due to a lack of capacity and expertise in data analysis and interpretation.Policy Options and Recommendations: To improve healthcare delivery in Africa, we recommend implementing novel strategies for data collection. It’s important to recognize that effective information technology service is crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery, and a holistic approach is necessary to achieve this.Conclusion: This brief presents information to help policymakers develop long-term solutions to Africa’s health data poverty. Taking action based on this evidence can assist in addressing the problem.

This article details a correction to: Bamgboye M, Adeyemi D, Agaba E, Yilme S, Adebamowo CA, Adebamowo, SN. A Randomized Controlled Trial to Examine the Relationship Between Peer Mentoring for Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Health. Global Heart. 2023; 18(1): 53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/gh.1268.

Background: Aspiration of the olecranon bursa is a treatment option for acute olecranon bursitis (OB). Typically, the aspirate is sent for microbiologic analysis, cell count, and crystal analysis. This study investigates the utility of fluid aspirate analysis from patients with clinically diagnosed aseptic OB. Methods: In this prospective study (IRB #i20-00986), patients presenting with acute aseptic OB were treated with aspiration as standard of care. Patients consented to participate in this study via phone. Patients with suspected infectious bursitis, open draining wound, and chronic OB were excluded. The aspirate was sent out for routine microbiologic analysis (aerobic and anaerobic cultures and Gram staining) and fluid analyses, including cell count with differential and crystal analysis. Nucleated and differential cell count was reported as absolute numbers per cubic millimeter and percentage, respectively. Compression wrap was applied after OB aspiration, and patients were asked to ice and take anti-inflammatory medications. Clinical follow-up was done after 6 weeks and at 3 months for resolution vs. recurrence of symptoms, and the mean time to resolution was reported. Results: A total of 26 patients (28 cases) with aseptic OB were enrolled in this study. Two patients had bilateral OB. The mean time to aspiration after the onset of symptoms was 26.4 days. One patient had recurrence of swelling after the first aspiration and underwent repeat bursa aspiration. No organisms were isolated or reported on Gram staining on any of the aspirate samples. Two aspirates were reported positive for calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. No patient had monosodium urate crystals. All patients had resolution of swelling and symptoms without the development of postaspiration infection. Conclusions: This study demonstrates limited clinical utility of routine microbiologic analysis (cell count, microbiologic, and crystal evaluation) of fluid aspirate from clinically diagnosed aseptic OB. Although 7% of fluid aspirates were positive for calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals, it did not change the overall treatment.

Polyphenol oxidase which is responsible for oxidative conversion of phenolic compounds to polymers, has continued to attract the attention of scientists. Here, we report the extraction, purification and biochemical properties of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina). The enzyme was purified and concentrated using a non-conventional approach, aqueous two-phase partitioning (ATPS) and the biochemical properties of the purified enzyme were investigated. Substrate specificity studies revealed that the enzyme predominantly exhibits diphenolase activity. The order of substrate preference was catechol > L-DOPA > caffeic acid > L-tyrosine > resorcinol>2-naphthol > phenol. The optimum pH and temperature obtained for the enzyme using catechol as substrate were 5.5 and 50 °C respectively. The estimated Michaelis constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax) for the purified vaPPO using catechol as substrate were 183 ± 5.0 mM and 2000 ± 15 units/mg protein respectively. The catalytic efficiency (Vmax/Km) of the purified vaPPO was 10.9 ± 0.03 min/mg. Na+, K+ and Ba2+ remarkably activated the enzyme and the level of activation was proportional to the concentration. The vaPPO presented stability in the presence of up to 50 mM of the different metal ions tested. In contrast, Cu2+ and NH4+ inhibited the enzyme even 10 mM concentrations. The enzyme was stable in chloroform retaining up to 60% relative activity at 50% (v/v) concentration. There was an increase in the activity (143%) of the enzyme at 30% (v/v) chloroform., revealing that vaPPO could catalyze the substrate more efficiently in 30% (v/v) chloroform. Total loss of enzyme activity was observed at 20% (v/v) concentrations of acetone, ethanol and methanol.In conclusion, the properties of the vaPPO such as its catalysis in the presence of organic solvents, metals and high temperature would be of interest in many biotechnological applications.

Cambodia is a predominantly rural nation with a heavy dependence on agriculture, particularly smallholder rice farming systems. While several sustainable agricultural technologies have been suc­cessfully piloted on research stations or with small numbers of early adopters, questions remain on how to extend these technologies to large numbers of resource-poor smallholder farmers. The Scaling Suitable Sustainable Technologies Project (S3-Cambodia) seeks to examine pathways for scaling sustainable intensification (SI) technologies to smallholder farmers. One of the identified path­ways to scaling SI is through the education system. Cambodian youth serve as an entry point to extend target technologies to farm families through experi­ential learning opportunities in schools by estab­lishing “green labs” featuring school gardens. This research study seeks to support the desired outcomes of the S3-Cambodia project by assessing Cambodian parental involvement in their children’s lives and school activities. While students can serve as agricultural education sources for their homes and communities, there is a need to deter­mine whether relationships between children, par­ents, and schools in Cambodia are strong enough to facilitate this knowledge transfer. Primary data was collected from 178 parents whose children attend three separate high schools in three districts of Cambodia through one-on-one orally conducted surveys. These were supplemented by key inform­ant interviews of selected parents, teachers, and principals at each high school. Results indicate that parents have a strong interest in school garden implementation and activities at their children’s school, with 84% of parents interested in visiting a school garden. Additionally, the majority believe that they can learn from their children (65%) and actively discuss with their children what they are learning at school (72%), indicating a potentially significant likelihood of knowledge transfer from a school garden. Yet, parents’ involvement in their children’s schools and lives varies between regions, with the rurality of the households influencing family social ties and homes’ proximity to the school.

Penetrating traumatic brain injury (pTBI) affects civilian and military populations resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. No up-to-date and evidence-based guidelines exist to assist modern medical and surgical management of these complex injuries. A preliminary literature search revealed a need for updated guidelines, supported by the Brain Trauma Foundation. Methodologists experienced in TBI guidelines were recruited to support project development alongside two cochairs and a diverse steering committee. An expert multi-disciplinary workgroup was established and vetted to inform key clinical questions, to perform an evidence review and the development of recommendations relevant to pTBI. The methodological approach for the project was finalized. The development of up-to-date evidence- and consensus-based clinical care guidelines and algorithms for pTBI will provide critical guidance to care providers in the pre-hospital and emergent, medical, and surgical settings.

Background: This study investigated malaria transmission under various contrasting settings in the Central Region, a malaria endemic region in Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in five randomly selected districts in the Central Region of Ghana. Three of the districts were forested, while the rest was coastal. Study participants were selected to coincide with either the regular rainy or dry season. From each study site, hospital attendees were randomly selected with prior consent. Consciously, study participants were selected in both rainy (September and October, 2020) and dry (November and December, 2020) seasons. Clinical data for each patient was checked for clinical malaria suspicion and microscopic confirmation of malaria. Using SPSS Version 24 (Chicago, IL, USA), bivariate analysis was done to determine the association of independent variables (ecological and seasonal variations) with malaria status. When the overall analysis did not yield significant association, further statistical analysis was performed after stratification of variables (into age and gender) to determine whether any or both of them would significantly associate with the dependent variable. Results: Of the 3993 study participants, 62.5% were suspected of malaria whereas 38.2% were confirmed to have clinical falciparum malaria. Data analysis revealed that in both rainy and dry seasons, malaria cases were significantly higher in forested districts ) than coastal districts (x2 = 217.9 vs x2 = 50.9; p

This study aimed to examine the therapeutic activity of the cinnamic acid derivative KAD-7 (N′-(2,4-dichlorobenzylidene)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylohydrazide) on Fe2+-induced oxidative hepatic injury via experimental and computational models. In addition, the role of ATPase and ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (ENTPDase) in the coordination of cellular signals is speculated upon to proffer suitable therapeutics for metabolic stress disorder upon their inhibition. While we know little about therapeutics with flexible dual inhibitors for these protein targets, this study was designed to screen KAD-7’s (N′-(2,4-dichlorobenzylidene)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylohydrazide) inhibitory potential for both protein targets. We induced oxidative hepatic damage via the incubation of hepatic tissue supernatant with 0.1 mM FeSO4 for 30 min at 37 °C. We achieved the treatment by incubating the hepatic tissues with KAD-7 under the same conditions. The catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), ATPase, and ENTPDase activity were all measured in the tissues. We predicted how the drug candidate would work against ATPase and ENTPDase targets using molecular methods. When hepatic injury was induced, there was a significant decrease in the levels of the GSH, CAT, and ENTPDase (p < 0.05) activities. In contrast, we found a noticeable rise in the MDA levels and ATPase activity. KAD-7 therapy resulted in lower levels of these activities overall (p < 0.05), as compared to the control levels. We found the compound to have a strong affinity for ATPase (−7.1 kcal/mol) and ENTPDase (−7.4 kcal/mol), and a better chemical reactivity than quercetin. It also met all drug-likeness parameters. Our study shows that KAD-7 can protect the liver from damage caused by FeSO4 by reducing oxidative stress and purinergic actions. Our studies indicate that KAD-7 could be developed as a therapeutic option since it can flexibly inhibit both ATPase and ENTPDase.

Background: Studies examining the effect of peer mentoring on physical activity levels have been conducted in mostly elderly and young populations, and the results have been inconsistent. This study examined the impact of one-on-one peer mentoring on physical activity and cardiometabolic parameters in urban adults. Methods: The study participants were 353 overweight or obese adults residing in Abuja, Nigeria. They were randomized into two groups, peer-mentored (n = 128) and a control (n = 225) group. All the participants received nutritional counseling and were invited to attend instructor-led physical activity sessions each week for six months. Differences in the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity and cardiometabolic parameters, including body fat, muscle mass and lipids, were evaluated within and between the groups with t and rank sum tests. Results: At the end of the study period, the average time spent on physical activity increased significantly by 14% (p = 0.006), and the average time spent on vigorous physical activity increased by 99% (p = 0.003) compared to baseline for participants in the peer-mentored group. For those in the control group, the average time spent on physical activity decreased significantly by 7% (p = 0.03), while the average time spent on vigorous physical activity increased by 30%, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.34). In both groups, there were significant improvements in the total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides levels, at the end of the study period, compared to baseline. Conclusions: In these overweight or obese adults, we observed that peer mentoring was positively associated with increased physical activity. Peer mentoring also holds great promise for improving cardiometabolic health and promoting a healthy lifestyle in adults.

Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammation that can grossly affect the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT) from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is the most known type of IBD and has been the focus of attention due to its increase in prevalence worldwide. Although the etiology is yet to be elucidated, recent studies have pointed out Crohn’s disease to arise from a complex interaction between environmental influences, genetic predisposition, and altered gut microbiota, resulting in dysregulated adaptive and innate responses. The presenting hallmarks of Crohn’s disease may include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, or chills. Treatment is usually done with many approved immunosuppressive drugs and surgery. However, a promising avenue from natural compounds is a safer therapy due to its safe natural active ingredients and the strong activity it shows in the treatment and management of diseases. Diosgenin, “a major biologically active natural steroidal sapogenin found in Chinese yam,” has been widely reported as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of various classes of disorders such as hyperlipidemia, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, infection, and immunoregulation. In this review, an analysis of literature data on diosgenin employed as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of Crohn’s disease is approached, to strengthen the scientific database and curtail the dreadful impact of Crohn’s disease.

Summary: Background: Whilst other studies have reported the effectiveness of mRNA vaccination against hospitalisation, including emergency department or intensive care admission, few have assessed effectiveness against other more clinically robust indices of COVID-19 severity. Methods: A prospective single-centre test-negative design case–control study of adults hospitalised with COVID-19 disease or other acute respiratory disease between 1 June 2021 and 20 July 2022. We assessed VE (vaccine effectiveness) against hospitalisation, length of stay [LOS] >3 days, WHO COVID Score >5 and supplementary oxygen FiO2 (fraction inspired oxygen) >28%, conducting regression analyses controlling for age, gender, index of multiple deprivation, Charlson comorbidity index, time, and community infection prevalence. Findings: 935 controls and 546 cases were hospitalised during the Delta period, with 721 controls and 372 cases hospitalised during the Omicron study period. Two-dose BNT162b2 was associated with VE 82.5% [95% confidence interval 76.2%–87.2%] against hospitalisation following Delta infection, 63.3% [26.9–81.8%], 58.5% [24.8–77.3%], and 51.5% [16.7–72.1%] against LOS >3 days, WHO COVID Score >5, and requirement for FiO2 >28% respectively. Three-dose BNT162b2 protection against hospitalisation with Omicron infection was 30.9% [5.9–49.3%], with sensitivity analyses ranging from 28.8–72.6%. Protection against LOS >3 days, WHO COVID Score >5 and requirement for FiO2 >28% was 56.1% [20.6–76.5%], 58.8% [31.2–75.8%], and 41.5% [−0.4–66.3%], respectively. In the UK, BNT162b2 was prioritised for high-risk individuals and those aged >75 years. In the latter group we found a higher estimate of VE against hospitalisation of 47.2% [16.8–66.6%]. Interpretation: BNT162b2 vaccination results in risk reductions for hospitalisation and multiple patient outcomes following Delta and Omicron COVID-19 infection, particularly in older adults. BNT162b2 remains effective against severe SARS-CoV-2 disease. Funding: AvonCAP is an investigator-led project funded under a collaborative agreement by Pfizer.

Summary: Background: There is an urgent public health need to evaluate disease severity in adults hospitalised with Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant infections. However, limited data exist assessing severity of disease in adults hospitalised with Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infections, and to what extent patient-factors, including vaccination, age, frailty and pre-existing disease, affect variant-dependent disease severity. Methods: A prospective cohort study of adults (≥18 years of age) hospitalised with acute lower respiratory tract disease at acute care hospitals in Bristol, UK conducted over 10-months. Delta or Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined by positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR and variant identification or inferred by dominant circulating variant. We constructed adjusted regression analyses to assess disease severity using three different measures: FiO2 >28% (fraction inspired oxygen), World Health Organization (WHO) outcome score >5 (assessing need for ventilatory support), and hospital length of stay (LOS) >3 days following admission for Omicron or Delta infection. Findings: Independent of other variables, including vaccination, Omicron variant infection in hospitalised adults was associated with lower severity than Delta. Risk reductions were 58%, 67%, and 16% for supplementary oxygen with >28% FiO2 [Relative Risk (RR) = 0.42 (95%CI: 0.34–0.52), P 5 [RR = 0.33 (95%CI: 0.21–0.50), P 3 days [RR = 0.84 (95%CI: 0.76–0.92), P

Despite the established positive benefits, LMICs' adoption of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) is inadequate, with as little as 20% use. This study assessed the utilization and beliefs that drive the non-utilization of the WHO SSC among surgical providers at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 surgical providers at the KBTH in Ghana. Data collected included the category of personnel, awareness of the SSC, training received, previously identified barriers, and staff perceptions. Utilization and drivers associated with non-utilization of the SSC were assessed using bivariate log-binomial regression. Out of 190 surgical professionals invited, 186 gave their consent and participated in the survey, giving a response rate of 97.9%. Respondents comprised 69 (37%) surgeons, 66 (36%) anesthetists, and 51 (27%) nurses. Only 30.4% of surgical professionals always use the SSC, as advised by WHO. The majority (67.7%) of surgical professionals had received no formal training on using the WHO SSC. The proportion was highest among surgeons (81.2%) compared to anesthetists (66.7%) and nurses (51%). Surgeons were perceived by other professionals to be the least supportive of checklist use (87.6%), in contrast to nurses (96.1%) and anesthetists (93.9%). Significant drivers associated with checklist usage among surgical professionals included the SSC taking too long to complete, poor communication between anesthetist and surgeon, checklist not covering all perioperative risks, difficulty finding a coordinator, poor attitude of team members toward questions, surgical specialty/unit and training status of professionals. The checklist was always used by only a small (30%) proportion of surgical professionals at the KBTH. Improving checklist use will necessitate its careful application to all surgical operations and a cycle of periodic training that includes context-specific adjustments, checklist auditing, and feedback from local coordinators.

Introduction: Migration is a social determinant of health, and a major underlying factor of inequity of access to health and disparities in health outcomes. Migrant beggars from Northern part of Nigeria are a common feature in Southern Nigeria. Not too much is known about the challenges associated with access to healthcare and social determinants of health among this group of people in Nigeria. This study aims to fill existing gaps and contribute to the efforts of stakeholders in ameliorating the perennial challenges faced by this group of people. Materials and methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among female migrants in the city of Ibadan. Using Open Data Kit (ODK), a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents relating to access to health and basic social amenities, and challenges associated with these and as well as coping strategies. Data analysis was done with STATA version 15. More than a third-fifth of the respondents gave birth to their babies at home, used open defecation 189(49.6%), well/borehole 204(53.6%) is the source of drinking water. Three hundred and fifty-six (90.8%) of the respondents sleep in open space. Respondents with secondary school level of education, had a 129% increased odds of using health facilities compared to those who did not have any formal education (OR=2.29, p=0.014, CI: 1.18-4.44). Access to healthcare services and social amenities among women beggars was poor. There is a need for stakeholders to address this.