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Background and purpose: The amplitude, timing, and determinants of improvement with available treatments are uncertain in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Our primary objective was to quantify categorized outcomes with routine care. Methods: We retrospectively studied treatment response within 36 months from initiation in 112 consecutive subjects with CIDP. Response was classified into a proposed new "CIDP treatment‐response category" (CT‐RC), based on achieved endpoints. Determinants of the CT‐RC, of timing of maximum improvement, and of treatment discontinuation were ascertained. Results: The CT‐RC demonstrated high concurrent validity with current outcome measures. Thirty‐six subjects (32.1%) achieved a "complete response," 37 (33%) a "good partial response," 10 (8.9%) a "moderate partial response," and 15 (13.4%) a "poor partial response." Fourteen subjects (12.5%) were "nonresponsive." The CT‐RC was independently predicted only by age. Mean time to maximum improvement was 12.1 months (range = 1–36) and was not associated with any pretreatment covariate. Treatment discontinuation occurred in 24 of 62 (38.2%) partial responders and was only associated with shorter pretreatment disease duration. Nonresponders were older and received a similar number of treatments compared to responders. Conclusions: CT‐RC classification indicates persistent disability in >60% of treatment responders in CIDP. Timing of maximum improvement is variable, frequently delayed, and unpredictable. Treatment withdrawal without deterioration is achievable in approximately 40% of subjects and may be more likely with prompt treatment. Treatment withdrawal in partial responders and limited escalation in nonresponders suggest implication of physician‐ and patient‐related factors in suboptimal response. More effective treatments/treatment methods and better understanding of other factors influencing response are needed in CIDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally processed foods are widely consumed in Kaduna, Nigeria and the world at large. However, poor quality control during their processing make them prone to contamination by enteropathogens known to possess multiple virulence genes, possibly causing morbidities and mortalities. Investigating the prevalence and virulence genes of food-borne bacteria is therefore paramount. This study was aimed at detecting virulence genes in enteropathogenic bacteria associated with minimally processed foods sold within Kaduna metropolis. Samples of sliced watermelons, peeled sugarcanes, peeled and sliced pineapples and unshelled coconuts (n=140) were collected from Kaduna North, Kaduna South and Igabi LGAs. Upon enrichment, samples were inoculated onto Eosin-Methylene Blue (EMB) and Cefixime-Tellurite-Sorbitol MacConkey (CT-SMAC) agar and incubated for 18 hours at 35oC. Isolates were identified using MicrobactTM 24E Gram Negative Bacteria Identification System for Enterobacteriaceae. Thereafter, E. coli and Salmonella enterica isolates’ DNA was extracted and purified using AccuPrep Genomic DNA Extraction Kit; used as a template for the PCR amplification of the bundle forming pilus (bfpA) and invasion (invA) genes; and then the PCR products were visualised using agarose gel electrophoresis documentation system. The results of the MicrobactTM analyses showed widespread contamination of the samples with E. coli (22 isolates) and Salmonella enterica (3 isolates). There was no statistically significant difference in the bacterial contaminants isolated from the various sampling areas (one-way ANOVA: p = 0.577); similarly, the type of the minimally processed food samples had no influence on the prevalence of E. coli and Salmonella enterica isolates (p = 0.345). PCR result revealed that the invA virulence gene (284bp) was present in one Salmonella enterica isolate. The presence of invA gene in the Salmonella enterica isolate indicated that the isolate is a virulent strain, which can cause food-borne infections. These results indicated the contamination of the minimally processed fruits with enteropathogens, hence, standards of quality control should be enshrined, towards safer foods and enhanced health of the consuming populace.

Li Zhang, El-Mustapha Haddouti, Kristian Welle, Christof Burger, Koroush Kabir,* Frank A Schildberg* Clinic for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn 53127, Germany*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Koroush Kabir; Frank A Schildberg Email koroush.kabir@ukbonn.de; frank.schildberg@ukbonn.deAbstract: Over the last decades, joint arthroplasty has become a successful treatment for joint disease. Nowadays, with a growing demand and increasingly younger and active patients accepting these approaches, orthopedic surgeons are seeking implants with improved mechanical behavior and longer life span. However, aseptic loosening as a result of wear debris from implants is considered to be the main cause of long-term implant failure. Previous studies have neatly illustrated the role of micrometric wear particles in the pathological mechanisms underlying aseptic loosening. Recent osteoimmunologic insights into aseptic loosening highlight the important and heretofore underrepresented contribution of nanometric orthopedic wear particles. The present review updates the characteristics of metallic and ceramic nanoparticles generated after prosthesis implantation and summarizes the current understanding of their hazardous effects on peri-prosthetic cells.Keywords: nanoparticles, joint arthroplasty, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, macrophages, mesenchymal stem cells

When combating a respiratory disease outbreak, the effectiveness of protective measures hinges on spontaneous shifts in human behavior driven by risk perception and careful cost-benefit analysis. In this study, a novel concept has been introduced, integrating social distancing and mask-wearing strategies into a unified framework that combines evolutionary game theory with an extended classical epidemic model. To yield deeper insights into human decision-making during COVID-19, we integrate both the prevalent dilemma faced at the epidemic's onset regarding mask-wearing and social distancing practices, along with a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. We explore the often-overlooked aspect of effective mask adoption among undetected infectious individuals to evaluate the significance of source control. Both undetected and detected infectious individuals can significantly reduce the risk of infection for non-masked individuals by wearing effective facemasks. When the economical burden of mask usage becomes unsustainable in the community, promoting affordable and safe social distancing becomes vital in slowing the epidemic's progress, allowing crucial time for public health preparedness. In contrast, as the indirect expenses associated with safe social distancing escalate, affordable and effective facemask usage could be a feasible option. In our analysis, it was observed that during periods of heightened infection risk, there is a noticeable surge in public interest and dedication to complying with social distancing measures. However, its impact diminishes beyond a certain disease transmission threshold, as this strategy cannot completely eliminate the disease burden in the community. Maximum public compliance with social distancing and mask-wearing strategies can be achieved when they are affordable for the community. While implementing both strategies together could ultimately reduce the epidemic's effective reproduction number (Re) to below one, countries still have the flexibility to prioritize either of them, easing strictness on the other based on their socio-economic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of ill information with or without the intention of deceiving or causing harm has negatively impacted agricultural development both in social and digital spaces. This has led to a lack of trust in adopting new technologies and practices, which has hindered the process of facilitating agricultural development. Although the study of agri-food misinformation is still in its early stages, this paper draws on a scoping review of existing literature and lessons learned from other fields, such as political science and public health, which have extensive experience in combating misinformation in social settings. The article explores how Farmer Field Schools (FFS), a popular participatory and community-based approach, can incorporate media literacy education and how a local agricultural information hub, platform approach and a relatively new approach called technology stewardship in agricultural extension can help those working in the agri-food industry combat misinformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the anti-atherosclerotic and antioxidative effect of the methanolic extracts (MExt) of Cochorous olitorous (CO) and Adansonia digitata (AD) leaves on irradiation-induced atherosclerosis in male Wistar rats. Atherosclerosis was induced in male rats by a single dose of 6 gray whole body gamma radiation. MExt of C. olitorous and A. digitata leaves at 500 and 1,000 mg/kg bwt were administered as treatment for 7 days. Blood serum was analysed for lipid profile, MDA (malondialdehyde) and liver tissue for antioxidants enzymes, whereas the therapeutic potential was compared to the lipids-lowering drug lovastatin at 10 mg/kg/bwt. The phytochemical studies showed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Treatment with MExt of CO and AD normalized the elevated MDA level, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the treated rats increased. Pronounced changes were observed at 1,000 mg/kg bwt mixture of MExt of CO and AD for 1 weeks and it was more potent than the standard drug. The current study provided strong evidence that MExt of CO and AD might be important in the treatment of atherosclerosis and ROS without any side effects at the studied dosage and duration.

Gastric ulcer is a localized area of erosion in the stomach lining, resulting in abdominal pain, possible bleeding, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common cause of gastric ulcer is Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a stomach infection associated with the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. The management of peptic ulcer disease and its complications remain a surgical challenge. Therefore, the evolution of newly discovered antiulcer drugs from medicinal plant is an attractive area, because several chemicals with anti-ulcer effect have been found in these plants, and they have shown a promising potential in the treatment of disease. Musa sapientum (Family: Musaceae), known as banana, is a familiar tropical fruit, is a treelike perennial herb that grows 5-9 m in height, with tuberous rhizome, hard, long pseudo-stem. The inflorescence is big with a reddish-brown bract, and it is eaten as vegetables, and the ripe fruits are sweet. Some studies reported that pectin and phosphatidylcholine in green banana strengthens the mucous-phospholipid layer that protects the gastric mucosa. Other studies highlight reported that leucocyanidin, a natural flavonoid from the unripe banana (Musa sapientum) pulp, protects the gastric mucosa from erosions.The present study is aim at reviewing the relevant studies on bioactive compounds in Musa sapientmwith their healing potentials in gastric ulcer diseases.

"Bioethanol, a renewable fuel derived from biomass feedstocks like agricultural residues and forestry waste, holds immense promise for sustainable energy production. Notably, sugar bagasse--a residual lignocellulosic material after sugarcane juice extraction--offers a valuable substrate due to its high sugar content. To harness its potential for bioethanol generation, optimizing parameters, such as temperature, pH, and fermentation duration. This study is geared towards the strategic enhancement of bioethanol synthesis from sugar bagasse, employing the Box Behnken experimental design using Aspergillus flavus as the biocatalyst. Employing rigorous statistical modeling and analysis, the investigation dissects the intricate interplay of temperature, pH, and fermentation duration on the bioethanol production kinetics. The outcomes underscore the optimal operational nexus that attains peak bioethanol yield: a thermal setpoint of 32.6°C, a pH milieu of 5.3, and a fermentation interval spanning 57.9 hours. The discerned synergy of these conditions culminates in an impressive bioethanol yield of 41.6 mg/L, manifesting a remarkable 56.9% escalation relative to the baseline conditions. This inquiry not only imparts nuanced insights into the precision-tuning of bioethanol synthesis from sugar bagasse through Aspergillus flavus but also furnishes a pivotal trajectory for the advancement of sustainable, environmentally conscious biofuel production." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]