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Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant consequence that is becoming more common in COVID-19 patients. The current study sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PE in a study population of COVID-19 patients, as well as the relationship between PE and neurological sequelae. The research also sought to analyze the consistency of neurological examination and imaging techniques in detecting neurological problems. The research comprised a total of 63 individuals with COVID-19. The incidence of PE in the study group was 9.5% for smokers, 23.8% for obese patients, 33.3% for hypertensive patients, and 19% for diabetic patients, according to the findings. After adjusting for possible confounders such as age, gender, BMI, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes, a logistic regression analysis indicated that the probabilities of having neurological complications were 3.5 times greater in individuals who had PE. In conclusion, the present study highlights the high incidence of PE among patients with COVID-19 and the association between PE and neurological complications. The study also emphasizes the importance of a thorough neurological examination and imaging studies in the detection of neurological complications in patients with PE.

Abstract Introduction Traditional medicines are commonly used worldwide, especially in Africa—however, there is limited information on the prevalence and types of traditional eye medicine utilization in Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence, the type and nature of traditional eye medicine use and practices related to self-medication for ophthalmic diseases in a rural Ethiopian population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in six randomly selected primary health centers in rural Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Health-seeking behavior, use of self-medication, and traditional eye medicine were assessed in the population using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed to determine associated factors for using self-medication and traditional eye medicine. Result Of the 814 participants interviewed, 487 (59.8%) reported using traditional eye medicine, mainly for combinations of symptoms of ocular redness, irritation, and eye discharge (95.5%). Besides, 604 (74.2%) participants reported self-treatment with tetracycline 1% eye ointment. Older age, females, low income, no formal education, and lack of access to media were risks for utilizing traditional eye medicine. Conclusion The use of traditional eye medicine and self-treatment are common in this population. Regulatory legislation, public awareness, and making eye care are vital activities required to monitor such practices.

The primary goal of this research is to examine the impact of external debt, exchange rates, economic growth inflation and tax revenue on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Next-11 (N-11) countries where tax revenue used as a control variable. FDI plays an important role in boosting economic growth in developing countries such as the N-11. This study applied secondary data from 1993 to 2020. The panel unit root test has several criteria to make a decision on the unit root of the selected factors. This study considers the PMG panel ARDL model in the case of mixed orders. The exchange rate affects FDI negatively in the short run but positively in the long run, according to the findings of this study, the coefficient of variable external debt has a positive coefficient and result explains that a one percent raise in external debt tends to raise FDI by 0.46 percent in the long run but the result is not statistically significant. Economic growth has a positive impact on FDI over the long run and inflation has negative impact in the long run. By using the Kao cointegration test, a long-run association was found, and the ECT between the variables and the rate of adjustment was 27%. However, this study has the potential to have an impact on economic areas like global trade, global economics, public finance, and foreign direct investment decision-making.

This study emphasizes the synthesis of nickel oxide (NiOx + C) nanoparticles with varied graphite (C) proportions (1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) using Aloe-Vera natural extract as a green reducing agent. Prepared NiOx + C nanostructures exhibited consistent X-ray diffraction patterns with no additional C peak, signifying enhanced interlayer spacing. The crystalline size (Dp) decreased from 27 nm to 20 nm with an increase in the amount of carbon (C). The determined bandgap (Eg) was 2 eV higher than bulk material due to formation extra energy level at defect sites. The shoulder peak at 1620 cm−1 agrees with the disorder-induced band from C and second-order bands of C at about 2700 cm−1 for NiOx + C. FESEM images confirm the hexagonal morphology. Not much particle aggregation was observed except for 10% C content. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) confirms the existence of NiOx crystalline orientations including planes (111), (200), (220), (311), and (222).

The article presents data about the connection between interval QT and sudden cardiac death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in combination with coronary artery disease. Particular attention is paid to the relation between the level of blood glucose and the prolongation of the QT interval. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia prolong QT interval, increasing the risk of fatal arrhythmias. The mechanism of this phenomenon is described. The question of a safe glycemia level in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen found in healthcare settings. During April–September 2022, nine S. maltophilia bloodstream infections (BSIs) were identified among intensive care unit (ICU) patients at a hospital in Alameda County, California. Whole genome sequencing found isolates to be highly related. Despite implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions, four additional S. maltophilia BSIs were identified during June–September 2023. We investigated to identify risk factors for infection and stop transmission. Methods: We conducted a matched case-control study. A case was defined as S. maltophilia isolated from a blood culture from an ICU patient with a fever during April 2022–September 2023; control-patient subjects were patients admitted to the ICU during the same period with hospital stay greater than or equal to their matched case. Three control subjects were matched to each case. We extracted information on risk factors for infection from medical charts and observed IPC practices in hospital locations of interest. We collected environmental samples from the ICU, radiology unit, and emergency department. Results: Among 13 cases and 39 control subjects, patients exposed to iodinated contrast Omnipaque-300 (odds ratio [OR]: 5.7; 95% CI: 1.2–28.0), injectable propofol (OR: 12.2; 95% CI: 1.5–101.4), or fentanyl (OR: 9.2; 95% CI: 1.8–Inf.) were more likely to have a S. maltophilia BSI, compared with control-subjects. IPC deficiencies included improper cleaning and storage of medical equipment, including the contrast injection system, and patient care supplies. The outbreak strain of S. maltophilia was not isolated from environmental samples. Conclusions: Although a point-source was not identified, S. maltophilia was likely transmitted through improper IPC practices involving injectable contrast or anesthesia. Recommendations on proper cleaning and disinfection of the contrast injection system and proper storage, preparation, and administration of medications were made to reduce risk for contamination.

Abstract Background Uterine sarcoma is an uncommon aggressive malignancy. Optimal management and prognostic factors have yet to be well recognized due to their rarity and various histological subtypes. This study aims to investigate these patients' prognostic factors, treatment modalities, and oncological outcomes. Methods A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with uterine sarcoma and treated from January 2010 to December 2019 in a tertiary-care hospital in Pakistan. The data were analyzed using STATA software and stratified on the histological subtype. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios with 95% CI were estimated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Of the 40 patients, 16(40%) had uterine leiomyosarcoma (u-LMS), 10(25%) had high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (HGESS), 8(20%) had low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LGESS) and 6(15%) had other histological subtypes. The median age of all patients was 49 (40–55.5). Thirty-seven (92.5%) patients underwent primary surgical resection, and 24 (60%) patients received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. The survival plots showed the overall population's DFS of 64 months and the OS of 88 months (p-value = 0.001). The median DFS in all patients was 12 months, and the median OS was 14 months (p-value = 0.001). A small but significant DFS benefit was found in patients who received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy, 13.5 versus 11 months (p-value = 0.001). Multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed that large tumor size and advanced FIGO stage were substantial factors associated with decreased survival. Conclusion Uterine sarcomas are rare malignancies with poor prognosis. Multiple factors, including tumor size, mitotic count, stage of the disease, and myometrial invasion, impact survival outcomes. Adjuvant treatment may decrease the recurrence rate and improve DFS but do not affect OS.

Abstract Background Microbial contamination of baby bottle food has been identified as a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries, but it remains overlooked. Therefore, this study aimed to determine microbiological hazards, compliance with hygiene practices, and critical control points of contamination in baby bottle food in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia. Objective To evaluate the bacteriological quality and prevalence of foodborne pathogens in baby bottle food and to identify associated factors among bottle-fed babies attending three government health institutions in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 24 and March 30, 2022. A total of 220 food samples, comprising four types prepared with different sources of materials, were collected from systematically selected bottle-fed babies attending health facilities. The data on sociodemographic characteristics, food hygiene, and handling practices were solicited by face-to-face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire. Food samples (10 mL) were quantitatively analyzed for total viable counts (TVC) and total coliform count (TCC) and qualitatively for the presence of common foodborne bacterial pathogens. Data were analyzed using SPSS; ANOVA and multiple linear regression analyses were done to identify factors influencing microbial counts. Results Results revealed that the means and standard deviations of TVC and TCC were 5.3 ± 2.3 log10 colony forming units (CFU)/mL and 4.1 ± 2.6 log10 CFU/mL, respectively. Of the various food samples analyzed, 57.3 and 60.5% had a TVC and TCC above the maximum acceptable limits, respectively. The result of the ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in the mean score of TCV and TCC among the four types of food samples (p

The goal of this study is to explore the stochastic impacts of population, GDP, renewable energy, fossil fuels, energy intensity, and the service sector on environmental pollution through regression analysis. To achieve this goal, this study employed the Driscoll-Kraay standard error approach for the “Middle East and North African (MENA)” countries. The study assured a balanced panel of data from 1997 to 2021 and applied the STIRPAT model to test which variables are responsible for environmental pollution in the MENA region. The study's findings show that factors such as population size, gross domestic product, the use of fossil fuels, and energy intensity all contribute to environmental pollution. On the other hand, using renewable energy and strengthening the service sector can reduce long-term environmental pollution. The study's findings have proposed various policy implications for MENA countries to reduce environmental pollution, including carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mitigation, considering sustainable development goals 7 and 13.

Abstract Objective: Carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) are an urgent health threat. Since 2017, Alameda County Health Public Health Department (ACPHD) mandates reporting of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and encourages voluntary reporting of non-CRE CROs including carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA). Surveillance data from ACPHD were analyzed to describe the epidemiology of CROs and target public health interventions. Methods: Healthcare facilities in Alameda County reported CRO cases and submitted isolates to ACPHD to characterize carbapenemase genes; deaths were identified via the California Electronic Death Registration System. CRO cases with isolates resistant to one or more carbapenems were analyzed from surveillance data from July 2019 to June 2021. Results: Four hundred and forty-two cases of CROs were reported to Alameda County from 408 patients. The county case rate for CROs was 29 cases per 100,000 population, and cases significantly increased over the 2-year period. CRPA was most commonly reported (157 cases, 36%), and cases of CRAB increased 1.83-fold. One-hundred eighty-six (42%) cases were identified among residents of long-term care facilities; 152 (37%) patients had died by January 2022. One hundred and seven (24%) cases produced carbapenemases. Conclusions: The high burden of CROs in Alameda County highlights the need for continued partnership on reporting, testing, and infection prevention to limit the spread of resistant organisms. A large proportion of cases were identified in vulnerable long-term care residents, and CRAB was an emerging CRO among this population. Screening for CROs and surveillance at the local level are important to understand epidemiology and implement public health interventions.

Landslides frequently occur on the Subulussalam – Lipat Kajang road segment as a result of heavy rain that lasts for a long time. In addition to landslides, the Subulussalam area is vulnerable to earthquakes because it was once the site of a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 on the Richter scale. The extent of the destruction, as well as the number of victims, was caused by a lack of emergency planning. This research aims to see if the slope conditions are safe when subjected to an earthquake load and if appropriate handling methods can be found based on the soil characteristics at the research site. The slope is considered dangerous after being given an earthquake load of 1.044; according to the results of the safety factor value in the existing condition, sheet pile strengthening is required. The slope has been reinforced with sheet piles and is now in a safe state of 1,940 Keywords : Slope stability, safety factor, sheet pile.

Water pollution has badly affected human health, aquatic life, and the ecosystem. The purity of surface water can be measured in terms of dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements. Hence, it is desirable to have a portable and simple-to-use dissolved oxygen sensor. One possible remedy is an electrochemical sensor. Thus, we proposed an ITO-IrOx electrocatalyst for an effective and interference-free DO sensor utilizing the principle of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The ITO-IrOx was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and reflectance spectroscopy-based techniques. Reflectance spectra of the ITO-IrOx electrode showed the photoresist capability. The EIS spectra revealed lower charge transfer resistance for the ITO-IrOx electrode in ORR. The IrOx film on ITO exhibited a quick (one electron, α = 1.00), and reversible electron transfer mechanism. The electrode demonstrated high stability for oxygen sensing, having a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.49 ppm and interference-free from some common ions (nitrate, sulphate, chloride etc.) found in water.

Hydrogen peroxide is a promising substitute for fossil fuels because it produces non-hazardous by-products. In this work, a glassy carbon GC was anodized in sulphuric acid at +1.8 V to prepare the working electrode. It was utilized to investigate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a basic medium containing 0.1 M NaOH as a supporting electrolyte. The objective of this investigation was to synthesize hydrogen peroxide. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and rotating disk electrode voltammetry (RDE) were performed for characterization and investigation of the catalytic properties. The RDE analysis confirmed that oxygen reduction reactions followed two electrons’ process at an activated GC electrode. Hence, the prepared electrode generated hydrogen peroxide from molecular oxygen at a potential of around −0.35 V vs. Ag/AgCl (sat. KCl), significantly lower than the pristine GC surface. The transfer coefficient, standard reduction potential, and standard rate constant were estimated to be 0.75, −0.27 V, and 9.5 × 10−3 cm s−1, respectively.

Objectives To adapt the content and functionalities of Brain Health PRO, a web-based multidomain program designed to increase dementia literacy, to the context and needs of users, providers and community organisations across Québec, Canada.Design Five consecutive qualitative co-creation focus group sessions 30–90 min in duration each, exploring potential barriers and facilitators to usability, accessibility, comprehensibility, participant recruitment and retention.Setting Virtual meetings.Participants A 15-member team based in Québec and Ontario, Canada, consisting of 9 researchers (including a graduate student and the project coordinator), representing occupational therapy, sensory rehabilitation, neuropsychology, psychology, health science and research methods, 3 informal caregivers of older adults living with cognitive decline and 3 members of the Federation of Quebec Alzheimer Societies.Data analysis Session recordings were summarised through both qualitative description and thematic analysis.Results The synthesised recommendations included adjustments around diversity, the complexity and presentation styles of the materials, suggestions on refining the web interface and the measurement approaches; it influenced aspects of participant recruitment, retention efforts and engagement with the content of Brain Health PRO.Conclusions Co-creation in dementia prevention research is important because it involves collaboration between researchers, community support and service providers, and persons with lived experience as care providers, in the design and implementation of clinical studies. This approach helps to ensure that the content and presentation of educational material is relevant and meaningful to the target population and those involved in its delivery, and it leads to a greater understanding of their needs and perspectives.

The soil which is the platform often used for construction activities needs the strength to resist loads. However, its physical and mechanical properties are sometimes naturally limited and this implies there is a need for improvement and stabilization. Therefore, this study uses diatomaceous earth, which is a natural pozzolanic material classified as a type of Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCM), as an additive. The chemical stabilization was conducted by mixing the soil with stabilizing materials such as cement, lime, fly ash or others that have the ability to change the chemical composition and combination of soil. It is important to note that diatomaceous earth has similar properties as other pozzolanic materials such as fly ash and metakaolin powder and this is the reason it is expected to function as a soil stabilizing agent needed to improve soil properties. This study was conducted using the soil from Glee Geunteng in Peukan Bada as well as the diatomaceous earth obtained from Lambeureunut Village, Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia. The main purpose was to determine the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value of the Glee Geunteng soil mixed with diatomaceous earth at 5, 10, 15, and 20% dry weight of the soil. The CBR test consisted of unsoaked CBR, soaked CBR testing at 4 days, and swelling properties of CBR with a variety of diatomaceous earth mixtures. Glee Geunteng soil was classified as A-6 Group Index 3 based on the AASHTO soil classification and as the SC (silty clay) soil according to the USCS classification. The results showed that the unsoaked CBR value reduced from 35.96% for the natural Glee Geunteng soil to 31.65% for the soil mixed with 20% diatomaceous earth material. A similar trend was observed for the soaked CBR value with a reduction from 15.57% to 6.98%. The decrease in CBR value was perceived to be caused by the very small silica content (SiO2 ) in diatomaceous earth material with 42.09% compared to the 86% in the material obtained from another source in the previous research by Hidayati.

Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a gram-negative, biofilm-producing bacterium that is ubiquitous in water environments and often associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Outbreaks of S. maltophilia bloodstream infections are a rare event and raise the suspicion of a common source. We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for an investigation of a cluster of S. maltophilia HAIs at a single hospital. Methods: A patient was defined as an intensive care unit (ICU) patient with fever and S. maltophilia isolated from a culture and who was treated for an HAI from May to October 2022. The response to the cluster included an epidemiologic investigation, water infection control risk assessments (WICRA), and environmental sampling. We also conducted WGS to characterize and assess relatedness between clinical and environmental S. maltophilia isolates. Results: From May 5 to October 1, 2022, we identified 11 HAIs due to S. maltophilia: 9 bloodstream infections and 2 ventilator-associated pneumonia cases. The initial epidemiological investigation did not identify common medical products, procedures, or personnel as an exposure source. The WICRA identified several breaches that may have exposed patients to contaminated water from sink backsplashes in the ICU, computerized tomography (CT) rooms, and the emergency department. In the CT rooms, saline bags were sometimes used for multiple patients, as were single-use intravenous contrast solution bottles. No additional cases were identified once infection control breaches were mitigated by installing sink splashguards, disinfecting drains, dedicating sink use for handwashing, and adhering to single-patient use of pharmaceutical products in the CT rooms. Of 46 environmental water samples, 19 were culture-positive for S. maltophilia. Isolates available for WGS included 7 clinical isolates (6 blood and 1 respiratory) and 17 environmental isolates. Among the 24 isolates sequenced, 16 unique multilocus sequence types (MLSTs) were identified. The 6 blood isolates sequenced were highly related (ST239, 0–4 high-quality, single-nucleotide variants [hqSNV] over 98.99% core genome), suggesting a common source. Two clusters of related environmental isolates were identified; however, overall MLST and hqSNV analyses suggested no relatedness between clinical and environmental isolates. Conclusions: An ICU cluster of S. maltophilia bloodstream infections was likely associated with water contamination of room surfaces and use of single-use intravenous products for multiple patients in the setting of a national pharmaceutical product shortage. This investigation highlights the importance of strong surveillance and water infection control, including routine assessment of ancillary areas in which intravenous products are administered and interdisciplinary collaboration to properly mitigate nosocomial transmission.

Background: Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is an antiviral drug only available via an Expanded Access Program (EAP) investigational new drug protocol and is recommended for treatment of select patients with monkeypox (mpox) infection. Alameda County Public Health Department prioritizes health equity but does not have a dedicated public health clinic. Therefore, we partnered closely with local healthcare providers that serve communities disproportionally impacted by mpox to ensure there was access to TPOXX. Using data collected during the outbreak we assessed whether populations in Alameda County most affected by mpox received treatment. Methods: We describe Alameda County patients with confirmed or probable mpox who received TPOXX during June–October 2022. Data were collected from case investigation interviews with patients and state-wide reportable disease database(s), which included demographic, clinical, and behavioral information. Confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the exact method for Poisson counts. We compared characteristics of mpox patients who received and did not receive TPOXX using the Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact test. P < .05 was considered significant. Results: Mpox case rates in Alameda County were highest among Black or African-American residents (35.6 per 100,000, 95% CI, 26.7–46.4) and Hispanic or Latinx residents (25.2, 95% CI, 20.2–31.0) compared to Asian residents (3.9, 95% CI, 2.3–6.1) and white residents (10.4, 95% CI, 7.7–13.9) residents. Among 242 mpox patients, 69 patients (28.5%) received TPOXX. The distribution of demographic and clinical characteristics among patients who received TPOXX was not significantly different than among those who did not, including residents aged 31–40 years (36.2% vs 34.7%), Black or African-American residents (20% vs 26.3%), Hispanic or Latinx residents (38.5% vs 41%), male residents (89.9% vs 95.3%), gay, lesbian, or same-gender loving residents (67.2% vs 67.4%) in the city of Oakland (63.2% vs 61.5%), or residents with human immunodeficiency virus infection (43.5% vs 36.6%). Conclusions: During the Alameda County mpox outbreak, nearly one-third of patients received TPOXX. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar among TPOXX recipients and nonrecipients. A proactive approach to obtaining TPOXX in Alameda County and strong relationships with local providers may have allowed for treatment to be accessible to mpox patients. Regular review of outbreak data can inform public health activities, ensure health equity, and help refine local response efforts.

Background: Brucellosis is the second most widely spread zoonotic disease. There is less literature on this disease in Pakistan, leading to delayed diagnosis, or the patient remains undiagnosed. This study aims to contribute to Pediatric brucellosis literature, epidemiological, clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatment. Case Presentation: We present an 11-year-old child who was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain for one month and a fever for 15 days. On abdominal ultrasound, she had hepato-splenomegaly with minimal pleural effusion. A comprehensive diagnostic workup for infectious and immunologic disorders confirmed brucellosis with the antibody tests report. She received doxycycline, rifampin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for three months. The treatment was continued with Syrup Doxycycline (50 mg/5 ml), and Syrup Rifampicin (2 g/100 ml) was prescribed for five weeks. Her symptoms were improved by the end of the treatment. Conclusion: Brucella is an intracellular pathogen affecting multi-systems of the human body; thus, the treatment is started with antimicrobials that have penetrative effects on a cell. The treatment can be adjusted based on the age group and the complication of the symptoms.

The Singkil Sub-district of Aceh Singkil District comprises alluvium deposits with a relatively low ultimate bearing capacity. The ultimate bearing capacity of the soil is closely related to the safety of a building. The important thing related to estimating the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil is in-situ soil investigation. This study aims to estimate the spatial distribution of soil ultimate bearing capacity using field test data in the Singkil Sub-district. Estimating ultimate bearing capacity is useful to provide an initial picture for various planning and infrastructure development activities in the study area. Twenty CPT in-situ tests have been obtained from various field works in Aceh Singkil Regency. Field data analysis, based on empirical methods, was carried out to obtain the value of the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil at the test location. Then, the estimated distribution of the maximum bearing capacity obtained was carried out. The zoning map of the distribution of soil ultimate bearing capacity in the study was developed from this research. This map can be used as a form or effort of disaster mitigation by various stakeholders involved in planning and building various infrastructure facilities in the Singkil Sub-district

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the economical cultivated crops and is consumed heavily worldwide. The demand fOnion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the economical cultivated crops and is consumed heavily worldwide. The demand for onion seeds is high as it loses viability within a year. In Iraq, onion production has been limited due to the lack of good quality of seeds. Therefore, this study was aimed to improve seed quality and productivity of onion local white cultivar by using optimum onion sets size and priming with phytohormones. A field experiment was carried out in the Grrdarash field belonging to the Salahaddin University, Erbil. A split-plot in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was applied with three replicates. Onion sets >6.0 cm, large diameter and 4-6 cm, medium diameter, was selected. The bases of the sets were soaked in ascorbic acid (AsA) (1 and 2 mM), salicylic acid (SA) (0.5 and 1 mM) and control (water only) for 24 hours at 4°C. The results show that the emergence rate of flower stalk per day, the rate of umbel opening per plant, the number of flower stalks per plant, the number of flowers per umbel and seed yield (t.h-1) were increased statistically and significantly by using the large onion sets. AsA and SA treatments show their significant effect on flowering and seed quantity. A positive relationship was found between the aforementioned treatments and onion seed yield. Therefore, further studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural product that has the same properties as AsA and SA on the growth and quality of vegetable crops.

Medical tourism is a promising industry which is growing day by day. Researching on medical tourism is getting popularity in tourism literature. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors that have effects on medical tourist satisfaction towards medical tourism and also measure the satisfaction level. Thus, non-probability sampling method, especially convenience and snowball sampling technique were used to collect data from the respondents. Statistical analysis like factor analysis, descriptive analysis, and ordinal logistic regression analysis has been used to analyze the data collected through questionnaire. The statistical outcome indicates that doctors’ and nurses’ service quality, treatment facilities, cost of medical care, environment of hospital, tourism facilities, availability of doctors and staffs were found to have an impact on the patients’ satisfaction ratings. Patient demographic characteristics such as sex of the patients, age, and income had insignificant associations with satisfaction.

Introduction: Bedside teaching is the core teaching strategy in the clinical study in undergraduate medical education of Bangladesh. Many of the environments and opportunities available for bedside teaching and learning have changed. Students' views about current status of bed side teaching in Obstetrics and Gynaecology was studied in this study. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted in seven (three public and four private) medical colleges in Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2013. A total 578, 5th year MBBS students were enrolled who have completed at least 15 days of bedside teaching in Obstetrics and Gynaecology department. A self-administered structured questionnaire (Annex 1) with a five point Likert scale (1- strongly disagree, 5-strongly agree) was used for obtaining information from the students. The questionnaire had four main sections- physical environment of bedside sessions, issues regarding patient's comfort and attitude towards patient, teaching tasks, group dynamics and there was a space to write any other comments. Each section had a number of items and total 25 items were observed. For each variable frequency distribution, mean score and standard deviation (SD) were calculated. Here mean score 5- no need of further improvement, as it covered all the required criteria, 4 to <5- very minimum effort, 3 to <4- some effort, 2 to <3= moderate effort, 1to <2= considerable efforts are needed to fulfill the required criteria. Result: The overall mean score on physical environment factors was 2.75(.44), issues regarding patient's comfort and attitude toward patient was 3.74(.48), teaching tasks was 3.12(.45) and group dynamics was 3.08(.21). Conclusion: In all aspects of bed side teaching minimum to moderate efforts are necessary to make it more effective. The administrators and teachers should ensure comfortable physical environment in bedside teaching and must learn how to involve patients and learners in the educational process. So along with training on general principles of teaching, the clinical teachers should be provided with special training on bedside teaching skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) contributes to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality by increasing intrauterine infection or vertical transmission at the time of birth. Despite many efforts to reduce the potential risk of vertical transmission, GBS remains the main cause of serious disease (neonatal sepsis, meningitis, and/or pneumonia) in vulnerable newborns during the first week of life. This study aimed to assess vertical transmission, risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of GBS among pregnant women and their neonates. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers and their neonates from February to May 2021. A total of 201 pregnant women with their neonates participated in this study. A well-designed questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. A vaginal swab from mother before delivery and neonatal nasal and ear canal swab samples were taken as soon as after delivery within 30 minutes. Vaginal swabs, neonatal ear canal, and nasal swabs were placed into Todd–Hewitt broth and incubated at 37°C for 18–24 hours at 35–37°C in 5% CO2 conditions and then subcultured on 5% sheep blood agar for 18–48 hours. Presumptive identification of GBS was made by morphology, Gram stain, catalase, and hemolytic activity on sheep blood agar plates. CAMP and bacitracin susceptibility tests were used as confirmatory tests for GBS. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Vertical transmission rates of GBS (mother to neonates) were 11.9%. The prevalence of GBS among pregnant women and newborns was 24/201 (11.9%) (95% CI = 7.5–16.9) and 11/201 (5.5%) (95% CI = 2.5–9.0), respectively. The history of prolonged rupture of membranes (AOR = 3.5, CI = 2.2–18.8) and urinary tract infection (AOR = 2.9, CI = 1.7–16.3) were associated factors for maternal GBS colonization. Gestational age of

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) is one of the major health problems in Sub -Saharan Africa where water, sanitation and hygiene practices are inadequate. Taking into account the national level implementation of intensive hand hygiene against COVID-19 pandemic and general protective effect this study assessed its effect on intestinal parasite.ObjectiveThis study aim to investigate the effect of compliance to hand hygiene practice on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) and intensity of Soil transmitted helminthes (STH) among patients attending tertiary care hospital in southern Ethiopia.MethodsObservational study was conducted from June to September 2021. Data on socio demographic, hand hygiene practice and intestinal parasite (prevalence and intensity of helminthic infection) was collected from randomly selected and consented patients. Compliance to hand hygiene practice was assessed using pre-tested questionnaire. Fresh stool sample from each participant was examined by direct wet mount, concentration and Ziehl-Neelson (ZN) staining technique to detect intestinal parasite. Intensity of STH measurements was done through direct egg-count per gram using Kato Katz methods. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure association and p-value ResultsThe study population (N = 264) consisted of 139(52.65%) male and 125 (47.34%) female with the mean ages of 36 ±16.12(±SD). The proportion of good compliance to hand hygiene during COVID-19 to was 43.93% (95%CI: 37% to 47) and prevalence of intestinal parasite was 26.14% (95%CI:21.2% to 31.75) comprising 23.48% intestinal protozoa and 6.43% of soil transmitted helminthic infection. Gardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Ascaris lumbricoides were the common parasite in the study area with prevalence of 15.53%, 6.44%, and 1.52% respectively. Prevalence of intestinal parasite among participants with good compliance to hand hygiene group and poor compliance to hand hygiene were (14.65% vs. 35.13%)(AOR: 0.48,95%CI:0.13 to 0.68) (p = 0.002) implying that good compliance to hand hygiene can reduce the risk of IPIs by 52%. Moreover significantly lower odds of intestinal protozoa among good compliance to hand hygiene group than the control (OR:0.38; (95%CI: 0.20 to 0.71);P = 0.001. However, no significant difference in the odds of intensity of STH infection in good compliance hand hygiene and poor compliance group. The result of this study also confirmed the association between intestinal parasitic infections and younger /adolescent age, education status, habit of eating raw vegetable and figure nail status.ConclusionGood hand hygiene compliance during COVID-19 significantly associated with reduction of intestinal parasitic infection. This finding highlights the secondary protective effect of improved hand hygiene against IPIs and suggest it can used in augmenting the existing parasitic control strategies in the study setting.

Purpose COVID-19 infection resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began to spread across the globe in early 2020. Patients with hematologic malignancies are supposed to have an increased risk of mortality from coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection. From Pakistan, we report the analysis of the outcome and interaction between patient demographics and tumor subtype and COVID-19 infection and hematological malignancy. Patients and methods This multicenter, retrospective study included adult patients with a history of histologically proven hematological malignancies who were tested positive for COVID-19 via PCR presented at the oncology department of 5 tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan from February to August 2020. A patient with any known hematological malignancy who was positive for COVID-19 on RT-PCR, was included in the study. Chi-square test and Cox-regression hazard regression model was applied considering p ≤ 0.05 significant. Results A total of 107 patients with hematological malignancies were diagnosed with COVID-19, out of which 82 (76.64%) were alive, and 25 (23.36%) were dead. The significant hematological malignancy was B-cell Lymphoma in dead 4 (16.00%) and alive group 21 (25.61%), respectively. The majority of the patients in both the dead and alive group were on active treatment for hematological malignancy while they came positive for COVID-19 [21 (84.00%) & 48 (58.54%) p 0.020]. All patients in the dead group were admitted to the hospital 25 (100.00%), and among these, 14 (56.00%) were admitted in ICU with a median 11 (6–16.5) number of days. Among those who had contact exposure, the hazard of survival or death in patients with hematological malignancies and COVID-19 positive was 2.18 (CI: 1.90–4.44) times and 3.10 (CI: 2.73–4.60) times in patients with travel history compared to no exposure history (p 0.001). Conclusion Taken together, this data supports the emerging consensus that patients with hematologic malignancies experience significant morbidity and mortality resulting from COVID-19 infection.

The levels of indoor air microbial load in hospitals are very crucial to the health of patients and health care workers and are to be regularly monitored and maintained at an acceptable level. However, this problem remains overlooked, particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study is designed to determine the indoor air microbial load (settle plate technique), microbial isolates (standard microbiological techniques), bacterial susceptibility profiles (Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique), and associated factors, in different wards of the title Hospital, southern Ethiopia. An observational checklist was used to collect relevant information related to the associated factors; descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS); p-values ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. The total average bacterial and fungal load of the selected wards was 1914±1081.4 Colony Forming Units (CFU)/m3 (95% CI: 1718.5-2109.48 CFU/m3) and 1533.7±858.8 CFU/m3 (95% CI: 1378.5-1688CFU/m3) respectively. The highest mean bacterial (1914±1081.4 CFU/m3) and fungal (1533.7±858.8 CFU/m3) loads were found in the male surgical and female medical wards respectively. A total of 229 bacterial and 139 fungal isolates were obtained; Gram-positive bacteria were the predominant type, 130 (56.7%), particularly the isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, 46 (20.1%). The predominant fungal isolates were Aspergillus sp., 53(38%). Percentages of multidrug-resistant (MDR), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and carbapenemase producers respectively were 48.5, 26.5, and 25%. High room crowd index [p = 0.003; Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 12.5 (Confidence Interval (CI) 95%: 2.42-65)], presence of damp/wet materials [p = 0.025; AOR 7 (CI 95%: 1.3-37.4)], intense room traffic [p = 0.004; AOR 9.6 (CI 95%: 1.2-79.3)], inappropriate storage of food and drugs [p = 0.008; AOR 7.5 (CI 95%: 1.7-32)], and unclean environment [p = 0.03; AOR 5.8 (CI 95%: 1.2-28)] showed statistical significance concerning the indoor air microbial loads; most of the wards in Arba Minch General Hospital (AMGH) stand high and not in an acceptable level as per the WHO and the European Commission standards on indoor air microbial load. Periodic air surveillance and infection prevention control programs are required to reduce the transmission of these microbes to inpatients, visitors, and health care workers.

To improve consumer engagement and satisfaction, online news services employ strategies for personalizing and recommending articles to their users based on their interests. In addition to news agencies’ own digital platforms, they also leverage social media to reach out to a broad user base. These engagement efforts are often disconnected with each other, but present a compelling opportunity to incorporate engagement data from social media to inform their digital news platform and vice-versa, leading to a more personalized experience for users. While this idea seems intuitive, there are several challenges due to the disparate nature of the two sources. In this paper, we propose a model to build a generalized graph of news articles and tweets that can be used for different downstream tasks such as identifying sentiment, trending topics, and misinformation, as well as sharing relevant articles on social media in a timely fashion. We evaluate our framework on a downstream task of identifying related pairs of news articles and tweets with promising results. The content unification problem addressed by our model is not unique to the domain of news, and thus can be applicable to other problems linking different content platforms.