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Abstract Vitamin D deficiency is common in many societies and causes rickets and non-skeletal disorders in children. There are no published data on vitamin D deficiency in Afghanistan. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin D deficiency in Afghan school children in Kandahar City, Afghanistan. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from September 2022 to April 2023 in 510 primary school students aged 6–15 years from six randomly selected schools. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression. Of the 510 enrolled children, 54.3% were boys and 91.8% were poor. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 9.3 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency (

Abstract Background Undernutrition, which includes stunting, wasting, and underweight, is a global problem, especially among children of low- and middle-income countries. To our knowledge, this study is first of its type from Afghanistan. Its main objectives were to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of stunting, wasting/thinness, and underweight among urban primary school children in Kandahar city of Afghanistan. Methods This school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1205 primary school children aged 6–12 years during a period of six months (October 2022–March 2023). Anthropometric measurements and other data were collected from all the participants. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Chi square test (using crude odds ratio or COR), and multivariate logistic regression (using adjusted odds ratio or AOR). Results Among the 1205 enrolled government school students, 47.4%, 19.5%, and 25.6% had stunting, wasting/thinness, and underweight, respectively. Statistically significant factors associated with stunting were age group 6–9 years (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.7), being girl (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.8–3.0), poverty (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–3.2), large family (AOR 3.0, 95% CI 2.4–3.9), illiterate mother (AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.6), jobless head of the family (AOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.3–4.8), and skipping breakfasts (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.3). Main factor associated with wasting/thinness were age group 6–9 years (AOR 30.5, 95% CI 11.8–78.7), skipping breakfasts (AOR 22.9, 95% CI 13.9–37.8), and history of sickness during the past two weeks (AOR 17.0, 95% CI 6.6–43.8). Also, main factors associated with underweight were age group 6–9 years (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6–4.1), skipping breakfasts (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.8–3.6), and poor sanitation (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2). Conclusions Stunting, wasting/thinness, and underweight are highly prevalent among primary school children (both girls and boys) in Kandahar city. It is recommended that local government (Afghanistan Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health) with the help of international organizations and donor agencies should implement comprehensive school-based feeding programs especially for girls. Health and nutrition education programs should be conducted with emphasis on nutrition of children aged 6–9 years as well as importance of healthy breakfast and good sanitation.

Traditional Shipping ‘Pelra’ as part of the maritime transportation system is expected to support the concept of blue economy `in order to accelerate the national economy. Pelra, with all its limitations, is still the backbone of the maritime populist economy to support inter-island trade in Indonesia, especially the logistics distribution system services for the Disadvantaged, Outermost, Frontier, and Border Areas (“3TP”)’. Traditional Shipping has not implemented a standardized Safety Management System (SMS) as in National shipping, so it often has accidents. The study analyzed the extent of the opportunity to apply SMS on Pelra ships by considering the characteristics of the water area (shipping lanes and wave conditions), as well as the incidence of accidents. It was found that the size of Pelra ships sailing in East Nusa Tenggara waters is dominated by vessels smaller than GT 100, making it possible to apply SMS. Factors that need to be considered in the implementation so that it is more effective are the resources and personnel (HR) factor, the responsibility and authority of the crew, and the responsibility and authority of authority of the company (Corp).

Background Measuring health status by using standardized and validated instrument has become a growing concern over the past few decades throughout the developed and developing countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the overall self-reported health status along with potential inequalities by using EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) instrument among low-income people of Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Chandpur district of Bangladesh. Bangla version of the EQ-5D questionnaire was employed along with socio-demographic information. EQ-5D questionnaire composed of 2-part measurements: EQ-5D descriptive system and the visual analogue scale (VAS). For measuring health status, UK-based preference weights were applied while higher score indicated better health status. For facilitating the consistency with EQ-5D score, VASs were converted to a scale with scores ranging from 0 to 1. Multiple logistic regression models were also employed to examine differences among EQ-5D dimensions. Results A total of 1433 respondents participated in the study. The mean EQ-5D and VAS score was 0.76 and 0.77, respectively. The females were more likely to report any problem than the males (P < 0.001). Compared to the younger, elderly were more than 2-3 times likely to report any health problem in all EQ-5D dimensions (OR [odds ratio] = 3.17 for mobility, OR = 3.24 for self-care). However, the respondents of the poorest income group were significantly suffered more from every EQ-5D dimension than the richest income quintile. Conclusion Socio-economic and demographic inequalities in health status was observed in the study. Study suggests to do further investigation with country representative sample to measure the inequalities of overall health status. It would be helpful for policy-maker to find a new way aiming to reduce such inequalities.

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is a well known complication following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is used as a non-invasive method to assess LV diastolic function. Measurements obtained from TDI augment the prognostic information of clinical risk score. In this study, we are trying to use TDI to predict the development of LV dysfunction (LVEF% 8.0 showed high sensitivity and specificity, 93% and 89%, respectively. Also, a baseline cutoff value of E/e′ ratio at the septal mitral annulus >10.0 had a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 88%. In conclusion, selected TDI parameters (e′-wave and E/e′ along the septal and lateral mitral annulus) could guide post-STEMI risk stratification, and thus predicting LV dysfunction.

The control and maintenance of inventories is a problem common to all enterprises in any sector of a given economy. Two fundamental question that must be answered in controlling the inventory are when to replenish the inventory and how much to order for replenishment. The (Q,r) inventory models attempt to answer the two question under a variety of circumstances. Studies have shown, (1) that a company that ignores lead-time demand variability may suffer great financial damage, (2) that the gamma distribution provides the most common best fit to lead-time demand for variety of inventories items, (3) that a fixed lead-time demand assumption or a normal approximation to it will often yield significant errors (Namit and Chen, 1998).This research performed an efficient and accurate algorithm for solving (Q,r) inventory model with gamma lead-time demand.

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis is an aggressive fungal opportunistic infection of the immune-compromised, debilitated patients. The presence of neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia in patients affected with mucormycosis have been reported. Not much study has been done to establish the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte as a possible indicator for the severity of Rhino-orbital mucormycosis which is clinical staged. As such, this study aims to find out the relationship of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio with the clinical staging of Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in COVID19 recovered patient and if such a ratio can help to identify the severity of the opportunistic fungal infection., Material: This is a Cross-sectional study done on 100 patients who were diagnosed with Mucormycosis based on radiological findings, post-COVID19 recovery. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was estimated after obtaining the complete blood count of the patient and calculating the ratio by the division of differential Neutrophil by the differential Lymphocyte count. The clinical staging of Mucormycosis was done based on radiological findings., Observation: The median value of Neutrophil Lymphocyte ratio was found to be elevated in all the clinical stages of Mucormycosis (from stage 2 to 4) at the time of admission as well as discharge considering the normal value of N/L ratio in a healthy individual to be 3. The median N/L ratio was also found to be in decreasing trend as compared from the time of admission to discharge in all the stages 2 to 4 of mucormycosis and was statistically significant (p=0.00) in stage 3 of mucormycosis., Conclusion: The Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio can be used as a viable marker of severity of mucormycosis and is a good prognostic indicator for resolution of disease especially in stage 3 of mucormycosis. This study helps to reiterate the importance of N/L ratio in the treatment protocol of mucormycosis., (© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.)

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis, a debilitating chronic disease of sheep and goats. Little is known about the buck's reproductive pathophysiology with respect to inoculation with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculois and its immunogen mycolic acid extract. Therefore, this present study was designed to determine the concentration of testosterone hormone, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and semen quality of the experimental animals. A total of 12 bucks, divided into groups 1, 2, and 3 (Negative control group, Positive control group and Mycolic acid group respectively), were enrolled in this study. Following inoculation, all goats were observed for clinical responses and monitored for 60 days post-challenge and were then sacrificed. Blood samples were collected via the jugular once before inoculation and on a weekly basis post-challenge. Semen samples were collected 2 weeks post-challenge and prior to the sacrifice of the experimental animals. During the post inoculation period of 60 days, the concentration of testosterone hormone for group 2 was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in weeks 5, 6, and 9 but decreased in weeks 2 and 7 post inoculation. In group 3, the mean concentration of testosterone was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in weeks 5, 6, 7, and 9 post inoculation but decreased in week 2. The concentration of interleukin 6 (IL 6) in treated group 2 did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) but increased significantly (p < 0.05) in week 2 post inoculation in group 3. For concentration of interleukin 1β (IL1β) in both treated groups 2 and 3 showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in weeks 2 and 3 post inoculation. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration in both treated groups 2 and 3 did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) as compared to group 1. The concentration of interferon-γ (IFNγ) significantly increased (p < 0.05) for group 2 for weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5 where else for group 3 was not in significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to group 1. Both group 2 and group 3 showed a reduction in semen qualities as compared to group 1, but the severity was more intense in group 2 if compared to group 3. In conclusion, therefore, the present study concluded that the mycolic acid group revealed significant responses of testosterone hormone concentration, semen quality, and its related pro-inflammatory cytokines in bucks following infection but the severity lesser compared to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis group.

Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland due to microbial infiltration causing a reduced mammary function. This study aims at developing a vaccine using Malaysian local isolate of Staphylococcus aureus and evaluating serum amyloid A, Interleukin-10, IgM and IgG responses periodically. Four bacterin concentrations (10 6 , 10 7 , 10 8 and 10 9  cfu/ml of the local isolate of S. aureus) were adjuvanted with aluminium potassium sulphate. Thirty cows grouped into 4 treatment groups (G-) were vaccinated (2 ml) intramuscularly, with a fifth G-A as control. The mean concentration (MC) of serum amyloid A (SAA) was significantly different (sig-d) (p ˂ 0.05) in G-D at 0 h post vaccination (PV), 3 h PV, 24 h PV, weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 PV (6-, 15-, 5-, 12-, 11-, 4- and 11-fold increased (FI) respectively). The MC of serum amyloid A was also sig-d in G-E at 0 h PV, weeks 1, 2 and 4 PV (3, 8, 5 and 8 FI respectively). The MC of IL-10 was sig-d in G-D and C at 3 h PV and week 2 PV (5 and 2 FI respectively). The IgM MC was sig-d in G-B and C at 3 h PV (5 and 6 FI respectively), at 24 h PV (5 and 9 FI respectively), at week 3 PV(2 and 2 FI respectively) and week 4 PV (3 and 4 FI respectively). The MC of IgG was sig-d in G-E at 0 h, 3 h and week 3 PV(5, 6 and 2 FI respectively) and in G-D at weeks 1-4 (3, 3, 3 and 5 FI respectively). In conclusion, elevated levels of SAA, IgG and IL-10 in G-D(10 8 ) informed our choice of best dosage which can be used to evoke immunity in cows.

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the udder that occurs as a result of the release of leucocytes into the udder in a response to bacterial invasion. The major causes of mastitis are an array of gram positive and negative bacteria, however, algae, virus, fungi, mechanical or thermal injury to the gland have also been identified as possible causes. Mastitis vaccines are yet to be developed using Malaysian local isolate of bacteria. The objective of the present experimental trial was to develop a monovalent vaccine against mastitis using S. aureus of Malaysian isolate and to evaluate the clinical responses such as temperature, respiratory rates and heart rates in vaccinated cows. S. aureus is a major causative bacteria in clinical and subclinical types of mastitis in cows. Four concentrations of the bacterin (10 6 , 10 7 , 10 8 and 10 9  cfu/ml of the local isolate of S. aureus) were prepared using Aluminium potassium sulfate adjuvant. Thirty cows were grouped into four treatment groups (B, C, D and E) with a fifth group as control (A). These groups were vaccinated intramuscularly(IM) with the prepared monovalent vaccine and its influence on the vital signs were intermittently measured. The mean of rectal temperature was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at 0hr Post Vaccination [1]" in groups D and E (39.5 ± 0.15 °C and 39.4 ± 0.15 °C respectively) and at 3 h PV in groups C, D and E (39.8 ± 0.14 °C, 39.9 ± 0.14 °C and 40.3 ± 0.14 °C respectively) compared to the control group. This indicated a sharp increased rectal temperatures between 0hr and 3 h PV in groups C, D and E which later declined at 24 h PV. The mean of rectal temperature of group E was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at weeks 1 and 2 PV (39.87 ± 0.19 °C and 39.80 ± 0.18 °C respectively) compared to the control group. The mean of heart rate was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 1 PV in groups D and E (83.0 ± 3.8 beats/minute and 80.0 ± 3.8 °C respectively) compared to control. A trending decrease was however observed in heart rates of group E from weeks through 4 PV and in group D from weeks 1 through 3 PV. The mean of respiratory rates was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 3 PV in group B and D (31.0 ± 1.2 breaths/minute and 28.0 ± 1.2 breaths/minute) compared to control. In conclusion, this study highlights responses of these vital signs due to vaccination against S. aureus causing mastitis in cows. To the best of our knowledge the findings of this study adds value to the shallow literature on vital signs alterations in cows vaccinated against mastitis as elevated levels of temperature and heart rates of group D and E indicated obvious response., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Haptoglobin (Hp) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) are a group of blood proteins whose concentrations in animals can be influenced by infection, inflammation, surgical trauma or stress. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), and Mycolic acid is a virulent factor extracted from C. pseudotuberculosis. There is a dearth of sufficient evidence on the clinical implication of MAs on the responses of Hp and SAA in goats. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Mycolic acid (MAs) and C. pseudotuberculosis on the responses of Hp and SAA in female goats. A total of 12 healthy female goats was divided into three groups; A, B and C each comprising of 4 goats and managed for a period of three months. Group (A) was inoculated with 2 mL of sterile phosphate buffered saline (as a negative control group) intradermally, while group (B) and (C) were inoculated intradermally with 2 ml each of mycolic acid and 1‏ × 10 9  cfu of active C. pseudotuberculosis respectively. The result of the study showed that the Hp concentration in goats inoculated with C. pseudotuberculosis was significantly increased up to 7-fold (1.17 ± 0.17 ng/L) while MAs showed a 3-fold increased (0.83 ± 0.01 ng/L) compared with the control. Whereas SAA concentration in C. pseudotuberculosis and MAs groups showed a significant 3-fold (17.85 ± 0.91 pg/mL) and 2-fold (10.97 ± 0.71 pg/mL) increased compared with the control. This study concludes that inoculation of C. pseudotuberculosis and MAs have significant effects on Hp and SAA levels, which indicates that MAs could have a role in the pathogenesis of caseous lymphadenitis., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Innumerable Escherichia coli of animal origin are identified, which are of economic significance, likewise, cattle, sheep and goats are the carrier of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, which are less pathogenic, and can spread to people by way of direct contact and through the contamination of foodstuff or portable drinking water, causing serious illness. The immunization of ruminants has been carried out for ages and is largely acknowledged as the most economical and maintainable process of monitoring E. coli infection in ruminants. Yet, only a limited number of E. coli vaccines are obtainable. Mucosal surfaces are the most important ingress for E. coli and thus mucosal immune responses function as the primary means of fortification. Largely contemporary vaccination processes are done by parenteral administration and merely limited number of E. coli vaccines are inoculated via mucosal itinerary, due to its decreased efficacy. Nevertheless, aiming at maximal mucosal partitions to stimulate defensive immunity at both mucosal compartments and systemic site epitomises a prodigious task. Enormous determinations are involved in order to improve on novel mucosal E. coli vaccines candidate by choosing apposite antigens with potent immunogenicity, manipulating novel mucosal itineraries of inoculation and choosing immune-inducing adjuvants. The target of E. coli mucosal vaccines is to stimulate a comprehensive, effective and defensive immunity by specifically counteracting the antibodies at mucosal linings and by the stimulation of cellular immunity. Furthermore, effective E. coli mucosal vaccine would make vaccination measures stress-free and appropriate for large number of inoculation. On account of contemporary advancement in proteomics, metagenomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics research, a comprehensive appraisal of the immeasurable genes and proteins that were divulged by a bacterium is now in easy reach. Moreover, there exist marvellous prospects in this bourgeoning technologies in comprehending the host bacteria affiliation. Accordingly, the flourishing knowledge could massively guarantee to the progression of immunogenic vaccines against E. coli infections in both humans and animals. This review highlight and expounds on the current prominence of mucosal and systemic immunogenic vaccines for the prevention of E. coli infections in ruminants., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The distribution of lectin bindings in the testis of the smallest ruminant, lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus), was studied using 12 biotinylated lectins specific for d-galactose (peanut agglutinin PNA, Ricinus communis agglutinin RCA I), N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin DBA, Vicia villosa agglutinin VVA, Soybean agglutinin SBA), N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and sialic acid (wheat germ agglutinin WGA, s-WGA), D-mannose and d-glucose (Lens culinaris agglutinin LCA, Pisum sativum agglutinin PSA, Concanavalin A Con A), L-fucose (Ulex europaeus agglutinin UEA I), and oligosaccharide (Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin PHA-E) sugar residues. In Golgi-, cap-, and acrosome-phase spermatids, lectin-bindings were found in the acrosome (PNA, RCA I, VVA, SBA, WGA and s-WGA), and in the cytoplasm (PNA, RCA I, VVA, SBA, WGA, LCA, PSA, Con A and PHA-E). s-WGA binding was confined to the spermatid acrosome, but other lectins were also observed in spermatocytes. In spermatogonia, VVA, WGA, Con A, and PHA-E bindings were observed. Sertoli cells were intensely stained with DBA and Con A, and weakly with PHA-E. In interstitial Leydig cells, RCA I, DBA, VVA, Con A, PSA, LCA, WGA and PHA-E were positive. UEA I was negative in all cell types including spermatogenic cells. Unusual distribution of lectin-bindings noted in the testis of lesser mouse deer included the limited distribution of s-WGA only in the spermatid acrosome, the distribution of DBA in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and lamina propria, and the absence of UEA I in all type cells. The present results were discussed in comparison with those of other animals and their possible functional implications.