Label-free impedimetric electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of Bacillus anthracis spores using a disposable screen-printed electrode.

An Afrofuture of Global Health.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is linked to impaired dynamic balance and psychological deficits, potentially hindering optimal rehabilitation outcomes. However, the impact of psychological deficits on dynamic balance has not been explored before. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine whether mental health factors predict dynamic balance performance in individuals with CAI using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). This is a cross-sectional observational study performed in a university setting. Forty individuals with CAI (17 men, 23 women) participated in this study. Assessments included psychological profiles (kinesiophobia, self-reported mental health, self-efficacy, global mental health, and functional status via FAAM-Sport). Dynamic balance was evaluated using the SEBT composite and directional scores. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the SEBT composite score was significantly predicted by self-efficacy, global mental health and TSK-11, explaining 40% of the variance (F-value=7.82, p<0.01). Further directional analysis revealed that posterior-medial reach was best predicted by self-efficacy, global mental health and TSK-11 (F-value=9.05, p<0.01; 44% variance), while posterior-lateral reach was similarly predicted by self-efficacy, and global mental health (F-value=6.92,P=0.003; 28% variance). Anterior reach performance was most strongly associated with self-efficacy and TSK-11 (F-value=10.26, p<0.01; 36% variance). The findings underscore the importance of psychological factors as key predictors of dynamic balance in CAI. Incorporating mental health assessments into physical rehabilitation may enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with CAI.

Patient and fracture characteristics associated with six-month patient-reported outcomes following acetabular fracture fixation.

ER stress: A putative therapeutic target for diabetes mellitus.

Breaking down barriers: A funder's perspective on achieving equity and inclusivity in infectious disease modelling and epidemiology.

The role of public health interventions in modifying associations between prenatal exposures to ambient air pollution and extreme heat with child health outcomes: A systematic review.

Factors influencing the allocation of United States' development assistance for health, 2000-2020.

Multi-model large-scale AI framework for avian influenza surveillance and preparedness: Harnessing large language models to enhance risk communication, real-time decision support, and public health response strategies.

Quantifying the lifetime economic impact of pediatric oral nutritional supplements.

Prevalence estimates of sickle cell disease among children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and modelling analysis.

Patient-reported outcomes from the LAURA study: osimertinib in patients with unresectable stage III EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Medical Student Knowledge, Perspectives, and Interest in Global Surgery: A Scoping Review.

Enhancing brain health through omega fatty acids: Ahiflower oil and oleic acid as novel plant-based nootropic ingredients targeting the microbiome–Gut–Brain Axis

Global health worker visit time variation: A systematic review.

Animal coronaviruses (CoVs) have emerged as significant pathogens with considerable implications for both animal and human health. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the origins, transmission dynamics, and pathogenic mechanisms of animal CoVs. We examine the viral entry, replication processes, and immune evasion strategies that enable CoVs to infect a variety of host species. Additionally, the review highlights recent advancements in prevention and therapeutic strategies, including the development of species-specific vaccines, enhanced biosecurity measures, and surveillance systems aimed at controlling zoonotic spillover. Furthermore, we discuss the latest antiviral strategies, including repurposed drugs, targeted molecular therapies, and the development of novel antiviral agents. This review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research in advancing our understanding of animal CoVs and in developing effective interventions to mitigate their impact on global health.

Antimicrobial resistance crisis in STIs: Gonorrhea and M. genitalium on the brink of untreatability.

Every day, over 5000 stillbirths and more than 6000 newborn deaths are estimated to occur worldwide, the majority in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Estimates, however, rely on data that might underestimate these deaths. Further, outside major categories such as preterm birth, infection, and complications at delivery, little is known about the causes of death for newborns and even less for stillbirths. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence on the incidence, causes, and risk factors for perinatal mortality in East Africa to inform public health policy. We searched major databases: Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online (AJOL), DHS website, and the World Health Organization African Regional Office (AFRO) Library. The search was conducted without imposing any language restrictions. Studies published 2010-2022 reporting perinatal mortality (incidence/causes/risk factors) in East African countries were included. We included all observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, prospective cohort, and retrospective studies) and community-based trials. We performed meta-analyses with random effects to estimate pooled perinatal mortality rates for the population and health facility settings. We investigated and reduced heterogeneity where appropriate. We summarized causes of death descriptively and synthesized risk factors narratively. We included 99 out of 22 889 studies. The pooled population-based perinatal mortality rate was 33.1/1000 births (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29.3-37.1, I2 = 96.9%), and for health facility settings 67.1/1000 (95% CI: 47.5, 89.7, I2 = 98.9%). The major reported causes of perinatal deaths were infections and intrapartum-related events. However, our understanding of the specific causes of death was limited by the lack of detailed information necessary for diagnosing specific causes. Risk factors for perinatal mortality were demographic (low socioeconomic status), related to care (lack of antenatal care, obstetric complications), and maternal comorbidities. Protective factors included women's empowerment and supporting access to care through maternity waiting homes. Perinatal mortality remains high in East Africa. Many deaths were preventable through addressing modifiable risk factors and strengthening health systems to provide quality antenatal and intrapartum care. Consistent use of standardized cause-of-death classification and improved data quality are needed to enhance the understanding of specific causes of death and target interventions.

Mesna (Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) is widely used as a mucolytic agent and uroprotective agent. Recently, its disulfide bond-breaking property has been applied in otologic surgery to facilitate safer dissection of cholesteatoma and other adhesions. This review evaluates the effectiveness and toxicity of Mesna in its various uses of otologic surgeries. A comprehensive literature search was conducted with the aid of a senior medical librarian across eight databases conducted from inception until December 28, 2024: Google Scholar, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (Ebsco), Cochrane (Wiley), Global Health (Ovid), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), Africa Wide Information (Ebsco), and Global Index Medicus (WHO). No language or publication status restrictions were applied. This review was reported following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies were eligible if they investigated the use of Mesna in otology (human or animal) and reported on either efficacy or toxicity. Two reviewers independently screened all titles/abstracts and full texts, with a third resolving discrepancies. Data were charted on application methods, concentrations, outcomes, and adverse effects and synthesized qualitatively. Eighteen studies (nine human, nine animal) met inclusion criteria. Mesna was effectively used in cholesteatoma surgery, ossicular chain fixation, tympanic tube replacement, and adhesive otitis media. Four percent to one hundred percent Mesna was used, without significant signs of toxicity in animal models and clinical research. Mesna could be used effectively and safely in otologic surgery. Further research is needed to optimize concentration, method of administration, time of contact, and to quantify its effect. NA.

Eupalinolide B prevents cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β(Ser9) signaling pathway.