Significant P-value Research Articles

Smelling of the mothers' diet in amniotic fluid by adult noses.

In this study, the transfer of odorants, namely vanilla, and garlic, into the amniotic fluid (AF) during the second trimester was investigated by examination of collected AF samples through healthy adults. Eleven AF samples were collected from pregnant women (aged 32.9 ± 4.9 yr, 16-25wk of gestation) undergoing diagnostic amniocentesis after eating garlic oil or vanilla powder in high-fat yogurt. The control group did not receive food before amniocentesis. Two vanilla, 3 garlic, and 6 control samples were collected through amniocentesis 60-120min after ingestion. Samples were collected at -80 °C and carefully defrosted over 12h at the same time point. Sixteen healthy volunteers (8 males, aged 26.5 ± 5.0 yr) were asked to judge AF samples with potential garlic or vanilla odors from controls in a 2-alternative forced choice (2AFC) paradigm. Judges were able to identify vanilla in the AF samples with an estimated probability of 50%, resulting in a significant P-value of < 0.001. In contrast, the identification of garlic was unsuccessful with a P-value of 0.86, and only 2 judges were able to identify both vanilla and garlic. According to the results of this study, the vanilla odor probably passes into the amniotic fluid.

Healthcare Technology Transfer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Conceptual Framework Evaluation

The research presented within this article sets out to evaluate a conceptual framework, consisting of five phases, aimed at facilitating health-related technology transfer to and within sub-Saharan African countries. The framework is constructed using a grounded theory process and is subsequently quantitively evaluated via a questionnaire survey instrument with two five-point Likert Scale measurement items namely perceived ease of use and usefulness. The survey addresses practicality via a frequency analysis with the framework receiving a perceived ease of use score of 2.992 and a usefulness score of 4.032. The survey instrument addresses the versatility of the conceptual framework&#x0027;s intended geographic application area through a variance analysis. For the perceived ease of use measurement item, Western and Central Africa received statistically significant p-values of 0.01178 and 0.02288, respectively, highlighting discrepancies in perceived ease of use within the first two phases of the conceptual framework. No statistically significant variances are uncovered with respect to the usefulness measurement item. The final evaluation measure addresses utility via a regression analysis with the relationship between technology adoption and the five phases receiving p-values ranging from 0.643, 0.694, 0.751, 0.715, and 0.927.

The Relationship Between Home Sanitation and Diarrhea In Toddlers In The Work Area Of The Lempake Health Center Samarinda City

Objectives: To determine the relationship between home sanitation and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers in the working area of the Lempake Community Health Center, Samarinda City in 2023.&#x0D; Research Metodes: Quantitative method with cross sectional research design. The research sample was toddlers who had experienced diarrhea with a sample size of 79 respondents. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling technique. Data analysis in the study used the Chi-Square statistical test.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that there was a relationship between latrine cleanliness and the incidence of diarrhea P-value (0,009 &lt; 0,05), there was a relationship between waste management and the incidence of diarrhea P-value (0,046 &lt; 0,05), there was no relationship between the type of floor of the house and the incidence of diarrhea in toddler P-value 90,230 &gt; 0,05).&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a relationship between latrine cleanliness of latrines and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers with a P-value (0,009 &lt; 0,05), there is a relatonship between waste management and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers with a significance P-value (0,046 &lt; 0,05), there is no relationship between the type of floor of the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers with a significant P-value (0,230 &gt; 0,05).

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Penerimaan Pengguna Aplikasi STIKez Peduli Berbasis Android

All walks of life, of course, prioritize the availability of information technology today. Availability of technology is necessary to complete every task or job in all aspects of human labour. According to information gathered, the residents of Sukosari Hamlet are still not aware of the importance of health, especially amid the current Covid pandemic. As a result, the "STIKez Peduli" health information system application was developed for Android. In addition to disease information regarding the definition, symptoms, prevention, and treatment, this application also contains information on disease trends that are most common in Malang Regency. The0extent0to0which users0can accept0and understand a technology is very important for the success rate in implementing the system, and user acceptance is always related to the implementation of new systems. By using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) method and three variables of Perceived Usefulness, Perceived User Ease, and Application Acceptance, this research examines the acceptability of the STIKez Peduli application. Questionnaires distributed via social media were used for data collection. with samples taken as many as thirty0respondents. From0testing the hypothesis it is known that each of the TAM variables used, namely Acceptance of IT, Perceived Ease of Use, and Perceived Usefulness have a positive influence, with a significant p-value &lt;0.01.

Assessment of control during movement, fine motor skills/handwriting, and gross motor control in children with developmental coordination disorder using the DCD-Q

Motor coordination and control are affected by Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), particularly in children. As a result, they are unable to write, tie shoelaces, or participate in sports, affecting their social interactions and quality of life. Considering the poor short-term and long-term outcomes observed in children with DCD, awareness of this condition may increase, prompting more research. Among 99 children with DCD, a six-week intervention was performed in both control and intervention groups. In addition to the DCD-Q questionnaire, parents completed a fine motor/handwriting and gross motor control questionnaire. An ANOVA test was used to analyze all values as mean ± SD. The results showed that both groups improved in motor coordination and control. DCD-related motor difficulties can be addressed more effectively with early intervention in all three domains, especially fine motor control. The control group’s motor control scores increased from 17.9 ± 0.6 at baseline to 21.5 ± 0.5 by the sixth week, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.009. Alternatively, the intervention group’s scores improved from 19.6 ± 0.5 at baseline to 22.4 ± 0.5 at the sixth week, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.007. With regards to fine motor control, the control group’s scores improved from 13.4 ± 1.08 at baseline to 16.4 ± 0.6 at the sixth week, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.01. With regards to fine motor control, the intervention group’s scores improved from 14.5 ± 0.3 at baseline to 20.3 ± 1.4 at the sixth week, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.004. As for gross motor control, the control group’s score increased from 16.6 ± 1.05 at baseline to 20.2 ± 1.0 at the sixth week, showing high statistical significance with a p-value of &lt;0.0001. The intervention group’s scores improved from 18.7 ± 0.5 at baseline to 21.5 ± 0.7 at the sixth week, also demonstrating statistical significance with a p-value of 0.002. Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of tailored interventions in enhancing motor skills and overall quality of life for children with DCD.

Effects of Hop Stabilization versus Balance Training on Disability and Balance in Chronic Ankle Instability among Basketball Players

Background: Ankle sprains, which often lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI), are common within the young, athletic population, particularly among basketball players. Rehabilitation programs frequently employ hop stabilization and balance training to mitigate the complications associated with CAI. This research was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of these two training approaches in improving disability and balance in affected individuals. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate and contrast the impact of hop stabilization versus balance training on disability and balance in basketball players with CAI. Methods: The randomized clinical trial was conducted at Ranger’s Teaching Hospital in Lahore, targeting young basketball players aged between 25 to 35 years with a history of recurrent ankle sprains and at least 8 months of playing experience. Through a non-probability convenient sampling technique, the participants were randomized into two groups: Group A underwent 6 weeks of hop stabilization training in addition to general training, while Group B participated in 6 weeks of balance training coupled with their general training regimen. The efficacy of these interventions was quantified using the Star Excursion Balance Test, Functional Ankle Disability Index, Functional Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire, and Multiple Single Leg Hop Stabilization Test (MSLHST). Results: Post-training assessments within groups indicated significant enhancements in disability and balance scores, with p-values below 0.05, suggesting notable improvements. However, when comparing the two groups, the Functional Ankle Ability Measure, Ankle Disability Index, and Star Excursion Balance Test showed no significant differences, with p-values exceeding 0.05. Notably, the MSLHST exhibited a significant contrast, with Group B showing a mean score decrease from 10.7857 to 5.7857, reflecting a 46% improvement, whereas Group A displayed a reduction in mean score from 13.625 to 11.7, a 14% enhancement, resulting in a significant p-value of 0.0289. Conclusion: The study concluded that balance training surpasses hop stabilization training in terms of efficacy, significantly improving balance and reducing disability in basketball players with chronic ankle instability.

Folic acid supplementation and its effects on the oestrus cycle of rats.

Objective: To study the effects of long-term supplemental dose of Folic acid on the oestrous cycle of female Sprague Dawley rats. Study Design: Laboratory-based Experimental study. Setting: Department of Anatomy, CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences in Pakistan conducted this research. Period: September 2020 to September 2021. Material &amp; Methods: In this study, 60 female Sprague Dawley rats were used and divided into two groups. The animals of control group A were given distilled water (1ml/100g) by oral gavage daily for four weeks. Folic acid was administered orally to the experimental group B once per day at a dosage of 0.2mg/kg of body weight, diluted in 100 grams of pure distilled water. A vaginal smear was taken every day between 11 am and 12 pm daily for four weeks and the slides were stained with Papanicolaou's stain. SPSS version 26 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: In experimental group B, the animals had an abnormal oestrus cycle. A statistically significant p-value of 0.000 was obtained after comparison between the groups. Conclusion: The current study showed that long-term supplemental dose of Folic Acid leads to prolongation of oestrous cycle of Sprague Dawley rats.

The Feeding Habbits On Incidence Of Stunting

Stunting emerges as a consequential nutritional challenge among toddlers, resulting from prolonged exposure to malnutrition. Rooted in familial caregiving practices, particularly feeding habits, this study delves into the nexus between feeding behaviors and the prevalence of stunting among impoverished families in Palembang. Employing a quantitative approach through a Cross Sectional Study, the research encompasses 110 mothers with children aged 24-59 months from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Palembang. The findings underscore a noteworthy correlation between feeding habits and the incidence of toddler stunting, yielding a significant p-value of 0.000 and an Odds Ratio of 14.389. Noteworthy feeding practices influencing stunting include the administration of colostrum at birth (p-value = 0.020), diversified feeding (p-value = 0.000), nutritionally balanced meals (p-value = 0.003), maternal food preparation (p-value = 0.005), consistent snack provision (p-value = 0.002), age-appropriate portion adjustments (p-value = 0.042), offering food choices during boredom (p-value = 0.001), active feeding assistance (p-value = 0.001), maternal efforts to encourage eating (p-value = 0.000), and fostering an interest in eating (p-value = 0.007). Comparatively, non-stunted toddlers exhibit superior feeding habits when juxtaposed with their stunted counterparts within similar economic circumstances. This research illuminates the pivotal role of feeding practices in mitigating or exacerbating toddler stunting, thereby advocating for targeted interventions to enhance nutritional well-being in vulnerable populations.

Prevalence of Face Mask-Induced Dry Eye and Ocular Irritation Amid COVID-19 Among Health Workers in Jazan

Background: One of the most important defenses against the COVID-19 pandemic is the use of facemasks. Long-term facemask use can result in mask-associated dry eyes. This study explored the prevalence of face mask-associated dry eyes (MADE) and associated factors among health workers in Jazan. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional clinical study was carried out among healthcare workers (Physicians, Dentists, Pharmacists, Technicians, Nurses, and Administrative staff) who wore facemasks during duties at Prince Mohammed Bin Nair Hospital in Jazan, Sudi Arabia, from 2020 to 2022. Two hundred ninety-eight participants were randomly selected. The participants were given a questionnaire about their socio-demographic characteristics, occupational information, health information, and the duration they had used glasses, masks, and technological devices. The daily average quantity of time spent sleeping was also investigated. The severity of dry eye disease was determined using OSDI scores. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test examined categorical variable connections. Mean differences were calculated using an independent -test. Logistic regression will discover COVID-19 severity predictors. A statistically significant P-value is . Result: Among 298 health workers in this study fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the respondents was years old, consisting of 61.3% male and 38.7% female out of 298 respondents whom the majority of them were Saudi (89.6%) and the rest non-Saudi (10.4%). Based on the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, almost half of the respondents (49.0%) obtained an average score in terms of dry eye disease. Only gender and marital status were significantly associated with OSDI score and respectively). From the Health Information provided, most of the variables were significantly associated with the OSDI score. Conclusion: This study concluded that face mask-associated dry eye (MADE) prevalence among health practitioners stands at 51%, partly explaining the worsening dry eye disease symptoms among mask wearers.

Correlation between Weight Distribution on the 5th Metatarsal of Right and Left Foot in Youngsters using Podata Postural Stabilometric Foot Plate

Background: The human foot's complex structure plays a vital role in stability and support during various activities. Understanding the weight distribution across the metatarsal bones, particularly the 5th metatarsal, is crucial for maintaining optimal foot health and functionality. Previous studies have indicated variability in weight distribution between the left and right feet, influencing gait patterns and overall foot health. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between weight distribution on the 5th metatarsal of the right and left foot in young adults, providing insights into foot biomechanics and informing clinical practices and footwear design. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional observational design, the study included 140 individuals aged between 18 and 29 years. Participants with severe musculoskeletal or neurological conditions, pregnancy, or inability to maintain a standing posture were excluded. Weight distribution was assessed using the Podata Postural Stabilometric Foot Plate. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, and calculation of confidence intervals, performed using SPSS Version 25. Results: The mean weight on the 5th metatarsal was 0.467 kg for the left foot (standard deviation: 0.331) and 0.995 kg for the right foot (standard deviation: 0.774). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.45) was found between the weight distributions on the left and right 5th metatarsals, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.01. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant discrepancy in weight distribution on the 5th metatarsal between the left and right feet among young adults. These findings have critical implications for personalized podiatric care and the design of orthotic devices and footwear, emphasizing the need for further research in foot biomechanics and health.

MODEL BERWIRAUSAHA TERHADAP PRESTASI MATEMATIKA MAHASISWA UNIVERSITAS TRIBUANA KALABAHI

This research aims to determine whether there is an influence between entrepreneurship on student achievement, in this case student learning achievement and to find out how to analyze it. The population in this study were all Tribuana Kalabahi University students, totaling 3,101 students. In this research, 153 students were taken randomly (when the students met, the researchers immediately asked questions) at Tribuana Kalabahi University. The method used in this research is an interview, namely randomly interviewing students at Tribuana Kalabahi University. Then the data obtained from the interview results was processed through the SPSS program application with a simple linear regression statistical analysis tool. Judging from the significance value or p-value of 0.008, which is smaller than alpha 0.1, it can be concluded that entrepreneurship has a significant effect on student learning achievement. The regression equation model is Y=3.518-0.093x, because the coefficient value is minus (-) meaning that entrepreneurship (X) has a negative effect on the student's Learning Achievement Index (Y). Which means that if x has a value of 0 or is said to be non-entrepreneurial then the student's cumulative achievement index is 3.518. Meanwhile, if x has a value of 1 or is said to be entrepreneurial, the student's cumulative achievement index will decrease by 0.093. So it can be said that if students have entrepreneurship while studying, the cumulative achievement index will decrease. From the results of the coefficient of determination test, it was found that the independent variable number, namely entrepreneurship, was 4.5%, which could explain/explain the dependent variable, namely achievement, or in other words, entrepreneurship influenced student achievement by 4.5%, while the remaining 95.5% was explained/explained by other factors. which was not researched

Correlation of Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry Disability Index of Non-specific Low Back Pain among Nursing Staff

Background: In Pakistan, nurses are pivotal in healthcare, often facing musculoskeletal discomfort, with low back pain being particularly prevalent. Given their vital role in patient care, understanding the extent of this issue is crucial for improving their work conditions and health outcomes. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and impact of low back pain among nurses in Pakistani healthcare facilities, particularly focusing on those working in gynecology and obstetrics wards. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, involving 150 nurses from gynecology and obstetrics wards across four major hospitals in Lahore. The Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale were employed for data collection. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: The study found that 58.7% of the nurses experienced low back pain, while 41.3% did not. A strong correlation (0.887) was observed between the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry Disability Index, with a highly significant p-value of 0.000, indicating statistical significance at the 0.01 level. Conclusion: The study concludes that nurses working morning shifts in gynecology and obstetrics wards are more likely to report higher average pain scores. Additionally, the strong correlation between the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry Disability Index underscores the relationship between pain intensity and disability in this group.

Phage-antibiotic synergism against Salmonella typhi isolated from stool samples of typhoid patients.

Typhoid fever is a fatal disease in humans that is caused by Salmonella typhi. S. typhi infections need immediate antibiotic therapy, and their extensive use has led to multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The use of bacteriophages is becoming a new way to treat these resistant bacteria. This research was directed to bacteriophage isolation against S. typhi and to determine phage-antibiotic synergism. To isolate bacteriophages targeting S. typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever, and investigate their potential synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics. A cross-sectional study. The Widal test was positive; twenty diarrheal stool samples were taken, and for confirmation of S. typhi, different biochemical tests were performed. The disc-diffusion technique was used to determine antimicrobial resistance, and the double agar overlay method was used for bacteriophage isolation from sewage water against S. typhi. To test antibiotic-phage synergism, the S. typhi bacteria was treated by phages together with varying antibiotic concentrations. Eleven samples were positive for S. typhi with black colonies on SS-agar. These were catalase and MR positive with alkali butt on TSI. Clear plaques were observed after the agar overlay. Isolated phages were stable at various pH and temperature levels. Synergism was observed on agar plate. The zone was enlarged when phages were combined with bacterial lawn culture and ciprofloxacin disk. Bacterial growth inhibition had a significant p-value of 0.03 in titration plates, with the phage-ciprofloxacin combination being more effective than the phage and antibiotic alone. The study highlights the synergistic effects of isolated bacteriophages with antibiotics, which are not only effective against S. typhi infection but also decrease antibiotic resistance.

The effect of incorporating hydroxyapatite into Type II glass ionomer cement on flexural strength and the examination of fractured surfaces using scanning electron microscopy

Background: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is widely recognized as the prevailing direct esthetic restorative material. In order for a restoration material to be considered effective, possess favorable physical and mechanical properties. Incorporating with hydroxyapatite (HA) can provide these properties. This research is to investigate the impact of integrating HA into GIC on the flexural strength and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fractured surfaces. Methods: The study consisted of 28 samples of GIC, which are fabricated in the shape of rectangular prisms (25x2x2mm). The samples were divided into four groups n=7. Group 1 is a control group (GIC), Group 2 GIC+2%HA, group 3 GIC+2%HA, and GIC+4%HA. The flexural strength of the sample was evaluated by a Universal testing machine, followed by an examination of the fracture surface using SEM. Result: The Brown-Forsythe was used as data analysis to examine the flexural strength values across all groups, resulting in a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.05. The addition of HA does not result in a significant increase in the flexural strength value of the glass ionomer cement (GIC). The integration of microstructure based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures demonstrates improved visual quality following the incorporation of HA. Conclusion: The addition of HA to GIC did not result in a significant change in flexural strength compared to the control group. However, GIC group with 2% HA exhibited the highest average flexural strength value among all the groups

Prediction of Influenza-Like Illness Incidence in Cheras, Malaysia based on Environmental Data using the Generalised Additive Model

Influenza-like illness (ILI) accounts for 500,000 fatalities worldwide yearly. Environmental factors contribute to spread of respiratory infections. This study describes the epidemiological trends of ILI in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and seeks scientific evidence on ILI activity and environmental factors. Cheras Health District collected ILI surveillance data and the nearest weather station which provided environmental data on mean temperature, humidity, wind speed, cumulative rainfall, particulate matter (PM)10 and PM2.5 levels. A total of 51,245 ILI cases were reported from 1st December 2021 to 30th April 2023. The non-linear relationship between ILI incidence and environmental variables was modelled using the Generalised Additive Model (GAM). The lag time for mean temperature, mean humidity, cumulative rainfall, mean wind speed, PM 10 level, and PM 2.5 level was 2, 3, 3, 3, 0, and 3 days, respectively. The model with the optimal lag better describes ILI case variance (R2=0.5, explained deviance=58%) than the model without lag selection (R2=0.5, explained deviance=57.2%). The Lag Model indicates a significant p-value for PM10 but no significant concurvity between predictor variables. Thus, the final model (R2=0.5, explained deviance=59.2%) has k=15. Higher rainfall, relative humidity, colder temperature, and decreased wind speed increased ILI incidence. PM2.5 and PM10 also contributes to ILI.

Evaluation of Periodontal Status and Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Adult Cigarette Smokers

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal status of adult smokers and assess their serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, hypothesizing an association between periodontal inflammation, smoking, and elevated serum CRP, a marker for cardiovascular diseases. The primary objective is to contribute to the assessment and prevention of potential cardiovascular diseases in adult smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at HIT Hospital and Dental Hospital HITEC-IMS Taxila Cantt over five months from October 20, 2021, to March 31, 2022, the study included 60 healthy male adult smokers and 20 healthy male non-smokers as a control. Basic periodontal examination involved the use of a periodontal probe, assessing parameters such as gingival index, bleeding on probing, oral pigmentation, presence of periodontal pockets, and gingival recession. Blood samples were collected to evaluate serum CRP levels. Results: Smokers exhibited higher rates of gingival recession (38.3%), gingival pigmentation (43.3%), and periodontal pocket formation (33.3%) compared to the nonsmokers control group, with significant p-values of 0.040 in gingival recession and 0.035 in the presence of periodontal pockets. Serum CRP levels were significantly elevated in adult smokers, with a significant p-value of 0.024. Conclusion: The study concluded that adult smokers show signs of periodontitis, and their serum CRP levels are elevated. Assessing periodontal status and serum CRP in adult smokers may aid in risk assessment and reducing the likelihood of developing future cardiovascular diseases.

Pengaruh Kualitas Produk dan Harga Produk terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Ulang

The objective of this study was to ascertain and elucidate the impact of product quality and product pricing on repurchasing decisions at the Singosari Semarang Branch of Waroeng Steak &amp; Shake. This study employs explanatory research methodologies. The study included a population of 21,352 clients of Waroeng Steak and Shake Singosari Semarang. The sampling technique employed in this study was non-probability sampling, with a sample size of 100 respondents. The data gathering procedures employed in this study encompassed the utilisation of both observation and questionnaire approaches. The findings of the study indicate that product quality has a simultaneous impact on repurchase decisions. Specifically, there is a statistically significant positive relationship between product prices and repurchase decisions at the Singosari Branch of Waroeng Steak and Shake. This is supported by a Beta value of 0.652, which is positive, and a significant p-value of 0.000, indicating that the relationship is unlikely to have occurred by chance (p &lt; 0.05). Additional findings indicate that the price of a product exerts a substantial and simultaneous impact on repurchasing decisions. Specifically, at the Singosari Branch of Waroeng Steak and Shake, there exists a positive and statistically significant relationship between product prices and repurchasing decisions. This is supported by a Beta value of 0.179, which is positive, and a significant value of 0.017, which is less than the predetermined threshold of 0.05. In order to facilitate more investigation, it is anticipated that other indicators can be identified as instruments for measuring the variables under examination, as well as the utilisation of other independent variables that possess a substantial impact on the dependent variable. For instance, by incorporating additional variables such as brand image and service quality, among others.&#x0D; Keywords: product quality, product price, repurchase decision

Recovery of Stressed Escherichia coli Culturability using Selective Media with Penicillin Binding Proteins for Bioburden Testing

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of selective media enriched with Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in bioburden testing and the recovery of stressed Escherichia coli. Five distinct E. coli strains were subjected to experimentation utilizing two antibiotics to induce stress, simulating real-world scenarios where bacteria face various stressors, including antibiotics. The deliberate stress induction aimed to observe how stressed bacteria respond and recover in the presence of PBPs, vital cell wall components targeted by antibiotics. Multiple antibiotics ensured a comprehensive evaluation of stress responses. PBP1 tended to have a milder inhibitory effect on bacterial growth compared to both PBP2 and PBP3 across various growth media and strains. PBP2 demonstrated variable effects, displaying a nuanced impact depending on the growth medium and strain. In contrast, PBP3 consistently exerted a stronger inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. The strain of E. coli exhibited a significant influence on growth characteristics, reflecting strain-dependent responses to experimental conditions. Growth media and specific PBPs also displayed notable effects on colony forming units (CFUs) and percentage recovery (PR). Modified media generally supported higher CFUs and PR compared to standard media, showcasing the importance of media composition. Buffer choice also significantly impacted CFUs and PR, underlining the need for careful buffer standardization. Overall, the type of PBP used significantly affected E. coli colony numbers, as indicated by a highly significant p-value (p≈2.04×10-16). This study’s insights into the impact of selective media, PBPs, and bacterial strains on stressed E. coli recovery contribute to optimizing recovery protocols in microbiological studies. Comparisons between penicillin and cefixime treatments revealed higher CFU values in modified media, indicating their efficacy. Different PBPs showcased variations in CFU and PR, emphasizing their role in stressed E. coli recovery. The study sheds light on the multifaceted interactions between antibiotics, PBPs, media, and bacterial strains, vital for understanding antibiotic responses. These findings provide critical insights into designing effective recovery strategies and advancing microbiological studies.

Understanding and addressing climate change impacts on cocoa farming in Ghana

It is an undeniable fact that climate change has negative effects on cocoa production and has thus led to reduced yields in Ghana. This has affected cocoa farmers living standards due to their high dependency on income from sales of cocoa dry beans. The study determined the causes, indicators, effects and mitigative strategies of climate change on cocoa farmers farms. Generally, 71.43 % respondents indicated, climate change was caused by deforestation whereas 26.79 %, especially female farmers, associated it with superstitious connotations. Similarly, 72.86 % of the farmers included shade trees on their farms as a mitigative strategy to climate change's effect. While two farmers abandoned farms, others (17.50 %) sought divine intervention. Marginal effects in M-Logit results revealed that, Education, Variety, Training on Climate Change, Radio and Shade trees were significant (p-value < 0.10), under various dependent variables on causes of climate change. Again, Gender, Education, Household size, Migration status, Credit, Farm age, Variety and Training on Climate Change were also significant (p-value < 0.10), under various dependent variables on farmers mitigative strategies to addressing climate change effects. Results imply the need to intensify climate change education to cocoa farmers, especially females, within the district to help achieve targets of SDG 13 as well as enhancing their living conditions.

Efficacy of Tramadol V/S Paroxetine for the Management of Premature Ejaculation Patients

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction in men, impacting relationships and quality of life. Current treatments include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and opioid receptor agonists, but their comparative efficacy is not well-established. Objective: To compare the efficacy of tramadol (an opioid receptor agonist) with paroxetine (an SSRI) in the treatment of PE. Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, from October 2020 to April 2021. Male patients aged 18-55 years, diagnosed with PE, were included. Exclusion criteria were erectile dysfunction, substance abuse, psychiatric illnesses, and ongoing PE treatment. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving tramadol and the other paroxetine, taken 2-4 hours before intercourse. Efficacy was measured using Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT) over a six-week period. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with a p-value of &lt;0.05 considered significant. Results: 200 participants were included, with 100 in each treatment group. Tramadol showed a higher efficacy (89% efficacy) compared to paroxetine (73% efficacy), with a significant p-value of 0.004. Stratified analyses by age, BMI, and duration of relationship also indicated higher efficacy for tramadol across different subgroups. Conclusion: Tramadol demonstrated superior efficacy in delaying ejaculation compared to paroxetine in the treatment of PE. These findings suggest that tramadol may be a more effective alternative for PE management, although further research is needed to confirm these results and explore long-term outcomes.