Impact of late-stage hypoxic stimulation and layer breeder age on embryonic development, hatching and chick quality.

The present study examined the effects of breeder age and oxygen (O₂) concentrations during the late chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) growth stage on embryo development, hatching dynamics, chick quality, bone mineralization and hatchability. A total of 1200 eggs from 33- and 50-week-old ISA layer breeders, weighing 53.85 g and 60.

Yearly Trends and In-Hospital Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve-In-Valve Replacement in Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction.

Introduction: Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement (TMVR ViV) is becoming a favorable, less invasive procedure among high-risk patients to manage mitral valve dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the trends of the predictors and outcomes of the procedure.

Methods: The national inpatient sample databases of 2016-2020 were analyzed using STATA 17 software and ICD-10 codes for TMVR ViV, with stratification for mitral stenosis (MS) or Mitral regurgitation (MR) as etiology for prosthetic valve dysfunction.

The application of machine learning in 3D/4D printed stimuli-responsive hydrogels.

The integration of machine learning (ML) in materials fabrication has seen significant advancements in recent scientific innovations, particularly in the realm of 3D/4D printing. ML algorithms are crucial in optimizing the selection, design, functionalization, and high-throughput manufacturing of materials. Meanwhile, 3D/4D printing with responsive material components has increased the vast design flexibility for printed hydrogel composite materials with stimuli responsiveness.

Integration of Hydrogels and 3D Bioprinting Technologies for Chronic Wound Healing Management.

The integration of hydrogel-based bioinks with 3D bioprinting technologies presents an innovative approach to chronic wound management, which is particularly challenging to treat because of its multifactorial nature and high risk of complications. Using precise deposition techniques, 3D bioprinting significantly alters traditional wound care paradigms by enabling the fabrication of patient-specific wound dressings that imitate natural tissue properties. Hydrogels are notably beneficial for these applications because of their abundant water content and mechanical properties, which promote cell viability and pathophysiological processes of wound healing, such as re-epithelialization and angiogenesis.

Performance Evaluation of Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation with -Butyl Hydroperoxide to Benzaldehyde Using the Response Surface Methodology, Artificial Neural Network, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Model.

The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), central composite experimental design (CCD)-response surface methodology (RSM), and artificial neural network (ANN) are used to model the oxidation of benzyl alcohol using the -butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) oxidant to selectively yield benzaldehyde over a mesoporous ceria-zirconia catalyst. Characterization reveals that the produced catalyst has hysteresis loops, a sponge-like structure, and structurally induced reactivity. Three independent variables were taken into consideration while analyzing the ANN, RSM, and ANFIS models: the amount of catalyst (A), reaction temperature (B), and reaction time (C).

A qualitative study on the experiences of family caregivers of children with End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD).

Background: Family caregivers, mostly parents, are greatly involved in the care of their children with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) globally. Yet, the experiences of these caregivers and the demands placed on them by the caregiving role have not been explored or documented in Ghana. This study explored how caregiving affects the psychological, physical, social, and spiritual well-being of family caregivers of children with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) in Ghana.

Factors influencing individual vaccine preferences for COVID-19 in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana: An observational study using discrete choice experiment analysis.

Background And Aims: There has been hesitancy among people with regard to accepting vaccines, especially that of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This hesitancy is aggravated by the different vaccine alternatives available and what one considers before choosing a particular vaccine. The aim of this article was to investigate some driving factors that can influence an individual's COVID-19 vaccine preference in the presence of other alternatives, using some specific vaccine characteristics.

Knowledge and utilization of family planning services among tertiary students in Northern Ghana: The case of College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nalerigu.

Though tertiary students studying health-related programs are assumed knowledgeable about family planning, this does not always translate to increased use of family planning services. In a cross-sectional survey, this study assessed 411 nursing, midwifery and allied health students' knowledge of family planning, contraceptive use, perceptions, and factors affecting the utilisation of family planning services. Each student completed a 24-itemised questionnaire in a Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing Survey.

Point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen positivity and associated factors in school children one year after mass praziquantel administration in an endemic district in Ghana.

Background: Mass drug administration of praziquantel is expected to reduce carriage in treated children in endemic communities. However, the effectiveness of this annual exercise has not been assessed in Ghana. Therefore, this study aimed to detect viable infection using point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) positivity as proxy and associated factors in children previously treated with praziquantel in an endemic municipality in Ghana.

Assessing the Impact of Comorbid Hypercalcemia on Inpatient Outcomes of Patients With Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma During Admission for Chemotherapy.

Introduction Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may be complicated by hypercalcemia at various stages of treatment. The impact of hypercalcemia on chemotherapy admission outcomes in DLBCL is not well described.  Methods In a retrospective analysis, using the National Inpatient Sample database (2018 - 2020), patients with DLBCL admitted for chemotherapy were dichotomized based on the presence of hypercalcemia.

Students' perceptions and experiences of remote learning amid covid-19 pandemic in Ghana.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on students, instructors, and educational organisations all around the world. Remote learning was an emergency response by most universities in Ghana during this pandemic to ensure the continuation of their academic calendar. Conducting this study among Ghanaian undergraduate students is crucial because factors like socioeconomic status, technological resources, and individual learning preferences can significantly impact their experience and the perception of remote learning, which may differ from studies conducted elsewhere.

Exploring the Potentials of Chitin and Chitosan-Based Bioinks for 3D-Printing of Flexible Electronics: The Future of Sustainable Bioelectronics.

Chitin and chitosan-based bioink for 3D-printed flexible electronics have tremendous potential for innovation in healthcare, agriculture, the environment, and industry. This biomaterial is suitable for 3D printing because it is highly stretchable, super-flexible, affordable, ultrathin, and lightweight. Owing to its ease of use, on-demand manufacturing, accurate and regulated deposition, and versatility with flexible and soft functional materials, 3D printing has revolutionized free-form construction and end-user customization.

Diagnosis and management of malaria in the intensive care unit.

Malaria is responsible for approximately three-quarters of a million deaths in humans globally each year. Most of the morbidity and mortality reported are from Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, where the disease is endemic. In non-endemic areas, malaria is the most common cause of imported infection and is associated with significant mortality despite recent advancements and investments in elimination programs.

Demographic and socio-economic factors affecting bed net ownership, usage, and malaria transmission among adult patients seeking healthcare in two Ghanaian urban cities.

Background: The most cost-effective malaria prevention and control strategy is the use of a bed net. However, several factors affect the ownership and usage of bed nets among the adult population. Hence, this study aimed to examine socio-demographic factors affecting bed net ownership, usage and malaria transmission among adult patients seeking healthcare in two Ghanaian urban cities.

Healing Trauma While Staying at Home: Using Telehealth to Conduct a Brief Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Studies suggest that a three-session brief treatment program (Brief Relaxation, Education, and Trauma Healing [BREATHE]) can help treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and symptoms of trauma; however, the program has not been examined via telehealth. Thus, the current study evaluated the feasibility of BREATHE delivered via telehealth. The intervention included breathing retraining and psychoeducation about PTSD and trauma.

Mining-induced changes in ecosystem services value and implications of their economic and relational cost in a mining landscape, Ghana.

The surge in mining operations to meet the global demand for mineral resources adversely impacts ecosystem services and dependent households, but the issue barely attracts attention. This study evaluated the dynamics of mining-induced changes in the value of ecosystem services (ES) and the consequent economic and relational cost to rural households in the Ahafo region of Ghana. Face-to-face structured interviews with 200 householders were conducted in three mining communities.

Assessing the quality of sewage sludge: CASE study of the Kumasi wastewater treatment plant.

Agricultural application is the primary method of recycling sewage sludge. It is an alternative for recycling this residue, providing nutrients and organic matter to crops and soil. However, sewage treatment and management issues may impact its quality.

Dynamics of land cover changes and condition of soil and surface water quality in a Mining-Altered landscape, Ghana.

This study investigated the dynamics of mining effects on land use land cover changes and the chemical and physical characteristics of soil and surface water in the Ahafo mining area in Ghana. Landsat imagery was used to analyze land use-land cover changes (LULC) using a supervised classification technique. Soil samples were collected within 600 m from active mining operations and at depths of up to 75 cm, as well as surface water samples from upstream and downstream of the mine.

Urban stormwater microplastic size distribution and impact of subsampling on polymer diversity.

Understanding not only microplastic (MP) concentration but also size distribution, morphology, and polymer profiles is desirable for stormwater, which is an important pathway of entry for MP into the aquatic environment. A challenge is that subsampling is often required for analysis of environmental samples and the impact of subsampling on the stormwater MP concentration determined and the polymer types identified is poorly characterized. To address this, MP were extracted from urban and suburban stormwater, including from green infrastructure.

Impact of protein-energy malnutrition on outcomes of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma admitted for inpatient chemotherapy.

Background: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major factor contributing to morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Empiric data are limited on the effect of PEM on the outcomes of patients receiving chemotherapy in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was designed using data from the National Inpatient Sample for 2016 to 2019.

Evaluation of the suitability of integrated bone char- and biochar-treated groundwater for drinking using single-factor, Nemerow, and heavy metal pollution indexes.

The treatment of contaminated groundwater using integrated bone char and biochar beds has been studied. The bone char and biochar were made in a locally built double-barrel retort utilising cow bones, coconut husks, bamboo, neem trees, and palm kernel shells at 450 °C and were graded into 0.05- and 0.