Service availability and readiness to provide maternal and newborn healthcare services in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania: a cross sectional study.

Objective: To assess service availability and readiness of health facilities to provide maternal and newborn care in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania: a study conducted between August to October 2022.

Design: The study used a cross-sectional design by adopting WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment tool to assess basic maternal, newborn and child health services delivery in the health facilities of the Kilimanjaro region.

Setting: The study was conducted in seven districts of Kilimanjaro region at health facilities with a labour ward and where delivery and maternal services for women and neonatal care were offered.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid-functionalized nickel nanoclusters for selective and sensitive detection of glutathione assisted by Fe.

Accurate determination of glutathione (GSH) in food supplements and human biological fluids is critical for preventing disorders related to GSH imbalances. To address this, a selective and sensitive fluorometric method was developed for GSH detection using nickel nanoclusters functionalized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) (PVP/4-MBA@Ni NCs). In this system, PVP serves as the stabilizer, while 4-MBA functions as both a stabilizer and reducing agent.

Colorimetric and fluorometric sensing of polar E120 in juice and environmental water samples using mannitol-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped carbon dots.

In this study, mannitol-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MMNPs) as a unique nanosorbent and N-doped fluorescent carbon dots (N-CDs) as a cost-effective nanosensor were created and utilized, for the first time, for dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction (Dµ-SPE) to determine carmine (E120) dye in water samples and juices. The modification of the magnetic nanoparticles with mannitol was designed to enhance the responsive potential for adsorption of the polar E120 dye from complex sample matrices through electrostatic interaction. The as-fabricated N-CDs fluorescent probe exhibited a high fluorescence quantum yield (Φs) of 43.

Molecular imprinting technology for electrochemical sensing of kasugamycin in food products based on Cu/Cu stripping current.

An electrochemical sensing approach was developed for the detection of the agricultural antibiotic drug kasugamycin. The method involves the construction of an electrochemical sensor comprising molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) embedded within a carbon paste (CP) matrix. The MIPs are designed to have imprinted sites that match the size and geometry of the Cu(II)-kasugamycin coordinated complex.

L-asparaginase-mediated pH shift and carbon dot fluorescence modulation: A sensitive ratiometric method for quantifying L-asparagine in diverse potato varieties under variable storage conditions.

This study presents a novel and selective method for the determination of l-asparagine in diverse potato varieties under various storage conditions. L-asparagine levels serve as a crucial indicator for acrylamide formation, a hazardous substance in processed potato products. The fluorometric method utilized blue-emitting CDs (B-CDs), orange-emitting CDs (O-CDs), and the enzyme L-asparaginase for ratiometric detection of L-asparagine.

pH-Sensitive blue and red N-CDs for L-asparaginase quantification in complex biological matrices.

A novel fluorometric method for the determination of L-asparaginase, an enzyme crucial in cancer therapy and food industry applications, is presented. This sensitive and selective approach utilizes L-asparagine and two pH-sensitive carbon dots (blue-N-CDs and red-N-CDs) as probes. The interaction between L-asparagine and L-asparaginase liberates ammonia, causing an increase in pH.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Children With Anisometropic Amblyopia.

Background: Amblyopia is defined clinically as a difference in best-corrected visual acuity of two or more lines of acuity (0.2 logMAR) between the eyes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that can transiently alter the excitability of targeted brain areas in a polarity-specific manner.

An Uncommon Association: HLA-B27 Positivity in Conjunction With Pernicious Anemia - A Case Report and Literature Review.

Pernicious anemia, stemming from Vitamin B12 deficiency and autoimmune processes affecting intrinsic factor production, presents challenges in early diagnosis due to vague initial symptoms. This case report introduces a unique occurrence of pernicious anemia-induced peripheral neuropathy in a patient with concurrent HLA-B27 arthropathy, highlighting the complex interplay of autoimmune mechanisms. While HLA-B27 is not typically associated with pernicious anemia, the case underscores the importance of exploring specific HLA haplotypes in understanding the nuanced manifestation of autoimmune disorders.

Enhanced fluorometric detection of histamine using red emissive amino acid-functionalized bimetallic nanoclusters.

Lysine-capped gold nanoclusters doped with silver (LYS@Ag/Au NCs) have been developed for the sensitive and selective "turn-off" fluorescence detection of histamine. This fluorescent probe demonstrates excellent stability and a high quantum yield of 9.45%.

Dual modulation of blue-fluorescent carbon dots for simultaneous detection of topotecan and pantoprazole.

This study introduces a novel approach for the simultaneous determination of topotecan (TOP) and pantoprazole (PNT), two drugs whose interaction is critical in clinical applications. The significance of this study originates from the need to understand the pharmacokinetic changes of TOP after PNT administration, which can inform necessary dose adjustments of TOP. To achieve this, nitrogen blue emissive carbon dots (B@NCDs) were produced and employed due to their unique fluorescent properties.

Enhanced fluorescent detection of oxaliplatin BSA@copper nanoclusters: a targeted approach for cancer drug monitoring.

A new fluorescence sensing approach has been proposed for the precise determination of the anti-cancer drug oxaliplatin (Oxal-Pt). This method entails synthesizing blue-emitting copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) functionalized with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the stabilizing agent. Upon excitation at 360 nm, the resultant probe exhibits emission at 460 nm.

Ratiometric Sensing of Azithromycin and Sulfide Using Dual Emissive Carbon Dots: A Turn On-Off-On Approach.

A novel ratiometric fluorescence probe was developed for the determination of azithromycin (AZM) and sulfide ions based on the differential modulation of red emissive carbon dots (R-N@CDs) and blue emissive carbon dots (B-NS@CDs). The addition of sulfide anion selectively quenched the red emission of R-N@CDs while the blue emission of B-NS@CDs unaffected. Upon subsequent introduction of AZM to this R-N@CDs@sulfide system, the quenched red fluorescence was restored.

Efficacy of mobile phone intervention to increase male partner antenatal care attendance for HIV testing in Moshi municipal, Tanzania: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: HIV partner counselling and testing in antenatal care (ANC) is a crucial strategy to raise the number of males who know their HIV status. However, in many settings like Tanzania, male involvement in antenatal care remains low, and there is a definite need for innovative strategies to increase male partner involvement. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of mobile phone intervention increase male partner ANC attendance for HIV testing in Moshi municipal, Tanzania.

UAV Detection Using Reinforcement Learning.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant popularity in both military and civilian applications due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility. However, the increased utilization of UAVs raises concerns about the risk of illegal data gathering and potential criminal use. As a result, the accurate detection and identification of intruding UAVs has emerged as a critical research concern.

Ultrasensitive fluorometric determination of aluminum using the CoFeO NPs/SDS/oxine system with the aid of ultrasound waves.

In this study, we present a thoughtful integration of a dispersive solid-phase sorbent and oxine for the ultrasensitive and highly selective determination of Al ions. Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFeO NPs) modified with oxine were employed to facilitate the pre-concentration and estimation of Al, forming highly fluorescent chelate. The modification process included the assistance of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sonication.

Surface engineering of carbon microspheres with nanoceria wrapped on MWCNTs: a dual electrocatalyst for simultaneous monitoring of molnupiravir and paracetamol.

In the present study, nanoceria-decorated MWCNTs (CeNPs@MWCNTs) were synthesized using a simple and inexpensive process. Molnupiravir (MPV) has gained considerable attention in recent years due to the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since some people infected with COVID-19 experience fever and headaches, paracetamol (PCM) has been prescribed to relieve these symptoms.

Methylene blue-assisted molecularly-imprinted film modified nitrogen and sulfur co-doped molybdenum carbide for simultaneous electrochemical determination of two hepatotoxic drugs.

A novel electrochemical sensor with a dual-template molecular imprinting technology was fabricated for the simultaneous detection of paracetamol (PAR) and isoniazid (INZ). The sensor was constructed using nitrogen and sulfur co-doped molybdenum carbide (N, S@MoC) and a thin layer of electro-polymerized methylene blue was applied onto the surface of the N, S@MoC. The electrochemical sensor demonstrated remarkable analytical efficiency for the concurrent PAR and INZ quantification under optimal circumstances.

Biomechanical and Vascular Metrics Between Eyes of Patients With Asymmetric Glaucoma and Symmetric Glaucoma.

Prcis: Corneal hysteresis (CH) and pulsatile ocular blood volume (POBV) were significantly lower in the eye with greater damage in asymmetric glaucoma, without a difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) or central corneal thickness (CCT), and no difference in elastic parameters.

Objective: To compare biomechanical and vascular metrics between the eyes of patients with asymmetric glaucoma (ASYMM) and those with symmetric glaucoma (SYMM).

Patients And Methods: Forty-five patients were prospectively recruited and divided into ASYMM, defined as cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio difference >0.

Keratoconus cone location influences ocular biomechanical parameters measured by the Ocular Response Analyzer.

Background: Keratoconus is characterized by asymmetry in the biomechanical properties of the cornea, with focal weakness in the area of cone formation. We tested the hypothesis that centrally-measured biomechanical parameters differ between corneas with peripheral cones and corneas with central cones.

Methods: Fifty participants with keratoconus were prospectively recruited.

Sonochemical synthesis of lanthanum ferrite nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes for simultaneous electrochemical determination of acetaminophen and dopamine.

A new nanocomposite consisting of lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles (LaFeO NPs) integrated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was fabricated via facile sonochemical approach. The engineered nanocomposite was applied to simultaneously determine acetaminophen (ACP) and dopamine (DA) in a binary mixture. The LaFeO NPs@CNT probe possesses several advantages such as superior conductivity, large surface area, and more active sites, improving its electrocatalytic activity towards ACP and DA.

Colorimetric and fluorometric dual-mode determination of hypochlorite based on redox-mediated quenching.

We have successfully created a dual-modal probe, labeled as of iron(ii)-ortho-phenanthroline/N, S@g-CDs, which combines both fluorometric and colorimetric techniques for the accurate and sensitive detection of hypochlorite (ClO). The mechanism behind this probe involves the fluorescence quenching interaction between nitrogen and sulfur co-doped green emissive carbon dots (N, S@g-CDs) and the iron(ii)-ortho-phenanthroline chelate, utilizing both the inner filter effect and redox processes. As the concentration of ClO increases, the iron(ii) undergo oxidation to iron(iii) as follows: Fe(ii) + 2HClO = Fe(iii) + ClO + HO, leading to the restoration of N, S@g-CDs fluorescence.