Publications by authors named "U M Akpan"

Objectives: To characterize the proportion of Medicaid-eligible infants experiencing gaps in Medicaid coverage during early infancy and to determine whether infants without Medicaid coverage were covered by other plans or not at all.

Study Design: Infants with Medicaid-financed births from three states participating in the 2016-2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) were included (N=3,658). Infant insurance coverage (Medicaid, non-Medicaid, none) was assessed at the time of the PRAMS survey, typically around four months of age.

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Bisphenol-A (BPA) analogues seem inevitable components of numerous domestic products, but these have been identified as agents of teratogenic disorders. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of thymoquinone (TMQ) on the striatum of hypertensive female rats and their F1 male offsprings, on exposure to a mixture of Bisphenol-B, Bisphenol-F and Bisphenol-S (MBFS). Female rats were divided into normotensive and hypertensive groups; and both were treated with MBFS only, MBFS + TMQ, and TMQ only.

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The gut microbiota of FUNAAB Alpha chickens plays a crucial role in determining their overall health and performance. Understanding the various types and diversity of microbiota in the gut of different genotypes of chickens is crucial for enhancing their well-being, productivity, and disease resistance. This study employed 16S rRNA and metagenomics analysis to examine the gut bacteria of three genotypes of FUNAAB Alpha broiler chickens, namely Naked neck, Frizzle, and Normal feather.

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Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect that results in abnormal development of the spine and central nervous system. Infants born with this condition face a range of physical disabilities and associated complications. Although the global burden has declined in recent decades due to folic acid fortification and prenatal screening, spina bifida remains a significant public health challenge in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Article Synopsis
  • Understanding the link between infections and severe acute malnutrition is crucial for effectively managing malnourished children in Africa, but research on the pathogens affecting this population is limited.
  • A systematic review of 60 studies identified 5,845 pathogens, primarily focusing on viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, with significant contributions from HIV and malaria.
  • The study highlights a concerning lack of data on fungal infections and antibiotic resistance, as well as high fatality rates in malnourished children, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive research in this area.
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