24957 research outputs found
Sort by
Foxtail millet bran dietary fibres foster in vitro beneficial gut microbes and metabolites while suppressing pathobionts
Foxtail millet bran soluble dietary fibre (MBSDF) is a dietary compound with various bioactivities, potentially modulated by the gut microbiota. To elucidate this bioregulatory mechanism, this study focused on the structureal composition and in vitro fermentation characteristics of MBSDF. The results revealed that MBSDF has a molecular weight of 18.26 kDa. The main chain is connected through a glycosidic bond in the form of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 4)-β-D-Xylp-(1→, being branched by →4, 6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → O-6 and →3, 4)-β-D-Xylp-(1 → O3 bonds. After 24 h fermentation, the carbohydrate utilisation rate reached 59.15 %, with a decreased molecular weight and monosaccharide composition molar mass ratio. Meanwhile, a increase was observed in the short-chain fatty acid, accompanied by an increased relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and suppressed growth of pathogenic Enterococcus. Interestingly, the modulation of gut homeostasis probably occurs via butyrate metabolism pathway. Collectively, MBSDF can selectively regulate the gut microbiota and their metabolites
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Tools for Learning: Academic Integrity and Ethics in Higher Education in Kenya
The emergence of Large Language Models like ChatGPT has come with the promise to transform education. However, its advent has ushered in a new era of unprecedented opportunities and ethical challenges. This paper explores the dynamic nexus between artificial intelligence, ethics, and academic integrity in higher education. The study involved a theoretical review that largely utilized secondary data utilizing up-to-date methodical and meta-analysis of literature assessments and personal reflections on the practical application featuring ChatGPT\u27s use among master\u27s students at Aga Khan University. The study revealed that artificial intelligence tools have the potential to improve pedagogy and promote learning. However, it presents significant ethical concerns associated with maintaining academic integrity, including the risk of plagiarism, the stifling of critical thinking, and data privacy. The study recommends a balanced, responsible approach, supported by clear guidelines, ethical frameworks, and ongoing research to explore benefits of artificial intelligence
An innovative community mobilisation and community incentivisation for child health in rural Pakistan (CoMIC): A cluster-randomised, controlled trial
Background: Infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death among children younger than 5 years due to disparities in access and acceptance of essential interventions. The Community Mobilisation and Community Incentivisation (CoMIC) trial was designed to evaluate a customised community mobilisation and incentivisation strategy for improving coverage of evidence-based interventions for child health in Pakistan.Methods: CoMIC was a three-arm cluster-randomised, controlled trial in rural areas of Pakistan. Clusters were formed by grouping villages based on geographical proximity, ethnic consistency, and ensuring a population between 1500 to 3000 per cluster. Clusters were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to either community mobilisation, community mobilisation and incentivisation, or the control arm. Community mobilisation included formation of village committees which conducted awareness activities, while clusters in the community mobilisation and incentivisation group were provided with a novel conditional, collective, community-based incentive (C3I) in addition to community mobilisation. C3I was conditioned on serial incremental targets for collective improvement in coverage at cluster level of three key indicators (primary outcomes): proportion of fully immunised children, use of oral rehydration solution, and sanitation index, assessed at 6 months, 15 months, and 24 months, and village committees decided on non-cash incentives for people in the villages. Data were analysed as intention-to-treat by an independent team masked to study groups. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594279, and is completed.Findings: Between Oct 1, 2018 and Oct 31, 2020, 21 638 children younger than 5 years from 24 846 households, with a total population of 139 005 in 48 clusters, were included in the study. 16 clusters comprising of 152 villages and 7361 children younger than 5 years were randomly assigned to the community mobilisation and incentivisation group; 16 clusters comprising of 166 villages and 7546 children younger than 5 years were randomly assigned to the community mobilisation group; and 16 clusters comprising of 139 villages and 6731 children younger than 5 years were randomly assigned to the control group. Endline analyses were conducted on 3812 children (1284 in the community mobilisation and incentivisation group, 1276 in the community mobilisation group, and 1252 in the control group). Multivariable analysis indicates improvements in all primary outcomes including a higher proportion of fully immunised children (risk ratio [RR] 1·3 [95% CI 1·0-1·5]), higher total sanitation index (mean difference 1·3 [95% CI 0·6-1·9]), and increased oral rehydration solution use (RR 1·5 [1·0-2·2]) in the community mobilisation and incentivisation group compared with the control group at 24 months. There was no evidence of difference between community mobilisation and control for any of the primary outcomes.Interpretation: Community mobilisation and incentivisation led to enhanced acceptance evidenced by improved community behaviours and increased coverage of essential interventions for child health. These findings have the potential to inform policy and future implementation of programmes targeting behaviour change but would need evaluation for varying outcomes and different contexts
Association of maternal prenatal copper concentration with gestational duration and preterm birth: a multicountry meta-analysis Author links open overlay panel.
Background: Copper (Cu), an essential trace mineral regulating multiple actions of inflammation and oxidative stress, has been implicated in risk for preterm birth (PTB).
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association of maternal Cu concentration during pregnancy with PTB risk and gestational duration in a large multicohort study including diverse populations.
Methods: Maternal plasma or serum samples of 10,449 singleton live births were obtained from 18 geographically diverse study cohorts. Maternal Cu concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The associations of maternal Cu with PTB and gestational duration were analyzed using logistic and linear regressions for each cohort. The estimates were then combined using meta-analysis. Associations between maternal Cu and acute-phase reactants (APRs) and infection status were analyzed in 1239 samples from the Malawi cohort.
Results: The maternal prenatal Cu concentration in our study samples followed normal distribution with mean of 1.92 μg/mL and standard deviation of 0.43 μg/mL, and Cu concentrations increased with gestational age up to 20 wk. The random-effect meta-analysis across 18 cohorts revealed that 1 μg/mL increase in maternal Cu concentration was associated with higher risk of PTB with odds ratio of 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 1.57) and shorter gestational duration of 1.64 d (95% CI: 0.56, 2.73). In the Malawi cohort, higher maternal Cu concentration, concentrations of multiple APRs, and infections (malaria and HIV) were correlated and associated with greater risk of PTB and shorter gestational duration.
Conclusions: Our study supports robust negative association between maternal Cu and gestational duration and positive association with risk for PTB. Cu concentration was strongly correlated with APRs and infection status suggesting its potential role in inflammation, a pathway implicated in the mechanisms of PTB. Therefore, maternal Cu could be used as potential marker of integrated inflammatory pathways during pregnancy and risk for PTB
Post-mortem investigation of deaths due to pneumonia in children aged 1–59 months in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia from 2016 to 2022: an observational study.
Background; The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network programme undertakes post-mortem minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS), together with collection of ante-mortem clinical information, to investigate causes of childhood deaths across multiple countries. We aimed to evaluate the overall contribution of pneumonia in the causal pathway to death and the causative pathogens of fatal pneumonia in children aged 1–59 months enrolled in the CHAMPS Network.
Methods; In this observational study we analysed deaths occurring between Dec 16, 2016, and Dec 31, 2022, in the CHAMPS Network across six countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South Africa) and one in South Asia (Bangladesh). A standardised approach of MITS was undertaken on decedents within 24–72 h of death. Diagnostic tests included blood culture, multi-organism targeted nucleic acid amplifications tests (NAATs) of blood and lung tissue, and histopathology examination of various organ tissue samples. An interdisciplinary expert panel at each site reviewed case data to attribute the cause of death and pathogenesis thereof on the basis of WHO-recommended reporting standards.
Findings; Pneumonia was attributed in the causal pathway of death in 455 (40·6%) of 1120 decedents, with a median age at death of 9 (IQR 4–19) months. Causative pathogens were identified in 377 (82·9%) of 455 pneumonia deaths, and multiple pathogens were implicated in 218 (57·8%) of 377 deaths. 306 (67·3%) of 455 deaths occurred in the community or within 72 h of hospital admission (presumed to be community-acquired pneumonia), with the leading bacterial pathogens being Streptococcus pneumoniae (108 [35·3%]), Klebsiella pneumoniae (78 [25·5%]), and nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (37 [12·1%]). 149 (32·7%) deaths occurred 72 h or more after hospital admission (presumed to be hospital-acquired pneumonia), with the most common pathogens being K pneumoniae (64 [43·0%]), Acinetobacter baumannii (19 [12·8%]), S pneumoniae (15 [10·1%]), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15 [10·1%]). Overall, viruses were implicated in 145 (31·9%) of 455 pneumonia-related deaths, including 54 (11·9%) of 455 attributed to cytomegalovirus and 29 (6·4%) of 455 attributed to respiratory syncytial virus.
Interpretation; Pneumonia contributed to 40·6% of all childhood deaths in this analysis. The use of post-mortem MITS enabled biological ascertainment of the cause of death in the majority (82·9%) of childhood deaths attributed to pneumonia, with more than one pathogen being commonly implicated in the same case. The prominent role of K pneumoniae, non-typable H influenzae, and S pneumoniae highlight the need to review empirical management guidelines for management of very severe pneumonia in low-income and middle-income settings, and the need for research into new or improved vaccines against these pathogens
The role of sleep in cardiovascular disease
Purpose of review: Sleep is an important component of cardiovascular (CV) health. This review summarizes the complex relationship between sleep and CV disease (CVD). Additionally, we describe the data supporting the treatment of sleep disturbances in preventing and treating CVD.Recent findings: Recent guidelines recommend screening for obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation. New data continues to demonstrate the importance of sleep quality and duration for CV health. There is a complex bidirectional relationship between sleep health and CVD. Sleep disturbances have systemic effects that contribute to the development of CVD, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Additionally, CVD contributes to the development of sleep disturbances. However, more data are needed to support the role of screening for and treatment of sleep disorders for the prevention of CVD
Employability of graduate journalists in modern media houses: a case study of nation media group as an employer.
The study set out to establish the current status of the employability of graduate journalists in modern media houses in Kenya, with Nation Media Group (NMG) as the case study.
Specifically, the study sought to identify essential skills that media houses in Kenya currently need from journalism graduates, assess the skills capacity of fresh journalism graduates and determine challenges currently faced by employers in accessing skills needed in modern media houses. The study employed a qualitative research approach, and the researcher conducted in-person interviews with respondents. The study established that the skilling demands on the journalism profession are changing because of the digital disruption in the media industry, and this is evidenced in emerging newsroom roles. From the study, the essential skill set desired from journalism graduates, which could guarantee their employability in modern media houses is worryingly missing, and this is linked to their training. The most desired but hard-to-find employable skill sets are in the areas of multimedia journalism, data storytelling, coding, digital content production, web production, audience engagement and social media analysis, product development, fact-checking, analytical, investigative, artificial intelligence, and basic reporting skills. The study established that multimedia skills are the most in-demand, but also the most lacking. According to the study, a key challenge for employers recruiting for newsroom roles is finding the right people with the essential skills needed to handle current and emerging demands in a digitally evolving profession. Respondents were strongly dissatisfied with the ability of fresh journalism graduates to handle newsroom roles, expressing frustration that they were inadequately prepared for the job market. The study recommends that J-schools be aligned to changing industry skilling needs through structured and intentional engagement, and to continuously refresh their curriculum. A Journalism Skills Development Manual is developed from the findings to guide J-schools on training needs
Integrating MDT tumor board shadowing into the undergraduate medical curriculum: Perspective of medical students
Site-specific multidisciplinary team (MDT) tumor boards are valuable resources for medical students, enabling them to familiarize themselves with the latest evidence-based cancer management strategies and observe effective teamwork in action. In this study, we looked at the awareness and perceptions of medical students about incorporating MDT tumor boards in the medical curriculum. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students from year 1 to year 5 at the Aga Khan University after exemption from ethical review committee. A 20-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate the awareness and perceptions of medical students regarding MDT tumor boards. A total of 285 medical students participated in this study, with their mean age (± standard deviation) being 21.91 ± 1.67 years. A majority of 183 (64.2%) had no prior knowledge of the existence of a site-specific MDT tumor board for cancer management. Of the 285 students, 252 (88.4%) demonstrated sufficient awareness of the effectiveness of MDT tumor boards; similarly, 232 (81.4%) responded positively to the idea of mandatory tumor board rotations being incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum. No significant association was found between the student\u27s year of study (χ2 = 6.03, p = 0.20) or gender (χ2 = 35, p = 0.84) and their perceptions of the effectiveness of MDT tumor boards. However, it was found that students who had prior knowledge of their existence had a stronger association with sufficient awareness (χ2 = 4.2, p = 0.04). The results indicate that while the majority of the medical students have no prior attendance or knowledge regarding MDT tumor boards, there is an overwhelming willingness among students to incorporate them into the medical curriculum
Upskilling and retooling regional correspondents in a changing media landscape: a case study of royal media services limited.
Regional correspondents play a major role in the media in Kenya by bringing into the national discourse local stories from rural, marginalized, and isolated communities, as well as from other towns away from the capital city or the head office of a media organization. Advancements in technology in the digital era have transformed the media landscape, forcing the media to adopt new business models as audience consumption habits change. Regional correspondents must equip themselves with relevant skills to adapt to the evolving media landscape. Industry players have found that regional correspondents lack competency skills. Ireri (2017) argued that journalists feel they were ill-trained because of a lack of resources or qualifications, while Allan (2014) noted that most journalism colleges offer “theory-heavy training” because of lack of facilities. Interviews from regional correspondents also concurred with these findings. This study sought to determine capacity challenges and upskilling needs of regional correspondents at Royal Media Services Limited, one of the leading media houses in Kenya, gaps in the training strategy for upskilling and make recommendations on how to enhance regional correspondents\u27 capacities to meet the challenges posed by the evolving media landscape. The objectives of the study were to determine the capacity challenges and upskilling needs of regional correspondents, examine whether there were gaps in the existing upskilling strategy and recommend a structured training framework for upskilling regional correspondents to advance their competencies in the digital era. The study employed a qualitative research approach. Data was collected using In-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions with regional correspondents and Media managers. The findings indicated that regional correspondents at RMS have varied capacity challenges including inadequate basic and digital skills which affect their productivity. The findings also indicated that there were shortfalls in the upskilling strategy employed by RMS. Based on the findings, the study recommends that RMS invests in a structured, consistent, and coordinated upskilling program for regional correspondents to bridge the existing capacity gaps and strengthen regional correspondents’ capacity to adapt to the evolving media landscape. The study suggests a guideline that can be used to establish a structured upskilling framework to enhance the capacities of regional correspondents
Customer-centric data strategies to drive revenue growth.
In today\u27s digital age, media organisations grapple with declining revenues due to the shift from print to digital platforms. To tackle this challenge, there is a pressing need for these organisations to explore sustainable business models that prioritise revenue from readers. This project aims to address this issue by delving into data-driven strategies centred around readers\u27 preferences and behaviours, aiming to sustainably spur revenue growth. The primary objective of this project was to craft and implement a reader-focused strategy to boost revenue. To achieve this, specific goals were outlined. Initially, the project sought to explore reader preferences and behaviours in digital media consumption. Subsequently, it aimed to categorise content segments based on these identified reader traits. This segmentation will empower media organisations to devise personalised digital content and pricing strategies, fostering increased reader engagement and revenue growth. By understanding the unique aspects of each segment, this researcher aims to recommend a revenue growth strategy that is reader-centric, offering a framework for implementation, testing, iteration, and optimisation of these strategies. The need for a transformative shift becomes clear as incremental methods struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of change. Leadership becomes pivotal in navigating this digitally disrupted terrain, demanding innovation, creative thinking, and a strong commitment to leveraging data and technology. With consumers increasingly empowered by digital tools, their shift toward web-based platforms, driven by engaging content from social media aggregators, necessitates media organisations to tailor content and revenue strategies for diverse user groups. Content remains at the core of this transformation, with journalism being the foundation of media enterprises. These organizations are reshaping their competencies to engage audiences across various platforms, embracing diverse teams within their newsrooms. This abstract aims to offer insights into a reader-focused revenue growth strategy for media organisations experiencing declining revenues amidst digital disruptions. Through the analysis of reader preferences, delineation of content segments, and crafting personalised strategies, this project aims to drive reader engagement and ultimately increase revenue. The ultimate goal is to develop and implement a reader-centric revenue growth strategy, providing a structured approach for refining and optimising strategies to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape sustainably