Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health threat which is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture, as well as poor infection prevention and control measures. In Kuje Arae Council (KAC), AMR has silently become a neglected health burden leading to prolonged hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards AMR among 403 public workers in KAC, FCT Abuja. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards AMR among 403 public workers in KAC, FCT Abuja, selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that public workers possessed adequate knowledge (p = 0.000) and a moderate awareness of AMR’s causes and consequences (p = 0.000). Their attitudes towards antimicrobial use and AMR management were moderately positive (p = 0.000). A significant, strong positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.879, p = 0.000). Healthcare professionals were identified as the most credible source of AMR information (66.8
There is growing interest in developing lightweight, low-atomic-number materials that combine efficient heat dissipation, insulation, and radiation shielding capabilities. These materials may be used to mitigate the challenges posed by high-atomic-number metals, which generate significant secondary radiation through bremsstrahlung and require more propulsive energy, thereby limiting their suitability for aerospace applications. Here, we present the results of attenuation efficiency of a multilayer polymer-ceramic composite made of aluminium oxide (Al2O3), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and doum-fibre reinforced high-density polyethylene (dHDPE). Radiation attenuation efficiency of the multilayer composites was investigated via measurement of attenuation efficiency at different energies ranging from 6 to 15 MeV for beta particles generated by LINAC and 0.662-1.25 MeV for pointed gamma sources. The effects of density gradients and atomic number variation on the attenuation efficiency of the multilayer polymer-ceramic composites were investigated by varying the layer orientations of h-BN-Al2O3-dHDPE. The radiation attenuation efficiencies have been investigated for six-layer orientations (AHB, HBA, ABH, BAH, BHA and HAB). This study reveals that the BHA (boron, dHDPE, and aluminium) layer orientation exhibits superior radiation shielding efficiency, achieving beta attenuation efficiencies of similar to 99.20 % and similar to 95.42 % for 6 and 15 MeV beta particles, and gamma radiation attenuation efficiencies of 14.60 % and 17.19 % for Cs-137 and Co-60 sources. The findings highlight the importance of layer orientation in heterogeneous shielding materials, suggesting that careful design and optimization can enhance radiation shielding efficiency. Notably, BHA orientation is the most effective configuration, while AHB is the least effective, with other orientations showing moderate to high attenuation efficiencies, providing valuable insights for designing more effective radiation shielding materials and structures.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) results from the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. The case-fatality after aSAH is approximately 40% and those who survive often have functional, cognitive or emotional sequelae. We prepared guidelines according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology, using data from meta-analyses, randomised trials, prospective observational and case-control studies, prospective registries with external validation and single-arm cohort studies with > 50 patients with aSAH. Based on high levels of evidence, we recommend oral administration of nimodipine and regular coiling over clipping if both aneurysm treatment options are equally suitable in patients who are in good clinical condition, and recommend against the routine use of antifibrinolytic drugs prior to aneurysm treatment and against the use of tirilazad, statins, magnesium sulphate or endothelin receptor antagonists. Because of lower levels of evidence, no evidence-based recommendations can be made for the prophylactic use of antiplatelet drugs or external lumbar drainage, hypertension induction, treatment of the ruptured aneurysm with endovascular devices other than coils or endovascular treatment of vasospasm. We formulated 37 expert-consensus statements, which include, among others, the suggestions to treat aSAH patients in a dedicated neuro-ICU or high care unit in a centre that treats at least 70 patients with aSAH per year or at least 35 patients with aSAH per year in geographically remote areas, and to treat the ruptured aneurysm within 24 h after ictus provided that the most dedicated team of experts is available. These guidelines present up-to-date recommendations and expert-consensus statements on key aspects in the management of aSAH patients.
BACKGROUND:Hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) inhibitors in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. METHODS:Electronic databases were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ApoC-III inhibitors (Volanesorsen, Olezarsen and Plozasiran) with placebo. A frequentist network meta-analysis was performed. Continuous outcomes were presented as mean differences (MDs), and dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RRs), both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS:A total of 15 RCTs involving 3934 patients were included. All ApoC-III inhibitors demonstrated significant reductions in TG, except for Volanesorsen 100 mg Q1W and Olezarsen 10 mg Q4W. Olezarsen 80 mg administered every 4 weeks had the highest SUCRA ranking for TG reduction (MD: -63.26; 95% CI: -70.04 to -56.47; p < 0.01). Moreover, ApoC-III inhibitors were associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of pancreatitis (HR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07-0.33, p < 0.01). None of the agents significantly increased the risk of serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS:ApoC-III inhibitors significantly improved triglyceride levels and other lipid parameters and, most importantly, substantially reduced the risk of acute pancreatitis. Future trials are needed to evaluate their effects on cardiovascular outcomes.
BACKGROUND:The management of reproductive health in individuals with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) has evolved into a primary clinical priority. Wide variations in clinical practice and drug availability in the Asia-Pacific regions necessitate localized frameworks. These consensus statements, developed by the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) Special Interest Group for Women's Health & Reproductive Issues in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, aim to bridge the gaps within the region, foster multidisciplinary collaboration, and address regional knowledge deficits. METHODS:An expert panel comprising 16 members of the 13 APLAR member nation organizations formulated 23 research questions using the PICO framework. A systematic review of English-language literature up to July 2025 was conducted across the MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases, supplemented by a manual search of journals from the APLAR regions. Evidence from the APLAR region was appraised using the GRADE system. A modified Delphi online voting process was employed to reach consensus, pre-defined as ≥ 75% agreement. RESULTS:The panel approved four overarching principles and 86 statements, organized into 16 broad categories. These statements cover all three phases of pregnancy in AIRDs, the safety of medications during pregnancy and lactation, contraception, assisted reproductive techniques, fertility preservation, and hormonal replacement therapy, covering both female and male aspects as relevant. CONCLUSION:In a field often lacking high-quality data, these consensus statements from APLAR provide expert opinion-based guidance to support clinical decision-making. It is envisaged that it will assist in educational and training purposes and help shape future research priorities.
