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Context: Coping is a modifiable factor that promotes mental well-being. Among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it might affect outcomes such as quality of life (QOL). Objective: This study aims to determine the role of coping strategies as a predictor of QOL among HIV outpatients in a general hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 200 HIV patients under treatment. Consecutive clinic attendees were surveyed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the 32-item Coping Strategies Inventory, and the World Health Organization QOL in HIV–BREF scale. Statistical analysis was conducted with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Respondents, with a mean age of 35.54 (standard deviation = 10.88), were predominantly female (67.5%). After accounting for age and gender, linear regression analysis revealed that engagement coping positively predicted all domains (physical, psychological, independence level, social relationships, environment, and spirituality) of QOL (P < 0.05). Disengagement coping, however, emerged as a predictor solely for the social relationship domain (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Coping is a significant determinant of life quality among HIV patients and should be considered in the holistic treatment of patients.

This study examined the effect of servicescape – ambience, spatial layout, social dimension and information dimension on customer satisfaction in fine-dining restaurants. Guided by a cross sectional research design, we obtained primary data from 280 customers using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics sufficed for data analysis, while regression analysis was instrumental in hypotheses testing. The findings revealed that ambience, spatial layout and information dimension had significant positive effects on customer satisfaction in restaurants, while social dimension had a negative and non-significant effect on customer satisfaction. This study demonstrates the predictive power of restaurant servicescape to influence customers’ experiences. The insights generated provide definitive empirical evidence that confirms that customer satisfaction could be improved through deliberate design of restaurant servicescape. As such, the study provides a strategic blueprint for restaurant operators in servicescape design for maximum customer satisfaction. With these insights, this study contributes to restaurant service marketing in African countries by providing empirically-verifiable evidence that a key strategy to improving customer satisfaction is deliberate and strategic servicescape design. It also contributes to the stimulus-organism-response theory by confirming that its basic premise holds true in the restaurant context, thereby furthering the applicability of the theoretical framework in restaurant-based research.

Panicum maximum Jacq. (Guinea grass) a medicinal plant used traditionally in the treatment of diseases including diabetes was evaluated for its effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes in vivo. The crude ethanol extracts (150, 300 and 450 mg/kg) of P. maximum were investigated using starch, sucrose, glucose and maltose as substrates and acarbose as reference drug. The leaf extract caused significant (p

In the evolving landscape of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), the strategic placement of controllers poses a critical challenge that necessitate a precise balance between network performance and security. This paper presents an integrated framework for enhancing security and performance in SDN by combining controller placement and intrusion detection systems (IDS). Unlike existing solutions which were implemented disjointedly, we propose a holistic approach that leverages the proximity of controllers to network traffic for real-time threat detection, rapid response, and mitigation of security attacks. We employ an advanced clustering model for optimal controller placement, reducing costs and latency while ensuring reliability and balanced loads. In addition, we utilize k-nearest neighbour (KNN) for efficient anomaly detection in our IDS for improved network security. Experimental results confirm the framework’s effectiveness in strengthening SDN security and resilience. The enhanced-DBSCAN-based CPP model significantly minimized the cost, and latency, and ensured continuous operation in dynamic SDN environments while the KNN-based IDS shows effectiveness in improving threat detection capabilities, achieving high detection accuracy of 100% on the LAN dataset, outperforming other machine learning models such as Random Forest and Naïve Bayes. The indication is that strategic controller deployment, in conjunction with IDS, can significantly bolster threat detection, response times, and the overall security stance of the SDN environment.

Abstract Superficial infections with Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A), pharyngitis and impetigo can induce acute rheumatic fever, an autoimmune sequela manifesting mostly with arthritis and rheumatic carditis. Valvular heart damage can persist or advance following repeated episodes of acute rheumatic fever, causing rheumatic heart disease. Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease disproportionately affect children and young adults in developing countries and disadvantaged communities in developed countries. People living with rheumatic heart disease are at risk of experiencing potentially fatal complications such as heart failure, bacterial endocarditis or stroke. Transthoracic echocardiography plays a central role in diagnosing both rheumatic carditis and rheumatic heart disease. Despite the obvious medical need, no licensed Strep A vaccines are currently available, as their clinical development process faces several challenges, including concerns for cardiac safety. However, the development of Strep A vaccines has been recently relaunched by many vaccine developers. In this context, a reliable and consistent safety evaluation of Strep A vaccine candidates, including the use of transthoracic echocardiography for detecting cardiac adverse events, could greatly contribute to developing a safe and efficacious product in the near future. Here, we propose a framework for the consistent use of transthoracic echocardiography to proactively detect cardiac safety events in clinical trials of Strep A vaccine candidates.

Background: Current pharmacological research has shown that medicinal plants have notable bioactivities. For more than a millennium, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has prescribed CRP primarily as a qi-regulating medication for therapeutic purposes. Hence, the synergistic effect of the two medicinal plants on the hepato-renal damage in rats exposed to CCL4. Materials and Methods: For twenty-one days, rats were gavaged with quercetin and hesperidin (2.4 and 2.4 mg/kg each) after being exposed to CCL4 (0.5 mg/kg). Samples were taken to evaluate several biochemical markers. Nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The activity of the enzymes alanine transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated to represent liver function. Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated for antioxidant level, total bilirubin, total protein, urea, uric acid, and creatinine), as well as histopathology were assessed. Results: The concentration of total bilirubin, total protein, urea, uric acid, creatinine, increased considerably (P < 0.05) after exposure to carbon tetrachloride, with the levels of H2O2, MDA, SOD, CAT, GPX, GSH, and the activities of ALT and AST in serum, also, changes observed in histopathological findings. Upon treatment with the extracts, the levels of H2O2 and MDA was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced and modify SOD, CAT, GPX, GSH, ALT, and ALP activities in rats substantially (P < 0.05). With slid changes on histopathological effect. Conclusion: Quercetin and hesperidin treatment successfully improved liver and kidney pathophysiology and reduce the level of ROS. Thus, quercetin and hesperidin can be recommended as a hepato-renal preventive agent against CCL4-induced toxicity.

Parasitic infections such as lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) solely result from the infestation of a slender and thread-like worm. This condition precipitates swelling, often accompanied by skin alterations, potentially leading to substantial disability and disfigurement. Recent advancements in preventive measures for lymphatic filariasis encompass mass drug administration (MDA) involving antifilarial drugs. To that effect, this investigation employs an experimental and theoretical approach, utilizing the DFT/6–311++(2p,2d)/ωB97X-D level of theory, to evaluate the anti-filarial properties of a thiadiazol derivative, designated by the code (PTA). The comparative analysis of the spectroscopic data (FT-IR, UV, and NMR) was observed to be in good agreement. The geometry equilibration, it was observed that attributed to the influence of solvents and their properties, including the dielectric constant and polarity C18-S2 bond exhibited the highest bond length values 1.80208 (Å) in a gaseous environment. In the comparison of energy gaps, PTA_DMSO exhibited the smallest gap at 3.899 eV, while PTA_Water displayed a broader gap at 4.724 eV. PTA_Chloroform and PTA_Gas followed closely with energy gaps of 4.718 and 4.599 eV, respectively. The smaller energy gap observed in PTA_DMSO suggests higher reactivity and lower stability of the compound in this solvent. This finding underscores the potential efficacy of the ligand in DMSO as a promising drug candidate in this particular medium. From the molecular docking analysis shows the hydrogen bonds formed between 3VKL and PTA are four hydrogen bonds with a binding affinity of -4.6 kcal/mol, while with the two standard drugs, dimethylcarbamazine, one hydrogen bond with a binding affinity of -4.30 kcal/mol and albendazole with three hydrogen bonds with a binding affinity of -5.3 kcal/mol. Also, with 4BME protein, three hydrogen bonds with a binding affinity of -4.6 kcal/mol for PTA, one hydrogen bond for diethylcarbamazine with a binding affinity of -4.6 kcal/mol and two hydrogen bonds for albendazole with a binding affinity of -2.9 kcal/mol.

Background: This was a cross-sectional community-based survey to study the prevalence of serum antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-COV-1) and determine possible source of antibodies as to whether from vaccination or from natural infection as well as attempt to compare antibody levels in response to the different four types of vaccines administered in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study of the prevalence of serum antibodies against all four vaccine types used in Nigeria amongst a representative sample of people aged 18 years and above in the six geopolitical zones of the country using a multistage sampling technique covering 12 states of the country with two states being randomly selected from each geopolitical zone. High-throughput Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay system (Elecsys Anti-SARS-COV-1 Cobas) was used for qualitative and quantitative detection of antibodies to SARS-COV-1 in human plasma. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the proportions with seropositivity for both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated (P = 0.95). The nucleocapsid antibody (anti-Nc) titres were similar in both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, whereas the Spike protein antibody (anti-S) titres were significantly higher amongst the vaccinated than amongst the unvaccinated. Antibody levels in subjects who received different vaccines were compared to provide information for policy. Conclusion: While only 45.9% of the subjects were reported to have been vaccinated, 98.7% of the subjects had had contact with the SARS-COV-1 as evidenced by the presence of nucleocapsid (NC) antibodies in their plasma. The 1.3% who had not been exposed to the virus, had spike protein antibodies which most likely resulted from vaccination in the absence of NC antibodies. Successive vaccination and booster doses either through heterogeneous or homologous vaccines increased antibody titres, and this stimulation of immune memory may offer greater protection against coronavirus disease 2019.

Our cities gain from recreational parks' fundamental environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits. They also bring great economic benefits to any country. The purpose of this research is to assess Citizens' views on the state of three recreational parks and landscaping in Akure, Ondo State. The study aims to evaluate three recreational parks and landscaping in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, their properties, their impact on users, and the contribution of recreational landscapes to societal development and revenue generation. This paper also suggests better ways to maintain these recreational parks. Gardens with a broad assortment of trees and other plants are a significant recreational feature in developing countries like Nigeria. Urban and recreational facilities have been seen as a tool to improve living conditions in Ondo State. One of the most difficult aspects of maintaining recreational parks is balancing the needs of different user groups, such as those seeking solitude and those seeking raucous play and picnicking. Parks and recreation are typically the "engine" of local tourism. In a simplified tourism model, people leave their homes and travel to attractions supported by services such as hotels/motels, restaurants, and commerce.

Abstract Poor handling of potable water is a well-known route of contamination. Despite this, Nigeria’s most consumed packaged potable water called “sachet” or “pure water” is still poorly handled with long hours of exposure to sunlight which may affect its quality. This study examined the potential deterioration of the sachet water quality (potential toxic metals and bacteriological), and the health implication posed by long-time exposure to sunlight. Collected water samples were subjected to physiochemical analysis, metal analysis, risk assessment, and microbiological examination. Three sachet water brands (n = 4 bags per brand) exposed to sunlight daily for 14, 28, and 42 days were analysed for potentially toxic metals, and health risk assessments (Average daily dose-ADD, hazard quotient-HQ, hazard index-HI, and carcinogenic risk-CR). The physicochemical, and microbiological (total heterotrophic bacteria count-THBC, and total coliform count-TCC) parameters were equally analysed using the Kirby Bauer and pour plate technique. In all brands, the levels of physicochemical parameters (except pH), and potential toxic metals were comparatively higher than the control in an exposure time-dependent fashion. Furthermore, all the exposed samples failed to meet the safety limits of the WHO, and national standards (NAFDAC and NDSWQ) for drinking water. Among the metals, zinc was the most ingested metal in all the brands. The ADD, HQ, and HI evaluations revealed that consuming the exposed water could lead to higher accumulation of Cr, Cd, Pb, As, and Ni in the body following exposure. The CR of Cr, As, and Ni after exposure to sunlight were > than the safe value (10–4), implying the likelihood of cancer after over 60 years. Microbial counts increased with the length of exposure, and all the isolates showed pathogenicity and multidrug resistance. The potential health risk inherent in sachet water after exposure to sunlight has significant health implications for consumers.

Abstract This comprehensive study was dedicated to augmenting the sensing capabilities of Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S through the strategic functionalization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur heteroatoms. Governed by density functional theory (DFT) computations at the gd3bj-B3LYP/def2svp level of theory, the investigation meticulously assessed the performance efficacy of electronically tailored nanocomposites in detecting H2S gas—a corrosive byproduct generated by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), bearing latent threats to infrastructure integrity especially in the oil and gas industry. Impressively, the analysed systems, comprising Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, N_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, P_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, and S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, unveiled both structural and electronic properties of noteworthy distinction, thereby substantiating their heightened reactivity. Results of adsorption studies revealed distinct adsorption energies (− 13.0887, − 10.1771, − 16.8166, and − 14.0955 eV) associated respectively with N_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, P_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, and Ni@GP_PEDOT systems. These disparities vividly underscored the diverse strengths of the adsorbed H2S on the surfaces, significantly accentuating the robustness of S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S as a premier adsorbent, fuelled by the notably strong sulfur-surface interactions. Fascinatingly, the sensor descriptor findings unveiled multifaceted facets pivotal for H2S detection. Ultimately, molecular dynamic simulations corroborated the cumulative findings, collectively underscoring the pivotal significance of this study in propelling the domain of H2S gas detection and sensor device innovation.

Abstract Background The low demand for maternal and child health services is a significant factor in Nigeria's high maternal death rate. This paper explores demand and supply-side determinants at the primary healthcare level, highlighting factors affecting provision and utilization. Methods This qualitative study was undertaken in Anambra state, southeast Nigeria. Anambra state was purposively chosen because a maternal and child health programme had just been implemented in the state. The three-delay model was used to analyze supply and demand factors that affect MCH services and improve access to care for pregnant women/mothers and newborns/infants. Result The findings show that there were problems with both the demand and supply aspects of the programme and both were interlinked. For service users, their delays were connected to the constraints on the supply side. On the demand side, the delays include poor conditions of the facilities, the roads to the facilities are inaccessible, and equipment were lacking in the facilities. These delayed the utilisation of facilities. On the supply side, the delays include the absence of security (fence, security guard), poor citing of the facilities, inadequate accommodation, no emergency transport for referrals, and lack of trained staff to man equipment. These delayed the provision of services. Conclusion Our findings show that there were problems with both the demand and supply aspects of the programme, and both were interlinked. For service users, their delays were connected to the constraints on the supply side.

This study examined the geographical distribution, classification, and visitor patronage patterns of tourist attractions in Calabar, Nigeria. Additionally, the study utilised both primary and secondary data sources. The research employed descriptive, inferential, and spatial analytical techniques to interpret the collected data. Results underscored a prevalent clustering of attractions along major transit routes. The attractions were categorized based on distinct attributes, and key determinants such as safety, interests, experiences, accessibility, and affordability were found to influence visitor choices significantly. In light of these findings, the study advocates for developing integrated tourist routes, diversifying attractions, exploring untapped markets, and enhancing safety and security measures to foster sustainable tourism growth in Calabar.

Rosemary Bassey, Robert V Hill, Zeinab Nassrallah, Shannon Knutson, Brian Pinard, Doreen M Olvet, William P Rennie Department of Science Education, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USACorrespondence: Rosemary Bassey, Department of Science Education, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA, Tel +1 516 463-7504, Email Rosemary.bassey@hofstra.eduIntroduction: Recent changes in undergraduate medical curricula have resulted in time constraints that are particularly challenging, especially when students must learn large blocks of musculoskeletal anatomy content. Consequently, students have resorted to rote memorization to cope, which counteracts our established collaborative self-directed learning model.Methods: For a 6-week musculoskeletal anatomy course, two structured case-based review sessions are described, each following the completion of two five-hour lab sessions, two on the upper extremities and two on the lower extremities. These largely self-directed review sessions consisted of 6 students rotating through 7 to 8 stations every 10 minutes where clinical cases with follow-up questions were projected on large screens. The students were expected to work collaboratively to solve the cases utilizing the prosected specimens provided and discuss the accompanying answers at the end of each case.Results: Ninety-four per cent of the students who participated in this study agreed that the case-based review sessions provided a helpful overview of musculoskeletal anatomy content. Student performance on the open-ended, case-based musculoskeletal examination questions showed no significant difference in performance on shoulder, hand, hip, thigh, and leg questions. There was, however, a statistically significant decrease in the students’ scores on a forearm question in 2021 compared to 2019.Conclusion: This paper describes our integrated, collaborative musculoskeletal course, including case-based review sessions, which was positively received by students as having value in reviewing the musculoskeletal content though it was not found to improve examination performance.Keywords: musculoskeletal, anatomy, integrated curriculum, review, consolidation, evaluation

Background: The presence of endometrial tissue in the tracheobronchial tree, pleural, and lung is normally referred to as thoracic endometriosis. The association of catamenial pneumothorax, catamenial haemothorax, catamenial haemoptysis and pulmonary nodules is referred to as thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES). TES is rare but not as rare as it has always been thought of. Case summaries: Case 1: We present EA, a 26-year-old chef/baker who presented to our unit on account of recurrent cyclical right sided chest pain and difficulty in breathing, recurrent haemoptysis and cyclical abdominal pain and swelling with multiple tender umbilical nodules. On general physical examination she was found to be in respiratory distress but not cyanosed with peripheral arterial oxygen saturation 97% on room air. Examination of the chest revealed a right sided chest fullness and reduced movement with breathing. Percussion note was stony dull and absent of breath sound on right hemithorax. Abdominal examination revealed a moderately distended abdomen with positive fluid thrill. Both Pleurocentesis (thoracocentesis) and paracentesis abdominis yielded a haemorrhagic fluid acellular and pleural and lung biopsy demonstrated endometrial stroma and glands. Imaging examination by way of chest X-ray showed a homogenous opacity of the right hemithorax, and pulmonary nodule following drainage. A diagnosis of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome was made. She had VAT with lung and pleural biopsy, pleural abrasion and a thoracostomy tube drainage. Case 2: We present IAE, a 29year-old Po+0 who presented to our unit on account of recurrent cyclical right sided chest pain and difficulty in breathing, unproductive cough. On general physical examination she was found to be in moderate respiratory distress but not cyanosed with peripheral arterial oxygen saturation of 98% on room air. Chest examination revealed an apical flattering of anterior chest wall with left trachea deviation. Percussion note was stony dull on the right lower third and hyper resonance middle and upper zones of right hemithorax. Pleurocentesis (thoracocentesis) yielded air and haemorrhagic fluid acellular and pleural and lung biopsies demonstrated endometrial stroma and glands. Imaging examination by way of chest X-ray and chest CT-scan showed air fluid level of the right hemithorax. A diagnosis of TES was made. She had Laparoscopy and VAT at the same sitting with pleural and lung biopsies. She was managed medically after closed thoracostomy tube drainage. She had partial collapse of right lower lobe and thoracotomy with right lower lobectomy was planned but patient declined. She also had Stage IV endometriosis by (rASRM)/ENZIAN systems Case 3: We present JA a 29-year-old lady, a filling station attendant who presented to our unit with a history of gradual onset of right sided chest pain, progressive difficulty in breathing and non-productive cough, and abdominal pain and swelling. On general physical examination she was found to be in respiratory distress but not cyanosed with SPO2 of 98% on room air. Examination of the chest revealed a right apical flattening, reduced ipsilateral chest movement with breathing. Percussion notes were stony dull and absent air entry on the ipsilateral hemithorax. Abdominal examination showed a mildly distended abdomen with a positive shifting dullness. Both Pleurocentesis (thoracocentesis) and paracentesis abdominis yielded a haemorrhagic fluid acellular at cytology and pleural and lung biopsy demonstrated endometrial stroma and gland. Imaging examination by way of chest X-ray showed a homogenous opacity of the right hemithorax. A diagnosis of Familial Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (FTES). Had USS guided lung and pleural biopsy and a thoracostomy tube drainage. She had chemical pleurodesis with tetracycline Conclusion: Thoracic endometriosis syndrome is the diagnosis in a lady of reproductive age who present with cyclic or a cyclical recurrent right sided chest pain, cyclical or a cyclical dyspnoea, haemoptysis, cyclical or a cyclical abdominal swelling and peritonitis.

Background: Bronchogenic cysts are lesions of congenital origin derived from the primitive foregut and are the most prevailing primary cysts of the mediastinum. Most commonly unilocular, they contain clear fluid or mucinous secretions or, less commonly, haemorrhagic secretions or air. They are lined by columnar ciliated epithelium, and their walls often contain cartilage and bronchial mucous glands. It is unusual for them to have a patent connection with the airway, but when present, such a communication may promote infection of the cyst by allowing bacterial entry. The first successful surgical excision of a bronchogenic cyst was reported by Maier in mid twentieth century leading to its classification based on Mailer postulation. No such reports have been described in South/South Nigeria.

Background: Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally. The morbidity pattern of underfives with this condition is yet to be described. Objective: To describe the morbidity pattern of underfives with MAM Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in two Primary Health Centres in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Caregivers’ brought children aged 6- 59 months to the health facilities following community mobilization. Eligible children were recruited into the study after obtaining parental consent. A validated proforma was used to obtain the biodata and symptoms of common illnesses in the children. A general physical examination, anthropometric measurements and systemic examination were performed. Results: A total of 162 children were recruited into the study. Their mean (±SD) age was 20.4 ± 13.0 months. Over 70% of them were 6 - 23 months of age. Their mean (±SD) length/height was 77.3 ± 29.6 cm, mean (±SD) weight was 8.3 ± 3.4 kg and mean (±SD) mid upper arm circumference was 12.4 ± 4.5 cm. The main symptoms noted in the children were; fever 99 (61.1%), cough 84 (51.9%), weight loss 81 (50.0%), diarrhoea 40 (24.7%) and vomiting 40 (24.7%) while pallor 77 (47.5%), lymphadenopathy 56 (34.6%), hair changes 49 (30.2%), skin changes 27 (16.6%) were the main signs in them. Conclusion: The main symptomatology of underfives with MAM were fever, cough and weight loss while pallor, lymphadenopathy and hair changes were the topmost signs. This morbidity pattern is related to interactions between malnutrition and infection in childhood.

Background: Aspergillosis localized to the kidneys and the urinary tract is uncommon. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to evaluate risk factors and clinical outcomes of patients with isolated renal and genito-urinary tract aspergillosis. Methods: We systematically searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, African Journal Online, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, covering the period from inception to August 2023 using the key terms ‘renal’ OR ‘kidney*’ OR ‘prostate’ OR ‘urinary bladder’ OR ‘urinary tract*AND ‘aspergillosis’ OR ‘aspergillus’ OR ‘aspergilloma’ OR ‘mycetoma’. We included single case reports or case series. Review articles, guidelines, meta-analyses, animal studies, protocols, and cases of genitourinary and /or renal aspergillosis occurring as a part of disseminated disease were excluded. Results: We identified 91 renal and urinary aspergillosis cases extracted from 76 publications spanning 1925–2023. Among the participants, 79 (86.8%) were male, with a median age of 46 years. Predominantly, presentations consisted of isolated renal infections (74 instances, 81.3%), followed by prostate (5 cases, 5.5%), and bladder (7 cases, 7.7%) involvement. Aspergillus fumigatus (42.9%), Aspergillus flavus (9.9%), and Aspergillus niger/glaucus (1.1% each) were isolated. Underlying risk factors included diabetes mellitus (29.7%), HIV (12.1%), haematological malignancies (11%), and liver cirrhosis (8.8%), while common symptoms encompassed flank pain (36.3%), fever (33%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (20.9%). An autopsy was conducted in 8.8% of cases. Diagnostic work-up involved histopathology (70.5%), renal CT scans and urine microscopy and culture (52.6% each), and abdominal ultrasound (17.9%). Treatments included amphotericin B (34 cases, 37.4%) and azole-based regimens (29 cases, 31.9%). Nephrectomy was performed in 16 of 78 renal cases (20.5%). All-cause mortality was 24.4% (19 cases). No significant mortality rate difference was observed among antifungal regimens ( p = 0.739) or nephrectomy status ( p = 0.8). Conclusion: Renal and urinary aspergillosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised and people with diabetes mellitus. While varied treatment strategies were observed, mortality rates showed no significant differences based on treatments or nephrectomy status. Further research is needed to refine diagnostics, optimize treatments, and enhance awareness among clinicians for early detection and management. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023430959.

The profound impact of health challenges related to libido, encompassing sexual dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, and the effects of certain medical conditions or medications, calls for urgent mitigative measures. As a result, this study meticulously explores the compound Resveratrol (Res) to uncover its substantial properties concerning libido enhancement. The compound was optimized using the DFT/ωB97XD/6–311G++(d, p) basis set in different solvents, namely DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), ethanol, and water. Notably, the geometry investigation reveals that the structural bond variations can be attributed to factors such as solvent polarity, screening effects, hydrogen bonding, solvation energy, and conformational preferences. Substantially, the Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) analysis explored the HOMO values of the compound in different solvents, resulting in 7.59198 eV, 7.5514 eV, and 7.59687 eV for RES_DMSO, RES_EtOH, and RES_H2O, respectively. Correspondingly, their LUMO values were found to be 7.5955 eV, 7.5648 eV, and 7.5982 eV, leading to respective band gaps of 0.0035 eV, 0.0133 eV, and 0.0014eV Remarkably, RES_H2O displayed the smallest energy gap (0.0014 eV) among the interacting compounds, indicating increased conductivity and sensitivity. Furthermore, the natural bond orbital analysis revealed that RES_H2O had the highest permutation energy among the three complexes (376.5 kcal/mol for RES_DMSO, 371.79 kcal/mol for RES_EtOH, and 378.77 kcal/mol for RES_H2O), indicating a stronger interaction between the donor and acceptor orbitals. Finally, the molecular docking studies unveiled a notable difference in binding affinity, with RES exhibiting a greater affinity for 1UDT at -8.1 kcal/mol compared to 1UDU, which demonstrated a binding affinity of -6.6 kcal/mol. Thus, RES has the potential to reverse erectile dysfunction and improve libido by inhibiting the activities of phosphodiesterase (1UDT and 1UDU), ultimately promoting vasodilatory signals from cGMP to the smooth muscles of the penis, leading to enhanced erection. These groundbreaking findings offer promising prospects for the development of new and effective drugs to combat various medical conditions.

Lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system—an essential element of the body's immune defense—has captured increased interest from modern researchers. This study, investigate the possible antilymphoma characteristics of benzo bisthiazole using both experimental and theoretical investigations at DFT/B3LYP-GD3BJ/6–311++G(d, p) level of theory. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the electronic and spectroscopic behavior of benzo[1,2_d:4,5] bisthiazole (BBT), given the diverse range of applications for thiazole derivatives. We investigate the impact of solvation on BBT's molecular structure, spectral characteristics, quantum chemical properties, vibrational modes, electronic features, and its interaction through molecular docking. Our findings reveal intriguing insights into BBT's reactivity, highlighting its enhanced reactivity in benzene with an energy gap of 4.6406 eV, while demonstrating greater stability in water with an energy gap of 4.6490 eV. Notably, the analysis of high-energy transitions reveals prevalent n-π* transitions, while some transitions, though absent in UV spectra due to their low oscillator strength, are also identified. The dominant transitions, constituting around 74.85 to 75.57% contribution, are characterized across various solvents, emphasizing their significance. Impressively, molecular docking underscores BBT's potential bioactivity against lymphoma, with a docking score of -6.3 kcal/mol. Moreover, the interaction analysis with 6TOF-BBT reveals favorable hydrogen bonding with essential amino acids, histidine (HIS: 116), and glycine (GLY:55), along the polypeptide chain A of the receptor. These hydrogen bonds are notably well-structured at bond distances of 2.75 Å and 2.99 Å, respectively, further elucidating BBT's unique interaction mechanisms.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasingly common bacterial infection that poses a serious threat to human health. MRSA is resistant to many common antibiotics, making it particularly difficult to treat. To address this issue, the density functional theory (DFT) approach was employed in this study to examine thiophene- and thiazole-containing carbohydrazides for their biological activities. Quantitative experimental and spectroscopic results were obtained and compared to the theoretical. The FMO reactivity parameters revealed superior biological activity and reactivity of compound 6 G in gas phase, polar and non-polar solvents according to the data. Additionally, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) analysis and non-covalent interaction (NCI) indicated that compound 6F contained more weak and steric repulsion interactions, while compound 6 G featured minimal van der Waals forces of attraction. Also, compound 6 G had the highest stabilization energy in the NBO analysis which show a better donor - acceptor charge transfer and electron delocalization. Molecular docking analyses with standard drugs showed higher binding affinities for compound 6 G with 3VSL than with CIPRO. The in-silico analysis suggests that 6F and 6 G have great bioactivity for tackling MRSA.

Burning hydrocarbons as fuel, which produces carbon dioxide and water, is a major contributor to anthropogenic global warming. Hydrocarbons are introduced into the environment through their extensive use as fuels and chemicals as well as through leaks or accidental spills during exploration, production, refining, or transport of fossil fuels. Herein, theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) was applied to investigate the adsorption behavior of C2H4, CH4 and H2 on graphene quantum dot surfaces doped with Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) (GQD_N, GQD_S). Theoretical calculations in this study were obtained with the dispersion correction in consideration so as to predict intermolecular interactions alongside B3LYP-D3(BJ)/6-311+G (d, p). The sites that were doped with N and S atom were found to be more stable and suitable for gas adsorption. The adsorption energy was computed to establish the surface abilities of the adsorptions under investigation. Gas adsorptions on surfaces showed similar high negative values. We may deduce from the computed adsorption energies that GQD_N and GQD_S have strong adsorptions and considered adsorptions are thermodynamically favored. The ellipticity parameter calculated using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), as well as the stabilization energies obtained from natural bond orbitals (NBO), confirmed the stability of surfaces upon gas adsorptions. QTAIM also confirmed remarkable intermolecular interactions. This result also agrees with that for non-covalent interactions, which predicted weak intermolecular interactions between surface and gas molecules. GQD_N and GQD_S are good adsorbents that can adsorb C2H4, CH4, and H2 gases, respectively.

Client-server-based healthcare systems are unable to manipulate a high data volume, prone to a single failure point, limited scalability, and data integrity. Particularly, several measures introduced to help curb the spread of Covid-19 were not effective and patient records were not adequately managed and maintained. Most vaccination-proof certificates were forged by unauthorized parties and no standard verification medium exists. Therefore, this paper proposes a blockchain-enabled vaccination management system (VMS). VMS utilizes smart contracts to store encrypted patients record, generate vaccination certificates, and verify the legitimacy of the certificate using a QR code. VMS prototype is implemented using Ethereum, a public blockchain and simulations performed based on Apache JMeter and Hyperledger Caliper to assess its performance in terms of throughput, latency and response time, and the average time per transaction. Results show VMS achieved an average: response time of 132.24 ms, the throughput of 379.89 tps, latency of 204.60 ms, and time of transactions is 10s-12s for 1000 transactions. Also, its comparison with the centralized database shows the traditional database’s effectiveness in transaction processing but lacks data privacy and security strengths. We, therefore, recommend the use of blockchain in the healthcare system and other related sectors such as elections, and student records management to ensure data privacy and security and rid the system of a single point of failure.

Risks associated with adopting big data and cloud computing and exposing sensitive information must be evaluated as usage of these technologies continues to rise rapidly within businesses. Also, the company needs to investigate the potential consequences of cyber security threats, considering the severity of those risks. There has been no comparative analysis of the risk assessment methods available to businesses in various nations. Thus, the researcher in this study asked forty people from four countries (Canada, Jordan, South Africa (SA), and the United Kingdom (UK)) questions on the risk assessment procedures at their respective organizations using semi-structured interviews. After compiling and analyzing the data, it became clear that Canada and the UK were the frontrunners in adopting big data and cloud computing. It also demonstrated that Jordan and SA are in the early phases of an evolving adoptive relationship. Recommendations are made to strengthen the organization's standing in light of the different risk assessment frameworks used in each country.

Abstract Background One of the main challenges of wound healing is infection with multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. The spectrum of antibiotics used to treat them is declining; thus, there is a need for alternatives. Our study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of honey, its pharmacokinetics (ADMET) properties and in-silico analysis of its bioactive compounds against dihydropteroate synthase of S. aureus using trimethoprim as control. Methods Standard protocols were employed in collection and preparation of samples, generation of canonical strings, and conduction of microbiological analyses. Bioactive compounds’ ADMET properties were evaluated using the SWISSADME and the MCULE toxicity checker tools. The MCULE one-click docking tool was used in carrying out the dockings. Results The gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry revealed twenty (20) bioactive compounds and was dominated by sugars (> 60%). We isolated a total of 47 S. aureus isolates from the wound samples. At lower concentrations, resistance to trimethoprim (95.74 to 100.00%) was higher than honey (70.21 to 96.36%). Only seven (7) isolates meet Lipinski’s rule of five and ADMET properties. The docking scores of the bioactive compounds ranged from -3.3 to -4.6 while that of trimethoprim was -6.1, indicating better binding or interaction with the dihydropteroate synthase. The bioactive compounds were not substrates to P450 cytochrome enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2CI9 and CYP2D6) and p-glycoprotein, indicating better gastrointestinal tract (GIT) absorption. Conclusion The favourable docking properties shown by the bioactive compounds suggest they could be lead compounds for newer antimetabolites for management of MDR S. aureus.

Probiotics are live microorganisms recognized as natural candidates to substitute antibiotic substances, usually used to treat bacterial infections responsible for numerous human and animal diseases. Antibiotics are mostly prescribed for treating infections caused by bacteria. However, their excessive and inappropriate use has resulted in the increase of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and host microbiota imbalance or dysbiosis phenomena. Even though antibiotics are the most well-known lifesaving substances, the AMR within the bacterial community has become a growing threat to global health, with the potential to cause millions of deaths each year in the future. Faced with these worldwide issues, it is high time to discover and develop antibiotic alternatives. There exists some evidence of probiotic roles in antagonizing pathogens, modulating immune systems, and maintaining general host health by restoring the gut microbiota balance. The multi-antimicrobial action mechanisms of such beneficial living microorganisms are one approach to practicing the “prevention is better than cure” concept to avoid antibiotics. The current review proposes a comprehensive description of antibiotic-related AMR issues and the potential of probiotics as antibiotic alternatives, while discussing pros and cons, as well as some evidence of beneficial uses of probiotics for human and animal health protection through recent results of experimental models and clinical trials.

Abstract Background Large numbers of elderly patients are admitted to hospitals in acute confusional states. In many, the underlying causes are easily found; in some, correct diagnosis is difficult. Pulmonary embolism (PE), the most serious clinical presentation of venous thromboembolism, is often misdiagnosed because of its non-specific features including delirium. Case presentation A 73-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in a confused state with no obvious risk factors of PE. D-dimer levels were elevated and contrast-enhanced high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest confirmed the diagnosis of PE. She was treated with enoxaparin and discharged on dabigatran. Her symptoms had resolved at the time of discharge, and she has been stable for over three month’s follow-up visit. Conclusion PE should be regarded as a differential in elderly patients with an acute confusional state despite the absence of obvious risk factors. Investigating for and treating when confirmed may save a life.

Disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) is the most severe clinical presentation of histoplasmosis, commonly associated with the advanced HIV disease (AHD) population. Our case report highlights the need for the deployment of point of care test kits for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in resource limited settings including Africa and Nigeria in particular. Our case is a 56-year-old HIV positive (CD4 count of < 200 cells/microliter) Nigerian woman with complaints of cough, weight loss and easy fatigability all of several month’s duration, who had self-interrupted her care prior to the onset of presenting complaints. The anti-TB regimen was commenced based on chest CT and chest X-ray findings despite negative GeneXpert results while awaiting urine Histoplasma antigen assay results. A positive Histoplasma antigen assay was communicated to the attending clinician 2 weeks after patient’s demise. Delays in the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis in our locality is a major factor contributing to fatal outcomes. The availability of point of care kits for the detection of Histoplasma in our facilities will aid in prompt diagnosis and invariably avert preventable deaths.

Background: Most of the study reviews on Histoplasma capsulatum var duboisii (Hcd) infection have been limited to case reports from few African countries despite having cases reported outside Africa. We aimed at providing an update on the global epidemiology of histoplasmosis caused by Hcd, its diagnostic challenges and recommendations for improved diagnosis. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective review of case reports and case series on Hcd infection published “between 1st January 1950 to 31st December 2021” using PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journals Online. The following search terms: “African histoplasmosis” and “Histoplasma duboisii” AND/OR “diagnosis of African histoplasmosis” were used. Publications on histoplasmosis caused byH. capsulatum var. capsulatum (Hcc) were excluded. Data extracted from each case included: age, gender, disease type (single organ vs. disseminated disease), sites of infection, clinical features, HIV status, diagnostic tests, treatment, and patient outcome. Results: We identified 415 cases of Hcd infection reported globally (1950 – 2021); 359 (86.5%) cases from Africa, while 56 (13.5%) were from other geographical regions, Hcd infection was misdiagnosed as other clinical entities including tuberculosis, malignancies, osteomyelitis, neurofibromatosis, and cystic lesions. Out of the 415 cases, diagnostic modality was specified in 307 (74%) cases, with histopathology (n=270, 87.9%) as the predominant diagnostic method followed by culture (n=59, 19.2%). Conclusion: Like classical histoplasmosis, the clinical presentation of Hcd infection mimics other diseases, hence a high index of suspicion by the attending clinician would be invaluable in making a prompt diagnosis and invariably improve clinical outcomes. In addition, there is a need to build capacity in molecular diagnostics and antigen assay specific for detecting Hcdinfection as classical diagnostic methods have been proven to be inadequate.

Introduction: In Nigeria, immunisation with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines commenced in March 2021. COVISHIELD from AstraZeneca (AZ), a viral vector vaccine, was the brand administered in the first phase of vaccinations for pre-determined eligible adults 18 years and above. As more brands of COVID-19 vaccines have been introduced in Nigeria, identifying effective and safe vaccine brands is essential to pharmacovigilance and public health. The current study assessed the safety of the AZ-AZD1222 (ChAdOx1) COVID-19 vaccine in adults during the first phase of the vaccination exercise in Nigeria. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive analysis of safety data from selected vaccination sites across six states in Nigeria between June 2021 and September 2021. Respondents were monitored over 3 months for local and systemic reactions, as well as hospitalisation and mortality. Measures obtained from respondents include age, sex, pre-existing comorbidity, local and systemic reactions to vaccines, timing onset of reactions, hospitalisation and mortality. Bivariate and multivariable regression models were used to assess factors associated with vaccine reactogenicity. Results: A total of 1284 individuals were enrolled in the cohort study from the six selected states (Anambra, Borno, Edo, Katsina, Lagos and Plateau) representing the geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A total of 675 individuals or 52.6% of enrolees reported non-serious adverse effects, and only one individual or 0.08% reported a serious adverse event following immunisation in the first 7 days after vaccination. None of the enrolled participants reported adverse events requiring hospitalisation. The most common self-reported symptoms amongst vaccine recipients were tenderness at the injection site 20.9% and fever 20.3%. A majority of symptoms (55.5%) occurred on or before the 3rd day after vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression model showed that age 60 years or above (vs. 18–24 years) was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of a vaccine-related symptomatic reaction (adjusted odds ratio: 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.61). There was no reported mortality amongst all the enrolled and followed-up vaccine recipients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the safety profile of the AZ vaccine is acceptable, and the observed symptoms were mild and mostly within the first 3 days following vaccination. Vaccine recipients will benefit from counselling about potential transient reactions, and improving public awareness can potentially encourage the uptake of vaccines and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Children are among the major targets of fast-food producers but parents are the ones who pay for the purchase of such products. Therefore, it is essential to understand how parents perceive children’s reactions to fast food advertisements. Objectives: The general objective of this study was to ascertain the contributing role of parents’ demographics on their perception of children’s reactions to noodles advertisements in Uyo municipality in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Methodology: The survey research design was used for the study while a structured questionnaire was employed to collect data. A sample size of 400 respondents were drawn from the population while purposive sampling technique was adopted for the administration of the research instrument. The data were presented in tables and analysed using Likert Scale. The null hypotheses were tested using independent t-test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Parents perceive that exposure to advertisements on noodles elicits a high level of excitement from the children. It was also found that parents perceive that noodles advertisements influence children’s preference of food items. However, parents’ demographics (gender, marital status and educational qualifications) have no significant influence on their perception of children’s reactions to noodles advertisements. Conclusion: The study concludes that exposure to noodles advertisements has a significant influence on children which leads to their demands for the product. Unique contribution: This study has offered empirical evidence regarding parents’ perception of advertisements that appeal to children.

Article Highlights Sachet water microplastics altered the physicochemistry of the soil. Sachet water microplastics enhance typical degraders while deselecting pathogens Microplastics degraders showed higher multi-drug resistance than the non-degraders.

Sustained ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening emergency contributing to cardiac mortality worldwide. Antiarrhythmic medications, Implantable cardioverter defibrillator and catheter ablation are the cornerstones for its management. Unfortunately, they are not accessible and/or affordable to patients seen in our setting. 42year old obese, retroviral positive, known ischemic heart disease patient, was admitted twice due to recurrent monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and successfully cardioverted with amiodarone infusion and automated external defibrillator respectively, He could not have coronary angiography and electrophysiology studies done due to unavailability and cost. Optimal management of ventricular tachycardia continues to be a challenge for cardiologists in developing countries.

Introduction: Oral health is defined as a state of being free of mouth and facial pain, oral infections and sores, and other diseases that limit an individual's capacity for biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial well-being. This study assessed the knowledge, barriers, and facilitators of oral health knowledge among Pharmacists in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 163 pharmacists in two tertiary hospitals in Enugu, South East, Nigeria. Data on sociodemographic profiles, knowledge of oral health care, barriers, and facilitators of oral health knowledge was collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There were more female 96 (58.9%) than male pharmacists 67 (41.1%). Their mean age was 32.98 ± 8.33 years. The majority of respondents, 56 (34.4%) graduated between 2010 and 2019, and 44 (27%) had additional qualifications. Many of the pharmacists 88 (54%) believed that oral health is part of general health. Also, 107 (65.6%) of the respondents had a good knowledge of oral health while 56 (34.4%) had poor knowledge. There was a significant association between academic qualification (P = 0.04) and having good knowledge of oral health care among pharmacists with those with additional qualifications having better knowledge than the others. Poor creation of oral health awareness by dentists 106 (65.0%) was considered as the main barrier to having good oral health knowledge by the pharmacists. Conclusion: More than half of the pharmacists had good knowledge of oral health and academic qualification was associated with having a good knowledge of oral health care among pharmacists in the study population.

Meta-learning is a learning-to-learn paradigm that leverages past learning experiences for quick adaptation to new learning tasks. It has a wide application, such as in few-shot learning, reinforcement learning, neural architecture search, federated learning, etc. It has been extended to the online learning setting where task data distribution arrives sequentially. This provides continuous lifelong learning. However, in the online meta-learning setting, a single agent has to learn many varieties of related tasks. Yet, a single agent is limited to its local task data and must collaborate with neighboring agents to improve its learning performance. Therefore, online decentralized meta-learning algorithms are designed to allow an agent to collaborate with neighboring agents in order to improve learning performance. Despite their advantages, online decentralized meta-learning algorithms are susceptible to Byzantine attacks caused by the diffusion of poisonous information from unidentifiable Byzantine agents in the network. This is a serious problem where normal agents are unable to learn and convergence to the global meta-initializer is thwarted. State-of-the-art algorithms, such as BRIDGE, designed to provide robustness against Byzantine attacks are slow and cannot work in online learning settings. Therefore, we propose an online decentralized meta-learning algorithm that works with two Byzantine-resilient aggregation techniques, which are modified coordinate-wise screening and centerpoint aggregation. The proposed algorithm provides faster convergence speed and guarantees both resiliency and continuous lifelong learning. Our simulation results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than state-of-the-art algorithms.

Introduction: Histoplasmosis commonly occurs in the advanced HIV disease population and also in immunocompetent individuals. Previous reviews and recent studies highlight several cases of histoplasmosis reported in Nigeria. We aimed to describe the current epidemiology of histoplasmosis in Nigeria and the need for active surveillance in the at-risk populations. Methods: Literature searches for all publications on histoplasmosis in Nigeria were performed using online databases including Google scholar, PubMed and African Journal online. The following search terms: 'histoplasmosis' and 'Nigeria', AND/OR 'Histoplasma and Nigeria' were used. No limitations on the date or other search criteria were applied, to avoid the exclusion of articles on histoplasmosis in Nigeria. All publications on histoplasmosis outside Nigeria were excluded. Results: Our review identified a total of 231 cases of histoplasmosis reported from Nigeria: 128 were from individual case reports and case series while 103 were cases from two observational studies. Of the 231 cases, 97 (42.0%) were from South West Nigeria, 66 (28.6%) were from South-South Nigeria, 24 (10.4%) were from North West, 22 (9.5%) from North Central Nigeria, 17 (7.4%) from South East Nigeria and 5 (2.2%) from the North East. Based on Nigeria's current population size of 216,953,585 the burden of histoplasmosis per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated to be 0.1%. The sheer number of cases detected in recent observational studies compared with individual case reports and series reported over a longer duration of 6 decades suggests gross under-reporting of histoplasmosis in Nigeria. Conclusion: Histoplasmosis is not an uncommon clinical entity in Nigeria. Histoplasmosis case finding should be improved by training and retraining healthcare professionals and providing much-needed diagnostic capacity and infrastructure across health facilities in Nigeria.

Background: Brain fag and burnout are exhaustion syndromes first described in different cultural contexts, and both occur among students. They share some similarities but have not been compared in research. Objective: This study sought to determine the relationship between brain fag and burnout among adolescent students in Calabar, Nigeria. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 810 students were recruited from ten secondary schools in Calabar. The Brain Fag Syndrome Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey were administered. Results: The mean sample age was 15.93 (±1.35) years, and the gender distribution was approximately equal. The emotional exhaustion and cynicism dimensions of burnout were significantly associated with brain fag syndrome (p

Abstract Background Malaria parasitemia is associated with premature, excessive hemolysis, induction of oxidative stress, and derangement in metabolism of iron, proteins, and some electrolytes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of malaria infection on ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), iron, transferrin, albumin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), calcium, and magnesium levels in malaria infection. Results Among the 50 malaria-infected children, 12 had severe parasitemia (PD ≥ 10,000 parasites/μl), 16 had moderate parasitemia (PD: 2000 to < 10,000 parasites/μl), and 22 children had mild parasitemia (PD < 2000 parasites/μl). The AA, iron, transferrin, and TIBC levels were significantly lower and UA and Mg higher in malaria-infected children compared with the controls. Ascorbic acid correlated negatively with UA and PD in malaria-infected children. Iron correlated positively with albumin, transferrin, and TIBC in malaria-infected children, while Ca correlated negatively with Mg levels. Conclusion Malaria infection in children is associated with reduced AA and iron parameters and increased UA and Mg levels; hence, vitamin C and iron supplementation could be useful in malaria therapy.

We sought to determine the prevalence of probable disseminated histoplasmosis among advanced HIV disease (AHD) patients in Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 10 sites across 5 of 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria. We identified patients with urinary samples containing CD4 cell counts 2 clinical features of disseminated histoplasmosis, and we tested them for Histoplasma antigen using a Histoplasma enzyme immune assay. Of 988 participants we recruited, 76 (7.7%) were antigen-positive. The 76 Histoplasma antigen–positive participants had significantly lower (p = 0.03) CD4 counts; 9 (11.8%) were also co-infected with tuberculosis. Most antigen-positive participants (50/76; 65.8%; p = 0.015) had previously received antiretroviral treatment; 26/76 (34.2%) had not. Because histoplasmosis is often a hidden disease among AHD patients in Nigeria, Histoplasma antigen testing should be required in the AHD package of care.

An analysis of review articles on solar drying of agricultural products is presented. The review also discusses detailed economic evaluation methods and market participation approaches for transitioning solar dryers from the workshop to the market. This study aims to serve as a model for future solar drying reviews. In addition to broad perspective reviews, most reviews focused on using thermal storage, hybrid technologies, solar greenhouses, 4E evaluations, software applications and crop quality. From most of the reviews, solar dryers with thermal storage are now a viable substitute for fossil energy source dryers and can provide the continuous temperature range of 40–60 °C required to dry food crops. When phase change material is deployed, the transition temperature should be at 5 °C above the desired drying temperature. However, all reviews included sections on types, classification, mode of airflow through the collector, and use of thermal storage in solar drying. Hence, the authors review nearly the same research material, but review gaps remain. Thus that aspect was covered by examining the economic and exergoeconomic analysis methods used in solar dryer evaluations. Again agribusiness inter-phasing between researchers and users, which will spore market participation of solar dryer fabricators lacking in the literature were presented. Therefore, for a more market-oriented development of solar thermal technologies, solar dryer producers must engage in market-oriented production. The nature of markets located at different places calls for better strategies to improve market orientation and access to solar dryers and fabricators.

Background: Coping is essential for adjusting to life's stresses to optimize wellbeing. This study examined associations between coping, quality of life, and psychological wellbeing among adult patients seen in the primary care clinic of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we elicited information from 230 subjects that were selected using systematic sampling. Four instruments were administered: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Coping Strategies Inventory – short form (CSI-SF), the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Pearson correlation and logistic regression were done using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: Most subjects were less than 30 years old (54.3%) and female (53.0%). Problem-focused engagement positively correlated with all QOL domains and associated negatively with depression (p

The study assessed community participation in rural infrastructural development through self- help approach in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents for the study. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, four (4) point Likert scale and logit regression model. Results from the study showed that majority (81%) of the respondents were male and were 43 years on average. 93% of the respondents were married with majority (67%) having secondary education. The respondents had an average household size of 7 persons and about 79.0% were in the informal sector like farming, trading and artisans. The average monthly income of the respondents was N31716. Schools (65%), roads (58%), health care centers (44%), local bridges /culverts (33%), boreholes (18%), local markets (13%) and electricity transformers (4%) were the infrastructures that were initiated and implemented by community self-help approaches in the study area. Community members exhibited high level participation in the areas of cash contribution (x̅=3.2), maintenance and sustainability of projects (x̅=31.1), participation in meetings for planning/decision making (x̅=2.8) and provision of physical labour on site (x̅=2.7). Educational status, major occupation, membership of community based organizations and monthly income were significant factors that influenced participation of respondents in community self-help projects. Major constraints to participation in community self-help projects in the study area were financial constraints (57%), lack of government support (47%), inefficient community leadership (37%), mismanagement of projects funds (27%), sentiments on project location and lack of interest by some community members. Government is admonished to support community development efforts inform of counterpart funding or provision of inputs. Participatory leadership, transparency and accountability in leadership should be encouraged at all the levels where possible as it encourages the community members from participating in community development projects.

Abstract June 24th, 2022, a day that will be etched in today and future generations’ textbooks as a historic day, the United States of America revoked the constitutional right to seek safe abortion care. Overturning Roe v Wade allowed the divided individual states to independently decide the legal parameters regarding abortion care. A decision that disproportionately effects the reproductive lives of women residing on the land of America. Given the systemic impacts of racism, neoliberalism and white supremacy, it is the Black, racialized and poor women who suffer terrible repercussions. In this commentary the authors begin by discussing the historical biopolitical perspective, colonial systems and longstanding impacts on racialized women’s bodies in America. The discussion transitions to the implications of geopolitics at play nationally and cascading impacts globally, focusing on humanitarian and emergency settings. Using a medical humanities perspective, authors highlight the collision between politics and reproductive health policy and its implications on social determinants of health, such as women’s education, employment, housing, racial and gender equity and wellbeing. Long standing advocates, community leaders and healers, leading scientists, birth attendants, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals/providers and humanitarian workers – and many others - are reminded and live the weight of the continuous battle of population control, stemming from the oppressive history of control and exploitation.

This mathematics classroom based experimental study determined the relative effectiveness of formative assessment techniques on students' academic achievement in Mathematics. Factorial research design was adopted for the study involving 100 students from 2 co-educational secondary schools drawn through multistage sampling procedure. Mathematics Achievement Test was the instrument used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established using Kudder Richardson (KR[subscript 20]) formula and a reliability coefficient of 0.92 was obtained. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the muddiest point formative assessment technique proved to be more effective in improving students' academic achievement in Mathematics than the think-pair-share technique. The findings also showed that the mean achievement scores of male and female students in Mathematics are not statistically significant. The muddiest point technique should be employed regularly by teachers for classroom assessment of the students since it is more effective in improving students' academic achievement in Mathematics.

Abstract Background Yellow Fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease endemic in tropical Africa and Latin America and is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. The earliest outbreak of yellow fever in Nigeria was reported in Lagos in 1864 with subsequent regular outbreaks reported until 1996. A large epidemic of yellow fever occurred in Oyo State in April and May 1987 following an epidemic of sylvatic yellow fever in Eastern Nigeria the previous year. For 21 years, no further confirmed cases were reported until September 2017 following which Nigeria has been responding to successive outbreaks. The renewed onset of yellow fever outbreaks in Nigeria followed a global trend of reports and from other African countries. Yellow Fever disease has no cure, but control is through vaccination and vector control. Eliminating Yellow fever Epidemic (EYE) strategy to improve high-risk countries’ prevention, preparedness, detection, management, and response to yellow fever outbreaks was developed by the WHO in 2017 and launched in Nigeria in April 2018. Yet, poor vaccination coverage continues to be a cause for concern. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study that examines the resurgence of Yellow fever cases and outbreaks from 2013 to 2020 in Oyo State, Nigeria. The Yellow Fever data for both surveillance and routine Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) were the focus of the review. Surveillance data were retrieved from the State’s database reported by all 33 LGAs, maintained by the State and supported by the World Health Organization at the Zonal and State levels. The routine EPI data were retrieved from District Health Information Software (DHIS_2). The proportion of LGAs reporting at least one case of suspected yellow fever with a blood specimen and the number of suspected cases reported for each year within the period under review was measured. We also assessed the trend of confirmed cases and the incidence per 100,000 persons. Also, suspected cases of yellow fever were categorized into four age groups and their vaccination status was assessed. The State’s annual administrative routine vaccination coverage for yellow fever vaccine was compared with the number of confirmed cases for each year. Results The proportion of LGAs reporting at least a case of suspected yellow fever, with blood samples collected, ranged from 6.1 to 84.9% between 2014 and 2020 while a total of 9 confirmed (8 cases) and probable (1 case) cases of yellow fever were recorded. However, there were no confirmed cases from the year 2013 to 2016, including 2018 but an upward trend of incidence of the disease per 100,000 persons from 0% to 2013 through 2018, to 3.5% in 2019, and then to 5.6% in 2020 was observed. 93 of 240 (39%) suspected yellow fever cases reported during the given period were observed to have received yellow fever vaccine. Conclusions In conclusion, the increase in the circulation of the yellow fever virus in the state reiterates the state is at a high risk of yellow fever transmission and underlines the need for viable interventions such as environmental hygiene to rid the environment of the disease vector’s ecological niche and improving routine EPI coverage to provide population immunity.