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Student interest in studying history is in decline in Ghana, as it is in secondary schools in many other parts of the world. Can student interest be stimulated, and can they be better served, by a curriculum that includes a focus on community, belonging and co-creation? This article details a preliminary intervention of just such a learning unit in a high school in Central Region, Ghana. Using a framework aligned with the historically responsive literacy approach, this programme supported student-directed research into aspects of local and personal history. The evidence from this study suggests that student motivation did increase, justifying an expanded future study of greater length, with additional participants, and building on the lessons from this preliminary effort.

The core tool for measuring the sustainability of the Library and Information Science (LIS) discipline is the curriculum which has always been a source of concern within the Nigerian space. It was on this premise that the study systematically investigated the redesigning of LIS curriculum for sustainable environmental transformation among students of the Department of LIS, Lead City University (LCU). Findings of the study showed that the majority of students opined that the redesigned curriculum is promoting sustainable environmental transformation as it is equipping the ideal 21st-century librarian with the requisite skill set (70%); redefined curriculum promotes a socially oriented librarian (53.2%); curriculum emphasizes the economic implications of the library for sustainable environmental transformation (43.3%); curriculum broadens the horizon of students further into meeting the information needs of the present clienteles without compromising the future generations (55.7%). The outcome of the study is expected to inform policy in adopting the redefined LIS LCU curriculum in Nigeria.

Abstract Background In Nigeria, COVID-19 vaccines were delivered through outreach activities, as well as integrated within routine immunisation. However, evaluations of integrated approaches for novel vaccines are scarce. We aimed to understand the perceived benefits and challenges of integrating the COVID-19 vaccine within routine immunisation in Nigeria, and identify ways to strengthen this approach. Methods We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with community members and healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) in Jigawa (n = 16) and Oyo (n = 14) states, Nigeria from 08 August to 13 September 2022. Participants were selected purposively from PHCs. We obtained information on participants’ perception about routine immunisation, and perceived benefits and challenges associated with integrated COVID-19 vaccine delivery. Healthcare worker and community interviews were analysed separately following a thematic analysis approach. Results We identified four themes that describe the community and healthcare workers’ responses, perceived impact, and the health system adaptions to the challenges associated with the integrated vaccine delivery approach. Community members expressed concern that children might be given COVID-19 vaccines instead of routine immunisations, while others appreciated the integrated approach due to their trust in the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, government, and healthcare providers. Healthcare providers perceived the integrated approach as improving vaccination coverage and awareness but noted additional problems of increased workload, vaccine scarcity, and prolonged clinic visits. Insufficient resources were subsisting barriers to effective integration in both states, but the provider’s gender was also a challenge in Jigawa state. Additionally, the use of incentives to generate demand had ambiguous effects in Jigawa state. Conclusion Taking an integrated approach to deliver COVID-19 vaccines was acceptable by healthcare providers but community members expressed concerns. Given existing vaccination programmes have persistent challenges, it is pertinent to address these barriers to enhance effectiveness of an integrated approach.

Background: The introduction of the cashless policy by the Nigerian government and the Central Bank of Nigeria was aimed at reducing the quantity of actual cash in circulation and promoting an increase in electronic-based transactions for the purchase of goods and services. However, the unforeseen effects of the cashless economy’s flaws have affected various industries, including the health sector. This study will, therefore, aim to assess the perception of the cashless policy and its perceived impact on livelihood and health-care access in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among residents across three states (Oyo, Lagos, and Jigawa) in Nigeria. We assessed respondents’ opinions about the cashless policy, we assessed the perceived impact of the cashless policy on livelihood and health care, and we assessed respondents’ coping methods to the cashless policy. The opinions of respondents, the perceived impact of the cashless policy, and the coping methods were all presented in tables and appropriate graphical illustrations and charts. Results: Overall, most of our respondents believe that the cashless policy was bad. Some respondents lost their jobs and experienced reduced income while many also reported that the policy has made life generally difficult for them. Most respondents skipped meals as a way of coping with the effect of the cashless policy, while many others have had to adopt the use of smartphones and POS machines as a substitute for cash transactions. Conclusion: The analysis of our findings revealed that the cashless policy created difficulty for people and resulted in lower living standards. Given the report of loss of jobs and growing poverty, the nation faces an increased danger of crime. Hence, the government, banking sector, and other pertinent stakeholders must make sure that the infrastructures required for the seamless execution of the cashless policy are in place.

Soil quality plays a critical role in sustaining agro-ecosystems, particularly in areas adjacent to refuse dumpsites where contamination risks are high. This study investigates the levels of micronutrients and heavy metals in soils near a refuse dumpsite in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, comparing them to a control site with neutral soil. Soil samples were collected at varying depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm) and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures, including the Double Acid Extraction Method and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS). Results revealed that soils from the dumpsite exhibited lower levels of essential micronutrients such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), while showing elevated levels of heavy metals like nickel (Ni) and mercury (Hg) compared to the control site. The control site, by contrast, demonstrated better soil quality, with higher organic carbon content, total nitrogen, and a more neutral pH. The findings indicate significant soil degradation and potential environmental risks associated with refuse dumpsites, emphasizing the need for proper waste management and soil remediation strategies to safeguard agricultural productivity and environmental health in the region.

Abstract Background Hypertension is a prevalent and complex disease that is increasingly recognized to be influenced by the gut microbiome and its metabolites. Understanding the relationship between gut microbial metabolites and blood pressure regulation could provide new therapeutic avenues. Main body This review examines the role of key microbial metabolites—short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, tryptophan derivatives, polyamines, bile acids, and phenylacetylglutamine—in blood pressure regulation. Short-chain fatty acids, produced through dietary fiber fermentation, can lower blood pressure by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. Elevated trimethylamine N-oxide levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and hypertension, influencing cholesterol metabolism and promoting atherosclerosis. Tryptophan derivatives interact with vascular and renal functions to modulate blood pressure. Polyamines affect blood pressure regulation through their impact on nitric oxide synthesis and vascular tone. Bile acids influence blood pressure via gut microbiota modulation and activation of metabolic receptors. Phenylacetylglutamine has been linked to hypertension through its effects on platelet hyperactivity and thrombosis. Therapeutic approaches targeting these metabolites, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary interventions, and polyphenols, have shown varying degrees of success. Probiotics and prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and may lower blood pressure. Dietary interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet, positively affect blood pressure and cardiovascular health by modulating the gut microbiota. Polyphenols, known for their antioxidant properties, are associated with blood pressure reductions and improved vascular function. Fecal microbiota transplantation shows promise in restoring gut microbial balance and improving metabolic health, potentially influencing blood pressure regulation. Conclusion The review highlights the significant role of gut microbial metabolites in regulating blood pressure, offering new avenues for hypertension management. Key metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, and bile acids, play critical roles in blood pressure modulation. Therapeutic strategies targeting these metabolites, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions, hold promise, though further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and optimize their use. Advancing microbiota-based interventions through large-scale studies and exploring personalized therapies will be essential for developing effective treatments in hypertension management.

Radiation therapy is often utilised for the treatment of pelvic malignancies. Radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis can occur in such patients and may sometimes lead to uncontrolled haematuria. Various treatment modalities for managing this condition include urinary bladder irrigation, cystoscopy-guided procedures, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fulguration, and other surgical techniques. Transarterial super-selective vesical artery embolisation has emerged as a modern management technique for patients with refractory radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 62-year-old elderly female patient diagnosed with radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis, which was refractory to continuous urinary bladder irrigation and medical management. She was successfully treated with super-selective vesical artery embolisation, resulting in complete resolution of haematuria, even on follow-up. This minimally invasive and effective modality can be utilised as a first-line therapy as well as in cases where other treatment options have failed.

Rupture of corpus luteum cyst from sexual pleasure is an uncommon event that has not been reported in our environment (Africa). The patient is a 30-year-old primiparous woman who developed severe lower abdominal pain thirty minutes after sex; the pain was unrelenting despite the use of over-the-counter analgesic drugs and local herbs. Twelve hours after sex, when the problem persisted and she complained of dizziness and weakness, she was rushed to the emergency room of our facility for medical treatment. An initial diagnosis of ruptured ectopic gestation was made. She had an emergency laparotomy with repair of the ruptured cyst and blood transfusion. Incisional biopsy was taken from the cyst and pathological examination revealed a ruptured corpus luteum cyst. She did well post-surgery and was discharged to follow up in the clinic on the third day after surgery. Ruptured corpus luteum cyst from sexual pleasure is a rare event. Thus, a high index of suspicion is necessary to elicit a history of sex, which patients are often unwilling to disclose.

Abstract Background The gut microbiota (GM) and their metabolites have garnered significant attention for their roles in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated conditions. MetS, characterized by a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The dysbiosis of gut microbiota, marked by changes in microbial composition and function, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MetS. Main body This review synthesizes recent findings elucidating the influence of GM composition and microbiota-derived metabolites on MetS pathogenesis and progression. Notably, alterations in GM composition and dysregulation of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), polyamines, amino acids, and indole derivatives have been implicated in MetS development. These metabolites play crucial roles in metabolic processes, and their imbalance can trigger or exacerbate metabolic disturbances associated with MetS. Various therapeutic approaches, including dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, and precision medicine targeting specific metabolites, offer promising strategies for managing MetS. These interventions aim to restore a healthy GM balance and regulate the production of beneficial metabolites. Conclusion The complexity of GM interactions and their systemic effects necessitate more standardized research methodologies. Future investigations focusing on personalized therapeutic interventions and non-invasive diagnostic tools are warranted to address the complexities of MetS management. Advancing our understanding of the GM-metabolite-MetS axis will be crucial for developing effective, targeted treatments and improving patient outcomes in MetS.

Abstract Energy management controllers (EMCs) are pivotal for optimizing energy consumption and ensuring operational efficiency across diverse systems. This review paper delves into the various control strategies utilized by energy management controllers and explores their coordination mechanisms. Additionally, it examines the architectures of energy management controllers and their real-world implementations. The paper surveys a spectrum of EMCs, including conventional-based, rule-based, optimization-based, hybrid methods, and commercial software-based approaches, highlighting their respective advantages and drawbacks. It investigates how these controllers are coordinated within complex energy systems to achieve optimal performance and adaptability. Furthermore, the review outlines different architectures of energy management controllers, ranging from centralized to decentralized designs, discussing their suitability for various applications and their impact on system performance. Real-world applications of energy management controllers in sectors such as smart grids, buildings, industrial processes, and transportation systems are examined. Case studies and examples demonstrate the efficacy of different control strategies and architectures in addressing specific energy management challenges and achieving desired outcomes. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the current landscape of energy management controller design and implementation, offering direction for future research and development in the pursuit of energy optimization and sustainability.

Objective The objective of the study was to determine the effects of feeding fermented cassava leaf meal (FCLM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat sensory evaluation of broiler chickens. Methods A total of 160 Cobb-500 chickens were used during the phases of growing (21 days of age; initial weight 0.39±0.025 kg/bird) and finishing (35 days of age; initial weight 1.023±0.164 kg/bird). The whole experiment lasted for four weeks. The FCLM was included in starter and finishing diets at 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg inclusion levels. Total feed intake (TFI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility were recorded. Sensory evaluation of breast meat was used to determine the eating quality of the meat prepared using roasting and boiling methods. Results The TFI and WG decreased (p0.05) on the eating qualities of breast meat. However, juiciness was significant (p

Background: Plant secondary metabolites have been reported to offer a wide variety of medicinal purposes, including protection against heavy metal toxicity. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potentiality of naringenin a flavonoid in ameliorating the antioxidant defense system of neural and cardiac cells against aluminum chloride (AlCl3 ) toxicity in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into control (group 1), AlCl3 -treated (2), AlCl3+Naringenin-treated (3), and Naringenin-treated (4) groups. During experimentation, group 2 received an oral dose of 100 mg/kg/BW of AlCl3 , and group 3 received 100 mg/kg/BW of AlCl3 and 50 mg/ kg/BW of naringenin. In addition, group 4 received 50 mg/kg/BW of naringenin each day, while group 1 and all groups received a normal diet and water ad libitum for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed, and then blood, brain, and heart tissues were collected for biochemical and histological studies. Results: The results revealed that naringenin administration ameliorates the antioxidant defense system (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and glutathione transferase) in AlCl3 toxicity in neural and cardiac tissues. AlCl3 caused oxidative tissue damage, showing a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) (P

Background: Maternal mortality remains high in low-income countries. Men are major predictors of the frequency and quality of maternal healthcare especially in this part of the world and their support can significantly improve maternal health outcomes. Objectives: To assess the knowledge of danger signs and complications of pregnancy as well as the associated factors among married men in Ogbomoso. Methodology: It was a community-based cross-sectional study that involved multistage sampling technique to select study respondents in Ogbomoso town. It made use of a semi-structured questionnaires to obtain data from the respondents. Results: Most of the respondents in this study were between 38 to 47 years of age (36.4%). The most common occupation indicated was Artisans/Traders (44.7%). Vaginal bleeding was the most recognized danger sign, with 72.5% of respondents recognizing it and it was found that the majority of respondents (97.6%) considered antenatal care to be important. The most common reason cited for the importance of antenatal care was for the safety of the mother and baby (82.8%). Only 48.5% of men reported accompanying their wives for their antenatal care appointments. 20.6% of the respondents decide wives’ attendance at antenatal care visits. Conclusion: The current study's findings indicate that is inadequate knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy among men in Ogbomoso. Interventions to improve men's knowledge should be implemented to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

Background: Leaving against medical advice (LAMA) is common and poses significant challenges among psychiatric inpatients, reflecting patients' legal rights while remaining linked to severe noncompliance, higher morbidity and mortality, increased readmissions, substantial costs, and distress for psychiatrists. Aim: To the determine the prevalence and factors associated with signing against medical advice (SAMA) among psychiatric inpatients at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted over an eight-year period on 435 patients admitted to the psychiatric ward at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital. Socio-demographic and clinical data were analyzed using SPSS software. The statistical significance of the findings was assessed using Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, with a 5% significance level. Results: The prevalence of signing against medical advice among psychiatric inpatients was 10.2%. There was a statistically significant association between signing against medical advice and gender (P = 0.012), but no significant association was found with diagnosis (P = 0.337) or length of stay (P = 0.074). Conclusion: The high prevalence of signing against medical advice among psychiatric inpatients is associated with factors such as female gender. However, there is a significant lack of research on this issue in Nigeria, highlighting the need for further studies with rigorous methodologies. Standardized definitions, reporting, and targeted interventions are crucial to address this problem and its complications.

Water utilization for different human activities is universally crucial, but it is not readily available for consumption in some areas, such as the central parts of Lagos State, Nigeria. Moreover, there are many groundwater controlling factors (GWCFs) spanning geological, geophysical, and hydrological factors that contribute to this scenario, coupled with uncertainties that necessitate their careful selection using appropriate modelling techniques. In this study, the Dempster–Shafer Theory of Evidential Belief Function (DST-EBF) model (a coupling approach) was deployed to produce a groundwater prospectivity zonation (GWPZ) map for the study areas. The choice of the selected locations was informed by the continued dearth of water supplies, necessitating the need to discover new locations or re-appraise the existing ones for groundwater resource development. Furthermore, remote sensing, geological, field geophysical, and hydrological datasets that constituted GWCFs were integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Next, the computed values for the evidence of the mass functions (i.e., belief, disbelief, uncertainty, and plausibility) were combined using the Dempster–Shafer combination rule and then interpolated using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) method. Subsequently, the GWPZ map was generated and classified into five zones, ranging from very low to high prospectivity zones. The GWPZ map was validated using cross-validation to estimate statistical errors, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the use of inverted resistivity models from the 2D electrical resistivity imaging surveys. All the metrics used for the validation provided good account for the classified GWPZ map. The north-eastern and the south-central parts are the most promising regions for groundwater, which could be harnessed for sustainable development through borehole drilling. Thus, the integration of the DST-EBF model and GIS for effective groundwater resources and uncertainty mapping was quite successful and impressively reliable.

Rising energy costs in Uganda's industrial sector have significantly increased manufacturing expenses and led to the closure of potential enterprises, underscoring the urgent need for efficient energy management solutions. The study presents an optimization-based predictive energy control model that integrates Gene Expression Programming (GEP) and Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) for grid-connected solar PV-battery systems. The hybrid GEP-ANFIS model leverages GEP's strength in complex pattern recognition and ANFIS's adaptive learning capability to manage nonlinear data, resulting in more accurate and reliable energy predictions. The model utilizes historical load patterns, grid data, and solar PV/battery inputs to forecast load demand and solar power generation, optimizing energy usage based on Time of Use (TOU) pricing. The approach addresses the limitations of existing energy management techniques by enhancing predictive accuracy and ensuring seamless integration with industrial applications. The present work demonstrates that the proposed GEP-ANFIS double diode model consistently outperforms its counterparts, achieving a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 7.25 %, a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 2.95 %, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 8.42 %. Moreover, the model exhibits superior accuracy in predicting short-term load demand, with a MAPE of 2.24 %, a MAD of 0.13 %, and an RMSE of 0.18 %. Additionally, the model results in an average energy cost reduction of 6.7 % for hybrid grid-connected solar PV/battery configurations, highlighting its economic benefits. The study's key contributions include the creation of a novel hybrid predictive model, significant cost savings, improved load prediction accuracy, and the integration of renewable energy sources into industrial energy management. The model's inferences can effectively address the challenges of rising energy costs, providing a robust framework for sustainable and efficient energy management in industrial settings.

Abstract Breakthrough achievements in protein structure prediction have occurred recently, mostly due to the advent of sophisticated machine learning methods and significant advancements in algorithmic approaches. The most recent version of the AlphaFold model, known as “AlphaFold-latest,” which expands the functionalities of the groundbreaking AlphaFold2, is the subject of this article. The goal of this novel model is to predict the three-dimensional structures of various biomolecules, such as ions, proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, and non-standard residues. We demonstrate notable gains in precision, surpassing specialized tools across multiple domains, including protein–ligand interactions, protein–nucleic acid interactions, and antibody–antigen predictions. In conclusion, this AlphaFold framework has the ability to yield atomically-accurate structural predictions for a variety of biomolecular interactions, hence facilitating advancements in drug discovery.

Abstract Persistent consumption of heavily fried and breaded foods over an extended period may have the potential to contribute to the development of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases, and elevated blood pressure. The potential of coating using native starches (cassava, sweet potato, and corn) in batter formulation to reduce oil uptake as well as their effects on other quality attributes (moisture, colour and textural properties) were investigated. The chicken nuggets coated with batter from different starches were fried at 170 °C for 5 to 25 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study changes in microstructural properties of fried chicken nuggets samples at different time intervals. The chicken nuggets coated with batter from sweet potato starch had lower oil (13.09%) and moisture (30.49%) contents compared with those coated with other starches. The SEM revealed that longer frying duration produced chicken nuggets with fewer gas cells and pores and subsequently lower oil content. There are changes in the colour and textural properties of the fried chicken nuggets irrespective of the starches used in batter formulation. Application of starches in batter formulation at different frying time affected some quality attributes of fried chicken nuggets with sweet potato starch having better attributes when compared with others. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Introduction The lack of safe, effective, and simple short-course regimens (SCRs) for multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) treatment has significantly impeded TB control efforts in China. Methods This phase 4, randomized, open-label, controlled, non-inferiority trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of a 9-month all-oral SCR containing bedaquiline (BDQ) versus an all-oral SCR without BDQ for adult MDR-TB patients (18–65 years) in China. The trial design mainly mirrors that of the “Evaluation of a Standardized Treatment Regimen of Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs for Patients with MDR-TB” (STREAM) stage 2 study, while also incorporating programmatic data from South Africa and the 2019 consensus recommendations of Chinese MDR/RR-TB treatment experts. Experimental arm participants will receive a modified STREAM regimen C that replaces three group C drugs, ethambutol (EMB), pyrazinamide (PZA), and prothionamide (PTO), with two group B drugs, linezolid (LZD) and cycloserine (CS), while omitting high-dose isoniazid (INH) for confirmed INH-resistant cases. BDQ duration will be extended from 6 to 9 months for participants with Mycobacterium tuberculosis-positive sputum cultures at week 16. The control arm will receive a modified STREAM regimen B without high-dose INH and injectable kanamycin (KM) that incorporates experimental arm LZD and CS dosages, treatment durations, and administration methods. LZD (600 mg) will be given daily for ≥ 24 weeks as guided by observed benefits and harm. The primary outcome measures the proportion of participants with favorable treatment outcomes at treatment completion (week 40), while the same measurement taken at 48 weeks post-treatment completion is the secondary outcome. Assuming an α = 0.025 significance level (one-sided test), 80% power, 15% non-inferiority margin, and 10% lost to follow-up rate, each arm requires 106 participants (212 total) to demonstrate non-inferiority. Discussion PROSPECT aims to assess the safety and efficacy of a BDQ-containing SCR MDR-TB treatment at seventeen sites across China, while also providing high-quality data to guide SCRs administration under the direction of the China National Tuberculosis Program for MDR-TB. Additionally, PROSPECT will explore the potential benefits of extending the administration of the 9-month BDQ-containing SCR for participants without sputum conversion by week 16. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05306223. Prospectively registered on 16 March 2022 at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05306223?term=NCT05306223&draw=1&rank=1 {2}.

Active targeting to cancer involves exploiting specific interactions between receptors on the surface of cancer cells and targeting moieties conjugated to the surface of vectors such that site-specific delivery is achieved. Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has proved to be an excellent target for active targeting to prostate cancer. We report the synthesis and use of a PSMA-specific ligand (Glu-NH-CO-NH-Lys) for the site-specific delivery of brusatol- and docetaxel-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles to prostate cancer. The PSMA targeting ligand covalently linked to PLGA-PEG3400 was blended with methoxyPEG-PLGA to prepare brusatol- and docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles with different surface densities of the targeting ligand. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the impact of different surface densities of the PSMA targeting ligand in LNCaP prostate cancer cells at 15 min and 2 h. Cytotoxicity evaluations of the targeted nanoparticles reveal differences based on PSMA expression in PC-3 and LNCaP cells. In addition, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the fluorescent indicator, H2DCFDA, by flow cytometry. PSMA-targeted nanoparticles loaded with docetaxel and brusatol showed increased ROS generation in LNCaP cells compared to PC-3 at different time points. Furthermore, the targeted nanoparticles were evaluated in male athymic BALB/c mice implanted with PSMA-producing LNCaP cell tumors. Evaluation of the percent relative tumor volume show that brusatol-containing nanoparticles show great promise in inhibiting tumor growth. Our data also suggest that the dual drug-loaded targeted nanoparticle platform improves the efficacy of docetaxel in male athymic BALB/c mice implanted with PSMA-producing LNCaP cell tumors.

ObjectiveWe assessed the direct and indirect relationships between sleep quality, mental health, and physical activity with quality of life (QOL) in college and university students.MethodsIn a cross-sectional design, 3,380 college students (60% females; age = 22.7 ± 5.4) from four continents (Africa: 32%; America: 5%; Asia: 46%; and Europe: 15%; others: 2%) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS); the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ); and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-Brief).ResultsWe showed that sleep quality, insomnia, and depression had direct negative effects on the physical domain of QOL (β = −0.22, −0.19, −0.31, respectively, p

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance is increasingly becoming a global health concern. This study aimed to investigate and report MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) prevalence, resistance, and virulence genes from poultry in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.MethodsThe samples were analyzed using microbiological standard methods and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).ResultsA total of 179 cloacal swabs were collected from bothlocal and exotic poultry breeds, of which 99.4% (178/179) tested positive for E. coli. Among these culturally identified samples, 99.4% (177/178) were furtherconfirmed Escherichia coli with a molecular weight of 401 bp. Multidrugresistance of 45% (80/178) was observed from the confirmed isolates. PCR assays were conducted to detect genes associated with resistance to antibiotics, specifically, tetracycline (tetA gene), sulfonamide (sul1 gene), ampicillin (ampC gene), and quinolone (gyrA gene). Antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) results revealed substantial antibiotic resistance, with 81.9% (145/177) of the isolates being resistant to tetracycline, 80.2% (142/177) to quinolone, 69.5% (123/177) to sulfonamide, and 66.1% (117/177) to ampicillin. Further analysis on 18 isolates that showed resistance to up to four different antibiotics was carried out using multiplex PCR to detect eae, hlyA, rfbE, fliC, and fstx virulence genes. The study found that 44.4% (15/18) of the isolates were positive for the eae gene, 27.7% (5/18) for stx, 22.2% (4/18) for rfbe gene, and 5.5% (1) for hlya gene, and none tested positive for fliC gene.ConclusionThese results showed high antibiotic resistance, virulent genes, and significant levels of MDR in E. coli from poultry. This study highlights the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship practices within the poultry industry due to their profound implications for food safety and public health. This issue is particularly critical in Nigeria, where poultry farming constitutes a significant portion of smallholder farming practices.

The fiber of the empty date fruit is one of the waste products left after the date fruit is harvested from the date palm. Optimization of the treatment parameters as well as the economics of the treatment process are critical to the successful commercialization of the treatment of natural fibers for the production of biocomposites. Of the natural fiber treatment methods described in previous work, hot water and alkali treatments are the most cost-effective, which justified the choice of these treatment methods in this work. Here, date empty fruit bunch fibers were pulverized to a particle size of 0–500 µm and then treated with boiling water at 100 °C for 3 h or with sodium hydroxide at different concentrations (2, 5, 10%) for 3 h at room temperature with constant stirring at 800 rpm. To confirm the effect of temperature on the fiber treatment, another fiber sample was treated at a 5% concentration of sodium hydroxide solution at an elevated temperature of 80 °C for the same period and stirring condition. The untreated and treated DEFB fibers were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical analysis of the fibers showed that DEFB fiber treated with 5% sodium hydroxide solution at room temperature had the highest cellulose content (52.0%), which was also confirmed by the XRD analysis. The DEFB fiber treated with boiling water exhibited higher thermal stability while the sodium hydroxide-treated fiber exhibited higher crystallinity index and cellulose content. Apparently, DEFB fiber treated with sodium hydroxide solution at 5% concentration for 3 h at room temperature for continuous stirring at 800 rpm offered the best properties. The treated fibers are expected to be viable reinforcement in the production of biocomposites with the goal of achieving energy efficiency. The developed materials could be used in industrial applications such as insulating building systems, automotive parts, and home furniture.

The potential for reducing oil uptake by applying aided pre-drying techniques (microwave, infrared, and convective hot air) was studied on chicken nuggets. Convective hot air (60, 80, and 100 °C); microwave (20, 40, and 60 W); and infrared (150, 250, and 400 W) drying techniques were used to pre-treat chicken nuggets between 1 and 11 min based on preliminary study before frying at 170 °C for 3 min. Standard laboratory methods were employed to assess the quality attributes of fried chicken nuggets, including oil and moisture content, colour, and texture. By comparing the micrographs obtained from chicken nuggets pre-dried using the three pre-dried methods (Microwave, conventional hot air and infra-red), chicken nugget pre-dried using microwave at 60 W have lesser oil cracks (18.05 %) when compared to the rest pre-dried method.Pre-drying substantially lowers moisture content, with microwave pre-drying being most effective, particularly at higher power levels (19.38 ± 1.36–43.11 ± 0.10). Microwave pre-drying densifies the nugget structure, reducing oil absorption during frying (13.15 ± 0.13–28.38 ± 0.12). Microscopic examination of chicken nuggets pre-dried using three methods (microwave, conventional hot air, and infra-red) reveals that those pre-dried with a microwave at 60 W exhibit fewer oil cracks (18.05 %) compared to the other pre-drying methods. It also affects (p

Introduction Efforts to improve oxygen access have focused mainly on the supply side, but it is important to understand demand barriers, such as oxygen refusal among caregivers. We therefore aimed to understand caregiver, community and healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives and experiences of medical oxygen treatments and how these shape oxygen acceptance among caregivers of sick children in Lagos and Jigawa states, which are two contrasting settings in Nigeria.Methods Between April 2022 and January 2023, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study using reflexive thematic analysis, involving semistructured interviews with caregivers (Jigawa=18 and Lagos=7), HCPs (Jigawa=7 and Lagos=6) and community group discussions (Jigawa=4 and Lagos=5). We used an inductive-deductive approach to identify codes and themes through an iterative process using the theoretical framework of acceptability and the normalisation process theory as the analytic lens.Results Medical oxygen prescription was associated with tension, characterised by fear of death, hopelessness about a child’s survival and financial distress. These were driven by community narratives around oxygen, past negative experiences and contextual differences between both settings. Caregiver acceptance of medical oxygen was a sense-making process from apprehension and scepticism about their child’s survival chances to positioning prescribed oxygen as an ‘appropriate’ or ‘needed’ intervention. Achieving this transition occurred through various means, such as trust in HCPs, a perceived sense of urgency for care, previous positive experience of oxygen use and a symbolic perception of oxygen as a technology. Misconceptions and pervasive negative narratives were acknowledged in Jigawa, while in Lagos, the cost was a major reason for oxygen refusal.Conclusion Non-acceptance of medical oxygen treatment for sick children is modifiable in the Nigerian context, with the root causes of refusal being contextually specific. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all policy is unlikely to work. Financial constraints and community attitudes should be addressed in addition to improving client–provider interactions.

The progress made in the field of nanotechnology has resulted in the development of nanomedicine agents, which have demonstrated their efficacy as a promising clinical tool in the fight against different types of cancers. Furthermore, Nanomedicine products possess the potential to achieve intricate targeting strategies and multifunctionality. Currently, nanoparticles possess diverse applications across various scientific disciplines and serve as a crucial component in contemporary medical practices. The specimens have undergone analysis for diverse clinical purposes, including serving as drug carriers, delivering tumor genes, and functioning as contrast compounds in imaging. Diverse nanomaterials derived from organic, inorganic, lipid, or glycan compounds, in addition to synthetic polymers, have been employed to advance and enhance novel cancer therapeutics. The present review centers on the utilization of nanoparticles in clinical settings for the purposes of cancer diagnosis and treatment, with a particular emphasis on their function as drug carriers and targeted therapy agents.

The recent global pandemic has highlighted an increase in the prevalence of communicable diseases caused by pathogens. The swift transmission of these diseases within a short timeframe presents a substantial risk to public health worldwide. The inefficiency of traditional diagnostic instruments, which need a time-consuming and complex process in the laboratory, is a significant obstacle to medical care. Currently, there is a high need for the advancement of early detection in order to rapidly diagnose infectious diseases and provide on-site results. This is crucial for prompt and early intervention to improve treatment outcomes. This also provides rapid testing and high-quality microbiological detection, comparable to laboratory standards, in a matter of minutes. Prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment optimization aid in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Currently, ongoing techniques and methods are used in the advancements of early detection through biosensors. This review examines the integration of early diagnostics with biosensors, specifically in relation to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, challenges, and the future perspective.

Electronic gadget advancements have increased the demand for IoT-based smart homes as the number of connected devices grows rapidly. The most prevalent connected electronic devices are smart environments in houses, grids, structures, and metropolises. Smart grid technology advancements have enabled smart structures to cover every nanosecond of energy use. The problem with smart, intelligent operations is that they use a lot more energy than traditional ones. Because of the growing growth of smart cities and houses, there is an increasing demand for efficient resource management. Energy is a valuable resource with a high unit cost. Consequently, authors are endeavoring to decrease energy usage, specifically in smart urban areas, while simultaneously ensuring a consistent terrain. The objective of this study is to enhance energy efficiency in intelligent buildings for both homes and businesses. For the comfort indicator ("thermal, visual, and air quality"), three parameters are used: temperature, illumination, and CO2. A hybrid rule-based Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Fire Fly (FF) algorithm are used to read the sensor parameters and to operate the comfort indication, as well as optimize energy consumption, respectively. The anticipated user attributes contributed to the system's enhanced performance in terms of the ease of use of the smart system and its energy usage. When compared to traditional approaches in expressions of Multi View with 98.23%, convolutional neural network (CNN) with 99.17%, and traffic automatic vehicle (AV) with 98.14%, the activities of the contributed approach are negligibly commanding.

We collected stool from school-age children from 352 households living in the Black Belt region of Alabama, USA, where sanitation infrastructure is lacking. We used quantitative reverse transcription PCR to measure key pathogens in stool that may be associated with water and sanitation, as an indicator of exposure. We detected genes associated with >1 targets in 26% of specimens, most frequently Clostridioides difficile (6.6%), atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (6.1%), and enteroaggregative E. coli (3.9%). We used generalized estimating equations to assess reported risk factors for detecting >1 pathogen in stool. We found no association between lack of sanitation and pathogen detection (adjusted risk ratio 0.95 [95% CI 0.55–1.7]) compared with specimens from children served by sewerage. However, we did observe an increased risk for pathogen detection among children living in homes with well water (adjusted risk ratio 1.7 [95% CI 1.1–2.5]) over those reporting water utility service.

Background: The rising incidence of cancer is a major concern globally being a leading cause of early mortality in most countries. This burden is projected to increase to 28.4 million cases worldwide by 2040 and yet, may be worsened by continuous exposure to risk factors due to a sheer shift from consumption of natural nutrients. To reverse this trend, it is imperative to source novel anticancer metabolites from plants that could minimize carcinogenic effects by suppressing the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. Purpose: This study aimed at characterizing and quantifying index anticancer and antioxidant metabolites, in the cultivars of T. portulacastrum. Methods: The Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (UHP-LCMS) was used to quantify and characterize index anticancer and antioxidant metabolites in shoot, root and whole plant extracts of Trianthema portulacastrum (T01,T02,T03,T04,T05,T06). The biological activity of the tested samples was monitored on the xCELLigence Real Time Cell Analyzer to determine the cytotoxicity of the extracts as a function of cell index at a specific time post dose using the concentration range of 0.16–2.5 %. Results: Based on the responses observed 48 h post exposure, all extracts showed high levels of cytotoxicity as determined by the xCELLigence apart from the root extracts. Rapid decreases in cell index (CI) values observed at higher extract percentages are highly indicative of cell death. These biological activities may be attributed to different anticancer metabolites such as epigallocatechin, glucaric acids, byakangelicin, xanthotoxin, apaensin, acetoxy-6-gingerol among other compounds of significant therapeutic benefits that were quantified with UHP-LCMS. Conclusion: These findings suggest that T. portulacastrum contains diverse anticancer metabolites which could be leveraged to develop plant-based anticancer drugs or novel chemicals with extended therapeutic utility.

The need to explore the abundance of natural products cannot be overemphasized particularly in the management of various disease conditions. In traditional medical practice, Vernonia amygdalina has been widely adopted in the management of various inflammatory disorders. The objective of this investigation was to isolate the bioactive principles from the stem-bark and root of V. amygdalina and assess the anti-inflammatory (in vitro) activity of both the crude extracts and the isolated compounds. Following extraction with the methanol, the extract was subjected to gravity column chromatography and the resultant fractions was further purified to obtained pure compounds. The structural elucidation of the compounds were based on data obtained from 1H to 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies as well as fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Using diclofenac as a control drug, the albumin denaturation assay was used to determine the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts and isolates. Three distinct compounds characterized are vernoamyoside D, luteolin-7-α-o-glucuronide, and vernotolaside, a new glycoside. When compared to diclofenac, which has an IC50 of 167.8 μg/mL, luteolin-7-α-o-glucuronide, vernoamyoside D, and vernotolaside all showed significant inhibitions with respective IC50 values 549.8, 379.5, and 201.7 μg/mL. Vernotolaside is reported for the first time from the root. The assertion that the plant is used in traditional medicine for the management of inflammatory disorder is somewhat validated by the confirmation of the existence of the compounds with the biochemical actions. Further validation of the isolated compounds would be required in animal studies.

Herbal medicine, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge, presents a longstanding approach to global healthcare, particularly in Africa. This review comprehensively explores the holistic nature of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM), with specific emphasis on the significance of herbal medicine. Despite its long-standing use and efficacy, herbal medicine faces challenges in universal acceptance and integration into mainstream healthcare systems. Factors influencing acceptance, from inadequate standardisation to societal stigma, are examined comprehensively. Understanding the motivations behind herbal medicine usage, including prevention, curiosity, and natural beliefs, is crucial for shaping future healthcare policies and comprehending public attitudes. Global initiatives, exemplified by the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, and national endeavours in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, underscore collaborative approaches. The review concludes by emphasizing the necessity of addressing divergent stakeholder perspectives for effective integration. Proposed strategies involve collaborative research, international endorsements, adverse-event reporting systems, governmental support, inventorying, botanical gardens, testing laboratories, standardised dosage norms, and education initiatives. These measures aim to seamlessly integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, promote evidence-based practices, and enhance regulations—crucial steps toward fostering acceptance. Addressing challenges and fostering acceptance is imperative for ensuring the safe and effective utilisation of traditional medicines, thereby enhancing healthcare outcomes and overall well-being globally. Keywords: Herbal Remedies, Integrative Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Complementary Therapies

Objectives To examine family planning through the community’s perception, belief system and cultural impact; in addition to identifying the determining factors for family planning uptake.Design A descriptive exploratory study.Setting Three communities were selected from three local government areas, each in the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State.Participants The study was conducted among young unmarried women in the reproductive age group who were sexually active as well as married men and women in the reproductive age group who are currently living with their partners and were sexually active.Main outcome measures Eight focus group discussions were conducted in the community in 2019 with 28 male and 50 female participants. The audio recordings were transcribed, triangulated with notes and analysed using QSR NVivo V.8 software. Community perception, beliefs and perceptions of the utility of family planning, as well as cultural, religious and other factors determining family planning uptake were analysed.Results The majority of the participants had the perception that family planning helps married couple only. There were diverse beliefs about family planning and mixed reactions with respect to the impact of culture and religion on family planning uptake. Furthermore, a number of factors were identified in determining family planning uptake—intrapersonal, interpersonal and health system factors.Conclusion The study concluded that there are varied reactions to family planning uptake due to varied perception, cultural and religious beliefs and determining factors. It was recommended that more targeted male partner engagement in campaign would boost family planning uptake.

The effective treatment of wastewater to mitigate environmental pollution remains a critical concern in modern society. This review examines the synthesis methods, physicochemical properties, and different application of ferric tungstate (FeWO4) as advanced multifunctional nanomaterial for wastewater treatment. The removal of various pollutants, including heavy metals, organic dyes, emerging contaminants, micro and nanoplastics from wastewater by FeWO4 are discussed. The review also highlights the significant uniqueness of FeWO4 nanoparticles, such as its high surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and adsorption, ozonation, photocatalytic and photo-Fenton capabilities. The environmental implications including the fate of FeWO4 adsorbed pollutants, toxicity and potential secondary pollution, are also discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and limitations, such as regeneration and scalability, that might affect the practical implementation of FeWO4-based treatment systems are also addressed. The multifunctional behaviour of FeWO4 provide insights into its efficiency and applicability in diverse wastewater treatment scenarios. Comparisons with other adsorbents and treatment methods elucidate the distinct advantages of FeWO4. The comprehensive analysis of its synthesis, properties, mechanisms, and applications is a foundation for researchers and practitioners working towards efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.