Search

Computational chemistry approach based on density functional theory (DFT) was utilized to investigate the interaction, adsorption behaviour, electronic and structural properties of nanostructured complexes formed by 4-(4-(bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)phenyl)butanoic acid (CPB) and all carbon fullerene nanocage, (C24NC), boron functionalized carbon nanocage (C24NC@B@CPB), carboxylate functionalized (C24NC@COOH@CPB), amino functionalized (C24NC@NH2@CPB), and hydroxy functionalized (C24NC@OH@CPB) nanostructured materials. To understand effectively the interaction of the drug and surface, topological analysis was conducted via the atoms in molecule (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) and noncovalent interaction approach. Electronic properties such as quantum chemical descriptors, natural bond orbital and nonlinear optics are equally considered and reported. All computations were achieved at the B3LYP-D3 and ωB97XD levels of theory with the 6-311++G(d, p) basis set. The results indicate that the adsorption energy of CPB on C24NC and its functionalized derivatives are in the range of −0.52 to 2.89 eV indicating that physisorption and chemisorption mechanism are prevalent mechanisms of adsorption. C23B@CPB, C24OH@CPB, and C24NH2@CPB were observed to possess the best characteristics to be considered as transport vehicles for CPB due to their strong adsorption nature (chemisorption) and solubility in solution.

Aim: Increasing cases of Cryptococcus laurentii infection are being reported globally possibly due to advances in medicine, the use of immunosuppressants and invasive therapies such as endotracheal intubation, parenteral nutrition, central vascular catheters and exposure to broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. Cryptococcus species are ubiquitously distributed in the environment, abundant in contaminated soil and bird droppings. Four cases of Cryptococcus laurentii fungemia have been described in neonates, all were premature low/very low-birth-weight. Our case is likely the 5th reported globally and the 1st from Nigeria and Africa across all age groups. Case Presentation: The patient presented at 34 hours of life with complaints of fever and multiple convulsions after delivery in a traditional birth attendant facility. Mother drained liquor for 5 days with poor cord care. A diagnosis of severe birth asphyxia with sepsis was made and baby received antibiotics (ceftriaxone and genticin) in addition to the management of severe birth asphyxia but showed no improvement. Blood culture yielded cream-colored smooth colonies, identified by Vitek 2 (bioMerieux, France) as Cryptococcus laurentii. Baby was treated with fluconazole, had good recovery and was discharged home. Conclusion: Our case report emphasizes the need for high index of suspicion for non-bacterial organisms (fungi) as possible causes of sepsis in newborns. Improved fungal diagnosis and timely commencement of antifungal medications will improve clinical outcomes.

Subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a form of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) with rapid progression. The clinical features of CPA mimic tuberculosis (TB) and may lead to delayed and/or misdiagnosis. We report a 39-year-old Nigerian previously managed in a peripheral hospital as a case of TB despite negative Gene-X pert results with no resolution of symptoms. Chest X-ray and computer tomography findings were suggestive of CPA and galactomannan assay positive. Symptoms resolved 2 months into itraconazole treatment. There is a dire need to drive awareness of CPA among clinicians, especially in our primary and secondary healthcare facilities where the knowledge base and expertise in the management of fungal infections is still at a rudimentary level or perhaps not available at all.

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 counts200 cells/mm

Synthetic plastics are polymers produced from petrochemicals and are typically used as packaging materials. They are portable, lightweight, and strong. The main issue with synthetic plastics is that they cannot degrade, which is why natural polymers, also known as biopolymers, have emerged. By using biopolymers, synthetic plastics' toxic effects on the environment are reduced. Although it is nearly impossible to completely replace all conventional polymers with environmentally friendly materials, natural polymers may be used in many industries including the food and packaging materials sector. Natural resources like plant and animal waste are commonly used as raw materials to create environmentally friendly packaging. However, there are some disadvantages to natural plastics, such as poor water absorption and a weak defence against microbial attack. Natural polymers must be modified to achieve desired properties and extend shelf life. This study examines the most popular techniques for modifying natural plastics for use in the preservation and packaging of food.

Background: Healthcare systems are designed to efficiently minimize morbidity and mortality, especially through employment of diverse skills, including provision of Basic Life Support (BLS). Unfortunately, many healthcare workers (HCWs) lack BLS skills, which are essential for the reduction of preventable sudden deaths resulting from sudden cardiac arrest. Objective: A statewide assessment of the proportion of HCWs with BLS training, as well as the number available for such training in public primary and secondary healthcare facilities in Cross River State, Southern Nigeria, a low-middle income country (LMIC) setting. Methodology: By total enumeration, public primary and secondary healthcare facilities, in each of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Cross River State, Southern Nigeria, were studied using descriptive crosssectional design. Structured proforma was used to obtain data on number of doctors, nurses, Community health officers (CHOs) and Community Health Extension workers (CHEWs) as well as the number that have been trained on BLS/CPR in each facility. The Cross River State Research Ethics Committee approved the study, which was conducted for eight (8) weeks. The proportion of healthcare facilities with at least 1 doctor, nurse and staff trained on BLS/CPR were determined. Chi-square inferential statistic was used to compare these proportions between the three districts of the state. Also, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean number that had been trained on BLS per facility between these districts. P-value was set at 0.05. Results: Two hundred and five (205) healthcare facilities within the 18 L.G.A.s were surveyed. Sixteen (16) health facilities (7.8%) had staff that were trained on BLS. Seventy-five (75) staff had training on BLS, yielding average of 0.37 trained staff per facility. Approximately one-tenth of facilities (10.2%) had a doctor, while one-third (34.1%) had a nurse. Less than one-tenth (9.3%) of health facilities had at least a doctor and nurse that may be available for BLS training. There were community health officers and community health extension workers in both rural and urban facilities but none was a trained BLS provider. There was also no staff trained on BLS in any health facility located in seven LGAs. Arelatively higher proportion of facilities with staff trained on BLS was found in Odukpani (16.7%), Yakurr (20.0%) and Bekwarra (16.7%). In comparison with the southern and northern districts, there was a higher average number of staff trained on BLS per facility in the central district (p

The Lower Benue Trough, in South-eastern Nigeria, hosts several lead-zinc deposits. The mineralization is frequently hosted by Cretaceous black shales that appear to have undergone low grade metamorphism, and subordinate sandstones. Most parts of the deposits have been epigenetically formed, and occur as blocky shaped, discordant veins, fracture, and possibly open-space fillings, of hydrothermal origin. For this reason, structural evaluation constitutes an important criterion for the investigation of the mineralization. In particular, the orientation of fractures occurring at the Pb-Zn deposits can be useful in the differentiation of the relative ages of the mineral vein deposits. A total of one thousand, one hundred and forty-seven fractures around mineralized zones, at the study localities, were measured and analysed. Results indicate that the vein deposits are structurally controlled, have four main orientations, and most likely formed by crack-seal process. The most prominent fracture sets show NW-SE, NNE-SSW to N-S orientations, while the less prominent ones are displayed in the NE-SW and ESE-WNW directions. The NW-SE, NNE-SSW to N-S fracture sets is interpreted as ‘ac’ extension fractures from two different deformation episodes that affected the trough, while the NE-SW, ESE-WNW to E-W sets is the two ‘bc’ tensile fractures, respectively parallel to the axes of F1 and F2 folds which occur in the trough. Small variations of the NNE-SSW and ESE-WNW brought about the occurrences of N-S and E-W sets respectively. Indication are that the two deformation episodes affected the trough: the first episode produce the NE-SW (F1) fold axes, while the second less intensity episode produce the ESE-WNW (F2) folds. The most dominant mineral vein trends in the study area are the NW-SE and NNE-SSW to N-S orientations, in which mineral veins are loaded in the ‘ac’ extension fractures. The less dominant mineral vein trends are the NE-SW and ESE-WNW orientations, which are in the ‘bc’ tensile fractures. At the NW-SE trend, vein minerals mainly occur along 150-160o from N, although it ranges from 135-175o from N. Vein width up to 7.0m can be obtained from both the NW-SE and NNE-SSW directions. The Lower Cretaceous sediments appear to be characterized by the NW-SE (major) and NE-SW (minor) sets of veins, while the upper Cretaceous sequence is most likely characterized by the NNE-SSW (major) and ESE-WNW (minor) vein sets. The widest Pb-Zn vein in the study area is 11.5m wide, located in the Enyigba axes sub-area and trends in the NE-SW direction with evidence of slickensides which indicates faulting.

This research presents a review on water resources in Delta state, southern part of Nigeria, with emphasis on hydrogeochemical and microbial assessment. It evaluates factors responsible for water contamination, and their resulting health challenges within the study area. To achieve the objective of this study, related articles were downloaded from Google, published article on influence of hydrogeochemical and microbial activities on water resources. These articles were thoroughly studied. Findings from this study, suggested that groundwater was more studied than surface water. We also observed that groundwater within the riverine communities is much more prone to pollution when compared to groundwater in an upland area. Results from various authors suggested that, larger percentage of groundwater showed presence of coliform. Further findings suggested that geochemical processes such as rock water interaction, seawater intrusion and precipitation influences groundwater quality within the study area especially within Sombreiro-Warri Deltaic Plain Deposit.

Studies on the bacteriological and physico-chemical characteristics of different water sources in Yakurr, Cross River State, Nigeria was carried out using American Public Health Association standard procedures for physico-chemical analyses of water and standard biochemical and microbiological protocol for the analysis of water for faecal and total coliform enumeration. Average temperature, pH, turbidity and conductivity of the samples ranged from 26.90+0.02°C-27.88+0.02°C; 5.00+0.02-6.38+0.03; 3.05+0.01NTU-30.41+0.01NTU and 29.01+0.01μs/cm-72.76+0.01μs/cm respectively. BOD5, TDS and iron concentration ranged from 6.00+0.02mg/l-10.69+0.01mg/l; 18.24+0.01mg/l-43.63+0.03mg/l and 0.32+0.01mg/l-1.51+0.01mg/l respectively. Total coliform count of the sample from Kesekpang-Ekori had the highest value of 78.00+3.61cfu/100ml, followed by Sokol-Ugep and Mgbeke-Mkpani samples with values of 62.00+3.00cfu/100ml and 38.33+2.52cfu/100ml respectively. The sample from Nkinforna had the least coliform count of 10.00+2.00cfu/100ml. Sample from Ekori River had the highest THBC value of 2.13+0.31x106cfu/ml, Kesekpang-Ekori and Sokol-Ugep samples had 1.10+0.17x106cfu/ml and 1.03+0.06x106cfu/ml respectively. Mgbeke-Mkpani sample had the least valve of 7.00+1.00x105cfu/ml. A total of nine bacterial species were isolated, they were Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia maecesen, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Enterobacter cloacae and Micrococcus leteus. The study had revealed a high level of poor quality sources of water in Yakurr and makes need for urgent health intervention by relevant body. Keywords: Potability, water quality, bacteriological quality, physico-chemical characteristics and total coliform count

There has been substantial research into terminology as an issue in learning science, especially against the backdrop of concerns over school literacy in science and as sometimes reflected in the poor performance of high school students in assessment tasks. Relevant research has emphasized issues such as lexical load, complexity and metaphor. Variation in the use of terminology has, however, been relatively under researched, although there is evidence that terminology use does vary within and across high school textbooks of science. Drawing on an eclectic theoretical framework comprising transitivity analysis (Halliday 1994), legitimation code theory semantics (Maton 2013a), and the context-specific term model (Gerzymisch-Arbogast 2008), this article identifies and classifies variations in the terminology employed in three high school textbooks of biology in Nigeria. It then determines what impact assessment tasks which use terms that differ from those employed in students’ study materials have on students. Examples are found of variant terminology impeding science literacy and task performance, even though there is reason to suspect such variation might in fact have been leveraged to enhance cognition.

Objective: The study assessed optic nerve diameter (OND) and clinical biomarkers in patients with poorly controlled diabetes compared with healthy nondiabetic volunteers. Materials and Methods: There were 1320 adult participants recruited to the study. The cohort was divided into 600 Type 2 diabetic (DM II) patients and 720 apparently healthy, nondiabetic volunteers. The OND was measured using a high-resolution dedicated ultrasound device (Sonoace 5500; Medicol, Medison, Miami, FL, USA) with a 10-MHz linear array transducer. Subjects were examined in a supine position with their eyes closed. Three measurements of the OND were taken and the average recorded. Hemoglobin A1c concentration and lipid profiles were determined using Bio-Rad Diamat analyzer (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA). Body mass index and age were matched for both cohorts for comparativeness. Results: The mean OND of the DM II patients was 3.10 ± 0.14 mm (range of 2.6–4.0 mm), which was significantly ( P < .05) lower than the control volunteers (4.22 ± 0.15 mm). The OND demonstrated a negative significant correlation with HA1c, duration of diabetes and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ( P < .05). Lipid profiles, blood urea, serum creatinine, and hemoglobin A1c showed statistical difference between diabetics and control subjects. Conclusion: Poorly controlled DM II patients may have significantly narrower OND than nondiabetic patients. This imaging biomarker has the potential to transform visual care for DM II patients.

Background Several case reports abound in literature about cases of histoplasmosis misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB). Nigeria is one of the highest TB-burdened countries, but data on histoplasmosis in Nigeria are sparse in the literature. The aim of this research was to investigate patients with presumptive pulmonary TB in Calabar, Nigeria, for histoplasmosis. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 213 participants with presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary TB between April 2020 and March 2021. Urine samples were collected from selected patients for Histoplasma antigen test using enzyme immunoassay kits, while sputum samples were collected for GeneXpert test for confirmed diagnosis of TB and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Results Of the 213 participants enrolled into the study, 94 subjects (44.1%) were confirmed TB patients, 75 (35.2%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, 41 (19.2%) had advanced HIV disease (AHD), and 138 (64.8%) were HIV negative. Twenty-seven of the 213 participants were Histoplasma positive by antigen test and/or PCR, giving an overall prevalence rate of 12.7%. The prevalence of histoplasmosis among confirmed TB patients (7.4% [7/94]) was significantly lower than in unconfirmed TB patients (16.8% [20/119]) (P = .04). Participants on anti-TB therapy also had a significantly lower rate of histoplasmosis compared to those not on anti-TB drugs (P = .00006). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing of the Histoplasma revealed a closely relatedness to Histoplasma capsulatum. Conclusions Histoplasmosis is not uncommon among presumptive TB patients. There should be proper microbiological investigation of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of TB to exclude cases of histoplasmosis.

Several case reports abound in literature about cases of histoplasmosis misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB). Nigeria is one of the highest TB-burdened countries, but data on histoplasmosis in Nigeria are sparse in the literature. The aim of this research was to investigate patients with presumptive pulmonary TB in Calabar, Nigeria, for histoplasmosis.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 213 participants with presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary TB between April 2020 and March 2021. Urine samples were collected from selected patients forOf the 213 participants enrolled into the study, 94 subjects (44.1%) were confirmed TB patients, 75 (35.2%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, 41 (19.2%) had advanced HIV disease (AHD), and 138 (64.8%) were HIV negative. Twenty-seven of the 213 participants wereHistoplasmosis is not uncommon among presumptive TB patients. There should be proper microbiological investigation of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of TB to exclude cases of histoplasmosis.

Onychomycosis is commonly studied in Africa but not in patients with diabetics despite having a significant number of her population living with diabetes mellitus (DM). Our review highlights a total of 15 studies with only two from Africa over the past two decades; 8 (53.3%) from Asia, 4 (26.7%) from Europe, 2 (13.3%) from Africa and 1 (6.7%) from North America. A total number of 4321 participants were involved with onychomycosis prevalence of 35.3% (1527/4321). Seven studies documented preponderance of onychomycosis in males, one showed preponderance in females, one showed no statistically significant difference in gender, while correlation with gender was unclear in the remainder. The risk factors identified were duration of diabetes, increasing age, occupation (agriculture), subclinical atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, obesity, triglyceride levels, and glycosylated haemoglobin. Three case control studies showed a statistically significant correlation between onychomycosis and individuals with DM. Diagnosis was mainly by microscopy and culture with Trichophyton (T) rubrum as the predominant isolate. Fungal nail infections are grossly underdiagnosed and/or underreported in Africa and hence the need for improved awareness and diagnosis especially in patients with DM. Although focused on Africa, this study also revealed paucity of data on onychomycosis in diabetic patients living in the Americas despite evidence from the literature showing a significant number of individuals from that region are living with diabetes. The need to evaluate this at-risk population for onychomycosis cannot be over emphasized.

In recent times, nanomaterials have been applied for the detection and sensing of toxic gases in the environment owing to their large surface-to-volume ratio and efficiency. CO

The study objective is to analyze the effect microcredit scheme on household income in Northern Cross River State. The convenient sampling technique was used in collecting data from three Local Government Area that make up Northern Cross River State. The Survey Monkey Sample Determinant Technique was used to arrive at a sample size of 1515, selected using a stratified and convenience sampling technique from Northern Cross River State, Nigeria. A self-developed semi-structured questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Linear Regression. Out of the 1515 instrument distributed, 1306 was returned and used for analysis. The result revealed that all the participants were beneficiaries of Microcredit Scheme. 95.02 per cent reported that since benefitting from Microcredit scheme, their businesses have improved, and 96.78 per cent reporting that their family's living condition has improved since benefitting from microcredit scheme. The results from the descriptive analysis were subjected to parametric statistics using simple linear regression. The results review that woman involving in microcredit scheme has significantly improved household income in the Northern Cross River. This is because the result indicated an R-value of .245a. The regression ANOVA revealed that the F (1, 1307) = 83.345; p < .05, is significant. Based on this result, the study recommends a need for various enlightenment programmes to educate rural people on the benefit of obtaining microcredit for businesses and economic activities that will help move them out of poverty.

Evaluation of microbial loads and physico-chemicals of cassava mill effluent simulated soil was carried out using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques. This was to determine the effect of cassava mill effluent (CME) on rhizosphere microbial loads, physicochemical properties, nitrogenous salt and heavy metals. The results showed that CME effect on the physicochemical determinants (pH, Ca, Mg, K) and heavy metal determinant (Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, Pb and Mn) was concentration dependents. The nitrogenous salts (NO3, NH4+ and NO2) levels progressively increased with no significant differences (p>0.05 ANOVA). The microbial isolates were: Saccharomyces sp, Mucorindicus, Fusarium sp and Gliocladium sp for the fungal group. The bacterial group were Chromobacterium sp, Corynebacterium sp, Bacillus sp, Acinetobacter sp and Escherichia coli while the nitrogen-fixing bacterial group were Azotobacter sp., Azospirillum sp., Frankia sp., Bradyrhizobium sp., Hebaspirillum sp., Cyanobacteria (or blue green algae), Anabaena sp, Nostoc sp., Clostridium sp. and Rhizobium sp. There was no significant differences (p>0.05) in the rhizosphere microbial load across the concentration gradient at the CME-simulated plot phyto-remediated by Centrosema pubesscens and Calopogonium mucunoides. Agricultural wastes such as cassava mill effluent should be properly treated before discharging to the environment in other to prevent the loss of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and total heterotrophic bacterial genera that could be of immense importance to man.

Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis (GIH) is infrequently described in people without underlying HIV infection. We aimed to compare the clinical presentation of GIH in people with and without HIV infection. We conducted a literature search of published cases of GIH from 2001–2021 and found 212 cases. Of these, 142 (67.0%) were male, and 124 (58.5%) had HIV infection. Most cases were from North America (n = 88, 41.5%) and South America (n = 79, 37.3%). Of the 212 cases, 123 (58.0%) were included in both clinical and pathological analyses. The remainder were excluded as details about clinical and pathological findings were not available. Of the 123 cases, 41 had HIV infection while 82 were without HIV infection. The diagnosis was predominantly by histopathology (n = 109, 88.6%). A significant proportion of people with HIV infection had abdominal pain as the most predominant symptom of GIH compared to those without HIV infection (65.9% versus 41.9%, p < 0.05). The colon was the most affected site with a slightly higher proportion in those with HIV infection compared with cases without HIV infection (46.3% versus 42.7%). The commonest pathologic findings were caecal and ileal ulcers. Caecal ulcers were significantly more frequent in cases with HIV infection compared to those without HIV (32.1% versus 7.1%, p < 0.05). Despite being more common in people with HIV infection, GIH also affects people without HIV infection with similar clinical presentations.

This study assessed the influence of rapid urbanization on environmental quality in selected neighborhoods of Port Harcourt city. The investigation used both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected using a structured household questionnaire was distributed to the selected neighborhoods. The study identified that population growth can cause changes to the state of solid waste collection, drainage system, basic water facilities and urban landscape in the selected neighborhoods in Port Harcourt. The study further reveals that provision of waste receptacle were inadequate in Port Harcourt (PH) Township thereby resulting to inadequate frequency of waste collection in the neighborhoods; also due to inadequate drainage facilities there was occurrence of flood in Mgbuoba and PH Township. The lack of adequate drainage system has resulted in the occurrence of flood in Mgbuoba and PH Township. Solid waste collection facilities are not adequate in all the selected neighborhoods thereby resulting in improper sanitary conditions in the neighborhoods. The Loss of vegetation cover due to urbanization has led to the reduction in the aesthetic quality and also decrease in green spaces. It was recommended to achieve an adequate environment; the government should provide adequate infrastructure for both the rural and urban areas as this will cut down the rate of population growth that put pressure on the urban environment.

Ni-rich cathode materials achieve both high voltages and capacities in Li-ion batteries but are prone to structural instabilities and oxygen loss via the formation of singlet oxygen. Using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we observe spontaneous O$_2$ loss from the (012) surface of delithiated LiNiO$_2$, singlet oxygen forming in the process. We find that the origin of the instability lies in the pronounced oxidation of O during delithiation, i.e., O plays a central role in Ni O redox in LiNiO$_2$. For LiNiO$_2$, NiO$_2$, and the prototype rock salt NiO, density-functional theory and dynamical mean-field theory calculations based on maximally localised Wannier functions yield a Ni charge state of ca. +2, with O varying between -2 (NiO), -1.5 (LiNiO$_2$) and -1 (NiO$_2$). Predicted XAS Ni $K$ and O $K$-edge spectra are in excellent agreement with experimental XAS spectra, confirming the predicted charge states. The calculations also show that a high-voltage O $K$-edge feature at 531 eV previously assigned to lattice O-redox processes could alternatively arise from O-redox induced water intercalation and O-O dimer formation with lattice O at high states of charge. The O$_2$ surface loss route observed here consists of 2 surface O$^{.-}$ radicals combining to form a peroxide ion, which is oxidised to O$_2$, leaving behind 2 O vacancies and 2 O$^{2-}$ ions: effectively 4 O$^{.-}$ radicals disproportionate to O$_2$ and 2 O$^{2-}$ ions. The reaction liberates ca. 3 eV per O$_2$ molecule. Singlet oxygen formation is caused by the singlet ground state of the peroxide ion, with spin conservation dictating the preferential release of $^1$O$_2$, the strongly exergonic reaction providing the free energy required for the formation of $^1$O$_2$ in its excited state.

Methyl esters were produced by fungal degradation of soybean oil using banana leaves as surface. Analysis of the products also revealed medicinal compounds (Benzyl Benzoate obtained from the banana leaves used as surface for the fungal degradation of the soybean oil and 1, 2-Benzene dicarboxylic acid dioctyl ester obtained from the soybean oil impurities). Microorganism activity test was carried out on the medicinal compounds to confirm their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The result showed that both had antibacterial and antifungal activity as shown by the zones of inhibition and as a result can find useful applications in food processing and preservation as well as agriculture as pest/disease control agents.

Background: Human exposure to xenobiotics, especially priority heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and chromium), is unavoidable because of their involvement in industrial applications, accumulation in the environment over time and non-biodegradability. Unfortunately, they induce unprecedented biochemical and pathological changes on those exposed to them, causing oxidative damages and organ toxicities.

Time series datasets have been used to study the variability in Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) concentration and the effect of atmospheric Oxygen (O2) on their emission from a VOC contaminated site in the US. The datasets were logged by means of an in-borehole gas monitor, the Gasclam (Ionscience, UK). Graphical illustrations of the data show both the VOC concentration and O2 to be temporally variable. However, to determine how much control O2 has on the variability in VOC concentration, Regression Analysis was used. The result shows VOC concentration and O2 to have negative correlations of 0.7134, 0.0058, 0.4558, 0.4105, 0.8162, 0.0982 in boreholes A, C, E, G, I, K respectively. This analysis shows O2 to be the dominant control on the variability in and therefore emission of VOC concentration two (A and I) of the six monitored boreholes in this site. Being the only borehole with the highest negative R2 value, borehole I was reanalysed and the R2 considered over different periods of rising and falling limb O2 with the result showing that O2 was the dominant control on VOC concentrations during 90% of the entire monitoring period. The dominant controls in the variability of VOC concentration in the remaining boreholes need be determined. This is because, understanding their controls will help to predict how VOC concentration will change in future. Also, given that VOC can be dangerous even at trace concentrations; this site is recommended for remediation.

Presidential speeches are often investigated as privileged readings of the state of the nation. A recurrent theme in the speeches of Nigerian presidents is corruption, and this reflects the enormit...

Objective: Physicians who often request for computed tomography (CT) scan examinations are expected to have sound knowledge of radiation exposure (risks) to patients in line with the basic radiation protection principles according to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the Protection of Persons Undergoing Medical Exposure or Treatment (POPUMET), and the Ionizing Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R). The aim is to assess the level of requesting physicians’ knowledge of ionizing radiation from CT scan examinations in two Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Materials and Methods: An 18-item-based questionnaire was distributed to 141 practicing medical doctors, excluding radiologists with work experience from 0 to >16 years in two major teaching hospitals in Nigeria with a return rate of 69%, using a voluntary sampling technique. Results: The results showed that 25% of the respondents identified CT thorax, abdomen, and pelvis examination as having the highest radiation risk, while 22% said that it was a conventional chest X-ray. Furthermore, 14% concluded that CT head had the highest risk while 9% gave their answer to be conventional abdominal X-ray. In addition, 17% inferred that magnetic resonance imaging had the highest radiation risk while 11% had no idea. Furthermore, 25.5% of the respondents have had training on ionizing radiation from CT scan examinations while 74.5% had no training. Majority (90%) of the respondents were not aware of the ICRP guidelines for requesting investigations with very little ( Conclusion: There is low level of knowledge of ionizing radiation from CT scan examinations among requesting physicians in the study locations.

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are of huge concern in resource-limited settings, particularly in Africa, due to the unavailability of diagnostic armamentarium for IFDs, thus making definitive diagnosis challenging. IFDs have non-specific systemic manifestations overlapping with more frequent illnesses, such as tuberculosis, HIV, and HIV-related opportunistic infections and malignancies. Consequently, IFDs are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. We critically reviewed the available literature on IFDs in Africa to provide a better understanding of their epidemiology, disease burden to guide future research and interventions. Cryptococcosis is the most encountered IFD in Africa, accounting for most of the HIV-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Invasive aspergillosis, though somewhat underdiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed as tuberculosis, is increasingly being reported with a similar predilection towards people living with HIV. More cases of histoplasmosis are also being reported with recent epidemiological studies, particularly from Western Africa, showing high prevalence rates amongst presumptive tuberculosis patients and patients living with HIV. The burden of pneumocystis pneumonia has reduced significantly probably due to increased uptake of anti-retroviral therapy among people living with HIV both in Africa, and globally. Mucormycosis, talaromycosis, emergomycosis, blastomycosis, and coccidiomycosis have also been reported but with very few studies from the literature. The emergence of resistance to most of the available antifungal drugs in Africa is yet of huge concern as reported in other regions. IFDs in Africa is much more common than it appears and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Huge investment is needed to drive awareness and fungi related research especially in diagnostics and antifungal therapy.

Globalization and technological advances are associated with rapid social and economic changes which are accompanied by increased pressures in the work environment. Job stress is a hidden pandemic, especially in developing countries where it remains largely unaddressed.The objective is to determine the pattern and sociodemographic correlates of job stress among staff in a Nigerian psychiatric hospital using the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) indicator tool.This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 292 full-time staff who were randomly selected across hospital units. Informed consent was obtained and the study questionnaires which included a sociodemographic questionnaire and the HSE indicator tool were administered. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 22 and the level for statistical significance was set atThe study sample comprised of 133 (45.5%) men and 159 (54.5%) women. The mean age was 35.03 and (SD = 7.45). A high level of stress (20This study demonstrates a high level of stress in domains of the HSE indicator among respondents. More research is needed to further examine the stress levels of hospital workers.