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Drug discovery and development is a time-consuming process that involves identifying, designing, and testing new drugs to address critical medical needs. In recent years, machine learning (ML) has played a vital role in technological advancements and has shown promising results in various drug discovery and development stages. ML can be categorized into supervised, unsupervised, semi-supervised, and reinforcement learning. Supervised learning is the most used category, helping organizations solve several real-world problems. This study presents a comprehensive survey of supervised learning algorithms in drug design and development, focusing on their learning process and succinct mathematical formulations, which are lacking in the literature. Additionally, the study discusses widely encountered challenges in applying supervised learning for drug discovery and potential solutions. This study will be beneficial to researchers and practitioners in the pharmaceutical industry as it provides a simplified yet comprehensive review of the main concepts, algorithms, challenges, and prospects in supervised learning.

Summary: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by a network of cancer cells, recruited immune cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the specific role of neutrophils during tumor development, and their interactions with other immune cells is still not well understood. Here, we use both standard well plate culture and an under oil microfluidic (UOM) assay with an integrated ECM bridge to elucidate how naive primary neutrophils respond to tumor cells. Our data demonstrated that tumor cells trigger cluster formation in neutrophils accompanied with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release. Using label-free optical metabolic imaging (OMI), we observed changes in the metabolic activities of primary neutrophils during the different clustering phases when challenged with tumor cells. Finally, our data demonstrates that neutrophils in direct contact, or in close proximity, with tumor cells exhibit greater metabolic activities compared to non-contact neutrophils.

Diabetes mellitus is a global pandemic that is also fast rising in Africa, including Nigeria. Chronic consumption of white rice (WR) increases the risk of developing insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Similarly, Drosophila melanogaster is a suitable model organism for studying metabolic disorders. We hypothesized that maternal WR consumption could alter offspring's metabolic health and predispose to IR. Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) eggs were laid and developed on either Control, 50 % WR and 50 % brown rice (BR); and female adults maintained on these dietary regimens for 7 days. F1 and F2 offspring of these flies were fed either a normal diet or high sugar diet (HSD). The effects of maternal WR consumption on indices related to IR and T2D such as weight, locomotor activity, glucose, trehalose, glycogen and triglyceride (TG) were assessed in the parent and offspring generations. Similarly, the mRNA expression levels of ILP2, IRS, PEPCK and ACC were investigated. We found that WR consumption induced IR in the parent as evidenced by weight gain, significant increases in glucose, trehalose and TG levels, and reduced glycogen levels. Similarly, maternal WR consumption appeared to program for elevated glucose, trehalose and TG levels in F1 offspring with significant increases in trehalose and TG levels in the F2 offspring. These metabolic perturbations were accompanied by overexpression of ILP2, IRS, PEPCK and ACC. Offspring reared on HSD exhibited worsened conditions. In contrast, the levels of these metabolic signatures in the BR groups were comparable with the control. Taken together, our study demonstrates the potential of WR but not BR to program for transgenerational inheritance of IR-T2D-like phenotypes. This suggests that offspring of chronic WR consumers may be at risk of developing IR, affecting the development and health of future generations.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are debilitating, chronic illnesses that have the power to prolong poverty due to their negative effects on productivity, child development, social embarrassment, and maternal problems. Insufficient resources are available to raise awareness of these illnesses or locate previously unknown cases. More than one billion people worldwide are still affected by NTDs, which have significant social and financial repercussions for developing nations. Global targets have been set by the World Health Organization to prevent, control, eliminate, or eradicate NTDs, as well as broad and interdisciplinary aims linked to the Sustainable Development Goals targets. The Kigali Declaration, in which leading organizations and countries declared fresh commitments to step up efforts to eradicate NTDs, and the London Declaration aimed to control and eradicate ten NTDs by 2020. We reviewed the epidemiology and burden of NTDs, the success and challenges of eliminating NTDs, as well as therapeutic interventions for the management of NTDs. We also opined on future directions necessary for effective and holistic eradication of NTDs in affected regions. The successful eradication of NTD will significantly increase the socioeconomic and educational levels of the affected countries, thereby increasing the productive workforce and assisting in the accomplishment of some sustainable development goals. As a result, there is a need for global commitment to funding drug research and development.

Though insects have been part of African diets since ancient times due to their nutritional benefits, consumption of insects remains unpopular among some literate Nigerians. This study examined the knowledge and determinants of the use of insects as food among undergraduates in three south-western Nigerian universities, using 600 structured questionnaires. About 53% of the respondents have never eaten insects, while most respondents identified grasshopper (82.3%) and cockroaches (88.7%) as animal feed but not human diet. About 70% and 67% associated eating of cricket and termites, respectively to both human and animals. Factors that encouraged entomophagy include the awareness of insects as good sources of protein, the influence of family members who eat insects and the awareness of the medicinal values of insects. The major constraints to entomophagy were ignorance of the nutritive values of insects which accounted for 34.0% of the respondents and personal hatred for insect species (28.7%), stigmatization against those who eat insects (27.0%) and poor hygiene of those who process insects into food (23.0%). Age and value addition processing methods positively influenced insect consumption. Lack of money to buy other animal protein and meat type will cause the respondents to embrace entomophagy. Creating awareness on the benefits of edible insects will increase the practice of entomophagy and encourage more people to engage in insect farming.

The performance measurement of decision-making units (DMUs) can be optimised by strategically choosing the optimal input and output weights. This approach circumvents the potential complexities associated with establishing a common basis for ranking homogeneous units and managing the results from multiple efficient frontiers. Efficient frontier ranking is simplified by limiting the weights based on the intrinsic or technical connections between relevant inputs and outputs. It also creates a coherent framework that coordinates various considerations across all under-evaluated DMUs and variables. This method effectively examines the complexities related to the inputs and outputs of homogeneous units using conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models to evaluate the efficiency of these units.In the banking sector, the relationship between inputs and outputs is complex. This complexity requires careful attention, particularly in cases where the existence of one input or output is conditional on the existence of another. This dynamic is accentuated by the integration of advanced fintech solutions, which inherently provide significant benefits to banking operations. The use of appropriate analytical models for banking data is important. The synergy between advanced financial technologies and analytical methods has reached its peak in reducing losses and strengthening profits. This, in turn, facilitates the optimal allocation of financial resources to growth-oriented projects.The empirical application of weight-restricted DEA models to Turkey's mobile-internet-banking sector underscores their efficacy. These modified models contrast with the standard DEA versions, which often encounter challenges stemming from the allocation of weights to pivotal variables. This study demonstrates the tangible benefits of our approach and its potential to revolutionise the efficiency assessment landscape in the banking sector.The proposed unconventional model which is applied to Turkish Internet banking for the period extending from 2006 to 2018 and which takes a comprehensive weight restriction approach to DEA and encompasses all relevant input and output variables, resulted in strictly positive weights and a reduced count of inflated efficient units along with their scores. This is practically beneficent to banking sector in so far as it facilitates decision-making and related economic and financial planning, and as it proves to be a reliable benchmark by local or international banks intending to provide or develop Internet banking services.

Production of zeolite-Y catalyst from natural substrate has been a research trend in the scientific community. Published articles revealed that zeolite-Y recovery from locally sourced metakaolin is confined to laboratory practice. Scale-up process design and its economic feasibility for zeolite-Y catalyst recovery are rarely found in the scientific bibliography. Therefore, this study presented conceptual scale-up process design, base-case techno-economics and Monte-Carlo simulation of zeolite Y recovery from Nigerian metakaoline. ASPEN Base Case Simulation (ABCS), scale-up design and economics were accomplished using inherent design and costing algorithms in ASPEN Batch Process Developer (ABPD) V10. Process economic parameters: Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return on Investment (ROI) and Payback Time (PBT), were modelled and optimized using Design Expert V13 software; while zeolite Unit Production Cost (UPC), Annual Production Cost (APC), Total Capital Investment (TCI) and interest/discount rate were considered as model inputs. Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS) in Crystal Ball Oracle software was used to perform the sensitivity and uncertainty analyses. The base-case techno-economic results of process design of 600,000 kg/year zeolite production gave batch size 5000 kg/batch with 104 batches/year, batch time (4149 min), TCI ($15,930,306), APC ($147,145), NPV ($41,983,375), ROI (38.13 %) and PBT (2.14 years). The coefficient of determination (R2) of the economic models were 0.9978, 0.9989 and 0.9986 for NPV, ROI and IRR respectively. The optimum economic variables that maximized synthesis of 5000 kg/batch zeolite Y are UPC ($11.68), APC ($100,033) and TPC ($15,930,200). MCS uncertainty for NPV, IRR and ROI are negligible. Therefore, this study demonstrated that scale-up zeolite-Y production from the local substrate is economically feasible.

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of recent advancements in COVID-19 treatment, specifically antiviral medicines and monoclonal antibodies, in curbing the virus’s spread. We present a mathematical model incorporating these factors and qualitatively demonstrate its efficiency via positivity, existence and uniqueness of solution. Analyzing the basic reproductive threshold and sensitivity, we find that these therapeutic measures, coupled with heightened human awareness, effectively mitigate disease transmission. Employing the Laplace-Adomian decomposition method, we derive the model’s solution, confirming its accuracy via the ratio test. Numerical experiments using real-world COVID-19 data in Maple 18 software practically implies that while antiviral medications or monoclonal antibodies alone can lead to eradication, their combined implementation with increased human awareness results in rapid elimination.

Waste from low-density polyethylene products after lifespan accounts for 70% of solid waste in most dumpsites, contributing to environmental impacts. Eggshell foul smells are a threat to human and animal health. Before this study, there was no research documentation on transforming both wastes into green composites for engineering applications. This work developed composites using recycled low-density polyethylene (RLDPE) and eggshell Nanoparticles. They were evaluated structurally and mechanically. Straining, which affirms an improvement in the load-bearing capacity of the RLDPE due to the incorporation of eggshell Nanoparticles, was established by the composite XRD peak broadness. Structural integrities of the composites were confirmed with SEM. Maximum tensile strength was noted at 10% eggshell Nanoparticle additions to the RLDPE, equal to a 68% increase. About 52 and 19% enhancements in respective flexural strength and hardness value with a 0.85% reduction in impact energy were noted at 12% eggshell Nanoparticle additions. The probability value, 0.0481

Surfactant flooding is adjudged one of the most promising chemicals enhanced oil recovery (cEOR) methods due to its high microscopic sweep efficiency. This surfactant shows high potential in mobilizing trapped residual oil (ganglia) through excellent lowering of the interfacial tension (IFT) between the crude oil-aqueous interface to ultra-low values while favorably altering the wettability (oil-wet to water-wet). Surfactant adsorption is a critical factor that determines how successful this cEOR method will be as well as the project economics. Surfactant retention due to adsorption caused majorly by electrostatic forces of attraction between hydrophilic head, and the positive and negative charges of the adsorbent solid surface leading to insufficiency of the remaining surfactant concentration in the injected slug to achieve the supposed ultralow IFT needed for mobilization. This article describes the experimental data on the adsorption of a natural surfactant derived from linseed oil and the results from its adsorption isotherm modelling. This anionic surfactant (LSO-derived) has a CMC value of 2500 ppm, average fractional removal of 0.60 under a range of concentrations (500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000, and 12000 ppm), with the adsorption kinetics revealing that adsorption density rises as a function of time with increasing adsorbate concentrations. Five different classical adsorption isotherm models were explored- in the form three (Redlich–Peterson or R-P), two (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin), one (Linear-Henry) parameters models. Their characteristics adsorption parameters were calculated, with highest adsorption capacity value of 2.955mg/g obtained from the simulation using OriginPro 2021 Software. The analysis demonstrates that the R-P model provided the greatest fit as a hybrid model with the highest correlation coefficient value. The kinetic adsorption models Pseudo-First Order (PFO), Pseudo-Second Order (PSO), Pseudo-Nth Order (PNO), and Intra-Particle Diffusion (IPD), as well as their thermodynamic property model, were also examined in addition to static isotherm models. On average, using non-linear regression approach, PSO and PNO provided the best appropriate fit models under this hypothesis, with correlation values of the nth order ranging from 0.443 to 2.122 (excluding 5.847 the non-converged fit value). Prior to thermodynamic analysis, it was confirmed by the IPD with multi-linear graphical characteristics that intra-particle transport was not the only rate-limiting step in adsorption processes and proceeded spontaneously by the This model can be utilized to design a template for LSO surfactant-rock adsorption in chemical flooding schemes for EOR applications.

This study involved a comparative analysis in the groundwater vulnerability domain, which is a crucial component of groundwater management decision support systems (DSS). This was achieved by creating models that covered the range of algorithms from the subjective to the data-driven. The study was conducted in a basement complex area. Databases of climatic, remote sensing, and geophysical datasets were created using varieties of data acquisition techniques. The datasets included in this assessment were: rainfall (R), land use (LU), bedrock topography (BT), recharge rate (Re), and slope (S). The slope and rainfall were determined to have the highest (0.78) and lowest (0.01) weighted factors, respectively, using the entropy method. For the development of the TOPSIS-Entropy model algorithm, the weights results were combined with the TOPSIS outranking method. To generate the Groundwater Vulnerability Model map of the study area, the hybrid model was applied to griddled raster layers of the factors. Also, the TOPSIS and Entropy-WLA model algorithms were also explored and used to generate groundwater vulnerability maps. The TOPSIS-Entropy algorithms produced an accuracy of 70%, while TOPSIS and Entropy-WLA produced accuracy of 50 and 47%, respectively. The resulting model maps were validated by using correlation technique on the produced map and the longitudinal conductance map of the study area. The TOPSIS-Entropy, which followed an object-oriented model pattern, demonstrates greater accuracy and has the potential to provide appropriate insights and alternatives to decision-making in the field of groundwater hydrology in the study area and other regions of the world with comparable geology.

Background: There is a rise in overweight and obesity in Africa. In Nigeria, there are increasing changes in lifestyle and associated increases in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of overweight and obesity, lifestyle practices, and food consumption practices among female adults in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using convenience sampling technique, an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to obtain frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and chi-square test was used to determine association between variables at p

Objectives: Guidelines recommend knee osteoarthritis pain management based on biopsychosocial mechanisms. Treatment adherence and effectiveness may be affected if there is a mismatch between patient perspectives and treatment focus. We therefore examined patient perspectives on mechanisms of their knee pain, why it persisted or changed over the past year, whether their understanding had changed, and whether their understanding aligned with that of others with whom they interact. Methods: Individuals with chronic knee pain (n ​= ​50) were purposively recruited from the Knee Pain and related health In the Community (KPIC) cohort to represent worsened, improved, or unchanged pain or anxiety between baseline and one year later. Framework analysis, a comparative form of thematic analysis, was used across transcripts of semi-structured telephone interviews. Results: Data were collapsed into themes of diagnosis, joint structure, ageing, physical activity, weight management, and treatment. Participants focused on biomechanical rather than psychological pain mechanisms. Some participants attributed pain improvement to increased and others to decreased physical activity. Participants reported no change in their understanding of their pain during the preceding year, but that their attitudes to pain, for example acceptance, had changed. Participants reported that they and others around them lacked understanding of their pain and why it did or did not change. Conclusion: People report a predominantly biomechanical understanding of why their knee pain remains constant or changes over time. Clinicians should support patients to develop a biopsychosocial understanding of knee pain aligned to treatment across the range of biological, psychological, and social modalities.

Vernonia glaberrima leaves are traditionally used to alleviate bodily pain, skin cancer, and other skin-related disorders. The purpose of the study was to investigate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of 5-methylcoumarin-4β-glucoside, a promising chemotherapeutic agent against colon cancer isolated from the leaves of Vernonia glaberrima. 5-methylcoumarin-4β-glucoside was isolated from the methanol leaf extract of Vernonia glaberrima following a previously described method. The acute toxicity study involved a two-phase 24 h observation for signs of mortality and toxicity following single oral dose administration of the isolated compound. For the sub-acute study, four groups of mice, averagely aged eight weeks, were administered graded doses of the compound (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) or vehicle for 28 days. On the 29th day, the mice were fasted, anesthetized, euthanized, then their blood and tissues were harvested for hematological, biochemical and histopathological evaluations. There were no signs of mortality or moribund status with an increasing dose of up to 5000 mg/kg over a 24 h period in the acute study. Also, there was no evidence of toxicity on the biochemical or hematopoietic systems in the sub-acute study (p

Oil rim reservoirs with very large gas caps, strong aquifers, and pay thickness below 30 ft. pose oil production challenges to operators. With best operational practices, very high gas oil ratios are recorded at the initial onset of oil production, thus such reservoirs are subjected to a gas cap blow down leading to an ultimate loss in oil reserves. This loss is attributed to a rapid and drastic drop in pressure over the productive life of the reservoir. To maximize oil production, a simulation study is focused on initiating oil wells at different time intervals and estimating oil recoveries at these points. It is believed that the gas cap would have been blown down in time to accommodate for substantial oil production. This study presents the reservoir data (from the Niger-Delta) that can be incorporated in a black oil reservoir simulator (Eclipse) coupled with best production and optimization strategies (water and gas injection) for maximum oil production during gas cap blow down. The data presented will provide a detailed process developing an oil rim synthetic model, support and enhance further studies in optimizing oil production in oil rims subjected to gas cap blow down, create a template for secondary and enhanced oil recovery processes.

Background: Obesity, a risk factor for breast cancer has been shown to be associated with poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer. Medicinal plants have been used to treat chronic diseases like cancer with little or no side effects. Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is a medicinal plant with anticancer activity. Previous studies on the anticancer potential of V. amygdalina against breast cancer are however entirely in vitro studies. The efficacy of V. amygdalina on obesity-associated breast cancer has also not been investigated in previous studies. This study explored VA’s anti-cancer effects on obesity- and non-obesity-associated 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast tumours in Wistar rats (WRs). Method: Thirty female obese and non-obese WRs were studied, each group divided into six subgroups of five. At the 7th postnatal week (p.w), three subgroups were given a subcutaneous injection of DMBA to the breast with two of these three subgroups also commenced on daily oral VA at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg from the 9th p.w. Same doses of VA were administered to two of the subgroups that did not receive DMBA while the last subgroup was placed on placebo from the 9th p.w. Haematoxylin and eosin staining were carried out on the excised breast tumours to evaluate general histoarchitecture, while immunohistochemistry was done for oestrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. ANOVA and Mann-Whitney followed by posthoc tests were used to analyse the data. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: While the DMBA-induced tumours were triple-negative in the obese WRs, they were ER, PR HER2-positive in the non-obese group. Vernonia amygdalina was associated with a reduction in cancer cell proliferation in both obese and non-obese groups despite the differences in immunohistochemical profiles of the tumours. Vernonia amygdalina was associated with reversal of the increased ER, PR and HER2 expressions in the breast tumours of the non-obese rats. Conclusions: Conclusively, VA had more therapeutic effects on DMBA-induced breast tumours in the non-obese than obese WRs.

Chicken eggs are extremely fragile and require protective packaging for handling, storage and delivery. Paper egg tray, the most globally acceptable package for eggs, is often imported, costly and scarce in Nigeria due to difficulties in procurement and management of standard machines for trays' local production. Therefore, this study was intended to locally develop and evaluate the performance of a low-cost paper egg tray-making machine to ease the local production and distribution of paper egg trays in Nigeria. Using metal scraps as construction materials and a sand-casting method for mould manufacture, a 30-cell paper egg tray-making machine was developed, and its performance was evaluated. Power rating determination of the machine was done using Logger Interface Program. The paper egg trays having dimensions of 300 × 300mm; cell diameter of 35mm; cell depth of 25mm; and wet and dry weights of 298.0 g and 86.0 g, respectively, were produced. The vibration resistance of the manufactured trays was compared with existing oness at a frequency of 5 Hz. The machine of 1.4 Kw power rating and sand-cast aluminum-alloy moulds was developed at a total cost of N76, 720 ($210). The machine could be operated manually with a minimum of one employee, using reciprocating mould movement at a capacity of ten trays per hour. An acceptable paper egg tray was obtained with Chipboard (65.0%) and Newsprint (35.0%) wastepaper mix, fabric-mesh hole-size of ≤ 0.6 mm and pulp slurry of 4.0% consistency. The vibration resistance result showed that the egg failure by the manufactured and existing paper egg trays was moderate and comparable. The machine development could encourage waste management, youth employment, and affordable local paper egg tray manufacture and supply in Nigeria.

The current Covid-19 pandemic has led to the need for more profound research on the digital state in developing nations. As societies aim to adopt technologies, there are critical challenges at hand. The digital divide issue has been luring in modern-day society, particularly the various challenges societies face from harnessing the full benefits that Information and Communication Technology can deliver. Unquestionably, an increase in access to enabling technologies has great potential to close the disparities between social groups. This paper presents the results of a systematic review based on the PRISMA protocol that aims to investigate the digital transforming challenges encountered in rural communities within South Africa. The systematic review was conducted using a comprehensive selection of scientific databases as reference sources, allowing access to several related studies. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined and applied to each retrieved article to choose those that satisfy the current study. From 233 retrieved articles, 32 were included. To further understand the main causes of these challenges, three major problems were identified: socio-economic, technology, and politics. Each of the 32 articles was critically studied to understand their findings before grouping them under any of the identified categories. Based on our findings, we highlighted other key challenges and recommendations to enhance ICT adoption and integration into rural areas in South Africa.

Purpose: Phyto-active components of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Gongronema latifolium was investigated against microbial contaminants in water for possible novel antimicrobial usage in water treatment. Method: Crude ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Gongronema latifolium were prepared and screened for antimicrobial and phytochemical profiles using standard methods. Results: Crude extracts of the different plant examined selectively comprised saponins, tannins, reducing sugars, anthraquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids, phlobatanins and alkaloids. All plant extracts showed broad spectrum antibiosis against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp, S. pneumoniae and B. cereus, as well as A. niger, A. flavus, Trichoderma sp and Candida sp. Chloroform extracts compared well than ethyl acetate extracts. Conclusion: This work represents the first report to direct the possible application of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Gongronema latifolium to potential application in water. Overall results revealed that antimicrobial activities are dose and plant dependent. Noteworthy is the comparatively greater antimicrobial activity of crude extracts over commercial antibiotics used at the concentration of extracts tested. These plants can therefore serve as a potent source of natural water disinfectant.

Thermal properties of tar sand are useful parameters in planning its thermal recovery. These properties that are usually measured in-situ are reconfirm through the laboratory sample measurement, which shows any alteration, errors or uncertainties that might have been experienced during the sample collection process.Repeating this measurements procedure on the field and laboratory could be cumbersome, costly and time consuming (man hours). Therefore, this study set out to investigate the necessity of having both laboratory and field data in determining the thermal properties of Tar sand using the same device. To achieved this, the study compares the in-situ and laboratory measurements of tar sand thermal properties, using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to evaluate the field and laboratory (treatment) effect. Tar sands thermal properties namely; thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat were measured using KD2 Pro thermal analyzer in twelve locations along the tar sand belts in some parts of Southwestern Nigeria. Also, samples were taken at these twelve locations and the same properties were measured in the laboratory using the same thermal analyzer. These thermal properties measured and computed from the field and laboratory are regarded as treatments, while the location points on the field constitute the blocking factor. The responses obtained were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA, and the results showed that measurements could be taken either on the field or in the laboratory, as both measurements are statistically the same. Therefore, judgment on data acquired for these parameters should not be based on accuracy as influenced by the locations where the measurement took place, but instead on other factors such as feasibility, urgency, and cost among others. Keywords: Thermal properties, KD2 Pro, RCBD, Anova

Several more infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged globally since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the discovery of the first D614G variant of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in 2020. Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants have proven to be of major concern out of all the reported variants, considering their influence on the virus' transmissibility and severity. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of mutations on these two variants on stability and molecular interactions between the viral Spike protein and human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (hACE-2). The spike proteins receptor binding domain (RBD) was docked with the hACE-2 using HADDOCK servers. To understand and establish the effects of the mutations on the structural stability and flexibility of the RBD-hACE-2 complex, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of the docked complex was performed and evaluated. The findings from both molecular docking analysis and binding free energy showed that the Omicron (OM) variant has high receptiveness towards hACE-2 versus Delta variant (DT), thereby, responsible for its increase in transmission. The structural stability and flexibility evaluation of variants’ systems showed that mutations on DT and OM variants disturbed the stability of either the spike protein or the RBD-hACE-2 complex, with DT variant having greater instability impact. This study, therefore, assumed this obvious instability observed in DT variant might be associated or responsible for the reported severity in DT variant disease over the OM variant disease. This study provides molecular insight into the effects of OM and DT variants on stability and interactions between SARS-CoV-2 protein and hACE-2.

Fallowing is considered an important management strategy for the restoration of soil productivity. Therefore, a three-year fallow of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) and elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) was established at Landmark University, Nigeria between 2016 – 2019. Leaf nutrient concentrations of maize (Zea mays) planted with soils taken from each fallowed plots after three years were also determined. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were collected from each fallow plots for physical and chemical analysis (bulk density, porosity, moisture content, particle size, dispersion ratio, soil erosion loss, soil organic matter (SOM), total N, available P, exchangeables K, Ca, Mg, CEC and pH.) before and at the end of the experiment. Means of data collected were separated using Tukey's HSD test at p = 0.05. Tithonia fallow improved soil properties and leaf nutrient concentration of maize compared with Pennisetum and Cajanus fallows. The order was Tithonia > Pennisetum > Cajanus. This was adduced to the regular return of plant residues to the soil in Tithonia fallow which resulted in high SOM (Tithonia increased SOM by about 23%, 7.5%, and 20%, respectively, compared with the initial soil, Pennisetum and Cajanus fallows) and increases soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC and pH and also stabilized soil structure by increasing porosity, moisture content and reducing bulk density, dispersion ratio, and soil loss. Therefore, plant species of high nutrient contents and high return of biomass to the soil are necessary for quick restoration of soil productivity in a derived savanna ecology.

The global acquiescence of fruits and vegetables could be linked to their medicinal and nutritional benefits. Despite the breakthrough reported in application of agrochemicals for improving fruit production, reports of chemo-resistance pathogens and health implications have stalled its applications. This led to isolation, identification and the use of plant materials to inhibit pathogenic growth responsible for post-harvest deterioration of watermelon. According to Kosh postulate, Fusarium oxysporum, Streptomyces spp and Aspergillus flavus were isolated from infested watermelon fruits. The ethanolic leaf extracts (18.20± 0.707 mm) displayed significant resistance against the microbes when compared to ethyl acetate extracts (17.20± 0.707 mm) and Nystatin (17.00± 0.707 mm). The findings revealed that A. indica and C. odorata plant extracts could inhibit post-harvest pathogenic fungi in watermelon. Nevertheless, bioactive constituents should be appraised via bioassay guided isolation so as to obtain compounds with significant resistance to post-harvest rotting and novel structural moieties.

Cymbopogon citratus is an aromatic plant of Gramineae family well-known as lemon grass. Cymbopogon is derived from Greek word “kymbe – pogon” which means boat-beard. The lemon-like scent could be ascribed to the existence of a cyclic monoterpene (citral). The herb is a perennial grass, native and distributed in Asia, Africa, South and North America. It contains considerable group of flavonoids, essential oils, phenolic compounds and other phytochemical constituents which possesses pharmacological activities such as anti-obesity, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-nociceptive, anti-oxidants anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory properties which could enhance health. Owing to its volatility and lemon-like aroma, citronella oil is used as deodorants in cosmetics, toiletries, insecticides (bio-pesticide) and spent grass in agriculture, in pharmaceutical and chemical industries it is incorporated in the manufacture of perfumes, fragrances, soaps, detergents, aftershaves, cosmetics and as culinary flavor in food industries. This literature review was tailored to widely investigate the ethnobiological, phytochemical compounds and pharmacological assays in attempt to divulge other plausible therapeutic activities. Keywords: Phytochemical constituents, Citral, Essential oil, Pharmacological activities, Lemon grass

The process of spermatogenesis in human involves three organized biological processes, through which spermatogonia cells undergo mitosis, meiosis and finally differentiation into mature spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis requires a specifically regulated gene expression patterns. The microRNAs are a novel class of post-transcriptional regulators that have been reported to be involved in so many cellular processes including spermatogenesis, in which microRNAs are expressed in a stage-specific manner. Specific microRNAs are involved in the process of spermatogenesis and they have been identified to regulate and renew spermatogonia stem cell as well as been implicated in cancer biology regarding their effect in regulation of some of the cancer/testis genes. Keywords: miRNA, Spermatogenesis, Cancer/testis genes, Spermatocytes, testicular miRNAs

Objective: To assess internal medicine residents’ knowledge of associations between periodontal disease and systemic illnesses, and attitudes toward patients’ periodontal health. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among internal medicine residents attending the Faculty of Internal Medicine 2014 Update Course organized by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Participants came from all over the country. Data on respondents’ demographic characteristics, periodontal disease knowledge, knowledge of associations between periodontal disease and systemic illnesses, and attitudes toward patients’ periodontal health were collected. Data were analyzed using Epi INFO software. The Pearson chi square test was used to measure significant association between categorical variables such as the knowledge of periodontal disease and gender, age group and designation of the participants (p ⩽ 0.05). Results: Of 150 questionnaires distributed, 123 were returned (82% response rate); 109 questionnaires were completed properly and included in the analysis. The most common source of residents’ information on oral health was television (59.4%). Only 11.2% of respondents were aware that gingival bleeding was the earliest sign of periodontal disease. Respondents correctly identified periodontal disease as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (45.9%), stroke (43.5%), hospital-acquired pneumonia (53.2%), diabetes mellitus (13.8%), and preterm birth (11%). Increased age (p = 0.032) and male gender (p = 0.022) were associated significantly with knowledge of periodontal disease as a risk factor for stroke. Higher designation (p = 0.002) and longer duration in residency training (p = 0.004) were associated significantly with knowledge of periodontal disease as risk factor for peripheral arterial disease. The majority (90.9%) of respondents had positive attitudes toward the referral of their patients for regular periodontal care. Conclusions: Knowledge of periodontal disease as a risk factor for systemic illnesses among medical residents in Nigeria is inadequate. These relationships should be emphasized in continuing medical education courses. Keywords: Knowledge, Periodontal disease, Systemic illnesses, Internal medicine residents, Nigeria

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used cytotoxic alkylating agent with antitumor and immunosuppressant properties that is associated with various forms of reproductive toxicity. The significance of natural antioxidants of plant origin should be explored, especially in a world with increasing incidence of patients in need of chemotherapy. The neuro-endocrine effects of aqueous extract of Amaranthus viridis (Linn.) leaf (AEAVL) in Wistar rats with CP-induced reproductive toxicity was determined. Forty rats were used for this study such that graded doses of the extract were administered following CP-induced reproductive toxicity and comparisons were made against control, toxic and standard (vitamin E) groups at p

Summary: Background: The 2010 cholera outbreak in northern Nigeria affected over 40,000 people, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of ≥3.75%. We assessed the emergency response of health care workers (HCWs) involved in case management. Method: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi info software. Results: A total of 56 HCWs were interviewed. The mean age was 31 years (SD ± 8.16 years). The majority of the HCWs (80%; n = 45) were aged 18–39 years. Most were community health extension workers (60%), and 3.6% (n = 2) were medical doctors. Many of the HCWs had less than 2 years of work experience (42%). Additionally, 82% of the respondents had 20 suspected cases of cholera per day. Although 78% of HCWs reported the practice of universal safety precautions, 32% (n = 18) knew HCWs who developed symptoms of cholera during the epidemic, most of which was believed to be hospital acquired (78%). We also found that 77% (n = 43) of HCWs had no access to the required emergency response supplies. Conclusion: Inadequate training, a lack of qualified HCWs and a limited supply of emergency response kits were reported. Therefore, the government and stakeholders should address the gaps noted to adequately control and prevent future epidemics. Keywords: Cholera, Emergency response, Healthcare workers, Nigeria