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Human Immunodeficiency Virus /Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a globally prevalent and deadly sexually transmitted disease that has had a profound impact on human history, causing widespread fatalities and devastating economic consequences. In this model, we presents a four compartmental class of susceptible S(t), symptomatic infective I(t), asymptomatic infective I(t), and full blown AIDS class model for the transmission dynamics of HIV/AIDS in which we considered the significant role that screening played among those who are symptomatic and asymptomatic infective for the disease control and its management. We determined the positivity and boundedness of the model and the existence of its unique solution which showed clearly that the model is epidemiological meaningful and well posed. The disease-free and endemic equilibrium states were identified, and their stability is analyzed which reveals that if the disease free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable and unstable if otherwise. Sensitivity analysis was also carried out using normalized forward sensitivity index and result showed that the recruitment rate and transmission rate is the most sensitive parameter. However, its observed from the numerical simulation that the importance of screening is evident in its ability to detect and reduce the number of asymptomatic infective individuals, which in turn leads to an increase among the symptomatic population highlighting the importance of early detection of their status and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. The susceptible should also exercise caution to avoid interactions with those who are infectious, further reducing the risk of transmission.

BackgroundIt is unknown if early COVID-19 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy can reduce risk of Long COVID. The mAbs amubarvimab/romlusevimab were previously demonstrated to reduce risk of hospitalization/death by 79%. This study assessed the impact of amubarvimab/romlusevimab on late outcomes, including Long COVID.MethodsNon-hospitalized high-risk adults within 10 days of COVID-19 symptom onset enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2/3 trial of amubarvimab/romlusevimab for COVID-19 treatment. Late symptoms, assessed using a participant-completed symptom diary, were a pre-specified exploratory endpoint. The primary outcome for this analysis was the composite of Long COVID by participant self-report (presence of COVID-19 symptoms as recorded in the diary at week 36) or hospitalization or death by week 36. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to address incomplete outcome ascertainment, giving weighted risk ratios (wRR) comparing amubarvimab/romlusevimab to placebo.FindingsParticipants received amubarvimab/romlusevimab (n = 390) or placebo (n = 390) between January and July 2021. Median age was 49 years, 52% were female, 18% Black/African American, 49% Hispanic/Latino, and 9% COVID-19-vaccinated at entry. At week 36, 103 (13%) had incomplete outcome ascertainment, and 66 (17%) on amubarvimab/romlusevimab and 92 (24%) on placebo met the primary outcome (wRR = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-0.93). The difference was driven by fewer hospitalizations/deaths with amubarvimab/romlusevimab (4%) than placebo (13%). Among 652 participants with available diary responses, 53 (16%) on amubarvimab/romlusevimab and 44 (14%) on placebo reported presence of Long COVID.InterpretationAmubarvimab/romlusevimab treatment, while highly effective in preventing hospitalizations/deaths, did not reduce risk of Long COVID. Additional interventions are needed to prevent Long COVID.FundingNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health. Amubarvimab and romlusevimab supplied by Brii Biosciences.

Abstract Purpose The study investigated the effects of poultry and goat manures on the kinetics of potassium fixation and release in some sandy loam and loamy soils of Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods The treatments consisted of poultry and goat manures applied at 25 g and 100 g/5 kg soil set in completely randomized design with three replicates. Potassium fixation and release kinetics were computed from the analytical data. Results Experimental soils was sandy, slightly acidic, low in nutrients with 80% fixed potassium. However, manure application resulted in 74% reduction of the amount of K fixed by the soils. Elovich and power functions had the best fit for K released in soils treated with goat manure. The K release pattern in poultry manure-amended soil is best described by the parabolic diffusion, Elovich, and power functions, while the first-order equation described K release in soils treated with cattle manure. The potassium release rate constant correlated positively with K uptake. Conclusion The ability of the studied soils to fixed K was reduced with the application of organic manures. Potassium fixation decreased with increase in organic manure rates, 100 g/5 kg soil tends to be the optimum rate, and poultry manure had greater effect on the fixing and releasing power of K.

IntroductionPostpartum health is in crisis in the United States, with rising pregnancy-related mortality and worsening racial inequities. The World Health Organization recommends four postpartum visits during the 6 weeks after childbirth, yet standard postpartum care in the United States is generally one visit 6 weeks after birth. We present community midwifery postpartum care in the United States as a model concordant with World Health Organization guidelines, describing this model of care and its potential to improve postpartum health for birthing people and babies.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 34 community midwives providing care in birth centers and home settings in Oregon and California. A multidisciplinary team analyzed data using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 24 participants were Certified Professional Midwives; 10 were certified nurse-midwives. A total of 14 midwives identified as people of color. Most spoke multiple languages. We describe six key elements of the community midwifery model of postpartum care: (1) multiple visits, including home visits; typically five to eight over six weeks postpartum; (2) care for the parent-infant dyad; (3) continuity of personalized care; (4) relationship-centered care; (5) planning and preparation for postpartum; and (6) focus on postpartum rest.ConclusionThe community midwifery model of postpartum care is a guideline-concordant approach to caring for the parent-infant dyad and may address rising pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality in the United States.

Teacher education in Nigeria today is highly recognized as the foundation of the nation's educational system, which contributes significantly to the development of other sectors in the nation's economy. The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Nigeria in the last twelve months has adversely affected teacher education programmes in Nigeria leading to suspension of academic and research activities in the institutions as a result of nation-wide lock down for seven months. This study specifically focuses on how Nigeria aims at achieving a buoyant and efficient economy and accelerated transformation through the production of high quality and well-motivated teachers for all levels of education by integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), into teacher education programmes. The study examined the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on teacher education programmes in Nigeria and justified the inevitable need for integrating ICT into teacher programmes. It also identified the challenges of ICT utilization in teacher education programmes in Nigeria. It was recommended among others that the stakeholders must endeavour to provide the teacher education institutions with modern ICT tools and facilities for effective teaching, learning, conducting research and dissemination of information in the institutions, so as to achieve the lofty goals of teacher education in Nigeria.

Ferroptosis is implicated in viral neuropathogenesis and may underlie HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Emerging data also suggest differences in brain iron transport by sex. We hypothesized that circulating ferritins that inhibit ferroptosis associate with neurocognitive function and NCI in people with HIV (PWH) in a sex-biased manner. Serum ferritin heavy-chain-1 (FTH1), ferritin light-chain (FTL), and urinary F2-isoprostanes (uF2-isoPs, specific lipid peroxidation marker) were quantified in 324 PWH (including 61 women) with serial global (NPZ-4) and domain-specific neurocognitive testing. Biomarker associations with neurocognitive test scores and NCIs were evaluated by multivariable regression; correlations with uF2-isoPs were also assessed. Higher FTL and FTH1 levels were associated with less NCI in all PWH (adjusted odds ratios 0.53, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.36-0.79 and 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.97, respectively). In women, higher FTL and FTH1 were also associated with better NPZ-4 (FTL adjusted beta (β) = 0.15, 95% CI 0.02-0.29; FTL-by-sex βinteraction = 0.32, p = 0.047) and domain-specific neurocognitive test scores. Effects on neurocognitive performance persisted for up to 5 years. Levels of both ferritins correlated inversely with uF2-isoPs in women (FTL: rho = -0.47, p < 0.001). Circulating FTL and FTH1 exert sustained, sex-biased neuroprotective effects in PWH, possibly by protecting against iron-mediated lipid peroxidation (ferroptosis). Larger studies are needed to confirm the observed sex differences and further delineate the underlying mechanisms.

This study investigates the potential link between cancer incidence and trace elements and heavy metals intake from locally grown vegetables in Ondo West and Ondo East Local Government Areas of Ondo Stae, Nigeria. It builds on a 2019 study by Adeola and colleagues, which identified a significantly higher cancer incidence in Ondo West compared to Ondo East, with rates three times higher. Five commonly consumed vegetables—Solanum macrocarpon, Talinum triangulare, Amaranthus hybridus, Telfairia occidentalis, and Vernonia amygdalina— were sampled from 47 locations across both regions. The samples were oven-dried, digested, and analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to determine the mean concentrations of essential trace elements (magnesium, manganese, and zinc) and toxic heavy metals (lead and cadmium). The estimated daily intake (EDI), daily intake (DI), and chronic daily intake (CDI) were calculated and used to assess the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), non-cancer hazard quotient (HQ), and non-cancer health index (HI). Contributions to the recommended daily intake of magnesium, manganese, and zinc through vegetable consumption were 12.65%, 40.8%, and 9.6%, respectively, in Ondo West, and 13.7%, 47.7%, and 10.58%, respectively, in Ondo East. The total non-cancer health indices were 0.90 and 0.92 for Ondo West and Ondo East, respectively, indicating no significant non-cancer health risks from consuming these vegetables. However, the ILCR values were calculated as 0.000293 for Ondo West and 0.000416 for Ondo East, exceeding the threshold of 1.0 × 10⁻⁵, suggesting a potential cancer risk. Despite this finding, the study could not account for the notably higher cancer prevalence in Ondo West.

Thermal explosions in reactive flows present an important risk to industrial engineering systems, where uncontrolled exothermic reactions can compromise safety and operational integrity. This study investigates the theoretical solutions related to thermal runaway and heat transport in a branch-chain bifurcation scenario influenced by hydromagnetic Powell–Eyring fluid flow. By incorporating factors such as current density and variable properties, we aim to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of industrial operations, thus contributing to the development of more robust and sustainable systems. Notably, the fluid is characterized by active exothermic behavior under bimolecular kinetics, challenging traditional material assumptions. Utilizing a spectral collocation scheme alongside exact solutions, we derive critical parameters, including flow velocity, current density, bifurcation branch-chain criticality, entropy generation rate, and heat propagation. Our findings reveal that increased electric field conductivity significantly enhances the current density along the channel walls, driven by the combined effects of the Frank–Kamenetskii term and electric field loading. Furthermore, understanding thermal explosions and branched-chain reactions is essential for preventing engine failures, underscoring the practical implications of this research in industrial contexts.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, and three-quarters of the world’s deaths from CVDs occur in low- and middle-income countries. Improving spatial access to care facilities is a way of reducing the disease burden through early detection and treatment. Determining the number of facilities to provide and the locations in order to improve accessibility is central to healthcare facility planning. The maximal covering location problem (MCLP) was used in the identification and determination of where to place additional CVD treatment facilities in Lagos State for better accessibility. The primary objective of this study was to optimize the placement of CVD facilities to maximize coverage for both patients and non-patients alike. The optimization model utilized data on the population of Lagos State, the locations of CVD patients, the location of existing CVD care facilities, and the locations of general hospitals (GHs) within the state. The MCLP implementation was carried out using the maxcovr. The results of the models indicated that the addition of two facilities at the Isolo and Ile-Epo GHs would enhance CVD patient coverage from 70 to 87.4%, reducing the average travel distance from 9,038 to 6,466 m. Similarly, the introduction of two facilities at the Ikorodu and Ajegunle GHs improved population coverage from 40.3 to 70.8%, reducing the average travel distance of 18,788 m by over 5,000 m. These findings are expected to offer valuable insights for public health decision-makers who face the challenge of prioritizing limited budgets.

Abstract In a 28-day incubation study, ball milling technologies were applied to enhance the sorptive and functional properties of pristine biochar. The effect of ball-milled (BM) biochar, neem seed cake, and their co-amendment was evaluated on nitrification, ammonia (NH3) volatilization, and the abundance of nitrifying microbial communities in three contrasting tropical soils of different pH (acidic, neutral, and alkaline). The amendments were applied at 2% dry w/w to soils fertilized with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). Results showed that in neutral and alkaline soils, the co-amendment led to a 40% and 64% increase in NH3 volatilization, respectively, compared to control due to significant ammonium (NH4 +) retention and temporary nitrification inhibition. Conversely, in acidic soil, BM biochar and neem seed cake amplified nitrification by 23% and 62%, respectively, compared to sole amendments, while neem seed cake increased NH3 volatilization by 56% compared to BM biochar + neem seed cake due to NH4 + retention, altered soil pH, and changes in nitrifying microbial community. The abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and complete ammonia oxidizers (Comammox) was altered by changes in soil pH and N availability modulated by BM biochar and neem seed cake. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between soil organic matter (SOM), NH4 +, and NO3 − on the abundance of nitrifying microorganisms. The study affirms the efficacy of BM biochar-neem seed cake co-amendment on nitrification inhibition but indicates potential N losses by NH3 volatilization depending on soil type, highlighting the need for soil type-specific management strategies to optimize N retention while minimizing environmental impacts.

Effective keyboarding skills are essential for success in office management roles. However, concerns remain about the declining practical mastery of keyboarding among Office Technology and Management (OTM) students in polytechnics in Southwest Nigeria. This study examines the effectiveness of cooperative learning strategies in addressing this issue. Using a quasi-experimental design with a 3x2x2 factorial matrix, 325 ND I OTM students were exposed to three instructional strategies (cooperative learning, gamification, and conventional demonstration), with two moderating variables (gender and locus of control). The results reveal a significant effect of the instructional strategy on keyboarding achievement (F(2,225) = 48.731, p < 0.05), with cooperative learning demonstrating notable effectiveness. Neither gender (F(1,209) = 0.986, p > 0.05) nor locus of control (F(2,255) = 0.426, p > 0.05) showed a significant impact on achievement. These findings suggest that integrating cooperative learning strategies with conventional methods can enhance the keyboarding skills of OTM students, contributing to their overall growth in office technology and management.

The problem of teaching styles of teachers in the science arm of secondary schools in Nigeria has been a subject of concern and discuss. Many studies have been carried out to investigate factors that affect teaching styles but very few have considered the role of high-stakes tests. This study, therefore, investigated the influence of high-stakes tests on the teaching styles of science teachers in senior secondary schools in Nigeria. Two research questions were raised and answered, and three hypotheses were formulated and tested to guide the study at a 0.05 level of significance. The study used a descriptive research design. A sample of 6349 students and teachers was utilized for the study. The research instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire titled: High-stakes and Teaching Styles Questionnaire (HSTSQ). The instrument was subjected to face and content validity; Cronbach Alpha reliability analysis yielded a 0.84 coefficient. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and independent t-test statistics. The results using multiple regression revealed that significant influence exists for the independent variable (high-stakes tests, r = 0.408, p < 0.05). The mean difference in the opinions of the respondents regarding high-stakes tests was higher for teachers ([X-bar] = 53.63, SD = 6.77) than students ([X-bar] = 52.8904, SD = 7.55), t[subscript (6347)] = -2.704, p > 0.05, F = 1.322, p = 0.250), and there was a significant difference. In conclusion, high-stakes test factors have a significant influence on the teaching styles of teachers. Therefore, it is recommended among others, that teachers and educators should pay attention to the effects of high-stakes testing in their schools.

BackgroundWith the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants resistant to monoclonal antibody therapies and limited global access to therapeutics, the evaluation of novel therapeutics to prevent progression to severe COVID-19 remains a critical need.MethodsSafety, clinical and antiviral efficacy of inhaled interferon-β1a (SNG001) were evaluated in a phase II randomized controlled trial on the ACTIV-2/A5401 platform (ClinicalTrials.govNCT04518410). Adult outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within 10 days of symptom onset were randomized and initiated either orally inhaled nebulized SNG001 given once daily for 14 days (n = 110) or blinded pooled placebo (n = 110) between February 10 and August 18, 2021.FindingsThe proportion of participants reporting premature treatment discontinuation was 9% among SNG001 and 13% among placebo participants. There were no differences between participants who received SNG001 or placebo in the primary outcomes of treatment emergent Grade 3 or higher adverse events (3.6% and 8.2%, respectively), time to symptom improvement (median 13 and 9 days, respectively), or proportion with unquantifiable nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RNA at days 3 (28% [26/93] vs. 39% [37/94], respectively), 7 (65% [60/93] vs. 66% [62/94]) and 14 (91% [86/95] vs. 91% [83/81]). There were fewer hospitalizations with SNG001 (n = 1; 1%) compared with placebo (n = 7; 6%), representing an 86% relative risk reduction (p = 0.07). There were no deaths in either arm.InterpretationIn this trial, SNG001 was safe and associated with a non-statistically significant decrease in hospitalization for COVID-19 pneumonia.FundingThe ACTIV-2 platform study is funded by the NIH. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number UM1 AI068634, UM1 AI068636 and UM1 AI106701. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

BackgroundCamostat inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in vitro. We studied the safety and efficacy of camostat in ACTIV-2/A5401, a phase 2/3 platform trial of therapeutics for COVID-19 in nonhospitalized adults.MethodsWe conducted a phase 2 study in adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 randomized to oral camostat for 7 days or a pooled placebo arm. Primary outcomes were time to improvement in COVID-19 symptoms through day 28, proportion of participants with SARS-CoV-2 RNA below the lower limit of quantification (LLoQ) from nasopharyngeal swabs through day 14, and grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) through day 28.ResultsOf 216 participants (109 randomized to camostat, 107 to placebo) who initiated study intervention, 45% reported ≤5 days of symptoms at study entry and 26% met the protocol definition of higher risk of progression to severe COVID-19. Median age was 37 years. Median time to symptom improvement was 9 days in both arms (P = .99). There were no significant differences in the proportion of participants with SARS-CoV-2 RNA ConclusionsIn a phase 2 study of nonhospitalized adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, oral camostat did not accelerate viral clearance or time to symptom improvement, or reduce hospitalizations or deaths. Clinical Trials Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04518410.

INTRODUCTION: Food insecurity negatively impacts public health and costs the U.S. healthcare system $53 billion annually. Immigrants are at higher risk of food insecurity. We sought to (1) characterize the prevalence of food insecurity among immigrants (i.e., noncitizens and naturalized citizens) and U.S.-born citizens and (2) determine whether Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program utilization and income-poverty ratio levels impact the relationship between immigration status and food insecurity. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the odds of food insecurity (dependent variables) using nationally representative data from the 2019-2020 National Health Interview Survey. Independent variables included immigration status, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program utilization, income-poverty ratio, and other important demographics. AORs with their 95% CIs are reported. Analysis was conducted in 2022. RESULTS: After controlling for independent variables, noncitizens had 1.28 (95% CI=1.02, 1.61) times higher odds of food insecurity than U.S.-born citizens. There was no food insecurity disparity between naturalized citizens and U.S.-born citizens. However, the association between immigration status and food insecurity varied significantly at different levels of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program utilization and income-poverty ratio. There were no food insecurity disparities between immigrants and U.S.-born citizens when they utilized the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and when they had an income below 200% federal poverty level. Noncitizens who did not utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or those with an income above 200% federal poverty level were more likely to report food insecurity than their U.S.-born counterparts (AOR=1.32, 95% CI=1.01, 1.73 and AOR=1.88, 95% CI=1.24, 2.86, respectively). Moreover, naturalized citizens with an income above 200% federal poverty level were also more likely to report food insecurity than their U.S.-born counterparts (AOR=1.61, 95% CI=1.21, 2.14). CONCLUSIONS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program utilization may likely eliminate food insecurity disparities among immigrants and U.S.-born citizens. However, among non-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program utilizers, significant food insecurity disparities remained between noncitizens and U.S.-born citizens after adjusting for independent variables. In addition, among individuals with incomes above 200% federal poverty level, significant food insecurity disparities were observed between immigrants and U.S.-born citizens. More research is needed to further understand the role that fear of deportation, ineligibility or lack of awareness about eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other factors such as structural racism play in food insecurity disparities between immigrants and U.S.-born citizens.