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Ever since the Taiwanese government introduced the giant freshwater shrimp (GFS) (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) to Saint Lucia in the 1980s, its production has increased significantly. This production although has contributed significantly to the well-being of local farmers and the gross domestic product of Saint Lucia, its productivity is however threatened by challenges such as scarcity and high cost of live feed (nauplii from Anemia sp.), poor funding, insufficient and substandard hatcheries, poor infrastructures, high mortality rate of postlarvae due to adverse climate, diseases, and knowledge gap between researchers and local farmers (inadequate extension services). Among these challenges, the total reliance on scarce and expensive live feeds (nauplii from Anemia sp.) is the most crucial . Therefore increasing production costs is of the utmost importance and requires urgent attention. Although it would not be possible to completely substitute nauplii, combining it with other inexpensive, readily accessible, and locally sourced feed components is paramount. As evident in postlarvae-producing countries, alternative diets have been compounded and fed in place of nauplii to lower production costs without any negative impact on the general performance of GFS postlarvae being recorded. This could be adopted and replicated in the production of GFS postlarvae in Saint Lucia because most of the ingredients such as powdered fishmeal, duckweed, moringa leaf, freshwater daphnia and rotifers, and microalgae are readily available and accessible within the country. KEY WORDS: Aquaculture, Anemia, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, feed, production, shrimp, INTRODUCTION The growth of aquaculture in the Caribbean has been characterized as slow but steady since the introduction of tilapia culture in the early 1960s (Largo et al. 2020). More [...]

It is crucial to find ways to employ less expensive conventional materials in fish farming to lower production costs without adversely affecting the general performance of the fish. Consequently, certain neglected plants, such as goat weed leaves that have been reported to have the potential to serve as a partial substitute for maize (energy source) must be considered. Therefore, this research evaluated the effects of partially replacing maize with goat weed leaf meal (Ageratum conyzoides) (GWLM) on the growth, haematology, and serum enzyme indices of Clarias gariepinus. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted with a total of 500 juveniles with an average weight of 13.7 g. After sterilizing the fish in a mixture of potassium permanganate and water to reduce stress, a one-week acclimatisation period was ensured using commercial feed (2 mm). Subsequently, the juveniles were randomly stocked in quadruplets of 25 fish per culture tank measuring 1.2 m x 1.2 m x 0.9 m each (labelled Ai-iv, Bi-iv, Ci-iv, Di-iv, and Ei-iv) based on the number of repetition and the diet to be fed. A total of five (5) different diets with varying levels of dietary inclusion (A: 0%, B: 2%, C: 4%, D: 6%, and E: 8%) of goat weed leaf meal (GWLM) as a partial replacement for maize were formulated to contain a minimum crude protein level of 40%. The test diets were administered twice daily (7:00 hrs. and 18:00 hrs.) and the sampled fish were adequately fed (5% body weight) with proper follow-up to monitor feeding behaviour. The data collected from the research were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the SPSS version 23 analysis package. Furthermore, a Duncan multiple-range test was employed to separate the means. There were notable (p < 0.05) variations in various parameters (proximate composition, digestibility of nutrients, growth performance, haematological and serological profiles, and water quality) observed in all treatments as the inclusion of the test ingredient in the diet increased. However, as the inclusion levels of the test ingredient increased above 4%, a steady decline was observed between treatments. At a 4% dietary inclusion level, the best performance indices (weight gained (36.52g), feed conversion ratio (2.15), specific growth rate (2.31) and survival rate (95%)), and blood profile (haematology and serum enzyme indices) were observed. Therefore, a 4% replacement of maize using goat weed leaf meal (GWLM) in the diet is suitable for an optimum performance of African catfish.

Abstract Background Paediatric solid tumours, both benign and malignant, present significant health challenges, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where comprehensive data is limited. This study aims to elucidate the prevalence, distribution, and treatment outcomes of paediatric solid neoplasms in a tertiary hospital in South-East Nigeria over a seven-year period. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. Clinical details and histological slides of confirmed cases from January 2016 to December 2022 were reviewed. Data extraction focused on socio-demographic variables and treatment outcomes, analysed using statistical methods. Results The study included 293 children diagnosed with solid tumours (58.1% malignant, 41.9% benign), with a female predominance (61.8%). The median age at diagnosis was 12 years. Fibroadenoma was the most common benign tumour (61.8% of benign cases), while non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the predominant malignant tumour (18.2% of malignant cases). Treatment abandonment rates differed significantly between benign (13.8%) and malignant (51.2%) tumours. Significant associations were found between treatment outcomes and factors such as gender (p = 0.0001 for benign tumours), age category (p = 0.0001 for benign tumours), and specific diagnoses (p = 0.0001 for both benign and malignant tumours). Conclusion This study underscores the substantial burden of paediatric solid tumours in South-East Nigeria and highlights the critical need for improved treatment adherence strategies, particularly for malignant cases. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions based on tumour type, age, and gender. These insights can inform future research, policy formulation, and healthcare strategies aimed at enhancing the management and outcomes of paediatric solid neoplasms in resource-limited settings.

Background: Menorrhagia affects 18 million women globally aged 30–55 years and poses a significant health concern. This study assessed the coagulation profile of pregnant women with bleeding problems who were screened for von Willebrand Disease (VWD). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 pregnant women from the Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Enugu State University Teaching Hospitals. Forty-five age-matched nonpregnant women served as controls. Blood samples were collected for coagulation studies, complete blood counts, and measurement of von Willebrand factor parameters. Data were collected from January 2021 to August 2022, and bleeding severity was assessed using the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis-Bleeding Assessment Tool. Categorical variables are represented as frequencies and percentages. The Kruskal–Wallis test and descriptive statistics were performed for continuous variables. Dunn’s multiple comparison test was performed for the groups, whereas the Mann–Whitney U test was used for the two groups. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Postpartum hemorrhage (38%) was the most prevalent symptom. Levels of VWF: Ag, FVIII, and VWF:CB increased as pregnancy progressed but were significantly lower in pregnant women with a history of bleeding. A low FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio (

Background Cancers, with increasing incidence and mortality rates, constitute a leading public health problem in Nigeria. As the burden of cancer in Nigeria increases, research and quality service delivery remain critical strategies for improved cancer control across the continuum of care. This study contextualizes the challenges and gaps in oncology research and practice in Nigeria, and presents recommendations to address the gaps. Methods This qualitative study was conducted among interprofessional and interdisciplinary stakeholders in oncology healthcare practice and research in academic settings, between July and September 2021. Key-informant interviews were held with six stakeholders and leaders in nursing, pharmacy, and medicine across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, and twenty-four in-depth interviews with early- or mid-career researchers or healthcare professionals involved in cancer prevention and treatment were conducted. The data were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis approach and coded using the NVIVO 12 software. Results Five sub-themes were identified as major challenges to oncology research, including poor funding, excessive workload, interprofessional rivalry, weak collaboration, and denial of cancer diagnosis by patients. Challenges identified for oncology practice were poor governance and financing, high costs of oncology treatments, poor public awareness of cancer, workforce shortage, and interprofessional conflicts. Recommended strategies for addressing these challenges were improved financing of oncology research and practice by government and relevant stakeholders, increasing interest of medical, nursing, and pharmaceutical students in oncology research through curricula-based approach and mentorship, increased oncology workforce, and improved intra- and inter-professional collaboration. Conclusion These data highlight the challenges and barriers in oncology practice and research in Nigeria, and underscore the urgent need for increased investments in infrastructure to provide interdisciplinary and interprofessional research training for high-quality care. Only then can Nigeria effectively tackle the current and impending cancer burden in the country.

PURPOSEThe incidence of GI cancers is increasing in sub-Saharan African countries. We described the oncological care pathway and assessed presentation, diagnosis, and treatment intervals and delays among patients with GI cancer who presented to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.METHODSWe analyzed data from 545 patients with GI cancer in the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) database. We defined presentation interval as the interval between symptom onset and presentation to tertiary hospital, diagnostic interval as between presentation and diagnosis, and treatment interval as between diagnosis and initiation of treatment. We considered >3 months, >1 month, and >1 month to be presentation, diagnosis, and treatment delays, respectively. We compared lengths of intervals using Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression.RESULTSThe most frequent cancer types were pancreatic (32%) and colorectal (28%). Most patients presented at stages III (38%) and IV (30%). The median presentation interval was 84 days (IQR, 56-191), and 49% presented after 3 months or longer. The median diagnosis and treatment intervals were 0 (IQR, 0-8) and 7 (IQR, 0-23) days, respectively. There was no relationship between age, sex, education, or distance to tertiary hospital and presentation delay, but patients with stage III to IV versus I to II had higher odds of presentation delay (odds ratio [OR], 1.68 [95% CI, 1.13 to 2.50]). Among patients with pancreatic cancer, older patients were less likely to have a diagnosis delay (OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.25 to 0.98]).CONCLUSIONAbout half of patients with GI cancer in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, did not present to tertiary hospitals until more than 90 days after noticing symptoms. Efforts are warranted to improve public knowledge of GI cancer symptoms and to strengthen health systems for prompt diagnosis and referral to specialty care.

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been suggested to predispose to osteoarthritis (OA) leading to T2DM-induced OA. Hence this study aims to develop an experimental model for T2DM-induced OA in order to advance research on diabetes-osteoarthritis conditions. Male Wistar rats (N=40) were divided into control and experimental T2DM group. T2DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Rats with fasting blood glucose levels >200 mg/dL on day 4 post-induction were considered diabetic. Glucose levels were subsequently monitored on days 7, 14, 21, 28 post-induction. Feasible osteoarthritis markers; joint swelling diameter, gait test (Stride length and paw dimension), arthritis index, histological evaluations and MANKIN osteoarthritis scores were done; Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and Bonferroni post-hoc test, p < 0.05. Data obtained from T2DM group showed significantly higher blood glucose levels on days 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 compared with controls. T2DM group experienced increased joint swelling, arthritis index, and decreased stride length, paw width, and paw area. Histological analysis revealed significant knee joint deterioration, including synovium derangement, cartilage abnormalities, and higher MANKIN osteoarthritis scores in the T2DM group compared to controls. This study shows an experimental T2DM-induced OA model in Wistar rats with signs and symptoms consistent with diabetes-induced osteoarthritis in human.

Background: Violent asphyxia is mechanical obstruction, resulting in generalized hypoxia, and can result in death of the victim. Case report: A 28-year-old non-asthmatic male presented with a day history of difficulty in breathing. He also had a history of aspiration of some unknown drugs (one of them together with the plastic foil) two weeks prior to presentation. On the second day of admission, he became restless, slumped and died. A post mortem examination showed a drug plastic foil imparted in a lacerated infraglottic portion of the larynx. The cause of death was concluded as violent asphyxia (choking), due to drug plastic foil impaction. Conclusion: In addition to the numerous list of materials that can cause FBI is drug plastic foil. if not removed on time causes impaction and laryngeal laceration, laryngeal spasms, laryngotracheobronchitis, vagal inhibition asphyxia and death.

The performance of Colossoma macropomum subjected to a six-month feeding trial using duckweed (Lemna minor) and fish visceral as partial replacements for soybean meal and fishmeal respectively was evaluated in this study. A total of one thousand five hundred (1500) nearly same sizes (average size 45 g) juveniles of C. macropomum were sourced from the nearby research man-made lake and subjected to proper acclimatisation for two weeks prior to the commencement of the feeding trial. One hundred (100) juveniles per experimental pond (EP) were stocked in triplicate with EPi-iii0% (control), EPi-iii25%, EPi-iii50%, EPi-iii75%, and EPi-iii100%. The formulated diets with varying dietary inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of duckweed as a substitute for soybean meal, and at the same levels, fish visceral meal was used as a substitute for fishmeal. The formulated diets were fed to the experimental fishes on a twice-daily schedule (7 am and 5:30 pm). The control diet contained the conventional protein sources (fishmeal and soybean) while the other diets had fish visceral and duckweed as dietary replacements for fishmeal and soybean, respectively. A biweekly sampling of growth parameters such as body weight was carried out on twenty (20) randomly selected juveniles from each EP and data collected from the feeding trial was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) (SPSS version 26) while Duncan's multiple ranges test distinguished the means at p < 0.05 significant level. The highest value for mean body weight gain at 6 months was observed at a 50% dietary inclusion level of the test ingredients (1411.7 g), while at a 100% inclusion level, the lowest value was recorded (1213.6 g). Water quality parameters sampled were within the acceptable standards indicating no adverse effect of the test ingredients on the culture medium. In general, no adverse effect was recorded across treatments. Conclusively, C. macropomum culture in Nigeria using the test diets at a 50% dietary inclusion level to replace the conventional protein sources is feasible and can help improve fish availability and sustainability through species diversification and reduced production cost since the test ingredients are obtained at minimal cost from fish traders (fish visceral) and fallow earthen ponds (duckweed).

To ascertain the comparative effects of ripe and unripe Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) on spermatozoa and gonadosomatic index evaluation in matured male Wistar rats; exploring the idea that both ripe and unripe Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) might or might not positively affect semen quality, crucial for male fertility. Twenty-eight (28) sexually mature male Wister rats, aged 9–10 weeks and weighing between 211.50g and 217.00g, were divided equally into seven groups (1 to 7); with Group 1 serving as the control and Groups 2 to 7 receiving 25%, 50%, and 75% concentrations of ripe lime juice (RLJ) and unripe lime juice (ULJ) respectively. The findings indicated that ULJ had a higher concentration (0.1mg/ml) compared to ripe lime RLJ at 0.08mg/ml, although both had approximately the same LD50 value of 1581.138mg/kg. RLJ, at different concentrations, adversely impacted the reproductive performance of rats, leading to decreased progressive motility, livability, sperm count, testicular size, and sexual drive. However, ULJ did not exhibit these effects. A 75% concentration of RLJ showed anti-prostatic activity, causing a reduction in prostate size, which was more pronounced than that of the same ULJ concentration. Importantly, both RLJ and ULJ did not have a significant impact on the sizes of the liver, spleen, heart, kidneys, and lungs, with these visceral organs maintaining normal sizes comparable to the control group (statistically, p>0.05).The findings suggest that RLJ or ULJ consumption, particularly at the highest concentration, may lead to alterations in reproductive performance, hence such consumption should be discouraged.

Background: Skin tumors consist of neoplastic lesions that affect the integumentary system which includes skin, hair, nails, and related muscles and glands. Diagnosis of these lesions can be a dilemma for both physicians and pathologists. Tumors of the skin are more heterogeneous than those of any other organ in the body, and this is a result of varying types of cells which can give rise to both benign and malignant skin lesions. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this is to audit the histopathological patterns of skin tumors seen in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, South-East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: All cases of skin tumors diagnosed in the center within the study period of January 2013 to December 2022 were retrieved from the archives of the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory, NAUTH. Histology slides of the cases that met the inclusion criteria were carefully reviewed. Then, tissue blocks for those diagnosed as malignant skin tumors, were sent for immunohistochemistry. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Results: There were a total of 206 cases that met the inclusion criteria, 103 males (50.0%) and 103 females (50.0%). The most common tumor as seen in the study is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (19%), with the least common being cylindroma, sebaceoma, and trichoepithelioma (1% each). The peak age incidence is in the third decade. The anatomic site most affected by the tumors is the head-and-neck region (78%) followed by the lower-limb region (66%) and the least affected is the anogenital region (25%). Immunohistochemistry showed a 100% correlation for the malignant skin tumors. Conclusion: The overall most common skin tumor is SCC followed by hemangioma, whereas trichoepithelioma, sebaceoma, and cylindroma are the least common. The most common benign tumor is hemangioma, whereas the least common benign tumors are trichoepithelioma and cylindroma. The most common and least common malignant tumors are SCC and Paget’s disease respectively. This study served to generate baseline data for the histopathologic pattern of both benign and malignant skin tumors in NAUTH, Nnewi.

This work studied Romans 8:19-22 with a focus on the frustration human actions bring to the non-material creation which makes it yearn to be liberated from them and tries to see its relationship to the ecological devastation in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Using the historical-critical method of exegesis and comparative and contextual methods it maintains that there is a relationship between the image of creation painted in Rom 8:19-22 and the ecological situation in the Niger Delta. It holds that since humans played a major role in rendering the non-material creation incapable of realising its natural goal, humans also have a role to play in its restoration. It further states that since humanity through the Christ event has been reconciled to God and looks forward to the realisation of the fullness of such reconciliation, reconciled humans should relate to the rest of creation in such a way that it will also experience the effect of this reconciliation as it awaits its fullness in future. The paper contributes to the discussion on environmental realised eschatology.

AbstractOptimizing the efficiency of metal powder production through brush atomization necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between the brush bristles and the molten metal, as well as its consequential effects on the fragmentation of the melt. Thus this study presents Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models of the brush-melt interplay during the atomization of molten metals. The volume-of-fluid method was used to examine the various stages of melt fragmentation, from when the melt is discharged to when it settles on the brush bristles. The results revealed that the first breakup occurred close to the discharge orifice due to aerodynamic instability and fell within 13 < [Formula: see text]< 40.3. The nature of this breakup depends on the brush speed, bristle length, bristle diameter, brush density, and melt properties. A second breakup was observed when the melt contacted the rotating bristles. The melt bridges formed between two or more bristles due to attractive forces between the closely packed bristles induced by the capillary force of the melt and the surface tension of the meniscus surface are also overcome due to brush rotation. These results are in agreement with the experimental observations and are therefore sufficient for demonstrating the system.

More evaluators have anchored their work in equity-focused, culturally responsive, and social justice ideals. Although we have a sense of approaches that guide evaluators as to how they should attend to culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we have not yet established an empirical understanding of how evaluators measure DEI. In this article, we report an examination of how evaluators and principal investigators (PIs) funded by the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program define and measure DEI within their projects. Evaluators gathered the most evidence related to diversity and less evidence related to equity and inclusion. On average, PIs' projects engaged in activities designed to increase DEI, with the highest focus on diversity. We believe there continues to be room for improvement and implore the movement of engagement with these important topics from the margins to the center of our field's education, theory, and practice.

Synergistic properties usually produce combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Hence, this paper assessed the synergistic effect of cow dung, goat droppings and poultry manure wastes for bioremediation of naphthalene, chrysene and pyrene in a crude oil-impacted soil at an experimental plot in a botanical garden, located at Abia State University, Nigeria, using appropriate standard methods. The result of the study showed about 96%, 93% and 90% removal of naphthalene, pyrene and chrysene respectively. This is in contrast with about

Lannea barteri is a dioecious plant that is widespread in North and West Africa. It is used in the folkloric treatment of many disease states ranging from epilepsy, diarrhoea, oedema and ulcer etc. This study investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Lannea barteri methanol leaf extract (LBME). The in vitro models used were α, α- diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power and thiobarbituric acid assay (TBA) while the in vivo model, carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4) induced oxidative hepatic damage in rat was used. The biomarkers assayed in the in vivo study were aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), serum total protein, and serum total bilirubin. In the reducing power assay, LBME gave the highest activity (35.04%) than Silymarin (26.88%) at 400 µg/ml. In the DPPH free radical scavenging test, Silymarin gave the highest percentage inhibition (97.37%) than the LBME (91.3%) at 400 µg/ml. In the TBA assay, the LBME gave a higher percentage inhibition (31.15%) than Silymarin (24.8 %) at 400 µg/ml. In the in vivo assay method, the LBME gave some level of protection to the liver by preserving its enzyme more than Silymarin although not significant. Total serum proteins were preserved while total bilirubin and MDA were reduced when compared to the CCl4 group. LBME- (100 mg/kg) treated group significantly (p < 0.05) decreased ALP when compared to the CCl4 treated-group. The phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, fats and oils, flavonoids, glycosides, proteins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, and resins. Mice receiving LBME (10–5000 mg/kg) orally did not perish nor develop any sign of acute intoxication, indicating that the extract is extremely safe. This study demonstrated that L. barteri leaf extract has antioxidant activity and protected the rat liver against damage caused by carbon tetrachloride.

Objective Screening high-risk individuals with low-dose CT reduces mortality from lung cancer, but many lung cancers occur in individuals who are not eligible for screening. Risk biomarkers may be useful to refine risk models and improve screening eligibility criteria. We evaluated if blood-based DNA methylation markers can improve a traditional lung cancer prediction model.Methods and analysis This study used four prospective cohorts with blood samples collected prior to lung cancer diagnosis. The study was restricted to participants with a history of smoking, and one control was individually matched to each lung cancer case using incidence density sampling by cohort, sex, date of blood collection, age and smoking status. To train a DNA methylation-based risk score, we used participants from Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study-Australia (n=648) and Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study-Sweden (n=380) based on five selected CpG sites. The risk discriminative performance of the methylation score was subsequently validated in participants from European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Italy (n=267) and Norwegian Women and Cancer-Norway (n=185) and compared with that of the questionnaire-based PLCOm2012 lung cancer risk model.Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the PLCOm2012 model in the validation studies was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.65 to 0.75) compared with 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.77) for the methylation score model (Pdifference=0.07). Incorporating the methylation score with the PLCOm2012 model did not improve the risk discrimination (AUC: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.77, Pdifference=0.73).Conclusions This study suggests that the methylation-based risk prediction score alone provides similar lung cancer risk-discriminatory performance as the questionnaire-based PLCOm2012 risk model.

This paper presents performance analysis of effects of modulation index on cascaded multilevel inverter fed single phase induction motor drive using closest level control technique. The modulation index is varied to analyze its performance. The effects on inverter output voltage, current, induction motor speed, electromagnetic torque and total harmonic distortion (THD) are considered. Both the load torque and modulation index are varied to determine the motor performance. The Closest (Nearest) control method is applied for generating firing pulses for the cascaded multilevel inverter power switches. By the application of this method, the switching losses are greatly mitigated when compared with high switching frequency of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) schemes. MATLAB/SIMULINK software is used to obtain the system simulation results. The performance evaluation of this work was targeted on the modulation index range from 0.7 to 1.2 and for selected load torque values of 0 Nm, 2 Nm and 4 Nm. It is observed that modulation index affects the motor performance. When modulation index is 1.0 under different load torques, 6.2 % - 6.7 % range of voltage THD was obtained. When the modulation index becomes 1.2, motor speed and electromagnetic torque resulted to 1327 RPM and 20 Nm respectively with stability time of 0.7 sec under load torque of 4 Nm.

Acid transport is required for bone synthesis by osteoblasts. The osteoblast basolateral surface extrudes acid by Na+/H+ exchange, but apical proton uptake is undefined. We found high expression of the Cl−/H+ exchanger ClC3 at the bone apical surface. In mammals ClC3 functions in intracellular vesicular chloride transport, but when we found Cl− dependency of H+ transport in osteoblast membranes, we queried whether ClC3 Cl−/H+ exchange functions in bone formation. We used ClC3 knockout animals, and closely-related ClC5 knockout animals: In vitro studies suggested that both ClC3 and ClC5 might support bone formation. Genotypes were confirmed by total exon sequences. Expression of ClC3, and to a lesser extent of ClC5, at osteoblast apical membranes was demonstrated by fluorescent antibody labeling and electron microscopy with nanometer gold labeling. Animals with ClC3 or ClC5 knockouts were viable. In ClC3 or ClC5 knockouts, bone formation decreased ~40 % by calcein and xylenol orange labeling in vivo. In very sensitive micro-computed tomography, ClC5 knockout reduced bone relative to wild type, consistent with effects of ClC3 knockout, but varied with specific histological parameters. Regrettably, ClC5-ClC3 double knockouts are not viable, suggesting that ClC3 or ClC5 activity are essential to life. We conclude that ClC3 has a direct role in bone formation with overlapping but probably slightly smaller effects of ClC5. The mechanism in mineral formation might include ClC H+ uptake, in contrast to ClC3 and ClC5 function in cell vesicles or other organs.

The global drive towards a net-zero world and commitments from advanced countries towards a significant cut of greenhouse gases by 2030 are objectives that have compelled a new technological paradigm that must align with new global initiatives towards meeting agreed objectives towards the net-zero world. The Internet-of-Things (IoT) is a technology that has shown strong viability in assisting nations and corporations in meeting global commitments to the net-zero goal. To be effective, the operation of IoT devices must meet very tight constraints; consequently, the design of the electronics, and applications that run on IoT devices must be optimal especially in power utilization considerations. It is in this regard that this paper presents the design of a power prediction model for a Cortex M processor. The design was achieved through a unique methodology in which an instruction dissector played a central role in determining the exact instructions that were executed, rather than using a generalized set of instructions from an instruction grouping. Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) was used as the machine learning technique for deriving the prediction models. A key feature of using MARS is that the predictor variables having the greatest effect on the models were identified as the MVN and SBC instructions. A performance comparison of the design in this paper was made with similar designs where it was shown that the approach of the design in this work yielded more robust models with a reported error rate of 0.000629193 for logic power and 0.023096787 for data power.

Abstract We compared liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) against Binding Site immunonephelometry (BSIN) with regards to these methods’ abilities to diagnose IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). IgG subclasses were gathered from laboratory from December 2011 to December 2020. The IgG4-RD positive and negative patients were diagnosed according to the ACR/EULAR classification criteria by extensive chart review. Both methods’ results were compared in terms of test characteristics. For BSIN, there were 43 IgG4-RD positive cases and 174 disease negative cases, while for LC–MS/MS, there were 102 IgG4-RD positive cases and 562 disease negative cases. The majority of IgG4-RD patients by BSIN and LC–MS/MS had an elevated IgG4 level, 81% and 86%, respectively. For BSIN, the ROC curve, cut-off value of 1.25 g/L, had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 84%. For LC–MS/MS, the ROC curve, cut-off value of 1.25 g/L, had a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 84%. The responder index score to IgG4 level r-correlation value for BSIN and LC–MS/MS was 0.5 and 0.6, respectively. In our center, LC–MS/MS and BSIN are equivalent test methods in IgG4-RD diagnosis. IgG4 level does correlate with disease activity by the responder index. LC–MS/MS is a valid and equally reliable alternative to BSIN in the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease.

ABSTRACTThis study aims to evaluate the effects of contaminants on the surface and groundwater resources in the mining communities of Adudu-Abuni, Central-Nigeria. Thirty-one (31) water samples including 21 surface (streams) and 10 groundwater were analyzed for physicochemical parameters (major cations, anions, and heavy metals) using the APHA (2011) and (ICP-MS) standard methods. Physicochemical analysis showed that the concentration of heavy metal for both surface and groundwater of the area in the following order of abundance Fe>Pb>Zn>Cu>Cr>Cd>As and Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd>As, respectively. High concentrations of the heavy metals in the surface and groundwater are attributed to anthropogenic activities; improper channeling of mine effluents into the environments, these effluents reacted via oxidation and dissolution process, making solutions (contaminants) infiltrate into the aquifer system. Results showed for both surface (67%) and groundwater (70%) waterfall within the rock weathering dominance for both anions and cations, with few exceptions who fall into the precipitation dominance, suggesting that rock–water interface is the primary influencer for both surface and groundwater chemistry. This deduced that rock weathering and precipitations are the principal factors controlling the water chemistry in the study areas. WQI analysis for groundwater shows that the northern axis of the area depicts poor water quality while the southern regions are good for drinking. Whereas surface water source from the southern zones is unsuitable for drinking, while those in the northern region are good. This is attributed to the proximity of Pb-Zn mines to the southern region because streams within this zone serve as repositories for mine effluents.

Objective Aqueous extract of unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit is commonly used for the treatment of ulcers in eastern Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the acute and subacute effects of an aqueous extract of unripe fruit on male and female fertility in rats. Methods Aqueous extracts obtained by maceration were analyzed for acute and subacute toxicity and for the presence of phytochemical constituents using standard procedures. The extract (100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered daily to rats of both sexes for 28 d. Blood samples collected on days 0 and 28 were assessed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Testes and ovaries were harvested for histopathological analysis. Sperm were also collected to determine the sperm count and motility. Results Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and resins. After an oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg, there were no deaths in the acute toxicity test. The extract (500 mg/kg) significantly ( P

The study investigated youth involvement in sweet potato production in Abia State, Nigeria. The study made use of a multi-stage procedure in selecting 120 youth. Primary data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed with frequency, mean count, standard deviation and multiple regression. The results revealed that the average yield produced was 117.42kg of potato tubers which is equivalent to N46,968.00. A grand mean of 3.20 affirmed that the youths were highly involved in sweet potato production. Some of the constraints militating against youth involvement in potato production were poor motivation (100.0%), poor access to credit (100.0%), and poor access to information from extension agents (100.0%), amongst others. Education (5%), house size (5%), farming experience (5%), and income (5%) significantly influenced the level of youth involvement in sweet potato production. Youth were highly involved in potato production. The government through the Central Bank of Nigeria should ensure yout

University education, if properly managed remains an appropriate mechanism through which human and nation development could be attained. In spite of numerous studies that have explored academic performance in Nigeria, the contributions of parental prominence and student housing quality on academic success are yet to be explored in the nation's public universities. This study addresses this gap by raising this question: to what extent does parental prominence and student housing predict the attainment of academic success among university undergraduates? The cross-sectional survey design, with multi-stage and purposive sampling technique was adopted. Primary information was sourced from 426 final year students of OAU [Osun State], OOU [Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State] and AAUA [Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State]. The outcome variable of this study was academic success; and it was measured by student's attainment of outstanding or weak academic success. The key explanatory variables were parental prominence and student housing quality. Multivariate rank ordered-logistic regression and ANOVA was applied using Stata 14. Results showed that academic success was negatively associated with student housing quality. Also, results showed that parental prominence (marital status, employment status, gender preference, occupation type) were statistically associated with academic success. Results further showed that student housing quality and financial supports contributed about 9% to academic success. The study concluded that the challenges posed by inadequate and poor student housing facilities, lack of adequate financial supports for university students, parental gender preference in meeting-up with education needs of their children must be addressed in order to stimulate the attainment of outstanding academic success among students of public universities in Southwest, Nigeria.