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Pollution from wastewater generated through irrigation has been a major challenge to environmental engineers (especially agricultural engineers) today, as a result of the contaminants and pollutants discharged due to the chemicals from the fertilizers used on crops and the discharge of sediments to surface water or groundwater. An approach to treating this wastewater necessitated the study on the preparation and production of activated carbon to serve as an adsorbent using groundnut shell for the treatment of wastewater from irrigation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prepare activated carbon from groundnut shells for the treatment of irrigation wastewater. Wastewater samples were collected from Oke-Oyi irrigation scheme. The samples were analysed for initial physicochemical properties using the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) standard. Raw groundnut shells were collected from Ogbomoso. The initial analysis of the drainage water shows the water is highly alkaline and contains sulphate and nitrate above FAO benchmark values. The groundnut shells were grinded and sieved to obtain a 2 mm diameter particle size. The sample was carbonized at 400°C for 30 minutes and activated with 0.3M of phosphoric acid. The effects of temperature (20°C, 30°C and 40°C) and dosage of the activated carbon (1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g and 2.5 g), contact time (30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2 hours), and granulated activated carbon (GAC) on sulphate and nitrate removal were studied. The effect of the adsorbent on water pH was also studied. The characterization of the prepared AC and the determination of adsorption capacity were carried out. The surface morphological changes of the AC samples were investigated using a scanning electron microscope operated at 25 kV. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out to establish the functional groups present. At temperatures of 40°C, 30°C, and 20°C, the pH of the water decreased from 9.94 to 8.22, 8.22, and 8.26, respectively. The optimum dosage with 100% sulphate removal from wastewater (30 – 0.14 mg/l) was 2.5g at 20°C while the optimum dosage for nitrate removal (41.5 – 0.0813 mg/l) ranges between 1–2.5g at 20°C. The SEM analysis produced a well-developed porous surface on the micrograph of AC after chemical activation, which suggests improved removal of impurities when used. Therefore, the use of groundnut shells as feedstock for AC serves the dual purpose of good waste management and pollution treatment antidote.

The vulnerability to contamination of the aquifer at Osubi, Niger Delta, was assessed in order to develop a foundation strategy for safeguarding its groundwater resources using the DRASTIC model and geographic information system (GIS). Using GIS, data corresponding to the seven DRASTIC model parameters were collected and translated into seven thematic maps. The DRASTIC map was created using these maps, which describe the depth to water level (D), net recharge (R), aquifer media (A), soil media (S), topography (T), influence of the vadose zone (I), and hydraulic conductivity (C). The results obtained from this study showed that 7% of the area was classified as very-high vulnerability to pollution, 18% was classified as high vulnerability, 60% was classified as moderate vulnerability and 15% as low vulnerability. The most vulnerable areas occur around waste dumpsites, and some septic systems in residential areas. Policies should be put in place to make it easier to close possible pollution sources in high-vulnerability areas, such as open dump sites, leaking underground storage tanks at fuel stations, effluent discharge from industries, and pit latrines/sewage disposal units.

Host condition factor and gastrointestinal parasites in Malapterurus electricus and Parachanna obscura in Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria were investigated from September, 2014 to February, 2015. Eighty (80) fishes of Malapterurus electricus and eighty (80) of Parachanna obscura were caught and dissected for intestinal helminth parasites and protozoa. Condition factors of all individuals were determined. Median condition (K < 2.17 and K > 2.17) for Malapterurus electricus, (K < 1.02 and K > 1.02) for Parachanna obscura were used in grouping the individuals. Protozoa infection in the gut includes; myxosporidia and coccidians. Heterogeneous infection of these protozoa in low condition Parachanna obscura were; Myxosporidia, 0.20, Coccidia, 0.10 and high condition individuals, 0.10, 0.15 respectively. There were no coccidian infection in M. electricus, but myxosporidia in low and high condition individuals were 0.15 and 0.10. The rate of infection of Electrotaenia malopteruri, a cestode, specific to M. electricus was higher among high condition individuals, 0.15, compared low condition individuals, 0.10. Procamallanus sp, had the highest prevalence among the high condition individuals of Parachanna obscura, the trend was; High Condition M.electricus (0.10) < Low Condition P.obscura (0.15) < Low Condition M.electricus (0.20) < High Condition P.obscura (0.25). Infected individuals of low condition factor (K < 2.17) of Malapterurus electricus had a greater histopathological alteration index (HAI, 18.0) compared to the high condition individuals (HAI, 8.0). These individuals had from mild to severe ulceration of the mucosa and congestion of the blood vessels. In infected individuals of low condition factor (K < 1.02) of Parachanna obscura, there were mucosal edema and haemorrhage in their intestinal walls. They also had greater histopathological alteration index (HAI, 22.0) compared to the high condition individuals (HAI, 6.0). Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic fauna in low condition host could be an indicator of stress in fish

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem associated with enormous economic burdens, reduced quality of life, and untimely deaths, predominantly in developing countries. Aims: The study determines the prevalence and risk factors for CKD among diabetes and hypertensive patients in a teaching hospital in Ekiti State. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional research designs were employed using a quantitative strategy. Two hundred (200) randomly selected participants participated in the study. Socio-demographic data, awareness, and risk factors for CKD were determined using a standardized questionnaire, while CKD prevalence was investigated with biophysical measurements and laboratory investigations. Descriptive analyses were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics were used to test hypotheses at a significant level of p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 50% and 57.1% of the diabetics and hypertensives were above 60 years, 36.7% of the people with diabetes had comorbidity, while only 2% and 3.1% of diabetics and hypertensives participants had a family history of CKD. The study revealed that the respondents' level of awareness of CKD was inadequate. Major risk factors of CKD identified among the respondents were already diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, age above 60 years (50% and 57.1%), herbal concoction (77.7% and 73.5%), and NSAID (74.5% and 78.6%). The prevalence of CKD for people with diabetes was 39.8%, while 57.1% for hypertensives. There was a significant relationship between respondents’ level of education and awareness of CKD (X2 =44.20, p= Conclusion: Efforts should be intensified by nurses and all other stakeholders on awareness and prevention programs for CKD. Furthermore, the promotion of patients’ satisfaction with the quality of healthcare services should be the goal to promote positive health outcomes.

Trace metal concentration in soils of Iyara area of Warri, Delta State was studied using geophysical and geochemical techniques. Eight vertical electrical sounding (VES) using SAS 1000 Terrameter with maximum current electrode spread of 150 m in the Schlumberger configuration was carried out. The geoelectric layers obtained are topsoil, clay, sand and fine-medium grained sand. The fine to medium grained sand of the third and fourth layers mainly constitute the aquifer with a depth ranging from 4.8 - 11.0 m. Soil samples were collected at three of the VES stations covering the dumpsite and stations away from the dumpsite. The trace metal content was higher than the maximum allowable levels in soils as specified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Department of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria (DPR) except for Pb with undetected concentration in VES 3, Mn with 135 mg/kg in VES 1 and undetected in VES 3 and VES 7. The Multiple pollution index, Enrichment factor, and Non-carcinogenic hazard decreases with increasing distance from the dumpsite. The soil around the dumpsite has been impacted and the results of this study will serve as background information for soil studies and groundwater development in the area.

To describe the epidemiology and management of oculoplastic disorders at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.This was a retrospective review of patients with oculoplastic disorders at the Department of Ophthalmology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, IleIfe, Nigeria from January 2013 to December 2016. The general ophthalmology service records were reviewed to identify patients with oculoplastic disorders. Data retrieved from patient records included date of initial visit, age at presentation, gender, oculoplastic diagnosis and aetiology, modality of treatment given, and indications for patient referrals.There were 563 (7.4%) patients with oculoplastic disorders, out of 7,575 ophthalmology department patients. They had 573 oculoplastic disorders in all. There were 281 (49.9%) males and 282 (50.1%) females. The median age at presentation was 28 years (range, 1 day to 100 years). Eyelid laceration (n=68; 11.9%) and chalazion (n=63; 11%) were the commonest disorders. Trauma (n=125; 21.8%) was the commonest aetiology, followed by inflammatory (n=121; 21.1%) and infective (n=108; 18.8%) causes. There were 162 (28.3%) surgical interventions; eyelid repair (n=67; 41.4%) was the commonest, followed by evisceration (n=25; 15.4%), and excisional biopsy (n=25; 15.4%). No patient had ptosis or lacrimal surgery. Orbital disorders (n=21; 42.9%) were the commonest indication for a referral elsewhere.Eyelid laceration was the commonest oculoplastic disorder, trauma was the commonest aetiology, and eyelid repair was the commonest oculoplastic surgery done. Further training in oculoplastics with emphasis on ptosis, lacrimal and orbital surgery, as well as the provision of equipment needed for optimal oculoplastic service delivery are recommended.Décrire l’épidémiologie et la gestion des troubles oculoplastiques dans un hôpital tertiaire du Nigeria.Il s’agissait d’un examen rétrospectif des patients atteints de troubles oculoplastiques au département d’ophtalmologie, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, de janvier 2013 à décembre 2016. Les dossiers du service d’ophtalmologie générale ont été examinés afin d’identifier les patients souffrant de troubles oculoplastiques. Les données extraites des dossiers des patients comprenaient la date de la première visite, l’âge au moment de la présentation, le sexe, le diagnostic oculoplastique et l’étiologie, la modalité du traitement administré et les indications pour le renvoi des patients.563 (7,4 %) des 7 575 patients du service d’ophtalmologie présentaient des troubles oculoplastiques. Ils présentaient 573 troubles oculoplastiques au total. Il y avait 281 (49,9%) hommes et 282 (50,1%) femmes. L’âge médian à la présentation était de 28 ans (intervalle de 1 jour à 100 ans). Paupière (n=68 ; 11,9%) et le chalazion (n=63 ; 11%) étaient les troubles les plus courants. Le traumatisme (n=125 ; 21,8%) était l’étiologie la plus fréquente, suivie par les causes inflammatoires (n=121 ; 21,1%) et infectieuses (n=108 ; 18,8%). Il y a eu 162 (28,8 %) interventions chirurgicales ; la réparation de la paupière (n=67 ; 41,4 %) était la plus courante, suivie de l’éviscération (n=25 ; 15,4%) et de la biopsie excisionnelle (n=25 ; 15,4%). Aucun patient n’a subi de ptose ou de chirurgie lacrymale. Les troubles orbitaux (n=21 ; 42,9%) étaient l’indication la plus fréquente d’un renvoi ailleurs.La lacération de la paupière était le trouble oculoplastique le plus courant, le traumatisme était l’étiologie la plus courante et la réparation de la paupière était la chirurgie oculoplastique la plus courante. Il est recommandé de poursuivre la formation en oculoplastie en mettant l’accent sur le ptosis, la chirurgie lacrymale et orbitale, ainsi que de fournir l’équipement nécessaire à une prestation optimale des services oculoplastiques.Troubles oculoplastiques, prévalence, chirurgie, traumatisme.

Aims: This study determined the changes in the chemical and nutritional composition of naturally fermented finger millet studied at ambient temperature (28±2°C) for 72 h. Study Designs: Finger millet seeds were cleaned and fermented (72 h; 28±2°C). Samples were taken at 24 h interval and dried at 50°C for 48 h. Methodology: The fermented finger millet samples were analyzed for microbial, biochemical changes, chemical, proximate and mineral composition. Results: Biochemical changes showed a drop in pH from 6.74 to 6.04 while titratable acidity (lactic acid equivalent) increased from 0.04 to 0.62% after 72 h. The moisture, protein, ash, fat, fibre and carbohydrate were in the ranges of 7.08-9.449%; 5.31-7.274%; 1.10-3.392%, 1.296-2.47%, 1.154-2.46% and 77.44-81.58%, respectively. Significant increase were observed in the mineral composition with phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iron identified in the fermented finger millet flour in the ranges of 93.5-176 mg/100 g; 171-247.5 mg/100 g; 87.04-196.5 mg/100 g; 1.30-3.075 mg/100 g and 5.28-11.95 mg/100 g, respectively. Tannin, oxalate, phytate and trypsin were in the ranges of 1.537 to 3.23 mg/100 g; 0.875 to 1.59 mg/100 g; 0.195 to 0.85 mg/100 g. and 2.731 to 6.23 mg/100 g, respectively. The total phenols and total flavonoids ranged between 11.605-40.29 mg/ 100 g and 63.36 -172.872 mg/100g while the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of the flour samples ranged between 28.109 and 68.238 mg/ml. Microorganisms identified were Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus brevis. This study shows that fermentation decreased the anti-nutrients, increased the proximate and minerals contents and also improved the anti-oxidative properties of finger millet flour.

The jute mallow (C. olitorius L.) is an important nutritious green leafy vegetable in the tropical region of Africa. This study assesses the extent of genetic diversity and intra-specific relationships among 16 cultivated jute mallows of Nigeria (14), [Ghana (1) and Togo (1), used as checks, evaluating 16 dark jute SSR markers and 16 morphological traits (quantitative and qualitative). The study reveals moderate to high variation among the cultivars in the number of pods, pod yield and plant height traits. Based on the principal component (PC) analysis of the quantitative traits, the pod length, pod width, number of pods, pod yield and plant height are important traits composing PC1. On the other hand, the pod pedicel length and days of 50% flowering traits are highly correlated variables in PC2. Pod length, pod width, pod pedicel length and plant height account for the total diversity. Two main groups (I and II) and an outgroup are identified among the 16 cultivars based on the quantitative traits. among the cultivars, leaf shapes identified are ovate (38% of cultivars), lanceolate (6%), oblanceolate (25%) and palmately lobed (31%). Three markers which have monomorphic alleles are excluded and thirteen markers are used to analyse the genetic diversity. A total of 41 alleles are amplified using the 13 polymorphic markers with an average of 2.75 per locus. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) value is 0.42, ranging from 0.06 to 0.73. The mean gene diversity or expected heterozygosity = 0.05 (from 0.06 to 0.76). The observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranges from 0.00 to 0.88, with a mean of 0.60. The mean genetic dissimilarity is 0.35. Thus, the SSR data indicate a moderate genetic dissimilarity within jute mallow under study. Clustering using the neighbour-joining dendrogram predicated on the SSR data separates the cultivars into three major groups in which the two cultivars from Ghana and Togo show distinctiveness from the cultivars from Nigeria. Principal coordinate analysis of SSR data is consistent with neighbour-joining groupings. The study based on a set of dark jute markers and morphological traits reveals that the extent of genetic diversity of cultivated jute mallow and could be used in germplasm evaluation. In addition to the knowledge of the high genetic variability observed in the number of pod and the yield of some of the studied cultivars, further efforts are needed to characterise the cultivar pods’ nutritive values for human health.

Secondary metabolites from medicinal plants have been reported to inhibit the formation of glucose-induced protein aggregation. This study investigated the inhibitory potential of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts on amyloid protein aggregation. Prevention of glycation-induced amyloid-beta fibril formation was evaluated through the assessment of anti-glycation capacities of the extracts, inhibitions of glycation-induced oxidation of protein thiol groups and protein aggregation. Colorimetric methods were used for the estimation of aqueous and methanol extract of V. amygdalina. Luteolin, luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronoside, and luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside were identified through a previous study and evaluated for their binding energies with amyloid-beta and amyloid-beta fibril. The results showed that aqueous extract had higher amounts of phenolics while methanol extract had higher amounts of flavonoids contents. The aqueous extract exhibited higher albumin glycation inhibitory potential with the IC50 value of 65 µg/ml. The methanol extract possessed higher protective effects on the total thiol groups of the glycated albumin and also exhibited higher inhibition of aggregates formation when compared with the aqueous extract. Luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronoside had the highest binding affinity with the amyloid beta-peptide (1-42) and amyloid-beta (1-42) fibrils with the mean values of − 5.63 kcal/mol and −6.48 kcal/mol respectively. However, it was observed that luteolin exhibited the highest binding free energy of − 20.43 kcal/mol and − 8.67 kcal/mol with both proteins respectively. The ADMET properties revealed all the phytochemicals possess drug-like properties. These results demonstrated that phytoconstituents of V. amygdalina could act as highly potent inhibitors of protein aggregation and could be a promising candidate for the management of hyperglycaemia-induced protein aggregation.

Records obtained from purebred normal feather and naked neck Nigerian indigenous chicken strains were used to assess the influence of strain and production cycle on external and internal egg quality traits. The assessment commenced from first lay to 120 days of lay, classified into four production cycles (PC): PC1 (1-30 days of lays), PC2 (31-60 days of lays), PC3 (61-90 days of lays), and PC4 (91-120 days of lays). Mean egg weight, length and breadth were 4.34% heavier, 2.10% longer and 1.72% wider in the normal feather than in the naked neck (p

Background: Bioactive agents from medicinal and dietary plants have been reported to modulate the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pores. Objective: This study investigated the in vitro effects of C. sinensis (CSE) and M. oleifera (MOE) methanol leaf extracts and their epiphytes (CEP and MEP) on mitochondria permeability transition pores. Methods: In vitro antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined using standard procedures and quantification of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts was done using HPLC-DAD. Opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pores was assessed as mitochondrial swelling and observed spectrophotometrically as changes in absorbance under succinate-energized conditions. Cytochrome c release was also assessed spectrophotometrically. Results: From the results, CSE, MOE, CEP, and MEP inhibited lipid peroxidation and scavenged nitric oxide and DPPH radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. All extracts exhibited greater ferric reducing antioxidant potential. More so, the results showed that CSE, MOE, CEP, and MEP possess the substantive amount of total flavonoids and total phenolics. CSE and MOE had higher total flavonoids and total phenolic content when compared with the epiphytes. HPLC-DAD results revealed Tangeretin as the most abundant in CSE; Eriocitrin in citrus epiphytes; Moringine in MOE and Flavones in moringa epiphytes. All extracts inhibited calcium-induced opening of the pores in a concentration-dependent manner with C. sinensis leaf extract (CSE) and moringa epiphyte (MEP) being the most potent in this regard with no significant release of cytochrome c at all concentrations. Conclusion: The results suggest that CSE and MEP have bioactive agents which could be useful in the management of diseases where too much apoptosis occurs characterized by excessive tissue wastage such as neurodegenerative conditions.

High cost of building construction in the country has remained a major source of concern to successive government in the nation. Building materials constitute approximately 60-70% of the building cost. In view of this, the need for alternate building materials is imminent. This research work focuses on assessment of effect of different curing methods on the compressive strength of palm kernel shell aggregate concrete. All materials were collected at Ede, Osun state. The stages involved in this research are material collection, batching and mixing, casting of concrete cubes, slump test, curing, and compressive strength test. The tests carried out were x-ray fluorescence, slump test and compressive strength. Four different curing methods were used; water, air, salt water, and detergent to cure concrete with two mixing ratios of 1:2:4 and 1:1½:3. It can be observed that the Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) contains mainly Iron (Fe), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn) elements and other impurities. From the slump test results, it can be deduced that 1:1½:3 gave a better slump as expected. The compressive strength of cube ranges from 2.244 to 3.852N/mm2 Based on the results, the curing methods has a significant effect on the compressive strength of the PKS aggregate concrete.

Aim: To investigate growth and yield response of greengram to different levels of Kolgrace organic fertilizer with a view to determining the most favorable application rate for greengram production. Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD) with treatments replicated five (5) times. Place and Duration of Study: Screenhouse of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, between July to November 2016. Methodology: Six levels of kolgrace organic fertilizer were used (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 8.00 t ha-1). Top soil (0 -15 cm) was collected from the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, and leached of nutrients by soaking and washing in water for 24 hours. 2 kg of air-dry soil was mixed with the appropriate fertilizer rate and filled in each pot. 3 seeds were sown per pot and thinned to 1 seed at 2 weeks after sowing (WAS). Chemical analysis of air-dry soil sample and Kolgrace fertilizer were done at the soil chemistry laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, to ascertain their elemental composition. Soil particle size distribution [1], Soil pH [2], exchangeable K and Na [3], exchangeable Mg and Ca [4], exchangeable acidity [5], organic matter and organic carbon [6], available P [7], Nitrogen [8] and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) [4] were determined. Results: Application rates were significant (p

The reemergence of coronavirus prompts the need for the development of effective therapeutics to prevent the cellular entry and replication of coronavirus. This study demonstrated the putative inhibitory potential of lopinavir, remdesivir, oseltamir, azithromycin, ribavirin, and chloroquine towards V-ATPase, protein kinase A, SARS-CoV spike glycoprotein/ACE-2 complex and viral proteases. The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties were predicted through the pkCSM server while the corresponding binding affinity of the selected drugs towards the proteins was computed using AutodockVina Screening tool. The ADMET properties revealed all the drugs possess drug-like properties. Lopinavir has the highest binding affinities to the pocket site of SARS-CoV spike glycoprotein/ACE-2 complex, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A and 3-Chymotrypsin like protease while redemsivir has the highest binding affinities for vacuolar proton-translocating ATPase (V-ATPase) and papain-like proteins. The amino acids Asp269, Leu370, His374, and His345 were predicted as the key residues for lopinavir binding to human SARS-CoV spike glycoprotein/ACE-2 complex while His378, Tyr515, Leu73, Leu100, Phe32 and Phe40 for remdesivir and Tyr510, Phe504, Met62, Tyr50, and His378 were predicted for azithromycin as the key residues for binding to SARS-CoV spike glycoprotein/ACE-2 complex. Moreover, it was also observed that chloroquine has appreciable binding affinities for 3-Chymotrpsin- like protease and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A when compared to Oseltamivir and ribavirin. The study provided evidence suggesting putative repurposing of the selected drugs for the development of valuable drugs for the prevention of cellular entry and replication of coronavirus. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Background: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) placement during cesarean section has been shown to be a safe and effective method of contraception with very low complication and disuse following insertion. Its practice can be of immense benefit, especially in developing countries like Nigeria where high unmet needs for contraception and increasing cesarean section rates are prevalent. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the practice of obstetricians and trainees on counseling and insertion of IUCD during cesarean section. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among obstetricians and trainees at the 49th Annual Scientific Conference of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria held in November 2015. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 20. Results: Of 150 respondents, 134 returned completed questionnaires, giving a response rate of 89.3%, 130 of these were adjudged to be correctly filled and were analyzed. Majority of the respondents, 97 (74.6%), were consultants. The mean age of the respondents was 42.01 years ± 7.00. About 95% (125) of the respondents admitted performing cesarean sections, but only 13 (10%) had ever inserted IUCD during cesarean operations. Counseling for the procedure was also low, as only 35 (26.9%) of the respondents had ever counseled the clients toward IUCD placement at cesarean section. Conclusion: For counseling and practice of insertion of IUCD at cesarean section is very low among Nigerian obstetricians, revealing a major barrier to clients' access to this effective and safe method of contraception. Advocacy, education, and training of this category of health-care providers are necessary for improved contraceptive access to cesarean section clients.

Background: The recent reemergence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) caused by the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted for the search of effective treatments in forms of drugs and vaccines. Aim: In this regards, we performed an in silico studies of 39 active antidiabetic compounds from medicinal plants to provide insight into their possible inhibitory potentials against SARS-CoV-2 replications and post-translational modifications. Top 12 active antidiabetic compounds with potential for dual inhibition of the replications and post-translational modifications of SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed. Results: Boswellic acids, celastrol, rutin, sanguinarine, silymarin and withanolides expressed binding energy for 3- chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) (-8.0 to -8.9 Kcal/mol), papain-like protease (PLpro) (-9.1 to -10.2 Kcal/mol) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) (-8.5 to -9.1 Kcal/mol) which were higher than that of the reference drugs (Lopinavir and Remdesivir) used in this study. Sanguinarine, silymarin and withanolides are most drugable phytochemicals among the other following phytochemicals as they obey the Lipinski’s rule of five analyses. Sanguinarine, silymarin and withanolides express moderately soluble with no hepatotoxicity, while silymarin and withanolides cannot permeate the blood-brain barrier and showed no Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay (AMES) toxicity, unlike sanguinarine from the predictive absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET) studies. Conclusion: Sanguinarine, silymarin and withanolides could be proposed for further experimental studies for their development as possible phytotherapy for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthy housing is a function of provision of adequate physical, social and mental conditions for healthy environment. It is a function of both intrinsic and extrinsic attributes of housing that can influence human health. Environment and human activities are omen to development. The effects are manifested in generating land use problems such as congestion, sprawl development, incompatible land uses, building alterations and change of uses, the menace of temporary structures, alteration of land use functions, conversion of open and future spaces, and land degradation. Alagbede village is one of the areas that require such development drive. The study is required to facilitate this need. This research effort is to examine the environmental effect of squatter settlements in Alagbede village, Ikeja, Lagos State Nigeria. The paper examined housing conditions in terms of privacy, adequate space, physical accessibility, adequate security, security of tenure, structural stability and durability, adequate lighting, and ventilation, and basic infrastructure (such as water supply, sanitation, and waste management facilities including suitable environmental quality and health related factors and its influence on the residents of Alagbede area, Ikeja Lagos State. Approach includes the development of database and choice of appropriate data source (primary and secondary data sources). From the methodology, there were questionnaire administration, direct interview of respondents, collection and updating of the base maps, and the use of necessary field instrument for the study. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive method. The end result has revealed a number of environmental problems due to the existence of these settlements (Alagbede village). These problems are poor drainage system, noise pollution, illegal refuse dump sites, slum situations etc. Appropriate recommendations in form of short time and long term solutions were suggested to conclude the research work.

Introduction: Mammographic density is a strong predictor of breast cancer. Menopause has a significant effect on breast pattern and has been documented to have more important influence on the decline in mammographic densities than age. The aim of this study was to describe the breast parenchymal density patterns in postmenopausal women in Ibadan and correlate these with their socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics. Methodology: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 196 postmenopausal women who had two screening views done on each breast in the Radiology Department of the University College Hospital Ibadan. Data was pulled from completed questionnaire by patient who had mammogram during the period under review. The report of the mammograms were matched with patients’ socio-demographic characteristics and entered into R statistical package for analysis. Results: The mean age of the women was 55.0±6.8 years while their mean age at menopause was 48.4±4.6 years. The combined BI-RADS 1 and 2 breast parenchymal patterns which are associated with low risk of breast cancer, were found in 82.1% of the women. The mean difference in age at first birth between women with BI-RADS 1 and 2 and BI-RADS 3 and 4 was statistically significant P=0.035. Body mass index, family and personal history of breast cancer also showed correlation with breast parenchymal pattern, though not statistically significant. Conclusion: The low prevalence of dense breast pattern in this study is consistent with previous findings of relatively lower prevalence of breast cancer in African women. The clustering of low mean age at birth of first child, low mean age at menopause and multi-parity, in association with the low mammographic density in majority of the women in this study further corroborates the relatively reduced risk of breast cancer in our studied population.

The intra-erythrocytic lifestyle of malaria parasite contributes an additional oxidative burden, resulting from digestion of the host hemoglobin as the parasite grows within the infected cell. This study evaluated the efficacy of Adansonia digitata stem bark extract on hematological and renal changes in established Plasmodium berghei infection in mice. Albino wistar mice were used in the study. The mice were transfected intraperitonially with an inoculum size of l × 107 of chloroquine susceptible strain of Plasmodium berghei-infected erythrocytes. Percentage chemosupression and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined. The antiplasmodium effects of the extracts were investigated by measuring the hemoglobin (Hb) content, white blood cell (WBC) count, and cell differentials. Severity of malaria was determined by measuring the serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid concentrations. An essential biomarker of malaria-associated disturbance in mineral homeostasis was determined by measuring the electrolyte concentrations. Administration of the extracts had effect on the growth of Plasmodium berghei parasite in mice. The extracts showed a significant decrease in percentage parasitemia at the two doses and a significant dose-dependent increase in PCV, percentage chemosupression when administered after established infection. There was a significant decrease in hemoglobin content, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the control group following Plasmodium berghei infection. The extract significantly reduced the WBC, platelet, monocyte count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell volume (MCV). Administration of the extract after established infection significantly reduced the creatinine, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl− concentrations. The concentrations of urea, uric acid, and Mg2+ were significantly higher in control mice. Our study suggests that Adansonia digitata has antimalarial activity and modulates biochemical and hematological changes in established Plasmodium berghei infection.

Information is scanty on the potentials of agricultural wastes to enrich composts whose low nitrogen (N) content limits their use in organic farming. This study involved enriching composts - cow dung + sawdust (CDSD) and poultry droppings + sawdust (PDSD) with N from bone, blood, hoof and horn meals; and neem leaf and tithonia leaf meals and their incubation in the soil for 16 weeks. Cow dung and sawdust (CDSD), poultry manure and sawdust (PMSD) in 1:1 ratios were composted in separate heaps and samples taken for nutrient analysis at 2 and 22 weeks of composting. The composts were enriched with Bone, Blood, Hoof and Horn of cattle; Neem leaf and Tithonia leaf meals to obtain the following: CDSD + bone (CDSDBN), CDSD + blood (CDSDBM), CDSD + hoof (CDSDHM), CDSD + horn (CDSDHN), CDSD + neem (CDSDNM) and CDSD + tithonia (CDSDTM); PMSD + bone (PMSDBN), PMSD + blood (PMSDBM), PMSD + hoof (PMSDHM), PMSD + horn (PMSDHN), PMSD + neem (PMSDNM) and PMSD + tithonia (PMSDTM). The enrichment was madeto attain 100, 200, 300 and 500g kg-1 N. Each treatment at 30 t ha-1 was incubated for sixteen weeks to monitor the nutrient release at four-week intervals. Total N contents monitored at four-week intervals of incubation showed enrichment in 74.0 and 83.0% of CDSD and PDSD compared to the respective controls. N contents were highest in 21, 0, 1 and 28 composts incubated for 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks respectively. At 4 weeks, CDSD enriched to 500 g kg-1 N from blood meal (CDSDBM) and bone meal (CDSDBN) contained 10.5 and 9.2 gkg-1 total N while PDSD enriched to 50 g kg-1 N from bone meal (PDSDBN) and tithonia leaf meal (PDSDTM) contained 9.3 and 8.6 g kg-1 total N. These are suitable for the cultivation of short-season leaf vegetables. N content reduced at 8 weeks of incubation and increased at 12 and 16 weeks. Only CDSD enriched with neem leaf meal (CDSDNM at all N rates) showed increase in N content with time of incubation. CDSDNM and PDSDBM at 50 g kg-1 N contained the highest total N at 16 weeks of incubation and should be recommended for the cultivation of long-season vegetables.

This paper has x-rayed an approach to investigate the crystallite size of thermally deposited gold nanoparticles on a glass substrate. The mined and beneficiated gold sample was deposited on glass slide in Nano-38 thermal depositor after the substrate has been technically prepared. The crystallite size and profile fitting of the nanoparticles were determined by X-ray Diffractometer (XRD). The result showed that the average crystallite size of Au nanoparticles thermally deposited on glass slide was 14.4 ± 6.7 nm with lattice constants: a, b, c; 4.0789, 4.0789, and 4.0789 (A) respectively. The TEM images have confirmed that high quality spherical Au NPs that were between 18 nm – 24 nm were successfully synthesized. The XRD has shown that the material of the gold nanoparticles is gold and crystalline in structure. Narrow size distribution and small monosize gold nanoparticles produced may proffer advantages for self-assembled monolayer formation and enhanced surface area.