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Multiple myeloma is a hematological cancer caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to excessive immunoglobulin production. Our study aimed to examine the anticancer properties of BRF1A, a cannabinoid (CBD)-enriched product, on 2 myeloma cell lines: U266 and ARH-7. We treated U266 and ARH-77 myeloma cells with varying doses of BRF1A and measured the production of IgE and IgG antibodies using ELISA. Cell viability was assessed using trypan blue and CCK-8 assays. We measured the expression of genes related to the production of IgE and IgG antibodies, IgEH, and IgGH. We determined its effect on the expression of telomerase and its phosphorylated form as an indicator of telomere stabilization. Furthermore, we determined its effect on other cancer-related targets such as NF-ĸB, c-Myc, and TP53 in U266 cells using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. BRF1A reduced myeloma cell IgE and IgG production in a time and dose-dependent manner. It also suppressed the expression of p-IκBα, p-NFκB (p65), and total NFκB protein, as well as XBP1u and XBP1s. It increased the gene and protein expression of telomere and hTERT and significantly increased cancer suppressor TP53 gene and p53 protein expression. Additionally, BRF1A decreased the c-Myc gene and protein expression. Our study has shown that a CBD-enriched product can reduce the growth of myeloma cells by suppressing the critical functions of IgE- and IgG-producing cells. This study could help bridge the gap in understanding how cannabinoid-containing products affect cancer, aging, telomere, and cancer-suppressor gene activity.

IntroductionAntenatal care (ANC) services play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of pregnant women during their reproductive years. This study aimed to evaluate the primary factors influencing the utilization of ANC among women of childbearing age in Isari town, Jigawa State.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 400 mothers of childbearing age, selecting them using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. The statistical analyses performed were descriptive analysis, Pearson’s chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe majority of respondents (92.5%) indicated awareness of ANC, with a significant proportion expressing the necessity of ANC services (85.7%). 57.8% of the respondents indicated attending ANC services at least four times during pregnancy. Furthermore, the number of visits has a significant relationship with age (P < 0.001), educational level (P = 0.003), occupation (P = 0.043), mother’s knowledge of pregnancy danger signs (P = 0.001), and husband’s support for ANC (P < 0.001).ConclusionEnhancing ANC utilization will necessitate focusing on women residing in rural areas and those with limited educational attainment.

Abstract Background Despite modest efforts to study and document the complications that arise after acute treatment of patients with coronavirus disease, its ramifications and regional variations are yet to be clearly understood. Progress in sub-Saharan Africa, notably Nigeria, has been impeded by patient disengagement from care and insufficient or non-existent follow-up arrangements. The aim of this study was to describe the barriers and enablers for follow-up services after discharge from COVID-19 care pathway in Nigeria. Methods Seventeen experts involved directly in the care of patients with COVID-19 participated in brainstorming using the nominal group technique during a national workshop to review the new guidelines for COVID-19 case management in Nigeria. Participants discussed the barriers and facilitators of post-acute care follow-up of patients discharged from COVID-19 pathway and ranked their recommendations to arrive at three major factors per question. Results Participants were mostly middle aged and predominantly clinicians. The top three barriers were patients’ perception of their symptom severity, lack of organizational clarity/structure/policies on follow-up care after discharge, and financial constraints. Similarly, participants identified providers’ initiated education on the reasons for follow-up at discharge, written organizational policies/structure and clarity and free follow-up services as the top three facilitators. Conclusion This study has enumerated barriers to follow-up care after discharge patients with coronavirus disease and highlighted providers, institutional and governmental responses that will facilitator follow-up care after discharge of patients with COVID-19. The implication is that, there is need for clear institutional guidelines for tracking and documenting post-COVID condition. In the future, it would be necessary to assess the achievements and shortcomings of post-COVID condition tracking in Nigeria through the use of implementation science outcomes.

RationaleFood allergy is a prevalent disease in the U.S., affecting nearly 30 million people. The primary management strategy for this condition is food avoidance, as limited treatment options are available. The elevation of pathologic IgE and over-reactive mast cells/basophils is a central factor in food allergy anaphylaxis. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of a small molecule compound called formononetin in regulating IgE and mast cell activation.MethodsIn this study, we determined the inhibitory effect of formononetin on the production of human IgE from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of food-allergic patients using ELISA. We also measured formononetin’s effect on preventing mast cell degranulation in RBL-2H3 and KU812 cells using beta-hexosaminidase assay. To identify potential targets of formononetin in IgE-mediated diseases, mast cell disorders, and food allergies, we utilized computational modeling to analyze mechanistic targets of formononetin from various databases, including SEA, Swiss Target Prediction, PubChem, Gene Cards, and Mala Cards. We generated a KEGG pathway, Gene Ontology, and Compound Target Pathway Disease Network using these targets. Finally, we used qRT-PCR to measure the gene expression of selected targets in KU812 and U266 cell lines.ResultsFormononetin significantly decreased IgE production in IgE-producing human myeloma cells and PBMCs from food-allergic patients in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Formononetin decreased beta-hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 cells and KU812 cells. Formononetin regulates 25 targets in food allergy, 51 in IgE diseases, and 19 in mast cell diseases. KEGG pathway and gene ontology analysis of targets showed that formononetin regulated disease pathways, primary immunodeficiency, Epstein-Barr Virus, and pathways in cancer. The biological processes regulated by formononetin include B cell proliferation, differentiation, immune response, and activation processes. Compound target pathway disease network identified NFKB1, NFKBIA, STAT1, STAT3, CCND1, TP53, TYK2, and CASP8 as the top targets regulated at a high degree by formononetin. TP53, STAT3, PTPRC, IL2, and CD19 were identified as the proteins mostly targeted by formononetin. qPCR validated genes of Formononetin molecular targets of IgE regulation in U266 cells and KU812 cells. In U266 cells, formononetin was found to significantly increase the gene expression of NFKBIA, TP53, and BCL-2 while decreasing the gene expression of BTK TYK, CASP8, STAT3, CCND1, STAT1, NFKB1, IL7R. In basophils KU812 cells, formononetin significantly increased the gene expression of NFKBIA, TP53, and BCL-2 while decreasing the gene expression of BTK, TYK, CASP8, STAT3, CCND1, STAT1, NFKB1, IL7R.ConclusionThese findings comprehensively present formononetin’s mechanisms in regulating IgE production in plasma cells and degranulation in mast cells.

The evaluation of various desirable traits in eggplant genotypes has facilitated the efficient process of selecting and improving them. Morphological parameters have proven to be valuable in assessing the similarities or differences among different accessions, while molecular data have been used to support the conclusions drawn from the morphological analysis. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 42 eggplant genotypes collected from Malaysia, China, and Thailand. The characteristics under investigation were shown to be highly significant (p < 0.01) by analysis of variance (ANOVA). It was noted that the plants TV17 (5.59 kg) and MV18 (5.97 kg) produced large yields per plant. The SSR markers used exhibited moderate average values for the number of alleles (2.53). The major allele frequency displayed a high average value (0.53) and a moderate average number of effective alleles (2.31). Additionally, the observed Shannon’s information index, expected heterozygosity, and PIC were high (0.84, 0.54, and 0.45, respectively). Using the unweighted pair-group approach with arithmetic averages based on similarity matrices (UPGMA) Dendrogram, 42 accessions were sorted into five primary groups based on similarities. The findings of this study indicate that the use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers can effectively estimate genetic diversity and analyze phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, these markers can assist eggplant breeders in selecting desirable quantitative traits within their breeding program.

Purpose Diospyros mespiliformis which is commonly known as African ebony is a valuable fruit tree species with important medicinal and nutritional values. The tree has a slow growth rate that discourages its propagation and at present attempts made towards improving its growth performance are scanty. This study, therefore, evaluates the effect of the type and quantity of animal manure on the growth performance of Diospyros mespiliformis to determine the suitable type of manure and quantity of application that will improve its growth performance.Method Poultry, cow, and goat manures were applied to Diospyros mespiliformis seedlings at 0 g (control), 15 g (10 t/ha-1), 30 g (25 t/ha-1), and 40 g (35 t/ha-1) in pots. The experiment was arranged in a 4 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design with five (5) replicates.Results Type of manure had a significant effect on seedlings' stem height growth. The highest stem height growth of 11.64±1.54 cm was recorded by seedlings that received goat manure. The collar diameter and the number of leaves produced were not significantly affected by the type of manure. The Quantity of manure applied did not significantly affect stem height and collar diameter increment; however, it significantly affected the number of leaves produced. Application of 40 g of manures improved leaf production in Diospyros mespiliformis seedlings.Conclusion Application of animal manures improved the growth performance of Diospyros mespiliformis, however, seedlings that received goat manure had better growth performance.

Youth unemployment is a very important socioeconomic problem in Nigeria, which has gone bad in recent years. Therefore, using the ordinary least square estimation technique (OLS), this research examines the impact of insecurity on youth unemployment in Nigeria from 1990 to 2020. The study focuses on the relationship between the dependent variable, unemployment (Unemp), and two independent variables, the National Terrorism Index (Ntix) and Crime Rate (Crat). The results reveal that Ntix has a positive and statistically significant effect on Unemp. Specifically, a unit increase in Ntix leads to a 0.000827 rise in unemployment. Additionally, Nigerian Crat demonstrates a significant and positive influence on Unemp, with an increase in Crat resulting in a 0.005653 increase in unemployment. Given that heightened insecurity directly contributes to unemployment, the study proposes several policy recommendations. Firstly, the government should consider reducing interest rates in commercial banks to enhance the availability of loans for small business owners, enabling them to hire more employees. Furthermore, addressing corruption in both public and private sectors, combating kidnappings, and establishing additional skill acquisition centers are crucial measures to tackle the issue of insecurity and promote employment opportunities.

This study aims to build a framework for the variables affecting interest in sharia e-commerce, such as attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and religiosity. Using a convenience sampling method, this analysis involved 212 young people, who represent the most significant proportion of e-commerce clients. The survey measurements and hypotheses testing used the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The results of the study show that attitude (ß = 0.261, p = 0.000), subjective norm (ß = 0.264, p = 0.000), perceived usefulness (ß = 0.241, p = 0.013), and perceived ease of use (ß = 0.185, p = 0.032) have a positive relationship with intention to use sharia e-commerce for youths. In addition, perceived ease of use (ß = 0.759, p = 0.000) also significantly affects perceived usefulness as a moderator to intention. In comparison, perceived behavior control (ß = –0.042, p = 0.505) was an insignificant factor in using sharia e-commerce. This study also shows that religiosity (ß = 0.648, p = 0.000) is essential in a person’s attitude toward intending to use sharia e-commerce. The insignificant relationship between perceived behavior control and intention to use sharia e-commerce is believed to be because both conventional and sharia e-commerce are easily operated. Thus, youth people have not noticed many differences in using sharia e-commerce.

BackgroundThe American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to 6 months. Despite the importance of breast milk, EBF is far less prevalent in Nigeria than is recommended for developing countries. Worse still, the odds of EBF practice are very low in rural communities. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBF as well as identify the factors associated with EBF practice among mothers of childbearing age in Chamo town, Jigawa State, Nigeria.MethodsThe study is a cross-sectional design using a questionnaire to assess the required information. The methodology involved the use of simple random sampling to select mothers of reproductive age from Chamo town, which is a rural community located in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the mother’s knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding EBF. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with the practice of EBF.ResultsA total of 400 mothers between the ages of 18 and 41 took part in the study. More than half of the participants (57.8%) were between the ages of 26 and 33 and had a primary level of education (30.5%). Only 26.8% of the respondents practice EBF. Those with a tertiary education (AOR = 10.00, p

The crime gauging in Nigeria have increased unexpectedly. The Identification of criminals has also constituted a great dangerto the justice of the criminal acts. This study was conducted to appraise the relationship between Human heights (HH), Stride length (SL) and subsequently deduce models for the justice of criminals. A total of nine hundred and fifty six (956) participants, (486 males and 470 females) were assessed. The ages of the participants were between 25 years and 60 years. The human height and stride length of the participants were measured and recorded. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS 23.0 version software to establish the model equations for the HH. The result shows that male individuals possess higher mean value of HH and SL than female counterparts. The model equations obtained were validated with the direct measurement of HH. The present study has clearly demonstrated that SL can be used in the judgment of HH. The authors recommended further and elaborate research in other geo-political region of Nigeria, so as to build a database for Nigerian population.

Abstract Urinary schistosomiasis, a water-based disease, is endemic to Nigeria. The infection is transmitted by trematodes known as Schistosoma haematobium. The goal of this study was to determine the occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children in the Zaki Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 300 school pupils from three primary schools in Zaki was conducted between June and November of 2021. The urine samples were examined with the sedimentation technique to detect S. haematobium eggs. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were obtained through a well-structured questionnaire. In SPSS version 24, the associations between the dependent and independent variables were evaluated with Chi-square, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses. The strength of associations was determined with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. Urinary schistosomiasis was found in 29.7% of school-aged children in the three primary schools. Significantly higher prevalence was observed in the Almajiri (informal) school (59.6%) and one public primary school (31.5%), P = 0.001. Boys were four times more likely than girls to have schistosomiasis [AOR (95% CI): 4.38 (2.23–8.60)]. Children who played in shallow water had a higher risk of contracting schistosomiasis infection and were five times more likely to be infected [AOR (95% CI): 5.14 (1.97–13.37)]. Children who had blood in their urine (hematuria) were nearly nine times more likely to be infected [AOR (95% CI): 9.64 (4.79–20.66)]. The present study indicated that urinary schistosomiasis is endemic to the study area in the Zaki Local Government Area, with a moderate infection rate.

Background : The ratio of triglycerides-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) is considered a robust biomarker of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and is associated with several diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension (HTN). This study examined the independent association of adiposity and fitness with the TG/HDL-C ratio. Materials and Methods : This is a cross-sectional study comprising 403 (201 girls) Nigerian adolescents aged 11–19 years. Participants were evaluated for body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and TG/HDL-C. Regression models adjusting for age and biological maturity were used to evaluate the association of adiposity and fitness with TG/HDL-C ratio. The TG/HDL-C ratios of 1.0 mmol/L and 1.1 mmol/L were used to stratify female and male participants into low- and high-risk groups, respectively. Results : Of the 135 high-risk adolescents, 21.1%, 5.5%, 12.7%, 14.9%, and 0.5% were at risk of T2DM, systolic HTN, diastolic HTN, abdominal obesity, and MetS, respectively. The independent variables were significantly associated with TG/HDL-C ratio only in boys but not girls. In boys, high adiposity (β = 0.193; P = 0.025) and low fitness (β = -0.169; P = 0.048) were independently associated with the dependent variable. Unfit boys were 3.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] =1.37–10.94, P = 0.011) times more likely to develop elevated TG/HDL-C ratio than their fit peers. The likelihood of girls at risk of MetS developing a high TG/HDL-C ratio was 13.7 (95% CI = 3.89–48.32, P < 0.001) times compared to their counterparts without MetS. Conclusions : Adiposity and fitness were independently associated with TG/HDL-C in boys but not in girls. Health promotion intervention focusing on lowering TG/HDL-C ratio among Nigerian adolescents should include an emphasis on healthy diet and endurance activity programs.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remained a worldwide public health problem. Risk assessment and mapping can be deployed to assist in the control and management of disease outbreaks. Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct COVID-19 risk assessment and mapping in selected communities of Southwest Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of adults, 18 years and above, involving the use of multi-stage sampling. Data collection was done with a pre-tested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 and Environmental Systems Research Institute ArcGIS desktop version 10.5 were used for data analysis and spatial mapping, respectively. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The respondents' mean age was 40.6 ± 14.5 years. Self-reported vulnerability factors identified included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, working in hospital facility, cigarette smoking and age ≥60 years amongst others. About a quarter (20.2%) had a high risk of COVID-19 following risk quantification. The risk cuts across geographical locations and socio-economic status. Education was significantly associated with COVID-19 risk. The spatial interpolation map revealed that the farther a community was from the high-burden area, the lower the risk of COVID-19. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of self-reported COVID-19 risk. Identified communities with COVID-19 high-risk burden in the risk mapping and those with stratified proximity to these areas need to be targeted by the government for a public health awareness campaign.

Determining the right merger strategy for banks is an important step. In this way, risks can be managed more effectively, and long-term financial performance can be achieved. However, there are many different factors that affect this process. It is not optimal for banks to consider all factors due to budget constraints. In this context, it is important to determine the most important ones among these criteria. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to evaluate alternative merger strategies for banks. For this purpose, 12 different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-based criteria are selected. Multi stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (M-SWARA) methodology is used to compute the weights of these items. The main contribution of this study is that the implications of the merger process on SDGs can be examined. Furthermore, a new methodology (M-SWARA) is proposed in this study that has an increasing impact on the methodological originality. The findings indicate that increasing profitability has the greatest weight (0.095). Similarly, market share is found as the second most critical factor (0.092) for merger decisions in the banking industry. A profitable bank can attract more investors and with the help of this situation it can be much easier to raise capital and access funding from capital markets. These issues can be used to finance projects that align with SDGs, such as renewable energy, affordable housing, or clean water initiatives. In addition to this situation, profitability can also have a positive impact on innovation and technological advancement. With sufficient resources, a bank can invest in research and development, technological infrastructure, and innovative products and services. Owing to these investments, sustainable development can be promoted.

Abstract This article analyses how the circulation of ideas and hybrid rituals between Shia Muslims and Christians reveals a much more intentional political process whereby minority religious groups consciously create [...]

When collectively brainstorming a theme for this special issue, the following ethnographic moments proved influential: 1. During the 2014 hajj season, a video of a group of Yoruba pilgrims singing [...]

The study examined the awareness level of poultry farmers on biosafety practices on infectious diseases in Kano state, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 166 respondents through the use of questionnaire. The data were analysed using mean, percentages, and standard deviation. The result showed that the main sources of awareness of biosafety practices were mass media (48.8%), family/friends/neighbours (25.9%) and poultry farmers’ association (PAN) (11.4%). Awareness of biosafety were in the following component cleaning (low pressure washer (=1.602) and hand washing after toileting (=1.789), disinfection covering feeds in the store (=1.560), manure management (=1.608) and removal of dead carcasses (=1.530). component. At segregation and traffic control all the subcomponents were known except; banning keeping of birds at home (=1.114), exclusion of rodents & wild birds (=1.054) and presence of buffer areas around the farm (=1.000). The Majority of the respondents claimed very low levels of awareness of biosafety practices (81.9%), major constraints to biosafety practices among the clienteles were; complexity of the biosecurity, inadequate capital (93.4%) and high cost of the biosafety practices (83.1%). Awareness level of the respondents should be improved upon through sensitization and provision of more extension services in addition to the mass media effort.

Introduction: Antenatal care (ANC) services play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of pregnant women during their reproductive years. This study aimed to evaluate the primary factors influencing the utilization of ANC among women of childbearing age in Isari town, Jigawa State. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 400 mothers of childbearing age, selecting them using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. The statistical analyses performed were descriptive analysis, Pearson's chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The majority of respondents (92.5%) indicated awareness of ANC, with a significant proportion expressing the necessity of ANC services (85.7%). 57.8% of the respondents indicated attending ANC services at least four times during pregnancy. Furthermore, the number of visits has a significant relationship with age (P < 0.001), educational level (P = 0.003), occupation (P = 0.043), mother's knowledge of pregnancy danger signs (P = 0.001), and husband's support for ANC (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Enhancing ANC utilization will necessitate focusing on women residing in rural areas and those with limited educational attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium in the Enterobacteriaceae family associated with a wide range of diseases, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis and urinary tract infections. Infections caused by drug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae pose a significant threat to the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Hence, this has led to the need to explore alternative antimicrobial therapies, especially natural products derived from plant sources. This study assessed the phytochemical composition and antibacterial properties and performed a molecular docking analysis of Henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis L.) extracts on strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Crude ethanol and methanol extracts of L. inermis L. were prepared at different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/mL) and tested on extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Phytocompounds were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and further subjected to virtual ligands screening with DataWarrior (v05.02.01) and a molecular docking analysis using AutoDock4.2 (v4.2.6). The active compounds of L. inermis L. were determined by the docking analysis, including phytochemical, physicochemical, pharmacokinetics and docking score. The GC-MS analysis identified 27 phytoconstituents, including ethyl acetate, sclareol, 2-[1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-9-[β-d-ribofuranosyl] hypoxanthine, α-bisabolol and 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-oxobutyl)-coumarin-4-yl carbonate. The 27 compounds were then screened for their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. The results revealed that the methanol extracts at 100 mg/mL showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) zones of inhibition (13.7 ± 1.2 mm), while the ethanol extracts at 50 mg/mL were significantly lower (6.3 ± 0.6 mm) compared to all the other treatments. The docking analysis revealed that out of the 27 compounds identified, only twelve (12) compounds have a drug-likeness activity. The 12 compounds were further subjected to docking analysis to determine the binding energies with the CTX-M protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Only one compound [CID_440869; (2-[1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-9-[β-d-ribofuranosyl] hypoxanthine)] had the best binding energy of −9.76 kcal/mol; hence, it can be considered a potentially suitable treatment for infections caused by ESBLs-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study has demonstrated that L. inermis L. extracts have antibacterial effects. Further research could explore the potential antimicrobial applications of L. inermis L. extracts to many bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Offspring of hypertensive parents have been reported to have alteration on their sympathovagal balance and have exaggerated response to stressful conditions. Many Christians observe a period of fasting at the beginning of every year, which imposes some stress on their bodies. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of 21-day intermittent fasting on some cardiovascular parameters in offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents. Materials and Methods: Eighty young adults (20–28 years) were divided into equal number of male and female offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents based on questionnaire. Their body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded 1 week before the fasting period began and then weekly for 3 weeks, in which they fasted. Results: The weight, BMI, and WC reduced during fasting, but the reductions were not significant (P > 0.05). The SBP and DBP were higher in male offspring of hypertensive parents than all other groups. SBP was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in males than females before fast and during fast. Fasting significantly reduced the SBP in the male offspring of both hypertensive and normotensive parents. The HR reduced in the females during fast but increased from a lower level in males to a value not significantly different from prefasting level. Conclusion: Fasting reduces the high SBP and DBP in male offspring of hypertensive parents, which is beneficial to their cardiovascular system.

IntroductionFood allergy is a significant public health problem with limited treatment options. As Food Allergy Herbal Formula 2 (FAHF-2) showed potential as a food allergy treatment, we further developed a purified version named EBF-2 and identified active compounds. We investigated the mechanisms of EBF-2 on IgE-mediated peanut (PN) allergy and its active compound, berberine, on IgE production.MethodsIgE plasma cell line U266 cells were cultured with EBF-2 and FAHF-2, and their effects on IgE production were compared. EBF-2 was evaluated in a murine PN allergy model for its effect on PN-specific IgE production, number of IgE+ plasma cells, and PN anaphylaxis. Effects of berberine on IgE production, the expression of transcription factors, and mitochondrial glucose metabolism in U266 cells were evaluated.ResultsEBF-2 dose-dependently suppressed IgE production and was over 16 times more potent than FAHF-2 in IgE suppression in U266 cells. EBF-2 significantly suppressed PN-specific IgE production (70%, p

RationaleIgE plays an important pathologic role in most, if not all, allergic conditions. We previously showed that ASHMI (anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention) suppressed IgE production in murine models of asthma and in asthma subjects. However, the active compounds in ASHMI responsible for the IgE suppression are still unknown.ObjectiveWe sought to identify the compound(s) in ASHMI that are responsible for IgE inhibition as well as investigate the mechanisms by which the identified compound(s) decreases IgE production.MethodsThe compounds in Sophorae Flavescentis were separated using Column chromatography and preparative-HPLC. The separated compounds were identified using LC-MS and 1H-NMR. U266 cells, an IgE-producing plasma cell line, were cultured with various concentrations of identified compounds. The levels of IgE production by the U266 cell were measured by ELISA. Trypan blue exclusion was used to determine the cell viability. The gene expression of XBP-1 and IgE-heavy chain was determined by RT-PCR.ResultsA single compound identified as formononetin was isolated from Sophorae Flavescentis. Formononetin significantly and dose dependently decreased the IgE production in U266 cells across a concentration range of 2–20 µg/ml (p

This study evaluated the perception of patent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs) of the accreditation programme to improve their capacity to provide family planning (FP) services in Lagos and Kaduna, Nigeria. A cross-sectional mixed-method approach among 224 PPMVs was used to investigate their perception, willingness to pay for and adhere to the programme, its benefits, and the community women’s perception of the value of PPMVs. Chi-square analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to analyse survey data, while focus group discussions (FGDs) were analysed using the grounded theory. PPMVs were enthusiastic because of the benefits, including increased clientele, revenue, and improved service provision capacity. Approximately 97% of PPMVs found the programme acceptable and were willing to pay, with 56% and 71% willing to pay between N5000-N14900 ($12–36) and N25000-N35000 ($60–87), respectively. A significant relationship between educational attainment, location, and willingness to pay was revealed. Among community women, the fear of side effects, lack of partners’ support, myths and misconceptions, and lack of access to modern contraceptives were factors affecting contraceptive uptake. The capacity of PPMVs to improve FP uptake is promising and can be leveraged to improve health outcomes in communities while strengthening their businesses.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study is to identify the clinical predictors of mortality among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia during first and second waves in a treatment center in northwestern Nigeria.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 195 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between April 2020 to March 2021 at a designated COVID-19 isolation center in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Unadjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals and p-values were obtained. To determine independent determinants of mortality, we performed a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsOf 195 patients studied, 21(10.77%) patients died. Males comprised 158 (81.03%) of the study population. In the adjusted stepwise logistic regression analysis, age>64 years (OR = 9.476, 95% CI: 2.181-41.165), second wave of the pandemic (OR = 49.340, 95% CI:6.222-391.247), cardiac complications (OR = 24.984, 95% CI: 3.618-172.508), hypertension (OR = 5.831, 95% CI:1.413-24.065) and lowest systolic blood pressure while on admission greater than or equal to 90mmHg were independent predictors of mortality (OR = 0.111, 95%CI: 0.021-0.581).ConclusionStrategies targeted to prioritize needed care to patients with identified factors that predict mortality might improve patient outcome.

Introduction: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 is a major drug metabolizing enzyme for corticosteroids (CS). Epimedium has been used for asthma and variety of inflammatory conditions with or without CS. It is unknown whether epimedium has an effect on CYP 3A4 and how it interacts with CS. We sought to determine the effects of epimedium on CYP3A4 and whether it affects the anti-inflammatory function of CS and identify the active compound responsible for this effect.Methods: The effect of epimedium on CYP3A4 activity was evaluated using the Vivid CYP high-throughput screening kit. CYP3A4 mRNA expression was determined in human hepatocyte carcinoma (HepG2) cells with or without epimedium, dexamethasone, rifampin, and ketoconazole. TNF-α levels were determined following co-culture of epimedium with dexamethasone in a murine macrophage cell line (Raw 264.7). Active compound (s) derived from epimedium were tested on IL-8 and TNF-α production with or without corticosteroid, on CYP3A4 function and binding affinity.Results: Epimedium inhibited CYP3A4 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Dexamethasone enhanced the expression of CYP3A4 mRNA, while epimedium inhibited the expression of CYP3A4 mRNA and further suppressed dexamethasone enhancement of CYP3A4 mRNA expression in HepG2 cells (p < 0.05). Epimedium and dexamethasone synergistically suppressed TNF-α production by RAW cells (p < 0.001). Eleven epimedium compounds were screened by TCMSP. Among the compounds identified and tested only kaempferol significantly inhibited IL-8 production in a dose dependent manner without any cell cytotoxicity (p < 0.01). Kaempferol in combination with dexamethasone showed complete elimination of TNF-α production (p < 0.001). Furthermore, kaempferol showed a dose dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 activity. Computer docking analysis showed that kaempferol significantly inhibited the catalytic activity of CYP3A4 with a binding affinity of −44.73kJ/mol.Discussion: Inhibition of CYP3A4 function by epimedium and its active compound kaempferol leads to enhancement of CS anti-inflammatory effect.

The COVID-19 global pandemic is being driven by evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants with consequential implications on virus transmissibility, host immunity, and disease severity. Continuous molecular and genomic surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 variants is therefore necessary for public health interventions toward the management of the pandemic. This study is a retrospective analysis of COVID-19 cases reported in a Nigerian tertiary institution from July to December 2021. In total, 705 suspected COVID-19 cases that comprised 547 students and 158 non-students were investigated by real time PCR (RT-PCR); of which 372 (~52.8%) tested positive for COVID-19. Using a set of selection criteria, 74 (~19.9%) COVID-19 positive samples were selected for next generation sequencing. Data showed that there were two outbreaks of COVID-19 within the university community over the study period, during which more females (56.8%) tested positive than males (47.8%) (p