Search

Abstract Background and Objective Trichuriasis caused by the human whipworm Trichuris trichiura poses a significant public health concern. Albendazole-ivermectin co-medication is currently the most effective treatment. Studies conducted in Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire unveiled differences in efficacy for albendazole-ivermectin combination therapy in both countries. A pharmacometrics approach was used to assess co-medication and study population effects on the pharmacokinetics of the two main metabolites of albendazole. An exploratory exposure-efficacy analysis was also carried out to investigate relationships between exposure measures and the egg reduction rate. Methods Pharmacokinetic data from studies in Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire in adolescents (aged 12–19 years) were included in the pharmacometric analysis. Participants received a single dose of either albendazole 400 mg alone or in combination with ivermectin 200 µg/kg. A pharmacometric analysis was performed to investigate the potential effects of the study population and co-administered ivermectin on the apparent clearance of the metabolites of albendazole. Non-linear mixed-effects modeling was conducted with MonolixSuite 2023R1. The pharmacokinetic exposure measures derived from simulations with individual model parameters were used in the exploratory-exposure response analysis. Results Pharmacokinetic profiles were best described by a two-compartment model for albendazole sulfoxide and a one-compartment model for albendazole sulfone, with a transit compartment and linear elimination. While no co-medication effect was found, apparent clearance of albendazole sulfoxide (albendazole sulfone) in the Tanzanian study population was 75% (46%) higher than that in the Côte d'Ivoire study population. Exposure-efficacy response analyses indicated that peak concentration and the time-above-exposure threshold were associated with the egg reduction rate. Conclusions Study population but not co-administered ivermectin showed an effect on apparent clearance of albendazole sulfoxide and albendazole sulfone. Polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes and host-parasite interaction may explain this result. Difference in drug exposure did not explain the disparate efficacy responses in Tanzania and Côte d‘Ivoire. Peak concentration and time-above-threshold were exposure measures associated with the egg reduction rate. Further studies evaluating genetic and resistance patterns in various regions in Africa are warranted.

The global electricity demand is growing rapidly and is expected to double by 2050. This growth requires significantly expanding the current high-voltage transmission lines, which is a long-term and costly solution. As an alternative, utilities use advanced technologies like Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices as a temporary measure, postponing the expansion. However, it is necessary to locate these devices in the network properly to avoid negative outcomes. Traditional methods for FACTS placement focus on voltage profile improvement and power loss reduction, neglecting rotor angle stability. This can lead to oscillatory instability, especially in weak power grids. To address this issue, the paper proposes a simple approach to optimize the placement of shunt FACTS devices in power systems. The method improves both voltage and rotor angle stability without compromising power loss. The proposed approach considers rotor angle stability constraints, which is essential for system stability during transient events. The study was demonstrated on Nigeria’s 50-bus 330 kV power system, with results indicating a 31% improvement in angle stability with an enhanced voltage profile. The method is straightforward, non-iterative, and provides a cost-effective solution for FACTS device placement in power systems.

Health authorities are particularly concerned about water security in Enugu, southeast Nigeria and heavy metal (HM) pollution. The HM profiles of 51 samples collected from 17 different commercial bottled water brands in Enugu were examined using an flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn had mean values of 0.15 ± 0.03, 0.03 ± 0.02, 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.13 ± 0.02, and 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/L, respectively. The highest levels of Pb2+ were 0.27 mg/L in Exalté, Ni2+ 0.26 mg/L in Jasmine, Cd2+ 0.36 mg/L in Ezbon, Cr3+ 0.07 mg/L in Trinity, Cu2+ 0.04 mg/L in Bigi, and Zn2+ 0.02 mg/L in Aquarapha. The amounts of Cr, Cu, and Zn were below the allowable limits; nevertheless, the Pb content in eight bottled water samples exceeded both the Nigerian and World Health Organization (WHO)/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) permissible limits. The Cd2+ and Ni2+ levels in the 11th and 4th bottled water samples were above the WHO/USEPA-approved limits. Statistical evaluation revealed significant differences in the amounts of HM ions in the samples (p < 0.05). The findings indicated that concentration levels of Cd2+ Ni2+, and Pb2+ pose a public health concern that needs to be addressed due to potential risk to consumer health. HIGHLIGHTS Pb detected in the remaining nine samples and exceeded the allowable limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).; Cd2+ was found in 11 bottled water samples, all of which were above the WHO and USEPA acceptable limits.; The result (dendrogram) showed five clusters, with Cu being more related to Zn than to Pd, Ni, Cd, and Cr.; The use of nanofiltration and microfiltration is known to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)).;

The performance of a Soap Stamping-Tableting was quantified and optimized in this study to response surface methodology. The operational parameters evaluated were conveying speed, stamping and tableting speed, and time of operation while the tableting efficiency, throughput and specific energy consumption of the machine constitutes the responses variables. Response surface analysis was employed and the initial linear models developed augmented to quadratic models when it was established using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and residual plots to estimate the performance of the soap stamping and tableting machine. The developed quadratic models were used to optimize the performance of the soap stamping and tableting machine using the D-optimality approach to establish the optimal factor settings of the soap stamping and tableting machine rounding up to the nearest whole number values are 351rpm, 21rpm, 55 minutes and an overall D-optimality value of 96 for the conveying speed, stamping and tableting speed and time of operation respectively. This soap stamping and tableting machine plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation and enhancing food security, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 1: Zero Hunger. By efficiently manufacturing and packaging soap, this machine enables the creation of small-scale soap businesses, providing income-generating opportunities for individuals in impoverished communities. The resulting economic empowerment helps lift people out of poverty, addressing the root causes of hunger. Additionally, improved hygiene through widespread access to affordable soap contributes to better health outcomes, further supporting the overarching goal of eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable development.

Background Understanding the roles of diverse stakeholders is paramount in the pursuit of safer communities. This is because of indiscriminate unrest orchestrated by insurgents in present-day Nigeria. Objectives This study examines the roles of effective communication among stakeholders like government agencies, law enforcement authorities, and civil society organizations (CSOs) in reducing insecurity in Oye Ekiti. Methodology Three investigative questions guided the study. The study adopted a quantitative research design. Data gathered through an instrument titled Stakeholders Participation in Communication Usage for Insecurity Reduction (SPCUIR) was analysed to discern stakeholder perceptions and contributions. Results The findings highlight that government agencies are seen as active implementers and policy developers, law enforcement authorities play crucial response and collaboration roles, and CSOs advocate for transparency and actively contribute to security measures with the help of communication gadgets. Conclusion The distinct roles of stakeholders in communication usage coalesce to form concerted efforts aimed at reducing insecurity in Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria. Unique Contributions The study contributes to the understanding of stakeholder dynamics in using communication to enhance community security. Key Recommendations Recommendations include enhancing collaboration, community engagement, transparency, and capacity-building initiatives. While the study provides valuable insights, limitations in the scope and reliance on perceptions are acknowledged. Keywords: stakeholders, Participation, Communication usage, Insecurity reduction, law enforcement, government, leaders.

Abstract The study evaluated rainwater quality harvested from roof top catchments viz Asbestos, Aluminum, Corrugated and Harvey roof tops in southeastern, Nigeria. Chemical and microbiological species viz pH, Total Dissolved Solids(TDS), Electrical conductivity (EC), Nitrate(NO3 −), Sulphate (SO4 2−), Chloride(Cl−), Total bacteria load(TBL), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Salmonella Shigella Agar (SSA), Thiocitrate Bile-salt Sucrose( TCBS), Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) were investigated from samples of rainwater roof top run off during onset rain (April), peak rain (July) and cessation (October) rain events in 2022. Results of chemical parameters show significant variation p ≥ 0.05 among the catchments with increased mean concentration of pH(6.5), TDS(25.7 mg/l), EC(43.6μS/cm),NO3 −(0.72 mg/l) SO4 2(4.73 mg/l), Cl(8.81) during onset rain more than the peak and cessation rain, with asbestos rainwater having the highest levels but below WHO/FMENV drinking water limit. Positive and negative correlations existed between the chemical parameters in temporal scale and originating from human activities with the temporal variability in decrease order: April ≥ October ≥ July. Microbial parameters in rainwater revealed mean TBL(6.6 × 104 cfu/ml), TCC(2.6 × 103 cfu/ml) and control (5.8 × 104 cfu/ml) with Aluminum top (8.2 × 104 cfu/ml) recording highest in onset rain more than the peak and cessation rain events. All of the microbial parameters were above the WHO standards which indicates a very high public health risk if consumed without treatment. Organisms found in rainwater from roof types are: Enterobacter sp., Staphylococcus aurous, Streptococcus sp., Bacillus Sp. and Escherichia coli. Based on the results, treatment of rainwater, operation, maintenance methods should be upheld for quality assurance of harvested rainwater.

Purpose: This study intends to add to the existing body of literature and provides a strong advocacy for the use of the computer-mediated corrective feedback by university lecturers in Nigeria and elsewhere. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions and experiences of lecturers toward students' research project supervision using the computer-mediated corrective feedback, factors that facilitate its use, the most preferred computer-mediated corrective feedback types and the extent of its usage in project supervision. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research relies on both the Dialectical Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. This study adopted the interpretivist philosophical paradigm. The case study approach of the qualitative design was used in this investigation. The research participants were selected using the multi-stage sampling procedure. In all, twenty-four (24) lecturers (four from each university, comprising 16 males and 8 females and their ages ranged from 37 years to 61 years) made up the study sample. In-depth interviews were held with these lecturers. The collected data were transcribed and coded and themes were generated based on the responses of research participants using inductive-thematic analysis (ATLAS.ti version 22). Findings: The results indicated that lecturers' perceptions towards the computer-mediated corrective feedback in students' research project supervision are positive, as they considered it flexible, speedy and economical. Users' personal and device-related factors affect the deployment of computer-mediated corrective feedback for students' research project supervision. E-mail, WhatsApp and Zoom are the three themes that emerged as computer-mediated corrective feedback types that lecturers adopt while supervising students' research projects. Therefore, the study recommends that lecturers should take full advantage of computer-mediated corrective feedback in supervising students' research projects in lieu of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Universities should also provide an enabling environment that facilitates computer-mediated corrective feedback. Originality/Value: Studies (outside Nigeria) have been conducted on CMCF using predominantly the experimental and the quantitative research designs in ascertaining the impact of this mode of feedback on students' writing performances. Other studies examined students' perceptions toward CMCF. However, little or no attention has been given to the use of CMCF in the supervision of students' research project writing, especially in Nigeria. Moreover, calls for more qualitative research into lecturer-student interactions and the assessment of educational issues have emerged in recent times. It is against this backdrop that this study explored university lecturers' perceptions and experiences of CMCF on students' research project supervision in Nigerian universities.

Willingness to donate hair samples is a rate-limiting step for assaying antiretroviral (ARV) concentrations in hair, an emerging technique for HIV prevention and treatment monitoring. We surveyed ethnically diverse Nigerians to determine their willingness to donate hair for biomedical research. A cross-sectional survey of people living with HIV on ARV therapy (ART) was conducted at the HIV clinic of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, using systematic sampling. The researcher-administered questionnaire was designed to capture sociodemographic data, length of time on ART, and willingness to donate hair. Univariate analysis was performed on sociodemographic characteristics, and independent-samples t-test and chi-square tests were used for bivariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with willingness to donate hair samples, with a significance level of 0.05. Of the 398 participants enrolled in the study, 258 (64.8%) were female, the average age was 40 years (±9.8), and the average time spent on ART was 7.3 years (±4.2). More than half (64.8%) of the respondents were willing to donate hair samples for biomedical research and they were 1.5 times more likely to donate hair than blood. For one-third of the participants, the anticipated benefit from the eventual research findings was the primary motivation to donate hair samples. Fear of use of hair for rituals was the most common stated reason for unwillingness to donate hair samples (21.2%). In an ethnically diverse, urban-based Nigerian study population, nearly two-thirds of the participants were willing to donate hair samples for biomedical research. These findings support the feasibility of hair sampling for future HIV clinical research conducted within Nigeria.

Abstract The study assessed water chemistry of Nworie inland aquatic ecosystem in South eastern, Nigeria from January, 2020 to December 2022. Water samples were taken from the upper, middle, and lower river at 200 m interval. Data collected were subjected to multivariate analyses. Results of physicochemical tracers indicated mean CaCO3, Ca2+&Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) to be 172.8 mg/l, 103.1 mg/l, 16.50 mg/l respectively above the World Health Organisation (WHO) critical limits, while turbidity (NTU), dissolved oxygen (DO) mgl−1, chloride (Cl−) mg/l, Magnesium (Mg) mg/l, Sodium (Na) mg/l, sulphate (SO4 2+) mg/l, nitrate (NO3 −) mg/l, potassium (K) mg/l and phosphate (PO3 4) were below the limits. Heavy metals (mg/l) showed mean values viz: Cd 2+(0.053), Cr2+(0.049), Fe2+(0.443), Ni2+(0.024), and Pb (0.787) which were all above some critical global limits, except for Cu2+ and Zn2+ and in decreasing abundance: Pb2+ ≥ Fe2+ ≥ Cu2+ ≥ Zn2+ ≥ Cd2+ ≥ Cr2+ ≥ Ni2. Physicochemical tracers and elements in water correlated in both positive and negative directions. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant loads of PC3; CaCO3, NO3, COD, DO, Ca, PO4, Cu, Fe, Zn, PC2; moderate loads of SO4, Cl, & Na originating from complex human activities. Contamination factor (Cf), recorded high for cadmium while pollution load & ecological risk recorded low in decreasing order: Cr2+ ≥ Zn2+ ≥ Ni2+ ≥ Cd2+ ≥ Pb2+ ≥ Cu2+ ≥ Fe2+ with contamination degree in order of: Lower River (LR) ≥ Upper River(UR) ≥ Middle River(MR) and low risk index. Continuous monitoring of human activities along the whole River is important to mitigate any aquatic ecosystem damage for water quality sustainability.

BackgroundOvarian cancer ranks 12th in cancer incidence among women in the United States and 5th among causes of cancer-related death. The typical treatment of ovarian cancer focuses on disease management, with little attention given to the survivorship needs of the patient. Qualitative work alludes to a gap in survivorship care; yet, evidence is lacking to support the delivery of survivorship care for individuals living with ovarian cancer. We developed the POSTCare survivorship platform with input from survivors of ovarian cancer and care partners as a means of delivering patient-centered survivorship care. This process is framed by the chronic care model and relevant behavioral theory. ObjectiveThe overall goal of this study is to test processes of care that support quality of life (QOL) in survivorship. The specific aims are threefold: first, to test the efficacy of the POSTCare platform in supporting QOL, reducing depressive symptom burden, and reducing recurrence worry. In our second aim, we will examine factors that mediate the effect of the intervention. Our final aim focuses on understanding aspects of care platform design and delivery that may affect the potential for dissemination. MethodsWe will enroll 120 survivors of ovarian cancer in a randomized controlled trial and collect data at 12 and 24 weeks. Each participant will be randomized to either the POSTCare platform or the standard of care process for survivorship. Our population will be derived from 3 clinics in Texas; each participant will have received some combination of treatment modalities; continued maintenance therapy is not exclusionary. ResultsWe will examine the impact of the POSTCare-O platform on QOL at 12 weeks after intervention as the primary end point. We will look at secondary outcomes, including depressive symptom burden, recurrence anxiety, and physical symptom burden. We will identify mediators important to the impact of the intervention to inform revisions of the intervention for subsequent studies. Data collection was initiated in November 2023 and will continue for approximately 2 years. We expect results from this study to be published in early 2026. ConclusionsThis study will contribute to the body of survivorship science by testing a flexible platform for survivorship care delivery adapted for the specific survivorship needs of patients with ovarian cancer. The completion of this project will contribute to the growing body of science to guide survivorship care for persons living with cancer. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05752448; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05752448 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/48069

The techniques for chitosan extraction from indigenous crabs were assessed using physicochemical properties of the chitosan, and its utilization in the treatment of crude oil polluted water was investigated. Physicochemical properties, heavy metal analytic method (AAS), and hydrocarbon analysis (GC-MS method) of the water samples were employed for this investigation. Results obtained from the physical and chemical properties of the chitosan extracted from indigenous crabs (Scylla species) showed a comparable percentage yield (53% and 50%) compared to synthetic chitosan (72%). The pH values obtained from the chitosan ranged from 6.9 – 13.0, while the percentage degree of deacetylation (DDA) ranged from 60 – 75%. The water quality obtained from Ochani River, filtered with chitosan, yielded the best result with chitosan C compared to chitosan B. The heavy metal content in the polluted Ochani River was totally removed with the control (synthetic chitosan A) compared to chitosan C, which showed a comparably reduction. However, the bio-filtration with chitosan B also revealed better reduction compared to chitosan A. The study established that irrespective of the crude method applied in the extraction of the chitosan from indigenous crabs, its efficacy in treating crude oil-polluted Ochani River was highly impactful.