Search

Background: Worldwide, there was an estimated 7.1 million new cases of syphilis in 2020, and most of the infections were found in developing countries like Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for syphilis among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in Lagos. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an HIV Clinic in Lagos, Nigeria, from April to June 2017 and 385 HIV-infected adult participants 18 years and above were recruited into the study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic and risk factors for syphilis. Blood samples were collected from all participants and tested for syphilis using rapid plasma reagin and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay test kits. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM) V. 20. Bivariate analysis was carried out using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and Student’s t-test on sociodemographic and risk behavioral factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with variables that were significantly associated with syphilis in bivariate analysis. A P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Out of 388 HIV-infected patients recruited into the study, 262 (67.5%) were female. The mean age was 43.6 ± 10.1 years, and 137 (35.3%) of them were in the age group of 41–50 years. The prevalence of syphilis in HIV-infected patients was 1.8%. The prevalence of syphilis was significantly higher in males (4.8%) than females (0.4%). The prevalence of syphilis was higher in those with no education or primary school education, and multiple sexual partners were statistically significant in the bivariate analysis but not in the multivariate analysis. Male gender was the only independent risk factor for syphilis, with an odds ratio of 11.79 (95% confidence interval [1.26–106.5], P = 0.03) in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The prevalence of syphilis in this study was lower than previous work done in other HIV-positive cohorts in Nigeria. Males were more affected significantly in this study. Routine screening and testing for syphilis should be integrated into HIV care, especially in males.

Abstract Background African ancestry populations have the highest burden of stroke worldwide, yet the genetic basis of stroke in these populations is obscure. The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) is a multicenter study involving 16 sites in West Africa. We conducted the first-ever genome-wide association study (GWAS) of stroke in indigenous Africans. Methods Cases were consecutively recruited consenting adults (aged > 18 years) with neuroimaging-confirmed ischemic stroke. Stroke-free controls were ascertained using a locally validated Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status. DNA genotyping with the H3Africa array was performed, and following initial quality control, GWAS datasets were imputed into the NIH Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) release2 from BioData Catalyst. Furthermore, we performed fine-mapping, trans-ethnic meta-analysis, and in silico functional characterization to identify likely causal variants with a functional interpretation. Results We observed genome-wide significant (P-value < 5.0E−8) SNPs associations near AADACL2 and miRNA (MIR5186) genes in chromosome 3 after adjusting for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiac status in the base model as covariates. SNPs near the miRNA (MIR4458) gene in chromosome 5 were also associated with stroke (P-value < 1.0E−6). The putative genes near AADACL2, MIR5186, and MIR4458 genes were protective and novel. SNPs associations with stroke in chromosome 2 were more than 77 kb from the closest gene LINC01854 and SNPs in chromosome 7 were more than 116 kb to the closest gene LINC01446 (P-value < 1.0E−6). In addition, we observed SNPs in genes STXBP5-AS1 (chromosome 6), GALTN9 (chromosome 12), FANCA (chromosome 16), and DLGAP1 (chromosome 18) (P-value < 1.0E−6). Both genomic regions near genes AADACL2 and MIR4458 remained significant following fine mapping. Conclusions Our findings identify potential roles of regulatory miRNA, intergenic non-coding DNA, and intronic non-coding RNA in the biology of ischemic stroke. These findings reveal new molecular targets that promise to help close the current gaps in accurate African ancestry-based genetic stroke’s risk prediction and development of new targeted interventions to prevent or treat stroke.

nvironmental safety is a pressing global concern, particularly in Africa, where poor sanitation and contaminated water sources contribute to rising health issues. Active dumpsites are recognized as a source of groundwater pollution, yet their specific impact on water quality remains insufficiently documented. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate potential groundwater contamination resulting from active dumpsites in the Ilaka area of Oyo town, Nigeria. Electrical Resistivity Tomography was established on two traverses at the study area with a total length of 150 m and 5 m electrode spacing. Eight Vertical Electrical Sounding points were sounded at the established profiles. The geoelectric sections revealed three distinct layers: the topsoil, the weathered layer, and the fresh basement. In Traverse One, the recorded layer resistivity ranges from 29 to 938 Ωm, while in Traverse Two, it ranges from 30 to 1243 Ωm. The corresponding layer thickness varies from 0.8 to 21 m in Traverse One and from 2.5 to 24 m in Traverse Two, indicating a shallow overburden thickness. The 2D image of ERT revealed extremely low resistivity values in all the traverses across the dumpsites which suggests the presence of clay formation underlying the topsoil which may have been trapped in the contaminant plumes. Groundwater from the study area was found to be free from contaminants.

Agriculture is a primary sector of production that is important for providing basic raw materials for many sectors. There seemed to be more people practicing it traditionally, and this situation is limiting the buoyancy of agricultural productivity. Traditional agriculture cannot fully thrive in the 21st century. This is because the global human population is currently growing at an alarming rate that is much higher than the agricultural productivity requirements to strike a balance, especially between food demand and supply. Hence, there is a need to take advantage of technology and incorporate it into agriculture with a view to bridging the gaps created by traditional agriculture. In this review paper, agricultural productivity information as it relates to the human population is presented. Also presented was background information on digital technology and its connections to agriculture through the use of some existing digital technology devices for improved productivity. Furthermore, matters relating to the rice value chain, with specific attention to Nigeria, were given extensive consideration. The circular economy (CE) approach was presented as a means of converting the three (3) major rice value chain by-products or wastes (straw, husk, and bran) to other value-added products. The CE will protect the environment and make it more friendly. Also, it will improve productivity, increase income, and create better living conditions for those in the rice value chain in Nigeria.

ObjectiveTo develop a simple and effective risk score for predicting which stroke patients will have persistent impairment of upper extremity motor function at 90 days.DesignPost hoc analysis of clinical trial patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke who were followed for 90 days to determine functional outcome.SettingPatient were hospitalized at facilities across the United States.ParticipantsWe created a harmonized cohort of individual patients (N=1653) from the NINDS tPA, ALIAS part 2, IMS-III, DEFUSE 3, and FAST-MAG trials. We split the cohort into balanced derivation and validation samples.InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was persistent arm impairment, defined as a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) arm domain score of 2 to 4 at 90 days in patients who had a 24-hour NIHSS arm score of 1 or more. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to determine the elements of the persistent upper extremity impairment (PUPPI) index, which we validated as a predictive tool.ResultsWe included 1653 patients (827 derivation, 826 validation), of whom 803 (48.6%) had persistent arm impairment. The PUPPI index gives 1 point each for age 55 years or older and NIHSS values of worse arm (4), worse leg (>2), facial palsy (3), and total NIHSS (≥10). The optimal cutpoint for the PUPPI index was 3 or greater, at which the area under the curve was greater than 0.75 for the derivation and validation cohorts and when using NIHSS values from either 24 hours or in a subacute or discharge time window. Results were similar across different levels of stroke severity.ConclusionThe PUPPI index uses readily available information to accurately predict persistent upper extremity motor impairment at 90 days poststroke. The PUPPI index can be administered in minutes and could be used as inclusion criterion in recovery-related clinical trials or, with additional development, as a prognostic tool for patients, caregivers, and clinicians.

Upon deviation from standard condition, anomalous propagations are usually experienced in within the atmosphere. As a result, it is very pertinent to considered the value of the tropospheric refractive index while planning, designing and implementing microwave systems. In this study, measurements of meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure) were conducted for a period of 12 months (Jan - Dec, 2021) in Ogbomoso (8.17ºN, 4.24ºE, 372 m above sea level) using a collection of wireless Davis Vantage Pro2 6162 automatic weather stations. The hourly time series of these measured data were extracted and converted to monthly averages and used to compute refractivity, gradient of refractivity, and the k-factor. From the Analyses, results revealed a generally high values of refractivity during the rainy months with a peak value of 359 recorded in May. The values were observed to decrease with increasing height. For the period of this observation, the mean refractivity gradient was found to be 50 N-units/km while the average value of K-factor was 1.49. As a result, it was concluded from these findings that the propagation condition in Ogbomoso is super-refraction.

The increasing demand for plant-based proteins faces challenges due to their inherent functional limitations. To meet eco-friendly standards, several “green'' and innovative processing technologies like high-pressure processing (HPP), pulse electric field (PEF), precision fermentation, 3D extrusion, and ultrasonic technology are gaining attention for protein functionality. Modifying protein structure through these technologies unlocks unique possibilities for functional food design. Understanding the mechanisms and advancements of these technologies is crucial for targeted functional improvements, opening new pathways for exploration. This review explores recent advances in HPP, PEF, precision fermentation, 3D extrusion, and ultrasonic technology for enhancing plant protein functionality, detailing their positive impacts. The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in discovering health-enhancing molecules in functional food ingredients is examined. Real-time monitoring and software development for precise protein control are key tools for leveraging these technologies effectively. Moreover, the need for further research in digitalization technologies to advance healthier and sustainable food choices was highlighted. Thus, the review offers invaluable insights for food researchers and scientists, providing a roadmap to advance the development of healthier, innovative, and sustainable food choices, aligning with evolving consumer preferences and eco-friendly standards.

BackgroundStroke is associated with racial disparities in morbidity and mortality and stroke outcomes. Stroke literacy is a significant predictor of on-time arrival to the emergency room for acute stroke treatment. In this study, we examined sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors that predict key aspects of stroke literacy: knowledge of stroke signs/symptoms and intent to call 911 in the event of a stroke.MethodsWe analyzed archived data from a survey of African American adults over 18 years residing in the “buckle of the stroke belt.” Participants were ranked into 2 categories: low or no and moderate to adequate stroke knowledge. Then we performed univariate and multivariable analyses to determine the independent predictors of (1) knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms and (1) intent to call 911.ResultsParticipants aged 18–39 years (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27– 0.80) were more likely to correctly recognize stroke signs and symptoms compared to those who are 65 years and above. Those age 40–64 years were also more likely to recognize stroke signs and symptoms compared to those who are 65 years and above. On the other hand, those with less than high school (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 2.03–3.96) or complete high school education (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.28–2.96) were less likely to recognize stroke signs and symptoms. Males were less likely (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.64–0.66) to report that they would call 911 in the event of a stroke. While respondents aged 40–64 years (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.14–3.09) and those with moderate to adequate knowledge of stroke (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.18–1.65) were more likely to call 911 in the event of a stroke. Socioeconomic status was generally associated with stroke literacy.ConclusionAmong resident of the “buckle of the stroke belt,” we observed that age, sex, and educational level are among the key predictors of knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms and intent to call 911 in the event of a stroke. Stroke literacy and educational programs needs to incorporate these key sociodemographic aspects as a strategy for improving literacy and reduce stroke-related disability and health disparities.

IntroductionStroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Recurrent strokes are seven times more lethal than initial ones, with 54% leading to long-term disability. Substantial recurrent stroke risk disparities exist among ancestral groups. Notably, Africans face double the risk and higher fatality rates compared to Europeans. Although genetic studies, particularly GWAS, hold promise for uncovering biological insights into recurrent stroke, they remain underexplored. Our study addresses this gap through meta-analyses of recurrent stroke GWAS, considering specific ancestral groups and a combined approach.MethodsWe utilized four independent study cohorts for African, European, and Combined ancestry recurrent stroke GWAS with genotyping, imputation, and strict quality control. We harmonized recurrent stroke phenotype and effect allele estimates across cohorts. The logistic regression GWAS model was adjusted for age, sex, and principal components. We assessed how well genetic risk of stroke informs recurrent stroke risk using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with the GIGASTROKE Consortium's polygenic risk scores (PRS).ResultsHarmonization included 4,420 participants (818 African ancestry and 3,602 European ancestry) with a recurrent stroke rate of 16.8% [median age 66.9 (59.1, 73.6) years; 56.2% male]. We failed to find genome-wide significant variants (p < 5e−8). However, we found 18 distinct suggestive (p < 5e−6) genetic loci with high biological relevance consistent across African and European ancestries, including PPARGC1B, CCDC3, OPRL1, and MYH11 genes. These genes affect vascular stenosis through constriction and dilation. We also observed an association with SDK1 gene, which has been previous linked with hypertension in Nigerian and Japanese populations). ROC analysis showed poor performance of the ischemic stroke PRS in discriminating recurrent stroke status (area under the curve = 0.48).DiscussionOur study revealed genetic associations with recurrent stroke not previously associated with incident ischemic stroke. We found suggestive associations in genes previously linked with hypertension. We also determined that knowing the genetic risk of incident stroke does currently not inform recurrent stroke risk. We urgently need more studies to understand better the overlap or lack thereof between incident and recurrent stroke biology.

ABSTRACT Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii spp. are increasingly important pathogens with limited treatment options, and there is limited knowledge on the environmental factors contributing to their spread. We determined the occurrence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii in hospital wastewater and their phylogenetic relationships with clinical A. baumannii isolates. Grab samples of raw and treated hospital wastewater were collected monthly at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, between March 2021 and February 2022. Acinetobacter baumannii strains were selectively isolated and identified using VITEK2, and their whole genomes were sequenced on an Illumina platform. We performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing and in silico genomic characterization of the strains and determined their phylogenetic relationships to previously characterized clinical A. baumannii strains from Nigeria. A. baumannii complex isolates were recovered from wastewater throughout the study. Of the 82 isolates identified based on whole-genome sequences, 77 were A. baumannii. A. baumannii isolates had high resistance rates (≥48.1%) to 10 of 12 antimicrobials tested, and majority (42/77, 54.5%) were resistant to carbapenems, with bla NDM-1 being the most common (24/77, 31.2%) carbapenem resistance gene detected, followed by bla OXA-23 (n = 22, 28.6%). There was no statistically significant difference in carbapenem resistance rates or carbapenem gene carriage between the raw and treated wastewater isolates. Most of the isolates belonged to novel or sparsely described lineages, some of which were closely related to clinical isolates. The release of inadequately treated hospital wastewater into the environment may contribute to the increased spread of carbapenem-resistant and clinically important A. baumannii lineages in Ibadan, Nigeria. IMPORTANCE Acinetobacter baumannii is a leading cause of hospital-associated infections globally. A. baumannii reservoirs outside hospital settings are still unknown, and their occurrence in the environment is linked to clinical and anthropogenic activities. Although the risk of transmission of A. baumannii from environmental sources to humans is not fully understood, these sources pose significant risks for the continued dissemination of A. baumannii and their resistance traits. This study provides evidence that diverse and clinically relevant A. baumannii strains, many of which are resistant to carbapenems, are constantly being discharged into the environment through inadequately treated hospital wastewater. We further elucidate potential transmission routes between the environment and clinical infections and demonstrate the high prevalence of carbapenem resistance genes on highly mobile transposons among these strains. Our findings highlight the pressing need to address hospital wastewater as a crucial factor in curtailing the spread of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.

Abstract This study was targeted towards evaluating the outcome of partially substituting sugar with soursop puree at different proportions, varying pasteurization temperatures, storage durations and with the application of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate as chemical preservatives on physiochemical, antioxidant and microbial qualities of yoghurt. There was a strong correlation (R 2 = 0.7, Adjusted R 2 = 0.65) between the syneresis and the water-holding capacity of the yoghurt as the substitution increased. At 50% soursop puree substitution in the yoghurt production, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, vitamin C, carbohydrate, protein, and ash contents increased to 34.40%, 1.25 mg GAE/L, 58.50 mg/100 g, 29.26, 4.02 and 0.69%, respectively. Storage duration does not have a significant influence on the proximate composition of the yoghurt samples. However, the vitamin C content of the yoghurt decreased when the pasteurization temperature was more than 80 °C. The growth of lactic acid bacteria ranged between 2.9 × 105 and 2.16 × 106 CFU/ml. The use of sodium benzoate inhibited yeast growth more than potassium sorbate while soursop substitution inhibited the growth of mould from 1.0 × 106 CFU/ml to 3.05 × 105 CFU/ml than the preservatives. Coliform was absent in all the yoghurt samples with or without preservatives. This information would be valuable in yoghurt development and quality control. Graphical Abstract

This study aims to evaluate and model the effect of extrusion conditions on the functional and textural properties of brown rice-watermelon seeds extruded snacks. Taguchi was used in designing the experiment and Response Surface Methodology was used to evaluate and model the effect of exit barrel temperature (120 - 140°C), barrel screw speed (300 - 420 rpm), and feed moisture content (16-18%) on water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), hardness, chewiness, gumminess, and springiness of the extruded snacks. The Pareto plot was used to evaluate the significant extrusion parameters on the functional and textural properties. The WAI and WSI of the extruded snacks ranged between 2.09 and 2.87 (g/g), and 2.12 and 2.59% respectively. The hardness, chewiness, gumminess, and springiness of the extruded snacks ranged between 118.92 and 4054.40 N, 0.06 and 326.00 N, 2.41 and 1509.17 N, and 0.02 and 0.21, respectively. The Pareto plot showed that exit barrel temperature had the most significant influence on WAI and WSI whereas, the quadratic interaction effect of feed moisture content had the most significant influence on the hardness, chewiness, gumminess, and springiness of the extruded snacks. Polynomial regression models were developed for the functional and textural properties with an adequate coefficient of determination (R2) that ranged from 0.74 to 0.99, thus indicating their ability to predict the properties. Conclusively, a hybrid of Taguchi and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique was used to establish and predict the influence of extrusion conditions on the functional and textural properties of brown rice-watermelon seeds extruded snacks.

Soymilk market has achieved tremendous progress in consumption and sales due to its inexpensiveness and soymilk protein content. However, due to the present global health crisis, there is a need to further devise means of enriching the quality of soymilk. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sprouted soybeans and ginger on soymilk quality and sensory attributes. A developed dual -powered milk pasteurizer was used to produce the soymilk. Soybeans, a mixture of soybeans and sprouted soybeans, and sprouted soybeans were interacted with peeled ginger and whole ginger rhizome using Taguchi experimental design to produce nine soymilk samples. The proximate composition, calorific value, total phenolic content and phytic acid content of the soymilk samples were determined using standard procedures. The moisture content of the soymilk samples ranged from 80.85 to 83.78%, crude protein content (7.47 – 9.54%), ash content (0.72 – 1.27%), fibre content (0.24 – 0.73%), crude fat (0.24 - 5.44%), carbohydrate content (1.29 -6.82%) and calorific value (67.6 kcal/g - 91.58 kcal/g). The total phenolic content and phytic acid content ranged from 4.81 mg/l to 11.88 GAE mg/l and 26.77 to 41.86 mg/l, respectively. The soymilk produced from the mixture of sprouted soybeans and un-sprouted soybeans with the addition of either whole or peeled ginger significantly increased the crude protein content, ash content, calorific value and total phenolic content to 9.54%, 1.27%, 91.58 kcal/g and 11.88 GAE mg/l, respectively. In addition, it increased the overall sensory acceptability of soymilk. Conclusively, the use of sprouted soybeans and the addition of ginger should be encouraged to promote a more enriched soymilk beverage. Also, the developed dual-powered milk pasteuriser could be adopted for soymilk production.

Background Baseline stroke severity is probably partly responsible for poor stroke outcomes in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, there is a paucity of information on determinants of stroke severity among indigenous Africans. We sought to identify the factors associated with stroke severity among West Africans in the SIREN (Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Networks) study. Methods and Results Stroke was diagnosed clinically and confirmed with brain neuroimaging. Severe stroke was defined as a Stroke Levity Scale score of ≤5. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated with stroke severity at 95% CI and a nominal cutoff of 5% type 1 error. A total of 3660 stroke cases were included. Overall, 50.7%% had severe stroke, including 47.6% of all ischemic strokes and 56.1% of intracerebral hemorrhage. Factors independently associated with severe stroke were meat consumption (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.97 [95% CI, 1.43–2.73]), low vegetable consumption (aOR, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.93–3.12]), and lesion volume, with an aOR of 1.67 (95% CI, 1.03–2.72) for lesion volume of 10 to 30 cm3 and aOR of 3.88 (95% CI, 1.93–7.81) for lesion volume >30 cm3. Severe ischemic stroke was independently associated with total anterior circulation infarction (aOR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.5–6.9]), posterior circulation infarction (aOR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1–4.2]), and partial anterior circulation infarction (aOR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.2–3.3]) compared with lacunar stroke. Increasing age (aOR, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.3–5.2]) and lesion volume >30 cm3 (aOR, 6.2 [95% CI, 2.0–19.3]) were independently associated with severe intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusions Severe stroke is common among indigenous West Africans, where modifiable dietary factors are independently associated with it. These factors could be targeted to reduce the burden of severe stroke.

Broken brown rice is usually categorised as raw material with low market value while watermelon seeds are discarded as waste. Therefore, this study aimed to develop brown rice-watermelon seeds extruded snacks by evaluating the effects of extrusion conditions (feed moisture content (12–16%), exit barrel temperature (120 -140ºC), and barrel screw speed (300 rpm - 420 rpm)) on its composition, bioactive constituents, and glycemic index. Polynomial regression was used to model the composition, bioactive constituents, and glycemic index while response optimizer was used to optimise the protein content of the extruded snacks. At a mixing ratio of 90% brown rice flour and 10% watermelon seeds powder, the effect of extrusion conditions on the moisture content of the extruded snacks ranged from 3.03 to 4.57%, protein content (11.24 to 16.20%), crude fat (0.77 to 1.08%), crude fibre (2.07 to 2.77%), ash (2.05 to 2.63%) and carbohydrate (73.66 to 79.36%). The total phenolic content of the extruded snacks ranged between 8.14 and 10.15 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid content (1.8 and 2.11 mg QE/100 g), DPPH radical scavenging activity (10.05% and 14.22%), and Glycemic index (60.00 and 67.24). The regression models showed the adequacy to predict the composition, bioactive constitutes and glycemic index of the snacks while the optimum conditions gave extruded snacks with 17.71% protein content. The glycemic index of the extruded snacks is intermediate. Conclusively, the developed extruded snacks served as an avenue to exploit the usage of underutilized broken brown rice and watermelon seeds to produce nutrient-rich value-added extruded product.

Introduction: Curative misuse of medicinal plants are worrisome with the paucity of histological information. This led to the investigation of Ipomoea asarifolia in Swiss albino rats infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: Extraction was done using the cold maceration method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were determined using the micro-dilution method. Swiss albino rats of 6 sub-groups with 6 animals each (36 animals/organism) were administered with 0.3 ml single oral dose of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. The animals received treatment for 5 days as follows: 0.5 ml of 5% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (negative control), 250 mg/kg of amoxicillin (positive control), 2 mg/kg of whole plant extract, 4 mg/kg of whole plant extract, 2 mg/kg of leaf extract, and 4 mg/kg of leaf extract, respectively. The packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood count (WBC) of the animals were determined before and after treatment with histology examination of vital organs. Results: MIC for S. aureus was 2 mg/mL; the mortality in S. aureus group at 2 mg/kg was 66.7%. The PCV values (50.5±0.5, 45.0±1.0, and 50.5±1.5) decreased after infection, and a corresponding increase in the PCV was observed after treatment with the extracts. Also, a significant increase in the WBC values (3.40±0.35, 4.10±0.15, and 3.30±0.40) following infection and a corresponding decrease after treatment were observed. Congestion of vessels in the kidney was also observed. Conclusion: I. asarifolia has a dose-dependent antibacterial and curative activity, and could enhance innate immunity.

Energy plays an important role in rice processing whereby the amount of energy consumed could influence the cost of production. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the energy consumption and milling quality of three rice varieties (FARO 15, FARO 60 and FARO 62) using a dual-powered rice parboiler. The energy consumption patterns viz steeping energy consumption, steaming energy consumption, total energy consumption and energy intensity of the rice varieties using electricity and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) combustion as the power source of the parboiler were determined using standard equations. The milling quality in terms of milling recovery and head milled rice were also determined using standard procedures. The energy consumption during steeping and steaming ranged from 39.02 MJ to 40.00 MJ and 12.90 MJ to 14.09 MJ, respectively. The total energy consumption and energy intensity ranged from 31.62 MJ to 32.01 MJ and 7.90 MJ/kg to 8.00 MJ/kg, respectively. The milling recovery and the head milled rice of the rice varieties ranged from 64.23% to 66.76%, and 55.45% to 59.18%, respectively. The total energy consumption and energy intensity of the rice varieties differ based on the power source of the rice parboiler. The power source also influenced the milling recovery and head milled rice of the rice varieties. The use of gas as a power source for the rice parboiler consumed more energy than electricity. The information provided in this study would guide energy conservation, prevention of production downtime and improving rice milling quality.

Abstract The emergence of COVID‐19 brought with it panic and a sense of urgency causing governments to impose strict restrictions on human activities and vehicular movements. With anthropogenic emissions, especially waste management (domestic and municipal), traffic, and industrial activities, said to be a significant contributor to ambient air pollution, this study assessed the impacts of the imposed restrictions on the concentrations and size distribution of atmospheric aerosols and concentration of gaseous pollutants over West African subregion and seven major COVID‐19 epicenters in the subregion. Satellite retrievals and reanalysis data sets were used to study the impact of the restrictions on Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and atmospheric concentrations NO2, SO2, CO, and O3. The anomalies were computed for 2020 relative to 2017–2019 (the reference years). In 2020 relative to the reference years, for area‐averaged AOD levels, there was a consequential mean percentage change between −6.7% ± 21.0% and 19.2% ± 27.9% in the epicenters and −10.1% ± 15.4% over the subregion. The levels of NO2 and SO2 also reduced substantially at the epicenters, especially during the periods when the restrictions were highly enforced. However, the atmospheric levels of CO and ozone increased slightly in 2020 compared to the reference years. This study shows that “a one cap fits all” policy cannot reduced the level of air pollutants and that traffic and industrial processes are not the predominant sources of CO in major cities in the subregion.

A homogeneous mixing and drying of food substance are required prior to further processing and storage. This research was carried out to determine the heat transfer parameters of an existing dryer-mixer and evaluate its performance for the drying and mixing of Irvingia gabonensis powder. A 1 kg of the powdered product (~ 15 μm particle size and 24.5% initial moisture content) was dried using the mixer-dryer for 5 hours. The average temperature of the drying chamber was preset at 50oC for the drying process,with the help of a thermostat. The heat transfer parameters, which includes the air flow rate and thickness of wall lagging, were determined mechanistically. Also, the drying performance was determined based on the drying rate, drying efficiency, mixing index, and mixing rate of the machine. Results show that an air flow rate of 0.00082 kgs-1and 0.02 m thickness of a fibre-glass lagging material was required in the drying and mixing operation. Energy required to dry the product from 24.5% (wb) to 12.8% (wb) moisture content was 0.08514 kJ/s at a drying rate of 1.8 kgh-1. A mixing index of 0.819 and efficiency of 82.2 % were obtained, and these may imply effective drying and a high degree of homogenization in the system.