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Background: The prevalence of hypertension, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), is increasing in the developing countries and this may be connected with the economic transition in those countries. Adult hypertension is thought to be related to childhood and adolescent increases in blood pressure, and hence the need to monitor patterns in early life. This study investigates the BP patterns, and their correlates, of adolescents from different geographic areas of residence in Nigeria.Methods: A total of 1,088 Nigerian adolescents from different geographic areas of residence were recruited for the study. Their blood pressures and anthropometric indices were measured using standard procedures. The association of blood pressure with height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and geographic area of residence was assessed.Results: Male and female urban-dwelling adolescents had significantly (p < 0.05) higher systolic blood pressure (117.45 +/- 21.53 mmHg and 114.82 +/- 17.95 mmHg respectively) compared to their counterparts living in the non-urban areas (108.20 +/- 12.12 mmHg and 106.03 +/- 13.06 mmHg respectively), even after adjusting for age and height. Conversely, non-urban boys (but not the girls) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher diastolic blood pressure compared to their urban counterparts. Adolescents in the urban areas had higher BMI (20.74 +/- 3.27 kg/m(2) for males and 21.35 +/- 3.37 kg/m(2) for females) than those in the non-urban areas (20.33 +/- 3.11 kg/m(2) for males and 21.35 +/- 3.37 kg/m(2) for females) though the difference was significant (p < 0.05) only in the females. Blood pressures were found to increase with age, and to be associated with BMI.Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for efforts to be made towards addressing adolescent blood pressure elevation (in both urban and non-urban areas) as they are a reflection of adult morbidity and mortality from hypertension and the associated disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal (HM) contamination above permissible limits poses a risk to human health. The study evaluated the health risk (cancer and non-cancer) of exposure to copper (Cu) and steel factory wastes on water samples near the factory based on the hazard quotient (HQ) derived from the HM concentrations. Triplicate water samples were collected by purposive sampling and their concentrations of selected HMs [Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, Fe, Cd] were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The health risks were determined from the concentrations of HMs in water samples ingested orally. The range concentrations were [Fe, 0.074-0.178], [Pb, 0.011-0.013], [Cd, 0.005-0.02], and [Mn, 0.023-0.045] which were above the reference values set by World Health Organization. The contribution of the individual metal to the chronic daily intake (CDI) in the three samples are Mg>Fe>Mn>Zn>Cd>Pb>Cu. In the three different samples, the CDI for Mg was highest in the factory borehole [0.15523]. Comparing the CDI values from the three different collection points, Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe were highest from the factory effluent. Mg contributed the highest HQ [5.46307] in all the water samples, followed by Pb [3.87618] and then Cd[2.64009], which reflect their significantly high hazard indices observed. The incremental life cancer risk [ILCR] via ingestion showed that the cancer risk resulting from Cd in the different sources demands attention. The factory effluent recorded the highest mean levels of the metals analyzed, which were higher than the permissible limits. Magnesium contributed the highest non-cancer risk, while Cd had the highest cancer risk., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interest or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

There are overwhelming reports on the promotional effect of hypoxia on the malignant behavior of various forms of cancer cells. This has been proposed and tested exhaustively in the light of cancer immunotherapy. However, there could be more interesting functions of a hypoxic cellular micro-environment than malignancy. There is a highly intricate crosstalk between hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), a transcriptional factor produced during hypoxia, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) which has been well characterized in various immune cell types. This important crosstalk shares common activating and inhibitory stimuli, regulators, and molecular targets. Impaired hydroxylase activity contributes to the activation of HIFs. Inflammatory ligands activate NF-κB activity, which leads to the expression of inflammatory and anti-apoptotic genes. The eventual sequelae of the interaction between these two molecular players in immune cells, either bolstering or abrogating functions, is largely cell-type dependent. Importantly, this holds promise for interesting therapeutic interventions against several infectious diseases, as some HIF agonists have helped prevent immune-related diseases. Hypoxia and inflammation are common features of infectious diseases. Here, we highlighted the role of this crosstalk in the light of functional immunity against infection and inflammation, with special focus on various innate and adaptive immune cells. Particularly, we discussed the bidirectional effects of this crosstalk in the regulation of immune responses by monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, B cells, and T cells. We believe an advanced understanding of the interplay between HIFs and NF-kB could reveal novel therapeutic targets for various infectious diseases with limited treatment options., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Akinsulie, Shahzad, Ogunleye, Oladapo, Joshi, Ugwu, Gbadegoye, Hassan, Adeleke, Afolabi Akande and Adesola.)

The current study was to improve and control aceclofenac delivery prepared as biopolymer-based microparticles for effective colon-targeted drug delivery using modified gelatin capsules (MGCs) at different time intervals developed in two batches (C1 and C2). Microparticles were formulated with extracted mucuna gum using liquid paraffin oil (AC.LPO) and soybean oil (AC.SO) and evaluated in vitro for physicochemical performance and in vivo in rats. Encapsulation efficiency ranges from 54.48 ± 0.21% to 82.83 ± 0.22% for AC.LPO and 52.64 ± 0.11% to 80.36 ± 0.22% for AC.SO. SEM showed oblong and irregular shapes with porous and cracked surfaces. DSC showed low enthalpy and a very broad endothermic peak depicting high amorphous property. Delayed drug release was observed in the upper gastrointestinal tract with sustained release depicted in the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) using 3 and 9-h batch C1 of MGCs. AC.SO exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher anti-inflammatory activity (86%) than AC.LPO (77%). Hence, aceclofenac colon delivery could be improved and controlled using biopolymer-based colon-targeted microparticles delivered with MGCs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Anacardium occidentale (AO) possesses potent anti-diabetic properties, owing to its high phytochemicals content. This study attempted to maximise the efficacy of AO by encapsulating it in a solid lipid microparticle (SLMs) formulation. L ea ves of AO were extracted with water and formulated into SLMs u sing a lipid matrix composed of P90H and Dika fat. Characterisation of the SLMs include morphology, particle size, pH, encapsulation efficiency percentage, in vitro re lease and anti-diabetic properties . SLMs were spherical with sizes ranging from 16.7 ± 0.8 µm to 40.12 ± 2.34 µm and had a fairly stable pH over time. Highest drug entrapment was 87% . Batch A 2 exhibited an even release of 89%, sustained over time, and a mean percentage reduction in glucose of 25.9% at 12 h after oral administration to study animals. Anacardium occidentale -loaded SLMs exhibited a good hypoglycaemic effect and can be used in the management of diabetes.

One of the primary objectives of any public health programme is to design a protocol that will curtail a population from being predisposed to toxic substances in the environment. Biomarkers help in actualising such an objective by their potential to detect the presence of toxic substances in environmental media such as soil, water and air. The Ostracod Heterocypris incongruens, an already established biomarker for quality evaluation of freshwater, does not quantify toxicity. This work was aimed at modelling Ostracod bioassay as a quantitative whole-water toxicity assay (QWTA) for the determination of potentially chemical contaminated swimming pools. In this modelling approach, a pool water sample was deliberately contaminated with a mixture of Fenton reagent (FR) and Bonny light (BL) crude oil. The mechanism of toxic injury of this mixture is via oxidative stress-mediated superoxide ion and other free radicals. The mortalities and growth factors of the exposed freshly hatched Ostracods to the serial dilutions of the contaminated swimming pool water sample for 6 days were mathematically modelled to toxicity indices (Ti), which were used to construct the toxicity reference curve (TRC). A graph of the "toxic concentrations" of the serially diluted contaminated pool water sample against Ostracod mortality was plotted. The TRC and the linear graph constitute the "Ostracod-linked mathematical model". Against the reference mortality ≤ 20% of the Ostracods, the toxicity index based on the model prediction is ≤ 32.5, and this signifies "no observed toxic effect" for toxicity values below 32.5 units. Using this model, toxicity indices were calculated for 5 randomly selected swimming pools in the study area. The results showed that the outdoor pool SP 5 has a toxic index of 49.0, while outdoor pools SP 2 and SP 3 each has a toxic index of 42.5. The indoor swimming pool (SP 4) and Standard water (control) have zero toxicity, thus suggesting that that the outdoor pools SP 2, SP 3 and SP 5 were possibly contaminated by chemicals from extraneous sources while contamination of SP 1 was very much negligible, hence the "no observed toxic effect"., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Aceclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with poor aqueous solubility and a short half-life resulting in low bioavailability. Aceclofenac-loaded solid lipid microparticles based solidified reverse micellar solution (SLMs-SRMS) for oral drug delivery was investigated to improve the bioavailability and control drug release. Hot homogenization method was adopted to prepare the SLMs using a homolipid irvingia fat and Phospholipon® 90H with or without propylene glycol 6000 (PEGylation) in different ratios and characterized in vitro . The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the drug was determined on mice inflamed with carrageenan as phlogistic agent. Results showed that the morphology and particle sizes of the SLMs were spherical and smooth and ranged between 5.24 ± 0.01-97.44 ± 0.18 μm. EE % ranged between 67 - 81 %. A significant (p < 0.05) viscosity of 490 mPasec -1 was obtained. FTIR spectra indicated compatibility amongst the constituents. DSC showed a broad peak which depicted an imperfect matrix resulting in a deformation of crystal arrangement creating many spaces for drug entrapment. Delayed drug release was observed in almost all the formulations in SIF (pH, 6.8). Anti-inflammatory activity showed a significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.05, up to 90 %). Hence, the aceclofenac-loaded SLMs-SRMS showed desirable characteristics and could be used for controlled delivery of aceclofenac and thus alternative to conventional aceclofenac oral formulation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

The incidence and case-fatality rates (CFRs) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the etiological agent for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), have been rising unabated. Even though the entire world has been implementing infection prevention and control measures, the pandemic continues to spread. It has been widely accepted that preventive vaccination strategies are the public health measures for countering this pandemic. This study critically reviews the latest scientific advancement in genomics, replication pattern, pathogenesis, and immunopathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and how these concepts could be used in the development of vaccines. We also offer a detailed discussion on the anticipated potency, efficacy, safety, and pharmaco-economic issues that are and will be associated with candidate COVID-19 vaccines.

Several months after the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), cases of re-infection after recovery were reported. The extent and duration of protective immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully understood. As such, the possibility of re-infection with SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, cases of re-infection were mainly due to different variants or mutant SARS-CoV-2. Following the fast and pandemic-scale spread of COVID-19, mutations in SARS-CoV-2 have raised new diagnostic challenges which include the redesign of the oligonucleotide sequences used in RT-PCR assays to avoid potential primer-sample mismatches, and decrease sensitivities. Since the initial wave of the pandemic, some regions had experienced fresh outbreaks, predisposing people to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 re-infection. Hence, this article sought to offer detailed biology of SARS-CoV-2 re-infections and their implications on immune response milieu, diagnostic laboratory tests and control measures against COVID-19., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

Pregnancy and childbirth are important periods when women of reproductive age frequently come in contact with healthcare facilities and providers. These periods afford them the privilege for discussion and decision on post-partum family planning with healthcare providers. Male partner consent has been shown to have a positive impact on access and uptake of modern contraception. This study was aimed at assessing the availability, uptake and male partner consent for post-partum family planning (PPFP) amongst rural and semi-urban dwellers in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria. The study conducted on 205 postpartum women, 40 health workers at the primary health centres (PHCs) and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in Afikpo North LGA were selected by a random sampling technique. Information was obtained via 3 categories of interviewer-administered questionnaire for the different categories of individuals involved in the study. Data analyses was done using SPSS version 21.0. The overall findings showed a high prevalence of grand multiparity (51.2%) and child-bearing at extremities of reproductive age (20.5%) despite generally good awareness of modern contraception (92.7%) and availability of family planning services and modern birth control methods in all the PHC facilities. Of note is that a good percentage of the women received antenatal care (38.1%) or had their last delivery at TBAs places (42.4%) despite the fact that only 60% of the TBAs are aware of modern family planning methods and none of them offer family planning services. The prevalence of modern contraceptive usage was 41.5% and the male partner consent was present in 72.9% of modern contraceptive users. Despite high level of awareness and availability of modern family planning services, the TBAs should be more sensitized in order to improve the uptake of PPFP.

Oral delivery of insulin provides a good alternative because it is non-invasive and patient-friendly. However, multiple challenges affected this route. To overcome barriers for oral delivery of insulin, we aimed to develop a novel insulin-loaded microemulsion system based on snail mucin for oral administration. The strategy in the novel system of using mucin loading insulin into the inner core of prepared water in oil microemulsion to provide sustained released, increased in vivo stability and enhanced drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. We report how microemulsion composed of varying ratios of snail mucin and Tween® 80 (1:9-9:1) using oil/water emulsion preparation method influenced insulin performance after oral administration. The results obtained include an encapsulation efficiency of above 70 %; in vitro release was sustained over 10 h and in vivo evaluations in diabetic rat model shows that insulin-loaded microencapsulation effectively reduced blood glucose levels over a period >8 h after oral administration. Therefore, we suggest that the developed formulation for oral insulin can be a promising alternative dosage form for oral protein delivery., (© 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Down syndrome is the most common cause of cognitive impairment and presents clinically with universally recognizable signs and symptoms. In this study, we focus on exam findings and digital facial analysis technology in individuals with Down syndrome in diverse populations. Photos and clinical information were collected on 65 individuals from 13 countries, 56.9% were male and the average age was 6.6 years (range 1 month to 26 years; SD = 6.6 years). Subjective findings showed that clinical features were different across ethnicities (Africans, Asians, and Latin Americans), including brachycephaly, ear anomalies, clinodactyly, sandal gap, and abundant neck skin, which were all significantly less frequent in Africans (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05, respectively). Evaluation using a digital facial analysis technology of a larger diverse cohort of newborns to adults (n = 129 cases; n = 132 controls) was able to diagnose Down syndrome with a sensitivity of 0.961, specificity of 0.924, and accuracy of 0.943. Only the angles at medial canthus and ala of the nose were common significant findings amongst different ethnicities (Caucasians, Africans, and Asians) when compared to ethnically matched controls. The Asian group had the least number of significant digital facial biometrics at 4, compared to Caucasians at 8 and Africans at 7. In conclusion, this study displays the wide variety of findings across different geographic populations in Down syndrome and demonstrates the accuracy and promise of digital facial analysis technology in the diagnosis of Down syndrome internationally. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Despite the acclaimed beneficial effects of Telfaria occidentalis (TO), it is yet to be established that its aqueous extract is safe in the condition of renal impairment. Thus, the study investigated the effects of TO aqueous leaves extract on gentamycin-induced renal damage., Methods: The animals were distributed into five groups. Group A (control) was placed on standard rat feed. Groups B and C received 500 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of TO and gentamicin for 21 days, respectively. Group D received 500 mg/kg of TO 14 days before 7 days administration of 80 mg/kg of gentamycin. Group E received 80 mg/kg of gentamicin for 14 days before 7 days administration of 500 mg/kg TO. Group F received 500 mg/kg of TO and 80mg/kg of gentamycin concurrently for 21 days. Biochemical and histological examinations were analysed by standard methods., Results: The administration of TO for 7 days after 14 days of gentamycin injection and its concomitant administration with gentamicin for 21 days caused significant reduction (p<0.05) on the relative kidney weight, creatinine and uric acid levels compared to groups C and D. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the mean serum potassium level in group C compared to groups A, B, D, and F. The histological reports showed that the combination of the extract and gentamycin (group F) seems to ameliorate the deleterious effect observed when gentamycin was administered alone., Conclusions: The administration of the extract together with and after the administration of gentamycin reverses renal damage caused by gentamycin.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the re-emerging Ebola virus disease (EVD) are closely intertwined and remain a persistent public health threat and global challenge. Their origin and rapid transmission and spread have similar boundaries and share overlapping impact characteristics, including related symptoms and other interactions. The controversies and global threat of these viruses require rapid response policy and evidence-based implementation findings. The constraints and dual burden inflicted by Ebola and HIV infections are highly characterized by similar socio-demographics, socio-economic and political factors. EVD has similar effects and burdens to HIV infection. This study seeks to understand EVD in the context of HIV epidemic despite the challenges in developing an effective vaccine against HIV and EVD. Our findings show that early understanding, prevention and treatment of these diseases a global health threat mainly in Africa is important and valuable. The lessons learned so far from HIV and Ebola epidemics are crucial in health programming and execution of rapid response interventions and continued vigilance against EVD before it become another worldwide health menace. Therefore, the current regional West Africa EVD requires strengthening healthcare systems and building preparedness and response capacity. Importantly, appropriate community participation, health education and resilience coupled with deployment of effective novel diagnostic approaches in early warning and surveillance of threats and emerging diseases. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel key strategies are crucial in curbing the constant viral resurgence, persistence transmission dynamics and spread, as well in accelerating Ebola vaccines regimen (immunization) development and national implementation plans in achieving sustained control, and eventual elimination.

Background and Introduction: This review paper examines the growing implications of China's engagement in shaping innovative national initiatives against infectious diseases and poverty control and elimination in African countries. It seeks to understand the factors and enhancers that can promote mutual and innovative health development initiatives, and those that are necessary in generating reliable and quality data for evidence-based contextual policy, priorities and programs., Methods: We examined the China-Africa health cooperation in supporting global health agenda on infectious diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, Ebola, TB, HIV/AIDS, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) prevention, control and elimination spanning a period of 10 years. We reviewed referenced publications, global support data, and extensive sources related to and other emerging epidemics and infectious diseases of poverty, programs and interventions, health systems development issues, challenges, opportunities and investments. Published literature in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Books and web-based peer-reviewed journal articles, government annual reports were assessed from the first Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in November 2006 to December 2015 Third Ministerial conferences., Results: Our findings highlight current shared public health challenges and emphasize the need to nurture, develop and establish effective, functional and sustainable health systems capacity to detect and respond to all public health threats and epidemic burdens, evidence-based programs and quality care outcomes. China's significant health diplomacy emphasizes the importance of health financing in establishing health development commitment and investment in improving the gains and opportunities, importantly efficiency and value health priorities and planning., Conclusions and Global Health Implications: Strengthening China-Africa health development agenda towards collective commitment and investment in quality care delivery, effective programs coverage and efficiency, preparedness and emergency response is needed in transforming African health information systems, and local health governance structures and management in emerging epidemics. Furthermore, innovative evidence of operational joint solutions and strategies are critical in advancing healthcare delivery, and further enhancing Universal Health Care, and Sustainable Development Goals to attain global health improvements and economic prosperity., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that they have no competing interests.

Small airways diseases are not uncommon in childhood. They account for about 28.4% of hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections in South West Nigeria, most of which are due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Noninfectious causes of small airways diseases, on the other hand, are poorly recognized and rarely feature in the differential diagnoses of chronic/recurrent lower respiratory tract disease in our environment. We present a case of follicular bronchiolitis in a 2.5-year-old Nigerian female who had left upper lobectomy on account of recurrent cough and progressive shortness of breath.

Background: Despite growing claims of functional health benefits in folkloric medicine, the safety of chronic/elevated intakes of onion and garlic cannot be assumed. Therefore, this study assesses oral administration of varied doses of onion and garlic on some biomarkers of hepatic and renal functions in rats., Methods: Animals were divided into five groups: control group received vehicle and extract-treated groups received varied doses of onion or garlic extract (0.5 mL and 1.0 mL/100 g bwt/day) for 6 weeks., Results: Both doses of onion caused marked (p<0.05) increase in hepatic and renal levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and marked (p<0.05) decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with low dose of garlic elicited similar trend except in hepatic CAT, renal SOD and GST levels. A high dose of garlic only caused marked (p<0.05) increase in hepatic GST, renal GST, and SOD. Both doses of onion and low dose of garlic significantly (p<0.05) enhanced renal Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Only a high dose of onion caused significant (p<0.05) increase in hepatic aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and decrease in plasma AST activities., Conclusions: These findings suggest antioxidant enhancing capability for both doses of onion and low dose of garlic, while high dose of garlic elicited pro-oxidant conditions.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a global parasitic disease caused by infection with Echinococcus granulosus larvae with potentially life-threatening complications in humans. To date, the status of the immune cells believed to be associated with the pathogenicity of E. granulosus infection has not been demonstrated clearly., Methodology/principal Findings: In this study, we developed a multiplex flow cytometry assay to investigate the systemic immune status of innate and adaptive immunity at 30, 180, 360 days post-infection (dpi) in mice infected with E. granulousus. At 30 dpi, an increase in the number of CD11b(+) and CD11c(+) antigen-presenting cells (APCs) was observed. This was accompanied by the slight down-regulated expression of the co-stimulatory molecule MHC-II, indicating the impairment of APCs in early infection through the release of secretory-excretory products. In all infected groups, we observed a significant increase in innate immune cells, including APCs and GR-1(+) cells, and a dramatic increase in the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) expressing CD11b(+)/GR-1(+). Moreover, the upregulation of the activated markers CD69, CD44, CD40L, and the downregulation of CD62L were observed in the CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells following infection. Regulatory T cells expressing CD4(+)/CD25(+)/FoxP3 (+) increased significantly over the course of infection., Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the microenvironment in the peripheral immune system after E. granulosus infection changes in subtle but detectably ways, especially during the persistent period of infection. We found that T cells were activated following infection, but observed that the significant increase of immunosuppressive cells such as MDSC and Treg cells could inhibit T cell response to E. granulosus antigens. We suggest these cells may play a neglected but key role in the downregulation of the immune response in long-term parasitic infection. Understanding the basic functions and temporal interactions of these immunosuppressive cells will pave the way for new strategies of parasite vaccine design.