In Nigeria, the healthcare sector is divided into primary health which is under the local government’s authority that oversees the Primary Health centers, secondary health which is under the supervision of the State ...In Nigeria, the healthcare sector is divided into primary health which is under the local government’s authority that oversees the Primary Health centers, secondary health which is under the supervision of the State Ministry of Health in charge of the State General Hospitals that cater to primary and secondary healthcare. Tertiary health is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Health that oversees the Federal Medical Centres, the Teaching Hospitals, and Specialist Training Centres. Not to be excluded from Nigeria’s healthcare system are the private clinics and the public-private partnership. The funding for healthcare systems is mainly budgetary allocations from the government. This systemic review was done using secondary literature, policy documents, peer-reviewed literature, and national newspapers, collected using search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline. The review was done over 2-month period from February-April 2024. The literature was arranged in order of relevance and the literature not used was kept aside. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that 11% of a country’s budget be allocated to health. African countries that make up the African Union (AU) recommended that 15% of each member African country’s yearly budget should be committed to providing healthcare services to her citizens. Unfortunately, Nigeria has yet to attain either the WHO target or the AU target while committing an average, of 6% of her budgetary allocation to health. On the other hand, her neighbouring West African country Ghana, has met the average of 15% recommended by AU. The improved National Health Insurance Authority and the government’s partnership with the private health sector in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is hoped and would improve access to affordable healthcare in general and oral healthcare in particular.展开更多
The number of papers about decavanadate has doubled in the past decade. In the present review, new insights into decavanadate biochemistry, cell biology, and antidiabetic and antitumor activities are described. Decame...The number of papers about decavanadate has doubled in the past decade. In the present review, new insights into decavanadate biochemistry, cell biology, and antidiabetic and antitumor activities are described. Decameric vanadate species (V10) clearly differs from monomeric vanadate (V1), and affects differently calcium pumps, and structure and function of myosin and actin. Only decavanadate inhibits calcium accumulation by calcium pump ATPase, and strongly inhibits actomyosin ATPase activity (IC50 = 1.4 μmol/L, V10), whereas no such ef- fects are detected with V1 up to 150 μmol/L; prevents actin polymerization (IC50 of 68 μmol/L, whereas no effects detected with up to 2 mmol/L V1); and interacts with actin in a way that induces cysteine oxidation and vanadate reduction to vanadyl. Moreover, in vivo decavanadate toxicity studies have revealed that acute exposure to polyoxovanadate induces different changes in antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters, in comparison with vanadate. In vitro studies have clearly demonstrated that mitochondrial oxygen consumption is strongly affected by decavanadate (IC50, 0.1 μmol/L); perhaps the most relevant biological effect. Finally, decavanadate (100 μmol/L) increases rat adipocyte glucose accumulation more potently than several vanadium complexes. Preliminary studies sug- gest that decavanadate does not have similar effects in human adipocytes. Although decavanadate can be a useful biochemical tool, further studies must be carried out before it can be conf irmed that decavanadate and its complexes can be used as anticancer or antidiabetic agents.展开更多
Background : Diarrhea can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms and chemicals. In view of this, Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum and Thonn(Connaraceae) was used to treat diarrhea induced by castor oil or bacteria in Wista...Background : Diarrhea can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms and chemicals. In view of this, Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum and Thonn(Connaraceae) was used to treat diarrhea induced by castor oil or bacteria in Wistar albino rats. Methods : Qualitative and quantitative analyses of an aqueous root back extract of B. coccineus were made and the acute toxicity, antidiarrhea properties, and in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities of the extract were investigated in rats. Results : The phytochemical analysis of the root bark extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloid, saponins, tannins, and phenols. The quantitative analysis showed that saponins formed 10.6% of the extract, tannins 7.6%, flavonoids 6.2%, phenol 5.8% and alkaloids 4.4%. A dose limit of 5000 mg/kg was safe to use in the rats. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, the extract decreased distance travelled by activated charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract, frequency of defecation, and number of unformed faeces caused by castor oil-induced diarrhea, and led to 74.96% inhibition of the diarrhea effects. Escherichia coli and Salmonella pullorum were susceptible to higher concentrations of the extract with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.3125 mg/m L. E. coli-infected rats showed depression, weight loss, anorexia, diarrhea, and weakness, which was ameliorated by the extract on day 2 post treatment. Observed congestion, cellular infiltration and necrosis of the liver, intestine and kidney following infection were improved by the extract. Conclusion : B. coccineus extract can be used in the treatment of anaemia, and castor oil-and E. coli-induced diarrhea in rats.展开更多
Mycotoxins/aflatoxins contaminations in some food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that coloni...Mycotoxins/aflatoxins contaminations in some food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that colonize agricultural commodities. Pre- and postharvest contamination of aflatoxin is a major health concern in Africa where maize production and consumption have increased significantly over the years. Efforts to reduce aflatoxin in maize through various strategies such as breeding for resistance, improved agronomic practices, cultural harvesting and postharvest handling practices, and the use of bio-control agents are available. Some of these control practices are not well known by smallholder farmers. Important pre- and postharvest practices, in addition to the stringent food safety regulations and monitoring, are not undertaken as a result of various factors such as a lack of awareness and training, and the high cost of awareness and sensitization drives. The climate changes scenarios including El Nino are also factors to be considered. However, continued use of sustainable and effective low-cost management practices by small scale farmers are possible ways of reducing the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This review attempts to highlight low-cost, affordable and practical management options at pre- and postharvest in maize. Sound low-cost management practices are possible ways of reducing the risk for fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination that are relevant to the Africa context. This review would be useful and guided prioritization of development activities, continuous awareness creation and training and future research.展开更多
Increasing concerns have been raised on endocrine disrupting chemicals like the sex hormone 17 a-ethinylestradiol(EE2),the more since traditional wastewater(WW) treatments appear to be ineffective for their removal.Th...Increasing concerns have been raised on endocrine disrupting chemicals like the sex hormone 17 a-ethinylestradiol(EE2),the more since traditional wastewater(WW) treatments appear to be ineffective for their removal.The efficacy of the relatively novel disinfectant peracetic acid(PAA) in EE2 removal was evaluated,as well as its potential effects on WW quality parameters.The treatments tested for EE2 removal were also evaluated in terms of toxicity,through the determination of biochemical responses(antioxidant enzymes,lipid peroxidation and vitellogenin induction) using zebrafish(Danio rerio) as a biological model.PAA contact times less than 20 min appeared insufficient regardless of the PAA dose tested,but a 100% EE2 removal was attained at a PAA concentration of 15 mg/L with a contact time of20 min.Total suspended solids,chemical oxygen demand and pH in PAA treatments remained well within levels set in European legislation for WW discharge.EE2 induced signific ant increased vitellogenin(VTG) levels in both female and male fish,indic ating increased estrogenic activity,especially in males suggesting an endocrine disruption effect.With the addition of PAA(15 mg/L),however,VTG levels in both sexes returned to control values.Although this PAA treatment showed increased levels of the antioxidant enzyme catalase,the lipid peroxidation levels were similar or even lower than in controls.Overall the results suggest that the use of PAA appears a promising way forward as a less toxic alternative to chlorine disinfection with high efficiency in the removal of EDC like EE2.展开更多
Introduction: Finding the missing Tuberculosis (TB) cases remains the single most important priority for TB control in Nigeria. Between 66% - 92% of all cases of respiratory diseases including those with symptoms sugg...Introduction: Finding the missing Tuberculosis (TB) cases remains the single most important priority for TB control in Nigeria. Between 66% - 92% of all cases of respiratory diseases including those with symptoms suggestive of TB are first seen byprivate health providers. Dependable, quality surveillance systems and notification are key roles in health services delivery, particularly as it is related to TB control. However, poor notification has been a challenge. This study was to assess the contribution of the public private mix (PPM) to Nigeria Tuberculosis national case notification. Methods: It was a national cross-sectional study. Data were extracted from the National database and reviewed. Private facilities were engaged in 2017 and assessed over 2018-2020. Interventions included: enrolling private practitioners (Private-For-Profit, Faith Based Organization, Private Medicine Vendors and Community Pharmacists), engaging a private standalone Laboratory for Gene Xpert testing within the network of private facilities, use of Mobile App for easy screening and reporting, instituting a HUB and spoke, and incentives to private providers for participating. Each private provider had a customized approach. Trend analysis was performed using Cochran-Armitage χ<sup>2</sup> test for linear trends. Level of significance was at a p value of Results: Total case notification increased from 104,904 cases in 2017 to 138,591 in 2020. There were 2.0% increase in 2018, 13.0% in 2019 and 15.0% in 2020 (p < 0.001). PPM contribution to case notification increased from 10,699 cases in 2017 to 12,625 in 2018, then 17,250 in 2019 and 38,865 in 2020. There were 18.0% increase in 2018, 36.6% in 2019 and 125.3% increase in 2020 (p ). Conclusion: Effective engagement of the private sector in TB control efforts in Nigeria using a variety of approaches resulting in improved TB notification is possible. The National TB Programme should engage all private practitioners such that each practitioner will practice at least one TB service model.展开更多
Background: Despite the availability of highly effective treatment for decades, Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem in Nigeria due to the increasing association between HIV and TB observed over the past t...Background: Despite the availability of highly effective treatment for decades, Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem in Nigeria due to the increasing association between HIV and TB observed over the past three decades when HIV was discovered. However, the proportion of TB and or TB/HIV co-infected patients who have successful TB treatment outcome is not well known. This study determined the treatment outcome of TB/HIV co-infected patients with HIV negative patients in two states in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of secondary data from eight Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) course and Anti- Retroviral Therapy (ART) service providers in Benue and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, was carried out. The period under review covers January, 2010 to December, 2013. Results: Out of the total 5266 TB cases reviewed, the HIV prevalence rate was 52%. They were predominantly (53.3%) male with mean age of 34.4 years (SD = 15.1 years). More than two-third (72.5%) of HIV-negative patients had successful treatment compared to 1718 (62.7%) HIV-positive patients. Of the 2334 HIV co-infected patients, 19.5% defaulted, 11.5% had died, 5.6% were transferred out and 0.7% failed treatment compared to HIV-negative patients amongst whom 18.3% defaulted, 3.6% died, 3.9% were transferred out and 1.6% failed treatment (p Conclusion: The favourable treatment outcome of HIV-negative patients is more than that of HIV-positive patients and the most probable predictable factor responsible is the CD4 count of patient;indicating that TB/HIV co-infection has remained a major public health problem in Benue state and FCT. Hence there is the need for sustained strengthening and expansion of the national TB/HIV programmes.展开更多
Sol-gel glassy films of the SiO2-TiO2-PO2.5-ErO2.5 system containing nanocrystallites of ErPO4, were obtained through suitable heat treatments. Variations in the shape and intensity of the Er3＋ photoluminescent signa...Sol-gel glassy films of the SiO2-TiO2-PO2.5-ErO2.5 system containing nanocrystallites of ErPO4, were obtained through suitable heat treatments. Variations in the shape and intensity of the Er3＋ photoluminescent signal around 1500 nm were linked to the nature of the host environment of the active ions; the specific features of the photoluminescent emission spectrum of the erbium 4113/2 metastable level were interpreted in terms of structural changes in the glassy films. The photoluminescent spectrum was found to be sensitive to the order （crystalline） or disorder （amorphous） of the Er3＋ ions neighbour within the glassy matrix. An amorphous envi- ronment led to a broadening of Er3＋ PL emission band while a crystalline one was responsible for a drastic photoluminescent band- width narrowing. The presence of nanoscale heterogeneities caused a drastic photoluminescence intensity decrease. Changes in the shape of the decay curve of fluorescence lifetime were found also structurally dependent on volumetric defects, occurrence of phase separation and Er3＋-Er3＋ clustering effects as well.展开更多
The aim of this work was to develop an active biopolymer based on chitosan by incorporating natural antioxidants.Five essential oils(ginger,rosemary,sage,tea tree and thyme)and six hydro-alcoholic extracts(from ginger...The aim of this work was to develop an active biopolymer based on chitosan by incorporating natural antioxidants.Five essential oils(ginger,rosemary,sage,tea tree and thyme)and six hydro-alcoholic extracts(from ginger,green and black tea,kenaf leaves,rosemary and sage plants)were tested.Migration assays were carried out to evaluate the films’activity,and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were monitored in the simulant during storage.Interaction between natural compounds and polymeric matrix was evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy.The diffusion of the phenolic compounds was not detected in the films incorporated with hydro-alcoholic extracts(HAEs),indicating their entrapment in the chitosan.Migration was observed in the films with essential oils(EOs),and biobased films incorporated with ginger,sage or rosemary essential oils,presented the highest diffusion and antioxidant activity in the simulant,highlighting their functionality and potential to be used as food active packaging material.展开更多
The dynamics of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is analyzed and it is shown that the Pinatubo eruption in 1991 had a noticeable effect on these dynamics. The growth rate slowed down. Moreover, analyzing the year-on-y...The dynamics of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is analyzed and it is shown that the Pinatubo eruption in 1991 had a noticeable effect on these dynamics. The growth rate slowed down. Moreover, analyzing the year-on-year CO2 growth data, we can see an an-thropogenic footprint, possibly due to the burning of fossil fuels. On top of this anthropo-genic contribution is a natural contribution that is of similar magnitude, and that closely follows the ocean surface temperature (influenced by ENSO, El Niño Southern Oscilla-tion). This latter fact is consistent with the hypothesis of the correlation of global temper-atures and carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere being governed by Henry’s Law, in which carbon dioxide variations are the result of, rather than the cause of, temperature changes. This latter being the so-called “greenhouse effect”, sometimes mentioned as responsible for (anthropogenic) climate changes, and that cannot explain the observed phenomena described here. Similar conclusions are drawn on monthly data of carbon dioxide and temperature as well.展开更多
There has been an increasing global and local interest in developing renewable, clean, and cheap energy towards achieving Goal number 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, decisions involving suitable...There has been an increasing global and local interest in developing renewable, clean, and cheap energy towards achieving Goal number 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, decisions involving suitable and sustainable locations for renewable energy projects remain an important task. This study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to spatially analyze and model wind farm site suitability in Nasarawa State. The aim is to integrate the environmental, social, and economic aspects of decision-making for identifying sustainable wind farm sites. The study distinguished between two sets of decision criteria: decision constraints and decision factors. The former defined the exclusion zones while the latter were standardized based on fuzzy logic to depict varying degrees of suitability across the State. The MCDA applied the weighted linear combination method, with relative weights generated through pairwise comparisons of the analytic hierarchy process to analyze three policy scenarios: equal weights, environmental/social priority, and economic priority scenario. A combination of resulting composite maps from the constraints and the factors gave the final suitability maps. The resulting suitability index (SI) for the respective policy scenario describes the degrees of suitability: Ideal locations were denoted by one (1) and the not suitable locations by zero (0), with values in-between depicting varying degrees of wind farm site suitability. Based on the SI, priority locations indicating areas with good prospects, in addition to the most suitable parcels of land, were identified and delineated. The composite decision constraint revealed that wind farm projects would not be viable in more than half (57.58%) of the State. Wind speed was the major constraint and accounted for the exclusion of 46.25%, with a mean fuzzy membership value of 0.2008 indicating low suitability across the State. Also, the average acceptable wind farm location for the three-policy scenario was 33.33% of the entire study area. Lafia, Obi, Keana, Awe, Nasarawa-Eggon, Wamba and Kokona LGAs were the identified priority Local Government Areas (LGAs). However, only Lafia, Obi, and Nasarawa-Eggon were consistent with changes in the policy objectives. All the priority LGAs have one or more of the most suitable parcels within their administrative boundaries except for Wamba. Despite the severe limitations of wind speed, substantial parts of Nasarawa State still provide great development potentials for wind energy. The “most suitable” locations in Lafia, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Obi LGAs should have first consideration for the development of wind energy in the State.展开更多
We obtain solutions of the nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation using a novel operational method combined with the Adomian polynomial expansion of nonlinear functions. Our operational method does not use any integral trans...We obtain solutions of the nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation using a novel operational method combined with the Adomian polynomial expansion of nonlinear functions. Our operational method does not use any integral transforms nor integration processes. We illustrate the application of our method by solving several examples and present numerical results that show the accuracy of the truncated series approximations to the solutions.展开更多
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of climate change on gender and poverty in Nigeria. The paper relies mainly on secondary data generated by private individuals, government and non-government bodies. ...The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of climate change on gender and poverty in Nigeria. The paper relies mainly on secondary data generated by private individuals, government and non-government bodies. From these sources, the paper reveals that climate change has resulted in higher temperature increase frequency on extreme weather events in the country, such as storms or record drought resulting in the dislocation of agricultural areas and its consequence food shortage. Women are the hardest hit because they produce food and do not have control over land to make most communities vulnerable to flooding as seen in Lokoja, Bauchi and Kaduna among others in Nigeria. Flooding has increased the frequency of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, etc.. Women who clean the mess left behind after the flood are mostly affected. It is also revealed that climate change has resulted in great economic losses, with most of the losses to be in agricultural production, the engine of growth and the mainstay of the economy. Finally, the paper suggests measures such as reduction in deforestation by provision of alternative source of energy and environmental friendly industrial activities will help reduce the rate of discharge of carbon-dioxide into the atmosphere.展开更多
Objectives:The study examined socio-economic status and gender as determinant of dietary practices of senior secondary school students in Edo South Senatorial district for healthy living and sustainability.Methodology...Objectives:The study examined socio-economic status and gender as determinant of dietary practices of senior secondary school students in Edo South Senatorial district for healthy living and sustainability.Methodology:Quasi experimental research design was employed in the study.Three research questions were raised and formulated into hypotheses,tested at 0.05 level of significance.A multistage random sampling technique was used to sample 245 students from two public schools in Oredo local government areas within Edo south senatorial district.Two(2)instruments(questionnaire and achievement test)validated and reliability of 0.64 and 0.84 reliability co-efficient were obtained.The demographic data/SES,dietary practices(DDPSESQ)was used to obtain information on their dietary practices and socio-economic status,while the pictorial nutrition achievement test(PNAT)consisted of the pre-and post-test.The treatment package comprised planned lessons of 40 minutes each for six(6)weeks.The data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics;hypotheses 1 and 2 were tested using the independent t-test while hypothesis 3 was tested using One-Way ANOVA statistics.Findings:The study revealed that there is no significant difference in dietary practices of students of high,medium and low socio-economic status as a result of exposure to pictorial nutrition education.There was no significant difference in dietary practices by gender.The study concluded that socio-economic status does not determine dietary practices of secondary school students for responsible living.展开更多
Meningococcal meningitis is an airborne disease that has been a threat to human life in many regions of the world, especially in West Africa. The disease has caused permanent physical impairment to some of its victims...Meningococcal meningitis is an airborne disease that has been a threat to human life in many regions of the world, especially in West Africa. The disease has caused permanent physical impairment to some of its victims and many lives have been lost due to the disease. Factors that are associated with the incidence of the disease which are geographically referenced include built environment, geographical location and climatic conditions. Others are socioeconomic and demographic factors. This study established the relationship between built environment and socioeconomic factors with the incidence of the disease. Data that were used include the incidences of the disease from 2007 to 2011, housing conditions, population density, number of house ownership, employment, income level, and the number of hospitals, schools and refuse dumps. Neighborhoods were used as the unit of analysis in the study. The method of analyzing the data includes factor analysis and some statistical techniques in Geographical Information System such as the Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The findings of the study reveal the spatial variations of the incidence of Meningococcal meningitis in Kaduna Urban Area (KUA). The study recommends that there should be strict observance of the development control regulations especially at the high density residential neighborhood. The model can also be used for other communicable disease to ensure the health of the public.展开更多
This study looked at rapid urbanization and the flood risk it portends with a view to identifying mechanisms for coping in coastal zones of Nigeria. Flooding is one of the various ecological problems that has taken it...This study looked at rapid urbanization and the flood risk it portends with a view to identifying mechanisms for coping in coastal zones of Nigeria. Flooding is one of the various ecological problems that has taken its toll on the quality of the environment, human health, and economic growth in parts of Africa and the coastal zones of Nigeria in particular. Rapid urbanization has been seen to result in changes in land use patterns which can adversely affect the hydrological processes in a catchment leading to a deteriorating water environment. warning systems are identified and discussed in the paper Structural and non-structural approach as well as flood early as flood risks coping mechanisms, It also discusses the policy implications that government through its relevant agencies must be up to its game by monitoring precursors, forecasting of probable floods and notification of alerts, It concludes and recommends that an active involvement of communities at risks is required and public education and awareness of risks should be facilitated through effective dissemination, as well as ensuring that there is a constant preparedness,展开更多
A melissopalynological study carried out on 35 bee pollen samples from Romania （Transylvania） shows predominant species as Taraxacum officinale, Tilia sp., Ferbascum sp., Zea mays L., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., Ge...A melissopalynological study carried out on 35 bee pollen samples from Romania （Transylvania） shows predominant species as Taraxacum officinale, Tilia sp., Ferbascum sp., Zea mays L., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., Geranium sanguineum L., Filipendula ulmaria L., Cydonia oblonga L., Calluna vulgaris L. and Brassica sp.. This is the first time for the contribution of total phenolic （TP） and total carotenoid （TC） content to the modified oxygen radical absorbance capacity （ORACFL） values in 29 monofloral samples. Hydrophilic ORACFL （H-ORACFL） values ranged between 7.13-10.12 μmol TE/g and 6.94-22.46 μmol TE/g, whereas lipophilic ORACFL （L-ORACFL）values were between 2.19-7.79 μmol TE/g and 1.65-9.96 μmol TE/g, in multifloral and monofloral samples, respectively. It has proved the complex involvement of botanical origins on the antioxidant features with a specific occurrence. Some monofloral samples presented particular high antioxidant potential, such as Salix sp., Taraxacum officinale, Matricaria chamomilla, Cichorium intybus and the poorly studied Cirsium arvense （L.） Scop. and Scilla bifolia L.. New variables, such as soil characteristics, climates together with botanical origins, were introduced in a multivariate analysis of antioxidant data matrix, given a possible important involvement of all of them in affecting, not only the phytochemical composition, but thereafter the antioxidant capacity. All these data could be crucial to a new way of gathering, by beekeepers, depending on the market demand and the purposes for the product that has a potential for further therapeutic bioactivities investigations, and added value in the enrichment of certain products.展开更多
文摘In Nigeria, the healthcare sector is divided into primary health which is under the local government’s authority that oversees the Primary Health centers, secondary health which is under the supervision of the State Ministry of Health in charge of the State General Hospitals that cater to primary and secondary healthcare. Tertiary health is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Health that oversees the Federal Medical Centres, the Teaching Hospitals, and Specialist Training Centres. Not to be excluded from Nigeria’s healthcare system are the private clinics and the public-private partnership. The funding for healthcare systems is mainly budgetary allocations from the government. This systemic review was done using secondary literature, policy documents, peer-reviewed literature, and national newspapers, collected using search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline. The review was done over 2-month period from February-April 2024. The literature was arranged in order of relevance and the literature not used was kept aside. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that 11% of a country’s budget be allocated to health. African countries that make up the African Union (AU) recommended that 15% of each member African country’s yearly budget should be committed to providing healthcare services to her citizens. Unfortunately, Nigeria has yet to attain either the WHO target or the AU target while committing an average, of 6% of her budgetary allocation to health. On the other hand, her neighbouring West African country Ghana, has met the average of 15% recommended by AU. The improved National Health Insurance Authority and the government’s partnership with the private health sector in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is hoped and would improve access to affordable healthcare in general and oral healthcare in particular.
文摘The number of papers about decavanadate has doubled in the past decade. In the present review, new insights into decavanadate biochemistry, cell biology, and antidiabetic and antitumor activities are described. Decameric vanadate species (V10) clearly differs from monomeric vanadate (V1), and affects differently calcium pumps, and structure and function of myosin and actin. Only decavanadate inhibits calcium accumulation by calcium pump ATPase, and strongly inhibits actomyosin ATPase activity (IC50 = 1.4 μmol/L, V10), whereas no such ef- fects are detected with V1 up to 150 μmol/L; prevents actin polymerization (IC50 of 68 μmol/L, whereas no effects detected with up to 2 mmol/L V1); and interacts with actin in a way that induces cysteine oxidation and vanadate reduction to vanadyl. Moreover, in vivo decavanadate toxicity studies have revealed that acute exposure to polyoxovanadate induces different changes in antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters, in comparison with vanadate. In vitro studies have clearly demonstrated that mitochondrial oxygen consumption is strongly affected by decavanadate (IC50, 0.1 μmol/L); perhaps the most relevant biological effect. Finally, decavanadate (100 μmol/L) increases rat adipocyte glucose accumulation more potently than several vanadium complexes. Preliminary studies sug- gest that decavanadate does not have similar effects in human adipocytes. Although decavanadate can be a useful biochemical tool, further studies must be carried out before it can be conf irmed that decavanadate and its complexes can be used as anticancer or antidiabetic agents.
文摘Background : Diarrhea can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms and chemicals. In view of this, Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum and Thonn(Connaraceae) was used to treat diarrhea induced by castor oil or bacteria in Wistar albino rats. Methods : Qualitative and quantitative analyses of an aqueous root back extract of B. coccineus were made and the acute toxicity, antidiarrhea properties, and in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities of the extract were investigated in rats. Results : The phytochemical analysis of the root bark extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloid, saponins, tannins, and phenols. The quantitative analysis showed that saponins formed 10.6% of the extract, tannins 7.6%, flavonoids 6.2%, phenol 5.8% and alkaloids 4.4%. A dose limit of 5000 mg/kg was safe to use in the rats. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, the extract decreased distance travelled by activated charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract, frequency of defecation, and number of unformed faeces caused by castor oil-induced diarrhea, and led to 74.96% inhibition of the diarrhea effects. Escherichia coli and Salmonella pullorum were susceptible to higher concentrations of the extract with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.3125 mg/m L. E. coli-infected rats showed depression, weight loss, anorexia, diarrhea, and weakness, which was ameliorated by the extract on day 2 post treatment. Observed congestion, cellular infiltration and necrosis of the liver, intestine and kidney following infection were improved by the extract. Conclusion : B. coccineus extract can be used in the treatment of anaemia, and castor oil-and E. coli-induced diarrhea in rats.
文摘Mycotoxins/aflatoxins contaminations in some food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that colonize agricultural commodities. Pre- and postharvest contamination of aflatoxin is a major health concern in Africa where maize production and consumption have increased significantly over the years. Efforts to reduce aflatoxin in maize through various strategies such as breeding for resistance, improved agronomic practices, cultural harvesting and postharvest handling practices, and the use of bio-control agents are available. Some of these control practices are not well known by smallholder farmers. Important pre- and postharvest practices, in addition to the stringent food safety regulations and monitoring, are not undertaken as a result of various factors such as a lack of awareness and training, and the high cost of awareness and sensitization drives. The climate changes scenarios including El Nino are also factors to be considered. However, continued use of sustainable and effective low-cost management practices by small scale farmers are possible ways of reducing the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This review attempts to highlight low-cost, affordable and practical management options at pre- and postharvest in maize. Sound low-cost management practices are possible ways of reducing the risk for fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination that are relevant to the Africa context. This review would be useful and guided prioritization of development activities, continuous awareness creation and training and future research.
基金supported by the Portuguese government (FCT) through a postdoc grant for M.Daam (SFRH/BPD/109199/2015)the research units CENSE (UID/AMB/04085/2019),UCIBIO (UID/Multi/04378/2019) were financed by FCT/MCTES.
文摘Increasing concerns have been raised on endocrine disrupting chemicals like the sex hormone 17 a-ethinylestradiol(EE2),the more since traditional wastewater(WW) treatments appear to be ineffective for their removal.The efficacy of the relatively novel disinfectant peracetic acid(PAA) in EE2 removal was evaluated,as well as its potential effects on WW quality parameters.The treatments tested for EE2 removal were also evaluated in terms of toxicity,through the determination of biochemical responses(antioxidant enzymes,lipid peroxidation and vitellogenin induction) using zebrafish(Danio rerio) as a biological model.PAA contact times less than 20 min appeared insufficient regardless of the PAA dose tested,but a 100% EE2 removal was attained at a PAA concentration of 15 mg/L with a contact time of20 min.Total suspended solids,chemical oxygen demand and pH in PAA treatments remained well within levels set in European legislation for WW discharge.EE2 induced signific ant increased vitellogenin(VTG) levels in both female and male fish,indic ating increased estrogenic activity,especially in males suggesting an endocrine disruption effect.With the addition of PAA(15 mg/L),however,VTG levels in both sexes returned to control values.Although this PAA treatment showed increased levels of the antioxidant enzyme catalase,the lipid peroxidation levels were similar or even lower than in controls.Overall the results suggest that the use of PAA appears a promising way forward as a less toxic alternative to chlorine disinfection with high efficiency in the removal of EDC like EE2.
文摘Introduction: Finding the missing Tuberculosis (TB) cases remains the single most important priority for TB control in Nigeria. Between 66% - 92% of all cases of respiratory diseases including those with symptoms suggestive of TB are first seen byprivate health providers. Dependable, quality surveillance systems and notification are key roles in health services delivery, particularly as it is related to TB control. However, poor notification has been a challenge. This study was to assess the contribution of the public private mix (PPM) to Nigeria Tuberculosis national case notification. Methods: It was a national cross-sectional study. Data were extracted from the National database and reviewed. Private facilities were engaged in 2017 and assessed over 2018-2020. Interventions included: enrolling private practitioners (Private-For-Profit, Faith Based Organization, Private Medicine Vendors and Community Pharmacists), engaging a private standalone Laboratory for Gene Xpert testing within the network of private facilities, use of Mobile App for easy screening and reporting, instituting a HUB and spoke, and incentives to private providers for participating. Each private provider had a customized approach. Trend analysis was performed using Cochran-Armitage χ<sup>2</sup> test for linear trends. Level of significance was at a p value of Results: Total case notification increased from 104,904 cases in 2017 to 138,591 in 2020. There were 2.0% increase in 2018, 13.0% in 2019 and 15.0% in 2020 (p < 0.001). PPM contribution to case notification increased from 10,699 cases in 2017 to 12,625 in 2018, then 17,250 in 2019 and 38,865 in 2020. There were 18.0% increase in 2018, 36.6% in 2019 and 125.3% increase in 2020 (p ). Conclusion: Effective engagement of the private sector in TB control efforts in Nigeria using a variety of approaches resulting in improved TB notification is possible. The National TB Programme should engage all private practitioners such that each practitioner will practice at least one TB service model.
文摘Background: Despite the availability of highly effective treatment for decades, Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem in Nigeria due to the increasing association between HIV and TB observed over the past three decades when HIV was discovered. However, the proportion of TB and or TB/HIV co-infected patients who have successful TB treatment outcome is not well known. This study determined the treatment outcome of TB/HIV co-infected patients with HIV negative patients in two states in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of secondary data from eight Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) course and Anti- Retroviral Therapy (ART) service providers in Benue and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, was carried out. The period under review covers January, 2010 to December, 2013. Results: Out of the total 5266 TB cases reviewed, the HIV prevalence rate was 52%. They were predominantly (53.3%) male with mean age of 34.4 years (SD = 15.1 years). More than two-third (72.5%) of HIV-negative patients had successful treatment compared to 1718 (62.7%) HIV-positive patients. Of the 2334 HIV co-infected patients, 19.5% defaulted, 11.5% had died, 5.6% were transferred out and 0.7% failed treatment compared to HIV-negative patients amongst whom 18.3% defaulted, 3.6% died, 3.9% were transferred out and 1.6% failed treatment (p Conclusion: The favourable treatment outcome of HIV-negative patients is more than that of HIV-positive patients and the most probable predictable factor responsible is the CD4 count of patient;indicating that TB/HIV co-infection has remained a major public health problem in Benue state and FCT. Hence there is the need for sustained strengthening and expansion of the national TB/HIV programmes.
文摘Sol-gel glassy films of the SiO2-TiO2-PO2.5-ErO2.5 system containing nanocrystallites of ErPO4, were obtained through suitable heat treatments. Variations in the shape and intensity of the Er3＋ photoluminescent signal around 1500 nm were linked to the nature of the host environment of the active ions; the specific features of the photoluminescent emission spectrum of the erbium 4113/2 metastable level were interpreted in terms of structural changes in the glassy films. The photoluminescent spectrum was found to be sensitive to the order （crystalline） or disorder （amorphous） of the Er3＋ ions neighbour within the glassy matrix. An amorphous envi- ronment led to a broadening of Er3＋ PL emission band while a crystalline one was responsible for a drastic photoluminescent band- width narrowing. The presence of nanoscale heterogeneities caused a drastic photoluminescence intensity decrease. Changes in the shape of the decay curve of fluorescence lifetime were found also structurally dependent on volumetric defects, occurrence of phase separation and Er3＋-Er3＋ clustering effects as well.
文摘The aim of this work was to develop an active biopolymer based on chitosan by incorporating natural antioxidants.Five essential oils(ginger,rosemary,sage,tea tree and thyme)and six hydro-alcoholic extracts(from ginger,green and black tea,kenaf leaves,rosemary and sage plants)were tested.Migration assays were carried out to evaluate the films’activity,and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were monitored in the simulant during storage.Interaction between natural compounds and polymeric matrix was evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy.The diffusion of the phenolic compounds was not detected in the films incorporated with hydro-alcoholic extracts(HAEs),indicating their entrapment in the chitosan.Migration was observed in the films with essential oils(EOs),and biobased films incorporated with ginger,sage or rosemary essential oils,presented the highest diffusion and antioxidant activity in the simulant,highlighting their functionality and potential to be used as food active packaging material.
文摘The dynamics of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is analyzed and it is shown that the Pinatubo eruption in 1991 had a noticeable effect on these dynamics. The growth rate slowed down. Moreover, analyzing the year-on-year CO2 growth data, we can see an an-thropogenic footprint, possibly due to the burning of fossil fuels. On top of this anthropo-genic contribution is a natural contribution that is of similar magnitude, and that closely follows the ocean surface temperature (influenced by ENSO, El Niño Southern Oscilla-tion). This latter fact is consistent with the hypothesis of the correlation of global temper-atures and carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere being governed by Henry’s Law, in which carbon dioxide variations are the result of, rather than the cause of, temperature changes. This latter being the so-called “greenhouse effect”, sometimes mentioned as responsible for (anthropogenic) climate changes, and that cannot explain the observed phenomena described here. Similar conclusions are drawn on monthly data of carbon dioxide and temperature as well.
文摘There has been an increasing global and local interest in developing renewable, clean, and cheap energy towards achieving Goal number 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, decisions involving suitable and sustainable locations for renewable energy projects remain an important task. This study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to spatially analyze and model wind farm site suitability in Nasarawa State. The aim is to integrate the environmental, social, and economic aspects of decision-making for identifying sustainable wind farm sites. The study distinguished between two sets of decision criteria: decision constraints and decision factors. The former defined the exclusion zones while the latter were standardized based on fuzzy logic to depict varying degrees of suitability across the State. The MCDA applied the weighted linear combination method, with relative weights generated through pairwise comparisons of the analytic hierarchy process to analyze three policy scenarios: equal weights, environmental/social priority, and economic priority scenario. A combination of resulting composite maps from the constraints and the factors gave the final suitability maps. The resulting suitability index (SI) for the respective policy scenario describes the degrees of suitability: Ideal locations were denoted by one (1) and the not suitable locations by zero (0), with values in-between depicting varying degrees of wind farm site suitability. Based on the SI, priority locations indicating areas with good prospects, in addition to the most suitable parcels of land, were identified and delineated. The composite decision constraint revealed that wind farm projects would not be viable in more than half (57.58%) of the State. Wind speed was the major constraint and accounted for the exclusion of 46.25%, with a mean fuzzy membership value of 0.2008 indicating low suitability across the State. Also, the average acceptable wind farm location for the three-policy scenario was 33.33% of the entire study area. Lafia, Obi, Keana, Awe, Nasarawa-Eggon, Wamba and Kokona LGAs were the identified priority Local Government Areas (LGAs). However, only Lafia, Obi, and Nasarawa-Eggon were consistent with changes in the policy objectives. All the priority LGAs have one or more of the most suitable parcels within their administrative boundaries except for Wamba. Despite the severe limitations of wind speed, substantial parts of Nasarawa State still provide great development potentials for wind energy. The “most suitable” locations in Lafia, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Obi LGAs should have first consideration for the development of wind energy in the State.
基金Supported by Grant SEP-CONACYT 220603SEP-PRODEP through the project UAM-PTC-630Portuguese National Funds through the FCT Foundation for Science and Technology under the project PEst-UID/EEA/00066/2013
文摘We obtain solutions of the nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation using a novel operational method combined with the Adomian polynomial expansion of nonlinear functions. Our operational method does not use any integral transforms nor integration processes. We illustrate the application of our method by solving several examples and present numerical results that show the accuracy of the truncated series approximations to the solutions.
文摘The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of climate change on gender and poverty in Nigeria. The paper relies mainly on secondary data generated by private individuals, government and non-government bodies. From these sources, the paper reveals that climate change has resulted in higher temperature increase frequency on extreme weather events in the country, such as storms or record drought resulting in the dislocation of agricultural areas and its consequence food shortage. Women are the hardest hit because they produce food and do not have control over land to make most communities vulnerable to flooding as seen in Lokoja, Bauchi and Kaduna among others in Nigeria. Flooding has increased the frequency of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, etc.. Women who clean the mess left behind after the flood are mostly affected. It is also revealed that climate change has resulted in great economic losses, with most of the losses to be in agricultural production, the engine of growth and the mainstay of the economy. Finally, the paper suggests measures such as reduction in deforestation by provision of alternative source of energy and environmental friendly industrial activities will help reduce the rate of discharge of carbon-dioxide into the atmosphere.
文摘Objectives:The study examined socio-economic status and gender as determinant of dietary practices of senior secondary school students in Edo South Senatorial district for healthy living and sustainability.Methodology:Quasi experimental research design was employed in the study.Three research questions were raised and formulated into hypotheses,tested at 0.05 level of significance.A multistage random sampling technique was used to sample 245 students from two public schools in Oredo local government areas within Edo south senatorial district.Two(2)instruments(questionnaire and achievement test)validated and reliability of 0.64 and 0.84 reliability co-efficient were obtained.The demographic data/SES,dietary practices(DDPSESQ)was used to obtain information on their dietary practices and socio-economic status,while the pictorial nutrition achievement test(PNAT)consisted of the pre-and post-test.The treatment package comprised planned lessons of 40 minutes each for six(6)weeks.The data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics;hypotheses 1 and 2 were tested using the independent t-test while hypothesis 3 was tested using One-Way ANOVA statistics.Findings:The study revealed that there is no significant difference in dietary practices of students of high,medium and low socio-economic status as a result of exposure to pictorial nutrition education.There was no significant difference in dietary practices by gender.The study concluded that socio-economic status does not determine dietary practices of secondary school students for responsible living.
文摘Meningococcal meningitis is an airborne disease that has been a threat to human life in many regions of the world, especially in West Africa. The disease has caused permanent physical impairment to some of its victims and many lives have been lost due to the disease. Factors that are associated with the incidence of the disease which are geographically referenced include built environment, geographical location and climatic conditions. Others are socioeconomic and demographic factors. This study established the relationship between built environment and socioeconomic factors with the incidence of the disease. Data that were used include the incidences of the disease from 2007 to 2011, housing conditions, population density, number of house ownership, employment, income level, and the number of hospitals, schools and refuse dumps. Neighborhoods were used as the unit of analysis in the study. The method of analyzing the data includes factor analysis and some statistical techniques in Geographical Information System such as the Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The findings of the study reveal the spatial variations of the incidence of Meningococcal meningitis in Kaduna Urban Area (KUA). The study recommends that there should be strict observance of the development control regulations especially at the high density residential neighborhood. The model can also be used for other communicable disease to ensure the health of the public.
文摘This study looked at rapid urbanization and the flood risk it portends with a view to identifying mechanisms for coping in coastal zones of Nigeria. Flooding is one of the various ecological problems that has taken its toll on the quality of the environment, human health, and economic growth in parts of Africa and the coastal zones of Nigeria in particular. Rapid urbanization has been seen to result in changes in land use patterns which can adversely affect the hydrological processes in a catchment leading to a deteriorating water environment. warning systems are identified and discussed in the paper Structural and non-structural approach as well as flood early as flood risks coping mechanisms, It also discusses the policy implications that government through its relevant agencies must be up to its game by monitoring precursors, forecasting of probable floods and notification of alerts, It concludes and recommends that an active involvement of communities at risks is required and public education and awareness of risks should be facilitated through effective dissemination, as well as ensuring that there is a constant preparedness,
文摘A melissopalynological study carried out on 35 bee pollen samples from Romania （Transylvania） shows predominant species as Taraxacum officinale, Tilia sp., Ferbascum sp., Zea mays L., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., Geranium sanguineum L., Filipendula ulmaria L., Cydonia oblonga L., Calluna vulgaris L. and Brassica sp.. This is the first time for the contribution of total phenolic （TP） and total carotenoid （TC） content to the modified oxygen radical absorbance capacity （ORACFL） values in 29 monofloral samples. Hydrophilic ORACFL （H-ORACFL） values ranged between 7.13-10.12 μmol TE/g and 6.94-22.46 μmol TE/g, whereas lipophilic ORACFL （L-ORACFL）values were between 2.19-7.79 μmol TE/g and 1.65-9.96 μmol TE/g, in multifloral and monofloral samples, respectively. It has proved the complex involvement of botanical origins on the antioxidant features with a specific occurrence. Some monofloral samples presented particular high antioxidant potential, such as Salix sp., Taraxacum officinale, Matricaria chamomilla, Cichorium intybus and the poorly studied Cirsium arvense （L.） Scop. and Scilla bifolia L.. New variables, such as soil characteristics, climates together with botanical origins, were introduced in a multivariate analysis of antioxidant data matrix, given a possible important involvement of all of them in affecting, not only the phytochemical composition, but thereafter the antioxidant capacity. All these data could be crucial to a new way of gathering, by beekeepers, depending on the market demand and the purposes for the product that has a potential for further therapeutic bioactivities investigations, and added value in the enrichment of certain products.
