Neurodevelopmental toxicity and mechanism of action of monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) in the developing zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) is the primary metabolite of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), the most prevalent phthalate plasticiser globally. It has been demonstrated that MEHP exerts more potent toxic effects than DEHP. Nevertheless, the full extent of the toxicity of MEHP to neurodevelopmental organisms remains unclear.

Cell-free DNA methylation-based inflammation score as a marker for hepatocellular carcinoma among people living with HIV.

Background: People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a greater risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), potentially due to the stimulation of inflammation by HIV infection. Inflammation-related DNA methylation signatures obtained in liquid biopsy, such as circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), may serve as promising minimally invasive biomarkers that can inform diagnosis of HCC.

Methods: Using data from 249 individuals with HIV (114 individuals with normal liver conditions, 69 with fibrosis, 30 with cirrhosis, and 36 with HCC), we constructed a cfDNA methylation-based inflammation score (inflammation-DNAm score) based on 54 CpGs previously associated with circulating C-reactive protein concentrations.

Mercury's poisonous pulse: Blazing a new path for aquatic conservation with eco-friendly mitigation strategies.

Many compounds and inorganic elements released from natural and anthropogenic origins contaminate the environment and are implicated in catastrophes involving most biologically driven ecological processes and public health. One such element is Mercury. Mercury exists in both inorganic elemental form and the more metabolically active molecular form e.

Hepatitis B and C Virus Co-Infection and Their Association With Liver Disease in Persons With HIV in Nigeria.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have hepatitis B or C infection have a higher chance of developing advanced liver disease than those who do not have either of the hepatitis infections. This finding highlights the importance of awareness, screening, and treatment of the hepatitis viruses in HIV programs in order to reduce the risk of liver disease in this population.

The use of digital health services to combat E-waste health hazards: A review on the impact and awareness in Southwest Nigeria.

The rapid advancement of technology has led to a significant increase in electronic waste (e-waste), posing serious health and environmental risks, particularly in developing regions like Southwest Nigeria. This review explores the utilization of digital health services to combat the health hazards associated with e-waste exposure. Digital health technologies, including mobile health applications, telemedicine, and electronic health records, play a critical role in raising awareness about e-waste toxicity, monitoring health impacts, and providing remote healthcare services to at-risk populations.

Effect of physicochemical parameters on the occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic environment.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their distribution in aquatic environments have been studied extensively, but more information is needed to link these occurrences to their physicochemical characteristics. Understanding how these parameters influence PFAS can help predict their fate, mobility, and occurrences in water. This study reviewed the influence of physicochemical parameters on the occurrences of PFAS in aquatic environment using the relevant keywords to retrieve articles from databases spanning mostly between 2017 and 2024.

Fenitrothion induces glucose metabolism disorders in rat liver BRL cells by inhibiting AMPKα and IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Fenitrothion (FNT) is a common organophosphorus pesticide that is widely used in both agricultural and domestic pest control. FNT has been frequently detected in various environmental media, including the human body, and is a notable contaminant. Epidemiological investigations have recently shown the implications of exposure to FNT in the incidence of various metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus in humans, indicating that FNT may be a potential endocrine disruptor.

Emerging eco-friendly technologies for remediation of Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water and wastewater: A pathway to environmental sustainability.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are rampant, toxic contaminants from anthropogenic sources, called forever chemicals for their recalcitrance. Although banned in several parts of the world for public health implications, including liver, kidney, and testicular diseases, PFAS are abundant in water sources due to easy dispersion. With chemical properties resulting from strong hydrophobic bonds, they defile many physicochemical removal methods.

Current status and emerging frontiers in enzyme engineering: An industrial perspective.

Protein engineering mechanisms can be an efficient approach to enhance the biochemical properties of various biocatalysts. Immobilization of biocatalysts and the introduction of new-to-nature chemical reactivities are also possible through the same mechanism. Discovering new protocols that enhance the catalytic active protein that possesses novelty in terms of being stable, active, and, stereoselectivity with functions could be identified as essential areas in terms of concurrent bioorganic chemistry (synergistic relationship between organic chemistry and biochemistry in the context of enzyme engineering).

Occurrence and ecotoxicological impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa: Options for sustainable and eco-friendly management strategies.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent contaminants used as flame retardants in electronic products. PBDEs are contaminants of concern due to leaching and recalcitrance conferred by the stable and hydrophobic bromide residues. The near absence of legislatures and conscious initiatives to tackle the challenges of PBDEs in Africa has allowed for the indiscriminate use and consequent environmental degradation.

Role of autonomic nervous system in BDE-209 maternal exposure induced immunotoxicity in female offspring.

Decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) is a typical persistent organic pollutant that can cross the placental barrier, increasing the exposure risk for offspring. Norepinephrine (NE) from nerve terminals and acetylcholine (Ach) can bind to specific receptors on immune cells, inhibit the immune function of the body then cause immunotoxicity. However, whether maternal exposure to BDE-209 could lead to immunotoxicity in the offspring by acting on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems remains unclear.

Health-related quality of life in patients with dyspepsia presenting at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, South-South Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) examines the impact of the symptoms of dyspepsia on the daily life of sufferers. There are a few published studies related to HRQoL of persons with dyspepsia in Africa.

Methods: this was a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 324 dyspeptic patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to the University of Benin Teaching Hospitals (UBTH) The ROME IV criteria were used to recruit patients with dyspepsia.

Emerging contaminants in food matrices: An overview of the occurrence, pathways, impacts and detection techniques of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in industrial and consumer applications for ages. The pervasive and persistent nature of PFAS in the environment is a universal concern due to public health risks. Experts acknowledge that exposure to high levels of certain PFAS have consequences, including reduced vaccine efficacy, elevated cholesterol, and increased risk of high blood pressure.

Acrylamide-Aggravated Liver Injury by Activating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Female Mice with Diabetes.

Acrylamide (ACR) is a common industrial contaminant with endocrine-disrupting toxicity. Numerous studies have indicated that females and diabetics are more sensitive to environmental contaminants. However, it remains unknown whether female diabetics are susceptible to ACR-induced toxicity and its potential mechanisms.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Associated Risk Factors in Obese Nigerians: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now adjudged the most common liver disease in the world, contributing to the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. However, the true prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among obese individuals and its contribution to the burden of liver disease in Nigeria is unknown.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and associated risk factors in obese subjects.

Neurodevelopmental toxicity and molecular mechanism of environmental concentration of tetrabromobisphenol A bis (2- hydroxyethyl) ether exposure to sexually developing male SD rats.

Tetrabromobisphenol A bis (2- hydroxyethyl) ether (TBBPA-DHEE), as one of the main derivatives of Tetrabromobisphenol A, been attracted attention for its health risks. In this study, the neurotoxicity, mechanism, and susceptivity of TBBPA-DHEE exposure to sexually developing male rats were systematically studied. Neurobehavioral research showed that TBBPA-DHEE exposure could significantly affect the behavior, learning,and memory abilities of male-developing rats, and aggravate their depression.

Process evaluation of the 'Lafiyan Yara' project on enhancing access to HIV testing services using existing community structures in Nigeria.

Background: The Lafiyan Yara Project aimed to increase demand for HIV counselling, testing, treatment, and prevention services among pregnant women and children in Taraba State, Nigeria. Implemented from 2019 to 2021, the project utilized existing community structures, including traditional birth attendants, village health workers, and patent and proprietary medicine vendors, for mobilization. This study assessed the project's activities, contributors, relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Development and evaluation of a simple treatment eligibility score (HEPSANET) to decentralise hepatitis B care in Africa: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) elimination requires expanding and decentralising HBV care services. However, peripheral health facilities lack access to diagnostic tools to assess eligibility for antiviral therapy. Through the Hepatitis B in Africa Collaborative Network (HEPSANET), we aimed to develop and evaluate a score using tests generally available at lower-level facilities, to simplify the evaluation of antiviral therapy eligibility in people living with HBV.

Aflatoxin exposure in a population of HIV patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma North-Central, Nigeria.

Background: Aflatoxin B1causes damage to the DNA by the alkylation of bases and P53 mutation. Exposure to this mycotoxin is associated with the development of liver cancer. Measures to reduce grain and cereal contamination have been a focus however, the effects of these measures are still lagging behind and exposure continues to occur even in populations at risk of developing liver cancer.

A review of heavy metal risks around e-waste sites and comparable municipal dumpsites in major African cities: Recommendations and future perspectives.

In Africa, the effects of informal e-waste recycling on the environment are escalating. It is regularly transported from developed to developing nations, where it is disassembled informally in search of precious metals, thus increasing human exposure to harmful compounds. Africa has a serious problem with e-waste, as there are significant facilities in Ghana and Nigeria where imported e-waste is unsafely dismantled.