Exploring the toxicology, socio-ecological impacts and biodegradation of microplastics in Africa: Potentials for resource conservation.

Achieving upcycling and circularity in the microplastic economy predominantly depends on collecting and sorting plastic waste from the source to the end-user for resource conservation. Microplastics, whether from packaging or non-packaging materials, pose a significant environmental challenge as they are often not prioritized for collection or recycling initiatives. The presence of additives impedes the quality of plastic recyclates and the persistence of microplastics as shredded resultants remain a threat to the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem and its biodiversity.

Does coenzyme Q10 improve semen quality and circulating testosterone level? a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Seminal oxidative stress has been shown to be a key factor in the development of male infertility. However, the benefits of infertility treatments with antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) remains controversial.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on semen quality, i.

Gender-Inclusive Language in Public-Facing Labor and Delivery Web Pages in the New York Tristate Area: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals are increasingly intentionally becoming pregnant to raise children, and hospital websites should reflect these trends. For prospective TGNB parents, a hospital website is the only way they can assess their safety from discrimination while receiving perinatal care. Cisnormativity enforced by communication gaps between medical institutions and TGNB patients can and has caused delays in receiving urgent care during their pregnancy.

Development and implementation of a 3d-HDR brachytherapy program for cervical cancer in a sub-Saharan African centre.

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria where, the gap between need for, and access to, radiation therapy including brachytherapy is significant. This report documents the implementation of the first three-dimensional high-dose-rate (3D-HDR) brachytherapy service for cervical cancer in Nigeria.

Purpose: This report details the steps taken to implement the 3D-HDR brachytherapy program, the challenges faced, and the adaptive strategies employed to overcome them.

The consequences of climate change and male reproductive health: A review of the possible impact and mechanisms.

A global decline in male fertility has been reported, and climate change is considered a major cause of this. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, and results from greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and methane that act as a blanket wrapped around the earth, trapping heat and elevating temperatures. Sad to say, the consequences of climatic variation are beyond the dramatic elevated temperature, they include cold stress, increased malnutrition, air pollution, cardiovascular diseases respiratory tract infections, cancer, sexually transmitted infections, mental stress, and heat waves.

Accuracy, Quality, and Misinformation of YouTube Abortion Procedural Videos: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The internet is often the first source patients turn to for medical information. YouTube is a commonly used internet-based resource for patients seeking to learn about medical procedures, including their risks, benefits, and safety profile. Abortion is a common yet polarizing medical procedure.

Advanced-technique radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a low resource setting: a review of treatment-related quality of life.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare but significant public health concern, especially in Africa, with a rising global incidence. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of presentation, treatment outcomes and impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of NPC patients at a tertiary institution in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methodology: A retrospective review of all nasopharyngeal cancer patients ( = 125) treated at a tertiary centre in Lagos, Nigeria, from May 2019 to 2022 was done.

Food safety issues associated with sesame seed value chains: Current status and future perspectives.

Sesame () is an oilseed crop which is increasingly recognised as a functional food by consumers due to its nutritional and nutraceutical components. Consequently, global demand for sesame has increased significantly over the last three decades. Sesame is an important export crop in producing countries, contributing to their socio-economic development.

Sexual dysfunction in dichlorvos-exposed male Wistar rat is ameliorated by curcumin and associated with the upregulation of testosterone.

Dichlorvos is an organophosphate pesticide that is commonly used for agricultural and domestic control of pests and insects. Despite its usefulness, it exerts reproductive toxicity and induces male sexual dysfunction. On the other hand, curcumin has been reported to improve sexual dysfunction.

Unravelling the toxicity of carbon nanomaterials - From cellular interactions to mechanistic understanding.

The application of carbon nanomaterials in diverse fields has substantially increased their demand for commercial usage. Within the earliest decade, the development of functional materials has further increased the significance of this element. Despite the advancements recorded, the potential harmful impacts of embracing carbon nanomaterials for biological applications must be balanced against their advantages.

Does pyrethroid exposure lower human semen quality? a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pyrethroids are natural organic compounds extracted from flowers of pyrethrums and commonly used as domestic and commercial insecticides. Although it is effective in insect and parasitic control, its associated toxicity, including spermotoxicity, remains a challenge globally. Currently, the available reports on the effect of pyrethroids on semen quality are conflicting, hence an evaluation of its detrimental effect is pertinent.

Longitudinal viral load outcomes of adults with HIV after detectable viremia on tenofovir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir.

Background: To inform optimal management of HIV viremia on tenofovir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir (TLD), we examined viral load (VL) outcomes of a large cohort of adult PWH on TLD in Nigeria.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of adult PWH who had ≥1 VL after initiating TLD during January 2017-February 2023. VLs were categorized as undetectable (≤50 copies/ml), low low-level viremia (LLV, 51-199 copies/ml), high LLV (200-999 copies/ml), virologic nonsuppression (VLNS, ≥1000 copies/ml), and virologic failure (VF, ≥2 consecutive VLNS results).

Vasa Previa and the Role of Fetal Fibronectin and Cervical Length Surveillance: A Review.

Vasa previa is a pregnancy complication that occurs when unprotected fetal blood vessels traverse the cervical os, placing the fetus at high risk of exsanguination and fetal death. These fetal vessels may be compromised by fetal movement and compression, leading to poor oxygen distribution and asphyxiation. Diagnostic tools for vasa previa management and preterm labor (PTL) include transvaginal ultrasound, cervical length (CL) surveillance and use of fetal fibronectin (FFN) testing.

Cancer control collaborations between China and African countries.

Over the past decade, China has emerged as Africa's largest trade partner and source of foreign direct investment, with public health ranked as a top priority in China-Africa collaborations. During the same period, cancer has emerged as a leading cause of death in Africa, with more than 700 000 deaths per year and projections of more than 1 million deaths per year by 2030. In this Review, we explore the effects of increasing China-Africa collaborations on cancer control in Africa.

Increasing pediatric radiation oncology capacity in sub-saharan Africa using technology: a pilot of a pediatric radiation oncology virtual training course.

Background: The shortage of skilled healthcare professionals in pediatric oncology and the limited access to training programs remain significant challenges in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. The the Pediatric Radiation Oncology (Virtual) Course, 'PedROC' project aims to contribute to improving pediatric cancer outcomes in Nigeria by increasing the capacity of radiation oncology professionals. To address the gap in access to pediatric radiation oncology professional development, the PedROC project was created, harnessing technology to improve radiation oncology training via a curriculum delivered through web-conferencing.

Feasibility and Safety of Implementing Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT) for Pediatric Craniospinal Irradiation in a Low-Middle-Income Region: The Nigerian Experience.

Purpose: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a relatively new treatment technique in sub-Saharan Africa. Although craniospinal irradiation (CSI) in the pediatric population has been practiced in Nigeria for many years, the use of VMAT to deliver this treatment is previously undocumented. We reviewed the first set of patients to undergo CSI at a cancer center in Nigeria, detailing the treatment technique, the progress experienced, dose statistics achieved, treatment toxicities, and cancer outcomes to date.

A Scoping Review: Bariatric Providers' Knowledge and Behaviors Related to Contraceptive Counseling.

Bariatric surgery is a common treatment for obesity, and about half of patients undergoing these procedures are patients of reproductive age. Following bariatric procedures, rapid weight loss and an increase in fertility occur. Guidelines recommend pregnancy delay for 12-24 months postoperatively.

Precise Pediatric Cancer Diagnosis Using Immunohistochemistry: Reducing Cost of Care and Improving Outcomes in a Low and Middle-Income Setting.

Childhood cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is the second-leading cause of non-communicable deaths among children worldwide with more than 90% of childhood cancer-associated mortality occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. Disparity in mortality rates has been linked to late presentation, inaccurate diagnosis, treatment abandonment and poor access to appropriate therapy.

Facile fabrication and antibacterial properties of chitosan/acrylamide/gold nanocomposite hydrogel incorporated with Chaetomium globosium extracts from Gingko biloba leaves.

Microorganisms are a unique part of our ecosystem because they affect the survival of living organisms. Although pathogenic microorganisms could be detrimental to the plants, animals, and humans, beneficial microbes have provided significant improvement in the growth and development of living organisms. In this study, the fungus Chaetomium globosium was isolated from the medicinal tree Gingko biloba, and then incorporated into a polymerization system to fabricate chitosan/acrylamide/gold (CS/Am/Au) nanocomposite hydrogels.

Effect of Test and Treat on clinical outcomes in Nigeria: A national retrospective study.

Background: In Nigeria, results from the pilot of the Test and Treat strategy showed higher loss to follow up (LTFU) among people living with HIV compared to before its implementation. The aim of this evaluation was to assess the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation within 14 days on LTFU at 12 months and viral suppression.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected de-identified patient-level data hosted on the Nigeria National Data Repository from 1,007 facilities.