Correlates of human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge and acceptability among medical and allied health students in Northern Nigeria.

Prior to its planned introduction, we investigated predictors of baseline knowledge and acceptability of HPV vaccination among medical and allied health care students in Kano, northern Nigeria. A total of 410 medical, dental and allied health students completed structured validated questionnaires. Knowledge scores and acceptability of HPV vaccine were determined and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for predictors of HPV knowledge and acceptability were derived from multivariate logistic regression models.

Sustainable removal of Ni(II) from waste water by freshly isolated fungal strains.

The release of untreated wastewater containing biotoxic substances in the form of heavy metals is one of the most crucial environmental and health challenges faced by our community. The recent advances in microbes derived removal has propelled bioremediation as a better and effective alternative to conventional techniques. Present study investigates the detoxification mechanisms evolved by the nickel (Ni(II)) resistant fungal strains, isolated from the industrial drain sites.

Screening and evaluation of laccase produced by different Trichoderma species along with their phylogenetic relationship.

Laccases have high biotechnological potential in industries since they catalyze the oxidation of many chemical compounds. The production of laccases by fungi has been extensively studied due to their secretion of enzymes and rapid growth using cheap substrates. Trichoderma; the versatile fungal genus includes species of great biotechnological value and considered as a magnificent industrial cell factory of enzymes.

Assessment of family needs of children with cerebral palsy in Northern-Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the needs and priorities of parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in order to improve care by increasing family participation in rehabilitation programmes.

Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted between January to March 2019. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 43 family members (18 years and above) of children with CP who came to the physiotherapy departments for rehabilitation services for their children.

CdO-ZnO nanorices for enhanced and selective formaldehyde gas sensing applications.

This paper reports synthesis, properties and gas sensing applications of ZnO nanoflowers and CdO-ZnO nanorices prepared by hydrothermal process. The morphological characterizations confirmed the formation of well-defined nanoflowers and nanorices structures for ZnO and CdO-ZnO nanomaterials, respectively. The structural properties revealed the wurtzite hexagonal phase of the synthesized materials.

Direct sunlight-driven enhanced photocatalytic performance of VO nanorods/ graphene oxide nanocomposites for the degradation of Victoria blue dye.

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterizations of Vanadium pentoxide (VO) nanorods/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite as efficient direct solar light driven photocatalyst for the enhanced degradation of victoria blue (VB) dye. The nanocomposite was synthesized by sonochemical process and characterized using several analytical methods in order to study the structural, morphological, compositional, optical and photocatalytic properties. The X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the orthorhombic structure of VO while the morphological examinations revealed the growth of VO nanorods and 2D GO sheets.

Synthesis of porous 2D layered nickel oxide-reduced graphene oxide (NiO-rGO) hybrid composite for the efficient electrochemical detection of epinephrine in biological fluid.

In the present research work, 2D-Porous NiO decorated graphene nanocomposite was synthesized by hydrothermal method to monitored the concentration of epinephrine (EPI). The morphology (SEM and TEM) results confirmed 2D-Porous NiO nanoparticles firmly attached over graphene nanosheets. FTIR and XPS analysis confirmed the formation of nickel oxide formation and complete reduction of GO to rGO.

Effect of Tamsulosin Administration on Oral Glucose Tolerance (OGT) In Normal Wistar Rats.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of administration of tamsulosin on oral glucose tolerance in normal Wistar rats. Forty (40) male albino Wistar rats were selected and divided into four (4) groups of ten (10) rats each, viz, GROUP I, II, III and IV. Group I (Normal control): Distilled water (5ml/kg), Group II (Positive control): Carvedilol(800µg/kg), Group III (Tamsulosin treated): Tamsulosin (12µg/kg), Group IV (Tamsulosin treated): Tamsulosin (40µg/kg).

Use of geographic information systems web mapping application to support active case search to guide public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe: a preliminary report to guide replication of methods in similar resource settings.

Introduction: the new coronavirus (COVID-19) that emerged from Wuhan, Hubei Province of China in December 2019, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has fast spread across the entire globe, with most countries struggling to slow and reduce the spread of the virus through rapid screening, testing, isolation, case management, contact tracing, implementing social distancing and lockdowns. This has been shown to be a major factor in countries that have been successful in containing COVID-19 transmission. Early detection of cases is important, and the use of geospatial technology can support to detect and easily identify potential hotspots that will require timely response.

Adsorptive removal of antibiotic ofloxacin in aqueous phase using rGO-MoS heterostructure.

This paper reports the synthesis, characterization and detailed adsorption studies of rGO-MoS heterostructure. The heterostructure was explored for the adsorption of ofloxacin from the aqueous phase. Detailed studies were conducted to study the effect of crucial parameters such as pH of drug solution, adsorbent dose, temperature and initial drug concentration on the adsorption capacity.

The Effect of Real Time Integrated Supportive Supervision Visits on the Performance of Health Workers in Zambia.

The use of online Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) is aimed to improve the quality of services provided by front line health workers. This work is aimed to document the effects of ISS on the performance of health workers in Zambia using selected key surveillance and immunization process indicators. ISS data on WHO ODK server of all Integrated Supportive Supervisory (ISS) visits that were conducted in Zambia between 1 January 2018 to 30 September 2018 were analysed to determine the Percentage point difference between the first and the most recent ISS visits in order to determine whether an observed gap during first ISS visit had persisted during the most recent ISS visit.

Implementation of Mobile Phone Data Collection in the Conduct EPI Comprehensive Review in East and Southern African Countries.

Mobile phone data collection tools are increasingly becoming very usable collecting, collating and analysing data in the health sector. In this paper, we documented the experiences with mobile phone data collection, collation and analysis in 5 countries of the East and Southern African, using Open Data Kit (ODK), where questionnaires were designed and coded on an XML form, uploaded and data collected using Android-Based mobile phones, with a web-based system to monitor data in real-time during EPI comprehensive review. The ODK interface supports in real-time monitoring of the flow of data, detection of missing or incomplete data, coordinate location of all locations visited, embedded charts for basic analysis.

MnO₂ Nanoparticles Anchored Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Potential Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries.

Herein, we report a facile hydrothermal synthesis of MnO₂ nanoparticles anchored multi walled carbon nanotubes (MnO₂@MWCNTs) as potential anode materials for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The prepared MnO₂@MWCNTs were characterized by several techniques which confirmed the formation of MnO₂ nanoparticles anchored MWCNTs. The X-ray diffraction and Raman-scattering analyses of the prepared material further revealed the effective synthesis of MnO₂@MWCNTs.

Investigation of the Photoluminescence and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Ce₂O₃-TiO₂ Nanocomposites.

This paper reports the photoluminescence and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of Ce₂O₃-TiO₂ nanocomposites synthesized via sol-gel process with different concentrations of cerium. The physical characterization studies by means of XRD indicated for the successful incorporation of Ce into the lattice of TiO₂, while the UV-visible spectra for an absorption edge shift of TiO₂ to the higher wavelength side following the Ce addition, and FESEM analysis for the morphology and particles sizes of the synthesized materials. On testing of the photoluminescence properties recorded through time-resolved fluorescence (TCSPC) technique, a decrease in the intensity of TiO₂ with that of increased Ce concentration was observed and is due to an escalation in the number of oxygen vacancies.

Anti-aging Natural Compounds and their Role in the Regulation of Metabolic Pathways Leading to Longevity.

Aging is an unavoidable process, leading to cell senescence due to physiochemical changes in an organism. Anti-aging remedies have always been of great interest since ancient times. The purpose of anti-aging activities is to increase the life span and the quality of life.

Immunoinformatics and Molecular Docking Studies Predicted Potential Multiepitope-Based Peptide Vaccine and Novel Compounds against Novel SARS-CoV-2 through Virtual Screening.

Background: Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped positive-strand RNA viruses which have club-like spikes at the surface with a unique replication process. Coronaviruses are categorized as major pathogenic viruses causing a variety of diseases in birds and mammals including humans (lethal respiratory dysfunctions). Nowadays, a new strain of coronaviruses is identified and named as SARS-CoV-2.

Multi-biological combined system: A mechanistic approach for removal of multiple heavy metals.

In this work, interactions of diverse fungal species by the manipulation of cell concentrations has been utilized as the driving feature for the removal of hazardous multi-metals from the aqueous solutions. This study is focused on the exploitation of internal structures of microbes as a repository of lead (Pb(II)) and nickel (Ni(II)). For the concerned purpose 24 heavy metal resistant fungi are isolated from different industrial waste sites to form different microbial combinations as a single unit 'consortia' for achieving highest possible removal rates.

Randomized Phase II Trial of Polyphenon E versus Placebo in Patients at High Risk of Recurrent Colonic Neoplasia.

Polyphenon E (Poly E) is a green tea polyphenol preparation whose most active component is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). We studied the cancer preventive efficacy and safety of Poly E in subjects with rectal aberrant crypt foci (ACF), which represent putative precursors of colorectal cancers. Eligible subjects had prior colorectal advanced adenomas or cancers, and had ≥5 rectal ACF at a preregistration chromoendoscopy.

Image based analysis of meibomian gland dysfunction using conditional generative adversarial neural network.

Objective: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a primary cause of dry eye disease. Analysis of MGD, its severity, shapes and variation in the acini of the meibomian glands (MGs) is receiving much attention in ophthalmology clinics. Existing methods for diagnosing, detection and analysing meibomianitis are not capable to quantify the irregularities to IR (infrared) images of MG area such as light reflection, interglands and intraglands boundaries, the improper focus of the light and positioning, and eyelid eversion.

Silica-Based Bioactive Glasses and Their Applications in Hard Tissue Regeneration: A Review.

Regenerative medicine is a field that aims to influence and improvise the processes of tissue repair and restoration and to assist the body to heal and recover. In the field of hard tissue regeneration, bio-inert materials are being predominantly used, and there is a necessity to use bioactive materials that can help in better tissue-implant interactions and facilitate the healing and regeneration process. One such bioactive material that is being focused upon and studied extensively in the past few decades is bioactive glass (BG).

Evaluation of Aspirin Use With Cancer Incidence and Survival Among Older Adults in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial.

Importance: Many studies have evaluated the long-term benefits of aspirin use; however, the association of aspirin use with cancer incidence and survival in older individuals remains uncertain. Additional population-based evidence of this association is necessary to better understand any possible protective effects of aspirin in older adults.

Objective: To investigate the association of aspirin use with risk of developing new cancers and site-specific cancer-associated survival in bladder, breast, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and uterine cancers.

Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis Using FTIR and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS of Two Species and Evaluation of their Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities.

and have been used as traditional medicines such as antidiabetic and anticancer. This study measured the total phenolics and flavonoid contents as well as analyzed the functional groups and chemical compounds using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS profiling for the discrimination of plant parts, geographical origin, and compounds that presumably have a significant contribution as antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitors on both plants. The total phenolics and flavonoids contents in species varied from 142.

Stabilization of eye drops containing autologous serum and recombinant human epidermal growth factor for dry eye syndrome.

Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) and autologous serum are considered safer and more effective in treating dry eye syndrome. However, suitable formulas and preparation methods are needed to obtain eye drop containing autologous serum and hEGF, which are stable during storage and use. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a stable and effective eye drops containing autologous serum and hEGF.

Ni-Doped ZnO Thin Films: Deposition, Characterization and Photocatalytic Applications.

Root like structured Ni-doped zinc oxide [ZnNiO ( = 0.09)] thin films were deposited on a non-conducting glass substrate by indigenously developed spray pyrolysis system at optimized substrate hotness of 573±5 K. Thus obtained Ni-doped ZnO thin films were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).

Post-operative Vesicoenterocutaneous Fistula with Multiple Intestinal Knotting: A Case Report.

Herein is a case of a 51-year-old farmer who presented to our facility with initial leakage of urine but later urine mixed with faeces from the lower abdomen after two previous abdominal surgeries. He had an open transvesical prostatectomy due to benign prostate enlargement complicated by leakage of urine from lower abdominal wall scar. A repeat surgical intervention to correct the urine leakage was followed by recurrence of urine leakage and later by leakage of feculent urine from the lower anterior abdominal wall.