Factors associated with Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure in communities of Lagos Nigeria: A Megacity experience.

Background: Each year, millions of people in low-and middle-income countries such as Nigeria are forced into poverty and financial ruin due to out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenses. Our study assessed the prevalence and determinants of Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure (CHE) experienced by households in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 2492 households in Lagos from December 2022 to March 2023 in 4 Local Government Areas (LGAs) using a multistage sampling technique.

Trends and ethnic disparity in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa (1999-2018): A population-based Age-period-cohort and Join point regression analyses.

Background: Endometrial cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer among females and about 97,000 global deaths of endometrial cancer. The changes in the trends of obesity, fertility rates and other risk factors in South Africa (SA) may impact the endometrial cancer trends. The aim of this study was to utilise the age period cohort and join point regression modelling to evaluate the national and ethnic trends in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa over a 20year period (1999-2018).

Genetic tracking of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic orthonairovirus in Hyalomma population infesting cattle in Nigeria.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a Biosafety level 4 pathogen transmitted by ticks, causes severe haemorrhagic diseases in humans but remains clinically silent in animals. Over the past forty years, Nigeria lacks comprehensive genetic data on CCHFV in livestock and ticks. This study aimed to identify and characterize CCHFV strains in cattle and their Hyalomma ticks, the primary vector, in Kwara State, Nigeria.

The global convergence of some self-scaling conjugate gradient methods for monotone nonlinear equations with application to 3DOF arm robot model.

Conjugate Gradient (CG) methods are widely used for solving large-scale nonlinear systems of equations arising in various real-life applications due to their efficiency in employing vector operations. However, the global convergence analysis of CG methods remains a significant challenge. In response, this study proposes scaled versions of CG parameters based on the renowned Barzilai-Borwein approach for solving convex-constrained monotone nonlinear equations.

Synthesis, Characterization, Anti-nematocidal, and Computational Study of Copper(II) Complex Derived from Fluoro-substituted Schiff base Ligand.

Herein, Schiff base was synthesized via reaction between 2-bromo-4-(trifluoromethoxy)aniline and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The ligand was reacted with Cu(II) salt to obtain complex. The compounds  were characterization using various techniques.

Analysis of Possible Coexistence of Microsporidia, Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti in Anopheles gambiae s.l within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Purpose: Anopheles gambiae is a vector of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti. Endosymbionts are reported to block development of various parasites in mosquitoes. Microsporidia was reported to affect the development of P.

Efficacy of Chlorogenic Acid in Treating Tripterygium Glycoside-Induced Asthenozoospermia in Rats and Its Possible Mechanisms.

Tripterygium glycosides (TGs) are the most common form of traditional Chinese medicine, known as Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) [...

Spermine Enhances the Peroxidase Activities of Multimeric Antiparallel G-quadruplex DNAzymes.

G-quadruplex (G4) DNAzymes with peroxidase activities hold potential for applications in biosensing. While these nanozymes are easy to assemble, they are not as efficient as natural peroxidase enzymes. Several approaches are being used to better understand the structural basis of their reaction mechanisms, with a view to designing constructs with improved catalytic activities.

Mechanisms Underlying Iron Deficiency-Induced Cardiac Disorders: Implications for Treatment.

Two billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, which can lead to the onset of cardiac disorders; nevertheless, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. There are at least three distinct mechanisms by which iron deficiency (ID) contributes to the development of cardiac disorders. First, ID increases concentrations of intact fibroblast growth factor-23 (iFGF-23), which promotes left ventricular hypertrophy.

Machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations predict potential TGR5 agonists for type 2 diabetes treatment.

Introduction: Treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a significant challenge because of its multifactorial nature and complex metabolic pathways. There is growing interest in finding new therapeutic targets that could lead to safer and more effective treatment options. Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) is a promising antidiabetic target that plays a key role in metabolic regulation, especially in glucose homeostasis and energy expenditure.

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.

Animal models in biomedical research: Relevance of .

Animal models have become veritable tools in gaining insight into the pathogenesis and progression of several human diseases. These models could range in complexity from to non-human primates. With the aid of these animal models, a lot of new knowledge has been gained about several diseases which otherwise would not have been possible.

Therapeutic effect of coenzyme-Q10 pretreatment on isoprenaline-induced cardiogenic hepatorenal complications in rats.

Objectives: The significant correlation between acute myocardial infarction and subsequent hepatorenal dysfunction could result in a higher mortality rate in patients. The study aimed to evaluate the effect and mechanisms of coenzyme-Q10 (Q10) administration on hepatorenal dysfunction in an isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction model in rats.

Materials And Methods: Twenty male rats were assigned into four groups (n = 5).

Balancing the risks: continuous vs. interrupted anticoagulation during TAVI - what does the evidence say?

Anticoagulation therapy is a critical component of post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) management, aimed at reducing the risk of thromboembolic events and mortality. This review examines the efficacy of continuous versus interrupted anticoagulation strategies in TAVI patients, focusing on mortality, stroke rates, and composite events. A literature review was conducted, analyzing recent studies that evaluate the impact of different anticoagulation regimens on clinical outcomes in TAVI patients.

Understanding malaria treatment patronage from informal healthcare providers in Nigerian urban settlements: insights from community members and providers.

Background: Informal Healthcare Providers (IHCPs), including Proprietary Patent Medicine Vendors (PPMVs), drug peddlers, traditional healers, and herbal drug sellers are often the first choice for malaria treatment, especially in urban slums. Unplanned urbanization significantly impacts malaria transmission by creating cities with inadequate safety nets and healthcare access, increasing reliance on IHCPs. While the World Health Organization recognizes IHCP's crucial role and emphasizes integrating them into formal healthcare for improved malaria care, they lack requisite training in malaria management and operate outside official regulations, raising concerns about the quality of care they provide.

Ramadan during pregnancy and the role of dietary intake for neonatal health in Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Ramadan during pregnancy is associated with adverse offspring health outcomes. Recent evidence from Europe indicates that maternal diet during non-fasting hours might alleviate these effects. This study describes fasting, diet, and sleep habits among pregnant Muslims in Kaduna, Nigeria, and assesses impacts on neonatal health in this setting.

Interactions Between Toxic Metals and Serum Micronutrient Level in Auto-mechanics in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria: a Pilot study.

Auto-mechanics who often work without safety measures are vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). These toxic metals exert their deleterious effect by interacting with the micronutrients at their primary site of action. This study aimed to investigate the effects of toxic metal exposure on serum micronutrient levels of auto-mechanics in Nigeria.

Unlocking the Power of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks for COVID-19 Detection: A Comprehensive Review.

The advent of three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (3D CNNs) has revolutionized the detection and analysis of COVID-19 cases. As imaging technologies have advanced, 3D CNNs have emerged as a powerful tool for segmenting and classifying COVID-19 in medical images. These networks have demonstrated both high accuracy and rapid detection capabilities, making them crucial for effective COVID-19 diagnostics.

Urea enhances the yield and quality of bio-oil produced from corncob through pyrolysis.

As global demand for fossil fuels rises amidst depleting reserves and environmental concerns, exploring sustainable and renewable energy sources has become imperative. This study investigated the pyrolysis of corncob, a widely available agricultural waste, using urea as a catalyst to enhance bio-oil production. The aim was to determine the optimum urea concentration and pyrolysis temperature for bio-oil yield from corncob.

A review of the environmental spread of Salmonella enterica serovars through water in Africa.

Salmonella is an enteric pathogenic bacterium in mammals that thrives in sewage, soil, and aquatic environments because of its wide ecological adaptability. The spread of Salmonella infection is associated with a lack of clean water, poor hygiene, and poor sanitation in developing countries. However, the input of Salmonella-contaminated surface water and groundwater in the environmental dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella is obscure outside developed countries.

How climate change is shaping young people's health: a participatory, youth co-led study from Bangladesh, Guatemala and Nigeria.

Introduction: Climate change is shaping adolescent and young people's (AYP) transitions to adulthood with significant and often compounding effects on their physical and mental health. The climate crisis is an intergenerational inequity, with the current generation of young people exposed to more climate events over their lifetime than any previous one. Despite this injustice, research and policy to date lacks AYP's perspectives and active engagement.

Exploring the burden of cholera in the WHO African region: patterns and trends from 2000 to 2023 cholera outbreak data.

Introduction: Cholera outbreaks remain persistent in the WHO African region, with an increased trend in recent years. This study analyses actual drivers of cholera including correlations with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) indicators, and climate change trends.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study.