Unveiling the Genetic Diversity and Demographic History of in Sierra Leone Using Genotyping-By-Sequencing.

is a rare Coffea species boasting a flavor profile comparable to Arabica coffee () and has a good adaptability to lowland tropical climates. This species faces increasing threats from climate change, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation in its West African homeland. Using 1037 novel SNP markers derived from Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS), we revealed the presence of three distinct natural populations (mean Fst = 0.

Assessment of the financial gaps in cardiothoracic surgery in africa.

Objectives: This study accessed the challenges with financing cardiothoracic surgical care in Africa, highlighting the present state of funding, and proffering probable solutions to adequate and effective funding in the region.

Methods: Through a literature review, the authors elaborate on key points such as; areas of financial funding in cardiothoracic surgery, barriers to appropriate allocation of financial resources for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa, and the needs and available resources for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa. Multiple search engines and databases were used, like: PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar.

The role of avocado plant and its derivatives in the management of diabetes mellitus: a natural approach to glycemic control.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge that leads to severe complications, negatively impacting overall health, life expectancy, and quality of life. Herbal medicines, valued for their accessibility and therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects, have been promoted as potential treatments. Managing conditions like diabetes, characterized by free radical production and cytokine-driven inflammation, is vital due to the active components in plants that exert direct pharmacological effects.

Corrigendum to "" [Heliyon Vol. 9, Iss. 1, January 2023, Article e12599].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional indices among children (5-9 years) and adolescents (10-12 years) in Calabar, Nigeria.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly affecting children (5-9 years) and adolescents (10-12 years). This study investigated the prevalence of STH infections, examined associated risk factors, and assessed their impact on the nutritional status of children and adolescents.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted within schools and took place from April to June 2023 and involved 382 participants in Calabar, Nigeria.

Comparative Efficacy of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Antihypertensive Medications in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Related Hypertension: A Narrative Review.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presents a significant global health concern, affecting a substantial portion of the population, particularly among young and middle-aged adults.

Aim: This review aims to assess the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compared to antihypertensive medications in managing OSA-related hypertension.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, yielding studies published from 2000 to March 2024 that investigated CPAP, antihypertensives, or their combination therapy in OSA patients.

Prevalence of cognitive impairment and metabolic syndrome among older adults in calabar metropolis and the associated risk factors.

Background: The number of people reaching old age is rising, bringing an increase in age-related diseases like cardiovascular conditions and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive impairment (CI) impacts various brain functions, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, has been implicated in CI.

Medication safety knowledge and practice among nursing students: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

Background: Medication safety is of paramount importance in nursing practice to ensure the accurate administration of medications.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving a control group ( = 119) and an intervention group ( = 119) of nursing students at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). Randomization was achieved using computer-generated random numbers.

Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of childhood tuberculosis in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a leading cause of infection-related deaths worldwide. Children with underdeveloped immune systems are particularly vulnerable, experiencing symptoms akin to common childhood illnesses. Early diagnosis and treatment typically yield positive outcomes.

Tetracarpidium conophorum nuts (African walnuts) up-regulated adiponectin and PPAR-γ expressions with reciprocal suppression of TNF-α gene in obesity.

Tetracarpidium conophorum nuts are nutrient-dense Nigerian snacks associated with weight regulation. This study explores the nuts' impact on adipose tissue gene expression associated with low-grade inflammation. Ethanol whole extract (EWE), ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) and the resulting residue (RES) were orally administered once daily to MSG-induced obese rats for 6 weeks (n = 6).

Saccharification and co-fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass by a cockroach-gut bacterial symbiont and yeast cocktail for bioethanol production.

Background: The eco-friendly transformation of agro-industrial wastes through microbial bioconversion could address sustainability challenges in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The bulk of agro-industrial waste consists of lignocellulosic materials with fermentable sugars, predominantly cellulose and hemicellulose. A number of pretreatment options have been employed for material saccharification toward successful fermentation into second-generation bioethanol.

Updated WHO list of emerging pathogens for a potential future pandemic: Implications for public health and global preparedness.

Historically, pandemics constitute a major nuisance to public health. They have a debilitating impact on global health with previous occurrences causing major mortalities worldwide. The adverse outcomes are not limited to health outcomes but ravage the social, economic, and political landscapes.

Machine learning in predicting heart failure survival: a review of current models and future prospects.

Heart failure is a complex and prevalent condition with significant implications for patient management and survival prediction. Traditional predictive models often fall short in accuracy due to their reliance on pre-specified predictors and assumptions of variable independence. This review aims to assess the role of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting heart failure survival, comparing their performance with traditional statistical methods and identifying key predictive features.

Molecular dynamics-based computational investigations on the influence of tumor suppressor p53 binding protein against other proteins/peptides.

The tumor-suppressing p-53 binding protein is a crucial protein that is involved in the prevention of cancer via its regulatory effect on a number of cellular processes. Recent evidence indicates that it interacts with a number of other proteins involved in cancer in ways that are not fully understood. An understanding of such interactions could provide insights into novel ways p53 further exerts its tumour prevention role via its interactions with diverse proteins.

Using music storytelling communication intervention to promote acceptance of C-sections among families in rural areas.

This study examined the effectiveness of music storytelling communication intervention in promoting the acceptance of caesarean section (CS) among families in rural areas. The families were randomly assigned to control groups, music storytelling and non-music storytelling. The result showed that although the families reported a negative perception of CS at baseline and rejected it as a delivery option, this changed significantly after the intervention.

Diagnostic Capacity for Fungal Infections in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Ghana - An Onsite Baseline Audit of 9 Sites.

Objectives: To assess diagnostic mycology capacity and available fungal diagnostic services of microbiology laboratories in eight tertiary hospitals in Nigeria and one in Ghana.

Methods: On-site audits were performed in the microbiology laboratories of nine tertiary hospitals using a structured observation checklist.

Results: A total of nine tertiary hospitals' laboratories in Nigeria and Ghana were assessed between June 2022 and December 2023.

Development of an in vitro regeneration system for Heinsia crinita (Afz.) G. Taylor via direct induction of shoot proliferation from explants.

Objective: The African bush apple (Heinsia crinita) is a highly valued orphan shrub that supports the nutritional and natural medicine needs of many sub-Saharan African communities. However, the crop remains poorly conserved and without any known genetic improvement. Accordingly, the current study sought to develop for the first time, an in vitro regeneration system based on direct shoot proliferation from its stem and hypocotyledonary explants using combinations of two cytokinins (benzyl adenine - BA, thidiazuron - TDZ) and the auxin (naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of African Optometrists on Fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO): A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction: Following the formal launch of the AAO-African Chapter in October 2023, there was a renewed interest among African Optometrists to obtain the Fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). This paper investigates the awareness of the FAAO process among African optometrists and their perception of the newly established African Chapter's role in advancing the profession on the continent. The survey addresses a critical gap in understanding and highlights the pivotal role the African Chapter can play in advancing the optometry profession on the continent, contributing valuable insights for shaping strategies to enhance awareness, promote professional development, and foster a sense of belonging among African optometrists within the global optometry community.