Role of indigenous microbial communities in the mobilization of potentially toxic elements and rare-earth elements from alkaline mine waste.

This study aims to evaluate the role of indigenous microorganisms in the mobilization of potentially toxic elements (PTE) and rare-earth elements (REE), the influence of the bioavailability of carbon sources that might boost microbial leaching, and the generation of neutral/alkaline mine drainage from alkaline tailings. These tailings, with significant concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), were mainly colonized by bacteria belonging to the genera Sphingomonas, Novosphingobium and Solirubrobacter, and fungi of the genera Alternaria, Sarocladium and Aspergillus. Functionality analysis suggests the capability of these microorganisms to leach PTE and REE. Bio-/leaching tests confirmed the generation of neutral mine drainage, the influence of organic substrate, and the leaching of higher concentrations of PTE and REE due to the production of organic acids and siderophores by indigenous microorganisms. In addition, this study offers some insights into a sustainable alternative for reprocessing PMC alkaline tailings to recover REE.

Evaluation of a school-based health education program on hepatitis B virus infection prevention practice in rural South-Western, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevention is most effective early in childhood with vaccination programme. However, where this is missed, primary prevention modes of intervention become an alternative recommendation to be considered before the occurrence of risk exposure to the virus. This study sought to evaluate outcomes of a theory-based HBV infection prevention educational intervention among students from four selected secondary schools in Ogun state, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental design enrolling 256 consenting secondary school students from four schools in Ogun state randomized into three intervention schools consisting teacher-instructed (E1), peer-directed (E2) and combination of the two (E3) respectively with a control group ( C) was implemented. The theory-based educational intervention was for six weeks with follow-up period of 8 weeks. A 66-item validated instrument was used to collect data at three reference points and response items for variables in the study were transformed into weighted-aggregate scores of mean and standard deviation of HBV infection prevention practice of participants. Statistical analysis of ANOVA, paired-sample t-test and Cohen's D Effect Size (ES) was used to quantify the changes produced by the intervention on the outcome variable at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: At baseline, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the mean HBV infection prevention practice scores between the four groups E1 (17.21 ± 3.03), E2 (15.57 ± 1.90), E3 (17.90 ± 3.10), and C (15.20 ± 2.44). However, at 14th week follow up, there was observed significant differences in mean scores of HBV infection prevention practices between all four groups E1 (23.09 ± 2.4), E2 (22.6 ± 3.6), E3 (23.82 ± 2.3), and C (15.25 ± 2.4). Paired-sample t-test conducted demonstrated significant differences between baseline and 14th week follow up for E1 (17.21 ± 3.07 and 23.18 ± 2.9; p = 0.001), E2(15.57 ± 1.90 and 23.53 ± 3.12; p = 0.001), E3(17.90 ± 3.10 and 25.1 ± 2.6; p < 0.001), but not for C (15.20 ± 2.44 and 15.25 ± 2.4; p = 0.92), with most significant impact (ES(95%CI) on HBV infection prevention practices observed for E2(3.106 95%CI: [2.66 to 3.55; p = 0.001]). Importantly, the participants in E2 showed more improvement in prevention practices than their counterparts from E1, E3, and control. Therefore, the intervention demonstrated proof-of-concept in facilitating behavior modification expected. Peer education can be utilized as a strategy to promote Hepatitis B infection prevention practices among adolescents.

Grey-box modelling and fuzzy logic control of a Leader-Follower robot manipulator system: A hybrid Grey Wolf-Whale Optimisation approach.

This study presents the development of a grey-box modelling approach and fuzzy logic control for real time trajectory control of an experimental four degree-of-freedom Leader-Follower​ Robot (LFR) manipulator system using a hybrid optimisation algorithm, known as Grey Wolf Optimiser (GWO) - Whale Optimisation Algorithm (WOA). The approach has advantages in achieving an accurate model of the LFR manipulator system, and together with a better trajectory tracking performance. In the first instance, the white box model is formed by modelling the dynamics of the follower manipulator using the Euler-Lagrange formulation. This white-box model is then improved upon by re-tuning the model's parameters using GWO-WOA and experimental data from the real LFR manipulator system, thus forming the grey-box model. A minimum improvement of 73.9% is achieved by the grey-box model in comparison to the white-box model. In the latter part of this investigation, the developed grey-box model is used for the design, tuning and real-time implementation of a fuzzy PD＋I controller on the experimental LFR manipulator system. A 78% improvement in the total mean squared error is realised after tuning the membership functions of the fuzzy logic controller using GWO-WOA. Experimental results show that the approach significantly improves the trajectory tracking performance of the LFR manipulator system in terms of mean squared error, steady state error and time delay.

Evaluation of HIV infection in febrile patients visiting health centers in Lagos, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Acute febrile infections compatible with malaria are the most prevalent presentation at sub-Saharan African health clinics, accounting for 30-50% of outpatient visits. Acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can mimic acute malaria symptoms. As a result, screening people with malaria symptoms for HIV infection is critical. The goal of our study was to find out how common HIV infection was among feverish patients. RESULTS: Out of the 310 individuals screened, 9 (3.0%) had HIV-1 infection, with 5 (55.5%) being females and 4 (44.4%) being males. This study found no evidence of HIV-2 infection or HIV-1/HIV-2 co-infection. HIV infection was found in 1-3% of patients with probable malaria at different sites in Lagos, Nigeria.

Effect of a breastfeeding educational programme on fathers' intention to support exclusive breastfeeding: A quasi-experimental study.

Fathers' support towards exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is fast gaining recognition as a critical ingredient for successful EBF. This study examined the effect of a breastfeeding programme on fathers' intention to support EBF in Ikenne, LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria. This study adopted a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. A total of 50 expectant fathers participated in the study. A theory-based questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 at p≤0.05. Results revealed a significant effect of the breastfeeding programme on intention (R2 = 0.839, R2adj = 0.837, F (1,70) = 364.337, p = 0.000). There was significant difference in intention between the post-experimental (x̄ = 6.587±0.948) and pre-control (x̄ = 5.444±1.473) groups at p-value = 0.025. A breastfeeding programme targeted at fathers had positive impact on intention towards EBF support. Government policies review is required to ensure the inclusion of fathers in maternal and child health service delivery.

Characterizing landfill leachate migration potential of a semi-arid duplex soil.

Leachate migration from open landfills is an environmental concern of developing cities. This study investigated the base soil-profile pedo-physical and chemical properties of the South African Sepane soil form or referred to as Cutanic Luvisol at the Bloemfontein southern landfill under the Mangaung municipality in the Free State Province. Six soil-profiles pedo-physical, exchangeable-cations and heavy metals concentrations were characterized from in-situ, core and loose soil-samples. The DTPA Test from a 5g air-dried soil extracted heavy metals. The soil profile was characterized by a layered Orthic-A, pedocutanic B- and C-horizons with lower horizons containing mean-total clay of 72%, bulk-density (≥1.5 gcm-3) and saturated hydraulic-conductivity (Ks < 6mmhr-1). Mean soil pH increased with depth from 6.4 to 6.8 along-side exchangeable-cations ranging from 19 to 2573 mgkg-1 in the order Ca > Mg > K > Na > S > P and Ca > Mg > Na > K > S > P for the respective A- and B-horizons. The Mg/K and (Ca + Mg)/K exceeded norm ratios. Soil-profile horizons had respective 44%, 34% and 22% heavy-metal distribution with mean content range of 0.001-37.3 mgkg-1 in the order Mn > Fe > Cr > Zn > Cu > As > Pb > Ni > Cd and Fe > Mn > Cr > Cu > As > Pb > Zn > Ni > Cd for the surface and subsurface horizons, respectively. Heavy-metal mean concentrations were below the norm except for Cr that was higher than 150% from upper horizons and posed serious risk to the near-surface environment. Soil profiles heavy-metal content and pollution-index was unpolluted (0.3-0.4), decreased with depth and reflected no subsurface pollution concerns. This study findings highlighted low internal-migration potential of clay soils and the need for understanding the sources and mode of migration of Cr at the landfill alongside continued monitoring.

Spatial assessment of drought severity in Cape Town area, South Africa.

In recent decades, drought has been identified as part of the several regular climate-related hazards happening in many African countries including South Africa, often with devastating implications on food security. Studies have shown that the earth temperature has increased over the recent years which can trigger drought occurrences and other climate-related hazards. Drought occurrence is principally a climate-related event that cannot be totally effaced though it can be managed. This study is aimed at appraising drought severity in Cape Town area, South Africa using Geographic Information System (GIS) and remotely sensed data obtained from United States Geological Survey (USGS) database between the years 2014 and 2018. The study revealed that the land use dynamics witnessed drastic changes where vegetation, water body and bare surface decreased from 2095 to 141 km2, 616 to 167 km2 and 2337 to 1381km2 respectively while built up and sparse vegetation increased from 5301 to 8191 km2 and 7382-7854 km2 during the period. Vegetation health and drought severity of the study area was assessed using vegetation indices and Normalized Drought Dryness Index (NDDI). The result reveals that Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and other vegetation indices decreased considerably more in recent years (2017 and 2018) which might have triggered drought events during the period compared to the other years (2014-2016). Furthermore, the spatial trend of land surface temperature (LST) and NDDI increased in recent years with NDDI values ranging between moderate drought and severe drought threshold. Consequently, if the increment persists, it can lead to adverse impacts such as food insecurity, land degradation and environmental health deterioration. Evidently, this study reveals the current state of vegetation health regarding drought severity in the area using remotely sensed data.

Bariatric surgery outcomes in black patients with super morbid obesity: a 1-year postoperative review.

BACKGROUND: Super morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 50 kg/m2) is associated with significant comorbidities and is disparagingly prevalent among the black population. There is paucity of data regarding bariatric surgery outcomes among super morbid obese (SMO) blacks. Our aim is to evaluate the reduction in weight and resolution of comorbidities after bariatric surgery among SMO black patients at an urban academic institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of SMO black patients who underwent bariatric surgery from August 2008 to June 2013 at Howard University Hospital. Outcomes of interest include weight loss, improvement or resolution of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia at 12 months. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients met our inclusion criteria. Mean preoperative weight and BMI were 347.2 lbs and 56.8 kg/m2, respectively. At 12 months, mean weight and BMI were 245.3 lbs and 40.1 kg/m2, respectively. There was also significant improvement or resolution of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery may result in significant weight loss and improvement or resolution of comorbidities in SMO black patients.

Clinicians' Adherence to Guidelines on Evaluation of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is increasingly prevalent among children. We sought to review provider adherence to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) recommendations at a single academic medical center. METHODS: We identified children 3-18 years of age with hypertension based on outpatient visit International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification codes from 2006 to 2012. We calculated the odds of individual tests administration for ten recommended tests, adjusting for demographic characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 3,588 (1.7%) of 216,855 children diagnosed with hypertension at a median age of 14 years (25th and 75th percentile 10 and 16, respectively). No child received all ten recommended tests. The median number of tests administered was 2 (1, 4) but varied significantly by race and age. Urine drug screen (<1%) and renin levels (1%) were the least common, whereas serum creatinine (49%) and echocardiogram (40%) were the most common tests. Male children were more likely to receive an echocardiogram (odds ratio 1.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.24-1.64), and black children and those ≥11 years old were less likely to have their serum creatinine checked. Adherence to the guidelines did not improve over time (P = .24). CONCLUSION: Children evaluated for hypertension in the outpatient setting infrequently receive the diagnostic tests recommended in the NHBPEP's report. Test administration frequency varies by patient demographics but has not improved significantly over time.

Dental health indices and caries associated microflora in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dental health and caries related microflora of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate. STUDY GROUP: Sixty children with unilateral cleft lip and palate and matched controls. OUTCOME MEASURES: The decayed, missing, and filled teeth and surfaces in both the deciduous and permanent dentitions. The presence of developmental defects and plaque and gingivitis scores were also recorded. Plaque was collected from 25 of the children and their matched controls from three different sites, which were (1) the first approximal site distal to the cleft, (2) a contralateral anterior site, and (3) a remote site. It was cultured for Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli. Plaque was collected from two sites in the matched controls. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the caries, plaque, and gingivitis scores between the children with cleft palate and the controls. A greater number of enamel opacities were recorded in the control group, and there was a higher prevalence of enamel discoloration in the children with cleft lip and palate. There was no significant difference in the proportion of S. mutans or lactobacilli at the cleft site, compared with the unaffected site in the study group, although there was an anterior-posterior gradient in the proportion of S. mutans. There was no significant association between the stagnation area at the cleft site and the bacteria associated with dental caries.