Human and ecological risk assessments of potentially toxic elements in sediments around a pharmaceutical industry.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediment can be highly hazardous to the environment and public health. This study aimed to assess the human and ecological risks of PTEs in sediments around a pharmaceutical industry in Ilorin, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters and the concentrations of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni) were analyzed in sediment samples collected from seven locations in the wet and dry seasons. Standard two-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) and risk assessments were also conducted. The concentrations of Pb, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd, and As in the sediments ranged from 0.001 to 0.031 mg/kg, 0-0.005 mg/kg, 0.005-0.012 mg/kg, 0.001-0.014 mg/kg, 0.005-0.024 mg/kg, and 0.001-0.012 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentrations of the total PTEs content were found in decreasing order of concentration: Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr > As > Co. PCA showed that some of the PTEs were highly concentrated in samples obtained at other locations as well as at the discharge point. The Hazard Index was mostly <1 across locations, indicating little to no probable non-cancerous effect. However, the incremental lifetime cancer risk for arsenic and nickel was high and required attention. The ecological risk assessment showed that lead and arsenic were the major PTEs pollutants in all locations. The study identifies PTEs profiles in sediments and emphasises the necessity of continual monitoring and action to stop long-term negative impacts on the local environment and public health.

Potentially toxic metals in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables and their health risks using Monte Carlo models.

Food safety has become a serious global concern because of the accumulation of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in crops cultivated on contaminated agricultural soils. Amongst these toxic elements, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) receive worldwide attention because of their ability to cause deleterious health effects. Thus, an assessment of these toxic metals in the soils, irrigation waters, and the most widely consumed vegetables in Nigeria; Spinach (Amaranthushybridus), and Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The mean concentration (measured in mg kg-1) of the PTMs in the soils was in the sequence Cr (81.77) > Pb(19.91) > As(13.23) > Cd(3.25), exceeding the WHO recommended values in all cases. This contamination was corroborated by the pollution evaluation indices. The concentrations (measured in mg l-1) of the PTMs in the irrigation water followed a similar pattern i.e. Cr(1.87) > Pb(1.65) > As(0.85) > Cd(0.20). All the PTMs being studied, were found in the vegetables with Cr (5.37 and 5.88) having the highest concentration, followed by Pb (3.57 and 4.33), and As (1.09 and 1.67), while Cd (0.48 and 1.04) had the lowest concentration (all measured in mg kg-1) for cabbage and spinach, respectively. The concentration of the toxic metals was higher in spinach than in cabbage, which may be due to the redistribution of the greater proportion of the metals above the ground tissue, caused by the bioavailability of metals in the aqueous phase. Expectedly, the hazard index (HI),and carcinogenic risk values of spinach were higher than that of cabbage. This implies that spinach poses potentially higher health risks. Similarly, the Monte Carlo simulation results reveal that the 5th percentile, 95th percentile, and 50th percentile of the cumulative probability of cancer risks due to the consumption of these vegetables exceeds the acceptable range of 1.00E-6 and 1.00E-4. Thus, the probable risk of a cancerous effect is high, and necessary remedial actions are recommended.

Barriers to hepatitis B virus screening of pregnant women in primary healthcare centers in Nigeria: health workers' perspective.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening is an important component of antenatal care for pregnant women in Nigeria. However, the screening rates remain low, particularly at primary healthcare centers (PHCs). The objective of this study was to identify the barriers affecting antenatal HBV screening in PHCs in Nigeria from the perspective of health workers. METHODS: We conducted a survey among 30 health workers from 30 PHCs (one per PHC) across three states (Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Kaduna) in Nigeria. An open-ended questionnaire was used to obtain written responses on the perceived barriers limiting antenatal HBV screening in PHCs and their recommended solutions to the identified barriers. The data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: The perceived barriers exist at patient, provider and health system levels. They included: lack of test kits, unaffordability of HBV test, shortage of trained personnel, poor awareness among pregnant women, knowledge of HBV among health workers, high cost of antiviral treatment, and unavailability of HBV vaccine. The recommended solutions to the identified barriers were: making test kits and vaccines available and free, creating awareness about HBV, and capacity-building interventions for health workers. CONCLUSIONS: HBV screening of pregnant women attending PHCs in Nigeria appears to be affected by multilevel barriers. As the country continues to work towards eliminating HBV, these highlighted barriers at the patient, provider and health system levels must be addressed through effective and sustainable interventions.

First report on the presence of huanglongbing vectors (Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae) in Ghana.

As significant threats to global citrus production, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio; Hemiptera: Triozidae) have caused considerable losses to citrus trees globally. Diaphorina citri vectors "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" and "Ca. L. americanus", whereas T. erytreae transmits "Ca. L. africanus" and "Ca. L. asiaticus", the pathogens responsible for citrus greening disease or Huanglongbing (HLB). Though HLB is a destructive disease of citrus wherever it occurs, information on the occurrence and geographical distribution of its vectors in Africa is limited. In recent surveys to determine if HLB vectors are present in Ghana, we observed eggs, nymphs, and adults of insects suspected to be D. citri and T. erytreae. Using morphological traits and DNA analyses, the identity of the suspected insects was confirmed to be D. citri and T. erytreae. Individuals of D. citri and T. erytreae were examined using qPCR for CLaf, CLam, and CLas, but none of them tested positive for any of the Liberibacter species. Herein we report, for the first time, the presence of D. citri and T. erytreae in Ghana (West Africa). We discuss the implications of this new threat to the citrus industry to formulate appropriate management strategies.

Safety profile of colocasia esculenta tuber extracts in benign prostate hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: This study was motivated by the increasing global incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the promising potential of nutraceuticals as complementary therapies in ameliorating its burden. We report the safety profile of C. esculenta tuber extracts, a novel nutraceutical in benign prostate hyperplasia in a rat model. METHODS: In this study, forty-five male albino rats were randomly assigned to 9 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 (normal control) received olive oil and normal saline. Group 2 (BPH untreated group) received 3 mg/kg of testosterone propionate (TP) and normal saline, and group 3 (positive control) received 3 mg/kg of TP and 5 mg/kg of finasteride. Treatment groups 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 received 3 mg/kg of TP and a middle dose (200 mg/kg) of LD50 of ethanol crude tuber extract of C. esculenta (ECTECE) or hexane, dichloromethane, butanone, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of ECTECE respectively for a period of 28 days. RESULTS: The negative controls showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mean relative prostate weight (approximately 5 times) as well as a reduction in relative testes weight (approximately 1.4 times less). There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the mean relative weights of most vital organs: liver, kidneys, and heart. This was also observed in hematological parameters: RBC, hemoglobin, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and platelets counts. In general, we note that the effects of the well-established drug finasteride on the biochemical parameters and histology of selected organs are comparable to those of C. esculenta fractions. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that C. esculenta tuber extracts provide potentially safe nutraceutical if applied in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia based on a rat model.

BEATVIC, a body-oriented resilience therapy for individuals with psychosis: Short term results of a multi-center RCT.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with a psychotic disorder are at an increased risk of victimization, but evidenced-based interventions are lacking. AIMS: A body-oriented resilience therapy ('BEATVIC') aimed at preventing victimization was developed and its effectiveness was assessed in a multicenter randomized controlled trial. METHODS: 105 people with a psychotic disorder were recruited from six mental health centers. Participants were randomly allocated to 20 BEATVIC group sessions (n = 53) or befriending group sessions (n = 52). Short term effects on risk factors for victimization (e.g. social cognitive deficits, inadequate interpersonal behavior, low self-esteem, internalized stigma, aggression regulation problems), physical fitness and secondary outcomes were expected. At six-month follow-up, the effect on victimization (either a 50% reduction or an absence of victimization incidents) was examined. RESULTS: Intervention-dropout was 28.30% for BEATVIC and 39.62% for befriending. In both conditions the majority of participants (60.5% BEATVIC vs 62.9% befriending) showed a reduction or absence of victimization incidents at six months follow-up, which was not significantly different according to condition. Multilevel analyses revealed no main effect of time and no significant time x group interaction on other outcome measures. Per protocol analyses (participants attending ≥ 75% of the sessions) did not change these results. CONCLUSIONS: Although a reduction or absence of victimization was found at short term follow-up for the majority of participants, BEATVIC was not more effective than the active control condition. No short-term additional effects on risk factors of victimization were found. Analysis of the data at 2-year follow-up is warranted to investigate possible effects in the long-term. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN21423535.

Electrocardiographic findings in Nigerian athletes with the sickle cell trait.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the high prevalence of the sickle cell trait (SCT) in Nigeria, the electrocardiographic characteristics of SCT athletes remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the electrocardiographic findings in athletes of the University of Port Harcourt based on hemoglobin genotype. METHODS: 76 athletes (41 males, 35 females) were recruited. All had normal ECGs and echocardiograms. The prevalence of SCT was 31.6%. RESULTS: Mean heart rate was lower among the SCT athletes (57.3 [8.6] vs 64.6 [10.4] beats/min; p = .002; Hedges' g = 0.74). Mean T-wave axis was also higher among SCT athletes (39.1 [12.8] vs 32.3 [12.9] degrees; p = .036 Hedges' g = 0.53). CONCLUSION: SCT is associated with significant electrocardiographic changes in Nigerian athletes. The biological basis and clinical significance of these changes are presently uncertain.

Comparative in vivo antimalarial activities of aqueous and methanol extracts of MAMA powder - A herbal antimalarial preparation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The choice of extraction solvent is a significant consideration in ethnomedicine as optimal extraction could influence the bioactivity of the herbal medicinal product. AIM OF STUDY: This study investigated the possible influence of the choice of solvents (methanol and water) for extracting MAMA Powder (MP) against Plasmodium berghei-infected mice to optimize its antimalarial activity and for developing other pharmaceutical dosage forms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous and methanol extracts of MP, obtained through the decoction and soxhlet methods, respectively, were subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) for their respective fingerprints. The antimalarial activities of the methanol and aqueous extracts (12.5-100 mg/kg) were evaluated orally using the chemosuppressive test model on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The methanol extract was subjected to the established infection and prophylactic antimalarial tests with chloroquine (10 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.25 mg/kg) as positive controls, respectively. The aqueous extract was investigated in chloroquine-resistant P. berghei using the chemosuppressive (12.5-800 mg/kg) and established infection (25-400 mg/kg) antimalarial models. RESULTS: The LC-MS fingerprints of both aqueous and methanol extracts revealed similar indole alkaloid contents. Chemosuppressive activity of the aqueous extract (75.3%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the methanol extract (67.6%). In the chloroquine-resistant P. berghei infection experiments, the aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) exhibited significant parasite clearance (72%). CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the water extract with higher antimalarial activity could be optimized for chloroquine-resistant malaria and can thus facilitate the production of liquid and solid dosage forms.

Deep Machine Learning Model Trade-Offs for Malaria Elimination in Resource-Constrained Locations.

The success of deep machine learning (DML) models in gaming and robotics has increased its trial in clinical and public healthcare solutions. In applying DML to healthcare problems, a special challenge of inadequate electrical energy and computing resources exists in regional and developing areas of the world. In this paper, we evaluate and report the computational and predictive performance design trade-offs for four candidate deep learning models that can be deployed for rapid malaria case finding. The goal is to maximise malaria detection accuracy while reducing computing resource and energy consumption. Based on our experimental results using a blood smear malaria test data set, the quantised versions of Basic Convolutional Neural Network (B-CNN) and MobileNetV2 have better malaria detection performance (up to 99% recall), lower memory usage (2MB 8-bit quantised model) and shorter inference time (33-95 microseconds on mobile phones) than VGG-19 fine-tuned and quantised models. Hence, we have implemented MobileNetV2 in our mobile application as it has even a lower memory requirement than B-CNN. This work will help to counter the negative effects of COVID-19 on the previous successes towards global malaria elimination.

Knowledge of Hazards Associated With Urban Livestock Farming in Southeast Nigeria.

The study assessed urban farmers' knowledge of health hazards associated with Urban Livestock Farming (ULF) in Southeast Nigeria. Multistage and random sampling techniques were used to select 210 respondents. Structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Major type of animals reared was broiler. A good proportion of the respondents had a high knowledge of hazards associated with livestock keeping. However, some farmers did not know that animal products from intensive system can be contaminated with heavy metals and that animal dung should be treated before use for crop cultivation. There was a significant influence of socio-economic characteristics of farmers on knowledge of hazards posed by livestock keeping. Farmers' knowledge of hazards varied significantly between the three states studied. Farmers therefore need technical advice to fully understand the hazards associated with urban livestock farming and their consequences as well as on pre-treatment of dung to reduce transfer of pathogens.

Age-specific differences in the magnitude of malaria-related anemia during low and high malaria seasons in rural Zambian children.

Background: Malaria causes anemia by destruction of red blood cells and inhibition of erythropoiesis. Objective: We assessed whether the magnitude of the malaria-specific effect on anemia differs by age, during low and high malaria seasons. Method: In rural Zambian children participating in a pro-vitamin A efficacy trial, we estimated differences in the prevalence of anemia (defined as hemoglobin < 110 g/L for children < 60 months. and < 115 g/L in older children) by malaria status and assessed malaria-age interactions. Regression models (with anemia as the outcome) were used to model malaria-age interaction in both the low and high malaria seasons, controlling for potential confounders. Results: Average age was 68 months at baseline (n = 820 children). In the low malaria season, anemia prevalence was 29% in malaria-negative children and 54% in malaria-positive children (p < 0.001), with no malaria-age interactions (p = 0.44). In the high malaria season, anemia prevalence was 41% in malaria-negative children and 54% in malaria-positive children (p < 0.001), with significant malaria-age interactions (p = 0.02 for anemia). Age-stratified prevalence of anemia in malaria positive versus negative children was 67.0% versus 37.1% (in children < 60 months); 57.0% versus 37.2% (in 60-69 months.); 46.8% versus 37.2% (in 70-79 months.); 37.0% versus 37.3% (in 80-89 months) and 28.0% versus 37.4% (in 90+ months). Conclusions: Malarial anemia is most severe in younger children, especially when transmission is intense. Anemia control programs must prioritize this vulnerable group.

Corrigendum to "Long-term consumption of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil diet impairs learning and memory in CD1 mice" [Chinese Herbal Medicines 12 (2020) 414-420].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2020.03.008.].

Diastolic versus systolic dysfunction in patients with chronic liver disease ­ a single center study in South-South, Nigeria

Objectives: The term cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) has been used to describe the constellation of cardiovascular abnormalities including diastolic and systolic dysfunctions in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). CCM contributes to morbidity and mortality associated with CLD. The aim of the study was to evaluate the left atrial and ventricular geometry, systolic and diastolic functions in patients with CLD. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study that involved 80 patients with CLD seen at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria, and 80 apparently healthy controls matched for age/ gender. The participants were interviewed, examined and had resting transthoracic echocardiography. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20.0. Results: A total of 160 subjects were recruited into the study with a male to female ratio of 2.8:1. There was no difference in the mean age of cases and controls (P = 0.115). Systolic function of the left ventricle was similar in the two arms. However, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, left atrial enlargement, and increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were more prevalent among the patients with CLD compared to controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study demonstrated increased left atrial diameter, increased LVMI associated with diastolic dysfunction, and preserved systolic function at rest among CLD patients. Keywords: Chronic liver disease, Diastolic dysfunction, Systolic dysfunction

Corrigendum to “Long-term consumption of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil diet impairs learning and memory in CD1 mice” Chinese Herbal Medicines 12 (2020) 414–420 (Chinese Herbal Medicines (2020) 12(4) (414–420), (S1674638420300770), (10.1016/j.chmed.2020.03.008)) / 中草药·英文版

When this paper was first published the following ethical statement was omitted in error: All animal experiments followed the guidelines established by the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of University of Calabar, Nigeria. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines as Therapeutic Mechanisms of Ocimum americanum L Extract in Carbon Tetrachloride and Acetaminophen-Induced Toxicity in Rats.

Liver diseases have now become a global canker due to increasing drug abuse and several viral infections. The current medicines on the market are woefully inadequate and limited in the application against these diseases. Fortunately, medicinal plants continue to serve as a potential source of drug discovery that could be explored to improve the situation. The present study, therefore, evaluated the hepatoprotective activities of the aqueous extract of various parts (leaves, flower and stem) of Ocimum americanum L on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and acetaminophen-induced toxicity in rats. The protective effect of the plant was assessed using biochemical parameters, histology, levels of liver antioxidants, and expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-κß and IL-1) in the liver. The leaves and stem extracts, orally administered for 7 days at 250 mg/kg, effectively prevented CCl4-induced elevation of serum biochemical parameters, prooxidants, as well as the expression of NFk-B and IL-1, which were comparable to Silymarin (standard drug). A comparative histopathological analyses of the liver exhibited virtually normal architecture compared with CCl4-treated group. The findings showed that the hepatoprotective effect of Ocimum americanum was probably due to the inhibition of oxidative stress and downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines by the effective parts of the medicinal plant.

Effect of Low-Dose Nano Titanium Dioxide Intervention on Cd Uptake and Stress Enzymes Activity in Cd-Stressed Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] Plants.

Cadmium contamination of agricultural soils is a serious problem due to its toxic effects on health and yield of crop plants. This study investigates the potential of low-dose nano-TiO2 as soil nanoremediation on Cd toxicity in cowpea plants. To achieve this goal, cowpea seeds were germinated on Cd-spiked soils at 10 mg/kg for 14 days and later augmented with 100 mg nTiO2/kg (nTiO2-50 nm and bTiO2-68 nm, respectively). The results showed that chlorophylls were not altered by nano-TiO2 intervention. Cadmium partitioning in roots and leaves was reduced by the applied nano-TiO2 but significantly higher than control. Ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities in roots and leaves were promoted by nano-TiO2 intervention compared to control and sole Cd, respectively. However, magnitudes of activity of enzyme activities were higher in nTiO2 compared to bTiO2 treatments. The enhanced enzymes activity led to reduced malonaldehyde content in plant tissues. The study concludes that soil application of nano-TiO2 could be a green alternative to ameliorate soil Cd toxicity in cowpea plants.

Long-term consumption of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil diet impairs learning and memory in CD1 mice.

Objective: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been used in the management of dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, this research investigated the effect of long-term consumption of VCO diet on learning and memory in CD1 mice. Methods: Thirty male CD1 mice (divided into three groups, n = 10) were fed with standard rodent chow (control), 5% and 20% VCO diets (respectively) for 28 d. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was used to test the effect of VCO on visuo-spatial learning and memory, while the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) was used to measure short- and long-term recognition memory. Results: Learning performance of mice did not differ in the MWM. During the probe trial, duration in the retention quadrant and annulus crossings were lower (P < 0.05) in the 5% and 20% VCO diet groups compared to the control diet group, showing that VCO impaired visuo-spatial memory. During the NORT, mice showed more total approaches in the 20% VCO diet group (P < 0.05) compared to control and the 5% VCO diet groups during the short-term memory test. During the long-term memory retention test, the total approaches were also higher in the 20% VCO group compared to control and 5% VCO group (P > 0.05). The discrimination index was also lower in the 20% VCO group compared to control and 5% VCO diet groups indicating impaired long-term cognitive memory in mice given 20% VCO diet. Histological examination of brains showed damage within the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus in the 20% VCO diet group, in line with the behavioural observations. Conclusion: Long-term consumption of virgin coconut oil diet impairs memory in mice.

Smilax china leaf extracts suppress pro-inflammatory adhesion response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and proliferation of HeLa cells.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of the leaves of Smilax china.Methodology: The aqueous extract was examined for its anti-inflammatory effects on tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced inflammation in HUVECs whereas the aqueous (water), ethyl acetate (EA), butanol (B) and methylene chloride (MC) extracts were examined for their anticancer effect on HeLa cells.Results: The aqueous extract suppressed the (TNF)-α-induced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-R1 and attenuated the expression of MCP-1, MMP-9, NF-kB and IFN-γ. The MC extract suppressed the proliferation of HeLa cells at all doses employed (50, 150, and 300 µg/ml). The EA extract demonstrated appreciable anti-proliferative effect whereas the BuOH extract demonstrated mild anti-proliferative activity. The aqueous extract did not show any significant anti-proliferative effect. None of the extracts were toxic to the normal cells (HUVECs).Conclusion: Smilax china leaf extracts possess significant anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.

Molecular docking analysis of apigenin and quercetin from ethylacetate fraction of Adansonia digitata with malaria-associated calcium transport protein: An in silico approach.

BACKGROUND: The investigation and knowledge of calcium handling mechanisms in the plasmodium has been considered as a potential biological target against malaria. OBJECTIVE: This study deals with the evaluation of inhibitory activity of secondary metabolites of ethylacetate partitioned-fraction of Adansonia digitata stem bark extract on malaria-associated protein using in silico docking studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Molecular docking and virtual screening was performed to understand the mechanism of ligand binding and to identify potent calcium transporter inhibitors. The stem bark extracts of A. digitata contains rich sources of phytochemicals. The secondary metabolites were determined by HPLC-DAD and HRGC-MS analysis. The major chemical constituent present in the ethylacetate partitioned-fraction of A. digitata stem bark extract were examined for their antiplasmodial activity and were also involved in docking study. RESULTS: The secondary metabolites, quercetin and apigenin inhibited the formation of ß-hematin. The results showed that all the selected compounds in the A. digitata showed binding energy ranging between -6.5 kcal/mol and -7.1 kcal/mol. Among the two chemical constituents, apigenin has the highest docking score along with the highest number of hydrogen bonds formed when compared to quercetin. Analysis of the results suggests that apigenin and quercetin could act as an anti-malaria agent. CONCLUSION: Molecular docking analysis could lead to further development of potent calcium transporter inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of malaria and related conditions.