Bingham University

This study investigated anti-fibroid potential of Piliostigma thonningii leaf extract using in vivo hormonal and histopathological evaluations of the ethanolic extract in female wistar rats complimented by in silico molecular docking of phytochemical compounds. In vivo fibroid induction with diethylstilbestrol and progesterone significantly increased serum estradiol and progesterone levels (p < 0.05), accompanied by cystic degenerative changes in uterine and ovarian tissues. Treatment with P. thonningii crude extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly reduced elevated hormone levels as well as showed observable improvements in uterine gross morphology and histopathological features. Molecular docking of thirty-one phytoconstituents identified via GCMS profiling of the plant's crude ethanol extract were docked at the ligand-binding domains of progesterone receptor (PR, PDB ID: 4OAR) and estrogen receptor (ER, PDB ID: 1QKU) using AutoDock Vina to explore possible mechanistic interactions. Among the top-ranked compounds, cyclopropaneoctanal-2-octyl exhibited favorable predicted binding interactions with key catalytic residue for PR (CYS891 and THR894) and ER catalytic residue (HIS524) comparable to the reference ligands ulipristal acetate and estrogen. Drug-likeness and ADMET prediction suggested that this compound possess acceptable pharmacokinetic properties and dynamic stability. These findings indicate that P. thonningii extract exerts anti-fibroid effects in vivo while in silico analysis provide mechanistic hypotheses regarding the potential contribution of the individual compounds to estrogen and progesterone receptor modulation.

Hypertension is a leading contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and a major driver of the noncommunicable disease burden in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, prevalence estimates vary widely due to methodological heterogeneity across studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to generate a current and geographically representative pooled estimate of hypertension prevalence among Nigerian adults. To estimate pooled prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria and examine subgroup differences. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of primarily cross-sectional studies to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension and examine subgroup differences (sex, settings, and geopolitical zones). Eligible studies were identified through comprehensive database searches and screened according to predefined inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model to account for between-study variability. Seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and African Journals Online) were systematically searched for primary studies published from January 2015 to September 2025. Eligible studies measured hypertension among adult Nigerians 18 years and above as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication). Titles and abstracts were screened, data were extracted, and the quality of studies evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity was assessed through Q-test, I2, tau2, and 95

We study a new Halpern-type iterative process enhanced with both inertial and error terms for the approximation of fixed points of pseudocontractions and zeros of monotone operators in real Hilbert spaces. Implementation of our algorithm is illustrated using numerical examples in real Hilbert spaces. It complements the results of Qihou (J Math Anal Appl 148:55–62, 1990) which are proved in compact, convex subset C of a real Hilbert space H and which is restricted to continuous pseudocontractions T:C→ C with finite set of fixed points F(T) and the results of Zegeye et al. (Nonlinear Anal 74:7304–7311, 2011) which are proved for Lipschitz pseudocontractions T:C→ C where C is a nonempty closed convex subset of H and the interior of F(T) is nonempty. In all our examples, our algorithm enhanced with inertial and error terms is faster than the algorithms in Chidume and Zegeye (Proc Am Math Soc 132(3):831–840, 2004), Osilike et al. (J Appl Math Inform 31(3–4):565–575, 2013) and several other recent results which also yield strong convergence result for our class of maps. Extensions to double inertial schemes are also discussed.

Although men bear the brunt of TB morbidity and mortality globally and in Nigeria, understanding of men’s barriers to TB care is limited, including in peri-urban settlements where the risk of TB exposure is high. This research explored how masculinities combine with layers of disadvantage among men in peri-urban communities to limit their access to TB services. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews among 12 men and 8 women with presumptive or confirmed TB, 3 focus group discussions among 24 men in their workplaces, and interviews with 12 key informants exploring experiences of TB symptoms and care seeking. Audio recordings were transcribed and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. Findings suggest many men in peri-urban settlements could not afford to show TB symptoms due to strict masculine gender expectations and norms (Theme 1), while official TB information was not tailored to reach them (Theme 2). When developing symptoms presumptive of TB, men negotiated the least disruptive way to wellbeing (Theme 3). After TB diagnosis, female healthcare workers used strategies such as baiting and negotiating to engage and retain men in care (Theme 4). In conclusion, health systems need to address the compounded barriers facing different groups of men in high-burden peri-urban settlements in Nigeria highlighted by this study and leverage existing community resources to create scalable adaptations to care that make services more responsive to their realities.

BACKGROUND:Despite advancements in tuberculosis diagnostics, many cases remain unconfirmed because of challenges in conventional sputum-based testing. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of tongue swab sampling as a non-invasive alternative for tuberculosis diagnosis using Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra). METHODS:We conducted a large-scale, multicountry, prospective diagnostic accuracy study of Ultra using tongue swabs in people with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis. Participants were enrolled consecutively at primary health centres and hospitals across eight countries from June 26, 2023, to Feb 15, 2024, and the study was coordinated by three consortia. Eligible participants were individuals aged 12 years or older or 18 years or older, according to the consortium involved, with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis or at least one risk factor for tuberculosis and a positive tuberculosis screening test at the select consortia. Standardised tongue swab collection and processing protocols were used in all countries. Sensitivity and specificity with 95% CI values were calculated against sputum liquid or solid culture (primary) and sputum Ultra (secondary) reference standards using Wilson's score method. Fisher's exact tests were used for subgroup comparisons, with p values < 0·05 considered statistically significant. FINDINGS:Among the 1844 participants included in the analysis, 389 tested positive and 1455 tested negative for pulmonary tuberculosis based on the primary sputum culture reference standard. 871 (47·2%) participants were female and 973 (52·7%) were male, with a mean age of 43 years (range 12-90). Among the 1844 participants, 399 (21·7%) were enrolled in Viet Nam, 166 (9·0%) in India, 427 (23·2%) in South Africa, 271 (14·7%) in the Philippines, 138 (7·5%) in Nigeria, 102 (5·5%) in Zambia, 175 (9·5%) in Uganda, and 166 (9·0%) in Peru. Tongue swab Ultra testing showed a sensitivity of 65·6% (95% CI 60·6-70·3) and specificity of 98·5% (95% CI 97·7-99·1) against the culture-based reference standard. Sensitivity estimates varied across collection centres and were higher in individuals without HIV than in those living with HIV (68·4% vs 50·0%; absolute difference 18·4 percentage points [95% CI 3·3-33·4]). When sputum Ultra was used as the reference standard, sensitivity was 75·4% (95% CI 69·0-78·8). Tongue swab Ultra showed higher sensitivity than sputum smear microscopy. Invalid or error result rates were variable and high at certain sites (range 0-16%). INTERPRETATION:Tongue swabs are a promising sample type for rapid diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, with moderate sensitivity and high specificity when Ultra was used as the reference standard. However, further research is needed to optimise protocols for Ultra testing and develop assays tailored to tongue swab specimens. Adoption of tongue swab-based molecular testing could expand tuberculosis diagnostics access, especially for populations unable to produce sputum, thus supporting global tuberculosis elimination goals. FUNDING:National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, United States Agency for International Development.