Bowen University is a private Baptist Christian Nigerian university owned and operated by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Bowen University is located at Iwo in Osun State, Nigeria, and is housed in the old 1,300-acre (6 km²) campus of the Baptist College, a teacher-training institution on a hill just outside the city.
This study focused on the development of insulating refractory bricks using quartzite, with a comprehensive analysis of their mechanical and thermal properties. The bricks were made from quartzite with 10% bentonite binder and water, added for mixing. Various tests were done (Xray Fluorescence, Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal Analyses, apparent porosity, shrinkage, Loss on Ignition (LOI), compressive yield stress, and water absorption (WA)), following American Society for Testing and Materials' procedures. Microstructural analysis of the sample was observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). These results provided valuable insights into the stability of the developed refractory bricks at high temperatures. Analysis of chemical composition from quartz bricks revealed significant SiO2 content (94.303%), emphasizing the material's superior refractory properties. LOI (0.5%) and shrinkage (0.2%) results indicated enhanced performance with good thermal stability and strength. Compressive stress yield indicated that the material exhibits good strength relative to the amount of binder used. WA results confirmed that the brick sample is suitable for high-temperature applications. SEM/EDS analysis unveiled intricate microstructural features, affirming the bonding agent's influence on the material's composition.
Abstract Background Testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury (tIRI) has been shown to cause testicular damage and lower sperm quality through the initiation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Conversely, vitamins C and E have been independently established to confer cellular protection by suppressing oxidative stress. However, the effect of vitamins C and E, when administered singly or in combination, on tIRI is yet to be explored. Methods Therefore, this study investigated the impact of vitamins C and E, when administered singly or in combination, on tIRI and the associated mechanism. Fifty adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, tIRI, Vitamin C+ tIRI, Vitamin E + tIRI, and Vitamin C + E+ tIRI groups. Results tIRI led to a distortion of testicular histo-architecture (p = 0.0166) and a reduction in sperm count (p = 0.0200), and viability (p = 0.0067), as well as an increased number of sperm with abnormal morphology (p < 0.0001). tIRI suppressed circulating FSH (p = 0.0372), LH (p = 0.0043), and testosterone (p = 0.0029), significantly increased testicular MDA levels (p < 0.0001) and reduced GSH rats (p = 0.0318) and protein thiol levels (p = 0.0136), and SOD (p = 0.0164) and catalase activities (p = 0.0223). tIRI also led to an increased NO level (p = 0.0068), myeloperoxidase activity (p = 0.0049), and NF-kB expression (p < 0.0001). tIRI-induced histological and biochemical alterations were attenuated by vitamins C and E, administered singly and when combined. However, co-administration of vitamins C and E did not exert a superior effect compared to the administration of either vitamin C or vitamin E. Conclusion In conclusion, vitamins C and E attenuated tIRI by suppressing NF-kB-dependent inflammation and oxidative stress.
The study explores the recognition of obstetric danger signs, barriers to their recognition, and the facilitators that support recognition among postnatal mothers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A phenomenological qualitative research design was used to explore the lived experiences of postnatal mothers regarding obstetric danger sign recognition. Twelve postnatal mothers from two primary health facilities in Oyo State were purposively selected. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using NVivo 12. Sampling continued until data saturation was reached. Findings were organized based on the three key research questions of the study. The recognition of obstetric danger signs generated four major themes: physical and sensory changes, antenatal education, past experiences and traumatic outcomes, and digital media and visual aids. Four major themes emerged for barriers to recognition: cultural and spiritual misinterpretation, family and community influence, illiteracy and low health literacy, and minimization or mislabeling of symptoms. Emerged themes for facilitators of recognition included supportive antenatal education, peer experiences, media and community campaigns, and family encouragement. The recognition of obstetric danger signs is influenced by a complex interplay of knowledge, culture, experience, and support systems. Interventions to improve maternal outcomes should focus on enhancing antenatal education, addressing cultural misconceptions, increasing health literacy, and leveraging both digital platforms and community networks to support early identification and timely response to obstetric danger signs.
Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, highlighting the need for improved risk prediction and prevention strategies. Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS), derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), offer a novel approach to estimating an individual’s genetic predisposition to conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF). Main text PRS can improve early risk stratification, particularly among individuals with high genetic susceptibility who may not yet present traditional risk factors. Evidence suggests that PRS enhances risk prediction in younger populations and may inform targeted prevention efforts. However, several limitations constrain their clinical utility. These include limited predictive power relative to conventional risk models, a lack of diverse population representation in GWAS, and challenges in incorporating PRS into routine clinical workflows. Conclusions While PRS holds promise for advancing personalized cardiovascular care, its clinical implementation requires overcoming key limitations. Increasing diversity in genetic research and integrating PRS with established clinical risk tools are critical steps toward realizing their full potential in CVD prevention and management.
To evaluate fracture table availability and functional usability in Nigerian orthopaedic practice and their influence on surgical decision-making, including referral practices, to inform strategies for improving access within existing surgical infrastructure. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among 77 orthopaedic surgeons across 46 hospitals in 25 Nigerian states, representing all six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory. Participants were recruited via a national WhatsApp group of practising orthopaedic surgeons, enabling broad geographic representation, although the sample was non-probability. A structured questionnaire captured respondent demographics, institutional characteristics, fracture table availability and functional usability, barriers to use, and qualitative suggestions for improving access. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, with associations assessed using chi-square tests, interpreted cautiously in the context of potential structural dependencies. Open-ended responses underwent thematic qualitative analysis. Sixty-one per cent of respondents reported the presence of fracture tables at their primary workplaces, with private hospitals showing the highest availability (85.7
