Madonna University is a private Catholic university conducted by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi in Livonia, Michigan. It was founded by the Felician Sisters in 1937 and has extension campuses in Metro Detroit in southwest Detroit, Orchard Lake, and Clinton Township at the Macomb University Center. Madonna University also has a campus at the University Center in Gaylord, about 225 miles (362 km) north of Livonia..
Malaria is a major public health concern in Nigeria and has accounted for the highest percentage of the global malaria burden compared to any other country in the world. Over the past decades, Nigeria has implemented a broad range of interventions to reduce malaria cases and deaths. Some of these efforts include the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Other governance mechanisms for malaria control include the establishment of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP), and the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC) aimed at eliminating malaria. While these interventions and strategic plans have been beneficial in achieving success in reducing malaria prevalence, Nigeria has yet to achieve nationwide elimination. The recent introduction of the R21 malaria vaccine is one of the most promising developments in achieving malaria control strategy. Several challenges hinder the widespread deployment of the R21 malaria vaccine in Nigeria. In this commentary, we address challenges including logistical hurdles and supply chain challenges, inadequate financing, vaccine inaccessibility, and vaccine hesitancy. We further provided recommendations such as ensuring adequate vaccine supply and efficient access and distribution, strict data collection and monitoring, comprehensive vaccine health education programs, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure for effective vaccine deployment. The introduction of the R21 vaccine, if effectively deployed, represents a critical tool in Nigeria’s malaria control strategy, which has the potential to significantly reduce malaria-related deaths, and contribute immensely to Nigeria’s long-term malaria elimination efforts.
Background: Pharmacology students often struggle with academic performance due to the subject's complexity, reliance on rote memorisation, and limited practical exposure. The study's objective is to evaluate factors influencing student performance, identify challenges, propose improvement strategies, and compare outcomes in Pharmacology versus Pharmaceutical Microbiology. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Microbiology at Madonna University, Nigeria (July-December 2024). Stratified random sampling ensured proportional representation by year and department. Data were collected via questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed with SPSS 23, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings were triangulated to enhance validity. Results: Pharmacology was consistently perceived as abstract, bulky, and poorly taught, with most students reporting unsatisfactory performance. Pharmaceutical Microbiology was clearer and more engaging, though practical skills remained weak. Regression analysis confirmed course enrollment as a significant predictor of exam performance, while socioeconomic factors were not. Conclusion: Student outcomes are shaped by curriculum design and instructional quality. Pharmacology is hindered by content overload and lack of application, whereas Pharmaceutical Microbiology benefits from clarity but requires stronger laboratory training.
Cassava fufu is a widely consumed staple food limited in protein, fiber, and micronutrients. This study investigated the potential of cabbage flour fortification to improve its nutritional quality and consumer appeal. Cassava-cabbage flour blends were formulated in ratios of 100:0 (control), 60:40 (C60Cb40), and 50:50 (C50Cb50). Standard analytical procedures were used to evaluate the samples for nutrient composition, functional properties, anti-nutrient/antioxidant and sensory attributes. Protein content increased from 1.36% (control) to 1.77% in C60Cb40, and crude fiber rose from 0.49% to 1.03% in C50Cb50. The control exhibited the highest water absorption capacity (70%), while C50Cb50 had the greatest swelling capacity (33.00 ml). Calcium and magnesium contents peaked in C60Cb40 at 301.95 mg/kg and 148.6 mg/kg, respectively. Vitamin B1 ranged from 0.24 to 0.81 mg/g, highest in C50Cb50, while flavonoids (1.05–4.38 mgQE/g) were most abundant in C60Cb40. Sensory scores ranged from 7.28 to 8.32, with C50Cb50 rated highest, indicating that fortification did not negatively impact acceptability. Cabbage fortification significantly (≤0.05) enhanced the nutritional and functional properties of cassava fufu without compromising sensory quality. This suggests its potential for improving the dietary value of cassava-based foods.
Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when unfamiliar metallic objects are encountered in civilian settings. Early recognition of potential explosive hazards, avoidance of civilian handling, and prompt notification of appropriate authorities are essential to prevent secondary injury and reduce avoidable morbidity at both individual and community levels.
