The study investigated farmers’ involvement in cocoa production sharp practices in Ife area, Osun State with a view to mitigating the challenge of farmers’ engagement in cocoa production sharp practices. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of cocoa farmers, examined their awareness of best practices in cocoa production and their perception about sharp practices. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 110 and 16 respondents subjected to structured interview schedule and key informant interview respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as regression. The study revealed among others that the respondents had 50.35±13.43 mean years of age, male (70.9%) and literate (64.7%). Majority (91.0%) of the respondents had high awareness level, perceived cocoa production sharp practices negatively (mean = 2.93) and involved in cocoa production sharp practices (moderately =65.5% and highly = 20.9%). Also, significant relationship existed between farmers’ age (β=0.013), years of formal education (β=0.014), income (β=2.514) and farmers’ involvement in cocoa production sharp practices. It was therefore concluded that although most farmers had high awareness of cocoa production best practices and perceived sharp practices negatively, the vast majority were involved in cocoa production sharp practices. Training and retraining intervention on the health implications of engaging in sharp practices and the need to embrace best practices in cocoa production is of utmost importance.
Urine-contaminated soils are increasingly recognized as environmental reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance, contributing to the spread of resistant bacteria within human-associated ecosystems. However, data on the resistance profiles of Gram-positive bacteria inhabiting such environments within Obafemi Awolowo University remain limited. This study investigated the occurrence, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and β-lactamase producing Gram-positive bacteria isolated from urine-contaminated soils across selected open urination spots on campus. Ten soil samples from visible open urination spots were aseptically collected and microbiologically analyzed within six hours. Bacterial isolates were recovered using standard microbiological techniques and identified through cultural and biochemical characterization. Susceptibility of isolates to a panel of antibiotics was determined following the standard organization (CLSI) guide. Using the nitrocefin test, the ability of the test isolates to produce β-lactamase was determined. The identity of β-lactamase-positive isolates was confirmed by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 29 bacterial isolates were recovered, comprising 15 Gram-positive and 14 Gram-negative bacteria. The Gram-positive isolates were identified as members of the genera Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Listeria, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus. High levels of resistance (>90%) to β-lactam antibiotics were observed across all isolates, alongsidevariable resistance to other antibiotic classes. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.58 to 1.00, indicating substantial exposure to antibiotic selective pressure. Two isolates, identified as Bacillus species through molecular analysis were confirmed as β-lactamase producers. These findings highlight urine-contaminated soils as significant reservoirs of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, posing potential public health risks. The study underscores the need for improved sanitation infrastructure and enforcement of policies to eliminate open urination practices within university environments.
The purification and characterization of rhodanese, a cyanide detoxifying enzyme, from malted (MM) and unmalted (UM) grains of Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. BR. were carried out to understand the biochemical foundation of the survival of the consumers of these grains of food plants. Rhodanese from grains of MM and UM were purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography (CM-Sephadex C-50), and gel filtration chromatography (Sephadex G-100). MM and UM had yields of 4.33 % and 3.42 %, respectively, while the purified enzymes exhibited specific activities of 0.4892 and 0.1880 U/mg protein, respectively. MM and UM had native molecular weights of 31.29 and 33.00 kDa, respectively. The subunit had a molecular weight of 32.9 kDa. Using KCN as substrate, the Km values for rhodanese from malted and unmalted millet were 1.56 ± 0.13 mM and 0.67 ± 0.03 mM, respectively, while the corresponding Vmax values were 19.88 ± 0.84 and 11.29 ± 0.11 U mL⁻¹ min⁻¹. Using Na₂S₂O₃ as substrate, the Km values were 0.48 ± 0.05 mM and 0.53 ± 0.11 mM for malted and unmalted millet, respectively, while the corresponding Vmax values were 10.15 and 18.55 U mL⁻¹ min⁻¹. The optimal temperature for MM and UM was 60 °C. After 30 minutes, the enzyme maintained 95 % of its activity at 50 °C. For MM and UM, at a pH of 8.0. Mercaptoethanol and Na₂S₂O₃ were the preferred substrates for purified rhodanese, while the tested metal salts exerted minimal effects on enzyme activity within the concentration range examined. Rhodanese was observed in MM and UM, which demonstrated the rhodanese's physicochemical characteristics in the grains. The study suggests this may be the mechanism by which users of these grains survive by detoxifying themselves from cyanide in their surroundings.
Artificial lighting, especially at night, is increasingly recognized as a disruptor of circadian rhythms and immune function. This study investigates the effects of different light spectra on leukocyte and thrombocyte profiles in male and female albino rats over a prolonged exposure period. Male and female day-old albino rats were exposed to seven light conditions (ambient -AmBL, blue - BL, green - GL, yellow - YL, red - RL, white - WL, and darkness - DrK) between 6.00pm and 6.00 am for 126 days. Blood samples were collected on Days 35, 63, 91, and 126. Total white blood cell (TWBC) and platelet (PLT) counts, along with differentials of neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes, were analyzed. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated to assess systemic immune stress. The data obtained were expressed as means (±SD) and compared by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA); level of significance was set at p < 0.05. TWBC was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in rats exposed to GL and BL, with the lowest levels observed in early exposure stages (Days 35 and 63). Darkness consistently maintained higher TWBC values. Neutrophil and NLR values were markedly elevated in females exposed to BL, YL and RL, and males exposed to YL at Day 63, while lymphocyte levels were suppressed. Monocyte counts were highest in rats under yellow light and darkness, indicating possible immune activation. PLT counts were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in male rats under BL, GL, and YL but increased it significantly (p<0.05) in female rats at Day 126. Light spectra modulate immune cell and platelet responses in albino rats in a sex- and timedependent manner. Green and blue light exhibited immunosuppressive effects, while darkness promoted immune stability. Yellow and white lights induced inflammatory and stress markers, especially in females. These findings emphasize the physiological impact of nocturnal light exposure and highlight the importance of spectrum-specific lighting considerations in health and research environments.
This study presents a validated historical analysis of land use/land cover (LULC) change and population density relationships in Lagos metropolitan area (1984-2009). Using Landsat 5 TM and 7 ETM+ imagery with supervised maximum likelihood classification (overall accuracy 81.7-88.3%, Kappa 0.78-0.84), we quantified LULC transformations across six local government areas (LGAs). Built-up areas increased from 36.0% to 63.9% of the study area, while vegetation cover declined sharply. Population density showed strong positive correlation with built-up expansion (r = 0.85-0.97) and negative correlation with vegetation cover (r = -0.85 to -0.99). LGA-level analysis reveals differential urbanization: Alimosho experienced 79% built-up growth with 26% population density increase, while Ikeja showed moderate built-up change (12%) despite 89% density growth. This established baseline provides essential reference data for understanding Lagos's transformation into Africa's second-largest megacity and informs differentiated urban planning strategies. We provide specific protocols for extending this analysis to contemporary data using freely available Landsat 8/9 and Sentinel-2 imagery.
This work presents a density functional theory (DFT) investigation of the adsorption of acetylene (C₂H₂) ongermanium-doped silicon carbide nanotubes (Ge@SiCNT) and transition-metal co-doped systems containing Mo,Nb, and Zr. Geometry optimization confirmed the structural stability of all investigated systems, while changes inbond lengths upon adsorption indicated notable interactions between C2H2 and the modified nanotube surfaces.Electronic structure analysis revealed that adsorption significantly affected the frontier molecular orbitals of thesystems. Upon adsorption, the energy gap of C2H2–Ge@SiCNT decreased from 3.55 eV to 2.71 eV for the Moco-doped system, 1.97 eV for Nb-co-doped systems, and 2.87 eV for Zr-co-doped system, suggesting enhancedelectronic responsiveness upon adsorption. These observations are consistent with the lower global hardness andhigher softness values obtained for the Mo- and Nb-co-doped systems. The adsorption energy of C2H2–Ge@SiCNT was calculated to be +5.823 eV, indicating thermodynamically unfavorable adsorption. In contrast,the co-doped systems exhibited negative adsorption energies of −3.157 eV, −1.088 eV, and −0.871 eV for Mo–Ge@SiCNT, Nb–Ge@SiCNT, and Zr–Ge@SiCNT, respectively, indicating favorable adsorption interactions.Furthermore, the Mo- and Zr-co-doped systems exhibited lower work functions (3.96 eV and 3.75 eV, respectively),suggesting enhanced electron-donating capability and charge-transfer characteristics. The Nb-co-doped systemshowed the largest dipole moment and the smallest energy gap among the studied systems.
This study integrates lithostratigraphic and palynological data with graphic correlation to reconstruct depositional environments and establish temporal and spatial relationships among sedimentary successions from three wells (MTX#1, MTX#2, and MTX#3). Lithofacies characterization and palynological analyses provided the basis for age assessment and paleoenvironmental interpretation, while graphic correlation was used to quantify differences in sediment accumulation and evaluate interwell stratigraphic relationships. The succession comprises four principal lithologies deposited predominantly in nearshore to deltaic environments subjected to episodic marine influence. Palynological evidence indicates Late Oligocene–Early Miocene ages in MTX#3, Early–Middle Miocene ages in MTX#2, and Middle–Late Miocene ages in MTX#1, with vegetation assemblages characteristic of mangrove, freshwater swamp, and lowland rainforest settings. Intermittent marine incursions are indicated by the occurrence of dinoflagellate cysts. Graphic correlation, a principal methodological component of this study, identified measurable differences in sediment accumulation among the wells and provided quantitative for interwell correlation for linking stratigraphically comparable horizons. The correlation results indicate that MTX#3 contains a thicker preserved sedimentary succession than the other wells; this difference is consistent with greater accommodation, differential compaction or structural movement, and/or reduced erosion. Although the quantitative data do not independently distinguish among these controling factors. The graphic-correlation relationships therefore provide a quantitative basis for assessing stratigraphic thickness and relative accumulation patterns, rather than uniquely resolving the mechanisms responsible for these patterns. By integrating palynological biostratigraphy with graphic correlation, this study provides a refined framework for evaluating subsurface stratigraphic relationships in the Niger Delta Basin. The results contribute to understanding sedimentary architecture, depositional evolution, and spatial variability in preserved accommodation, while demonstrating the utility of graphic correlation for strengthening interwell correlation where conventional biostratigraphic control alone may be insufficient to resolve stratigraphic relationships.
We characterized palm oil mill effluent (POME)-isolated bacteria capable of producing lipase. Water samples were collected and serially diluted, and bacteria were isolated from the diluted samples using standard methods. The bacteria were investigated for lipase production using tributyrin agar assay and subsequent fermentation and lipase enzyme analyses. Fifteen bacterial isolates were obtained from POME collected at Agbogbo village, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Ten of the fifteen bacteria had lipolytic activity, with Bacillus subtilis PO13 having the highest zone of hydrolysis (39.67 ± 2.08 mm), followed by Bacillus subtilis PO1 (27.3 ± 1.53 mm) and Acinetobacter johnsonii PO3 (26.66 ± 1.53 mm). Staphylococcus saprophyticus had the smallest zone of hydrolysis of 11.00 ± 1.0 mm. Further analysis for lipolytic activity using submerged fermentation medium showed that Morganella morganii PO6 had the highest lipolytic activity of 20.67 ± 0.90 U/mL, followed by Bacillus subtilis PO13 with 19.13 ± 0.35 U/mL and Bacillus subtilis PO1 with 18.43 ± 0.57 U/mL, while Bacillus cereus PO15 had the least lipolytic activity of 3.20 ± 2.61 U/mL. The 10 lipaseproducing bacteria characterized by colonial and biochemical characteristics were confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing are Bacillus subtilis PO1 (PZ740870), Bacillus altitudinis PO2 (PZ740854), Staphylococcus equorum PO4 (PZ741005), Staphylococcus saprophyticus PO10 (PZ741035), Acinetobacter johnsonii PO3 (PZ740785), Bacillus subtilis PO13 (PZ740880), Bacillus cereus PO15 (PZ740867), Klebsiella pneumoniae PO9 (PZ740886), Escherichia coli PO7 (PZ740885), and Morganella morganii PO6 (PZ740970). The study concluded that the POME-receiving Agbogbo stream harbours lipase-producing bacteria that could be harnessed for oil-rich wastewater treatment.
Rising antimicrobial resistance and infection-associated oxidative stress have renewed interest in plant-derived agents that combine antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Eucalyptus camaldulensis still has limited integrated data linking its phytochemical profile to antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This study characterised the phytochemical composition of E. camaldulensis leaf and evaluated its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities using complementary quantitative assays. Phytochemical screening and quantification were done by standard spot tests and gravimetric assays. Total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents were determined spectrophotometrically.Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and Phosphomolybdenum assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against six bacterial species and two fungal isolates by agar-well diffusion and broth dilution, using ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole as standards. Phytochemical screening confirmed the abundance of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and alkaloids. Mean TPC, TFC and total tannins were 165.93 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g, 131.13 ±1.34 mg QE/g and 152.9 ± 1.04 mg TAE/g, respectively. The extract showed moderate DPPH activity (IC₅₀ =275.2 µg/mL), concentration-dependent FRAP increment (~6.7 to 37.2 mg AAE/g), with TAC also rising progressively with dose. Antimicrobial testing produced broad-spectrum, dose-dependent inhibition with zones of inhibition ranging from 0–16 mm for bacteria and 0–18 mm for fungi; the strongest activity was against Proteus mirabilis and Fusarium sp. Bacterial MICs ranged from 6.25–25 mg/mL, with corresponding bactericidal effects at higher concentrations; fungal MIC/MFC values indicated greater tolerance in Candida sp. and Fusarium sp. The extract demonstrated measurable antioxidant and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, although its potency waslower than that of the reference drugs under the assay conditions. Ultimately, the phenolic- and flavonoid-rich profile of E. camaldulensis supports its traditional use and justifies further fractionation and compound isolation to identify more potent bioactive constituents for possible drug development.
Palynological evidence is invaluable in plant taxonomy, species delimitation, and forensic investigations. This study therefore examined the palynological characteristics of six Bougainvillea species cultivated in Nigeria, which are widely utilized as ornamental landscaping and horticultural plants and are known for their tolerance to environmental pollution. Pollen grains of six Bougainvillea species, B. alba, B. spectabilis, B. peruviana, B. glabtabilis, B. glabra and B. brasiliensis, were acetolysed following standard procedure. Qualitative and quantitative characters were studied on the acetolysed pollen grains. The data obtained revealed that the predominant pollen shape across all the species was spherical, although oval and elliptic pollen shapes were also observed in some species. A verrucate exinesculpturing pattern and reticulate pollen ornamentation was consistently observed across all the taxa. The only aperture type observed is colpi and this varies among the species. Acolpate pollen grains constituted the predominant pollen type, with monocolpate, bicolpate, and tricolpate pollen grains occurring in some taxa. Furthermore, the pollen grains of all the species were within the medium size class, with diameters ranging from 25–50 µm. These palynological attributes provide useful characters for the identification and classification ofBougainvillea species.
Mobile phone technologies offer opportunities to improve farmers’ access to agricultural information, markets, financial services, and decision-support tools. This study examined the determinants of mobile phone technology utilisation among cassava farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 376 cassava farmers across nine Local Government Areas within the three agricultural zones of the state. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through Open Data Kit. Descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis with varimax rotation were employed for data analysis. Farmers utilised diversemobile technologies and applications, including PlantVillage Nuru, market comparison platforms, GPS-based tools, Tractor Connect, mobile banking applications, WhatsApp, and AgriPredict. The analysis identified four major dimensions influencing utilisation: monetary factors, perceived benefits, technology enablers, and constraints, which jointly explained 78.82% of the total variance. Key determinants included farm size, cassava output, income, farming experience, household size, education, age, electricity availability, application complexity, perceived benefits, and feedback mechanisms. The study concludes that mobile technology utilisation depends on the interaction of farmers’ socioeconomic capacity, perceived usefulness, enabling infrastructure, and technological constraints. Improved rural electricity, internet connectivity, affordable credit, and user-friendly, locally accessible mobile applications are recommended.
This study evaluated the impact of liquid organic fertilisers (LOFs) derived from rabbit waste on heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu) in soil and their uptake in maize plant. Eight LOF formulations produced from urine and faeces of rabbits fed with either 100% forage or 50% forage plus 50% concentrate were compared against NPK and control using a randomised complete block design. Results demonstrated that the LOFs significantly enhanced plant uptake of essential micronutrients. The UfFfRN (forage-fed rabbit's urine and faeces with banana root and neem) treatment achieved the highest Cu uptake (0.12 kg ha-1 ) and Mn uptake (0.58 kgha-1 ). The UсfCbRN (concentrate and forage-fed rabbit's urine with corn cob and banana root and neem) treatment had the highest Zn uptake (0.08 kg ha-1 ), while Fcf (concentrate and forage-fed rabbit's faeces) treatment had the highest Fe uptake (0.16 kg ha-1). Liquid organic fertilisers effectively maintained heavy metal concentrations in maize below FAO/WHO thresholds, with Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni uptake remaining low across all treatments. Post-harvest soil analysis revealed increased Fe levels, with UсfFcfRN showing the highest concentration (6.77 mg kg-1) due to organic matter decomposition. Zinc concentrations generally decreased after harvesting, while UfCbRN showed lower post-harvest Pb and Cd concentrations, potentially due to immobilisation. These findings support the agronomic efficiency and environmental safety of rabbit waste-derived LOFs for sustainable soil fertility management in tropical maize systems.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced neuroinflammation imitates important features of human neurodegenerative diseases by activating microglia and triggering the release of inflammatory mediators. Spondias mombin is a medicinal plant used by traditional healers for conditions associated with neurodegeneration and its phytochemical constituents have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in experimental models. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Spondias mombin neuroprotective abilities in LPS-induced cognitive impairment in rats. Thirty female wistar rats were grouped into six and treated thus: Control (DMSO), LPS (250 µg/kg), LPS + SM (250, 500, 750 mg/kg). Cognitive function was tested using the Y-maze spontaneous alternation test. Serum biochemistry and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated after 21 days of experimental procedure. There’s a significant difference in the number of visits by the rats as well as the spontaneous percentage of Y-arm maze alternation (p<0.0001). Spondias mombin treatment (250 mg/kg) restored alternation, increased SOD (19.18 U/mg protein), GSH (75.53 µg/mL) and reduced MDA (66.08 µM/g). ALT and AST levels showed hepatoprotective effects at higher doses. These results indicate that Spondias mombin leaf extract improves LPSinduced cognitive decline through antioxidant enhancement and neuroinflammation suppression, positioning it as a plant derived alternative for neurodegenerative diseases.
Groundwater in the fractured sedimentary rocks of the Abakaliki region, southeastern Nigeria, is the principal source of potable water but is increasingly threatened by population growth, climate variability, and rising groundwater abstraction. This study develops what is, to our knowledge, the first three-dimensional groundwaterflow model for the region by integrating MODFLOW-OWHM2 with GIS and ModelMuse. A three-layer hydrostratigraphic model was constructed using digital elevation data, hydraulic properties and pumping rates from 25 boreholes, river networks, and meteorological data (2000–2023). Model calibration using PEST under steadystate and transient conditions produced satisfactory agreement between simulated and observed hydraulic heads (R² = 0.668; RMSE = 12.12 m). Simulated hydraulic conductivity ranged from 8.64 × 10⁻² to 1.21 m day⁻¹. Groundwater flow is primarily controlled by regional topography and is directed toward the Asu and Ebonyi Rivers. Water-budget analysis indicates that precipitation provides ≈99% of groundwater recharge, while groundwater evapotranspiration accounts for about 91% of total outflow. Climatic records reveal ≈18% decline in precipitation,a 12% increase in evapotranspiration, and a 39% reduction in infiltration over the past decade, indicating declining recharge. Together with increasing groundwater abstraction, these trends threaten long-term aquifer sustainability. The model provides a valuable decision-support tool for groundwater management and climate-resilient waterresource planning in fractured sedimentary aquifers.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetables consumed globally for its culinary and medicinal significance. However, fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendal, is a recalcitrant limitation to tomato production. This is due to the evasive pathogenesis and systemic proliferation of F. oxysporum. Therefore, this study attempts to develop a stable, effective, passive-systemic control measure against fusarium wilt in tomato. Tomato seeds were bioprimed with 108 CFU/mL of antifungal endophytes (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Sa08 and Bacillus subtilis Og04). Biocontrol experiment was set up as a factorial experiment arranged in completely randomized design involving two tomato varieties (Alausa and Ibadan-local), endophytes and carbendazim. Endophyte colonization pattern, in vivo fusarium-biocontrol potential, and residual wilt control efficacy were determined. Both antifungal Bacillus species exhibited a systemic colonization pattern in treated tomato. Highest tissue colonization (13.25 ×102 CFU/g) was expressed by Bacillus subtilis Og04 in the root of Ibadan-local tomato variety. Bacillus endophytes also conferred systemic protection against fusarium wilt and improved yield properties in treated plants. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Sa08 increased fruit production in infected Alausa tomato from 0% to 79%, while Bacillus subtilis Og04 retained 86.40% of its wilt control efficacy six months after seed treatment in Ibadanlocal variety. Seed treatment with Bacillus endophytes will limit the laborious application process associated with previously recommended biocontrol materials against fusarium wilt. Based on their residual biocontrol potentials, the Bacillus species should be evaluated under field conditions, as a seed pre-treatment strategy, to reduce the need for scientific expertise by farmers and other end-users.
This paper assessed abattoir waste management practices in Ife Administrative zone, Osun State, Nigeria. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of abattoir operators, assessed available abattoir infrastructure, identified the different types of abattoir waste generated and determined the knowledge levels of the respondents on best waste management practices. A multistage sampling procedure was used for the study. Three out of four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ife Administrative zone and six communities from each of the LGAs were randomly selected,while 109 respondents were interviewed with a well-structured interview schedule. Data were collected and analysed using both descriptive (frequency counts, percentages, mean) and inferential (regression analysis) statistics. The findings revealed a male dominance (95.4%) in the abattoirs’ workforce, with a mean age of 44 ± 11.69 years and an estimated average income of ₦147,825. Existence of infrastructural deficit was evident in all the abattoirs, with regulation and information dissemination largely controlled by market and abattoir associations. There were low knowledge levels of best abattoir waste management practices in the study area. Also, average monthly income (β=0.402) and years of formal education (β =0.089) significantly influenced knowledge ofbest abattoir waste management practices. The study concluded that a wide knowledge gap in best abattoir waste management practices existed in the study area and the need for planned interventions to bridge the gap between the abattoir workers’ practices and the recommended best practices is of utmost importance.
Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The infection affects both humans and animals and is transmitted primarily through ingestion of contaminated food or water, consumption of undercooked meat containing tissue cyst, or exposure of oocyst shed by infected cats. This study was purposely conducted to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women visiting selected health care facilities for ante-natal care in Ilesha, Osun State. Blood samples of two hundred and ninety-five consenting pregnant women ages between 16-50years were collected and screened for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using ELISA test between July and December 2022. Predisposing factors and socio-demographic information were assessed through administration of a structured questionnaire on each participant. The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis among the 295 study participants was 44.75%, with 105 (35.60%) testing positive for Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG antibodies and 28 (9.15%) positive for IgM antibodies. Seropositivity of toxoplasmosis increased significantly with increased age among the pregnant women(p>0.05). The highest seropositivity to Toxoplasma antibodies was observed among participants that were married (38.22%), Muslim (39.83%) civil servant (48.94%), had primary education (39.58%) and in third trimester (37.11%). In this study, consumption of rodents and bush meats, cat ownership and changing cat litters are identified by logistic regression analysis as a significant predictor to toxoplasmosis seropositivity. The observed high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women especially in their third trimester, underscores the need for the public sensitization on transmission and preventive measures, implementation of routine antenatal screening and education of women of all age groups in order to reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis.
This study investigates the application of Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (Neural ODEs) for the simulation and parameter estimation of disease models. The primary objective is to simulate disease dynamics and forecast future transmission trends using a trained Neural ODE framework. The model adopts a numerically informed and data-driven approach that integrates epidemiological datasets with disease-informed neural networks to capture transmission behaviour. For HIV/AIDS, transmission dynamics are generated using synthetic datasets obtained via the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method, whereas predictions for malaria are based on real-world epidemiological data. The results demonstrate that the Neural ODE framework effectively learns disease transmission patterns, accurately captures the progression of compartmental dynamics, estimates key epidemiological parameters, and produces reliable forecasts from both observed and numerically generated data. It is observed that increasing the number of training epochs improves predictive performance, as the model better captures complex nonlinear patterns and fluctuations within disease compartments. However, a notable limitation is that higher epoch counts substantially increase computational time, with training durations extending to several hours.
Public water supply within the Ipogun Drainage Basin is grossly inadequate and in most towns nonexistent.Attempts at mitigating the inadequacy through drilling of shallow/moderately deep boreholes have met withchallenges of low (< 1 l/s) groundwater yields and failed boreholes, suspected to be due to poor knowledge of thesubsurface sequence and the structural setting. This has necessitated a detailed assessment of the groundwaterpotential of the basin using an integrated geophysical technique. Ground magnetic profiling at 10 m spacing; longspread 2D Dipole-Dipole resistivity imaging with dipole length of 20 m; and forty-eight large spread SchlumbergerVertical Electrical Soundings (VESs) were carried out along six traverses ranging in lengths from 1.12-4.51 km thatcut across prominent remote sensing/aeromagnetic derived lineaments. The magnetic anomalous zones were usedto constrain the locations of the Dipole-Dipole profiles while the 2D resistivity images influenced the locations ofthe VES stations. The magnetic intensities varied between -761 and +636 nT. Thin and thick dyke magneticanomalies were observed. The characteristics of the magnetic modelled fault/fractured zones include thin-tomoderate overburden thicknesses (< 20 m), width extent of between 20 and 255 m and vertical/near-vertical dip.The 2D resistivity model-delineated-fault/fractured zones correlated well with the magnetic anomalous zones withwidth extent of between 40 and 250 m and depth extents >100 m. Four geoelectric layers comprising thetopsoil/laterite, weathered layer, partly weathered/fractured basement and the fresh basement were delineated. Thepartly weathered/fractured aquifer has resistivity and thickness ranges of between 25 and 1472 ohm-m and 4.5 and117 m respectively. The weathered layer and partly weathered/fractured layer are the major aquifer units with thelatter having a percentage of occurrence of 56.25% as against 43.75% for the former, indicating prospect for highergroundwater potential due to enhanced transmissivity and porosity of the partly weathered/fractured basementcolumns. This was corroborated by an increased groundwater yield of 1.4 l/s from a 60 m deep borehole drilledwithin one of the resistivity anomalous zones which penetrated the weathered layer aquifer and the upper segmentof the partly weathered/fractured basement. It is concluded that the basin has prospect for high groundwaterpotential, in areas where the basement is weathered and fractured to deep depth, and the fractures areinterconnected over a large area, to influence transmission and storativity of the groundwater. Recommendeddrilling depths may exceed 100 m compared with previous reliance on relatively shallow boreholes.
Despite the availability of efficient vaccines against hepatitis B, it still poses a great public health issue especially in places with less developed healthcare facilities and buoyant economy to cater for the infected and conduct relevant studies that give directions to more efficient prevention and control of the disease. Each ORF of the hepatitis B virus plays key roles in the perpetuation and pathogenesis of the virus but not many studies have been carried out on the X ORF especially in Nigeria. The resulting multifunctional protein which is strongly associated with the development of HCC has not been well studied in Nigeria. The study was, hence, designed to analyze the HBx ORF in sick and asymptomatic HBV carriers in southwest Nigeria. Venous blood samples collected from consenting apparently healthy and sick individuals presenting with fever and mild abdominal discomfort were prescreened for the HBsAg. Samples positive for this marker had their HBV DNA extracted, HBx gene amplified, sequenced, genotyped and their sequences analyzed using appropriate tools. In all,19 HBV isolates were amplified and confirmed to be genotype E. Observed in them all was S123L mutation. Also observed were S62A (4/19; 21.1%) and F73*, T74K, S75V, R77W, and R78C all having 10.5%; 2/19 each. Mutations, I88F and V131I, whose roles in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B have been reported were also observed. Multiple mutations on the N - and C- termini whose association with advanced liver diseases and predisposition to HCC need to be studied were observed in seven (7/19; 36.6%). Individual studies of the HBV ORFs may be necessary, especially in Africa where there seems to be more asymptomatic carriers of HBV for a better understanding of the evolution of the virus which will in-turn enhance the prevention and control of the disease.
