Assessment of Tumor markers, C-reactive Protein, Cortisol and Total Plasma Peroxides Levels in Uterine Leiomyoma Patients

Objective: The pathophysiology of uterine leiomyoma is yet to be fully understood. This study determined the status of cortisol, C-reactive protein, total plasma peroxide and selected tumor markers in uterine leiomyoma patients. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight individuals (aged 25-45 years) with uterine leiomyoma (nodules=1-4; size=5-120mm) were recruited for this study. Forty apparently age-matched normal individuals without uterine leiomyoma served as controls. The patients and controls were selected after confirmation of the status of uterine leiomyoma by ultrasound imaging technique. The plasma levels of total plasma peroxides(TPP), cortisol, carcino-embryonic antigen(CEA), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125) and C-reactive protein(CRP) were determined in them using spectrophotometry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and single radial immunodiffusion (Maccini) methods respectively. Results: The result shows significantly higher levels of TPP (p0.05) changes in the plasma levels of cortisol, CEA and AFP in the leiomyoma patients when compared with the controls. Significant (r=0.521, p=0.03) correlation existed between the number of myoma nodules and the levels of CRP in the leiomyoma patients. The size of the nodules correlated significantly (r=0.47, p=0.04) with the plasma levels of TPP. Conclusion: Elevated levels of CRP and TPP could indicate oxidative stress and inflammatory response in uterine leiomyoma patients. The induced inflammation and oxidative stress may increase with increase in number and size of the myoma nodules respectively. Higher level of CA125 could be a feature of uterine leiomyoma

Academic Performance and Secondary School Students’ Disposition: Imperatives for Sustainable Development Solutions for the Africa We Want

This paper focuses on understanding the different attitudes exhibited by secondary school students in Lagos state and their influence on their academic performance. The survey design method was adopted using an online google questionnaire circulated via social media platform (WhatsApp) to elicit secondary school students’ responses. 224 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the presentation of results. Findings showed that secondary school students pay less attention to their studies, especially at the beginning of the new term. They have less interest in the daily schedule for study, which implies that students only read for the sole purpose of passing an exam and not for knowledge acquisition; hence, the reason for poor performance in their academics with implications on the SDGs’ quality education goal. Based on the findings, certain policy recommendations that will motivate students and encourage positive attitude toward their studies, leading to academic success were made

Nanochitosan derived from marine bacteria

Nanochitosans are polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin and comprise a series of 2-deoxy-2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß-(1-4) glycosidic linkages. These are naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and the exoskeleton of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans. Reports of chitosan production from unicellular marine bacteria inhabiting the sea, and possessing distinct animal- and plant-like characteristics abound. This capacity to synthesize chitosan from chitin arises from response to stress under extreme environmental conditions, as a means of survival. Consequently, the microencapsulation of these nanocarriers results in new and improved chitosan nanoparticles, nanochitosan. This nontoxic bioactive material which can serve as an antibacterial agent, gene delivery vector as well as carrier for protein and drug release as compared with chitosan, is limited by its nonspecific molecular weight and higher composition of deacetylated chitin. This chapter highlights the biology and diversity of nanochitosan-producing marine bacteria, including the factors influencing their activities, survival, and distribution. More so, the applications of marine bacterial nanochitosans in transfection and gene delivery; wound healing and drug delivery; feed supplement development and antimicrobial activity are discussed

Immunological insights into COVID-19 in Southern Nigeria

Introduction: One of the unexpected outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic was the relatively low levels of morbidity and mortality in Africa compared to the rest of the world. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, accounted for less than 0.01% of the global COVID-19 fatalities. The factors responsible for Nigeria's relatively low loss of life due to COVID-19 are unknown. Also, the correlates of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of pre-existing immunity on the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa are yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the natural and vaccine-induced immune responses from vaccinated, non-vaccinated and convalescent individuals in Southern Nigeria throughout the three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. We also examined the pre-existing immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 from samples collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used spike RBD and N- IgG antibody ELISA to measure binding antibody responses, SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype assay protocol expressing the spike protein of different variants (D614G, Delta, Beta, Omicron BA1) to measure neutralizing antibody responses and nucleoprotein (N) and spike (S1, S2) direct ex vivo interferon gamma (IFNγ) T cell ELISpot to measure T cell responses. Result: Our study demonstrated a similar magnitude of both binding (N-IgG (74% and 62%), S-RBD IgG (70% and 53%) and neutralizing (D614G (49% and 29%), Delta (56% and 47%), Beta (48% and 24%), Omicron BA1 (41% and 21%)) antibody responses from symptomatic and asymptomatic survivors in Nigeria. A similar magnitude was also seen among vaccinated participants. Interestingly, we revealed the presence of preexisting binding antibodies (N-IgG (60%) and S-RBD IgG (44%)) but no neutralizing antibodies from samples collected prior to the pandemic. Discussion: These findings revealed that both vaccinated, non-vaccinated and convalescent individuals in Southern Nigeria make similar magnitude of both binding and cross-reactive neutralizing antibody responses. It supported the presence of preexisting binding antibody responses among some Nigerians prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, hybrid immunity and heterologous vaccine boosting induced the strongest binding and broadly neutralizing antibody responses compared to vaccine or infection-acquired immunity alone

Next Generation Nanochitosan Applications in Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture and Food Conservation

Studies have identified the properties of enzymes, functionalized molecules, and compounds in food industry applications as edible coatings and encapsulations, that assure prolonged food quality and standards. These molecules present benefits of longer shelf-life by delayed deterioration and inhibition of the proliferation of spoilage and mycotoxigenic microorganisms. However, challenges of reduced nutrient levels, miniaturized size, and low chemical stability remain concerning. Chitosan polymers naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and exoskeletons of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans offer improved benefits when functionalized into nanoparticles as nanochitosans. These polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin, comprise a series of 2-deoxy-2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß-(1- 4) glycosidic linkages. This chapter considers the health impacts and microbiological health hazards associated with animal feeds quality and the enzyme immobilization potentials of nanochitosans in animalbased food and feed packages. Thereafter, nanochitosan properties and benefits are compared against traditional preservatives from microbes and plants; with highlights on current challenges in the application of nanochitosan for enzyme immobilization

Nanochitosan derived from marine bacteria

Nanochitosans are polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin and comprise a series of 2‐deoxy‐2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß‐(1‐4) glycosidic linkages. These are naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and the exoskeleton of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans. Reports of chitosan production from unicellular marine bacteria inhabiting the sea, and possessing distinct animal‐ and plant‐like characteristics abound. This capacity to synthesize chitosan from chitin arises from response to stress under extreme environmental conditions, as a means of survival. Consequently, the microencapsulation of these nanocarriers results in new and improved chitosan nanoparticles, nanochitosan. This nontoxic bioactive material which can serve as an antibacterial agent, gene delivery vector as well as carrier for protein and drug release as compared with chitosan, is limited by its nonspecific molecular weight and higher composition of deacetylated chitin. This chapter highlights the biology and diversity of nanochitosan‐producing marine bacteria, including the factors influencing their activities, survival, and distribution. More so, the applications of marine bacterial nanochitosans in transfection and gene delivery; wound healing and drug delivery; feed supplement development and antimicrobial activity are discussed

Chapter 21 - Utilization of nanochitosan in the sterilization of ponds and water treatment for aquaculture

Water pollution constitutes the leading cause of infant mortality, neonatal deformities, and shrinkage of man’s average life expectancy. Pollutants come from point and nonpoint sources; and water pollution arises from the discharge of wastewater containing undesirable impurities used for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. More so, high nutrient and wastewater runoffs from fish production systems contribute to the fouling and eutrophication of recipient water bodies. Hence, aquaculture which is inextricably linked to the natural environment is challenged by the dearth of appropriate water quantity and quality, militating against fish, and fishery production. Nanochitosans as polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin, comprise a series of 2-deoxy-2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß-(1-4) glycosidic linkages. They are naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and exoskeletons of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans. The unique attributes of chitin confer a wide range of biotechnological applications on the polymer, observed in flocculation as a wastewater treatment and purification route initiated by chitosan. This chapter highlights nanochitosan properties of aquaculture relevance; and elucidates the purification potentials of nanochitosan, compared to inorganic coagulants and organic polymeric flocculants. Effects of chitosan on contaminants and microorganisms, as well as applications in fish pathogens detection, fish disease diagnosis, and control are discussed

Utilization of nanochitosan for enzyme immobilization of aquatic and animal-based food packages

Studies have identified the properties of enzymes, functionalized molecules, and compounds in food industry applications as edible coatings and encapsulations, that assure prolonged food quality and standards. These molecules present benefits of longer shelf-life by delayed deterioration and inhibition of the proliferation of spoilage and mycotoxigenic microorganisms. However, challenges of reduced nutrient levels, miniaturized size, and low chemical stability remain concerning. Chitosan polymers naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and exoskeletons of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans offer improved benefits when functionalized into nanoparticles as nanochitosans. These polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin, comprise a series of 2-deoxy-2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß-(1-4) glycosidic linkages. This chapter considers the health impacts and

Abordagem baseada em cenários e redes sociais para apoiar a aprendizagem dos alunos do ensino secundário

Tese de doutoramento em Educational Sciences (ramo de conhecimento em Educational Technology)This research aim towards understanding the most effective procedures for implementing scenario based learning (SBL) approach and social media to support meaningful learning at the secondary education level. It is observed that research and development on SBL are concentrated more on corporate entities, and in higher education. Therefore, to evaluate the relevancy of SBL in secondary education, supporting theories from the literature that were explored to establish the conceptual framework for this research are scenario planning theories and approaches, situated learning theories, cognitivism, constructivism and, behaviourism, amongst others. To accomplish the research aim, four objectives were outlined, and the influence of SBL approach and social media on those objectives was assessed. The objectives are social and interactive educational media; learners’ motivation; learners’ engagement; and learners’ cognitive experience. These objectives formed parts of the components studied to elaborate learning as a process. Being a qualitative research, primary data were collected from 80 participants (secondary school students) from two Nigerian secondary schools that were selected through non-random sampling. The data collection tools comprise two scenario-based e learning courses that were crafted and developed for this research, and questionnaires that inquired about the participants’ experiences with the scenario-based e-learning courses. The results were presented using a descriptive statistical method, while basic statistical tools such as measures of variability, and weighted average were used for the analyses of the results. The main conclusions, among several others, are the recognition of students' emotions as a significant factor in achieving meaningful learning, the proper understanding of the factors that make up emotions in learning, and the operationalization of these elements in SBL courses. More research is needed specifically in the field of evaluation. It is also concluded that formative assessment can be modelled as a plausible tool to efficiently implement SBL as a new paradigm in secondary education.Esta investigação visa a compreensão dos procedimentos mais eficazes de implementação da abordagem de aprendizagem baseada em cenários (SBL) e das redes sociais para apoiar uma aprendizagem significativa a nível do ensino secundário. Observa-se que a investigação e desenvolvimento da SBL se concentra mais em entidades empresariais e no ensino superior. Para avaliar a relevância da SBL no ensino secundário foram exploradas, na literatura da especialidade, para estabelecer o quadro conceptual para esta investigação, teorias e abordagens de planeamento de cenários, de aprendizagem situada, de desenvolvimento cognitivo e comportamentalismo. Para atingir a finalidade da investigação, foram delineados quatro objetivos específicos, tendo sido avaliada a influência da abordagem SBL e do recurso a redes sociais. Os objetivos específicos referem-se aos meios educativos sociais e interativos; a motivação dos alunos; o envolvimento dos alunos; e a experiência cognitiva dos alunos; estes fatores foram analisados como componentes relevantes no processo de aprendizagem. Sendo a investigação qualitativa, foram recolhidos dados de 80 participantes (estudantes do ensino secundário) de duas escolas secundárias nigerianas selecionadas através de amostragem não aleatória. Os instrumentos de recolha de dados compreendem dois cursos de e-learning baseados em cenários elaborados e desenvolvidos para esta investigação e questionários que inquiriram sobre as experiências dos participantes com os cursos de e-learning baseados em cenários. Os resultados foram apresentados utilizando um método estatístico descritivo, através de ferramentas estatísticas básicas tais como medidas de variabilidade e média ponderada. As conclusões principais, entre várias outras, são o reconhecimento das emoções dos alunos como um fator significativo na obtenção de aprendizagem significativa, a compreensão adequada dos fatores que compõem as emoções na aprendizagem e a operacionalização desses elementos em cursos SBL. Mais investigação se revela necessária especificamente no domínio da avaliação. Conclui-se ainda que a avaliação formativa pode ser modelada como uma ferramenta plausível para implementar eficientemente o SBL como um novo paradigma no ensino secundário

Academic Performance and Secondary School Students’ Disposition: Imperatives for Sustainable Development Solutions for the Africa We Want

This paper focuses on understanding the different attitudes exhibited by secondary school students in Lagos state and their influence on their academic performance. The survey design method was adopted using an online google questionnaire circulated via social media platform (WhatsApp) to elicit secondary school students’ responses. 224 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the presentation of results. Findings showed that secondary school students pay less attention to their studies, especially at the beginning of the new term. They have less interest in the daily schedule for study, which implies that students only read for the sole purpose of passing an exam and not for knowledge acquisition; hence, the reason for poor performance in their academics with implications on the SDGs’ quality education goal. Based on the findings, certain policy recommendations that will motivate students and encourage positive attitude toward their studies, leading to academic success were made