Effect of subclinical, clinical and supraclinical doses of calcium channel blockers on models of drug-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Drug-related hepatotoxicity is the leading cause of acute liver failure, and hepatic problems are responsible for a significant number of liver transplantations and deaths worldwide. Calcium has been associated with various metabolic processes that lead to cell death and apoptosis, and increased cytosolic Ca2+ has been implicated in hepatotoxicity. This study was designed to investigate the effects of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) on isoniazid-rifampicin, zidovudine and erythromycin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Treatment groups comprised control, hepatotoxicant, hepatotoxicant along with each of silymarin, nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem at subclinical, clinical and supraclinical doses. A day to the end of treatment for each model, rats were subjected to the hexobarbitone-induced hypnosis test. On the last days of treatment, blood samples were collected and serum was analyzed for relevant biochemical parameters. Animals were sacrificed after blood collection and livers were harvested, and samples obtained for in vivo antioxidant indices assay and histopathology. The hepatotoxicants significantly increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as duration of sleep in the hypnosis test. These drugs significantly reduced the hepatic levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). The CCBs at the various doses significantly reversed the effects of isoniazid-rifampicin, zidovudine and erythromycin. The results obtained in this study suggest that the CCBs possess hepatoprotective activity in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and may be beneficial at the subclinical and clinical doses

Tech-enabled solutions for student hunger: A comprehensive analysis of food surplus, community dynamics, and usability

In this study, we explore the interconnected issues of food wastage, student hunger, and the potential of technology to facilitate food sharing. We begin by examining the general problem of food insecurity on university campuses and its impact on student well-being and academic performance. Through a mixed-methods approach involving 30 participants (13 Males (43%) and 17 Females (57%)), we gather both qualitative and quantitative data to understand attitudes towards surplus food and the challenges of accessing food when needed. Our quantitative findings reveal that while 69.6% of participants are willing to share surplus food, only 39.1% have access to a viable network for food distribution. Qualitative insights further uncover the profound effects of food insecurity on students, who advocate for technological solutions featuring financial tracking, transparent food distribution, and privacy measures to enhance the food-sharing experience. Building on these findings, we conduct a heuristic evaluation of a low-fidelity prototype designed to address the identified challenges. The results underscore the need for a user-friendly interface that aligns with students' preferences, with key areas for refinement highlighted for future development. Following this, we refine the application and evaluate it using the System Usability Scale, which provides valuable insights into user experiences with the FeedLine prototype. While the overall impressions are positive, the feedback also highlights the need for improved onboarding support and clearer communication of the app's capabilities. This research contributes to the development of a technology-driven solution aimed at alleviating food-related challenges among students

Mathematical Analysis of Spread and Control of Diphtheria with Emphasis on Diphtheria Antitoxin Efficiency

Diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, remains a significant public health concern worldwide. In this study, we employ mathematical modeling to analyze the spread and control of diphtheria, focusing on the efficacy of Diphtheria Antitoxin in mitigating the disease's impact. Through the development of compartmental models, system of differential equations governing the dynamics was formulated. Due to the complexity and non-linearity of the dynamics, a numerical solutions that utilizes Runge-Kutta Fehlberg order 4 and 5 method. The dynamics of diphtheria transmission and the potential impact of DAT administration on disease outcomes was investigate. Our findings highlight the critical role of Antitoxin efficiency in reducing disease burden, preventing severe cases, and containing epidemic spread. By exploring various scenarios and parameter sensitivities, we provide insights into optimal control strategies and intervention measures to combat diphtheria outbreaks effectively. This research contributes to a better understanding of diphtheria epidemiology and informs public health policies aimed at enhancing vaccination coverage and DAT availability to achieve sustainable disease control and prevention.&nbsp

Analysis of Sustainable Cassava Biofuel Production in Nigeria

Nigeria's biofuels policy advocates the adoption of cassava as feedstock for a 10%-biofuel substitution option in Nigerian transport fuel demand. This policy option is expected to address energy security and environmental consequences of using fossil fuels as the sole source of transport energy in the country. This paper appraised the technological and economic factors necessary for achieving Nigeria's cassava-based biofuel initiative at different substitution levels of 5, 10, and 15% by the Year 2020. A multi-stage energy forecasting and project analysis framework adapted from Coate's structure for technology assessment, as well as engineering economy methodology was used for the study. Technological analysis entailed determining petrol consumption projection, R&D capability, input feedstock requirements, environmental considerations and land requirement for feedstock crop production while engineering economy analysis evaluated the economic viability of the project. The results showed that petrol consumption in Nigeria and bioethanol substitution requirements were in the range of 18,285.7 – 19,142.84 thousand tons and 914.28 (5% low demand) – 2871.43 (15% high demand) thousand tons, respectively by 2020. Cassava feedstock and landmass requirements for bioethanol production were in the range of 4.64 – 14.53 million tons and 4.08 – 12.80 thousand sq. km, respectively while carbon dioxide savings were between 1.87 – 5.89 million tons by 2020. The recovery price for cassava bioethanol was estimated to be US$ 0.74/litre . Petrol being subsidised presently is harmful to the environment though it ‘oils’ the economy. Nigeria currently subsidizes petroleum products to the tune of 28% of 2011 budget. The government plans to remove this by 2012. Thus we conclude that weighing both economic and environmental benefits of bioethanol substitution in petrol consumption in Nigeria, the study showed that bioethanol production from cassava feedstock would be both technically and economically viable, provided subsidy, which depends on political will on the side of the government, is introduced for the first ten years of its implementation

Estimating the prevalence of COPD in an African country:evidence from southern Nigeria

# BACKGROUND: Though several environmental and demographic factors would suggest a high burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in most African countries, there is insufficient country-level synthesis to guide public health policy. # METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health and African Journals Online identified studies reporting the prevalence of COPD in Nigeria. We provided a detailed synthesis of study characteristics, and overall median and interquartile range (IQR) of COPD prevalence in Nigeria by case definitions (spirometry or non-spirometry). # RESULTS: Of 187 potential studies, eight studies (6 spirometry and 2 non-spirometry) including 4,234 Nigerians met the criteria. From spirometry assessment, which is relatively internally consistent, the median prevalence of COPD in Nigeria was 9.2% (interquartile range, IQR: 7.6–10.0), compared to a lower prevalence (5.1%, IQR: 2.2–15.4) from studies based on British Medical Research Council (BMRC) criteria or doctor’s diagnosis. The median prevalence of COPD was almost the same among rural (9.5%, IQR: 7.6–10.3) and urban dwellers (9.0%, IQR: 5.3–9.3) from spirometry studies. # CONCLUSIONS: A limited number of studies on COPD introduces imprecision in prevalence estimates and presents concerns on the level of response available across different parts of Nigeria, and indeed across many countries in sub-Saharan Africa

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. leaf flavonoid-rich extract on Nrf-2 and HO-1 pathways in liver damage of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study investigated the effects of flavonoid-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) leaves on liver damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by evaluating various biochemical parameters, including the molecular gene expressions of Nrf-2 and HO-1 as well as histological parameters. The extract was found to significantly reduce liver damage, as evidenced by lower levels of fragmented DNA and protein carbonyl concentrations. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) level, were also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, while antioxidant biomarkers, like reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were enhanced. Additionally, the extract improved the activities of key liver enzymes, including phosphatases and transaminases, and increased albumin levels. Importantly, the study demonstrated that H. sabdariffa extract effectively regulated the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1, suggesting a significant role in mitigating liver damage. These findings highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for liver protection in diabetic conditions

High Energy Physics Opportunities Using Reactor Antineutrinos

Nuclear reactors are uniquely powerful, abundant, and flavor-pure sources ofantineutrinos that continue to play a vital role in the US neutrino physicsprogram. The US reactor antineutrino physics community is a diverse interestgroup encompassing many detection technologies and many particle physicstopics, including Standard Model and short-baseline oscillations, BSM physicssearches, and reactor flux and spectrum modeling. The community's aims offerstrong complimentary with numerous aspects of the wider US neutrino program andhave direct relevance to most of the topical sub-groups composing the Snowmass2021 Neutrino Frontier. Reactor neutrino experiments also have a directsocietal impact and have become a strong workforce and technology developmentpipeline for DOE National Laboratories and universities. This white paper,prepared as a submission to the Snowmass 2021 community organizing exercise,will survey the state of the reactor antineutrino physics field and summarizethe ways in which current and future reactor antineutrino experiments can playa critical role in advancing the field of particle physics in the next decade.<br