A population-based estimation of maternal mortality in Lagos State, Nigeria using the indirect sisterhood method.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and delivery deaths represent a risk to women, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This population-based survey was conducted to provide estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Lagos Nigeria. METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in mapped Wards and Enumeration Areas (EA) of all Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, among 9,986 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from April to August 2022 using a 2-stage cluster sampling technique. A semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire adapted from nationally representative surveys was administered using REDCap by trained field assistants for data collection on socio-demographics, reproductive health, fertility, and maternal mortality. Data were analysed using SPSS and MMR was estimated using the indirect sisterhood method. Ethical approval was obtained from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Health Research and Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Most of the respondents (28.7%) were aged 25-29 years. Out of 546 deceased sisters reported, 120 (22%) died from maternal causes. Sisters of the deceased aged 20-24 reported almost half of the deaths (46.7%) as due to maternal causes, while those aged 45-49 reported the highest number of deceased sisters who died from other causes (90.2%). The total fertility rate (TFR) was calculated as 3.807, the Lifetime Risk (LTR) of maternal death was 0.0196 or 1-in-51, and the MMR was 430 per 100,000 [95% CI: 360-510]. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that the maternal mortality rate for Lagos remains unacceptable and has not changed significantly over time in actual terms. There is need to develop and intensify community-based intervention strategies, programs for private hospitals, monitor MMR trends, identify and contextually address barriers at all levels of maternal care

Computational Assessment of Xanthones from African Medicinal Plants as Aldose Reductase Inhibitors

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening non-communicable disease that affects all age groups. Despite the increased attention it has received in recent years, the number of diabetic patients has grown exponentially. These increased cases are attributed to essential enzymes involved in blood glucose regulation. In this study, we attempt to reveal the aldose reductase inhibitory potential of xanthones isolated from African medicinal plants. Ensemble docking, molecular dynamics simulation, density functional theory (DFT), and ADMET methods were employed to identify drug candidates as aldose reductase inhibitors. The ensemble docking results identified mangostenone B, bangangxanthone A, smeathxanthone B, mangostenone A, and allanxanthone B as potent inhibitors against the aldose reductase enzyme. Molecular dynamics studies showed the xanthones established better binding mode and affinities against the enzyme. Moreover, the electronic properties of the xanthones explained their good pharmacological potentials. Therefore, our findings suggest that the hit molecules be investigated in vitro and in vivo for drug development against aldose reductase