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This study examined the effects of social capital on food security status of microcredit households in Ekiti-state, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting the sample for the study. The data for the study were collected by using a well-structured questionnaire from three hundred and eighty-six microcredit households in Ekiti-state. The data were analysed using descriptive, Foster, Greer and Thorbecke measure and probit regression model. The result showed that the average age of the sampled heads of households was 47.3years. Average years of formal education and size of households in the study area were about 6.8 years and 7 persons respectively. The results of the social capital dimensions in the study area showed that the average membership density index was 37.25% while decision making participation index was 61.44%. Heterogeneity and meeting attendance indices were 52.89% and 45.02% respectively. Cash and labour indices were 40.42% and 21.18% respectively. The mean social capital value was 12.10%. The results of the probit regression showed that age, age squared, household size, occupation, years of formal education, membership density, decision making participation, meeting attendance and heterogeneity indices of households significantly influenced food security. The use of instrumental variables led to an increase in the value of adjusted R2 from 0.3760 to 0.3996 relative to the use of the real social capital index. It is recommended that policy that will make households (particularly food insecure ones) participate in associations should be formulated.

Objective We determined the prevalence of poor glycemic control and associations with sociodemographics, comorbid conditions, and medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at a tertiary hospital in southwestern Nigeria. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study among 300 patients with T2DM using systematic random sampling. We used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information on respondents’ sociodemographic profile, lifestyle, comorbid conditions, and antidiabetic medications. Adherence was determined using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Fasting blood samples were tested using a glycated hemoglobin marker. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with poor glycemic control. Results Respondents’ mean age was 61.9 ± 11.8 years. The prevalence of poor glycemic control was 40.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.4%–45.8%). The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for factors associated with poor glycemic control was 2.522 (1.402–4.647) for older age, 1.882 (1.021–3.467) for low income, 1.734 (1.013–3.401) for obesity, 2.014 (1.269–5.336) for non-initiation of insulin therapy, and 1.830 (1.045–3.206) for poor medication adherence. Conclusion Older age, lower income, obesity, non-initiation of insulin, and poor medication adherence were associated with poor glycemic control. These variables may help clinicians identify patients at high risk of poor glycemic control.

Nigeria is the second largest poultry industry in Africa, with its poultry industry the most commercialized livestock sub-sector. Despite its significance, the farmers still experience economic losses due to disease outbreaks. Hence, the application of standard Health Management Practices (HMPs) is very important, as these practices improve the welfare of animals and increase animal production and farmers’ income. This paper examined the determinants of HMP’s utilization and its effect on poultry farmers’ income in Ondo State, Nigeria. We used multistage sampling procedures to select 120 respondents who provided data for the study. The study used Generalized Poisson Regression (GPR) and Conditional Quantile Regression (CQR) models to estimate the determinants of HMP’s utilization intensity, and its heterogeneous effects on farmers’ income, respectively. The results revealed that the HMP’s utilization intensity was significantly driven by variables such as education, training, experience, land ownership, stock size, mortality rate, and production system. In addition, HMP’s utilization had significant heterogeneous effects on farmers’ income. Therefore, the government and other developmental agencies should promote HMP’s utilization through the provision of poultry-based skills acquisition and vocational education.

Urbanisation has increasingly resulted in social fragmentation, insecurity, and health challenges in cities worldwide. Urban green infrastructure (UGI) presents a viable solution, by promoting social interaction and enhancing safety and well-being. While an increasing body of scholarly literature has examined the interaction between UGI and its social impacts in the built environment, empirical studies specifically addressing the connection between UGI quality and social cohesion in densely populated urban areas of developing countries remain limited. This article investigates the relationship between UGI and social cohesion in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria. It aims to explore how the presence, accessibility, and quality of green spaces affect social interactions, community trust, and residents’ sense of belonging. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, the study surveyed 1,560 residents through questionnaires administered in their neighbourhoods. Findings from descriptive statistical analyses and categorical regression reveal that, despite residents perceiving the current green infrastructure as substandard, there is a strong belief that it positively influences social cohesion. The study identifies three critical dimensions of UGI, which include the deterioration of green spaces, accessibility for recreation, and proximity to residences, as factors that significantly impact on social cohesion. These insights can inform urban planning policies aimed at creating inclusive and sustainable green spaces, ultimately improving social cohesion and enhancing the overall well-being of urban communities in Lagos and similar contexts throughout the Global South. By prioritising these dimensions in urban planning, cities can support stronger community ties and improve residents’ quality of life.

The burden of human schistosomiasis, a known but neglected tropical disease in Sub-Saharan Africa, has been worrisome in recent years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to tackle schistosomiasis with praziquantel, a drug known to be effective against all Schistosoma species, due to reports of reduced efficacy and resistance. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the antischistosomal potential of phytochemicals from Azadirachta indica against proteins that have been implicated as druggable targets for the treatment of schistosomiasis using computational techniques. In this study, sixty-three (63) previously isolated and characterized phytochemicals from A. indica were identified from the literature and retrieved from the PubChem database. In silico screening was conducted to assess the inhibitory potential of these phytochemicals against three receptors (Schistosoma mansoni Thioredoxin glutathione reductase, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, and Arginase) that may serve as therapeutic targets for schistosomiasis treatment. Molecular docking, ADMET prediction, ligand interaction, MMGBSA, and molecular dynamics simulation of the hit compounds were conducted using the Schrodinger molecular drug discovery suite. The results show that Andrographolide possesses a satisfactory pharmacokinetic profile, does not violate the Lipinski rule of five, binds with favourable affinity with the receptors, and interacts with key amino acids at the active site. Importantly, its interaction with dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible for the catalysis of the de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthetic pathway rate-limiting step, shows a glide score and MMGBSA of −10.19 and −45.75 Kcal/mol, respectively. In addition, the MD simulation shows its stability at the active site of the receptor. Overall, this study revealed that Andrographolide from Azadirachta indica could serve as a potential lead compound for the development of an anti-schistosomal drug.

ABSTRACT Background The leaf of Anacardium occidentale L. has been a component of many herbal recipes in South-Western Nigeria. The work reported herein, therefore, explored the phytochemical composition of this plant and the potential anti-cancer activity of an isolated chemical constituent. Methods Phytochemical methods (including chromatographic analysis) combined with spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses (IR, HRMS and NMR (1D and 2D)) were used to identify chemical constituents. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT viability assay and bright-field imaging. Induction of oxidative stress was determined using the fluorescence-based 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay. Results For the first time in the plant, Compound 1 was isolated from the leaf extract and identified as pentagalloylglucose. Compound 1 was significantly cytotoxic against the cancer cell lines HeLa (human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line) and MRC5-SV2 (human foetal lung cancer cell line), with IC 50 of 71.45 and 52.24 μg/ml, respectively. The selectivity index (SI) for Compound 1 was 1.61 (IC 50 against the normal human foetal lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5 was 84.33μg/ml), demonstrating better cancer cell-selectivity compared to doxorubicin with a SI of 1.28. The cytotoxic activity of Compound 1 in HeLa cells was also rapid, as shown by its concentration- and time-dependent 3 h and 6 h cytotoxicity profiles, an effect not observed with doxorubicin. Generation of reactive oxygen species at high concentrations of pentagalloylglucose to induce oxidative stress in cancer cells was identified as a mechanistic event that led to or resulted from its cytotoxicity. Conclusions We suggest that pentagalloylglucose is selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells, and at high concentrations could exhibit pro-oxidant effects in those cells, as opposed to its general anti-oxidant effects in cells. Also, the presence of Compound 1 (pentagalloylglucose) in the plant and its cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity provide some rationale for the ethno-medicinal use of the plant’s leaf extract for treating diseases associated with excessive cell proliferation. Further studies are required to dissect the molecular mechanisms and players differentially regulating the biphasic anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant effects of pentagalloylglucose in normal and cancer cells.

The outbreak of yellow fever virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti has been of major concern in Nigeria, this mosquito also transmits several other arboviruses globally. The control of many vectors of mosquito-borne diseases relies heavily on the use of insecticides. Therefore, constant monitoring of insecticide resistance status and associated mechanisms is crucial within the local mosquito population. Here, we determined the resistance profile of adult Ae. aegypti from Majidun and Oke Ota communities, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria to different classes of insecticides using WHO procedures. The resistant phenotypes of Ae. aegypti were screened for the presence of kdr mutations F1534C, S989P, and V1016G, which have been implicated in insecticide resistance in yellow fever vectors. A high level of resistance to DDT and pyrethroids was recorded in Ae. aegypti in this study, although possible resistance to deltamethrin, one of the pyrethroids was reported in one of the locations. Resistance to bendiocarb was recorded in the Majidun community while Ae. aegypti in both locations were susceptible to malathion. The presence of F1534C mutation associated with DDT and deltamethrin resistance in Ae. aegypti population, and the presence of S989P mutation were detected singly and in co-occurrence with F1534C for the first time in Africa, while V1016G mutation was not detected in this study. The role of these mutations in resistance phenotype expressed in Ae. aegypti in larger populations needs to be established.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the relationship that exists between land use activities and street begging in Ibadan municipality, Nigeria, following the observed influence of urban land use activities on begging incidence. Design/methodology/approach Primary data were obtained through the method of direct enumeration of beggars and cursory observation of the physical and environmental compositions of the identified beggars’ locations in the study area. Findings The results showed that begging is a function of urban land use activities and it also conforms to the concentric, sector and multiple nuclei models of urban land use. Research limitations/implications Studies are still less noticeable on the spatial implications of begging in Nigerian urban centres. In view of this, it is very much suggested that more studies be carried out on issues relating to begging, particularly, on the spatial implications of begging in other municipalities for effective comparative analysis. Originality/value The study fills a gap in the literature as there is limited research on street begging in relation to spatial dimension.

Introduction: To identify the specific Anopheles mosquito sibling species responsible for malaria transmission, determine their vectorial potential, and predict suitable control measures, this study investigated genetic identities, human blood feeding, and sporozoite infection rates of endophilic Anopheles mosquitoes in Gaa-Bolorunduro, a cattle rearing community in Kwara State, Nigeria. Methodology: Monthly pyrethrum spray collections of Anopheles mosquitoes were conducted for one year in addition to PCR characterization of sibling species and ELISA probing of human blood meal and sporozoite infections. Mean numbers and human blood indices (HBI) of the different Anopheles sibling species identified were compared. Results: The total of 668 PCR-identified mosquitoes comprised 50.8% An. arabiensis, 46.7% An. gambiae, and 2.5% An. coluzzii. Annual mean numbers of An. arabiensis was significantly higher (p = 0.001) than An. coluzzii but not An. gambiae (p = 0.602). Proportions of An. arabiensis found with human blood (0.29) were lower compared to An. gambiae (0.72) and An. coluzzii (0.75). However, the annual mean HBI of An. arabiensis was not significantly higher than An. gambiae (p = 0.195) and An. coluzzii (p = 0.249). Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite infection rate was 1.6% in An. gambiae, 0.9% in An. arabiensis and 0% in An. coluzzii. Conclusions: The prevalent An. arabiensis and An. gambiae mosquitoes found indoors, despite the outdoor cattle population barrier, could be targeted by community-scale utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets. Further studies on outdoor mosquito surveillance and bovine blood meal identification are required for the recommendation of suitable complementary vector control measures for the community.

In order to identify targets for primary preventive strategies, we explored possible predictors of periconceptional folic acid (pFA) intake in a Nigerian population of reproductively active women. A cross sectional study of mothers attending immunization clinics at two hospitals was conducted between May and November 2012. Information obtained included sociodemographic and obstetric details and periconceptional usage of FA. Independent variables were analysed as predictors of pFA intake using chi-square statistical test and multinomial logistic regression. The study involved 602 mothers aged 17 to 42 years; 23% had a university degree and 66% were in the working class. Preconceptional usage was proven in only 15 (2.5%). Periconceptional usage was more likely among professionals (X2=41.194, p<0.001), have university degree (X2=53.089, p<0.001), be primigravid (X2=18.415, p<0.001) and early antenatal clinic attendees (X2=355.9, p<0.001). Women were less likely to know that FA could prevent birth defects if in the working class (1.7% vs. 11.1%, X2=25.593, p<0.001), less educated (0.5 vs. 10.9%, X2=38.083, p<0.001) or booked late for antenatal care (2.0 vs. 5.9%, X2=5.767, p=0.016). The determinants of late commencement of FA were low social class (OR=4.29, 95% CI: 1.59, 11.31), lack of university education (OR=4.58, 95% CI: 3.06, 6.87) and late booking (OR=104.27, 95% CI: 53.09, 204.76). In this population of reproductively active women, pFA intake and knowledge of its health benefits are poor amongst mothers--in working class, with limited education, and who present late for antenatal care.