Al-Hikmah University

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection present a significant impact on women's health globally, especially in immunocompromised individuals. HIV-induced immunosuppression promotes the persistence of high-risk HPV infection and increased the progression to cervical cancer. The aim of this systematic review was to assessed the impact of HPV/HIV co-infection on the prevalence and distribution of HR-HPV genotypes, the level of immunosuppression and expression of cervical cancer biomarkers. Method The article selection method for this review was based on the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. The total of eighty-four (84) articles from standard electronic databases mainly Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were extracted and reviewed. The articles were published in English between 2008 and 2024 and comprised a total of 80023 participants. Results The HR-HPV genotypes reported across various studies include HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, 73, and 82. Among HIV positive individuals, the most common circulating HR-HPV genotypes were HPV16, 18, 45, 35, and 58, accounted for 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, and 8% of cases, respectively. Approximately 29.1% and 30.0% of patients had CD4 counts of 200–400 cells/L and 300–400 cells/L, respectively. The most commonly reported cervical cancer biomarkers were p16INK4a and Ki-67, according to the analysis. Conclusion The findings indicate high prevalence of multiple HR-HPV genotypes among HIV positive individuals, indicating the impact of HPV/HIV co-infection on immunosuppression and persistence of HPV infection. The expression of cervical cancer biomarker such as p16INK4a and Ki-67 emphasized target screening and early detection strategy in high-risk population. However, there was no direct impact of HPV/HIV co-infection reported on these biomarkers and required to be studied more especially in people living with HIV.

This study delves into the intricate interplay between finance and income inequality within the context of 16 West African nations. It specifically scrutinizes the impact of the size of financial development on income inequality, drawing inspiration from Greenwood and Jovanovic’s (1990) theory. The analysis spans a substantial period, from 2010 to 2020, and relies on panel secondary data. A comprehensive examination of the data employs various estimation techniques, including Pooled Ordinary Least Square, Random Effect Model, Fixed Effect Model, and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), to elucidate the relationship under investigation. The panel data analysis results strongly favor the Fixed Effect model. Furthermore, both the Fixed Effect model and the GMM reveal substantial support for an inverted U-shaped relationship, demonstrating remarkable robustness with slight variations in significance. Notably, the study highlights the significance of lagged Gini values, GDP per capita growth, trade openness, inflation, government consumption, and infrastructure in influencing income inequality.

Oropouche fever is an increasingly significant health concern in tropical and subtropical areas of South and Central America, and is primarily spread by midge vectors. The Oropouche virus (OROV) was first identified in 1955 and has been responsible for numerous outbreaks, particularly in urban environments. Despite its prevalence, the disease is often under-reported, making it difficult to fully understand its impact. OROV typically causes febrile illness characterized by symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, and, occasionally, neurological issues such as meningitis. The ability of the virus to thrive in both forested and urban areas has raised concerns regarding its potential spread to new regions, particularly in the context of climate change. This paper delves into the epidemiology, clinical features, and transmission patterns of OROV, shedding light on the difficulties in diagnosing and managing the disease. The absence of specific treatments and vaccines highlights the urgent need for continued research and development of targeted public health strategies. Advancements in molecular diagnostics and vector control strategies can mitigate Oropouche fever’s impact. However, a comprehensive public health approach involving increased surveillance, public education, and cross-border collaboration is needed, especially as the global climate crisis may expand vector habitats, posing risks to previously unaffected regions.

This study examined the effect of receivable on profitability in Nigeria manufacturing companies. Panel data analysis components such as random, and fixed effects as well as pooled regression were employed to analyse the data collected from annual reports of selected manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Based on the finding for the reliable analytical tools, it was discovered that Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) increased Profitability significantly. Also credit policy increases profitability positively and significantly indicating that there is a positive effect of credit policy on Profitability. Conversely, other variables which are the control variables such as industry types, economic environment, and company size had negative effect on profitability. Conclusively, receivable has positive impact on profitability in Nigeria manufacturing industries. It is recommended that companies should inversely reduce Days Sales Outstanding periods foe the collection of debts owned by their consumers for effective production utilization so as to ultimately upsurge Nigeria companies’ profitability significantly and tremendously. Also, the credit policy of the companies should be reviewed to be friendlier for the customers so that accommodate more customers for effective increment in patronage and profitability.

Background: Mandibular canal (MC) is mostly influenced by individual characteristics, such as gender, age, race, and level of alveolar bone loss, and it needs to be assessed prior to various posterior mandibular surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the MC anatomical patterns and anterior loop (AL) parameters among Yemeni samples via cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material/Methods: In this CBCT retrospective cross-sectional study, 558 CBCTs were recruited, and the MC patterns and AL parameters were categorized created on sex and age groups. Contributors CBCT images were analyzed, assessed, and measured from the sagittal and panoramic views, and the MC patterns were documented as straight and vertical. In addition, the AL length, diameter, and the distance to buccal cortical plate (BCP) and lingual cortical plate (LCP) and inferior border of the mandible (IBM) in were recorded association with the sex, age groups, and side. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: The MC patterns were 64.5%, 32.8%, and 6.9% for the straight and vertical patterns and AL, respectively. The AL had an overall prevalence of 2.7%. The AL length and diameter were 5.1±1.4 and 2.4±0.5 mm, respectively. The distances of the anterior part of the AL were 2.5±0.9, 3.8±1.5, and 8.6±2.0 mm for the BCP, LCP, and IBM, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the MC patterns and all AL parameters (gender, age groups, and side; p > 0.05), except the height between the bottom edge of the inferior alveolar nerve canal and the lower edge of the jawbone (p 0.025). Patient gender had significant effects on all AL height and diameters and parameter mea­surements (p <0.05). Moreover, the AL diameter displayed a significant difference only with the IBM with p 0.001. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of AL was low on both sides, and the AL parameters were higher in males and on the right side. Among MC patterns, the straight pattern was the most prevalent in females, on the right side, and among age groups.

Genetic compatibility needs to be carefully considered i n an effort to lessen the frequency of sickle cell disease (SCD), especially in Nigeria and other African where the disease has a high burden with morbidity and mortality. It has been demonstrated that knowledge of premarital genotype screening PMS, educates individuals about SCD. The descriptive study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of SCD on PMS on selected university student participants. The population for the study are undergraduates, the multi-stage sampling technique was used in sample selection of the 341 respondents, and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Findings indicate 88.3% fell within age range of 18–25 years, 70.1% were female and single, representing 93.5% and a significant proportion. 76% have heard understand SCD and are generally familiar with the complications of SCD. Only 56% have good knowledge of PMS as the cheapest prevention, While 63% don’t know about premarital sickle cell counselling. Only 56% knew their Hemoglobin genotype, however 12% knew Hemoglobin genotype of their fiancés and 69% are of the opinion of terminate relationship if the genotype result is incompatible. 68% support mandatory PMS and the establishment of laws prohibiting marriage in cases of PMS incompatibility. The statistical analysis given that P-value is 0.000, which is < alpha level of 0.05, therefore null hypothesis rejected, It was concluded that knowledge of genetic composition and the potential threat of SCD was robust, mandatory PMS with better counselling strategies, laws to regulate genetic diseases and willingness in advocating PMS to intending couples was confirmed. Recommendations, carrier identification and genetic counselling enlightenment on SCD and PMS testing through mass media and screening centers should be made by the government and religious institutions

Background: This study delves into the understudied yet potentially crucial role of paternal zinc deficiency in programming offspring metabolic outcomes. By examining paternal zinc deficiency, we aim to shed light on a previously unexplored avenue with the potential to significantly impact future generations. We investigated the intergenerational effects of paternal zinc deficiency on metabolic parameters in Drosophila melanogaster. Methods: Dietary zinc deficiency was induced by supplementing the diet of Drosophila F0 male flies with TPEN (N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) from egg stage. The F0 male flies after eclosion were mated with age-matched virgin female flies from the control group, resulting in the F1 offspring generation. The F1 generation were then cultured on a standard diet for subsequent metabolic analyses, including assessments of body weight, locomotion, and levels of glucose, trehalose, glycogen, and triglycerides as well as the expression of related genes. Results: We observed an increase (p<0.05) in body weight in male parent flies and female offspring. Negative geotaxis performance was also impaired in the female offspring. Paternal zinc deficiency exerted distinct effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as evidenced by a significant (p<0.05) increase in trehalose and tri�glyceride levels in both parent and offspring. Additionally, zinc deficiency led to alterations in the expression of key metabolic genes, including significant (p<0.05) increase in DILP2 mRNA levels, highlighting potential links to insulin signaling. Also, there were reduced mRNA levels of SOD1 and CAT in both parental and offspring generations. Parental zinc deficiency also increased the expression of Eiger and UPD2 mRNA in the offspring, suggesting potential perturbations in the immune response system. Conclusion: These findings underscore the link between zinc status and various physiological and molecular processes, revealing both immediate and intergenerational impacts on metabolic, antioxidant, and inflammatory pathways and providing valuable insights on the implications of paternal zinc deficiency in Drosophila melanogaste

Business voluntary efforts to improve society and the environment are referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR). As such, the idea of CSR is embodied in Nigerian enterprises continuous commitment to environmental improvement. Using ten Nigerian consumer goods manufacturers that are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, this study looked at the relationship between CSR and long-term financial success over the course of ten years (2012-2021). The study used panel data and multiple linear regression with E-views software. Economic responsibility has a small and negative impact on ROA, whereas legal duty has a substantial and beneficial impact, per the study. ROA is positively and significantly impacted by ethical duty as well. The analysis also showed that while legal obligation has a negligible but modest impact and ethical responsibility has a slight but favorable impact on ROE, economic responsibility has a considerable and positive impact on ROE. Since there is a clear correlation between moral responsibility and business success, research on return on assets (ROA) suggests that it should be encouraged. Legal responsibility and the firm’s performance are positively correlated, albeit this relationship is not statistically significant. The ROA research indicates that since it greatly enhances business performance, economic responsibility ought to be encouraged. The organization needs to manage legal liabilities to get the intended results. There was positive association between business performance and ethical responsibility, even if it was not statistically significant.

This study investigated unexplored predictors of fertility in Nigeria, integrating them with established global predictors to create a comprehensive fertility model. The base model used traditional predictors, while subsequent models evaluated new ones. Insignificant predictors were excluded based on AICc values. The final model revealed significant regional variations in fertility rates. Women in the North-East, North-West, and South-East regions had higher Total Children Ever Born (TCEB) than those in the North-Central region, while women in the South-West had lower TCEB. Educational attainment inversely affected fertility, with higher TCEB among women with no, primary, and secondary education compared to those with higher education. Contraceptive methods significantly reduced TCEB, including female sterilization, injections, male condoms, and emergency contraception. Marital status and decision-making dynamics were crucial; married women, women living with their partner, and widows had higher TCEB than divorced women. Women whose healthcare decisions were made solely by their husband had significantly higher TCEB. Additionally, internet use and terminated pregnancies were associated with lower TCEB. These findings align with existing literature on fertility determinants in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting regional disparities and the impacts of education, contraceptive use, marital status, and decision-making dynamics. The results advocate for culturally sensitive, region-specific family planning interventions, promotion of female education, increased access to contraceptives, and strategies empowering women in decision-making. Enhanced family planning efforts through information technology and continuous program adaptation are essential for sustainable population growth in Nigeria.

This study investigated the effect of CS on oxidative stress and the recovery period in male rats. Forty rats (170 g ± 1.24) were separately assigned into four groups of ten animals each, such that the rats in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 received orally 1 ml of distilled water, 2mg, 4mg and 6mg of CS respectively for two weeks. Catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined using standard methods. High dose (6 mg) and low doses (2mg and 4 mg) of CS significantly decrease catalase, SOD, GPx, GSH, TAC and significantly increase MDA and LDH levels when compared with the control. However, all the groups treated with low doses showed no significant difference in all the parameters when compared with the control after treatment. In conclusion, it could be deduced that these alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers were dependent on the doses of CS consumed. However, groups treated with low doses were able to recover from the damages caused by CS after treatment. This study recommends that people should abstain from the consumption of CS due to its detrimental effect in the body.

Background Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a commonly used flavor enhancer that has raised concerns due to its potential adverse effects on various organs. This study explored the neuroprotective potential of Vitamin D, a beneficial micronutrient, in mitigating MSG-induced neurotoxicity. Materials and methods Adult male Wistar rats were categorized into five groups: control (2 ml/kg PBS orally for 30 days), MSG (40 mg/kg orally for 30 days), VIT-D (oral cholecalciferol; 500 IU/kg for 30 days), MSG+VIT-D (MSG for 30 days followed by VIT-D for another 30 days), and VIT-D/MSG (concurrent VIT-D and MSG for 30 days). The rats underwent neurobehavioral, histochemical, and biochemical analyses following the treatments. Results MSG treatment caused a decline in both long and short-term memory, along with reduced exploratory and anxiogenic behavior, mitigated by vitamin D treatment. MSG exposure also induced impaired behavior, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, altered cholinergic transmission, and increased chromatolysis and neuroinflammation in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Conclusions VIT-D demonstrated a mitigating effect on MSG-induced adverse outcomes, highlighting its potential to attenuate neurodegenerative cascades. This investigation contributes to understanding MSG-associated neurotoxicity and suggests vitamin D as a valuable and potential intervention for neuroprotection.

The Fifth Industrial Revolution is ushering in a profound era of technological advancement and societal transformation, prompting a critical examination of the evolving role of libraries in this digital landscape. Traditionally regarded as the custodians of knowledge, libraries must adapt to these changing dynamics of the digital world while preserving their core principles. This study looks into the strategic integration of advanced technologies, aiming to redefine the mission of libraries in the face of complex challenges. The Fifth Industrial Revolution encompasses a convergence of diverse technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and quantum computing, all underpinned by the currency of data. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a focal point, promising enhancements in user experiences and operational efficiency, however, it also raises critical ethical and privacy concerns that challenge fundamental library principles. This research employs an interpretive content/document analysis approach to examine the evolving roles of libraries, considering their pivotal function in bridging the digital divide, providing equitable access to technology and digital resources, advancing research and innovation, and fostering community engagement. The study underscores the imperative to address challenges related to data privacy, digital inclusion, resource allocation, intellectual property, and sustainability. However, despite these challenges, libraries are poised to remain indispensable pillars of education, research, and community interaction. To do so, they must embrace technology strategically to redefine their roles and expand their influence within evolving knowledge systems.

Zinc deficiency is a common nutritional disorder with detrimental health consequences. Whether parental zinc deficiency induces intergenerational effects remains largely unknown. We investigated the effects of a combined maternal and paternal zinc deficiency on offspring’s metabolic outcomes and gene expression changes in Drosophila melanogaster. The parent flies were raised on zinc-deficient diets throughout development, and their progeny were assessed. Offspring from zinc-deprived parents exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight and whole-body zinc levels. They also displayed disrupted glucose metabolism, altered lipid homeostasis, and diminished activity of antioxidant enzymes. Gene expression analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) alterations in zinc transport genes, with increases in mRNA levels of dZIP1 and dZnT1 for female and male offspring, respectively. Both sexes exhibited reduced dZnT35C mRNA levels and significant (p < 0.05) increases in the mRNA levels of DILP2 and proinflammatory markers, Eiger and UPD2. Overall, female offspring showed higher sensitivity to parental zinc deficiency. Our findings underscore zinc’s crucial role in maintaining health and the gender-specific responses to zinc deficiency. There is the need for further exploration of the underlying mechanisms behind these intergenerational effects.

Global efforts to combat epidemic cholera outbreaks have witnessed tremendous feats over the decades. However, sporadic outbreaks in regions, particularly across African states, mask these advancements. This regressive trend is frequently fuelled by factors retarding efforts towards optimal environmental sanitation and personal hygiene, such as ingesting infected food, drinking contaminated waters, and engaging in unhealthy environmental practices such as indiscriminate waste and sewage disposal and poor toilet practices. The ongoing efforts to achieve the Global Taskforce on Cholera Control (GTFCC) targets of a 90% reduction in cases and deaths by 2030, even in the wake of continuous outbreaks across various African regions, as reported by the World Health Organization, face a significant threat. One such effort, among others, is the AFRICHOL project, an enhanced cholera surveillance consortium launched in Africa over a decade ago as part of the GTFCC at the World Health Organization to monitor and fast-track the GTFCC’s 2030 targets. It is tasked with supporting the implementation of research-based strategies for combating cholera in Africa. The prequalified oral cholera vaccines – Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol – and those with recombinant DNA technology have also emerged as remarkable strides. In the face of this progress, challenges persist. Climate change, including extreme weather events and the lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, acts as a multiplier, amplifying existing challenges and hindering progress. Porous borders with inefficient disease surveillance networks among member states also facilitate the inter-territorial spread of the disease. Despite ongoing challenges, global targets can still be met if strong institutional infrastructure and additional evidence-based public health initiatives are promulgated and enacted. The Global Roadmap to Ending Cholera Outbreaks by 2030 is a resourceful tool for advancing this fight and eradicating cholera.

Maternal zinc deficiency significantly influences fetal development and long-term health outcomes, yet its transgenerational effects remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the transgenerational effects of maternal zinc deficiency on metabolic outcomes in Drosophila melanogaster. Zinc deficiency was induced in Drosophila by incorporating TPEN (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) into their diet. Offspring (F1 to F3) were maintained on a standard diet for subsequent analyses. Various metabolic markers, including glucose, trehalose, glycogen, and triglyceride levels, were assessed, and gene expression analyses were conducted to examine the molecular responses across generations. Significant reductions in locomotor performance in female F1 flies and increased body weight in the F2 generation were observed. Maternal zinc deficiency exhibited gender- and generation-specific impacts on metabolic markers. Notably, an adaptive response in the F3 generation included increased catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity, along with decreased malondialdehyde levels. Gene expression analyses revealed upregulation of DILP2 mRNA across generations and significant variations in PEPCK, SOD1, CAT, EGR, and UPD2 mRNA levels, demonstrating intricate responses to maternal zinc deficiency. This study provides a holistic understanding of the consequences of maternal zinc deficiency, emphasizing the complex interplay between zinc status and metabolic outcomes across generations in Drosophila. These findings lay the foundation for future research elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms, with potential implications for humans. The insights gained contribute to informing targeted interventions aimed at optimizing offspring health in the context of maternal zinc deficiency.

The desire for unbiased journalism that effectively counters disinformation is widely recognised. News consumers are not only interested in news, but they also want unbiased journalism that cuts through disinformation, and they want it from trusted news sources. Consequently, media researchers need to explore ways to facilitate news-source identification, irrespective of the platform used. However, the availability of multimedia data sources has seen a remarkable surge in recent years, encompassing demographic data, social media data, geodata, and pervasive digital trace data. Multimedia data mining is a procedure of discovering stimulating trends via media data using video, text, and audio that are not generally available by simple enquiries and related outputs. Researchers face the challenge of integrating these diverse sources to enhance news source attribution in multimedia data including platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. The paper presents a review of multimedia data approaches and their application to news source attribution research. Also, the examination of the benefits and limitations of these techniques and discussion on future directions were mentioned. Consideration was on machine learning and statistical approaches to multimedia data, which include deep learning, and probabilistic modelling. Similarly, a discussion on the importance of data privacy and ethics in news source attribution research was stated. The contribution of this study is highly relevant for news media research groups striving to improve their capability to attribute sources in multimedia data, thereby combatting disinformation and amplifying trusted media brands.

This paper analyzes the relationship between food and oil prices in Nigeria before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, using monthly data from January 2018 to December 2021. The ARDL and NARDL models are applied to estimate the symmetry and asymmetric relationship that exists in food price behavior. The NARDL confirms the presence of asymmetries, and the bound test affirms the co-integration and long-run relationship among the variables. In the long run, there is a significant positive relation between oil price increases and food prices, but the long-run impact of oil price reductions on food prices is not significant. In the short run, only increases in oil prices exert a significant influence on food prices, while decreases in oil prices do not. Furthermore, the COVID-19 period exerts a positive and significant impact on food prices, while COVID-19 cases do not influence food prices in Nigeria.

Anthrax, a zoonotic disease with serious public health consequences, has been the subject of rigorous mathematical and statistical modeling to better understand its dynamics and to devise effective control techniques. In this study, we propose a novel mathematical risk-structured model for anthrax disease spread that includes both qualitative and quantitative evaluations. Our research focuses on the complex interplay between host–anthrax interactions and zoonotic transmission. Our mathematical approach incorporates bifurcation analysis and stability considerations. We investigate the dynamic behavior of the proposed model under various settings, shedding light on the important parameters that determine anthrax transmission and persistence. The normalized forward sensitivity analysis method is used to determine the parameters that are relevant to reducing Rc and, by extension, disease spread. Through scenario simulation of our model, we identify intervention techniques, such as enlightenment of the populace, that will effectively minimize disease transmission. Our findings provide insights into anthrax epidemiology and emphasize the importance of effective disease management. Bifurcation investigations reveal the existence and stability of numerous equilibria, allowing for a better understanding of the behavior of the system under various scenarios. This study adds to the field of anthrax modeling by providing a foundation for informed decision-making regarding public health measures. The use of a mathematical modeling approach improves our ability to anticipate and control anthrax epidemics, ultimately helping to protect both human and animal populations.