Enugu State University of Science and Technology

Background The inclusion of behavioral therapy and stress reduction techniques among vocational students of the Nigerian universities is crucial for enhancing their practical skill acquisition and career prospects in challenging academic scenarios. This study explored the combined effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction in reducing test anxiety among business education students in a measurement and evaluation course. Methods Employing a randomized control trial with a pretest-posttest design, the research draws responses from 483 students from two universities in Southeast Nigeria. The participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment or waitlist control groups on the basis of set inclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted via four different instruments, and the treatment group participated in a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (CBT-MBSR) program. Evaluations of both groups were conducted at three different stages: before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and during the follow-up period. Analysis was carried out via repeated-measures ANOVA and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results The results indicated that TVET students who underwent the CBT-MBSR intervention had significantly lower post-treatment test anxiety scores than those in the wait-list control group. The intervention also had a significant multivariate effect on reducing test anxiety, improved mindfulness, students’ academic achievement, and their well-being (F value = 1168.52 (p =.001, η² = 0.752). Conclusion This study assessed the efficacy of CBT with MBSR in reducing test anxiety, improving academic performance, and increasing well-being among students in TVET settings. The study revealed how CBT helped reduce test anxiety, thereby improving students’ academic performance through increasing their concentration. Thus, this study provides fresh knowledge on how to improve psychological well-being and educational performance by introducing a new method of combining MBSR and CBT, which enriches the literature with a dual-modality approach that helps students reduce their anxieties and fosters their personal growth. This study has practical implications for university administrators, educators, and researchers and offers several recommendations. Clinical Trial Number Not applicable.

Pollution and self-purification characteristics of Ajali River stretch impacted by industrial wastewater was studied. Ajali River was sampled from -250 m upstream before the pollution to 2250 m downstream at eight sampling points. The self-purification capacity of the river was assessed in terms of capacity for self-purification per unit length and Fair’s number. De-oxygenation data were fitted to first and second-order models. Sag analyses was carried out using Streeter-Phelps method and some parameters such as saturation DO, minimum dissolve oxygen (DOmin), initial oxygen deficit (DO), initial ultimate BOD (Lo), critical oxygen deficit (Dc) and maximum permissible BOD Load (LA) were determined. De-oxygenation rate of the river were 0.149 and 0.152 day⁻¹ for dry and rainy seasons respectively. Re-aeration rate were 0.271 and 0.415 day⁻¹ for dry and rainy seasons respectively. Fairs ratio was estimated to be 1.8 and 2.73 for dry and rainy seasons respectively. Oxygen deficits at the sag point were 3.62 and 2.92 mg/L for dry and rainy seasons. The minimum dissolved oxygen was 4.17 and 5.21 mg/L for the dry and rainy seasons. The maximum permissible BOD limits were 11.460 and 13.597 mg/L for both seasons. Ajali was found to have a self-purification capacity for organic pollutants. It has an initial oxygen deficit before the introduction of effluent. Ajali River recovered from the pollution effect at 1000 m from the point of effluent discharge during the rainy season and 1500 m during the dry season. It was concluded that Ajali River can naturally purify itself at a distance of 1000 m and 1500 m for dry and rainy season respectively. Based on Fair’s ratio, re-aeration was seen to pre-dominate de-oxygenation process and the river falls into the category of large stream of normal velocity possessing moderate re-aeration potential. The results showed that Ajali river possess potential for self-purification especially organic pollutants.

The human parasitic fluke, Schistosoma haematobium hybridizes with the livestock parasite S. bovis in the laboratory, but the frequency of hybridization in nature is unclear. Here, we analyze 34.6 million single nucleotide variants in 162 samples from 18 African countries, revealing a sharp genetic discontinuity between northern and southern S. haematobium. We find no evidence for recent hybridization. Instead the data reveal admixture events that occurred 257–879 generations ago in northern S. haematobium populations. Fifteen introgressed S. bovis genes are approaching fixation in northern S. haematobium with four genes potentially driving adaptation. Further, we identify 19 regions that are resistant to introgression; these are enriched on the sex chromosomes. These results (i) suggest strong barriers to gene flow between these species, (ii) indicate that hybridization may be less common than currently envisaged, but (iii) reveal profound genomic consequences of rare interspecific hybridization between schistosomes of medical and veterinary importance.

Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a well-known synthetic antineoplastic drug, has limited usage because of its ability to induce oxidative stress, leading to liver and kidney tissue damage, and the need to prevent the associated toxicity is very crucial. Therefore, this study evaluated the protective effect of crude extract, hexane–acetone (hex-ace), and methanol (MeOH) fractions of SIS on some renal and hepatic indices of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in male rats. Forty-two albino rats were randomly assigned to seven groups and given different treatments: group 1, normal control; group 2, CYP (15 mg/kg b.w. twice weekly) treated rats; groups 3 through 7, co-treatment of CYP and 100 mg/kg b.w. of hexane extract of SIS (HESIS), co-treatment of CYP and 200 mg/kg b.w. of HESIS, co-treatment of CYP and 400 mg/kg b.w. of HESIS, co-treatment of CYP and 200 mg/kg b.w. of hexane–acetone fraction of SIS (HAFSIS), and co-treatment of CYP and 200 mg/kg b.w. of methanol fraction of SIS (MFSIS), respectively, for 28 days. The compounds of SIS identified by GCMS were docked for enhancement of the Nrf2 signaling pathway using Open Babel, Discovery Studio, and PyRX. Administration of CYP significantly induced oxidative stress-related renal and hepatic injury as seen in the CYP-treated group compared to the normal rats, but the SIS extract and fractions significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the evaluated renal and hepatic indices and enhanced the SOD and CAT compared to the CYP-treated group. The SIS-identified bioactive compounds through an in silico study showed high potential in upregulating and enhancing the Nrf2 signaling pathway, which accounts for the antioxidative stress potential of SIS. The n-hexadecanoic acid from SIS exhibited a docking score of − 7.8, and the control (tocopherol) was − 8.2 toward the studied Nrf2 targets. The outcome of the study showed that SIS possesses renal and hepatic protective potential against CYP-induced oxidative reno-hepatic injury, and it could serve as an adjunct and a good source of treatment for CYP-induced renal and hepatic toxicity.

The exploration of plant signaling pathways is transforming the way diabetes is managed, providing new, multi-target strategies for controlling this complex metabolic disorder. Medicinal plants are rich in bioactive compounds like phytohormones, flavonoids and polyphenols, which regulate key pathways including oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and gut microbiota modulation. Research is emerging on the therapeutic potential of Momordica charantia, Cinnamomum verum and Trigonella foenum-graecum, which enhance insulin secretion, sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. These plant derived compounds, resveratrol and plant based insulin mimetics, not only address metabolic dysfunction but also offer holistic treatment for long term complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy. The development of precision medicine advances the tailoring of plant based therapies to individual metabolic responses, increasing efficacy and decreasing reliance on synthetic drugs with adverse side effects. Despite challenges of standardization, regulatory barriers, and limited clinical trials, incorporating medicinal plants into national diabetes management guidelines represents a cost effective and accessible option, particularly in resource limited settings. In this review, we highlight the importance of collaborative work across disciplines and the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence to speed research and optimize patient specific applications. The therapeutic power of plant signaling pathways is harnessed to develop sustainable, inclusive, and effective diabetes management strategies.

A bstract Background Apart from the bicuspid aortic valve, ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect in children. The defect is not without several associations and correlates. Objectives To elicit the trends, clinical correlates, mortality rates, and follow-up events in children with VSD. Materials and Methods This was a descriptive study carried out in three health institutions in Nigeria over a five-year period. Echocardiography was performed among 758 children who presented to the outpatient clinics for suspected heart lesions. Results The prevalence of VSD was 20% (151/758). The profile of their nutritional status showed that 31.0% (47/151) were stunted and wasted. Seven percent, (11/151) were overweight and 2.0% (3/151) were obese. Breathlessness was the most common clinical finding, 55.1% (70/127), while aortic regurgitation 3.3% (5/150) was the most common association. Most deaths were seen in children <1 year of age, 47.0% (9/19). There was a total of 19 deaths – 50% (9.5/19) were pre-operative and 53.0% (10/19) were females. The most common cause of death was heart failure 15.0% (2.9/19). Conclusion The prevalence and mortality rate of children with VSD were high in the study population. The affected children had varying degrees of malnutrition and other complications. A high index of suspicion, nutritional rehabilitation, and timely referral to curb the rising number of deaths are key to reducing the burden.

In contemporary society, sustainability is a key issue that borders on overall human existence, and it has been rigorously argued that extensive efforts are needed to ensure the survival of the human race. Such efforts include corporate bodies changing the ways they operate to ensure that their activities do not yield negative impacts on the environment and the human race in general. In view of this, this research was conducted to assess the influence of stakeholder theory (consumers’ demand, suppliers’ collaboration, and regulatory pressure) on the decision of companies in the logistics sector to adopt sustainable fuel and renewable energy in their operations. The study also sought to assess the mediating role of organisational commitment. To this end, 294 responses were gathered across companies in three states in Nigeria. Gathered data were analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS software. Findings indicate that stakeholder theory (consumers’ demand, suppliers’ collaboration, and regulatory pressure) yields significant influence on the adoption of sustainability measures (sustainable fuel and renewable energy) in logistics companies. Additionally, organisational commitment was found to mediate this relationship. Therefore, it was concluded that stakeholders should put pressure on logistics companies to adopt sustainability measures because they yield significant influence on that decision.

A series of nine substituted derivatives of 4‐methyl‐2‐(3‐methyl‐2‐(4‐methylphenylsulfonamido)‐butanamido)thiazole‐5‐carboxylate were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for antimalarial activity. The synthesis involved a two‐step process using methyl acetoacetate and various substituted benzenesulfonamoyl alkanamides. Structural confirmation was achieved using NMR and mass spectroscopy. The in vivo antimalarial efficacy was tested against Plasmodium berghei in Swiss albino mice, with artemisinin as the reference drug. Compounds 4e and 4h exhibited the highest inhibition rates of 81.68%, and 85.34% respectively, closely matching artemisinin (90%). Structure‐activity relationship (SAR) analysis identified the sulfonamide group, alkyl chain length, and molecular flexibility as critical determinants of activity. Docking studies revealed strong binding affinities for 4e and 4h, supported by stable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the enzyme’s active site, corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations. ADMET analysis revealed favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, including high GI absorption, acceptable solubility, and low mutagenic risk. These findings highlight compounds 4e and 4h as promising leads for antimalarial drug development.

Background Regional variations in the prevalence of epilepsy in Nigeria have been validated. We determined the prevalence of active convulsive epilepsy in six towns of Dunukofia County and compared the findings with existing regional prevalence data. Methods Patients with active convulsive epilepsy were identified in a two-phase cross-sectional descriptive community-based door-to-door study using a validated questionnaire in the first phase and a modified epilepsy questionnaire developed for tropical countries in the second phase after clinical assessment and electroencephalogram. Results A total of 9000 persons were surveyed in the first stage, of which 56 had active convulsive epilepsy. The highest point prevalence was found in Nawgu, 7.3 per 1000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7–15.8) while the lowest point prevalence of 5.0 per 1000 (95% CI: 2.0–10.3) was obtained in Ukpo. The observed rates after age adjustment to the Nigeria standard population of 4.9–5.7 per 1000 in this study, which was comparable to 4.6–5.7 per 1000 reported in previous studies, besides two isolated reports of rates as low as 2.7 per 1000 and as high as 20.0 per 1000 reported in the past from two sites in the northern section of the region. Conclusions The burden of epilepsy is high in this region, and intra-regional differences in prevalence rates exist. The implications of this finding do not only border on the care of people living with epilepsy but also highlight the need to identify local risk factors as well as appropriate and locally acceptable approaches to reduce the epilepsy burden.

In the present study, the inhibitive effect of gestid on Al in 1 M H2SO4 was studied using various methods namely the weight loss method, electrochemical method, and density functional theory. Characterization of the inhibitor was carried out with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) while optimization was carried out with response surface methodology (RSM). Heteroatoms detected by the FTIR results show the expired gestid as a good inhibitor for Al in the H2SO4 solution. GC-MS analysis indicated that other compounds that contain heteroatoms such as anethole, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, carbonic acid, decyl pentadecyl ester, tritetracontane, sulphurous acid, butyl octyl ester, 2-propyl undecyl ester, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, ethyl nonyl ester, n-hexadecanoic acid, phthalic acid, theophylline, among others, were contained in the inhibitor. The inhibition efficiency of gestid increased with an increase in its concentration and decreased with an increase in temperature. From the adsorption studies, the experimental data fitted into the Langmuir model. The Potentiodynamic polarization analysis results showed that the expired gestid is a mixed-type inhibitor. Impedance spectroscopy results gave a Nyquist graph with depressed semi-circles as well as an IE of 95.55%. The DFT parameters obtained support the inhibitive ability of gestid on aluminium in sulphuric acid media. RSM results gave an optimum IE of 92.01%, which was further improved by artificial neural network (ANN) modelling. Hence, the experimental, theoretical, electrochemical and optimization studies carried out showed agreement with each other.

Background The role of biological factors such as foetal haemoglobin in modifying the severity of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) has been extensively investigated. However, the phenotypic variability of SCA cannot be explained by genetic factors alone. Hence, the need to determine other correlates of SCA severity such as perceived stress and social support. Methods This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 60 participants aged 8–17 years selected using simple random sampling technique. Standard rating scales (i.e., SCA scoring system, perceived stress scale, and child and adolescent social support scale) were used to assess the severity of SCA, perceived stress and social support, respectively. Foetal haemoglobin (HbF) was estimated using high performance liquid chromatography. The psychosocial predictors of sickle cell severity were analyzed using multivariate linear regression. Results There was a negative moderate significant correlation between SCA severity and domains of social support: parents’ (rho = -0.30, p = 0.03) and classmates’ (rho = -0.50, p < 0.001). Of all the variables studied, only classmates’ perceived social support emerged as the significant predictor of SCA severity when other confounders such as HbF were controlled for (β = -0.37, t = 2.41, p = 0.02). Conclusion The findings of this study support the available literature on the mediating effect of social support on SCA severity. These findings buttress the need for clinicians to consider psychosocial methods (e.g., family and classmates’ support) in improving disease outcomes.

Anti-malarial drug resistance poses a significant challenge to global malaria control efforts, necessitating a deeper understanding of the evolutionary dynamics underlying the emergence and spread of resistance. This study explores how evolutionary theory provides a framework for elucidating the molecular mechanisms and genetic variation within parasite populations that drive resistance evolution. Drawing on recent research findings, we discuss the role of natural selection, genetic diversity, and fitness costs in shaping resistance phenotypes. Additionally, we highlight the implications of evolutionary insights for antimalarial drug policy, treatment guidelines, and future research directions. By integrating evolutionary biology principles with molecular epidemiology, this review aims to inform strategies for combating antimalarial drug resistance and advancing malaria treatment efforts. Using evolutionary theory to understand the dynamics of antimalarial drug resistance at the molecular level, we explored the influence of genetic variation within parasite populations on the emergence and spread of resistance. Antimalarial drug resistance poses a formidable challenge to global malaria control. By applying evolutionary theory to understand the dynamics of resistance emergence and spread at the molecular level, researchers can develop more effective strategies for surveillance, prevention, and treatment of drug-resistant malaria. Abbreviations: ACTs = artemisinin-based combination therapies, GWAS = genome-wide association studies, k13 = mutations in the kelch13, pfcrt = Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter, pfmdr = multidrug resistance protein 1, sWGA = selective whole genome amplification.

The occurrence and dissemination of resistomes within environmental compartments are worrisome, considering the huge public health challenge they may pose. Treated wastewater from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been shown to contain enormous and diversified bacterial communities with antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles, and it provides tolerable environments for their prefoliation and dissemination. This study considered the ARG profiles of a municipal WWTP that also collects wastewater from diverse production factories with the aim to determine the efficacy of the wastewater treatment plant and the prevalence of ARGs in the various compartments. The WWTP employs the conventional activated sludge system in its treatment. Our study employed metagenomic screening of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), using different PCR assays of untreated wastewater (UTW) and treated wastewater (TWW) from the WWTP. Downstream- (RWD) and upstream- (RWU) receiving river water was also screened. Twenty-nine ARGs and two mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were screened for. Antibiotic resistance genes to all the classes of antibiotics studied were detected in all the samples. Of the twenty-nine ARGs screened for, twenty-four (82.8%) were detected, and one MGE was detected from the two screened for in the samples with the highest ARG prevalence detected in the UTW. This study shows that ARGs proliferate in every compartment of the WWTP, even in the treated water and the receiving rivers, portraying that the WWTP system was not efficient in getting rid of the resistomes, creating an important channel for human acquisition of resistant determinants to antibiotics.

Alumina has found wide application in technological and engineering fields. However, due to the environmental effects of the traditional Bayer process of production, there is a need for a more eco-friendly and cost-effective procedure. The optimization of alumina extraction from microcline in nitric acid (HNO3) solution is considered in this work. The optimization exercise was performed with the optimization tools of response surface methodology (RSM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The optimum conditions predicted by RSM include 82.11 oC reaction temperature, 3.53 M HNO3 concentration, 0.023 g/mL solid/liquid (S/L) ratio, 356.14 rpm stirring speed, and 99.92 min reaction time. At these conditions, about 83.21% alumina leaching rate was predicted. PSO however predicted optimum conditions of 90oC, 4 M, 0.021 g/mL, 420 rpm, and 118 min, respectively, for the parameters above. Hence, the two techniques were viable tools for the optimization exercise.

Nigeria bears the highest global burden of malaria, accounting for 25% of cases and 19% of deaths worldwide. Development partners provide substantial support for malaria prevention and treatment in Nigeria. This study examines the financial burden of malaria on households and the benefit incidence of donor-supported bed net services in Enugu State, Nigeria. We conducted an interview-administered household survey in urban, semi-urban and rural regions in Enugu State in 2020. We collected data on the use of malaria services and out-of-pocket (OOP) payments. Socioeconomic status (SES) was estimated using household assets ownership. The benefits of malaria services were calculated by multiplying the unit cost of services while the net benefit was calculated by subtracting OOP payment from the benefits. A concentration index was used to assess equity in spending on malaria across socioeconomic quintiles. We estimated the gross and net benefit incidences for malaria services by deducting the OOP payment from the gross benefits. Most respondents were women, married, and had attained secondary education. Over 53.9% of surveyed households owned bed net. About 31.6% of households used malaria drugs in the past months. All users paid OOP for malaria drugs, sprays and lab services and over one-third of households incurred OOP costs for bed nets. The total OOP expenditure for malaria in the past month was $0.53 per household. The gross benefit incidence for malaria services was$1836.7. The net benefit and donor benefit were $1679.5 and$705.4, respectively. Both gross and net benefit for malaria services favored less-poor households. Households in Enugu State incur OOP expenses for malaria diagnosis and treatment, and less-poor households benefit more from government- and donor- subsidized malaria services, including bed nets. It is imperative to improve the accessibility and affordability of malaria diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria to ensure equitable access to malaria services.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents significant clinical challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings where early identification of high-risk patients remains difficult, necessitating the use of simple, cost-effective biomarkers to improve risk stratification and guide timely interventions. This study investigates the potential of platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) to serve as a predictor for risk of specific SCD complications in a population of Nigerian patients. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted over 7 months and included a total of 73 adult patients with haemoglobin SS genotype in a steady state. Data on socio-demographics, medical history, clinical characteristics, and laboratory parameters, including platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) were obtained. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Comparative statistical analyses, binary logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluations were performed to determine the predictive value of PNR for risk of SCD complications. Results: Patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) had significantly lower mean PNR values compared to those without the condition (107.6 ± 160.3 vs. 249.1 ± 257.0, p = 0.008). Similarly, PNR was lower in patients with kidney failure (123.0 ± 176.9 vs. 264.9 ± 274.4, p = 0.040). Logistic regression analysis identified PNR as an independent predictor of AVN (p = 0.034, OR = 1.003, 95% CI: 1.000–1.006), with an ROC-derived optimal cutoff of 96.6 yielding a sensitivity of 69.6% and specificity of 76.5% (AUC = 0.733, p = 0.004). Conclusion: This study reveals that Platelet-to-neutrophil ratio demonstrates reasonable potential as a predictor of AVN in Nigerian SCD patients. These findings suggest that PNR could serve as an easily accessible biomarker for SCD risk stratification, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further studies are needed to validate its clinical utility and possible integration into SCD management protocols

Background Hepatitis B immunoprophylaxis reduces the rate of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus infection and has effectively reduced the global burden of the hepatitis B virus infection. However, the cost of hepatitis B immunoglobulin could be prohibitive hampering adequate utilization in pregnancy and childbirth. Cost may affect pregnant women’s willingness to pay (WTP) for the immunoglobulin. The WTP for hepatitis B immunoglobulin has not been critically studied in Enugu, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine the willingness of pregnant women to pay for hepatitis B immunoglobulin and to identify the predictors of the level of WTP among pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study that involved 379 pregnant women who were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique from the health facilities in Enugu between March and November 2019 was conducted. A structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The contingent valuation technique was utilized for eliciting values attached to hepatitis B immunoglobulin by the pregnant women while the bidding game technique was used to determine the maximum amounts the participants were willing to pay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. A p-value of 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results Most respondents (86.2%) were willing to pay for the hepatitis B immunoglobulin. The mean maximum amount of WTP was ₦23178.34 (62.64 USD). The price of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (48.8%) was a major hindrance to WTP and 36.9% of the respondents believed that the government should pay for the vaccines. Predictors of the average WTP amount were the level of education (p = 0.038, AOR = 2.645 CI: 1.055–6.630), participants’ husbands’ occupation, and weekly expenditure on food items (P = 0.041; AOR = 3.828, CI: 1.055–13.893). Conclusions The rate of WTP for hepatitis B immunoglobulin was 86.2%, however, the mean WTP amount was far below the market value of hepatitis B immunoglobulin. The major hindrance to WTP was the cost of the vaccine as most participants believed that the vaccine should be administered freely and financed by the government and its agencies. The predictors of willingness to pay were the participant’s level of education, husband’s occupation and weekly expenditure on food. Trial registration Not applicable.

Food security is still a significant problem, particularly in less developed nations. Orphan crops, such as finger millet (FM), are essential for meeting dietary and nutritional needs as well as providing a means of livelihood for economies with limited resources in Asia and Africa. Comparing two varieties of FM malt beverages using sorghum grain as an external reference, the research examined the impact of fermentation time on the physicochemical characteristics and phenolic composition of the FM malt beverages. The FM grains were fermented using Lactobacillus fermentum and the grain microflora. The beverages' pH decreased in a time‐dependent manner throughout fermentation, and their sugar content increased accordingly. A reduction in the beverages' viscosities for both L. fermentum and the grain microflora was observed. The amount of citric acid in the beverages decreased as fermentation progressed, especially for L. fermentum. Catechin, epicatechin, and protocatechuic acid were the phenolics identified in the FM beverages. An increase in fermentation time was correlated with a decrease in the beverages' total phenolic content. At 96 h of fermentation, the beverages' DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP radical scavenging activities were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced for both L. fermentum and the grain microflora. The 24‐h fermented beverages maintained higher amounts of total polyphenols and antioxidant effects. The findings indicate that FM may be utilized as a functional grain to produce nonalcoholic beverages with health benefits.

Background Hepatitis B is one of the major global health issues, which presents a particularly severe challenge within the confines of African prisons, characterized by high rates of transmission and limited access to adequate healthcare. The prevalence of Hepatitis B in these settings represents a silent crisis. Objective This research highlights the critical public health emergency posed by Hepatitis B in African prisons, underscoring the need for urgent intervention and comprehensive strategies. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted to investigate the public health challenges posed by Hepatitis B in African prisons. The search focused on peer‐reviewed articles, policy documents, and original literature published from 2000 to 2024. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were utilized. Results The prison environment, marked by overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and high‐risk behaviors, fosters the rapid spread of Hepatitis B. The transmission is further exacerbated by limited access to vaccination, insufficient screening programs, and a lack of awareness among inmates and prison staff. Consequently, the incidence of Hepatitis B in African prisons is significantly higher than in the general population, creating a reservoir of infection that poses a broader public health threat upon prisoners' release. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Conclusion This research calls for immediate and sustained action to mitigate the Hepatitis B crisis in African prisons. By prioritizing this issue within public health agendas, we can reduce transmission rates, improve health outcomes for inmates, and protect broader community health. The urgency of addressing Hepatitis B in African prisons cannot be overstated, as it represents a critical juncture in the fight against infectious diseases in marginalized populations.