Supercapacitors are increasingly used for energy conversion and storage systems in sustainable nanotechnologies. Graphite is a conventional electrode utilized in Li-ion-based batteries, yet its ...specific capacitance of 372 mA h g
−1
is not adequate for supercapacitor applications. Interest in supercapacitors is due to their high-energy capacity, storage for a shorter period and longer lifetime. This review compares the following materials used to fabricate supercapacitors: spinel ferrites, e.g., MFe
2
O
4
, MMoO
4
and MCo
2
O
4
where M denotes a transition metal ion; perovskite oxides; transition metals sulfides; carbon materials; and conducting polymers. The application window of perovskite can be controlled by cations in sublattice sites. Cations increase the specific capacitance because cations possess large orbital valence electrons which grow the oxygen vacancies. Electrodes made of transition metal sulfides, e.g., ZnCo
2
S
4
, display a high specific capacitance of 1269 F g
−1
, which is four times higher than those of transition metals oxides, e.g., Zn–Co ferrite, of 296 F g
−1
. This is explained by the low charge-transfer resistance and the high ion diffusion rate of transition metals sulfides. Composites made of magnetic oxides or transition metal sulfides with conducting polymers or carbon materials have the highest capacitance activity and cyclic stability. This is attributed to oxygen and sulfur active sites which foster electrolyte penetration during cycling, and, in turn, create new active sites.
Once the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be pandemic, massive efforts have been launched by researchers around the globe to combat this emerging infectious disease. ...Here we review the most recent data on the novel SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. We analyzed its etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and current medications. After that, we summarized the promising drug delivery application of nanomaterial-based systems. Their preparation routes, unique advantages over the traditional drug delivery routes and their toxicity though risk analysis were also covered. We also discussed in detail the mechanism of action for one example of drug-loaded nanomaterial drug delivery systems (Avigan-contained nano-emulsions). This review provides insights about employing nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of COVID-19 to increase the bioavailability of current drugs, reducing their toxicity, and to increase their efficiency.
We propose a consideration of Avigan-loaded nano-emulsions as a promising nano-based delivery system for the treatment of COVID-19.
The current study analyzed and interpreted airborne radiometric data from Ilesha’s basement complex rock and its surroundings. At the surface, the concentrations of the most frequent primordial ...radionuclides notably K, elemental concentration of uranium eU, and elemental concentration of thorium eTh were measured. The weighted mean elemental and activity concentrations were 0.85%, 2.75 ppm, 10.22 ppm, and 267.54 Bq kg
−1
, 34.41 Bq kg
−1
, 41.51 Bq kg
−1
for
40
K,
238
U, and
232
Th, respectively. The low concentration of
40
K was certainly due to the effects of weathering, kaolinization of granites, and pedogenesis activities. The abundance of uranium was ascribed to the availability of uranium minerals such as allanite, apatite, and sphene with accessories minerals, while that of thorium was due to minerals such as cheralite, thorite, uranothorite, thorianite, and uranothorianite with accessories minerals. The RPHR weighted mean 1.48 µWm
−3
compared to the earth's crust mean between 0.8 and1.2 µWm
−3
was higher due to significant presence of gneiss rocks in all the studied profiles. Radiological hazard, in particular, dose rates, external hazard index, internal hazard index, radium equivalent, annual gonadal dose, effective dose dispensed to various organs of the body were computed to determine the deleterious effects of rocks in the area. The weighted means of annual gonadal dose of 363.98 µSv y
−1
and outdoor 0.91 × 10
×3
and indoor 1.65 × 10
−3
excessive life cancer risks were more than the global average 300 µSv y
−1
, 0.29 × 10
−3
and 1.16 × 10
−3
. As a result, proper surveillance is required in the area in order to prevent epidemics occurrence in future.
Epilepsy is a chronic disease of the brain characterized by seizures. The currently available anticonvulsants only treat symptoms with serious adverse drug reactions. Therefore, there is need for new ...therapeutic intervention that will prevent epileptogenesis with greater therapeutic success. Quercetin (QT) is a flavonoid with known neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The study aimed to investigate its effects against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 10). Group 1(control) only received vehicle (10 mL/kg), group 2 received vehicle, groups 3 and 4 received QT 12.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg respectively. Sixty minutes after treatments, animals in groups 2 to 4 were injected with sub-convulsive dose of pentylenetetrazole (35 mg/kg, i.p.) on every alternate day (48±2h) for 21 days. The mice were observed for 30 minutes after each PTZ injection for seizure activity. Brain samples were collected for biochemical assays. Administration of PTZ caused significant increase in the intensity of seizures, neuronal degeneration and level of proinflammatory cytokines in animals compared to control. These behavioural alterations were attenuated significantly by QT (12.5 and 25 mg/kg). The PTZ-induced increase in IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-ɣ were significantly reduced by pre-treatment with the QT (12.5 and 25 mg/kg, p.o). Quercetin also reduced neuronal loss compared to control. Quercetin attenuates seizures in kindled mice and reduces neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. This neuroprotective effect may be attributed to its ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators in the brain.
Although triple cropping in inland valleys of Nigeria is technically feasible, the third crop between the main crop and dry season non-rice crop has been considered not to be economically viable ...because of poor crop establishment due to soil inundation. The identification of an appropriate technology with low input, such as ratooning, would allow this niche to be utilized. Field experiments were conducted at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria in 2007â2008 and 2008â2009 cropping seasons to evaluate the performance of the main and ratooned crops of lowland NERICA (New Rice for Africa) rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in a lowland riceâratooned riceâfluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) sequence. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The lowland rice varieties used were NERICA-L 19, NERICA-L 20, NERICA-L 22, NERICA-L 24, OFADA, NERICA-L 26, NERICA-L 41, NERICA-L 42, NERICA-L 44 and NERICA-L 47. The grain yield of the main rice crop ranged from 5.0 to 7.3 t haâ»Â¹ in 2007â2008 cropping season and from 4.1 to 9.1 t haâ»Â¹ in 2008â2009. The ratooned rice had a grain yield of 1.0â4.7 t haâ»Â¹ in 2007â2008 and 1.2â3.4 t haâ»Â¹ in 2008â2009. The total grain yield obtained in 2007â2008 from the main and ratooned rice crops in seven months was 6.7â11.6 t haâ»Â¹, while in 2008â2009 it was 5.3â2.6 t haâ»Â¹. The fresh leaf yield of fluted pumpkin ranged from 14.6 to 16.9 t haâ»Â¹ in 2007â2008 and from 18.3 to 19.8 t haâ»Â¹ in 2008â2009, similar to previously reported rainy season unfertilized yields. Thus, a ratooned rice crop appears to be a feasible technology capable of boosting rice production and consequently increasing the overall productivity of the inland valley in a riceâriceâvegetable cropping sequence.
This study assessed Nigerian dentists' knowledge of current guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis.
A self-administered questionnaire surveyed a cross-section of Nigerian dentists ...gathering information on respondent demographics, awareness of the American Heart Association current guidelines on preventing infective endocarditis and sources of knowledge regarding that guidance. Respondents indicated: a) whether or not they would prescribe antibiotics before dental treatment in 10 cardiac conditions, b) if antibiotic prophylaxis was reasonable before 10 dental procedures in an endocarditis high-risk patient, and c) a prescription for oral antibiotics for an endocarditis high-risk non-allergic adult about to undergo a dental procedure.
Respondents numbered 173 and 41% were aware of the guidelines. Most commonly the sources of this knowledge were undergraduate/postgraduate education. Overall, the correct responses for the 10 cardiac conditions was very low (33%), ranging from 94% for prosthetic heart valves (94.2%) down to 4% for previous coronary artery bypass (3.5%). For clearly invasive procedures, 80% to 96% of respondents indicated that a prophylactic antibiotic was reasonable. For clearly non-invasive procedures, 89% to 92% indicated that antibiotics were not reasonable. Correct antimicrobial agent, dose and timing of administration were prescribed by 89%, 9%, and 57% respectively.
A low level of knowledge of the current guidelines was found among Nigerian dentists. Although, most prescribed the correct antimicrobial agent, the numbers prescribing correct dose and time of administration were quite low. Therefore, attempts should be made to teach the current guidelines in Nigerian undergraduate/postgraduate dental education.
To assess medical doctors' knowledge of common dental diseases and the need to include dental education in the Nigerian undergraduate medical curriculum.
Cross-sectional multicentre non-random survey ...using a convenience sample.
Tertiary hospitals across two geo-political zones of Nigeria. Participants were mostly recruited while attending seminars and other departmental events which brought doctors together.
Medical doctors in tertiary hospitals across two geo-political zones of Nigeria.
Knowledge of common dental diseases namely, dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis was evaluated using an open-ended questionnaire. The definition, etiology, treatment and age-related risk were assessed. Exposure to dental education during undergraduate training was assessed. Opinion on desirability and suggested length of future training were also assessed.
A total of 127 doctors (35 interns, 30 residents, 34 senior residents and 28 consultants) participated in the study. Overall, knowledge of definition, etiology, treatment and relative prevalence were recorded. About 69 doctors (54.3%) correctly defined dental caries, 120 (94.5%) correctly defined gingivitis while only only 29 (22.8%) correctly defined chronic periodontitis. The proportions of respondents who correctly identified disease etiology were 26 (20.5%) for caries, 31(24.4%) for gingivitis and 12 (9.4%) for chronic periodontitis. The proportions of respondents who correctly identified appropriate treatment modalities were 39 (30.7%) for caries, 18 (14.2%) for gingivitis and 6 (4.7%) for periodontitis. Those who correctly identified the relative, age-related prevalence of the three diseases were 81 (63.8%) for caries, 51 (40.2%) for gingivitis and 47 (37%) for periodontitis.
Most of the medical doctors who participated in the study demonstrated inadequate knowledge of common dental diseases and about 97% of respondents supported the idea of including dental education into the current Nigerian undergraduate medical curriculum.
To report the experience of wrong-site tooth extraction among Nigerian dentists.
A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among a cross-section of Nigerian dentists. Information requested ...included personal experience on wrong-site tooth/teeth extraction and its after-effect, possible reasons for wrong-site tooth extraction and documentation of the event in patients’ case. Respondents were also asked if they were aware of any colleagues who had previously experienced wrong-site tooth extraction and possible legal implication of the event, and if they aware of the universal protocol for preventing wrong site, wrong procedure, and wrong person surgery.
Twenty-two (13%) of the respondents reported having extracted a wrong tooth. The event occurred within 5
years after graduation in most cases. Most respondents (53.6%) informed the patient immediately after the event. Only 68% of the respondents documented the event in patient’s case record. Most common reasons for wrong-site tooth extraction were heavy workload, presence of multiple condemned teeth and miscommunication between dentists. Fifty-five percent of respondents were aware of a colleague who had extracted a wrong tooth. The most probable legal implication of wrong-site tooth extraction according to the respondents was litigation by the patient. Only 25% of dentists were aware of a universal protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery.
Wrong tooth/teeth extraction is not an uncommon event in the studied environment. The need to be familiar with universal protocol on wrong-site surgery and its legal implications are highlighted.
There is an increasing consumer's demand for functional gluten-free foods since products derived from gluten are involved in celiac disease in genetically susceptible persons. Sorghum is gluten-free ...but with nutritional and technological challenges. Sourdough fermentation can improve the technological attributes of sorghum. Moreover, incorporation of legumes can improve the cereal's quality to make a nutritionally superior and acceptable product. This study focused on determining the influence of chickpea and cowpea inclusion on the textural, nutritional and sensory characteristics of sorghum sourdough bread (SSB) fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) shows that the chickpea-fortified sample (CKPB) had the least hardness (23.91 N and 18.60 N, respectively) on the first and second compression and the highest ash and protein contents (2.72 g/100 g sample and 7.17 g/100 g sample, respectively). The specific volumes of legume-fortified SSBs were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher compared to control bread. The legume-fortified SSBs were more acceptable by the consumers with CKPB showing highest overall acceptability (7.36). The quality of the SSBs were improved with legume addition and generally, chickpea-fortified SSB had the best technological and physicochemical characteristics signifying that it could be a promising alternative to chemical dough additives and a preferred product for gluten-intolerant individuals.
•Chickpea and cowpea flours were incorporated into sorghum sourdough bread.•Crumb structure of breads containing chickpea flour were softest.•Total dietary fibre contents were increased in cowpea and chickpea-fortified breads.•Chickpea-fortified bread had highest scores for taste and overall acceptability.
ObjectiveTo explore healthcare seeking practices for children and the context-specific direct and indirect effects of public health interventions during the first two waves of COVID-19 in Lagos ...State, Nigeria. We also explored decision-making around vaccine acceptance at the start of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Nigeria.Design, setting and participantsA qualitative explorative study involving 19 semistructured interviews with healthcare providers from public and private primary health facilities and 32 interviews with caregivers of under-five children in Lagos from December 2020 to March 2021. Participants were purposively selected from healthcare facilities to include community health workers, nurses and doctors, and interviews were conducted in quiet locations at facilities. A data-driven reflexive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clark was conducted.FindingsTwo themes were developed: appropriating COVID-19 in belief systems, and ambiguity about COVID-19 preventive measures. The interpretation of COVID-19 ranged from fearful to considering it as a ‘scam’ or ‘falsification from the government’. Underlying distrust in government fuelled COVID-19 misperceptions. Care seeking for children under five was affected, as facilities were seen as contagious places for COVID-19. Caregivers resorted to alternative care and self-management of childhood illnesses. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was a major concern among healthcare providers compared with community members at the time of vaccine roll-out in Lagos, Nigeria. Indirect impacts of COVID-19 lockdown included diminished household income, worsening food insecurity, mental health challenges for caregivers and reduced clinic visits for immunisation.ConclusionThe first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos was associated with reductions in care seeking for children, clinic attendance for childhood immunisations and household income. Strengthening health and social support systems with context-specific interventions and correcting misinformation is crucial to building adaptive capacity for response to future pandemics.Trial registration numberACTRN12621001071819.
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