2D-QSAR, molecular docking, drug-likeness, and ADMET/pharmacokinetic predictions of some non-small cell lung cancer therapeutic agents.

Objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, with nearly 2 million diagnoses and a 17% 5-year survival rate. The aim of this study was to use computer-aided techniques to identify potential therapeutic agents for NSCLC. Methods: The two dimensional-quantitative structure-activity relationship (2D-QSAR) modeling was employed on some potential NSCLC therapeutic agents to develop a highly predictive model. Molecular docking-based virtual screening were conducted on the same set of compounds to identify potential hit compounds. The pharmacokinetic features of the best hits were evaluated using SWISSADME and pkCSM online web servers, respectively. Results: The model generated via 2D-QSAR modeling was highly predictive with R2= 0.798, R2adj = 0.754, Q2CV = 0.673, R2 test = 0.531, and cRp2 = 0.627 assessment parameters. Molecular docking-based virtual screening identified compounds 25, 32, 15, 21, and 23 with the highest MolDock scores as the best hits, of which compound 25 had the highest MolDock score of -138.329 kcal/mol. All of the identified hits had higher MolDock scores than the standard drug (osimertinib). The best hit compounds were ascertained to be drug-like in nature following the Lipinski's rule of five. Also, their ADMET features displayed average pharmacokinetic profiles. Conclusion: After successful preclinical testing, the hit compounds identified in this study may serve as potential NSCLC therapeutic agents due to their safety and efficacy with the exception of compound 23, which was found to be toxic. They can also serve as a template for designing novel NSCLC therapeutic agents.

Sonographic Fetal Death in Goats in Khartoum State, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In order to determine the prevalence of fetal mortality and investigate hypothesized risk factors associated with its occurrence in goats, 962 female goats were studied using ultrasound. To diagnose pregnancy and to identify dead fetuses, ultrasound scanning was conducted using real-time machines equipped with a transabdominal curvilinear probe. A questionnaire was supplied for collection of signalment and sampling data. Ultrasound examination revealed that out of 962 female goats, 431 (44.8%) goats were diagnosed as nonpregnant, 88 (9.14%) were pseudopregnant, 4 (0.42%) were diagnosed as having pyometra, and 439 were diagnosed as pregnant (45.63%). Of the 439 pregnant goats, 36 were diagnosed as bearing dead fetuses (8.2%). Season of the year, locality, breed of the dam, age of the dam, parity number, breed of the buck, and feeding type were all found not to be significantly associated with fetal death. It is concluded that ultrasound is a reliable method for diagnosis of fetal death and documenting the prevalence of its occurrence in goats.

Modulatory effects of Chrysophyllum cainito L. extract on gamma radiation induced oxidative stress in rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using the crude methanolic extract of Chrysophyllum cainito L. leaves (C. cainito L.); as a source of natural antioxidant compounds; to compensate the oxidative stress induced by ionizing radiation exposure in male rats. Phytochemical investigations of C. cainito L. leaves extract led to the isolation of phytocobstituents such as: Gallic acid (1), together with six flavonoids; 3//Galloyl myrecetrin (2), Rutin (3), Quercetrin (4), Myrecetrin (5), Myricetin (6), and Quercetin (7). In addition to two triterpenoids; ß -amyrin (8), and Lupeol (9). All metabolites were isolated for the first time from the genus Chrysophyllum. The structures were determined by spectroscopic methods (UV, ESI-MS, 1H and 13CNMR). These compounds reflected its beneficial effect to ameliorate the alterations induced by γ-irradiation via the adjustment of the antioxidant status, decreasing of MDA level, and an improvement in liver, kidney functions and lipid profile, as well as histological alterations of liver were reduced. We can conclude that C. cainito L. extract reduces the liver and kidney toxicity induced by exposure to gamma radiation.

A complete, homozygous CRX deletion causing nullizygosity is a new genetic mechanism for Leber congenital amaurosis.

CRX is a transcription factor required for activating the expression of many photoreceptor-neuron genes. CRX may be mutated in three forms of human blindness; Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), cone-rod degeneration (CRD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The pathogenic mechanism in most cases is likely dominant negative, with gain of function. We report a novel, complete homozygous CRX deletion in LCA. We identified a Lebanese family with 3 affected LCA cases. The proband was sequenced by NGS. Quantitative PCR, array comparative genomic hybridization, and long range PCR were performed. Full eye examinations, OCT and photography were performed. We identified a homozygous 56,000 bp deletion of CRX, which co-segregates and is heterozygous in four parents, who report normal vision. The blind children with LCA manifest severe retinal degeneration, a phenotype typical for CRX and LCA. We hypothesized that a single copy of CRX (haplo-insufficiency) in the causes mild abnormal foveal development, but not LCA. Two parents had significant inner and outer foveal and photoreceptor abnormalities. This is the first reported case of a homozygous, complete CRX deletion. Nullizygosity of CRX thus causes LCA while haplo-insufficiency of CRX causes abnormal foveal development, but not LCA. Our data suggest a new disease mechanism for CRX.

Anaemia Prevention In Pregnancy Among Antenatal Clinic Attendees In A General Hospital In Lagos.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is the world's second leading cause of disability and thus one of the most serious global public health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that an average of 56% of pregnant women in developing countries, are anaemic. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to. determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of prevention of anaemia in pregnancy amongst pregnant women attending the Antenatal Clinic at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital. METHODS: The design was cross-sectional descriptive study. Simple random sampling method was used to select two hundred and twenty respondents (220). A pretested, structured, interviewer administered questionnaires were used for data collection. RESULTS: Majority (95%) of the respondents was aware of anemia in pregnancy but the mean knowledge score was 56.5%. Less than half (46.3%) of the respondents thought that contraceptives could help prevent anemia in pregnancy by reducing closely spaced pregnancies. Only 31.8% were compliant with the use of iron supplements. About one third (33.2%) didn't combine drinking tea with meals while 47.3% of the respondents didn't use iron supplements with milk products. CONCLUSION: The study showed that most of the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge, and positive attitude towards contraceptive use but a high proportion were not compliant with the daily use of iron supplements. It is recommended that health education of women as well as close family members should be reinforced to improve the compliance with supplements.

Effect of health education on the knowledge and attitude to sickle cell disorder and screening practices among school of nursing students in Sokoto, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disorder is the most important genetic hematological disease that affects people of black African descent. The years of young adulthood present a good opportunity for screening and counseling for this genetic blood disorder. OBJECTIVES: To assess effect of health education and provision of free sickle cell haemoglobin screening on knowledge of sickle cell disorder, attitude towards sickle cell haemoglobin screening, and uptake of sickle cell haemoglobin screening among students of a School of Nursing. METHODS: Study design was a quasi-experimental noncontrolled study. Self-administered questionnaire was used for pre- and post-intervention data collection. Implemented interventions were seminar on sickle cell disorder combined with free sickle cell haemoglobin screening. The data was analyzed with Epi-info version 3.5.1 statistical software package. RESULTS: Respondents who participated in all the study phases were 104. Mean knowledge score (%) was high (80.9 +/- 22.8%) at baseline and improved significantly to 91.8 +/- 9.4% (p < 0.001) at post intervention. 91.3% were willing to screen fiancée before getting married while 72.1% were willing not to go ahead with marriage if self and fiancée are carriers of sickle cell haemoglobin. Phenotype of the respondents that volunteered to be screened for sickle cell haemoglobin were: A (70.5%), AC (6.8%) and AS (22.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Implemented interventions, seminar on sickle cell disorder combined with free sickle cell haemoglobin screening service yielded significant impact on respondents' knowledge, attitude and uptake of sickle cell haemoglobin screening.

Effect of health education on knowledge, attitude and practices of personal hygiene among secondary school students in rural Sokoto, North West, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Personal hygiene related diseases are serious public health problems in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of health education on knowledge, attitude, and practices of personal hygiene among rural secondary school students in Sokoto state, north western Nigeria. METHODS: A quasi-experimental controlled study with pretest and post-test design was carried out. A total 120 subjects per group were selected by multistage sampling technique. Two pre-tested instruments, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and observer's checklist for personal hygiene practices were used for data collection. Health education intervention was carried out one week after baseline data collection and repeated after four weeks for the intervention group only. Postintervention data collection was carried out in both intervention and control groups three months after the 2nd intervention. However, for ethical consideration, the control group was also provided with the health education intervention similar to that provided to the intervention group. RESULTS: A total of 120 and 116 subjects in the intervention and control groups respectively participated in all phases of the study. The mean knowledge score (%) of the study subjects was high and similar (73.18 +/- 25.82; 77.06 +/- 21.79; p = 0.21) in both the intervention and control groups at baseline, but differed very significantly (91.16 +/- 11.03; 81.74 +/- 21.78; p < 0.0001) at post-intervention. The mean attitude score (%) was high but differ significantly (82.6 +/- 12.73; 86.38 +/- 10.74; p = 0.01) between the intervention and control groups at baseline, and further differed very significantly (95.5 +/- 3.66; 86.90 +/- 10.44; p < 0.0001) at post intervention. The mean reported practice score (%) was high but differ significantly (94.86 +/- 3.00; 93.25 +/- 6.31; p = 0.01) between the intervention and control groups at baseline, and further differed very significantly (96.68 +/- 4.08; 93.7 +/- 6.28; p < 0.0001) at post-intervention. The mean observed practice score (%) was high and similar (57.50 +/- 29.65; 61.35 +/- 28.49; p = 0.31) in both the intervention and control groups at baseline, but differed very significantly (88.20 +/- 9.99; 62.10 +/- 26.94; p < 0.0001) at post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Health education intervention had impact on knowledge base, attitude and practice of study subjects in intervention group compared to control group. Personal hygiene health education is therefore recommended to be taught in secondary schools.

Knowledge, attitude and use of seat belt among commercial drivers in Sokoto Metropolis

Background: Every year about 1.2 million people are killed on the world's roads and up to 50 million are injured or disabled as a result of road traffic accidents. The effectiveness of seat belt usage in reducing the severity of the sequelae of road traffic accidents is widely known. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and use of seat belt among commercial drivers in Sokoto Metropolis.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive. Pre-tested, structured, interviewer administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Each correct response to the knowledge questions was scored one mark and wrong response or non-response was scored zero.Results: A total of 430 questionnaires were analyzed. The mean knowledge score (%) of the study subjects was high (64.8±17.7). Majority (57.9%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards compulsory use of seat belt. 363 (84.4%) of the respondents reported that they use seat belt when they drive. There were statistically significant associations between age (p<0.0001), ethnicity (p=0.02), education (p=0.001) as well as attendance of driving school (p=0.000002) and the reported use of seat belt.Conclusion: This study has identified high level of knowledge, positive attitude and reported use of seat belt. It is recommended that public awareness of the safety benefits of seat belts and strong enforcement are necessary to achieve optimal use of seat belt

Profile of institutional infrastructure for implementing universal precautions in primary health care facilities in Sokoto State, Nigeria: Implication for occupational safety

Background: The adoption of primary health care in Nigeria has led to the expansion of health care delivery frontiers especially at the rural level. At this level is the most critical health services delivery point, with an attendant increase in contact between primary health care providers and patients. There is however also a simultaneous increased exposure to occupational and related health risks and hazards. Methods: The objectives of this study were to assess the universal precaution profile of primary health care facilities and determine those factors that inform their prevailing safety status. Using a structured checklist, 23 representative primary health care facilities from the 23 local government areas in Sokoto State were randomly selected for the study, one from each of the local government areas. Results: The facilities were found to have poor universal precaution profile that could guarantee effective control of infection transmission and safety of their personnel. The facilities' mean score on measures and frameworks for ensuring the implementation of Universal Precautions was 53.12% ± 21.68% with only 56.52% scoring above 50%. Conclusion: Safety protocol and facilities for ensuring safe environment were inadequate and poorly developed. None of the facilities had full complement of facilities or resources for ensuring safety of working environment and for personnel's implementation of Universal Precautions. Policy for safety practice was poor, and post exposure intervention programmes for staff in event of accidental exposure grossly underdeveloped. Interventions to improve safety environment and creation of safe climate are essential to protect primary health care workers against occupational hazards

Epidemiology of HIV-tuberculosis co-Infection among patients on anti-retroviral therapy in Sokoto State, Nigeria

"Background: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome and tuberculosis are commonly called the ""deadly duo""; because human immunodeficiency virus increases susceptibility to tuberculosis which in turn accelerates its progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This study describes human immunodeficiency virus/ tuberculosis co-infection in Sokoto State; Nigeria. Methods: Data were extracted from medical records of human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in health facilities that offer comprehensive care for human immunodeficiency virus infected patients in Sokoto State; and analysed. Results: Majority of the 353 study subjects were females (60.6) aged 30-39 years (37.4) and living in Sokoto state (78.5). Care entry points were Medical Outpatient Department (36.8); General Outpatient Department (35.4) and voluntary counseling centre (23.5). Enrolment for human immunodeficiency virus care was highest in May (13.4) and lowest in March (5.1). The functional status of majority (75.8) of the study subjects was asymptomatic normal activity. Thirty-three (9.3) of the study subjects were human immunodeficiency virus/Tuberculosis co-infected. Human immune deficiency virus only cases and human immunodeficiency virus/Tuberculosis co-infected cases were similar with respect to age and sex but differed significantly with respect to WHO clinical stage; CD4 count and functional status. Conclusion: Human immunodeficiency virus only and human immunodeficiency virus/tuberculosis coinfection cases have similar demographic characteristics but differ with respect to the stage of acquired immune deficiency syndrome."

The effect of cement dust exposure on haematological and liver function parameters of cement factory workers in Sokoto, Nigeria.

This study measured haematological and liver function parameters in workers occupationally exposed to cement dust in order to test the hypothesis that cement dust exposure may perturb these functions. Assessment of haematological parameters and liver function were performed in 23 workers occupationally exposed to cement dust (mean years of exposure 9.6+/- 1.5 years) and 46 matched unexposed controls. The haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.001) and packed cell volume (P < 0.02) of exposed workers were significantly lower and the platelet (P < 0.01) and white cell counts (P < 0.05) were significantly higher than in the unexposed workers. There was no significant difference in the total granulocyte and lymphocyte/monocyte counts. The liver function parameters remained similar in the exposed workers compared to the unexposed except serum aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities which were significantly lower (P <0.05). These results suggest that occupational exposure to cement dust may perturb haemopoietic function while preserving liver function.

Antioxidant galloylated flavonol glycosides from Calliandra haematocephala.

Three new acylated quercetin rhamnosides have been isolated from the leaves and stem of Calliandra haematocephala Hassk. (Fabaceae) and their structures were established as quercitrin 2''-O-caffeate (1), quercitrin 3''-O-gallate (2) and quercitrin 2'',3''-di-O-gallate (3). Also, 17 known compounds were identified as gallic acid (4), methyl gallate (5), caffeic acid (6), myricitrin (7), quercitrin (8), myricetin 3-O-beta-D-4C1-glucopyranoside (9), afzelin (10), isoquercitrin (11), myricetin 3-O-(6''-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (12), myricitrin 2''-O-gallate (13), quercitrin 2''-O-gallate (14), afzelin 2''-O-gallate (15), myricitrin 3''-O-gallate (16), afzelin 3''-O-gallate (17), 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-4C1-glucopyranose (18), myricitrin 2'',3''-di-O-gallate (19), quercetin 3-O-methyl ether (20), for the first time from the genus Calliandra except for 6. Compounds 7, 8, 13, 14, 16 and 19 exhibited moderate to strong radical scavenging properties on lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion generation and DPPH radical in comparison with that of quercetin as a positive control in vitro. Compounds 7 and 8 exhibited lethal effect towards brine shrimp Artemia salina.

Antiinflammatory and ulcerogenic activities of Salvia triloba extracts.

In continuation of our research on Salvia triloba, acute and chronic antiinflammatory and ulcerogenic activities of chloroform, ethanol, butanol and water extracts were detected at 25 mg/kg p.o. The chloroform extract showed the highest antiinflammatory activity in both acute and chronic models, while the ulcerogenic effects of all tested extracts were found to be less than that of acetyl salicylic acid.

AIDS: Perceptions and Misperceptions among Students of a Nigerian University.

INTRODUCTION: The AIDS pandemic has led to the global clamouring for its control. This work was aimed at assessing the level and factors that determine the awareness of undergraduate Students of Usmanu Dandfodiyo University, Sokoto. METHODOLOGY: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 450 students were recruited by means of multistage and simple random sampling techniques. RESULTS: Overall, there is a knowledge gap on aetiology, mode of transmission and preventive measures with only 40.2% and 38.5% of the respondents having adequate knowledge and indicated their willingness to learn more about AIDs respectively. Age (P<0.05), Sex (P<0.005) and number of years spent in the University (P<0.025) are important determinants of level of AIDS knowledge. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This finding could be as a result of strong interactions between the social environment and human sexuality. Hence, student bodies should be involved in reproductive health programmes. Key words: awareness, university students, AIDS.

Constituents from Salvia triloba.

Twelve hydrocarbons, four sterols, three triterpenes, nineteen fatty acids, two phenolic acids, and five flavonoids have been detected and identified in Salvia triloba. Among the isolated flavonoids, 8-methoxygenistein 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside 4'-O-beta-D-glucoside (1), is reported for the first time.