Removal of phenol from wastewater using Luffa cylindrica fibers in a packed bed column: Optimization, isotherm and kinetic studies.

This research entails a comparison of the effectiveness of unmodified Luffa cylindrica fiber in a fully packed bed (RLCF) and NaOH-modified Luffa cylindrica fiber in another fully packed bed (MLCF) in the context of phenol removal from wastewater. Experimental data obtained through batch adsorption experiments were utilized to determine the most suitable model. It was observed that as the initial concentration of phenol increased from 100 to 500 mg/l, the maximum percentage removal increased from 63.5 to 83.1% for RLCF-PB and from 89.9 to 99.5% for MLCF-PB. The correlation coefficient (R2) was calculated for the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkin-Jura, Halsey, and Flory-Huggins models for both materials. The analysis revealed that the pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable, followed by the Elovich model, with the pseudo-first-order model being the least suitable. The Weber-Morris diffusion model suggested that pore diffusion was the rate-determining step, and diffusion at the border layer was determined to be endothermic, feasible, heterogeneous, and spontaneous. In summary, this study indicates that MLCF-PB is a promising material for the efficient removal of phenol from aqueous solutions.

Management of sugar dust in the sugar industry.

Sugar dust poses significant risks in the sugar industry, threatening workers' safety and health as well as the potential for explosions and fires. The combustibility of sugar dust arises from its small, lightweight particles that disperse easily and ignite readily. Effective management strategies are essential to ensuring a safe work environment and preventing accidents. This perspective article provides an overview of sugar dust management in the global sugar industry. Various methods are employed to collect and manage sugar dust, including dust collectors, air handling systems, and proper housekeeping procedures. Advancements like electrostatic precipitators, high-efficiency particulate air filters, and self-cleaning dust collection systems show promise for future management. Utilizing both artificial intelligence and nanotechnology can also contribute to minimizing the concentrations of sugar dust in facilities. Stringent regulations and guidelines exist to control dust explosions in the industry. Implementation of robust safety measures and training programs significantly curbs the economic and environmental toll of sugar dust explosions. The paper concludes with recommendations to address sugar dust challenges, including enhanced regulation, investment in technology and research, and improved collaboration among industry stakeholders. These measures will mitigate hazards, ensure worker well-being, and safeguard the sugar industry's operations.

Serum copper, zinc and selenium levels in women with unexplained infertility in Ibadan Nigeria: A cross-sectional analytical study.

Background: Infertility is a global public health issue affecting couples. Trace metals have been implicated in effective reproductive functions in males but less studied in females. Objective: To compare the serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and copper/zinc ratio in women with unexplained infertility and fertile women. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study that compared 75 consenting women who had unexplained infertility with 74 fertile women that were controls. Both groups were seen within 1 year of delivery and were recruited from the family planning unit, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Data were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire, after which 10 mL of venous blood was collected. Analysis of selected trace elements were done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. IBM SPSS version 23 was utilized for data analysis and the levels of statistical significance was set at <0.05. Results: The mean (± SD) serum concentrations of Cu (93.11 ± 16.55 µg/dL), Zn (72.04 ± 15.03 µg/dL) and Se (28.28 ± 8.33 µg/dL) amongst the women with unexplained infertility were lower when compared to the control group (all with P < 0.001). The serum Cu/Zn ratio was higher among the fertile women, though not statistically significant (P < 0.62). Age of <35 years was associated with normal serum levels of Cu (P < 0.01), while women with normal body mass index had low serum concentrations of Cu (P = 0.04), amongst the fertile group. Conclusion: Serum copper, zinc and selenium concentrations are significantly lower in women with unexplained infertility, therefore diets or supplements containing these trace elements may be helpful in their management.

From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health.

Microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, are now found in various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, and have infiltrated the food chain, ultimately becoming a part of the human diet. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate nexus between microplastics and human health, thereby contributing to the existing knowledge on the subject. Sources of microplastics, including microfibers from textiles, personal care products, and wastewater treatment plants, among others, were assessed. The study meticulously examined the diverse routes of microplastic exposure-ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact-offering insights into the associated health risks. Notably, ingestion of microplastics has been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, endocrine disruption, and the potential transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Inhalation of airborne microplastics emerges as a critical concern, with possible implications for respiratory and cardiovascular health. Dermal contact, although less explored, raises the prospect of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The impacts of COVID-19 on microplastic pollution were also highlighted. Throughout the manuscript, the need for a deeper mechanistic understanding of microplastic interactions with human systems is emphasized, underscoring the urgency for further research and public awareness.

Prospects and challenges of utilizing sugarcane bagasse as a bio-coagulant precursor for water treatment.

Sugarcane bagasse is an abundant and renewable agricultural waste material generated by the sugar industry worldwide. The use of sugarcane bagasse as a bio-coagulant precursor in water treatment is an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach that has shown great potential. This article reviewed the prospects and challenges of utilizing sugarcane bagasse as a bio-coagulant precursor for water treatment. The article reviewed past studies and explored the properties and chemical composition of sugarcane bagasse and the bioactive compounds that can be extracted from it, as well as their potential coagulation performance in water treatment. It was observed that there are few studies that have been published on the subject. The effectiveness of sugarcane bagasse-based coagulants varies depending on several factors, such as pH, temperature, and water quality parameters. However, the lack of standardization in the production of sugarcane bagasse-based coagulants is a challenge that needs to be addressed. Additionally, the optimization of extraction and processing methods to enhance the effectiveness of sugarcane bagasse-based coagulants needs to be investigated further. In conclusion, the use of sugarcane bagasse as a bio-coagulant precursor holds great promise for the future of sustainable water treatment. The potential for sugarcane bagasse to be used as a bio-coagulant precursor highlights the importance of exploring alternative and sustainable materials for water treatment.

Trends in Biological Ammonia Production.

Food production heavily depends on ammonia-containing fertilizers to improve crop yield and profitability. However, ammonia production is challenged by huge energy demands and the release of ~2% of global CO2. To mitigate this challenge, many research efforts have been made to develop bioprocessing technologies to make biological ammonia. This review presents three different biological approaches that drive the biochemical mechanisms to convert nitrogen gas, bioresources, or waste to bio-ammonia. The use of advanced technologies-enzyme immobilization and microbial bioengineering-enhanced bio-ammonia production. This review also highlighted some challenges and research gaps that require researchers' attention for bio-ammonia to be industrially pragmatic.

Developing rumen mimicry process for biological ammonia synthesis.

The ruminant rumen houses hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria (HAB) that produce ammonia with minimal energy use. Here we developed a mimicry process to produce bio-ammonia, a solution of ammonia and ammonium. The rumen microbes were used to ferment soybean (SYB), soybean protein isolate (SPI), and pepsin-hydrolysate (HP) for bio-ammonia production. The maximum bio-ammonia produced from SYB, SPI, and HP were 0.65, 1.2, and 1.1 g/L, respectively. The presence of non-protein in SYB hindered bio-ammonia production and the processing of SYB to SPI and HP significantly (p < 0.05) increased bio-ammonia production. HP was converted to bio-ammonia quicker than SPI suggesting that enzymatic hydrolysis increases bioprocessing efficiency. Metagenomic analysis of a sample culture revealed that the HAB population is predominantly Klebsiella quasivariicola (73%), Escherichia coli (6%), and Enterobacter cloacae (6%). The bioprocessing steps developed would enable industrial ammonia production to achieve a low CO2 footprint.

Optimization of Soybean Protein Extraction with Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH) Using Response Surface Methodology.

Plants have been recognized as renewable and sustainable sources of proteins. However, plant protein extraction is challenged by the plant's recalcitrant cell wall. The conventional extraction methods make use of non-reusable strong alkali chemicals in protein-denaturing extraction conditions. In this study, soy protein was extracted using NH4OH, a weak, recoverable, and reusable alkali. The extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) with four independent variables: temperature (25, 40, 55, 70, and 85 °C); NH4OH concentration (0.5, 1, and 1.5%); extraction time (6, 12, 18, and 24 h) and solvent ratio (1:5, 1:10, 1:15 and 1:20 w/v) were used to study the response variables (protein yield and amine concentration). Amine concentration indicates the extent of protein hydrolysis. The RSM model equation for the independent and response variables was computed and used to create the contour plots. A predicted yield of 64.89% protein and 0.19 mM amine revealed a multiple R-squared value of 0.83 and 0.78, respectively. The optimum conditions to obtain the maximum protein yield (65.66%) with the least amine concentration (0.14 Mm) were obtained with 0.5% NH4OH concentration, 12 h extraction time, and a 1:10 (w/v) solvent ratio at 52.5 °C. The findings suggest that NH4OH is suitable to extract soybean protein with little or no impact on protein denaturation.

Biological Ammonia Production via Anaerobic Fermentation of Soy Meal Protein.

BACKGROUND: Conventional ammonia production methods, notably the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, are costly and contribute substantially to about 2% of the world's CO2 emissions. This study focuses on the biological approach to convert protein to ammonia via hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria (HAB) fermentation. METHODS: A consortium of ruminal microbes was employed in this work to ferment soybean meal protein under varying processing conditions. The parameters investigated included pH (7-11), inoculum concentrations (1-10%), substrate concentrations (5-20%), and fermentation time (0-168 h). RESULTS: Optimal conditions for microbial growth and biological ammonia production were observed at pH 7, fermentation duration of 72 h, inoculum concentration of 10%, and substrate concentration of 10%. ~8000 mg/L biological ammonia was produced following HAB fermentation. CONCLUSIONS: By leveraging the capabilities of rumen HAB, this study contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop environmentally friendly processes for ammonia production that will mitigate both economic and environmental concerns associated with traditional methods.

Association of lipid profile biomarkers with breast cancer by molecular subtype: analysis of the MEND study.

There is conflicting evidence on the role of lipid biomarkers in breast cancer (BC), and no study to our knowledge has examined this association among African women. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association of lipid biomarkers-total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides-with odds of BC overall and by subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC) for 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 116 healthy controls in Nigeria. Each unit standard deviation (SD) increase in triglycerides was associated with 39% increased odds of BC in fully adjusted models (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.86). Among post-menopausal women, higher total cholesterol (aOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.57), LDL cholesterol (aOR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.41), and triglycerides (aOR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.01) were associated with increased odds of BC. Additionally, each unit SD increase in LDL was associated with 64% increased odds of Luminal B BC (aOR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.55). Clinically low HDL was associated with 2.7 times increased odds of TNBC (aOR 2.67; 95% CI: 1.10, 6.49). Among post-menopausal women, higher LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly associated with increased odds of Luminal B BC and HER2 BC, respectively. In conclusion, low HDL and high LDL are associated with increased odds of TN and Luminal B BC, respectively, among African women. Future prospective studies can definitively characterize this association and inform clinical approaches targeting HDL as a BC prevention strategy.

Metabolic Syndrome and Risk of Breast Cancer by Molecular Subtype: Analysis of the MEND Study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a cluster of biological irregularities. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the association of MetS with BC among Nigerian women, and for the first time evaluate this association by molecular subtype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MetS was defined as having at least 3 out of 5 of: high blood pressure (≥ 130/85 mm Hg), reduced HDL (< 50 mg/dL), elevated triglyceride (> 150 mg/dL), high waist circumference (≥ 80 cm), and prior diagnosis of diabetes or elevated fasting glucose level (≥ 100 mg/dL). Among 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 259 healthy controls, multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between MetS and BC overall. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate each molecular subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC). RESULTS: After adjusting for age, socio-demographic and reproductive risk factors, there was a positive association between MetS and BC (aOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.16). In stratified analyses, MetS was associated with BC regardless of BMI status; however, the estimate was significant only among normal weight women (aOR: 3.85; 95% CI: 1.25, 11.90). MetS was significantly associated with TNBC subtype (aOR: 4.37, 95% CI: 1.67, 11.44); associations for other molecular subtypes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: MetS appears to be a robust risk factor for BC, particularly for TNBC. Public health and clinical interventions can provide substantial benefits in reducing the burden of MetS and preventing BC among Nigerian women.

Effect of light on concomitant sequestration of Cu(II) and photodegradation of tetracycline by H-MOR/H-ß/H-ZSM5 zeolites.

It is important that a pollution remediation system be able to cater for a variety of pollutant species present in the water to be treated. The aim of this study was to utilise a series of commercial zeolites (H-MOR, H-ß, and H-ZSM5) for the concomitant adsorption and photodegradation of Cu2+ and tetracycline (TC) molecules. The adsorbent cum photocatalyst was characterised by SEM and FTIR. FTIR confirmed the key functional groups (Si-O-Si and Al-O-Si) in the series of zeolites, and H-ß zeolite was demonstrated to be the most effective adsorbent cum photocatalyst for both adsorption and photodegradation of Cu2+ and TC molecules. These results were further corroborated from the pseudo-first-order rate constant values. Among the investigated zeolites, H-ZSM5 displayed the least adsorption and photodegradation performance for Cu2+ and TC molecules. The photolysis reaction confirms the significant role of zeolites in the photodegradation test, as low performance was recorded in the absence of the zeolites.

Photocatalytic remediation of methylene blue using hydrothermally synthesized H-Titania and Na-Titania nanotubes.

Although nanotube is among the most effective morphology of Titania due to its unilateral pathway for photo-generated charge transfer and mechanical stability, its performance is still hampered by high recombination. In the present study, to further improve the photocatalytic degradation performance of Titania, univalent elements of H and Na were respectively ion-exchanged into the Titania nanotubes (TNTs). The photocatalyst was characterized using XRD, TEM, ICP-AES, and FTIR. The modified samples displayed enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance over Degussa TiO2 under UV-A light illumination of MB. The rate constants of NaTNT and HTNT were 16 and 13 times that of Degussa TiO2. Specifically, the Na-TNTs showed better photocatalytic degradation activity than H-TNTs with a rate constant of 0.12 min-1 while the latter showed 0.09 min-1. The optimum adsorption and photocatalytic performance of NaTNT were determined at pH 6 achieving about 99% MB removal within 10 min of irradiation. The ion exchange NaTNT displayed excellent reusability after the fifth cycle of the photocatalytic tests and superoxide radicals were experimentally determined to be the main reactive oxygen species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of MB.

Association of body composition with odds of breast cancer by molecular subtype: analysis of the Mechanisms for Established and Novel Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Nigerian Women (MEND) study.

BACKGROUND: The association between obesity and breast cancer (BC) has been extensively studied among US, European and Asian study populations, with often conflicting evidence. However, despite the increasing prevalence of obesity and associated conditions in Africa, the continent with the highest age-standardized BC mortality rate globally, few studies have evaluated this association, and none has examined in relation to molecular subtypes among African women. The current analysis examines the association between body composition, defined by body mass index (BMI), height, and weight, and BC by molecular subtype among African women. METHODS: We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between measures of body composition and BC and molecular subtypes among 419 histologically confirmed cases of BC and 286 healthy controls from the Mechanisms for Established and Novel Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Women of Nigerian Descent (MEND) case-control study. RESULTS: Higher BMI (aOR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.95) and weight (aOR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.98) were associated with reduced odds of BC in adjusted models, while height was associated with non-statistically significant increased odds of BC (aOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.28). In pre/peri-menopausal, but not post-menopausal women, both higher BMI and weight were significantly associated with reduced odds of BC. Further, higher BMI was associated with reduced odds of Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-enriched BC among pre/peri-menopausal women, and reduced odds of triple-negative BC among post-menopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI and weight were associated with reduced odds of BC overall and by molecular subtype among West African women. Larger studies of women of African descent are needed to definitively characterize these associations and inform cancer prevention strategies.

Association of Life-Course Educational Attainment and Breast Cancer Grade in the MEND Study.

Background: Nigeria reports the highest age-standardized mortality rate for breast cancer (BC) among African countries and disproportionately high rates of high-grade cancer. Histological grade is a strong predictor of mortality, and evidence suggests that educational attainment influences cancer outcomes. Objective: We characterize the association between educational trends across the life-course and BC grade at diagnosis. Methods: Data on 224 BC patients enrolled in the Mechanisms for Established and Novel Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Nigerian Women (MEND) study was analyzed. Participant and parental (mother and father) education was categorized as low (primary school or less) or high (secondary school or greater). Accordingly, the educational trend across the life-course was determined for each participant relative to each parent: stable high, increasing, decreasing, or stable low. BC grade was classified as high (grade 3) or low (grades 1-2). Findings: About 34% of participants, 71% of fathers, and 85% of mothers had low education. Approximately one-third of participants were diagnosed with high-grade BC. Participants with low-grade BC were more likely to have highly educated fathers (p = 0.04). After adjusting for age, comorbidities, marital status and mammogram screening, participants with highly educated fathers were 60% less likely to have high-grade BC (aOR 0.41; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.84) compared to those with less-educated fathers. Stable high life-course education relative to father was also associated with a significantly lower likelihood of having high-grade BC (aOR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.87) compared to stable low life-course education. No significant associations were observed for the participant's education, mother's education, or life-course education relative to mother. Conclusions: Early-life socioeconomic status (SES) may influence BC grade. This deserves further study to inform policies that may be useful in reducing high-grade BC in Nigeria.

Association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and odds of breast cancer by molecular subtype: analysis of the MEND study.

Breast cancer (BC) in Nigeria is characterized by disproportionately aggressive molecular subtypes. C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with risk and aggressiveness for several types of cancer. We examined the association of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) with odds of BC by molecular subtype among Nigerian women. Among 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 259 healthy controls, multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between hsCRP and odds of BC overall and by molecular subtype (luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC). High hsCRP (> 3 mg/L) was observed in 57% of cases and 31% of controls and was associated with 4 times the odds of BC (aOR: 4.43; 95% CI: 2.56, 7.66) after adjusting for socio-demographic, reproductive, and clinical variables. This association persisted regardless of menopausal status and body mass index (BMI) category. High hsCRP was associated with increased odds of TNBC (aOR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.07, 10.35), luminal A BC (aOR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.29, 12.64), and HER2-enriched BC (aOR: 6.27; 95% CI: 1.69, 23.25). Future studies are necessary in this population to further evaluate a potential role for CRP as a predictive biomarker for BC.

3D reconstruction and morphological analysis of electrostimulated hyperthermophile biofilms of Thermotoga neapolitana.

In this study, the morphological characteristics of the T. neapolitana biofilms on a ceramic carrier, stainless steel, graphite foil, carbon paper, carbon felt and carbon cloth using 3D reconstruction technology was investigated. This was based on the micrographs available in Squadrito et al. (Data Brief 33: 106-403, 2020). Besides the ceramic carrier, the other surfaces were conductive and slightly positively polarised (0.8 and 1.2 V). A simple drying technique was used to show the biofilm and avoid its detachment while chemical fixing with glutaraldehyde was used to better highlight the bacterial morphology within the biofilm. The latter was more suitable for investigating biofilm morphology while the former for bacteria morphology. For the ceramic carrier and stainless steel electrode surfaces, a regular undulating pattern of the biofilm was highlighted by the 3D rendering whilst the glutaraldehyde fixed sample showed a rod-like bacteria morphology. For the other surfaces, a regular undulating pattern of the biofilm and a mixture of a rod-like and a coccoid form of settled bacteria were evidenced also. Carbon cloth was the more suitable electrode for the current application due to its richer filamentous network of bacteria biofilm suggesting a better prevention of bacteria detachment from the electrode surface. Indeed, a preserved biofilm was highlighted on the surfaces of the polarised carbon cloth.

Ecotoxicology of glyphosate and recent advances in its mitigation by adsorption.

Glyphosate (N-[phosphonomethyl]glycine) is one of the most popular herbicides now used in agricultural practice. The aim of this paper was to discuss the research progress and innovations in recent years on the mitigation of glyphosate (GLY) from aqueous media by adsorption. The ecotoxicology of GLY was discussed in the domain of its chronic and sub-chronic toxicity, genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenicity, and potential risks of food contamination were discussed. It was observed that polymers and resins are the best class of adsorbents for GLY adsorption from aqueous media. GLY adsorption was best fit to either Freundlich or Langmuir isotherm depending on the nature of the adsorbent. The pseudo-second-order kinetics was also the best fit for modelling the kinetics of GLY adsorption. A review of the thermodynamics revealed that GLY adsorption was usually spontaneous and exothermic. Research trends and knowledge gaps are in the area of chemical mobility in environmental systems (especially in the presence of other chemical species), the use of heavy metal-laden adsorbent and molecular modelling. Furthermore, it was observed that the ecotoxicology of GLY still has some contentious areas where there is no conclusive stance.

A comprehensive review of water quality monitoring and assessment in Nigeria.

Nigeria is the most populated black nation in the world with about 199 million people. About 66.3 million Nigerians do not have access to safe drinking water. In this study, research findings on water quality monitoring and assessment in Nigeria over the past two decades were systematically reviewed. There are still grave enforcement issues in Nigeria as quality guidelines are still being contravened at no cost to the infringer due to the corrupt socio-political circumstances of the country. The quality of surface water, groundwater, rainwater and commercially available water was discussed in line with their pollution sources. The quality of surface water was generally poor. Groundwater pollution has come due to landfill leachate, oil and gas exploration and production, sewage and hydrogeological interactions of the groundwater with the base rock. The hydrogeological effect has led to the observation of lead and barium in groundwater in many locations across the country. The main issue with rainwater in Nigeria is the low pH but it was observed to be fairly clean. Commercially available water (bottled or sachet) is currently the best source of drinking water for the Nigerian populace. Bottled water quality is higher than for sachet water and the latter largely influenced by microbe contamination. Future perspectives in water quality monitoring and assessment are suggested in the evaluation of emerging contaminants and micro-pollutants and the utilisation of internet-enabled technologies.

Collaborative Molecular Epidemiology Study of Metabolic Dysregulation, DNA Methylation, and Breast Cancer Risk Among Nigerian Women: MEND Study Objectives and Design.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the role of metabolic dysregulation and associated DNA methylation changes on breast cancer risk and aggressive subtypes among Nigerian women. We describe the design and methods of a collaborative molecular epidemiology study of breast cancer in Nigerian hospitals. METHODS: The Mechanisms for Novel and Established Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Women of Nigerian Descent (MEND) study was designed as a matched case-control study of 350 patients, age 18 to 75 years, with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve breast cancer and 350 age-matched healthy controls from surrounding geographic areas. Patients with breast cancer seen for initial diagnosis at four large tertiary hospitals in southwest Nigeria and one affiliated private hospital were recruited. Healthy female controls were selected from a cohort of 4,000 healthy women recruited as part of the Human Heredity and Health (H3) in Africa Chronic Kidney Disease Case-Control Study in Nigeria. Tumor and adjacent normal tissue, and blood and saliva samples were collected for molecular and epigenetic assays. RESULTS: Although recruitment is ongoing, a total of 416 patients have been recruited to date, with tumor and blood samples obtained from at least 310 patients. Data on age-matched (± 6 months) controls have also been obtained and harmonized. Lipid assays for 350 pathologically verified cases and 350 age-matched controls is underway, and pathologic characterization of tumors (including immunohistochemistry for subtyping) is ongoing. Data on DNA methylation for tumors and adjacent normal tissue are expected by the end of the study period. CONCLUSION: The MEND study will provide a unique, high-quality source of data to evaluate the contribution of metabolic dysregulation such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome to the biology of breast cancer among Nigerian women and foster collaborative studies relevant for women of African descent globally.