Adiponectin orchestrates testosterone suppression in biological pathways

This current review highlights adiponectin engagement with AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 which subsequently triggers pathways such as AMPK,PPARα,and MAPK,thereby modulating testicular steroidogenesis.Adiponectin's actions on Leydig and adrenal cells inhibit androgen secretion by suppressing the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR).Given that StAR facilitates cholesterol to testosterone conversion,AMPK inhibits this process by modulating cholesterol transport and suppressing StAR expression through multiple avenues.Furthermore,adiponectin-induced PPARαactivation impedes mitochondrial cholesterol influx,further modulating androgen biosynthesis.The suppressive influence of PPARαon steroidogenic genes,notably StAR,is evident.Collectively,adiponectin signalling predominantly attenuates androgen production,ensuring metabolic and reproductive equilibrium.Imbalances,as seen in conditions like hypogonadism and obesity-related infertility,highlight their crucial roles and potential clinical interventions for reproductive disorders.

Irrigation capability evaluation of Illushi floodplain,Edo State,Nigeria

Many irrigation projects,especially in the developing tropical regions,are embarked upon without any land capability assessment,resulting in avoidable and undesirable ecological consequences.The aim of this study is to assess the irrigation capability potentials of the soils of a rice growing Illushi/Ega community in Edo State of Nigeria.Soils of Illushi/Ega(200 ha)were studied to establish their irrigation capabilities.Water samples were collected from the rivers within and near the sites at the proposed points of intake structures and analyzed for salinity(ECw),permeability(SAR)and ion toxicity[Chlorine(Cl)and Boron(B)].Gravity irrigation suitability assessment was carried out following the guidelines of the United States Bureau for Land Reclamation(USBR,1953)and FAO(1979).Results showed that about 5.5%of the land was non-irrigable,11.5%was marginally irrigable,30.5%was moderately irrigable and 52.5%highly irrigable.Thus about 83%of the total land area was found to be irrigable.The results of analyses of irrigation water[ECw,SAR and Cl and B(ion toxicity)problems in water sources were 0.1-0.7 dS m^(-1),1.2-1.7,0.6-1.8 cmol kg^(-1) and 0.5-0.7 mg kg^(-1)]also show that there is no indication of salinity or ion toxicity problem.

Novel photoactive material and fabrication techniques for solar cells application:nanocellulose-based graphene oxide CdS composite

In recent times,solar energy has become one of the largest available sources of renewable energy at our disposal.However,the design of highly efficient solar cells is increasingly becoming crucial as there has been a surge for economically viable alternative energy sources with the lowest cost.Significant advances have been made through different routes to make photovoltaic(PV)/solar technologies economically viable,eco-friendly and consequently scalable.As a result,cellulose nanomaterials have become one of the emerging technologies in this regard because of the advantages of high-value bio-based nanostructured materials,such as their abundance and sustainability.Nanocellulose-based photoactive nanocomposite materials can be made by integrating conducting photoactive and electroconductive materials with hydrophilic biocompatible cellulose.Inorganic nanoparticles,such as graphene/reduced graphene oxide cadmium sulphide quantum dots,amongst others,can be introduced into the nanocellulose matrix and can be applied either as charge transporters or photoactive materials in different types of solar cells.Thus,in this review,we highlight the optoelectronic properties of different photoactive materials,particularly nanocellulose-based graphene nanocomposites;their efficiencies and drawbacks were X-rayed.The effect of doping each PV material on the PV performance is also discussed.It is anticipated that the novel material would result in a reduction in the cost of solar cells,jointly enhancing their efficacy in generating environmentally friendly electricity.Since the fabrication techniques and equipment play a crucial role in the development of solar cells,the fabrication techniques of bulk-heterojunction(BHJ)cells containing a nanocellulose-based graphene composite and case studies of already fabricated BHJ PV cells with nanocellulose-based graphene composite are discussed.

Envelope antibody HBeIgG and HBV DNA in HBeAg-seronegative young adults in Nigeria

Study background:Anti-HBe and hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA are important markers in evaluating HBV infection.Anti-HBe indicates past or current infection that persists after hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)clearance.Detecting anti-HBe helps identify cleared or chronic infections.HBV DNA measures viral replication,indicating infection activity.Studying these markers in HBeAg-seronegative young adults provides insights into infection dynamics,immune responses,and transmission risk.It informs clinical management and public health interventions for preventing HBV transmission and reducing the burden of liver disease.Aim and objectives:This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBeAg seronegativity and its association with HBV infection markers among young adults in Etsako,Edo State,Nigeria.Materials and methods:The study population consisted of HBeAg-seronegative individuals aged 18 to 30 years.A total of 400 participants(200 females and 200 males)were randomly selected from urban and rural communities using a multistage sampling technique.Anti-HBe and HBeAg were analyzed by ELISA,whereas HBV DNA was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction.Results:The prevalence of HBeAg seropositivity was 28%,whereas 72%of participants were seronegative.Among the HBeAg-seronegative participants,the frequencies of anti-HBe and HBV DNA were analyzed based on various categorical variables.The results showed no significant differences in the frequency of anti-HBe and HBV DNA based on occupation,training,or other categorical variables(P>0.05).However,there was a significantly higher proportion of males(60%)among the total number of anti-HBe-seropositive young adults compared to females(40%)(P<0.05).Additionally,a significantly higher proportion of single/unmarried individuals without children(63.3%)was observed among anti-HBe-seropositive young adults compared to those who were married(25%)and those who were single/unmarried with children(12.5%,P<0.05).Conclusion:The study findings contribute to the understanding of HBeAg seronegativity and its association with anti-HBe and HBV DNA in young adults in Etsako,Edo State,Nigeria.Further research and public health interventions are warranted to better comprehend the factors influencing HBeAg seronegativity and its association with anti-HBe and HBV DNA and its implications for HBV transmission and disease progression in this population.

Exosomes:emerging biomarkers unveiling cellular mysteries—a narrative review

Exosomes have gained recognition as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers due to their stability and disease-specific cargos.Exosomes,once dismissed as cellular debris,are now acknowledged as crucial mediators of intercellular communications and disease.These nanosized vesicles transport dynamic cargos consisting of bioactive molecules,including proteins,lipids,and nucleic acids,enabling cells to exchange information and influence each other’s behavior.This review delves into the multifaceted roles of exosomes,particularly their emergence as biomarkers for various diseases.To conduct research for this review,a comprehensive literature search strategy was employed across various databases using keywords related to exosomes,biomarkers,cellular communication,disease diagnosis,and more.Selected articles were evaluated based on their relevance,and data were extracted,synthesized,and categorized according to thematic content.Quality assessment was performed on different types of articles,ensuring robust findings.In cancer,exosomes act as liquid biopsy samples,revealing genetic mutations,and protein markers.The misfolded proteins characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease are carried by exosomes.Moreover,exosomes have been studied as biomarkers for cardiovascular,infectious,and autoimmune diseases.In addition to their functions as biomarkers,exosomes influence the tumor microenvironment,immune response,synaptic plasticity,and tissue regeneration.Challenges remain to fill research gaps and standardize exosome analyses.Exosomes are pivotal in intercellular communication and for disease diagnosis,offering insights into cellular processes,immunity,and regeneration.Future research may reshape our understanding of cellular communication and drive therapeutic interventions.Although challenges must be addressed,exosomes hold undeniable potential for use in personalized medicine and biomedical research.

Thermochemical recycling of waste disposable facemasks in a non-electrically powered system

The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the use of plastic-based personal protective equipment (PPE), which aidedgreatly in its management. However, the increased production and usage of these PPEs put a strain on the environment,especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. This has led various researchers to study low-costand effective technologies for the recycling of these materials. One such material is disposable facemasks. However,previous studies have only been able to engage electrically powered reactors for their thermochemical conversion,which is a challenge as these reactors cannot be used in regions with an insufficient supply of electricity. In thisstudy, the authors utilized a biomass-powered reactor for the conversion of waste disposable facemasks and almondleaves into hybrid biochar. The reactor, which is relatively cheap, simple to use, environmentally friendly, and modifiedfor biochar production, is biomass-powered. The co-carbonization process, which lasted 100 min, produced a 46%biochar yield, which is higher than previously obtained biochar yields by other researchers. The biochar thus obtainedwas characterized to determine its properties. FTIR analysis showed that the biochar contained functional groupssuch as alkenes, alkynes, hydroxyls, amines, and carbonyls. The EDX analysis revealed that the biochar was primarilymade of carbon, tellurium, oxygen, and calcium in the ratios of 57%, 19%, 9%, and 7%, respectively. The inclusion ofthe facemask decreased the surface area and porosity of the biochar material, as evidenced by its surface area andpore characteristics.

Human immunodeficiency virus p24 antigen and antibody,herpes simplex virus-2 IgM and tumor necrosis factor alpha plasma levels in adult female children living in sing le-parent households:a case-control observational study

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen and antibody and herpes simplex virus 2 IgM are seromarkers indicating infection with HIV and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), respectively, whereas tumor necrosis factor α is an inflammatory biomarker that can be triggered by infections. Female children of single parents are faced with many socio-economic challenges that make them vulnerable to sexual influences and prone to sexually transmitted infections. The goal of this work was to determine HIV p24 antigen/antibody, HSV-2 IgM and tumor necrosis factor-α plasma levels in adult female children living in single-parent households.Methods: In this case-control observational study, 100 adult female children living with a single parent (50 living with a single mother and 50 living with a single father;age: 18-22 years) and 100 age-matched women living with both parents were recruited to serve as the test and control groups, respectively. All subjects were negative for acid-fast bacilli, plasmodium, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus. Human tumor necrosis factor α, HSV-2 IgM, antibody to hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B surface antigen and human immunodeficiency virus p24 antigen and antibody (HIV p24 Ag/Ab) levels were determined by ELISA, while the detection of acid-fast bacilli in sputum andPlasmodium in blood was carried out by optical microscopy. This work was carried out in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in Ondo State that shares boundaries with Edo State. The study protocol was approved by the Research and Ethical Committee of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria (AUO/MLS/2020/127) on August 27, 2020.Results: HIV p24 Ag/Ab was detected in 0 adult female children living with a single mother, 1 (2%) adult female child living with a single father and 1 (1 %) adult female child living with both parents. HSV-2 IgM was detected in 9 (18%) adult female children living with a single mother, 13 (26%) adult female children living with a single father, and 5 (10%) adult female children living with both parents.Conclusion: This work shows that adult female children of single parents are vulnerable to sexual influences, and thereby more prone to HSV-2 and possibly HIV, especially adult female children of single fathers.