Ambrose Alli University

This study presents the first integrative assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from the Nembe mangrove ecosystem (Niger Delta, Nigeria), evaluating contamination levels, probable sources, and associated ecological and human health risks. Sediment samples collected from three stations were analysed for the 16 priority PAHs using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Fourteen PAH compounds were detected, with a mean concentration of 4728±2745mg/kg, far exceeding both the Nigerian intervention limit (4mg/kg) and international guideline values. Multivariate statistical methods were employed for source apportionment, and the 5th and 95th percentile health risks were estimated using Monte Carlo simulation. Diagnostic ratios, and correlation analysis indicated mixed petrogenic (oil-derived) and pyrogenic (combustion-related) inputs, consistent with oil spillage events and biomass burning activities. Ecological risk assessment showed that several PAHs exceeded the effect range-median (ER-M) thresholds, suggesting a high probability of adverse biological effects. The total 5th and 95th Percentile carcinogenic risk were 2.20×10-3 and 3.73×10-3 for children, and 1.60×10-3 and 2.77×10-3 for adults, respectively, all exceeding the United States Environmental Protection Agency maximum acceptable risk threshold (>1×10-4). Dermal contact and ingestion were identified as the dominant exposure pathways. Overall, the findings reveal severe PAH contamination in Nembe mangrove sediments, with substantial ecological and public health implications. Targeted public health interventions, stricter regulation of PAH sources, and sustained seasonal monitoring are urgently needed to mitigate oil spills, reduce human exposure, and guide remediation and policy development.

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Hypertension remains a leading contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality worldwide, with increasing prevalence observed among younger populations. Although avoidable lifestyle factors account for a substantial proportion of hypertension risk, prevention efforts depend heavily on adequate awareness and understanding of these factors. This study examines the level of knowledge of avoidable risk factors of hypertension among university students in England and evaluates the relationship between these factors and hypertension status. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to students at a large English university. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Findings indicate a high level of knowledge of avoidable risk factors, including alcohol consumption, obesity, high salt intake, and junk food consumption. Despite this, significant associations were observed between several avoidable risk factors and hypertension status, particularly alcohol use, body mass index, salt intake, and frequent consumption of junk food. The results highlight a clear disjunction between knowledge and health behaviour, suggesting that awareness alone is insufficient to reduce hypertension risk among university students. The study underscores the need for prevention strategies that extend beyond information provision to address behavioural, social, and environmental drivers of risk.

Background: Gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers encompass a heterogeneous group of malignancies with distinct histological and biological characteristics. Histological classification remains central to diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutic decision-making, particularly in settings where molecular profiling is not routinely available. Objective: This study examined the histological spectrum and classification patterns of gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers diagnosed over a ten-year period in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancer cases diagnosed between January 2011 and December 2020 across four major histopathology laboratories in Anambra State. Archived haematoxylin and eosin–stained slides and paraffin blocks were reviewed. Tumours were classified according to the 2019 World Health Organization classification of gastric tumours, with carcinomas further categorised using the Lauren classification system. Descriptive statistics and chi-square testing were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Ninety-three cases met inclusion criteria. Carcinomas constituted the majority of tumours, followed by mesenchymal tumours, lymphomas, and neuroendocrine tumours. Tubular adenocarcinoma was the most frequent carcinoma subtype, while intestinal-type carcinoma predominated under the Lauren classification. Most graded carcinomas were well differentiated. No statistically significant associations were identified between histological subtype and patient age or sex. Conclusion: Gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers in this setting are dominated by epithelial malignancies, particularly tubular and intestinal-type adenocarcinomas. The observed histological profile aligns with patterns reported across Nigeria and other low- and middle-income settings, underscoring the continuing relevance of morphology-based classification in regional cancer practice.

Purpose of the study: This study aimed evaluate association between open umbilical cord care and neonatal infection within 28 days postpartum in primary midwifery facilities in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, and to identify independent biological and environmental predictors of infection risk. Methodology: A retrospective cohort design was applied to 980 term neonates delivered between January 2022 and December 2024 in six registered primary obstetric centers in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were extracted from maternity registers and follow-up records. Multivariable log-binomial regression and 1:1 propensity score matching were performed using STATA version 17 to estimate adjusted relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Main Findings: Neonatal infection occurred in 8.7% of the open cord care group and 6.5% of antiseptic group. After multivariable adjustment and propensity score matching, open cord care was not significantly associated with increased infection risk (aRR 1.15; 95% CI 0.76–1.73; p = 0.49). Low birth weight, prolonged rupture of membranes, and limited household sanitation were independent predictors, while early breastfeeding initiation was protective. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides context-specific effectiveness evidence on open umbilical cord care within real-world primary midwifery services in semi-urban West Africa. By integrating propensity score matching with routine service data, it bridges the gap between controlled antiseptic trials and implementation-level nursing practice, supporting risk-stratified and system-oriented neonatal infection prevention strategies.

The liver plays a vital role in metabolism, detoxification, and overall physiological homeostasis, making it susceptible to damage from both synthetic and natural compounds. Aloe vera, a commonly used medicinal plant, has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. This study aimed to assess the histological effects of orally administered Aloe vera gel on the liver of albino rats. Fifty (50) adult male and female albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (A–E) of ten rats each. Group A served as the control and received distilled water, while Groups B to E were administered Aloe vera gel orally at doses of 1.4 ml, 2.8 ml, 8.4 ml, and 13.9 ml for 14 days. Rats were weighed before and after treatment, and liver tissues were harvested for histological examination using standard hematoxylin and eosin staining protocols. Body weight data were analyzed using ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. All groups exhibited statistically significant (p = 0.01) increases in body weight post-treatment. Histologically, the control and low-dose groups (1.4 ml and 2.8 ml) showed normal liver architecture with preserved hepatic sinusoids and Kupffer cells. However, higher doses (8.4 ml and 13.9 ml) resulted in dose-dependent histopathological changes, including swollen hepatocytes, vascular congestion, central vein shrinkage, and hepatic necrosis. These findings indicate a potential hepatotoxic effect at elevated doses of Aloe vera gel. Caution is therefore advised in the therapeutic use of Aloe vera, especially at high concentrations or with prolonged exposure

Psychiatric morbidity among military personnel poses significant challenges to individual well-being, operational effectiveness, and force sustainability. Although combat exposure has been widely linked to adverse mental health outcomes in high-income countries, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. In Nigeria, prolonged counter-insurgency and internal security operations expose Army personnel to diverse psychological stressors. Yet, little is known about how socio-demographic and occupational factors are differentially associated with psychiatric morbidity among combatant and non-combatant roles. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 297 Nigerian Army personnel stationed at Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, comprising 149 combatants and 148 non-combatants. Psychiatric morbidity was screened using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and confirmed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus (M.I.N.I.-PLUS). Socio-demographic and occupational variables were collected using a structured pro forma. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with psychiatric morbidity within combatant and non-combatant groups, as well as in the combined sample. Overall prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was significantly higher among combatants (55.0%) compared to non-combatants (22.3%) (χ2 = 12.73, p < 0.01). The overall prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in the sample was 38.7%. In combatants, predictors included age < 30 years (AOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.12–4.08), unmarried status (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.04–3.71), living in barracks (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.18–4.36), and prior deployment (AOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.51–5.44). In non-combatants, lower educational attainment (secondary or less) predicted psychiatric morbidity (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.05–3.85). Across the entire sample, combatant role independently predicted psychiatric morbidity (AOR 3.21, 95% CI 1.85–5.58). Psychiatric morbidity is common among Nigerian Army personnel and is differentially associated with socio-demographic and occupational factors across combatant and non-combatant roles. Combat exposure, combined with younger age, limited social support, and barracks residence, appears to heighten vulnerability among combatants, while lower educational attainment may increase risk among non-combatants. These findings underscore the need for role-specific, culturally informed mental health screening, prevention, and intervention strategies within the Nigerian Army.

This paper highlights the creative features of Onokpasa’s language and style in Across the Mediterranean Sea. Critically, the linguistic circumstances of modern African literature make the African writers, essentially, bilingual writers, implying writing within different linguistic contact zones. The works of African writers are replete with rich peculiar narratives, both in content and form – as avid celebrators of the theme of Africaness. This is especially true when one considers the variety of subject matters and linguistic resources the writers’ exhibit. Onokpasa’s work is characterized by linguistic style, which exposes the rich employment of poetic and linguistic features peculiar to African setting, such as borrowing, coinages, code switching and code mixing, among others. The study, therefore, explores these peculiar language choices in order to reveal Onokpasa’s profound exploration of African cultural and societal issues. Anchored in Michael Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) as the theoretical framework, the study analyses the language and style employed in Across the Mediterranean Sea. The finding reveals that Onokpasa skilfully employs socio-linguistic features, to reflect the complexities of the migrants’ experiences.