Tobacco imagery in music videos can glamorise smoking, influencing youth attitudes and behaviours, yet its prevalence in Nigerian music, a global cultural force driven mainly by the Afrobeats genre, remains underexplored. This content analysis examined tobacco imagery in 880 Nigerian music videos from 1999 to 2023, sourced from YouTube based on top song charts. Videos were coded for user demographics, tobacco product types and paraphernalia across 15 s episodes. Trends were analysed, and future prevalence was forecasted to 2050 using the Holt-Winters method. Tobacco imagery was observed in 153 of 880 videos (17.4%), having combined 3.1 billion YouTube views. Cigarettes (51%) and cigars (34%) dominated, followed by shisha (7%), tobacco pipe (5%) and e-cigarettes (3%). Tobacco imagery appeared in the first 15 s of 23% of videos. Five artists accounted for 28% of videos with tobacco imagery and 33% of the tobacco events. The proportion of videos with tobacco imagery increased by 1.58 percentage points annually and is projected to exceed 55% by 2050 without intervention. Tobacco imagery is prevalent in Nigerian music videos, amplified by Afrobeats' global reach and youth viewership. The upward trend and shift towards newer products like shisha and e-cigarettes signal evolving public health risks and underscores the need for robust enforcement of existing regulations, alongside artist and corporate engagement to mitigate tobacco normalisation.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the distribution and concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, Co, and Cd) in soil samples collected around the halls of residence at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The research aimed to evaluate contamination levels using internationally recognised models, assess potential human health risks associated with metal pollution, and propose mitigation strategies for reducing heavy metal contamination in university and similar environments. Soil samples were taken from the surface layer (0–15 cm) using a stainless-steel auger and were subjected to wet acid digestion. The concentrations of heavy metals in the digested samples were measured using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and various contamination indices were employed to aggregate and visualise the data. Results showed metal concentrations ranging from 200.64 to 470.78, 91.25 to 171.25, 34.31 to 42.13, 151.13 to 473.25, 44.88 to 80.75, 37.25 to 54.25 and 38.88 to 50.50 mg/kg for Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, Co and Cd respectively. While most metals were within permissible limits, contamination indices and health risk assessments revealed notable pollution levels, particularly Pb, suggesting significant potential health risks for residents and highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address heavy metal contamination.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major contributor to cardioembolic stroke. Anticoagulation, guided by CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, is critical for secondary prevention, yet challenges persist in timing, patient-specific tailoring, and balancing efficacy with bleeding risk. This umbrella review synthesizes evidence on anticoagulation strategies for secondary prevention of cardioembolic stroke in AF patients. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (inception to May 2025) assessing oral anticoagulants (vitamin K antagonists [VKAs], direct oral anticoagulants [DOACs]) in AF patients with prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Outcomes included recurrent stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and mortality. Quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2. Data were narratively synthesized, with quantitative metrics extracted where feasible. Eight reviews (2007–2025) were included, comprising 4 to 52 studies and 6,893 to 94,656 participants. DOACs demonstrated superior efficacy over VKAs (apixaban OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66–0.94), and VKAs outperformed antiplatelets (relative risk reduction 64%, absolute risk reduction 8.4%/year). DOACs showed lower major bleeding and ICH rates than VKAs, with apixaban exhibiting the most favorable safety profile (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61–0.81). Early versus delayed oral anticoagulant (OAC) initiation post-stroke improved efficacy (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55–0.84) with comparable safety. Identified knowledge gaps include optimal timing of OACs, outcomes in high-risk subgroups (elderly, renal impairment, post-ICH), and cost-effectiveness. DOACs are superior to VKAs for secondary prevention of cardioembolic stroke in AF. However, individualized approaches are needed for timing and high-risk subgroups.

Environmental exposures have been linked to numerous health conditions. Personal sampling devices such as silicone wristbands have been deployed to better characterize these exposures. Few studies have investigated the use of silicone wristbands in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Understanding silicone wristbands in these settings is important since they have the potential to overcome certain logistical and cultural barriers that make biospecimen collection challenging. Thus, this scoping review aims to assess these studies by highlighting population, feasibility, accessibility, and ease of use. We searched five databases for the term "silicone wristband," resulting in 265 records. We included studies if they employed silicone wristbands as a passive sampling device and included samples from LMICs. After an abstract and full-text screening, we included 17 studies in this review. The studies included data from 10 LMICs that span three continents (Africa, South America, and Asia) and represent several occupations and diverse communities, both adult and pediatric. As measured through response rate, the use of silicone wristbands as passive sampling devices was widely accepted by participants. Silicone wristbands are a suitable and effective passive sampling device in LMICs. They are easily deployed, minimally invasive, and stable in travel. Employing a standardized approach to data collection and analysis may be useful for further comparability in future studies.

Elucidating the genetic contributions to Parkinson's disease (PD) etiology across diverse ancestries is a critical priority for the development of targeted therapies in a global context. We conducted the largest sequencing characterization of potentially disease-causing, protein-altering and splicing mutations in 710 cases and 11,827 controls from genetically predicted African or African admixed ancestries. We explored copy number variants (CNVs) and runs of homozygosity (ROHs) in prioritized early onset and familial cases. Our study identified rare GBA1 coding variants to be the most frequent mutations among PD patients, with a frequency of 4% in our case cohort. Out of the 18 GBA1 variants identified, ten were previously classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, four were novel, and four were reported as of uncertain clinical significance. The most common known disease-associated GBA1 variants in the Ashkenazi Jewish and European populations, p.Asn409Ser, p.Leu483Pro, p.Thr408Met, and p.Glu365Lys, were not identified among the screened PD cases of African and African admixed ancestry. Similarly, the European and Asian LRRK2 disease-causing mutational spectrum, including LRRK2 p.Gly2019Ser and p.Gly2385Arg genetic risk factors, did not appear to play a major role in PD etiology among West African-ancestry populations. However, we found three heterozygous novel missense LRRK2 variants of uncertain significance overrepresented in cases, two of which-p.Glu268Ala and p.Arg1538Cys-had a higher prevalence in the African ancestry population reference datasets. Structural variant analyses revealed the presence of PRKN CNVs with a frequency of 0.7% in African and African admixed cases, with 66% of CNVs detected being compound heterozygous or homozygous in early-onset cases, providing further insights into the genetic underpinnings in early-onset juvenile PD in these populations. Short tandem repeat analysis also identified ATXN3 repeat expansions within the pathogenic range (CAGn > 45) in three PD patients of African ancestry. Novel genetic variation overrepresented in cases versus controls among screened genes warrants further replication and functional prioritization to unravel their pathogenic potential. Here, we created the most comprehensive genetic catalog of both known and novel coding and splicing variants potentially linked to PD etiology in an underserved population and further conducted global and local ancestry analyses to further explore population-specific effects. Our study has the potential to guide the development of targeted therapies in the emerging era of precision medicine. By expanding genetics research to involve underrepresented populations, we hope that future PD treatments are not only effective but also inclusive, addressing the needs of diverse ancestral groups.

Background Child mortality in Nigeria, significantly affected by malaria and malnutrition, remains a public health concern in the country. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) are effective interventions that can be delivered through integrated health campaigns to reduce this mortality. This study assesses the cost implications of integrating these two interventions among under-5 children in Northeast Nigeria. Methods A cost analysis compared standalone SMC (Cycle 1 in July 2021) with SMC-VAS integrated campaign (Cycle 4 in October 2023) in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State. The number of children reached by the SMC-only campaign was 168,820 and for the SMC + Vit A campaign, the number was 170,681. Data collection utilized a mixed-methods approach, drawing from primary and secondary sources, including programmatic, financial, and coverage records. Costs were categorized into distribution, Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodaiquine (SPAQ) for SMC, Vitamin A, training, supplies, meetings, labor, supervision, and social mobilization costs. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the effect of a 10% fluctuation in the costs of distribution, labor, SPAQ, and supplies on the cost per child. Results The total cost for the SMC standalone campaign was US$158,934, and the SMC-VAS integration was US$186,426. Distribution and drug costs were the largest contributors in the integrated and SMC-only campaign. The SMC-only cost per child was $0.94 and $1.18 when eligible children received both SMC and VAS. The integration of VAS into the SMC campaign cycle incurred an additional US$27,492 over Cycle 1 cost (US$186,426 – US$158,934). Fluctuations in distribution costs were the most influential component of the cost per child. Conclusion Integrating VAS with SMC campaigns increases the cost by US$0.24 per child, a modest increment considering the potential health benefits. The results support the feasibility of this integration, in terms of cost, to combat child mortality from malaria and malnutrition in Nigeria. Further research is recommended to explore the cost-effectiveness of this integrated distribution model.

ABSTRACTIn this study, we investigate the effect of women's empowerment on the informal economy in Africa. It also examines the role of financial inclusion in the nexus between women's empowerment and the informal economy. The study is based on a panel data estimation of 39 African nations between 2004 and 2020. These data were analyzed via the panel estimation based on Driscoll and Kraay's robust standard error and Instrumental Variable generalized method of moment (IV‐GMM). The results reveal that gender political inclusion reduces participation in the informal economy. In contrast, gender economic inclusion promotes participation. However, financial inclusion moderates the relationship, implying that women's empowerment through financial inclusion decreases the size of the informal sector. The results from the regional analysis show that the direct effect of financial inclusion is not significant in West Africa, but its interactive effect on women's empowerment reduces the informal economy. Financial inclusion complements women's empowerment in reducing the size of the informal economy in North Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa. The study highlights that the interactive effects of financial inclusion and women's empowerment on the informal economy are heterogeneous across the income and regional levels and robust enough to carry out sensitivity checks.

This study evaluated the impact of palm oil mill effluents (POME) on the water quality of the Agbogbo stream by analysing physicochemical parameters and calculating the Water Quality Index (WQI) across five sampling stations (A–E), including upstream, discharge, and downstream points, over a twenty-month period. Parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate, sulphate, and conductivity were measured using standard methods. Results showed that the WQI values ranged from 60.1 to 65.5, with the lowest observed at the effluent discharge point, and an overall average WQI of 64.04, indicating poor water quality unsuitable for potable use. The consistent degradation in water quality across all sites highlights the adverse impact of untreated POME on aquatic ecosystems and community health. Practical implications include the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment prior to discharge, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations for palm oil mills, and continuous water quality monitoring. Future efforts should involve treating of the palm oil mill effluents before discharging it into the nearby waterbody, stakeholder engagement and sustainable practices in palm oil processing to safeguard water resources.

The psychological process that underpins the nexus between academic performance and depression among students is still largely unspecified. This study aimed to investigate whether sleep duration and psychological stress sequentially mediate the relationship between academic performance and depression.<b> </b>510 consented Nigerian physiotherapy undergraduates responded in this cross-sectional survey. Depression and psychological stress were assessed using the depression and stress sub-scale of the depression, anxiety and stress scale-21; while sleep duration and academic performance were assessed by self-report using a proforma. A serial mediation analysis was performed. The prevalence of depression, psychological stress, and sleep disturbance was 36.5%, 22.5%, and 73.9%, respectively. Serial mediation analysis showed that academic performance was negatively associated with depression (β = -1.003; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.716, -0.291). Psychological stress (β = -1.157; 95% boot CI: -1.994, -0.334) but not sleep duration (β = 0.030; 95% boot CI: -0.048, 0.122), significantly mediated this relationship. Although sleep duration alone was not a significant mediator, it contributed as the initial step in a significant serial mediation pathway, where reduced sleep duration increased psychological stress, which in turn heightened depression (β = -0.159; 95% boot CI: -0.346, -0.031). The total indirect effect of sleep duration and psychological stress was significant (β= -1.287; boot CI: -2.119, -0.471) and accounted for 56.2% of the total effect of academic performance on depression. Sleep duration and psychological stress jointly mediate the relationship between academic performance and depression among university students. Efforts to mitigate depression in this population should therefore address the interconnected roles of academic demands, sleep, and stress.

ABSTRACT Boundary disputes are one of the major sources of communal conflict in Nigeria’s countryside. Studies have examined the management of boundary disputes at the macroscopic level of the state, regional, and national levels. However, boundary disputes have not been put into management perspectives at the microscopic level of rural communities in Nigeria. Hence, this paper provides insightful discourse on the management of rural boundary disputes in Nigeria’s rural communities using Wakajaye and Lagbaka Communities as a case study. It becomes imperative with a view to resolving rural boundary disputes as a foremost source of inter-communal conflict in Nigeria. Using an exploratory research design, this paper draws the inherent causes, effects, and management perspectives from the theoretical abstraction of local stakeholders. This paper finds that rural boundary disputes between Wakajaye and Lagbaka communities in Osun State stem from socio-economic issues like illegal land sales and resource competition, resulting to family and ethnic disintegration. It suggests that effective resolution lies in traditional mediation, negotiation and boundary re-settlement that blend indigenous practices with formal governance systems. It emphasizes a stepwise process for the management of rural boundary disputes in Nigeria. This paper concludes that management of rural boundary disputes is not only an essential task, but also a resolution framework needed at the community level so as to prevent social conflicts.