Taraba State University

Mafe A.N., Büsselberg D.

The gut–brain–cancer axis represents a novel and intricate connection between the gut microbiota, neurobiology, and cancer progression. Recent advances have accentuated the significant role of gut microbiota metabolites in modulating systemic processes that influence both brain health and tumorigenesis. This paper explores the emerging concept of metabolite-mediated modulation within the gut–brain–cancer connection, focusing on key metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan derivatives, secondary bile acids, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). While the gut microbiota’s impact on immune regulation, neuroinflammation, and tumor development is well established, gaps remain in grasping how specific metabolites contribute to neuro–cancer interactions. We discuss novel metabolites with potential implications for neurobiology and cancer, such as indoles and polyamines, which have yet to be extensively studied. Furthermore, we review preclinical and clinical evidence linking gut dysbiosis, altered metabolite profiles, and brain tumors, showcasing limitations and research gaps, particularly in human longitudinal studies. Case studies investigating microbiota-based interventions, including dietary changes, fecal microbiota transplantation, and probiotics, demonstrate promise but also indicate hurdles in translating these findings to clinical cancer therapies. This paper concludes with a call for standardized multi-omics approaches and bi-directional research frameworks integrating microbiome, neuroscience, and oncology to develop personalized therapeutic strategies for neuro-cancer patients.

Mafe A.N., Büsselberg D.

The intricate relationship between anticancer drugs and the gut microbiome influences cancer treatment outcomes. This review paper focuses on the role of microbiome integrity in enhancing the efficacy and safety of anticancer drug therapy, emphasizing the pharmacokinetic interactions between anticancer drugs and the gut microbiota. It explores how disruptions to microbiome composition, or dysbiosis, can alter drug metabolism, immune responses, and treatment side effects. By examining the mechanisms of microbiome disruption caused by anticancer drugs, this paper highlights specific case studies of drugs like cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and irinotecan, and their impact on microbial diversity and clinical outcomes. The review also discusses microbiome-targeted strategies, including prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), as promising interventions to enhance cancer treatment. Furthermore, the potential of microbiome profiling in personalizing therapy and integrating these interventions into clinical practice is explored. Finally, this paper proposes future research directions, including developing novel biomarkers and a deeper comprehension of drug–microbiome interactions, to respond to current gaps in knowledge and improve patient outcomes in cancer care.

Targema T.V., Babar R., Atif M., El-Meligy M., Tiecheng X., Ali R.

In this paper, we investigate the circular motion and chaotic behavior of charged particles in the dyonic global monopole spacetime surrounded by a perfect fluid. We classified the black hole into three special regimes: dark matter, dust, and radiation. We precisely calculated the Lyapunov exponent for each regime as an eigenvalue of the Jacobian matrix. We examine, through numerical and graphical analysis, the circular motion and chaos bound violation across all the regimes. In the dark matter regime, stable orbits conform to the chaos bound. Even though the bound brings orbits with small charges and those far from the event horizon closer, they never violate it. In the dust regime, there can be more than one orbit for a fixed mass, charge, topological defect, and fluid parameter, especially when the angular momentum is small. At this point, the orbits are unstable, and those that are closer to the event horizon violate the bound. Similarly, in the radiation regime, orbits that are closer to the event horizon are unstable and chaotic, especially with greater angular momentum. In fact, regardless of the charge, topological defect, and fluid parameter, all orbits, whether they are far from or close to the horizon, become unstable and violate the bound when the angular momentum is significantly large.

Awhari D.P., Jamal M.H., Muhammad M.K., Bardey I.A., Shahid S.

Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) estimation is essential for understanding water requirements in agricultural and hydrological studies, especially in water-scarce regions. This study introduces two novel machine learning (ML) models, Awhari1 and Awhari2, to improve aridity classification across Nigeria. Daily climate data between 1950 and 2022 from fifth European Reanalysis (ERA5) maximum temperature (Tmax), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (ws), actual (ea) and saturated vapour pressure (es) were used for this prupose. The Penman-Monteith (PM) method was utilised as a reference model to assess model accuracy, while Hargreaves and Thornthwaite models were evaluated for comparison. Results reveal that the Awhari2 model outperformed other models, excelling in sensitivity (3.535), specificity (3.916), and balanced accuracy (3.726) across all aridity classes, notably in Humid and Hyper Arid zones. Awhari1 model also showed high precision (3.611), in Semi-arid and arid regions Hargreaves and Thornthwaite underperformed, showing limited daptability to Nigeria’s diverse climatic zones. These findings support evaluating PET models’ performance before being applied in aridity studies. However, limitations in these models, such as their exclusion of solar radiation, suggest that future studies should expand climatic inputs to enhance predictive robustness. This study contributes valuable insights for improved PET modeling, critical for effective water resource management and agricultural planning in arid regions. 

Awhari D.P., Jamal M.H., Muhammad M.K., Shahid S.

Accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is essential for effective water resource management and agricultural planning, particularly in regions with diverse climatic conditions and data limitations. This study addresses the challenge of selecting suitable ETo models by evaluating 20 temperature-based, 20 radiation-based, and 11 mass transfer-based models in Nigeria using 53 years of ERA5 meteorological data (1950–2022), with the Penman–Monteith (PM) method as the reference. A novel integrated multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework, termed group decision-making analysis (GDMA), was developed by combining three established MCDA techniques: Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Vise Kriterijumsa Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS). This approach optimizes ETo model selection by harmonizing rankings across multiple criteria through a consensus-driven decision-making process. The results identified the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) model as the most suitable alternative to the PM method, achieving a KGE of 0.89, NSE of 0.97, PBIAS of 6.63%, and NRMSE of 17.27%, followed by the Penman model with a KGE of 0.74, NSE of 0.74, PBIAS of −10.17%, and NRMSE of 47.83%. The integrated GDMA framework effectively resolved discrepancies arising from different statistical metrics and MCDA methods, ensuring a robust and reliable model selection process. This study underscores the efficacy of the GDMA framework in selecting optimal ETo models, particularly in data-limited regions, and highlights its potential for application in other climatic zones. The findings provide valuable insights into improving irrigation planning, water resource management, and climate adaptation strategies in Nigeria and similar contexts.

Edo G.I., Mafe A.N., Razooqi N.F., Umelo E.C., Gaaz T.S., Isoje E.F., Igbuku U.A., Akpoghelie P.O., Opiti R.A., Essaghah A.E., Ahmed D.S., Umar H., Ozsahin D.U.

Moses R.J., Edo G.I., Razooqi N.F., Abiola O. T., Gaaz T.S., Mafe A.N., Jikah A.N., Isoje E.F., Igbuku U.A., Akpoghelie P.O., Essaghah A.E., Ahmed D.S., Umar H.

This review summarizes the sources, metabolism and roles of selenium within the human body. Past and recent evidence implicating selenium deficiency as a feature in various cases of cancers is reviewed. Trace elements (micronutrients) are nutrients required in minute concentrations in human physiology. Their significance in maintaining homeostatic physiologic states cannot be overlooked. Selenium is an essential micronutrient that is primarily obtained from diet. After being taken up in the duodenum, the micronutrient is disseminated to various target organs where it executes vital roles such as aiding cell apoptosis, promoting anti-oxidation and boosting immunity and cognitive function. The possible link between selenium deficiency and a wide range of diseases especially cancer, has been recognized. In recent years, numerous reviews and meta-analyses of research examining the correlation between low levels of Selenium (toenail, serum, and urine) and specific cancer incidences have been published. Finally, suggestions on subsequent directions to further elucidate the function of selenium deficiency in cancer occurrence and prognosis were stated.

Mafe A.N., Büsselberg D.

Foodborne pathogens are microorganisms that cause illness through contamination, presenting significant risks to public health and food safety. This review explores the metabolites produced by these pathogens, including toxins and secondary metabolites, and their implications for human health, particularly concerning cancer risk. We examine various pathogens such as Salmonella sp., Campylobacter sp., Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, detailing the specific metabolites of concern and their carcinogenic mechanisms. This study discusses analytical techniques for detecting these metabolites, such as chromatography, spectrometry, and immunoassays, along with the challenges associated with their detection. This study covers effective control strategies, including food processing techniques, sanitation practices, regulatory measures, and emerging technologies in pathogen control. This manuscript considers the broader public health implications of pathogen metabolites, highlighting the importance of robust health policies, public awareness, and education. This review identifies research gaps and innovative approaches, recommending advancements in detection methods, preventive strategies, and policy improvements to better manage the risks associated with foodborne pathogens and their metabolites.

Ciboh R., Torwel V., Jev A.A.

This study examines current methods of reporting conflict in Nigeria from three perspectives: (i) how journalism academics regard current methods; (ii) what best reporting methods they recommend; and (iii) what kind of training they think is suitable for journalists who report conflicts. Participatory Action Research (PAR) was used as methodology and focus group discussion was conducted in three phases: evaluation, proposition and education. Answers suggest that current methods of reporting conflict are irresponsible and capable of discouraging nonviolent reactions to conflicts, that many journalists are prejudiced by ethnicity, religion and party politics that skew their reporting and that Nigeria needs peace journalism to obviate obstacles to peace. The study recommends mainstreaming conflict-sensitive reporting and peace journalism into the curricula of journalism education and training to improve the reporting of conflicts and terrorism. The authors believe that synergized policy between media and universities can profit from the values that conflict analysis and peace journalism offer.

Al-Mustapha A.I., Adesiyan I.M., Orum T.G., Ogundijo O.A., Lawal A.N., Nzedibe O.E., Onyeka L.O., Muhammad K.U., Odetayo L., Oyewo M., Muhammad S.O., Atadiose E.O., Adebudo L.I., Adetunji D.A., Jantiku H.J., et. al.

Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever have resulted in a public health threat in Nigeria and other endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the Lassa Virus (LASV) is endemic in rodent populations, zoonotic spillover to humans causes annual outbreaks. This study reviewed the burden of Lassa fever (LF) in Nigeria between 2020 and 2023 and conducted a cross-sectional survey of Nigerians to evaluate their risk perceptions of LF. During the period under review, 28,780 suspected and 4,036 confirmed cases of LF were reported from 34 of the 37 states of Nigeria. These cases resulted in 762 deaths (a CFR of 18.9%). The overall case positivity rate was 14% (4,036/28,780), with more positive cases in 2020 (17.5%, n = 1,189/6,791). A total of 2,150 study participants were enrolled in the prospective cross-sectional study, with most of them (87.5%, n = 1,881/2,150) having previously heard of Lassa fever (LF). The numerical scoring system revealed that 35.43% (n = 762/1,881) of those aware of LF have poor knowledge of its preventive measures, route of transmission, and control measures. Approximately 6.84% (n = 147/2,150) of them were at a high risk of contracting LF, with 27.6% (n = 584/2,150) of study participants feeling concerned about contracting LF because of the presence of rodents in their immediate vicinity, occupational exposure to healthcare workers, and the probability of contamination of food by infected rodents without necessary food safety measures. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that tertiary education was associated with an increased likelihood of better LF knowledge (OR: 17.32; 95% CI: 10.62, 28.26; p < 0.01) and a lower risk of contracting LF when compared to respondents with no formal education. In addition, study participants who reside in low-burden states have lower LF perception than those residents in high-LF-burden states (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38–0.91; p = 0.049). On the other hand, study participants with poor risk perception (knowledge) of LF had a higher likelihood (RR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.53; p < 0.01) of contracting LF when compared to those with good knowledge of LF. Similarly, those residents in low LF burden states were less likely (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.05,0.17; p < 0.01) to contract LF when compared to those residents in high burden states. There is a need to improve LF diagnostics capacity, infection prevention and control measures, and implementation of the One Health approach to controlling LASV from animal reservoirs. In addition, public enlightenment campaigns to address fundamental knowledge gaps are crucial to mitigating the ongoing and future impact of LF in Nigeria.

Vale P.D., Fotsing E.D., Mucyo S.J., Abwage W.D., Dibakou S.E., N’Goran K.P., Sop T., van der Hoek Y., Heinicke S., Kulik L., Kone I., Kuehl H.

The ecological importance of great apes is widely recognised, yet few studies have highlighted the role of protecting great apes’ habitats in mitigating climate change, particularly through carbon sequestration. This study used GIS tools to extract data from various sources, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature database, to examine carbon quantity and great ape abundance in African great ape habitats. Subsequently, we employed a generalised linear model to assess the relationship between locally measured great ape populations abundance and carbon storage across areas with different levels of protection. Our findings showed a positive relationship between the abundance of great apes in their habitats and carbon storage, likely since conservation efforts in great apes habitats may be strengthened with higher great ape populations. The results reveal that gorilla habitats exhibited higher carbon storage than chimpanzee habitats. Specifically, the areas inhabited by gorillas are associated with a mean increase of 27.47 t/ha in carbon storage. Additionally, we observed a positive association between highly protected areas and carbon storage within great ape habitats. Our model indicates that highly protected areas increase the mean carbon stored by 1.13 t/ha compared to medium protected areas, which show a reduction of 15.49 t/ha. This highlights the critical role that protected areas play in both species conservation and carbon sequestration, contributing significantly to climate mitigation efforts. Furthermore, our study underscores the significant contribution of great ape habitats, extending beyond protected areas, to carbon storage, highlighting the potential for synergistic conservation strategies targeting both great apes and carbon sequestration. Protecting great apes is vital for reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and boosting tropical forest carbon sinks. Since nearly 90% of great apes live outside protected areas, targeted conservation in these low-protected areas is also crucial.

Mafe A.N., Büsselberg D.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium, contaminating various food crops and posing severe risks to food safety and human health. This review discusses mycotoxins‘ origins, significance, and impact, particularly in relation to cancer risk. Major mycotoxins like aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, and patulin are examined, along with their sources and affected foods. The carcinogenic mechanisms of these toxins, including their biochemical and molecular interactions, are explored, as well as epidemiological evidence linking mycotoxin exposure to cancer in high-risk populations. The review also highlights critical methodologies for mycotoxin detection, including HPLC, GC-MS, MS, and ELISA, and the sample preparation techniques critical for accurate analysis. Strategies for controlling mycotoxin contamination, both pre- and post-harvest, are discussed, along with regulations from organizations like the FAO and WHO. Current challenges in detection sensitivity, cost, and control effectiveness are noted. Future research is needed to develop innovative analytical techniques, improve control strategies, and address the influence of climate change on mycotoxin production. Finally, global collaboration and emerging technologies are essential for advancing mycotoxin control and enhancing food safety.

Omugbe E., Inyang E. ., Horchani R., Eyube E. ., Onate C. ., Targema T. ., Obikee A. ., Ogundeji S. .

The bound state solutions of the Schrödinger equation (SE) under a deformed hyperbolic potential are used in this paper to investigate the correlation between the information content, such as Shannon entropies and Fisher information, and the variance of a quantum system in both momentum and position spaces. The variance was obtained from the expectation moments in conjugated spaces and used to get the uncertainty products, Fisher information products and Shannon entropic sums for different potential parameters. These information measures were observed to vary with the potential parameters and obey their lowest bound inequalities. An increase in the Fisher information leads to a lower uncertainty and less information while decreases in the Fisher information result in higher uncertainties. We proposed a relationship between the Shannon entropies, Fisher information and the variance where an increase in the Fisher information leads to a lower Shannon entropy or a lower spread of the probability distribution and vice versa. The numerical results obtained with the proposed relations agree with the most utilized method in the literature. This current work simplifies the calculation of the Shannon entropies notably for complex potential functions.

Shu R., Xia H., Apuke O.D.

Despite the growing body of studies exploring the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on business outcomes, there is still limited understanding of the mechanism through which CSR activities affect customer patronage (CP). This study modeled the mediating role of corporate reputation (CR) in the relationship between CSR activities and customer patronage (CP). The study further tested the moderating role of customer awareness. Data was drawn from 1,200 customers of a manufacturing company using Qualtrics online crowdsourcing company. A structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to actualize this study. We found that a company’s CSR activities promote CR. Specifically, community development and philanthropic responsibilities have more impact in promoting the CR of a company. CR was found to mediate the relationship between CSR activities and CP. Finally, consumer awareness (CA) of CSR activities moderates and increases the correlation between CR and CP.

Feng X., Dang W., Apuke O.D.

This study looked at the effect of group music therapy on dementia patients' levels of feelings of depression and anxiety. Quasi-experiment was carried out (N = 121) in which patients were randomly divided into a control (N = 61) and an experimental group (N = 60). Following a six-weeks, twelve-sessions trial involving both passive and active music therapy, it was discovered that the music group therapy intervention decreased the anxiety and depression levels of dementia patients in the experimental group as compared to the control group, which did not receive any music therapy. It was also noted that after three months of follow-up, participants in the experimental group still maintained a low level of anxiety and depression, but the control group's level remained high, therefore, substantiating the effect of music in lowering anxiety and depression among older ones. We urge the nursing descipline, medical professionals, carers, and care homes to include music therapy in the care they provide for patients with dementia.