Cypermethrin toxicity-induced infertility: An assessment of longitudinal transfer of protective potentials of date fruit extracts in Wister rats

BACKGROUND

There is a potential for longitudinal and horizontal transfer of the cytotoxic effects of Cypermethrin, and evidence suggesting that date fruit extracts can ameliorate these cytotoxic effects. Thus, the current study evaluated female Wister rats' fertility and pup parameters after mating males treated with Cypermethrin and Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) extract.

METHODS

Adult Wistar rats (n = 74; 140 - 207 g) were used to conduct this experiment in two phases: The first phase was a single dose toxicity study (n = 18), while the second phase (n = 56) evaluated female Wister rats' reproductive and pup development parameters after mating with male Wistar rats exposed to date fruit extract and Cypermethrin. Male rats were distributed randomly into four groups (n = 7 per group) and administered distilled water (Group I); 60 mg/kg Cypermethrin (Group II) to simulate infertility; 250 mg/kg date fruit extract alone (Group III); and date fruit extracts plus 60 mg/kg Cypermethrin (Group IV). Treated males were then mated with healthy female rats at a ratio of 1:1. Successfully mated females were appraised for conception and pregnancy rates; gestation length; litter size and weights at birth, and on days 5, 10, 15, and 21 post-partum; anogenital distance at day-20; sex ratio, and age of pup when hair growth was evident.

RESULTS

Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in litter size, and male anogenital distance, but not in reproductive performance. Also, the study demonstrated that date fruit extract skewed the sex ratio of offspring to more female than male pups when female Wister rats were mated with males that received date fruit extracts alone or Cypermethrin and date fruit extracts. The body weight gains did not differ significantly between the control and Cypermethrin treated groups Conclusion: This evidence suggested a longitudinal transfer of the protective effects of date fruit extracts following a weekly exposure of male rats to Cypermethrin at 60 mg/kg.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Determinants of Acceptance among Healthcare Workers, Academics and Tertiary Students in Nigeria

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of human deaths, prompting the rapid development and regulatory approval of several vaccines. Although Nigeria implemented a COVID-19 vaccination program on 15 March 2021, low vaccine acceptance remains a major challenge. To provide insight on factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH), we conducted a national survey among healthcare workers, academics, and tertiary students, between 1 September 2021 and 31 December 2021. We fitted a logistic regression model to the data and examined factors associated with VH to support targeted health awareness campaigns to address public concerns and improve vaccination rates on par with global efforts. A total of 1525 respondents took part in the survey, composed of healthcare-workers (24.5%, 373/1525), academics (26.9%, 410/1525), and students (48.7%, 742/1525). Only 29% (446/1525) of the respondents were vaccinated at the time of this study. Of the 446 vaccinated respondents, 35.7% (159/446), 61.4% (274/446) and 2.9% (13/446) had one, two and three or more doses, respectively. Reasons for VH included: difficulty in the vaccination request/registration protocols (21.3%, 633/1079); bad feelings towards the vaccines due to negative social media reports/rumours (21.3%, 633/1079); personal ideology/religious beliefs against vaccination (16.7%, 495/1079); and poor confidence that preventive measures were enough to protect against COVID-19 (11%, 323/1079). Some health concerns that deterred unvaccinated respondents were: innate immunity issues (27.7%, 345/1079); allergic reaction concerns (24.6%, 307/1079); and blood clot problems in women (21.4%, 266/1079). In the multivariable model, location of respondents/geopolitical zones, level of education, testing for COVID-19, occupation/job description and religion were significantly associated with VH. Findings from this study underscore the need for targeted awareness creation to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Nigeria and elsewhere. Besides professionals, similar studies are recommended in the general population to develop appropriate public health interventions to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake.