SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) constitute an important group of infections with serious implications for public health. According to WHO, 1 million new contagions are produced daily, with more than 370 million new cases yearly. STIs can be originated from viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Regardless of their nature, they can be either cured or treated and controlled, but more importantly, they are preventable. Aims: The best tool to fight against STIs is prevention, which has a strong dependence on knowledge. This work aimed to assess the level of knowledge of society about STIs and gonorrhea. Methods: We conducted an online survey, covering a wide range of ages and levels of education, inquiring about areas such as origin, ways of contagion, prevention, associated diseases, and treatment of STIs and gonorrhea. We performed a statistical analysis of the answers. Results and Discussion: it was found that the general level of knowledge about STIs was independent of the age and level of education of the respondents. The respondent has shown better familiarity with prevention and contagion than with origin, diseases, and treatment. When the question was focused on gonorrhea, we found a lack in the cognizance of several points. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we conclude it is necessary to improve sexual education programs, starting at early ages but directed to all populations, particularly about gonorrhea.

Background: The Araucaria angustifolia is a prominent tree species indigenous to the southern regions of Brazil. The tree can be a source of different compounds of interest if properly used. Aims: This research aims to compare the alcoholic extraction of compounds from Araucaria angustifolia using two different methods, microwave-assisted extraction and maceration extraction. Methods: Alcahoolic extractions of compounds from the sawdust of Araucaria angustifolia were performed using microwave-assisted extraction and maceration extraction. The color was observed by eye inspection. The taste was observed by putting the samples into the mouth and tasting it. The olfactive test was conducted at hot and cold temperatures. Results: it was obtained red color solution, both from the bark and from the branch. The intensity of the color changed with the extraction method and time of maceration. The solutions tasted like "green wood". Discussion: MAE and Maceration extraction can provide extracts from the bark and branch of the araucaria tree. There is the possibility that the “green wood” taste of the MAE extract can be changed with the thermal treatment of the wood. Conclusions: microwave-assisted extraction can perform the faster extraction of compounds from Araucaria angustifolia than maceration extraction.

Background: The lack of comprehensive baseline data on raw sewage pollution in Minna, Nigeria's Niger State capital, represents a significant gap in public health information. This deficiency necessitates a systematic study to establish a database documenting sewage pollution patterns in Minna's urban environment. Aim: To employ georeferencing tools and descriptive observations for identifying and mapping potential mosquito breeding sites related to sewage discharge within Minna's built-up areas and to develop an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) map as an environmental audit tool for public health officials. Methods: The study area was divided into five sectors: Greater Bosso, Minna Central, Greater Maitumbi, Tunga, and Greater Chanchaga. Following initial site familiarization and GIS equipment testing, systematic surveys were conducted. Field teams documented locations of household sewage discharge points, collecting geographic coordinates, temporal data (date, time, weather conditions), and site characteristics. Each identified location was photographed and recorded in standardized data sheets, including household information where available. Results: Using ArcGIS®10.8 software, comprehensive sewage pollution layers were created for each sector by integrating collected field data with Minna's township built-up and settlement shapefiles. The mapping revealed distinct pollution patterns and clusters across different neighborhoods. Discussion: Analysis of the spatial distribution showed a clear correlation between socioeconomic status and sewage management practices, with higher concentrations of improper sewage discharge in low-income areas. Conclusions: This database serves as a valuable resource for public health interventions targeting mosquito breeding grounds. Regular monitoring through periodic sewage pollution audits and expanded geographical coverage is recommended for improved urban health management.