Development of Bioinformatics Infrastructure for Genomics Research:

Although pockets of bioinformatics excellence have developed in Africa, generally, large-scale genomic data analysis has been limited by the availability of expertise and infrastructure. H3ABioNet, a pan-African bioinformatics network, was established to build capacity specifically to enable H3Africa (Human Heredity and Health in Africa) researchers to analyze their data in Africa. Since the inception of the H3Africa initiative, H3ABioNet's role has evolved in response to changing needs from the consortium and the African bioinformatics community

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among public secondary school teachers in Udenu Local Government Area, Enugu State

Background: There is a sudden increase in cardiovascular risk in developing countries which has been attributed to economic transition, urbanization, industrialization and globalization that brought about changes in people's lifestyle. Methods: Cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. The population for this study was five hundred and sixty-five teachers while the sample for this study consisted of four hundred and seventy-seven teachers. Questionnaire was used to ascertain information on the sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habit, physical activity level and lifestyle characteristics of the respondents. Body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid profile of the respondents were obtained using standard proceduresData was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 21. Results: The results of the study showed the occurrence of some cardiovascular disease risk factors among teachers. They included obesity (28.60%), hypertension (20.30%), diabetes (10.00%), dyslipidemia (23.33%) and metabolic syndrome (10.00%). A good number of the respondents fall between the age range of 30-39years (46.70%) and earned between ₦18,000 to ₦30,000 per month (54.30%). Majority (83.00%) of the respondents were females. Female teachers were significantly more obese than the males. Marital status showed a significant relationship with stress. BMI was significantly associated with age. Diastolic blood pressure showed significant relationship with age. Objective: The study was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among public secondary school teachers in Udenu L.G.A. in Enugu state, Nigeria. Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors was high among the study participants. Nutrition education is important among this group to help in preventing these risk factors and their associated morbidities and consequent mortalities.&nbsp

Iron status of schoolchildren (6–15 years) and associated factors in rural Nigeria

Background: Schoolchildren are vulnerable to anaemia because of their higher iron need to meet the demands of puberty and adolescence. Objective: The survey determined the haemoglobin levels of schoolchildren aged 6–15 years and the factors affecting their haemoglobin status. Design: Data were obtained through a cross sectional survey of 450 randomly selected schoolchildren in Ede-Oballa, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety were selected for clinical examination, biochemical tests, and nutrient intake study. Haemoglobin, malaria, and stool analysis were carried out by the cyanmethaemoglobin, thin blood film, and wet mount direct methods, respectively. Iron intake was determined by a three-day weighed food intake. Results: Results showed that the schoolchildren had pallor (35.6%), brittle hair (31.1%), koilonychia (2.2%), oedema (4.4%) and sore/smooth tongue (7.8%). The children also had malaria (58.9%) and Entamoeba histolytica (42.2%), hookworm (36.7%), tapeworm (35.6%), whipworm (34.5%), and roundworm (27.9%) infestations. Iron intake was inadequate (<100% of recommended nutrient intake) for most of the children. The mean haemoglobin levels of the schoolchildren were low. The 6–9, 10–12, and 13–15 year olds had 9.0, 9.1, and 9.3 g/dl, respectively. Most (85.5%) of them had anaemia. Moderate anaemia was prevalent in 62.2%. Severe anaemia affected the 6–9 year olds more. Malaria (P<0.001), Entamoeba histolytica (P<0.01), hookworm (P<0.05), tapeworm (P<0.01), and whipworm (P<0.001) caused significant reduction in haemoglobin level. Age (b=1.284, P<0.05), birth order (b=−0.629, P<0.01), frequency of illness attack (b=−1.372, P<0.01), household size (b=−0.526, P<0.05), and frequency of skipping breakfast (b=−1.542, P<0.001) were factors that influenced the haemoglobin status of the children. Conclusion: The schoolchildren had poor iron status as a result of consumption of plant sources of iron with low bioavailability, parasitic infections, birth order, skipping of breakfast, large household size, and frequent bouts of illnesses