Genetic Diversity and Gene Flow among Three Chicken Populations in Nigeria Using Microsatellite Markers

To understand the level of genetic diversity among and within three improved locally adapted chicken populations in Nigeria, six microsatellite markers were used with 100 genomic DNA from Shika Brown (SB = 34), FUNAAB Alpha (FA = 33), and Noiler (NL = 33). The allelic and genotypic profiles of each representative from each population were determined through polymerase chain reaction amplification of the repeat region. Genetic diversity, genetic distance, level of inbreeding, polymorphism information content, and combined exclusion probabilities of markers (CPE/CPF) were analyzed using Microsoft Excel microsatellite toolkit, GenAlex, Microsatellite Analyser, FSTAT, and Poptree2. 416 alleles with 18.99% rare and 81.01% fixed alleles were observed across populations. The mean number of alleles was 23.111 ± 0.43, mean effective number of alleles was 16.975 ± 0.75, the expected heterozygosity was 0.940 ± 0.00, observed heterozygosity was 0.396 ± 0.02, mean PIC value was 0.937, and mean gene flow rate was 10.874 ± 0.817. The mean FIS was 0.579 ± 0.037 and the global FST was 0.023 ± 0.002. Nei’s genetic distance revealed that Shika Brown and the Noiler chicken populations were related (0.6985). The combined exclusion probability (CPE) across markers and populations was 0.999 (excluding a parent) and CPF was 1.000 (excluding both parents). The PIC/marker values across populations were greater than the minimum value of 0.5. High FIS and low FST value indicated a high inbreeding level within and low degree of genetic differentiation among the chicken populations. In conclusion, the microsatellite markers used are highly polymorphic and suitable for parentage analysis, control inbreeding, and could be used as baseline genetic information in conservation programs

Genetic Diversity and Gene Flow among Three Chicken Populations in Nigeria Using Microsatellite Markers

To understand the level of genetic diversity among and within three improved locally adapted chicken populations in Nigeria, six microsatellite markers were used with 100 genomic DNA from Shika Brown (SB = 34), FUNAAB Alpha (FA = 33), and Noiler (NL = 33). The allelic and genotypic profiles of each representative from each population were determined through polymerase chain reaction amplification of the repeat region. Genetic diversity, genetic distance, level of inbreeding, polymorphism information content, and combined exclusion probabilities of markers (CPE/CPF) were analyzed using Microsoft Excel microsatellite toolkit, GenAlex, Microsatellite Analyser, FSTAT, and Poptree2. 416 alleles with 18.99% rare and 81.01% fixed alleles were observed across populations. The mean number of alleles was 23.111 ± 0.43, mean effective number of alleles was 16.975 ± 0.75, the expected heterozygosity was 0.940 ± 0.00, observed heterozygosity was 0.396 ± 0.02, mean PIC value was 0.937, and mean gene flow rate was 10.874 ± 0.817. The mean FIS was 0.579 ± 0.037 and the global FST was 0.023 ± 0.002. Nei’s genetic distance revealed that Shika Brown and the Noiler chicken populations were related (0.6985). The combined exclusion probability (CPE) across markers and populations was 0.999 (excluding a parent) and CPF was 1.000 (excluding both parents). The PIC/marker values across populations were greater than the minimum value of 0.5. High FIS and low FST value indicated a high inbreeding level within and low degree of genetic differentiation among the chicken populations. In conclusion, the microsatellite markers used are highly polymorphic and suitable for parentage analysis, control inbreeding, and could be used as baseline genetic information in conservation programs

Determinants of Uptake of Periodic Medical Examination among Students of College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, South-West Nigeria

Background: This research was conducted to assess the factors that determine the uptake of periodic medical examination (PME) amongundergraduate students in Ile‑Ife, Nigeria. Methods: Asample size of 328 was calculated using the sample size formula for a single proportion. Hence, a total of 328 undergraduate students of the College of Health Sciences at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‑Ife, were included in this descriptive, cross‑sectional  study. A multistage sampling technique was adopted and the sampling was proportional to the size of the four undergraduate academic programs in the college. Data were collected using a self‑administered questionnaire. Chi‑square and t-tests were used to assess significant factors associated with its uptake. The determinants of PME uptake were identified using binary logistic regression. Results: The majority of the respondents, 299 (91.2%), were aware of PME. The uptake was however poor, 93 (28.4%). The most commonbarrier to the uptake was “inadequate time” due to the students’ perceived busy schedule. Others were religion, years spent in school, perceived susceptibility to diseases, cost of service, fear of the results, and lack of interest. The odd of uptake of PME was 18.3 times higher among people that express willingness relative to the participants without intention to uptake PME, P < 0.001. Conclusion: The uptake of PME was poor despite the high level of awareness probably due to the perceived low disease susceptibility among the students and poor access to PME services. There is, therefore, a need for creating an enabling environment through policy formulation by the university’s management to address the barriers against the uptake of PME. Sensitization on the risk factors of chronic non-communicable diseases is also necessary to address the poor perception of susceptibility. Keywords: Determinants, Ile‑Ife, periodic medical examination, Southwest Nigeria, undergraduate

Assessment of Landfill-emitted Gaseous Pollutants and Particulate Matters in Alimosho Local Government of Lagos state, Nigeria

Information on landfill-emitted pollutants in Nigeria cities has consequently become a priority. This study was designed to assess the air quality of landfill sites and the nearby communities in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos state, Nigeria. Five public landfills in use since about thirty years ago were chosen for this study. A lightly populated area, free from other sources of air pollution served as control. Target points for the study were the centre of landfill (CLF), 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF, and a radius of 100M away from landfill. Levels of selected gaseous pollutants (NO2, O3, H2S and CO) and particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) were determined in the landfill environments and control (unpolluted area), using Aeroqual Series 500 with sensors for NO2, O3, H2S, CO, PM2.5 and PM10. The result showed that levels of H2S were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF and 100M from CLF compared with unpolluted area. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference when the level of H2S in 100M radius was compared with the unpolluted area. Levels of CO were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with unpolluted area. The levels of O3 were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with unpolluted area. Levels of VOC were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with unpolluted area. The levels of NO2 were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with the unpolluted area. The levels of PM2.5 increased significantly (p<0.001) at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with the unpolluted area. The levels of PM10 were also significantly (p< 0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with the unpolluted area. In conclusion, communities close to landfills may be polluted with toxic gases and particulate matters. Further investigation is needed to validate the safe distance of residential areas from landfills to avert the risks of toxicity associated with gaseous pollutants

Brief report: Validity and reliability of the Nigerian Autism Screening Questionnaire

Informant-report measures for screening symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are needed for low-resource settings if early identification is to be prioritized because early developmental concerns are likely to be expressed by parents and other caregivers. This paper describes the initial psychometric evaluation of the Nigeria Autism Screening Questionnaire (NASQ). Parents and other caregivers completed the NASQ on 12,311 children ages 1 to 18 in a Nigerian population sample as part of the World Bank National General Household Survey conducted in the country in 2016. Factor analyses indicated a parsimonious three-factor structure with social communication/interaction, repetitive sensory motor, and insistence on sameness dimensions. Measurement invariance was excellent across age and sex. Reliability of the subscales and total scale was good, and item response theory analyses indicated good measurement precision in the range from below average to high scores, crucial for screening, and tracking ASD symptoms. Studies with gold standard ASD diagnostic instruments and clinical confirmation are needed to evaluate screening and diagnostic accuracy. The NASQ appears to be a reliable instrument with a clear factor structure and potential for use in screening and tracking ASD symptoms in future Nigerian samples

The first-line antituberculosis drugs, and their fixed-dose combination induced abnormal sperm morphology and histological lesions in the testicular cells of male mice

Rifampicin (RIF), Isoniazid (INH), Ethambutol (EMB), Pyrazinamide (PZA), and/or their fixed-dose combination (FDC) are extensively prescribed in the cure of Tuberculosis (TB) globally. In spite of the beneficial effect, these drugs are capable of inducing cellular toxicity. Existing information on the genotoxic effects of the first-line anti-TB drugs is limited and contentious. Herein, we evaluated the reproductive genotoxicity of RIF, INH, EMB, PZA, and their FDC utilizing the mouse sperm morphology assay. Histological examination of the testes of exposed mice was also performed. Male Swiss albino mice (11–13 weeks old) were intraperitoneally exposed for 5 consecutive days to each of the anti-TB drugs at four different doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bw of PZA; 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 20 mg/kg bw of RIF; 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/kg bw of INH; 3.75, 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg bw of EMB; and 7, 14, 28 and 56 mg/kg bw of FDC corresponding respectively to ×0.25, ×0.5, ×1 and ×2.0 of the standard daily dose. In comparison with the negative control (normal saline), there was no significant difference in the testicular weight and organo-somatic index of exposed mice. There was an increase (p > 0.05) in the frequency of abnormal spermatozoa at most of the tested doses of each drug and a dose-dependent decrease with the FDC. Each of the anti-TB drugs except the FDC induced pathological lesions in the testes. These findings suggest that the individual first-line anti-TB drug unlike the FDC has the potential to provoke testicular anomalies in male mice

From Ebola to COVID-19: emergency preparedness and response plans and actions in Lagos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Lagos state is the industrial nerve centre of Nigeria and was the epicentre of the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria as it is now for the current Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak. This paper describes how the lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak in 2014 informed the emergency preparedness of the State ahead of the COVID-19 outbreak and guided response. DISCUSSION: Following the Ebola outbreak in 2014, the Lagos State government provided governance by developing a policy on emergency preparedness and biosecurity and provided oversight and coordination of emergency preparedness strategies. Capacities for emergency response were strengthened by training key staff, developing a robust surveillance system, and setting up a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory and biobank. Resource provision, in terms of finances and trained personnel for emergencies was prioritized by the government. With the onset of COVID-19, Lagos state was able to respond promptly to the outbreak using the centralized Incident Command Structure and the key activities of the Emergency Operations Centre. Contributory to effective response were partnerships with the private sectors, community engagement and political commitment. CONCLUSION: Using the lessons learned from the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Lagos State had gradually prepared its healthcare system for a pandemic such as COVID-19. The State needs to continue to expand its preparedness to be more resilient and future proof to respond to disease outbreaks. Looking beyond intra-state gains, lessons and identified best practices from the past and present should be shared with other states and countries

From Ebola to COVID-19: emergency preparedness and response plans and actions in Lagos, Nigeria

Background Lagos state is the industrial nerve centre of Nigeria and was the epicentre of the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria as it is now for the current Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak. This paper describes how the lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak in 2014 informed the emergency preparedness of the State ahead of the COVID-19 outbreak and guided response. Discussion Following the Ebola outbreak in 2014, the Lagos State government provided governance by developing a policy on emergency preparedness and biosecurity and provided oversight and coordination of emergency preparedness strategies. Capacities for emergency response were strengthened by training key staff, developing a robust surveillance system, and setting up a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory and biobank. Resource provision, in terms of finances and trained personnel for emergencies was prioritized by the government. With the onset of COVID-19, Lagos state was able to respond promptly to the outbreak using the centralized Incident Command Structure and the key activities of the Emergency Operations Centre. Contributory to effective response were partnerships with the private sectors, community engagement and political commitment. Conclusion Using the lessons learned from the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Lagos State had gradually prepared its healthcare system for a pandemic such as COVID-19. The State needs to continue to expand its preparedness to be more resilient and future proof to respond to disease outbreaks. Looking beyond intra-state gains, lessons and identified best practices from the past and present should be shared with other states and countries

A REVIEW OF POST-COVID TELECOMMUNICATION INVESTMENT TRENDS: IMPACTS ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

The post-COVID era has catalysed a transformative phase in the telecommunication sector, with dramatic shifts in both consumer behaviour and enterprise needs. This study offers a synthesized review of investment trends in telecommunications following the pandemic, detailing their implications on infrastructure development. The initial pandemic response saw an exponential rise in the demand for robust connectivity, necessitating rapid infrastructural adjustments to cater to remote work, online education, and digital healthcare. This paper identifies significant post-COVID investment trends in telecommunications, which include an augmented drive for broadband and fibre-optic expansion, an accelerated rollout of 5G networks, heightened investments in cloud services and data centres, and a notable surge in mergers and acquisitions. This investment influx has palpably advanced infrastructure development rates, with a focus on enhancing capacity, speed, reliability, and geographical reach. However, the ramifications of this swift expansion are multifaceted. On the socio-economic front, there has been substantial job creation, technology democratization, and improved accessibility, especially in historically underserved areas. In parallel, the environmental footprint of this growth is also scrutinized, shedding light on increased energy consumption, challenges in electronic waste management, and resource utilization. From a business perspective, while there's enhanced market competition and improved service quality, companies also grapple with new challenges in customer retention, experience management, and competitive differentiation. Furthermore, this paper elucidates evolving policy landscapes, marked by modified telecom regulations, incentivization strategies, and measures to ensure equitable access. In conclusion, the post-pandemic telecommunication investment trends have undeniably fast-tracked infrastructure development, but with nuanced implications for society, environment, business, and policy. The forward trajectory, though promising, requires a harmonized effort from stakeholders to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.                     Keywords: Telecommunication, Infrastructure, Investment, Government, Post-Covid, Policy

Brief report: Validity and reliability of the Nigerian Autism Screening Questionnaire

Informant-report measures for screening symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are needed for low-resource settings if early identification is to be prioritized because early developmental concerns are likely to be expressed by parents and other caregivers. This paper describes the initial psychometric evaluation of the Nigeria Autism Screening Questionnaire (NASQ). Parents and other caregivers completed the NASQ on 12,311 children ages 1 to 18 in a Nigerian population sample as part of the World Bank National General Household Survey conducted in the country in 2016. Factor analyses indicated a parsimonious three-factor structure with social communication/interaction, repetitive sensory motor, and insistence on sameness dimensions. Measurement invariance was excellent across age and sex. Reliability of the subscales and total scale was good, and item response theory analyses indicated good measurement precision in the range from below average to high scores, crucial for screening, and tracking ASD symptoms. Studies with gold standard ASD diagnostic instruments and clinical confirmation are needed to evaluate screening and diagnostic accuracy. The NASQ appears to be a reliable instrument with a clear factor structure and potential for use in screening and tracking ASD symptoms in future Nigerian samples