The Change in Attitude of Nigerians towards COVID-19

Since the discovery of COVID-19 in March 2020 in Nigeria different behavioural change has been observed amidst the citizens of the country towards the pandemic. At first, people were afraid of the pandemic and this was confirmed through their response to the measures given by the National Centre for Disease Control which include social distance, use of nose masks and sanitizers, curfew, and lockdown of crowded places. These measures have been effective in curbing the transmission of the disease in the country. In Nigeria, as at June 26th have 23,298 cases, 8,253 discharged cases and 554 deaths caused by COVID-19. Of recent, change in the attitude of people towards the pandemic has been observed as they no longer fear the impacts of the pandemic. People now go out without using their facemasks, churches are opening and some are even spreading false information about the pandemics. Pitifully, the number of cases in Nigeria has increased drastically in the past 3 weeks

Single Motherhood: Experiences of Never Married Women in Lagos, Nigeria

Despite the benefits of marriage, there has been a rise in the number of single parent families, especially never married single mothers globally. This may bring about serious social problems as the consequences of children raised by single mother have been documented. Yet, little research has been conducted to find out why there is increase in the number of never married single mothers. Therefore, this study investigated and described the experiences of women who were never married but are bearing children and raising those children as single mothers. The study adopted the qualitative research method, utilizing in-depth interviews to collect data from consenting participants. The study location was Iwaya, Lagos, Nigeria, and the participants were selected using snowball sampling technique. Forty never-married single mothers were sampled and interviewed using an in-depth interview guide. The data were transcribed and content analysed. Some of the perceived reasons for the rise in the number of never married single mother identified include family background, sexual abuse, age, careless sexual behaviour and non-use of contraceptives, personal preference and perceived economic benefits. There is the need to educate women on how to prevent sexual abuse and also on proper use of contraceptive for those who may want to engage in sexual intercourse, but may not be ready to get married

Characterization of methicillin-susceptible and -resistant staphylococci in the clinical setting: a multicentre study in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The staphylococci are implicated in a variety of human infections; however, many clinical microbiology laboratories in Nigeria do not identify staphylococci (in particular coagulase negative staphylococci - CNS) to the species level. Moreover, data from multi-centre assessment on antibiotic resistance and epidemiology of the staphylococci are not available in Nigeria. This study investigated 91 non-duplicate staphylococcal isolates obtained from the microbiology laboratories of eight hospitals in Nigeria during the period January to April 2010. METHODS: Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the VITEK 2 system, detection of resistance genes by PCR, and molecular characterization was determined by SCCmec typing, spa and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). RESULTS: All the isolates were susceptible to mupirocin, tigecycline, vancomycin and linezolid, but 72.5% of CNS and 82.3% of Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to cotrimoxazole, while multiresistance was observed in 37 of the 40 CNS isolates. Untypeable SCCmec types (ccrC/Class A mec and ccr-negative/Class C2 mec gene complex) in two methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were identified. Additionally, ccr-negative/Class A mec and ccr type 4/Class C2 mec gene complex was detected in one isolate each of S. sciuri and S. haemolyticus, respectively. The S. aureus isolates were classified into 21 spa types including two new types (t8987, t9008) among the methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. Two (CC8-SCCmecnon-typeable and CC88-SCCmec IV) and four (CC8-SCCmec III/IV/V; CC30-SCCmec II/III; CC88-SCCmec IV; and ST152-SCCmecnon-typeable) MRSA clones were identified in Maiduguri (North-East Nigeria) and South-West Nigeria, respectively. The proportion of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive MSSA was high (44.4%) and 56.3% of these strains were associated with sequence type (ST) 152. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of multiresistant mecA positive S. haemolyticus and S. sciuri from clinical samples indicates that characterization of CNS is important in providing information on their diversity and importance in Nigeria. There is the need to develop new SCCmec classification methods for non-typeable methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and to curtail the spread and establishment of the S. aureus ST152 clone in Nigeria. The study presents the first report of a PVL-positive ST152-SCCmecnontypeable MRSA and SCCmec typing of methicillin-resistant CNS in Nigeria

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings: the WARNING call to action

Antibiotics are recognized widely for their benefits when used appropriately. However, they are often used inappropriately despite the importance of responsible use within good clinical practice. Effective antibiotic treatment is an essential component of universal healthcare, and it is a global responsibility to ensure appropriate use. Currently, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to develop new antibiotics due to scientific, regulatory, and financial barriers, further emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. To address this issue, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery established an international multidisciplinary task force of 295 experts from 115 countries with different backgrounds. The task force developed a position statement called WARNING (Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance National/International Network Group) aimed at raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance and improving antibiotic prescribing practices worldwide. The statement outlined is 10 axioms, or “golden rules,” for the appropriate use of antibiotics that all healthcare workers should consistently adhere in clinical practice

Effect of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky 1855) infestation on the quality of three commercial pastas

The effect of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky 1855) infestation was evaluated on three pastas under laboratory conditions of 32±2°C temperature and 67±3% relative humidity. Macaroni suffered the highest quantitative loss with the highest number (62) of emerged adults at 2 months after infestation (MAI). However, the highest number (90) of insect at 4 MAI seen in spaghetti was significantly (P< 0.05) higher than 29 observed in noodles. Macaroni had the significantly (P<0.05) lowest final weight (13 g) at 4 MAI. Proximate analysis at 4 MAI revealed that noodles had the highest carbohydrate, dry matter, fibre, crude fat and ash which were significantly higher (P<0.0001) than spaghetti and macaroni. Spaghetti had the highest crude protein which was significantly higher (P<0.0001) than noodles and macaroni. The population of S. zeamais at 2 MAI was negatively correlated (r=-0.999, P=0.022) with the final crude fat and positively correlated (r=1.00, P=0.018) with final fibre contents of the pastas. The final weight of pastas at 4 MAI was negatively correlated (r=-0.998, P=0.037) with initial crude protein content of the pastas. The final dry matter of the pasta was positively correlated with the thickness (r=0.998, P=0.044). Key words: Spaghetti; macaroni; noodles; Sitophilus zeamais; infestation; past

Transcriptome-Wide Detection of Intron/Exon Definition in the Endogenous Pre-mRNA Transcripts of Mammalian Cells and Its Regulation by Depolarization

Pairing of splice sites across an intron or exon is the central point of intron or exon definition in pre-mRNA splicing with the latter mode proposed for most mammalian exons. However, transcriptome-wide pairing within endogenous transcripts has not been examined for the prevalence of each mode in mammalian cells. Here we report such pairings in rat GH3 pituitary cells by measuring the relative abundance of nuclear RNA-Seq reads at the intron start or end (RISE). Interestingly, RISE indexes are positively correlated between 5′ and 3′ splice sites specifically across introns or exons but inversely correlated with the usage of adjacent exons. Moreover, the ratios between the paired indexes were globally modulated by depolarization, which was disruptible by 5-aza-Cytidine. The nucleotide matrices of the RISE-positive splice sites deviate significantly from the rat consensus, and short introns or exons are enriched with the cross-intron or -exon RISE pairs, respectively. Functionally, the RISE-positive genes cluster for basic cellular processes including RNA binding/splicing, or more specifically, hormone production if regulated by depolarization. Together, the RISE analysis identified the transcriptome-wide regulation of either intron or exon definition between weak splice sites of short introns/exons in mammalian cells. The analysis also provides a way to further track the splicing intermediates and intron/exon definition during the dynamic regulation of alternative splicing by extracellular factors

Effects of pituitary extract, ovaprim, and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) on the histopathology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The development of aquaculture in Nigeria is constrained by the inadequate supply of high quality of fingerlings of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). There are conflicting reports on the reproductive efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina when compared with the synthetic hormone Ovaprim (OV) and Pituitary Extract (PE) on C. gariepinus. The histopathology of select organs in catfish treated with generic Ovaprim (OV), Pituitary Extract (CPE), and aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VAE) were evaluated. Sixteen female C. gariepinus (average weight of 1 kg) wereevenly and randomly distributed to four groups. Fish in groups A, B, C, and D were injected intramuscularly with aqueous solutions of OV (0.5 mL/kg), PE (5 mg/kg), VAE (10 mg/kg), and distilled water (DW; 0.5 ml), respectively. Histological examinations of the ovary, liver, kidney, and spleen were carried out. Histopathology revealed that OV- and PE-treated groups showed synchronous and synchronous ovarian development, vacuolar change of hepatocytes, thinning of hepatic cords, reduced renal haemopoietic compartments, tubular degeneration and necrosis, and decrease in splenic periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (PALS). VAE-treated groups had asynchronous ovarian development with atretic ovarian follicles, widespread vacuolar change of hepatocytes, intact renal tubular and hemopoietic compartments, and preponderance of large and coalescing splenic PALS. We conclude that VAE is an ineffective spawning agent, especially when compared with OV and PE, as VAE could not induce synchronous gonadal development. However, VAE may have immunopotentiating, nephroprotective, and haemopoietic properties. Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Vernonia amygdalina extract, Pituitary extract, Ovaprim, Gonadal development, Histopathology, Reproductive performanc

Synthesized heterogeneous nano‐catalyst from cow teeth for fatty acid methyl esters production through transesterification of waste vegetable frying oil and methanol: Characterization and optimization studies

Abstract Using readily available biomass, it is possible to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) at a low cost. This study focused on the transesterification process of waste frying vegetable oil to generate FAME (biodiesel) using a cost‐effective heterogeneous nano‐catalyst synthesized from waste cow teeth (CT). The cow teeth nano‐catalyst (CTNC) was synthesized via a three‐step method of calcination, hydration‐dehydration, and re‐calcination. The synthesized CTNC samples were characterized. The Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to obtain the optimal operating conditions that maximize the FAME yield (Y 1 ) and the effects of the transesterification process conditions on FAME production. The results revealed that CTNC is of microporous structure with higher crystallinity. It consists of hydroxyapatite, beta‐tricalcium phosphate, and calcium oxide, having a mean particle size of 43.96 nm, a specific surface area of 124.77 m 2 /g, and a pore volume of 0.303 cm 3 /g. The process conditions that significantly influenced the EWFVOME yield were the CTNC loading, reaction time, and MTOR. A maximum of 98.70% (Y 1 ) was obtained at the optimum transesterification process variables of reaction time (2 h), MTOR (12:1), and CTNC loading (3.75 wt%). The biodiesel fuel properties were found to be within the acceptable values of ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 fuel standards

Characterizing Three-Dimensional Alignment of the Hip, Knee, Ankle and Foot under Physiological Upright Load. A Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography Study in Arthritic Joints and Healthy Controls

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Other Introduction/ Purpose: Lower limb alignment assessment is commonly performed using two-dimensional (2D) conventional- radiographs. Weight-Bearing Computed-Tomography (WBCT) imaging that allows concomitant 3D imaging of the hip, knee, ankle, and foot, a more complete and multidimensional assessment of the entire overall lower limb alignment is now possible. The aims of this study were: (1) to characterize the normal relative 3D alignment of the center of the Hip, Knee, and Ankle joints in relation to the weight bearing Foot Tripod in a cohort of healthy control volunteers with no lower extremity pathologies, using WBCT imaging. (2) to perform the same 3D WBCT assessment in a cohort of patients with either hip osteoarthritis (HOA), knee osteoarthritis (KOA) or ankle osteoarthritis (AOA), and to compare the results between arthritic cases and controls. Methods: Prospective comparative and controlled cohort-study contained 7 HOA limbs (4 patients), 17 KOA limbs (10 patients), 7 AOA limbs (4 patients) and 10 control limbs (5 patients) that received WBCT imaging of the full lower extremity. Using multiplanar reconstruction WBCT images, 3D landmark coordinates (on X, Y, and Z planes) were manually measured by two observers. The utilized software (CubeVue ® ) generated an automatic calculation of the Foot-Hip Offset (FHO), Foot-Knee Offset (FKO) and Foot and Ankle Offset (FAO). The relationship between the center of the hip, knee and ankle joints and the bisecting line of the foot tripod was assessed and compared between HOA, KOA, AOA patients and controls. Examples of measurements for arthritic patients and controls is presented in Figure 1. Continuous data was assessed for normality with the Shapiro-Wilk test, and variables were compared using ANOVA or Kruskal- Wallis Rank Sum. P-Values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The average FAO and 95%-Confidence-intervals-(CI) for respectively HOA, KOA, AOA and controls were respectively: 3.62% (0.4 to 6.8) (neutral), 2.8% (0.78 to 4.9) (neutral), -4.68% (-7.8 to -1.4) (varus), and 2.12% (-0.5 to 4.8) (neutral). The FAO- differences were found to be significant between the groups (p=0.0077), with AOA patients being significantly different than all the other groups (Figure 2). Similarly, the HFO was found to be significantly different-between the groups (p=0.002), with the following average values and 95%CI for respectively HOA, KOA, AOA and controls: 0.7% (-6.4 to 7.8), 2.3% (-2.3 to 6.8), -10.1% (-17.2 to -3.0), and 5.3% (-0.6 to 11.3). Again, the AOA patients were found to be significantly different than the other groups. No significant differences were found between the groups when assessing the KFO (p=0.37). Conclusion: The baseline 3D lower limb alignment and relative position of the hip, knee, ankle and foot was assessed and established for the first time in the literature. When comparing 3D alignment in arthritic patients with hip, knee or ankle OA and controls, we observed that AOA was found to be the one affecting more the overall 3D alignment of the lower extremity, with no complete compensation of the deformity through the other joints, resulting in significantly different values of HFO, KFO and FAO in patients with ankle OA. Additional prospective studies with longer cohorts of patients are needed

National Surveillance Of Surgical Site Infections In Nigeria – Development Of Protocol And Data Collection Tools

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) significantly impact on morbidity of patients and are known to prolong stay in hospital, add significantly to cost of healthcare and could lead to mortality. It is important therefore to monitor the trends of SSI in order to developstrategies to reduce the burden of the condition. To address this, SSI surveillance is increasingly being carried out in many countries and also serves as an effective measure of quality healthcare in surgical facilities.Aim: Our aim was to develop a protocol and tools that can be used for surveillance of surgical site infections nationally and could be adapted for use in other resource limited settings.Methods: Aworking group with expertise in infection prevention and control, medical microbiology, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery and epidemiology/public health identified from various Nigerian academic institutions, tertiary hospitals and the implementingpartner African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) came together over a period of six months from November 2016 to April 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria to develop SSI surveillance protocol and tools for the country. Literature review of relevant SSI protocols, guidelines, case definitions and surveillance tools were carried out by the group and these were used to guide the development of the case definitions,protocol and tools. The final version was arrived at by consensus using identified best practices and modified to suit the local context.Results: A surveillance protocol and simple data collection tools consisting of the data entry forms and the data summary template worksheet were then developed which has the potential to harmonize SSI surveillance data collection in all surgical healthcare facilities in Nigeria.Conclusions: These documents are anticipated to provide standardized and uniform approach for objective generation of SSI  surveillance report and would serve as a good template for the development of surveillance protocol and tools for other Healthcare Associated Infections. Keywords: Surgical site infections, Protocol development, Data collection tools, HAI Surveillance, Nigeri