ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) ON THE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF AGRO-BASED FOOD INDUSTRIES IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

The use of Information Communication technologies (ICTs) as a management tool has gained widespread significance in recent years and the stock of management advantages provided by ICT cuts across disciplines and sectors. Management experts see this globalization of management options as the “super production and marketing input” needed by firms to boost their competitive edge. This paper assesses the adoption and use of ICTs on the economic performance of Agro-industries (ABFIs) in South-West, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a total of 80 respondents from the study area. Budgetary analysis, t-test of mean differences and multiple regressions were used in the data analysis to actualise the study objectives. In assessing the effect of ICTs on the economic performance of the companies, the “before and after” scenarios were analysed. The results revealed an increase of about 14 percent increase in total profit after adoption of ICTs. The reduction in marketing cost brought about by adopting ICT s were found to be largely responsible for the increase in profit of the ICT adopting firms. The results also revealed that irrespective of the scale of operation, there was a general reduction in total marketing cost due to ICT adoption. The Cobb Douglas function fitted to explain the cost effect relationship between yearly firms’ expenditure on ICTs and firm’s characteristics revealed that the proportion of ICT literate staff to the total staff strength and age of firm were found to be significant positive determinants of ICTs expenditure. The study recommends the adoption and use of ICTs by agro-based firms as a cutting edge input that is not only cost effective but more efficient in the long run.Agribusiness,

Prevalence and haematological changes associated with trypanosome infection in wild tilapia fish in Ibadan, Nigeria

There is paucity of information on the incidence and haematological changes associated with trypanosome infection in Nigerian fishes. This investigation examined randomly buffy coat and blood smears of Tilapia in the wild by direct microscopy for Trypanosomes and complete haematology were analyzed. Of the 200 samples collected, 17.5% were positive for trypanosome by buffy coat examination. The Packed cell volume (PCV) of trypanosome-infected fish was 15.3+ 0.9% compared to noninfected fish (p<0.01) with PCV of 38.4+1.3%. All the haematocrit values obtained in trypanosome-infected fish showed the pattern of anaemia in trypanosomiasis. The report establishes the fact that trypanosomiasis in fish is similar to those find in animals.Keywords: Tilapia, Wild, Trypanosome, Haematolog

ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) ON THE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF AGRO-BASED FOOD INDUSTRIES IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

The use of Information Communication technologies (ICTs) as a management tool has gained widespread significance in recent years and the stock of management advantages provided by ICT cuts across disciplines and sectors. Management experts see this globalization of management options as the “super production and marketing input” needed by firms to boost their competitive edge. This paper assesses the adoption and use of ICTs on the economic performance of Agro-industries (ABFIs) in South-West, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a total of 80 respondents from the study area. Budgetary analysis, t-test of mean differences and multiple regressions were used in the data analysis to actualise the study objectives. In assessing the effect of ICTs on the economic performance of the companies, the “before and after” scenarios were analysed. The results revealed an increase of about 14 percent increase in total profit after adoption of ICTs. The reduction in marketing cost brought about by adopting ICT s were found to be largely responsible for the increase in profit of the ICT adopting firms. The results also revealed that irrespective of the scale of operation, there was a general reduction in total marketing cost due to ICT adoption. The Cobb Douglas function fitted to explain the cost effect relationship between yearly firms’ expenditure on ICTs and firm’s characteristics revealed that the proportion of ICT literate staff to the total staff strength and age of firm were found to be significant positive determinants of ICTs expenditure. The study recommends the adoption and use of ICTs by agro-based firms as a cutting edge input that is not only cost effective but more efficient in the long run

Assessment of folate and vitamin B12 metabolism in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia among pregnant Nigerian Women in Lagos

There is increasing need to determine the role of folate and vitamin B12 as possible nutritional factors in the aetiology of pre-eclampsia (PE) which has become a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality in Lagos, Nigeria. This multicenter study was carried out in Lagos state, South West, Nigeria. The primary aim of this study was to determine the role of folate and vitamin B12 metabolism in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia among pregnant Nigerian females in Lagos. This matched case control study included 200 pregnant females clinically diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (study group) and 200 pregnant, apparently healthy normotensive females (control group). Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic and clinical history. Anticoagulated blood sample was obtained for estimation of red cell folate and vitamin B12 by electrochemiluminescence binding assay method on Cobase E 411 immunoassay auto-analyzer (Roche, Switzerland). Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) was estimated based on Enzyme Immunoassay technique using the AxisR- homocysteine EIA kit, LOT No: 802896074, supplied by Axis-Shield Diagnostics Ltd, Scotland, United Kingdom. Mean red cell folate for study group (387.3 ± 75.6 ng/mL) and control group (358.4 ± 77.6 ng/mL) did not differ significantly (p = 0.065). Similarly, median plasma vitamin B12 for study group (479.5 ± 162pg/mL) was not significantly different from control group value (450.5 ± 137pg/mL; p=0.755). Plasma homocysteine of study group (21.2 ± 3.6 μmol/L) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than values for control group (10.8 ± 1.8μmol/L). Red cell folate and vitamin B12 are not significant independent indicators of PE, and hyperhomocysteinaemia observed in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia in Lagos, Nigeria.Keywords: pre-eclampsia, folate, vitamin B12, hyperhomocysteinaemi

Association of Q223R Leptin Receptor Gene Polymorphism with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The Leptin receptor gene mutation is thought to be associated with an impaired signaling capacity of the leptin receptors, making it a possible candidate gene in the aetiopathogenesis of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). However, available reports on the role of LEPR Q223R gene polymorphism in the development of obesity and DM still require further evaluation in African populations. This present study aims to determine the distribution and prevalence of the LEPR Q223R genotype and its allelic frequencies, and possible association with diabetes mellitus among populations in Lagos, South-West, Nigeria.Consenting adults with clinically established DM (n=120) were recruited for this study over a period of six (6) months from the diabetic clinic, and matched for age and sex with apparently healthy controls (n=120). Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on baseline characteristics, demographic data and relevant medical history.  Five milliliters of venous blood were collected for DNA extraction and subsequent PCR amplification and restriction enzyme digestion of amplicon using Msp1.Results show that the genotype frequencies for homozygous wild type (QQ) LEPR 223 SNP (20%); Heterozygous(QR) LEPR SNP (41.7%) and homozygous mutant (RR) recessive LEPR SNP (38.3%) in the study group, were similar to 13.3%; 60% and 26.7% for LEPR 223 QQ, QR and RR genotypes for control group respectively (χ2=4.080; p=0.133). The homozygous (QQ vs RR) and recessive (RR vs QR+QQ) study models showed no significant association with occurrence of DM in the study group (p>0.05). LEPR Q223R SNP was significantly associated with age of onset of DM (OR=2.111), complications of DM (OR=1.934), family history of DM (OR=2.127) and BMI (OR=2.028) among study group participants in a logistic regression model (p<0.05 respectively).We conclude that Leptin receptor gene polymorphism is significantly associated with risk of obesity, predisposition to diabetes mellitus related complications and early onset of DM among Nigerians.  Key words: Leptin receptor; gene polymorphism; Obesity; Diabetes Mellitu

Detection of BCR‑ABL1 fusion gene transcripts in the saliva of Nigerian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

Background: The presence of BCR‑ABL1 fusion gene resulting from a t(9; 22) reciprocal chromosome translocation is the molecular hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In the diagnosis and treatment of CML, peripheral blood or bone marrow samples are usually taken for analysis. However, both methods are invasive sample collection methods, thus a noninvasive saliva sample method for the detection of the fusion gene transcripts (BCR‑ABL) was investigated in some Nigerians with CML. Materials and Methods: Real‑time (RT)‑polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to detect BCR‑ABL1 fusion gene in the saliva and blood of 42 Nigerian CML patients. RNA was extracted using RNeasy kit and reverse transcribed by random hexamer priming using murine Moloney reverse transcriptase. BCR‑ABL1 transcript types were first detected by multiplex PCR and then quantified by a duplex RT‑PCR‑TaqMan chemistry with MGB probe and Black Hole Quencher.Results: Of the 42 subjects, transcript types were detected in 36 (85.7%) samples, e13a2 fusion transcript sub‑type was detected in 9 (21.4%), whereas e14a2 subtype was found in 27 (67.3%); six (14.3%) of the samples did not reveal any of the fusion transcript subtypes. The median BCR‑ABL1 messenger RNA values were 9.38 × 102 in saliva and 10.29 × 104 in blood (P < 0.05). Similarly, the median ABL1 value in saliva (3.11 × 103) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than in blood (4.22 × 103). However, the median BCR‑ABL1 ratio in saliva (14.5%) was not significantly different (P = 0.8) from that of blood (12.0%).Conclusion: Saliva may offer an alternative easy‑to‑collect, readily  available, and noninvasive sample for the diagnosis and treatment of CML.Keywords: BCR‑ABL1, chronic myeloid leukemia, Nigeria, Philadelphia chromosome, saliv

Genotypic and Phenotypic Markers of Pre-Eclampsia: A Folate Based Algorithm in Pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia among pregnant women in Nigeria accounts for a high proportion of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality that has been reported. This study aimed to determine the pattern, sensitivity, and specificity of some genetic polymorphisms, epigenetic modification and phenotypic characteristics of some key enzymes in the folate cycle, in the pathogenesis and as potential markers of Pre-Eclampsia (PE) among pregnant women. Demographic and clinical histories were obtained from a group of 200 pregnant females clinically diagnosed with PE (Study Group) and 200 pregnant, normotensive females (Control Group) through questionnaires and hospital records. The biochemical parameters measured in the study were: red cell folate, plasma homocysteine (Hcy), plasma protein, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme level (MTHFR) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The MTHFR C677T and MTR A2756G SNPs were amplified using PCR, and digested with Hinf I and Hae III restriction enzymes respectively. Methylation status of the MTHFR gene was assessed using the methylation specific PCR method. Homocysteine/MTHFR (Hcy/MTHFR) ratio at 81% sensitivity and homocysteine/protein ratio (Hcy/pro) at 77% sensitivity were better indicators of PE than Hcy (63% sensitivity) at a false positive rate of 10%. However, a combined nine parameter biomarker comprising of BMI, Hcy, MTHFR enzyme, MDA, Hcy/pro, Hcy/MTHFR, CpG island methylation status, MTHFR677 SNPs, and MTHFR/MTR Haplotypes, presented the highest sensitivity (83%) at 90% specificity for identifying PE at a cut-off value of 11 point (of 25). Folate metabolic derivatives, folate cycle gene polymorphisms and epigenetic modifications are significant factors in the pathogenesis of PE and may play significant role in the early identification of PE among pregnant women

Physiological, endocrinological and environmental determinants of female infertility in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Female infertility has become a fundamental health and social issue globally. A number of factors have been reported to contribute to this condition. In-vitro fertilization (IVF), a major technique used in tackling infertility has experienced relatively low success rate. Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between physiological, endocrinological, environmental factor and infertility among Nigerian infertile women. Methods: Infertile women (n=190) from five fertility  clinics in Lagos, Nigeria were recruited. Structured  self-administered questionnaires were  distributed to  the participants to obtain their physiological parameters such as age, blood group, rhesus factor  and genotype. Blood samples of the participants were collected and analyzed for the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) using enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). The heavy metals levels in the blood samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results: Participants of the oldest age group (51 – 55 years) had elevated levels of the reproductive hormones compared to other age groups while participants with blood group A showed higher level of PRLcompared to other blood groups, whereas the levels of FSH and LH were higher in blood group O compared to other groups. Participants with the heterozygous genotype AS had higher basal level of PRLand LH, while participants with the homozygous genotype AA showed a higher basal level of FSH. The basal levels of the three reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and PRL) were higher in participants with rhesus negative when compared to those with rhesus positive. However, the variation in the hormone levels, blood groups and Rhesus factor were not significantly different (p<0.05) among the various participant groups. Nevertheless, heavy metals which include lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury were detected in blood samples of the participants. Conclusion: Therefore, present study showed no association between blood group, genotype, Rhesus factor and infertility nor possible IVF outcome but it established that age and heavy metals may affect fertility via an imbalance in the basal levels of reproductive hormones