Perceived impact of a smartphone application: Knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and intention to change an abnormal neck posture among smartphone-addicted undergraduates.

Objectives: This study explored the perceived impact of a smartphone app on awareness, knowledge, attitudes, help-seeking, behavior change, and intention to change an abnormal posture of the neck while using smartphones among undergraduates addicted to smartphone use. Patients and methods: This descriptive survey involved smartphone-addicted undergraduates recruited between February 2022 and July 2022. The self-administered questionnaires used for gathering the data were a smartphone addiction survey and a mobile app rating scale on app-specific query assessing changes in awareness, knowledge, attitude, intention to change, health-seeking, and behavior change. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 316 participants (218 females, 98 males; mean: 20.7±2.6 years; range, 16 to 35 years). One hundred forty-two (44.9%) of the respondents strongly agreed that the app improved awareness, while 143 (45.3%) strongly agreed that the app improved knowledge about the significance of addressing abnormal posture of the neck while using smartphones. One hundred thirty-two (41.8%) were of the opinion that the app could change participant attitudes, and 135 (42.7%) agreed that the app could increase intentions toward improving abnormal posture of the neck. One hundred eighteen (37.3%) participants agreed that the app could promote help-seeking for abnormal posture of the neck. Respondents' age had a negative weak correlation with intention to treat (r=-0.191, p=0.001) and help-seeking (r=-0.199, p=0.0001). Conclusion: Most of the respondents in this study agreed that the CerviTech app could increase awareness, knowledge, attitude, intention to change, help-seeking, and behavior change of abnormal posture of the neck while using smartphones, with significant impact according to the age of the respondents regarding the intention to change and help-seeking behavior.

In silico pharmacokinetic and therapeutic evaluation of Musa acuminata peels against aluminium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in adult BALB/c mice.

East Africa (Musa spp.), notably Musa acuminata, "Matooke" a staple and economically important food in the region. Here, 12 selected M. acuminata peels extract (MAPE) bioactive compounds were studied for hepatoprotective potentials in aluminium chloride-induced hepatoxicity in adult BALB/c mice. GC-MS analysis was used to identify active components of MAPE. In silico estimation of the pharmacokinetic, the GCMS-identified compounds' toxicity profile and molecular docking were compared with the standard (Simvastatin) drug. Hepatotoxicity was induced using aluminium-chloride treated with MAPE, followed by biochemical and histopathological examination. Twelve bioactive compounds 2,2-Dichloroacetophenone (72870), Cyclooctasiloxane 18993663), 7-Hydroxy-6,9a-dimethyl-3-methylene-decahydro-azuleno[4,5-b]furan-2,9-dione (534579), all-trans-alpha-Carotene (4369188), Cyclononasiloxane (53438479), 3-Chloro-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6,7a-dimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4H-furo[2,3-c]pyridin-2-one (536708), Pivalic acid (6417), 10,13-Octadecadienoic acid (54284936), Ethyl Linoleate (5282184), Oleic acid (5363269), Tirucallol (101257), Obtusifoliol (65252) were identified by GC-MS. Of these, seven were successfully docked with the target proteins. The compounds possess drug likeness potentials that do not inhibits CYP450 isoforms biotransformation. All the docked compounds were chemoprotective to AMES toxicity, hERGI, hERGII and hepatotoxicity. The animal model reveals MAPE protective effect on liver marker's function while the histological studies show regeneration of the disoriented layers of bile ducts and ameliorate the cellular/histoarchitecture of the hepatic cells induced by AlCl3. The findings indicate that MAPE improved liver functions and ameliorated the hepatic cells' cellular or histoarchitecture induced by AlCl3. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanism action and toxicological evaluation of MAPE's chronic or intermittent use to ascertain its safety in whole organism systems.

Co-occurrence of Modifiable Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease amongst Diabetic Patients in Lagos State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes significantly increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This risk can be reduced by addressing modifiable risk factors. The objectives of this study were to assess the modifiable risks for CVD amongst persons with diabetes and identify the factors associated with multiple risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 357 diabetic patients attending a large tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria. Eligible patients were recruited consecutively on clinic days till the minimum sample size was reached. An interviewer-administered survey tool adapted from the World Health Organization STEPS was used to obtain information from study participants. The following risk factors were assessed: tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, physical activity, sedentary time and hours of sleep. Data were analysed using the STATA version 15.0 (Stata Corp.) statistical programme. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 61.7 ± 12.6 years, and they were mostly females (63.9%). Of the risk factors assessed, the most prevalent modifiable risk factors amongst the respondents were inadequate sleep - <8 h on average (91.6%), abdominal obesity (82.6%) and high blood pressure (72%). Others were inadequate physical activity (56%) and lifetime tobacco use (21%). Up to 40.3% of the diabetic persons had three or more co-existing CVD risk factors. Age, gender, work and marital status (P ≤ 0.01) were statistically associated with multiple CVD risk factors. Being male, unmarried and increasing age were predictors of multiple CVD risk factors amongst the diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the diabetic patients have multiple co-existing modifiable CVD risks. Abdominal obesity and poor sleep were the most prevalent. Older men who are unmarried were more likely to have multiple risks. Primary and secondary preventive measures to address CVD risks amongst diabetic patients are warranted and should target older unmarried men.

Formulation and evaluation of paclitaxel-loaded boronated chitosan/alginate nanoparticles as a mucoadhesive system for localized cervical cancer drug delivery.

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health challenge, and there is a need for innovative drug delivery systems to improve the efficacy of anticancer drugs. In this study, we developed and evaluated boronated chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (BCHIALG NPs) as a localized mucoadhesive drug delivery system for cervical cancer. Boronated chitosan (BCHI) was synthesized by incorporating 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid onto chitosan (CHI), and boronated chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (BCHIALG NPs) with varying polymer ratios were prepared using an ionic gelation method. The physical properties, drug loading capacity/encapsulation efficiency, mucoadhesive properties, and in vitro drug release profile of the nanoparticles were evaluated. The BCHIALG NPs exhibited a size of less than 390 nm and demonstrated high drug encapsulation efficiency (98.1 - 99.8%) and loading capacity (326.9 - 332.7 µg/mg). Remarkably, the BCHIALG NPs containing 0.03% boronated chitosan and 0.07% alginate showed superior mucoadhesive capability compared to CHIALG NPs, providing sustained drug release and they showed the most promising results as a transmucosal drug delivery system for hydrophobic drugs like paclitaxel (PTX). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report investigating BCHIALG NPs for cervical drug delivery. The new mucoadhesive paclitaxel formulation could offer an innovative strategy for improving cervical cancer treatment.

Achieving a robust mentoring and research capacity program in a LMIC - the BRAINS faculty development model.

BACKGROUND: A research and training program (RTP) was carried out to build the capacity of faculty and improve the culture of research in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Nigeria. METHODS: Realist-guided mixed methods evaluation of the BRAINS project was carried out using secondary data generated during the 5-years (2015 - 2020) of project implementation. Capacity building workshops and mentored research activities targeted at faculty in the CMUL were conducted. Overall, 1,418 participants attended the workshops in batches. Among the participants, forty-five faculty received grants and were mentored by senior professionals (local & international) to conduct research. Data were extracted from all project-related documents including coursework biodata, workshop evaluation forms, quarterly project reports, and end- of-project reports, submitted by the mentees, minutes of meetings, and the proposal submitted for funding. It was in the form of continuous variables and prose (sentences & stories). Quantitative data were analysed with IBM SPSS statistics version 20. Mean knowledge score and mean difference was calculated, paired t-test was carried out using p < 0.05 to determine statistical significance. The prose was thematically analysed to generate themes and narratives. Both were subsequently combined for interpretation and used to refine the initial programme theory into an evidence-informed theory. RESULTS: Twelve courses were deployed, and 1,418 participants (47.8% males and 52.2% females) from medical, nursing, and allied medical departments were trained. Eighty participants were trained in Responsible Conduct of Research and eighty-one on Manuscript Writing over three years. A comparison of the pre/post-test knowledge scores showed a positive mean difference. Thematic analysis of workshop data produced three thematic domains representing effectiveness and gains namely: cognitive, reward, and behavioural. 45 trainees were awarded grants and mentored, and analysis of mentee's data generated 4 themes: Achieving a robust mentoring program; Benefits of the mentoring program; Resilience in research; Improving the mentoring program. CONCLUSION: By contributing to the body of knowledge available on RTPs, this evaluation identified key components that contributed to the success of the project and developed a model for achieving a robust training and mentoring program which can be replicated in other LMICs.

Tween-80 enhanced biodegradation of naphthalene by Klebsiella quasipneumoniae.

Accidental spillage of petroleum products and industrial activities result in various hydrocarbons in the environment. While the n-hydrocarbons are readily degraded, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recalcitrant to natural degradation, toxic to aquatic life and are responsible for diverse health challenges in terrestrial animals; suggesting the need for faster and more eco-friendly ways of removing PAHs from the environment. In this study, the surfactant tween-80 was used to enhance a bacterium's intrinsic naphthalene biodegradation activity. Eight bacteria isolated from oil-contaminated soils were characterised using morphological and biochemical methods. The most effective strain was identified as Klebsiella quasipneumoniae using 16S rRNA gene analysis. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses showed that the detectable concentration of naphthalene was decreased from 500 to 157.18 µg/mL (67.4%) after 7 d in the absence of tween-80, while 99.4% removal was achieved in 3 d in the presence of tween-80 at 60 µg/mL concentration. The peaks observed in the Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum of control (naphthalene), which were absent in that of the metabolites, further established naphthalene degradation. Furthermore, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) revealed metabolites of single aromatic ring, such as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid 4-hydroxylmethylphenol, which confirmed that the removal of naphthalene is by biodegradation. Tyrosinase induction and laccase activities suggested the involvement of these enzymes in naphthalene biodegradation by the bacterium. Conclusively, a strain of K. quasipneumoniae that can effectively remove naphthalene from contaminated environments has been isolated, and its biodegradation rate was doubled in the presence of non-ionic surfactant, tween-80.

Serum concentrations of IL-16 and its genetic polymorphism rs4778889 affect the susceptibility and severity of endometriosis in Nigerian women.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is the presence of active ectopic endometrial glands and stroma at other sites outside the uterine cavity. It is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain which is sometimes debilitating, and inflammation is one of the known triggers of endometriosis. Interleukins 6 and 16 (IL-6 and IL-16) are proinflammatory cytokines which play essential roles in inflammatory diseases. We therefore investigated the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of interleukins 6 and 16, and the development of endometriosis in Nigerian women. METHOD: One hundred and thirty (130) consenting women were consecutively enrolled, sixty-five (65) of whom had endometriosis and 65 age-matched women as reference group, surgically confirmed as not having endometriosis. Spectrophotometric determination of serum concentrations of Interleukins 6 and 16 was carried out and the genotyping of IL-6 (rs1800795) and IL-16 (rs4778889, rs11556218, rs4072111) genes were performed using TaqMan assays. RESULTS: Serum IL-16 concentration was significantly higher in women with severe chronic pelvic pain compared to those with mild pain (p = 0.023). The C allele of rs4778889 was associated with endometriosis (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.08 - 3.02, p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Serum IL-16 and IL-16 rs4778889 may be important markers for endometriosis in Nigerian, and by extension, African women. Multicentre African studies would clarify this.

Association of Dopamine Transporter Gene (DAT1) 40 bp 3' UTR VNTR Polymorphism (rs28363170) and Cannabis Use Disorder.

Introduction: Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit drug among Nigerians, often associated with psychiatric disorders. Since genetic predisposition has been implicated in substance use disorders, we, therefore, aimed at finding out the relationship between dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) polymorphism and cannabis use disorder. Methods: We recruited 104 patients from a tertiary psychiatric facility in Lagos, Nigeria, who were diagnosed with cannabis use disorder according to ICD-10 and 96 non-smokers as a comparative group. The smokers were screened with Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test (CUDIT), and cannabis dependence was assessed with the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). Genotyping was carried out for the 40 bp 3' UTR VNTR of the DAT1 (rs28363170). Results: The frequencies of 9R/9R, 9R/10R, 10R/10R among non-smokers and smokers were 14 (14.3%), 25 (26.2%), 57 (59.5%) and 17 (16.3%), 54 (51.9%), 33 (31.7%) respectively. The genotype distribution was in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) only in the smokers' population (χ² = 1.896, P = .166). Individuals with the 10R allele were almost twice as likely as the 9R carriers to smoke cannabis (OR = 1.915, 95% CI: 1.225-2.995). However, this polymorphism was not associated with the quantity of cannabis smoked, age at onset of smoking, CUDIT, and SDS scores. Conclusion: The DAT VNTR polymorphism was associated with cannabis smoking but not cannabis use disorder.

Characterization of novel bacteriocin PB2 and comprehensive detection of the pediocin gene ped-A1 from Pediococcus pentosaceus PB2 strain isolated from a sorghum-based fermented beverage in Nigeria.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been known to possess bacteriocidal activity resulting from ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides called bacteriocin. This study focused on the characterization of the bactericidal activity of bacteriocin PB2 and comprehensive detection of the pediocin ped-A1 from Pediococcus pentosaceus obtained from fermented sorghum beverage, Pito, in Nigeria against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313. Bacteriocin PB2 was purified in a 2-step purification using 80% NH4 (SO4)2, and Carboxymethyl-Sephadex G-50 column chromatography to achieve a 12.62% purification fold. The physicochemical properties of purified bacteriocin were characterized being treated at different temperatures (20 - 120 °C), pH (2.0 - 10.0), with different detergents and enzymes (sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) urea, ox-gall, and proteinase K and RNase A), organic solvents (ethanol, phenol, acetone, chloroform and isoamyl alcohol), and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (2-12 h) respectively. The molecular weight of the bacteriocin PB2 was determined to be 4.87 kDa. The antibacterial activity of bacteriocin PB2 was optimum at 40 °C and pH 5.0. The bacteriocin PB2 lost its activity on treatment with proteinase K and exposure to UV radiation (after 6 h) but was observed to have stable activity in the presence of organic solvents. Also, P. pentosaceus PB2 harbored two plasmids, 0.9 and 1.2 kb which when cured resulted in the loss of the antimicrobial activity. The mRNA transcript for pedA was detected in P. pentosaceus PB2, but not in the cured derivative, confirming the expression of the plasmid ped-A1 gene in PB2. This study validates our previous study that the PB2 strain of Pediococcus pentosaceus isolated from fermented sorghum, Pito, may be used as a probiotic toward clinically important enteropathogenic bacteria. This peptide is a potential agent for use as an alternative antibacterial agent for the treatment of drug-resistant strains of bacterial infection.

Development and Comparison of Three Data Models for Predicting Diabetes Mellitus Using Risk Factors in a Nigerian Population.

OBJECTIVE: This study developed and compared the performance of three widely used predictive models-logistic regression (LR), artificial neural network (ANN), and decision tree (DT)-to predict diabetes mellitus using the socio-demographic, lifestyle, and physical attributes of a population of Nigerians. METHODS: We developed three predictive models using 10 input variables. Data preprocessing steps included the removal of missing values and outliers, min-max normalization, and feature extraction using principal component analysis. Data training and validation were accomplished using 10-fold cross-validation. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were used as performance evaluation metrics. Analysis and model development were performed in R version 3.6.1. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 50.52 ± 16.14 years. The classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for LR were, respectively, 81.31%, 84.32%, 77.24%, 72.75%, and 82.49%. Those for ANN were 98.64%, 98.37%, 99.00%, 98.61%, and 98.83%, and those for DT were 99.05%, 99.76%, 98.08%, 98.77%, and 99.82%, respectively. The best-performing and poorest-performing classifiers were DT and LR, with 99.05% and 81.31% accuracy, respectively. Similarly, the DT algorithm achieved the best AUC value (0.992) compared to ANN (0.976) and LR (0.892). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that DT, LR, and ANN models can be used effectively for the prediction of diabetes mellitus in the Nigerian population based on certain risk factors. An overall comparative analysis of the models showed that the DT model performed better than LR and ANN.

Genomic, biochemical and microbial evaluation of probiotic potentials of bacterial isolates from fermented sorghum products.

Fermented products, including Ogi-baba and Pito, provide several health benefits, particularly when probiotics are used in the fermentation process. Probiotic microorganisms exert strain-specific health-promoting activities on humans and animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the probiotic potentials of Lactic-acid bacteria (LAB) isolates from indigenous fermented sorghum products (Ogi-baba and Pito). The LAB isolates were screened for potential probiotic properties by antagonistic activity against eight enteropathogenic clinical bacteria isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Helicobacter pylori, Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Listeria monocytogenes) as indicator organisms using the agar well diffusion technique. The organisms were also screened for acidity, bile tolerance, antibiotic susceptibility, production of lactic acid, diacetyl and hydrogen peroxide. ß-galactosidase assay was also done. Genomic DNA was extracted from the two selected LAB isolates; the 16S rRNA were amplified and sequenced. The sequence data were subjected to Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and molecular phylogenetic analyses to identify the isolates. The isolates were identified as strains of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus. The sequence data for these two isolates were submitted to the Genbank with accession numbers KP883298 and KP883297 respectively. The P. pentosaceus strain (PB2) strain exhibited ß-galactosidase activity as well as L. plantrum strain (OB6). The study revealed exceptional probiotic potentials of two LAB namely Lactobacillus plantarum strain (OB6) and Pediococcus pentosaceus strain (PB2) isolated from fermented sorghum products, Ogi-baba and Pito respectively. Hence, the two LAB strains may be potentially used as probiotic to prevent some enteropathogen-induced gastrointestinal disorders; reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections and for the management of lactose in intolerance.

Genetic polymorphisms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) associated with endometriosis in Nigerian women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if genetic polymorphism of VEGF is associated with the development of endometriosis in Nigerian women. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study of 100 women (50 healthy controls and 50 with endometriosis). Serum VEGF concentration of participants were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Genomic DNAs were isolated from peripheral blood samples and quantified by nanodrop spectrophotometer one. Single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 32.96 ± 6.91 years for control and 32.04 ± 7.56 years for cases. VEGF levels in case and control groups were not statistically different (82.68 pg/ml [69.11-121.11 pg/ml] vs. 82.81 pg/ml [72.90-113.82 pg/ml] respectively; p = 0.967). All four genotypes examined were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Minor allele frequency of - 460T > C, - 1154G > A, + 936C > T and + 2578C > A were 24%, 8%, 6% and 10% in the control and 19%, 9%, 5% and 14% in endometriosis patients. However, allele and genotype distributions of - 460T > C, - 1154G > A, + 936C > T and + 2578C > A VEGF polymorphisms in endometriosis patients and control were not significantly different (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings revealed no association between endometriosis and - 460T > C, - 1154G > A, + 936C > T and + 2578C > A of VEGF genes among Nigerian women.

Prevalence of Factor V Leiden G1691A and Prothrombin G20210A Gene Mutation Among Pregnant Women: Experience from a Multi-Center Study in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Inherited thrombophilia and venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been closely linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia/eclampsia contributing to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There is, however, little genetic data from Africa including Nigeria that explores the prevalence of common VTE genetic risk markers such as factor V Leiden mutation (FVL G1691A) and prothrombin gene mutation (F2 G20210A) among pregnant women in Nigeria. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and distribution of FVL G1691A and F2 G20210A in pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This hospital-based cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among pregnant women between 1 July 2019 and 31 August 2020. The genotype of interest was determined through amplification by polymerase chain reaction using G1691A of FV and prothrombin A20210G specific primers. Descriptive data were presented using Stata version 15 (Stata Corp) statistical software. RESULTS: Of the 400 recruited participants, 397 and 389 samples were successfully processed for FVL G1691A and F2 G20210A mutations, respectively. Three participants had FVL heterozygous mutation; thus, the prevalence of heterozygous mutation of FVL among the study participants was 0.76%, 95% CI: 0.002-0.023%, n=3/397. There was no F2 G20210A mutation detected among the study participants. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that screening for factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin gene mutation in pregnancy might not be of any clinical significance among Nigerian women. However, carrying out a genome-wide associated study is recommended to determine the true impact of these two common inherited thrombophilias in this population.

A preprogram appraisal of factors influencing research productivity among faculty at college of medicine, University of Lagos.

Background: A defining feature of any university is its dedication to scholarly activities, leading to the generation of knowledge and ideas Research productivity is a measure of achievement of a scholar. The number of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is an important criterion for assessing productivity and prestige in the academia. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of research productivity (RP) among junior faculty at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and investigated factors affecting their research output prior to the implementation of a 5-year training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. Methods: Seventy junior faculty members attended a pre-program training, and the self-reported number of peer-reviewed publications (PRPs) was used as an indicator. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing RP among the attendees were assessed and ranked. Results: The majority (42/70, 60%) of the respondents had <10 PRPs. The median (interquartile range) number of PRPs was 7 (3-18). A desire for the development of their personal skills, contribution to society, and personal research interests topped the list of intrinsic factors influencing RP. Work flexibility, research autonomy, and scholarly pursuits were the bottom three. A desire for promotion, respect from peers, and increased social standing were the top three extrinsic factors, while monetary incentives, employment opportunities, and the need to attend conferences were the lowest three. The top barriers to RP were lack of resources and lack of mentoring. Perceived older age, lack of time, and motivation were the lowest three barriers. Older age and professional cadre were associated with increased RP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the participants, research output appears to be motivated primarily by a desire for personal development,promotion, and respect from peers. Lack of access to resources was the main barrier to increased RP. These factors may need to be considered when developing programs designed to promote RP.

RésuméContexte: Une caractéristique déterminante de toute université est son dévouement aux activités savantes, menant à la génération de connaissances et d'idées La productivité de la recherche est une mesure du rendement d'un chercheur. Le nombre de publications de recherche dans des revues à comité de lecture est un critère important pour évaluer la productivité et le prestige de l'académie. Buts et objectifs: Cette étude descriptive transversale a évalué le niveau de productivité de la recherche (RP) parmi les professeurs débutants du Collège de médecine de l'Université de Lagos et a examiné les facteurs affectant leurs résultats de recherche avant la mise en œuvre d'une subvention de formation de 5 ans. financé par les National Institutes of Health. Méthodes: Soixante-dix facultés juniors ont suivi une formation préalable au programme et le nombre autodéclaré de publications évaluées par des pairs a été utilisé comme indicateur. Les facteurs intrinsèques et extrinsèques influençant la RP chez les participants ont été évalués et classés. Résultats: La majorité (42/70, 60%) des répondants ont utilisé moins de 10 publications évaluées par des pairs. Le nombre médian (intervalle interquartile) de PRP était de 7 (3­18). Le désir de développer leurs compétences personnelles, leur contribution à la société et leurs intérêts personnels en recherche figuraient en tête de liste des facteurs intrinsèques influençant la productivité de la recherche. La flexibilité du travail, l'autonomie de recherche et les activités universitaires étaient les trois derniers. Un désir de promotion, le respect des pairs et une position sociale accrue étaient les trois principaux facteurs extrinsèques, tandis que les incitations monétaires, les possibilités d'emploi et la nécessité d'assister à des conférences étaient les trois plus faibles. Les principaux obstacles à la productivité de la recherche étaient le manque de ressources et le manque de mentorat. L'âge avancé perçu, le manque de temps et la motivation étaient les trois obstacles les plus bas. L'âge avancé et les cadres professionnels étaient associés à une augmentation de la RP (P <0,05). Conclusion: parmi les participants, les résultats de la recherche semblent être principalement motivés par un désir de développement personnel, de promotion et de respect de la part des pairs. Le manque d'accès aux ressources était le principal obstacle à l'augmentation de la productivité de la recherche. Ces facteurs peuvent devoir être pris en compte lors de l'élaboration de programmes conçus pour promouvoir la productivité de la recherche.

Genetic polymorphisms in malaria vaccine candidate Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homologue-5 among populations in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Vaccines are the most reliable alternative to elicit sterile immunity against malaria but their development has been hindered by polymorphisms and strain-specificity in previously studied antigens. New vaccine candidates are therefore urgently needed. Highly conserved Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homologue-5 (PfRH5) has been identified as a potential candidate for anti-disease vaccine development. PfRH5 is essential for erythrocyte invasion by merozoites and crucial for parasite survival. However, there is paucity of data on the extent of genetic variations on PfRH5 in field isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. This study described genetic polymorphisms at the high affinity binding polypeptides (HABPs) 36718, 36727, 36728 of PfRH5 in Nigerian isolates of P. falciparum. This study tested the hypothesis that only specific conserved B and T cell epitopes on PfRH5 HABPs are crucial for vaccine development. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-five microscopically confirmed P. falciparum samples collected in a prospective cross-sectional study of three different populations in Lagos, Nigeria. Genetic diversity and haplotype construct of Pfrh5 gene were determined using bi-directional sequencing approach. Tajima's D and the ratio of nonsynonymous vs synonymous mutations were utilized to estimate the extent of balancing and directional selection in the pfrh5 gene. RESULTS: Sequence analysis revealed three haplotypes of PfRH5 with negative Tajima's D and dN/dS value of - 1.717 and 0.011 ± 0.020, respectively. A single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP (G → A) at position 608 was observed, which resulted in a change of the amino acid cysteine at position 203 to tyrosine. Haplotype and nucleotide diversities were 0.318 ± 0.016 and 0.0046 ± 0.0001 while inter-population genetic differentiation ranged from 0.007 to 0.037. Five polypeptide variants were identified, the most frequent being KTKYH with a frequency of 51.3%. One B-cell epitope, 151 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II T-cell epitopes, four intrinsically unstructured regions (IURs) and six MHC class I T-cell epitopes were observed in the study. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences showed clustering and evidence of evolutionary relationship with 3D7, PAS-2 and FCB-2 RH5 sequences. CONCLUSIONS: This study has revealed low level of genetic polymorphisms in PfRH5 antigen with B- and T-cell epitopes in intrinsically unstructured regions along the PfRH5 gene in Lagos, Nigeria. A broader investigation is however required in other parts of the country to support the possible inclusion of PfRH5 in a cross-protective multi-component vaccine.

A preprogram appraisal of factors influencing research productivity among faculty at college of medicine, University of Lagos

A defining feature of any university is its dedication to scholarly activities, leading to the generation of knowledge and ideas Research productivity is a measure of achievement of a scholar. The number of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is an important criterion for assessing productivity and prestige in the academia. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of research productivity (RP) among junior faculty at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and investigated factors affecting their research output prior to the implementation of a 5-year training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. Methods: Seventy junior faculty members attended a pre-program training, and the self-reported number of peer-reviewed publications (PRPs) was used as an indicator. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing RP among the attendees were assessed and ranked. Results: The majority (42/70, 60%) of the respondents had <10 PRPs. The median (interquartile range) number of PRPs was 7 (3­18). A desire for the development of their personal skills, contribution to society, and personal research interests topped the list of intrinsic factors influencing RP. Work flexibility, research autonomy, and scholarly pursuits were the bottom three. A desire for promotion, respect from peers, and increased social standing were the top three extrinsic factors, while monetary incentives, employment opportunities, and the need to attend conferences were the lowest three. The top barriers to RP were lack of resources and lack of mentoring. Perceived older age, lack of time, and motivation were the lowest three barriers. Older age and professional cadre were associated with increased RP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the participants, research output appears to be motivated primarily by a desire for personal development,promotion, and respect from peers. Lack of access to resources was the main barrier to increased RP. These factors may need to be considered when developing programs designed to promote RP

Haemoglobin oxygen saturation, leucocyte count and lactate dehydrogenase are predictors of elevated cerebral blood flow velocity in Nigerian children with sickle cell anaemia.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) scan, which measures blood flow velocity through the time-averaged mean of maximum velocities (TAMMVs) in the internal carotid arteries and middle cerebral arteries, is a useful screening tool for predicting stroke risk in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). AIM: To investigate which clinical and laboratory indices predict abnormal TCD velocity in children with SCA. METHODS: Fifty-four SCA patients with normal TCD (TAMMV < 170 cm/s), classified as negative TCD (NTCD), and 93 patients with conditional and abnormal TCD velocities (TAMMV ≥ 170 cm/s) classified as positive TCD were recruited. The haemoglobin oxygen saturation, haematological variables, nitric oxide metabolites and lactate dehydrogenase activity of the patients were analysed. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 7.16 (3.84) years (range 2-16). The median SpO2 of the patients in the positive TCD group was significantly lower than that of the negative TCD group (p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the MCV [odds ratio (OR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.22, p = 0.01)], MCH (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.77, p = 0.04), leucocyte count (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07-1.49, p = 0.01) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level (OR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, p = 0.01) were independent predictors of high cerebral blood flow velocities. CONCLUSIONS: These clinical and laboratory indices are characteristic of chronic hypoxia and severe anaemia and are predictors of abnormal cerebral blood flow velocity. They can be used to predict stroke risk in children with SCA when access to TCD screening is limited.

Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Response and Genetic Diversity in Merozoite Surface Protein 2 of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-2 (msp-2) and associated parasite genetic diversity which varies between malaria-endemic regions remain a limitation in malaria vaccine development. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are important in immunity against malaria, understanding the influence of genetic diversity on cytokine response is important for effective vaccine design. METHODS: P. falciparum isolates obtained from 300 Nigerians with uncomplicated falciparum malaria at Ijede General Hospital, Ijede (IJE), General Hospital Ajeromi, Ajeromi (AJE) and Saint Kizito Mission Hospital, Lekki, were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reaction of msp-2 block 3 while ELISA was used to determine the pro-inflammatory cytokine response to describe the genetic diversity of P. falciparum. RESULTS: Eighteen alleles were observed for msp-2 loci. Of the 195 isolates, 61 (31.0%) had only FC27-type alleles, 38 (19.7%) had only 3D7-type alleles, and 49.3% had multiple parasite lines with both alleles. Band sizes were 275-625 bp for FC27 and 150-425 bp for 3D7. Four alleles were observed from LEK, 2 (375-425 bp) and 2 (275-325 bp) of FC27-and 3D7-types, respectively; 12 alleles from AJE, 9 (275-625 bp) and 3 (325-425 bp) of FC27-types and 3D7-types, respectively; while IJE had a total of 12 alleles, 9 (275-625 bp) and 3 (325-425 bp) of FC27-types and 3D7-types, respectively. Mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1.54. Heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.77 to 0.87 and was highest for IJE (0.87). Cytokine response was higher among <5 years and was significantly associated with MOI (P > 0.05) but with neither parasite density nor infection type. CONCLUSION: P. falciparum genetic diversity is extensive in Nigeria, protection via pro-inflammatory cytokines have little or no interplay with infection multiplicity.

1-hydroxypyrene levels in blood samples of rats after exposure to generator fumes.

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a major component of fuel generator fumes. Carcinogenicity of these compounds has long been established. In this study, 37 Swiss albino rats were exposed to generator fumes at varied distances for 8 hours per day for a period of 42 days and the level of 1-hydroxypyrene in their blood was evaluated. This study also tried to correlate the level of blood 1-hyroxypyrene with the distance from the source of pollution. Plasma was collected by centrifuging the whole blood sample followed by complete hydrolysis of the conjugated 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide to yield the analyte of interest, 1-hydroxypyrene, which was achieved using beta glucuronidase. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detector was used to determine the 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations in the blood samples. The mobile phase was water:methanol (12:88 v/v) isocratic run at the flow rate of 1.2 mL/min with CI8 stationary phase at 250 nm. After 42 days of exposure, blood concentration level of 1-hydroxypyrene ranged from 34 µg/mL to 26.29 µg/mL depending on the distance from source of exposure. The control group had no 1-hydroxypyrene in their blood. After the period of exposure, percentage of death correlated with the distance from the source of exposure. Percentage of death ranged from 56% to zero depending on the proximity to source of pollution.