Cell-free DNA methylation-based inflammation score as a marker for hepatocellular carcinoma among people living with HIV.

Background: People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a greater risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), potentially due to the stimulation of inflammation by HIV infection. Inflammation-related DNA methylation signatures obtained in liquid biopsy, such as circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), may serve as promising minimally invasive biomarkers that can inform diagnosis of HCC.

Methods: Using data from 249 individuals with HIV (114 individuals with normal liver conditions, 69 with fibrosis, 30 with cirrhosis, and 36 with HCC), we constructed a cfDNA methylation-based inflammation score (inflammation-DNAm score) based on 54 CpGs previously associated with circulating C-reactive protein concentrations.

Analytic performance of ScreenFire HPV RS assay Zebra BioDome format and its potential for large-scale population HPV screening.

Background: Easy-to-use, rapid, scalable, high-throughput, and cost-effective HPV tests are urgently needed for low-resource settings. Atila Biosystems' high-throughput, cost-effective, and clinically validated ScreenFire HPV Risk Stratification (RS) assay identifies 13 high risk HPV (hrHPV) in 4 groups based on their oncogenic risk (i.e.

Hepatitis B and C Virus Co-Infection and Their Association With Liver Disease in Persons With HIV in Nigeria.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have hepatitis B or C infection have a higher chance of developing advanced liver disease than those who do not have either of the hepatitis infections. This finding highlights the importance of awareness, screening, and treatment of the hepatitis viruses in HIV programs in order to reduce the risk of liver disease in this population.

Facilitators and barriers to the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry.

Introduction: Active back-support exoskeletons are gaining more awareness as a solution to the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry. This study aims to understand the factors that influence the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry.

Method: A literature review was conducted to gather relevant adoption factors related to exoskeleton implementation.

Effects of using an active hand exoskeleton for drilling tasks: A pilot study.

Introduction: Several studies have assessed and validated the impact of exoskeletons on back and shoulder muscle activation; however, limited research has explored the role that exoskeletons could play in mitigating lower arm-related disorders. This study assessed the impact of Ironhand, an active hand exoskeleton (H-EXO) designed to reduce grip force exertion, on worker exertion levels using a two-phase experimental design.

Method: Ten male participants performed a controlled, simulated drilling activity, while three male participants completed an uncontrolled concrete demolition activity.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Given the synergistic relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, knowledge of the genotypic prevalence and associated factors of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) among HIV-infected women is crucial for developing targeted interventions such as appropriate screening tests and effective genotype-specific vaccination.

Objectives: We determined the prevalence of any HR-HPV and multiple HR-HPV infections and identified associated factors among a cohort of women living with HIV infections (WLHIV) in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study analysed the data of 516 WLHIV who underwent cervical cancer screening as part of the at the HIV treatment centre of Lagos University Teaching Hospital from July 2023 to March 2024.

Online palliative care curriculum: contextual adaptation for Nigerian healthcare workers.

Objectives: This study reports on a yearlong sequence of three periodic, virtual trainings in primary palliative care for healthcare professionals across Nigeria. Our overall objective was to determine the impact of the full course on participants' attitudes, knowledge, skills and plans to implement and deliver palliative care in their local contexts.

Methods: The curriculum for this programme was codeveloped by a team of USA and Nigerian palliative care professionals and delivered via three 3-day virtual sessions.

Adoption of CRISPR-Cas for crop production: present status and future prospects.

Background: Global food systems in recent years have been impacted by some harsh environmental challenges and excessive anthropogenic activities. The increasing levels of both biotic and abiotic stressors have led to a decline in food production, safety, and quality. This has also contributed to a low crop production rate and difficulty in meeting the requirements of the ever-growing population.

Draft genome sequence of strains AOA1 and AKS2, the potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.

This report describes the draft genome sequence of strains AOA1 and AKS2 isolated from maize rhizosphere soil in South Africa. plays important biological roles as plant growth promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR). strains also exhibit numerous biotechnological application potentials in agriculture and diverse industrial settings.

Impact of training and case manager support for traditional birth attendants in the linkage of care among HIV-positive pregnant women in Southwest Nigeria: a 3-arm cluster randomized control trial.

Background: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) accounts for 90% of all new paediatric HIV infections in Nigeria and for approximately 30% of the global burden. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a training model that incorporated case managers working closely with traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to ensure linkage to care for HIV-positive pregnant women.

Methods: This study was a 3-arm parallel design cluster randomized controlled trial in Ifo and Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Perceived benefits, barriers, perceptions, and readiness to use exoskeletons in the construction industry: Differences by demographic characteristics.

Exoskeletons (EXOs) are a promising wearable intervention to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorder risks among construction workers. However, the adoption of EXOs may differ with demographic characteristics. Survey data (n = 361) were collected from construction industry stakeholders and a summation score method was used to summarize respondent's benefits and barriers to EXO use, along with perceptions and readiness to use.

The Effect of Monensin vs. Neem, and Moringa Extracts on Nutrient Digestibility, Growth Performance, Methane, and Blood Profile of Merino Lambs.

Plant secondary compounds are potential rumen modifiers that can improve nutrient utilization in ruminant animals. This study evaluated the effect of Moringa () and Neem () leaf extracts on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and enteric methane production in South African Mutton Merino lambs. Forty 4-month-old ram lambs with a mean body weight of 35 ± 2.

Datasets of shotgun metagenomics evaluation of rumen microbiota of South African mutton merino sheep.

The rumen microbial consortium plays a crucial role in the production performance and health of the ruminant animal. They are responsible for breaking down complex plant materials such as cellulose and hemicellulose to release usable energy by the host animal. Rumen microbial diversity manipulation through dietary strategies can be used to achieve several goals such as improved feed efficiency, reduced environmental impact or better utilization of low-quality forages.

Impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on forest vegetation cover, health, and diversity within Doma forest reserve, Nigeria.

Forest encroachment is a common practice that has led to the destruction of canopy trees in the Guinea savanna part of Nigeria. This study investigated the influence of human activities on vegetation health and species composition of Doma forest reserve located in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Landsat satellite data from 1986 to 2021 were utilized to assess forest cover change, land surface temperature (LST), and vegetation indices (VIs).

Draft genome sequence of sp. AYS6, a potential plant growth-promoting endophyte.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of . AYS6, an endophyte isolated from the roots of maize plant in Mafikeng, South Africa. The genome was 7,072,605 bp and exhibited a GC content of 45.

Unmanned Aerial Systems and Deep Learning for Safety and Health Activity Monitoring on Construction Sites.

Construction is a highly hazardous industry typified by several complex features in dynamic work environments that have the possibility of causing harm or ill health to construction workers. The constant monitoring of workers' unsafe behaviors and work conditions is considered not only a proactive but also an active method of removing safety and health hazards and preventing potential accidents on construction sites. The integration of sensor technologies and artificial intelligence for computer vision can be used to create a robust management strategy and enhance the analysis of safety and health data needed to generate insights and take action to protect workers on construction sites.

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.

Dataset of shotgun metagenomic evaluation of lettuce ( L.) rhizosphere microbiome.

Lettuce ( L.) is an important vegetable grown and consumed across the world, including South Africa and its rhizosphere constitutes a dynamic community of root associated microbes. Dataset of the microbial community profile of the lettuce rhizospheric soils obtained from Talton, Gauteng Province of South Africa was subjected to metagenomic evaluation using the shotgun approach.

High acceptability and viral suppression rate for first-Line patients on a dolutegravir-based regimen: An early adopter study in Nigeria.

Nigeria adopted dolutegravir (DTG) as part of first line (1L) antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2017. However, there is limited documented experience using DTG in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study assessed DTG acceptability from the patient's perspective as well as treatment outcomes at 3 high-volume facilities in Nigeria.

Presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Soil, Nigeria, 2019.

Melioidosis, caused by the soil-dwelling bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is predicted to be endemic in Nigeria but is only occasionally reported. This report documents the systematic identification of the presence of B. pseudomallei and B.

Hepatocellular carcinoma presentation and prognosis among Nigerian adults with and without HIV.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing cause of mortality in Nigeria among persons with HIV (PLH), as access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves. In this study we describe clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics in Nigerian adults with HCC, with and without HIV, and examine how HIV impacts survival.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between August 2018 and November 2021 at two Nigerian hospitals [Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)].

Comparative Assessment of p16/Ki-67 Dual Staining Technology for cervical cancer screening in women living with HIV (COMPASS-DUST)-Study protocol.

The risk of progression of low-grade (CIN1) to high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/3) is 3-5 times higher for women living with HIV (WLHIV) than for HIV-negative women. Evidence suggests that the current cervical cancer screening methods perform less effectively in WLHIV. An emerging screening method-p16/Ki-67 dual staining technology (DUST) is a safe and rapid assay that could be used to detect CIN2/3 with higher sensitivity and specificity.