Nasal carriage of virulent and multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a possible comorbidity of COVID-19.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) associated with COVID-19 has not been well documented. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between nasal S.

Challenges in conducting population-based seroepidemiology survey of COVID-19 in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Population-based study is known to be a very essential type of study during and after a pandemic or epidemic, as it provides crucial information on the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of the disease in question. There has been limited information about the challenges faced in conducting such surveys in Nigeria. In this paper, we will share our experience, and describe the challenges faced in conducting a population-based seroepidemiological study of COVID-19 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Preliminary Study on Open Labelled Randomized Controlled Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Phosphate for the Treatment of Persons Infected with 2019 Coronavirus Disease in Nigeria.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a causative agent of COVID-19 is a leading cause of ill-health and deaths worldwide. Currently, COVID-19 has no known widely approved therapeutics. Thus, the need for effective treatment.

Anthrax toxins-producing Bacillus spp. isolated from handwashing stations during COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria.

Introduction: The virulence binding factor, protective antigen (pag) and poly-D-γ-glutamate capsular (cap) genes, peculiar to Bacillus anthracis are located in the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids which are transferable horizontally to related species called "cereus group". The cereus group are usually isolated from the environmental/food samples and have been implicated in debilitating human and animal anthrax-like diseases. This study was designed to investigate the presence of the anthrax virulence genes in different Bacillus spp.

Intimate Partner Violence and Risk Factors among Women during the COVID-19 Movement Restriction in Nigeria: An Online Survey.

Background: The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of treatment or the presence of vaccines is forcing nations to respond with strong preventive measures ranging from mitigation, containment, and in extreme cases, quarantines. While these measures are a useful measure of infection control, they can lead to significant social, economic, and psychological consequences. This study sought to establish the prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 movement restriction in Nigeria among girls and women.

Assessing the Correlation Between Patient-Specific Characteristics and Braden Pressure Injury Risk Score at a Suburban Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.

Background and objective Pressure injury (PI) is a frequent complication of hospital admissions, and it increases healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to use the Braden scale to assess the PI risk among hospitalized patients without PI and determine its association with patient-specific factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a suburban tertiary hospital involving a total of 211 hospitalized patients recruited during the study period (October 2022).

Comparing the Nigeria National Health Insurance Scheme Act, 2004 and the National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022 - What is New and its Implications for the Health System.

Background: Currently, <10% of Nigerians are insured by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and this among other things has led to the signing of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act in May 2022, which aims at ensuring the effective implementation of a national health insurance policy and attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.

Objective: To highlight the new features of the NHIA Act and its policy implications for the Nigerian health system.

Methods: A modified Delphi method was used for extracting the differences in the two Acts.

Screening, isolation and biotechnological potentials of foodborne strains MT903311 and MT903312.

Vitamins are an essential food source with excellent roles in the cellular metabolism and other essential nutrients required in food intake but cannot be synthesized by humans. There have been reports of some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) abilities with probiotic activities to produce food-grade vitamins. Our study aimed to investigate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) possessing antimicrobial activities and extracellular production of folate from different Nigerian fermented foods.

Strategies for enhancing uptake of HIV self-testing among Nigerian youths: a descriptive analysis of the 4YouthByYouth crowdsourcing contest.

Introduction: Youth are often the intended beneficiaries of HIV programs but are rarely involved in program design. Engaging youth in program design is one potential way of identifying promising approaches for HIV service delivery. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of using a crowdsourcing contest to solicit ideas on ways to promote HIV self-testing (HIVST) services among Nigerian youths.

A designathon to co-create community-driven HIV self-testing services for Nigerian youth: findings from a participatory event.

Background: Youth are at high risk for HIV, but are often left out of designing interventions, including those focused on adolescents. We organized a designathon for Nigerian youth to develop HIV self-testing (HIVST) strategies for potential implementation in their local communities. A designathon is a problem-focused event where participants work together over a short period to create and present solutions to a judging panel.

Incidence of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Harbouring blaTEM and tetA Genes Isolated from Seafoods in Lagos Nigeria.

The presence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli of fecal origin in seafood is a serious concern. Seafood containing MDR E. coli can serve as a medium for the transfer of resistant bacteria to consumers.

Designing HIV Testing and Self-Testing Services for Young People in Nigeria: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

Background And Objective: A third of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occur among young people and the majority of young people living with HIV are in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the strength of Nigerian youth preferences related to HIV testing and HIV self-testing (HIVST).

Methods: Discrete choice experiments were conducted among Nigerian youth (age 14-24 years).

Mucoadhesive Microspheres of Maraviroc and Tenofovir Designed for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV-1: An in vitro Assessment of the Effect on Vaginal Lactic Acid Bacteria Microflora.

Purpose: To formulate and evaluate microspheres of the antiretroviral drugs maraviroc and tenofovir intended for a candidate vaginal microbicide and assess its effect on the vaginal lactic acid bacteria microflora.

Methods: Ionic gelation technique was used to formulate maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres with subsequent characterization. The effect of varying concentrations of the polymer, crosslinking agent and the curing time on the outcome variables viz: particle size, mucoadhesion and encapsulation efficiency were investigated.

Determinants of Antimicrobial Use for Covid-19 Related Symptoms among Nigerians.

Background: Antimicrobial use plays a key role in development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Following the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the report of the first confirmed case in Nigeria, several states embarked on either a full or partial lockdown as a measure to prevent or curtail the spread of the virus with its attendant challenges. This survey was designed to provide a snapshot of public antimicrobial use and common perception related to antimicrobial use for COVID-19 related symptoms among Nigerian populace.

Preliminary geochemical characterization of saline formation water from Miocene reservoirs, offshore Niger Delta.

The Niger Delta is one of the most prolific hydrocarbon provinces in the world, but information on basinal hydrogeology is scanty. Oilfield brines from nine producer wells in the Miocene reservoirs (2,472.25-3,532.

Neonatal Jaundice: Perception of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest, Nigeria.

Severe neonatal jaundice (NNJ) remains a leading cause of preventable brain damage, mental handicap, physical disabilities, and early death among infants. : Using a descriptive cross-sectional study design, information was gathered using a structured, pretested questionnaire from 518 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic at a tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria. : Most (77%) of the respondents have heard about NNJ prior the survey.

Implementation of a modified drive-through sampling strategy for SARS-CoV-2-the Nigerian experience.

Introduction: effective and safe means of sample collection is a crucial component of testing for Covid-19. Uptake of testing is key to containing and controlling the spread of the virus. Scientists have been working on various strategies that will increase the uptake of testing for COVID-19.

Prevalence of ECG abnormalities among adults with metabolic syndrome in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

Background: Co-existence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities heightens the risk of sudden cardiac death. However, there is a gap in evidence of how ECG changes cluster among continental Africans with or without MetS.

Methods: We included 491 participants with interpretable ECG tracings who were consecutively recruited into the Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Registry (CRP).

Interpretation of high resolution aeromagnetic data of Kaoje and its environ, western part of the Zuru Schist belt, Nigeria: implication for Fe-Mn occurrence.

This study presents an appraisal of mineralization potential and the geologic record of Kaoje and environs using high-resolution aeromagnetic data. The data were analyzed using the fast Fourier transform technique for reduction-to-equator (RTE), analytic signal (AS), total horizontal derivative (THDR), tilt derivative (TDR), spectral analysis and Euler deconvolution at varying spectral indices. The reduced to equator residual magnetic intensity range from -73.

Assessment of knowledge of participants on basic molecular biology techniques after 5-day intensive molecular biology training workshops in Nigeria.

The deployment of molecular biology techniques for diagnosis and research in Nigeria is faced with a number of challenges, including the cost of equipment and reagents coupled with the dearth of personnel skilled in the procedures and handling of equipment. Short molecular biology training workshops were conducted at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), to improve the knowledge and skills of laboratory personnel and academics in health, research, and educational facilities. Five-day molecular biology workshops were conducted annually between 2011 and 2014, with participants drawn from health, research facilities, and the academia.

Molecular characterization of the circulating strains of Vibrio cholerae during 2010 cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

This study aimed at characterizing the phenotypic and toxigenic status of circulating strains of cholera during outbreaks in Nigeria, employing molecular typing techniques. Two hundred and one samples of rectal swabs, stool, vomitus, water (from the well, borehole, sachet, stream, and tap) and disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite) were collected from three states in the country. The samples were inoculated on thiosulphate-citrate bile salt-sucrose (TCBS), Cary-Blair transport medium and smeared on glass slides for direct examination.

Modulation of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity by phosphodiesterase isozyme inhibition in rats: a preliminary study.

Background: Altered regulation of nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) is present in liver cirrhosis. Several experimental studies have shown that selective modulation of NO metabolism in the liver reduces intrahepatic resistance and portal pressure in cirrhosis. This preliminary study investigated whether selective inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), which prevents the conversion of cGMP to 5'-GMP, as well as non-selective inhibition of PDE isozymes could ameliorate hepatic toxicity induced by paracetamol (PCM).

An assessment of the emergency response among health workers involved in the 2010 cholera outbreak in northern Nigeria.

Background: The 2010 cholera outbreak in northern Nigeria affected over 40,000 people, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of ≥3.75%. We assessed the emergency response of health care workers (HCWs) involved in case management.

Celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, lowers plasma cholesterol and attenuates hepatic lipid peroxidation during carbon-tetrachloride-associated hepatotoxicity in rats.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin production are suggested to play important, complex roles in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. Studies on the effects of COX-2 inhibitors on the progression of liver fibrosis present controversial results, and the proposed therapeutic potential of these agents in chronic liver disease is predicated largely on their effectiveness in modulating hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro. This study investigated the modulatory effect of celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in CCl(4)-mediated hepatotoxicity in rats.