Pf7: an open dataset of genome variation in 20,000 worldwide samples.

We describe the MalariaGEN Pf7 data resource, the seventh release of genome variation data from the MalariaGEN network.  It comprises over 20,000 samples from 82 partner studies in 33 countries, including several malaria endemic regions that were previously underrepresented.  For the first time we include dried blood spot samples that were sequenced after selective whole genome amplification, necessitating new methods to genotype copy number variations.

Psychosocial Factors Associated with Memory Complaints during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Country Survey.

This study assessed the associations between psychosocial factors (social isolation, social support, financial support and emotional distress) and memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a secondary analysis of data extracted from the dataset of participants recruited from 151 countries for a COVID-19 related mental health and wellness study between June and December 2020. The dependent variable was memory complaint, measured using the Memory Complaint Questionnaire.

The development of a machine learning algorithm for early detection of viral hepatitis B infection in Nigerian patients.

Access to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) testing for people in low-resource settings has long been challenging due to the gold standard, enzyme immunoassay, being prohibitively expensive, and requiring specialised skills and facilities that are not readily available, particularly in remote and isolated laboratories. Routine pathology data in tandem with cutting-edge machine learning shows promising diagnostic potential. In this study, recursive partitioning ("trees") and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) were applied to interrogate patient dataset (n = 916) that comprised results for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and routine clinical chemistry and haematology blood tests.

GCMS fingerprints and phenolic extracts of inhibit key enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes.

Objectives: Inhibition of carbohydrate digestion enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) has been reported in studies as a therapeutic approach for the management or treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, owing to its potential to decrease postprandial hyperglycemia. The anti-diabetic potential of (also known as garlic) against diabetes mellitus has been established. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the antidiabetic potential of using enzyme assays after which we explored computational modelling approach using the quantified GC-MS identities to unravel the key bioactive compounds responsible for the anti-diabetic potential.

Perception, knowledge, and consumption pattern of dietary supplement used during COVID-19 pandemic among black Africans: Perspective of Nigerians.

Unlabelled: The awareness of the health implication of Covid-19 pandemic marked an increase consumption of various dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) for the deterrence and/or prophylaxis against the novel emerging and infectious disease. However, there is little indication of the usefulness or otherwise of their use in alleviating symptoms of COVID-19.

Objectives: To investigate the pattern and determinants of DHS use among the Nigerian population for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Now is the Time to Scale Up Birth-Dose Hepatitis B Vaccine in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Fewer than half of the world's infants have access to the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), which prevents mother-to-child transmission of HBV and subsequent liver cancer. Now is the time to expand access for infants born in low-resource settings.

Baseline prevalence of molecular marker of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine resistance in Ebonyi and Osun states, Nigeria: amplicon deep sequencing of dhps-540.

Background: Chemoprevention plays an important role in malaria control strategy. Perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) using sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) is a WHO-approved strategy to combat malaria in young children and may lead to drug pressure. Introducing SP-PMC may therefore be compromised due to the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistant to SP, particularly mutation at K540E of the dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) gene.

Assessment of knowledge and acceptability of HIV self-testing among students of selected universities in southwest Nigeria: an online cross-sectional study.

Introduction: in Nigeria, it was estimated that 1.9 million people were living with HIV of which 130,000 people were newly infected with HIV. HIV self-testing would potentially increase access to HIV testing for people to know their status, get diagnosed, and initiate treatment as soon as possible.

A multi-country survey on access to healthcare and treatment services among individuals with critical medical care needs during the first wave of the pandemic.

Background: Healthcare services were significantly interrupted during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to determine the associations between sociodemographic factors and healthcare access during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with critical care needs.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the data of 5,156 participants recruited from 152 countries during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morphometric analysis of schistosome eggs recovered from human urines in communities along the shoreline of Oyan River Dam in Ogun State, Nigeria.

There are growing concerns that communities characterized with surface water, where both humans and livestock interact for agricultural, domestic, cultural and recreational purposes, are likely to support hybridization between schistosome species infecting humans and livestock. This study therefore investigated the morphometrics of schistosome eggs recovered from human urine samples in four schistosomiasis endemic communities (Imala-Odo, Abule-Titun, Apojula and Ibaro-Oyan) along the banks of Oyan River Dam in Ogun State, Nigeria. Recovered eggs were counted, photographed, and measured with IC Measure™ for total length, maximum width and a ratio of egg shape.

Epidemiological trends of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2018-2021.

Background: Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever endemic in Nigeria. Improved surveillance and testing capacity have revealed in an increased number of reported cases and apparent geographic spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria. We described the recent four-year trend of Lassa fever in Nigeria to improve understanding of its epidemiology and inform the design of appropriate interventions.

Determinants of utilization of malaria preventive measures during pregnancy among women aged 15 to 49 years in Kenya: an analysis of the Malaria Indicator Survey 2020.

Background: Malaria is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Malaria infection in pregnancy can have severe consequences for the fetus and the mother. To fight against malaria infection in pregnancy, Kenya integrated the issuance of an insecticide-treated net (ITN) and intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTpSP) with antenatal care (ANC) for pregnant women.

Prevalence and spatiotemporal distribution of rotavirus diarrhea among children younger than five years old in Lagos, Nigeria.

Data on spatiotemporal distribution of rotavirus diarrhea are limited in many endemic settings. This study determined the prevalence and seasonal distribution of rotavirus among Nigerian children with diarrhea. Here, a total of 406 fecal samples were collected from patients attending six health facilities in Lagos between January - December 2019.

Regulation of effector and memory CD8 + T cell differentiation: a focus on orphan nuclear receptor NR4A family, transcription factor, and metabolism.

CD8 + T cells undergo rapid expansion followed by contraction and the development of memory cells after their receptors are activated. The development of immunological memory following acute infection is a complex phenomenon that involves several molecular, transcriptional, and metabolic mechanisms. As memory cells confer long-term protection and respond to secondary stimulation with strong effector function, understanding the mechanisms that influence their development is of great importance.

Perception of men's need for preconception care-A qualitative exploration among health care providers and community members.

Background: Several studies have shown that suboptimal health in men can result in poor reproductive health outcomes. The factors associated include lifestyle exposures and poor health-seeking behavior. The poor reproductive health outcomes can be mitigated through preconception care (PCC).

Significance of hematologic abnormalities in COVID-19 severity among infected patients in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: There have been suggestions that hematologic abnormalities in COVID-19 are linked with the progression and severity of diseases and mortality. Lymphopenia, sepsis, and thrombocytopenia were highly reported in patients with COVID-19. This study investigated the significance of hematologic abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 in Lagos, Nigeria, and its potential as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 severity.

Fear of contagion, emotional stress and coping strategies used by adults during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced high levels of stress. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between emotional stress (COVID-19 related fear, anger, frustration, and loneliness) and the use of coping strategies among adults in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Data from adults aged 18 years and above were collected through an online survey from July to December 2020.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infections among Women in Lagos, Nigeria.

Regional variations exist in HPV prevalence worldwide despite reports of high prevalence rates among African women. Limited data on genital HPV prevalence necessitated this study with the aim of determining the prevalence of genital HPV and associated risk factors among women in Lagos, Nigeria. Exfoliated cervical cells were collected with consent from 165 women using a cervical brush.

Effects of cannabidiol on vacuous chewing movements, plasma glucose and oxidative stress indices in rats administered high dose risperidone.

Atypical antipsychotics, despite their rapid dissociation from dopamine receptors and reduced tendency to induce oxidative stress, have been associated with difficult-to-manage movement disorders, including tardive dyskinesia (TD). The study set out to investigate the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a potent antioxidant, on risperidone-induced behavioural and motor disturbances; namely vacuous chewing movements (VCM), and oxidative stress markers (e.g.

High prevalence of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins detected among clinical isolates from sentinel healthcare facilities in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens is a worldwide concern that demands immediate attention. Most information on AMR originates from high-income countries and little is known about the burden in Africa, particularly Nigeria. Using four sentinel sites (General hospitals) in Lagos State, this study sought to estimate the burden of AMR.

A combined effort of 11 laboratories in the WHO African region to improve quality of Buruli ulcer PCR diagnosis: The "BU-LABNET".

Buruli ulcer is one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases in the world. This necrotizing hypodermitis is a chronic debilitating disease caused by an environmental Mycobacterium ulcerans. At least 33 countries with tropical, subtropical and temperate climates have reported Buruli ulcer in African countries, South America and Western Pacific regions.

The effects of cannabidiol on behavioural and oxidative stress parameters induced by prolonged haloperidol administration.

Objectives: We investigated the influence of oral cannabidiol (CBD) on vacuous chewing movements (VCM) and oxidative stress parameters induced by short- and long-term administration of haloperidol in a rat model of tardive dyskinesia (TD).

Methods: Haloperidol was administered either sub-chronically via the intraperitoneal (IP) route or chronically via the intramuscular (IM) route to six experimental groups only or in combination with CBD. VCM and oxidative stress parameters were assessed at different time points after the last dose of medication.