Search Results (52)

Sterculia foetida L., commonly known as the Java olive, is a tropical tree species native to regions of East Africa, tropical Asia, and northern Australia. This study employs species distribution modeling (SDM) to predict the potential geographic distribution of S. foetida under current and future climate scenarios. Using 1425 occurrence data and 19 environmental variables, we applied an ensemble modelling approach of three algorithms: Boosting Regression Trees (BRT), Generalized Linear Model (GLM), and Random Forests (RF), to generate distribution maps. Our models showed high accuracy (mean AUC = 0.98) to indicate that S. foetida has a broad ecological niche, with high suitability in tropical and subtropical regions of north Australia (New Guinea and Papua), Southeast Asia (India, Thailand, Myanmar, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka), Oman and Yemen in the southwest of Asia, Central Africa (Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Kenya and Tanzania), the Greater and Lesser Antilles, Mesoamerica, and the north of South America (Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador and Brazil). Indeed, the probability of occurrence of S. foetida positively correlates with the Maximum temperature of warmest month (bio5), Mean temperature of wettest quarter (bio8) and Precipitation of wettest month (bio13). The model results showed a suitability area of 4,744,653 km², representing 37.86% of the total study area, classified into Low (14.12%), Moderate (8.71%), and High suitability (15.02%). Furthermore, the study found that habitat suitability for S. foetida showed similar trends under both near future climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 for 2041–2060), with a slight loss in potential distribution (0.24% and 0.25%, respectively) and moderate gains (1.98% and 2.12%). In the far future (2061–2080), the low scenario (SSP1-2.6) indicated a 0.29% loss and a 2.52% gain, while the high scenario (SSP5-8.5) showed a more dramatic increase in both loss (0.6%) and gain areas (3.79%). These findings are crucial for conservation planning and management, particularly in regions where S. foetida is considered invasive and could become problematic. The study underscores the importance of incorporating climate change projections in SDM to better understand species invasiveness dynamics and inform biodiversity conservation strategies. Full article

The iCARE Nigeria study is evaluating a daily text message medication reminder intervention (TXTXT) to improve viral suppression and medication adherence among youth living with HIV (YLH), aged 15–24 years. In this sub-study, we evaluated text message responsiveness (text-back) at 24 weeks of the intervention as an indicator of engagement, as well as barriers and facilitators at one of six clinical study sites. Differences in responses by age group, birth sex, schooling status, education, mode of infection, and weekend/weekday and holiday/non-holiday periods were analyzed using t-test and multiple linear regression. Focus group discussions were conducted among three groups (low, average, and high text message responsiveness) and analyzed using a rapid content analysis approach. Overall, TXTXT responsiveness was 26.5% (4606/17,367); older age (18–24 years) and weekdays (versus weekends) were significantly associated with higher responsiveness. Facilitators included being comfortable receiving personalized text messages. Barriers included a lack of airtime and messages received late. Overall, text-back responsiveness to daily medication adherence messages among YLH was low, better among older participants, and higher on weekdays. Addressing barriers and promoting facilitators may improve responsiveness. Full article

The Southwest Region (SWR) is one of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones and comprises six distinct states. It holds considerable significance due to its unique geographical features, economic vibrancy, pastoral heritage, and fragile natural ecosystems. These ecosystems are becoming increasingly susceptible to human activities and the adverse impacts of climate change. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial variations of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in relation to key influencing factors in the SWR from 2001 to 2020. The analytical methods included Sen’s slope estimator, the Mann–Kendall trend test, and the Geographical Detector Model (GDM). The analysis revealed significant spatial variability in vegetation cover, with dense vegetation concentrated in the eastern part of the region and low vegetation coverage overall, reflected by an average NDVI value of 0.45, indicating persistent vegetation stress. Human activities, particularly land use and land cover (LULC) changes, were identified as major drivers of vegetation loss in some states such as Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo. Conversely, Osun and Oyo exhibited signs of vegetation recovery, suggesting the potential for restoration. The study found that topographic factors, including slope and elevation, as well as climatic variables like precipitation, influenced vegetation patterns. However, the impact of these factors was secondary to LULC dynamics. The interaction detection analysis further highlighted the cumulative effect of combined anthropogenic and environmental factors on vegetation distribution, with the interaction between LULC and topography being particularly significant. These findings provide essential insights into the biological condition of the SWR and contribute to advancing the understanding of vegetation patterns with critical implications for the sustainable management and conservation of tropical forest ecosystems. Full article

This study explores teachers’ perceptions of mentoring practices and their impacts on teacher retention in Nigeria’s public schools, where 60% of teachers leave the profession within their first five years due to inadequate mentorship support. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed 200 teachers and conducted 45 semi-structured interviews across Nigeria’s southwest and north–central regions. The findings revealed that mentoring programs exist, but most programs are informal and lack structure, leaving beginning teachers unsupported. A shared belief among the participants was that structured mentorship can reduce burnout and improve professional confidence and directly impacts retention rates. In response to these gaps, this study proposes a structured mentorship program, including a defined mentor-to-mentee ratio (1:3 to 1:5), formalised mentoring sessions, regular assessments, and a program duration of one academic year. The proposed framework aims to provide consistent support, improve teacher retention, and enhance professional development. This study recommends piloting this mentorship framework in select schools and implementing it nationwide to address teacher attrition and improve the Nigerian education system. Full article

Background: Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) have been targeted for elimination as a public health problem (EPHP) within the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 2021–2030. One of the global strategies for the control and elimination of these diseases is the mass administration of praziquantel and albendazole/mebendazole without prior individual diagnosis. To measure the progress towards the 2030 target, we conducted an assessment to determine the impact of the 3–5 rounds of annual mass drug administration among school age children in Ekiti State. Such scientific insights into the impact of these treatments will facilitate improved planning and targeting of resources towards reaching the last mile. Methodology: This assessment was conducted in 16 local government areas (LGAs) of Ekiti State between October and November 2023. Samples were collected from pupils in 166 primary and junior secondary schools across 166 wards of the State. Urine and stool samples were collected from 7670 pupils of ages 5 to 14 years, following standard laboratory procedures. Urine membrane filtration techniques were used for urine preparation while the Kato–Katz technique was used for stool preparation. A novel AiDx digital microscope was used to examine the presence of any ova in the prepared specimen. Parasite ova in urine were reported as the number of ova/10 mL of urine, and were categorized as light infection (˂50 ova/10 mL of urine) or heavy infection (>50 ova/10 mL of urine) while ova of parasites in stool samples were reported as eggs per gram of stool (EPG) and categorized into light, moderate and heavy infection. Results: Overall, 0.76% (0.56–0.95) at 95% CI of the 7670 respondents were infected with Schistosomia haematobium. No Schistosoma mansoni infection was recorded in the study. Similarly, 3.9% (3.43–4.29) at 95% CI were infected with STHs. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis had significantly reduced from 8.2% in 2008 to 0.8%, while the overall prevalence of STHs significantly reduced from 30.9% to 3.9% with Ascaris lumbricoides being the dominant species of STH. In the 16 LGAs assessed, Ekiti West had the highest S. haematobium prevalence of 4.26%. Ise/Orun and Oye ranked second and third with a prevalence of 3.48% and 2.40% respectively, while all other LGAs had <1% prevalence. The prevalence of STHs was highest in Ekiti-West with a prevalence of 10.45% while Emure and Ikole Local Governments had the lowest prevalence of 0.31% and 0.38%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of schistosomiasis between male (0.76%) and female (0.75%) as p ≥ 0.05. Similarly, the difference in prevalence for STH among males (3.95%) was not significantly different from their female counterparts (3.77%), p ≥ 0.05. Conclusions: Based on the WHO guidelines, this study demonstrated that only three LGAs require continued MDA every 2/3 years, seven require only surveillance while six are now non-endemic for schistosomiasis. Similarly, two of the LGAs require one round of MDA yearly, eight LGAs need one round of MDA every two to three years and six LGAs are now below the treatment threshold and no longer require treatment for STH. Full article

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in West Africa, but its presentation is poorly understood. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics of HBV-associated HCC patients in Lagos, Nigeria. Data for all cases were collected at the emergency and gastroenterology units (2017–2019), considering chronic carriers as controls. Clinical data and routine biochemical and radiologic test results were extracted from the files. The serum biomarkers (Osteopontin, AFP-L3, DCP) were investigated. For some cases, the hepatitis B viral load was determined. The mean age of the cases (n = 92) was 41.4 years, compared to 39.9 years for the controls (n = 100). Clinically, 69.5% of cases presented with ascites, 66.3% had nodules occupying >50% of the liver, and 67.4% had moderate hepatic encephalopathy. The mean viral load and the median values of Osteopontin, AFP-L3, and DCP for the cases were significantly higher than for the controls (p < 0.001). The area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were significantly higher for Osteopontin, compared with DCP and AFP-L3 (p < 0.001). Most HCC patients presented at a late disease stage, when the prognosis is usually poor. Especially Osteopontin seems to have potential for early HCC detection and could possibly complement AFP and abdominal ultrasound scan for risk-group screening. Full article

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries among 6–11-year-old children in Nigeria and its distribution by sex, socioeconomic status, and geopolitical zones. Method: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) to identify relevant studies published between 2012 and 2022. Cohort, cross-sectional, and observational studies reporting dental caries prevalence data among 6–11-year-olds in Nigeria were included. Using the random effects model, prevalence was analysed based on sex, socioeconomic status, and the country’s six geopolitical zones. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of dental caries. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023396948). Results: Data were pooled from 8 of 1237 screened articles. The pooled prevalence of dental caries was 1.5% (95% CI: −1.2–4.1). Prevalence was higher among males (1.5%, 95% CI: −1.4–4.3) compared to females (1.4%, 95% CI: −1.6–4.4). It was 0.1% (95% CI: −1.0–1.1) among those with high socioeconomic status, 0.2% (95% CI: −1.6 to 1.9) among those with middle socioeconomic status, and 0.6% (95% CI: −2.8 to 3.9) among those with low socioeconomic status. The prevalence also ranged from 1.1% (95% CI: −1.8 to 4.1) in southwest, 1.1% (95% CI: −5.4 to 7.6) in south-south, 2.3% (95% CI: −7.1 to 11.6) in southeast, and 2.3% (95% CI: −7.1 to 11.7) in northwest. Conclusions: Caries intervention among adolescents in Nigeria may need to be tailored to address the observed sex, socioeconomic status, and geopolitical zone disparities. Full article

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends hepatitis D virus (HDV) screening among hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected individuals, with a focus on priority populations in resource-limited settings like Nigeria. HDV infection is a growing public health challenge, particularly among individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HDV accelerates liver disease progression and significantly increases the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite this, the epidemiology of HDV in Nigeria remains inadequately documented. This scoping review critically evaluates the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of HDV co-infection among HBV patients in Nigeria. Method: We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The review included observational cross-sectional studies published between 2009 and 2024. We focused on studies that used Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody testing or RNA-based diagnostics to assess HDV prevalence. We included PubMed, Google Scholar, and Dimensions databases due to their broad indexing and coverage of peer-reviewed articles and accessibility. We screened the studies for their relevance to HDV prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes, while excluding those that only tested for IgM or HDV antigen. Eleven studies, with a combined sample size of 2308 participants, were included in the final analysis. We performed a narrative synthesis of the findings, considering geographic, gender, and age-based variations in HDV prevalence and clinical impact. Results: HDV prevalence among HBV-infected individuals in Nigeria ranged from 2.0% to 31.6%. The highest prevalence was reported in the Southwest (31.6%) among malaria patients, while lower rates were observed in the Southeast (2.8%). Prevalence was higher in males, particularly those aged 21–30 years in the Southwest and 31–40 years in other regions. RNA-based testing provided more accurate data on active viremia, with viremic HDV prevalence rates ranging from 3.2% to 16%. Triple infection with HIV/HBV/HDV was associated with significantly lower CD4+ cell counts and worse clinical outcomes, including elevated liver enzymes and rapid progression to liver cancer. Key risk factors for HDV co-infection included multiple sexual partners, sharing of needles, and unsafe medical practices. Co-infected patients demonstrated worse clinical outcomes, such as elevated liver enzymes, decompensated cirrhosis, and higher rates of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions: Our review underscores the urgent need for routine HDV screening among HBV patients in Nigeria, especially given the severe clinical consequences of co-infection. The recent WHO guidelines recommending HDV screening align with our findings, which emphasize the importance of RNA-based HDV testing among HBV-positive patients to improve diagnostic accuracy. Public health efforts should prioritize tailored interventions based on geographic, age, and gender disparities in HDV prevalence. Triple infection with HIV/HBV/HDV requires integrated care models to address both immune suppressions as indicated by diminished CD4 cell count and liver disease progression, as these patients face worse outcomes. Targeted HDV screening in mostly affected demographics and geographies and improved Nigeria capacity for cheaper HDV RNA/PCR diagnostics can reduce liver-related morbidity and mortality caused by HBV, which can be worsened and accelerated by HDV coinfection. Full article

A theoretical framework for agricultural landscape pattern transitions in rural areas is proposed to fill the gap of current research with an empirical study in the Alabata farm settlement in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. Adopting the use of ArcGIS 10.8 and Surfer 27.3 the surface area and volume of the ground surface degraded and exposed to harsh weather conditions due to both natural and man-made anthropogenic activities causing runoffs and continuous soil erosion were calculated, which have affected agricultural production and sent some of the farmers packing, abandoning their farmlands. The farm settlement within the total sampled frame area of 1.50 km² covers a total distance of 5.11 km. The sample frame was divided into 36 frames with similar ecological microclimates, topographical features, terrain, and soil types that fell into either of the two identified soil types: 1 and 2. The study involved the completion of a questionnaire onsite using three major criteria and only 23 farmers responded positively to the few questions as farmers who were either living on the farm or working as hired laborers on-site at the time of the visit. The transition characteristics of agricultural landscape patterns as represented in abandoned, degraded farmlands and orchards are analyzed from a local perspective. Full article

The increasing presence of young people on the Nigerian streets participating in child labour has continued to attract public policy attention. Available research on child labour reveals sparse scholarly information on the security implications for young people in South-West Nigeria, particularly Ondo State. The study aims to understand the argument that child labour poses major security threats to the overall well-being of child labourers. A total of 147 questionnaires were distributed, with 12 focus group discussions and 12 semi-structured interviews conducted with young people and guardians (mostly mothers). Frequency distributions were employed to analyse the quantitative data, and NVivo (v.14) qualitative software was used to identify themes and sub-themes. A content analytical tool was used to make sense of the themes. Child labour activities include street trading, hawking, domestic help and construction work. Causes of child labour activities include lack of access to basic education, cultural and societal beliefs, poverty, and family breakdown, among others. Security threats include occasional kidnapping for ransom, sexual molestation, slavery, exploitation, risk of injury, diseases, and death. The study suggests a more responsive Child’s Rights Act in Nigeria for the protection of the rights and dignity of every child. Full article

This study assessed the perception and use of digital applications for soil fertility management and conservation strategies among small-scale crop farmers in southwest Nigeria. A total of 376 farmers were randomly selected across the six southwest states. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of the farmers relied on perception and other non-scientific approaches such as the appearance of weeds and performance of crops in the previous season to assess soil fertility. Only 1.1% and 0.3% of the farmers assessed soil fertility through soil tests and digital applications, respectively. Most farmers adopted bush fallowing and the use of inorganic fertilizers to improve soil fertility. Although 4.8% of the farmers indicated that they had digital applications on their mobile phones, only 2.9% claimed to have used these. More than half (56.4%) of the farmers stated that a lack of awareness of the existence of digital applications and internet-enabled telephones were the reasons they have not been able to use digital applications. The majority of the farmers (97.3%) indicated their willingness to embrace the use of new farm decision digital applications which could provide more information, especially on soil fertility, if introduced. More extensive services focusing on older, less literate farmers and farmers who hitherto did not belong to any farmers’ association are advocated for in order to encourage the use of digital applications and soil fertility management and conservation practices. Full article

To mitigate food insecurity and the low economic status of amaranth farmers in south-west Nigeria, it is imperative to evaluate the predominant commercial A. hybridus cultivars using key yield and nutrient components to identify promising lines with optimum yield and nutritional quality. The current study evaluated five cultivars of Amaranthus hybridus in south-west Nigeria farms using key morphological, biochemical, and seed-proximate component parameters. The results revealed significant differences in the cultivars’ growth and yield indices. The number of leaves ranged from 16.40 to 29.48 ($\stackrel{-}{\mathrm{x}}$ = 22.10) with plant height ($\stackrel{-}{\mathrm{x}}$ = 50.28 cm), while other leaf metrics varied at maturity. Days to 50% flowering ranged from 49 to 90 days. Seed proximate composition also varied significantly. Carbohydrate content ranged from 65.01–76.28%, protein content 6.57–12.42%, ash content 2.73–3.59%, total polyphenols 23.36–29.64 mg/100 g GAE, and total antioxidants 31.6–181.59 mg/100 g AAE. The Pearson correlation matrix and path analysis showed significant relationships among the yield components. The phenotypic variance of the yield components mainly stemmed from environmental factors, indicating their crucial role in the traits’ expression. Careful evaluation of the cultivars revealed that AM-1 and AM-3 had the best growth and yield attributes. Additionally, the two cultivars showed a significant degree of relatedness, suggesting a common ancestor. They have the potential to increase productivity, farmers’ profitability, and consumers’ nutrient gain compared to other cultivars. They are recommended for cultivation and can be further crossed in breeding programs to develop superior lines. Full article

This paper examined the influence of radio messages on the awareness and adoption of malaria preventive measures among rural dwellers in South-west Nigeria. The study investigated the participants’ frequency of exposure to radio messages on malaria preventive measures, message adoption, and attitudes towards adopting measures. We used a multiple-stage sampling technique to select 48 participants from Aye North, Orile-Oshodi, Ofada, Owobaale/kasumu, Isale Oba II, and Ilepa II. The findings showed that the participants were exposed to messages on malaria preventive measures through radio broadcasts; however, exposure did not necessarily influence message adoption. Instead, a positive attitude towards the message influenced adoption. The study concluded that there is a need for radio stations to engage people’s participation daily in health-related issues to achieve the desired change in health behaviour. The authors recommend that radio stations provide time to create daily health messages that influence people’s engagement to achieve the desired change in health behaviour. Full article

The objective of this study was to determine the association between mycotoxins and the quality of spermatozoa in Nigeria. We designed a prospective case-control study involving 136 men diagnosed with reduced sperm count and quality in five infertility clinics in southwest Nigeria and 154 normal fertile controls. Sperm analysis was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health OrganizationWHO, while Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry was used to assay three metabolites of mycotoxins (zearalenone, ochratoxin A, and deoxyvinelol) in the urine samples of cases and controls. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics and non-parametric linear regression. The results showed no overall significant difference in levels of these metabolites between the cases and control groups. In contrast, higher levels of zearalenone and ochratoxin A significantly decreased sperm motility in the cases. Similarly, an increase in the level of ochratoxin A decreased sperm morphology in the unadjusted model in the cases. We conclude that exposure to mycotoxins reduces the quality of spermatozoa (motility and morphology) in Nigerian men but may have no effect on sperm count. Efforts to reduce the exposure of men to mycotoxins are important interventions to improve sperm quality and reduce the prevalence of male infertility in the country. Full article

Introduction: Africa faces immense food and health insecurity challenges, a problem partly attributed to food loss and waste during postharvest handling and distribution. In the context of research to meet the sustainable development goals, this project specifically addressed the postharvest loss of the ripe indigenous eggplant (Solanum anguivi lam) fruit called “Igba Yinrin” by Yoruba in South-West Nigeria, which is usually discarded in farms. The study was carried out on ripe and unripe fruits to better understand their value by comparing their effects in diabetes treatment. Methods: The study sought to assess the effects of a diet including ripe or unripe mature eggplant fruits in the sucrose-induced diabetic-like fruit fly. Bioactive compounds were identified and quantified with HPLC–UV, while the antioxidant vitamin (A, C, E), carotenoid, and mineral (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, and Zn) content was analyzed in the fruits. Extracts were used to investigate their in vitro anti-inflammatory properties on cyclooxygenases (COX 1 and 2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and anti-diabetes enzymes [α-amylase and α-glucosidase], while extract-supplemented diets (0.25–1% concentration) were fed to the fruit flies for 14 days. Results: Interestingly, the results showed that the ripe fruits had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher total phenol and flavonoid content, as well as a higher content of vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals, than the unripe fruits. The in vivo activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione transferase (GST)] and the total thiol level increased, while the blood glucose, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). An in silico docking analysis showed strong binding affinity of the above-mentioned enzymes under investigation with the ligands hesperidin, naringin, and myricetin, which are bioactive compounds contained in the examined extracts. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the biological effects of the ripe and unripe fruit extracts on inflammatory and anti-diabetes enzyme activities, which means that the ripe fruit, usually discarded, could serve as a sustainable alternative source of food nutrients. Full article