Classic human astrovirus 4, 8, MLB-3, and likely new genotype 5 sublineage in stool samples of children in Nigeria.

Human astrovirus (HAstV) is a nonenveloped RNA virus and has been implicated in acute gastroenteritis among children and elderly. However, there exists a substantial dearth of information on HAstV strains circulating in Nigeria. Viral-like particles were purified from archived 254 stool samples of children with acute flaccid paralysis between January and December 2020 from five states in Nigeria, using the NetoVIR protocol. Extracted viral RNA and DNA were subjected to a reverse transcription step and subsequent random polymerase chain reaction amplification. Library preparation and Illumina sequencing were performed. Using the virome paired-end reads pipeline, raw reads were processed into genomic contigs. Phylogenetic and pairwise identity analysis of the recovered HAstV genomes was performed. Six near-complete genome sequences of HAstV were identified and classified as HAstV4 (n = 1), HAstV5 (n = 1), HAstV8 (n = 1), and MLB-3 (n = 3). The HAstV5 belonged to a yet unclassified sublineage, which we tentatively named HAstV-5d. Phylogenetic analysis of open reading frames 1a, 1b, and 2 suggested recombination events inside the MAstV1 species. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis implied a geographic linkage between the HAstV5 strain from this study with two strains from Cameroon across all the genomic regions. We report for the first time the circulation of HAstV genotypes 4, 8, and MLB-3 in Nigeria and present data suggestive for the existence of a new sublineage of HAstV5. To further understand the burden, diversity, and evolution of HAstV, increased research interest as well as robust HAstV surveillance in Nigeria is essential.

A mixed method assessment of research productivity on microplastics in various compartments in the environment.

Microplastic distribution and pollution as emerging contaminants have become a leading environmental issue globally, owing to their ecological and health implications on biota and humans. Although several bibliometric studies have been reported on microplastics, they are mostly restricted to selected environmental media. As a result, the present study aimed at assessing the literature growth trend of microplastics-related research and their distribution in the environment using a bibliometric approach. The Web of Science Core Collection was explored to retrieve published articles on microplastics from 2006 to 2021, and the data were analysed using the Biblioshiny package of RStudio. This study also highlighted filtration, separation, coagulation, membrane technology, flotation, bionanomaterials, bubble barrier devices, and sedimentation as MP remediation techniques. In the present study, a total of 1118 documents were collected from the literature search; the documents/author and authors/document were 0.308 and 3.25, respectively. A significant growth rate of 65.36% was recorded with notable progress between 2018 and 2021. China, the USA, Germany, the UK, and Italy recorded the highest number of publications within the period under consideration. A collaboration index of 3.32 was also relatively high, with the Netherlands, Malaysia, Iran, France, and Mexico having the highest MCP ratios, respectively. It is anticipated that findings from this study will help the policymakers in addressing issues concerning microplastic pollution assist the researchers in identifying areas to concentrate their studies, and where to seek collaboration in their future research plans. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-023-04916-7.

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance.

Investment in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences that have been generated and used to track the pandemic on the continent, a number that now exceeds 100,000 genomes. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries that are able to sequence domestically and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround times and more-regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and illuminate the distinct dispersal dynamics of variants of concern-particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron-on the continent. Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve while the continent faces many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century.

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance.

Investment in Africa over the past year with regards to SARS-CoV-2 genotyping has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, exceeding 100,000 genomes generated to track the pandemic on the continent. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries able to sequence within their own borders, coupled with a decrease in sequencing turnaround time. Findings from this genomic surveillance underscores the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic but we observe repeated dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 variants within the continent. Sustained investment for genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve, particularly in the low vaccination landscape. These investments are very crucial for preparedness and response for future pathogen outbreaks. One-Sentence SummaryExpanding Africa SARS-CoV-2 sequencing capacity in a fast evolving pandemic.

Crystalising employment quality and behavioural outcomes of employees in the public service.

The goals of equitable and fair treatment in employment relationships have become a growing concern due to demographic changes and globalisation. Consequently, the quality of employment and relationships appeared to be an anachronism in competitive conditions where an organisation may need to minimise costs by reducing the headcounts. The study investigated the determinants of employment quality on employee behavioural outcomes. The study adopted a descriptive research design to establish trends related to the objectives of this study. The survey questionnaire was adopted to elicit information from the staff of the selected public (corporation) service. Out of 350 copies of the questionnaire distributed, only 230 copies were duly filled and completed. A variance-based model, specifically, SEM was adopted to establish goodness fit. Results indicate that work flexibility, learning and development, organisational culture, involvement in the determination of reward system, and work relationship significantly impact on employee behavioural outcomes. On the contrary, it was evident that the organisational policy has the least predictive value for promoting desirable outcomes. This could probably be as a result of many written rules and bureaucratic structure that exist in the public service. Differences in employees' behavioural outcomes can be linked to age (λ2 = 5.741, df = 4, P < 0.05), educational background (λ2 = 7.723, df = 4, P < 0.05) and work experience (λ2 = 9.672, df = 4, P < 0.05) while gender was not statistically significant. By implications, organisational policies should be tailored towards ensuring the quality of employment and should be targeted to facilitate commitment and positive work behaviour.

Measuring institutional support strategies and faculty job effectiveness.

This study examines the influence of institutional support strategies on the effectiveness of Faculty core job responsibilities in some selected public universities in Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for the assessment of the subject matter. Six hundred (600) respondents were surveyed across all the colleges/faculties of universities selected in Nigeria with the use of stratified sampling technique. Only four hundred and twenty nine (429) copies of questionnaire representing (71.5%) response rate were returned and used for this study. Structural Equation Model (AMOS 22) was used for the analysis to find the influence institutional support initiative on efficacy of job responsibilities of Faculty. Results show research support, pedagogical support and technical support are predictors of Faculty responsiveness to quality research productivity, quality knowledge sharing and administrative efficiency. The study emphasised the need for review of the various institutional support in order to determine the appropriateness and relevance of the initiative. The study contributes to the exiting knowledge in HRM and Facility job performance. The insights from this study would be of great value to the management of universities, and other stakeholders to develop and invest in appropriate institutional support that will enhance job effectiveness of Faculty members.

Distribution and Chemical Analysis of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in the Environmental Systems: A Review.

PPCPs are found almost everywhere in the environment especially at an alarming rate and at very low concentration in the aquatic systems. Many methods-including pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and micro-assisted extraction (MAE)-have been employed for their extraction from both surface waters and biota. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) proved to be the best extraction method for these polar, non-volatile, and thermally unstable compounds in water. However, ultrasonic extraction works better for their isolation from sediment because it is cheap and consumes less solvent, even though SPE is preferred as a clean-up method for sediment samples. PPCPs are in groups of-acidic (e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen), neutral (e.g., caffeine, carbamazepine, fluoxetine), and basic pharmaceuticals, as well as antibiotics and estrogens amongst others. PPCPs which are present in trace levels (ng/L) are more often determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolent (HPLC-UV). Of these, LC-MS and LC-MS-MS are mostly employed for the analysis of this class of compounds, though not without a draw-back of matrix effect. GC-MS and GC-MS-MS are considered as alternative cost-effective methods that can also give better results after derivatization.

Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Water and Sediment of Buffalo River Estuary, South Africa and Their Health Risk Assessment.

The incidence and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Buffalo River Estuary in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were assessed in this study. A total of 60 surface water and 19 sediment samples were collected from 5 sites of the estuary over a period of 6 months (December 2015 to May 2016). Extraction of PAHs from the water and sediment samples was achieved by using liquid-liquid and soxhlet extraction methods respectively, followed by column clean up with silica gel and quantification by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Individual PAH levels in the water and sediment samples ranged from not detected (ND) to 24.91 µg/L and ND to 7792 µg/kg, respectively. Total concentrations of the PAHs in the water and sediment samples varied as 14.91-206 µg/L and 1107-22,310 µg/kg in that order. Total levels of the contaminants were above the target values in the two matrices and were higher in summer than autumn. Although the noncarcinogenic risk of PAHs estimated in the water column through dermal absorption was very low compared with the target value, the carcinogenic risk determined was high for both adults and children. Similarly, benzo(a)pyrene and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene were found to be of higher carcinogenic and mutagenic risks in the sediments collected from the study area. Diagnostic ratios suggest that the target hydrocarbons are predominantly from pyrolytic sources. It therefore could be inferred that the water body is conspicuously polluted; hence, efforts should be made to control all the activities contributing to such magnitude of pollution at the sites.

Distribution pattern and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the water and sediment of Algoa Bay, South Africa.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are amongst the pollutants of major concern in the terrestrial and aquatic habitats. They are mostly characterised by carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. Distribution and potential health risks of sixteen priority PAHs in the water and sediment samples collected between December 2015 and June 2016 from Algoa Bay, South Africa, were evaluated. Water and sediment samples collected were extracted with liquid-liquid and soxhlet extraction methods, respectively, and then cleaned up using glass column loaded with silica gel. Final concentrations of the target PAHs were determined by gas chromatography interfaced with flame ionization detector. Results indicated that individual PAH concentrations in surface water, bottom water and sediment samples ranged from not detected (ND) to 24.66 µg/L, ND to 22.81 µg/L and ND to 5.23 mg/kg correspondingly. Total PAHs concentrations varied as 12.78-78.94 µg/L, 1.20-90.51 µg/L and 1.17-10.47 mg/kg in the three environmental matrices in that order. The non-carcinogenic risk was generally below 1, whereas risk indices (dermal contact) were above the acceptable limit of 1 × 10-4 in the water column, suggesting possible carcinogenic effects to humans, with adults being the most vulnerable. Similarly, highest contributions to TEQs and MEQs in the sediments were made by benzo(a)pyrene and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, the two most toxic congeners, signifying the possibility of carcinogenicity and mutagenicity in humans. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs reflect a prevailing pyrogenic input all through. The pollution was albeit moderate, yet regular check is recommended to ensure safe and healthy environment for human and aquatic lives.

Geophysical characterization of abandoned dumpsite soil properties for pre- foundation delineation at Bowen University Campus, Iwo, Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Geophysical investigation and microstudy of soil properties were carried out within Bowen University, for the characterization of the subsurface pattern in the area using vertical electrical sounding (VES) survey and evaluation of soil properties with a view to mapping subsurface geological features, such as weak and competent zones and to determine the overburden thickness of the area for pre-foundation studies for a proposed high-rise building. Four(4) VES was carried out in the study area employing schlumberger electrode configuration. The data collected were used to curve match and the results used for subsequent interpretation to reveal the depth, thickness and resistivity of the study area. In addition, soil samples were collected from three (3) selected points located at the entrance, centre and the end of the study area at about a depth 0-60 cm. Consequently, the VES results were presented as resist graph, which revealed the range of values for the depth (1.3 ­ 24.5), thickness (1.3 ­ 15.4 m) and resistivity (357.4 - 6311.6 ohms), which was later used to generated the geoelectric maps of the study area. It was also observed that the result of the soil properties revealed that all the samples taken from the study area have low bulk density (1.41 g/cm3, 1.26 g/cm3, 1.36 g/cm3), high particle density (2.81 g/cm3, 2.94 g/cm3, 3.16 g/cm3), and high porosity (49.64%, 57.22%, 57.03%). In conclusion, it was observed that erection of high-rise building is not advisable within the study area since the results showed that the overburden (depth to basement) is generally thick mostly greater than 15 m. Also revealed from the microstudy of soil properties is that foundation stability should be properly managed, since a porous soil does not accommodate engineering activities except when an artificial basement is put in place

Behavior modifying myths practices and effect on health seeking behavior among pregnant Yoruba women, south western Nigeria ­ a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Cultural practices and beliefs influence and underpin the behavior of women during pregnancy and childbirth; this behavioral change could influence the health-seeking behavior as well as the outcome of pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the behavior modifying myths among pregnant Yoruba women and their sources. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 pregnant Yoruba women attending the antenatal clinics of Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was undertaken. Consent was sought verbally. RESULTS: The age of the respondents ranged from 15-45 years with a mean age of 27 years (±3.5). Most of the women were married n=239 (95.6%) and primarily Christian n=184 (73.6%). 127 (50.8%) of the women had a tertiary education while only 13 (5.2%) had no formal education. 41 (16.3%) of the respondents being primigravida. Six myths were identified with food taboos being the most common. These were being practiced by 61.2% of the respondents. The reasons given for modifying their behavior varied from warding off ghosts to the delivery of a well-formed child. The most frequent source of information were their relatives (42.4%). CONCLUSION: The practice of the myths was neither influenced by educational status nor religion. The majority of these practices do not have a deleterious effect and did not influence health-seeking behavior or outcome of pregnancy based on the reasons adduced for the practice

Data on perception of faculty members on the influence of faculty support initiatives on the efficacy of job responsibilities.

The main objective of this survey is to present data on the perception of the influence of faculty support initiatives on efficacy of job responsibilities using six private university in Nigeria as case study. The population of the study included all faculty members of selected private universities with a total of 1912 faculty members. A sample size of 500 were selected to participate in the survey based on the outcome of the sample size determination formula suggested by Falola et al. (2016) [5]. The validity and reliability of the research instrument were carried out. Regression analysis and structural equation modeling were used as statistical tool of analysis. It is believed that when the data is analysed, it will give insight into how faculty support initiatives of various universities can help in enhancing the effectiveness of job responsibilities.

Job design and behavioural outcome of employees in agricultural research training, Ibadan, Nigeria.

This study focused on the relationship between job design and behavioural outcomes of employees in Agricultural Research Training, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was quantitative and the items in the questionnaire were adapted from previous studies. A total of 227 respondents were surveyed and statistical regression models were used to examine the relationship between the independent variables (job design) and dependent variables (employee behavioural outcomes). The findings showed that 14.4% of the variance in job design dimensions can explain the variance in employee behavioural outcome. The model revealed that task identity, sense of autonomy and skill variety had more statistical significance in predicting employee behavioural outcome, recording the highest beta value than other variables such as task significance and feedback mechanisms. The model indicates that the strength of regression weights of paths has a strong direction.

Survey dataset on leadership styles and job satisfaction: The Perspective of employees of hospitality providers.

This study aimed at establishing the relationship between the dimensions of leadership styles and employees' job satisfaction in hospitality industry in Nigeria. This study was prompted by reports of high labour turnover in this sector of the economy (especially in the guesthouses), because of reduction in the satisfaction of the workforce. Cross-sectional research design which is quantitative in nature, was the methodology adopted for this study to assess the trends of relationships between the constructs. Questionnaire was used as the measuring instrument, and reliability and validity test for the instrument were established using cronbach alpha, for all the variables ranging between 71% and 89%. The study population comprises 410 employees in the six selected functioning guesthouses, which also represents the study sample. Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package (version 22) was used for the analysis of the data. The field dataset is available to the public for more rigorous, extensive, critical and extended analysis.

Petroleum Hydrocarbon Fingerprints of Water and Sediment Samples of Buffalo River Estuary in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Petroleum hydrocarbon status of the Buffalo River Estuary in East London, South Africa, was evaluated from January to May, 2016. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from five points in the estuary and extracted using standard methods. The extracts were subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Results showed that total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) varied from 7.65 to 477 µg/L in the water and 12.59 to 1,100 mg/kg in the sediments, with mean values of 146.50 ± 27.96 µg/L and 209.81 ± 63.82 mg/kg, respectively. Concentrations of TPH in the sediments correlated significantly with organic carbon (OC) in both seasons. TPH and OC levels were slightly lower in summer than in autumn in the two environmental matrices, and the average amount of TPH in the water samples collected from all the sampling stations was generally lower than the EU standard limit of 300 µg/L. However, the levels in the sediments exceeded the EGASPIN target value (50 mg/kg) for mineral oil but were below the intervention value (5,000 mg/kg), indicating a serious impact of industrial growth and urbanization on the area, although the n-alkane ratios and indexes used for source tracking revealed excessive flow from both natural and anthropogenic sources.

Effects of replacing groundnut cake with rumen content supplemented with or without enzyme in the diet of weaner rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Rabbits are also herbivores which efficiently convert fodder to food. They are prolific and converter of plant proteins of little or no use to people as food into high-value animal protein. Rabbit meat is high in protein, low in calories and low in fat and cholesterol contents, being considered as a delicacy and a healthy food product. Feeding rabbits with concentrates is expensive and therefore in order to reduce cost of production, hence the use of rumen content in this study as alternative feedstuff without competition. METHODS: A total of thirty six (36) weaner rabbits (oryctalagus cuniculus) of different body weight and age where use in this experiment to determine the effects of replacing rumen content with or without enzyme supplementation for groundnut cake. This feeding trial which lasted for 8 weeks was carried out in order to determine the replacement value of groundnut cake with rumen content with or without enzyme in the diet of weaner rabbit. A 3x2 factorial experiment was adopted such that there where three (3) replacement level of rumen content (0, 25 and 50 %) for groundnut cake by two supplemental level (no enzyme and enzyme supplement). RESULTS: The results showed that increased inclusion level of rumen content has significant effects (p < 0.05) on daily feed intake, rate of weight gain, feed to gain ratio, nitrogen retention, faecal nitrogen, total nitrogen output and nitrogen digestibility. The weight gained by rabbits fed on 0, 25 and 50 % were all comparable (p > 0.05) with weight gained value of 7.62,7.44 and 7.36 g respectively. Similarly there was a significant (p < 0.05) effect of supplement added on the body weight gain of the experimental animals. There was significant effect (p < 0.05) of the diet on the obtained feed to gain ratio. However, there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) of the treatment on urinary nitrogen. Significant (p < 0.05) effects of supplementation was observed on the feed intake, weight gain, feed to gain ratio, faecal nitrogen, nitrogen retention and nitrogen digestibility but there was no significant effects (p > 0.05) of the supplementation on the nitrogen intake. The interaction between the varying levels of rumen content supplementation had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the feacal nitrogen, feed intake and feed to gain ratio but no significant (p < 0.05) effects on interaction of nitrogen intake. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, since the results from this study showed no negative effects on the performance of the experimental animals, the test ingredient can be used as alternative feedstuff at a lower inclusion level so as to reduce production cost and expand rabbit production.

DESMOPLASTIC SMALL ROUND BLUE CELL TUMOUR OF THE ABDOMEN - A CASE REPORT.

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT) is an uncommon malignant type of Small Round Blue Cell tumours with less than 200 cases reported in literature. Notorious for its aggressiveness, its commonest site of affectation is the abdomen, with a predilection for peritoneal cavity and prone to spread to multiple organs. We report a case of a 26-year old male undergraduate who presented with a 6-month history of progressive abdominal swelling associated with abdominal pain, weight loss, and change in bowel habits. He was cachectic with dyspnoea, bilateral pitting pedal oedema, a grossly distended and a palpable huge firm mass measuring 20 x 15cm. Immunohistochemisttry confirmed a diagnosis of DSRCT. An abdominopelvic Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed extensive abdominal and pelvic disease with pulmonary and liver metastases. He could only tolerate one course of chemotherapy due to deteriorating renal function. It ran an aggressive course of 9 months from onset of symptoms to eventual demise of the patient. CONCLUSION: Desmoplastic Small Round Blue Cell Tumour is an uncommon and fatal disease, with no significant improvement in survival despite aggressive multimodality therapy. A high index of suspicion and Immunohistochemistry for accurate diagnosis as well as prompt and effective treatment will improve outcome.

Randomization of two dosing regimens of vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction in a low resource setting.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of two dosing regimens of vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening and induction of labour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women with singleton low risk pregnancy at term scheduled for elective induction of labour were randomized to receive either 25 µg or 50 µg of vaginal misoprostol for pre-labour cervical ripening. All the patients received antenatal care and delivered at the University College Hospital (UCH) from January 1 st to May 31 st 2006. A total of 128 patients were randomized; 65 patients received 25 µg and 63 patients received 50 µg of vaginal misoprostol. RESULTS: Significantly higher number of patients in the 50 µg group progressed to active labour as compared with the 25 µg group (95.2% versus 84.6%, P < 0.05). The need for oxytocin augmentation of labour was higher among the 25 µg as compared with 50 µg (39.7% versus 16.4%, P = 0.007). There was higher proportion of patients in the 50 µg group delivering vaginally within 24 hours as compared with the 25 µg group (98.2% versus 90.0%, P = 0.063). However, the mean interval between the first dose of misoprostol and vaginal delivery was not statistically different in the two groups (754 ± 362 minutes and 885 ± 582 minutes, P = 0.152). The incidence of caesarean section was similar in the two groups (7.7% versus 11%, P = 0.580). Labour complications, such as precipitate labour, tachysystole and abnormal fetal heart rate patterns were greater in the 50 µg group. CONCLUSION: Twenty-five microgram of misoprostol appears to be as effective as 50 µg for pre-induction cervical ripening and labour induction. Though 50 µg of vaginal misoprostol resulted in relatively faster delivery and less need for oxytocin augmentation, it was associated with more labour complications as compared with 25 µg of misoprostol.