The Nigeria Government Engagement with the Private Health Sector

In Nigeria, the healthcare sector is divided into primary health which is under the local government’s authority that oversees the Primary Health centers, secondary health which is under the supervision of the State Ministry of Health in charge of the State General Hospitals that cater to primary and secondary healthcare. Tertiary health is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Health that oversees the Federal Medical Centres, the Teaching Hospitals, and Specialist Training Centres. Not to be excluded from Nigeria’s healthcare system are the private clinics and the public-private partnership. The funding for healthcare systems is mainly budgetary allocations from the government. This systemic review was done using secondary literature, policy documents, peer-reviewed literature, and national newspapers, collected using search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline. The review was done over 2-month period from February-April 2024. The literature was arranged in order of relevance and the literature not used was kept aside. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that 11% of a country’s budget be allocated to health. African countries that make up the African Union (AU) recommended that 15% of each member African country’s yearly budget should be committed to providing healthcare services to her citizens. Unfortunately, Nigeria has yet to attain either the WHO target or the AU target while committing an average, of 6% of her budgetary allocation to health. On the other hand, her neighbouring West African country Ghana, has met the average of 15% recommended by AU. The improved National Health Insurance Authority and the government’s partnership with the private health sector in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is hoped and would improve access to affordable healthcare in general and oral healthcare in particular.

基于TSN的工业网络发展展望

本文简要回顾了以Ethernet、TCP/IP技术为基础的IT网络,以及IT网络物联网化的变化;梳理了从20世纪50年代开始,逐步应用在工业控制领域的OT网络所经历的现场总线、工业以太网两个发展阶段。针对近年来IT、OT网络深度融合的需求,分析了即将发布的IEC60802(TSN工业应用规范)包含的主要内容,借助TSN的高带宽、确定性时延、灵活端到端配置等特点,分析了OT网络未来可能的演进路径,判断目前正处于这一融合过程的起点,并将会在未来5年,甚至更长时间内持续,最后对IT与OT无差异的新型融合网络作出了展望。

An Assessment of the Relationship between Built Environment and Socioeconomic Factors with the Incidence of Meningococcal Meningitis in Kaduna Urban Area, Nigeria

Meningococcal meningitis is an airborne disease that has been a threat to human life in many regions of the world, especially in West Africa. The disease has caused permanent physical impairment to some of its victims and many lives have been lost due to the disease. Factors that are associated with the incidence of the disease which are geographically referenced include built environment, geographical location and climatic conditions. Others are socioeconomic and demographic factors. This study established the relationship between built environment and socioeconomic factors with the incidence of the disease. Data that were used include the incidences of the disease from 2007 to 2011, housing conditions, population density, number of house ownership, employment, income level, and the number of hospitals, schools and refuse dumps. Neighborhoods were used as the unit of analysis in the study. The method of analyzing the data includes factor analysis and some statistical techniques in Geographical Information System such as the Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The findings of the study reveal the spatial variations of the incidence of Meningococcal meningitis in Kaduna Urban Area (KUA). The study recommends that there should be strict observance of the development control regulations especially at the high density residential neighborhood. The model can also be used for other communicable disease to ensure the health of the public.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the liver

There have been numerous concerns about the disease and how it affects the human body since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)pandemic began in December 2019.The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver is being carefully investigated due to an increase in individuals with hepatitis and other liver illnesses,such as alcoholic liver disease.Additionally,the liver is involved in the metabolism of numerous drugs used to treat comorbidities and coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Determining how SARS-CoV-2 affects the liver and what factors place individuals with COVID-19 at a higher risk of developing liver problems are the two main objectives of this study.This evaluation of the literature included research from three major scientific databases.To provide an update on the current impact of COVID-19 on the liver,data was collected and relevant information was incorporated into the review.With more knowledge about the effect of the disease on the liver,better management and therapeutics can be developed,and education can ultimately save lives and reduce the long-term impact of the pandemic on our population.

安全有效的HIV治疗与预防性疫苗的设计、开发和成功应用

普遍认为引起肆虐全球的HIV/AIDS大流行的病原体HIV是不可治愈并且是致命的。自从 20多年前发现并分离出病毒后,全世界在生产预防性和治疗性疫苗的努力至今都是失败的。作者在尼日利亚设计开发了HIV疫苗,并且已经应用这些疫苗分别对知情同意的HIV感染者和正常人进行了试验。在许多病例中,治疗性疫苗不仅在HIV感染的症状上产生了快速的改善,而且许多患者持续的抗 HIV抗体血清转阴。在那些并发HBV和 /或HCV感染的HIV患者中,治疗性疫苗产生了持续的抗HBsAg和抗HCV抗体转阴。使用这些疫苗至今没有观察到显著的不良反应,也没有引起可检测的标志性抗 HIV抗体产生。推测这种疫苗可诱导针对HIV、HBV和HCV感染细胞有效的选择性的细胞介导的细胞毒性免疫应答。

伊莫州奥韦里地区技术工人眼部疾病患病率及类型调查分析（英文）

目的:评估技术工人眼部疾病患病率及模式,向有关部门建议施行必要政策以保护技术工人眼部健康。方法:描述性横断面研究。采用比例抽样技术和随机简单抽样法进行样本选择。结果:技术工人中退行性结膜疾病并伴有睑裂黄斑以30.1%患病率高居第一。汽车工中结膜性疾病、角膜混浊、过敏性结膜炎发病率较高。表体异物是与工伤有关的最常见的损伤,而13.6%的工人由此发展为白内障。结论:政府应该施行可以保护技术工人眼部健康的政策。

Therapeutic effects of Byrsocarpus coccineus root bark extract on bacterially and chemically induced diarrhea in the Wistar albino rat(Rattus norvegicus domestica)

Background : Diarrhea can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms and chemicals. In view of this, Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum and Thonn(Connaraceae) was used to treat diarrhea induced by castor oil or bacteria in Wistar albino rats. Methods : Qualitative and quantitative analyses of an aqueous root back extract of B. coccineus were made and the acute toxicity, antidiarrhea properties, and in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities of the extract were investigated in rats. Results : The phytochemical analysis of the root bark extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloid, saponins, tannins, and phenols. The quantitative analysis showed that saponins formed 10.6% of the extract, tannins 7.6%, flavonoids 6.2%, phenol 5.8% and alkaloids 4.4%. A dose limit of 5000 mg/kg was safe to use in the rats. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, the extract decreased distance travelled by activated charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract, frequency of defecation, and number of unformed faeces caused by castor oil-induced diarrhea, and led to 74.96% inhibition of the diarrhea effects. Escherichia coli and Salmonella pullorum were susceptible to higher concentrations of the extract with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.3125 mg/m L. E. coli-infected rats showed depression, weight loss, anorexia, diarrhea, and weakness, which was ameliorated by the extract on day 2 post treatment. Observed congestion, cellular infiltration and necrosis of the liver, intestine and kidney following infection were improved by the extract. Conclusion : B. coccineus extract can be used in the treatment of anaemia, and castor oil-and E. coli-induced diarrhea in rats.

Effective Control of Aflatoxin Contamination in Staple Maize Food Crop in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Current Pre- and Postharvest Low-Cost Technologies and Perspectives

Mycotoxins/aflatoxins contaminations in some food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that colonize agricultural commodities. Pre- and postharvest contamination of aflatoxin is a major health concern in Africa where maize production and consumption have increased significantly over the years. Efforts to reduce aflatoxin in maize through various strategies such as breeding for resistance, improved agronomic practices, cultural harvesting and postharvest handling practices, and the use of bio-control agents are available. Some of these control practices are not well known by smallholder farmers. Important pre- and postharvest practices, in addition to the stringent food safety regulations and monitoring, are not undertaken as a result of various factors such as a lack of awareness and training, and the high cost of awareness and sensitization drives. The climate changes scenarios including El Nino are also factors to be considered. However, continued use of sustainable and effective low-cost management practices by small scale farmers are possible ways of reducing the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This review attempts to highlight low-cost, affordable and practical management options at pre- and postharvest in maize. Sound low-cost management practices are possible ways of reducing the risk for fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination that are relevant to the Africa context. This review would be useful and guided prioritization of development activities, continuous awareness creation and training and future research.

Strategic Engagement of Private Facilities to Increase Public-Private Mix (PPM) Contribution to Nigeria Tuberculosis Case Notification

Introduction: Finding the missing Tuberculosis (TB) cases remains the single most important priority for TB control in Nigeria. Between 66% - 92% of all cases of respiratory diseases including those with symptoms suggestive of TB are first seen byprivate health providers. Dependable, quality surveillance systems and notification are key roles in health services delivery, particularly as it is related to TB control. However, poor notification has been a challenge. This study was to assess the contribution of the public private mix (PPM) to Nigeria Tuberculosis national case notification. Methods: It was a national cross-sectional study. Data were extracted from the National database and reviewed. Private facilities were engaged in 2017 and assessed over 2018-2020. Interventions included: enrolling private practitioners (Private-For-Profit, Faith Based Organization, Private Medicine Vendors and Community Pharmacists), engaging a private standalone Laboratory for Gene Xpert testing within the network of private facilities, use of Mobile App for easy screening and reporting, instituting a HUB and spoke, and incentives to private providers for participating. Each private provider had a customized approach. Trend analysis was performed using Cochran-Armitage χ2 test for linear trends. Level of significance was at a p value of Results: Total case notification increased from 104,904 cases in 2017 to 138,591 in 2020. There were 2.0% increase in 2018, 13.0% in 2019 and 15.0% in 2020 (p < 0.001). PPM contribution to case notification increased from 10,699 cases in 2017 to 12,625 in 2018, then 17,250 in 2019 and 38,865 in 2020. There were 18.0% increase in 2018, 36.6% in 2019 and 125.3% increase in 2020 (p ). Conclusion: Effective engagement of the private sector in TB control efforts in Nigeria using a variety of approaches resulting in improved TB notification is possible. The National TB Programme should engage all private practitioners such that each practitioner will practice at least one TB service model.

Recent perspectives into biochemistry of decavanadate

The number of papers about decavanadate has doubled in the past decade. In the present review, new insights into decavanadate biochemistry, cell biology, and antidiabetic and antitumor activities are described. Decameric vanadate species (V10) clearly differs from monomeric vanadate (V1), and affects differently calcium pumps, and structure and function of myosin and actin. Only decavanadate inhibits calcium accumulation by calcium pump ATPase, and strongly inhibits actomyosin ATPase activity (IC50 = 1.4 μmol/L, V10), whereas no such ef- fects are detected with V1 up to 150 μmol/L; prevents actin polymerization (IC50 of 68 μmol/L, whereas no effects detected with up to 2 mmol/L V1); and interacts with actin in a way that induces cysteine oxidation and vanadate reduction to vanadyl. Moreover, in vivo decavanadate toxicity studies have revealed that acute exposure to polyoxovanadate induces different changes in antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters, in comparison with vanadate. In vitro studies have clearly demonstrated that mitochondrial oxygen consumption is strongly affected by decavanadate (IC50, 0.1 μmol/L); perhaps the most relevant biological effect. Finally, decavanadate (100 μmol/L) increases rat adipocyte glucose accumulation more potently than several vanadium complexes. Preliminary studies sug- gest that decavanadate does not have similar effects in human adipocytes. Although decavanadate can be a useful biochemical tool, further studies must be carried out before it can be conf irmed that decavanadate and its complexes can be used as anticancer or antidiabetic agents.

Evaluation of Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome of TB/HIV Co-Infection: A Four-Year Retrospective Cohort Study in HIV-Prevalent Setting of North Central Nigeria

Background: Despite the availability of highly effective treatment for decades, Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem in Nigeria due to the increasing association between HIV and TB observed over the past three decades when HIV was discovered. However, the proportion of TB and or TB/HIV co-infected patients who have successful TB treatment outcome is not well known. This study determined the treatment outcome of TB/HIV co-infected patients with HIV negative patients in two states in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of secondary data from eight Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) course and Anti- Retroviral Therapy (ART) service providers in Benue and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, was carried out. The period under review covers January, 2010 to December, 2013. Results: Out of the total 5266 TB cases reviewed, the HIV prevalence rate was 52%. They were predominantly (53.3%) male with mean age of 34.4 years (SD = 15.1 years). More than two-third (72.5%) of HIV-negative patients had successful treatment compared to 1718 (62.7%) HIV-positive patients. Of the 2334 HIV co-infected patients, 19.5% defaulted, 11.5% had died, 5.6% were transferred out and 0.7% failed treatment compared to HIV-negative patients amongst whom 18.3% defaulted, 3.6% died, 3.9% were transferred out and 1.6% failed treatment (p Conclusion: The favourable treatment outcome of HIV-negative patients is more than that of HIV-positive patients and the most probable predictable factor responsible is the CD4 count of patient;indicating that TB/HIV co-infection has remained a major public health problem in Benue state and FCT. Hence there is the need for sustained strengthening and expansion of the national TB/HIV programmes.

Antioxidant Migration Studies in Chitosan Films Incorporated with Plant Extracts

The aim of this work was to develop an active biopolymer based on chitosan by incorporating natural antioxidants.Five essential oils(ginger,rosemary,sage,tea tree and thyme)and six hydro-alcoholic extracts(from ginger,green and black tea,kenaf leaves,rosemary and sage plants)were tested.Migration assays were carried out to evaluate the films’activity,and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were monitored in the simulant during storage.Interaction between natural compounds and polymeric matrix was evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy.The diffusion of the phenolic compounds was not detected in the films incorporated with hydro-alcoholic extracts(HAEs),indicating their entrapment in the chitosan.Migration was observed in the films with essential oils(EOs),and biobased films incorporated with ginger,sage or rosemary essential oils,presented the highest diffusion and antioxidant activity in the simulant,highlighting their functionality and potential to be used as food active packaging material.

Analysis of Temporal Signals of Climate

The dynamics of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is analyzed and it is shown that the Pinatubo eruption in 1991 had a noticeable effect on these dynamics. The growth rate slowed down. Moreover, analyzing the year-on-year CO2 growth data, we can see an an-thropogenic footprint, possibly due to the burning of fossil fuels. On top of this anthropo-genic contribution is a natural contribution that is of similar magnitude, and that closely follows the ocean surface temperature (influenced by ENSO, El Ni&ntildeo Southern Oscilla-tion). This latter fact is consistent with the hypothesis of the correlation of global temper-atures and carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere being governed by Henry’s Law, in which carbon dioxide variations are the result of, rather than the cause of, temperature changes. This latter being the so-called “greenhouse effect”, sometimes mentioned as responsible for (anthropogenic) climate changes, and that cannot explain the observed phenomena described here. Similar conclusions are drawn on monthly data of carbon dioxide and temperature as well.

Spatial Analysis and Modelling of Wind Farm Site Suitability in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria

There has been an increasing global and local interest in developing renewable, clean, and cheap energy towards achieving Goal number 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, decisions involving suitable and sustainable locations for renewable energy projects remain an important task. This study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to spatially analyze and model wind farm site suitability in Nasarawa State. The aim is to integrate the environmental, social, and economic aspects of decision-making for identifying sustainable wind farm sites. The study distinguished between two sets of decision criteria: decision constraints and decision factors. The former defined the exclusion zones while the latter were standardized based on fuzzy logic to depict varying degrees of suitability across the State. The MCDA applied the weighted linear combination method, with relative weights generated through pairwise comparisons of the analytic hierarchy process to analyze three policy scenarios: equal weights, environmental/social priority, and economic priority scenario. A combination of resulting composite maps from the constraints and the factors gave the final suitability maps. The resulting suitability index (SI) for the respective policy scenario describes the degrees of suitability: Ideal locations were denoted by one (1) and the not suitable locations by zero (0), with values in-between depicting varying degrees of wind farm site suitability. Based on the SI, priority locations indicating areas with good prospects, in addition to the most suitable parcels of land, were identified and delineated. The composite decision constraint revealed that wind farm projects would not be viable in more than half (57.58%) of the State. Wind speed was the major constraint and accounted for the exclusion of 46.25%, with a mean fuzzy membership value of 0.2008 indicating low suitability across the State. Also, the average acceptable wind farm location for the three-policy scenario was 33.33% of the entire study area. Lafia, Obi, Keana, Awe, Nasarawa-Eggon, Wamba and Kokona LGAs were the identified priority Local Government Areas (LGAs). However, only Lafia, Obi, and Nasarawa-Eggon were consistent with changes in the policy objectives. All the priority LGAs have one or more of the most suitable parcels within their administrative boundaries except for Wamba. Despite the severe limitations of wind speed, substantial parts of Nasarawa State still provide great development potentials for wind energy. The “most suitable” locations in Lafia, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Obi LGAs should have first consideration for the development of wind energy in the State.

Socio-Economic Status and Gender as Determinant of Dietary Practices of Secondary School Students’by Exposure to Pictorial Nutrition Education for Sustainability

Objectives:The study examined socio-economic status and gender as determinant of dietary practices of senior secondary school students in Edo South Senatorial district for healthy living and sustainability.Methodology:Quasi experimental research design was employed in the study.Three research questions were raised and formulated into hypotheses,tested at 0.05 level of significance.A multistage random sampling technique was used to sample 245 students from two public schools in Oredo local government areas within Edo south senatorial district.Two(2)instruments(questionnaire and achievement test)validated and reliability of 0.64 and 0.84 reliability co-efficient were obtained.The demographic data/SES,dietary practices(DDPSESQ)was used to obtain information on their dietary practices and socio-economic status,while the pictorial nutrition achievement test(PNAT)consisted of the pre-and post-test.The treatment package comprised planned lessons of 40 minutes each for six(6)weeks.The data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics;hypotheses 1 and 2 were tested using the independent t-test while hypothesis 3 was tested using One-Way ANOVA statistics.Findings:The study revealed that there is no significant difference in dietary practices of students of high,medium and low socio-economic status as a result of exposure to pictorial nutrition education.There was no significant difference in dietary practices by gender.The study concluded that socio-economic status does not determine dietary practices of secondary school students for responsible living.

Production and Quality of Biscuits from Composite Flours

Biscuits were produced from bambara nut,cowpea and wheat flour blends.This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of varying the proportions of these flours on the nutritional quality and general acceptability of the biscuits.Five blends of composite flours were prepared by mixing wheat,bambara nut and cowpea(WBC)flours in the proportions:T1(90:5:5),T2(80:10:10),T3(70:15:15),T4(60:20:20),T5(50:25:25)and 100%whole wheat flour was used as the control(T0).Composite flours produced were subjected to functional and proximate analysis while the biscuits made from the flour blends were also subjected to sensory evaluation and proximate analysis.The use of composite flour for the production of biscuits from cowpea and bambara nut flours as supplement for the wheat flour has improved the nutritional contents of the biscuits with protein value being highest at mixing ratio T5.The functional properties of the biscuits showed some significant differences(p<0.05)when compared with whole wheat biscuits.The results showed that biscuits produced from T5 formulation with proximate composition of 11.87%moisture,2.90%ash,18.61%protein and 75.62%carbohydrate was selected as the best product.

Towards Attaining Reliable and Efficient Green Cloud Computing Using Micro-Smart Grids to Power Internet Data Center

Energy generation and consumption are the main aspects of social life due to the fact that modern people’s necessity for energy is a crucial ingredient for existence. Therefore, energy efficiency is regarded as the best economical approach to provide safer and affordable energy for both utilities and consumers, through the enhancement of energy security and reduction of energy emissions. One of the problems of cloud computing service providers is the high rise in the cost of energy, efficiency together with carbon emission with regards to the running of their internet data centres (IDCs). In order to mitigate these issues, smart micro-grid was found to be suitable in increasing the energy efficiency, sustainability together with the reliability of electrical services for the IDCs. Therefore, this paper presents idea on how smart micro-grids can bring down the disturbing cost of energy, carbon emission by the IDCs with some level of energy efficiency all in an effort to attain green cloud computing services from the service providers. In specific term, we aim at achieving green information and communication technology (ICT) in the field of cloud computing in relations to energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and carbon emission reduction from cloud data center’s perspective.