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Disability in Africa is usually viewed as a consequence of evil. Thus, people living with disabilities tend to be treated with discrimination and stigmatization, which then leads to the neglect of their needs. A majority of children in this group are helpless and unable to function effectively. Hence, giving them the support they need is important to help them live a purposeful life. This research thus sought to determine the impact of social support on the psychosocial adjustment of children living with disabilities (CLWDs) as perceived by parents in the Lagos metropolis. It examined the differences in the parents’ perceptions based on gender, age, and educational attainment. The study was a descriptive survey of the ex-post facto design where a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The final sample comprised 384 parents in the Lagos metropolis who responded to a 20-item researcher-developed questionnaire on perceived impact of social support (with α = .72 reliability estimate). An independent samples t-test testing for gender differences in parents’ perception and two sets of ANOVAs were used to test three null hypotheses at the .05 confidence level. The results revealed that increased self-esteem, positive behavioural adjustment and improved mental health were perceived by Lagos parents to be the most important impact factors of social support on the psychosocial adjustment of CLWDs. Gender and educational attainment did not exercise any influence on perceived impact, but parents’ perception of it did differ significantly by age group where older parents perceived a greater impact than did younger parents. It was, therefore, concluded that social support (i.e., in terms of quality, type and amount) is significant for CLWDs to make the psychosocial adjustment needed in their lives. With such support, they can be useful to themselves and contribute meaningfully to the development of society. On this basis, family members and other support providers should give adequate attention to the needs of children living with disabilities.

The library serves as the nucleus of development and is crucial to achieving sustainable development objectives. That assertion is so because the information is the fundamental component that can be processed to produce meaningful development. In essence, information is a driver of growth and the characteristic that sets the world's industrialized economy apart from its developing counterparts. Information has been recognized as the fifth factor of production because it has a significant impact on how individuals decide to combine the four traditional factors of production. The difference between the developed World and the Third World economies was based on the availability and use of information for projection purposes. Several world developmental projections that have failed can be traced to the amount of information made available to achieve the objectives that were to be realized. Therefore, the challenges that libraries and librarians face were discussed and the library's role as a valuable information hub equipped to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

This study explores the far-reaching changes in the world of work due to the emergence of the digital economy against a background of rising income inequality, concerns about job losses and high levels of unemployment, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, More specifically, it explores the issue of how African governments and other stakeholders are preparing young people for the future of work. It comprises a case study of Rwanda. Data was collected from documents and in-depth semi-structured interviews, and analysed with MaxQDA. Rwanda has sought to become a knowledge economy, and has therefore developed a comprehensive policy framework and several programmes for equipping young people with digital skills. There are also more than 20 incubators and hubs fostering digital start-ups in Kigali. Several international organisations have started training programmes to support of the Rwandan government’s vision.The study finds that digitalisation could help to resolve sub-Saharan Africa’s employment problems through freelancing, labour outsourcing, and start-ups. However, there is a need for deliberate policies and programmes to prepare young people for the future of work. Rwanda is doing well in this regard, and other SSA countries should evaluate its model.

This research discusses the implementation of English teaching in new normal era during COVID-19 pandemic which reveals the offline teaching activity in class with the new normal health protocol implementation, the procurement of health protocol support facilities, and the students’ preference of learning methods which have been experienced during COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of this research are: a) providing the portray of English teaching activity and the activity in school in general in new normal era during COVID-19 pandemic, and b) measuring the students’ preference of the used learning methods both offline or online learning in COVID-19 pandemic. The subject of this research was the 7th students and teacher at SMP Negeri 3 Teras. The techniques of collecting data used were observation, interview, and questionnaire. The data from the observation and questionnaire for this research were analyzed qualitatively in order to provide the phenomena in the school descriptively, while the students’ questionnaire responses were also processed qualitatively and provided descriptively. The findings of this research showed that there were a number of differences which were implemented in limited offline learning such as the limitation of class capacity, weekly schedule setting, the implementation of new normal health protocol (wearing mask, limitation of class capacity, and keeping the distance) and providing the facilities which support the prevention of COVID-19 spread such as washstand, hand sanitizer, and thermometer.

Computational simulation of natural phenomenon is currently attracting increasing interest in applied mathematics and computational physics. Mathematical software for simulation is limited by the availability, speed, and parallelism of high-performance computing. To improve the performance and efficiency of some numerical techniques, a step-by-step approach to mathematical software coding is needed to build robust parameter-oriented problems. Therefore, this article aims to present and apply the Adomian decomposition algorithm coded by the MAPLE 18 software package for the solutions of nonlinear fractional-order differential equations in applied physics and engineering sciences. The present technique is used without linearization or slight disturbance of nonlinear terms, which confirms the strength, accuracy, and simplicity of the algorithm. The two test problems are considered for different initial conditions and the solutions obtained show that the Adomian decomposition algorithm is fast, easy, stable in good agreement with analytical techniques and that a good computational approach to fractional-order value problems arising in applied mathematics and engineering sciences.

The DEAH-box helicase Prp43 has essential functions in pre-mRNA splicing and ribosome biogenesis, remodeling structured RNAs. To initiate unwinding, Prp43 must first accommodate a single-stranded RNA segment into its RNA binding channel. This allows translocation of the helicase on the RNA. G-patch (gp) factors activate Prp43 in its cellular context enhancing the intrinsically low ATPase and RNA unwinding activity. It is unclear how the RNA loading process is accomplished by Prp43 and how it is regulated by its substrates, ATP and RNA, and the G-patch partners. We developed single-molecule (sm) FRET reporters on Prp43 from Chaetomium thermophilum to monitor the conformational dynamics of the RNA binding channel in Prp43 in real-time. We show that the channel can alternate between open and closed conformations. Binding of Pfa1(gp) and ATP shifts the distribution of states towards channel opening, facilitating the accommodation of RNA. After completion of the loading process, the channel remains firmly closed during successive cycles of ATP hydrolysis, ensuring stable interaction with the RNA and processive translocation. Without Pfa1(gp), it remains predominantly closed preventing efficient RNA loading. Our data reveal how the ligands of Prp43 regulate the structural dynamics of the RNA binding channel controlling the initial binding of RNA.

Childhood pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death in children with highest mortality figures in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The primary etiologies are bacterial and viral; however, challenges in distinguishing bacterial and non-bacterial causes have culminated in antimicrobial overuse which has partly contributed to the rise in antimicrobial resistance, most notably among children in low- and middle-income countries.Existing literature was reviewed regarding modalities available, including emerging radiological and laboratory techniques, to diagnose childhood pneumonia. We evaluated their strengths and limitations, and their ability to distinguish between bacterial and viral etiologies.The optimal modality to diagnose childhood pneumonia continues to be a challenge. This is a concern given its high disease burden and the importance of diagnostics for clinical care and antimicrobial stewardship, in the setting of rising antimicrobial resistance. Lung ultrasonography is a promising radiologic diagnostic modality. Combined serum biomarkers, micro-array-based whole-genome expression arrays and metabolomic analysis are also emerging biochemical modalities for childhood pneumonia diagnosis. More research and further validation are required to evaluate the diagnostic strengths of these new and emerging modalities as well as their ability to discriminate between the major etiologies of the disease.

The global widespread of Covid-19 disease has led to an unparalleled unemployment disaster cum employees’ market surprises and it is anticipated to bring in distinct systemic substitute and prolonged problems for global works. This study tries to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on job security and employees’ attrition of selected aviation companies in Lagos State. A cross-sectional design and simple random sampling technique were employed. A questionnaire was employed as the research instrument for the study with 269 respondents adjudged usable. Multiple regression and correlation analyses were employed to determine the hypotheses of the study. The hypotheses result showed that job security (r = 0.450, p < 0.05), employees’ attrition (r = 0.275, p < 0.05) and lay off and unemployment (F = 33.237; p =0.000) were significantly impacted by Covid-19. The study recommends that National governments and various bodies such as World Health Organizations (WHO) to introduce policies and guidelines that will cushion the impacts of Covid-19 on employees’ job security,’ attrition and lay off and unemployment in terms of taxes reductions, improved safety measures, contingencies approaches, reductions of levies on licenses, public awareness, relaxation of aviation laws in terms pilots renewal licenses, reduction of airline fuel price, reduction of parking lots of the aircrafts, supporting the airlines with funds and adequate incentives would curb employees attrition, job security and employment and would allow the aviation sector to rise again as in the past before the final solution to eradicate the pandemic.

The health technology sector of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is bedeviled by performance failures that make it a significant obstacle to effective patient healthcare interventions. The predominant factors behind the sector’s poor performance have been identified as (a) inadequately trained technical personnel and (b) the unserviceable condition of medical equipment. Past studies show that after adequate training, there is an increase in the proficiency of in-hospital biomedical engineers, but the studies have been limited to the maintenance job description of the engineers. We present a case study of the successful installation of sophisticated medical equipment by an in-hospital engineer to demonstrate that comprehensive training can also develop the installation expertise of local engineers. The installation, which is usually accomplished by the equipment manufacturer, was delegated to the trained in-hospital engineer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the bulk of medical equipment in LMICs is imported, which has led to an over-dependence of their health sectors on non-indigenous technology to the detriment of local alternatives and know-how. The World Health Organization estimates that 7 out of 10 sophisticated medical equipment imported by LMICs are unserviceable due to the issue of compatibility and adaptability with the setting. Previous research focuses on equipment subsidy, frugal innovation, and health technology management to better adapt foreign equipment to the environment. Still, this paper explores the option of indigenous technology and expertise to provide in-country development of suitable and sustainable medical equipment.

Commercial oil extraction from soybeans is commonly achieved using solvent extraction with n-Hexane. The desire for fewer harmful and less combustible solvents has fueled the search for suitable green solvents. In the current investigation, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize oil extraction from soybeans by d-Limonene as a solvent. Temperature was varied from 25 to 170 oC, solvent volume from 4 to 20 mL, contact time from 30 to 360 min, particle size from 0.25 to 0.50 mm, and agitation rate from 50 to 200 rpm to study their effects on the yield with the aid of a two-level, five-factor central composite design (CCD). The quality of extracted oil using d-Limonene was compared to that extracted with n-Hexane by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The second-order model developed accurately predicts the extracted oil yield. A 55 percent maximum oil yield was achieved at 170 °C, 20 mL solvent volume, 360 minutes, 0.5 mm particle size, and 200 rpm. Temperature, solvent volume, contact time, and particle size substantially influence the extracted oil yield. The rate of agitation has minimal effect on the oil yield. The oil extracted at the process condition by d-Limonene or n-Hexane has the same quality.

This study analysed cocoa farmers’ attitude to risk and effects on their income in Ondo State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a representative sample (234) for this study. Attitudinal Scale Approach (ASA) model, Gross margin and Likert’s scale were used to analysed the data collected. Results showed that the mean age of the respondents was 50.27 years with an average of 15.98 years of experience. The sources of risks perceived by the cocoa farming households as threats to cocoa production were Natural risks (63.68%), social risks (88.89%), economic risks (75.21%), production risk (52.14%) and marketing risks (76.92%). The result of ASA model using Likert’s scale showed that 37.61%, 36.75% and 25.64% of the respondents were respectively categorized as risk averse, neutral and preferring individuals. Results of costs and returns analysis of cocoa farms in the study area indicated that the average farm’s profitability level wasN185,423,725. Regression result showed that the variables that determine farmer’s income included social risks (p

This study evaluates both short-run and long-run impacts of credit financing facilities provided by commercial banks on crop production development in Nigeria from 1981 to 2020. The study adopts ex post-facto research design and obtains data on the study variables from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and World Bank Development Indicators. Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach was employed as an estimation technique. The outcome of the analysis produces significant negative effect of commercial banks loans and advances on crop production development in the short run. In the long run, however, commercial banks loans and advances and labour employment in agriculture sector exert significant positive impact on crop production development in Nigeria. The researchers conclude that commercial banks credit financing significantly increase contribution of agriculture to Nigeria gross domestic product in the long-run while it reduces crop productivity in the short-run.

Family planning does more than enable women to limit family size. It enables women to have the number of children they want and subsequently reduces the incidence of maternal and infant mortality. Family planning method was investigated among market traders in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. The study revealed that male condom was the most preferred among the family planning methods used by market traders and their spouses in Ibadan metropolis. Vasectomy/Tubal Ligation received the least preference among the family planning methods. However the level of information among the men was low about the different family planning methods and their risk. Also the low contraceptive prevalence rate in Nigeria is associated with high rates of unsafe and induced abortion the results of the analysis of data collected on the prevalence of family planning services utilization revealed that most market traders in Ibadan metropolis used family planning services. Furthermore, the finding showed that among the males of market traders in Ibadan metropolis, 51.7% used family planning services, while among the female market traders, 64.7% used family planning services. These findings showed that female market traders in Ibadan metropolis use family planning service more their male counterparts. The result of the study also showed the factor(s) that determines the choice of most family planning utilization are: accessibility, availability, cost, perceived effectiveness, no side effects, past practices and from health workers. The result revealed that attitude towards family planning services utilization was significant determinant of family planning services utilization.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-jvi-10.1177_02646196231154471 for What do eye care workers do when their patients go blind? by Adedayo Omobolanle Adio and Charles Obu Bekibele in The British Journal of Visual Impairment

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-smo-10.1177_20503121231158214 for Prevalence of leftover medicines, disposal practices, and associated factors in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia by Getahun Asmamaw, Tewodros Agedew, Besrat Tesfaye, Samrawit Sasamo, Saude Gena, Melkamu Argeta and Aynoshe Adio in SAGE Open Medicine

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-jvi-10.1177_02646196231154471 for What do eye care workers do when their patients go blind? by Adedayo Omobolanle Adio and Charles Obu Bekibele in The British Journal of Visual Impairment

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-smo-10.1177_20503121231158214 for Prevalence of leftover medicines, disposal practices, and associated factors in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia by Getahun Asmamaw, Tewodros Agedew, Besrat Tesfaye, Samrawit Sasamo, Saude Gena, Melkamu Argeta and Aynoshe Adio in SAGE Open Medicine

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-3-jvi-10.1177_02646196231154471 for What do eye care workers do when their patients go blind? by Adedayo Omobolanle Adio and Charles Obu Bekibele in The British Journal of Visual Impairment

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-3-jvi-10.1177_02646196231154471 for What do eye care workers do when their patients go blind? by Adedayo Omobolanle Adio and Charles Obu Bekibele in The British Journal of Visual Impairment

The extensive utilization of cadmium (Cd) in industry is a major cause of environmental health menace to humans and animals. This study was to investigate the protective effects of Xylopia aethiopica fruit ethanol extract (XAFEE) on cadmium-induced inflammation and dyslipidemia in male albino rats. Thirty albino rats weighing 120–180 g were randomly selected into six groups (n = 5). A: control rats (administered distilled water only), B: Cd alone group (10 mg/ kg bw), C: Cd + 150 mg/kgbw XAFEE, D: Cd + 300 mg/kgbw XAFEE, E: 150 mg/kgbw XAFEE and F: 300 mg /kgbw XAFEE group. After 2-week acclimatization and 21 days of the experiment, blood sample was collected via cardiac puncture. Changes in tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), phospholipids and free fatty acids (FFAs) concentrations in serum were determined. The results of the present study indicated that Cd exposure remarkably increased (p < 0.05) the TC, TAG, phospholipids, FFAs and TNF-α concentrations, and significantly decreased IL-10 concentration (p < 0.05) compared with control. These findings suggest that inflammatory changes and alterations in lipid metabolism might be one of the mechanisms underlying the subtle effects of Cd-induced inflammation and dyslipidemia. XAFEE expressed protective role against the toxic influence of Cd on affected parameters. The results raised the possibility of Xylopia aethiopica fruit being considered as a condiment in soup, local drinks, supplements or herbs preparations in areas where people have chances to Cd exposure, occupationally or environmentally.

BACKGROUND The most common neurological symptoms from cardiac myxoma-induced stroke include territories of middle cerebral arteries, rendering posterior stroke less common. Although transient global amnesia usually has a benign prognosis, amnesia in the setting of concerning cerebellar symptoms should raise the suspicion for posterior circulation involvement. These benign-appearing symptoms can be manifestations of an acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA). This unusual presentation can delay workup for underlying pathology. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old woman presented to the local emergency department after an episode of global amnesia that lasted about 15 minutes and was associated with some dizziness. The patient also reported a history of chronic disequilibrium. The head CT scan was negative for any acute findings. A follow-up MRI of the brain demonstrated acute small lacunar infarcts within the left cerebellum and right parietal lobe. An echocardiogram was performed due to concern for the cardioembolic source, which revealed left atrial myxoma. She was transferred to a tertiary center for immediate surgical intervention due to the high risk of embolization associated with the condition. The patient subsequently underwent successful surgical excision of the lesion. CONCLUSIONS Cardiac myxoma, although a rare cause of posterior stroke, needs prompt intervention as it is associated with a high risk of systemic embolization, including recurrent CVA. Transient global amnesia is an atypical presentation of cardiac myxoma that can easily be overlooked, delaying timely diagnosis and prompt intervention. Early recognition and surgical resection are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences.

In this paper, we formulate an efficient algorithm based on new iterative method for the numerical solution of Bagley-Torvik equation. The fractional differential equation arises in many areas of applied mathematics including viscoelasticity problems and applied mechanics of oscillation process. We construct the fractional derivatives via Caputo-type fractional operator to formulate a three-step algorithm using MAPLE 18 software package. We further investigate the relationships between the surface area and stiffness of the spring constants of the Bagley-Torvik equation on three case problems and numerical results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm

The DEAH/RHA helicase Prp43 remodels protein–RNA complexes during pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing and ribosome biogenesis. The helicase activity and ATP turnover are intrinsically low and become activated by G-patch (gp) factors in the specific cellular context. The gp motif connects the helicase core to the flexible C-terminal domains, but it is unclear how this affects RecA domain movement during catalysis and the unwinding of RNA substrates. We developed single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) reporters to study RecA domain movements within Prp43 in real time. Without Pfa1(gp), the domains approach each other adopting predominantly a closed conformation. The addition of Pfa1(gp) induces an open state, which becomes even more prevalent during interaction with RNA. In the open state, Prp43 has reduced contacts with bound nucleotide and shows rapid adenosine diphosphate (ADP) release accelerating the transition from the weak (ADP) to the strong (apo) RNA binding state. Using smFRET labels on the RNA to probe substrate binding and unwinding, we demonstrate that Pfa1(gp) enables Prp43(ADP) to switch between RNA-bound and RNA-unbound states instead of dissociating from the RNA. ATP binding to the apo-enzyme induces the translocation along the RNA, generating the unwinding force required to melt proximal RNA structures. During ATP turnover, Pfa1(gp) stimulates alternating of the RecA domains between open and closed states. Consequently, the translocation becomes faster than dissociation from the substrate in the ADP state, allowing processive movement along the RNA. We provide a mechanistic model of DEAH/RHA helicase motility and reveal the principles of Prp43 regulation by G-patch proteins.

This study was designed to determine the progressive pathological changes in the testis and epididymis of rabbit bucks experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. brucei). Fifteen local rabbit bucks were divided into 2 groups comprising 8 bucks in group A and 7 bucks in group B. Bucks in group A were infected intraperitoneally with approximately 1.0×106 of T. brucei while bucks in group B served as the uninfected control. The bucks were closely monitored for clinical signs of trypanosomosis from the time of infection till the end of the study. One buck from each group was humanely sacrificed on days 9, 19, 29 and 38 post-infection (pi) and its testis and epididymis were examined for pathological changes. At post mortem, no gross lesions were observed in the infected bucks except for adhesion of the testis and epididymis to the scrotum on days 29 and 38 pi. There were no histological changes in the testis and epididymis of the infected buck sacrificed on day 9 pi apart from mild depletion of the epididymal sperm reserve. The buck infected on day 19 pi had moderate testicular degeneration but the epididymis was devoid of sperm reserve. Severe testicular and epididymal degeneration was observed in the buck on days 29 and 38 pi. The testis and epididymis of bucks from the control group were normal with evidence of spermatogenic activities and full epididymal sperm reserve throughout. The study shows that infected bucks were unfit for breeding from day 19 pi.

This study investigated the effects of Sudan IV dye (S4D) on antioxidant biomarkers using palm oil adulterated with S4D. Thirty male albino rats were grouped into five (n = 6); Normal control, palm oil (PO), PO + S4D (100 mg/kg), PO + S4D (250 mg/kg), and S4D (250 mg/kg) for 21 days. Oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed in the serum, liver, and kidneys. Exposure to S4D (alone and in adulterated PO) occasioned significant depletions in the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx, as well as GSH levels in the assessed compartments. Contrastingly, the levels of NO and MDA were significantly (

Snails are good source of protein for different classes of people. The aim of this work is to compare and assess the health risk of the heavy metals in mangrove forest and farm - bred snails, as sources of protein. Twelve snails (six mangrove forest and six farm - bred) of two sizes (big and small) were sourced from Bayeku mangrove forest and Snail Farm at Second gate of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) respectively. The, Fe, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentration of the snails were evaluated using standard analytical methods. The data obtained were subject to differential and inferential statistics using a statistical package (SPSS 22.0 version) and compare with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) limit. Fe (732.32 - 734.24 mg/kg), Cu (145.17 - 145.19 mg/kg), Zn (62.38 - 62.51 mg/kg) of big snail from mangrove forest were the highest compared with Fe, Cu, and Zn in mangrove forest (small), farm bred (big and small) snail. Cr (77.20 - 77.46), Ni (21.14 – 21.28), and Pb (1.20 - 1.22) mg/kg in small snail (mangrove forest) were the highest. Cadmium (6.83 - 6.84 mg/kg) of the farm bred (big snail) was the highest. Mangrove forest bred snail; Fe (733.26±0.96), Cr (38.01±0.78), Ni (50.32±0.37), Cu (145.18±0.01), and Zn (62.43±0.07) mg/kg were significantly higher than their corresponding FAO Limits. Farm - bred snail Cr (38.99±0.21), and Zn (36.80±0.01) mg/kg were significantly higher than their corresponding FAO permissible limits. However, farm bred has lower heavy metal concentrations than mangrove forest bred. Hence, farm bred are better product.

Background: Health supply chain performance is a key to strengthening the health system. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the public health supply chain performance of tracer drugs across primary health care units in the Gamo zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Method: A convergent parallel mixed-method was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 46 primary health care units between April 01 and May 30, 2021. A stratified simple random sampling method was employed. Logistics records and reports, service registers, physical observation, and interviews of key informants were sources of data. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and percentages were used to present a result. Qualitative data concerning public health supply chain challenges were collected from key informants by using a semi-structured interview guide. It was analyzed manually using an inductive thematic approach and the result was narrated. Results: The study revealed that the public health supply chain performance of tracer drugs across primary health care units in the Gamo zone was low. Inventory management KPIs, LMIS report KPIs, and storage condition KPIs were below the national standard. Means of availability (64.8 %±14.8%), stocked according to plan (16.5%±9.5%), inventory accuracy rate (65%±17.2%), and stock out rate (64.9%±9.8%) of tracer drugs deviate from ideal. Likewise, the means of LMIS report accuracy rate (64%± 13.6%) and LMIS report completeness (80%±15) are below the standard. Only 81% of assessed primary health care units adhere to good pharmaceutical storage practices. In general, public health supply chain performance of tracer drugs decreases down the levels of primary healthcare units. LMIS reported quality; pharmaceutical distribution; storage condition; low access to public transportation; lack of supply chain workforce training and motivation; low dedicated budgeting and finance for logistics activity; and low support from management were reported as prevailing challenges. Conclusion:Inventory management, LMIS reporting, and storage practices are areas where gaps in public health program supply chain performance are identified. It leads to wastage and interruption of essential medicines, which affects the quality of healthcare delivery at each level of the primary healthcare units.

Background Health supply chain performance is a key to strengthening the health system. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the public health supply chain performance of tracer drugs across primary health care units in the Gamo zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Method A convergent parallel mixed-method was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 46 primary health care units between April 01 and May 30, 2021. A stratified simple random sampling method was employed. Logistics records and reports, service registers, physical observation, and interviews of key informants were sources of data. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and percentages were used to present a result. Qualitative data concerning public health supply chain challenges were collected from key informants by using a semi-structured interview guide. It was analyzed manually using an inductive thematic approach and the result was narrated. Results The study revealed that the public health supply chain performance of tracer drugs across primary health care units in the Gamo zone was low. Inventory management KPIs, LMIS report KPIs, and storage condition KPIs were below the national standard. Means of availability (64.8%±14.8%), stocked according to plan (16.5%±9.5%), inventory accuracy rate (65%±17.2%), and stock out rate (64.9%±9.8%) of tracer drugs deviate from ideal. Likewise, the means of LMIS report accuracy rate (64%± 13.6%) and LMIS report completeness (80%±15) are below the standard. Only 81% of assessed primary health care units adhere to good pharmaceutical storage practices. In general, public health supply chain performance of tracer drugs decreases down the levels of primary healthcare units. LMIS reported quality; pharmaceutical distribution; storage condition; low access to public transportation; lack of supply chain workforce training and motivation; low dedicated budgeting and finance for logistics activity; and low support from management were reported as prevailing challenges. Conclusion Inventory management, LMIS reporting, and storage practices are areas where gaps in public health program supply chain performance are identified. It leads to wastage and interruption of essential medicines, which affects the quality of healthcare delivery at each level of the primary healthcare units.

Reinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has important public health implications pertaining to herd immunity and durability of protection from vaccines. A small but growing number of cases have been reported globally but none from Africa. This is due, in part, to adherence to definitions based on genetic sequencing, the capabilities of which are in short supply on the continent.Based on epidemiological and clinical parameters, we report the first two cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection from a Nigerian tertiary hospital managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.Two cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection were seen in December, 2020 and January, 2021. Both were males associated with a healthcare setting and aged 37 and 38 years respectively. The number of days between the first infection and the second ranged from 160-196 days. Symptoms ranged from mild to moderate and they recovered without sequelae.Public health action, including risk communication and reinfection surveillance backed by genomic sequencing, is advocated.La réinfection par le coronavirus 2 du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère (SRAS-CoV-2) a des implications importantes pour la santé publique en ce qui concerne l'immunité du troupeau et la durabilité de la protection contre les vaccins. Un nombre petit mais croissant de cas a été signalé dans le monde, mais aucun en Afrique. Cela est dû, en partie, au respect des définitions basées sur le séquençage génétique, dont les capacités sont rares sur le continent.Sur la base de paramètres épidémiologiques et cliniques, nous rapportons les deux premiers cas de réinfection par le SRAS-CoV-2 d'un hôpital tertiaire nigérian prenant en charge des patients atteints de la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).Deux cas de réinfection par le SRAS-CoV-2 ont été observés en décembre 2020 et janvier 2021. Tous deux étaient des hommes associés à un établissement de soins de santé et âgés respectivement de 37 et 38 ans. Le nombre de jours entre la première infection et la seconde variait de 160 à 196 jours. Les symptômes variaient de légers à modérés et ils se sont rétablis sans séquelles.Une action de santé publique, y compris la communication des risques et la surveillance des réinfections appuyées par le séquençage génomique, est préconisée.COVID-19; SRAS-CoV-2; Réinfection; Nigeria; Pandémie.

Background Thyrotoxicosis is a common endocrine disorder. The clinical presentation is variable, and it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late in Africa. This study was aimed at collating and analyzing the clinical characteristics of the disease across the continent so as to enhance correct and timely diagnosis. Methods The study is a systematic review with a meta-analysis. Studies, done in Africa, which documented the clinical features of thyrotoxicosis were selected. African Journal Online (AJOL), PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar, Research Square, SciELO, and medRxiv were systematically searched using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Heterogeneity was determined using I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test. LFK index and the symmetry of the Doi plot were used to assess publication bias. Results The eligible studies were 59 and the total sample size was 9592. The most common symptoms of thyrotoxicosis on the continent included palpitations (69%), weight loss (65%), heat intolerance (64%), tiredness (49%), increased appetite (49%), hyperhidrosis (48%), and insomnia (47%). The most common signs were thyromegaly (88%), tachycardia (67%), sweaty palms (54%), hand tremor (49%), and exophthalmos (49%). Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and thyrotoxic heart disease were found in 9, 12, and 22% respectively. Other findings were hypertension (25%) and diabetes (9%). Conclusion Clinical presentation of thyrotoxicosis varies, and understanding these peculiarities would mitigate misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in Africa.

When reading consecutive mRNA codons, ribosomes move by exactly one triplet at a time to synthesize a correct protein. Some mRNA tracks, called slippery sequences, are prone to ribosomal frameshifting, because the same tRNA can read both 0- and –1-frame codon. Using smFRET we show that during EF-G-catalyzed translocation on slippery sequences a fraction of ribosomes spontaneously switches from rapid, accurate translation to a slow, frameshifting-prone translocation mode where the movements of peptidyl- and deacylated tRNA become uncoupled. While deacylated tRNA translocates rapidly, pept-tRNA continues to fluctuate between chimeric and posttranslocation states, which slows down the re-locking of the small ribosomal subunit head domain. After rapid release of deacylated tRNA, pept-tRNA gains unconstrained access to the –1-frame triplet, resulting in slippage followed by recruitment of the –1-frame aa-tRNA into the A site. Our data show how altered choreography of tRNA and ribosome movements reduces the translation fidelity of ribosomes translocating in a slow mode.

PURPOSE: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) has been suggested to be increasing in Africa. However, it was only previously documented as a cause of blindness in 8 of 48 (16.7%) sub-Saharan African countries. The purpose of this study was to better understand the magnitude and breadth of blindness from ROP in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 455 ophthalmologists practicing in sub-Saharan Africa; the questionnaire was available in English, French and Portuguese. RESULTS: Responses were received from 132 of 455 (29%) ophthalmologists to whom the survey was sent. Eighty-three respondents were identified as ROP-involved ophthalmologists and were from 26 of 48 (54%) sub-Saharan African countries. Ophthalmologists in 23 countries reported that they examined at least one child who was blind from ROP during the last 5 years. Sixteen of these countries had not previously reported cases of blindness from ROP in the literature. The perceived occurrence of Type 1 or more severe ROP was reported to be increasing by 31 of 77 (40%) ROP-involved ophthalmologists. ROP-involved pediatric ophthalmologists and retinal surgeons reported the number of infants they examined annually with Type 1 or more severe ROP increased from a median of 1 (range: 0–15) to a median of 4 (range: 0–40) from 2015 to 2019. ROP was estimated to be the cause of blindness for 10% of all blind children examined by ROP-involved pediatric ophthalmologists and retinal surgeons during 2019. CONCLUSIONS: ROP is becoming a more important and widespread cause of childhood blindness in sub-Saharan Africa.