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Abstract Background Irreversible blindness is the natural history of untreated glaucoma; however, a significant proportion of those receiving treatment are still blind. This study sought to identify the determinant factors responsible for blindness from glaucoma among those receiving treatment. Method This retrospective cohort study collected data via chart review of glaucoma patients (N = 231) who attended eye clinics at a large government-owned or a privately owned health facility in Enugu, Nigeria, between October and December 2023. Visual acuity was used to determine whether the eyes met the criteria for blindness. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of glaucoma patients who were blind (105) and patients without blindness (126) were compared. Data analysis was performed via the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Binary logistic regression was used to identify determinants of blindness. Results The records of a total of 231 glaucoma patients were reviewed. One hundred and five (45.5%) patients were blind in at least one eye. The mean age was 61.1 ± 13.9 years (patients without blindness) and 63.6 ± 10.6 years (blind patients). Those living in urban areas (AOR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.24–0.99), those with no visual impairment at presentation (AOR = 0.005, 95% CI = 0.000–0.055, p 22 mmHg, and being non-hypertensive increased the risk of blindness. Improving access to glaucoma care in non-urban areas, increasing awareness creation on screening for early detection and patient counseling may be profitable steps towards reducing vision loss from glaucoma.

This research examined practitioners' narratives on understanding play as a learning pedagogy in early childhood mobile units. The national curriculum framework encourages practitioners and teachers in early childhood settings to employ a variety of play pedagogies to stimulate young learners to develop core skills in early childhood learning environments. Underpinned by Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the article draws from the zone of proximal development and social interaction as significant theoretical concepts to examine practitioners’ understanding of play as a learning pedagogy in early childhood mobile units. A phenomenological within the qualitative research domain was utilised to gather in-depth data on the topic under investigation. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with twenty practitioners purposively selected to provide their narratives on understanding play as a learning pedagogy in early childhood mobile units. The Atlas.ti software was used to analyse the collected data using a narrative strategy. The findings revealed that the practitioners maintained a high standard of service delivery within the mobile Early Childhood Care and Education unit contexts, which was transformative, high-quality and play-based. This paper contributes to the existing knowledge of delivering high-quality play-based learning pedagogy in early childhood settings.

Abstract Extraction of polyphenolic compounds from African nutmeg (Monodora myristica (Gaertn.)) peels using natural acidic deep eutectic solvents coupled to ultrasound-assisted extraction (NADESs-UAE) followed many factors at a time (MFAT) screening with response surface optimization was investigated. Fourteen different NADESs based on citric acid as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) were designed and tested. Sucrose, fructose, xylitol, glycerol, glycine, and glucose were used as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). The responses studied are total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA) based on cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The UAE procedure was optimized with the most efficient NADES. Quadratic models produced satisfactory fitting of the experimental data regarding TPC (R2 = 0.9999, p

The architectural industry faces significant challenges in balancing evolving client demands with financial sustainability, especially in developing economies. This study examines the factors driving changing client needs and their ability to pay for architectural services in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. Using a quantitative approach, 83 registered architects (87% response rate) were surveyed via a structured questionnaire. Data analysis, including descriptive statistics, chi-square goodness-of-fit tests, and Spearman’s rank correlation, revealed that the primary drivers of changing client demands are requests for design modifications (mean score 4.81), unclear client information (4.42), and the addition of new project scopes (4.25). These factors significantly deviated from an equal distribution (p

Empirical evidence has shown that children's mathematics achievement in South African has been on the low trend. However, no study has explored the practitioners' application of conceptions of mathematical knowledge in enhancing learners' achievement in mathematics. The study examined how practitioners apply mathematical knowledge to enhance early learning of mathematics. In this study, a qualitative research methodology was employed. The study also looked into how teachers in rural early childhood development (ECD) centers use their ideas of mathematical knowledge to foster young children's early mathematics learning in these environments. The researchers' investigation into the mathematical expertise held by practitioners and how they apply it in ECD contexts was made possible by mathematical knowledge for teachers theoretical framework, which served as the study's foundation. In order to help interpret the facts, the study was also set within an interpretivist paradigm. Five practitioners were chosen using a purposive sampling technique from the five ECD centers used for the study. The data were gathered using semi-structured interview questions and observation schedules. The gathered data were examined using a thematic analysis, which resulted in the formation of themes and sub-themes. The study's findings showed that because the five ECD centers consistently used conventional methods to teach early mathematics to the children who attended the centers, the practitioners in those centers were deficient in their application of conceptions of mathematical knowledge to enhance early learning of mathematics. The need for equipping practitioners with the knowledge and abilities to teach mathematics (subject and pedagogy) in early childhood is strengthened by this study.

The effect of symbolic form model on students' interest in logic content of the mathematics curriculum was investigated in this study. The research was guided by three research questions and three hypotheses. The study used a quasi-experimental design. The population of this research was 2,342 SS2 learners in Enugu State, Nigeria. A sample of 172 students was used. Data were collected and analyzed using the SILCMCQ and SPSS software respectively. The symbolic form model in teaching significantly boosted students' interest in logic content of the mathematics curriculum, according to the findings. The study provided recommendations, one of which is that mathematics teachers should use the symbolic form model of instruction to increase students' interest when logic content is taught.

The purpose of the study was to develop mathematical instructional card game titled "algebrameter" and determine its efficacy in remediating junior secondary school (JSS) students' learning difficulties in algebra and geometry. The study employed research and development design. A sample of 120 JSS II students drawn from a population of 4800 JSS II students in Nsukka Education Zone, using multi-stage sampling procedure participated in the study. Algebra and geometry achievement test (AGAT) comprised 30 multiple choice questions developed by the researchers was used for data collection. The internal consistence of AGAT was determined using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (KR-20) formula, which yielded a value of 0.82. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the hypothesis was tested using analysis of covariance. The results of this study revealed that students who were exposed to "algebrameter" significantly performed better than students who were not exposed to "algebrameter" package.

Abstract Conflict-affected regions face severe reproductive health challenges that disproportionately impact adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and children, who are especially vulnerable due to the breakdown of healthcare systems and limited access to essential services. AGYW are at heightened risk due to restricted access to family planning, prenatal care, and emergency obstetric services, while children face malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and developmental delays. These challenges have profound long-term consequences for both their physical and psychological well-being. This commentary explores the underlying causes of reproductive health challenges in conflict zones, including the collapse of healthcare infrastructure, increased sexual violence, forced displacement, and the specific vulnerabilities AGYW and children face. The commentary underscores the urgent need for interventions that address both immediate and systemic gaps in reproductive healthcare, particularly for AGYW and children. A unique policy framework is proposed, integrating emergency reproductive health interventions—such as mobile clinics and emergency health kits—with long-term strategies for rebuilding healthcare systems. The framework emphasizes gender-sensitive, context-specific approaches and sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure to effectively address these challenges and mitigate the long-term effects on vulnerable populations. By aligning with global and regional policy frameworks, including the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises (IAWG) and the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP), the commentary advocates for embedding reproductive health into all phases of humanitarian action—from emergency response to recovery. This integrated approach provides actionable recommendations to improve the well-being of AGYW, children, and other vulnerable populations, fostering sustainable advancements in reproductive health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aging population in developing countries demands parallel improvements in brain health assessment services to mitigate stigma, promote healthy aging, and diagnose cognitive impairments including dementia in primary health care (PHC) facilities. The lack of culturally appropriate cognitive assessment tools in PHC facilities delays early detection. This study aims to culturally adapt a brief digital cognitive assessment tool for PHC professionals in Southeast Nigeria. METHOD: A total of 30 participants (15 healthcare workers HCW and 15 community members) were selected to be culturally representative of the community. We completed focus groups and pilot testing to evaluate and refine the Brain Health Assessment (BHA) a subset of tools from the Tablet-based Cognitive Assessment Tool (TabCAT) known to be sensitive to cognitive impairment in other settings. We examined BHA subtests across local languages (Pidgin and Igbo) spoken at two geriatric clinics in Anambra State Southeast Nigeria. RESULTS: Following structured approaches in focus groups, adaptations were made to the Favorites (memory) and Line Length (visuospatial) subtests based on their input. Participants found the new adaptations to have good construct validity for the region. CONCLUSIONS: The BHA subtests showed content validity for future work needed to validate the tool for detecting early cognitive changes associated with dementia and Alzheimers disease in PHC settings. The use of culturally adapted and concise digital cognitive assessment tools relevant to healthcare professionals in Southeast Nigerias PHCs is advocated.

A strike is an organized work stoppage by employees. It has become an adopted lingua franca for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to effectively communicate their demands in Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional study design, we investigated the impact of strike actions on the academic performance of fifth- and sixth-year medical students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 242 medical students participated, and 119 (49.2%) had experienced strike actions at least five times during their studies. Most students, 196 (81.0%), believed that strikes affected their motivation to study, while 38 (15.7%) had a re-sit in their examination. The strikes significantly affected students’ motivation (OR=3.10; 95% CI=1.113-8.620), long-term retention of medical knowledge (OR=0.46; 95% CI=0.257-0.815) and having a re-sit among those above 25 years old (OR=1.17; 95% CI=1.025-1.327) and male students (OR=4.91; 95% CI=1.618-14.894). Incessant strikes decrease medical students’ long-term memory of medical knowledge and motivation for studying and increases the tendency to have a re-sit. We therefore suggest that ASUU consider alternative grievance strategies to prevent these negative consequences on future physicians’ education and professional competence.

Abstract Africa, with 18.3% of the world’s population, faces a significant research output gap, contributing only 2% of global research despite bearing a substantial disease burden. This discrepancy is partly due to inadequate research infrastructure, limited funding, and a shortage of physician-scientists. These challenges exacerbate the continent’s reliance on research findings from high-income countries, which often does not align with Africa’s unique health issues. Establishing student research hubs in medical schools is a promising strategy to addressing this issue. Such hubs can cultivate a research-oriented mindset and enhance problem-solving skills among future medical professionals. This paper examines the operational model of the College Research and Innovation Hub (CRIH) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Founded in 2019, CRIH has been successful in promoting research among medical students through structured programs and mentorship. The paper provides insights into CRIH’s strategies and impact, offering a framework for replicating this model in Nigeria to improve research output and address local health challenges.

Abstract Background An important indicator of mothers’ satisfaction with their care is birth satisfaction. Maternal health care can only be deemed to be of good quality if mothers are satisfied with the care they received. This increases maternal joy. A vital tool for understanding the delivery process from the mother’s point of view is the Birth Satisfaction Scale - Revised (BSS-R). Nigeria stands to gain from the modification and implementation of BSS-R in terms of improving care, measuring maternal health, and reducing the high prevalence of adverse obstetric outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study is to convert the Birth Satisfaction Scale - Revised (BSS-R) into the Igbo language and examine its validity and reliability. Materials and methods A study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on 500 women who gave birth at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching hospital in Abakaliki between March 1 and August 31, 2019. In the postnatal ward, data were gathered using the BSS-R questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the collected data. Through validation and reliability analyses, the scale’s characteristics were examined. P-values less than 0.05 indicate a significant level. Results The mean age of the women was 28.8 ± 4.7 years; the majority (230, 46.0%) were between the age group of 30–40 years. Three-fifth of the study participants had formal education. The majority (460, 92.0%) were multipara and had delivered mostly (326, 65.2%) at Full Term. Three Component loading were identified in the Scale. Examination of the pattern matrix showed three components/themes: support by staff during labour (I felt well supported by staff during my labour and birth (r = 0.875); parturient confidence during labour (I felt out of control during my birth experience (r = 0.714) and distraught during labour (I was not distressed at all during labour (r = 0.821). Communality value (r2) mostly ranged between 0.507 and 0.801. The scale had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.62. This increased to 0.70 following removal of “I was not distressed at all during labour” responses from the analysis. Conclusion The Igbo version of BSS-R has good internal consistency. It is a valid and a reliable scale to be employed in assessing maternal satisfaction among Igbo speaking women in the study area and Nigeria in general.

Abstract Malaria vector surveillance is required to determine disease transmission dynamics, vector insecticide susceptibility status, suitable control strategies and impact of control interventions. However, capacity and resources for vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring is often inadequate in most countries at risk of vector-borne diseases. Collaborations and linkages between malaria control policy makers and existing research institutions generating vector surveillance research data are often weak, thereby hindering the availability of data for decision-making. A national vector surveillance programme, mobilizing all stakeholders towards quality data generation and policy making, is required for effective data-driven country-wide vector control. This paper provides an analysis and suggested future directions for such synergized national malaria vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring system currently being implemented by all research and policy stakeholders in Nigeria. The harmonized national vector surveillance system described here can be used as a model for the development or improvement of such structures in other countries with high malaria transmission risks.

Background: The use of herbal drugs is on the rise in Nigeria and globally, raising concerns about product adulteration and unverified therapeutic claims made by manufacturers.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of liquid herbal drugs marketed as having antimicrobial properties in three major markets in South Eastern Nigeria. The focus was on their physicochemical properties, microbial content, toxicity, and antimicrobial efficacy.Methods: A total of 45 liquid herbal drug samples from five popular brands (collected in triplicates) were obtained from three major drug markets in South Eastern Nigeria. Microbial load was assessed using surface viable count and pour plate methods. Acute toxicity was evaluated using Lorke’s method, while antimicrobial activity was determined through the agar well diffusion method.Results: None of the samples exhibited acute toxicity; however, only 35.6% contained microbial loads within acceptable limits. Isolated bacterial species included Staphylococcus aureus (33.33%) and Escherichia coli (26.66%), among others. Fungal species identified were Microsporum spp. (4.44%) and Penicillium marneffii (2.22%). Significant labeling irregularities were noted, including omissions of NAFDAC numbers, batch numbers, and active ingredients. Approximately 53% of the samples demonstrated no antimicrobial activity against common microorganisms (Candida albicans, E. coli, and S. aureus), contradicting their labeled claims.Conclusion: The findings highlight a lack of regulation and standardization in the production of liquid herbal products, posing substantial health risks to consumers.

The study investigated digital literacy of library and information science postgraduate students and ubiquitous learning in state universities in south-South, Nigeria. Four (4) objectives, four research questions, and four hypotheses guided the study. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a correlational design and the population was 221 comprising library and information science postgraduate students from eight (8) state universities in South-South, Nigeria. The census sampling technique was used to select the entire population of 221 which represents the sample size. Instrument titled “Digital Literacy of Library and Information Science Postgraduate Students and Ubiquitous Learning Questionnaire” (DLLISPSULQ) was used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established through test-retest methods and was determined using Cronbach Alpha method which yielded reliability coefficient of 0.89. The study was analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions and Pearson Product Moment Correlation for hypotheses. It was revealed that there was a significant relationship between digital literacy of LIS postgraduate students and ubiquitous learning in state universities in South-South, Nigeria. It was recommended that Library and Information Science schools in South-South, Nigeria should as a matter of policy direct all LIS educators to adopt the use of ubiquitous technologies in teaching to enhance the adoption of ubiquitous learning by Postgraduate students.

Abstract Background Myocardial Infarction still persists as the most prevalent cardiovascular disease and is a top cause of morbidity and mortality in doxorubicin treated cancer patients. This study evaluated the prophylactic effect of the ethanol root bark extract of Cleistopholis patens (ERBECP) against doxorubicin-induced myocardial infarction in wistar rats. Extraction, preliminary phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity study and body weight (b.w.) of ERBECP were achieved using standard methods. Phyto-constituents in ERBECP were indentified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. Thirty (30) male albino Wistar rats of average b.w. ranging between 100 and 130 g were divided into six groups of five rats each. Groups I, II and III served as normal, doxorubicin (DOX) and standard (Vasoprin 150 mg/kg b.w) controls respectively, while groups IV, V and VI were orally pre-treated with the extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kgb.w) for two weeks prior to intraperitoneal induction of cardiotoxicity with DOX (20 mg/kg bw) on day 14. Results Disturbances in serum cardiac function bio-markers such as; Cardiac Troponin-I (CTnI), Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Lipid profile markers such as; Total cholesterol (TC), Triacylglycerol (TAG), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Oxidative stress markers such as; Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH) confirmed the induction of myocardial infarction. Histological assessment of heart tissues was performed to validate biochemical results. The GC–MS analysis of ERBECP identified a total of 69 compounds. Safety profile of the aqueous extract was safe for the animals up to the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. Pre-treatment of DOX group with ERBECP could significantly increase the b.w. compared to the DOX-treated group during the experimental period of 2 weeks. There were significant (p

Abstract Surveillance is essential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), to monitor the extent of resistance, inform prevention, control measures, and evaluate intervention progress. Traditional surveillance methods based on phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility data offer important but limited insights into resistance mechanisms, transmission networks, and spread patterns of resistant bacterial strains. Fortunately, genomic technologies are increasingly accessible and can overcome these limitations. Genomics has the potential to advance traditional bacteriology in routine diagnosis and surveillance, it often relies on the initial isolation of bacterial strains from clinical specimens using conventional culture methods. Culture-based phenotypic characteristics are essential for making inferences about newly recognized genomic patterns. The Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI) aims to enhance disease surveillance and public health partnerships through integrated, cross-continent laboratory networks equipped with the tools, human resource capacity and data infrastructure to fully leverage critical genomic sequencing technologies. For genomic surveillance of AMR, it is essential to optimize routine clinical microbiology laboratory services that are weak in many African countries. In this review, we outline shortcomings in clinical microbiology laboratories across Africa that compromise pathogen genomic epidemiology. We emphasize the necessity of investing in bacteriology and enhancing leadership capacity to fully capitalize on the advantages offered by genomic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.

Abstract The construction industry in Nigeria faces critical challenges due to frequent building collapses, highlighting the necessity for robust Quality Management Systems (QMS). This study investigates the current state of QMS adoption and its effectiveness in mitigating building failures. Despite the recognised importance of QMS, the industry shows a low adoption rate, with only 34.8% of firms holding ISO certification and 60.9% lacking formal QMS frameworks. A significant barrier identified is insufficient top management support, impacting 71.4% of the companies surveyed. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive literature review and a survey of 22 industry stakeholders across major Nigerian cities. This methodology allows for a detailed examination of QMS practices, highlighting the critical role of management commitment, communication, and training in enhancing quality outcomes. The research fills a gap by providing a holistic analysis of QMS issues across different regions, which have been previously understudied. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks and standardised practices to ensure consistent quality management. The study contributes to the international discourse on construction quality by emphasising systemic improvements rather than merely technical fixes. It calls for further research into region-specific challenges and broader adoption of formal QMS practices to improve safety and reliability in Nigeria's construction sector.

Abstract To address national and global demand for agro-based products, agricultural expansion has rapidly become a norm in Brazil since 1950s to date. In recent decades, agricultural expansion and technological advancement have placed the country among the top producers and exporters of agricultural products. The paradigm shifts in farming system from conventional to integrated approach has brought significant changes in land use, which consequently influenced carbon sequestration and soil organic carbon (SOC). This is more prevalent in the State of Mato Grosso, one of the most producers of food in Brazil. On this background, we hypothesized that though forests have potential for SOC stock, which decreases due to conversion to cropland but in longer-term with sustainable management, carbon might accrual significantly in cropland. Therefore, this paper aimed to unveil the nexus between long term land use and carbon stock changes and estimate future SOC stocks in Mato Grosso State of Brazil. To achieve this aim, a hybridization of machine learning and the InVEST prediction models was applied to estimate the land use changes and the SOC stocks between 1990 and 2020 and estimate for 2050. The study revealed that between 1990, 2020, and 2050, croplands increased significantly by at least 78%, pastures decreased by 32%, while forests decreased marginally by about 4% due to agricultural expansions. However, in 1990 and 2020, the SOC stock was slightly up to 147.34 Mg ha−1, it recorded an increase after a longer-time (i.e., in 2050). This increase was substantially under the forests, and marginally in the croplands. Climate-smart agricultural systems such as crop-livestock forest, integrated crop-livestock, and other conservation agricultural practices have great potential to contribute to sustainable development by increasing the levels of carbon in agricultural soils especially, after a longer period. Therefore, agricultural policies geared towards low carbon agriculture should be fully integrated into the various government decision making processes as this will guarantee food security and maximize soil carbon sequestration and stocks in the long term. Simultaneously, it is crucial to promote the dissemination of best practices for implementing and sustaining conservation efforts, thereby safeguarding the carbon stocks established to prevent their depletion. This will also support the Brazilian government in achieving its Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) through agricultural soils.

Abstract The microbiota of medicinal plants is known to be highly specific and can contribute to medicinal activity. However, the majority of plant species have not yet been studied. Here, we investigated the phyllosphere composition of two common Nigerian medicinal plants, Euphorbia lateriflora and Ficus thonningii, by a polyphasic approach combining analyses of metagenomic DNA and isolates. Microbial abundance estimated via qPCR using specific marker gene primers showed that all leaf samples were densely colonized, with up to 108 per gram of leaf, with higher bacterial and fungal abundance than Archaea. While no statistically significant differences between both plant species were found for abundance, amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS genes revealed distinct microbiota compositions. Only seven of the 27 genera isolated were represented on both plants, e.g. dominant Sphingomonas spp., and numerous members of Xanthomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. The most dominant fungal families on both plants were Cladosporiaceae, Mycosphaerellaceae and Trichosphaeriaceae. In addition, 225 plant-specific isolates were identified, with Pseudomonadota and Enterobacteriaceae being dominant. Interestingly, 29 isolates are likely species previously unknown, and 14 of these belong to Burkholderiales. However, a high proportion, 56% and 40% of the isolates from E. lateriflora and F. thonningii, respectively, were characterized as various Escherichia coli. The growth of most of the bacterial isolates was not influenced by extractable secondary metabolites of plants. Our results suggest that a specific and diverse microbial community inhabits the leaves of both E. lateriflora and F. thonningii, including potentially new species and producers of antimicrobials.

Abstract Background Understanding the level of exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) in at-risk communities allows for the administration of effective preventive interventions to mitigate epidemics of Lassa fever. We assessed the seroprevalence of LASV antibodies in rural and semiurban communities of two cosmopolitan cities in Nigeria with poorly understood Lassa epidemiology. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten communities located in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja, and Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos, from February 2nd to July 5th, 2022. Serum samples collected from participants were analyzed for IgG and IgM antibodies using a ReLASV® Pan-Lassa NP IgG/IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A questionnaire administered to participants collected self-reported sociodemographic and LASV exposure information. Seroprevalence of LASV IgG/IgM was estimated overall, and by study site. Univariate and multivariate log-binomial models estimated unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for site-specific risk factors for LASV seropositivity. Grouped Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was used for variable selection for multivariate analysis. Results A total of 628 participants with serum samples were included in the study. Most participants were female (434, 69%), married (459, 73%), and had a median age of 38 years (interquartile range 28–50). The overall seroprevalence was 27% (171/628), with a prevalence of 33% (126/376) in Abuja and 18% (45/252) in Lagos. Based on site-specific grouped LASSO selection, enrollment in the dry season (vs. wet; aPR, 95% CI: 1.73, 1.33–2.24), reported inconsistent washing of fruits and vegetables (aPR, 95% CI: 1.45, 1.10–1.92), and a positive malaria rapid test (aPR, 95% CI: 1.48, 1.09-2.00) were independently associated with LASV seropositivity in Abuja, whereas, only a self-reported history of rhinorrhea (PR, 95% CI: 2.21, 1.31–3.72) was independently associated with Lassa seropositivity in Lagos. Conclusions The LASV seroprevalence was comparable to that in other areas in Nigeria. Our findings corroborate those from other studies on the importance of limiting human exposure to rodents and focusing on behavioral factors such as poor hygiene practices to reduce exposure to LASV.

Abstract We previously demonstrated that the overall number of regulatory T (Treg) cells decrease proportionately with helper CD4+ T cells and their frequencies increase in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infected individuals. The question now is whether the discrepancies in Treg cell numbers and frequencies are synonymous to an impairment of their functions. To address this, we purified Treg cells and assessed their ability to modulate autologous monocytes functions. We observed that Treg cells were able to down modulate autologous monocytes activation as well as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production during stimulation with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid stabilized with poly-L-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose (poly-ICLC). This activity of Treg cells has been shown to be influenced by immunocompetence including but not limited to helper CD4+ T cell counts, in individuals with HIV-1 infection. Compared to immunosuppressed participants (CD4