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Abstract Background The important roles of liver and kidney in the elimination of injurious chemicals make them highly susceptible to the noxious activities of various toxicants including cobalt chloride (CoCl2). This study was designed to investigate the role of glycine in the mitigation of hepato‐renal toxicities associated with CoCl2 exposure. Methods Forty‐two (42) male rats were grouped as Control; (CoCl2; 300 ppm); CoCl2 + Glycine (50 mg/kg); CoCl2 + Glycine (100 mg/kg); Glycine (50 mg/kg); and Glycine (100 mg/kg). The markers of hepatic and renal damage, oxidative stress, the antioxidant defense system, histopathology, and immunohistochemical localization of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) and renal podocin were evaluated. Results Glycine significantly reduced the markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde content and H2O2 generation), liver function tests (ALT, AST, and ALP), markers of renal function (creatinine and BUN), and decreased the expression of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and podocin compared with rats exposed to CoCl2 toxicity without glycine treatment. Histopathology lesions including patchy tubular epithelial necrosis, tubular epithelial degeneration and periglomerular inflammation in renal tissues, and severe portal hepatocellular necrosis, inflammation, and duct hyperplasia were observed in hepatic tissues of rats exposed to CoCl2 toxicity, but were mild to absent in glycine‐treated rats. Conclusion The results of this study clearly demonstrate protective effects of glycine against CoCl2‐induced tissue injuries and derangement of physiological activities of the hepatic and renal systems in rats. The protective effects are mediated via augmentation of total antioxidant capacity and upregulation of NGAL and podocin expression.

BackgroundThe mpox (monkeypox) disease is a re-emerging viral zoonosis of international concern that is endemic in parts of Africa. The mpox virus (MPXV), which was hitherto largely limited to some Central and West African countries, was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO on July 23, 2022 following the rapid spread of the virus to non-endemic countries. Globally, as of March 16, 2023, the WHO had reported 86,496 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and 111 deaths in 110 countries. Of the 1,420 cases of mpox reported in Africa as of March 16, 2023, Nigeria alone recorded 57.1% (812) of the confirmed cases and eight fatalities recorded in the continent. To help improve on the understanding of the current situation in Nigeria, the present study assessed the perception and knowledge of mpox among Nigerian healthcare workers, academics and tertiary students. The study also sought to highlight the global public health significance of the MPXV, and recommend a One Health approach to limit exporting of the virus beyond the borders of Nigeria.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between 24 July 2022 and 12 August 2022 to evaluate the perception and knowledge of mpox among 1544 Nigerians, consisted of healthcare workers (n = 832), academics (n = 306) and tertiary students (n = 462). Data on the respondents' socio demographics and their information sources on mpox were also collected. Each correct response was allotted one point while an incorrect response was scored zero. The scores for perception and knowledge were dichotomized into positive (>5.5) and negative (≤5.5) and adequate (>5.8) and inadequate (≤5.8), respectively; using the average scores for perception and knowledge. The average score for perception and knowledge were summarised and presented as the mean and standard deviation (SD). Chi-square tests of association and binary logistic regression were carried out to determine factors associated with the outcome variables.ResultsOf the 1452 respondents that had heard of mpox, 878 (60.5%) and 419 (28.9%) had adequate knowledge and positive perception concerning MPXV infection respectively. Average perception score was 5.5. Mean perception and knowledge scores were 4.5(SD: 2.0) and 5.8 (SD: 1.9), respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with knowledge level were age (p = 0.020) educational qualification attained (p = 0.004), occupation (pConclusionThe findings of this study show that there is disparity in the knowledge and perception of mpox in the study population, and as a result, there is a need to intensify awareness about MPXV infection to enhance positive perception among the respondents. This has potential to safeguard public health and contain the disease thus preventing it from spreading to the global community. A One Health approach involving animal and human health workers is imperative for improved knowledge and a good perception towards the disease among respondents, and enhanced active surveillance and early detection of MPXV in reservoir hosts (rodents and non-human primates); to prevent reverse zoonotic transmission of the virus at the human-animal interface.

This study was carried out on the spatial distribution, characterization and biosecurity assessment of pig farms in some local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire. Spatial autocorrelation was used to show relations between pig farms’ locations and biosecurity measures. A scoring system ranging from 0 to 1 was developed from the biosecurity measures retained. A biosecurity measure was scored 1 if present, 0 if absent. The measures were divided into two categories: bioexclusion and biomanagement/biocontainment. The total score of each measure was obtained by summing all scores from each farm. One hundred pig farms were surveyed. The average number of years since farm establishment was 7.32 ± 5.19 years, farms were confined, mostly small scaled (81.0%), with an average herd size of 58.9 ± 99.40, and 1.8 ± 1.52 farm workers. The distribution of pig farms with different biosecurity levels was significant (p = 0.002) and leaned toward a clustered scenario with a Moran’s index of 0.27, z score of 3.18. Out of a maximum obtainable score of 100 for each measure, ‘prophylactic herd treatment’ and ‘cleaning done daily’ had scores higher than 80. On the other hand, ‘absence of rodents, wild birds and stray animals on the farm’, ‘workers mandated use of clean and disinfected protective clothing before entering the farm’ and ‘vehicle disinfected at the entrance of the farm’ had scores lower than 5. The mean scores for bioexclusion and biomanagement/biocontainment were 21.42 ± 18.07 and 49.83 ± 25.07, respectively. The overall biosecurity score of 35.63 ± 25.84 was significantly associated with herd size, number of years since farm establishment, and owners’ education levels. In order to ensure sustainable productivity and prevent disease outbreak, pig farmers must give the utmost importance to biosecurity.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, risk factors, haematological and biochemical changes associated with haemotropic Mycoplasma infection in dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). A total of 70 dogs were examined; their ages, breeds and sexes were recorded. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Data was summarized as mean ± standard deviation. Association between risk factors and infection was determined using Chi Square while difference between mean values in infected and non-infected dogs was tested using student's t-test. The overall prevalence of 14 (20%) was recorded. The prevalence was slightly higher 9 (20.9%) in adult dogs, as well as in females 8 (22.2%%) and the breed Samoyed 2 (40.0%). The mean PCV in infected dogs was 33.4±7.60 while that of non-infected dogs was 35.1±9.21. There was no significant difference in the haematological values between infected and non-infected dogs. There were also no significant values in most of the biochemical parameters between infected and non-infected dogs, except for potassium which was 2.85±0.96 in infected and 3.97±0.58 in noninfected dogs; chlorine (81.93±16.82) and (98.95±11.82); glucose (87.91±25.82) and (115.33±32.21) as well as urea (21.45±10.84) and (14.83±4.01) in infected and non-infected dogs, respectively. However, in both cases, the leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes count as well as urea concentration were higher than normal values. While only potassium and chlorine concentration were lower than normal in the infected dogs, when compared to those in the reference values. In conclusion, the prevalence of Mycoplasma infection was high in the study area. Dogs are at risk of infection by Mycoplasma organisms. Mycoplasma infection did not cause haematological and biochemical changes, but haematological parameters suggested chronic diseases other than mycoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Medical research, one of the pillars of medical education plays a crucial impact in advancing healthcare by improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illnesses. It is important to ensure that medical students and early career physicians are involved to research outside the curriculum at an early stage of training. This early involvement has been widely known to increase one’s likelihood of building a career in research. In Nigeria, the gender composition of research personnel in universities is alarming as less than a quarter are female. There is a need to describe the factors responsible for this imbalance in order to inform stakeholders on where actionable measures can be taken. Aim To examine the gender differences in the attitude towards research, willingness to undertake research, and barriers to research reported by undergraduate clinical students in Nigeria. Methods Six hundred and seventy-two (672) undergraduate medical students in their fourth to sixth years of study in seven selected medical schools across Nigeria completed an electronic survey in August 2022. The survey which was hosted on REDCap was adapted from published works which addressed a similar scope and comprised of 56 items divided into five sections. Gender differences in research experience, willingness to participate in research, attitude towards research and barriers that hinder participation in research were explored using a chi-square test. Variables were collected using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to agree with a “neutral midpoint” and SPSS version 25 was used in the analysis. Results Although an equal proportion of male and female students reported voluntary involvement in research, 56.2% of male students and 28.8% of female students perceived research as exciting and enjoyable (p

The development of an antimicrobial stewardship plan (AMSP) for live bird sellers (LBS) requires an understanding of the current biosecurity status, antimicrobial use (AMU) and the practices involved in live bird selling (e.g., drivers, sellers, etc.) which is a direct source of poultry meat for human consumption. Seven Live Bird Markets (LBMs) within Abeokuta, Ogun State were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data on LBMs characteristics, LBS demographics, biosecurity, and AMU practices, awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), as well as preferred channels of information on antimicrobial stewardship were gathered. A total of 40 consenting LBS with 82.5% female and 17.5% male participants were included in the study. The participants’ mean age was 45.3 years (SD±11.9, range: 23-70 years). Laying hens, broilers, and cockerels were the main poultry types sold by LBS. Antimicrobials (AMs) were used for growth promotion (57.5%), therapeutic (40.0%), and prophylactic (2.5%) purposes. Tetracycline, metronidazole, and chloramphenicol were the most frequently used AMs. The majority of the participants (90.0%) have treated birds based on their empirical experience, with little or no inputs from veterinarians. Biosecurity and AMU practices were generally low (54.0% and 34.0%, respectively). The contact with veterinarians was associated with satisfactory biosecurity practices (p=0.049). No significant factors were found to be linked with AMU. This study has provided recent evidence-based data on practices in poultry management among LBS in Abeokuta, Ogun state. The findings would be useful for policy decisions and the development of AMSP on prudent AMU among LBS.

Studies on caprine leptospirosis using isolation, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry are rare. The role of small ruminants in the epidemiology of leptospirosis is scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of Leptospira spp. serovars, and the renal pathology of caprine leptospirosis in slaughterhouses from two states in southwest Nigeria using isolation (IS), Warthin Starry silver (WSs) impregnation and immunohistochemistry (IH). One hundred and sixty-nine kidney samples were randomly obtained from goats between September 2015 and June 2017. Chi-square test was used with a confidence level set at 0.05 to ascertain associations between the positive cases, sex and animal species. Eightyseven (51.5%) samples were positive on IS, out of which 26/40 and 25/30 were positive on WSs and IH, respectively. Ten (5.9%) kidneys showed macroscopic lesions while interstitial nephritis (48.6%) and tubular nephrosis (64.2%) were the most prominent histopathological changes. The most frequently observed positive reactions were against serovars Hardjo type Prajitno (12/25, 48%), and Gripptotyphosa (5/25, 20%). Other serovars such as Bratislava (2/25, 8%), Canicola (3/25, 12%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (2/25, 8%), and Pomona (1/25, 4.0%) were also detected using IH. The result showed high prevalence of Leptospira infection in goats and the possibility of humans contracting the disease. To date, the detection of leptospirosis from kidneys of goats using IS, WSs and IH has not been reported. This study is the first documentation of evidence of pathogenic Leptospira species in renal tissues of goats.

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is the seventh among the WHO’s top 10 threats to global public health, which has continued to perpetuate the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in Africa. Consequently, this paper systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates (VARs)—including the vaccine uptake and vaccination intention—in Africa from 2020 to 2022, compared the rates within the five African regions and determined the context-specific causes of VH in Africa. Generally, COVID-19 VARs ranged from 21.0% to 97.9% and 8.2% to 92.0% with mean rates of 59.8 ± 3.8% and 58.0 ± 2.4% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Southern and eastern African regions had the top two VARs of 83.5 ± 6.3% and 68.9 ± 6.6% in 2021, and 64.2 ± 4.6% and 61.2 ± 5.1% in 2022, respectively. Based on population types, healthcare workers had a marginal increase in their mean COVID-19 VARs from 55.5 ± 5.6% in 2021 to 60.8 ± 5.3% in 2022. In other populations, the mean VARs decreased from 62.7 ± 5.2% in 2021 to 54.5 ± 4% in 2022. As of 25 October 2022, Africa lags behind the world with only 24% full COVID-19 vaccinations compared to 84%, 79% and 63% reported, respectively, in the Australian continent, upper-middle-income countries and globally. Apart from the problems of confidence, complacency, convenience, communications and context, the context-specific factors driving COVID-19 VH in Africa are global COVID-19 vaccine inequality, lack of vaccine production/maintenance facilities, insecurity, high illiteracy level, endemic corruption, mistrust in some political leaders, the spreading of unconfirmed anti-vaccination rumors and political instability. With an overall mean COVID-19 acceptance rate of 58%, VH still subsists in Africa. The low VARs in Africa have detrimental global public health implications, as it could facilitate the emergence of immune invading SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, which may spread globally. Consequently, there is a need to confront these challenges frontally and engage traditional and religious leaders in the fight against VH in Africa, to restore public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines generally. As the availability of COVID-19 vaccines improves, the vaccination of pets and zoo-animals from which reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported is recommended, to limit the evolution and spread of new variants of concern and avert possible SARS-CoV-2 epizootic or panzootic diseases in susceptible animal species.

The evaluation of breeding and fertility potential of animals demands understanding of basic morphometric characteristics of their reproductive organs which, among other factors, may be affected by nutrition. This study was conducted to assess the effects of feeding graded levels of watermelon rind and wheat offal as absorbent on morphometric characteristics of the reproductive organs of Hyla rabbits. Forty-five Hyla rabbits of both sexes (15 bucks and 30 does) with nine animals per treatment (3 bucks and 6 does in each treatment) in a completely randomized design were randomly assigned to the dietary treatment containing 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 40 % of watermelon rind and wheat offal. The data collected included weight and length of the reproductive tract of the rabbits. The morphometric characteristics of reproductive tract of the rabbits were not significantly affected by the dietary treatment, however, there were significant effect (p > 0.05) of the dietary treatment on the weight of the left oviduct, paired oviduct, and the paired ovary of the rabbits. The experimental diets significantly affected (p < 0.05) penis length and width, the right spermatic cord and the length of the right scrotal. The diets had no significant effect (p<0.05) on the weight of reproductive tracts of buck except on the paired spermatic cord. The experimental diets can be a good alternative for the highly competitive and costly grains in the diet of Hyla rabbits without any adverse effect on the growth of reproductive organs and consequently on the fertility and other activities related to reproduction of Hyla rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of human deaths, prompting the rapid development and regulatory approval of several vaccines. Although Nigeria implemented a COVID-19 vaccination program on 15 March 2021, low vaccine acceptance remains a major challenge. To provide insight on factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH), we conducted a national survey among healthcare workers, academics, and tertiary students, between 1 September 2021 and 31 December 2021. We fitted a logistic regression model to the data and examined factors associated with VH to support targeted health awareness campaigns to address public concerns and improve vaccination rates on par with global efforts. A total of 1525 respondents took part in the survey, composed of healthcare-workers (24.5%, 373/1525), academics (26.9%, 410/1525), and students (48.7%, 742/1525). Only 29% (446/1525) of the respondents were vaccinated at the time of this study. Of the 446 vaccinated respondents, 35.7% (159/446), 61.4% (274/446) and 2.9% (13/446) had one, two and three or more doses, respectively. Reasons for VH included: difficulty in the vaccination request/registration protocols (21.3%, 633/1079); bad feelings towards the vaccines due to negative social media reports/rumours (21.3%, 633/1079); personal ideology/religious beliefs against vaccination (16.7%, 495/1079); and poor confidence that preventive measures were enough to protect against COVID-19 (11%, 323/1079). Some health concerns that deterred unvaccinated respondents were: innate immunity issues (27.7%, 345/1079); allergic reaction concerns (24.6%, 307/1079); and blood clot problems in women (21.4%, 266/1079). In the multivariable model, location of respondents/geopolitical zones, level of education, testing for COVID-19, occupation/job description and religion were significantly associated with VH. Findings from this study underscore the need for targeted awareness creation to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Nigeria and elsewhere. Besides professionals, similar studies are recommended in the general population to develop appropriate public health interventions to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Context: Dance has been suggested as a way of helping people with advanced dementia, providing meaningful involvement and activity. Objectives: To investigate if individuals with advanced dementia would be able to take part in dancing in a Dance Café within a residential home setting and undertake the assessment of nutrition, quality of life, balance and mobility. Methods: A wait-list intervention approach was used, with residents allocated randomly to the intervention or a control group, who received the dance intervention later. A Dance Café was held weekly for 8 weeks, and assessments were made of weight, nutrition, balance, mobility and quality of life. Focus groups were held with staff and family members after the intervention period to assess their opinions. Findings: The regular assessments of nutrition, balance and quality of life were obtained for the residents with dementia, and they were able to join in the Dance Café. No conclusions could be made from the limited quantitative results; in the qualitative assessment, however, the staff and families all felt the participants had benefitted from the Dance Café in terms of improved mobility and positive psychosocial effects. Limitations: The small size of the intervention group prevented any statistical analysis of the quantitative assessments. Implications: It is possible to undertake a Dance Café with people with severe dementia, and assessments of nutrition and mobility can be undertaken. Further research with a larger group would be needed to investigate its effectiveness.

Good antimicrobial drug stewardship in food‑producing animals boosts productivity and limits transmission of zoonotic pathogens, but the imprudent usage is counterproductive. A nation‑wide survey to determine the pattern of antimicrobial drug usage in poultry was therefore conducted across 12 of the 36 States in Nigeria. The survey was conducted using structured questionnaire designed to elicit information on socio‑demographics, pattern of antimicrobial drug usage and awareness of the consequences of imprudent use of antimicrobials in food‑producing animals, among 2,402 randomly selected poultry farmers. Critically important antimicrobials, belonging to the WHO’s lists of ‘Highest’ and ‘High’ priority antibiotics, were administered sub‑therapeutically for prophylaxis and growth enhancement purposes. Many diseases that warranted the antimicrobial administration were of viral etiology. Only 64.2% of the farmers administered the drug based on veterinary doctors’ prescription. Majority (62.3%) of the farmers did not observe recommended withdrawal period after the drug administration. Awareness of the respondents on consequences of non‑prudent agricultural use of antimicrobials was generally poor. There is need for enlightenment of the farmers on the benefits of prudent agricultural use of antimicrobials. Immediate discontinuation of sale of essential antimicrobials as over‑the‑counter drugs is imperative to safeguard their therapeutic efficacy and curtail spread of antimicrobial‑resistance organisms.

Veterinary practices or activities expose professionals, including students, to hazards associated with animal contact. To describe workplace health and safety status and risk factors associated with hazards among veterinary clinical students in South West Nigeria, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using a semistructured questionnaire. Data on demographics, health and safety (HS) status, work-related hazards, healthcare facilities, and immunisation history were obtained. Of 167 students recruited, 100 (60.2%) were males, and >77.1% fell within the age group of 21–25 years. Many participants (77.0%) reported the lack of active HS committee. Exposures to various physical hazards (PHs) such as needlestick injuries (NSIs, 41.5%), animal scratches (42.0%), animal kicks (33.0%), falls/slips (25.0%), and, less frequently, animal bites (13.8%) were reported. Allergies (35.9%) and acute gastrointestinal infection (25.6%) mainly after contact with dogs presented with parvoviral enteritis were reported. For chemical hazards, 27.8% and 29.0% of participants indicated having had eye burn and choke on exposure to formalin. No adequate immunisation against either tetanus, rabies, or both was provided (

Antimicrobial usage in animals contributes to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacterial strains. Investigations were carried out on how the characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices of antimicrobial marketers influenced antimicrobials usage in animal production in Oyo and Kaduna States, Nigeria. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and structured questionnaires were used to gather information about the characteristics and activities of antimicrobial marketers. Overall, 70 (56.9 %) of 123 marketers had post-secondary education while 76 (61.8 %) were trained on the use of antimicrobials. Eighteen (14.6 %) of the marketers were licensed veterinarians. Only 51 (41.5 %) marketers displayed adequate knowledge about antimicrobials and antimicrobial usage. Sixty-seven (54.6 %) marketers requested a prescription before selling antimicrobials while 113 (91.9 %) marketer recommended antimicrobials for use in animals. Two-third of the marketers (66.7 %) prescribed antimicrobials without physically examining sick animals but based their prescriptions on verbal reports of clinical signs by farmers and on their personal experience. Marketers with higher educational qualification displayed more adequate knowledge of antimicrobials and antimicrobial usage than those with basic education background only. More years of experience in antimicrobial marketing did not translate to better knowledge on antimicrobial usage. Only 45 (36.6 %) respondents were aware of the existence of regulatory agencies monitoring the use of antimicrobials in animals. Farmers ignored the services of veterinarians in the diagnosis and control of animal diseases but resorted to drug marketers for help. Effective communication of existing legislations on antimicrobial usage, improved access to veterinary services and strict enforcement of regulatory policies are recommended for checking non-judicious use of antimicrobial agents in animal production. Sales of antimicrobial agents for animal use without veterinarian’s prescription must be prohibited.