Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria

Lithium-ion solid electrolyte batteries have attracted great attention to replacing liquid electrolytes due to their cycling electrochemical properties, durable stability and safety. Numerous studies have been investigated to increase the performance of ionic-conductivity and enhance the stability of solid-state electrolytes, and its commercialization is broadly spread. This review article highlights the progress in developing NASICON-type solid electrolytes, which are made by solid-state reactions and wet-chemical procedures. Initially, researchers focused on the crystal structure, strength, and electrochemical properties of LiZr2(PO4)3, but recent studies have shifted towards investigating the electrical conductivity, crystal structure and its compatibility with Li metal. Also, the indigenous research on LiTi2(PO4)3 was pivoted on densification of the solid electrolyte to improve ionic conductivity by partial substitution of Ti4+ with Al3+ or B3+ now yields a promising ionic conductivity. LiGe2(PO4)3 is yet another Li-based NASICON electrolyte that, from the early stage, received extensive research majoring on the partial substitution of Al3+ with Ge4+ with the formula Li1+xAlxGe2-x(PO4)3 to stabilize the crystal structure following experimental and computational analysis. Improved ionic conductivity currently increasing as a result of improved Li intensity affected by aliovalent Al3+ substitution. Numerous research efforts have been explored to improve the ionic conductivity and elevate the electrochemical and thermal stabilities of NASICON-type electrolytes. It deems it fit to bring forth a cascade of promising results that so far have been recorded in both the early and the current research efforts in improving the suitability of NASICON-type electrolytes.

Tobacco is one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and premature deaths. The World Health Organization’s global NCD monitoring framework emphasizes a goal of reducing premature mortality from NCDs. This study described the population of smokers in Africa, alongside the trends in smoking by subregion, country, age, and sex between 1990 and 2019. We utilized tobacco smoking data from the Global Burden of Disease, produced by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation and population reports from the World Bank database which was used to normalize the number of smokers and present the percentage of the population (≥ 15 years) that are smokers. We used the comparative risk assessment framework for 55 countries across the five subregions in Africa. The results of the analysis included the actual values as well as the lower and upper boundaries within 95% uncertainty interval (UI). The ranking of the countries (i.e., top 10 or bottom 10) was done using the year 2019 data sets. In Africa, the number of smokers increased from about 50 million in 1990 to 90 million in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the proportion of smokers declined across all African subregions, with Southern Africa showing the highest initial rates. Countries like Seychelles, Djibouti, and Tunisia consistently had the highest smoking prevalence, exceeding 20%. In contrast, nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Sao Tome and Principe maintained the lowest proportions, mostly under 5%. Despite reductions in the proportion of smokers in some countries, others experienced rising trends, particularly in North and East Africa. The persistent regional and national disparities in smoking proportions suggest uneven implementation and effectiveness of tobacco control policies across the continent. These trends have significant implications for the growing burden of NCDs in the region, as tobacco use remains a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory illness. High smoking proportions signal potential future increase in NCD-related morbidity and mortality, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive tobacco control measures. Strengthening policy enforcement, public education, and cessation support will be critical to mitigating tobacco-related NCDs in Africa.

Mentorship plays a vital role in building research capacity, advancing evidence-based medicine, and fostering innovation in clinical practice, particularly in Africa, where Human Resources for Health (HRH) remain a persistent and complex challenge. Health mentors offer invaluable support by guiding early-career researchers in both clinical and research domains, thereby contributing to the mitigation of healthcare challenges across the continent. Effective mentorship enhances productivity, research quality, and professional networking opportunities. Africa’s HRH landscape is marked by significant obstacles, including the brain drain of experienced professionals, outdated research infrastructure, limited funding, and the absence of structured mentorship programs for emerging researchers. The shortage of skilled mentors deprives young professionals of critical guidance, hindering their ability to produce high-quality research and to effectively address pressing local health issues through evidence-based practice. To address these challenges, this article proposes innovative strategies to actively engage young African researchers and establish structured, sustainable mentorship programs that empower them to participate in research-driven decision-making. It also calls on the African Union to adopt policies that prioritize research and allocate dedicated funding for mentorship initiatives. Additionally, leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification can enhance mentorship effectiveness, accessibility, and engagement. Moreover, the promotion of international exchange programs would offer young African researchers valuable exposure, broaden their technical skills, and strengthen global networks. In conclusion, strengthening mentorship frameworks, improving research infrastructure, and investing in the next generation of researchers are critical steps toward addressing Africa’s health challenges and advancing its scientific leadership.

BackgroundThe self-administration of the subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) has the potential to empower women and improve contraceptive use. Several studies have demonstrated the acceptability of the provider-administered DMPA-SC, for private, public, or community-based health providers, but less is known about self-injection training from community pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary medicine Vendors (PPMVs) (also known as drug shops). The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with the acceptance of DMPA-SC self-injection training when provided by trained CPs and PPMVs in Lagos and Kaduna states.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 women of reproductive age (18–49 years) who received self-injection training on DMPA-SC from trained CPs and PPMVs between August and September 2019, and between May 2022 and June 2023. Women who selected DMPA-SC, opted for self-injection, and were trained by a CP or a PPMV were invited to participate in the study. Quantitative telephone interviews were conducted with eligible clients within six (6) weeks of obtaining DMPA-SC commodities for self-injection from a trained CP or PPMV. Bivariate chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with acceptability and continued self-injection of DMPA-SC at home. The results were considered significant at a p value < 0.05.ResultsMore than half of the women had used a contraceptive in the past (55%), and 73% received information on DMPA-SC from a CP or PPMV. Using a family planning method prior to visiting the provider (Odds ratio (OR) = 4.31; 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs): 1.05, 17.69; p = 0.04), receiving information on DMPA-SC from friends/relative (OR = 5.08; 95% CI: 1.01, 25.62; p = 0.05), perceived high-quality care (OR = 7.72; 95% CI: 2.52, 23.61; p = 0.00) and middle-quality care (OR = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.16, 9.69; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the likelihood of continued DMPA-SC self-injection at home. A high level of acceptance of training in DMPA-SC self-injection was significantly associated with service from PPMVs (OR = 4.94; 95% CI = 1.46, 16.75; p = 0.01) and perceived high-quality care (OR = 4.23; 95% CI = 1.62, 11.05; p = 0.00).ConclusionsThe results are promising for expanding DMPA-SC self-injection service delivery in Nigeria through increased method choice, and empowered users. The provision of counseling and DMPA-SC self-injection training by CPs and PPMVs is acceptable among women in Lagos and Kaduna states.

Nigeria, home to approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), faces significant challenges in providing adequate care and treatment to the teeming number of PLHIV, particularly following the adoption of the 'test and treat' policy and the HIV 'SURGE' initiative. The Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) model was introduced to address the increased burden on the healthcare system, offering patient-centered care through diverse methods like community-based care, fast-track drug refills, and task-shifting to lower-level healthcare providers. This study, conducted by the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCP) in collaboration with ICAP at Columbia University, evaluates the perspectives of healthcare workers and PLHIV on DSD programs in Nigeria. This is a qualitative study involving key informant interviews (KIIs) with 12 healthcare workers and focus group discussions (FGDs) with 153 PLHIV across four Nigerian states (Anambra, Kaduna, Lagos, Taraba). Healthcare workers with at least one year of ART service experience and PLHIV on ART for at least one year with suppressed viral loads were included in the study. Data was analyzed using an inductive, thematic approach to identify emergent patterns and themes. The study revealed that DSD models, such as peer-led Facility ART groups and community pharmacy ART refills, were widely implemented. The primary factors influencing the deployment of DSD models included client convenience and the need to alleviate healthcare worker load. Positive experiences with DSD were associated with convenience, confidentiality, and affordability, whereas negative perceptions stemmed from high service costs, poor healthcare worker attitudes, and confidentiality concerns. Additionally, the study highlighted the necessity for continuous training of healthcare workers, engagement with PLHIV, and increased awareness programs to improve DSD service delivery. Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing financial barriers, enhancing healthcare worker training, and ensuring confidentiality in optimizing DSD models and improving HIV care outcomes in Nigeria.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnancy is associated with direct effect of pregnancy and potential viral transmission from mother to newborn. The data on hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in the rural area of Karu are very scarce. It is associated with a serious burden on the health care system and the economy of the family. This study therefore aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis b virus infection among pregnant women attending rural hospital in Karu-Abuja, Nigeria from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 Study design: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out among pregnant women that booked for antenatal care at Nigeria Customs Hospital Karu Abuja over a one-year period. Materials and Method: Cases were identified from records in labour ward, and antenatal clinic, from November 1st, 2023, to October 31st, 2024. Data was entered and analyzed using the IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS Statistics) Version 27. Armonk, NY: IBM CorpA Results: A total of 906 pregnant women were registered for antenatal care during the study period of which 79 cases were diagnosed with hepatitis B virus infection and only 74 has the complete information and were included in the statistical analysis. The retrieval rate was 93.6% and the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among the study participants was 8.7%. The mean age of the study participants were 31.459 ± 4.4635 years, The mean gestational age at the diagnosis was 23.86 (4.73) weeks. Majority of the participants were multigravida and had attended tertiary levels of education and were booked. About 44 (59.2) participants had received Hepatis vaccine. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of hepatitis B sero-positivity among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic was higher more than the national target of 8.0 and majority of participants were unvaccinated for HBV.

In Architectural Education, the assessment of design courses involves the collective participation of the studio masters, the jurors, and the department board to assess the student’s ability to interpret and proffer solutions from thought processes to design proposals. Unfortunately, the assessment process is heterogeneous in the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) accredited Schools of Architectural Technology, as institutions deploy atypical assessment scoresheets with varying variables and concomitant weightings. In most cases, such non-standard assessment variables laud students’ cognitive ability to the detriment of their affective and psychomotor persuasions in design development. This has structurally flawed the measurement of performance in the design ethos of Architectural Technology students. This issue necessitated the inception of this study towards defining the limits of assessment and evaluation protocols of design courses in Architectural Education and determining the variables that constitute criteria for assessment of portfolios. The study involved four (4) NBTE-accredited institutions that offer Architectural Technology. The methodology adopted structured questionnaires and interviews, observations, comparative analysis of scoresheets from such institutions, and archival retrieval of policy documents. Purposive sampling was adopted to administer structured questionnaires to 45 lecturers out of 63 lecturers serving in these institutions thus constituting 71.43% of the academic staff population. Results revealed poor evaluation of design miscellany in Architectural Education and the adoption of an incompatible assessment structure of design courses in the October 2020 NBTE curriculum for Architectural Technology. The study recommended the adoption of a standard Portfolio Assessment Sheet (PAS) and nouveau Contact-hour-based Evaluation module (ChbE) for measuring competence in design miscellany. A review of the assessment structure of design courses in the October 2020 NBTE curriculum and appraisal of the subsisting policy on Architectural Education were also considered imperative.

ABSTRACT The accuracy of diagnostic results in medical laboratories is paramount to ensuring effective patient care and treatment outcomes. This article explores the critical role of Quality Management Systems in maintaining the reliability, precision, and overall quality of laboratory services. It outlines the core components of a Quality Management Systems, including process control, documentation, staff training, risk management, and continuous improvement. This article examines how each contributes to enhanced operational performance and patient’s safety, it also addresses the common challenges laboratories face while implementing Quality Management System such as resource constraints, resistance to change, and compliance complexities, and it proposes strategic solutions to overcome these barriers. By highlighting the connection between quality management and patient outcomes, this article underscores the life-saving potential of a well-executed Quality management System in medical laboratories. Ultimately, Quality Management System serves as a foundation for excellence in healthcare diagnostics, where accuracy not only drives efficiency but also saves lives. The implementation of a Quality Management System in medical laboratories is critical to improving patient’s care. A Quality Management System enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces turnaround time, and increases patient’s safety by minimizing errors. While challenges to implementation exist, particularly in resource-constrained settings, the long-term benefits of adopting a Quality Managment System far outweigh the initial costs. By fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement, Quality Management System helps laboratories deliver better, faster, and safer diagnostic services, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for patients.

Abstract: Due to the increased complexity and damage of cyberattacks in this digital age, the security of national infrastructure networks has become a vital concern. However, a possible approach to improve the cybersecurity of these crucial networks is to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into threat detection and response systems; to rapidly evaluate large data sets, identify anomalies, and automate countermeasures to lessen the effects of cyberattacks. The impact, implementation and approaches for anomaly detection and response automation of AI-powered solutions for safeguarding national infrastructure are examined in this paper. Understanding how AI technologies are used to automate threat detection and response, reviewing the operational usefulness of AI in enhancing cybersecurity measures and evaluating the deployment of these systems in critical infrastructure settings were also examined. The study revealed that the speed and accuracy of threat detection and response are greatly increased by AI-powered systems. The automation capacity of AI can potentially reduce the need for human analysts, while also providing faster threat mitigation. Additionally, the usefulness of AI across sectors indicates its practicality in situations and how it may adapt in response to new threats. In conclusion, AI-driven threat detection and response systems are an important development in national infrastructure network cybersecurity. Therefore, by improving the capacity to recognize and address cyber-attacks these technologies can ultimately increase the overall resilience of national infrastructures.

The ability to power low-power devices and sensors has drawn a great deal of interest to energy harvesting from ambient vibrations. The application of variable-length pendulum systems in conjunction with piezoelectric or electromagnetic energy-harvesting devices is examined in this thorough analysis. Because of their changeable length, such pendulums may effectively convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. This study covers these energy-harvesting systems’ basic theories, design concerns, modeling methods, and performance optimization strategies. This article reviews several studies that look at dynamic models, the effects of damping coefficients, device designs, and excitation parameters on energy output. The advantages and disadvantages of piezoelectric and electromagnetic coupling techniques are demonstrated by comparative research. This review also looks at technical advances and future research prospects in variable-length, pendulum-based energy harvesting. An expanded model for an energy harvester based on a variable-length pendulum derived from the modified, swinging Atwood machine is more specifically presented. This model’s numerical simulations, estimated current and voltage outputs, and produced power from the electromagnetic and piezoelectric devices integrated at various points in a 4-DOF variable-length pendulum model all indicate encouraging results. This necessitates extra study, changes, and optimizations to improve the usefulness of the proposed model. Finally, important dynamic models on developing variable-length, pendulum-based energy harvesters for usage in a range of applications to create sustainable energy are summarized.