Background Much interest has not been placed on the role of chromosomal abnormalities in the pathogenesis and rising prevalence of infertility in recent times. This review was conducted to renew public interest on the chromosomal basis of infertility, testing, and management. Main text Meiotic and post-zygotic mitotic errors may cause infertility-predisposing chromosomal abnormalities, including Klinefelter syndrome, Jacob syndrome, Triple X syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Down syndrome. Chromosomal abnormalities such as deletion, translocation, duplication, inversion, and ring chromosome may also predispose to infertility. Notable features of male chromosomal infertility include spermatogenic failure, characterized by azoospermia, oligospermia, and gonadal dysgenesis, while females include premature ovarian insufficiency, amenorrhea, spontaneous abortion, and gonadal dysgenesis. The risk of these abnormalities is influenced by maternal age and environmental factors such as chemical exposure, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Most chromosomal abnormalities occur spontaneously and are not treatable. However, early prenatal screening and diagnostic tests can lessen the effects of the conditions. There is also a growing belief that certain diets and drugs capable of changing gene expressions can be formulated to neutralize the effects of chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusion Meiotic and mitotic errors during gametogenesis and fetal development, respectively, can cause chromosomal abnormalities, which predispose to infertility. Couples who are at increased risk, particularly those with a family history of infertility and women at an advanced age (≥ 35 years), should seek medical advice before getting pregnant.

BACKGROUND: Precision medicine, described as a therapeutic procedure in which complex diseases are treated based on the causal gene and pathophysiology, is being considered for diabetes mellitus (DM). To this end, several monogenetic mutations in the beta cells have been linked with neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM), however, the list of suspect genes is expansive, necessitating an update. This study, therefore, provides an update on NDM candidate genes and pathophysiology. RESULTS: Reputable online academic databases were searched for relevant information, which led to the identification of 43 genes whose mutations are linked to the condition. Of the linked genes, mutations in the KCNJ11, ABCC8, and INS genes as well as the genes on 6q24 chromosomal region are the most frequently implicated. Mutations in these genes can cause pancreatic agenesis and developmental errors, resulting in NDM in the first six to twelve months of birth. The clinical presentations of NDM include frequent urination, rapid breathing, and dehydration, among others. CONCLUSIONS: Monogenetic mutations in the beta cells may cause NDM with distinct pathophysiology from other DM. Treatment options that target NDM candidate genes and pathophysiology may lead to an improved treatment compared with the present generalized treatment for all forms of DM.

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This study evaluated the effect of demographic and environmental variables on the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Nigeria. Daily data on confirmed cases on SARS-CoV-2 were obtained, data layers for environmental and demographic factors were acquired. Using epidemiological, environmental and demographic datasets obtained, the MaxEnt tool was used to identify the risk areas of SARS-CoV-2 while Getis-Ord Gi* statistics on ArcMap 10.7 was used to identify hotspots for SARS-CoV-2. Southern Nigeria and some states in North-West, North-East and North-Central fell within the high risk and hotspots zone for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Literacy level, dependency ratio, population density, age structure, temperature and precipitation were factors that significantly influenced the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria. SARS-CoV-2 infection had a higher in the Southern than in Northern Nigeria. There is need for the application of an integrative approach to curb the virus.

Dumpsites are the most cost-effective and widely used method of waste disposal. However, studies have linked dumpsites to groundwater contamination, necessitating a safety assessment of groundwater sources near dumpsites. The safety of borehole water near the Olusosun dumpsite in Ojota, Lagos, Nigeria, was investigated in this study. Water samples were collected at distances of 100, 200, and 300 m from the dumpsite and subjected to conventional heavy metal analysis and microbiological tests. The average daily intake (ADI) and hazard quotient (HQ) of heavy metals were also estimated. The heavy metal analysis revealed that copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) levels exceeded permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the three locations, while manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations were within non-permissible levels only at the distances of 100 and 200 m. The concentrations of other heavy metals tested, such as zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr), were within tolerable limits. The ADI of heavy metals at the three locations was within acceptable levels. However, the HQ of Cd in all the locations, as well as Pb at the distance of 100 m and Cr at distances of 100 and 200 m, was greater than the threshold of 1. The microbiological analysis revealed that all the water samples had non-permissible bacteria and coliform counts. The results obtained suggest that the borehole water around the dumpsite is grossly contaminated, with contamination levels increasing significantly (P≤0.05) with closeness to the dumpsite (100>200>300 m). Therefore, there is a need for heavy metal remediation and disinfection of the dumpsite.