Clinical presentation and predictors of hospital mortality of diphtheria in Nigeria, July 2023 to April 2024: a single-center study.

Background: Despite recurrent outbreaks of diphtheria in Nigeria, there is a lack of in-depth analysis of hospitalization outcomes. Herein, we describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory features associated with hospitalization outcomes (defined as death or discharge) during the recent diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 246 confirmed diphtheria cases managed in a dedicated isolation ward of a health facility in northwestern Nigeria from July 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.

Cytopathology Practice in Nigeria.

Cytopathology is a cost-effective diagnostic method crucial for investigating suspected neoplastic lesions, particularly in Nigeria's healthcare system, where non-communicable diseases, especially with increasing rates of cancer. This review highlights the evolution of cytopathology practice in Nigeria, detailing its historical development, current methodologies, and the challenges faced within the healthcare framework. Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques such as immunocytochemistry and molecular diagnostics globally, conventional methods remain essential due to their affordability and accessibility.

The Burden, Challenges, and Prospects of Hand Surgery Practice in South Eastern Nigeria.

Background: Hand injuries sometimes cause significant loss of function with psychological and functional consequences. The national status on dedicated specialised hand surgery units, hand surgery fellowship programmes, and outcome of operative hand surgery cases is generally lacking.

Aims: To determine the current state of hand surgery practice in south eastern Nigeria and identify the major challenges to its practice and proffer realistic solutions.

The effectiveness of different flap-raising techniques for mastectomy in reducing the rate of complications: a network meta-analysis.

Background: Seroma has been associated with some energy devices used in raising flaps during modified radical mastectomy. Perhaps, its occurrence might be reduced by determining the most effective technique for raising the flap. Hence, the wide array of energy devices available for mastectomy warrants a network meta-analysis for comparison to determine the most suitable for rseducing complications.

Breastfeeding support as predictors of sustainable breastfeeding practices of nursing mothers with common mental disorders in tertiary hospital nurseries in Nigeria: a cross sectional study.

Background: The postpartum period is associated with an increased risk of maternal mental disorders. The combined effect of having the mother's infant admitted to a tertiary hospital in a low-resource setting and the need to exclusively breastfeed the infant may exaggerate this risk. This study aimed to determine the breastfeeding support provided to mothers whose infants were hospitalised in Nigerian tertiary hospital nurseries and the prevalence of common mental health disorders among this population.

Implementation of a goal-directed Care Bundle for intracerebral hemorrhage: Results of embedded process evaluation in the INTERACT3 trial.

The third, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized, Intensive Care Bundle with Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial (INTERACT3), has shown that a goal-directed multi-faceted Care Bundle incorporating protocols for the management of physiological variables was safe and effective for improving functional recovery in a broad range of patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The INTERACT3 Care Bundle included time- and target-based protocols for the management of early intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure (SBP, target <140mmHg), glucose control (target 6.1-7.

Robotic and laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer in Africa: an outcome comparison endorsed by the Nigerian society for colorectal disorders.

Background: Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) offer superior outcomes compared to open surgery. This study aimed to review the robotic and laparoscopic procedures for CRC performed in Africa, and compare the mean surgery duration, blood loss, hospital stay, rate of conversion, and prevalence of morbidity and mortality. This is the first study to compare the outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic surgeries for CRC in Africa.

Histopathologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis of Neurofibromas in a North-Western Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study.

Background: Neurofibromas are the most common benign nerve sheath tumours occurring as solitary sporadic tumours or multiple Syndromic tumours associated with neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1). In Nigeria and West Africa, there is a paucity of literature and studies on neurofibromas. This study aims to analyse the histopathologic and immunohistochemical patterns of neurofibromas and determine the frequency, demographic and anatomic distributions.

Domestic Resource Mobilisation for Sustainable Healthcare Financing in Nigeria: A Review.

Domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) is vital for achieving sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria, where dependence on external funding and oil revenues has long hindered health sector progress. The Nigerian healthcare system faces persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, inefficiencies and limited access to essential services, particularly in rural areas. This paper explores the challenges and prospects of DRM as a means of financing healthcare in Nigeria.

Screening for pulmonary hypertension in pregnant women with sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) has evolved from a condition predominantly fatal in childhood to a chronic illness impacting many adults, including women of reproductive age. For females with SCD, pregnancy represents one of the greatest health threats, exacerbating existing health challenges and introducing new risks. Despite advancements in healthcare, routine screening for existing complications like pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains inconsistent, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the prevalence of SCD is highest.

Analysis of Risk Factors, Treatment Patterns, and Survival Outcomes After Emergency Presentation With Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study in Nigeria.

Background And Objectives: Prospective data on presentation and outcomes of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Nigeria are limited; however, emergency presentation with advanced disease is thought common.

Methods: Consecutive CRC patients presenting at six sites over 6 years were included. Risk factors for emergency presentation were evaluated using logistic regression methods.

Atherogenic indices in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients in North-Central Nigeria.

Unlabelled: Microvascular, placental, haematological and lipid studies suggest striking similarities between preeclampsia/eclampsia and atherosclerosis.

Objective: To determine the lipid profile and atherogenic indices in preeclamptic/eclamptic patients and compare with normal pregnant women.

Methodology: Comparative cross-sectional study conducted in North Central Nigeria.

EFFECT OF HAART ON OXIDATIVE DNA DAMAGE IN HIV PATIENTS AT UITH IN ILORIN.

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus HIV causes a well-known global disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which has a high disease burden in Africa. HIV infection is known to be associated with oxidative stress, which may contribute to disease severity. However, the effect of HAART is equivocal, and requires more studies.

A PROTOCOL FOR ACCELERATING THE ADOPTION OF EVIDENCE-BASED MATERNAL, NEWBORN, CHILD, AND NUTRITION HEALTH (MNCNH) INNOVATIONS TO REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY IN NIGERIA.

Background: Maternal mortality remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, where 28.5% of global maternal deaths occur. Barriers such as weak policy environments and lack of product availability hinder the implementation of life-saving interventions.

EVALUATING A HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME IN A HOSPITAL SETTING: PROPOSING AN ALTERNATIVE TO OUT-OF-POCKET PAYMENTS IN NIGERIA.

Background: Mental health care in Nigeria relies heavily on out-of-pocket payments, creating financial barriers that hinder access. A pilot scheme linked to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Group, the Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Program (GIFSHIP) was initiated to alleviate these challenges.

Objective: The study sought to assess the NHIA scheme's effectiveness in reducing costs, enhancing clinical outcomes, and improving patient satisfaction relative to traditional payment methods in mental health care, while also evaluating the feasibility of a pilot individual GIFSHIP.

Exploring the genetic progression of MDR1 in : A decade of multi-regional genetic analysis (2014-2024).

Background: The genetic progression of the MDR1 gene in , a key factor in drug resistance, presents significant challenges for malaria control. This study aims to elucidate the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of P. falciparum, particularly focusing on the MDR1 gene across multi-regional populations.

Stress-coping strategies among bankers in Southwest Nigeria.

Background: Work-related stress is the reaction individuals may have when faced with work expectations and forces that are not in tandem with their skill set and capacities and which frustrate their ability to cope. Coping strategies are paradigms used to limit the impact of stressful experiences, thus inhibiting the psychological and physical responses and making it more possible to maintain normal functioning at the time.

Aim: This study aims to determine how bankers cope with stress from work in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria.

Quality of life and spiritual needs of patients diagnosed with cancer in a tertiary hospital in southwestern Nigeria.

Objective: In Africa, cancer is considered a death sentence. Its impact can be debilitating for the patient and those who care for them. This study therefore assessed the spiritual needs and Quality of life of Cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Insights into antibacterial design: Computational modeling of eugenol derivatives targeting DNA gyrase.

The rise of antibiotic resistance underscores the urgent need for novel antibacterial agents. DNA gyrase, an essential enzyme involved in bacterial DNA replication, is a promising target for antibacterial therapy. Computational approaches offer a cost-effective means to design and screen potential inhibitors, such as eugenol derivatives.

Antibacterial Activity of Phyto-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles From Dryopteris cristata Against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 28923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 28922.

Introduction Nanotechnology has emerged as a vital field, particularly in synthesizing nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are recognized for their strong antimicrobial properties against various pathogens, including  and , due to their small size and high surface area. Green synthesis using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly alternative.

Handling client financial insolvency in maternity services: An occurrence, experience and policy gap qualitative analysis among healthcare stakeholders in North-Central Nigeria.

Objective: To assess the occurrence of client financial insolvency, experiences of key healthcare stakeholders, and policy gaps on handling the situation during maternity services.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in North-Central Nigeria. Participants were key healthcare stakeholders including healthcare workers from private, primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities, healthcare administrators/facility-heads, program managers and policy makers at local and state government levels through In-depth and Key Informant interviews.