A scoping review and expert consensus on digital determinants of health.

Objective: To map how social, commercial, political and digital determinants of health have changed or emerged during the recent digital transformation of society and to identify priority areas for policy action.

Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science on 24 September 2023, to identify eligible reviews published in 2018 and later. To ensure we included the most recent literature, we supplemented our review with non-systematic searches in PubMed® and Google Scholar, along with records identified by subject matter experts.

Prevalence and perception of disrespect and abuse during childbirth in public healthcare facilities in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: There is increasing awareness of disrespect and abuse (DAA) during childbirth. Globally, DAA during delivery is a common cause of suffering and violation of the human rights of birthing mothers. Respectful maternal care is necessary to improve the quality of care and uptake of institutional delivery services to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

The Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype is Associated with an Adverse Cardiometabolic Profile in this Cohort of Nigerians.

Background: The hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype was introduced as a means of identifying individuals at risk of developing metabolic syndrome as well as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. However, studies surrounding the prevalence of the phenotype and its relationship with established markers of cardiometabolic risk, especially in the Nigerian population, remain sparse. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the HTGW phenotype and explore its relationship with cardiovascular risk markers, namely Castelli Risk Indices I and II (CRI-I and CRI-II), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) and serum triglyceride-HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL).

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Benign Laryngeal Lesions: Insights from a Decade of Experience in a Tertiary Hospital.

Background: Benign laryngeal lesions, characterized by non-cancerous growths in the larynx, significantly impact voice quality and respiratory function. These lesions, which include vocal cord polyps, nodules, papillomas, and cysts, often result from factors such as vocal abuse, viral infections, and chronic inflammation. While studies on benign laryngeal lesions are well-documented globally, data specific to Northern Nigeria remains sparse.

Media coverage of internally displaced persons in two selected newspapers in Nigeria.

The study focused on the coverage of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in two selected newspapers. It aims to understand the extent and nature of the coverage of IDPs in these newspapers, taking into consideration the various reasons for displacement, such as conflicts and disasters, religious or political persecution, and economic necessity. Through an analysis of the selected newspapers, the study aims to shed light on the portrayal of IDPs, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issue and potential areas for improvement in media coverage.

Enhancing surveillance for dengue fever in Oyo State, Nigeria - a one health approach.

Background: Dengue fever (DF) poses a growing global threat, necessitating a comprehensive one-health approach to address its complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental factors. In Oyo State, Nigeria, the true burden of DF remains unknown due to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis as malaria, exacerbated by poor health-seeking behavior, weak surveillance systems, and inadequate health infrastructure. Adopting a one-health approach is crucial to understanding the dynamics of DF transmission.

Biochemical mechanisms and molecular interactions of vitamins in cancer therapy.

Recently, the potential role of vitamins in cancer therapy has attracted considerable research attention. However, the reported findings are inconsistent, with limited information on the biochemical and molecular interactions of different vitamins in various cancer cells. Importantly, the presence of vitamin receptors in tumor cells suggests that vitamins play a significant role in the molecular and biochemical interactions in cancers.

Evaluating stakeholder coordination and partnerships for NTD elimination in Taraba state, Nigeria: a multi-level analysis.

Introduction: Nigeria has a significant burden of NTDs with more than 120 million people at risk of the dominant NTDs namely Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, and Schistosomiasis. Control efforts have involved the four levels of governance with programs focused on vector control, preventive chemotherapy, water, sanitation and health education. However, the coordination across these levels and with multiple stakeholders remains unclear especially in states like Taraba that have received significant funding from local non-governmental organisations.

Fuzzy logic modelling of the pollution pattern of potentially toxic elements and naturally occurring radionuclide materials in quarry sites in Ogun State, Nigeria.

The accumulation pattern of some inorganic pollutants in quarry sites around Ogun State was modeled using a Fuzzy comprehensive assessment (FCA). Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and naturally occurring radionuclides materials (NORMs) were assessed from soil samples collected from ten quarry sites in three districts (Odeda, Ajebo, and Ijebu Ode) in Ogun State. Three (3) NORMs ( K, U, Th) were assessed using gamma spectrometer with a NaI detector while ten (10) PTEs (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined by digestion method using Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer.

The development of a wearable goggle echolocation device to support people who are visually impaired with unhindered and unaided movement.

The mobility of people with severe visual impairment is limited affecting their comfort and productivity. There are about 45 million people who are blind with global financial burden and annual global cost of productivity estimated to be USD411 billion according to World Health Organization report of 2024. The contributions of the people who are visually impaired to the gross domestic product (GDP) can be enhanced deploying technology.

Orofacial cleft research in Nigeria: a bibliometric analysis.

Orofacial cleft (OC) is a group of heterogeneous congenital abnormalities affecting the orofacial region. All over the world, several studies have been conducted on OC. This study aims to analyze OC research outputs in Nigeria.

Profiles of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with co-existing sickle cell disease: a coincidence or true association?

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sickle cell disease (SCD) are distinct multisystemic diseases that commonly affect blacks. There are few reports of their co-existence in Western literature and a paucity of reports in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their co-existence is associated with diagnostic delay and treatment dilemmas.

Flies as carriers of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in Nigerian hospitals: A workflow for surveillance of AMR bacteria carried by arthropod pests in hospital settings.

The dissemination of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria by flies in hospitals is concerning as nosocomial AMR infections pose a significant threat to public health. This threat is compounded in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by several factors, including limited resources for sufficient infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and high numbers of flies in tropical climates. In this pilot study, 1,396 flies were collected between August and September 2022 from eight tertiary care hospitals in six cities (Abuja, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos and Sokoto) in Nigeria.

Evaluation of Biodentine® and Calcium Hydroxide in the Formation of Dentin Bridge in Deep Carious Lesions.

Background: Indirect pulp capping is the main treatment modality for reversible pulpitis.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Biodentine® and Calcium hydroxide in the formation of dentin bridge.

Materials And Methods: A double blinded, randomized clinical control trial involving 50 consenting subjects, aged 16 to 55 years with deep carious vital teeth.

Human Metapneumovirus: an emerging respiratory pathogen and the urgent need for improved Diagnostics, surveillance, and vaccine development.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a re-emerging respiratory pathogen causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. First identified in 2001, HMPV has since been recognised as a leading cause of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) worldwide. Its transmission occurs through droplets, direct contact, and surface contamination, with crowded spaces and healthcare facilities serving as key environmental amplifiers.

Effects of Exergaming on Morphological Variables, Biochemical Parameters, and Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents with Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objectives: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the available body of published peer-reviewed studies on the effects of exergaming (EXG) compared to the control group (CG) on morphological variables, biochemical parameters, and blood pressure in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted until September 2024 using five databases: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science. PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADE tools assessed the methodological quality and certainty of evidence.

Association Between Screen Time and Lifestyle Parameters with Executive Functions in Chilean Children and Adolescents: Potential Mediating Role of Health-Related Quality of Life.

: This study aimed to (i) investigate the association between lifestyle parameters (i.e., screen time [ST], food habits, and physical activity [PA]) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with executive functions (EFs, i.

Antarctic Toothfish in the South Orkney Islands: Using Otolith Chemistry to Test Current Hypotheses About Nursery Areas and Demographic Units.

We used otolith chemistry to test and complement current hypotheses regarding habitat use and connectivity between sub-populations in Area 48 of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Sagittal otoliths from 45 fish sampled near the South Orkney Islands were analysed. Their elemental (Li, Na, Mg, Cr, Mn, Sr, Sn, and Ba relative to Ca) and isotopic (δO and δC) signatures were examined in both the nuclear and marginal regions, representing juvenile and adult stages.

Single-stage intramedullary nailing for patients with multiple concurrent long-bone fractures in a low-resource setting: what factors contribute to prolonged operative duration?

Purpose: To investigate the factors that prolonged the operative duration (OD) in patients who underwent single-stage locked intramedullary nailing of their multiple concurrent long-bone fractures (LBFs) using Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nails.

Methods: Forty-nine patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled prospectively over 8½ years. Data collected included age, sex, injury mechanism and severity, fracture characteristics, nail types and diameter, OD, fracture-to-fixation time, length of hospital stay (LOS), functional outcomes and complications.

Factors associated with Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure in communities of Lagos Nigeria: A Megacity experience.

Background: Each year, millions of people in low-and middle-income countries such as Nigeria are forced into poverty and financial ruin due to out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenses. Our study assessed the prevalence and determinants of Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure (CHE) experienced by households in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 2492 households in Lagos from December 2022 to March 2023 in 4 Local Government Areas (LGAs) using a multistage sampling technique.

Trends and ethnic disparity in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa (1999-2018): A population-based Age-period-cohort and Join point regression analyses.

Background: Endometrial cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer among females and about 97,000 global deaths of endometrial cancer. The changes in the trends of obesity, fertility rates and other risk factors in South Africa (SA) may impact the endometrial cancer trends. The aim of this study was to utilise the age period cohort and join point regression modelling to evaluate the national and ethnic trends in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa over a 20year period (1999-2018).

Unlocking the Power of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks for COVID-19 Detection: A Comprehensive Review.

The advent of three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (3D CNNs) has revolutionized the detection and analysis of COVID-19 cases. As imaging technologies have advanced, 3D CNNs have emerged as a powerful tool for segmenting and classifying COVID-19 in medical images. These networks have demonstrated both high accuracy and rapid detection capabilities, making them crucial for effective COVID-19 diagnostics.

Prevalence, characteristics, and treatment outcome of congenital malaria in Nigeria: a systematic review.

Background: Congenital malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in regions with high malaria endemicity. The increased vertical transmission of malaria is partly associated with the high susceptibility of women to malaria during pregnancy. This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and treatment outcomes of congenital malaria in Nigeria.

Haplotypes of Chloroquine Resistance Marker Genes Among Uncomplicated Malaria Cases in Lagos, Nigeria.

Drug resistance resulting from mutations in Plasmodium falciparum, that caused the failure of previously effective malaria drugs, has continued to threaten the global malaria elimination goal. This study describes the profiles of P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt) and P.