bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barrier synchronization hierarchical algorithm for multicore shared-memory systems
Authors: Kurnosov M. G. 
Published: July 2022

A hierarchical MPI barrier synchronization algorithm creating groups of processes that share common resources at the memory hierarchy levels (L2/L3 caches, NUMA node, socket) is proposed. Synchronization is performed in groups at each level of the hierarchy. Experiments on a dual-socket server with two Huawei Kunpeng processors (128 cores, 4 NUMA nodes) showed that the proposed algorithm with NUMA nodes process grouping provides the minimum execution time compared to known methods and is resistant to different schemes of process placement.
Laboratory Diagnostic Capacity for Fungal Infections in Nigerian Tertiary Hospitals: A Gap Analysis Survey
Authors: Osaigbovo I I , Oladele R O , Orefuwa E , Akanbi O A , Ihekweazu C 
Published: July 2022

Background: An estimated 11.8% of Nigerians suffer from invasive fungal infections (IFIs) yearly. Laboratory capacity to diagnose IFIs in Nigeria has not been objectively assessed.
Objective: To identify the gaps in laboratory capacity for diagnosis of IFIs in Nigerian tertiary hospitals.
Methods: Clinical microbiologists in Nigerian tertiary hospitals were invited to partake in a 21-item online survey via a professional chat group and email. A descriptive crosssectional study of survey responses was conducted. Frequencies were computed for microscopy, culture, antifungal sensitivity, and non-culture based diagnostic modalities.
Findings: Respondents were from 22 tertiary hospitals spread across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Gaps identified include absence of mycology laboratory/bench in 5/22 (22.7%), no access to a biosafety cabinet in 5/22 (22.7%), lack of laboratory scientists formally trained in mycology in 9/22 (40.9%), lack of participation in external quality assurance in all (100%), lack of automated blood culture facilities in 9/22 (40.9%), no yeast identification beyond germ tube test in12/22 (54.5%), and no anti-fungal sensitivity testing in 17/22 (77.3%). Galactomannan, cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay and latex agglutination tests are used in 1(4.5%), 3 (13.6%) and 5 (22.7%) centres respectively; antigen/antibody based non-culture diagnostics were totally absent in 12/22 (54.5%) hospitals.
Conclusion: Nigerian tertiary hospitals have gaps in the laboratory capacity to diagnose invasive fungal infections despite the significant size of the population at risk of these life-threatening infections in the country. Economically feasible diagnostic solutions and models as well as capacity building are urgently required.

Keywords: Fungal infections; Laboratories; Nigeria; Tertiary hospital.
Detection of NDM-1 in Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Onipede A , Odetoyin B , Ojo O , Adejobi A 
Published: July 2022

Background: Metallo-beta-lactamase producingPseudomonas aeruginosa (MBL-PA) infections pose a major healthcare concern globally due to the associated extended morbidity, increased cost of treatment and high mortality.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of circulating MBL-PA strains and evaluate probable risk factors associated with the carriage of MBL-PA among patients in a selected South-western tertiary hospital in Nigeria.
Methods: One hundred and forty-four isolates recovered from diverse clinical specimens were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa by conventional methods. Eight antibiotics were tested on the isolates using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. All carbapenem resistant isolates were phenotypically screened for MBL-production using the combined disc synergy test. The MBL-producing strains were evaluated for the presence of three MBL genes blaIMP, blaVIM-2 and blaNDM1 by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: Fourteen (9.7%) isolates were positive for metallobeta-lactamase production by combined disc synergy test. The MBL-producing strains were more commonly resistant to all the tested antibiotics except to piperacillin tazobactam and imipenem compared with the non MBL producing strains (p<0.05). Antibiotic use and the occurrence of multidrug resistance phenotype were significantly associated with MBLcarriage (p<0.05). Four (28.6%) MBL-PA isolates carried NDM-1 gene, while IMP and VIM-2 genes were not detected in any of the isolates.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a low prevalence of NDM-1 in P. aeruginosa circulating among patients in this environment. This may be because carbapenems are seldom prescribed in our hospital or probably due to the existence of other MBL genes and non-enzymatic resistance mechanisms that we did not investigate. Studies that evaluate the level of carbapenem resistance via non-MBL production route could assist and improve future surveillance of these fast spreading genes.
Keywords: IMP; MBL-PA; Metallo-beta-lactamase; NDM1; VIM.
Reproductive Behaviors among Men of a Rural Community in North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim M J , Adamou N , Olorukooba A A , Omole V N 
Published: July 2022

Background: Fertility is an important component of population change and has attracted the interest of scholars and policy makers. Nigeria's population growth rate has been driven by high fertility, which has fallen in the last few decades but not as rapidly as the fall of the crude death rate. Men and their kinsmen are the decision-makers on issues relating to reproductive health such as timing of the next birth, number of children and when to stop childbearing while their women cooperate. We determined the reproductive behaviors of men in Doka community in Kaduna State Nigeria.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive community based study of 320 men was conducted.
Results: The mean age±SD of the male respondents was 40 (±14.2) years. The average age at first marriage among men was 23.32 (±4.62 years), the contraceptive use among men was 10(3.2%). Above a third 118 (37.9%) of men were in polygamous union. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean number of living children as the age of men increased (p=0.001). The mean number of children ever fathered was significantly associated with the educational status of men (p=0.03).
Conclusion: we found a very low contraceptive use, high number of desired children as well as living children among the men. Government should enlighten married men on the importance of contraceptive use for birth control as well as the social and economic implications of having too many children.
Keywords: Contraception; Desired children; Fertility; Mean number of children.
Visual Status of Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Nkanga D , Agweye C T , Akanbi T , Ovienra W , Adenuga O , Ibanga A , Oyekunle I , Udoh M M , Okonkwo O N 
Published: July 2022

Aim: To determine the degree of visual loss associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Nigerians at first ophthalmic clinic presentation
Methodology: Multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study in four collaborating retina clinics within Nigeria between January and December 2018. The primary outcome measure was the World Health Organization’s visual status classification at presentation. Clinical examination, including a Snellen’s visual acuity, refraction, anterior segment examination using a slit lamp biomicroscope, and dilated fundus examination using a +90D or +78D, was done in all consecutive RP patients. We analyzed the data using SPSS (version 22), P < 0.05.
Results: Of 8614 patients seen within the study period, fiftyfour eyes of 27 patients diagnosed to have RP with a mean age of 44.1years ± 17.6 years (ranging between 5–73 years) constituted the study population. Eighteen (66.7%) were males and 9 (33.3%) females. The hospital-based prevalence of RP was 0.31%. Ten patients (37.0%) presented with myopia. RP was bilateral in all cases and non-syndromic. Bilateral low vision and blindness were noted in 44.4% and 22.2% of patients respectively.
Conclusion: About a quarter of patients with RP presenting to the retina clinics would have some degree of visual morbidity. Educating eye care providers and patients about the disease would improve understanding, encourage early clinic visits, manage visual morbidity and enhance rehabilitation when necessary.
Keywords: Retinitis Pigmentosa; Nigeria; Low Vision; Blindness.
Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) in Adult Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Nwashilli N J , Agbonrofo P I 
Published: July 2022

Background: Patients who discharge against medical advice are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality as well as posing a serious burden for the hospital especially when re-admitted.
Aim: To determine the demographics, prevalence, clinical diagnosis and reasons for discharge against medical advice adult Emergency Department.
Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study, carried out over one year period from June 2018 to May 2019 at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Patients who requested for Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) were asked to fill a data collection form after adequate counselling. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 21.
Results: A total of 476 patients signed the DAMA form. There was male predominance with a male to female ratio of 1.4: 1. The average age of the patients was 42 ± 21 years. Surgical diagnosis accounted for 287 (60.3%) cases while the rest were medical. The most common reasons for DAMA were "To go closer home and financial constraint".
Conclusion: Discharge against medical advice was more prevalent among male patients with surgical cases accounting for more than half of the cases. Financial constraints and going home were the two common reasons for DAMA.
Keywords: Adult Emergency Department; Clinical diagnosis andReasons for DAMA; DAMA; Demographic features; Prevalence.
Pain Relief for Hysterosalpingography: A Randomized Controlled, Double Blinded Trial Comparing Suppository Diclofenac, Prilocaine/Lignocaine (EMLA) Cream And Placebo
Authors: Babandi R M , Agboghoroma O C , Durojaiye K W , Jimoh K O , Essiet E A 
Published: July 2022

Background: Hysterosalpingography is dreaded by women due to pain. Pain intensity varies with different stages of the procedure and the search for an effective analgesia continues.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of suppository diclofenac (100mg), cervical lidocaine 25mg -prilocaine 25mg cream (5% EMLA) and placebo in pain relief for hysterosalpingography.
Methodology: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted at National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria, between November 2018 and March 2019. Participants were allocated to three groups (A, B, C). Group A received suppository diclofenac 100mg plus placebo cream, group B got EMLA cream plus placebo suppository while group C received placebo suppository and cream. Pain levels were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, during 4 different stages of the procedure, at 30 minutes and 24 hours after the procedure. Patients' satisfaction and side effects were also assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval was regarded as statistically significant.
Results: The most painful step of the procedure was during uterine distension with contrast medium with mean VAS score of 6.33±1.539, 5.37±1.377, 7.03±1.245 in group A, B and C, respectively (p-value <0.05). Mean pain scores during 4 steps of the procedure were found to be significantly lower in EMLA group. Intervention groups were also more satisfied after the procedure.
Conclusion: EMLA 5% cream is a more effective analgesic for HSG compared to both diclofenac and placebo.
Keywords: Analgesia; EMLA; diclofenac; hysterosalpingography; visual analogue scale.
Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Children: A Neglected Driver of Health Disparities and Social Injustice in Nigeria
Authors: Oyapero A , Erinoso O , Olatosi O O 
Published: July 2022

Background: The adverse effects of Second-Hand Smoke (SHS) exposure has been reported in the literature, but data on SHS exposure among children in Nigeria is virtually nonexistent. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of SHS exposure to tobacco among school children in Nigeria and to assess its association with socio-demographic factors.
Methods: Data from three pairs of school-based descriptive studies in Lagos, Nigeria was utilized and socioeconomic characteristics and smoking behaviour in the households were obtained using validated questionnaires. Parental and relatives smoking habits were utilized as the indicators of SHS exposure. Prevalence rates were calculated; chi-squared tests and logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine significant associations and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.
Results: Within the preceding month, 37.6% of the children had been regularly exposed to SHS while 15.5% of them lived with parents and family members who smoked tobacco indoors of which 7.9% were daily exposed to SHS; 19.7% of the children daily experienced cough, nasal congestion, throat, or eye irritation. In the regression analysis, the likelihood of SHS exposure were significantly higher in those with parents that smoke regularly (OR=2.62; 95% CI: 1.50-5.27; p=0.042), lower levels of paternal education (OR=1.7; 95% CI: 0.61-5.27; p=0.021) who live in cramped accommodations (OR=1.79; 95% CI: 1.02-5.67; p=0.044) and those from households with >5 children (OR=1.51; 95% CI: 0.90-2.56; p=0.003).
Conclusions: There was a significant association between parental smoking habits, paternal education, type of accommodation and number of children in the household on SHS exposure in children. Tobacco control policies should emphasize the protection of children through the adoption of smoke-free homes and increase parental awareness on the impact of SHS exposure on children.
Clinical Utility of Kidney Cortical Thickness in assessing severity of CKD in Low Income Setting
Authors: Uduagbamen P K , Odunlami O A , Yusuf A O A , Thompson M U , Ojo N K , Ajiboye O F , Ehioghae O , Oyewale D V 
Published: July 2022

Background: Renal Ultrasound Scan (RUS) is known to have an important role in assessing kidney function in healthy people and people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with the kidney length (KL) being the most commonly used measure. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the gold standard in kidney function assessment and its strength of correlation with a RUS measure is used in ascertaining the reliability of that RUS measure.
Objectives: To compare the strength of correlations between the GFR and RUS measures like KL and cortical thickness (CT) in healthy people and people with CKD.
Methods: One hundred and forty study participants who had kidney ultrasound scan were studied. Creatinine based GFR was determined and linear correlation coefficients (r) were used to determine the relationship between the GFR and RUS measures.
Results: Seventy CKD cohorts with stage 2-4 disease and 70 healthy volunteers (each with 35 males and 35 females) took part. The total mean eGFR, KL and CT for the study participants were 70.5 ± 12.5ml/min, 10.0 ± 3.1cm, and 8.6 ± 2.7mm respectively. There was a progressive decline in eGFR and renal CT as CKD worsened down the stages. The mean eGFR, KL and CT of the CKD cohorts were 44.7 + 3.6 ml/min, 9.1 + 3.3 cm and 7.4 + 2.4 mm respectively. Among the CKD cohorts, the eGFR was highest in CGN and, the KL and CT were highest in obstructive uropathy. The GFR, was positively correlated with KL and CT, the strength of association being more with the CT. The mean age and GFR independently predicted the kidney cortical thickness.
Conclusion: Kidney sizes were smaller in females, with aging and with declining kidney function. The CT being more positively correlated with GFR than the KL, is a more reliable RUS measure in assessing kidney function.
Keywords: Glomerular filtration rate; cortical thickness; kidney length.
Pattern of Haemoglobin Phenotypes and the Clinical Identity of Clients Tested at a Private Diagnostic Center in South-West Nigeria
Authors: Alagbe A E , Adewoyin A S , Alagbe O A , Egbuagha E U , Kotila T R 
Published: July 2022

Background: Haemoglobinopathies are diseases of global importance and the countries with high disease burdens have inaccurate national data on the incidence of the various haemoglobin (Hb) phenotypes.
Objective: To review the Hb phenotype distribution, the referral identity of patients, and the clinical reasons for phenotyping.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study conducted at a private diagnostic laboratory in Lagos, South-West, Nigeria. The anonymous results of Hb phenotypes of the patients determined using gel electrophoresis were retrieved from the laboratory information system (LIS).
Results: There were 942 patients: 519(55.1%) males and 423(44.9%) females with median ages 30yrs (11months-89yrs) vs 27yrs (9months-89yrs), p=0.0018. The phenotypes were HbAA, 592(63.2%); HbAS(26.4%); HbSS(7.1%); HbAC(2.1%), HbSC(0.7%) and HbCC(0.4%). Of the total, 757(80.4%) were referred by health care providers and 185(19.6%) were selfreferred, and there was no association between gender and referral identity of patients. However, there were more males [353(46.6%)] with clinical reasons for referrals than females [94(12.4%)], p<0.0001, and annual check was the commonest reason for Hb phenotyping.
Conclusion: Most patients were referred for Hb phenotyping and an annual health check is the commonest reason for phenotype requests. This emphasizes the need for policies to support national Hb phenotype/genotype screening programmes to aid the early detection of sickle cell disease.
Keywords: Haemoglobin phenotype; clinical identity; private laboratory.
Human Monkey Pox Virus Infection in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Eseigbe E E , Akude C , Osagie I A , Eseigbe P 
Published: July 2022

Background: Human Monkey Pox Virus (HMPV) infection is a zoonotic infection that is endemic in the Congo basin and West Africa. Its similarity to smallpox infection, increased susceptibility infection in human populations, lack of a definitive therapy and its potential for use as a bioterrorism tool underscores its public health importance.
Objective: To describe the characteristics of HMPV infection in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria.
Methods: This was a case study of HMPV infection occurring in two Nigerian adults, seen in 2018, at Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The cases involved two siblings, and these were the first reported cases in Plateau State of Nigeria, which has an estimated population of 3.5 million persons. The diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical features and positive PCR tests on samples from the skin lesions and blood.
Results: The first case, a 20-year-old male, presented with a one week history of fever, headache, pain on swallowing and micturition, and generalised skin lesions. The second case is a 20 year old step brother of the first case, and the primary care provider to first case when he took ill. He also presented with a one-week history of fever, headache, pain on swallowing, and skin lesions which were less intense than in the first case. PCR assays of samples from the skin lesions and blood were positive in both cases. The other comorbidity in both cases was pharyngotonsillitis. Blood, throat, stool, and urine cultures for suspected sepsis and urinary tract infection were all negative. Both cases were admitted and discharged after receiving a course of antibiotics, antihistamine, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and multivitamins. Universal precautions were observed.
Conclusion: HMPV infection in our environment underscores the need to strengthen preventive health strategies against this infection.
Keywords: Clinical presentation; Human Monkey Pox Virus; Nigeria.
An Assessment of Perceived Stigmatization of Patients Infected with COVID-19 in the Nation's Epicenter of the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Residents of Agege, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde  
Published: July 2022

Background: In some parts of Africa, the patients and those who survived COVID-19 are stigmatized and this has impeded the response activities put in place to control the pandemic. In spite of this, most efforts in preventing COVID-19 were geared towards the use of non-pharmacologic measures without corresponding measures to dissipate stigmatization in the community. Therefore, this study assessed the factors associated with perceived stigmatization of patients with COVID-19 among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government area (LGA) using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semistructure, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the People Living with Human Immunodefiency Virus (PLHIV) Stigma Index was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 and perceived stigmatization. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of perceived stigmatization at 5% level of significance.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. Awareness about COVID-19 outbreak was 95.2%. Television (43.5%) and radio (36.9%) were the two major sources of information on COVID-19 infection and prevention. The proportions of the respondents who had poor knowledge and perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 patients were 50.0% and 47.7% respectively. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 - 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 - 6.7), > 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 - 2.9).
Conclusion: The study highlights the poor knowledge about COVID-19 and a high level of stigmatization. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the residents of Agege, most especially among married respondents as well as the adults.
Authors
O A Babatunde 1 2, S A Owoicho 3, S T Sunday 3, A Akande 4, B M Yesufu 5, I M Akanbi 6, M D Dairo 7