Background: Enzyme-based diagnostics remain a cornerstone of laboratory medicine, yet advancements in chemistry and microbiology offer new opportunities to optimize their sensitivity, specificity, and application. This study explores the integration of enzymology, microbial profiling, and clinical diagnostics to improve enzyme-driven detection methods. Objective: To experimentally develop, optimize, and validate enzyme-based diagnostic assays by linking chemical substrate modification, microbiological enzyme activity detection, and clinical biomarker evaluation. Methodology: An experimental study was conducted in which HRP, ALP, and β-galactosidase enzymes were chemically optimized and tested using spectrophotometric and fluorometric assays. Nanozyme analogs were also synthesized. Thirty clinical bacterial isolates were evaluated using enzyme activity tests and compared with CRISPR-Cas13 assays. Fifty clinical blood/serum samples were analyzed for ALT, AST, and CRP levels using in-house developed enzyme-based kits, and results were validated against automated laboratory systems. Results: Enzyme assays showed strong catalytic efficiency (e.g., Km = 0.23 mM for HRP-TMB). Microbial identification achieved 93.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity, outperforming some molecular methods. Clinical validation demonstrated high correlation (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) with standard lab results, and ROC analysis showed AUC values above 0.91 for all biomarkers. Nanozymes exhibited enhanced thermal stability. Conclusion: Cross-disciplinary enzyme-based diagnostics are effective, low-cost, and scalable for clinical and microbiological applications. The integration of chemical, microbial, and clinical methods results in robust diagnostic tools suitable for both advanced laboratories and low-resource settings. Future developments should focus on digital integration and multiplexing for broader healthcare impact.

This study is aimed at ascertaining the factors which inform the buying of fashion, beauty as well as personal care products on or through social media platforms, by consumers domiciled in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Interviews, guided by a semi-structured interview guide, was used for the collection of data. The purposive sampling technique was employed in identifying prospective participants that have the characteristics and information needed, while the thematic analysis method was adopted for data analysis. The study found that for the UK and Nigeria, the nature of products and the sales medium, influence the decision of consumers to purchase fashion, beauty and personal care products through or on social media. UK consumers showed a preference for buying products through company websites linked through the social media platforms they use, instead of buying directly from social media vendors or retailers, while the Nigerian consumers showed a preference for buying directly from vendors on social media, with Instagram and Whatsapp being the most popular purchasing platforms. It also found that the decision to purchase fashion, beauty as well as personal care products through social media platforms in the UK, is largely driven by convenience, though brand reputation, product price and quality also influence their purchasing behavior. However, product price, quality, brand reputation and even availability of incentives in form of discounts matter more to Nigerian consumers. Factors like social media reviews, influencer promotions and sustainability concerns were found to significantly influence the social media purchasing behavior of consumers in the UK. Amongst other recommendations, this study suggested that companies in the sector under review should commit resources towards carrying out long-term research on how the social media business space in developing countries like Nigeria function, in order to ascertain the best strategy for capturing the markets.

The global food system of the 21st century is at a serious crossroads, growing more stressed by the growing climate change and unable to provide adequate and fair nutritional security of the worldwide population. Although the global food production has grown since the Green Revolution, this agricultural growth has been achieved at the expense of environmental degradation, diets of homogeneity, and aggravation of micronutrient deficiencies due to increasing atmospheric CO2, extreme weather and agroclimatic changes. The traditional measures of food security which are narrowly pegged on the sufficiency of calories overlooks the ever-increasing plight of the hidden hunger and diet-related noncommunicable diseases, which are both rising in the stress of climatic conditions. The review is critical because it is practicalized how climate adaptation plans and nutritional outcomes have become structurally disengaged by showing how techno-optimistic solutions have a tendency to ignore equity, cultural foodways, and metabolic well-being. We build an integrative strategy that places nutritional security as more of a downstream delivery as a design need of climate-resilient food systems. Based on the new evidence of the biogeochemistry, digital agrifood governance, marine micronutrient ecology, and circular metabolism, and epigenetic nutrition, we recognize five transformative pathways that redistribute justice, biological complexity, and intergenerational wellbeing. Such a policy move of decoupling the quantity of food and its quality is challenged in this analysis and it suggests a paradigm shift to food systems, which are capable of feeding people and the planet during a period of climatic uncertainty.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) prevalence has been increasing, with over 415 million cases worldwide and a mortality rate of 2.5–5 million each year. Micronuclei (MN), which are cytoplasmic chromatin masses, have recently been suggested as a biomarker for cancer risk. An elevated micronuclei frequency is associated with DM. The oral cavity is considered a mirror reflecting an individual's health. This study aims to investigate the genotoxic effects of diabetes mellitus on human oral cells. This is a case-control study conducted in Shendi town from October 2021 to March 2022 at diabetic clinics. Forty-three mouth rinse samples were collected from diabetic patients and seventeen from non- diabetic individuals. All samples were centrifuged, and the sediment was smeared onto clean glass slides. It was then immediately fixed in 95% ethanol and stained with Papanicolaou stain and the Feulgen reaction to detect and calculate the rate of MN formation among the study groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. Cytology screening showed the MN rate among diabetics was 5.17 MN/100 cells with a standard deviation of 5.01, while among non- diabetics it was 2.29 MN/100 cells with a SD of 1.49. The difference between the two means was statistically significant (P-value 0.024). In this study, MN formation in diabetic patients' mucosal cells was correlated with control of DM (P-value 0.02) and metformin intake (P-value 0.045), but it was not correlated with either age or duration of the disease. Other cellular changes observed alongside micronuclei in diabetic oral mucosa included nuclear anomalies (95. 3%), hyperkeratosis /metaplasia (42%), inflammatory cells (76.7%), megalo-plastic changes (53.5%), nuclear atypia (72.1%), and binucleation (67.4%). No cellular anomalies were observed in non- diabetic oral cells. Papanicolaou stain demonstrated higher sensitivity (87.1%) for detecting MN formation and lower specificity (10%) compared to the Feulgen reaction. DM and its treatment with metformin exhibit a genotoxic effect on oral cells. The study recommends implementing oral cytology and genetic screening programs for diabetic patients, utilizing the Feulgen reaction as the most effective method for MN detection.

This study presents a comprehensive DFT-based investigation of thiophene-pyrrole copolymers (1PT, 2PT, and 3PT) as sensing materials for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inorganic gases, including NH₃, CHCl₃, CO₂, and CH₂O₂. The structural optimization, interaction energies, natural bond orbital (NBO) charge analysis, HOMO-LUMO band gap, and TD-DFT simulated UV-Vis spectra were analyzed using the B3LYP functional and 6-31G(d) basis set. Among the analytes, ammonia exhibited the highest interaction energy (−10.60 kcal/mol) with the 3PT copolymer, indicating strong hydrogen bonding. NBO results further validated significant charge transfer, particularly in 2PT complexes. A red shift in UV-Vis absorption spectra confirmed enhanced conductivity and sensing potential. This study supports the use of thiophene-pyrrole copolymers as cost-effective and highly sensitive materials for gas sensor development.

Indiscipline among learners is a persistent educational problem in schools in the world. In Kenya, the persistence of indiscipline among learners in schools calls into question school discipline policies, practices and their theoretical underpinnings. This study sought to analyze the suitability of the philosophical frameworks that underpin school discipline policies and practices in Kenya through the lens of care ethics theory developed by Nel Noddings. The study adopted a desktop research design employing the analytic, critical and prescriptive philosophical methods. Being a library based inquiry, data collection and analysis entailed analyzing school discipline policy documents, guideline and practices in the country. The analysis revealed that the policies and practices are largely anchored on deontological and human rights-based ethical frameworks with traces of restorative justice ethics that are not harmoniously blended in both policy and practice. The study recommends the adoption of a care-centered ethical framework for school discipline in the context of the current CBE in the country.

Nature, people and civilization are timeless issues. The environmental field is currently dealing with a number of hot and time-sensitive concerns. In the current socioeconomic development situation in Vietnam, the Marxist perspective on the interaction between humans and nature is extremely methodologically significant. It not only provides us with a theoretical foundation for believing in human capabilities, but it also helps us identify a realistic way for humans to live in harmony and unity with nature during the development process. An Giang is a Mekong Delta province with a strong economic growth potential. Environmental protection still has significant limits that must be addressed as it grows. As a result, based on intriguing Marxist perspectives on the demonstrated relationship between persons, society, and nature, this paper suggests essential measures to foster economic integration while also protecting the natural environment in An Giang today.

Retention and stability in orthodontic treatment are of critical importance for maintaining the achieved esthetic, functional, and occlusal outcomes. However, relapse remains one of the most significant clinical challenges due to the tendency of teeth and surrounding tissues to return to their initial positions. This review discusses the biological basis, risk factors, preventive strategies, and the effectiveness of retention appliances in maintaining post-treatment stability. Factors such as periodontal adaptation, quality of occlusal finishing, mandibular incisor dimensions, neuromuscular balance, and continued growth are key determinants of long-term stability. Approaches including overcorrection, interproximal reduction, supracrestal fiberotomy and frenectomy are highlighted as methods to enhance retention success. Supportive biophysical modalities, such as low-level laser therapy, mechanical vibration, and low-intensity ultrasound, may accelerate periodontal and skeletal adaptation; however, further clinical evidence is needed. Both removable and fixed appliances remain essential in retention therapy, with appliance selection determined by malocclusion type, patient compliance, and clinical requirements. Modern CAD/CAM-fabricated customized retainers also provide alternatives to conventional methods. Nevertheless, appliance breakage, hygiene challenges and relapse risk remain persistent concerns. Recent evidence emphasizes that retention should be planned from the outset of treatment, with individualized protocols and regular follow-up appointments. In conclusion, a lifelong retention approach is increasingly recognized as fundamental for the sustainability of orthodontic treatment success.

The use of semiconductors in photovoltaics, or solar cells, allows them to transform light into energy. Because of its potential as eco-friendly and effective light-harvesting technologies, solar cells have been in the spotlight recently. Extensive and ongoing research has focused on the potential critical role of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in these devices. The most essential metric in comparing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) is their optical transmittance, which is different at low densities. As a result, SWNTs are known to perform better than MWNTs. The semiconducting properties of SWNT films allow them to serve as active or charge-transporting materials.

Background: Varenicline represents the most effective first-line pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation, though post-marketing safety concerns historically limited utilisation. Contemporary evidence requires synthesis following resolution of neuropsychiatric safety signals and emerging applications in diverse populations. Objective: To evaluate varenicline efficacy and safety for smoking cessation through systematic review of evidence published January 2020-October 2025. Methods: Comprehensive search across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE identified randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Two reviewers independently screened records using predefined PICO criteria: adults ≥18 years with current smoking status; varenicline monotherapy at standard dosing; placebo/active comparators; biochemically verified continuous abstinence ≥6 months. Data extraction captured efficacy outcomes, safety profiles, and population-specific effects. Risk of bias assessment employed Cochrane RoB 2 methodology. Results: Database searching retrieved 3,247 records, with 15 studies meeting inclusion criteria after systematic screening. Studies encompassed 8 randomised controlled trials, 4 systematic reviews/meta-analyses, 2 network meta-analyses, and 1 observational study, representing >15,000 participants across diverse populations. Varenicline demonstrated superior efficacy versus placebo across all populations, with 6-month continuous abstinence rates of 22.1% versus 8.9% (OR 3.14, 95% CI 2.21-4.46, p<0.001). Particularly robust effects were observed in cardiovascular disease patients (OR 4.12, 95% CI 2.89-5.87) and dual cigarette-e-cigarette users (OR 4.95, 95% CI 2.29-10.70). Safety analysis across >8,000 participants showed no significant increase in serious adverse events (6.8% vs 5.9% placebo, OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.95-1.59, p=0.11), including neuropsychiatric (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.73-2.14, p=0.42) and cardiovascular events (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.71-2.56, p=0.36). Nausea remained the most common adverse effect (28.6% vs 9.2% placebo) but proved dose-dependent and transient. Conclusions: Contemporary evidence strongly supports Varenicline as highly effective and acceptably safe first-line therapy for smoking cessation across diverse adult populations, including those with cardiovascular disease and psychiatric disorders. Historical safety concerns have been definitively resolved, supporting broader clinical implementation within established guidelines.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, with acute exacerbations (AECOPD) representing the primary driver of healthcare utilization, economic burden, and negative patient outcomes. The conventional management of AECOPD is frequently fragmented, characterized by professional silos that lead to critical communication gaps, medication errors, high hospital readmission rates, and a suboptimal patient experience. This review synthesizes the evidence for a structured, interprofessional collaborative care model as the superior standard of care for patients with AECOPD. The objective is to explore the distinct and synergistic roles of key healthcare professionals across the entire acute care continuum, from pre-hospital response to inpatient management and the critical transition back to the community. This report details the evidence-based contributions of Emergency Medical Services, Nursing Technicians, Radiology Technicians, Respiratory Therapists, the integrated Pharmacy Team (Clinical Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians), Social Workers, and Medical Records Technicians, highlighting their crucial interdependencies. The synthesis of current evidence demonstrates that formalized collaborative care models, when supported by robust system-level frameworks such as structured communication protocols and integrated electronic health records, significantly improve clinical outcomes, enhance system efficiency, and elevate patient-reported quality of life. Such integrated models are no longer an ideal but an essential framework for delivering effective, efficient, and patient-centered care for this complex and vulnerable population.

Acute inflammation of the meninges the protective membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord is referred to as meningitis. NGAL, a protein classified as an acute-phase reactant. We aimed to assess serum NGAL levels in individuals with meningitis in this study and to assess potential associations with the evaluated biochemical markers. A case-control study was conducted involving 120 Iraqi participants (60 individuals diagnosed with meningitis, 60 individuals diagnosed as control). Serum levels of NGAL and various markers were measured in all subjects. Statistical evaluation showed increase in hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, CTX and NGAL levels among individuals with meningitis as compared to control group, respectively (10±1 versus 3.5±0.3, P=0.03), (50±4 versus 13±2, P=0.01), (20±1 versus 8±0.5, P=0.03), (0.8±0.1 versus 0.45±0.1, P=0.01) and (165±20 versus 135±10, P=0.04). NGAL exhibited a strong direct positive correlation with hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and CTX levels. The present study demonstrated individuals with meningitis have significantly elevated serum levels of NGAL as compared to control group, and a strong direct correlation observed between NGAL and hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and CTX. These findings proposed that NGAL expression may serve as a new biochemical marker for the early detection and diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with meningitis.

Introduction: Basedow (Graves’) desease remains the leading cause of hyperthyroidism (40–60%), affecting mainly young women with a prevalence varying according to the iodization of the populations. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, covering 25 years (01/01/1998–31/12/2023) at the Medical Clinic II/CHAN; inclusion of all hyperthyroidism files related to Graves' disease, operative criteria and standardized definitions; descriptive and comparative analysis. Results: Our cohort included 3007 patients, with a female predominance; the most common initial clinical signs were goiter (nearly 89%) and exophthalmos (approximately 69%). Under ATS, a decrease in pulse rate and weight regain were observed at 18 months. Overall outcomes showed failure in 48–49% of cases, remission in nearly 33%, and recurrence around 18%; cardiac complications included cardiothyreosis in nearly 6% and acute thyrotoxic crisis in 0.3%. The worst outcomes were associated with grade 3 goiter, exophthalmos, a consultation time > 12 months and a loading dose > 40 mg/day. Conversely, early initiation of maintenance treatment (<6 months) was associated with more remissions and fewer recurrences. Conclusion: Rapid initiation and reasoned adjustment of ATS, coupled with stratification by severity (goiter, orbitopathy, delay), optimize the response and limit surgery; these levers can be used in resource-constrained systems.

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common condition in adults, particularly affecting women of childbearing age. It is the leading cause of anemia worldwide and represents a major public health concern. Purpose of the study: analyze the clinical and etiological profile of iron deficiency anemia in an internal medicine department. Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective study conducted over a 4-year period (January 2021 to December 2024) at the OUED-EDDAHAB military hospital in Agadir. Results: Our study included 151 cases. The mean patient age was 35.2 years, with a male-to-female (M/F) ratio of 0.07. Women of reproductive age (14–50 years) were the most affected group. The mean hemoglobin level was 8.3 g/dL. Gynecological blood loss and malabsorption syndromes were the primary etiological mechanisms. However, digestive disorders were the leading cause of IDA in our series. Among the studied cases, we identified: 51 cases of gynecological bleeding (33.8%), 41 cases of impaired absorption (27.2%), 26 cases of gastrointestinal bleeding (17.2%), 9 cases of dietary deficiency (6%), 5 cases of PICA syndrome (3.3%), and 18 cases of undetermined origin (11.9%). Injectable iron therapy played a significant role in management in our setting, being prescribed in 56.3% of cases. Conclusion: The causes of IDA in adults are multifactorial, involving several mechanisms. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequent in our series, consistent with literature data. For blood loss, gynecological causes predominated. The diagnostic approach to IDA is guided by clinical findings, and treatment relies on iron supplementation alongside etiological management.

The Hajj pilgrimage is central to Nigeria–Saudi Arabia relations, extending beyond its religious obligations to encompass diplomacy, governance, and economic dimensions. Despite efforts by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), recurring challenges in pilgrims’ welfare, weak accountability, and governance lapses have undermined Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility. By contrast, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes digitization, efficiency, and transparency in Hajj administration, setting a benchmark that Nigeria must adapt to remain credible and strengthen bilateral ties. This study aims to analyze how pilgrims’ welfare and accountability mechanisms influence Nigeria–Saudi relations and to propose a Vision 2030–aligned framework for NAHCON. The specific objectives were to assess the state of welfare and accountability in Nigeria’s Hajj administration, evaluate their impact on bilateral relations, and identify reforms necessary for alignment with Saudi standards. Adopting a mixed-methods design, the study combined survey data from 400 pilgrims with qualitative evidence from documents and media reports. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were employed alongside thematic analysis for explanatory depth. Findings show that welfare services were rated moderately (means ≈3.4–3.5), while accountability mechanisms received weaker ratings (means ≈3.1). Regression results revealed accountability (β = 0.520) had a stronger impact than welfare (β = 0.387) on perceptions of Nigeria–Saudi relations, highlighting governance credibility as central to diplomatic outcomes. The study contributes by providing empirical evidence that links Hajj administration with foreign policy outcomes, advancing a Vision 2030–aligned framework for NAHCON that integrates welfare, transparency, digital transformation, and diplomacy, thereby positioning Hajj as a tool of Nigeria’s soft power and bilateral engagement.