The problem of applying ceramic glazes to ceramic products first appears during the preparation of ceramic glaze recipes, an issue that is especially evident in the entrepreneurial sector in small and medium-sized ceramic enterprises. Unlike large-scale ceramics factories, these enterprises often lack advanced laboratories or specialized devices for controlling the quality of ceramic glazes. This experimental study aims to ensure the quality of ceramic glazing recipe application by providing applied chemical solutions that are determined by the proportions of additives they contain. Specifically, this experimental study focuses on the use of sodium carboxymethylcellulose as an additive that contributes to controlling the quality of ceramic glazing. In its main outputs, this study aims to provide accurate ratios of additives for glazing recipes that correspond to target application techniques at the level of small and medium-sized ceramic industries.

Background: Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is a common endocrine disorder with significant implications for maternal and fetal health, particularly in relation to hypertensive complications. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of subclinical thyroid dysfunction in hypertensive compared to normotensive pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from February 2020 to March 2021, including 220 pregnant women (110 hypertensive, 110 normotensive). Socio-demographic and obstetric data were collected, blood pressure measured, and 5 mL venous blood samples analyzed for serum TSH and FT4 using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Subclinical thyroid disorders were defined by trimester-specific reference ranges, data were analyzed with SPSS v25 (p < 0.05). Results: In 220 pregnant women, hypertensive and normotensive groups were comparable in age, gestation, and parity. Subclinical hypothyroidism was higher in hypertensive women (46.4% vs 14.5%), euthyroidism predominated in normotensive women (83.6% vs 39.1%), and higher blood pressure was associated with increased thyroid dysfunction. Hypertensive women also had higher TSH (4.46 vs 2.28 µIU/mL) and lower FT4 (13.49 vs 15.78 pmol/L), both significant (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Hypertensive pregnant women have a higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and altered thyroid hormone levels compared to normotensive women, highlighting the need for early thyroid screening in this population.

Background: Preseptal and orbital cellulitis represent a diagnostic continuum in pediatric ophthalmology with significantly different management implications. Rapid, accurate differentiation is essential to prevent vision-threatening complications while avoiding unnecessary imaging and hospitalization. Case Presentation: A previously healthy 12-year-old girl presented with acute onset right eyelid erythema and swelling for two days. Clinical examination revealed marked periorbital edema with tenderness and erythema confined to the eyelid tissues. Critically, visual acuity remained 20/20, extraocular movements were full and painless, no relative afferent pupillary defect was present, and fundoscopic examination was normal. The patient was afebrile with only mild superior visual field restriction secondary to mechanical ptosis from lid swelling. Decision-Making: Based on preserved ocular function and absence of orbital signs, a clinical diagnosis of preseptal cellulitis was established. The decision was made to initiate outpatient oral antibiotic therapy with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage, deferring computed tomography imaging pending clinical response assessment. Outcome: The patient demonstrated excellent response to oral antibiotics with complete resolution of symptoms within 5 days, confirming the appropriateness of conservative outpatient management. Teaching Points: This case illustrates the critical clinical features distinguishing preseptal from orbital cellulitis, demonstrates evidence-based outpatient management in appropriately selected pediatric patients, and provides a practical algorithmic approach to periorbital infections in children.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While Helicobacter pylori is primarily a gastric pathogen, emerging evidence suggests potential extra-gastric manifestations, including possible links to respiratory diseases. However, the association between H. pylori infection and CAP remains poorly characterized. Objective: This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate and synthesize the available evidence regarding the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and community-acquired pneumonia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for publications from January 2021 to January 2026. Studies investigating direct or indirect associations between H. pylori infection and CAP were included. Eight studies met eligibility criteria, encompassing diverse designs including cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, and randomized controlled trials. Quality assessment was performed using appropriate tools (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, JBI Checklist, Cochrane RoB 2). Results: Direct evidence for an H. pylori-CAP association was limited, with only three studies providing direct seroepidemiological or immunological data. These demonstrated that H. pylori infection may modulate systemic inflammatory responses (elevated CXCL10 and IL-10; reduced IL-1β and IL-6) and showed non-significant associations with respiratory pathogen co-exposure. Indirect evidence highlighted that proton pump inhibitor use—commonly prescribed for H. pylori-related conditions—was associated with significantly increased pneumonia risk (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.882 for long-term use). Studies in peptic ulcer patients reported postoperative pneumonia rates of 5–12%. Overall evidence quality was moderate, with significant heterogeneity precluding meta-analysis. Conclusion: Direct evidence linking H. pylori infection to community-acquired pneumonia is remarkably limited and inconclusive. The available data suggest that any association may operate through immunomodulatory mechanisms or indirect pathways, particularly proton pump inhibitor use. Well-designed prospective cohort studies with validated H. pylori diagnostics and adequate confounder adjustment are urgently needed to clarify this relationship.

This work begins on the premise that Nigeria in the last decade has been characterized by crisis of ethnic and religious dimensions. The nature of the Nigerian state seems to be not only responsible for the regrettably deepening ethno-religious crisis that have become endemic and unfortunate, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to evolve credible and competent strategies that could address this ugly trend. It is on this note that the paper discussed the message of non- retaliation and tolerance in Matthew 5: 38-42 as a panacea for peace and development in Nigeria. The paper adopts descriptive and analytical method. It argued that a new type of thinking away from conflicts is essential if mankind is to survive. Jesus in the passage studied did not mention the abolition of war or conflicts, but he is prohibiting the members of the kingdom of God the attitude of revenge. The lex talions or the law of retaliation is an attempt to enact fair justice among the people. To revenge as shown in the work can consume one’s emotion, cause all kinds of emotional problems. A person can be so much engrossed in revenge that he becomes self- centered, destructive and paranoid. It was noted that even though conflicts are inevitable, the violence and pains inflicted is usually greater than the ultimate gain. The paper recommended that individual and Nigeria as a whole should develop a commitment to non violence from the teaching of Jesus. Among other recommendations, Nigerians should not be consumed with fighting over property and disputing rights. Tolerance and acceptability should be the watchword of everybody; it is then that our society can be a better place. Peace must be preached and equally embodied. We must create a new reconciled society in which no walls or barriers are tolerated, and in which the divisive influences of race, nationality, rank and sex have been destroyed.

Background: Maternal heart disease is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and while pregnancy-related cardiac complications have been studied extensively, data on postpartum cardiac events and the influence of obstetric characteristics remain limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to evaluate obstetric characteristics and the incidence of postpartum cardiac events in women with pre-existing heart disease. Methods: This hospital-based cohort study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetomaternal Medicine Unit, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, the Department of Fetomaternal Medicine, BSMMU, and the Department of Cardiology, NICVD, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from February 2020 to March 2021. Seventy-three postpartum women with pre-existing heart disease were enrolled. Data on demographics, obstetric history, cardiac status, and maternal outcomes were collected and analyzed using SPSS 26; p <0.05 was significant. Results: Among 73 women with pre-existing heart disease, most were 18–30 years old (67.1%) and multiparous (78.1%), with term deliveries (83.6%) and LUCS (75.3%) common. Rheumatic valvular disease predominated (56.2%), followed by congenital heart disease (27.4%) and cardiomyopathy (16.4%), with 93.2% in NYHA I–II. Postpartum cardiac events occurred in 45.2%, higher in incidentally diagnosed women (61.8% vs 30.8%), particularly in multiparous, term, and vaginal deliveries. Conclusion: Women with pre-existing heart disease are at significant risk of postpartum cardiac complications, especially if undiagnosed, multiparous, or delivered vaginally, highlighting the need for early recognition and careful peripartum management.

Cancer encompasses a group of disorders characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cellular growth, capable of invading nearby tissues and metastasizing to distant organs. It remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with a rising burden in developing countries. This review explores the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and impact of cancer on patients’ quality of life (QoL). Cancer affects physical health through pain, fatigue, and treatment-related complications, while also influencing psychological well-being, social functioning, and financial stability. Early detection, evidence-based treatment, and supportive care are essential to improve outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, particularly involving nursing professionals, plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care and overall QoL.

Autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy (ARSACS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by juvenile onset of progressive cerebellar ataxia, axonal sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy, and increased serum alpha-fetoprotein. The objective of this study was to identify the molecular cause of disease in a consanguineous family from district Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A four-generation family with four affected siblings was enrolled, and whole exome sequencing was performed after ethical approval and informed consent from all family members. Clinical history was documented and blood samples were collected for DNA extraction. Whole exome sequencing revealed a previously known homozygous variant in the SETX gene (c.6694C>T; p.Arg2232Cys). Sanger sequencing validated the variant and confirmed autosomal recessive segregation within the family. In conclusion, this study confirms the utility of whole exome sequencing as a first-line molecular diagnostic tool in monogenic neurological disorders and underscores the importance of premarital genetic screening in consanguineous populations.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major public health concern, particularly in developing nations. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs, although other organs may also be involved. This review highlights the epidemiological trends, clinical manifestations, and the impact of TB on the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. The disease exerts a multidimensional burden, including physical debilitation, psychological distress, and social challenges such as stigma and economic hardship. Effective control of TB requires early diagnosis, sustained treatment adherence, and comprehensive patient support. Addressing these factors is essential to improve overall health outcomes and quality of life.

The need to ascertain the engineering properties of locally sourced fine aggregate in Ihiala town necessitated this study. The laboratory investigation carried out on the fine aggregate samples from Ogboro-Isiala, Okohia, and Umuezeawala provided insight into their engineering behavior in terms of natural moisture content, particle size distribution, slump test and compressive strength development. The sieve analysis results revealed that Ogboro-Isiala sample contained a higher proportion of fines and clay fraction, Okohia sample showed a sandy profile with fewer fines, while Umuezeawala sample with a balanced sand–silt composition. The natural moisture content values showed that Ogboro-Isiala had the highest water retention (14.8%), followed by Umuezeawala (13.2%) and Okohia (11.5%). This indicates that Ogboro-Isiala sample is relatively wetter and more clayey, while Okohia sample is drier and sandier in composition. The compressive strength results indicated significant variation across the samples. Ogboro-Isiala sample showed an appreciable strength with curing age, Okohia exhibited moderate strength performance, Umuezeawala performed best overall, recording the highest compressive strength at 28 days (24.29MPa), and the Response Surface modeling of Umuezeawala fine aggregate demonstrating that well-graded fine aggregate respond more favorably in concrete strength development. The findings established a clear link between fine aggregate, gradation, moisture content, and concrete strength development. Ogboro-Isiala sample, due to its high plasticity and fines, is least suitable for concrete; Okohia shows moderate suitability; while Umuezeawala emerges as the most stable and reliable fine aggregate for engineering applications within the study area.

Medicinal plant extracts with a therapeutic property has the tendency of wrong prescription and sometimes, overdosed. The fact that Xylopia aethiopica is a natural product does not automatically confer on its safety and might be risky to its consumers. Xylopia aethiopica fruit is known to have alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and organic oils. This study was carried out to assess the effect of ethanolic seed extract of Xylopia aethiopica on cadmium chloride induced toxicity on testicular tissues in adult male wisiar rat. Twenty (20) male albino wistar rats were used for this study- The animals were randomly divided into five groups with each containing four adults male wistar rats. The experiment lasted for 14 days. Group 1 received distilled water and feed, group 2 was treated with 2m°/body weight of Cadmium, group 3 was treated with 2mg/body weight of Cadmium plus 50mg body weight of ethanolic seed extract of Xylopia aethiopica, group 4 was treated with 2mg/body weight of Cadmium plus l00mg/body weight of ethanolic seed extract of Xylopia aethiopica, group 5 was treated with l00mg/ body weight of ethanolic seed extract of Xylopia aethiopica. After 14 days of administration, the rats were sacrificed and the testes harvested, processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining method. Blood samples were collected in EDTA bottles for hormonal analysis Histological findings from this study revealed that cadmium chloride have severe toxic effects on the histology of the testes. Some of the effects include; Sertoli cells degeneration seen along with spermatids, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes degeneration. There were also interstitial cellular lesions of Leydig cells. These results revealed that consumption of high dose of Xylopia aethiopica has ameliorative effect on cadmium chloride toxicity.

The arch of the foot provides an elastic, springy connection between the forefoot and hindfoot. The aim of this study is to assess the plantar arch index and prevalence of flat feet among indigenes of Ikwerre local government area, Rivers State aged 18-60. The study is a cross-sectional study using random sampling technique to select participants., Staheli’s index was used to calculate the plantar arch index. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0. A total of 107 males (53.5%) and 93 females (46.5%) were assessed to determine whether there were statistically significant gender differences in foot length, midfoot breadth, heel breadth, and arch index. The results show that males had a slightly higher mean foot length (25.17 cm) compared to females (24.60 cm). The t-test value of 1.99 and a p-value of 0.048 indicate that this difference is statistically significant at p < 0.05. This suggests the presence of sexual dimorphism in foot length, meaning that men in this population generally have longer feet than women. For midfoot breadth, males recorded a mean of 5.03 cm, while females had a mean of 4.89 cm. The t-test value (0.95) and p-value (0.34) show that this difference is not statistically significant, implying that both genders have similar midfoot widths. Regarding heel breadth, the mean values for males (7.96 cm) and females (7.93 cm) were nearly identical. The t-test value (0.37) and p-value (0.97) further confirm that there is no significant difference between males and females in heel width. Similarly, the arch index had a mean value of 0.83 for males and 0.80 for females. With a t-test value of 0.67 and a p-value of 0.49, the result shows no significant difference between genders. This suggests that both males and females in this population share similar arch structures and proportions. In summary, the only statistically significant gender difference observed was in foot length, with males exhibiting longer feet than females. However, no significant differences were found in mid foot breadth, heel breadth, or arch index. This indicates that while men generally have longer feet, the overall structural proportions and arch configurations of the feet are similar across both sexes in the studied population

This quantitative correlational study investigated the availability of ICT resources and the level of teacher ICT competence as predictors of curriculum delivery in Nigerian upper basic schools. The research was conducted in South‑West Nigeria using a descriptive survey design. A sample of 312 teachers was selected from public schools, and data were collected via structured questionnaires on ICT resource availability, teacher competence, and curriculum delivery. The findings revealed a pervasive scarcity of ICT resources, with only the electricity supply recording availability above 50 percent. Other critical instructional technologies, such as computers, projectors, interactive whiteboards, internet connectivity, and ICT laboratories, were largely absent, creating structural barriers to effective technology integration. Teacher competence was found to be moderate, with relatively higher proficiency in basic operations such as computer use and word processing, but weaker skills in multimedia integration, online platform management, digital assessment, and troubleshooting. Curriculum delivery was rated moderately effective, with teachers performing strongly in traditional pedagogical practices but demonstrating limited use of ICT tools to support and reinforce learning. Correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between curriculum delivery and both ICT availability and teacher competence. Regression analysis further revealed that these two factors jointly predicted curriculum delivery, explaining 40 percent of its variance, with teacher competence emerging as the stronger predictor. The study concluded that sustainable improvement in curriculum delivery requires simultaneous investment in ICT infrastructure and teacher professional development. It is recommended that policymakers prioritize equitable resource provision, continuous pedagogy‑focused training, and curriculum reforms that embed ICT integration as a core instructional strategy.

Ovarian cysts are common gynecological conditions that affect women of reproductive age and vary widely in types, and associated demographic factors. This study investigated the distribution types, hormonal profile, and histological patterns of ovarian cysts among 414 female patients in a tertiary hospital, as well as their association with age and ethnicity. Data were obtained through ultrasonographic and hormonal analyses, including serum levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin, and analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square tests. The majority of participants were aged 27–36 years, with cysts occurring more frequently in the right ovary (46.1%) than the left (35.7%), while 18.1% were bilateral. Dermoid cysts were the most prevalent (22.5%), followed by endometriomas (19.8%), cystadenomas (19.1%), and polycystic ovarian cysts (15.7%), whereas malignant cysts accounted for 9.4% of cases. Ethnic group was significantly associated with cyst type (p < 0.001) but not with cyst location, and age group also showed a significant association with cyst type (p = 0.008). No significant variations were found in hormonal levels across cyst types or ethnic groups (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that dermoid cysts remain the most common benign ovarian cysts, predominantly affecting women in their reproductive years, with a right-sided predominance. Although hormonal profiles showed no statistical variation, the relationship between age, ethnicity, and cyst type suggests possible genetic and environmental influences. The relatively higher incidence of malignant cysts observed underscores the need for early detection, regular screening, and timely intervention to prevent complications and improve reproductive health outcomes.

Worldwide, the prevalence of overweight and obesity due to lifestyle is on the rise. Numerous health problems, including metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases, are significantly correlated with it. This study evaluated the protective effects of selected varieties of Solanum lycopersicum on liver and kidney markers in albino rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). A total of twenty-five healthy male albino rats weighing between (150–180 g) were fed high fat diet for the first four (4) weeks, and rats weighing above 300g were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each for another four (4) weeks. Group 1 served as the normal control group, Group 2 served as the negative control (rats fed a high-fat diet only), Group 3 was administered the standard drug (5mg/kg Lovastatin), Groups 4 and 5 animals were administered 200mg/kg body weight of two different varieties of Solanum lycopersicum. After 4 weeks of administration, rats were euthanized, blood sample was collected and centrifuged for analysis. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total bilirubin (TB), Conjugated bilirubin (CB), total protein (TP), albumin, (ALB) creatinine, urea, uric acid, and electrolytes were measured. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) elevation of liver enzymes and kidney markers in HFD-fed rats. At the same time, the Solanum lycopersicum-treated groups exhibited a marked improvement in both liver and kidney parameters compared to the HFD control. The study concludes that Solanum lycopersicum possesses hepatoprotective and renoprotective potential, suggesting its nutritional importance in preventing diet-induced metabolic disorders.