Neurodegenerative disorders, are marked by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) exposure has been shown to induce neurodegenerative changes through oxidative damage and inflammation. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Cocos nucifera (coconut water) on AlCl₃-induced neurodegeneration in Wistar rats. Thirty-two adult rats were randomly assigned into eight groups: Group I control (distilled water only), Group II, inducement of ND’s (AlCl₃-only), Group III (donepezil-only), Group IV: ND’s + donepezil (AlCl₃ and donepezil), Group V: ND's + (coconut water 500mg/kg), Group VI: ND's+ coconut water 1500mg/kg, Group VII: coconut water 500mg/kg only and Group VIII coconut water high dose (1500mg/kg only). Neurodegeneration was induced with AlCl₃ (10 mg/kg) for 14 days, followed by 14 days of treatment. Behavioral assessment using the Y-maze evaluated spatial working memory, while biochemical assays measured antioxidant markers—GSH, GPx, CAT, SOD, and MDA. Results revealed that coconut water treatment improved antioxidant status, with significant increases in CAT (group V - 3.60 ± 0.52, group VI - 3.75 ± 0.04) and GPx (group V - 0.04 ± 0.00, group VI - 0.04 ± 0.00) levels (p < 0.05) compared to the AlCl₃-induced group (CAT - 2.19 ± 0.02 and Gpx - 0.04 ± 0.00) indicating enhanced oxidative defense. Although no statistically significant differences were found in Y-maze performance across groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, coconut water did not avert memory loss induced by AlCl3 toxicity at the dosage administered.

Digital transformation has become a defining feature of twenty-first century economic and social development. Access to digital infrastructure, digital skills, and technology-enabled learning environments increasingly determines participation in labour markets, innovation systems, and civic life. Despite global advances in connectivity, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience some of the widest digital inequalities worldwide. Within the region, disparities in educational infrastructure, teacher digital competence, and socio-economic conditions shape uneven patterns of digital inclusion. This study investigates the educational determinants of digital inclusion in Nigeria, situating the analysis within broader Sub-Saharan African digital trends. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from a Cochran-determined sample of 384 respondents across three geopolitical regions through a multistage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis, and mediation modelling were employed to examine regional disparities and the predictive role of educational variables. Findings reveal statistically significant regional differences in digital inclusion, with the South-West recording the highest digital inclusion scores and the Northern region the lowest. Teacher digital competence emerged as the strongest predictor of digital inclusion, followed by ICT resource availability and device ownership. Mediation analysis confirmed that teacher competence significantly mediates the relationship between regional location and digital inclusion. Socio-economic status was not a statistically significant predictor once educational variables were included in the model. The study concludes that bridging regional digital inequalities requires sustained investment in teacher professional development, school ICT infrastructure, reliable electricity, and digital curriculum integration. Policy interventions must prioritise human capital development and regionally targeted digital equity strategies to promote inclusive digital transformation across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The digital transformation of healthcare has underscored the critical role of managerial technological competency in enhancing organizational performance. This study examined the influence of technological competency on healthcare management outcomes in public and private healthcare institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 198 healthcare managers, including administrators, departmental managers, unit heads, and health information officers, using the Technological Competency and Healthcare Management Questionnaire (TCHMQ). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS to explore relationships between competency dimensions digital literacy, data analytics, technological integration, cybersecurity awareness, and digital leadership and healthcare management outcomes, including operational efficiency, service quality, decision-making, staff productivity, and innovation. Findings revealed that managers exhibited high levels of digital literacy, technological integration skills, and digital leadership, while cybersecurity awareness and data analytics competence were moderately high. A strong positive relationship (r = .68, p < .001) was observed between technological competency and healthcare management outcomes. Multiple regression analysis indicated that competency dimensions collectively predicted 55% of the variance in healthcare management outcomes, with digital leadership, digital literacy, and technological integration emerging as the most influential predictors. The study concludes that managerial technological competency is a critical enabler of effective healthcare management, enhancing efficiency, service quality, decision-making, productivity, and innovation. It recommends targeted training, capacity building, and policy support to strengthen managerial digital skills, particularly in leadership, system integration, data analytics, and cybersecurity. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for improving healthcare management performance in low- and middle-income contexts.

The best method for finding medicinally active ingredients in plant material is to screen for phytochemicals in the plants. The toxicity profile of a methanol extract of the stem bark of Andira inermis (Gwaska) and a phytochemical screening study were conducted in this study. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and steroids were all detected in the methanol extracts during the screening process, with the exception of tannins and flavonoids for lead acetate and Shinoda's test, which were not detected. The albino Wister rats' body weight did not significantly alter, and the LD50 was more than 5000 mg/kg, according to research using Lorke's method of toxicity profile in vivo. At 1500, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg doses of the extracts, respectively, the albino Wister rats also showed notable behavioural changes, including restlessness, erection of the hair coat, tiredness, and diarrhea. The findings showed that even at a high dosage of 5000 mg/kg, the Andira inermis methanol extract was not harmful to the experimental animals.

Background: Occupational hazards in dentistry biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial pose significant risks during undergraduate training. We assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding occupational hazards among undergraduate dental students to identify gaps that can be addressed through education and policy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at the Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies between 15 December 2025 and 30 January 2026. A structured, self-administered questionnaire (six sections: demographics; knowledge; attitude; practice; domain-specific awareness; training/need assessment) was completed by 453 students. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) summarized KAP; only fully completed questionnaires were included. Results: Of 453 respondents, 311 (68.6%) were female; 150 (33.1%) reported prior formal training on occupational hazards. Knowledge was moderate: most students recognised that dentistry involves biological/chemical/physical hazards (78.4%) and the cumulative risks of X-rays (84.5%); however, awareness was lower for chemical hazards (formaldehyde 59.0%; mercury 65.8%), with notable “don’t know” responses. Attitudes were strongly positive 87.9% agreed occupational hazards are a serious concern and 85.7% endorsed PPE use yet 81.9% considered undergraduate training insufficient. Self-reported safety practices were generally high for infection control (87.0% “always/often”) and biomedical-waste disposal (89.2%), but only 53% always used protective eyewear during curing. High prevalences of work-related ill-health were reported: musculoskeletal disorders 52.1% (shoulder pain most common), psychological stress/burnout 70.2%, and glove-related irritation/latex allergy 64.7%. Importantly, 88.5% expressed willingness to attend structured occupational-safety workshops. Conclusion: Undergraduate dental students showed positive attitudes and generally good safety practices, but notable gaps in formal training and knowledge especially regarding chemical hazards and ergonomics remain. High levels of musculoskeletal problems and stress highlight the need to integrate structured occupational-safety education, practical training, and wellness support into the curriculum.

Drought is a primary constraint influencing wheat production and quality. This study evaluated 30 wheat genotypes under irrigated and rainfed conditions at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan (2022-23), using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Combined analysis of variance revealed significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences between environments for all traits except grains spike⁻¹ and grain weight spike⁻¹. Significant genetic variation (P ≤ 0.01) was observed among genotypes for most traits, excluding spikes m⁻², grains spike⁻¹, grain weight spike⁻¹, and biological yield. Genotype × environment (G×E) interactions were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for all traits except grain weight spike⁻¹ and grain yield. Drought stress reduced mean performance across genotypes for: spikes m⁻² (481 to 378), spike length (12.0 to 10.7 cm), spikelets spike⁻¹ (24 to 20), grains spike⁻¹ (74 to 72), grain weight spike⁻¹ (2.4 to 1.9 g), 1000-grain weight (44 to 39 g), biological yield (8789 to 7320 kg ha⁻¹), grain yield (3705 to 2508 kg ha⁻¹), and harvest index (42 to 35%). Heritability and expected genetic advance for key traits, including grain yield and 1000-grain weight, were higher under irrigated conditions. Grain yield showed a significant positive genotypic (rg) and phenotypic (rp) correlation with plant height in both irrigated (rg=0.687; rp=0.472) and rainfed (rg=0.471; rp=0.347) environments. Superior grain yield was recorded for G-4 (4748 kg ha⁻¹), G-22 (4500 kg ha⁻¹), and G-12 (4389 kg ha⁻¹) under irrigation, and G-10 (3489 kg ha⁻¹), G-22 (3408 kg ha⁻¹), and G-6 (3056 kg ha⁻¹) under rainfed conditions. Based on stress selection indices, genotype G-13 (TOL=111.1, YSI=0.99, SSI=0.09) and G-17 (MP=9111, STI=1.07) were identified as superior for biological yield, while G-22 (MP=3954, STI=1.11) and G-30 (TOL=110.4, YSI=224.3, SSI=0.40) excelled for grain yield stability and tolerance. Selection indices such as TOL, MP, YSI, SSI, and STI proved to be effective indicators for identifying drought-tolerant wheat genotypes.

On the palm are seen several angles known as ‘ATD’ angle, ‘DAT’ angle and ‘ADT’ angle. These angles are very useful medically. The aim of this study was to determining the palmar angles of down’s syndrome subjects in Nigeria. The study recruited 201 subjects, 101 Down syndrome subjects and 100 control subjects. The subjects were selected using a convenience sampling method from special and inclusive schools in Nigeria. Autocad program was used to measure the angles with high reliability. Data were collected and analysed using Mann Whitney U test. The results showed that Down syndrome had significantly higher ATD angle and significantly lower DAT and ADT angles when compared to control subjects. In conclusion, the result implies that Down syndrome showed high correlation with ATD, DAT ADT angles. These angles should serve an adjunct diagnostic tool for early screening and intervention of Down syndrome patients in Nigeria.

Retained primary tooth/teeth are common clinical findings encountered by orthodontists. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of retained primary teeth among orthodontic patients. A seven-year retrospective study, with data obtained from patients' records who attended the Child Dental Health Departmental clinic from 2019 to 2025. Information collected included age, sex, molar relationship, skeletal pattern, and retained teeth. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 26, with a significance level set at p-value < 0.05. The study involved 366 children and adolescents, 157 males (42.9%) and 209 females (57.1%). A total of 109 retained primary teeth were found in 58 subjects (15.9%), 38 females (65.5%) and 20 males (34.5%), with a mean age of 12.4 ± 3.6 years. Retained primary teeth were more common in the 10-19-year age group, 45 (77.6%). Most, 66.1%, were in the maxillary arch, maxillary canines most frequently affected, 30 (27.5%. A single retained tooth was more frequently observed in the 0–9-year age group (53.8%), whereas multiple ones were more common among adolescents, (55.6%). There were no statistically significant association between the number of retained teeth and age, sex, molar relationship, or skeletal pattern (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant association between the number of retained teeth and orthodontic treatment (p=0.01). Overall, retained primary teeth were common findings among the studied children and adolescents, more frequently occurring in females and adolescents, especially in the maxillary arch, with maxillary canines mostly involved. The significant association with orthodontic treatment highlights their clinical importance.

Background: Middle age involves shifts in neuromuscular and functional aspects that impact women’s motor fitness and gait. Among women in this age range, balance, coordination, reaction time, and gait pattern declines can increase the risk of functional limitations later in life. Although multicomponent exercise programmes have proven benefits for older women, there is a lack of evidence for middle-aged women, particularly for short-duration interventions. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the impact of a six-week multicomponent exercise programme on some motor fitness components and gait patterns of middle-aged women. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 apparently healthy women aged 40-55 years old into two groups. Based on a non-repeated random number, all the volunteers were divided into two groups; control group (N=20) and experimental group (N=20). The experimental group completed a supervised six-week multicomponent exercise program, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities. The motor fitness variables and their assessing tools included reaction time (ruler drop test), hand-eye coordination (alternate-hand wall-toss test), and balance (unipedal balance test). The 10 m walk test was used to assess gait performance. The intervention program was conducted four days a week for about 50 minutes, with difficulty increased each week. Results: The experimental group offered improvements in all of the assessed components of motor fitness and in gait performance. However, between group differences did not reach significance, although in the experimental group there were positive changes in reaction time, coordination, balance, and speed of gait. Conclusion: Positive trends were observed in motor fitness and gait parameters in middle-aged women after participating in a six-week, multicomponent exercise program. Findings demonstrate that short-term, structured multicomponent exercise programs may be effective in preventing decline in functional mobility and midlife neuromuscular efficiency; however, longer term exercise interventions are required to achieve significant improvements.

ATD angle is important dermatoglyphic trait that is being used for medical purposes. The study aimed at determining the ATD angle of autistic and control subjects in Nigeria. A total of 200 subjects was used, 100 autistic (82 males and 18 females) and 100 (65 males and 35 females) control subjects. The subjects were selected from various special schools in Nigeria using convenient sampling. Scanning method was used to collect the data. After that an Autocad software was used to measure the three tri-radii on the palm to get Atd angle. The data obtained were analysed using SSPS and Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for the results. The result showed a lower atd angle for autism than control subjects for both sexes and both hands and for females’ subjects. However, the left hand of male autistic subjects showed higher Atd angle when compared to the control subjects. The results revealed no significant difference between the Atd angle of autistic and control subjects (P>0.05) in Nigeria. Conclusively, the study deduced that ATD angle alone may not be enough in screening autism as it may not differentiate autism from control.

Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life globally. While numerous factors have been implicated in its aetiology, the role of anthropometric variables such as stature remains understudied, particularly in sub-Saharan African populations. This study investigates the relationship between stature and lower back pain among adults in Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 410 adult participants was conducted using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Data collected included sociodemographic information, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), physical activity levels, occupational characteristics, and the presence and severity of LBP. Statistical analyses including Pearson correlation, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations and predictive relationships between stature and LBP. Results: The prevalence of LBP among participants was 43.4%. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between stature and LBP occurrence (r = -0.184, p = 0.001), indicating that shorter individuals reported LBP more frequently. Pain severity was significantly higher among those in the lower stature category (<160 cm) (χ² = 14.2, p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis identified sedentary occupation, frequent lifting, physical inactivity, high BMI, and short stature as significant risk factors for LBP. Logistic regression confirmed stature as an independent predictor of LBP, with the odds of experiencing LBP decreasing by approximately 4% for every 1 cm increase in height (OR = 0.96, p = 0.006). Conclusion: Stature is a significant anthropometric predictor of lower back pain among adults in Irrua. Individuals of shorter height are more vulnerable to both the occurrence and severity of LBP, particularly when compounded by modifiable lifestyle and occupational risk factors. These findings underscore the need for height-sensitive ergonomic designs, preventive health screening, and policy interventions that incorporate anthropometric diversity into public health planning.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) presents a significant public health burden in Kerala, India, where oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in pathophysiology. This prospective interventional observational study aimed to evaluate the effect of fresh Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica) juice supplementation on Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels over a six-month period. The study was conducted at a Government Health Center in Kerala involving 156 patients with diagnosed T2DM (>5 years), baseline HbA1c between 7–9%, and strictly defined criteria excluding smokers and alcohol consumers to isolate the intervention's effect. Participants received daily supplementation of fresh Amla juice (equivalent to four fruits) for six months alongside stable standard pharmacological management. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and six months. The study cohort demonstrated high compliance with the intervention. The mean baseline HbA1c was 8.12 ± 0.54%, decreasing to 7.47 ± 0.48% post-intervention, representing a statistically significant mean reduction of 8.0% from baseline (p < 0.05). No significant adverse events were reported. Adjunctive supplementation with fresh Amla juice resulted in significant glycemic improvement in non-smokers and non-alcoholics, supporting the integration of dietary antioxidants in diabetic care protocols.

This study investigates how Financial Technology (FinTech) contributes to the development of a sustainable finance ecosystem in Middle Eastern countries with a focus on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. The research uses a qualitative research design and secondary data, the study evaluates the current state of FinTech adoption, its role in advancing ESG-led financial practices and the barriers limiting effective implementation. The findings shows that strong growth in digital financial services but persistent challenges related to regulation, infrastructure and technological capability. The study concludes with policy recommendations to improve FinTech-driven sustainability and long-term financial resilience across the region.

Background: Dermatoglyphics, the study of unique, immutable epidermal ridge patterns, emerges from the same embryological ectoderm as the nervous system during early gestation. This shared origin posits it as a potential phenotypic marker for neurodevelopmental anomalies like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most studies are from Western populations, with a paucity of gender-stratified data from South Asia. Objectives: This study aimed to conduct a gender-wise comparative analysis of digital dermatoglyphic patterns between autistic and neurotypical children in Northern Bangladesh, to identify potential pattern deviations associated with ASD. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study enrolled 100 Bangladeshi children aged 5–15 years: 50 diagnosed with ASD (38 male, 12 female) and 50 age-matched neurotypical controls (26 male, 24 female). Bilateral fingerprints were acquired using a ZKT ECO biometric scanner and classified into Arch (A), Ulnar Loop (UL), Radial Loop (RL), and Whorl (W) patterns using DigiDoctors software (v1.0.1). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0, employing Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests where appropriate. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Significant inter-group differences were observed (p<0.001). The autistic group exhibited a higher frequency of: Arch (12.6% vs. 4.4%; OR=3.15, 95% CI: 1.89-5.25), Whorl (36.4% vs. 32.4%), and Radial Loop (3.6% vs. 1.2%). Ulnar Loops were significantly lower in the autistic group (47.4% vs. 61.6%). Gender-stratified analysis revealed autistic males had significantly higher frequencies of Arch, Whorl, and Radial Loop compared to neurotypical males. Autistic females showed a pronounced increase in Arch pattern (16.67% vs. 2.92%; p<0.001) but lower frequencies of Whorl and Radial Loop. Radial Loops were absent in autistic females. Conclusion: This study provides the first gender-stratified dermatoglyphic profile of autistic children in Bangladesh, revealing distinct pattern deviations that differ between males and females. The findings support the hypothesis of altered ectodermal development in ASD and suggest dermatoglyphics could serve as a low-cost, non-invasive adjunctive tool in multidisciplinary ASD assessment, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further large-scale, familial, and genetic correlational studies are warranted.

This quasi-experimental pre–post interventional study evaluated the effect of a structured health education program on patients’ knowledge and practice related to warfarin therapy in River Nile State, Sudan, during 2024–2025. Adult outpatients receiving warfarin for at least one month were enrolled using consecutive sampling and assessed before and after the intervention. A total of 150 participants completed both assessments. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering key knowledge domains (indications, adherence, drug and food interactions, adverse effects, missed-dose management, and monitoring requirements) and self-reported practice behaviors. The intervention consisted of standardized face-to-face educational sessions supported by printed materials. Changes in knowledge and practice scores were analyzed using appropriate paired statistical tests. At baseline, most participants demonstrated poor warfarin-related knowledge despite high self- reported adherence. Following the educational intervention, there was a marked improvement across nearly all knowledge domains, with the mean knowledge score more than doubling and the majority of participants transitioning to a good knowledge category. Improvements were particularly notable in awareness of drug and food interactions, recognition of warning signs, and appropriate management of missed doses. Self-reported adherence remained high before and after the intervention, suggesting a ceiling effect. Overall, the study demonstrates that a brief, structured educational intervention is a feasible and effective approach to substantially improving warfarin-related knowledge in a low-resource outpatient setting, highlighting the importance of integrating patient education into routine anticoagulation care to enhance medication safety.