Background: With the increasing global movement of labor migrants, the risk of cross-border transmission of infectious diseases remains a public health concern. Pre-departure medical screening plays a vital role in identifying asymptomatic carriers and preventing disease spread. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of key infectious markers among pre-departure migrant workers and highlight implications for public health screening policies. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, Muscat Medical Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to December 2024. A total of 450 migrant workers undergoing routine pre-employment medical screening were enrolled. Blood samples were analyzed for HIV I/II, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis (VDRL and TPHA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Among the 450 participants, the majority were male (92%) and aged between 20–39 years (82%). Most had completed at least primary (30%) or secondary education (42%). Regarding medical fitness, 93.8% were declared fit, 5.1% held up and 1.1% unfit. Only HBsAg showed seropositivity: 5 individuals (1.1%) tested positive, of whom 2 were unfit and 3 held up for confirmation. All participants tested negative for HIV, HCV, TPHA and VDRL. A detailed review showed 442 (98.2%) were HBsAg negative, 2 (0.4%) positive and 6 (1.3%) required retesting. Conclusion: The overall seroprevalence of infectious markers was low, with Hepatitis B being the only positive finding. These results support the importance of maintaining comprehensive pre-departure infectious disease screening to ensure public health safety and early intervention.

Background: Accurate and early detection of postoperative complications after elective liver resection (LR) remains a challenge. A reliable predictor is essential for guiding therapy and improving outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in predicting postoperative complications after LR. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at BSMMU, Dhaka, from July 2021 to June 2024. A total of 84 patients undergoing elective LR were included. Informed consent was obtained before surgery. Serum PCT levels were measured on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, and 7 using the Siemens Atellica IM BRAHMS PCT analyzer. Other markers, including WBC count, CRP, and liver and renal function tests, were also recorded. Patients were categorized into two groups: those without complications (group 1, n=20) and those with complications (group 2, n=22). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 25.0, with a significance level of P<0.05. Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 52.4% of patients. Mean serum PCT levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 on POD 1 (0.898 ± 0.787 vs. 2.508 ± 2.587 µg/L, P=0.011), POD 3 (0.314 ± 0.249 vs. 0.890 ± 0.735 µg/L, P=0.002), and POD 7 (0.181 ± 0.217 vs. 0.611 ± 0.610 µg/L, P=0.005). WBC count and CRP levels did not show statistical significance. ROC analysis identified a PCT cutoff of 1.100 µg/L on POD 1, with sensitivity 86.4%, specificity 70.0%, PPV 74.2%, and NPV 83.7%. Conclusion: Serum PCT on POD 1 is a strong early predictor of complications after elective LR. A cutoff value of 1.100 µg/L accurately predicts morbidities, regardless of the type of disease or surgical procedure.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections affecting individuals worldwide, often leading to significant morbidity if untreated. Accurate bacteriological profiling of urinary isolates is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and effective antimicrobial therapy, especially in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to identify the aerobic bacterial pathogens isolated from urine samples and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in a tertiary care hospital setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year (January 2024 to December 2024), where urine samples from suspected UTI patients were cultured and bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI -2024) guidelines using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The results revealed Escherichia coli as the predominant pathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nitrofurantoin and amikacin showed the highest susceptibility rates, whereas a notable resistance to Fluoroquinolones was observed. These findings underscore the importance of continuous surveillance of urinary pathogens and their resistance profiles to guide empirical treatment and combat the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in hospital settings. Implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs is imperative to optimize antibiotic use and improve patient outcomes.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of the aqueous fraction of the methanolic extract of Senna siamea at various dosage concentrations in vivo in experimental mice infected with chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain. Groups A, B and C mice were infected and treated with 100, 200, and 300 mg extract/kg body weight of mouse respectively while group D was infected and treated with 200 mg chloroquine /kg body weight, group E was infected but not treated and group F was uninfected and untreated. The phytochemical constituents of the plant extract were evaluated giving 4 phytochemicals namely flavonoids and alkaloids, carbohydrates and saponins. In addition, the extract indicated a dose dependent decrease in the level of parasitaemia. The analysis showed that the extract has a decreasing effect on the Packed Cell Volume of the experimental mice. Also, some of the groups lived 10 days beyond the experimental period. Furthermore, the groups treated with 300 mg/kg extract, 200 m g/kg chloroquine and uninfected untreated increased in body weight compared to the negative control (infected untreated). Therefore, the aqueous fraction of the Methanol crude extract of Senna siamea leaves could serve as a possible source of antimalarial compounds.

Background: Medicinal plants have been widely used in traditional medicine for managing chronic diseases. Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br., traditionally utilized in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, has been reported to possess antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes and oxidative stress-related disorders, exploring plant-based therapeutic alternatives is crucial. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, in vitro antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant activities of Wrightia tinctoria leaf extract using advanced analytical techniques. Materials and Methods: The hydroalcoholic extract of Wrightia tinctoria leaves was prepared and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis using Thin thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV-visible spectroscopy, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The antihyperglycemic activity was assessed using an α-amylase inhibitory assay, while the antioxidant potential was evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Results and Discussion: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides. HPLC analysis identified gallic acid, quercetin, and rutin as major bioactive compounds. The extract exhibited significant α-amylase inhibition, indicating its antihyperglycemic potential. Additionally, strong free radical scavenging activity was observed, suggesting its role in oxidative stress management. Conclusion: The findings validate the therapeutic potential of Wrightia tinctoria in diabetes management and oxidative stress reduction, supporting its traditional use in herbal medicine. Future in vivo and clinical studies are recommended to further explore its pharmacological applications.

Menopause occurs at a mean age of 51 years, with 95% of women transitioning between ages 45 and 55. Declining ovarian estrogen production leads to low serum estradiol and vasomotor symptoms in most women, while approximately half develop genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) characterized by vaginal dryness and dyspareunia [1]. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) employs unopposed estrogen for women post-hysterectomy and combined estrogen-progestin therapy for those with an intact uterus to prevent endometrial hyperplasia [2]. This article integrates the latest evidence on indications, formulations, dosing, and safety considerations for systemic and local MHT.

Introduction: In gynecology and ultrasonography, adnexal masses are a major health concern. Ultrasonography and International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) criteria are crucial for diagnosing and identifying malignant grades, and an accurate distinction by non-invasive techniques is necessary for proper care. Methods: From January to May 2025, 400 patients who presented with adnexal masses at the Saudi Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology in Khartoum, Sudan, participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Adnexal lesions were assessed using transvaginal and abdominal ultrasonography, with the IOTA Simple Rules (SR) employed for classification. To evaluate associations with ultrasound results and final diagnoses, information on patient demographics, age, symptoms, and medical history was examined. Result: The age categories of 26–40 and 41–55 were the most impacted. The majority of patients experienced symptoms, with pain accounting for about 43.3% of cases. According to the IOTA SR criteria, ultrasonography identified 22% of masses as malignant and 68.8% as benign. Ultrasound characteristics, such as uneven shape, ascites, papillary projections, and vascularity, were found to be significantly associated with malignancy. Malignant lesions were also significantly associated with older age and a history of breast cancer. According to statistical analyses, ovarian cancer can be accurately predicted by certain ultrasonographic features using IOTA Simple Rules. In conclusion, ultrasonography is a reliable and efficient method for assessing and categorizing adnexal masses when used following IOTA guidelines. Combining the patient's age, medical history, and ultrasound characteristics improves diagnostic precision, enables prompt and effective treatment, and lowers the risk of surgery.

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMEC) is an extremely rare salivary gland-type tumor that arises from submucosal bronchial glands and accounts for less than 1% of lung tumors. Here we describe a very unusual case of high-grade PMEC in a 17-year-old male, in whom low-grade tumors are more common. The clinical course was characterized by extensive mediastinal involvement, ipsilateral hilar lymph node metastasis with extranodal extension, and bronchial margins involved with disease. PET-CT and FNAC was done as part of the diagnostic process followed by chemotherapy, surgical debulking, and left pneumonectomy. Pathology confirmed high-grade tumor with multiple adverse prognostic features. This case demonstrates how difficult it is to diagnose PMEC in adolescents and that even if diagnosed early, high-grade PMEC can have aggressive biological behavior requiring tailored management approaches involving multidisciplinary teams.

This study investigates the impact of practical teaching methods on student performance in Introduction to Computing Sciences at the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu. As digital literacy becomes a core requirement in health sciences, understanding how pedagogy influences foundational computing outcomes is essential. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare academic outcomes between two cohorts, one taught using conventional lecture methods and the other through hands-on, practical sessions involving lab exercises, simulations, and real-time projects. Data were collected using pre- and post-tests, performance assessments, and feedback surveys. Statistical analysis using paired and independent t-tests revealed a significant improvement in the experimental group’s performance (p < 0.05). Findings suggest that integrating practical, experiential approaches significantly enhances conceptual understanding, retention, and engagement in Computing Sciences. The study recommends institutional adoption of practical-based pedagogy to improve competence and academic success in computing courses, particularly for non-computer science majors in health-related disciplines.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection, affecting 0.5–2% of all live births worldwide. Primary maternal CMV infection in the first trimester carries a high morbidity and mortality for the fetus. Herein, we present a case of a 27-year-old primigravida who tested positive for primary CMV infection in the first trimester. The patient experienced fever, fatigue at 8 weeks of gestation. Laboratory investigation revealed elevated inflammatory markers, and CMV serology was consistent with a recent infection (CMV IgM and IgG were positive). She was started on high-dose valacyclovir till amniocentesis then stopped by her self she cannot tolerate and sent for serial fetal evaluations. Fetal CMV was indicated by positive PCR of amniotic fluid at 16weeks. However, ultrasonographic monitoring during pregnancy revealed no structural anomalies other than quarry unilateral cataract at 26weeks. The patient gave birth to a healthy female newborn at term by induced vaginal delivery. Fetal Urinary CMV PCR was positive postnatally. Audiology examination showed bilateral hearing impairment, and the baby commenced on oral valganciclovir. This case highlights the importance of early detection of maternal CMV infection, treatment with antivirals, and the necessity of multidisciplinary antenatal and postnatal monitoring to optimize neonatal outcomes in CMV infection.

Ship collision cases, typically treated as civil disputes under the tort of negligence, pose significant legal challenges, particularly in jurisdictions like Cameroon where multiple legal systems coexist. When ships collide at sea, the resulting damage often gives rise to disputes between parties involve in the accident. Where amicable settlements fail, claimants must resort to litigation, arbitration, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This article critically examines the adjudication of ship collision disputes in Cameroon, highlighting the procedural complexities caused by the coexistence of the Common Law in Anglophone regions and the Civil Law in Francophone areas. These dual systems lead to divergent procedures and evidentiary requirements, complicating case management and enforcement. Also, enforcing judgments in maritime cases is particularly challenging due to practical measures such as ship arrests and injunctions, which are further hampered by bureaucratic bottlenecks and executive interference. The article argues that these systemic hurdles undermine the principle of separation of powers and delay the effective resolution of maritime disputes. To address these challenges, the article recommends harmonising civil procedures in a single Text, and streamlining the administrative processes required for enforcement measures like ship arrests. Strengthening the independence of the judiciary from executive influence is also essential to ensure fair, efficient, and predictable outcomes in ship collision litigation in Cameroon.

Background: Maxillectomy causes significant functional and esthetic impairments, affecting mastication, speech, and psychological well‑being. Prosthodontic rehabilitation improves oral health–related quality of life (QoL), but the influence of defect extent (Aramany classification) remains underexplored. Objective: To assess QoL outcomes in maxillectomy patients rehabilitated with obturator prostheses and compare variations across Aramany defect classes. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted among 50 maxillectomy patients who underwent prosthodontic rehabilitation. QoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile‑14 (OHIP‑14) and the Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS). Responses were recorded on Likert scales. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21.0 with Wilcoxon signed‑rank and chi‑square tests at a 5% significance level. Results: Males (58%) outnumbered females (42%). Most patients had Type I defects (52%), followed by Type II/III (14% each), Type IV (12%), and Type VI (8%). Mucormycosis was the leading cause (78%), followed by trauma (12%) and cancer (10%). Prosthodontic rehabilitation significantly improved QoL (p = 0.001). Patients with extensive anterior/posterior defects (Aramany I & II) showed lower functional and psychological domain scores than those with smaller lateral defects (Classes IV–VI). Post‑oncologic patients experienced greater psychological distress compared to trauma cases. Conclusion: Prosthodontic rehabilitation enhances QoL in maxillectomy patients, though outcomes vary based on Aramany defect classification and etiology. Personalized rehabilitation strategies considering defect size and etiology are essential.

To study the prescribing pattern of drugs used in Diabetes mellitus with cardiovascular diseases in a tertiary care hospital. A prospective observational study was done in the General Medicine department of Almas Hospital for 6 months to analyze the prescribing pattern of drugs used in Diabetes mellitus with cardiovascular diseases. 154 patient prescription patterns were studied, out of which 56.5% were males and 43.5% were females. Most of the patients were in the age group of 41-64. Hypertension was the most commonly found co-morbid condition. Glimepiride+metformin were mostly prescribed during a hospital stay. Metformin was the commonly prescribed oral hypoglycemic agent. It was found that the majority of drugs were prescribed from the recent NLEM of India by the practitioners which indicates the implementation and adoption of national drug policy by the hospitals and cardiologists

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder linked to insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Dietary interventions, particularly low- carbohydrate (low-carb) and balanced diets, play a crucial role in managing PCOS symptoms. However, the optimal dietary approach remains debated. Methods: A review of relevant studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, was conducted to compare the effects of low-carb and balanced diets on insulin sensitivity, weight management, lipid profile, and hormonal regulation in women with PCOS. Results: Low-carb diets significantly improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fasting insulin levels, and promote weight loss. They may also lower androgen levels and enhance menstrual regularity but raise concerns regarding long-term adherence and nutrient deficiencies. Balanced diets support gradual, sustainable metabolic and hormonal improvements, offering cardiovascular benefits and long- term viability. Conclusion: Both dietary approaches show promise in PCOS management. Low-carb diets yield faster metabolic improvements but pose sustainability challenges, whereas balanced diets provide long-term benefits. Further research is needed to determine individualized dietary recommendations for PCOS management.

As the digitization of education intensifies, cybersecurity has become a vital concern, particularly for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) systems that rely heavily on online platforms to deliver instructional content and manage academic resources. This study investigates the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures implemented within the University of Port Harcourt’s ODL system, with a focus on protecting online educational resources. The research further examines specific vulnerabilities and challenges affecting the cybersecurity infrastructure, such as user awareness, policy implementation, and technical capacity. Adopting a quantitative research approach, data were collected via structured questionnaires distributed to ODL users, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, specifically the mean. The findings indicate that while users express moderate confidence in the presence of basic cybersecurity measures, they also highlight critical shortcomings, including insufficient training, unclear security policies, and irregular system audits. These deficiencies pose significant risks to the safety and integrity of online educational resources. Based on these findings, the study concludes that although foundational security measures exist, a lack of strategic coordination and user engagement weakens overall cybersecurity effectiveness. Consequently, recommendations are made for institutional actors to prioritize awareness training, policy dissemination, continuous audits, and resource allocation to strengthen the ODL platform's security posture.