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.

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

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.

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.

The prevalence of malocclusion, a common dental condition characterized by misaligned teeth and jaws, has significant implications for oral health, aesthetics, and overall quality of life. This study investigated the prevalence of malocclusion in Rivers State, Nigeria, a region with diverse demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of participants- 310 (148 males and 162 females) from various communities was assessed clinically for malocclusion patterns, including spacing, crowding, crossbite. open bite, and overbite. Data were analyzed to identify the distribution of malocclusion and associated factors such as age, gender, and habits: like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing. Majority of the subjects were found to have Angle's Class 1 molar relationships (80.3%). There was a significantly larger proportion of females (52.2%) as compared with their male counterparts (47.8%). Majority of the children had normal overjet (69.2%) and overbite (55.5%). However significant gender differences were found More females were found to have normal overjet and overbites than their male counterparts, whilst males were found to have a larger proportion of reduced overjet's and overbites. A normal dentoalveolar relationship was a predominant finding. However, crowding of the arches was found in 14.4% whilst 59.5% had spaced arches. Anterior and posterior crossbite was found in 17.1% of the population, whilst open bite was seen in a smaller proportion of 7.1 % Findings revealed that malocclusion is prevalent among both children and adults in Rivers State, residents (children), with specific patterns correlating with socio-demographic variables and oral habits. The results emphasize the need for targeted orthodontic interventions and public health initiatives to address the burden of malocclusion in the region. This study contributes valuable data to the limited research on malocclusion in Nigeria, serving as a foundation for policy formulation and further investigations.

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.

China has high-speed development in the long term, while environmental protection is also given importance by society. The evidence of China can be analyzed and emulated by other countries. The project of ESG is popular globally, and the carbon intensity is considered an essential factor for the country, and economic growth may decrease the carbon intensity because economic growth is fueled by industry transition. The primary and secondary industries are not as efficient as the tertiary industry. This essay can give evidence to policymakers or independent units to make decisions under sustainable development. This study uses Stata software to conduct the analysis, and the analysis employs Chinese economic data and carbon-related data from world bank and the OWID CO₂ Dataset, respectively, from 1965 to 2024. The model chooses Carbon Intensity as the dependent variable and chooses Economic Growth as the independent variable. After that, the model employs Coal CO₂ Emissions per Capita, Services, Value Added (% of GDP), and Oil CO₂ Emissions as the Control Variables. From the empirical analysis, we can draw the conclusion that Economic Growth and Services, Value Added (% of GDP) are significantly associated with carbon intensity. And Coal CO₂ Emissions per Capita and Oil CO₂ Emissions are positively significantly associated with carbon intensity. China is an acute evidence for the developing countries to conduct an industry transition, and the carbon intensity decrease associated with a high-quality environment, which benefits all the citizens living in the country. The air conditioning and temperature also affect the earth ecosystem indirectly. China is still investing human, political, and capital resource to the tertiary industry and is accelerating the industry transition, which boosts its economic growth. Environmental protection should be put in the right place and be associated with the quality of living standards.

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.

Background- Pyogenic granuloma is a common reactive oral lesion characterized by rapid vascular proliferation and tissue remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its regulators, TIMP-2 and RECK, are key modulators of extracellular matrix turnover and angiogenesis, but their roles in pyogenic granuloma remain unclear. Aim- This study aimed to assess the expression and possible role of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK in the biologic behaviour of Pyogenic granuloma. Methods- This was a laboratory based immunohistochemical study of pyogenic granuloma cases seen at the Department of Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine, UCH Ibadan, Nigeria between January 2000 and December 2011. 50 cases of pyogenic granuloma were sectioned and stained with commercial antibodies for MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK. Immunohistochemical staining of cells in individual cases was assessed at X100 magnification. Immunohistochemical assessment of MMP2, TIMP2 and RECK were expressed in proportions/percentages. Mean scores for MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK as well as MMP-2: TIMP-2 and MMP-2: RECK in all the cases of pyogenic granuloma were compared using the Independent Sample T test. Results- All of the cases expressed MMP2 and 88% of cases expressed TIMP-2 while RECK is positive in 80%. The mean MMP2: RECK ratio in pyogenic granuloma is 2:1. TIMP -2 is significantly higher in males than females (p = 0.005) while mean MMP2:TIMP2 is significantly higher in females than males (p = 0.000). Pearson correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore the relationships between MMP-2 and its inhibitors, TIMP-2 and RECK, in pyogenic granuloma. A weak negative correlation was observed between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression (r = −0.093), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.521). Similarly, simple linear regression analysis showed that MMP-2 expression was not a significant predictor of RECK expression (β = 0.02, p = 0.882), with the model explaining virtually none of the variance (R² = 0.00). Conclusion- MMP-2 is expressed in all pyogenic granuloma cases and exceeds the levels of its inhibitors, TIMP-2 and RECK, consistent with its role in driving angiogenesis. Its expression appears largely independent of TIMP-2 and RECK, suggesting additional regulatory factors influence MMP-2 activity in these lesions.

The fingerprint examination is one of the most reliable methods of personal identification in forensic science due to the uniqueness and permanence of friction ridge patterns. In addition to primary ridge characteristics and minutiae, microscopic features such as sweat pores (level 3 fingerprint details) provide valuable information for detailed Forensic analysis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of sweat pores characteristics in determining the age and sex of individuals through Poroscopic examination of fingerprints. A total of 150 participants were included in the study and categorized into three different age groups, each consisting of 25 males and 25 females. The fingerprint samples collected from all participants were examined under a digital microscope at 50x magnification, and specific pore parameters such as pore size, pore shape, interspacing between pores, and pore density were analysed. The combined analysis of these pore parameters indicates that poroscopy can provide useful microscopic information that may assist forensic examiners in estimating the approximate age group and differentiating between individuals based on sweat pore characteristics.

This study examines Libyan computer science students’ perspectives on their English for Specific Purposes (ESP) textbook and explores the challenges associated with their use of this textbook in the tertiary education context. A questionnaire adapted from established ESP evaluation frameworks was administered to a sample of 53 undergraduate computer science students. The findings reveal a significant discrepancy between the textbook’s organizational structure and its pedagogical effectiveness. While students acknowledge the clarity of the textbook’s layout and sequencing, they report substantial shortcomings in its instructional content. Specifically, the material is perceived as outdated, overly theoretical, and a lack of authentic, discipline-relevant tasks. Moreover, the results indicate a significant imbalance in skills coverage, with a predominant focus on reading while neglecting listening, speaking, and writing skills that are essential for academic and workplace communication in computer science. The study concludes that the textbook, in its current form, does not adequately align with core ESP principles and therefore requires substantial revision and supplementation with contemporary, practice-oriented materials to better equip students with the communicative competencies demanded by their field.

Background: Hypertensive crisis is a continuum of elevated blood pressure that may cause acute target-organ damage and represents life-threatening complications if not treated and controlled urgently. Although the emergency department (ED) setting has historically been advocated as the appropriate environment for acute blood pressure control, the importance of enhanced primary care in responding to some high-risk vascular presentations is increasingly emphasized in modern healthcare systems. Comparative “Real-world” data on outcomes in the management of HC by ED and primary care (PC) perspectives regarding treatment of patients presenting with HC in the Middle Eastern health system is scarce. Objective: To compare clinical management, time to blood pressure control, complication rates and outcome of hypertensive crisis between emergency department (ED) and primary care setting in Qatar. Methods: A parallel observational study was done in 75 adult patients diagnosed with hypertensive crisis from January to November 2025. Patients were treated in ED (n = 45) or primary health care (n = 30). Demographics, comorbidities, treatment approaches, time to response and outcomes were described and compared by statistical methods using test of significance (p < 0.05). Results: In ED patients who were managed with IV antihypertensive treatment, blood pressure reduction was significantly faster, intravenous antihypertensive use was significantly greater, and early complication rates were significantly lower. The majority of cases of hypertensive urgency were effectively controlled with oral pharmacracy and outpatient follow-up at primary care centers. Blood pressure was controlled in total in 66.7%, partially in 25.3% and was uncontrolled with continued medication in 8.0%. Conclusion: Emergency departments are essential for hypertensive emergencies, but appropriately resourced primary care facilities can safely and effectively treat hypertensive urgency, preserving healthcare resources and mitigating inappropriate hospital use.

Movement is one of the major characteristics of every living thing. Transportation involves the movement of people, goods and services from one place to another and with increased population congestion is inevitable. Eastern mass junction Nkwo Triangle Nnewi North (Cross intersection) is not exempted from traffic congestion as it was taken as a case study for this work which focused on the analyses of traffic characteristics and design of traffic signaling control for management of busy intersections. Eastern mass junction Nkwo triangle Nnewi is connected by four roads leading Eastwards to the junction is Eke Amobi road, Westwards is First bank road, Northwards by Nnobi road and Southwards by Round-About junction road. The geometry of the junction is symmetrical towards North and South (8.1 meters) and asymmetric towards East (13.425 meters) and West (12 meters). Based on traffic volumes converted to the PCU values, a traffic signaling scheme was designed mostly based on the Webster’s method of signaling design using the geometries of the roads leading to this junction. Results from signal design showed an optimum cycle lengths of 73 seconds with total effective green times of 55 seconds and amber time of 5 seconds. The designed traffic signal is recommended for Eastern mass junction and other similar junctions to improve their traffic characteristics and reduce the demerits of congestion and delays.