Introduction: Clear aligners, introduced in the 1990s with the Invisalign® system, have transformed orthodontics by providing an esthetic and comfortable alternative to fixed appliances. However, questions remain regarding their effectiveness and predictability in achieving different tooth movements and specifically tooth rotation. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the efficiency of aligners in controlling rotational movements and to identify the factors influencing their predictability. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect using a PICOS-based strategy. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using standardized tools (AMSTAR 2, NHLBI/NIH). Results: Studies published between 2014 and 2024 were included. After screening, 14 studies met the eligibility criteria, including prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and systematic reviews. The review revealed that accuracy of tooth rotation is moderate (≈37–60%), it can be improved with attachments and interproximal reduction, but decreases with large or rapidly staged movements. Despite some progress, rotational control remains a key clinical limitation requiring cautious planning and monitoring. Conclusion: Rotations with clear aligners are poorly predictable, particularly for canines and premolars due to limited aligner grip on rounded crowns which often requires the use of auxiliaries and overcorrection strategies. Future high-quality randomized clinical trials and standardized protocols are necessary to strengthen the evidence and improve clinical outcomes.

Introduction: Clear aligners are an aesthetic alternative to fixed appliances, yet their predictability in arch expansion is still debated. This systematic review evaluates the efficiency of aligners in achieving planned expansion and identifies factors influencing outcomes. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect using a PICOS-based strategy. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using standardized tools (AMSTAR 2, NHLBI/NIH). Results: Nine studies were included in the final analysis, consisting of two systematic reviews and seven cohort studies. The review found that arch expansion predictability is highest in the premolar region (reaching up to 93.53%) but decreases progressively toward the posterior segments, with the lowest accuracy observed at the first molar level (approximately 55-68%). Expansion is primarily achieved through coronal tipping rather than true bodily translation. Conclusion: Aligners effectively manage mild crowding but often result in uncontrolled tipping. To improve predictability, clinicians should utilize overcorrection strategies and pre-program negative torque. Higher-quality randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish standardized protocols.

The Niger Delta region faces a complex security crisis rooted in decades of environmental degradation and the resultant resource-driven violence. Traditional state-centric approaches to peacebuilding have largely failed to address the core problem of ecological marginalization, which pushes large segments of the marginalized youth population into militancy and illicit economies as a response to profound grievance and environmental scarcity. This paper examines a critical, though underexplored, solution: the emergence and efficacy of youth-led eco-innovation and environmental entrepreneurship as proactive mechanisms for conflict de-escalation and peace advocacy. This study argues that youth-led initiatives, such as sustainable aquaculture, waste-to-wealth enterprises and bioremediation start-ups, disrupt the conflict cycle by achieving two strategic outcomes. First, they directly counteract the environmental scarcity stress multiplier by providing legitimate, high-value livelihoods, successfully neutralizing the economic desperation that fuels participation in oil bunkering and pipeline sabotage. Second, by creating tangible economic assets and demonstrating local capacity for ecological stewardship, these ventures transform young people from mere victims or perpetrators into legitimate stakeholders. This elevation provides a constructive platform for peace advocacy and formalized dialogue with international oil companies (IOCs) and environmental protection agencies (EPAs), strengthening non-violent conflict resolution pathways and rebuilding a critical measure of institutional trust. The paper concludes that sustained peace in the Niger Delta requires a fundamental shift in green security governance frameworks. Governments and development partners must transition from reactive amnesty programmes to proactive, large-scale investment in and integration of youth eco-innovation. Government can effectively address the root causes of grievance and establish a foundation for long-term human and environmental security when priority is given to ecological livelihoods.

Background: Oligohydramnios is a clinically significant obstetric condition associated with increased intrapartum intervention and adverse perinatal outcomes. Reduced amniotic fluid volume compromises fetal well-being by increasing the risk of umbilical cord compression and uteroplacental insufficiency, thereby influencing delivery decisions and neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the mode of delivery and fetomaternal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from December 2009 to June 2010. A total of 50 pregnant women with sonographically confirmed oligohydramnios were included in this study. Cardiotocography was performed upon admission to assess the fetal status. The mode of delivery, indications for caesarean section and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Associations between oligohydramnios severity and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Non-reassuring cardiotocography patterns were observed in 64% of the cases. Caesarean section was the predominant mode of delivery (72%), with fetal distress being the leading indication (61.1%). All women with severe oligohydramnios required caesarean delivery, demonstrating a significant association between severity and delivery mode (p < 0.001). Neonates born to mothers with severe oligohydramnios had a higher incidence of Apgar scores below 7 at five minutes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Severe oligohydramnios is strongly associated with non-reassuring fetal surveillance, increased operative delivery rates and adverse neonatal outcomes. Severity-based risk stratification and vigilant intrapartum monitoring are essential for optimizing fetomaternal outcomes.

Introduction: McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare, sporadic mosaic disorder caused by postzygotic activating mutations of the GNAS gene. It is classically characterized by a triad of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, café-au-lait skin macules, and hyperfunctioning endocrinopathies. Growth hormone (GH) excess represents a particularly challenging manifestation and is most often associated with pituitary adenomas or somatolactotroph hyperplasia. However, atypical presentations with GH excess in the absence of radiologically detectable pituitary lesions have been reported. Case presentation: We report the case of a 43-year-old male referred for progressive craniofacial deformity and excessive height. Clinical evaluation revealed features consistent with GH excess, including gigantism, frontal bossing, prognathism, and progressive respiratory and neurological complications. Imaging demonstrated extensive polyostotic fibrous dysplasia involving the craniofacial bones, thoracic cage, and spine, resulting in severe skeletal deformities and multisystem complications. Biochemical assessment confirmed GH excess with elevated insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and failure of GH suppression during an oral glucose tolerance test. Notably, pituitary magnetic resonance imaging was completely normal, with no evidence of adenoma or hyperplasia. Additional endocrine evaluation revealed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and structural thyroid abnormalities without functional hyperthyroidism. Based on the constellation of clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings, a diagnosis of atypical McCune–Albright syndrome was established. The patient was managed medically with a long-acting somatostatin analog and multidisciplinary follow-up. Conclusion: This case highlights the marked phenotypic heterogeneity of McCune–Albright syndrome and underscores that growth hormone–mediated gigantism may occur despite a normal pituitary MRI. Recognition of such atypical presentations is crucial to avoid diagnostic delay and to guide appropriate management. A multidisciplinary approach remains essential for optimizing outcomes in patients with complex skeletal and endocrine involvement

Emerging from the dark confines of carceral spaces, prison literature has become a formative genre that exposes the hidden realities of state-sanctioned persecution across the globe. Yet, the voices of women in Indian prison narratives, particularly during the colonial era, often remain marginal and unheard. This research paper engages with the compelling testimony of Urmila Shastri, an overlooked freedom fighter whose memoir, My Days in Prison (2012), offers an unflinching account of her physical and emotional suffering during incarceration. Through close analysis of Shastri’s experiences, the paper illuminates the pervasive malfeasance, abusive power dynamics, and indifference of prison authorities, revealing them as systemic obstacles to reform and justice. By foregrounding the everyday atrocities and discrimination within colonial jails especially as faced by women the study interrogates whether contemporary confinement serves its ostensible rehabilitative purpose, or instead perpetuates cycles of injustice and dehumanization. The paper further evaluates the reformative proposals advanced by Shastri, interrogating their feasibility and transformative potential, and situates her voice within a wider discourse on prison, reformation, human rights, and the continuing struggles of marginalized women prisoners in India.

This paper presents a case study of a pilot project on using novated Pre-Stressed High-Strength Concrete (PHC) Piles technology for a potential support to the large foundations of Steel Plate Manufacturing Plant, which to be installed on an area that contains sabkha soils saline, loose, and water-saturated sands in Ras Al Khair Industrial City, Saudi Arabia. The key highlight of this project is the successful installation and testing of Prestressed High-strength Concrete (PHC) piles likely the first such application within Saudi Aramco, and possibly within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This paper presents the load-settlement and the load-displacement diagrams for the tested PHC piles and identifies the bearing capacity of some of these piles at the job site. The study summaries the bearing capacities of the tested PHC piles to be considered for the detailed design of future project packages. PHC Pile foundation reduces the settlement of structures and improves bearing capacity of foundation; and the new pile technologies are of little noise and reduce damage to pile during the installation. The PHC piles, characterized by a hollow core and prestressed concrete design, are typically produced with outer diameters ranging from 300 mm to 1200 mm and engineered to endure high axial loads and bending moments, making them suitable for challenging ground conditions such as sabkha.

Carbon Capture, Utilization and storage (CCUS) continue to emerge as the most viable technology to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases around the world, the bulk of which is in the hard to abate industries. This paper has presented a systematic review of the existing technological implementation, the key challenges that have been identified, the gaps in knowledge, and also the emerging innovations that have been continuing to shape the field. The review incorporates information in the world deployment databases, state reports, and peer reviewed libraries. CCUS technologies have reached maturity in the realms of capture and storage but the large scale deployment of capturing technology has been limited because of the high cost, the presence of adequate infrastructure and due to policy uncertainty. The review paper presents some recommendations on how to enhance efficiency, lower costs and achieve sustainable industrial integration with net zero emissions.

Background: Labour in nulliparous women is a crucial obstetric process, and foetal head engagement is a key determinant of labour progress and clinical decision-making. The purpose of the study is to determine the incidence of foetal head engagement and non-engagement at ≥38 weeks in nulliparous women and evaluate their maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, from January to December 2009, and included 100 nulliparous women at ≥38 weeks of gestation with singletone foetus with cephalic presentation. Foetal head engagement was assessed using the rule of fifths, and participants were grouped as those with engaged head or non-engaged head. Labour was actively monitored with a partograph, and maternal and foetal outcomes were recorded. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Among 100 nulliparous women ≥38 weeks, 69% had non-engaged and 31% had engaged foetal heads. Vaginal delivery was higher with engagement (77.42% vs 42.63%), while cesarean section was more frequent in non-engagement (57.97% vs 22.58%). Postpartum hemorrhage was higher in the non-engaged group (6.45% vs 1.45%), labour was longer, and neonatal outcomes were comparable, with APGAR scores of 7–10 in >94% of both groups and no APGAR <4. Conclusion: Non-engagement of the foetal head at term in primigravid women is common and, by itself, does not preclude successful vaginal delivery.

Traditional methods of wastewater treatment, in the past, have aimed at removing pollutants and compliance to regulations as a result of which have proven to be inefficiency and resource wastage. Nevertheless, growing demands of water scarcity, climate change, and requirements to adopt a circular economy have fuelled the shift into next-generation biological processes, which redefine the concept of wastewater as a resource, as opposed to a waste stream. This review assesses critically emerging paradigms in biological treatment that go beyond traditional activated sludge systems and incorporate the new developments in the fields of microbial ecology, synthetic biology and bioelectrochemical systems and nature-inspired engineering. Special focus is made on new microbial consortia, designed metabolic routes, and system-wide process advancement that allow the recovery of nutrients, generation of bioenergy, and the manufacture of value-added biochemicals in a better way. The article also assesses the role of hybrid biological systems in the treatment of wastewater under energy-neutral or energy-positive processes, including microbial electrochemical systems and algae-bacteria systems. The problem of techno-economic feasibility, operational resilience, and scalability are discussed systematically to reduce the gap between the innovation over the laboratory scale and its application in the real world. This article identifies the key gaps in knowledge, regulatory issues, and barriers to integration that may not be able to be easily adopted since they point to the recent advances in various fields. Finally, the review also provides a future-based structure of planning sustainable wastewater treatment processes in accordance with a circular bioeconomy, with future-generational biological processes being the core elements of the future water infrastructure in cities and industry.

Diphtheria remains a significant public health concern in India despite the availability of routine immunization. This survey-based review analyzes national surveillance data (2020–2024), WHO–UNICEF immunization reports, and responses from frontline healthcare workers to assess the current trends, antitoxin accessibility, and challenges in early diagnosis. Findings indicate a shift in disease burden from young children to adolescents and young adults, mainly due to waning immunity and low booster-dose coverage. Limited availability of Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), delays in procurement, and cold-chain constraints continue to affect timely case management across several states. Early diagnosis also remains difficult because initial symptoms resemble common upper respiratory infections, primary-care staff have limited training, and rapid diagnostic tools are not uniformly available. Overall, the survey highlights an urgent need for improved booster-dose coverage, decentralized DAT stock management, and stronger early-detection systems to reduce diphtheria-related morbidity and mortality in India.

Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) is a chemical convulsant that can generate seizure in humans and rodents which mirror the effects of naturally occurring pathological seizure disorders. This study aimed to investigate the role of methanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (METT) on neurological behavior and motor coordination in PTZ-induced epilepsy in male mice. A total of 50 mice were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=10) as: Control (0.2ml saline orally); PTZ (single dose 35kg/mg s.c); Diazepam (1ml/100g-i.p) used as reference control; Low dose (LD: 400mg/kg) and High dose (HD: 800mg/kg) of METT was administered orally for 14 days after which PTZ (single dose, 35kg/mg s.c) was induced on the 22nd day. Seizure was confirmed using the Racine scale. Neurological test include; open field test (OFT) and social behavior test (recognition memory) and fine motor coordination using beam balance. These behavioral studies were performed 24 hours after the completion of the PTZ dose. OFT results showed that METT extract and diazepam significantly reduced locomotor activity (line crossing and rearing), but HD of METT suppresses line crossing better than diazepam. Centre square duration did not differ significantly, but METT extract and diazepam significantly reverse exploratory behavior (stretch attend posture and freezing duration). METT extracts was more potent than diazepam in ameliorating the abnormal social behavior posed by PTZ. Mice treated with diazepam and METT extract showed fine motor coordination which reduced the beam crossing time. METT may have anti-epileptic effect against PTZ-induced epilepsy in mice, and could be a better remedy than diazepam against epileptic seizures.

This study was conducted to assess genetic variability for maturity and panicle components in rice. A set of 22 F5:6 lines along with their 13 parents genotypes were assessed in randomize complete block design (RCBD) with three replications grown at Agricultural Research Station, Baffa Mansehra during 2023 growing season. The data were recorded on seven morphological traits. Highly significant variations (P ≤ 0.05) were also detected across parental lines and F6 progenies for all traits. ‘Swatai 2014’ showed the maximum heading (80 days) among the parents, and ‘Dilrosh’ the shortest maturity period (101 days). Fakhre Malakand had maximum number of primary branches per panicle (12), while it was Swat 2 for maximum secondary branches per panicle (30.1). Among the F6 lines, ARS-185 and ARS-201 took least days to heading (89 days) while ARS-201 took least days to mature (121 days). ARS-245 had the greatest value for number of primary branches per panicle (11.7) whereas line ARS-155 had the maximum value for number of secondary branches per panicle (28.3). Days to maturity (0.92) had the highest heritability estimates followed by days to heading (0.86) and culm length (0.81). Flag leaf area (24.36%), culm length (25.86%) and secondary branches per panicle (18.46%) exhibited high genetic advance as percent of mean. The better performance of ARS-201, ARS-245, and ARS-155 on maturity and panicle attributes indicated a useful trait that implied on utilization in multi-location yield trials.

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in ionic liquids (ILs) solvent has been adopted as a greener alternative to conventional organic solvent reaction media, due to their environmentally benign and tunable physicochemical properties benefits. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) using imidazolium-based ionic liquids (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate ([EMIM]MS) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate ([BMIM]MS) as both solvent and stabilizing agents, via a chemical reduction pathway. The NiNPs were characterized by UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The UV-Vis analysis showed broad surface plasmon resonance bands between 300 and 350 nm, confirming NiNP formation, with spectral shifts revealing smaller particles in [EMIM]MS compared to [BMIM]MS. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic bands for O–H, C–H, C–C, and C–N vibrations, indicating strong coordination between ionic liquid molecules and the nickel surface. SEM micrographs showed that NiNPs synthesized in [EMIM]MS were smaller (45–60 nm), spherical, and uniformly dispersed, and those obtained in [BMIM]MS were larger (60–80 nm) with slight aggregation. Synthesis was also done in ethylene glycol and the resulting NPs were irregular and aggregated. These results confirm that imidazolium-based ILs enable controlled synthesis and stabilization of nickel nanoparticles, providing a green and efficient route for nanomaterial production.

The study empirically examined the relationship between electronic payment system adoption and marketing success of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The population of this study comprises the customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. There are 4,461,546 registered customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt (National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, 2025, www.nigerianstat.gov.ng). The researcher employed the Taro Yamen Formula to reduce the population to a reasonable sample size. The study has 4,461,546 customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, which implies that the population of the study is known and cluster sampling technique, was therefore used to determine the sample size of 399 through the use of Taro Yamene’s formula. Multiple regression analysis was used with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 21) analyze to the data. The study concludes that Based on the findings of the results, the study concludes that electronic payment system adoption strongly and positively relates with marketing success of electricity distribution companies in Port Harcourt as it creates a means of enhancing and increasing customer’s satisfaction which in-turn leads to customer loyalty. The study further recommends that, electricity distribution companies should ensure that e-wallet applications must always follow trends or developments in online consumer consumption patterns in Port Harcourt.