Crude oil spillage is a major problem in Nigeria as it basically affects soils, plants grown on the soil, and the environment at large. The need to remediate crude-oil-contaminated soil to its original state is of utmost importance. The potential of oil palm frond (leaf) to remediate crude-oil-contaminated soil was investigated in this study. The soil samples were analyzed before and after contamination, during bioremediation process and after the treatment process by determining the pH, moisture content and total organic carbon (TOC) parameters of the soil sample each week for a period of four (4) weeks. The results obtained showed that the pH of the soil sample before and after contamination were pH 8.0 and pH 6.0 respectively, while during the bioremediation process with the oil palm frond (leaf) sample applied on the contaminated soil samples and at the end of the treatment process, the pH of the samples was pH 6.2, pH 6.3, pH 8.0, pH 7.0 respectively. The moisture content result obtained showed that the soil sample before and after contamination were 16.2% and 11.2% respectively, during the bioremediation process and at the end of the treatment process the moisture content were 7.5%, 1.4%, 7.4%, and 9.4% respectively. While the TOC result obtained for the soil sample before and after contamination were 2.55% and 1.22% respectively while during the bioremediation process the results were 1.22%, 1.22%, 1.29%, 1.36% respectively. This demonstrated the ability of oil palm frond (leaf) to reduce contaminants in the soil and consequently remediate the crude oil contaminated soil to an extent.
CASE REPORT | March 25, 2025
Assessing Platelet-Rich-Plasma in Gingival Depigmentation: A Split-Mouth Two Case Report Comparing Laser and Bur Ablation
Osama Alsaleh, Nhal Ahmad Baz, Abdulrahman Salem, Hassan Abed, Ammar Almarghlani
Page no 167-173 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2025.v10i03.003
A coral-pink gingiva reflects the normal health of blood vessels and the proper width of keratinized tissues, both of which are essential for dental and facial aesthetics. Gingival pigmentation is caused by melanin granules and manifesting as uneven brown, light brown, or deep purplish discoloration and may necessitate cosmetic therapy. Among the various treatment modalities, diode laser and bur ablation are commonly used for gingival depigmentation. Moreover, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which delivers a supra-physiological dose of growth factors, has emerged as a promising adjunct to accelerate wound healing in periodontal aesthetic procedures. This article presents two case reports of two female patients with gingival pigmentation, who were treated at King Abdullah Medical City Specialist Hospital using a split-mouth approach. In one patient, diode laser ablation was performed on the lower anterior gingiva and bur ablation on the upper anterior region; in the other, laser and bur ablation were applied in different quadrants. Immediately after ablation, injectable PRP was administered into the depigmented areas. Healing was evaluated using the Healing Index on days one, three, seven, 14, and 30, and pigmentation was assessed preoperatively and on day 30 with the Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index. The results of the two case reports suggest that adjunctive PRP may enhance wound healing following gingival depigmentation, necessitating further clinical trials with standardized protocols and larger sample sizes.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 25, 2025
Effect of Volume of Zn2+ Solution on the Optical Properties of Spray-Deposited H.Sabdariffa(Zobo) Dye-Doped ZnS Thin Films
Igweoko Anthony Egwu, Idenyi Ndubuisi Edennaya, Idu Hyacinth, K., Agbo Alfred
Page no 78-84 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2025.v10i03.005
This work presents the successful deposition of H. Sabdariffa(Zobo) dye-doped ZnS thin films with different volumes of Zn2+ solutions on cleaned glass substrate slides using inexpensive chemical spray-pyrolysis technique with the substrates kept at a constant temperature of 200oC. The final spray solution for the growth of the films contained aqueous solutions of ZnSO4.7H2O, SC(NH2)2, and H.Sabdariffa dye extracts. ZnSO4.7H2O and SC(NH2)2 served as precursors for Zn2+ and S2- respectively while H.Sabdariffa was used as dye. The sprayed film properties were characterized for optical properties using a HINOTEK 756S UV-VIS spectrophotometer. From the absorbance’s spectral analysis, other optical parameters such as transmittance, reflectance, absorption coefficient, band gap energy and optical density were calculated. The films indicated high absorbance in the UV region and high transmittance in the VIS – NIR regions, whereas reflectance is generally low. The films indicated direct band gap energy range of 2.10eV to 2.62eV. The optical density indicated range of 0.5 to 6.16. Based on relatively low reflection, strong absorption in UV region, high transmission and wide band gap indicated by the films. Therefore, it can be concluded that the films are suitable for the fabrication of solar cells. Also, the films are good for anti-dazzling coatings and thermal control coatings in automotive and architectural industries respectively.
Background: Breast cancer is a significant global health concern, with its incidence steadily rising in both developed and developing nations. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, accounting for 16% of cancer fatalities in adult females. This study aimed to assess the level of breast cancer knowledge among nurses working at a tertiary-level hospital in Barishal. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 266 nurses at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal. A convenient sampling technique was applied, and data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire developed through an extensive literature review. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-23, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Nearly 97% of nurses recognized breast cancer as a life-threatening disease, while more than half (61%) disagreed with the notion that breast cancer is preventable. The overall mean knowledge score on breast cancer was 3.75 (SD = 0.40), indicating an average to moderate level of knowledge. Marital status (t = -2.84, p<0.05) was found to have a statistically significant association with breast cancer knowledge, with married nurses demonstrating higher awareness than their single counterparts. Additionally, significant differences in knowledge levels were observed between Muslim and non-Muslim nurses, with non-Muslim nurses exhibiting greater awareness of breast cancer. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the level of breast cancer knowledge among nurses at a tertiary-level hospital in Barishal. The results can serve as a guide for improving nurses' understanding of breast cancer and developing strategies to reduce associated risks. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the need for health education programs aimed at raising awareness and disseminating crucial information on breast cancer prevention and early detection.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 24, 2025
Personalized Medicine Approaches for Pediatric Leukemia: Developing Targeted Therapies Based on Genetic Profiles
Sarah Hassan A Alshehri, Mohammed Abdullah Albariqi
Page no 197-203 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.008
Leukemia remains the most prevalent cancer in children, accounting for 25–30% of pediatric malignancies. Despite significant advancements in treatment leading to survival rates exceeding 90% for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 75% for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in developed countries, challenges persist, particularly in managing refractory and relapsed cases. This review highlights the critical role of genetic profiling in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric leukemia, emphasizing its potential to guide personalized therapeutic strategies. The integration of next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity of leukemia, enabling the identification of actionable mutations that inform risk stratification and targeted therapies. Furthermore, novel treatment modalities, including immunotherapy and targeted agents, are emerging as promising options for improving outcomes in high-risk patients. However, the need for less toxic treatment regimens remains urgent, as survivors often face long-term health challenges. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research to develop innovative therapies that minimize toxicity while maximizing efficacy, ultimately aiming to provide the right treatment for each patient at the right time.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 24, 2025
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Drug-Induced Hemolytic Anemia: A Systematic Review
Danya Mohammed AlKabbani, Omniyyah Mohammed Alatawi, Jomanah Khalid Aljohani, Sultan Ibrahim S Alhamdi, Maryam Musallam Alfuhaymani
Page no 190-196 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.007
Background: Drug-induced hemolytic anemia (DIHA) is a significant yet underrecognized cause of anemia, resulting from immune-mediated or non-immune-mediated destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) triggered by certain medications. Despite its clinical importance, the prevalence and risk factors of DIHA remain poorly understood due to variability in reporting and diagnostic criteria. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms of DIHA to inform clinical practice and future research. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Science Direct following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published in the last 10 years focusing on DIHA in adult populations were included. Data on prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms were extracted, and study quality was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of DIHA varied widely, ranging from 0% to 100%, depending on the drug and patient population. High-risk medications included antibiotics, antifungals, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapeutic agents such as carfilzomib and alectinib. Key risk factors included positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) results, G6PD deficiency, and erythrocyte membrane alterations. Immune-mediated mechanisms, such as drug-induced autoantibodies, were the most common, though non-immune mechanisms like oxidative stress also played a role. Conclusion: DIHA is a rare but potentially severe adverse drug reaction with significant variability in prevalence and risk factors. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for DIHA in patients receiving high-risk medications, particularly those with predisposing factors such as G6PD deficiency or autoimmune conditions. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and improve diagnostic and preventive strategies.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 24, 2025
Updates on Acute Kidney Injury in Trauma Patients Admitted to the ICU: A Systematic Review
Sultan Mubarak Alanazi, Najd Turki M Alanazi, Fai Nidaa H Alshammari, Jawaher Awad A Alshammari, Abyar Salem R ALenezi
Page no 204-211 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.009
Objectives: To the current evidence on incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes regarding acute kidney injury (AKI) among trauma patients being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A total of 432 pertinent publications were found after a comprehensive search across four databases. 38 full-text publications were examined after duplicates were eliminated using Rayyan QCRI and relevance was checked; seven studies finally satisfied the requirements for inclusion. Results: We included seven studies with a total of 31,222 participants and the majority 26,267 (84.1%) were males. AKI is a frequent complication in trauma patients, and its incidence depends on the kind of trauma and patient-related factors. Incidence is higher in abdominal and polytrauma patients, particularly in those who are obese or with subcutaneous adipose tissue. AKI in polytrauma is associated with longer ventilation, longer lengths of stay in the ICU, and higher mortality. Although less frequent compared to AKI in penetrating trauma, AKI is associated with longer hospitalization and higher fatality in young patients. Severe trauma has the highest incidence of AKI largely due to coagulopathy, hemodynamic instability, rhabdomyolysis, sepsis, and nephrotoxic drugs. Conclusion: AKI poses a significant challenge in ICU trauma management, leading to longer hospital stays, higher mortality, and complex clinical cases. Key risk factors such as trauma severity, obesity, and hemodynamic instability necessitate early diagnosis and targeted intervention. Effective AKI management involves optimizing fluid balance and minimizing nephrotoxic exposure. Future research should focus on developing standardized prevention protocols and assessing long-term renal outcomes in trauma patients.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 24, 2025
Role of Replacement Bipolar Hip Arthroplasty in Advance Stages of AVN in Poor Socio-Economic Conditions for Restoration of Hip Functions
Md. Zakir Hossain, Syed Muhammad Abdullah, Dr. Sanjeeda Saad
Page no 212-217 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.010
Background: A collection of symptoms dominated by pain, loss of function, and bony collapse brought on by anoxemia and other arterial feeding deficiencies of the femoral head that last long enough to induce noticeable bone degradation, including necrosis are known as avascular necrosis. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of replacement bipolar hip arthroplasty for hip function restoration in advanced stages of AVN in low socioeconomic circumstances. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study was conducted in JIMCH, Bajitpur, Kishoreganj. Patients with Ficat-Arlet type III –IV, Idiopathic, both bilateral and unilateral avascular necrosis of femoral head patients were included in this study. Age <20 years and >35 years, infective conditions. Previous history of surgery to hip including arthroscopy, Progressive neuromuscular disorders, revision THR, dermatological conditions around hip were excluded in this study. They were followed up for a minimum period of 5 year and evaluated for surgical and functional outcome using X-rays and Harris hip score. The follow up schedule was at 1month, 6 months, 1-year and every yearly post-surgery. The pre and post-operative pain, deformity and functional outcomes were compared. Results: All of the patients were between the ages of 20 and 35. Young people frequently have femoral head AVN. There were 19 female patients and 31 male patients out of 50. The primary presenting symptom of necrosis, which affected all patients (100%), was pain. Excellent results were present only in 16% (8 patients) of the cases in 3 weeks. 64% percent (32 patients) excellent results after 36 weeks and 36(72.0%) after 52 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: Bipolar hip arthroplasty for AVN hip has a low incidence of post-operative complications in long-term follow-up and high good and excellent functional outcome.
The present study employs Trade Intensity index and Grubel Lloyd index to examine the India-BRCS group trade dynamics in processed food products from year 2010-2021. The research findings reveal a positive balance of trade for India except in the year 2014-2017. The study finds that lowest trade intensity of India is with Brazil. The results also indicate very less or no intra-industry trade in many processed food products like: fish products, meat products, dairy and poultry products, animal and vegetable oils, etc. The trade between India and China is found to be more homogenized than any other nation taken in the study.
The variability in cement brands significantly influences the compressive strength of concrete, highlighting the need for a cost comparison to evaluate the economic implications of strength variations used for different purposes of buildings and infrastructure, this study was undertaken with the objective to evaluate and compare the compressive strength of M20-grade concrete prepared using various brands of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 43 grade commonly used in the central terai region of Nepal. Additionally, the study aimed to establish a correlation between the cost and strength variations among ten different cement brands available in the market, providing insights into their economic and structural performance. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of various cement brands on the compressive strength of M20 grade concrete used in construction. The evidence-based findings of this study will assist construction professionals and the general public in making informed decisions, ultimately enhancing construction quality and ensuring structural integrity within the region.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 22, 2025
Dissecting the Employability Dilemma of Recent Anatomy Graduates in Nigeria: The Role of the National Universities Commission’s Anatomy Curriculum
Oyinbo, C. A, Johnbull, T. O, Eghoi, A. M, Oladipo, G. S, Dare, W. N
Page no 115-124 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i03.003
Perhaps in the recent past, no career has seen more challenges and frustrations like that of the recent anatomist in Nigeria. Students were not interested in pursuing a career in anatomy due to the very restricted career paths, a situation created by unfavorable government policies as enforced by the approved training curriculum. As players in this field of anatomy, with decades of experience, we advocate for improvement in anatomy career prospects. This position paper is backed up by the results of a recent exploratory survey on the experiences of recent anatomy graduates in the labor market. Results showed a redundant curriculum that had remained the same for 30 years. There are no professional options in health services spelt out for the anatomist in national curricula, ancient and modern, despite an obviously superior knowledge of the human body compared to any allied health discipline. Results also showed that the curriculum objectives were significantly far from graduate expectations. Our inference linked this to perharps failure of National Univescities Commission of Nigeria, to consult with students or young graduates during the review since the curriculum objectives of Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS 2022) was in no way different from the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS 2007). This consultation is the gold standard in curriculum review. It is painful to state that the CCMAS was dead on arrival as far as the career paths of the anatomist are concerned. This is a call for a true curriculum review.
Corporate disclosures that focus solely on financial performance often fail to capture the broader impact and long-term viability of firms, prompting urgent questions about the value relevance of more holistic reporting frameworks. Against this backdrop, the present study aims to investigate whether triple bottom line reporting encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions significantly shapes market valuations among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study adopts an ex post facto research design, drawing on secondary data from 45 purposively selected firms between 2012 and 2023. Employing both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and a two-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation, the analysis examines the interplay between share price (SHPR) as the dependent variable and key disclosure indices (ENDI, SODI, and ECDI) alongside financial controls (EAPS, BVPS, CFPS). The findings reveal that environmental and social reporting exhibit consistently strong and positive associations with share price, suggesting that transparent disclosures in these domains enhance investor confidence and potentially reduce uncertainty. Contrarily, economic disclosure shows a negative and significant coefficient under GMM, hinting that excessive focus on short-term economic metrics may be met with skepticism if not balanced by comprehensive sustainability information. This conclusion underscores the centrality of integrated reporting strategies that address environmental and social commitments alongside financial performance. The implications for corporate managers, policymakers, and investors are clear: prioritizing triple bottom line disclosures can augment firm value by signaling long-term resilience and ethical stewardship. The study recommends intensifying efforts to standardize and deepen disclosure practices across all three dimensions, thereby fostering comparability and trust in capital markets. Looking ahead, further research might explore industry-specific dynamics or incorporate governance mechanisms to unravel how best to optimize triple bottom line reporting for sustained value creation in emerging economies.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 21, 2025
Assessing the Potential of Fintech Lending Platforms as Viable Alternatives for the Funding of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria
Okoronkwo, Scholastica, Uchegbulam, Joachin Chetachi
Page no 85-90 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbms.2025.v10i03.001
This study examines the potential of FinTech money lending platforms, as viable alternatives for funding SMEs in Nigeria. The motivation for the study arises from the increasing role of FinTech platforms, when it comes to providing financial services to SMEs and the need to enhance their effectiveness and contributions. The study objectives focus on evaluating the accessibility of funds, user interface, transparency, risk management, regulatory compliance, and reputation of the FinTech lending platforms, in terms of their trustworthiness. Data was collected through focused group discussions with 20 SME owners who have used the lending platforms to access business funds, and content analysis was employed to collect relevant information from secondary data sources. Data collected was analyzed using a theme-based qualitative descriptive analysis approach. Amongst others, findings of the study highlight the importance of trustworthiness in determining SME’s perception of FinTech platforms, as practices like transparent disclosures and customer friendly policies were found to foster trust. Amongst others, this study recommends more collaboration between FinTech platforms and the government, as well as other traditional lending institutions, in order to enhance the effectiveness of their services and build trust amongst SME users.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 20, 2025
Corrosion Behavior of Extracts of Yam, Maize and Cassava Leaves on Mild Steel in a Selected Media
Blessing J. Ifeanyichukwu, Ndubuisi E. Idenyi, Ozoekwem Raphael Obinna
Page no 68-77 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2025.v10i03.004
Investigation of the inhibiting effects of Dioscorea rotundata, Zea mays and Manihot exculenta leaves extracts on the corrosion of mild steel in a selected media using weight loss method was carried out. The mild steel samples were pre-weighed, immersed in mixture of NaOH, NaCl and H2SO4 solutions with the extracts from the leaves and the control samples immersed in solution of the media with no extracts. The samples were allowed to stand for 672 hours and a set of samples from each environment withdrawn at intervals of 168 hours for corrosion characterization. The research findings indicate that the corrosion rate decreased as a result of the leaves extracts introduced into the media thereby confirming that the extracts functioned as effective and excellent inhibitors in the alkaline, salt and acidic media. Among the three plants extracts used, it was observed that Dioscorea rotundata (Yam) has the best inhibition efficiency in both alkaline, salt and acidic media, followed by Manihot exculenta (Cassava) and Zea mays (Maize) which also showed good inhibition efficiency. The results show the very good potentialities of the leaves extracts for application in the mitigation of corrosion in our various manufacturing industries.
Background: Preeclampsia and eclampsia, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, are major contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Liver dysfunction, manifested as elevated liver enzymes, is a frequent complication in these conditions and can exacerbate adverse outcomes. Understanding the association between liver function abnormalities and maternal or neonatal complications is essential for improving clinical management. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the alterations in liver function among Bangladeshi women with preeclampsia and eclampsia and their association with maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who delivered in Institute of Applied Health Science (IAHS), Foy's, Lake, Chittagong, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 60 eligible participants were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and were evenly divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised women with elevated liver function tests (above-threshold LFTs), while Group 2 included women with normal or below-threshold liver function tests (below-threshold LFTs). Maternal data were collected from medical records, including demographic information, obstetric history, and liver function test results. The cohort was stratified into two groups based on LFT results (above-threshold vs. below-threshold). Descriptive statistics and univariable analyses were used to identify differences between the groups, and multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the association between elevated LFTs and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, adjusting for confounders such as maternal age, BMI, and gestational age at delivery. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among mothers, blood transfusions were significantly more frequent in the elevated LFT group (16%) compared to the normal LFT group (5%, p = 0.011). Composite adverse maternal outcomes were higher in the elevated LFT group (20% vs. 15%, p = 0.38), though not statistically significant. Adverse neonatal outcomes were notably elevated, including NICU admission (68% vs. 52%, p = 0.041) and respiratory distress syndrome (41% vs. 25%, p = 0.029). The composite adverse neonatal outcome was significantly higher in the elevated LFT group (70% vs. 53%, p = 0.035). General anesthesia is associated with higher rates of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to regional anesthesia, with significant differences in maternal blood transfusion, neonatal ICU admissions, and respiratory distress syndrome. Regional anesthesia demonstrates a safer profile, particularly for reducing neonatal complications. Conclusion: Elevated LFTs in preeclampsia and eclampsia are associated with increased maternal and neonatal complications, including higher rates of blood transfusion, NICU admission, and respiratory distress syndrome. Routine liver function monitoring is critical for identifying high-risk patients and implementing timely interventions, especially in resource-limited settings.