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

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

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

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

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

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

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