ABSTRACT
The prevalence rates of hepatic and renal conditions have become global burden as they are significantly influenced by changing lifestyles/occupational engagements, etc. Thus, the present study investigated the alterations of some hepatic/renal markers and serum heavy metals levels in automobile artisans in Port Harcourt. The study adopted the purposive/snowball sample size selection methods in recruiting participants. A total of 100 volunteers were surveyed for the study, comprising 60 automobile repair artisans and 40 non-automobile artisans. Data from the study were subjected to statistical analyses using the appropriate tools of the IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0. The auto spray painters, blacksmiths and electricians had significantly (p<0.05) raised levels of chromium level when compared to those of the controls (non-auto artisans), auto mechanics, welders and panel beaters. The levels of lead (Pb) in all other sub-groups of the auto-artisans, aside from the auto-mechanics, were significantly raised (p<0.05) when compared to the mean value of the control subjects. The Cd level in the blacksmith were significantly higher when compared to all other groups including that of the control group. For the creatinine levels, all the sub-groups of the auto-artisans had significant (p<0.05) increases in their levels when compared to that of the non-automobile artisans (control) and the inverse of the foregoing occurred in the eGFR, only that that of the mechanics were excluded. The present study found a significantly raised alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in the blacksmiths when compared to that of all other groups. The aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in all artisans had significantly raised levels when compared to the respective mean values of the control group. In conclusion, the tendency for the development of CKD and liver-conditions amongst the auto-artisans may be sufficiently connected with occu

ABSTRACT
Background: Jaundice, characterized by elevated serum bilirubin levels, reflects underlying hepatic dysfunction, which may impair vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as a frequent complication in liver disorders, but its prevalence and association with jaundice are not well established. Aim of the Study: The present investigation aimed to assess the frequency of vitamin D deficiency among individuals diagnosed with jaundice and to explore the correlation between vitamin D status and serum bilirubin concentrations. Methodology: The study enrolled 150 patients with jaundice confirmed through clinical and biochemical assessments, alongside 50 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and total bilirubin were quantitatively measured and analyzed. Serum-vitamin D ranks were stratified into three-groups: deficiency (<20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20–29 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL). Results: Vitamin D-deficiency was significantly more predominant among jaundiced patients compared to controls (72% vs. 38%, p < 0.001). Patients with insufficient vitamin D were identified in 18% of patients and 34% of controls, while only 10% of patients had sufficient levels compared to 28% of controls. An inverse and statistically significant relationship was identified between serum bilirubin and vitamin D levels (r = -0.42, p < 0.001), showing that greater bilirubin levels were linked with lower serum vitamin D concentrations. Conclusions: Vitamin D-deficiency is extremely predominant in jaundiced patients and correlates inversely with the severity of hyperbilirubinemia. Regular assessment of vitamin D-status in jaundiced people could support timely therapeutic strategies and enhance overall patient prognosis.

ABSTRACT
Hemophagocytosis is a rare feature in leukemic blasts, occurring in approximately 1% of acute myeloid leukemias (AML), mainly in the monoblastic or monocytic subtypes [1,2]. Associations with chromosomal abnormalities, particularly t(8;16), have been reported, and the presence of hemophagocytic blasts can help suggest such cytogenetic alterations [2]. Unlike macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), no specific treatment is usually indicated for patients presenting hemophagocytic blasts [3]. We report a rare case of hemophagocytosis occurring in acute monoblastic leukemia with a complex karyotype associated with a poor prognosis according to the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2022 risk classification [4]. The clinical course was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and the patient died on the fourth day of induction therapy, emphasizing the adverse nature of this entity.

ABSTRACT
According to the WHO, rapid diagnostic tests are reliable, simple, economical, and easy to interpret. They remain stable even under extreme conditions, require little or no pre-treatment, and require a small volume of biological samples. Their evaluation focuses on the classic characteristics of any biological test: accuracy, reproducibility, diagnostic values, clinical utility, applicability, and cost. These tests offer the advantage of providing rapid results, facilitating early microbiological diagnosis and appropriate patient management. However, their sensitivity is often lower than that of reference methods, which is one of their main limitations.

ABSTRACT
Lutein enhances Cognito-motor and neuro-behavioural processes by modulating BDNF-α activity in a mouse model with memory impairment caused by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Aluminium chloride neurotoxicity frequently leads to cognitive abnormalities similar to Alzheimer's. Neurotrophin variation of BDNF-α, plays key roles in synaptic plasticity, and cognitive functions. This study aims to evaluate the Cognito-motor and neuro-behavioural modulatory action of lutein on BDNF-α activities in AlCl3-induced memory-impaired mice. 30 adult Mice (30kg) were randomly divided into six groups and treated for three weeks: Group 1 (Negative Control), Group 2 (100mg/kg-AlCl3), Group 3 (100mg/kg-AlCl3 + 20mg/kg-Lutein), Group 4 (100mg/kg-AlCl3 + 40mg/kg-Lutein), Group 5 (100mg/kg-AlCl3 + 60mg/kg-Lutein), Group 6 (100mg/kg-AlCl3 + 5mg/kg-Donepezil). Neurobehavioral activities (Barnes, Y-maze, handgrip and Rotarod) were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA. Ethical approval for this research was obtained from the University of Port Harcourt ethics committee. In Barnes maze test, Group 2 and 3 showed significantly increased escape times (p<0.0001, p<0.05) compared to control for week 2 and 3. Hand grip test showed decreased in grip strength in Group 2 (p<0.0001), and reduced navigation time in Group 3 (p<0.05). Rotarod tests indicated reduced stability time and Y-maze test showed increase in inflexion ratio in Groups 2 and 3. In BDNF-α level, Group 2 and 3 had a significant reduction (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001) respectively. Aluminum chloride intake reduced BDNF-α level, negatively impacting Cognito-motor performance. Lutein administration increased cognitive and behavioral performance through BDNF-α modulation. The group receiving both treatments showed a notable increase in BDNF-α level and cognitive performance. Hence, lutein significantly mitigates Aluminium Chloride-induced neurotoxicity and cogni-motor dysfunction in mice through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotrophic mechanis

ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus is closely associated with a variety of oral complications, including periodontal disease, xerostomia, candidiasis, and delayed wound healing. Conventional management is often fragmented and poorly adhered to. This study evaluates the effectiveness of HETAFU Dia Smart gummies/Candies—a chewable supplement containing probiotics, essential oils, and micronutrients—as an adjunctive therapy for oral disease management in diabetic individuals. Methods: A total of 240 diabetic patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to 16 clusters (15 participants per cluster). Eight clusters received standard care (control), and eight received HETAFU Dia Smart gummies/Candies along with standard care (intervention). Clinical parameters were evaluated pre- and post-intervention across eight oral health domains: periodontal health, burning mouth syndrome, oral infections, mucosal lesions, salivary dysfunction, taste disturbance, post-endodontic pain, and wound healing. Outcomes included Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), VAS scores, salivary flow rate, healing duration, and lesion measurements. Results: Post-intervention data revealed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group across all clusters. Notable reductions were observed in GI (1.07 ± 0.25 vs. 1.88 ± 0.56; p ≤ 0.001), PI (1.06 ± 0.28 vs. 1.70 ± 0.44; p ≤ 0.001), VAS for burning mouth (1.33 ± 1.18 vs. 5.20 ± 1.61; p ≤ 0.001), and thrush area (2.13 ± 1.24 mm² vs. 9.93 ± 3.58 mm²; p ≤ 0.001). Salivary flow increased (0.57 ± 0.14 vs. 0.33 ± 0.13 ml/min; p ≤ 0.001), and healing time reduced significantly (5.07 ± 1.98 vs. 9.13 ± 2.50 days; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: HETAFU Dia Smart gummies/Candies demonstrated significant adjunctive benefits in improving oral health outcomes among diabetic patients. Their easy-to-consume format, combined with multifactorial bioactive action, makes them a promising complementary approach in the integrated manageme

ABSTRACT
Background: Although anaesthetic agents are indispensable during a surgical operation, they can cause haemorheological changes resulting in a dynamic change of blood flow. The dissociative general anaesthetic ketamine and the amide-type local anaesthetic lidocaine find clinical and experimental use in a wide application. Nevertheless, their effects on the viscosity of blood plasma and whole blood have not been researched on an individual and combined basis. This research paper aimed to determine the effects of ketamine and lidocaine when used separately and in combination, in the plasma and whole blood viscosity of male Wistar rats. Methodology: A total of thirty-five male Wistar rats were split into five groups (n = 7) which included Control, Lidocaine, Lidocaine with Adrenaline, Ketamine, and Ketamine + Lidocaine. Two days of intraperitoneal administration of treatments took place. The samples of blood were obtained through cardiac puncture. The LOVIS 2000 M/ME Microviscometer measured plasma and whole blood viscosities; by computing the rolling times of a steel ball through a capillary tube, it calculates the dynamic and kinematic viscosities. One way ANOVA was adopted as the statistical analysis method for the study. Results and Discussion: Individually and in combination, ketamine contributed to the variable changes in plasma and whole blood viscosities independently and along with lidocaine. Whereas the concentration of lidocaine (maximally in combination with adrenaline) had a more negligible effect on the level of viscosity, ketamine had no significant effect on the viscosity level. Ketamine combined with lidocaine was involved in altering viscosity which also was in line with the change of red blood cell deformability, as well as aggregability. Conclusion: Lidocaine raises plasma viscosity especially when used with adrenaline, its impact on plasma viscosity is minimal when compared to that of ketamine.