ABSTRACT
Background: Consanguinity, which is defined as marriage between close biological relatives (first and second cousins) is a deeply rooted cultural norm in India. Although socially acceptable in sore communities, it carries a genetic and health cost for children. Objectives: This paper investigates the prevalence and correlates of consanguinity in India, with particular reference to its socio-cultural patterning and health implications. Methods: A review of the published literature, of national survey data and regional interventions was undertaken to measure the prevalence of consanguinity, its social determinants and its genetic outcomes. Results: It is the aim of the current report to summarize what is currently known about consanguinity in India among Hindu and Muslim populations. While deemed desirable for social and economic reasons by families, offspring from consanguineous relations have a higher chance of congenital anomalies, hereditary diseases, and early death. Conclusion: The practice of consanguinity in Indian population is still turning on the wheel due to culture, religion, and financial reasons. Nevertheless, increased knowledge of genetic health hazards, prematrimony counselling, and expanded educational privilege are slowly bringing this to an end. Education and community-based interventions are needed to prevent negative health consequences while respecting local traditions.

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Background: Prematurity is a common but understudied cause of neonatal admissions and mortality in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the pattern and outcome of premature neonatal admission in a southwestern institution in Nigeria. Methods: The study was a retrospective study conducted among twenty-eight preterm neonates admitted to the special care baby unit between December 2024 and July 2025. Sociodemographic data of mothers and clinical details of neonates were extracted from their case notes. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS v25. Results: The 28 premature neonates that were studied aged between 1 hour and 23 days at admission. Five (17.9%) had estimated gestational age less than 28 weeks, 12 (42.8%) between 28 - 31 weeks and 11 (38.3%) between 32 - 36 weeks. Eighteen (64.3%) were delivered per vagina and 10 (35.7%) by caesarian section. Birth weights ranged between 0.82 – 3.00kg. Ten (35.7%) preterm deaths and 2 (7.1%) maternal deaths were recorded among the 28 neonates. Preterm deaths were more significantly associated with maternal mortality. (P = 0.04). Conclusion: Prematurity is a significant cause of admission and death in the neonatal age group. Strategies and interventions to prevent preterm deliveries and death need to be engaged urgently in both the management of premature babies and their mothers.

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The emergence of new phytopathological disease is of great concern in line with the continuous changing climatic ecosystem associated with industrialization and urbanization. Plants respond differently to biotic (diseases) and abiotic factors (climatic factors). Climatic changes alter the infection cycle of most plant pathogen weather monocyclic or polycyclic. However, understanding the impacts of such changes on disease manifestation is of greater importance. This paper aims to explore reported cases and influence of new emerging phytopathological diseases as relative to climatic changes. The paper emphasizes understanding the development of new diseases under continuously changing temperature, level of carbondioxide, moisture level and relative humidity amongst others. The effects of climatic changes on the general plant photosystem are also explored. The paper concludes with management strategies employed by countries to mitigate pathogen emergence such as establishment of regulatory measures and quarantine bodies and phytosanitary.

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This study was carried out to investigate the physiological processes through which lutein affects anxiety and depression behavior in Scopolamine-treated animal models. 30 male Wistar rats (105g-153g) were randomly assigned to six groups. Group 1: Negative Control, Group 2: Scopolamine only treated group, Group 3: Scopolamine + Lutein (20mg/kg), Group 4: Scopolamine + Lutein (40mg/kg), Group 5: Scopolamine + Lutein (60mg/kg), Group 6: Scopolamine + Imipramine (standard drug). scopolamine was administered intraperitoneally and lutein orally. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Post hoc Fischer’s LSD. Multiple comparison values were considered significant at P<0.05 Results. The administration of Scopolamine led to decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) concentration in Group 2 (P < 0.0001) and Group 3 (P < 0.01) when compared to the control group. The combined use of lutein and imipramine preserved Acetylcholinesterase levels between Groups 4, 5 and 6 after brain treatment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF-α) experienced a significant decrease in Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.0001) together with Group 4 (P < 0.001) whereas the levels in Groups 5 and 6 remained comparable to the control. Nitric oxide (NO) levels significantly increased in Group 2 (P < 0.01) but remained unchanged in Groups 3-6 compared to the control. The findings established that while scopolamine negatively affected AChE and BDNF-α levels, lutein and imipramine mitigated these effects. Scopolamine caused a decrease in neurotrophic factors (BDNF-α, AChE) and also increased the level of oxidative marker (NO) and depressive like behaviors. Lutein treatment, at moderate (40 mg/kg) and high (60 mg/kg) doses effectively normalized these biomarkers and augmented neurotrophic signaling.

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Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive mobility and postural disease that affects fetal and infant development. It is the outcome of an insult to the developing brain prior to, during, or after birth. Worldwide, cerebral palsy is the main cause of childhood disability. Physiotherapy has long been used to manage children with cerebral palsy, which is characterized by a motor deficit. Physiotherapy for this condition aims to improve function, movement, and maximize the child's potential. Some of the procedures employed include neurodevelopmental techniques, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, Treatment options include exercise treatment, hydrotherapy, body weight support treadmill training, sensory integration training, and constraints-induced therapy. However, physiotherapy is often suggested by all members of the healthcare team. However, the effectiveness of physiotherapy varies. This evaluation summarizes the effectiveness of a regularly used physiotherapy method for managing children with cerebral palsy.

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Aims: This study was designed to test the antibacterial activity of Ocimum basilicum (Sweet basil) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) extracts in four different solvents i.e. petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Methodology: Each plant material was weighed and 20.0 grams of it was taken in four different bottles 500.0 mL of each solvent was added in the respective bottle. The extracts were filtered by whatmann’s filter paper, dried in vacuum desiccators and the powder mass obtained was weighed and then reconstituted in respective solvent to get the final extract of known concentrations. Bacteria were inoculated separately in the Nutrient Agar medium in a concentration of 106 CFU/ml and the media was poured in petri dishes and was allowed to solidify. Six wells of 1.0 centimeter diameter were cut in each plate with the help of sterile cork borer. In three wells equal volume of known concentrations of plant extracts was poured with the help of micropipettes. In 4th well, penicillin G (1600µg per well) and in the 5th well Gentamicin (1000µg per well) was taken as a positive control. In the 6th well, respective solvent was taken as a negative control. The plates were incubated at 37 degree Celsius for 24 hours and the DIZ was calculated in millimeters. Each experiment was performed in five replicates. Results and Discussion: Both plant extracts showed considerable activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Ocimum basilicum non-polar components had good activity against gram positive than gram negative bacteria while Glycyrrhiza glabra methanol extract showed greater activity against all tested bacteria. Conclusion: It was concluded that the extracts of both Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) in petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water have antibacterial properties except aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum.

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Introduction: Cholera is recurrent in Zambia particularly in Lusaka district where outbreaks occur with regularity, typically during the rainy season. Despite the progress in improving Water, Sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, outbreaks are still persistent. This research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of Oral Cholera Vaccine in reducing cholera related mortality in the hotspot zones of Lusaka District, with a goal to inform public health strategies for cholera prevention and control. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study from April 2022 to April 2024, among 385 reported cholera cases meeting clinical/laboratory definitions in high-risk sub-districts (Kanyama, Matero, Mandevu, Chawama) on the effectiveness of the Oral Cholera Vaccine. Data was collected from health facilities, and surveillance databases. Descriptive statistics, and multivariable regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association between the independent variables and the outcome at a P value less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among the 385 cases reported, only 59.2% of the participants were vaccinated. Vaccination reduced cholera severity (coefficient=0.815, p<0.001), while hospitalization worsened outcomes (-0.193, p<0.001). Longer hospital stays improved recovery (0.108, p<0.001). Older age (0.002, p=0.020) and male gender (0.066, p=0.026) were linked to better outcomes. Access to clean water (-0.051, p=0.099) and improved water sources (-0.077, p=0.001) reduced the risk of disease. Sanitation and geographic location had no significant effects. Conclusion: OCV had a significant reduction on mortality and disease severity during cholera outbreaks in the hotspot zones. The results affirm the role of OCV in cholera prevention and emphasize the need to expand vaccine coverage, improve WASH infrastructure, and tailor healthcare interventions based on demographic differences.