ABSTRACT
Background: Most of the emphases on treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have been on physical symptoms neglecting the psychological problems that also arise while one suffers Diabetes. Aim: To demonstrate the occurrence of depression and the associated risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method: It was a cross-sectional study of consecutive DM subjects who came for their routine follow-up visit at the out-patient department of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT), Nigeria. They were interviewed with clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire to obtain information about their age, gender and employment status, HbA1c levels, duration of illness (type 2 diabetes), age at diagnosis, comorbidity, complications of diabetes. Patient`s Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess for the presence of depression among the participants. Data collected was analyzed to find the mean, standard deviation and establish associations using Chi-Square test, T-test. Result: About 16% of the participants were depressed, and majority of them (82%) were females. Most of those with complications (73.5%), and comorbid conditions (59.6%) were not depressed. Association of gender, presence of complications and comorbidities, age of onset of diabetes, time duration of diabetes, HbA1c level and employment status to the manifestation of depression were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It is likely that the actual risk factors for depression among the diabetics are internal factors like one’s genetic constitution and/or personality traits in this environment. Therefore, a more elaborate prospective studies considering the contribution of genetic and personality characteristics to development of depression in diabetics is recommended.

ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes is a common chronic disease, in which blood glucose control and treatment adherence are key factors aimed at preventing complications. However, practical evidence at the provincial level concerning these factors is still not fully updated. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 162 patients with type 2 diabetes receiving outpatient treatment at the Department of Cardiology - Geriatrics, Tra Vinh General Hospital, from May to August 2024. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and medical records. Fasting blood glucose control was classified according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Results: The rate of good blood glucose control (4.4-6.1 mmol/L) was 21.0%; acceptable control (6.2-7.0 mmol/L) was 9.2%; and poor control (<4.4 or >7.0 mmol/L) accounted for 69.8%. A total of 92.6% of patients had full treatment adherence, but only 37.7% regularly monitored their blood glucose at home. The rate of alcohol consumption was low (4.3%). Conclusion: Despite high treatment adherence rates, the majority of patients failed to achieve optimal glycemic control. Strengthening patient education and supporting home monitoring are necessary to improve treatment outcomes.

ABSTRACT
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe, life-threatening disease of the endocardial surface, most often caused by bacterial infection. Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, IE continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality, largely due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation and the destructive cardiac complications it may cause. Echocardiography, whether transthoracic (TTE) or transesophageal (TEE), remains the cornerstone imaging modality for diagnosis, guiding therapeutic decisions, and monitoring disease progression. It is particularly crucial for the detection of perivalvular and valvular complications, which significantly influence prognosis. In this context, we conducted a clinical study at the University Hospital Souss Massa in Agadir. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the echocardiographic perivalvular involvement in infective endocarditis, with particular emphasis on the frequency of destructive complications—including abscesses, pseudoaneurysms, new partial prosthetic valve dehiscence, and fistulas—and to assess their detection using transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Secondary objectives included comparing our local data with those in the international literature, in order to place our experience in the global context and draw clinical implications.

ABSTRACT
Background: The opioid crisis in the United States continues to escalate, with over 80,000 opioid-related deaths annually, many involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Dentists, particularly general practitioners, historically contributed significantly to opioid prescribing, often serving as a point of first exposure to opioids for adolescents and young adults. Objective: This review explores the evolving role of general dentists in the context of the opioid epidemic, analyzing their responsibilities, current prescribing practices, and potential contributions to mitigating misuse through evidence-based interventions. Methods: A narrative review of current literature, public health guidelines, and policy frameworks was conducted to assess the contribution of dental prescribing to opioid misuse and to identify best practices in pain management, education, and policy compliance. Results: While opioid prescriptions by dentists have declined, inappropriate and excessive prescribing remains prevalent. Evidence supports the efficacy of non-opioid analgesics, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen combinations, as first-line therapy for most dental pain. National guidelines, including those from the ADA and CDC, advocate limited opioid use, implementation of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), and enhanced provider education. Patient counseling and expectation management also play a vital role in reducing misuse. Conclusion: General dentists are uniquely positioned to influence opioid prescribing practices. By embracing non-opioid alternatives, adhering to clinical guidelines, and engaging in ongoing education and patient communication, dentists can significantly reduce the risk of opioid misuse while ensuring effective pain management. A multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach is essential to positioning dentistry as a proactive force in addressing the opioid epidemic.

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.

ABSTRACT
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.

ABSTRACT
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.