ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus foot deformities (FD) comprise all the pathological changes in the foot of a person with diabetes mellitus. The current global burden of FD is worrisome and contributes to the global burden of disability and reduction in the quality of life. Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence, spectrum of foot deformity and the associated risk factors in subjects with type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 98 consenting T2DM subjects at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-eastern Nigeria. Relevant socio-demographic, clinical and Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) score data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the DNS questionnaire. Clinical evaluations that included detailed foot, anthropometric, blood pressure measurements, biothesiometry, monofilament testing and lower limb doppler ultrasonography were done. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25. Result: A total of 98 T2DM subjects were evaluated and comprised 51% and 49% male and female subjects, respectively, with a mean age of 59.61 ± 11.62 years and mean DM duration of 11.11 ± 8.48 years. A total of 62.2% of the subjects had foot deformity, of which 30.6%, 4.1%, 13.3%, 8.2%, 7.1% and 4.1% had prominent metatarsal head, pes cavus, pes planus, claw toe, hammer toe, and mallet toe, while 11.2%, 4.1%, 9.2%, 4.1%, 2.0%, 43.95, 3.1%, 1.0% and 28.6% of the subjects had hallus rigidus, hallus varus, hallus valgus (bunion), bunionette, Charcot foot, muscle atrophy, disarticulation, amputation and limited joint mobility, respectively. Foot deformity showed significant association with the age of the subjects, educational level, DM duration, glycaemic control, global obesity and presence of neuropathy. Conclusion: The prevalence of FD in T2DM subjects from this study was very high and FD was significantly associated with some modifiable risk factors that included educational level, glycaemic control and glob

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the profile of patients admitted to the paediatric emergency department at Dubréka Prefectural Hospital. Methods: Our study was conducted in the paediatric ward of Dubréka Prefectural Hospital. It was a dynamic descriptive study lasting six months, from 1 April to 30 September 2024. We included in our study all children aged 0 to 15 years admitted to the paediatric ward of Dubréka Prefectural Hospital for a medical emergency. A medical emergency was defined as a situation requiring immediate medical intervention. Results: We recorded 176 emergency cases out of 882 admissions, representing a frequency of 20%. Children under 5 years of age were the most represented with 130 cases, or 74%. The average age of our patients was 3.6 years, with extremes of 0 and 14 years. Females predominated, with a sex ratio of M/F = 0.87. Fever was the most common reason for consultation (96.59%). Sixty-three patients were referred from another healthcare facility (35.8%). One hundred and twenty-eight patients were admitted between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. (72.2%). The majority of patients arrived at the hospital by public transport (86.36%). Ninety-nine patients had received medical treatment before arriving at the hospital (62.26%). Malaria was the most common cause (36.96%), followed by bronchopneumonia (17.07%). Conclusion: Communication efforts aimed at changing behaviour must undoubtedly continue at the population level in order to combat delays in the treatment of paediatric medical emergencies, thereby optimising therapeutic benefits and minimising sequelae.

ABSTRACT
Background: Caesarean section is one of the most common surgical procedures and it can be complicated by postpartum haemorrhage, requiring additional suturing. Retained surgical needles during Caesarean section (CS) are rare but serious complications, and are particularly challenging in low-resource settings. We present a case managed in a remote hospital in Lamu County, Kenya without access to advanced imaging or specialist input at the time of surgery. Case Presentation: A 26-year-old patient underwent emergency CS at 38 weeks for failure to progress. Postpartum haemorrhage from the placental bed in the posterior uterine wall happened and required suturing. Unfortunately, the needle became detached and was lost within the myometrium. The needle could not be retrieved intraoperatively because of continuing bleeding, leading to poor visibility and the need to close the uterus. Therefore, the decision was made to leave it in situ for later retrieval. Further evaluation and discussion with a multidisciplinary team were conducted. Surgical removal was performed because of the potential risks. No advanced imaging including CT or fluoroscopy was available, and ultrasound scanning was successfully used to localize the needle preoperatively and also guide the retrieval intraoperatively, through a posterior uterine wall incision. The patient's recovery was uneventful and she was discharged on the third postoperative day. Conclusion: This case illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of using ultrasound to manage a retained uterine needle in a low-resource setting. Real-time ultrasound is safe, minimally invasive, and available, and helps avoid complications. Early communication with the patient and multidisciplinary teamwork were key to successful outcomes.

ABSTRACT
Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA), is a complex and extremely rare congenital heart defect characterized by atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance due to abnormal ventricular positioning. Isolated forms may remain asymptomatic for years, unlike cases associated with other cardiac anomalies. We report the case of an 18-year-old patient with no known medical history, in whom a first-degree atrioventricular block was incidentally detected during routine evaluation. Echocardiography performed revealed double discordance. Given the absence of symptoms, a conservative approach with regular clinical, ECG, and echocardiographic monitoring was adopted.

ABSTRACT
Background: The variations of the olfactory fossa/ethmoid roof are common. These variations are important to be acknowledged when dealing with endoscopic sinonasal and skull base surgeries due to possibilities of injuries to the vital structures. The depth of the olfactory fossa is classified as Keros type I, II, or III (Depth 1-3mm, 4-7mm, and 8-16mm, respectively). Keros type III is consider the most venerable type to iatrogenic injury followed by type II. The variations can be similar or dissimilar among countries, geographies, and ethnicities. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is currently the preferred surgical option worldwide when dealing with nasal or sinonasal diseases. Awareness of the anatomical landmarks, Variations in the depth of the olfactory fossa, assist the surgeon in avoiding CSF leaking, brain herniation, and hemorrhage. For a few decades, it was introduced in Africa (Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, etc.). FESS was introduced at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania in 2010 and is currently becoming widely practiced in the country. Only a single study done in Kenya on anatomical variations of the ethmoid roof was found in east Africa. No data was found in Tanzania and due to the scarcity of data in Africa especially in east Africa, this study was necessary.

ABSTRACT
This study explored the transformative role of biomass gasification integrated within Multifunctional Platforms (MFPs) as a sustainable solution to rural energy poverty and agro-industrial stagnation in off-grid areas of Uganda. Anchored within the framework of the Parish Development Model (PDM), the research investigated how advanced biomass gasification technologies stimulated agro-processing, promoted environmental conservation, and drove inclusive economic development at the grassroots. The study was conducted in Kibale District, employing a mixed-methods approach that involved surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with local farmers, agro-processors, community leaders, and technical experts. Findings revealed that biomass gasification offered a reliable and renewable energy source, especially when harnessed through MFPs to power agro-processing units, support rural enterprises, and reduce post-harvest losses. The technology also contributed to waste management by converting agricultural residues into clean energy, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability. However, adoption was hindered by factors such as limited technical knowledge, inadequate financing mechanisms, and infrastructural gaps. The research underscored the critical need for capacity building, public-private partnerships, and tailored policy interventions to mainstream biomass gasification within the PDM framework. By leveraging locally available biomass resources, Uganda could unlock rural industrial potential, improve livelihoods, and advance its transition to a low-carbon print economy. The study concluded with strategic recommendations to scale up MFPs as engines for sustainable rural transformation and resilient agro-industrial ecosystems in off-grid communities.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Riedel's thyroiditis (RT) is a rare disease characterized by destructive inflammatory fibrosis of the thyroid gland. It is often part of a systemic disease, idiopathic multifocal fibrosclerosis, which can affect other sites such as the retroperitoneum. We report two cases of RT revealed by retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), emphasizing the contribution of biological investigations to the diagnosis and management. Case Reports: Case 1: A 36-year-old female, with no significant medical history, presented with bilateral renal colic and a hard goiter. Laboratory findings revealed renal insufficiency and a normal thyroid panel. Imaging (ultrasound, CT urogram) confirmed RPF. Lymph node and thyroid biopsies confirmed the fibro-inflammatory process. Case 2: A 72-year-old female, with a history of hypertension and diabetes, presented with a long-standing stony goiter. A routine blood test revealed renal insufficiency. Imaging highlighted RPF. Histology after total thyroidectomy confirmed RT. Discussion: Biological investigations play a crucial role at several levels: 1) Screening for systemic involvement (renal failure), 2) Assessment of thyroid status (often normal initially), 3) Search for inflammatory evidence (biological inflammatory syndrome, often present), and 4) Therapeutic monitoring under corticosteroids. The absence of specific autoantibodies makes histology essential for diagnosis. Conclusion: RT is a rare cause of RPF. Although non-specific, biological workup is a key element for diagnosing systemic extension and for follow-up. It must systematically include renal, thyroid, and inflammatory assessments in any suspected case of RT.