Alcohol and drug abuse among university students are significant public health concerns with multifactorial determinants. This study was carried out between Jan 2024 to June 20024 using multistage sampling technique to select the tertiary institutions and students. It aimed to investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors, peer pressure, family dynamics, and academic stress on substance abuse prevalence among students of the tertiary institution in Imo State, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 433 students using questionnaire to collecting data on socio-demographic characteristics, peer pressure, family dynamics, academic stress, and substance abuse behaviors. Chi-square tests were utilized to analyze the associations between variables, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The results revealed that 59.9% of respondents reported that they never or rarely consuming alcohol, while 66.9% reported never using recreational drugs. Additionally, 62.7% of respondents reported not feeling pressured by peers to consume alcohol or use drugs. There were significant associations between peer pressure and socio-demographic factors, including age (X2 = 4.64, p = 0.031), gender (X2 = 0.01, p = 0.019), religion (X2 = 3.96, p = 0.046), monthly allowance (X2 = 7.42, p = 0.007), educational level (X2 = 8.19, p = 0.004), and residence (X2 = 11.37, p = 0.001). Additionally, family dynamics/upbringing (X2 = 33.2, p = 0.0101) and academic stress/workload (X2 = 11.5, p = 0.041) were significantly associated with substance abuse prevalence among students. Conclusion: The findings show high level in the knowledge of drug/substance abuse and the importance of addressing the socio-environmental determinants that contributes to alcohol/substance usage. Recommendations include implementing targeted prevention programs, strengthening family-based interventions, enhancing campus support services, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, providing education on substance abuse, conducting further research, and fostering collaboration and partnerships. By addressing these factors, universities can create supportive environments conducive to student well-being, ultimately mitigating substance abuse's negative consequences and promoting a culture of wellness and academic success.

Background: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a key determinant of maternal and fetal outcomes, particularly in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. Both excessive and inadequate GWG have been associated with adverse outcomes, yet data on the impact of GWG in diabetic mothers in Bangladesh remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between GWG and maternal and fetal complications in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM). Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, from August 2022 to June 2024. A total of 102 pregnant women at ≥37 weeks of gestation, including 51 with GDM and 51 with PGDM, were enrolled. Participants were categorized into excessive, normal, and inadequate GWG groups. Maternal and fetal complications, as well as mode of delivery, were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among GDM patients, 49.02% had normal GWG, 31.37% excessive, and 19.61% inadequate. Cesarean section was significantly higher in the excessive GWG group (93.7%) compared to normal (40.0%) and inadequate (60.0%) GWG groups (p=0.006). Maternal complications were more frequent in PGDM than GDM across all GWG categories but without statistical significance. Fetal complications were significantly higher in PGDM mothers with normal GWG (57.9% vs. 28.0%, p=0.046), while other GWG groups showed no significant differences. Type-specific fetal complications in inadequate GWG were not statistically different between GDM and PGDM. Conclusion: Both excessive and inadequate GWG in diabetic pregnancies are associated with increased maternal and fetal complications, with PGDM mothers at higher risk. Appropriate monitoring and management of GWG is crucial to optimize perinatal outcomes.

Descriptive morphology and taxonomy That is because zoology is rapidly evolving to be a multi-modal science that operates on the organismic to molecular scale (i.e., it extends beyond the level of the ecosystem). To address that global crisis in biodiversity, scientists have combined genomics and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis with morphometrics and imagery, behavior studies through biologging, trail cameras, and vocal monitoring, and landscape studies using remote-sensing tools. These varied approaches are now joined together by artificial intelligence and open data platforms and are opening new avenues to real-time biodiversity discovery and predictive conservation. However, questions also remain: the knowledge gap in taxonomy, bias in occurrence data, incomplete validation of models using either eDNA or acoustics data, and the lack of standards addressing blending multi-modal data. Moral imperatives such as animal welfare in tracking, fairness in international partnerships and data sovereignty are still burning. This paper presents an outline of Integrative Zoology and presents case studies of how it is transforming our basic understanding of the cryptic species, how it tracks movement and decline, and how it can inform conservation analysis. By integrating the traditional study of zoology with the newest of technologies, the discipline can transform into a science of awareness of biodiversity, infrastructure that is ready to directly assist the conservation policy and resilience of the planet.

Menstrual irregularities are common among subfertile women and often reflect underlying endocrine dysfunctions. Thyroid hormones and prolactin play key roles in the regulation of menstruation, and abnormalities in their levels may disrupt ovulation and fertility. This study aimed to investigate the association between thyroid dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia with menstrual irregularities in subfertile women attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A case–control study was conducted at BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, from January 2022 to March 2024. A total of 100 women were enrolled in the study: 50 with primary subfertility (cases) and 50 fertile women (controls). Menstrual history and clinical features were also recorded. Serum TSH, FT3, FT4, and prolactin levels were measured using a chemiluminescent magnetic microparticle assay. Anovulation was assessed using mid-cycle ultrasonography. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: Acyclical menstruation (42.0% vs. 28.0%) and oligomenorrhea (26.0% vs. 14.0%) were more frequent in the cases than in the controls. Anovulation was significantly more common in subfertile women than in fertile women (24.0% vs. 8.0%, p=0.029). Biochemical analysis revealed higher TSH (4.92 ± 5.35 vs. 3.83 ± 6.04 µIU/mL, p=0.041) and prolactin levels (38.09 ± 29.3 vs. 22.27 ± 12.6 ng/mL, p=0.005), and lower FT4 (5.45 ± 3.44 vs. 16.92 ± 3.28 pmol/L, p=0.032) in cases. Galactorrhoea was also more frequent among subfertile women, though not statistically significant. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia are strongly associated with menstrual irregularities in subfertile women. Routine hormonal screening may enable early diagnosis and treatment, thereby improving reproductive outcomes of patients.

Judicial police officers occupy a pivotal position in Cameroon’s criminal justice system, exercising investigative powers conferred by the Criminal Procedure Code of 2005. Their functions are indispensable to the administration of justice, yet they continue to raise persistent concerns regarding legality, accountability, and protection of human rights. This paper undertakes a legal appraisal of the role, oversight, and violence surrounding judicial police officers under Cameroonian criminal law. It interrogates the gap between statutory supervision by prosecutors, judges and the limited effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms, which remain largely internal and susceptible to executive influence. The study further examines the dual dimension of violence: firstly, abuses perpetrated by judicial police officers against suspects, such as arbitrary arrests, detention, ill-treatment, and secondly, violence endured by these officers themselves in conflict-affected areas and high-risk operations. The analysis demonstrates how weak accountability structures and inadequate protective measures simultaneously undermine both human rights and compromise the legitimacy of law enforcement. The paper concludes by advancing reform proposals aimed at strengthening independent oversight, judicial supervision, and improving the protection of officers thereby aligning policing practice with the rule of law and democratic governance.

Hindu and Muslim women, who face discrimination on numerous fronts due to their intersection with gender, religion, and community, have been disproportionately hit by the constitutional duality of public and private inequity. There can be no gender or religious discrimination in India, according to the constitution. But this parity does not extend to the home, where Islamic personal law blatantly discriminates against Hindu and Muslim women. The personal law system governs all family relations and applies to individuals based on their religious affiliation. Hindu and Muslim women face discrimination in divorce or marriage, custody and guardianship, inheritance and succession, and other areas where personal law is applicable. Besides this disadvantage in legal status, Hindu and Muslim women face further marginalization in citizenship and democracy in terms of socioeconomic position, political representation, and participation. This is all because they are members of a religious minority. The constitutional canon has consistently ignored the importance of gender, which has led to the marginalization of substantive gender equality. Hindu and Muslim women's substantive equality has always been positioned in opposition to minority rights and religious freedom. The quick triple talaq practice was declared null and void by the Supreme Court in the landmark Shayara Bano ruling due to its violation of the constitutional guarantee of equality. This study examines the issue to determine whether or not Hindu and Muslim women's equality rights might be included in the constitution. Using feminist constitutionalism as a lens, this article will analyze the Indian Constitution while the revolutionary possibilities it holds for Muslim and Hindu women.

Background: The World Health Organization advocates for proper integration and regulation of evidence-based Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into healthcare systems nationally in response to the rapid growth of using TCIM worldwide (WHO, 2017). Fenugreek seeds are one of the most popular galactagogues for lactating mothers (El Sakka et al., 2014). Additionally, cabbage leaf compresses have shown several benefits in reducing breast engorgement (Thomas et al., 2017). Understanding the attitudes of both mothers and healthcare providers towards the use of TCIM during lactation is essential to promote informed decision-making regarding practices(Sim et al., 2014). Objective: This review aimed to explore the attitudes of lactating mothers and healthcare providers towards cabbage leaves and fenugreek, to investigate healthcare providers' perspectives on these remedies, and to identify potential benefits and risks associated with the use of cabbage leaves and fenugreek during lactation. Method: The literature review employed a systematic approach to gather relevant articles. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were systematically searched using specific keywords related to the topic of interest. Result: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review of literature provides significant insights into the traditional use of cabbage leaves and fenugreek in lactation management, elucidating their perceived benefits and effectiveness in alleviating breast engorgement among lactating mothers. Conclusion: The synthesis of literature underscores the significance of integrating traditional practices and natural remedies, such as cabbage leaves and fenugreek, into lactation management. While these interventions have shown promising results in relieving breast engorgement and enhancing milk production, further research is warranted to elucidate their mechanisms of action, optimal dosages, and potential side effects. Collaborative endeavors among healthcare providers, researchers, and lactating mothers are crucial to facilitating informed decision-making and fostering the comprehensive overall health of lactating mothers and their infants.

Background: Despite evidence supporting the use of MCA/UA Doppler ratios in detecting fetal compromise, most studies have focused on high-risk pregnancies or specific populations, with limited data from broader clinical settings, particularly in Bangladesh; therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Middle Cerebral Artery to Umbilical Artery Resistance Index Ratio in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Middle Cerebral Artery to Umbilical Artery Resistance Index Ratio in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 106 pregnant women at 29–38 weeks gestation was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka (Nov 2022–Feb 2024). Maternal and fetal outcomes were recorded, C/U ratio was assessed, participants were grouped by a 1.01 cut-off, and data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0 (p < 0.05). Results: The C/U ratio predicted adverse perinatal outcomes with an ROC AUC of 0.827 (95% CI: 0.749–0.905; p < 0.0001). At a cut-off of 1.01, sensitivity was 77.8%, specificity 84.6%, PPV 46.2%, NPV 95.7%, and accuracy 83.6%. Low C/U (<1.01) was associated with higher rates of complicated outcomes (84.0% vs 21.4%), 5-min APGAR <7 (68.0% vs 19.6%), NICU admission (74.0% vs 21.4%), respiratory distress (60.0% vs 12.5%), and FGR (18.0% vs 0.0%) compared to C/U ≥1.01 (P <0.05). Conclusion: A C/U ratio below 1.01 reliably predicts adverse perinatal outcomes, supporting its use for early identification of at-risk fetuses.

Background: Eclampsia remains a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of eclampsia patients admitted to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, Dinajpur, Bangladesh, from July 2008 to December 2008. In this study, we included 52 patients who were admitted with eclampsia at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital during the specified study period. Results: Most patients were aged 21–25 years (48.1%), primigravida (65.4%). Nearly half (48.1%) delivered between 33–37 weeks of gestation. Most of the patients had the antepartum eclampsia (55.8%), followed by postpartum (25.0%) and intrapartum (19.2%) eclampsia. Regarding morbidity, 44.2% experienced complications, most commonly wound infection (15.4%) and raised blood pressure (15.4%). Maternal mortality was 5.8%, with stroke (66.7%) and pulmonary edema (33.3%) as the leading causes. Among 54 neonates, 88.9% were live births and 11.1% stillbirths. Of the 26 neonates referred for pediatric evaluation, prematurity (46.2%) and birth asphyxia (34.6%) were the predominant causes. Early neonatal death occurred in 23.1% of referred cases, mainly due to birth asphyxia (50%) and prematurity (33.3%). Overall, 77.8% of neonates were discharged healthy, while perinatal death accounted for 22.2%. Conclusion: Eclampsia remains a significant cause of maternal and perinatal complications. Maternal morbidity was common, though mortality was relatively low, while perinatal death and neonatal morbidity were substantial, largely due to birth asphyxia and prematurity.

Background: Fetal movement is an early sign of life and indicates well-being. Reduced fetal movement is common in pregnant women, affecting perinatal outcomes and increasing risks of stillbirth, growth restriction, distress, and preterm birth. The biophysical profile (BPP) assesses fetal well-being in the last trimester. This study evaluated the association between BPP scores, delivery mode, and neonatal outcomes in women with reduced fetal movement at term. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh, from August 2019 to July 2020. One hundred women at ≥37 weeks of gestation with reduced fetal movement were enrolled and divided into normal (≥8/10) and abnormal (≤6/10) BPP groups. Maternal demographics, mode of delivery, and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Caesarean section rates were significantly higher among women with abnormal BPP (80.95%) compared to those with normal scores (46.55%) (p=0.002). Vaginal deliveries predominated in the normal group. Perinatal outcomes were generally favorable, but neonatal death and stillbirth occurred more frequently in the abnormal BPP group (7.14%) compared to the normal group (1.72%), though this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Abnormal BPP scores correlated with higher caesarean rates and adverse outcomes. However, no significant difference in mortality was observed. Findings suggest BPP helps identify at-risk fetuses, but delivery decisions should combine test results and clinical judgment to balance intervention with outcomes.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of anovulatory subfertility. While letrozole is widely used for ovulation induction, treatment response varies and predictors beyond anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) require further evaluation. This study aimed to investigate the association of demographic and clinical factors with ovarian response in subfertile PCOS patients treated with letrozole. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Center for Assisted Reproduction, BIRDEM-II Hospital, Dhaka, from April 2022 to September 2023. A total of 116 women with PCOS, aged 18–35 years, underwent letrozole induction (5 mg/day). Participants were categorized as responders (dominant follicle ≥16 mm, n=58) and non-responders (<16 mm, n=58). Demographic variables, BMI, type of subfertility, and baseline serum FSH and LH were compared between groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v26, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: No significant associations were found between ovarian response and age (p=0.743), education (p=0.121), occupation (p=0.356), or income (p=0.576). BMI distributions did not differ significantly (p=0.331), nor did the type of subfertility (p=0.550). Serum FSH was significantly higher among non-responders (9.28±5.6 vs. 7.19±3.64, p<0.001), while serum LH showed no significant difference (p=0.102). Conclusion: Demographic and socioeconomic factors did not influence the ovarian response in patients with PCOS treated with letrozole. Elevated basal FSH levels were associated with poor responsiveness, indicating its role as a predictor. These findings support FSH assessment in individualized treatment planning for women with PCOS.

Background: Management of mid-trimester missed abortion in women with a scarred uterus poses unique challenges. Both pharmacological and mechanical methods are used. Misoprostol is widely used for second-trimester termination, while Foley’s catheter aids cervical ripening through prostaglandin and oxytocin release. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol has been shown to reduce the induction-to-abortion interval compared to Foley’s catheter alone. This study aimed to compare the maternal safety, effectiveness, and side-effect profile of these two methods in women with mid-trimester missed abortion and a scarred uterus. Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh, including 80 women with missed abortion and prior cesarean section. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 40) received combined mifepristone and misoprostol, and Group B (n = 40) received Foley’s catheter alone. Results: The mean age was comparable between groups (27.0 ± 4.1 vs. 27.2 ± 4.0 years). Mean gestational age was significantly lower in Group A (16.2 ± 2.6 weeks) than Group B (23.1 ± 2.0 weeks). Success rates were high in both groups (97.5% vs. 95.0%, p=0.558). The mean induction–expulsion interval was significantly shorter in Group A (10.1 ± 2.1 hours) compared to Group B (18.5 ± 2.9 hours, p<0.0001). Surgical interventions were rarely required, with manual vacuum aspiration being the only method used. Side effects differed between groups: Group A experienced nausea/vomiting (50.0%) and fever (19.4%), while Group B reported psychological upset (8.3%) and mild pain (19.4%). Conclusion: Mifepristone with misoprostol was more effective in reducing induction–expulsion time compared to Foley’s catheter, with different but tolerable side effect profiles in both groups.

Poor waste management techniques including the indiscriminate use of poorly constructed landfills as solid waste receptors can lead to the pollution of groundwater in communities. This study examined the physicochemical qualities of groundwater proximate to a major solid waste landfill in Owerri, Imo State during rainy and dry seasons. The determination of the quality of the groundwater samples was carried out in accordance with the standards of the American Public Health Association (APHA). The results obtained from the analysis of the groundwater samples was compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) standards for drinking water. The values obtained from the analysis of the groundwater samples in both season shows that some of the tested parameters existed in values higher than both WHO and NSDWQ standards for drinking water quality. The results also showed that the concentrations of chromium, copper, iron, and nickel were above the WHO and NSDWQ standards. The Chemical Oxygen Demand, Turbidity and the Total Soluble Solids exceeded the WHO and NSDWQ standards for drinking water quality in both studied seasons. Findings from this study suggest that dumpsite solid waste could impact negatively on some physicochemical qualities of groundwater sited around their vicinity. Therefore, the location of solid waste dumpsites around residential areas should be discouraged.

Thin-film ferroelectrics and ferromagnets face performance limits. High leakage, low endurance, and weak scalability restrict real use. This study explores multifunctional nanoparticle integration into thin-film structures. Nanoparticles enhance charge storage, stability, and coupling. Ferroelectric response is boosted with improved polarization retention. Ferromagnetic layers show strong anisotropy and thermal durability. The hybrid films deliver high energy density with low loss. Enhanced dielectric constant and suppressed fatigue confirm stability. Coupled ferroelectric–ferromagnetic interaction allows efficient multistate operation. This dual behavior supports high-performance capacitors and logic devices. Nanoparticle doping creates uniform grain size and controlled interfaces. Such design reduces defects, leakage, and switching noise. Tailored interfaces enable flexible and miniaturized nanoelectronic circuits. The approach also ensures high scalability for large-area integration. Results show efficiency suitable for next-generation energy storage. The multifunctional films also support spintronic and memory devices. Unique novelty lies in engineered nanoparticle synergy inside thin films. This synergy brings multifunctional energy and electronic benefits. The work introduces a new platform for advanced materials. It bridges energy storage and nanoelectronics through a single system. The strategy moves beyond conventional doping or layering. It provides adaptive and high-efficiency solutions for modern technologies. Future scope lies in quantum devices, neuromorphic hardware, and IoT. Overall, the research sets a pathway for multifunctional, scalable, and energy-smart nanoelectronic materials.

The co-occurrence of mental illness and chronic medical conditions represents a formidable and escalating public health challenge. Patients with these comorbidities experience a synergistic burden of illness, leading to poorer clinical outcomes, reduced quality of life, and significantly increased mortality compared to those with either condition alone. Traditional healthcare systems, historically fragmented into separate silos for physical and mental health, are fundamentally ill-equipped to manage this complex patient population, resulting in care that is inefficient, costly, and often iatrogenic. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current evidence on integrated care models as the superior standard of care for this population. We first examine the profound epidemiological scale and bidirectional pathophysiology of comorbidity, exploring the shared biological mechanisms, including systemic inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, that link mind and body. We then delineate the severe clinical and economic consequences of fragmented care, including the staggering mortality gap and the pervasive problem of polypharmacy. Subsequently, we outline the foundational components of effective integrated care, such as patient-centered planning, measurement-based care, and comprehensive medication management. A critical analysis of evidence-based models including the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model, and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is presented, highlighting their distinct applications across a continuum of patient acuity. Finally, we address key implementation challenges and future directions, emphasizing the critical roles of technology, policy reform, and the transition to value-based payment models. The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that a systemic shift toward integrated, whole-person care is not merely an option but a clinical and fiscal imperative.