Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) poses a significant health risk in pediatric populations, yet its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore new biomarkers as potential predictors in pDCM. Methods: A total of 84 pediatric patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 34 age-matched healthy controls were prospectively recruited. Inclusion criteria were based on clinical diagnosis, echocardiographic findings, and relevant exclusion criteria for other cardiac or systemic conditions. Serum levels of total carnitine, procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP), cystatin C (Cys-C), β2-microglobulin (β2M), and haptoglobin (Hp) were quantitatively assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of acylcarnitine was assessed via qRT-PCR. Results: There were significantly higher plasma levels of total carnitine (p=0.001), PIIINP (p=0.016), Cys-C (p=0.001), β2M (p=0.009), and haptoglobin (p=0.001) in pDCM compared to matched controls. Total carnitine, PIIINP and β2M at cut-off points 65 umol/ml &3 & 2 mg/L showed 73&79% & 75% sensitivity and 91& 56% & 81% specificity respectively for predicting risk of pDCM. Haptoglobin at cutoff point 164 mg/L has highest specificity (100%) but with low sensitivity 56%). Combined β2M, PIIINP, and total carnitine demonstrated the best accuracy (83.5%) with 75% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 90% PPV, and 79% NPV for the presence of pDCM. A significant upregulation of the acylcarnitine expression gene was also observed in the DCM group compared to controls. Conclusion: Acylcarnitine, PIIINP, Cys-C, β2M and heptoglobin are potential emerging predictors for pDCM and might have a pathogenic role in pDCM with mechanistic associations.

The global imperative to decarbonize energy systems and mitigate climate change has catalyzed intense research and development into alternative energy carriers. Hydrogen, the most abundant element in preconceived universe, is emerging as a pivotal vector in this transition, offering a versatile, high-energy-density fuel that can be produced from various sources. This paper explores the burgeoning "Hydrogen Horizon," focusing on the technical innovations driving its advancement, particularly within the renewable energy paradigm. It critically compares blue hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels with carbon capture) and green hydrogen (produced from renewable electricity via electrolysis), examining their respective production processes, economic viabilities, and environmental implications using relevant data. The pros and cons of different hydrogen production pathways are discussed, alongside a comparative analysis with the incumbent oil and gas industry. The paper concludes that while blue hydrogen may serve as a transitional technology, green hydrogen, propelled by continuous technical innovation, holds the ultimate promise for a truly sustainable energy future.

A key global concern that relates to Intellectual Capital and Financial Performance of Listed Manufacturing Companies is that the measurement and disclosure models relating to intellectual capital are not standardized in various international markets. This paper has looked at the influence of intellectual capital on financial performance of publicly traded manufacturing firms in Nigeria. In particular, it examined the impact of structural capital, human capital and capital used on financial performance of these firms. The research utilized ex-post facto research design, which made it possible to analyze secondary financial data in detail. The subject of the research included thirty-three (33) listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria that were selected to include both industrial and consumer goods firms, as of December 31, 2024, listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Descriptive statistics and Random-effects Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression were applied to analyze data. Results showed that both the components of intellectual capital are not statistically significant predictors of financial performance at a significant level, as the value of the Wald chi-square was insignificant. The regression results showed poor explanatory ability with a negligible contribution to financial performance variance. The findings imply that firm-specific heterogeneity, as opposed to intellectual capital revaluations across time, are the significant sources of financial performance variation. Though the intellectual capital has theoretical significance, its output as far as the financial performance of the Nigerian manufacturing sector is concerned, seems minimal. The research advocates that manufacturing firms ought to do a better job of recognizing and reporting on the components of intellectual capital; and policymakers need to come up with uniform reporting regimes to enhance financial transparency, comparability and strategic thinking in emerging markets.

Barriers to effective mental health problems management by family doctors in primary health care settings often stem from systemic and structural issues. One significant barrier is the lack of time during patient consultations. Family doctors frequently have heavy caseloads, which limits their ability to conduct thorough assessments and engage in meaningful discussions about mental health. Additionally, many practitioners may feel ill-equipped to handle mental health issues due to insufficient training during their education. Despite the high prevalence of mental health conditions, primary care training programs have historically emphasized physical health, leaving physicians underprepared to identify and treat psychological disorders. Furthermore, stigma surrounding mental health can further complicate patient interactions in primary care settings. Family doctors may experience their own latent biases about mental health, which can influence the quality of care they provide. Patients, too, may be hesitant to disclose mental health concerns due to fear of being judged or misunderstood, leading to underreporting of symptoms. Financial and resource limitations also play a role; many family practices lack access to mental health specialists for referrals or collaborative care, constraining doctors' ability to offer comprehensive treatment plans. As a result, these barriers can lead to inadequate management of mental health issues, potentially exacerbating the overall health outcomes for patients in primary care environments.

The study examined the impact of some macroeconomic variables of food inflation in Nigeria. Exchange rate (ExR), broad money supply (BMS), interest rate (InR), and food production index (FoPI) were employed as dependent variables, while food price inflation was employed as the dependent variable. Data on the variables from the period 1996 to 2023 were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical bulletin, and the World Bank, World Development Indicators for Nigeria. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test was used to test for stationarity of the variables, which revealed that the variables were integrated of order I and order II, which necessitated the adoption of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test for long run relationship. Result of the bounds test confirmed that the variables have long run relationship. Outcome of the ARDL estimates revealed that an increase in exchange rate resulted to an increase in food price inflation in the country, while an increase in broad money supply, interest rate and food production index all had significant impacts in reducing food price inflation in the country. The study therefore, recommends among others that the Nigerian government through the monetary authorities should avoid devaluation of the currency given that exchange rate worsens food price inflation in the country.

The study examines the impact of macroeconomic aggregates on stock price in Nigeria. The study employs secondary data extracted from the Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) Statistical Bulletin of 2023 and the international financial statistics (IFS). The methods of data analyses include the ordinary least squares multiple regression and the error correction mechanism on a time series data covering the period of thirty years (1994-2023). The findings of the study are that, the current level of money supply (DM2) has a positive and insignificant impact on All Share Index (ASI) in the short-run while the money supply (M2) in the long run has a negative relationship and a statistically significant impact on All Share Index (ASI), the current level of Interest Rate (DINTR) has a negative and insignificant impact on All Share Index (ASI) in the short run while interest rate (INTR) has negative relationship with the all share index (ASI) and not statistically significant, the current year of inflation rate (DINFR) has a negative and a statistically significant impact on All Share Index (ASI) in the short run while inflation rate (INFR) has a negative and a statistically significant impact on All Share Index (ASI), and the current level of consumer confidence index (DCCI) has a negative and statistically significant impact on All Share Index (ASI) in the short-run while consumer confidence index has a positive and statistically significant impact on All Share Index (ASI). A major recommendation of the study is that Government should reduce its participation in direct importation so as to enhance stock market indices in the Nigerian capital market.

Background: Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental well-being thereby reducing the risk of numerous chronic conditions and certain musculoskeletal disorders. Despite its importance, many women struggle to engage in regular physical activity due to a range of barriers. This study aimed at assessing physical activity levels and potential barriers among women working in Federal Medical Center, Owo. Materials and Method: The cross-sectional survey recruited 100 female staff who had worked for at least one year at Federal Medical Center, Owo. Ondo state, Nigeria. Data were collected using the IPAQ-Short Form and the Barriers to Being Physically Active Quiz. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 21) with chi-square and logistic regression tests at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Most participants were aged 45-54, married, and had university-level education. 39% had low physical activity levels, 45% moderate, and 16% high. The most reported barriers were lack of time (64%), lack of energy (63%), and lack of willpower (59%). Other barriers like social influence, fear of injury, and lack of resources were less frequently cited. Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between physical activity level and socio-demographic factors or reported barriers. Logistic regression also revealed no significant predictors of activity level. Conclusion: Participation in physical activity remains low among women at in this study. Key barriers such as time, energy, and willpower were prevalent but not statistically predictive.

This research area is to measure the dimensions of flower of services that affect the patients’ satisfaction in the hospitals. A systematic questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data for survey method. Objective: The purpose of the study is an attempt to assess the level of satisfaction from the perspective of different dimensions. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in several renowned secondary level hospitals in Laksham Upazilla, Cumilla, Bangladesh. A questionnaire was designed based on 42 items based on the outcome-based literature review. SPSS is used to measure the result. Results: Consultation; one of the vital dimensions have great influence on patient satisfaction. Conclusions: The current study is specifically useful for the assessment of the health care system in tertiary areas of Bangladesh. The purpose of the study is an attempt to assess the perception and overall satisfaction of patients towards flower of services. The findings of the survey will be helpful for doctors and nurses to upgrade the level of satisfaction in hospitals.

Labour pain is among the most intense forms of physiological pain a woman can experience. Epidural analgesia is widely accepted as the most effective method for managing labour pain. This article reviews the procedure, pharmacology, maternal and neonatal outcomes, advantages, limitations, and the latest updates in epidural pain management.

This study provides an overview of the consequence of the use of oral corticosteroid in the treatment of severe asthma in adults; it also identified recent evidence based alternative drug regimen for asthma management to prevent long term negative effect of oral corticosteroids. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease affecting about 300 million people globally. Approximately 4% to 8% of asthma patient’s symptoms remain uncontrolled and exacerbations occur frequently despite high-intensity treatment, hence the need for corticosteroid treatment for sustain symptom control and to prevent flare-ups. Oral corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicine which helps by quickly reducing the swelling in the lungs. There is no doubt that the use of oral corticosteroids (OCS) plays a vital role in the management of asthma, particularly in the management of acute exacerbations and severe asthma. However, there is clinical evidence that both long- and short-term use of corticosteroids in asthma has complicated relationship with some referring to them as a ‘frenemy, as side effect of oral corticosteroids has detrimental effect on quality of life of asthma patients. The study utilized literature review of web-based articles and journals using multiple databases. Studies both on short term and long- term use of OCS was reviewed to have better understanding of the subject matter. Studies in children populations were excluded as the focus of this study is on adult patients living with asthma. Following the literature search, ten articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected. The study concluded that due to widely acknowledged side effects, and advances in care, there is clinical support for a shift away from a reliance on OCS in the treatment of severe asthma to other alternative management.

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is widespread and poses risks to both mother and fetus. This study aims to compare the efficacy of injection ferric carboxymaltose and oral iron supplementation in treating iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Aim: To compare the injection ferric carboxy maltose and oral iron in treating iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy. Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted at department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Institute of Child and Mother Health, for 9 months, following ethical clearance. A total of 156 pregnant women (16 to 34 weeks of gestation) diagnosed with anemia (Hb < 11 g%, low serum ferritin, and peripheral blood smear findings of IDA) were included after getting informed written consent and divided into Group-A (oral Ferrous Sulphate, n=78) and Group-B (Injection Ferric carboxy maltose, n=78). Data was collected in separated case-record form and analyzed by SPSS 26 version. Result: Demographic characteristics were similar across the two groups in terms of age and residence (p>0.05 in all cases). In both group-A and group-B, significant rise of Hb (mean difference= 1.018 and 1.664, respectively) and serum ferritin (mean difference= 205.22 and 227.37, respectively) were noted. However, TIBC was significantly decreased only in group-B (mean difference= -47.06, p=0.013), while group-A showed no significant improvement in TIBC (p>0.05). Overall, Hb≥ 11 gm% after 6-weeks of treatment was significantly higher in group-B than group-A (65.4% vs 44.9%, p=0.010). Besides, group-B patients had significantly lower gastrointestinal adverse events than group-A patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: Ferric carboxymaltose demonstrates superior effectiveness and safety compared to oral ferrous sulfate for treating anemia in pregnant women. However, further study is warranted.

Social media has profoundly impacted the Anglophone armed conflict in Cameroon, acting as both a catalyst and a complicating factor for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) compliance. Its rapid dissemination of information blurs the lines between combatants and civilians, complicating the application of core IHL principles such as distinction, proportionality, and precaution. Misinformation, propaganda, and hate speech proliferate online, fuelling violence, inciting IHL violations, and undermining humanitarian efforts. Both state and non-state actors exploit social media for recruitment, propaganda, and intelligence, often breaching IHL obligations. The digital environment also facilitates documentation of abuses, but uncontrolled sharing can lead to further violations, retaliation, and challenges in accountability. Thus, while social media offers opportunities for transparency and justice, it also presents significant risks, demanding constant adaptation of IHL to safeguard civilians and uphold humanitarian norms in the digital age.

Physical education is not only about physical activity but also about building a sense of belonging, teamwork, and motivation. This study explored the lived experiences of students in physical education, focusing on the factors that influence their engagement, sense of belonging, and participation in physical activities. Guided by Self-Determination Theory and Constructivist Theory, the research aimed to identify how social interactions, instructional methods, and challenges impact students’ experiences in physical education classes. The study adopted an interpretivist paradigm, using a qualitative research approach and a case study design to guide the investigation. Utilizing semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, data was collected from 20 Senior High School students in Effutu Municipaliy selected through maximum variation-a type of purposive sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis for identifying patterns and themes within the data. The findings indicate that positive peer interactions and teamwork foster a strong sense of belonging and enhance engagement, while negative social dynamics such as exclusion hinder participation. Students reported higher levels of engagement when activities were varied and provided a reasonable challenge, and when they received support from teachers and peers. Instructional strategies that were student-centred and allowed for personal expression were associated with higher motivation, whereas traditional, repetitive methods resulted in disengagement. However, challenges such as physical limitations, social exclusion, and logistical issues like inadequate resources and poorly organized classes were barriers to full participation. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic physical education environment that caters to the diverse needs of students. Recommendations for improving physical education practice include adopting more inclusive teaching strategies, addressing resource constraints, and fostering positive social dynamics among students.

This research, grounded in the Quran and Hadith, examines the position of women in Islam and its impact on Muslim society. It focuses on two key controversial issues: the obligation of veiling for Muslim women and their freedom to pursue education. The study adopts an independent perspective to evaluate social issues often highlighted in media portrayals of Muslim women, including compulsory veiling, educational rights, and personal autonomy within marriage and broader societal contexts. It begins by identifying gender-neutral and gender-specific obligations (farz) in Islam and then discusses these obligations, their associated controversies, and Muslim society's responses to them in detail.

Dental implants have become an essential component of modern restorative dentistry, offering a predictable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. Their widespread acceptance is attributed to high success rates, preservation of alveolar bone, and improved esthetics and function. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the foundational principles in implantology, covering the biological basis of osseointegration, anatomical considerations, implant types, assessment methods, surgical protocols, prosthetic planning, and future innovations. Emphasis is placed on the importance of thorough treatment planning, appropriate case selection, and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal outcomes. This paper serves as a practical guide for clinicians seeking to strengthen their understanding of implantology and apply evidence-based protocols in clinical practice.