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Abstract Background Both attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are complicated illnesses that sometimes co-occur in children and adults with significant negative influence on a person’s life and general well-being. Aim This study aims to conduct a systematic review that investigates the comorbidity of PTSD and ADHD in the adult population. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across five electronic databases (PsycNET, Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov) between October 5 and 20, 2023, using predefined keywords including “ADHD,” “PTSD,” and “comorbidity.” Studies were included if they involved adult participants (≥ 18 years) with both ADHD and PTSD diagnoses. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and data extraction. No meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity in study designs. The results were synthesized qualitatively. Results Out of 818 identified studies, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Studies reported an increased risk of developing PTSD in individuals with ADHD, with the prevalence of comorbidity ranging between 28 and 36%. ADHD in PTSD patients was associated with greater psychosocial impairment, more severe PTSD symptoms, and functional difficulties. Treatment approaches, including pharmacotherapy (atomoxetine, Vyvanse) and mindfulness training, showed potential benefits for managing comorbid symptoms. Conclusions ADHD and PTSD commonly co-occur in adults, leading to more severe clinical outcomes. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of ADHD may reduce the risk of developing PTSD. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies for individuals with ADHD/PTSD comorbidity. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42023479631.

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as back pain and joint disorders, are common globally and significantly burden healthcare systems. Family medicine clinics serve as the first point of care, requiring providers to manage diverse MSK issues and address gender-specific differences, especially in regions with limited resources, like the Middle East. This study evaluates MSK management, gender differences, and patient perceptions in Jordanian family medicine clinics, aiming to improve care strategies and outcomes in similar settings. Methods This cross-sectional study included 500 adults with musculoskeletal complaints at a Jordanian teaching hospital (January–June 2024). Data were collected via interviews and records, focusing on patient perceptions and health profiles. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Analysis was conducted in SPSS with p

The myriad consumption of plastic regularly, environmental impact and health disquietude of humans are at high risk. Microplastics (MPs) represent a contemporary type of contamination that has permeated several environmental areas. MP pollution is already widespread in marine environments, leading to increased awareness over the past few decades. Multiple studies are being conducted to determine the source of MPs and their harmful impacts on marine life and, ultimately, human health. Thus, this paper rigorously analyzed the origin, accumulation, and detrimental impacts of MPs on the marine ecosystem. An increase in the death rate, a decrease in the rate of growth, and a reduction in the quantity of food ingested were the primary changes that occurred in marine organisms. The hydrophobic properties of MPs enable them to facilitate the formation of biofilms, which are referred to as the plastisphere. These biofilms have the capacity to transport chemicals that are frequently hazardous and may potentially infiltrate the food chain. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly exacerbated the plastic and MP contamination in coastal and marine environments as a result of the improper management of personal protective equipment and explosive production. The most recent developments in environmental DNA (eDNA) are valuable tools for the detection and tracking of MP contamination in coastal and marine ecosystems. These technologies offer greater sensibility, efficacy, and involvement in the process. There are several measures and attempts that must be taken to address the MP pollution issues in the marine environment. The knowledge gained from this review will serve as a foundation for future marine MP research and management techniques.

Abishir Mohamud Hirsi, Awil Abdukadir Abdi, Alina Peris, Amandua Jacinto, Propser Muhammad, Ibrahim Ahmed Nur, Muktar Hassan Mohamud, Mustafa Hussein, Abdi Qaws, Mohamed Jayte Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Bushenyi, UgandaCorrespondence: Abishir Mohamud Hirsi, Email abshir.heirsi@gmail.comBackground: Dyslipidemia in Sub-Saharan Africa has been on the disproportionate rise among diabetes patients across various contextual settings due to its patterns and associated factors. This study determined the patterns and factors associated with dyslipidemia among diabetes patients attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH).Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at HRRH between October 2022 and January 2023, enrolled 375 adult diabetes patients consecutively from diabetic outpatient clinic. Data on socio-demographic, behavioral, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory diagnoses were collected and summarized using descriptive statistics. Patterns of dyslipidemia were presented as a proportion of each lipid profile either singly or in combination expressed as a percentage. In the bivariate analysis, variables with p-values < 0.2, crude odds ratios of ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.5, or those with biological plausibility were included in a multiple logistic regression model. Factors with p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. All analyses were conducted using Stata version 17.Findings: Of the 375 diabetes patients, 260 (69.3%) had abnormal total cholesterol (TC), and 185 (49.3%) had two lipid profile abnormalities. The majority of the patients were female, 235 (62.7%), and 38 (10.1%) had a diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD). Additionally, 134 (35.7%) were overweight, and 39 (10.4%) were obese. Female patients had higher odds of dyslipidemia (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.02– 4.86, p = 0.045). Those with coronary heart disease (CHD) had increased odds of dyslipidemia (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.51– 11.07, p = 0.006). All diabetes patients who were overweight or obese had dyslipidemia (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The most common pattern of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes was elevated total cholesterol, followed by high low-density lipoprotein, associated with overweight, obesity, female gender, and CHD. Routine screening of lipid profiles, BMI, and CHD in diabetic clinics is crucial for early intervention and improved outcomes.Keywords: diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, coronary heart disease, risk factors, Uganda

Abstract Background African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a significant reservoir host for many zoonotic and parasitic infections in Africa. These include a range of viruses and pathogenic bacteria, such as tick-borne rickettsial organisms. Despite the considerations of mammalian blood as a sterile environment, blood microbiome sequencing could become crucial for agnostic biosurveillance. This study investigated the blood microbiome of clinically healthy wild buffaloes in Kenya to determine its applicability in agnostic testing for bacteria in apparently healthy wild animals. Methods Whole blood and serum samples were collected from 46 wild African buffalos from Meru National Park (30), Buffalo Springs (6) and Shaba (10) National Reserves in upper eastern Kenya. Total deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from these samples and subjected to amplicon-based sequencing targeting the 16 S rRNA gene. The bacteria operational taxonomic units (OTU) were identified to species levels by mapping the generated V12 and V45 regions of 16 S rRNA gene to the SILVA database. These OTU tables were used to infer the microbial abundance in each sample type and at the individual animal level. The sequences for the corresponding OTUs were also used to generate phylogenetic trees and thus infer evolution for the OTUs of interest. Results Here, we demonstrate that buffaloes harbor many bacteria in their blood. We also report a diversity of 16 S rRNA gene sequences for Anaplasma and Mycoplasma from individual animals. By sequencing both whole blood and serum in triplicate for each animal, we provide evidence of the differences in detecting bacteria in both sample types. Conclusions Diverse bacteria, including some potential pathogens, can be found in the blood of clinically healthy wild African buffalo. Agnostic surveillance for such pathogens can be achieved through blood microbiome sequencing. However, considerations for the question being asked for the blood microbiome in wildlife will impact the choice for using whole blood or serum for sequencing.

The gut microbiota (GM) is essential for mammalian health. Although the association between infant GM and breast milk (BM) composition has been well established in humans, such a relationship has not been investigated in horses. Hence, this study was conducted to analyze the GM formation of foals during lactation and determine the presence of low-molecular-weight metabolites in mares’ BM and their role in shaping foals’ GM. The fecal and BM samples from six pairs of foals and mares were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA metagenomic and metabolomic analyses, respectively. The composition of foal GM changed during lactation time; hierarchical cluster analysis divided the fetal GM into three groups corresponding to different time points in foal development. The level of most metabolites in milk decreased over time with increasing milk yield, while threonic acid and ascorbic acid increased. Further analyses revealed gut bacteria that correlated with changes in milk metabolites; for instance, there was a positive correlation between Bacteroidaceae in the foal’s gut microbiota and serine/glycine in the mother’s milk. These findings help improve the rearing environment of lactating horses and establish artificial feeding methods for foals.

Aim of the Work Aim of the work is to evaluate the effect of intracavernosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).Methods This study was conducted up on 25 men complaining of mild-to-moderate ED, who were in a stable relationship for more than 1 year.Results After 6 months of intracavernosal PRP injection, there was a statistically significant improvement of the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain score, which then declines after 1 year of the treatment. No adverse effects were observed during the study.Conclusions PRP intracavernosal injections may be a promising option for the management of arteriogenic ED. But further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The Al-Fashaga region, situated along the Sudanese-Ethiopian border, has experienced significant land use and land cover (LULC) changes over the past three decades due to large-scale mechanized agriculture and conflict-related dynamics. This study examines LULC transitions from 1990 to 2020 using multi-temporal Landsat data, Google Earth imagery, field surveys, and key informant interviews. Findings reveal a substantial increase in agricultural land, now covering over 75% of the region, predominantly at the expense of natural vegetation, which has declined to 13.7%. The 2020 Tigray conflict in Ethiopia triggered shifts in land control, enabling Sudanese farmers to reclaim abandoned lands, and illustrating the complex interrelations between conflict, land tenure, and resource use. This dynamic has exacerbated environmental degradation and heightened socio-political tensions over fertile borderlands. The study emphasizes the urgency of conflict-sensitive land management strategies to balance agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Recommendations include strengthening land tenure security, adopting sustainable farming practices, and fostering cross-border collaboration to address resource-based conflicts. These findings offer critical insights into how geopolitical tensions influence land use in border regions, contributing to policies aimed at sustainable land management, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding in similarly affected areas.

Abstract Malaria remains a key health and economic problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The emergence of artemisinin drug resistance (ART-R) parasite strains poses a serious threat to the control and elimination of this scourge. This is because artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) remain the first-line treatment in the majority of malaria-endemic regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the propeller domains of Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 protein (K13) have been associated with delayed parasite clearance in vivo and in vitro. These mutations serve as vital molecular markers for tracking the emergence and dispersion of resistance. Recently, there have been increasing reports of the emergence and spread of P. falciparum ART-R parasites in the Eastern Africa region. This necessitates continued surveillance to best inform mitigation efforts. This study investigated the presence of all reported mutations of K13 propeller domains in the parasite population in Busia County, Kenya, a known malaria-endemic region. Two hundred twenty-six participants with microscopically confirmed uncomplicated malaria were recruited for this study. They were treated with artemether–lumefantrine under observation for the first dose, and microscopic examination was repeated 1 day later after ensuring the participants had taken the second and third doses. P. falciparum DNA from all samples underwent targeted amplification of the K13 gene using a semi-nested PCR approach, followed by Sanger sequencing. The recently validated ART-R K13 mutation C469Y was identified in three samples. These three samples were among 63 samples with a low reduction in parasitemia on day 1, suggesting day 1 parasitemia reduction rate is a useful parameter to enrich the ART-R parasites for further analysis. Our findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of ART-R in western Kenya and the region to determine the spread of ART-R and inform containment.

The compost product enhances soil quality, lowers erosion, and aids in the reduction of plant diseases without having a negative influence on the environment. The possibility for compost recovery from organic waste, fruit waste, agricultural residues, domestic garbage, and animal manure was examined in this study. These wastes are composted in a five-week aerobic -pile composting process. The temperature, pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N-ratio), nitrification index (NH4-N/NO3-N), and NPK (Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium( value of the finished compost were all measured both during and after the composting process. These physio-chemical characteristics and parameters that affected the composting process included temp., pH, moisture, and electrical conductivity.The results revealed long - term negative impacts characteristics for moisture content, electrical conductivity (reached 1.5-2.34 dS/cm), total organic carbon, C/N ratio (reached 17.3-13.5), and increase in nitrogen content per unit material for the more, with composting time the nitrification index NH4+/NO3-ratio decreased by less than 0.5, as with overall increasing PH profiles. pH-value varying from (4–8) during the composting process, and GI values greater than 90 at the conclusion of the composting period. The bio-pile R3 was found to be the most helpful for composting, according to the data. It maintained the highest temperature for the longest period of time (52–60 oC), then gradually dropped to ambient temperature, which is seen as a sign that the composting process had ended and the finished compost was a mature and stable product.

A complex genetic diversity among the causative agent, Echinococcus granulosus, is documented. Antigen B (AgB) is a major antigenic fraction of hydatid fluid and hydatid cyst tissues. This study aims to investigate the role of antigen B subunit 2 (AgB2) gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in murine model. Ovine liver hydatid cysts are obtained from Erbil Slaughterhouse. Protoscoleces from each isolate are separated into two batches. First preserved at −20°C for molecular analysis whereas the second is used for experimental infection in mice. Parasite DNA was extracted, and AgB2 genome was amplified and sequenced. The sequencing profile of six of the isolates (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 11) revealed a 100% analogy with AgB2 gene of E. granulosus genotype G2. Minor sequence polymorphisms, 1.67%, are observed in one of the isolates, whereas remarkable DNA sequence polymorphisms are noticed in three of the isolates. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products sequencing profiles revealed 100% polymorphisms in four of the isolates in comparison with the source gene (AY569356.1), instead, those isolates reveal various degrees of analogy, 80.33%, 80.87–89.05%, and 89.36% to G1, G3, and G6, respectively. Polymorphic sequencing profile of the PCR-amplified product (250 bp) of E. granulosus clone EgB2G2v13 AgB2 gene (Accession no.: AY569356.1) has no significant impact on the pathogenicity of the CE in murine model. To upgrade the diagnostic sensitivity rates of the immunological techniques, a mixture of native hydatid antigens containing AgB is recommended to be used in the ser-diagnosis of this infection.

Sugar cane is one of the most important industrial crops, providing vital products such as sugar, molasses, and bagasse. The bagasse serves as the primary fuel in cogeneration systems. This paper investigates the energy and exergy efficiencies of the entire sugar production process at the Edfu Sugar Factory in Egypt, including raw juice production, juice heating, evaporation, crystallization, and the performance of boilers, turbines, and de-superheaters. Utilizing actual operational data, the analysis identifies significant energy losses, with the raw juice production (RJP) process experiencing the highest loss at 58,959 kW, followed closely by the boilers at 52,111 kW. As well, the results indicate that boilers account for 78.38 % of the total exergy destruction in the system, revealing critical inefficiencies. Moreover, the overall energy and exergy efficiencies are 87.15 % and 66.45 %, respectively. To address inefficiencies, two modifications were proposed: replacing mechanical turbines in RJP process with direct current (DC) motors, boosting power output by 5500 kW, providing 2000 kW for grid export, and saving 163,200 $ annually; and reducing bagasse moisture by 42 % using flue gas waste heat, increasing boiler exergy efficiency by 3.82 % and overall system efficiency by 3.38 %, saving 29,376 tons of bagasse annually, valued at 763,776 $. This study is novel in its comprehensive analysis of the entire sugarcane production process at the sugar factory, offering practical solutions to mitigate high energy losses and inefficiencies. It provides valuable insights for similar industrial settings, where energy conservation is critical for both economic viability and environmental sustainability.