Microplastics have become a significant pollutant in aquatic ecosystems, with serious implications for biodiversity, food safety, and environmental sustainability. This paper reviews the nature and sources of microplastic pollution, alongside its ecological and human health impacts. Recognizing the limitations of traditional monitoring and removal methods, the study explores emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-based strategies as innovative tools for improving environmental monitoring and pollution mitigation. The manuscript discusses how AI techniques such as machine learning, computer vision, and remote sensing can enhance the detection, classification, and prediction of microplastic distribution in water bodies. It also highlights the potential of AI-driven robotic systems in supporting targeted mitigation efforts. While these technologies show promise, further interdisciplinary research and development are necessary to fully realize their application in real-world environmental management. The integration of AI offers a proactive path toward achieving cleaner aquatic ecosystems and supporting global sustainability goals.

Targeted cancer therapies strive to eliminate cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Aptamer-drug conjugate is one of the attractive alternatives in this field. ApDCs are a class of agents which utilize the high specificity of aptamers (a single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotide with a high affinity for a target molecule) combined with the therapeutic potential of cytotoxic drugs. It results in the selective drug delivery into neoplastic cells. This review provides an overview of the recent development of new strategies utilizing ApDCs as next generation targeted cancer therapeutics (aiming to obtain improved therapeutic responses and to minimize off-target toxicities), which represent the main power over classical chemotherapeutics. Subsequent studies will seek to optimize the design of ApDCs and broaden their therapeutic use beyond cancer therapy. With the progress of research, ApDCs are predicted to have a greater role for the treatment of cancer in the future.

Introduction: Over the past twenty years, Kaduna State. Northwest Nigeria has experienced recurrent civil unrest patterned along religious and ethnic lines. Exposure to recurrent violence is a significant risk factor that predisposes survivors to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The paucity of data on the prevalence of gun violence, homicide survivorship, and its relationship to mental health disorders like PTSD premised this project. This study determined the prevalence of gun violence in Jema'a LGA, assessed the effects of gun violence on the mental health of survivors, and ascertained the availability of health interventions aimed at improving the health outcomes of survivors in Jema'a LGA, Kaduna state. Method: A cross-sectional study design utilizing an adapted researcher-administered semi-structured survey was used. Primary data were collected from 399 adult participants between ages 18 and older. Using the multi-stage sampling technique, Takau was selected via Simple Random Sampling by Balloting without replacement for the research study due to proximity and security reasons. Result: The findings of this study revealed significantly positive outcomes in several key areas. First, the research identified a notable prevalence of gun violence in Jema'a LGA, shedding light on the extent of this issue in the region. The data collected indicated a substantial and tangible presence of gun violence, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this concern. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant link between exposure to gun violence and mental health outcomes, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research uncovered that survivors of gun violence in Jema'a LGA exhibited higher rates of PTSD, highlighting the critical need for mental health support and interventions in the region. Additionally, the research highlighted the paucity of ongoing health interventions. This implies a significantly negative impact, contributing to a long awaiting mental health recovery period for survivors. Conclusion: This research provides compelling evidence that addressing the prevalence of gun violence in Jema'a LGA and implementing effective mental health interventions can yield significantly positive outcomes. It underscores the importance of understanding the historical context of violence and conflict in the region. It offers valuable insights into improving the overall well-being of survivors of gun violence in Nigeria.

Background: Lifestyle modification is crucial in the management and prevention of cardiac diseases. However, gaps in patient knowledge often hinder effective implementation. This study aimed to assess the impact of a structured educational intervention on improving lifestyle modification knowledge among cardiac patients. Methods: A pre-experimental, one-group pre-test post-test design was employed. Cardiac patients from a tertiary care hospital were recruited using purposive sampling. Participants' knowledge regarding lifestyle modifications—including diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and stress management—was assessed before and after a structured educational program. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed a significant improvement in participants' knowledge scores post-intervention (p < 0.05). Key areas of knowledge enhancement included dietary practices, exercise routines, and smoking cessation strategies. The results indicate the effectiveness of structured educational programs in empowering cardiac patients to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviours. Conclusion: Structured educational interventions significantly enhance lifestyle modification knowledge in cardiac patients. Incorporating such programs into routine cardiac care could promote better patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cardiac diseases.

The River Tees estuary is North Yorkshire's largest estuarine habitat, supporting diversified fisher folks compared to others. The current study was conducted to analyse fish diversity status in connection to important hydrological locational along the course of the Tees. Fish samples and water quality characteristics were gathered from eight sampling locations along the River Tees estuary between June 2023 and April 2024. Fish samples were obtained for four (4) sapling sites, between Tees barrage and the Seal-sand in Middlesbrough. Generally, fisher-folks separate non-target fish after catching them in the river. These fisher-folks were asked not to toss non-target species and are convinced that both target and non-target species are important in study. 10% of the total catch is collected during the study period were frozen in an ice box, and to the laboratory for analysis, whilst samples were sorted and identified at the species level. The diversity status of all fisheries data was analysed using PAST (version 2.15) software. Total of 11,935 individuals were enumerated, representing 25 finfish species. Salmo trutta fario had the highest number of individuals counted (1289), while Cyprinus carpio had the lowest number (228), accounting for 10.8% and 1.91% of total individuals, respectively along the estuarine of River Tees. Conservation efforts must be enforced to discourage over-fishing from the critical habitat.

Flavonoids, a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, have garnered significant attention for their potential role in modulating epigenetic mechanisms and their implications in disease prevention and treatment. This review explores the multifaceted influence of flavonoids on key epigenetic processes, including, Non-coding RNA regulation histone modifications and DNA methylation. By targeting these mechanisms, flavonoids such as genistein, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and curcumin demonstrate promising therapeutic potential in combating diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. The review highlights the ability of flavonoids to restore normal epigenetic patterns, suppress tumor growth, enhance neuroprotection, and regulate metabolic pathways. However, challenges such as limited bioavailability, translational gaps between preclinical and clinical studies, and the need for robust clinical validation remain. Despite these hurdles, flavonoids hold immense promise as adjuvants in epigenetic therapy and synergistic agents with existing drugs. This review underscores the importance of further research to fully harness the therapeutic potential of flavonoids as epigenetic modulators in disease prophylaxis and treatment.

This research examined the antioxidant properties of Malus pumila (Granny Smith apples) extract using a range of in vitro assays. The antioxidant potential was assessed through five methods: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl radical) and ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and measurement of ascorbic acid content. Results showed that the extract exhibited notable antioxidant activity, especially at lower concentrations (10–20 μl/ml), where it performed comparably to, and in some cases better than, the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid. In both the DPPH and ABTS assays, the extract showed strong free radical scavenging capabilities, suggesting its effectiveness in protecting cells from oxidative damage. The extract also demonstrated a good ability to reduce ferric ions (Fe³⁺) to their more bioavailable ferrous form (Fe²⁺), reinforcing its ability to improve antioxidant defense systems. Although its hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity was lower than that of ascorbic acid, the overall performance of Malus pumila suggests it is a valuable natural source of antioxidants. These results show the fruit's potential use in managing oxidative stress-related conditions and support its possible application in health-promoting diets or therapeutic formulations.

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering by offering a precise, efficient, and cost-effective method for editing genomes. This document explores the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9, detailing its origins, molecular functionality, and the wide array of its applications in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. It highlights key advancements in gene therapy, functional genomics, and the development of genetically modified organisms. The paper also discusses the ethical and regulatory concerns associated with genome editing, emphasizing the need for responsible use of this transformative technology. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of how CRISPR-Cas9 is shaping the future of genetic research and therapy.

Aims: Not many researchers report the significance of Genotypes B and C and their implications in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria, hence this research aims at finding out this significance in Plateau state. Methodology and Results: A Real-Time TEL-PCR-HBV reagent system based on SYBR Green PCR technology was used for the qualitative detection or viral load single-plex detection of hepatitis B Virus (HBV) for 24 Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen (HBsAg) positive mothers and their infants. The PCR reaction involved denaturation of the sample at 950C for 3 minutes for one cycle, followed by 40 cycles consisting of 950C for 0.15seconds, annealing at 60 0C for 0.15seconds and final extension at 720C for 0.10 seconds. HBV DNA from 48 subjects (24 mothers paired to 24 children) was amplified. The most prevalent genotype was C (66.7%) followed by genotype B (33.3%). It was also observed that the mix genotypes; 5 (83.3%), samples contained both A, B and D; 2 (100.0%,) samples contained both C and D; and 2 samples contained genotypes A, B, C and D in mothers, while mix genotype was also observed in infants; 1 sample contained both genotypes A and B, and another 1 (16.7%) sample contained genotype A, B and D. Conclusion, Significance and Impact of Study: This study discovered that just like knowledge of the clinical significance of other genotypes in the transmission of HBV is relevant, Genotypes B and C have high clinical significance as well particular in Nigeria as a developing nation

One of the most sought-after natural items on the domestic or global market is essential oils. Numerous plant components can be used to extract essential oils. Collectively, essential oils lack any particular chemical or medicinal properties. Rather, what defines them is what they communicate distinctive scents. Consequently, the widespread propensity to discuss crucial oils as a group, as though that suggested something specific regarding their health, medicinal or culinary qualities are quite erratic and frequently genuinely hazardous. Until recently, ginger, a very beneficial herb plant, was widely used in both traditional and contemporary natural therapy. Research on this product should be conducted to determine how to meet the nation's need for ginger oil and the most effective method and the least expensive way to increase the product's yield. One of the traditional techniques for extracting essential oils is Soxhlet Distillation. The purpose of Soxhlet distillation is to producing effective ginger oil in a large amount This is because some components cannot be extracted using a particular approach, yet they could be effectively removed with the Soxhlet Extractor.