Dietary calcium intakes have been reported to be lower than recommended intakes in women and adolescents. This essential nutrient has not received adequate attention at the population level. Food fortification, particularly of staples can help bridge the gap between requirement and customary intakes, without altering diet patterns. Aim/Objectives: This study aimed to fortify wheat flour to increase calcium content, using four levels of Tri Calcium Phosphate (TCP), to determine the optimum level, based on physicochemical characteristics. Methods: Wheat flour was fortified with four levels of TCP such that 150g of flour would provide 200mg, 300 mg, 400 mg or 500 mg. Physicochemical properties (Water absorption capacity, swelling power, swelling volume, solubility index, bulk density, solvent retention capacity, particle size) were analyzed in fortified and unfortified flour samples. Results: Fortified flours had lower water absorption capacity than unfortified wheat flour (p<0.000). The solubility index (p<0.000) for fortified flours was 1-5% lower than the unfortified flour. Bulk density for all flours was 0.40- 0.42 g/ml. Particle size (p<0.000) and water retention increased with increasing amount of TCP. Overall, the physicochemical characteristics of the fortified samples did not differ from the unfortified wheat flour. Thus, the fortified wheat flour could be used in various processed foods. Conclusions: This is one of the few studies to have attempted fortifying wheat flour to provide about 50% of the EAR from 150g of wheat flour. The study showed that TCP addition did not adversely affect physicochemical characteristics, making it a suitable fortificant for wheat flour.

The integration of genomics with biodiversity is promising and reveal valuable information about genome organization and genome evolution. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology generated vast genomic resources like short sequence repeats (SSRs), Single Nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Insertions and deletions (InDels), Copy Number Variations (CNVs), Diversity Array Technology (DArT) markers etc. The use of these genomic resources can accelerate biodiversity assessment, conservation, and restoration efforts by enabling scientists to make well-informed decisions. Bioinformatic analyses will further help finding genes, gene products and their function. The genomic technology helps estimating genetic diversity, identification of adaptive alleles, complex diseases and traits, and also enable species identification by DNA barcoding approaches. The use of genomics with classical genetic rescue programs will enable conservation biologists to protect, preserve and mange ecosystems efficiently.

Introduction: Malaria is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. In Guinea, the disease is widespread throughout the country, particularly in the forest region where it is endemic. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of malaria in urban and rural areas of Guinea’s forest region by identifying potential socio-economic factors associated with the onset of the disease. Method: Blood samples of 280 patients suffering from malaria (102 and 178 patients in urban and rural areas, respectively) were collected between early May and late August 2022 across healthcare facilities of the forest Guinea, and analysed in the laboratory of the International Centre for Research on Tropical Infections of Guinea (CIRIT-Guinea) for the presence of Plasmodium using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. A questionnaire was used to record information on sociodemographic characteristics of patients such as age, gender, place of residence and occupation. Results: Results showed that 63.6% of malaria cases occurred in rural area, compared with 36.4% in urban area, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.12). This could indicate widespread endemicity of the disease in the region. The absence of any significant difference in the distribution of patients by age group (p = 0.76) and gender (p = 0.47) indicates that control strategies should be comprehensive, without prioritizing certain demographic groups. In terms of occupation, malaria was overrepresented among farmers in rural areas (p = 0.03), probably reflecting ongoing exposure to mosquito breeding sites, particularly irrigated farms and stagnant water. Conclusion: These results highlight the need to develop differentiated approaches according to the people occupation. There is need to provide healthcare facilities with additional medical staff and laboratory equipment to ensure reliable diagnosis and to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns in rural and urban communities on preventive measures against malaria.

Introduction: School canteens must comply with hygiene and food safety rules, especially when it comes to children. It is important to take into consideration what is on their plates and how they are made. Snacks offered in schools contribute to a balanced diet, allowing students to stay focused and improve their academic performance. Aim/Objective: This study aims to improve the hygienic quality of ready meals sold in schools in Commune II of the city of Niamey. Methodology: The data was collected from December 2023 to January 2024 and involved 60 vendors in five schools, including two private primary schools, one public primary school, and two secondary schools (one public and one private). Result: The results showed that 96.7% of vendors are women and are mostly out of school (38.3%). Several food safety and hygiene issues were observed, including selling food near gutters (3.3%), exposure to sunlight and open air of food (61.7%), use of street clothes (93.3%), neglected hand hygiene (68.3%), and nail care (71.7%). For the FAMT, microbiological analysis showed that 40% of the samples were compliant, while 60% were non-compliant. The results showed that all samples were noncompliant for total and fecal coliforms. Concerning Escherichia coli, 60% of the samples were also non-compliant. On the other hand, for yeasts and moulds, 100% of the samples were found to be compliant and 20% of the samples were non-compliant for Salmonella. Conclusion: A comprehensive and systematic assessment of the safety and quality of food and food prepared by school vendors would therefore be crucial, both to ensure the health of school children and to ensure the socio-economic importance of school food sales.

Introduction: Post–myocardial infarction (MI) mechanical complications remain catastrophic and require early detection. Conventional 2D echocardiography may be limited in tachycardic or critically ill patients due to inadequate frame rates. Case Report: A middle-aged man aged 55-year-old with hypertension, hypothyroidism, and prior above-knee amputation presented with NSTEMI, evidenced by ST depression in V2–V6 and elevated Troponin I. Initial 2D echocardiography was normal. Coronary angiography showed single-vessel LAD disease with branch involvement, and OCT-guided PCI with two drug-eluting stents and a drug-eluting balloon was successfully performed. Despite initial stability, he developed sudden pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, and a new pansystolic murmur, suggesting a post-MI mechanical complication. Persistent tachycardia hindered adequate echocardiographic visualization. A novel “Frame Rate Control’’ technique using Blender 3D software was applied to generate high-quality slow-motion reconstructions of the echo loops, enabling clearer assessment. This technique confirmed ruptured chordae tendineae with severe mitral regurgitation. Results: The patient’s respiratory failure progressed from oxygen therapy to BiPAP and ultimately mechanical ventilation. Emergency high-risk mitral valve replacement was undertaken, but he could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and required massive transfusion due to recent antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy. He died on postoperative day one. Discussion: This case underscores the need for prompt detection of post-MI mechanical complications and demonstrates the first documented clinical use of Blender 3D software to optimize echocardiographic frame-rate limitations. Such techniques may aid diagnosis when conventional imaging is inadequate, especially in hemodynamically unstable patients.

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major global health burden, with acute exacerbations (AECOPD) leading to delayed recovery and higher morbidity despite optimal medical treatment. Aim/Objectives: To evaluate the effect of structured respiratory rehabilitation on dyspnea, cough severity, and exercise tolerance in hospitalized AECOPD patients. Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 30 hospitalized AECOPD patients. Participants were divided into two groups: the experimental group received standard care plus respiratory rehabilitation (education, sputum clearance, pursedlip breathing, upper-limb exercises, and walking training), while the control group received standard care alone. Outcomes assessed at baseline and after 4 days included dyspnea (mMRC), cough severity (VAS), exercise tolerance (6MWT), and sputum expectoration. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in dyspnea (p = 0.0052) and exercise tolerance (p = 0.0344) compared to controls. No significant differences were observed in cough severity or sputum clearance. Within-group analysis indicated greater improvement in dyspnea and functional capacity in the experimental group, while the control group improved only in exercise tolerance.

Introduction: Ramalina conduplicans and Roccella montagnei represent ecologically resilient symbiotic systems that synthesize diverse secondary metabolites with potent antimicrobial potential. Aim/Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antibacterial activities of solvent extracts from Roccella montagnei and Ramalina conduplicans, traditionally known for their therapeutic properties, against clinically relevant pathogens . Methods: Lichen thalli collected from the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu were sequentially extracted using diethyl ether, acetone and methanol via Soxhlet hot percolation. Antifungal activity was assessed against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani using disk diffusion and broth macrodilution methods. Antibacterial activity was determined by agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified spectrophotometrically as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents, respectively. Statistical significance was evaluated using two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Ramalina conduplicans and Roccella montagnei exhibited notable antifungal and antibacterial efficacy in a solvent dependent manner. The acetone extract of Ramalina conduplicans produced the largest inhibition zones (10–12 mm) and the lowest MIC values (2–8 µg/mL), particularly against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium solani. The methanolic extract of Roccella montagnei showed strong antifungal activity (MIC 2–4 µg/mL) with high phenolic (37.28 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (48.24 mg QE/g) contents. Acetone extracts of both lichens displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, most pronounced against Escherichia coli (21–24 mm ZOI; MIC 4–8 µg/mL). Conclusion: This study highlights R. montagnei and R. conduplicans as promising sources of phenolic rich metabolites with potent antifungal and antibacterial properties. The acetone and methanol extracts demonstrated broad spectrum inhibitory effects, underscoring their potential for developing novel natural antimicrobial agents.

Molecular hydrogen (H2 ), particularly in the form of hydrogen-rich water (HRW), has gained increasing attention for its potential antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and ergogenic properties in physically active populations. The aim of this narrative review was to synthesize and critically evaluate current evidence on the physiological effects, recovery mechanisms, and performance outcomes associated with molecular hydrogen supplementation in sport and exercise science. A literature search was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2024 using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review included studies investigating the effects of H2 administered via hydrogen-rich water, inhalation, or intravenous infusion on oxidative stress, inflammation, fatigue, and physical performance. Current evidence indicates that molecular hydrogen may attenuate exercise-induced oxidative stress, reduce inflammatory biomarkers, improve lactate metabolism, and alleviate delayed onset muscle soreness. Hydrogen-rich water appears to confer benefits in both acute and chronic exercise contexts; however, study findings remain heterogeneous. Molecular hydrogen shows potential as a supportive intervention in sports medicine and exercise recovery. Nevertheless, variability in study design, limited sample sizes, and inconsistent performance metrics restrict definitive conclusions. Further well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to establish optimal dosing, administration strategies, and long-term effectiveness.

Fruits have a significant role in the diet of human. Wastes are the unconsumed or unused fractions of a fruit and vegetables due to their morphological characteristics. Many fruits as well as vegetables produce up to 25- 30% of waste. The lack of proper infrastructure and methods are responsible for massive losses of important food components, by-products and residues. This review focuses on presence of bioactive compounds of some fruit by-products and possible utilization in various industries. Studies from 1986 to 2018 were reviewed from books, research paper and review articles. Currently, thousands of bioactive molecules have been isolated as well as identified from different fruit waste. The horticultural by-products are good sources of phenolic compounds, pigments, dietary fibers, organic acids, sugar derivatives, minerals and other constituents. These bioactive molecules have beneficial properties like cardioprotective, antibacterial, antimutagenic, antitumor, antiviral properties. Fruit and vegetable wastes can be utilized by isolation potential bioactive molecules and can be utilized in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics industries. Research should be encouraged to explore the therapeutic and toxic effects, pharmacokinetics of bioactive molecules.

Introduction: Giardia lamblia and Plasmodium species are the pathogenic organisms for Giardiasis and Malaria, respectively, both human protozoan infections. Parasitic infections have continued to pose significant health challenges to children, especially in developing countries. Aim/Objective: This study investigated the immunohaematological effects of single and co-infections with Giardia lamblia and Plasmodium species among school-aged children (5–15 years) in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 108 pupils were sampled from 20 randomly selected primary schools across rural, semi-urban, and urban settings. Blood and stool samples were collected for parasitological and immunohaematological analysis. Parasite identification was performed using direct microscopy: Stool samples for Giardia lamblia and thick/thin blood smears for Plasmodium spp. White blood cell (WBC) counts and differentials were measured using standard haematological techniques.