ABSTRACT
Lutein enhances Cognito-motor and neuro-behavioural processes by modulating BDNF-α activity in a mouse model with memory impairment caused by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Aluminium chloride neurotoxicity frequently leads to cognitive abnormalities similar to Alzheimer's. Neurotrophin variation of BDNF-α, plays key roles in synaptic plasticity, and cognitive functions. This study aims to evaluate the Cognito-motor and neuro-behavioural modulatory action of lutein on BDNF-α activities in AlCl3-induced memory-impaired mice. 30 adult Mice (30kg) were randomly divided into six groups and treated for three weeks: Group 1 (Negative Control), Group 2 (100mg/kg-AlCl3), Group 3 (100mg/kg-AlCl3 + 20mg/kg-Lutein), Group 4 (100mg/kg-AlCl3 + 40mg/kg-Lutein), Group 5 (100mg/kg-AlCl3 + 60mg/kg-Lutein), Group 6 (100mg/kg-AlCl3 + 5mg/kg-Donepezil). Neurobehavioral activities (Barnes, Y-maze, handgrip and Rotarod) were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA. Ethical approval for this research was obtained from the University of Port Harcourt ethics committee. In Barnes maze test, Group 2 and 3 showed significantly increased escape times (p<0.0001, p<0.05) compared to control for week 2 and 3. Hand grip test showed decreased in grip strength in Group 2 (p<0.0001), and reduced navigation time in Group 3 (p<0.05). Rotarod tests indicated reduced stability time and Y-maze test showed increase in inflexion ratio in Groups 2 and 3. In BDNF-α level, Group 2 and 3 had a significant reduction (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001) respectively. Aluminum chloride intake reduced BDNF-α level, negatively impacting Cognito-motor performance. Lutein administration increased cognitive and behavioral performance through BDNF-α modulation. The group receiving both treatments showed a notable increase in BDNF-α level and cognitive performance. Hence, lutein significantly mitigates Aluminium Chloride-induced neurotoxicity and cogni-motor dysfunction in mice through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotrophic mechanis

ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus is closely associated with a variety of oral complications, including periodontal disease, xerostomia, candidiasis, and delayed wound healing. Conventional management is often fragmented and poorly adhered to. This study evaluates the effectiveness of HETAFU Dia Smart gummies/Candies—a chewable supplement containing probiotics, essential oils, and micronutrients—as an adjunctive therapy for oral disease management in diabetic individuals. Methods: A total of 240 diabetic patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to 16 clusters (15 participants per cluster). Eight clusters received standard care (control), and eight received HETAFU Dia Smart gummies/Candies along with standard care (intervention). Clinical parameters were evaluated pre- and post-intervention across eight oral health domains: periodontal health, burning mouth syndrome, oral infections, mucosal lesions, salivary dysfunction, taste disturbance, post-endodontic pain, and wound healing. Outcomes included Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), VAS scores, salivary flow rate, healing duration, and lesion measurements. Results: Post-intervention data revealed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group across all clusters. Notable reductions were observed in GI (1.07 ± 0.25 vs. 1.88 ± 0.56; p ≤ 0.001), PI (1.06 ± 0.28 vs. 1.70 ± 0.44; p ≤ 0.001), VAS for burning mouth (1.33 ± 1.18 vs. 5.20 ± 1.61; p ≤ 0.001), and thrush area (2.13 ± 1.24 mm² vs. 9.93 ± 3.58 mm²; p ≤ 0.001). Salivary flow increased (0.57 ± 0.14 vs. 0.33 ± 0.13 ml/min; p ≤ 0.001), and healing time reduced significantly (5.07 ± 1.98 vs. 9.13 ± 2.50 days; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: HETAFU Dia Smart gummies/Candies demonstrated significant adjunctive benefits in improving oral health outcomes among diabetic patients. Their easy-to-consume format, combined with multifactorial bioactive action, makes them a promising complementary approach in the integrated manageme

ABSTRACT
Background: Although anaesthetic agents are indispensable during a surgical operation, they can cause haemorheological changes resulting in a dynamic change of blood flow. The dissociative general anaesthetic ketamine and the amide-type local anaesthetic lidocaine find clinical and experimental use in a wide application. Nevertheless, their effects on the viscosity of blood plasma and whole blood have not been researched on an individual and combined basis. This research paper aimed to determine the effects of ketamine and lidocaine when used separately and in combination, in the plasma and whole blood viscosity of male Wistar rats. Methodology: A total of thirty-five male Wistar rats were split into five groups (n = 7) which included Control, Lidocaine, Lidocaine with Adrenaline, Ketamine, and Ketamine + Lidocaine. Two days of intraperitoneal administration of treatments took place. The samples of blood were obtained through cardiac puncture. The LOVIS 2000 M/ME Microviscometer measured plasma and whole blood viscosities; by computing the rolling times of a steel ball through a capillary tube, it calculates the dynamic and kinematic viscosities. One way ANOVA was adopted as the statistical analysis method for the study. Results and Discussion: Individually and in combination, ketamine contributed to the variable changes in plasma and whole blood viscosities independently and along with lidocaine. Whereas the concentration of lidocaine (maximally in combination with adrenaline) had a more negligible effect on the level of viscosity, ketamine had no significant effect on the viscosity level. Ketamine combined with lidocaine was involved in altering viscosity which also was in line with the change of red blood cell deformability, as well as aggregability. Conclusion: Lidocaine raises plasma viscosity especially when used with adrenaline, its impact on plasma viscosity is minimal when compared to that of ketamine.

ABSTRACT
The kernels of Irvingia specie have been reported to used as soup thickener in some parts of Nigeria and also rich in protein, glucose, fat and oil and fatty acids. Hence, this research aims to assess the effect of Irvingia fruit kernel on the mean population density of Bacillus spp. Eleven isolates were identified as suspected Bacillus species using standard microbiological and biochemical testing techniques. Irvingia broth, Irvingia broth/tryptone (50/50) and tryptone soya broth were prepared, and Bacillus isolates were inoculated into the different broths and incubated at 300C for 14 days. All isolates were Gram positive, indole and oxidase negative, citrate negative (except isolate M1) and catalase negative (except Isolates F2,F3,FW2, FW3 and FW4). The maximum mean population density of Bacillus spp in Irvingia and Irvingia/Tryptone broths in Day1,3,7,10 and 14 were 3.1 x 108 cfu/ml (Irvingia/Tryptone), 3.1 x 108 cfu/ml (Irvingia), 3.1 x 108 cfu/ml (Irvingia and Irvingia/Tryptone), 4.0x108 cfu/ml (Irvingia and Irvingia/Tryptone) and 4.0x108 cfu/ml (Irvingia) respectively. The findings in this research signifies that Irvingia and Irvingia/Tryptone broths can support the growth of Bacillus spp just like tryptone soya broth.

ABSTRACT
Healthcare system in Nigeria is constantly facing several issues due to inadequate personnel or professionals to mount the facilities and attend to both in-patients and outpatients at various levels of healthcare system, ranging from primary, secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare across Nigeria in general and South-South in particular. This inadequate healthcare professionals have led to the decaying of facilities thus placing the healthcare system in a moribund state creating room for patient’s apathy. This study is aim to evaluate the Effects of Brain Drain on Health Care System in South-South Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 350 (final year medical students 200 and house officers 150). A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. The study lasted for a period of 2 months. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0 and p < 0.05 was significant. The results revealed that 85.7% of the participants agreed that brain drain actually affects healthcare system, 97.1% was due to shortage of manpower, 94.3% agreed it affects patients, 71.4% affects revenue generation, 71.4% agreed BD increases quackery, 85.7% of them said it led to over labour, and 71.4% agreed that affects the economy. The study shows inadequate healthcare professionals as a result of brain drain has ruined our healthcare system and this have affected the revenue generation, training and re-training of healthcare personnel as well as contributing to patient’s apathy towards patronizing the healthcare facilities.

ABSTRACT
Niemann Pick is a rare lysosomal storage metabolic disease. It is a sphingomyelin-cholesterol lipidosis associated with the accumulation of foamy cells, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is divided into 3 main types (A/B, C). The biological diagnosis of type A/B relies on the enzymatic assay of acid sphingomyelinase, while that of type C is based on the search for plasma oxysterols which serves as the initial screening test, confirmed by genetic testing. The differential diagnosis consists of excluding other lysosomal diseases (Gaucher, Wolman).

ABSTRACT
Gaucher's disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance caused by an enzymatic deficiency in glucocerebrosidases. The identification of Gaucher cells in cytology is a key marker but must be complemented by enzymatic and genetic analyses for a definitive diagnosis.