Articles

Cannabis poses a growing public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting various groups, including students. Evidence shows a significant prevalence of Cannabis use among students nationwide, yet limited research has focused on university students, particularly in the Southeast region. This study aimed to assess the extent of Cannabis use and its impact on students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire randomly distributed to select undergraduate students from the Faculties of Arts, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Health Sciences. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 27. Out of 377 participants, 113 (30%) reported using Cannabis. Female students accounted for 35.5% of the respondents, while males made up 65.5%. "Weed" emerged as the most prevalent form/identifier of Cannabis prevalent amongst students. The study identified the frequency and patterns of its use, with a majority (41.8% of the Cannabis users) reporting to use it occasionally. It went ahead to establish the various motivations for Cannabis use, including peer influence, confidence building, emotional issues, and recreational purposes, as well as the influence of the media on its prevalence. The media influenced 15.9% of users, while the leading motivation for Cannabis use was peer pressure (33.33%), and followed by emotional challenges (27.27%). Negative mental health effects were reported by 18.3% of users, while 25.8% experienced disrupted Sleep patterns as a result of Cannabis use. Additionally, 58.7% observed a significantly increased appetite as a result of the use of Cannabis. Consequently, engineering students exhibited the highest prevalence of Cannabis use (86.2%) compared to other faculties, and female students (68.5%) were found to be more significantly represented among Cannabis users than their male counterparts (50.2%). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and faculty-specific strategies to address Cannabis use, while also paying attention to gender-specific factors contributing to its prevalence.

Custard apple is a tropical fruit that is cultivated all over India. The seeds of this fruit are found to have medicinal properties as they contain active compounds such as alkaloids, cyclohexapeptides, and acetogenins. It has been used in powdered form for the treatment of scalp lice and dandruff in our part of the world as a native medicine for a long time. We report a case of bilateral severe toxic keratoconjunctivitis following accidental exposure to custard apple seed powder.

Some preliminary results of studies on the assessment of the possibilities and prospects for obtaining products with a high Antioxidant Activity Index (AOA) from the waste of the coffee beverage production industry - "silver skin" (SC, silverskin, CS) are presented.The obtained data on the extraction of SC with aqueous-alcoholic extractants, the effect of extraction conditions on the yield of extracts, and extractive substances are discussed. It is reported on the production of dry powders of extracts that retain their properties during long-term storage.Data on the antioxidant properties of both liquid and dry forms of extracts are presented and good AOA of the studied objects is noted in comparison with the "standard" antioxidant - rosemary extract, and it is also shown that the AOA of dry forms of extracts can be increased by doping with synergists - polyphenols of natural genesis. The antioxidant activity of the obtained compositions was studied on real objects - animal fats and natural dyes, the results of which confirmed the prospects of the studied antioxidants (AO) for practical purposes.

Purpose: Stroke frequently causes severe deficits in upper limb function, which makes it difficult for patients to carry out daily tasks. An organized home-based intervention called the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) was developed to help stroke patients regain function in their hands and arms. This systematic review assesses the data demonstrating beneficial effects of the GRASP approach on hand function, gross and fine motor control of the upper limb in individuals post-stroke.Methods: A systematic search was performed in databases including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library up to April 2025. We searched the data using Keywords such as “GRASP,” “Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program,” “stroke rehabilitation,” “upper limb recovery,” “fine motor skills,” and “gross motor control.” Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies involving adult stroke survivors undergoing GRASP. Studies were excluded if they were non-English and focused on other forms of intervention. Quality assessment was performed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.Results: Out of 243 studies initially screened, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies reported significant improvements in upper limb function, including enhanced hand dexterity, grip strength, and coordination following participation in GRASP programs. High adherence rates and participant satisfaction were consistently noted. Some studies indicated that benefits were maintained at follow-up, suggesting long-term efficacy. Common outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Box and Block Test (BBT), and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).Discussion: The findings suggest that GRASP is an effective adjunct to conventional stroke rehabilitation, particularly for enhancing hand function and motor control. The structured yet flexible nature of GRASP allows for scalability and adaptability to various patient needs. Limitations of the reviewed studies include small sample sizes, heterogeneity in intervention duration, and variability in outcome measures. Further research with standardized protocols and larger samples is warranted.Conclusion: The GRASP approach appears to be a promising intervention for improving functional ability of the hand, and gross and fine motor control in the upper limbs post-stroke. Incorporating GRASP into home-based rehabilitation could enhance recovery and reduce long-term disability. Continued research is essential to establish best practices for implementation and to optimize patient outcomes.

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. One of the developmental challenges in preterm infants is the immaturity of the sucking-swallowing-breathing triad, which hinders successful oral feeding. Non-Nutritive Sucking (NNS) is an innate reflex in neonates that involves sucking motions without the intake of nutrition. This behaviour, often facilitated by pacifiers or a gloved finger, plays a vital role in neurodevelopment, feeding maturity, and physiological regulation in preterm infants. Recent studies also highlight its psychological and lactational benefits for mothers. This review presents a synthesis of current evidence supporting NNS as a low-cost, non-invasive intervention with multidimensional benefits for both preterm infants and their mothers.

A poison is a substance capable of causing illness or harm to a living organism upon contact or introduction to the body. Toxins and venoms are poisons of biological origin, with the latter usually reserved to describe the bites or stings of poisonous animals. In India, the suicide rate is 18.5 suicide deaths for every 100,000 people. The majority (79%) of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Ingestion of poison is one of the most common modes of suicide in low and middle-income countries such as India [1].

Pancreatic duct stones (PDS) are a common complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP). PDS can lead to duct obstruction and cause chronic abdominal pain. Ductal stone clearance, as well as short and long-term pain relief, is the cornerstone of endoscopic or surgical treatment. A step-up approach seems reasonable in pancreatic duct stone clearance. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) combined with standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is as effective as a surgical approach for treating painful CP with less morbidity and medical costs. Therefore, endotherapy is considered a first-line therapy in selected patients. In case of insufficient pancreatic ductal clearance or strictures, advanced endoscopic techniques, per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) with intraductal lithotripsy and/or endoscopic ultrasound-guided ductal drainage (EUS-PDD), will expand the role of the endoscopic approach. Because these new techniques are challenging, technically complex, and with high adverse events (AEs), they should be reserved for advanced tertiary care centers. Although there is increasing data that early surgical intervention may lead to better pain control and pancreatic duct stone clearance, surgery is reserved for patients failing endotherapy or patients with suspected malignancy.

Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant risk to human health, particularly through seafood consumption. Once ingested, MPs can spread from the digestive system to other organs via phagocytosis and endocytosis, leading to toxicological effects. Accumulation of MPs in tissues causes swelling, blockages, oxidative stress, and Cytotoxicity. Studies show MPs alter metabolism, disrupt immune function, and contribute to autoimmune diseases. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, vascular inflammation, and increased cancer risk due to DNA damage. MPs can cross biological barriers, including the placenta, affecting fetal development. Additionally, they serve as vectors for pollutants and bacteria, further complicating health risks. MPs in the bloodstream can trigger inflammatory responses, endothelial adhesion, and red blood cell coagulation, leading to cardiovascular complications. In vitro studies indicate MPs impair renal function and cause long-term inflammation in distal tissues. Moreover, oxidative stress caused by MPs plays a critical role in carcinogenicity. Despite growing evidence of adverse health effects, further research is necessary to understand the full impact of MPs’ exposure on human health and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Background: Endometrial Thickness (EMT) is considered an important prognostic factor in assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Thin endometrium (< 7 mm) is often associated with implantation failure and reduced pregnancy rates, although its precise impact remains controversial.Objective: This thesis summary evaluates the role of thin endometrium in FET cycles, discusses etiologies, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and reviews available patient data.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 69 patients who underwent FET at Saveetha Medical College. Endometrial thickness was assessed via transvaginal ultrasound. Various treatment strategies including hormonal therapies (estradiol, progesterone), vasoactive agents, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), L-arginine, sildenafil citrate, vitamin E, pentoxifylline, and stem cell therapy were reviewed for their efficacy in improving endometrial receptivity.Results: Endometrial thickness < 7 mm correlated with lower pregnancy rates compared to patients with thickness ≥ 7 mm. Hormonal and adjuvant therapies reported varying degrees of success in improving EMT and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Vascularity, angiogenesis, and Doppler studies also demonstrated a significant association with endometrial receptivity.Conclusion: Thin endometrium remains a critical challenge in ART cycles. Multimodal therapeutic approaches may improve outcomes; however, larger prospective studies are required to establish standardized protocols. Our patient data support that even minimal increases in EMT can enhance implantation success.