Benue State University

Rivers are critical pathways for microplastic (MP) pollution, yet data remain limited on MP presence in Nigeria’s freshwater systems. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of MP occurrence and associated risks in the River Benue, one of Nigeria’s most important rivers. Surface water samples were collected in September 2023 (rainy season) and January 2024 (dry season), pre-treated with NaCl and H₂O₂ for density separation and wet peroxide oxidation, and analysed using FTIR spectroscopy and SEM–EDS. MP abundance was higher along the southern bank, ranging from 0 to 11 items L⁻¹ in the dry season and 0 to 9 items L⁻¹ in the rainy season. The lower rainy-season concentrations were attributed to improved hydraulic conditions, which enhanced dilution and downstream transport. Particle sizes ranged from 0.5 to 5 mm, with the 1.5–3 mm fraction being most abundant, raising concerns due to their bioavailability. Risk assessment revealed contamination factors of 2–22 and pollution load indices of 2–4.69, indicating sites with moderate to elevated risks. The PLIzone (3.23) confirmed severe pollution across the river, potentially warranting remediation. MP distribution patterns are strongly associated with anthropogenic activities, including commerce, transportation, and waste disposal. This study provides crucial baseline data on MP pollution in River Benue and supports the development of targeted management strategies. For a more comprehensive understanding, future investigations should explore the collection of larger sample volumes and asses contamination in the sediments and biota. These findings contribute to global efforts in understanding freshwater MP pollution, particularly in understudied tropical river systems.

Telepsychiatry presents a transformative opportunity to address Africa’s signifcant mental health challenges. With a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders and limited access to care, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, innovative solutions are urgently needed. This paper has explored the potential of telepsychiatry to overcome geographical barriers and address the shortage of mental health professionals in Africa. Despite its potential, telepsychiatry faces challenges such as technological barriers, stigma, and regulatory issues. However, these challenges can be addressed with concerted eforts from governments, healthcare organizations, and communities. Developing robust regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, and promoting cultural sensitivity are essential steps towards realizing the full potential of telepsychiatry in Africa. Looking to the future, telepsychiatry holds promise for revolutionizing mental healthcare delivery on the continent. Through continued research, evaluation, and innovation, telepsychiatry can become a cornerstone of mental healthcare provision, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing the care they need.

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and is believed to be transmitted through respiratory droplets and contacts. Currently, although there are approved COVID-19 treatments, vaccines have been developed against the disease. Vaccine apathy, however, can limit the success of vaccination. Objective The study investigated the knowledge of COVID-19 and apathetic behavior (hesitancy) towards vaccination among the mixed professional population of sub-urban dwellers in three senatorial districts of Benue State, A state, located in central Nigeria, and is known for its agricultural richness and diverse ethnic groups, including the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede. Like most states in Nigeria, it faces significant healthcare access challenges. Methods The research was a cross-sectional study involving self-administered structured questionnaire of 52 questions which were validated and included sections on demographic information, COVID-19 vaccination status, reasons for vaccine acceptance or hesitancy, and preferences for different types of COVID-19 vaccines. The data generated was subjected to descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Statistical significance was placed at p < 0.05. Result A total of 500 questionnaires were administered; however 336 respondents representing 67.2% returned questionnaires. There was no statistical difference (p < 0.05) between health workers (55.4%) and non-health workers (44.6%). There exists an association between study sites, profession, and educational qualification, with knowledge of COVID-19 and accent to vaccination. A significant (p < 0.05) 76.2% acknowledge the existence and infectivity of COVID-19. Interestingly, 39.6% and 47.3% of the study population sanctioned social distancing and hand hygiene as COVID-19 preventive measures. Although 73.0% show knowledge of various COVID-19 vaccines and profess vaccination as a protective measure, however, 65.7% were unsure whether vaccination protects against the disease. Side effects from previous immunization and perceived inadequate knowledge of managing vaccination adverse effects were among the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion Vaccination and preventive measures are top priorities in diseases with no approved treatment. An urgent increase in the level of advocacy and awareness of the disease is needed because of high vaccine hesitancy among health workers that constitute a significant proportion of the study population.

Chemosensors have extensive applications in chemical, biological and environmental sciences. Fluorescent chemosensors are the most powerful techniques for rapid detection of ultra-trace quantity of inorganic ions in water samples with high sensitivity. Water is contaminated with various pollutant ions e.g., Cd²⁺ Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, AsO4³⁻, AsO3³⁻ and F⁻ due to increase industrialisation, usage of fertilizers, through food -beverages, water purification instruments and e-wastes. Thus, contaminated water is a potential threat to life as it transmits various bacterial waterborne diseases, so detection of contaminants is essential. This review focuses the recently developed single, dual and multi-analyte fluorescent chemosensors ligands for the detection through selective binding of trace quantity of critically toxic ions e.g., Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺ Al³⁺, F⁻, AsO3³⁻ and AsO4³⁻ in water and food samples. Binding of ions through Sensing mechanism: Intramolecular Charge transfer (ICT), Foster Resonance energy transfer (FRET), Aggregation based approaches, Photo induced electron transfer (PET) etc. have also discussed. Ligands i) derivatives of rhodamine dyes and phenanthroline ii) Schiff base with rhodamine B thiohydrazide and quinoline moiety iii) a chromone-quinolinyl hydrazide Schiff base as dual sensors iv) Nitro-furaldehyde based Schiff base as multi-analyte sensors having potential doner atoms to bind the concerned ions and easily synthesizable have been selected for reviews. The detections of toxic ions were accomplished by spectroscopic studies. Such comprehensive review has not yet been reported. This review emphasizes the works of pioneering researchers on chemosensors during the period 1990–2025. This review will also help future researchers to design new Schiff bases chemosensor and its selectivity for the detection of trace quantity of hazardous ions from environment and biological samples thereby monitoring human health. Graphical Abstract

The recent surge of COVID-19 cases has raised concerns about its potential long-term effects on cognitive function. This review explores the growing body of research investigating the link between COVID-19 infection and cognitive impairment. Studies employing observational, longitudinal, and case-control designs reveal a concerning prevalence of cognitive impairment in survivors, affecting domains like attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed. The persistence of these deficits for months after the initial infection highlights the potential for long-term consequences. While the precise mechanisms remain under investigation, potential contributing factors include neuroinflammation, hypoxia, and psychological effects. Limitations within the current research landscape necessitate further investigation into the long-term trajectory of cognitive decline, the potential for intervention and recovery, and the role of vaccination in mitigating these effects. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this issue is crucial for developing effective strategies to ensure optimal cognitive health outcomes for COVID-19 survivors.

Background Sub-Saharan Africans and Afro-Americans face 2-to-8 times higher risk of dementia compared to Caucasians, with Nigerian people being the highest population-at-risk. Adding to this challenge, their unique lipid profile increases their susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2), which further raises the risk of cognitive impairment (CI) by 1.5 times. Recently, we demonstrated a strong Diabetes/Dementia tandem in Nigerians, with increased cognitive vulnerability in illiterate, short-height, and diabetic Nigerian women in the eye of the storm. The combination of factors within this population makes it the optimal scenario to understand the relationship between CI and DM-2. Methods Here, we further studied the blood biochemical analysis of our Makurdi cohort and searched for correlations with standard anthropometric measures, educational level, cognitive status (as assessed with MMSE, 6-CIT) and DM-2. Results CI was prevalent across all groups, with higher incidence in DM-2 subjects and a marked sexual dimorphism. Thus, women exhibited a greater risk, especially those with low educational attainment. In the search for potential blood-based biomarkers for cognitive function, we identified those related to renal function. In particular, elevated uric acid and urea levels were associated with poorer cognitive performance, highlighting a potential kidney-brain axis connection. Conclusion Renal function blood metabolites in this Nigerian cohort have been identified as possible kidney-brain axis biomarkers of CI. Moreover, illiteracy, female sex, and DM-2 pose them a compounded risk of developing CI. These findings advocate that targeted interventions addressing educational disparities and metabolic health could be proposed to mitigate cognitive decline in these vulnerable sub-groups. The integration of these factors provides a comprehensive understanding of CI incidence in Nigeria’s population, offering new avenues for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies. Clinical trial number Not applicable. Graphical Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), driven by chronic hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and systemic inflammation. In Nigeria, genetic predispositions, ethnic and environmental factors may further modulate CVD risk. This study aimed to evaluate the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and CVD risk in Nigerian T2DM patients receiving specialist care. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted over 13 months. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical findings, and laboratory parameters were collected using a structured proforma. Serum hsCRP was measured using a homogenous immunoassay on the Cobas c311® automated random-access analyzer, while 10-year CVD risk was estimated with the WHO CVD risk assessment chart for Western sub-Saharan Africa. Statistical analyses, including multinomial logistic regression to assess the association between hsCRP and CVD risk, were conducted using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Moderate-to-high CVD risk was prevalent in 51.5% of the study population with the Tiv ethnic group having the highest proportion (p = 0.041). Longer diabetes duration (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.10–3.45, p = 0.021) and elevated fasting blood glucose (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.31–3.62, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with higher CVD risk. Serum hsCRP levels were higher in moderate-to-high-risk individuals (median: 2.42 mg/L, IQR: 2.8; 2.71 mg/L, IQR: 1.8) compared to lower-risk individuals (median: 1.22 mg/L, IQR: 2.5; 1.48 mg/L, IQR: 2.6), p = 0.012. However, hsCRP was not an independent predictor of CVD risk after adjusting for confounders (p = 0.084). Conclusion: There is a high burden of increased CVD risk in this population despite ongoing management, with prolonged diabetes duration and poor glycaemic control as key predictors. Although hsCRP levels were elevated in higher-risk individuals, they did not independently predict CVD risk. These findings emphasize the need to strengthen routine CVD risk assessment, prioritize modifiable risk factors, and optimize glycaemic control to reduce CVD burden in Nigerian T2DM patients.

Background Overall, Benue state has attained the Joint United Nations Programme on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 target, placing it on the verge of HIV epidemic control. However, gaps remain in achieving 95% viral suppression by the Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) subpopulation. Aim This study compares the proportion of treatment-naive and treatment-experienced clients with AHD in Benue State. It also determines the viral load suppression rate and its predictors among treatment-naive and treatment-experienced clients with AHD in the State. Materials and Methods This was a hospital-based, retrospective and comparative cross-sectional study of all HIV-infected people with AHD who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) services in Benue State between 1 October 2020 and 30 September 2023. Results Of the 160 randomly selected participants for analysis, the median age was higher among ART-experienced clients, 38 years versus 35.5 years (interquartile range: 25–43) and 106 (66.3%) were females. Most clients who are ART naïve or ART-experienced and achieved viral suppression (86.3% vs. 90.0%) were similar in age, sex and marital status. In multivariable analysis, only adolescents showed a statistically significant association with viral load suppression in ART naïve clients compared to ART-experienced clients (adjusted OR 17.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–219.16; P = 0.03). Conclusion This study highlights the necessity for targeted interventions to improve retention and viral load suppression, especially for those newly diagnosed with AHD. Sustaining the progress in the HIV program will require robust, age-specific and person-centred strategies that focus on enhancing the treatment outcomes.

Background Infectious diseases, including malaria, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), remain significant public health concerns in developing regions like Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age, income level, and access to healthcare resources, have been shown to influence the prevalence and outcomes of these diseases. Despite their importance, there is limited research exploring the interrelationship between these infections and socio-demographic factors within this region. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of malaria, HBsAg, and HCV among patients in Lafia, Nigeria, and to examine the relationship between these infections and socio-demographic factors. Specifically, it seeks to identify correlations between demographic variables, clinical manifestations, and health behaviors, such as mosquito net usage and vaccination status. Method A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 264 patients from Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires which were pretested in a previous study to gather demographic information, vaccination status, and clinical symptoms. Laboratory assessments confirmed the presence of malaria, HBsAg, and HCV. Statistical analysis, including correlations between socio-demographic factors and disease prevalence were analyzed, and used to identify associations between socio-demographic factors, clinical manifestations, and disease prevalence. Results Significant findings include a negative correlation between male sex and malaria infection (Pearson Correlation = -0.139, p = 0.024), a positive correlation between age and HCV prevalence (Pearson Correlation = 0.218, p < 0.001), and a negative correlation between the use of mosquito nets and malaria infection (Pearson Correlation = -0.231, p < 0.001). Additionally, HBsAg-positive individuals exhibited more pronounced clinical symptoms (Pearson Correlation = 0.173, p = 0.005), while higher income levels correlated with reduced mosquito net usage (Pearson Correlation = -0.144, p = 0.020). The study underscores the role of socio-demographic factors in shaping the prevalence of malaria, HBsAg, and HCV. Conclusion This study highlights the interplay between socio-demographic factors and the prevalence of malaria, HBsAg, and HCV in Lafia, Nigeria. It underscores the importance of comprehensive public health interventions tailored to the specific needs of the population to reduce disease burden and improve health outcomes, including health education, to address socio-economic vulnerabilities and promote preventive measures such as mosquito net usage. Addressing these factors could mitigate the burden of infectious diseases in Lafia and similar regions.

To achieve the global eradication of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), the epidemiological role of atypical hosts must be fully understood. Among domestic animals, pigs are, until now, the only species that has proven to fulfil criteria relevant for hosts to act as disease reservoir. This entails the susceptibility to infection via contact with infected animals as well as the shedding of infectious virus, resulting in new infections. However, these features have been observed only in infection experiments, lacking information from the field. In this study, for the first time, we provide evidence for frequent PPR virus exposure in pigs, detected in Nigeria. The prevailing husbandry systems targeted for sampling entailed predominantly free roaming pigs and small ruminants. The sampling area was selected on the basis of the occurrence of endemic PPR in small ruminants in recent years. Sera from 183 small ruminants and 495 pigs were analysed. The 25.68% apparent seroprevalence (95% CI 19.5-32.7 at the population level) observed in small ruminants matched values detected in Nigeria. The apparent seroprevalence in pigs of 4.24% (95% CI 2.6-6.5 at the population level) distributed across Nigeria provides evidence that PPR infections in pigs are not rare events. The ability of swine populations to propagate and maintain autonomous PPR infections over time remains to be clarified at this stage. Countries engaged in PPR eradication with substantial pig populations under extensive husbandry practices, including contact with small ruminants, should, however, consider surveillance strategies that address this possibly problematic interspecies interaction.

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), significantly impacting their quality of life and treatment outcomes. While pharmacological interventions have limitations, exercise training has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach. This review aims to review the efficacy and safety of exercise training interventions for treating MDD in MS patients. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of electronic databases was conducted up to May 2024. Studies assessing exercise training's effects on MDD in MS patients were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved through consensus or arbitration. Results Ten studies (3 RCTs, 7 observational) met inclusion criteria, comprising 1174 MS patients. Meta-analysis of six studies demonstrated a moderate reduction in depression scores (Hedges's g = –0.51, 95% CI −0.70 to −0.32) favoring exercise interventions compared to controls. No significant heterogeneity was observed (I² = 0.00%). Various exercise modalities including endurance training, Pilates, and cycling showed efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis provide robust evidence supporting exercise training as a beneficial adjunctive therapy for alleviating depressive symptoms in MS patients. Healthcare providers should consider integrating exercise programs into comprehensive treatment plans for managing MDD in this population.

Monkeypox continues to be a major global health concern, marked by recurring outbreaks and complex transmission dynamics. Traditional models of Monkeypox often fail to account for reinfection and the benefits of fractional-order systems, limiting their ability to accurately represent real-world disease progression. This study addresses these gaps by applying the Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo fractional derivative with the Mittag-Leffler kernel to model the transmission dynamics of Monkeypox. The Picard–Lindelöf method is used to establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions, ensuring the model's mathematical soundness. Numerical simulations are carried out using the MATLAB ODE45 package to assess the long-term behavior of the disease, with a focus on the impact of secondary infection rates, as well as the effectiveness of treatment and quarantine interventions. Sensitivity analysis is performed to identify key parameters that influence disease spread, offering valuable insights for targeted control strategies. Our results show that combining quarantine and treatment measures with public health interventions, such as personal protective equipment, contact tracing, and vaccination, significantly reduces the spread of Monkeypox. Furthermore, the fractional-order model's memory effect provides a more accurate representation of disease dynamics compared to traditional integer-order models, capturing how past states influence current disease progression. The study concludes with recommendations for improving preparedness and strategies to mitigate the risk of future infectious disease outbreaks.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top infectious disease killers worldwide, with an estimated 10.6 million new cases and 1.3 million deaths reported in 2022 alone (WHO, 2023). The COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted TB control efforts by limiting access to healthcare services, interrupting treatment regimens, and delaying diagnoses leading to a resurgence in TB transmission It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spread through the air, TB poses a serious threat, particularly to vulnerable groups such as individuals with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV. These challenges emphasize the need for more robust and realistic modeling approaches to inform policy and intervention. In this study, we developed a fractional-order mathematical model to better understand how TB spreads and how it can be controlled. Our model divides the population into six key groups: those susceptible to infection, exposed individuals, people with acute TB, those with chronic TB, individuals undergoing treatment, and those who have recovered. To capture the complexities of TB transmission, we incorporated fractional-order derivatives along with the Adams-Bashforth method, allowing us to account for memory effects and more accurately reflect real-world dynamics. Through sensitivity analysis, we found that increasing treatment rates significantly boosts recovery among infected individuals. Our simulations also explored various intervention strategies, such as improving access to treatment, reducing diagnostic delays, and addressing non-linear transmission patterns. The results highlight the effectiveness of these measures in curbing TB spread and offer insights for improving disease control efforts.

methods conventional washing and drying, and blanching at 98°C for 90 s before drying. Similarly, pineapple rinds were oven-dried at 50°C for 12 h. The blanched pearl millet flour (BMF) was fortified with PRF at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% substitution levels into flour blend formulations while the unblanched pearl millet flour (UBMF) served as the control. The blends were thereafter analysed for proximate, vitamin, mineral, essential amino acid, fatty acid and phytochemical compositions. Antinutritional content, antioxidant capacity as well as storage profiles and sensory evaluation using standard analytical procedures. Results show that both blanched millet flour and formulated blends had higher crude fibre content ranging from 2.70% -3.48% compared to unblanced sample which recorded 2.59%. Similarly, both blanched and formulated flour blends recorded significant increases in ash content which increased proportionally with increase in PRF percentage substitution. Addirionally, blanching significantly reduced antinutritional factors with notable decreases in phytates, tannins, oxalates and saponins by 65.5%, 43.5%, 46.1% and 3.15% respectively. The fortified flour blends exhibited enhanced nutritional profiles having improved mineral content (K, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ca) and significant elevations in B-vitamins cum vitamins A and C in comparison to BMF and UBMF which reported levels below detectable limits for the same vitamins. Essential fatty acid content was markedly higher in fortified samples with oleic acid, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid recording 31.93–41.79 mg/100g, 54.62–80.43 mg/100g and 24.37–49.73 mg/100g respectively in comparison with the control sample. Sensory evaluation revealed optimal acceptability at 20% PRF substitution. These findings demonstrate the potential of PRF fortification as a sustainable strategy for improving the nutritional quality of staple foods and addressing hidden hunger in developing regions in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The relationship between food prices and production significantly shapes consumer affordability and producer income in low-to-middle-income nations. While increased prices can stimulate production, excessive fluctuations pose threats to financial stability and food security, especially in regions like West Africa prone to conflicts and disruptions. This study investigated the impact of food prices on food production in selected West African countries, exploring the moderating effect of fragility on this connection. Employing non-stationary heterogeneous panel models, including Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Mean Group (MG), and Dynamic Fixed Effect (DFE) estimators based on Hausman test results, the study revealed that agricultural lands and fertiliser application drive food production in the long run. Positive links are found between food prices, agricultural employment, and food production, with fragility moderating these relationships in some instances. The study also found that fragility negatively affects food production, showing its adverse influence in several West African nations. The study recommends that governments address fragility by focusing on conflict resolution, institution strengthening, and political stability. Additionally, it suggests promoting land management policies facilitating farmer access, encouraging fertiliser use, and implementing market-driven incentives to enhance price stability and market access for fair farmer compensation.

The aim of this study is to prepare an aluminum-citrate ion cell from waste aluminum foils and citric acid extracted from Dovyalis caffra fruits (Kei apples) and further demonstrate their electrochemical performance for tropical terrains. Aluminum ions were prepared from discarded aluminum foils, and citrate ions were produced by co-precipitating macerated extracts of Dovyalis caffra by acid infusion. Aluminum foil wastes were broken down at room temperature using 1M HCl acid (35% v / v ) to produce aluminum oxide nanoparticles. When the Al 2 Cl 3 digestate reached effervescence, it was thoroughly washed with running distilled water (equal volume) and co-precipitated with an equivalent aliquot of 0.5M sodium carbonate solution. The prepared nano-aluminum oxide was then analyzed and compared with commercial aluminum oxide using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD), The prepared particles revealed alpha-Al 2 O 3 moieties and ranged in size from 66.3 to 106.1 nm. The cell's energy balance was 3361 J/s, and its density was 17.23 Wh/kg. The results showed that the cells could successfully produce energy storage devices from waste materials.

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, despite ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease. Recent advancements, including the rollout of malaria vaccines, such as RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M™, offer new avenues for prevention. However, the rise of resistance to anti-malarial medications necessitates innovative strategies. This review explores the potential integration of CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive technology with malaria vaccination efforts to enhance vector control and reduce transmission. By employing gene drive mechanisms for population suppression and replacement of malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes, combined with the immunogenic properties of vaccines, a synergistic approach can be established. This paper discussed the need for integrated strategies to address the biological complexities of malaria and socio-economic factors influencing its prevalence. Challenges such as regulatory hurdles, community acceptance, ecological impacts, and sustainable funding are examined, alongside strategies for implementation within existing malaria control programmes. This integrated approach could significantly contribute to achieving the World Health Organization's targets for malaria reduction by 2030, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes and supporting broader socio-economic development.

ABSTRACT Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding the patterns and determinants of CVD risk in these settings is essential to improving diabetes care and reducing disease burden. This study investigated the patterns and determinants of CVD risk among T2DM patients receiving specialized diabetes care in Nigeria, with the aim of informing effective risk evaluation and management strategies. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 T2DM patients in Nigeria. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were collected using structured research proforma. CVD risk was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), stratified into low, moderate, and high-risk categories. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and Microsoft Excel. Chi-square and independent samples t-tests were used to compare variables across risk groups while multiple linear regression was employed to identify independent determinants of CVD risk. Results: Among the study participants, 70.7% (n = 106) were categorized as having low CVD risk (mean FRS = 6.1 ± 2.2), 29.3% (n = 44) had moderate risk (mean FRS = 11.1 ± 1.2) while none were identified as high CVD risk. Hypertriglyceridemia (B = 0.012, 95% CI: 0.006–0.019, p < 0.001), longer diabetes duration (B = 0.207, 95% CI: 0.147–0.267, p < 0.001), and use of anti-hypertensive (B = -2.005, 95% CI: -2.707 – -1.303, p < 0.001) and lipid-lowering drugs (B = -2.207, 95% CI: -3.282 – -1.132, p < 0.001) were the major determinants of CVD risk status in the study population. Conclusions: This study reveals a predominance of low and moderate CVD risk levels among Nigerian patients with T2DM, identifying hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes duration, and medication use as key determinants. The findings highlight the positive impact of specialized diabetes care in maintaining lower CVD risk levels and emphasize the importance of comprehensive, individualized strategies for cardiovascular risk evaluation and management. Integrating effective lipid control, glycaemic monitoring, and optimized medication use into routine diabetes care has the potential to significantly reduce the CVD burden in similar resource-limited settings.

Purpose of Review This review examines the current evidence surrounding non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques as adjuncts to traditional rehabilitation for stroke patients. The review aims to critically evaluate the efficacy of NIBS in enhancing motor, cognitive, and language recovery, while identifying challenges and opportunities for its clinical integration. Recent Findings Analysis of 13 studies demonstrates that NIBS significantly improve motor function, cognitive outcomes, and language recovery in stroke patients, particularly in addressing post-stroke aphasia and motor deficits. Recent advances highlight the potential for tailored stimulation protocols and combined therapies to optimize outcomes. However, the findings show the need for long-term safety data, cost-effectiveness studies, and strategies to address accessibility barriers in clinical settings. Summary NIBS techniques offer promising benefits for stroke rehabilitation, with significant potential to enhance functional recovery and quality of life. However, challenges such as protocol optimization, patient-specific personalization, and feasibility of widespread clinical application need to be addressed. Future research should focus on refining stimulation protocols, conducting large-scale clinical trials, and exploring the ethical and economic dimensions of NIBS to support its integration into routine stroke care.