Kampala International University (KIU)

A Clinical Data Repository (CDR) is a dynamic database capable of real-time updates with patients' data, organized to facilitate rapid and easy retrieval. CDRs offer numerous benefits, ranging from preserving patients' medical records for follow-up care and prescriptions to enabling the development of intelligent models that can predict, and potentially mitigate serious health conditions. While several research works have attempted to provide state-of-the-art reviews on CDR design and implementation, reviews from 2013 to 2023 cover CDR regulations, guidelines, standards, and challenges in CDR implementation without providing a holistic overview of CDRs. Additionally, these reviews need to adequately address critical aspects of CDR; development and utilization, CDR architecture and metadata, CDR management tools, CDR security, use cases, and artificial intelligence (AI) in CDR design and implementation. The collective knowledge gaps in these works underscore the imperative for a comprehensive overview of the diverse spectrum of CDR as presented in the current study. Existing reviews conducted over the past decade, from 2013 to 2023 have yet to comprehensively cover the critical aspects of CDR development, which are essential for uncovering trends and potential future research directions in Africa and beyond. These aspects include architecture and metadata, security and privacy concerns, tools employed, and more. To bridge this gap, in particular, this study conducts a comprehensive systematic review of CDR, considering critical facets such as architecture and metadata, security and privacy issues, regulations guiding development, practical use cases, tools employed, the role of AI and machine learning (ML) in CDR development, existing CDRs, and challenges faced during CDR development and deployment in Africa and beyond. Specifically, the study extracts valuable discussions and analyses of the different aspects of CDR. Key findings revealed that most architectural models for CDR are still in the theoretical phase, with low awareness and adoption of CDR in healthcare environments, susceptibility to several security threats, and the need to integrate federated learning in CDR systems. Overall, this paper would serve as a valuable reference for designing and implementing cutting-edge clinical data repositories in Africa and beyond.

This review explores the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles in manufacturing, focusing on its potential to transform industrial practices by promoting sustainability, economic adaptability, and social welfare. As manufacturers face the depletion of natural resources and growing environmental concerns, CE presents a regenerative model that prioritizes resource efficiency, waste reduction, and closed-loop systems. The study provides a detailed analysis of the current state of CE adoption, outlining significant barriers such as economic, technological, and regulatory and showcase innovative strategies and business models that successfully apply circular principles. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the role of supportive legislative frameworks, economic incentives, and educational initiatives in accelerating CE adoption. The review offers actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, and robust monitoring systems to ensure a smooth transition. By uniting manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers under shared CE principles, this review advocates for a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for the manufacturing sector.

Rapid urbanization has led to a high demand for concrete, causing a significant depletion of vital natural resources, notably river sand, which is crucial in the manufacturing process of concrete. As a result, there is a growing need for environmentally sustainable alternatives to fine aggregate in concrete. Quarry dust (QD) has evolved as a viable and ecologically friendly substitute in response to this demand. In the past, limited experimental investigations and only conventional modeling techniques were used to promote sustainable mineral fillers in concrete. This study proposed a robust soft computing technique using gene-expression programming (GEP) to enhance the usability of sustainable alternatives in concrete. Initially, an experimental study was carried out to examine the feasibility and mechanical characteristics of concrete made from materials including quarry dust and superplasticizer as a partial replacement for fine aggregate. Ten mixed proportions with various proportions (0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%) of quarry dust were used to make M15 and M20 grades of concrete. A series of experimental tests, such as workability, compressive strength (CS), and tensile strength (TS), were conducted to examine the fresh and hardened properties of modified concrete. The established database from the experimental investigations was then used to develop machine learning (ML) models using GEP. The outcomes of the GEP models were validated by comparing them with multi-linear regression (MLR) models and using various statistical metrics such as root mean squared error (RMSE), performance index (PI), correlation coefficient (R), and external validation methods. Finally, sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the influence of ingredients such as mineral fillers, superplasticizers, and others on the mechanical properties of concrete. To enhance the practical usage of the study, a graphical user interface (GUI) was also created. The study revealed that 40% of the replacement of fine aggregates with mineral filler and superplasticizer shows the optimum properties. GEP models outperformed MLR, achieving R² values of 0.96 in CS and 0.92 in TS, compared to MLR’s lower values of 0.85 in CS and 0.81 in TS. The proposed GEP equations and user-friendly GUI can be used to develop the pre-mix design of concrete using quarry dust and superplasticizers.

Mental illnesses, like other chronic illnesses, require medications for both immediate, short term and long-term treatment. Medication adherence is the first and most important factor for better treatment outcomes. Non-adherence to psychotropic medications is associated with relapse, readmission, and early death. Psychological factors are among the common factors associated with non-adherence. Specific personality traits moderate the beliefs about medication that influence non-adherence to medications. Sociodemographic and clinical factors can also influence non-adherence to psychotropic medications. Non-adherence to psychotropic medications is high in Africa. Still, to the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of studies on the level of psychotropic medication non-adherence and associated personality traits. The aim was to determine the prevalence of psychotropic medication non-adherence and associated personality traits among people with mental illness attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH) and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH). This study employed a hospital-based cross-sectional design. 396 adult patients suffering from mental illness were collected from KIU-TH and JRRH outpatient clinics. Medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) while personality traits were assessed by the short form of the Big Five Inventory (Ten Items Personality Inventory). In our study, we first assessed sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing psychotropic medication non-adherence (confounders). A questionnaire with sociodemographic information was also used. Logistic regression was used to assess personality traits and other factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence. The majority of the study participants were males (59.1%), from rural areas (74.2%), with a secondary educational level (47.5%) and unemployed (44.9%). The prevalence of psychotropic medication was 46.21%. Poor family support (aOR = 6.915, CI = 3.679–12.998, P<0.001), belief in witchcraft/sorcery (aOR = 2.959, CI = 1.488–5.884, P = 0.002), experiencing side effects (aOR = 2.257, CI = 1.326–3.843, P = 0.003), and substance use (aOR = 4.174, CI = 2.121–8.214, P<0.001) were factors significantly associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence. The personality traits significantly associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence after controlling for the confounders were neuroticism (aOR = 7.424, CI = 3.890–14.168, P<0.001) and agreeableness (aOR = 0.062, CI = 0.024–0.160, P<0.001). In this study, medication non-adherence was high. Non-adherent patients were more likely to have predominant neuroticism personality traits. Non-adherence to medication was shown to be less common in individuals with agreeableness personality traits. Other factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence were poor social support, witchcraft beliefs, the presence of side effects, and substance use. Specific interventions should be done for patients with a high risk of being non-adherent to psychotropic medications, with the involvement of all stakeholders including caregivers, parents, tutors, and trustees.

Introduction Research with urban refugee youth in Uganda has documented co-occurring social (e.g., poverty) and health (e.g., depression) disparities associated with HIV vulnerabilities. Benefits of HIV self-testing (HIVST) in increasing HIV testing uptake among youth are well established, yet limited interventions have examined if combining HIVST with mental health promotion, or with mental health promotion alongside poverty reduction, is associated with greater improvements in HIV prevention and testing outcomes. Methods and analysis The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of: (1) HIVST alone (standard of care); (2) mobile health (mHealth) and graphic medicine (comic) programme for mental health alongside HIVST; and (3) the combination of HIVST, a livelihoods programme, and mHealth mental health programme, in advancing the primary outcome of HIV testing uptake and secondary outcomes (HIV status knowledge, linkage to confirmatory testing and HIV care, HIV knowledge, consistent condom use, condom use self-efficacy, sexual risk) with urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda. A three-arm randomised controlled trial will be implemented from 8 April 2024 to 31 October 2024 with youth across five informal settlements in Kampala, grouped into three sites based on proximity, and randomised in a 1:1:1 design. Approximately 330 participants (110 per arm) are enrolled and data collection will occur at three time points (baseline enrolment, 3-month follow-up and 6-month follow-up). Ethics and dissemination The study received ethical approval from the University of Toronto (#37496), Mildmay Uganda Research Ethics Committee (#MUREC-2021-41) and Uganda National Council for Science & Technology (#SS1021ES). The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT06270160 ). Study findings will produce new knowledge of the impacts of a mental health programme, and a combined mental health and livelihoods programme, on improving HIV prevention outcomes among urban refugee youth in Kampala. Findings will be shared in peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and in community dissemination. Trial registration number NCT06270160 (date of registration: 13 February 2024). Trial sponsor Dr. Carmen Logie, carmen.logie@utoronto.ca.

Catha edulis, commonly known as “Khat,” is a large shrub that is native to the Arabian Peninsula (particularly Yemen) and some African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, and the plant is used traditionally for its psychostimulant, euphoric, and analgesic properties. C. edulis contains several pharmacologically active compounds, but cathinone is responsible for the vast majority of its pharmacological properties. Traditionally, Khat is known for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Africa, particularly in Uganda. Numerous studies that explored this area yielded inconclusive findings. Some studies showed that chewing Khat lowers blood glucose levels (BGL) in non-diabetic patients, while others showed that ingesting Khat delays gastric emptying time, and this supported and explained the earlier claim of its benefit in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, a recent meta-analysis gave a contradictory submission that Khat is associated with an insignificant reduction in BGLs in non-diabetic humans and animals with a significant increase in BGLs in patients with diabetes. Most importantly, reports suggested that Khat exacerbates common complications of diabetes, such as depression, sexual dysfunction, dyslipidemia, proteinuria, and hypertension. The current findings concluded that Khat does not have a beneficial effect on Type 2 DM. Chewing Khat is believed to be a risk factor for Type 2 DM for raising glucose levels and a possible determinant of its poor outcomes and prognosis.

Background Fluoxetine (FLX) is a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used as a first-line treatment for depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. It can cause infertility in the male reproductive system through the release of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). This study aimed to evaluate the testiculo-protective potential of ascorbic acid against fluoxetine-induced spermatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Methods This study assessed Vitamin C’s effect on male fertility in fluoxetine-treated Wistar rats. Thirty rats (130 ± 40 g) were divided into six groups (n=5): Control (distilled water), fluoxetine 20 mg/kg, Vitamin C 100 mg/kg, fluoxetine 20 mg/kg + Vitamin C 50 mg/kg, fluoxetine 20 mg/kg + Vitamin C 100 mg/kg, and fluoxetine 20 mg/kg + Vitamin C 150 mg/kg. Treatments were administered daily via oral gavage for 60 days, followed by assessments of testicular weight, semen analysis, oxidative stress biomarkers (CAT and GPx), and histomorphology. The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Turkey’s post-hoc multiple comparison test, reporting as mean±SEM using The GraphPad Prism version 6.0 for Windows, with significance set at p<0.05. Results Vitamin C, administered particularly at higher doses, significantly increased body weight, testicular weight, and antioxidant enzyme levels (glutathione peroxidase and catalase) while improving fertility parameters such as sperm count, motility, and viability in treated rats (P<0.05). Fluoxetine alone led to a significant reduction (P<0.05) in these parameters, but the combination with Vitamin C mitigated these effects. Histological analysis showed improved testicular structure in Vitamin C-treated groups, highlighting its protective role against fluoxetine-induced testicular damage. Conclusion Ascorbic acid has testiculoprotective potential in fluoxetine-induced spermatotoxicity, mainly owing to its antioxidant properties.

Background Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease with multisystem involvement. More than 300,000 children are born with sickle cell disease globally, with the majority of cases being in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, about 20,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually, with more than three-quarters dying before the age of 5 years. Those who live beyond 5 years tend to have poor health-related quality of life, numerous complications, and recurrent hospitalizations. In developing countries, most symptomatic patients are diagnosed early in childhood. Few of those not screened in childhood tend to present in adulthood with variable symptoms. Case presentation This case reports a 22-year-old African male patient of Toro tribe who presented with paroxysms of multiple joint pain associated with generalized body malaise for about 6 months. He presented as a referral from a lower facility with an unestablished cause of symptoms. Physical examination revealed conjunctival pallor, icterus, and tenderness of joints. Cell counts showed anemia and hemoglobin electrophoresis revealed 87% of sickled hemoglobin. Conclusion This case report pinpoints the importance of considering the diagnosis of sickle cell disease even in adults presenting with symptoms of sickle cell disease. It also adds to the relevance of screening at all age groups, especially in high-endemic regions such as Africa and Asia.

This study addresses environmental concerns related to construction and demolition waste (CDW), which constitutes 35–40% of global waste. It explores the potential use of recycled fine aggregates (RFA) from concrete demolition waste as a sustainable alternative to natural fine aggregates in 3D printed mortar (3DPM). By conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) and utilizing VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis, the research assesses the mechanical properties, flowability, extrudability, and buildability of RFAs in 3DPM. The analysis also highlights key trends in keywords and research distribution across different countries. The findings reveal that while RFAs in 3DPM slightly reduce compressive and flexural strengths compared to natural aggregates, they significantly contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources. The study underscores the importance of further research to optimize RFA-based mixtures for wider application in 3D printing technologies.

Background The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant morbidity and mortality in Africa, in addition to other socio-economic consequences. Across the continent, Schools of Public Health (SPHs) played several roles in supporting national, regional, and global response to the pandemic. Following a published and grey literature search, this paper reviews and analyses the contribution of SPHs in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contribution of the Schools of Public Health SPH faculty in most countries contributed their expertise through COVID-19 task forces and advisory committees where they guided and supported decision-making. Faculty also supported the identification, review, and synthesis of rapidly evolving global and local evidence, adapting it to the local context to guide policy decisions. Through research, SPHs contributed to a better understanding of the disease epidemiology, response interventions, as well as prevention and control measures. SPHs engaged in training field epidemiologists, frontline health workers, and district response teams. SPH staff, students and field epidemiology trainees also supported field activities including surveillance, contact tracing, as well as managing quarantine facilities and points of entry. SPHs engaged in public education and awareness-raising initiatives to share information and dispel misinformation. In partnership with other stakeholders, SPHs also developed important innovations and technologies. Conclusion SPHs are a critical pillar for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, that support health systems with important functions. To further enhance their capacity, efforts to improve coordination of SPHs, strengthen collaboration among schools, harmonize training and curricula, and enhance capacity for advanced research are needed. There is also a need to bridge the inequities in capacity and resources that exist among SPHs across regions and countries.

Prolonged labor, defined as labor extending beyond 20 hours for nulliparas and 14 hours for multiparas, poses significant risks to both maternal and neonatal health. The inflammatory response plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of prolonged labor, with neutrophils being key players in this process. Neutrophils, the most abundant leukocytes, exhibit diverse phenotypes and functions in response to prolonged labor, influencing both the onset and progression of labor through their inflammatory actions. Classical neutrophils (N1) are involved in acute inflammatory responses, aiding in tissue remodeling and labor onset, but their prolonged activation can lead to tissue damage. Regulatory neutrophils (N2), which produce anti-inflammatory cytokines, help resolve inflammation and facilitate labor progression. Low-density granulocytes and aged neutrophils, associated with chronic inflammation and impaired function respectively, contribute to labor complications. The balance among these neutrophil phenotypes is crucial for maintaining a controlled inflammatory response during labor. Therapeutic strategies targeting neutrophil recruitment, NETosis, and cytokine production hold promise for managing prolonged labor. Modulating chemokine pathways, regulating NET formation, and balancing cytokine profiles may reduce inflammation and improve labor outcomes. Further research into the mechanisms of neutrophil regulation and the development of targeted therapies is essential for mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged labor and enhancing maternal and neonatal health. Abbreviations: LDGs = low-density granulocytes, N1 = classical neutrophils, N2 = regulatory neutrophils, ROS = reactive oxygen species.

Lockdown imposed by the COVID 19 pandemic increased the time families spent together at home. A negative impact of the lock-down on children with autism has been reported. Few studies described the positive impact of parents’ presence on the severity of their children’s autism symptoms during lockdown. To describe the positive impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the evolution of Children’ Symptoms with autism and parents’ emotional status and to determine which variables had a positive or negative impact on the severity of autism features in Kinshasa. From April 15 to July 15, 2020, we analyzed the evolution of core symptoms of 68 children with autism and correlated these findings with the presence of a parent at home during lockdown. We performed multivariate logistic regression to assess the factors associated to autism symptoms improvement after adjustment by sex, age at ASD diagnosis, education, parent occupation, child’s occupancy time, presence of parent’s depression, and presence of comorbidities and core symptoms in children. Parents reported ASD symptom improvement in 42.6% of children. Factors positively associate with ASD symptoms improvement were presence of a parent for more than 8 h per day, improvement of social communication and autonomy. In contrast, severe to moderate depression in parents and presence of main comorbidities in children were associated with more severe autistic symptoms in their children. The presence of a parent at home, improved child communication and autonomy improved autism symptoms. On the other hand, parental depression and comorbidities in children with ASD aggravated the symptoms during lockdown in Kinshasa/DRC. These findings emphasize the importance of the physical presence of parents as well as the length of time they spend with their children with ASD. In addition, they show that depressive feelings in parents and comorbidities in ASD have a negative impact in the severity of their symptoms during lockdown.

Background Post-caesarean surgical site infections (PCSSIs) significantly impact maternal morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where preventive measures are often inadequate. Despite this burden, data on PCSSIs in this context are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and factors associated with PCSSIs at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Methods This prospective cohort study included 204 women who underwent caesarean sections from July to September 2023. Data was collected and participants were monitored for up to 28 days post-delivery to identify occurrences of surgical site infections (SSIs). Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA, with significance defined as a p-value of < 0.05. Results Most participants (63.2%) were aged 18–35 years, with over 67% having a parity of ≤4. Preoperative antibiotics were administered to 77.5% of participants. Most surgeries (64.2%) lasted 1–2 hours, and the overall incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) was 16.18%. Significant risk factors associated with more than a twofold increase in SSI risk included unstable referral status (aRR = 2.02), obstructed labor (aRR = 2.97), chorioamnionitis (aRR = 2.73), and prolonged premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (aRR = 2.05). Prolonged labor increased SSI risk by 1.37-fold (aRR = 1.37), while receipt of preoperative antibiotics was linked to a reduced SSI risk (aRR = 0.77). Conclusion The post-caesarean SSI rate at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital is notably high, with key risk factors including unstable referral status, obstructed labor, prolonged labor, chorioamnionitis, and prolonged premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Administering preoperative antibiotics 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to surgery is linked to a reduced risk of SSI.

Despite the number of nutritional and medicinal plant-based products that have been studied for decades, there are still many rare and underutilized plants of biological importance, whose nutritional and biochemical properties are unmatched, especially the wild doum palm, Hyphaene thebaica. Therefore, it is necessary to unveil the potential advantages of the wild fruit Hyphaene thebaica. The edible wild palm fruit is a rich source of novel nutraceutical and pharmaceutical constituents. It is a rare, underutilized but highly nutritious fruit found in the tropics, and it is rich in a variety of time-proven healthy macro- and micronutrients. In addition to its domestic uses, it has a variety of significant healing potentials such as antioxidant properties, antihypertensive properties, hypolipidemic properties, antidiabetic properties, antimicrobial properties, cytotoxic/anticancer properties, hypolipidemic and neuroprotective properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and hepatoprotective properties, among others. We hereby present a review of this multifunctional palm fruit, a rare and highly potent edible palm fruit with a broad spectrum of biochemical, domestic, nutraceutical, and pharmacological properties, which makes it a rare gem in the class of plant-based functional food products. Much research and more clinical trials are necessary to further ascertain the veracity of the reported bioactivities through isolation, purification, and identification of the bioactive compounds. The multipurpose nature of the plant necessitates more research on its utilization in the fulfilment of various aspects of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The study aims to investigate the effect of organizational learning on business resilience in developing the hospitality industry, specifically focusing on four-star hotels in the southeast region of Nigeria. One of the major reasons why this research was conducted is because of the vacuum that exists between organizational learning and business resilience in the hospitality industry. A cross-sectional survey design was employed because it supports using questionnaires to collect data from participants. A validated and reliable instrument was used to collect data from two hundred thirty one participants drawn from the selected hospitality industry in the southern part of Nigeria. The results demonstrate that organizational learning significantly positively affects business resilience. Organizational learning also affects crisis anticipation and recoverability which are crucial to be resilient in the industry. The results of this research supported prior empirical findings and supported both social learning theory and resilience theory. Regarding originality, the geographical scope and the industry where this research was conducted distinguish it from other prior empirical investigations. It was recommended that since the hospitality business is highly competitive, managers should utilize organizational learning as a strategy to overcome their competitors and remain sustainable in the industry. The findings of the research will contribute to the literature and hospitality industry in developing country contexts.

Modern power system is witnessing a paradigm shift due to the combination of various renewable energy sources (RESs) and the emerging innovative technologies that are integrated into the existing grid in order to improve the reliability and stability. The grids have expanded across larger geographical areas and transcended the boundaries of conventional power generation with integration of cutting-edge innovations. Maintaining frequency stability and instantaneous power balance between generation and demand in this system have become a difficult task as a result of the stochastic and uncertainties characteristics of the modern grid. The review investigates the role of load frequency control (LFC) in modern power systems, focusing on its implementation in both single-area and multi-area power system (MAPS). It explores the development of LFC from centralized to decentralized control in MAPS, emphasizing the growing significance of decentralized strategies in modern grids. LFC scheme ensures a real-time power balance, well-coordinated utilization of resources, and prompt response to load variation and other external disturbances across the diverse regions. The interoperability of LFC along with other ancillary services, such as demand-side management (DSM), smart grid, microgrid, energy storage system, electric vehicles (EVs), high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, and cybersecurity technologies are analysed for their potential capability in reshaping the resilience, reliability, and adaptability of the power system operations. Implementation of these robust strategies is faced with technical and economic challenges, including high cost of infrastructure, complexities coordination, cyber threats, and integration of intermittent renewable sources. Furthermore, future trends such as the growing role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time communication technologies in enhancing LFC performances are highlighted. Finally, the paper introduces cutting-edge approaches for LFC in modern power systems, while also identifying future research prospects for improving current techniques and developing novel ones.

This narrative review explores the intersection of computational intelligence (CI) techniques and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of female cancer patients. With the increasing prevalence of cancer among women worldwide, there is a pressing need to integrate advanced computational methods to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and management. This review highlights various CI methods, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science, and examines their contributions to achieving specific SDGs like health and well-being (SDG 3), gender parity (SDG 5), and reduced disparity (SDG 10). Additionally, the review considers the impact of CI on other relevant SDGs, such as poverty eradication (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), economic growth and decent work (SDG 8), innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and global partnerships (SDG 17). The paper discusses the current state of CI applications in female cancer care, identifies challenges, and proposes future directions for research and practice.

Schizophrenia is a multifaceted psychiatric disorder with a complex etiology that includes genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Emerging research has increasingly focused on the role of the immune system, particularly neutrophils, in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Neutrophils, the most abundant type of white blood cells, are crucial in the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and in the regulation of inflammation. This review explores the evolving evidence that implicates neutrophils in schizophrenia, highlighting their potential contribution to the disorder’s onset and progression through mechanisms such as neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Recent studies have demonstrated elevated neutrophil counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR) in individuals with schizophrenia, correlating with the severity of psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, genetic and molecular analyses have revealed abnormalities in neutrophil function and immune-related gene expression in schizophrenia patients. These findings suggest that neutrophil dysfunction and the resulting chronic inflammation could play a significant role in the disorder’s pathophysiology, affecting neuronal function and contributing to the clinical manifestations of schizophrenia. Neutrophil-related biomarkers, such as NLR, could aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. Additionally, targeting neutrophil activity and associated inflammatory pathways presents a promising avenue for developing new therapeutic interventions. This review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which neutrophils influence schizophrenia and to explore potential treatments that could improve outcomes for patients.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by recurrent pain episodes, chronic complications, and significant emotional and physical stress. This review article explores effective strategies for managing both the emotional and physical aspects of stress in SCA patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as “sickle cell anemia,” “stress management,” “psychological support,” and “pain management.” Emotional stress in SCA arises from chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and disease uncertainty, leading to conditions such as anxiety and depression. Effective management of emotional stress involves a combination of psychological counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups, which help patients develop coping strategies and address the mental health challenges of living with a chronic illness. This review evaluates various psychological interventions and their impact on patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for integrated mental health support in the management of SCA. Physical stress in SCA is primarily due to acute vaso-occlusive crises and chronic pain, which require effective pain management and preventive measures. The review explores pharmacological treatments, such as opioids and hydroxyurea, as well as non-pharmacological approaches, including physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, the article discusses innovative therapies like gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, which hold promise for long-term disease management.

An immense amount of rice is cultivated globally, leading to the generation of large amounts of rice husk. Unfortunately, this husk is often disposed of in natural settings and lagoons. The alternative use of this material encourages replacing traditional building materials. Rice husk production in India is 31.40 million tonnes, which fills landfills and causes environmental problems. Concrete with this substance helps solve environmental and economic problems. This material's high silica content makes it pozzolanic. Extensive studies have been carried out in recent decades to evaluate the viability of incorporating it into different building construction methods. The sustainable development of the environment and economy of nations has benefited greatly from such research and innovations. Key findings indicate that this material has a positive impact on the strength and durability of concrete, while also contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. It implications that this material has the potential to reduce construction expenses and encourage environmentally conscious building methods through the reuse of agricultural waste This study summarises historical research on rice husk-based concrete in infrastructure projects. Its physical and chemical features increase compressive, tensile, workability, durability, flexural strength, and water absorption. VOS viewer was used for bibliometric analysis of country and keyword data. The purpose of increasing the compressive strength when using rice husk ash as a replacement in cement is to enhance the durability and load-bearing capacity of concrete.