Africa International University

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with increasing evidence linking metabolic dysregulation, such as insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, to its development and progression. A potential useful predictor of CRC risk is the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a marker for insulin resistance that is determined using fasting triglyceride and glucose levels. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the relationship between the TyG index and CRC and ascertain whether the TyG index is associated with the development and outcomes of CRC. A systematic review and meta-analysis was reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and World Health Organization Virtual Health Library were conducted in 24th March 2025 to find studies assessing the relationship between the TyG index and CRC. Results of association between TyG index and CRC were summarized and a meta-analysis was done to calculate pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95

The increasing global reliance on fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for the treatment of HIV/AIDS underscores the critical need for robust, reliable, and validated analytical methods for their simultaneous quantification. This multi-part review presents an in-depth and systematic evaluation of analytical methodologies developed for the determination of dual antiretroviral combinations in pharmaceutical formulations, with a primary focus on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The review explores key parameters influencing method performance, including column type, mobile phase composition, pH, buffer systems, detection wavelengths, flow rates, validation criteria (specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, LOD, LOQ), and robustness. For each drug combination, published HPLC methods—especially reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC)—are analyzed in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and applicability for routine quality control. The role of Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) in achieving faster analysis times and enhanced sensitivity is also discussed. Stability-indicating methods and design of experiments (DOE)-based optimizations further highlight the sophistication of recent method development strategies. Complementing this, the review examines HPTLC techniques as an accessible alternative, particularly in resource-limited settings, noting its advantages in simplicity and throughput despite limitations in sensitivity, reproducibility, and regulatory acceptance. Multiple solvent systems, detection wavelengths, and optimization strategies are compared across studies to determine best-fit methods for specific analyte pairs, including lamivudine with zidovudine, dolutegravir, abacavir, tenofovir, and efavirenz. This review integrates publications from 2007 onward sourced from reputable scientific databases and critically compares the analytical performance of reported methods for over ten commonly prescribed dual combinations such as DTG/3TC, 3TC/TDF, DTG/RPV, CAB/RPV, FTC/TAF, ATV/COB, DRV/COB, ABC/3TC, 3TC/ZDV, LPV/RTV, and EFV/3TC. It highlights trends in method optimization, identifies gaps in sensitivity or validation data, and proposes future research directions to enhance analytical reliability and regulatory compliance. Overall, this work serves as a valuable resource for pharmaceutical analysts, formulators, and regulatory scientists, offering detailed guidance for selecting and developing suitable chromatographic methods to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of antiretroviral therapies in diverse clinical and manufacturing contexts.

BACKGROUND:Mortality rates in psychiatric hospitals reflect the intricate challenges faced within mental healthcare systems globally. Mortality auditing of in-patient psychiatric hospitals for a period extending 14 years is rare in low-income countries. We are reporting a 15-year mortality review of Sudan's National Psychiatric Hospitals. It is intended to enhance the standard of care in low-resource settings. METHODS:A retrospective audit was conducted in primary psychiatric hospitals across Sudan's capital city over a 15-year period. Missing or incomplete data were addressed by cross-referencing available hospital records, consulting medical staff for clarifications when possible, and excluding cases where critical information was unavailable. Data on deceased patients were collected from hospital records, encompassing demographic details, medical histories, psychiatric diagnoses, pharmacological interventions, and causes of death. RESULTS:The study identified 108 deaths out of 28,085 admissions, yielding a mortality rate of 0.38 per cent. The majority of deceased patients were male 71 (65.7%), aged below 40 years 65 (60.2%), and experienced shorter durations of hospital stay before death, with significant mortality occurring within the first week of admission. Common causes of death included infections 30 (27.7%), circulatory failure 27 (24.3%), and no clear cause 17 (15.7%). The main diagnoses of deceased patients were, major mood disorders and mania 42 (38.9%), schizophrenia /schizophrenia-like psychosis 27 (25.0%) and organic psychosis and drug-induced psychosis 16 (14.8%). Haloperidol emerged as the most frequently prescribed medication before death. CONCLUSION:Infection and circulatory failure are the leading causes of mortality in Sudanese mental hospitals, necessitating a thorough examination to find remedies for these avoidable problems. Additionally, enhanced monitoring and early intervention, particularly in the critical initial phase of hospitalization, are essential for mitigating mortality risks associated with psychotropic medications.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common and costly complication that occurs in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of neuropathy is estimated to be around 8