Protective Effect of Rosmarinic Acid Against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice via Modulation of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis and Restoration of Nrf2/HO-1

Cisplatin (CIS) is a promising chemotherapeutic drug widely utilized for the treatment of several malignancies though its role in inducing testicular injury is established. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a polyphenolic whose health benefits are quite well known. This research explored the ability of RA to protect against CIS-induced testicular damage and the different mechanisms involved in this protective role. For this purpose, different groups of mice were given oral doses of RA (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) for two weeks and a single dose of CIS (7mg/Kg) intraperitoneally on the 8th day. CIS administration was found to cause a considerable reduction in sperm parameters like sperm count, viability and motility. It also mediated considerable histopathological changes in parallel to augmented MDA content and reduced GSH content and CAT and SOD activities in testis. Administration of RA in tissues with CIS-induced damage caused attenuation of sperm parameter alterations, indicating protection from testicular damage. RA administration was also found to alleviate NO and MDA levels and antioxidants in mice treated with CIS. An increment in NF-κB 65, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax and caspase-3 was caused by CIS administration which also reduced Bcl-2 levels in testis. However, RA administration caused suppression of upregulation of NF-κB and concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines together with alleviation of apoptosis in testis. This resulted in the improvement of all sperm parameters. The protective efficacy of RA against CIS-induced testicular damage is quite clear from these results; however, further research in this connection is still required to strengthen the basis for the development of an RA-based therapeutic tool against CIS-induced testicular damage

Discovering the Therapeutic Potential of Piper Essential Oils: Chemistry and Bioactivities

The genus Piper, a prominent member of the Piperaceae family, encompasses over 2,000 species and is widely distributed, particularly in Southeast Asia. Known for its medicinal and economic significance, several Piper species have been traditionally utilized in their native regions for various purposes. These species thrive in tropical areas, primarily as aromatic shrubs and trees that produce essential oils in significant quantities. Widely valued for their therapeutic properties, these oils are extensively used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Recent studies on Malaysian Piper species have highlighted notable pharmacological activities associated with their essential oils. This review provides an in-depth overview of the medicinal applications, chemical composition, and bioactivities of essential oils from key Piper species. Data were gathered through comprehensive searches of electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, and Google Scholar, along with a library search for peer-reviewed articles. The review focuses on the chemical constituents of Piper essential oils, offering insights into selecting species with optimal chemical profiles for diverse applications

Dual Action of Avarol Quinone Terpenoid: Disrupting Cell Wall and Membrane Integrity in Staphylococcus aureus

The rising threat of multidrug-resistant bacteria necessitates the discovery of novel antibacterial agents with distinct mechanisms of action. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity and mechanism of action of Avarol Quinone Terpenoid (AQT), a polyfunctional compound isolated from the marine sponge Neopetrosia exigua, against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing revealed that AQT exhibits bacteriostatic activity at 2.6 μg/mL and bactericidal activity at 5.2 μg/mL. To further explore its antibacterial mechanism, a series of in vitro assays were performed to assess its impact on bacterial viability, morphology, membrane integrity, and cellular metabolism. Time-kill analysis demonstrated a concentration-dependent reduction in S. aureus viability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed severe morphological alterations in AQT-treated cells, including membrane deformation and collapse. Membrane permeability was significantly increased, as indicated by elevated uptake of crystal violet and propidium iodide dyes. These effects were accompanied by marked leakage of nucleic acids, proteins, potassium, calcium, and ATP, supporting membrane disruption. SDS-PAGE analysis showed reduced total protein content, although lipase activity remained unaffected, suggesting AQT does not inhibit protein synthesis. API Staph tests indicated that AQT inhibited sugar utilization (lactose, maltose, and N-acetylglucosamine) and suppressed arginine dihydrolase activity, potentially impairing ATP generation. Autolysis assays showed increased activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes, consistent with cell wall-targeting antibiotics. Furthermore, membrane depolarization assays using DiSC₃(5) confirmed the dissipation of membrane potential. Collectively, these findings suggest that AQT exerts its antibacterial effects through a multifaceted mechanism targeting both the cell wall and the cytoplasmic membrane, leading to loss of membrane integrity, energy depletion, and bacterial cell death. AQT thus holds promise as a potential anti-S. aureus therapeutic agent

Computed Tomography–Based Quantitative Morphometry Reveals Distinct Airway Remodelling in COVID-19 versus Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Purpose: To quantitatively characterize airway structural changes in COVID-19 and compare them to those observed in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), using computed tomography (CT)-based Morphometry. The study aims to evaluate whether COVID-19 and CAP produce distinct patterns of airway remodelling across multiple geometric metrics. Materials and methods: High-resolution chest CT scans from 80 COVID-19 patients (stratified into low- and high-severity subgroups), 38 CAP patients, and 28 healthy controls were analysed. Airway parameters—hydraulic diameter (Dh (mm)), hydraulic ratio (Xh), airway circularity (Cr), and airway thickness (TA (mm))—were measured across the first 5–6 bronchial generations using 3D reconstruction and geodesic labelling. Statistical comparisons employed Kruskal–Wallis and regression analyses. Results: COVID-19 exhibited proximal airway enlargement but distal narrowing, contrasting with CAP’s uniform reduction in airway efficiency (p < 0.01). Xh gradients revealed compensatory adaptation in COVID-19’s major airways (steeper slope in severe cases, p = 0.013) but significant distal dysfunction (−12% Xh vs. CAP, p < 0.001). Circularity showed focal geometric distortion in COVID-19 versus CAP’s homogeneous expansion (p < 0.001). TA (mm) analysis identified diffuse thinning in COVID-19 (vs. CAP’s mild thickening, p = 0.189), with superimposed focal thromboinflammatory thickenings. Conclusions: COVID-19 and CAP induce fundamentally different patterns of airway remodelling. COVID-19 is associated with proximal airway dilation and disrupted distal tapering, whereas CAP results in uniform narrowing. These morphometric profiles may contribute to differences in airflow limitation and ventilation–perfusion mismatch, which could inform disease-specific monitoring, prognostication, and selection of therapeutic strategies. Future research should explore the relationship between these structural signatures and clinical outcomes, including recovery trajectory and long-term pulmonary function

Body Mass Index Trends in Children and Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy in Nigeria: A Prospective Evaluation of Regimen-Specific Effects

Children and adolescents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (CALHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are susceptible to metabolic changes as they develop into adulthood, including significant variations in body mass index (BMI). This study evaluates the relationship between ART regimens and BMI trends in a cohort of paediatric population, exploring demographic influences and regimen-specific outcomes. This prospective observational study analyzed BMI trends in 147 children and adolescent living with HIV (CALHIV) (aged 2-16 years) on various ART regimens across three clinic visits. Participants were grouped into six ART regimen categories, including DTG- and LPV/r-based therapies. BMI (calculated from weight and height), CD4 counts, and viral load data were collected and analyzed to assess changes over time in each clinic visit. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with descriptive statistics and BMI changes assessed across visits; significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean participant age was 10.87±3.64 years, with most (95) aged ≥10 years and a male predominance (85 males, 62 females). BMI increased across all groups, with the TLD regimen showing the highest increase (22.99±3.45, 24.94±4.20, 26.79±4.97; p<0.05). BMI increases were progressive across the 3 visits in the TLD group with a consistent >85th percentile CDC BMI category. Adolescents (mean age: 13 years) had higher BMI, while gender had no significant impact (p=0.48). Despite BMI increases, CD4+ counts remained stable, and viral load was notably higher in ALD and ALE groups, though not statistically significant (p>0.05). Dolutegravir-based ART regimens, particularly TLD, are linked to significant BMI increases while maintaining virological while maintaining immunological stability, with variable viral load outcomes. Routine metabolic monitoring and targeted interventions are essential, especially for adolescents. Future studies should explore long-term metabolic outcomes and ART optimization in pediatric populations

Nanomaterials in Medicine: Advancing Drug Delivery, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Nanomaterials have revolutionized various fields of medicine, providing innovative solutions for drug delivery, diagnostics, vaccines, and regenerative therapies. The aim of this review is to explore the diverse applications of nanomaterials in medicine, highlighting their potential to enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient outcomes, and address complex medical challenges. Through successful applications like Doxil and Abraxane, nanotechnology has demonstrated its ability to improve targeted drug delivery, while lipid nanoparticles have played a pivotal role in the development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. Nanomaterials offer unique advantages, such as their small size, tunable surface properties, and the ability to cross biological barriers, which enable precision therapies and improved diagnostic sensitivity. However, this review also addresses the challenges associated with nanomaterials, including safety concerns, potential toxicity, long-term biodegradability, and the regulatory hurdles that must be overcome for clinical translation. As researchers work to develop biocompatible and biodegradable materials, new opportunities arise in personalized medicine, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, and theranostics that combine diagnosis and therapy into a single platform. In conclusion, while nanotechnology in medicine offers immense potential for future medical innovations, addressing safety and regulatory challenges will be crucial for the broader adoption of nanomaterials in clinical practice. This review emphasizes the need for continued research and development to realize the full potential of nanomedicine in improving healthcare outcomes globally

Serum Levels of Lead and Selected Acute Phase Proteins in Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Background: Chronic inflammation, immune system dysfunction and elevation in the levels of toxic metals such as lead (Pb) are common observations in patients with substance use disorders (SUD). However, there is little information on the acute phase profile of SUD patients with different serum levels of Pb. Therefore, serum levels of selected acute phase proteins in SUD patients with different serum levels of Pb were determined in this study. Methods: A total of 84 adults consisting of 45 patients with SUDs and 39 controls were enrolled into this case-control study. Serum levels of Pb, albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, bromocresol green (BCG) colorimetric method, and ELISA, respectively. Thereafter, CRP-albumin ratio (CAR) was calculated as appropriate. Results: Serum levels of Pb and albumin were significantly higher in patients with SUDs compared with the controls. Considering variation in acute phase proteins based on Pb level, the serum level of albumin was significantly lower, while the serum CRP level and CAR were slightly higher in patients with SUDs whose Pb level was higher than 5 µg/dL compared with patients whose Pb level was ≤5 µg/dL. No significant differences were observed in the levels of Pb, albumin, CRP, CAR in patients with SUDs who abuse single substance compared with those who abuse multiple substances. Conclusion: SUD is associated with increased serum levels of Pb and albumin, and alteration in the serum levels of acute phase proteins appears to be influenced by the serum Pb level. Therefore, there is the need for routine measurement of Pb level in patients with SUDs as they could benefit from therapeutic interventions involving chelation of Pb which could prevent disordered acute phase responses in the patients and facilitate optimal response to antipsychotics

Molecular Detection of Some Risk Factors of Thromboembolism among Nigerian Women on Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives are commonly used by women of reproductive age and may be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. Any rise in the relative risk of venous thromboembolism related to specific contraceptive formulations could lead to a notably elevated absolute risk. This study seeks to evaluate the potential role of Factor V Leiden (FVL) and Prothrombin G20210A mutations as risk factors for thromboembolism in users of hormonal contraceptives in Benin City. The study population consisted of 50 non-contraceptive users, 50 non-hormonal contraceptive users, 50 progestin-only contraceptive users, and 50 combined oral contraceptive users recruited from Family Planning Clinics in Benin City. Each participant provided aseptically collected venous blood, with 5.0 mL collected in total. 0.5 mL was placed in a container containing 3.1% tri-sodium citrate anticoagulant for the manual determination of Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Additionally, 0.5 mL of venous blood was dispensed into a plain container with 0.25 mL DNA-RNA shield solution for the detection of Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin 20210A gene mutations using PCR Duplex Prothrombin 20210 and Factor V. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 software. The findings revealed that the overall mutation carriage rate (AA and AG) for the Prothrombin 20210A gene (5%) was more prevalent than FVL (3%) among the subjects. Furthermore, the mean PT and APTT (in seconds) were significantly lower (p<0.001) among women using combined hormonal contraceptives. These findings suggest a potential association between the presence of FVL and FII genes mutations and thromboembolism among Nigerian women using hormonal contraceptives

Prevalence of Salmonella and Escherichia coli and Associated Risk Factors Among Camel and Bovine Meat Slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study involving microbiological analysis was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 in Jigjiga town to isolating and identifying Salmonella and E. coli from raw meats of camels and bovines slaughtered at the Jigjiga municipal abattoir and assessing possible associated related risk factors for the isolates. A total of 384 examined samples for the presence of Salmonella and E. coli. From the total samples examined, 64 (16.7%) and 44 (11.5%. were found to be E. coli and Salmonella positive respectively. Out of the 199 meat samples taken from camel, 31 (15.6%) and 32 (16.1%) were found positive for Salmonella and E. coli respectively while a total 185 meat samples of bovines, 13 (7%) and 32 (17%) were found positive for Salmonella and E. coli, respectively. In the univariable logistic regression analysis result, Salmonella revealed a statistically significant difference among different ages (OR (CI) = 2.36 (1.195–4.679); p-value = 0.013). The multivariable regression analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference between the two sex groups (OR (CI) = 2.01 (0.892–4.544); p = 0.092). In an univariable logistic regression analysis result, the odds of meat contamination in young-aged animals with E. coli were three times higher than in adult animals, showing a statistically significant difference (OR = 2.83 (1.567–5.095; p = 0.001). The prevalence of E. coli was higher in animals with poor body condition (31.9%), followed by medium (15.5%) and good body-conditioned animals (1.8%). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of contamination of samples with E. coli from poor-body condition animals were 22 times higher than samples taken from good-body condition animals (OR (CI) = 21.8 (5.022 - 95.059); p = 0.000). To prevent cross-contamination of Salmonella and E. coli, hygiene must be improved, standardized procedures, and training programs should be implemented. Further studies on molecular characterization and serotyping of these species are also needed

Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Xylopia aethiopica on Selected Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats

Plants do not only serve as a source of food, but, also as a source of shelter, clothing and more importantly as a source of medicines for the treatment of diseases due to their therapeutic virtues. Plants like Xylopia aethiopica otherwise known as Negro pepper or African is used traditionally to treat several diseases and as food and spice in most African countries. It is of public interest to scientifically verify its toxicity and health benefits of this plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the administration of the leaves and fruits (with and without seeds) extracts of X. aethiopica on haematological parameters in Wistar Rats. The Wistar rats were administered with 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg of hydro-ethanolic extracts of the leaves, fruits with seeds and fruits without seeds extracts by oral gavage for 30 days, 60 days and 90 days while the control group received feeds and water ad libitum. After the treatment periods, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood collected by cardiac puncture. Full blood count was conducted using Automated Haematology analyser. Data were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. The haemoglobin (Hb) level (p =0.46) and packed cell volume (PCV) (p =0.23) of the rats were not significantly different from controls. But, mean white blood cell count (WBC) (p =0.01) and platelet count (PLT) (p =0.01) were significantly increased in a dose dependent manner after three months’ treatment. The mean WBC was significantly higher amongst the female rats, while mean platelet was higher amongst the male rats when compared with the controls. There was sex dependent increases in WBC and platelet counts among Wistar rats