Babcock University

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), widely misused for its euphoric and stimulant properties, induces overt neurotoxicity in rodents and non-human primates and is associated with profound neurochemical and structural brain alterations. Its deleterious effects are primarily mediated through oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory responses, and apoptotic pathways. Glutathione, a crucial endogenous antioxidant, has been proposed as a potential neuroprotective agent capable of mitigating MDMA-induced cerebral damage.Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six experimental groups and administered oral treatments for 56 days: MDMA (5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg), glutathione (15 mg/kg), or their combinations. After treatment, brain tissues were harvested and evaluated for oxidative stress biomarkers (8-OHdG, MDA, GPx, GSH, GST, SOD), pro-inflammatory cytokines (MPO, NF-κB, TNF-α), ion transport enzymes (Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase, Ca²⁺ ATPase), neurotransmitter levels (dopamine, serotonin, AChE), and the apoptotic marker caspase-3. Histological analysis of the hippocampus was conducted to assess structural integrity. MDMA administration led to significant elevations in MDA and 8-OHdG, reductions in antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GST, GSH, SOD), upregulation of inflammatory mediators (MPO, NF-κB, TNF-α), and disruption of ion homeostasis via altered Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase and Ca²⁺ ATPase activities. Neurotransmitter imbalances were observed, characterized by increased AChE and serotonin levels and decreased dopamine. Caspase-3 activity was markedly elevated, indicating enhanced apoptosis. Co-administration of glutathione at low MDMA doses ameliorated these effects, restoring antioxidant defenses, suppressing inflammation, and preserving hippocampal architecture. However, its protective efficacy was notably diminished at higher MDMA concentrations. Glutathione confers partial neuroprotection against MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, particularly under moderate exposure conditions. Its antioxidative capacity contributes to the restoration of redox equilibrium and cellular integrity. Nonetheless, under high-dose MDMA exposure, the therapeutic potential of glutathione is limited, suggesting the necessity for complementary interventions targeting excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction.

The study explores the recognition of obstetric danger signs, barriers to their recognition, and the facilitators that support recognition among postnatal mothers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A phenomenological qualitative research design was used to explore the lived experiences of postnatal mothers regarding obstetric danger sign recognition. Twelve postnatal mothers from two primary health facilities in Oyo State were purposively selected. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using NVivo 12. Sampling continued until data saturation was reached. Findings were organized based on the three key research questions of the study. The recognition of obstetric danger signs generated four major themes: physical and sensory changes, antenatal education, past experiences and traumatic outcomes, and digital media and visual aids. Four major themes emerged for barriers to recognition: cultural and spiritual misinterpretation, family and community influence, illiteracy and low health literacy, and minimization or mislabeling of symptoms. Emerged themes for facilitators of recognition included supportive antenatal education, peer experiences, media and community campaigns, and family encouragement. The recognition of obstetric danger signs is influenced by a complex interplay of knowledge, culture, experience, and support systems. Interventions to improve maternal outcomes should focus on enhancing antenatal education, addressing cultural misconceptions, increasing health literacy, and leveraging both digital platforms and community networks to support early identification and timely response to obstetric danger signs.

Abstract Background Pediatric cancer care in Nigeria is constrained by several patient- and system-related factors. In line with the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, this scoping review mapped the Nigerian literature on diagnostic delays, treatment access, clinical outcomes, and related system gaps. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, African Journals Online (AJOL), Taylor & Francis Online, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies were in English, published 2005–2025, and included individuals 0–18 years. Findings were synthesized thematically and narratively. Results Twenty-seven tertiary hospital-based studies (n = 2,920) were included, representing all six geopolitical zones. Most were retrospective. Frequently reported malignancies included Burkitt lymphoma, nephroblastoma, retinoblastoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and acute leukemias. Symptom-to-presentation intervals ranged from 2 to 157 weeks (median 79.5 weeks), and two studies separately reported symptom-to-diagnosis intervals of 13.4 weeks and 54.1 weeks, respectively. Contributors to delayed diagnosis and poor treatment access included low awareness, traditional or alternative care-seeking, initial misdiagnosis, financial barriers, long travel distances, limited insurance coverage, and broader health-system constraints. Using study-reported definitions, treatment completion was 3.3% in one study and 62.8% in another; treatment discontinuation was 6.3% in one study and 64.7% in another; mortality was 6.3% in one study and 45.1% in another; and cohort-level loss to follow-up was 6.6% in one study and 52.6% in another, reaching 81.8% among patients discharged on follow-up chemotherapy in one cohort. Conclusion Pediatric oncology care in Nigeria is marked by prolonged diagnostic pathways, interrupted treatment, and poor reported outcomes. Priorities include standardized referral pathways and integration of childhood cancer into national health insurance. Graphical abstract

Aldosterone synthase inhibitors are a class of medication that target aldosterone biosynthensis while addressing the current limitations of conventional renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors. This review aims to explore the emerging role of lorundrostat and baxdrostat, efficacy and safety in the management of treatment-resistant and poorly controlled hypertension. A narrative review was conducted, including six (6) clinical trials published between 2016 and 2025. Lorundrostat and baxdrostat demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in blood pressure across evaluated trials. In lorundrostat studies, plasma renin activity increased in association with aldosterone suppression, and an overall favorable safety profile was reported. Baxdrostat demonstrated selective inhibition of aldosterone synthase in early-phase studies, and studies reported mild hyperkalemia and decreased renal function at higher doses. Lorundrostat was found to have comparable efficacy in patients with and without suppressed plasma renin activity, based on subgroup analyses within individual trials. Direct head-to-head comparative data between lorundrostat and baxdrostat are not currently available, and differences in selectivity or off-target effects are derived from separate clinical investigations. While current data support their efficacy and safety in early clinical trials, further large-scale studies are needed to establish their long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and integration into clinical practice guidelines.

Introduction: Social distancing and wearing a face mask are highly recommended to mitigate the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the success of these strategies relies on individuals’ adherence and public compliance. This study was conducted to assess the level of belief in social distancing and face mask practices in communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to identify their possible determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten LMICs countries in Asia, Africa, and South America from February to May 2021. A questionnaire was used to assess the belief, practice, and their plausible determinants. Identification of the associated determinants was performed using a logistic regression model. Results: Our data revealed that only 62.6% and 66.9% of the participants had good beliefs in social distancing and good face mask practices, respectively. Residing in the Americas, having a healthcare-related job, knowing people in immediate social environment who are or have been infected and exposure to information of COVID-19 cases on social media or TV were factors significantly associated with good belief in social distancing. Residing country, gender, monthly household income, type of job and exposure to information of COVID-19 cases were significantly associated with face mask wearing practice. Conclusion: The proportion of participants having good beliefs in social distancing and good face mask practices is relatively low (<75%). Hence, sustained health campaigns regarding social distancing benefits and face mask-wearing practices during COVID-19 are critical in LMICs.