Background: Numerous causes of male infertility have been well documented, but fewer studies have associated seminal plasma creatine kinase activity with abnormal sperm indices in men investigated for infertility. Objective: To assess the association between seminal plasma creatine kinase activity and sperm quality indices among men investigated for infertility in Benin City, Nigeria, to elucidate its potential role as a biomarker of sperm function and male reproductive health. Methods: Seminal fluid analysis was done according to the World Health Organization standard, while seminal plasma creatine kinase activity was assayed using a spectrophotometric technique on 75 infertile men (≥12 months failed conception) who served as study participants and 50 fertile men (recent natural live birth) who served as controls. Results: The mean volume (mL), sperm count (×106/mL), total motility (%), progressive motility (%), and viability (%) of infertile males were significantly lower (P<0.05) when compared with the control group, while abnormal morphology (%) was significantly higher in the infertile group when compared with the control group. Mean seminal plasma creatine kinase activity (IU/L) was significantly higher (P=0.001) and inversely associated with sperm quality indices in infertile men than controls. The limitations of this study include a small sample size, its execution at a single center, and the lack of oxidative stress measurements. Conclusion: The associations between seminal plasma Creatine Kinase activity and sperm quality indicators, apart from semen volume, suggest Creatine Kinase's potential as a biochemical marker for sperm dysfunction and male infertility.
Background: Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to impaired renal function likely due to its ability to induce oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. Antioxidants, such as Garcinia kola and it biflavonoid extract, kolaviron, have been suggested as natural substances that may mitigate or ameliorate BPA induced toxicities. Objective: This study was therefore designed to evaluate the ameliorative potentials of G. kola and kolaviron on BPA-induced renal toxicity. Methods: Forty-male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=8) and treated orally for 28days as follows; Groups I (control) and II (vehicle control) received distilled water (2mL/kg) and corn oil ((2mL/kg) while Groups III-V received BPA(50mg/kg), BPA+G. kola (200mg/kg), and BPA+kolaviron (200mg/kg). Thereafter, urine samples were collected after an overnight fast and analysed for urea, creatinine, total protein (TP), albumin, red blood cells (RBC) and glucose. Renal samples were excised after euthanasia by cervical dislocation and fixed in 10% phosphate-buffered formalin for histological evaluation using Haematoxylin & Eosin and Periodic Acid Schiff stains, respectively. Results: Group III had significantly elevated urea, creatinine, TP, albumin, RBC and glucose compared to control. In IV and V relative to III, TP, albumin and glucose reduced. Urea and RBC count was significantly reduced only in V relative to III. Renal structural and tubular aberrations consistent with increased oxidative stress and inflammation were observed in III compared to I, IV and V, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that bisphenol-A induced renal toxicity may be mitigated by G. kola and to a larger extent, its biflavonoid extract, kolaviron.
Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite linked to cardiometabolic disease, remains understudied in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: To evaluate plasma TMAO concentrations and assess their associations with the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, pro-inflammatory cytokines, glycemic control, and body mass index in Nigerian T2DM patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 126 participants (63 with T2DM and 63 age-- and sex-matched healthy controls). Gut Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were quantified by qPCR; dysbiosis was defined as total bacterial load > the 75th percentile of controls. ELISA was used to measure plasma TMAO and cytokines. Associations were tested using the Kruskal–Wallis test, logistic regression, and Spearman's correlation. Results: TMAO was markedly elevated in T2DM patients compared with controls (medians 7.22 ng/mL in eubiotic T2DM, 6.80 ng/mL in dysbiotic T2DM vs 2.62 ng/mL in controls; η²H = 0.746, p < 0.001). TMAO levels were similarly high in both diabetic subgroups, demonstrating functional dysbiosis despite a normal F/B ratio. Among dysbiotic patients, TMAO showed positive correlations with the F/B ratio (r = 0.407, p = 0.002), Tumer Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) (r = 0.504, p < 0.001), and Interluken-6 (IL-6) (r = 0.386, p = 0.004). Hyperglycemia was independently associated with elevated TMAO (adjusted OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.64–5.94, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The disconnect between TMAO and conventional microbial composition highlights the need for functional microbiome assessment. TMAO may be a modifiable risk marker in this population.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the global leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) being a major clinical manifestation. Dyslipidemia is a modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to assess lipid profiles among AMI patients in Duhok City, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Azadi Teaching Hospital and Cardiac Center in Duhok City from June to November 2025. A convenient sample of 80 AMI patients aged ≥18 years was included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through interviews and medical records. Blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 53.0 ± 14.07 years, and 65.1% were aged ≥50 years. AMI was more common among males, urban residents, and individuals with low to moderate socioeconomic status. The lipid profile showed an atherogenic pattern, with elevated triglycerides (212.93 ± 71.91 mg/dL), total cholesterol (210.0 ± 51.68 mg/dL), and LDL-C (125.1 ± 41.24 mg/dL), along with reduced HDL-C levels (39.55 ± 11.51 mg/dL). Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent among AMI patients in Duhok, characterized by elevated atherogenic lipids and low HDL-C. Early screening and lipid-lowering interventions are recommended to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Background: Appropriate maternal nutrition is essential during gestation to ensure the optimal health and well-being of both the mother and the developing foetus. Since pumpkins are regarded as one of the best sources of essential bioactive compounds necessary for growth and maintenance, there is a need to evaluate the effect on gestation. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of Pumpkin Seed Oil (PSO) on gestation using Wistar rats as a model. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats (15 females, 15 males for mating) were used. Proestrus females were paired with males at a 1:1 ratio. Gestational day (GD) 0 = presence of spermatozoa in vaginal lavage of mated proestrus females. Mated rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (control) received no treatment, while Group B and Group C received 500 and 1000 mg/kg PSO, respectively, via oral gavage from GD 6 to 19. On GD 20, a laparotomy was performed to assess foetal weight, foetal crown-rump length (FCRL), the number of live pups/litter size, total implantation sites, placental weights, post-implantation loss, and the foeto-placental weight ratio. Results: Although no significant (p>0.05) differences occurred in most of the parameters between the test groups (groups B and C) and Control group (group A), results showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in litter size in 1000 mg/kg PSO-treated rats (group C) compared with the control. Post-implantation loss was significantly reduced (p<0.01) in test groups relative to the control. Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that PSO supports healthy gestation at the doses used in this study.
This study investigated the chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxic potential of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (syn. Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) essential oil (EO). Fresh leaves were hydrodistilled using a Clevenger apparatus, and the resulting EO was analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty-five compounds representing 96.06% of the oil were identified, dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (82.34%): verbenone (27.14%), camphor (16.59%), and 1,8-cineole (12.55%), followed by hydrocarbon monoterpenes (9.89%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (1.84%), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (1.00%). Antimicrobial activity was assessed against clinical and reference bacterial and fungal strains using the disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The EO exhibited potent antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones up to 20.0 ± 1.3 mm and MICs ranging from 0.9–3.75 mg/mL. Notably, activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli surpassed that of cefotaxime, while Staphylococcus epidermidis showed the lowest susceptibility. Antifungal testing revealed substantial inhibition of Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 90112 (17.3 ± 0.8 mm; MIC 0.9 mg/mL), equivalent to amphotericin B, with moderate activity against Candida albicans strains (MIC 1.9–3.75 mg/mL). Cytotoxicity toward normal Vero cells was evaluated at concentrations of 10–100 μg/mL, revealing a dose-dependent inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 62.80 μg/mL, classifying the EO as highly cytotoxic under OECD and NIH guidelines. Importantly, the IC₅₀ was considerably higher than the MICs observed, and the lowest cytotoxicity test concentration (10 μg/mL) exceeded the antimicrobial effective range, suggesting that antibacterial and antifungal activity may occur at non-cytotoxic levels. These findings highlight verbenone-rich R. officinalis EO from Jordan as a promising source of natural antimicrobial agents with potential pharmaceutical and preservative applications. However, its high cytotoxicity warrants further investigation into safe dosing, formulation strategies, and synergistic combinations to optimize its therapeutic index.
The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has raised significant concerns about their long-term health effects, particularly among chronically exposed farmworkers. This study investigated the serum levels of circulating immune complexes (CICs) and nitric oxide (NO) in pesticide-exposed farmers in Southwestern Nigeria, exploring their role as biomarkers of immune activation and oxidative stress. A case-control study design was employed involving 50 farmers with ≥10 years of pesticide exposure and 39 unexposed controls. CIC and NO levels were quantified using polyethylene glycol precipitation and Griess reagent assays, respectively. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Correlations were evaluated using Spearman’s rho. Farmworkers demonstrated significantly higher CIC levels (87.21 ± 60.34 Eq/ml) compared to controls (60.16 ± 40.74 Eq/ml; p < 0.05). NO levels were also markedly elevated in exposed farmers (88.74 ± 35.92 µM) relative to controls (53.41 ± 22.79 µM; p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between NO levels and duration of pesticide exposure (r = 0.489, p < 0.001), while a negative correlation existed between CIC levels and exposure duration (r = –0.367, p < 0.05). Chronic pesticide exposure is associated with heightened immune complex accumulation and oxidative stress, predisposing farmworkers to immune dysregulation and potential long-term health risks. Regular biomonitoring using CIC and NO may offer early insight into pesticide-induced immunotoxicity.
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.
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.
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.
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 Piperspecies 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 Piperspecies 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 Piperspecies. 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 Piperessential oils, offering insights into selecting species with optimal chemical profiles for diverse applications.
Children and adolescents livingwith HIV (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 visitsin the TLD group with a consistent >85thpercentile 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
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.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common causative pathogen of nosocomial infections, has recently evolved multidrug resistance, creating an urgent demand to develop alternate antimicrobials targeting virulence systems. In this study, we elucidate the inhibitory effects of limonene, a monoterpene abundantly present in citrus essential oils, on biofilm formation and quorum sensing systems of P. aeruginosa. The determination of limonene antibacterial activity determined the MIC to be 0.63 mg/mL. Limonene showed strong antibiofilm activity, inhibiting by 97.18% at MIC, while at sub-MIC (0.078 and 0.039 mg/mL), it also demonstrated good efficacy. Mechanistic analyses revealed that limonene inhibits biofilm formation via the modulation of bacterial aggregation, surface hydrophobicity, swarming motility, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) release. Under sub-MIC levels, limonene also inhibited important virulence factors like pyocyanin, rhamnolipids, and LasA protease. Additionally, limonene played a role in interrupting quorum sensing communication, as it inhibited violacein biosynthesis by Chromobacterium violaceum and decreased acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthesis in P. aeruginosa. High-throughput molecular analysis confirmed massive downregulation of pivotal quorum sensing genes (lasI/R and rhlI/R), ultimately pointing to limonene's remarkable property of interfering with bacterial signaling circuitry. These results highlight limonene as a multi-target pharmacological agent against P. aeruginosa, representing a promising alternative to classical antibiotics. More studies are required to determine its mechanisms of action, effects on other quorum sensing regulated genes, and responsiveness in clinical settings. These findings add to the mounting evidence supporting the use of natural compounds against antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections.
This study aimed to isolate the active cytotoxic compounds from Stichopus chloronotus. The isolation process was carried out by using successive separation methods including liquid-liquid partitioning, vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC), size exclusion chromatography, normal and reverse phase chromatography, and HPLC which had been guided by the cytotoxic assay (MTT). The bioassay guided separation technique led to isolation of three new cytotoxic saponins (A, B, and C), which exhibited positive reactions with Liebermann–Burchard reagent. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on the interpretation of their spectra upon analyzing them with various spectroscopic methods including infra-red spectrophotometry (IR), one and two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), in addition to the positive mode of electrospray mass analysis (+ESI-MS). Based on the analysis, the structures of the isolated compounds were concluded as triterpene glycosides composed of holostane type aglycones attached to various sulphated sugar units. The molecular formula of the glycoside A was suggested as C66 H104Na2O36S2 (calculated molecular weight = 1583.62 Da), B as C66H103Na3O40S3 (MW= 1701.66 Da) and glycoside C as C66H100Na4O43S4 (MW= 1801.69 Da). Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of the isolated glycosides (A, B, and C) were evaluated against various cancer cell lines and found that the glycoside C (IC 50 = 0.9-2.4 µM) was the most potent cytotoxic glycoside, followed by glycoside B (IC 50 = 1.3-2.9 µM) and A (IC50 = 2.4-7.5 µM). These findings, therefore, present S. chloronotus as a promising source of novel cytotoxic saponins with potent anti-cancer activities that require further research into their modes of action and therapeutic applications.
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.
The marine sponge Neopetrosia exigua has shown great potential as a source of bioactive compounds with significant antimicrobial properties. This study applied bioassay-guided fractionation to isolate and evaluate the antimicrobial activities of various compounds from N. exigua collected off the coast of Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Methanol extracts were partitioned into different fractions, with dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) fractions exhibiting the most potent antimicrobial activities. Four compounds were isolated: a previously undescribed bisulphate avarol derivative (1), two compounds isolated for the first time from N. exigua isohyrtiosine A (2) and demethylcystalgerone (3) and xestospongien (4), a known compound in N. exigua. The bisulphate avarol derivative (1) showed the most potent antibacterial effect, with the ability to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations as low as 2.6 µg/mL, indicating its potential as a powerful antibacterial agent for drug development. Additionally, it exhibited strong bactericidal activity against Bacillus cereus and fungicidal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Isohyrtiosine A (2), an indole alkaloid, exhibited moderate antimicrobial effects, while xestospongien (4) demonstrated broad-spectrum bacteriostatic activity. Demethylcystalgerone (3), a meroditerpenoid, showed selective activity against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of N. exigua as a source of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Further research into the mechanisms of action and chemical diversity of sponge-derived compounds could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents for resistant infections.
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.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen known for its ability to form resilient biofilms, which contribute to its persistence in chronic infections and resistance to antimicrobial agents. This review provides a detailed examination of biofilm development stages—attachment, maturation, and dissemination and highlights the role of specific genes in each stage, with a focus on quorum sensing as a key regulatory mechanism governing bacterial communication within biofilms. It also evaluates conventional methods for analyzing P. aeruginosa biofilm phenotypes, discussing their purposes, advantages, and limitations. Accordingly, future research should focus on standardizing protocols, advancing imaging technologies, and targeting biofilm-specific mechanisms. Collaborative efforts across disciplines and translational research will be essential for developing effective therapies. This review aims to deepen our understanding of P. aeruginosa biofilm dynamics and highlight the implications for developing effective therapies against biofilm-associated infections.
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.
