Asian Journal of Research in Medicine and Medical Science

Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery Systems: Design Strategies, Formulation Advances, Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Applications, and Translational Challenges

Vishwakarma Bhanupratap Harishchandra — 2026-02-09

Nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy. NP-based drug delivery systems also improve the pharmacokinetics of chemotherapeutics by prolonging circulation and enhancing tumour accumulation. The aim of this review is to systematically cover the progress, limitations, as well as future perspectives of nano drug-delivery systems with a view to alter drug efficacy and toxicity. The main focus of the review has been on evolution over time, formulation methods and biomedical applications of various types of nanoparticle systems to protect against drug degradation and to improve solubility/ bioavailability for safe targeted delivery in vivo. This review utilises a comprehensive analysis through the literature in the primary and secondary sources are integrated. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the published literature was done to identify developments in nanoparticle formulation design, mechanisms of action and technological improvements associated with drug carriers. Nanoparticle-based formulations, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and dendrimers, are reported to enhance controlled drug release, bioavailability and target therapy for cancer, infectious diseases and chronic conditions. Nevertheless, they face multiple challenges, such as formulation toxicity and commercial scale-up constraints as well as strict regulatory barriers, which compromise their clinical translation. Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery technology has brought about a concept in precision medicine and clinical practice, with groundbreaking approaches to circumvent the problems of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of chemical drugs. The next generation of smart and metabolizable nanocarriers should drive the therapeutic performance and advance development in both drug delivery systems and healthcare approaches.

Pigment Histochemistry: A Review

Tobor Kennedy Emmanuel — 2026-02-27

Pigments are among the most visually and diagnostically significant biomolecules present in both human and animal tissues. From the dark hues of melanin in the skin to the golden-brown tones of hemosiderin in the spleen or liver, pigments often serve as vital histological indicators of normal physiology, pathological transformation, or environmental exposure. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies conducted between 2018 and 2025 to explore the current state of histochemical pigment detection and its applications in research and clinical practice. To ensure a comprehensive, transparent, and scientifically rigorous review of histochemical studies on pigments, this work was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An extensive literature search was performed between May and June 2025 using four major scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search covered a publication window from January 2018 to May 2025. Boolean search operators were used in combinations such as: Pigment and Histochemistry, Melanin and histological stain, Lipofuscin and Sudan Black B, Hemosiderin and Perls stain, Tattoo ink and tissue reaction, Pigment and immunohistochemistry, Pigment detection and ("AI" OR "machine learning" OR "imaging"). All identified records were first exported into Zotero for reference management. Duplicates were removed manually. Titles and abstracts of the remaining studies were screened for relevance. Two independent reviewers then conducted full-text screening using a standardized review protocol. In cases of disagreement, consensus was reached through discussion or consultation with a third expert. A total of 198 records were initially retrieved. After de-duplication and abstract screening, 34 articles were selected for full-text evaluation. Finally, 12 studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in the review. In conclusion, pigments are far more than colored deposits on a microscope slide; they are molecular signposts that trace physiological processes, disease evolution, environmental exposure, and even cellular aging. As methods continue to improve in accuracy, speed, and objectivity, the field of pigment histochemistry will only become more integral to pathology and translational research in the years to come.

Hepato-Protective Effects of Some Medicinal Plants of Uganda

Ahumuza Patience — 2026-03-13

Introduction: Hepatic diseases have become common, difficult to treat, and a big health challenge in Ugandan communities. Possibly these hepatic diseases are being caused by much alcohol consumption which is prevalent in our society, by poison consumption, pathogenic microbes e.g. hepatitis B which is a viral disease and chemotherapeutic agents e.g. thioacetamide, fluconazole, acetaminophen, diclofenac, rifampin and Isoniazid; which cause destruction and inflammation of the liver especially on prolonged use. Protecting the liver from damage is important because the liver has major metabolic functions in the body. Though prescription medications are available for their hepatoprotective effects, these often come with many other side effects. This puts our attention on medicinal plants which are available, reliable and cheap to get; as better alternative for hepatic therapy than the existing and expensive drugs. This paper is a literature review of existing information on medicinal plants around Uganda with hepatoprotective effects. Their chemical components, uses and local names according to the regions they are found in were also highlighted.

Methods: Literature search was carried out, especially on articles of pharmacognosy and pharmacology; about hepato protective effects of some medicinal plants, not only in our country but also worldwide as available in different databases. This was done using mostly Google scholar and Pub Med. The Uganda clinical guideline 2023 was used to relate the diseases.

Results: While specific studies on the hepatoprotective effects of Ugandan plants are limited especially by the cost of research and paucity of funding, several species used in Ugandan traditional medicine were reported to have shown potential liver-protective properties. These include; Allium cepa, Terminalia macroptera, Phyllanthus amarus, Kalanchoe pinnata, Curcuma longa, Boerhavia diffusa, Silybum marianum, Woodfordia fruticosa, Solanum nigrum, Phyllanthus muellarianus, Capsicum annuum and Moringa oleifera.

Discussion and Conclusion: Scientific validation of these hepatoprotective herbs should be encouraged by the government to investigate their comparative efficacy and toxicity with the imported drugs. Where they are found to be better alternatives to the imported medicines, these herbs can be approved legally to be inculcated in the mainstream health setting. Local pharmaceutical companies should also be encouraged to identify the extracts from these herbs as possible drug candidates and use them in local drug manufacture not only for internal consumption but also for export.

Animal Vaccines as a Tool to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: One-Health Perspective and Systematic Review

Md. Rimon Bhuiyan — 2026-06-03

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health challenge driven in part by extensive antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock production. Animal vaccination has been proposed as a One Health strategy to reduce infection-related antimicrobial use and mitigate the emergence and spread of AMR. However, the evidence supporting this relationship has not been comprehensively synthesized.

Aim: To systematically evaluate evidence on the impact of animal vaccination on AMU and AMR-related outcomes across livestock production systems and identify critical research gaps.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Five electronic databases and grey-literature sources were searched for studies published between January 2003 and March 2026. After screening and eligibility assessment, 74 studies and institutional reports were included. Data on vaccination interventions, antimicrobial use, and AMR-related outcomes were extracted and narratively synthesized. Study quality was assessed using ROBINS-I and Cochrane RoB 2.0 tools.

Results: Evidence consistently demonstrated that vaccination reduces antimicrobial use across aquaculture, swine, poultry, and cattle production systems. The strongest quantitative evidence was reported from Norwegian salmon aquaculture, where antibiotic consumption declined from 876 mg/kg biomass in 1987 to 0.43 mg/kg in 2024 following long-term vaccination programs. Similar reductions in therapeutic and metaphylactic antibiotic use were reported in vaccinated swine and cattle populations. Nevertheless, direct evidence linking vaccination to reductions in antimicrobial resistance remains limited. No randomized controlled trial identified in this review used AMR-specific endpoints such as resistome composition, antimicrobial resistance gene prevalence, or resistant pathogen burden. Most available evidence originated from high-income countries, with limited data from low- and middle-income regions.

Conclusion: Animal vaccination is an effective preventive strategy for reducing antimicrobial use in livestock and represents a promising component of One Health efforts to combat AMR. However, robust evidence demonstrating direct impacts on antimicrobial resistance remains insufficient. Future research should prioritize AMR-focused randomized trials, integrated One Health surveillance, longitudinal resistome studies, and greater investment in vaccine research and implementation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Yemen: A Minireview of Epidemiology, Surveillance Gaps, and Vaccine Readiness

Halah A. Alkorbi — 2026-02-05

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children worldwide. Hospital studies show high RSV rates, while community cases remain underreported. This Minireview seeks to address the critical data gap by synthesizing available RSV literature within the context of Yemen’s health system. It explores national and regional epidemiological patterns, identifies risk factors unique to the Yemeni population, and examines barriers to effective surveillance and immunization. Factors like indoor air pollution, tobacco smoke, poor nutrition, and crowded living conditions make the problem worse. Yemen’s health system struggles to respond due to conflict, limited resources, and weak surveillance. While new tools like RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies are now available in wealthy countries, Yemen is not yet ready to use them. Unlike Spain, which rolled out RSV protection successfully, Yemen lacks plans and funding to do the same. Moreover, the country is not integrated into the WHO's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, depriving policymakers of seasonality data critical for vaccine timing. Without proper data and tracking, it’s hard to know when and where the virus spreads. This review calls for better surveillance, training for healthcare workers, and stronger public health planning. Global partnerships and support are key to helping Yemen join the fight against RSV. Improving awareness and preparing the country for future vaccine rollouts will protect vulnerable children and close the gap between Yemen and other countries.

Antibacterial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plant Extracts and Their Interactions with Antibiotics against Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bhanupratap Vishwakarma — 2026-02-06

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance to Gram-negative isolates has rekindled interest in new approaches that would potentiate the activity of traditional antibiotics, such as plant extracts for medicinal purposes. Antibacterial activity of some selected medicinal plant extracts in tandem with standard antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens was studied. The aqueous crude extracts of the plants (R.aculeata, C.bursa-pastoris, I.coccinea and P.olerecea) were screened individually as well as in combination with ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and amoxicillin in 1:1 proportions by agar-well diffusion technique. On Serratia marcescens, against which all the extracts exhibited moderate activity with inhibition zones of diameter of 12-18 mm, Randia aculeata and Ixora coccinea displayed significant potential among others, Portulaca oleracea was moderately active while Capsella bursa pastoris showed a negative result. Ciprofloxacin exhibited excellent antibacterial activity (28 mm), whereas the other antibiotics showed resistance. Synergistic effects of combinations were not identified and in some cases the inhibitory zones of some antibacterial agents were found to be decrease partners with antagonistic interactions. For P. aeruginosa, none of plant extracts had antibacterial activities and least effective against them were antibiotics (except ciprofloxacin with inhibition zone diameter = 24 mm). Its antibacterial activity decreased even more when combined with plant extracts. Such results indicate that the selected medicinal plant extracts had no synergistic effect on, and even inhibited, antibacterial activity of antibiotics (something like conventional antibiotic-potentiating effects) against Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study emphasises the need for systematic assessment of plant-antibiotic interaction and caution in concurrent use of plant extracts with antibiotics without prior determination of their interaction.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among HIV Positive Patients Receiving HAART at a Tertiary Hospital in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Shawon Fredrick Akpagher — 2026-02-17

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection affects approximately 2.3 million people globally, with people living with HIV (PLWH) having a sixfold higher risk of HCV infection compared to those without HIV.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of HCV co-infection among HIV-positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

Methods: A cohort study design was conducted with 250 study participants using a consecutive sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire, which was pre-tested, was utilized to gather data on socio-demographic and risk factors from participants over a period of 3 months, spanning from September to November 2023. The prevalence of HCV co-infection was assessed using serum samples from the participants. Chi-square was utilized to examine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and HCV/HIV co-infection. Binary regression analysis was employed to examine independent predictors of HCV co-infection. All experiments were conducted at 95% confidence level using SPSS version 27.0.

Results: The prevalence of HCV/HIV co-infection was 4.0%, with a mean participant age of 44 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:3. No significant differences were found in co-infection rates by sex, age, religion, or marital status (p > 0.05). However, significant associations were observed with education level (p = 0.022) and employment status (p = 0.013), with higher prevalence among patients with primary education (9.7%) and those unemployed (6.3%). Independent predictors of co-infection included primary education (AOR=3.419, p=0.001), unemployment (AOR=3.200, p=0.001), and sharing sharps (AOR=3.071, p=0.004).

Conclusion: This 4.0% co-infection rate indicates an endemic situation, underscoring the necessity for strengthened public health education to reduce risk behaviours and promote extensive HCV testing among HIV patients. Although limited by its single-centre scope and reliance on self-reported data, the findings provide valuable local epidemiological information and offer guidance for future research aimed at addressing HCV/HIV co-infection in Nigeria and comparable environments.

A Time Series Model for Short-term Prediction of Onchocerciasis among Farmers in Benue State-Nigeria

Ortaver Godwin Tyavyar — 2026-02-21

Aims: The aim of this study is to apply time series modeling to predict short-term trends in Onchocerciasis infection among farmers in Benue State, Nigeria, and to generate reliable forecasts that can inform public health planning and agricultural productivity interventions.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Benue State, Nigeria, using monthly Onchocerciasis infection data obtained from the Benue State Epidemiological Unit, Makurdi, covering the period from January 2009 to June 2025.

Methodology: The study employed descriptive statistics, the Ng-Perron modified unit root test, the Ljung-Box Q-statistic test, and the Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA(p,q)) modeling framework. Model selection was based on information criteria and log-likelihood values, while forecast accuracy was evaluated using Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Theil’s Inequality Coefficient (TIC).

Results: Descriptive analysis revealed a mean monthly infection of 928 persons, with evidence of non-normality due to skewness and leptokurtosis. The Ng-Perron test confirmed stationarity of the series at level. The ARMA(3,3) model was identified as the best-fitting specification, explaining about 78.35% of the variation and exhibiting dynamic stability. Forecast evaluation showed strong predictive performance with low RMSE (0.2200), MAE (0.1883), MAPE (2.77%), and a near-zero TIC (0.0162). Analysis of model roots indicated an angular displacement of 44.75°, corresponding to an estimated Onchocerciasis life cycle of approximately eight months. Forecasts for July 2025 to June 2027 project an average monthly infection of about 865 persons (95% CI: 549-1,378), with a total of approximately 20,771 cases over the two-year period. The forecasts suggest that Onchocerciasis will persist at a steady level, underscoring the need for sustained drug distribution, strengthened vector control, continuous surveillance, and integrated health-agricultural policies to support effective disease control, protect farmers’ productivity, and improve food security in Benue State.

Conclusion: The study concluded that Onchocerciasis infection among farmers in Benue State exhibits a chronic and persistent pattern, with forecasts indicating a sustained public health burden. The ARMA(3,3) model provided a robust and reliable framework for monitoring and forecasting infection trends. Strengthening community-based surveillance, sustaining vector control and mass drug administration, integrating agricultural support programmes, enhancing farmer health education, and promoting intersectoral collaboration are essential for reducing the disease burden and its impact on postharvest crop losses in the state.

Time Series Modeling of Human African Trypanosomiasis Incidence in Nigeria Using ARIMA Model

David Adugh Kuhe — 2026-03-25

Aim: To model and forecast the morbidity incidence of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Nigeria using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time series approach.

Study Design: A retrospective longitudinal time series study design was adopted.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Nigeria using annual reported cases of Human African Trypanosomiasis from 1960 to 2024.

Methodology: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei species and transmitted by infected tsetse flies. Annual time series data of HAT infection cases in Nigeria covering the period 1960–2024 were analyzed. The time series properties of the data were examined using graphical plots and the Phillips–Perron unit root test to determine stationarity. The results indicated that the series was integrated of order two, I(2). Following the Box–Jenkins modeling procedure, several ARIMA (p, d, q) models were estimated, and model selection was based on diagnostic and goodness-of-fit criteria. The ARIMA (3,2,3) model emerged as the most appropriate model for capturing the dynamics of HAT incidence in Nigeria.

Results: The selected ARIMA (3,2,3) model was dynamically stable and accounted for 76.31% of the variability in HAT infection cases. Forecasts generated for an 11-year period (2025–2035) revealed a consistent decline in the number of reported HAT cases, with an average projected annual incidence of approximately 146 cases. The downward trend suggests that sustained interventions—including improved disease surveillance, enhanced treatment accessibility, and strengthened vector control strategies—may have contributed to the reduction in infection rates.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a declining trajectory of Human African Trypanosomiasis in Nigeria over the forecast period. Nevertheless, continuous surveillance, application of predictive time series modeling, intensified vector control measures, and sustained public health awareness campaigns remain essential to consolidate gains and prevent potential resurgence of the disease.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Digital Tools (Mobile Apps, Tele-dentistry, and Online Platforms) in Promoting Preventive Oral Health Behaviors

Omolayo Yetunde Abimbola — 2026-03-30

Background: The proliferation of digital health technologies has transformed healthcare delivery, yet their effectiveness in promoting preventive oral health behaviors remains inadequately assessed. This study evaluates the impact of mobile applications, tele-dentistry platforms, and online educational tools on oral hygiene practices and screening behaviors.

Methods: A systematic evaluation of digital oral health interventions was conducted, analyzing data from 2,847 participants distributed across three intervention groups: mobile health application users, tele-dentistry platform users, and online educational platform users, alongside corresponding control groups. Behavioral outcomes were tracked over an 18-month follow-up period to assess sustained engagement and long-term effectiveness. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative usage analytics, behavioral outcome measurements, and qualitative user feedback assessments.

Results: Mobile oral health applications demonstrated significant improvements in brushing frequency (p<0.001), with 67.3% of users maintaining twice-daily brushing habits compared to 42.1% in control groups. Tele-dentistry consultations increased preventive dental visit completion rates by 34.8%. Online educational platforms showed modest effects on knowledge acquisition (effect size d=0.58) but stronger impacts on intention-behavior translation among younger demographics.

Conclusions: Digital tools exhibit substantial promise for scaling preventive oral health interventions, particularly when incorporating gamification, personalized feedback mechanisms, and integrated appointment systems. However, effectiveness varies significantly across demographic groups, with digital literacy and socioeconomic factors influencing engagement patterns.

Acute Ocular Toxicity of Syngonium Podophyllum Extract on Corneal Tissue in Rats

Ubogu Joseph Aforkoghene — 2026-04-08

Introduction: The human eye is recognized as one of the most intricate and sensitive sensory organs, making it particularly vulnerable to damage from environmental toxins, including plant-derived irritants.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the acute ocular toxicity of Syngonium podophyllum extract on corneal tissue in rats.

Study Design: This study adopted an experimental laboratory-based research design.

Methodology: The experimental procedures were conducted at the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology Laboratory, Delta State University, Abraka, while histological processing was carried out at the Histology Unit of the Department. Prior to the commencement of the experimental work, ethical approval was obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka. A total of 12 adult Wistar rats (weighing 180-220 g) were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 served as the control group and was administered normal rat chow and water. Group 2 received 1 ml (5000 mg/kg) of the extract dissolved in DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), and observations were carried out for 15 days. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0.

Results: The results obtained from this study indicate that SP administration generally increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as evidenced by significantly higher ESR levels compared to the control group. This finding suggests a potential inflammatory effect of the plant extract. Specifically, the data revealed that as the SP dosage increased, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative damage, also increased significantly. These findings therefore suggest that SP exposure induces oxidative stress in the rats’ corneal tissues, leading to cellular damage due to an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Conclusion: This study concludes that Syngonium podophyllum extract produces significant physiological, biochemical, and histopathological changes in a dose-dependent manner.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Aqueous Extract of Xylopia aethiopica on Lipid Profile and Hepatorenal Biomarkers in Wistar Rats

Malachy Nwaeze Ezenwaeze — 2026-04-22

This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of aqueous fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica on lipid profile and hepatorenal biomarkers in albino Wistar rats. A total of 24 rats (n = 6 per group) were randomly assigned into four groups: control and three treatment groups administered 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract orally for 28 days.

Serum lipid profile, liver function indices, renal biomarkers, and histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues were evaluated using standard biochemical and histological techniques. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results showed a significant dose-dependent improvement in lipid profile at 200 and 300 mg/kg, evidenced by reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), alongside increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) (p < 0.05). However, higher doses (≥ 200 mg/kg) produced significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, with concomitant decreases in albumin and total protein, indicating hepatotoxicity.

Renal function assessment revealed reductions in urea and creatinine levels, accompanied by significant electrolyte imbalances, including decreased sodium, potassium, and chloride, and increased bicarbonate (p < 0.05). Histopathological findings corroborated biochemical results, showing dose-dependent hepatic injury ranging from mild inflammation to necrosis, and progressive renal structural alterations at higher doses.

Additionally, while aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica exhibits significant hypolipidemic effects with potential cardio-protective benefits, its use at higher doses may induce hepatotoxicity and disrupt renal function. These findings highlight the importance of dose regulation and the need for further studies to establish its safety profile and therapeutic window.

Attitude of Health Information Managers towards Patients in Nigeria: Evidence from Three Selected Teaching Hospitals

Eidah Sule Yahaya — 2026-05-23

Background: Health Information Managers (HIMs) occupy a pivotal role in Nigeria's tertiary healthcare system, yet their attitudes towards patients remain understudied. This study assessed HIM attitudes and the factors shaping them across three major teaching hospitals.

Methods: A mixed-methods descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis approaches. Data were collected from 300 HIMs across the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) using a validated structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, Chi-square tests, and thematic analysis were applied.

Results: All 300 respondents (100%) self-reported positive attitudes; however, this finding should be interpreted cautiously given the well-documented potential for social desirability bias in self-report healthcare surveys. Technological resources were widely rated adequate and positively influenced attitudes. Training participation was moderate (mean frequency 2.50–2.80), yet 90–95% strongly believed that continuous professional development (CPD) improves attitude. A statistically significant association was found between communication practices and patient feedback frequency (χ² = 26.72, df = 16, p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed three key themes: ethical breaches in confidentiality, systemic morale constraints, and aspirations for digital transformation.

Conclusion: Despite universally positive self-reported attitudes, underlying systemic, technological, and organisational challenges critically impair HIM service delivery. Integrated investment in ICT infrastructure, mandatory CPD, and patient-centred communication protocols is urgently recommended.

Placental Abruption: A Five-Year Experience at a Tertiary Health Facility in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, South-East Nigeria

Kelvin Emeka Ortuanya — 2026-05-28

Background: Placental abruption is a serious obstetric complication associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-resource settings. Despite advances in obstetric care, outcomes remain poor due to late presentation and limited diagnostic and management facilities.

Objective: To review the risk factors, clinical presentation, management, and maternal and perinatal outcomes of placental abruption at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane, over a five-year period.

Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at ESUTH, Enugu, Nigeria, reviewing cases of placental abruption from January 2021 to December 2025. Data were obtained from labour ward registers, case notes, theatre records, and neonatal records using a structured proforma. Variables analyzed included socio-demographic characteristics, clinical features, obstetric parameters, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to assess associations, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 108 cases were analyzed. The majority of patients were aged 30–39 years (50%), married (62%), unemployed (56.5%), and of low socioeconomic status. Most patients (63.9%) were unbooked. The most common clinical features were abdominal pain (99.1%) and uterine hypertonicity (97.2%), while vaginal bleeding occurred in 55.6% of cases. Hypertensive disorders were present in 48.1% of patients. Most women were multiparous (72.2%), and 66.7% of pregnancies were at term. Caesarean section was the predominant mode of delivery (71.3%). Maternal complications included blood transfusion (30.6%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (5.6%), shock (9.3%), and acute kidney injury (1.9%), with a maternal mortality rate of 7.4%. Perinatal outcomes showed a mortality rate of 7.4% and NICU admission rate of 11.1%. Low Apgar scores (<5) were observed in 8.3% of neonates.

Conclusion: Placental abruption remains a major obstetric emergency at ESUTH, associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Hypertension and lack of antenatal care were key contributing factors. Improved antenatal surveillance, early diagnosis, and prompt intervention are essential to improving outcomes.

Neurorestorative and Antidiabetic Effects of Chromolaena odorata Leaf-extract on the Substantia Nigra of Diabetic Rats Exposed to Mercury: A Histopathological Study

Ifeanyichukwu Maxwell Ama — 2026-06-05

Diabetes and exposure to heavy metals like mercury chloride are known to induce oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration, particularly in vulnerable brain regions like the substantia nigra. Medicinal plants such as Chromolaena odorata extract possess antioxidant and neurorestorative properties that may mitigate such damage. This study investigated Neurorestorative and Antidiabetic Effects of Chromolaena odorata Extract on the Substantia Nigra of Diabetic Rats Exposed to Mercury. A Histopathological Study. The study was conducted in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki and the study lasted for 35 days. Thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats weighing between 250g-300g used for the study were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6): Control (A), diabetic + Hgcl₂ (B), diabetic + Hgcl₂+ metformin (C) and diabetic + Hgcl₂ treated with 200 (D), 400 (E) and 600mg/kg (F) of the extract. Diabetes was induced using a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg) intraperitoneally. 72 hours after diabetes confirmation (glucose ≥200 mg/dL), mercury chloride (3mg/kg), was administered orally daily for 14 days followed by treatment with the administration of the extract to the experimental groups. At the end of the experimental period, animals were humanely sacrificed, the substantia nigra excised and processed for histological evaluation using H&E staining. Data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test with P-value at (P = .05). Group B showed significant weight loss and hyperglycemia (370 ± 32 mg/dl) compared to Group A (95 ± 7mg/dl). Histologically, the nigral section revealed severe neurodegenerative changes, vacuolation, and pyknotic nuclei indicative of apoptosis. Treatment with Chromolaena. odorata extract significantly improved glycemic control and restored nigral histoarchitecture in a dose-dependent manner, with the 600 mg/kg showing near-normal morphology comparable to metformin. In conclusion, Chromolaena odorata extract exhibits significant neurorestorative and antidiabetic effects against combined diabetic and mercury neurotoxicity.

Healthy Ageing for People Living with HIV: A Long-Standing Latency of Geriatric Care Integration in Senegal, West Africa

Alassane Ndiaye — 2026-05-01

With the global increase in life expectancy among people living with HIV, ageing-related health challenges have become an emerging priority in healthcare systems. This commentary discusses the need and relevance of incorporating Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) into HIV care for older adults to improve health outcomes and quality of life, with a focus on addressing gaps in Senegal’s current health strategy. The country bears a burden of old people living with HIV (OPLWH) which is rapidly increasing, reaching one third of the national cohort as of 2022. Despite the existence of different models of care to integrate geriatric approach in HIV settings to inform high-quality care, major challenges in implementing strategies to meet the needs of OPLWH persist. Strengthening the integration of geriatric approaches into HIV care, particularly for older people living with HIV (OPLWH), represents a critical opportunity to enhance quality of care, optimise functional outcomes, and build upon the significant progress already achieved in HIV treatment and survival.