Journal of Disease and Global Health

Management of Symptomatic Reticular Oral Lichen Planus Involving the Buccal and Labial Mucosa: A Case Report

Ishali Deokar, Sanika Vaje, Mahesh Chavan — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This case report describes a symptomatic presentation of reticular oral lichen planus (OLP) and emphasises the therapeutic effectiveness of topical corticosteroid therapy, together with the importance of multidisciplinary management for symptom control.

Case Presentation: A 35-year-old female patient presented with a three-month history of persistent burning sensation in the oral cavity, which intensified after the consumption of spicy and hot foods, with a VAS score of 8/10. The patient had no significant medical history, deleterious habits, trauma or cheek-biting habit. Intraoral examination revealed characteristic bilateral interlacing white striations involving the buccal mucosa, extending from the oral commissure to the pterygomandibular region. Similar striae were also noted on the upper and lower left labial mucosa. The lesions were non-scrapable and non-tender on palpation, with no signs of induration. Two small keratotic white patches were also present on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Based on the clinical features, a diagnosis of reticular OLP was considered. The patient was managed with topical clobetasol propionate 0.05%, applied three times daily for 15 days, together with dietary modification and referral for psychological evaluation to address stress- and sleep-related concerns.

Discussion: Oral lichen planus is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterised by T-cell-mediated epithelial injury. Although the reticular variant is commonly asymptomatic, patients may experience a burning sensation due to mucosal hypersensitivity or external irritants. Topical corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment because of their potent anti-inflammatory action.

Conclusion: The present case was reported to demonstrate the clinical features of symptomatic reticular oral lichen planus and to describe the patient's response to topical corticosteroid therapy during follow-up.

Biochemical Markers of Liver Cirrhosis: From Liver Failure to Clinical Prognosis

Animesh Kumar Tiwari, Chanchal Kumar — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive stage of chronic liver disease characterised by structural distortion, impaired hepatocellular function, portal hypertension, and risk of systemic decompensation. Biochemical markers remain central to its evaluation because they provide clinically accessible information on hepatocellular injury, cholestasis, synthetic dysfunction, renal impairment, electrolyte disturbance, and disease severity. This mini review summarises conventional and emerging biochemical markers of liver cirrhosis and discusses their pathophysiological basis, clinical application, and prognostic significance. Routine markers, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, international normalised ratio, platelet count, creatinine, sodium, and ammonia, are considered in relation to their diagnostic and prognostic roles. Composite indices such as Child-Pugh, MELD, MELD-Na, APRI, FIB-4, and ALBI are also discussed because they integrate laboratory and clinical variables for staging and risk stratification. The review emphasises that isolated laboratory abnormalities may be misleading, particularly in compensated cirrhosis, and that markers of injury should be distinguished from markers of true hepatic functional reserve. Emerging blood-based biomarkers may improve assessment of fibrosis, renal dysfunction, inflammation, and short-term deterioration, but broader validation is required before routine use. Overall, biochemical interpretation should be integrated with clinical findings and non-invasive assessment tools to support prognosis and management.

Economic Impact of Lumpy Skin Disease in Africa and Asia: A Systematic Review of Economic Losses, Control Strategies, and Research Gaps

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), is an important transboundary viral disease affecting cattle and water buffalo across Africa and Asia. Although mortality is generally low (<5%), the disease causes substantial economic losses through reduced productivity, treatment expenses, and trade-related disruptions, posing a serious threat to livestock-dependent communities.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesise available evidence on the economic impact of LSD in Africa and Asia, evaluate methodological approaches used in economic assessments, analyse control strategies, and identify key research gaps to support future policy and research priorities.

Methods: This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and March 2026. Eligible studies included economic impact analyses, cost-benefit evaluations, and livestock disease economic assessments related to LSD. Data from 18 eligible studies were synthesised using narrative synthesis due to methodological and geographical heterogeneity.

Results: The review found that LSD imposes substantial direct and indirect economic losses through reduced milk production (20–65% for 2–8 weeks), weight loss, hide damage, reproductive inefficiency, treatment costs, labour diversion, market disruption, and trade restrictions. Economic impacts were often greater in intensive dairy systems and among crossbred cattle due to higher productivity losses and market value. Vaccination was consistently identified as the most cost-effective control strategy, with reported benefit–cost ratios ranging from 1.4 to 8.1. However, considerable methodological heterogeneity across studies limited comparability of economic estimates. Major research gaps included the absence of standardised economic assessment frameworks, limited evidence from smallholder farming systems, and insufficient long-term economic evaluations.

Conclusion: Lumpy skin disease imposes a significant economic burden across Africa and Asia despite its relatively low mortality. Strengthening vaccination strategies, improving standardised economic evaluation methods, and addressing key research gaps are essential for evidence-based disease control policies and improved livestock sector resilience.

Pandemic Preparedness, Resilience, and Recovery in Health Systems

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pandemics and public health emergencies expose vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, disrupt other sectors that provide essential services, and exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities among populations. This narrative review assesses components of pandemic preparedness, health system resilience, and strategies of recovery from a global health crisis. Lessons from COVID-19 and other previous pandemics—such as the importance of early warning systems, robust surveillance, adaptive workforce deployment, sustainable supply chains, and strong governance are considered. In addition to preparation for and management of a pandemic, a health system must not only absorb shock to be considered resilient, but also adapt and transform to deal with a crisis. This healthcare transformation can be achieved through adopting digital health information systems, new methods of healthcare financing, and active involvement of local communities. The importance of protecting essential health services, such as immunization, maternal healthcare, and management of patients with chronic diseases, is highlighted. The review also addresses the disproportionate impact of these health crises on vulnerable populations such as people of low socioeconomic status, the elderly, and displaced people. Finally, recommendations are provided on how to strengthen global health security by strengthening primary health care, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and investing in local manufacturing of health products and in digital health information systems. Building back better in the aftermath of a pandemic will require sustained political will and, most importantly, international solidarity and a fundamental shift from a health crisis reaction model to a model of equity-centered preparedness and proactiveness. Investment in primary health care, digital health technologies, local manufacturing of health products and emergency preparedness are key to future health security. Strong pandemic preparedness and resilience require sustained political commitment, global solidarity and an equity-oriented proactive approach to protect the world’s population in the face of a health crisis.

Emerging Zoonotic Infections in Odisha: A Systematic Review of Scrub Typhus and Anthrax

Himansu Bhusana Nayak — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infections continue to pose major public health challenges in Odisha, India. Scrub typhus and anthrax are increasingly recognized as important zoonotic diseases affecting rural and tribal populations.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA-guided principles. Studies published between 2010 and 2025 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Forty eligible studies were included for qualitative synthesis.

Results: The review identified scrub typhus as an increasingly important cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illness, particularly during monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Anthrax remained endemic in livestock-dependent tribal regions. Major determinants of transmission included occupational exposure, environmental vulnerability, delayed healthcare-seeking behavior, inadequate diagnostic infrastructure, and fragmented surveillance systems.

Conclusion: Scrub typhus and anthrax remain significant zoonotic threats in Odisha. Strengthening integrated surveillance systems, decentralized diagnostics, livestock vaccination programs, and One Health-based interventions is essential for improving disease prevention and outbreak preparedness.

Cannabis and Immune Homeostasis: A Critical Narrative Review of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Cannabinoid-Induced Immunomodulation

Shantnu Singh Rathore, Ajay Amit, Megha Yadav, Diksha Kashyap, Blessi N. Uikey — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Cannabis sativa and its principal constituents, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), engage an endogenous lipid signalling network, the endocannabinoid system, that has emerged as a pervasive regulator of innate and adaptive immunity. Although the immunosuppressive properties of THC were first described experimentally several decades ago, the molecular pathways linking cannabinoid receptor engagement to specific immune cell fates, cytokine programmes, epigenetic states, and tissue-level outcomes have not been consolidated into a single critical synthesis that distinguishes well-supported mechanisms from preliminary or contradictory findings.

Purpose and Scope: This critical narrative review synthesises evidence on the molecular mechanisms through which phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoid receptor ligands, and endogenous cannabinoids influence immune cell development, activation, and effector function. Attention is given to receptor-dependent and receptor-independent pathways, epigenetic and microRNA-mediated regulation, mucosal and pulmonary immune consequences, and the clinical correlates of these mechanisms in autoimmune disease and infection susceptibility.

Approach: Evidence was drawn from peer-reviewed primary research, mechanistic reviews, and clinical trials identified through structured searching of general and subject-specific bibliographic and citation-indexing platforms, supplemented by backward and forward citation tracing and restricted to sources whose bibliographic identity and relevance to the cited claim could be verified.

Principal Findings: The evidence base supports a model in which cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) engagement on leukocytes constitutes the dominant, though not exclusive, route by which cannabinoids suppress lymphocyte proliferation, skew cytokine networks, induce apoptosis in activated T cells and dendritic cells, and mobilise myeloid-derived suppressor cells through epigenetically mediated mechanisms. Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) signalling contributes principally through neuro-immune circuits, while the atypical receptor GPR55 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) generate context-dependent, occasionally opposing, effects that complicate a simple anti-inflammatory narrative. CBD acts substantially through CB2-independent and PPARγ-dependent routes, with effects on macrophage polarisation and inflammasome activity that diverge mechanistically from those of THC. Confidence in these mechanisms is highest for rodent and in vitro human leukocyte systems and comparatively limited for chronic human exposure, where epidemiological and clinical trial evidence remains heterogeneous and often underpowered.

Conclusions and Implications: The molecular evidence positions the endocannabinoid system as a genuine node of immune homeostatic control rather than a uniformly immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory pathway. Reconciling laboratory mechanism with the modest and inconsistent clinical signal for infection risk and autoimmune disease modification requires dose-, route-, and context-sensitive research designs that are largely absent from the current literature.

Haemorrhoidal Disease Across the Care Continuum: A Critical Narrative Review of Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Clinical Classification and Evidence-based Management

Prajakta Udgave, Priya Patil, Shital Patil — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Haemorrhoidal disease is among the most frequently encountered anorectal conditions in general practice, gastroenterology and colorectal surgery, yet the field remains unusually resistant to the forms of evidential consolidation achieved in comparable benign surgical domains. This critical narrative review examines the state of knowledge across the full care continuum, from mechanistic accounts of disease initiation through diagnostic classification to the comparative performance of conservative, office-based, ablative and operative interventions. Literature was identified through structured searching of MEDLINE via PubMed, Crossref Metadata Search and Semantic Scholar, supplemented by targeted retrieval of individual trials, consensus documents and guidelines named within retrieved sources, with a final search date of 9 June 2026. The synthesis is organised around mechanisms, measurement and management rather than around individual studies. Three interlocking problems are identified. First, the dominant sliding-anal-cushion model, although anatomically coherent and now supported by genetic evidence implicating smooth muscle, epithelial and connective tissue biology, has limited power to explain why symptomatic disease develops in some individuals and not others, and it has generated few testable predictions relevant to treatment selection. Second, the Goligher classification continues to serve simultaneously as a descriptive scheme, an eligibility criterion and an outcome, despite documented interobserver variability and weak correspondence with symptom burden, and the validated symptom scores and patient-reported outcome measures developed to replace it have not yet been consistently adopted in comparative trials. Third, the comparative evidence base is extensive but structurally weak, with recurrence defined inconsistently, follow-up frequently truncated before the interval at which prolapse recurs, and newer energy-based and endovascular techniques supported largely by uncontrolled series. Recurring findings that appear robust include the efficacy of fibre supplementation for bleeding, the trade-off between procedural invasiveness and durability, and the higher long-term recurrence of stapled haemorrhoidopexy relative to excisional surgery. Priorities for research include outcome standardisation, mechanistic stratification of patients, and adequately powered randomised comparison of the newer minimally invasive techniques against established office-based treatment.

Analysis of Immune Response Mechanism of a Malaria-Autophagy & Immune Response Model

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a major public health problem. In addition to adaptive immune responses, autophagy has been recognised as a cellular mechanism that may contribute to the removal of infected cells and pathogens. This study develops a nonlinear within-host mathematical model, formulated as a system of ordinary differential equations, to examine malaria infection in the presence of autophagy and immune response. The model describes interactions among healthy red blood cells, infected red blood cells, free malaria parasites, autophagic activity and activated immune effector cells. It incorporates autophagy-mediated and immune-mediated clearance of infected erythrocytes and free parasites. Positivity, boundedness and the existence of a positively invariant region are established to confirm the biological feasibility of the model. The basic reproduction number is derived using the next-generation matrix approach, and the stability properties of the disease-free equilibrium are analysed. The disease-free equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number is less than unity, indicating that infection cannot be sustained under this threshold condition. When the threshold exceeds unity, parasite persistence may occur depending on the model parameters and initial conditions. The analysis suggests that autophagy can complement immune-mediated clearance after infection has been initiated, although it does not appear explicitly in the initial invasion threshold.

Tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance Trends in a Chest Hospital: A 3-Year Retrospective Study

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis warrants sustained monitoring of TB prevalence and rifampicin resistance to support disease control and patient management.

Aim: This study evaluated the trend in tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance among suspected patients attending a chest hospital over a three-year period (2023-2025).

Methodology: A retrospective descriptive hospital-based design was used. Laboratory records of suspected tuberculosis patients were reviewed, and only records with complete documented results were included. Extracted data included age, sex, tuberculosis test result and rifampicin resistance status detected using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, confidence intervals and Chi-square testing, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Complete records for 4,508 suspected tuberculosis patients were reviewed. Of these, 811 patients (18.0%; 95% CI: 16.3-20.1) tested positive for tuberculosis, while 3,697 (82.0%) tested negative. Yearly tuberculosis positivity was 18.0% in 2023, 17.7% in 2024 and 18.2% in 2025, indicating a relatively stable pattern across the study period. Males had a slightly higher positivity rate than females, but tuberculosis positivity was not significantly associated with sex (χ² = 0.48, p = 0.489). Among the tuberculosis-positive patients, 766 (94.5%) were rifampicin-susceptible, 33 (4.1%) had indeterminate rifampicin resistance and 12 (1.5%; 95% CI: 0.8-2.6) were rifampicin-resistant. Confirmed rifampicin resistance remained low and showed no marked annual increase.

Conclusion: Tuberculosis prevalence among suspected patients was stable during the three-year period, while confirmed rifampicin resistance was relatively low. Continued surveillance, timely diagnosis, treatment adherence and strengthened tuberculosis control remain important for limiting transmission and preventing further drug resistance.

Histomorphological Demonstration of Stromal Components in Palpable Female Breast Tumors, Counterstained with Annatto Seed Crude Extract

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Annatto seed, obtained from Bixa orellana, contains natural yellow-orange pigments that may be useful as biological staining agents.

Aims: This study evaluated the histomorphological demonstration of stromal components in palpable female breast tumours using crude annatto seed extracts as counterstains to haematoxylin.

Methods: A total of 100 female breast tissue blocks were examined, comprising fibroadenoma (40 blocks), fibrocystic change (30 blocks), and invasive ductal carcinoma (30 blocks). Dried annatto seeds were used for crude dye extraction. One hundred grams of seed material was extracted in 200 ml of each solvent, including 95% ethanol, 70% ethanol, distilled water, and acetone. Phytochemical assessment of the extract was performed. Tissue sections were stained using routine haematoxylin and eosin as the control method, while the annatto seed extracts were used as counterstains to Harris haematoxylin. Stained sections were evaluated photomicrographically for staining intensity, visibility of stromal components, and preservation of tissue architecture.

Results: The extracts produced varying colour intensity and staining performance. Acetone produced the highest colour yield and volume, followed by 95% ethanol, 70% ethanol, and distilled water. However, sections stained with acetone showed a yellowish background that reduced cellular clarity. Sections counterstained with 95% ethanolic extract showed clearer stromal visualisation and better preservation of tissue morphology across fibroadenoma, fibrocystic change, and invasive ductal carcinoma when compared with the other crude extracts. The appearance was closer to that observed in routine haematoxylin and eosin-stained control sections.

Conclusion: Crude annatto seed extract, particularly the 95% ethanolic preparation, demonstrated potential as a counterstain for stromal components in selected palpable female breast tumours. Further optimisation and quantitative validation are required before routine diagnostic use can be recommended.

Molecular Docking Study of Selected Phytoconstituents Against Human Diabetic Target Proteins

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Medicinal plants are widely explored as potential sources of antidiabetic agents because of their diverse phytochemical constituents and comparatively fewer side effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of selected phytoconstituents through molecular docking against diabetes-related target proteins. Phytoconstituents from Momordica charantia, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Syzygium cumini, and Gymnema sylvestre were selected based on their reported medicinal importance. Molecular docking studies were performed using PyRx and AutoDock Vina against alpha-glucosidase, PPAR-γ, and PPAR-δ receptors. Binding affinity, docking score, and ligand–protein interactions were analysed using BIOVIA Discovery Studio. Among the studied compounds, Momordicoside 1 demonstrated the highest binding affinity against alpha-glucosidase, with a docking score of −9.8 kcal/mol. Flavonoids such as Quercetin, Kaempferol, Catechin, Apigenin, and Genistein also exhibited strong and consistent interactions with all target proteins. ADMET analysis showed favourable pharmacokinetic properties for most flavonoids, indicating their suitability as potential drug candidates. The study suggests that these phytoconstituents have promising antidiabetic potential and may serve as lead compounds for future antidiabetic drug development. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to validate their therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Evaluation of Cytoplasmic and Stromal Components in Selected Skin Diseases with Annatto Seed-pigment Crude Extract as Counterstain

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Interest in natural dyes has increased because of their biodegradability, low toxicity, and widespread availability. Certain components of natural dyes, such as the polyphenols present in Bixa orellana (annatto), exhibit a high affinity for denatured and inflammatory proteins, a characteristic that enhances their binding to diseased tissues.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the cytoplasmic and stromal components of diseased skin tissues using crude annatto seed-pigment extract.

Study Design: This was an experimental study. Crude extracts prepared using 95% ethanol and acetone as solvents were compared with the conventional eosin counterstain. The extracts were applied to skin tissue sections with three established histopathological diagnoses: chronic granulomatous inflammation, lichen planus, and chronic spongiotic dermatitis.

Methodology: Pigment from Bixa orellana was extracted with 95% ethanol and acetone using the maceration method. One hundred grams of seeds were soaked in 200 mL of 95% ethanol, and another 100 g were soaked in 200 mL of acetone at 25 °C for 72 hours. A total of 90 archived skin tissue blocks were used: 30 each of chronic granulomatous inflammation, lichen planus, and chronic spongiotic dermatitis. The phytochemicals of interest were determined using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, and the stability of the extracts was evaluated. The extracts were used to stain the tissues and were compared with the standard eosin counterstain.

Results: Spectrophotometric screening revealed polyphenols (~67 mg/mL) and carotenoids (~27 mg/mL). Both extracts remained stable over eight weeks, with minor fluctuations in absorbance. The 95% ethanol extract consistently outperformed the acetone extract in cytoplasmic and stromal definition (P < 0.05). However, standard haematoxylin and eosin provided significantly superior nuclear clarity, contrast, and overall morphological preservation compared with both extracts (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study showed that annatto seed-pigment extract can demonstrate cytoplasmic and stromal components in selected diseased skin tissues when used with Mayer’s haematoxylin.

Occupational Hazards and Safety Practices among Primary Health Care Workers in Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: This study assessed occupational hazards and safety practices among primary health care (PHC) workers in Ikeja Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State, Nigeria, including knowledge of hazards, compliance practices, and safety resources within the facilities.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in 18 primary health care facilities in Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire and a facility safety audit checklist were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, hazard exposure, hazard knowledge, compliance, and facility safety. A census of 310 clinical PHC workers (doctors, nurses/midwives, community health workers/officers, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, and dentists) was conducted. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at P < .05.

Results: Biological hazard exposure was common: 81.6% of workers reported sharps exposure, 80.0% reported contact with infectious materials, 20.0% had experienced a needlestick injury, and 47.4% were not fully vaccinated against hepatitis B or were unsure of their vaccination status. Chemical exposure was reported by 85.5% of workers, chemical-related symptoms by 24.8%, and lack of or uncertainty about access to Safety Data Sheets by 65.2%. Musculoskeletal discomfort was reported by 85.2%, work-related stress by 57.7%, and workplace violence or harassment by 31.3%. Consistent personal protective equipment (PPE) use and incident reporting were reported by 50.3% and 33.2%, respectively, although 59.0% were aware of safety protocols. Written safety guidelines were reported by 41.6%, while 33.2% reported management enforcement. Knowledge of safety procedures was associated with compliance (P < .001); training was associated with PPE use (P = .002), and management enforcement was associated with PPE use (P < .001).

Conclusion: Exposure across multiple occupational hazard domains coexisted with inconsistent safety compliance among PHC workers in Ikeja LGA. The observed pattern suggests that organisational and resource limitations, in addition to individual knowledge gaps, affected safety practices. Multilevel interventions should strengthen training, the provision of protective equipment, supervision, and enforcement.

Spirometric Analysis of Bronchoprovocation among Capsicum annuum Vendors in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Occupational exposure to airborne irritants is a recognised risk factor for respiratory impairment. Capsicum annuum (commonly known as chilli pepper) vendors are frequently exposed to pepper powder, which may cause airway irritation and subclinical respiratory abnormalities. This study assessed the effect of chronic occupational exposure to Capsicum annuum powder on lung function and airway responsiveness among young adult vendors in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 80 adults aged 18–35 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants were divided into two groups: occupationally exposed Capsicum annuum vendors (Group I) and non-exposed individuals (Group II). Pulmonary function was assessed using a Vitalograph spirometer to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and FEV₁%. A histamine challenge test was administered using a nebuliser, and changes in FEV₁ were assessed after incremental histamine doses of 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg. Data were analysed using t-tests and presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Pulmonary function parameters decreased significantly (p < 0.001) following histamine exposure in the test group. After administration of 1.0 mg histamine, FVC, FEV₁, PEFR, and FEV₁% decreased to 2.98 ± 0.03 L, 1.94 ± 0.05 L, 205.76 ± 2.26 L/min, and 65.09 ± 1.30%, respectively. These changes indicate increased airway sensitivity and bronchial responsiveness. However, the reported correlation analyses did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between exposure duration and the spirometric indices. Regular occupational exposure to Capsicum annuum powder may therefore be associated with measurable changes in lung function and airway reactivity. These effects may occur without clinically apparent respiratory symptoms, highlighting the importance of appropriate protective measures, routine respiratory health screening, and occupational health awareness among pepper vendors.

Pulmonary and Inflammatory Health Effects of Long-term Gypsum Dust Exposure: A Comparative Study in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Airborne particulate matter (PM) poses significant health risks to individuals exposed to occupational and environmental pollutants, such as calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O), particularly affecting the respiratory system. This study assessed the effects of long-term inhalation of CaSO₄·2H₂O dust on lung function and inflammatory biomarkers among exposed individuals in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 80 adult participants were enrolled and assigned to two groups. Exposed individuals were assigned to Group I, whereas non-exposed individuals were assigned to Group II. Pulmonary function was assessed using a Vitalograph, while ELISA kits were used to assess inflammation. The exposed group showed decreases in key pulmonary parameters, such as FEV₁, FEV₁%, and PEFR, compared with the control group. Conversely, respiratory rate and minute volume were elevated in the exposed group relative to the controls. Inflammatory biomarker levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) in the exposed group compared with the controls. Significant increases were observed in FVC, respiratory rate, and minute ventilation, suggesting compensatory respiratory mechanisms. Serum levels of CRP and IL-6 were significantly elevated in the exposed group, confirming the presence of systemic inflammation associated with dust inhalation. The exposed group showed decreases in key pulmonary parameters compared with the control group. These findings indicate that chronic exposure to calcium sulfate dihydrate dust is associated with reduced lung function and an obstructive respiratory pattern. This was reflected in reduced spirometric volumes. The findings of this study indicate that chronic exposure to calcium sulfate dihydrate dust is associated with reduced lung function and an obstructive respiratory pattern. These outcomes emphasise the need for effective dust-control measures, the use of personal protective equipment, and regular medical monitoring of workers in dust-prone environments to prevent long-term respiratory complications.

Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Medication Practices among Adults in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State: Implications for Public Health Intervention

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Self-medication is a major global public health concern and is increasingly prevalent in developing countries such as Nigeria because of poverty, limited access to healthcare services, high treatment costs, and the ready availability of medicines without prescription. Despite the potential health risks associated with self-medication, including adverse drug reactions, incorrect diagnosis, treatment failure, and antimicrobial resistance, the practice remains widespread among adults.

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and determinants of self-medication practices among adults in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State and their implications for public health intervention.

Methods: A total of 400 participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. The target population comprised adult residents of Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State who were aged 18 years and above and represented diverse socio-economic, educational, and occupational backgrounds. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to residents across selected areas within the Local Government Area. Of these, 370 questionnaires were duly completed and returned, representing a response rate of 92.5%, while 30 were not returned. The analysis was therefore based on the 370 valid questionnaires retrieved.

Results: The findings revealed a high prevalence of self-medication among respondents, with antibiotics, analgesics, antimalarials, and cough remedies being the most commonly used medicines. The chi-square analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in respondents’ views regarding access to healthcare facilities (χ² = 6.76, df = 1, p < 0.05). This result implies that difficulty in accessing healthcare services significantly influenced self-medication practices among respondents in Kaduna North Local Government Area. Financial constraints, difficulty in accessing healthcare facilities, and social influence from family and friends were also identified as significant determinants. In addition, a considerable proportion of respondents reported adverse drug reactions and inconsistent completion of medication dosages. Although awareness of the risks associated with self-medication was relatively high, the practice remained common among respondents.

Conclusion: The study concluded that self-medication constitutes a significant public health challenge in Kaduna North Local Government Area and is driven by a combination of economic, social, and healthcare-access factors. The study recommends strengthening the regulation of medicine sales, improving access to affordable healthcare services, intensifying public health education campaigns, promoting health literacy, and implementing community-based intervention programmes to reduce unsafe self-medication practices.

Toxicological and Nutritional Characterization of Hydro-methanolic Carica papaya Leaf Extract in Wistar Rats

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Carica papaya (C. papaya Linn) is a medicinal plant that is well researched and documented for its many pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it is also believed to be rich in essential minerals, nutrients and food substances. In this study, the Maximum Tolerable Dose of the hydro-methanolic leaf extracts, selected mineral elements, selected heavy metals, total, essential and non-essential amino acids, and the proximate composition of the leaves of Carica papaya were determined. The leaves were harvested in triplicate from three (3) different farms in Rumuekini, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, West Africa, and the plant leaves were identified in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Maximum Tolerable Dose (MTD) procedure used a staged acute-toxicity approach adapted from Chinedu et al. (2013), with reference to Lorke (1983) and OECD Test Guideline 425 (OECD, 2022). The hydro-methanolic leaf extraction was performed using the Soxhlet method according to the standard method described by Sofowora (1981). Selected mineral elements (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Selenium, Calcium & Copper) and heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, Chromium, Aluminum, Arsenic & Mercury) in the leaves of C. papaya were assessed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), Agilent FS 240 AA. The total, essential and non-essential amino acids were determined using Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection (GCFID), Agilent 6890 technologies. The proximate analysis was performed using the AOAC method. The mineral element, heavy metal, amino acid and proximate analyses were performed on leaves harvested from the three (3) farms. The results revealed that the MTD for the hydro-methanolic leaf extracts of C. papaya was 5,000 mg/kg b. wt. Among the mineral elements in C. papaya, Sodium (10.68 ± 0.62 ppm) was the most concentrated; other elements included Calcium (8.23 ± 0.14 ppm), Potassium (6.95 ± 0.18 ppm) and Magnesium (6.27 ± 0.14 ppm). The heavy metal composition of the leaves of C. papaya included Lead (0.11 ± 0.00 ppm), Arsenic (0.07 ± 0.00 ppm) and Cadmium (0.02 ± 0.00 ppm). The heavy metals determined were within WHO permissible limits. The amino acid analysis revealed a total amino acid level of 78.29 ± 1.18 mg/kg; other amino acid fractions included Serine (11.50 ± 0.06 mg/kg) and Threonine (10.15 ± 0.06 mg/kg). The proximate analysis revealed Carbohydrate (41.39 ± 1.18%), Protein (24.78 ± 0.96%), Crude Fiber (14.74 ± 0.46%) and Crude fat (7.26 ± 0.28%). Hence, the leaves of Carica papaya were non-toxic, safe and non-lethal at 5,000 mg/kg b. wt. The heavy metals were within WHO acceptable limits, and the leaves were a rich source of mineral elements, amino acids (Essential and Non-Essential), and stable food materials (Carbohydrates, Proteins, etc.). Therefore, Carica papaya leaves could be incorporated as a drug, supplement or nutraceutical for human and mammalian use.