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Item Aloe ferox, Agathosma betulina, and Bulbine frutescens extracts show antifungal activity at concentrations favourable to the proliferation of epidermal cells(Elsevier GmbH, 2025) Ndlovu, Banele; Klaasen, Jeremy; Abrantes, Pedro; Africa, Charlene; Fisher (née Rahiman), FarzanaIntroduction: The increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance presents an enormous challenge to healthcare professionals. The adverse effects and resistance of current antifungal drugs have prompted the need for alternate antifungal therapy in the form of natural products. Although anecdotal reports have suggested that Aloe ferox, Agathosma betulina, and Bulbine frutescens have been used to successfully treat fungal skin infections, little scientific evidence is available to validate these claims. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the concentrations of A ferox, A betulina, and B frutescens hydroethanolic extracts showing antifungal activity against skin-related Candida species are cytotoxic to normal human epidermal cells. Methods: Crystal violet and lactate dehydrogenase assays were employed to determine cell viability and cytotoxicity on the human epidermal cells. Broth microdilutions were performed to evaluate the susceptibility of Candida species to plant extracts. Results: Candida spp. inhibition was observed at a concentration of 200 µg/ml, while optimum extract concentrations for cell proliferation ranged between 200 and 400 µg/ml for B frutescens and 200 µg/ml for A ferox and A betulina. This suggests that these plants could prove to be effective as antifungal agents at a dosage of 200 µg/ml while still supporting the growth of epidermal cells at the same concentration, which is an important process in maintaining healthy skin. Conclusions: These findings from this study lay a foundation for further studies confirming the applicability of these medicinal plants as safe alternative antifungal treatments that promote skin cell proliferation, regeneration, and enhance tissue repair.Item Association of platelet to albumin ratio with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease based on the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2017–2018(Nature Research, 2025) Fisher, David; Xie, Jiao; He, QingliuThe prevalence and incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are significantly increasing globally, but the index of non-invasive disease is limited. Platelet-albumin ratio(PAR) is a non-invasive biomarker of inflammation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PAR and MASLD. This population-based cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed data extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) database from 2017 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between PAR and MASLD in different models. Model I was unadjusted, model II adjusted for race, sex and age, and model III was adjusted based on model II plus smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes. Further subgroup analysis was carried out according to sex, age, hypertension and diabetes status. The study involved 3287 participants, of whom 873 (26.5%) were diagnosed with MASLD. The PAR level in MASLD group was significantly higher than non-MASLD group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that high PAR level was an independent risk factor for MASLD (OR = 2.58, 95%CI: 1.26–5.27, P = 0.03), which adjusted for sex, age, race, smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes.The same results were observed in multiple subgroups of further subgroup analysis, and it can effectively predict the risk of MASLD (AUC = 0.842, 95% CI: 0.826–0.859). In conclusion, the new biomarker PAR shows a positive correlation with the risk of MASLD in the population, and can be used as a biomarker of MASLD to help clinicians identify people at high risk of MASLD.Item Exposure profiles to Benzophenones and their impacts on thyroid hormones in pregnant women(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Ralf, Henkel; Abderrezak, Khelfi; Houyam, AskoufesPurpose: Benzophenones are ubiquitous compounds widely used in various industrial and consumer products including sunscreens, plastics, and personal care items. Their presence as emerging pollutants has raised concerns due to their potential adverse health effects, particularly as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The aim of this study was to identify exposure profiles to Benzophenones in pregnant women living in Algiers and to explore associations between urinary levels of these compounds and disruptions of thyroid hormones levels during pregnancy. Methods: This study was carried out on 384 pregnant women. After gathering necessary information using a questionnaire, blood and urine samples were collected. Thyroid hormones (TSH, FT3, and FT4) were measured by electrochemiluminescence while Benzophenones (BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3) were detected by LC-MS/MS. Results: BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3 were detected in 91.9%, 56.5%, and 88.3% of the analyzed samples, respectively. Mean concentrations were 2.250, 0.178, and 2.067 µg/g creatinine for BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3, respectively. Significant negative associations were found between plasma levels of FT3 and urinary concentrations of both BP-1 (β = -0.101) and BP-3 (β = -0.110). Moreover, significant positive associations were recorded between urinary concentrations of both BP-1 and BP-3 and the application of makeup. Conclusion: In conclusion, exposure of pregnant women to Benzophenones may affect levels of thyroid hormones resulting in possible adverse health effects on the mother and the development of the child. Therefore, preventive measures limiting exposure to these EDCs are recommended.Item IGFBP3-mediated effects of an effective combination therapy on HCC(Nature Research, 2025) Fisher, David; Chen, Lin; Zhao, LeiAs all known, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of cases of liver cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer mortality globally. Moreover, HCC is always accompanied with HBV infection. Here, we used CMAP, a systematic approach for the discovery of functional connections among diseases and drug actions, to identify quercetin as an effective compound to potentially treat HCC. Furthermore, we proved the inhibitory effects of quercetin on HCC cells, shown as decreased cell viability in HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells. In addition, quercetin disturbed the migration of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, quercetin treatments effectively elevated the activities of caspase-3 as well as caspase-9 and increased the Bax expression in HCC cells accompanied with decreased levels of p53 and BCL-2, indicating an enhancement of apoptosis induced by quercetin. Notably, quercetin depressed the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, GST, GPx and CAT, leading to an increase of ROS accumulation. Additionally, quercetin also exhibited an obvious inhibition of tumor growth of HCC in vivo. Through RNA-seq, results showed that genes related to regulation of cell proliferations were enriched, in which IGFBP3 played a critical role in mediating the effects of quercetin on HCC cells by reducing PI3K-mTOR activation. After silencing IGFBP3 in HCCLM3 cells, quercetin exhibited weaken effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Notably, IGFBP3 promotor strengthened the suppressed effects induced by single quercetin administration, indicating a potential drug combination for treatments of HCC. Collectively, this study clarified a novel mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of quercetin on HCC, providing a potential approach for HCC treatment in clinic.Item Carotid intima–media thickness and endothelial function in adolescents exposed to alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking in utero: a mediation analysis(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025) Hartel, Tammy; Oelofse, André; De Smidt, JuléyBackground: Previous studies have shown the effects of teratogen exposure in utero on the vascular system, but its direct and indirect effects are still questionable. Therefore, this study explored the effects of potential mediators of teratogen exposure on carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Methods: This study was conducted between January 2022 and August 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, and included 307 adolescents (aged 10–14) and their mothers. Anthropometry data, lipid profiles, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), physical activity and maternal health behaviours were obtained. Vascular measurements (left and right cIMT and brachial artery FMD) were obtained via ultrasound, which included analysing the peak artery diameter separately. Statistical analyses were performed via SPSS® version 29, and mediation analyses were conducted via PROCESS Macros. Results: The cohort included a control group (n = 105), tobacco-exposed individuals (n = 115), dual-exposed individuals (tobacco and alcohol) (n = 73), and alcohol-exposed individuals (n = 14). A significant positive correlation was observed between alcohol exposure duration and LcIMT (rho = 0.531, p < 0.05), and a strong negative correlation was observed with peak diameter (rho=-0.788, p < 0.001), with a very strong correlation in males (r=-0.894, p < 0.05). The duration of alcohol exposure significantly affected LcIMT (p = 0.0468) after adjusting for body mass index (BMI), SBP and DBP. However, brachial artery (BA) peak diameter was not significantly associated with the duration of alcohol consumption during pregnancy after the adjustment for age, SBP or BA baseline diameter. Conclusion: Increased BMI and SBP may contribute to a reduced peak diameter in adolescents exposed to alcohol, potentially indicating lower FMD in adulthood. Further studies should elucidate the biological mechanisms involved through long-term prospective studies.Item Protective effects of Aspalathus linearis against oxidative stress in human spermatozoa: Comparison with ascorbic acid(Elsevier, 2025) Takalani Ndivhuho Beauty; Monsees Thomas Klaus; Henkel Ralf; Opuwari Chinyerum SylviaAspalathus linearis extracts protect human spermatozoa from oxidative stress in vitro. Rooibos extracts reduce oxidation-reduction potential induced by cumene hydroperoxide. Rooibos shows comparable or superior antioxidant effects to ascorbic acid. Treatment preserves sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial function, and DNA integrity. Oxidative stress is a major contributor to male infertility due to its detrimental effects on sperm function. This study determined the antioxidant potential of fermented and unfermented rooibos extracts compared to ascorbic acid in protecting human spermatozoa from oxidative damage induced by cumene hydroperoxide. Semen samples from 25 healthy donors were processed and exposed to 100 µM cumene hydroperoxide, with treatment groups receiving varying concentrations of rooibos extracts or ascorbic acid. Sperm parameters, including motility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, were assessed after 60 and 120 minutes. Human tubular fluid supplemented with bovine serum albumin was used as a negative control, while cumene hydroperoxide alone served as the positive control. Both rooibos extracts and ascorbic acid significantly reduced oxidative stress, measured by static oxidation-reduction potential, compared to the positive control (p < 0.0001). Treatment improved sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial function, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, while decreasing DNA fragmentation and reactive oxygen species levels (p < 0.05). Rooibos exhibited antioxidant effects comparable to ascorbic acid. Aspalathus linearis extracts effectively protect human spermatozoa against oxidative damage and preserve essential functional parameters, supporting their potential use as natural antioxidants in male fertility management.Item An outbreak of measles in Iraq(University of Anbar, 2024) Al-Ani, Raid; Abdul-Rasool, SaharMeasles is a highly contagious illness which can be prevented by a vaccine. It needs to be interrupted from transmission through population based immunity. The causative agent (measles virus) is a negative strand ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus. Measles is considered a serious public health problem because its causative virus is transmitted through droplets or aerosols, can induce systemic infection, and suppress the immune response even following a long period of getting the infection. The standard vaccination of children against measles is through attaining a two-dose immunization schedule, as a single dose can only provide 15% immunity. It is necessary to reach and maintain 95% of the population immunization against measles. Despite the presence of an effective and safe attenuated live virus vaccine, measles is still considered a dangerous disease worldwide resulting in the death of 136,000 (mostly children) in the year 2022. Measles outbreaks are suspected and should be declared when the number of cases reported in a region exceeds the usual number of cases. The increment rate of reported measles cases and deaths from this illness in 2022 is 18% and 43% respectively, in comparison with the year 2021 across the globe.Item Corilagin alleviates atherosclerosis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the Olfr2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo(Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Mao, Jinqian; Fisher, DavidIntroduction: Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of global cardiovascular mortality, is characterized by chronic inflammation. Central to this process is the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which significantly influences atherosclerotic progression. Recent research has identified that the olfactory receptor 2 (Olfr2) in vascular macrophages is instrumental in driving atherosclerosis through NLRP3- dependent IL-1 production. Methods: To investigate the effects of corilagin, noted for its anti-inflammatory attributes, on atherosclerotic development and the Olfr2 signaling pathway, our study employed an atherosclerosis model in ApoE−/− mice, fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, alongside cellular models in Ana-1 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages, stimulated with lipopolysaccharides and oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Results: The vivo and vitro experiments indicated that corilagin could effectively reduce serum lipid levels, alleviate aortic pathological changes, and decrease intimal lipid deposition. Additionally, as results showed, corilagin was able to cut down expressions of molecules associated with the Olfr2 signaling pathway. Discussion: Our findings indicated that corilagin effectively inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, consequently diminishing inflammation, macrophage polarization, and pyroptosis in the mouse aorta and cellular models via the Olfr2 pathway. This suggests a novel therapeutic mechanism of corilagin in the treatment of atherosclerosis.Item The effect of garcinia livingstonei aqueous leaf extract on hyperglycaemic-induced human sperm cell: An in-vitro study(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Opuwari, Chinyerum Sylvia; Nethengwe, Murendeni; Okaiyeto, KunleHyperglycaemia is the main instigator of the development of male infertility in men with diabetes mellitus (DM). The consequent production of excessive reactive oxidative species (ROS) and a compromised antioxidant defence system leads to testicular damage and a decline in sperm parameters. Supplementation with antioxidants sourced from medicinal plants is beneficial in the treatment of DM-related male infertility. However, a search for more efficacious and easily accessibly medicinal plants is paramount. Garcinia livingstonei is a well-known and accessible medicinal plant used in traditional practices for the treatment of diabetic complications. However, very scarce information on the plant extract's potential benefits exists in the literature. The current study investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of G. livingstonei on hyperglycaemic human male sperm cell parameters. Hyperglycaemia was induced using sperm media supplemented with 100 mM D-glucose over 24 h. Hyperglycaemia induction led to a significant (P<0.05) decline in sperm motility, vitality, DNA integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and acrosome integrity. The effect of the plant extract on spermatozoa was concentration-dependent, with the lowest concentration demonstrating the highest protective effects. A significant (P<0.05) improvement in all tested sperm parameters was observed after exposure of the hyperglycaemic spermatozoa to aqueous leaf extract of G. livingstonei. The effect of acarbose on all tested sperm parameters was comparable to that of the plant extract. The findings of this study suggest the potential therapeutic effect of G. livingstonei in the treatment of DM-related male infertility. However, the use of an appropriate dosage depending on the pathological target is paramount.Item An evaluation of the potential radiosensitization effect of spherical gold nanoparticles to induce cellular damage using different radiation qualities(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Engelbrecht-Roberts, Monique; de Kock, Maryna; Miles, XantheneGlobal disparities in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment demand a unified international effort to reduce the disease’s burden and improve outcomes. Despite advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, many tumors remain resistant to these treatments. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown promise as radiosensitizers, enhancing the effectiveness of low-energy X-rays by emitting Auger electrons that cause localized cellular damage. In this study, spherical AuNPs of 5 nm and 10 nm were characterized and tested on various cell lines, including malignant breast cells (MCF-7), non-malignant cells (CHO-K1 and MCF-10A), and human lymphocytes. Cells were treated with AuNPs and irradiated with attenuated 6 megavoltage (MV) X-rays or p(66)/Be neutron radiation to assess DNA double-strand break (DSB) damage, cell viability, and cell cycle progression. The combination of AuNPs and neutron radiation induced higher levels of γ-H2AX foci and micronucleus formation compared to treatments with AuNPs or X-ray radiation alone. AuNPs alone reduced cellular kinetics and increased the accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase, suggesting a block of cell cycle progression. For cell proliferation, significant effects were only observed at the concentration of 50 μg/mL of AuNPs, while lower concentrations had no inhibitory effect. Further research is needed to quantify internalized AuNPs and correlate their concentration with the observed cellular effects to unravel the biological mechanisms of their radioenhancement.Item The role of hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation in diabetes-related male infertility: therapeutic properties of medicinal plants(Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, 2025) Opuwari, Chinyerum S.; Nethengwe, Murendeni; Okaiyeto, Kunle; Oguntibeju, Oluwafemi O.The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to rise at an alarming rate. DM leads to a decline in male reproductive function. Hyperglycaemia is an instigator of both oxidative stress and inflammation in the male reproductive system. The presence of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory markers in the semen of diabetic individuals results in the decline of sperm parameters. Despite ongoing advancements in the treatment of DM with conventional drugs, concern about treatment costs and side effects is high. Scientific research focus has therefore shifted to investigating naturally occurring safer, cheaper, and more effective treatments. This review outlined the link between hyperglycaemia and diabetic complications, and the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the development of male infertility. We also reviewed the effects of phytochemicals in medicinal plants in treating DM-related male infertility. This review concluded that oxidative stress and inflammation are instigators of the decline in sperm parameters in diabetic conditions. The administration of medicinal plant extracts with hypoglycaemic, anti-diabetic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties can potentially restore diabetic-related male reproductive dysfunction.Item Sex differences in adiposity and hemodynamic parameters as cardiovascular risk indicators among South African university staff: a descriptive cross-sectional study(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025) Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara; Gogoba, Sibusiso; Olojede, Samuel OluwaseunBackground: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, with their prevalence continuing to rise each year. Adiposity indexes and hemodynamic parameters have been established as effective predictors of CVDs when analysed separately. However, the impact of sex differences on the distribution and combined use of these predictors remains largely unexplored, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in the distribution of adiposity indexes (AI) and hemodynamic parameters (HP), as well as their associated indicators of cardiovascular diseases risks among staff members at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study was conducted on 100 healthy adults (50 males, 50 females) aged 18–65 years. AI were assessed using a stadiometer, body composition monitor, and tape measure, while HP were measured with a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer. Results: The study’s findings revealed that mean values for AI, including height, visceral adiposity index, and waist circumference, were higher in males compared to females, while weight, body mass index, and hip circumference were greater in females. Additionally, the study indicated that mean values for HP, such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, were elevated in males, whereas pulse pressure was higher in females. Notably, heart rate was consistent across both sexes. Conclusion: This study provides useful information about the sex-based patterns of adiposity indices and hemodynamic distribution among selected South African populationsItem Does cooling affect skeletal muscle glycogen replenishment after an acute bout of fear-induced exertional hyperthermia in blesbok (damaliscus pygargus phillipsi)?(Elsevier Inc., 2025) Kohn, Tertius; Martin, Mahmooda; van Boom, KathrynRhabdomyolyses is a clinical sign of capture myopathy in wild animals and may be linked to glycogen metabolism. To study potential mechanisms, 26 wild blesbok were chased for 15 min and immobilised, whereafter 12 of these blesbok were doused with ice-water (n = 14 chased only group; n = 12 chased + cooled group). An additional 12 blesbok served as resting (not chased) uncooled controls. Vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained after immobilisation for biochemical analyses. Biopsies obtained at initial capture, 3- and 16-days post exercise were analysed for glycogen content. Blesbok muscles contained predominantly myosin heavy chain (MHC) IIA (∼50 ± 9 %), followed by IIX (32 ± 10 %) and MHC I (18 ± 5 %), with no difference between groups. Citrate synthase (mean: 87 ± 48), 3-hydroxyacetyl co A dehydrogenase (47 ± 17), lactate dehydrogenase (1567 ± 654), phosphorylase (162 ± 94), phosphofructokinase (250 ± 123) and creatine kinase (12,455 ± 6372) activities (in μmol/min/g prot) were not different between groups. Similarly, superoxide dismutase (7.9 ± 7 U/mg prot), catalase (8.8 ± 5.8 mmol/min/g prot), and overall antioxidant capacity (ORAC: 23055 ± 18,460 μmol/g prot) were not different between groups. Glycogen content was reduced in both chased groups and not replenished by day 3. Glycogen supercompensation was observed on day 16 in both chased groups (∼33 % higher than resting control group). The results confirm that blesbok have high muscle metabolic capacities, and that glycogen resynthesis is slow, which could lead to metabolite deficiency during prolonged chase events (>15 min).Item Racial differences in male fertility parameters in 2,996 men examined for infertility in a single center(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Henkel, Ralf; Elbardisi, Haitham; Majzoub, AhmadObjectives: Several studies have demonstrated racial variations in various diagnostic clinical parameters in different fields of medicine including andrology. Yet, clinical andrological diagnostic is following the lower reference values recommended by the World Health Organization irrespective of the racial descent of men. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate racial differences in hormonal and semen parameters including sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and seminal oxidative stress in a large group of patients from Sub-Saharan, Caucasian, Central/South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African, and Southeast Asian descent. Methods: In a total of 2,996 infertile men, testis volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, total and progressive motility, normal morphology, sperm vitality, SDF, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and standard hormones were determined and compared. Results: Significant racial differences for various parameters including the incidence of normal ranges values in the racial groups were found. The highest mean sperm concentration had men of Central/South Asian descent (median: 38.0 × 106/mL) while Southeast Asian men had the lowest (median: 22.0 × 106/mL; p < 0.0001). The highest total sperm motility (median: 55.0%) was observed in Caucasian, Central/South Asian, and Southeast Asian men, while Sub-Saharan African men had the lowest (median: 45.0%; p < 0.0001). For SDF, Caucasian men had the lowest sperm DNA fragmentation (median: 16.0%) and ORP values (median: 1.3 mV/106 sperm/mL) as compared to Central/South Asian men (median: 28.0%; p = 0.0263) and Southeast Asian men (median: 2.4 mV/106 sperm/mL; p = 0.0045), respectively. Conclusions: Our results show not only significant racial differences for many of the parameters investigated but also for the incidence of normal values. Therefore, it might be prudent to revisit the concept of globally standardized reference values for all men. Yet, as a limitation, the small number (53) of Caucasian men needs to be mentioned. Larger studies that include functional sperm parameters need to be conducted.Item Analyzing free fatty acids in seminal plasma from asthenozoospermia patients undergoing antioxidant therapy(SBRA - Associação Brasileira de Reprodução Assistida (Brazilian Society of Assisted Reproduction), 2025) Henkel, Ralf; Amirjannati, Naser; Asl, Mahdieh AghabalazadehObjective: Different aspects of the functions of free fatty acid (FFA) in seminal plasma and their implications on male fertility are known. However, the profile of FFA in seminal plasma in asthenozoospermic patients following antioxidant therapy has not been studied. Methods: In this case-control study, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and FFA profile of the seminal plasma were determined in 80 patients (29 normozoospermic volunteers and 51 asthenozoospermic men) who were treated with antioxidants for three months. Results: The TAC level in normozoospermic men was significantly higher than in asthenozoospermic men before and after antioxidant therapy with even lower values after the treatment (p=0.0001). The most abundant identified FFAs in seminal plasma were palmitic acid, vaccenic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, stearic acid, and myristoleic acid. Palmitic acid was lower in asthenozoospermic patients (p=0.0001), and antioxidant treatment restored its level to near-control levels. Compared to normozoospermic controls, the level of eicosatrienoic acid is significantly lower in asthenozoospermia patients before (p=0.01) and after treatment (p=0.0001). Additionally, following oral antioxidant supplementation, the FFA pattern in asthenozoospermic patients changes to the pattern observed in normozoospermic men. However, these changes are not statistically significant. Conclusions: The TAC level in asthenozoospermic patients after antioxidant treatment did not change to the levels in the control group; it even dropped to a lower level following three months of treatment. Antioxidant treatment can change the level of the FFA compositions of seminal plasmaItem Elemental analysis of nail clippings retrieved from farmers using x-ray fluorescence spectrometry(Korea Society of Analytical Science, 2025) Mars, Johan André; Eisa, Mohamed E.M.; Ali, Mamed D.M.Nails are considered suitable biological materials for diagnosing diseases and biomonitoring for human exposure to metals by measuring trace elements levels. Human fingernail samples were collected from volunteers from the Gezira region, Sudan, samples were measured and studied for their elemental content using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method, and the data was analysed by PyMca software and SPSS statistical analysis. The data analysis revealed very high concentrations of toxic elements such as Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Sr, As, and Se. A comparison was made with published data from different populations. The goal of the current investigation was to evaluate the levels and patterns of trace and toxic elements in the fingernails. Differences and variations in concentrations for the samples were investigated and discussed.Item Cytotoxicity of methamphetamine exposure on sertoli cells: a pilot study with implications for male infertility(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Fisher, David; Zabida, Omar; Abdul-Rasool, Sahar; Willemse, ChontrelleMethamphetamine (Meth), a psychoactive drug, has been shown to reduce testicular weight and decrease sperm count, indicating its potential role in contributing to male infertility. We therefore assessed Meth’s effects (0.1–100 μM) on TM4 Sertoli cell viability, toxicity, and proliferation (trypan blue exclusion assay), mitochondrial activity (MA) (XTT assay), while transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was used to examine monolayer permeability. The acute study (only 24-hour Meth exposure) mimics recreational users and the chronic study, the Meth addicts who require daily doses (24–96 hours). Acute Meth treatment had minimal impact on TM4 Sertoli cell viability and toxicity, while chronic exposure resulted in reduced cell viability and increased toxicity in a dose-related manner. Acute exposure suppressed cell division at 72 hours, while chronic exposure suppressed cell division at both 72 and 96 hours. Long-term suppression of MA was observed for both acute and chronic Meth exposure (20 µM and 100 µM). Both acute and chronic Meth exposure affected permeability across the blood–testis barrier (BTB), which persisted for up to 96 hours. Given the pivotal role of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis, our findings provide a two-pronged mechanism for Meth-induced male infertility and indicate that short-term exposure may have long-term effects on the germinal epithelium. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Item Agent in urgent need of clinical practice: corilagin(Bentham Science Publishers, 2023) Wang, Xuejia; Fisher, David; Pronyuk, KhrystynaCorilagin is a naturally occurring water-soluble retrogallic acid tannin, which can be ex-tracted from many kinds of plants. Known at present, it is the main effective ingredient of Phyllanthus urinaria L., Geranium wilfordii Maxim., Phyllanthus matsumurae Hayata, and Trifolium repens L. It also exists in Phyllanthus emblica L., Dimocarpus longan Lour., Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch., and Terminalia chebula Retz. It can participate in a variety of signaling pathways in vivo and has multiple biological activities, including antitumor, anti-microbial, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, hepa-toprotective, anti-allergy, anti-proliferation and so on. Given the limited efficacy of first-line treatments for many diseases such as oncology, chronic liver disease, and rheumatic immune system dis-eases, and the potential for adverse effects to outweigh the therapeutic effects, attention is being fo-cused on alternative treatments, and natural plant extracts are a natural target for alternative treat-ments, as natural substances tend to have low toxicity to normal tissues. Some proprietary Chinese medicines containing corilagin have been used in clinical applications, being clinically applied to treat chronic liver disease, viral hepatitis B, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. This paper reviews the extraction, determination, distribution and harvesting, pharmacokinetics, biological activity, safety assessment of corilagin and its application in clinical practice.Item Shaping the future rural healthcare landgeape: perspectives of young healtheare professionals(James Cook University, 2024) Takalani, Ndivhuho Beauty; Couper, Ian; Lediga, Manoko Innocentia; Floss, MayaraIntroduction: Rural communities continue to struggle to access quality healthcare services. Even in countries where the majority of the population live in rural and remote areas, resources are concentrated in big cities, and this is continuing. As a result, countries with the highest proportion of rural residents correlate with the poorest access, which has negative implications for the health and wellbeing of people. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have been identified as key informants in the construction and implementation of policies aimed at addressing rural health issues. We sought to understand the perspectives of young HCPs, representing the potential future rural workforce, regarding the future of rural health care. Methods: An interpretivist paradigm was adopted for the study. Data were collected in two phases over Zoom using semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Participants included selected HCPs who are members of Rural Seeds, which is a global movement for young HCPs. A total of 11 exploratory interviews and six FGDs were conducted. The 11 interviewees consisted of medical doctors and medical students from 10 countries classified at different levels of development by the WHO. The six FGDs ranged from three to nine participants, and they included medical doctors and medical students, nurses and rehabilitation therapists. Participants came from South Asia, Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe, and South America. Both interviews and FGDs were conducted in English, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed utilising thematic analysis. Results: Similar themes were identified across both individual interviews and FGDs. The state of rural health care was perceived to be problematic by all the participants. Access to care, lack of equity and multiple socioeconomic challenges, particularly in relation to living conditions, human resources and infrastructure, were seen as the most significant issues in rural health care. Several ideas for addressing rural health issues, with examples, were proposed by the young HCPs from their perspectives as frontline healthcare providers. They particularly recognised the importance of addressing the local socioeconomic and developmental needs of rural communities, and the needs of present and future HCPs. Conclusion: Young health professionals from across the world interested in a rural career have common concerns about the state of rural health in their countries and constructive insights into how these can be addressed. They suggest effective solutions that must include listening to their voicesItem Distinct phenotype of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 in human primary cells but no increased host range in cell lines of putative mammalian reservoir species(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Essaidi-Laziosi, Manel; Suliman, Tasnim; Pérez-Rodríguez, Francisco J.SARS-CoV-2′s genetic plasticity has led to several variants of concern (VOCs). Here we studied replicative capacity for seven SARS-CoV-2 isolates (B.1, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Zeta, and Omicron BA.1) in primary reconstituted airway epithelia (HAE) and lung-derived cell lines. Furthermore, to investigate the host range of Delta and Omicron compared to ancestral SARS-CoV-2, we assessed replication in 17 cell lines from 11 non-primate mammalian species, including bats, rodents, insectivores and carnivores. Only Omicron's phenotype differed in vitro, with rapid but short replication and efficient production of infectious virus in nasal HAEs, in contrast to other VOCs, but not in lung cell lines. No increased infection efficiency for other species was observed, but Delta and Omicron infection efficiency was increased in A549 cells. Notably replication in A549 and Calu3 cells was lower than in nasal HAE. Our results suggest better adaptation of VOCs towards humans, without an extended host range, and may be relevant to the search for the putative intermediate host and reservoirs prior to the pandemic.