Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

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2026-09-09T02:44:15+08:00

It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome you to the Volume 11, Issue 4, 2026 of the Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute this editorial message to a journal that continues to provide an important platform for the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the advancement of pharmaceutical and health-related research.

Pharmaceutical sciences are continuously evolving in response to the growing complexity of healthcare challenges. Advances in clinical pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, drug development, pharmacology, medication safety, pharmacovigilance, and evidence-based practice are creating new opportunities to improve patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems. In this rapidly changing environment, high-quality research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice remain essential.

As a clinical pharmacy academic, I particularly value research that connects scientific evidence with patient-centered care. Clinical pharmacists have an increasingly important role in optimizing pharmacotherapy, promoting the safe and rational use of medicines, identifying and preventing medication-related problems, and supporting multidisciplinary healthcare teams. The integration of research findings into clinical practice can contribute substantially to improving the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare.

Another transformative development shaping the future of pharmacy is the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into pharmaceutical and clinical practice. AI-based technologies are increasingly being explored in areas such as drug discovery and development, clinical decision support, medication-use optimization, pharmacovigilance, personalized pharmacotherapy, prediction of treatment outcomes, and identification of potential medication-related problems. For clinical pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, the responsible application of AI may provide valuable opportunities to improve efficiency, support evidence-based decision-making, and enhance patient-centered care.

At the same time, the advancement of AI brings important responsibilities. Its application in pharmacy and healthcare should complement rather than replace professional knowledge, clinical judgment, and human interaction. Issues related to patient privacy, data security, transparency, accuracy, algorithmic bias, accountability, and ethical use must be carefully considered. Pharmacy researchers and practitioners therefore have an important role in critically evaluating emerging AI technologies and ensuring that their implementation is scientifically valid, ethically responsible, and ultimately focused on improving patient safety and health outcomes. Research in this area will be particularly important in determining how AI can be effectively integrated into pharmacy education, research, and clinical practice.

This issue brings together scientific contributions that reflect the diversity and continuing development of pharmaceutical research. Each contribution represents the efforts of investigators who seek to expand existing knowledge, address relevant healthcare questions, and provide evidence that may contribute to future developments in pharmacy and clinical practice. I hope that readers will find these contributions informative, thought-provoking, and valuable for their academic and professional activities.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all authors, reviewers, editors, and members of the editorial team whose dedication and commitment support the continued development of the journal. The peer-review process and the constructive exchange of scientific ideas are fundamental to maintaining the quality, integrity, and credibility of scholarly publishing.

I also encourage young researchers and postgraduate students to remain actively engaged in scientific research and to embrace emerging technologies while maintaining scientific rigor and ethical responsibility. Research is not only a means of generating new knowledge; it is also an opportunity to develop critical thinking, scientific curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the challenges facing healthcare today. The responsible use of modern technologies, including AI, together with strong scientific principles, can open new avenues for discovery and meaningful improvements in patient care.

Finally, I hope that Volume 11, Issue 4, 2026 will stimulate further discussion, encourage new research collaborations, and inspire researchers to pursue innovative approaches to pharmaceutical and healthcare challenges. May the scientific contributions presented in this issue serve as a valuable resource for researchers, academics, clinicians, pharmacists, students, and other healthcare professionals around the world.

I wish the Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research continued success and a growing impact on the international scientific community.

THE ROLE OF ISONIAZID IN THE TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS: MECHANISMS, EFFICACY AND CLINICAL CHALLENGES: A REVIEW

2026-09-10T00:26:33+08:00

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of mortality from infectious diseases worldwide, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infecting one-quarter of the global population. Isoniazid (INH), a cornerstone of first-line anti-TB therapy for over 70 years, continues to play a central role in both treatment of active TB and preventive therapy for latent infection. This review provides an analysis of the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, pharmacological properties, and emerging challenges associated with isoniazid in modern TB management. Isoniazid is a prodrug that requires activation by the mycobacterial catalase-peroxidase enzyme KatG to form reactive species that inhibit InhA, an essential enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase involved in mycolic acid biosynthesis. This inhibition disrupts the mycobacterial cell wall and leads to bactericidal activity, particularly against actively replicating bacilli. The review further evaluates the clinical efficacy of isoniazid within standard 6-month regimens for drug-susceptible TB, as well as its role in 3HP and 6H preventive therapy regimens. Despite its potency and low cost, the widespread emergence of INH resistance, primarily mediated by mutations in katG and inhA, poses a significant threat to TB control programs. The molecular basis of resistance, diagnostic approaches, and current World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for managing INH-resistant TB was elaborated. Additional clinical challenges addressed include hepatotoxicity, drug-drug interactions, and adherence issues linked to long treatment durations. Finally, future directions, including novel drug delivery systems, combination therapies, and strategies to overcome resistance while preserving the utility of isoniazid in TB elimination efforts was highlighted.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 June 2026; Reviewed 5 July 2026; Accepted 11 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Mujde Eryilmaz, Ankara University,Turkey, [email protected]

Dr. Mohammad Tauseef, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Chicago State University, [email protected]

SCAFFOLD-BASED NANOMEDICINE FOR CANCER, DIABETES, AND MALARIA IN EAST AFRICA: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF TRANSLATIONAL BOTTLENECKS AND REGULATORY READINESS

2026-09-10T00:15:47+08:00

Cancer, type 2 diabetes, and malaria impose a triple pharmacological burden on East Africa. In 2022, sub-Saharan Africa recorded an estimated 118,000 new cervical cancer cases and 76,000 cervical cancer deaths, and Kaposi’s sarcoma incidence in Southern and Eastern Africa is far above the global average. Type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing in the region and carries the world’s highest proportion of undiagnosed cases. In 2023, the WHO African Region accounted for approximately 95% of the world’s 597,000 malaria deaths. This review compares six such scaffolds platinum-based DNA-crosslinking agents and tubulin-binding stilbenes for cervical cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma, the biguanide core and dietary flavonoids for type 2 diabetes, and the artemisinin endoperoxide and 4-aminoquinoline cores for malaria against the general logic of nanocarrier drug delivery established by landmark work on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, ligand-targeted nanocarriers, and the first FDA-approved nanomedicine, liposomal doxorubicin. In preclinical models, nanocarrier reformulation has been shown to improve pharmacokinetic parameters and reduce off-target toxicity for several of the scaffolds discussed, though outcomes vary by platform and disease and clinical confirmation remains limited; median tumour-accumulation efficiency for nanoparticles remains below 1% of the administered dose even for the most clinically advanced platforms, and artemisinin partial resistance driven by Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 mutations is now confirmed in Rwanda, Uganda, Eritrea, Tanzania, and beyond. Study conclude by proposing a four-criterion prioritization framework burden fit, bottleneck match, manufacturing feasibility, and regulatory tractability for scaffold–nanocarrier candidates suited to the health-systems realities of Tanzania and the wider East African Community.

Peer Review History:

Received 4 June 2026; Reviewed 9 July 2026; Accepted 6 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, USTC, Chittagong, Bangladesh, [email protected]

Dr. Mohsen Ali Al-Hamzi, Thamar University, Factuality of Dentistry, Yemen. [email protected]

THE ROLE OF CHROMOSOMAL TRANSLOCATIONS IN HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES: MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS AND CLINICAL CORRELATES

2026-09-09T19:35:49+08:00

Chromosomal translocations are central drivers of hematologic malignancies, reshaping gene regulation, altering epigenetic states, and generating oncogenic fusion proteins that initiate and sustain malignant transformation. Advances in whole-genome sequencing, long-read mapping, and single-cell multiomics have expanded the catalog of recurrent and cryptic rearrangements while illuminating mechanisms such as enhancer hijacking, 3D chromatin architecture disruption, aberrant V(D)J recombination, and defective DNA repair. These insights reveal how translocations activate lineage-specific oncogenic programs across leukemias, lymphomas, and plasma-cell neoplasms. Clinically, translocations refine diagnostic classification, guide prognostic stratification, and increasingly direct targeted therapy, with fusion-specific agents, epigenetic modulators, and kinase inhibitors transforming outcomes for select subtypes. Their role in measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring further enhances treatment precision. This review synthesizes recent mechanistic and clinical advances, emphasizing how an improved understanding of translocation biology is reshaping precision medicine in hematologic oncology.

Peer Review History:

Received 5 June 2026; Reviewed 9 July 2026; Accepted 6 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Indonesia, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Jucimary Vieira dos Santos, Hemonorte Dalton Barbosa Cunha, Brazil, [email protected]

Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]

THE ROLE OF CELECOXIB-MEDIATED COX-2 INHIBITION IN MODULATING NEUROINFLAMMATION IN HUMANS: A REVIEW

2026-07-08T15:58:12+08:00

Peripheral nerve injury triggers a complex cascade of neuroinflammatory events that are essential for initiating regeneration but can become detrimental when prolonged. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its primary product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are rapidly upregulated at the injury site by Schwann cells, macrophages, and neurons. While early PGE2 signaling promotes Schwann cell dedifferentiation, cytokine release and axonal sprouting, sustained COX-2 activity contributes to chronic neuroinflammation, neuropathic pain, and glial scar formation that physically and chemically inhibit axonal regrowth. Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, has emerged as a pharmacological tool to modulate this dual role of neuroinflammation during peripheral nerve repair. This review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms by which celecoxib-mediated COX-2 inhibition influences the regenerative microenvironment. Future research should prioritize dose-dependent studies, injury-stage-specific administration, and biomaterial-based delivery to maximize regenerative benefits while minimizing adverse effects on nerve repair. Understanding the precise interplay between COX-2, PGE2, and downstream regenerative pathways will be the keys to translating celecoxib based therapies into clinical applications for peripheral neuropathies and traumatic nerve injuries.

Peer Review History:

Received 5 June 2026; Reviewed 8 July 2026; Accepted 6 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Ali Abdullah Al-yahawi, Al-Razi university, Department of Pharmacy, Yemen, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Kingsley C Anukam, University of Benin, Nigeria, [email protected]

Dr. Liliya Logoyda, Horbachevsky Ternopil State Medical University, Ukraine, [email protected]

GLOBAL LANDSCAPE OF MILK POWDER QUALITY CONTROL: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGIES, STANDARDS, AND ADVANCED DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES

2026-09-10T00:48:11+08:00

Milk powder is a critical global commodity for nutrition and food security. Due to complex international supply chains, it remains a primary target for intentional economic adulteration, highlighting a need for rapid, nondestructive quality control beyond traditional, destructive reference methods. This manuscript provides a global review of contemporary quality control, synthesizing analytical methodologies from the IDF, ISO, and Codex Alimentarius. We systematically categorize traditional analytical techniques alongside state of the art nondestructive methods, emphasizing the integration of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Near Infrared (NIR), and Raman spectroscopy with advanced chemometrics. Our synthesis reveals a paradigm shift toward real time, field deployable diagnostics essential for mitigating food fraud across the farm to table continuum. Furthermore, the paper addresses international regulatory disparities, advocating for a hybrid validation approach that reconciles classical standards with emerging digital screening systems.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 June 2026; Reviewed 6 July 2026; Accepted 9 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, [email protected]

Prof. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf, Sana'a university, Yemen, [email protected]

FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCESS TO HEALTH INFORMATION AMONG THE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN ZIMBABWE: A SCOPING REVIEW

2026-09-10T00:52:24+08:00

Access to accurate and timely health information is essential for quality healthcare delivery among the elderly people in developing countries including Zimbabwe. Access to quality health information enables people to make informed choices and improves healthcare delivery in developing countries. However, numerous obstacles create significant difficulties for the elderly people when it comes to accessing health information. Therefore, this study sought to identify sources of health information and challenges faced by elderly people in Zimbabwe in accessing health information. This study concludes that elderly people rely on diverse sources of health information such as village health workers, broadcast media, and family members. This study concludes that orally transmitted health information was popular among elderly people due to difficulties in accessing print information sources. Several obstacles hinder access to health information among elderly people in Zimbabwe. These obstacles include low levels of education, poor road networks, limited healthcare workers, and inadequate health facilities, lack of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, misinformation, and affordability of health information, negative attitudes, cultural beliefs and ageism in healthcare. Furthermore, this study recommends targeted and inclusive health information services in Zimbabwe. Designing inclusive, culturally sensitive, age-appropriate health content is important in reaching diverse audiences. This can be achieved through strengthening the National Health Information System in Zimbabwe.

Peer Review History:

Received 8 June 2026; Reviewed 7 July 2026; Accepted 11 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Sheikh Abdul Khaliq, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, [email protected]

Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]

CLINICAL DRUG DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: MAPPING THE JOURNEY FROM DRUG DISCOVERY TO REGULATORY APPROVAL AND CLINICAL IMPLEMENTATION - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2026-09-10T00:43:04+08:00

Background: A widening gap exists between Africa's share of the global disease burden and its participation in clinical pharmaceutical research. The continent shoulders approximately one quarter of all disease globally yet contributed fewer than two percent of clinical trials conducted worldwide in 2023. This review systematically examines each phase of pharmaceutical development in Africa, tracing the pathway from compound discovery and preclinical work through regulated human trials, national approval processes, and implementation in clinical settings, with the goal of identifying where progress has been made and where critical deficiencies persist.

Methods: Four electronic databases were searched - PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journals Online - covering publications from January 2015 to July 2025. Additional material was obtained from grey literature sources including official WHO documents, the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, the African Union Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, SAHPRA, and the H3D Centre. Studies were eligible if they provided primary data or evidence synthesis on any phase of drug development, regulatory approval, or clinical implementation in Africa. All methods followed PRISMA 2020 reporting standards.

Results: The African pharmaceutical research landscape is dominated by three countries - South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria - which collectively account for approximately 70% of all trials conducted on the continent. South Africa alone recorded over 4,000 trial initiations. Globally, Africa hosted just 845 of 76,331 newly initiated trials in 2023. The H3D Centre at the University of Cape Town achieved a historic milestone by advancing Africa's first internally developed antimalarial compound into Phase II human testing. The Pan African Clinical Trials Registry accumulated 2,998 registered studies by August 2021.

Conclusion: Africa holds substantial and largely unrealised potential as a driver of pharmaceutical innovation. Translating this potential requires coordinated investment in scientific training, laboratory infrastructure, regulatory capacity, and post-approval surveillance.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 June 2026; Reviewed 7 July 2026; Accepted 4 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Taiwo O Elufioye, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, [email protected]

Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, [email protected]

BIOMARKERS OF SEVERE MPOX: HEMATOLOGY-DRIVEN PROGNOSTIC PANEL- A PERSPECTIVE

2026-09-15T02:11:42+08:00

The 2022–2024 multi-country Mpox outbreaks have highlighted the urgent need for early, accessible prognostic tools to identify patients at risk of severe disease. Hematologic biomarkers offer a practical, low-cost approach for risk stratification, particularly in resource-limited settings. This perspective explores the potential of integrating common hematological parameters into a prognostic panel for severe Mpox, highlighting current evidence, limitations, and future research directions. The paper summarized the pathophysiological rationale for key hematologic markers including lymphopenia, neutrophilia, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, thrombocytopenia, hemoglobin decline, and inflammatory indices as indicators of disease severity. Provisional thresholds for these biomarkers, currently extrapolated from analogous viral infections, are proposed to guide future validation studies. A structured severity framework is introduced to standardize clinical assessment and facilitate early risk stratification. Research gaps are discussed, including the need for Mpox-specific data, evaluation in immunocompromised populations, multicenter validation, and integration with therapeutic monitoring. Hematology-driven prognostic panels represent a promising approach for early identification of patients at risk of severe Mpox. By providing a practical, scalable tool, such panels could improve clinical management, guide treatment prioritization, and inform public health strategies. Future studies are essential to validate and refine these biomarkers for clinical implementation.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 June 2026; Reviewed 11 July 2026; Accepted 8 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Sameh Abdelmoneem Mohammed Ali, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Egypt, [email protected]

Dr. Salfarina Ramli, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. [email protected]

ALTERATION IN PLATELET INDICES AS LABORATORY TOOLS FOR MONITORING HIV PATIENTS ON ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN A SOUTH-SOUTH TERTIARY HOSPITAL, NIGERIA

2026-09-09T02:51:04+08:00

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with haematological abnormalities, including changes in platelet count and platelet indices, which may persist despite antiretroviral therapy.

Objective: To assess platelet count, platelet indices, CD4 count, and viral load among PLHIV receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Calabar, Nigeria, and to compare these parameters with HIV-seronegative controls.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 participants aged 22–45 years, comprising 30 HIV-positive individuals receiving HAART and 30 HIV-seronegative controls. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent was secured, and structured questionnaires were administered. Full blood count was performed using an automated haematologyanalyser to determine platelet count and indices, while CD4 T-cell count was measured using the PartecCyFlow counter.

Results: Females constituted 57% of participants and males 43%, while 63% were married. Among PLHIV, 70% received Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) and 30% received Abacavir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (ALD), with approximately 60% reporting adherence to therapy. Platelet distribution width (PDW) was significantly higher among PLHIV than controls (16.1% vs. 14.6%), while CD4 count was significantly lower.

Conclusion: HIV infection was associated with significant alterations in PDW, platelet-related parameters, CD4 count, and viral load among individuals receiving HAART. Although platelet parameters remained within reference ranges, their changes may provide clinically useful indicators for monitoring haematological status and treatment response in HIV care.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 June 2026; Reviewed 4 July 2026; Accepted 7 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Robert Tungadi, State University of Gorontalo, Indonesia, [email protected]

Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, [email protected]

THE IMPACT OF PANCYTOPENIA ON THE MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRONIC HEART FAILURE IN PATIENTS INFECTED WITH THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2026-09-09T19:20:45+08:00

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects not only immune function but also bone marrow hematopoiesis, resulting in hematological abnormalities including anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and pancytopenia. Chronic heart failure (CHF) also occurs more frequently, at a younger age, and with more rapid progression among people living with HIV than in individuals without HIV infection. However, the relationship between pancytopenia and the clinical severity of CHF in HIV-infected patients remains insufficiently characterized.

Objective: To assess the association between pancytopenia and the clinical, instrumental, and laboratory manifestations of chronic heart failure among patients infected with HIV.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 240 patients with HIV infection, of whom 160 had CHF. Among patients with CHF, 63 had pancytopenia. The influence of pancytopenia on CHF manifestations was evaluated by comparing clinical, anamnestic, instrumental, and laboratory parameters between HIV-infected patients with CHF with and without pancytopenia.

Results: HIV-infected patients with CHF and concomitant pancytopenia demonstrated more severe heart failure, reflected by a higher functional class and more pronounced clinical manifestations. Pancytopenia was also associated with greater diastolic myocardial dysfunction and higher indices of aortic stiffness. Patients with pancytopenia had higher levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), together with lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, compared with patients without pancytopenia.

Conclusion: Pancytopenia is associated with more severe clinical and structural-functional manifestations of chronic heart failure in people living with HIV. The coexistence of pancytopenia and CHF may reflect interconnected pathogenic processes involving HIV-associated immune dysfunction, impaired hematopoiesis, myocardial remodeling, and vascular stiffness.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 June 2026; Reviewed 7 July 2026; Accepted 9 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Rawaa Souhil Al-Kayali, Aleppo University, Syria, [email protected]

Dr. Rana Ahmed MohamedEl-Saied El-Fitiany, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt, [email protected]

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ANNONA MURICATA ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT ON RENAL FUNCTION AND SERUM ANTIOXIDANT PARAMETERS IN MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE INTOXICATED RATS

2026-09-09T17:11:08+08:00

Background and Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced oxidative stress has been implicated in renal dysfunction through excessive generation of reactive oxygen species. Annona muricata is a medicinal plant reputed for its antioxidant and nephroprotective properties. This study evaluated the protective effects of ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata on renal function and serum antioxidant parameters in MSG-intoxicated albino rats.

Methods: Thirty male albino rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5). Group I served as the normal control, Group II received MSG (800 mg/kg body weight), Group III received MSG plus silymarin (50 mg/kg), while Groups IV–VI received MSG plus ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 14 days.

Results: Administration of MSG significantly (p<0.05) increased serum urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride, and MDA concentrations, with concomitant reductions in GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT activities compared with the normal control. Treatment with A. muricata extract significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated these alterations in a dose dependent manner. The highest dose (800 mg/kg) produced the greatest nephroprotective effect, reducing serum urea (25.03±2.01 mg/dL) and creatinine (0.70±0.03 mg/dL), while significantly increasing GSH (13.70±0.41 µmol/mg protein), GPx (31.37±0.91 µmol/mg protein), SOD (37.76± 0.66 µmol/mg protein), and CAT (16.80±0.81 µmol/mg protein) compared with the MSG-treated group.

Conclusion: Ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata demonstrated significant dose-dependent antioxidant and nephroprotective effects against MSG-induced renal toxicity, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of oxidative stress-related kidney injury.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 June 2026; Reviewed 9 July 2026; Accepted 7 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Rana Ahmed MohamedEl-Saied El-Fitiany, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt, [email protected]

Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, [email protected]

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN IN FCT, ABUJA: A STUDY OF WOMEN ATTENDING GYNECOLOGICAL CLINIC IN UATH, PHC DOBI AND TOWN CLINIC, GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, FCT, ABUJA

2026-09-09T17:28:23+08:00

Background and aims: Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer among women in Nigeria. Various international studies indicate that the knowledge level of cervical cancer and its preventive measures are low among the women as well as general population. This study is aimed to assess the level of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Acceptability of cervical cancer screening among women in FCT, Abuja.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used and data were collected from respondents using self-administered structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic data were collected from three hundred and fifty-seven (357) respondents whose ages range from 20 to 60⁺ years. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0.

Results: The result showed that the women had a good knowledge (90.0%) and a positive attitude (90.0%) with a poor practice (44.0%) of cervical cancer screening. The acceptability among the women was reasonably good (60.0%) and the most preventive measure against cervical cancer infection was Human Papilloma Virus vaccination before sexual debut (98.0%, p=0.001), followed by regular PAP smear test (92.0, p=0.003). Fear of diagnosis (p=0.032), embarrassment (p=0.021), financial constraints (p=0.001), stigma (p=0.001) and staff attitude (p=0.036) were the barriers to cervical cancer screening among the study population.

Conclusions: Study conclude that there is need for enlightenment campaign towards increasing the involvement of more women in participating in the cervical cancer screening programmes that will enable and encourage them to participate more in the screening exercises.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 June 2026; Reviewed 9 July 2026; Accepted 7 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Indonesia, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Peter Juma Ochieng, Biotech Research Center (BRC), Obuda University, Hungary, [email protected]

Dr. Owanaro Peter, Nigeria, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. [email protected]

PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN OLDER ADULTS IN TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN SANA’A CITY, YEMEN

2026-09-09T17:39:34+08:00

Background: Any level of anaemia is now acknowledged as a risk factor for any negative outcomes, including reduced quality of life, hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality, since it is a common condition in geriatrics and older adults and its frequency proportionately increases with age, leading to serious consequences. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of anaemia and its contributing factors among elderly patients in Sana'a, Yemen.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with 250 older adult patients was conducted in a few tertiary institutions in Sana'a city between January 1st and March 31st, 2024. Clinical and sociodemographic information was gathered by direct interviews and examination of medical records. To measure blood parameters such HG, PCV, RBC counts, MCV, MCH, etc., each participant gave a venous blood sample. Result: Anemia affected 30.2% of male patients (defined as <13 mg/dL) and 15.3% of female patients (defined as <11.5 mg/dL). A significant link was found between anemia and advanced age, with the 60–69 age group showing substantially higher odds of the condition (OR=5.6, p<0.0001); (for 60-69 years group OR=6.4, p<0.0001. Considering chronic diseases, there was significant association between anemia and DM (OR=2.9, p=0.0003), cancer (OR=7.8, p<0.0001), Encephalic Vascular Accident (OR=4.8, p<0.0001), osteoporosis (OR=3.7, p=0.002), and depression symptoms (OR=4.7, p<0.0001).

Conclusion: The epidemiological burden of anemia within the local geriatric cohort represents a significant public health concern. To mitigate prevalence and optimize clinical outcomes, targeted intervention strategies must integrate identified demographic and physiological risk factors.

Peer Review History:

Received 4 June 2026; Reviewed 9 July 2026; Accepted 7 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Olanrewaju Rita-Marie Awotona, Legacy University, Banjul , The Gambia, [email protected]

Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, [email protected]

ACCOMMODATIVE DISORDERS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6-12 YEARS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

2026-09-09T18:25:39+08:00

Background: Accommodative disorders are common functional vision problems in school-aged children and are frequently overlooked during routine eye examinations. These disorders can adversely affect visual comfort, reading efficiency, and academic performance.

Aim: To determine the prevalence, distribution, and associated factors of accommodative disorders among children aged 6–12 years in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school children aged 6–12 years in Benin city using a multistage sampling technique.

Method: Comprehensive eye examinations were performed, including distance and near visual acuity, refraction, accommodative amplitude, accommodative facility, near point of accommodation, and binocular vision assessment. Accommodative disorders were diagnosed using standard clinical criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05.

Result: Of the 420 children initially recruited, 372 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed (attrition rate: 11.4%). The mean age was 9.97±1.78 years, with a near-equal gender distribution (51.9% females, 48.1% males). The overall prevalence of accommodative disorders was 23.7%. Accommodative insufficiency was the most prevalent disorder (14.0%), followed by accommodative infacility (5.6%) and accommodative excess (4.0%). No significant associations were observed with age group or local government area.

Conclusion: Accommodative disorders are common among children aged 6–12 years in Benin City, with accommodative insufficiency being the predominant subtype. Prolonged near work is a major modifiable risk factor. Incorporating accommodative and binocular vision assessments into routine school eye health programs is essential for early detection and improved educational outcomes.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 June 2026; Reviewed 8 July 2026; Accepted 6 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Nicola Micale, University of Messina, Italy, [email protected]

Dr. Nagalingam Varnakulenthiren, Siddha Medicine, Unit of Siddha Medicine, Trincomalee Campus, EUSL, Sri Lanka, [email protected]

ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF HONEY IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC MALE ALBINO RATS

2026-09-09T18:58:14+08:00

Background and objectives: Natural products are investigated as interventions for diabetes-related alterations. This study assessed the antihyperglycemic and in vitro antioxidant potential of honey.

Methods: The glucose-lowering effect of honey was investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic male albino rats treated with 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 mL/kg honey for 21 days, with glibenclamide as the standard drug. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was monitored before induction and on Days 3, 7, 14, and 21. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging assays, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC).

Results: Alloxan administration increased FBG from approximately 91–92 mg/dL to above 318 mg/dL. Untreated diabetic rats showed progressive hyperglycemia, reaching 358.23±19.74 mg/dL on Day 21. Honey significantly (p<0.05) reduced FBG in a dose-dependent manner. The 0.8 mL/kg dose reduced FBG to 116.42±8.51 mg/dL, approaching the glibenclamide value of 108.56±8.13 mg/dL. Honey showed substantial antioxidant activity, with DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacities of 78.42±2.16% and 81.57±1.94%, respectively, FRAP of 623.45±18.62 µmol Fe²⁺/g, TPC of 68.84±3.25 mg GAE/g, and TFC of 24.37±1.41 mg QE/g.

Conclusion: Honey demonstrated significant dose-dependent antihyperglycemic activity and antioxidant capacity, indicating potential as an adjunct for diabetes management.

Peer Review History:

Received 4 June 2026; Reviewed 7 July 2026; Accepted 2 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Prof. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf, Sana'a university, Yemen, [email protected]

Dr. Murtaza M. Tambuwala, Ulster University, Ireland, [email protected]