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Background The Acid Injury and Repair (AIR) model is an ex-vivo model of lung injury and repair, that was previously established using mouse precision-cut lung slices (PCLS). The AIR model provides a bridge between the current in -vitro and in-vivo models to study the effects of lung injury in 3D lung tissue slices. Here, we show that the AIR model can be adapted for use in human tissue as a translational model for discovery research and drug screening. Methods To generate PCLS, resected human lung tissue was coated with alginate hydrogel to form an artificial pleura. Lung tissue was inflated by point injecting 3% agarose, followed by generation of 450–500 µM thick slices of tissue. An isolated area of each slice was injured by brief application of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid. AIR-PCLS were then washed and cultured for 48 h before immunostaining to assess proliferating cells (Ki67) alveolar type II/progenitor cell markers (HTII, proSP-C), lipofibroblasts (ADRP) and endothelial cells (ERG). Viability of PCLS was assessed by both MTT assay and Live/Dead staining. Results We show that levels of proliferation do not change in response to acid injury. However, there is a significant increase in the percentage of proSP-C and HTII positive cells in the injured regions of AIR-PCLS. We also identify non-epithelial cell populations; lipofibroblasts and endothelial cells in human AIR-PCLS, to demonstrate that other repair relevant cell types can be identified and tracked in the human AIR (hAIR model). Conclusions The hAIR model is an effective ex-vivo tool to study early mechanisms of lung repair following injury. By establishing an area of injured tissue adjacent to uninjured tissue, this model mimics the heterogenous pattern of lung injury frequently present in lung diseases. The hAIR model will facilitate mechanistic studies of human lung repair and provides a valuable pre-clinical model for drug testing.

Mucins are a family of glycosylated proteins which are the primary constituents of mucus and play a dynamic role in the regulation of the protective mucosal barriers throughout the human body. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) characterised by continuous inflammation of the inner layer of the large intestine, and in this systematic review we analyse currently available data to determine whether alterations exist in mucin activity in the colonic mucosa of UC patients. Database searches were conducted to identify studies published between 1990 and 2020 that assess the role of mucins in cohorts of UC patients, where biopsy specimens were resected for analysis and control groups were included for comparison. 5497 articles were initially identified and of these 14 studies were systematically selected for analysis, a further 2 articles were identified through citation chaining. Therefore, 16 studies were critically reviewed. 13 of these studies assessed the role of MUC2 in UC and the majority of articles indicated that alterations in MUC2 structure or synthesis had an impact on the colonic mucosa, although conflicting results were presented regarding MUC2 expression. This review highlights the importance of further research to enhance our understanding of mucin regulation in UC and summarises data that may inform future studies.

This study aims to evaluate the bacteriological, chemical, and toxicological quality of hospital effluents in Benin. Eighteen (18) samples were collected from the south and north of Benin, and poles were set up. Bacteriological analysis was carried out according to the French National Organization for Standardization (AFNOR) standard. Identification of the bacterial species isolated was performed using the API 20E gallery and specific biochemical tests. Antibiotic residues were searched by following ELISA kit instructions. 109 bacterial isolates were obtained, with a predominance of non-enterobacteria (37.7%) and Acinetobacter spp. (24.6%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (11.48%); S. aureus and Coagulase-negative staphylococci ( CoNS ) were isolated at the same frequency (6.5%). Physico-chemical and toxicological parameter analyses showed that they were in conformity with the standards of discharge into the environment. The pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total solids below, P-redox and suspended solids measured were, on average, 6.83, 27.21 °C, 693.68 µS/cm, 693.68 mg/l, 1.68 mV and 0.15 mg/l, respectively. For heavy metals, cadmium was most prevalent (0.22 mg/l), followed by nickel (0.18 mg/l) and lead (0.03 mg/l). The average antibiotic residue concentrations ranged from 0.043 to 7.65 µg/l. Ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and sulfamethoxazole had the highest residue concentrations of 7.65 ± 2.272 µg/l, 6.61 ± 0.051 µg/l and 3.88 ± 3.088 µg/l, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations obtained were below those required by Benin standards. These effluents therefore present health and environmental risks. It is then more than necessary to develop treatment methods for them before their rejection into the natural environment. Article Highlights The study carried out made it possible to rule on the nature and quality of hospital effluents generated in the health structures in Benin. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total solids below, P-redox and suspended solids measured has been determined. The research of pathogenic bacteria as well as the research of heavy metals and antibiotic residues was done. Data were provided on the nature of the bacteria present in hospital effluents and their degree of pathogenicity. The types of heavy metals contained in the samples were reported and compared to the standards in force at the national and international level. The presence of antibiotic residues was evaluated and the most common ones were documented. The presence of residues of some specific antibiotics has confirmed their wide use in human therapeutics. The study raised awareness of the fact that untreated hospital effluent can enter the water table, end up in natural waterways and be the source of many environmental and health problems. The study highlighted the urgency of installing wastewater treatment plants for health facilities in Benin.

Tanzania has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, and unsafe abortion is one of its leading causes. Yet little is known about its incidence. To provide the first ever estimates of the incidence of unsafe abortion in Tanzania, at the national level and for each of the 8 geopolitical zones (7 in Mainland plus Zanzibar). A nationally representative survey of health facilities was conducted to determine the number of induced abortion complications treated in facilities. A survey of experts on abortion was conducted to estimate the likelihood of women experiencing complications and obtaining treatment. These surveys were complemented with population and fertility data to obtain abortion numbers, rates and ratios, using the Abortion Incidence Complications Methodology. In Tanzania, women obtained just over 405,000 induced abortions in 2013, for a national rate of 36 abortions per 1,000 women age 15-49 and a ratio of 21 abortions per 100 live births. For each woman treated in a facility for induced abortion complications, 6 times as many women had an abortion but did not receive care. Abortion rates vary widely by zone, from 10.7 in Zanzibar to 50.7 in the Lake zone. The abortion rate is similar to that of other countries in the region. Variations by zone are explained mainly by differences in fertility and contraceptive prevalence. Measures to reduce the incidence of unsafe abortion and associated maternal mortality include expanding access to post-abortion care and contraceptive services to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Objective Poultry is commonly considered to be the primary vehicle for Campylobacter infection in humans. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of Campylobacteriosis in chicken meat consumers in southern Benin by assessing the prevalence and resistance profile of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni isolated from chicken thigh in Southern Benin. Results The contamination rate of Campylobacter in the samples was 32.8%. From this percentage, 59.5% were local chicken thighs and 40.5% of imported chicken thighs (p = 0.045). After molecular identification, on the 256 samples analyzed, the prevalence of C. jejuni was 23.4% and 7.8% for C. coli , with a concordance of 0.693 (Kappa coefficient of concordance) with the results from phenotypic identification. Seventy-two-point seven percent of Campylobacter strains were resistant to Ciprofloxacin, 71.4% were resistant to Ampicillin and Tetracycline. 55.8% of the strains were multi-drug resistant.

Introduction Specialty preferences among medical students significantly influence healthcare workforce distribution and equity. Nigeria, with its low physician-to-patient ratio, faces critical challenges in addressing healthcare demands. Understanding the specialty preferences of medical students and the factors influencing these choices is essential for workforce planning. This study aimed to investigate these preferences among Nigerian medical students and the implications for healthcare planning. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling among 439 penultimate and final-year medical students across fully accredited Nigerian medical schools between July and October 2024. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire, which included socio-demographics, specialty preferences, and influencing factors. Analysis was performed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize categorical variables as frequencies and proportions, while continuous variables were reported as means and standard deviations. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Ibadan/University College Hospital (UI/UCH) Health Research Ethics Committee. Results The mean age of participants was 23.62 ± 2.95 years, with 53.1% male and 45.3% female. Most students were in their penultimate year (60.1%). Obstetrics and Gynecology was the most preferred first-choice specialty (14.7%), followed by Cardiothoracic Surgery (11.8%). A significant proportion of students were undecided (13.3%) about their first choice. Diagnostic specialties like Radiology and Pathology had the least interest (< 1%). Significant factors influencing specialty choice included personal interest (87%), content of specialty (85.3%), and potential lucrativeness (77%). Statistically significant associations were observed for potentially lucrativeness ( p  < 0.001), the desired practice setting ( p  = 0.004), shorter training periods ( p  < 0.001), minimal or predictable work hours ( p  < 0.001), age ( p  = 0.003), and academic level ( p  = 0.034). Conclusion This study explored specialty preferences among Nigerian medical students revealing a strong inclination toward Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, and Internal Medicine. Career choices were influenced by factors such as personal interest, prestige, intellectual challenge, income, academic level, and gender. The study revealed the need for structured career counseling and increased exposure to underrepresented specialties to address the uneven distribution of specialists in Nigeria. Tailored mentorship programs, improved financial incentives, and enhanced training opportunities are critical for optimizing the healthcare workforce and achieving equity.

Introduction Clinical research is key to advancing healthcare, driving innovation, characterising and addressing both local and global health challenges. Medical students’ participation in research during their education is essential for developing future clinician-scientists. However, in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Nigeria, several barriers restrict student involvement in research. In this study, we evaluated the interest, awareness, and research engagement of Nigerian medical students, identify extant barriers, while proposing strategies to enhance participation in clinical research. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 691 Nigerian medical students across 42 accredited medical schools using a convenience sampling technique. Participants, aged 18 years and above, were recruited from all academic levels (100–600 levels). A self-administered online questionnaire assessed sociodemographics, research awareness, interest, participation, and barriers to research. Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 27.0 and descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests were employed to identify associations between demographic factors and research participation, awareness, and engagement. Results The mean (SD) age (in years) of study participants was 21.88 (3.14), and 68.2% were aged 20–25 years with 50.5% females. Most participants (27.2%) were in their fourth year of medical training. Most students reported moderate (53.4%) or low (40.9%) research awareness, and 55.1% had participated in research activities, primarily data collection (31.1%) and literature review (21.8%). While 91.2% of the study participants showed interest in research activities, barriers included time constraints (66.6%), lack of awareness about research opportunities (60.6%), lack of mentorship (59.9%), and financial constraints (52.7%). Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between academic level, research awareness, engagement and interest ( p  < 0.001) as well as gender and research interest ( p  = 0.04). Conclusion This study highlights the strong interest in research among Nigerian medical students but also reveals notable barriers limiting their engagement. By addressing these challenges through structured mentorship programs, early exposure to research, curricular integration, equitable resource allocation, and regional interventions, institutions can bridge the gap between interest and active research participation. Establishing a supportive research culture is essential for empowering students to contribute meaningfully to scientific innovation and addressing local health challenges.

Salmonella infections are major public health problems worldwide. The hereby review aimed to establish an overview on the pathogenicity, epidemiology and virulence factors of Salmonella spp. in the world. A systematic search was conducted online using the keywords ‘Salmonella’, ‘Salmonella spp.’, ‘Salmonella spp. Epidemiology’, ‘virulence factors of Salmonella spp. in the world’, ‘bacteria responsible for the contamination of meat products’, ‘non-typhoid salmonella’. These keywords were entered into databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using mainly French language. The obtained articles were included based on the reliability of their source, the study area (usually Benin and Africa) and the subject. The review revealed that Salmonella spp. is motile Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria, of the family Enterobacteriaceae, currently counting more than 2,600 serovars. Human contamination occurs through the ingestion of contaminated water and food and can cause gastroenteritis or typhoid fever, which are two serious public health problems. A gene set constituting the pathogenicity islands determines the pathogenesis of Salmonella spp. The diagnosis is based on bacteriological, serological and molecular techniques. Salmonella infections are usually treated using antibiotics; however, emergence of antibiotic resistance in these microorganisms suggests that the anti-salmonella control should explore new sources such as medicinal plants

Museum services in Nigeria serve as a major source of art conservation and preservation of its cultural heritage. It is a truism that Nigeria in Africa is endowed with great cultural heritage, which needs to be adequately documented. Evidence of this can be traced to the production of Nok terracotta, Benin bronze casting, Ife terracotta and Igbo Ukwu Art, which justify the fact that Nigeria had ancient civilizations that competed with the Romans and Greeks, but which did not come to limelight until the 1890’s when the British soldiers invaded the Benin kingdom and some of the art treasures were looted. Against this backdrop, an effort to safeguard the sanctity of this heritage made Kenneth Murray intensify efforts at establishing a museum of art and antiquity at Jos in 1943. The paper discusses the advent of Museums in Nigeria and the cultural preservation of art and finally it takes a cursory look at art as cultural heritage in Nigeria.