Lead (Pb) is among the most severe and hazardous heavy metal pollutants. However, the complex response and detoxification mechanisms employed by insects to counteract Pb exposure remain incompletely elucidated. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model, we integrated Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), transcriptomic analysis, Drosophila genetic tools, and a series of physiological assays to systematically investigate the signaling networks underlying the insect Pb detoxification response. Our findings revealed that Pb accumulation in D. melanogaster followed a nonlinear pattern with increasing dietary Pb concentration. Further mechanistic exploration demonstrated that Pb-induced high expression of Metallothioneins (Mtns), especially the MtnB, directly accelerated Pb excretion, thereby restricting the body’s Pb burden and ultimately contributing to the nonlinear accumulation pattern. To validate this role, we employed an optogenetically controlled bacterial system to drive MtnB expression specifically in the Drosophila midgut; this manipulation effectively suppressed Pb accumulation in the flies and mitigated Pb-induced toxicity. At the molecular level, Pb exposure significantly elevated ROS levels in the Drosophila midgut. This ROS burst subsequently induced Mtns expression through the concerted action of the MTF-1, Nrf2, and JNK signaling pathways. Notably, we observed that Pb exposure activated the Nrf2 pathway via oxidative stress, thereby conferring cross-resistance to pesticides in fruit flies. Collectively, these insights provide a novel perspective on the crosstalk between oxidative stress, metal metabolism, and detoxification systems in insects. They not only advance our understanding of how insects cope with metal toxicity but also highlight the broader environmental implications of metal pollution in ecological systems.

This study investigated gastrointestinal parasites and ticks in cattle and goats at Akinyele Abattoir, South-Western Nigeria, to address gaps in epidemiology, species identification, and pathology. Faecal samples and adult parasites were collected from 61 cattle and 35 goats, between March and July 2025. The employed morphological techniques and 18S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the presence of Strongyles, Eimeria spp., Fasciola gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi, and Moniezia expansa. Strongyles dominated across hosts, with higher burdens in Red Bororo and White Fulani cattle, and Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf goats. The multinomial logit model revealed the susceptibility of males and younger animals to multiple infections. Goats carried higher egg/oocyst counts than cattle. Gross lesions in cattle included mucosal hyperaemia, catarrhal to haemorrhagic enteritis, and nematode presence, while goats exhibited mucosal reddening, thickening, and catarrhal enteritis, with severe pathology linked to dictyocaulosis and schistosomiasis, caused by Dictyocaulus spp. and Schistosoma spp., respectively, or chronic fluke infection. Molecular analysis confirmed Fasciola gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi, and Moniezia expansa with 99–100% sequence identity, supporting phylogenetic relationships. Fasciola was absent in cattle but found in goats. Our findings highlight breed, sex, and age vulnerabilities; the value of combined diagnostics; and the need for targeted deworming, pasture hygiene, and selective breeding, to improve livestock health and reduce zoonotic risks. Future research addressing seasonal dynamics, anthelmintic resistance, genetic markers of host resistance, and spatial determinants of parasite exposure to strengthen livestock health and One Health outcomes is encouraged.

The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the search for novel bioactive molecules from natural sources. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antibacterial potency, and molecular docking interactions of Citrus aurantium peel ethanol extract against Escherichia coli outer membrane and topoisomerase proteins and Staphylococcus aureus toxins as drug target proteins. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical compositions were examined using standard analytical methods, chemical compounds were evaluated and qualified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), antibacterial effects were investigated in silico and validated in vitro. Qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed high concentrations of flavonoids (4.54 ± 0.11 %), alkaloids (1.6 ± 0.03%), terpenoids (1.35 ± 0.01%), tannins (1.02 ± 0.05%), phenols (0.97 ± 0.07%), and saponins (0.80 ± 0.01%). GC–MS profiling identified several dominant compounds, including β-D-glucopyranose, neo-inositol, 8-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one, and D-allose. In silico docking studies against bacterial druggable proteins (PDB IDs: 4C56 and 3MFG, which are S. aureus toxins; 1BXW, and 3FV5, which are E. coli outer membrane and topoisomerase proteins) revealed strong binding affinities (–6.477 to –8.774 kcal/mol), comparable to standard antibiotics. ADMET predictions confirmed favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, with most lead compounds displaying high intestinal absorption, low hepatotoxicity, and compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five. The extract exhibited stronger antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of 25.11±0.017 and 23.04±0.25 mm against clinical isolate of S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, at a concentration of 10 mg/ml, comparable to ciprofloxacin (30.35 ± 0.26 mm). These findings highlight C. aurantium peel phytoconstituents as promising scaffolds for antibacterial drug development and justify further in vivo validation for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Co-infection of malaria and bacterial pathogens poses a major threat to public health, particularly in regions with high malaria endemicity and limited antibiotic stewardship. This study investigated the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) patterns and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) gene distribution of bacterial isolates from the blood of malaria patients attending government hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria. Blood samples from malaria-confirmed patients were cultured for bacterial isolation and identification using standard microbiological techniques. The antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was determined by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes and MAR indices were calculated. ESBL production was detected phenotypically and genotypically using PCR. Plasmid extraction and curing were performed to determine the role of plasmids in resistance dissemination. Bacterial isolates exhibited high resistance to amoxicillin (96.52%), cefuroxime (89.57%), chloramphenicol (86.09%), and tetracycline (83.48%), but showed low resistance to ofloxacin (16.52%) and gentamicin (24.35%). Enterobacter aerogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella dysenteriae displayed complete resistance (100%) to several antibiotics, including amoxicillin and chloramphenicol. A total of 34 multiple antibiotic-resistant (MAR) phenotypes were recorded, with the predominant pattern being AUG–CRX–TET–CH–S–AMX, observed in E. coli, S. Typhi and S. enteritidis. The most frequent MAR indices were 0.625 (22.61%) and 0.75 (21.74%). Phenotypic detection revealed ESBL occurrence rates of 66.09%, 31.30%, and 33.91% using disc diffusion, approximation, and combination methods, respectively. Genotypically, the prevalences of bla TEM, SHV and CTX-M genes were 12.82%, 12.82%, and 33.33%, respectively, with E. coli and S. Typhi being the dominant carriers. Plasmid sizes ranged from 2 to 80 kbp, with some isolates harboring multiple plasmids. Post-curing analysis showed loss of resistance in most isolates, confirming plasmid-mediated resistance in several strains. This study highlights the alarming prevalence of multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing bacteria among malaria patients in Ondo State, Nigeria. The detection of plasmid-mediated resistance underscores the urgent need for rational antibiotic use, continuous surveillance, and infection control strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance in malaria-endemic regions.

Effective vaccine delivery is important for sustainable poultry health management, especially in regions facing infrastructural and resource limitations. Natural polymers such as cashew tree gum (CTG) is a promising, low-cost, biodegradable material for oral vaccine delivery, yet its veterinary applications is underexplored. This research assessed CTG’s suitability as a vaccine carrier, its formulation into mucoadhesive microbeads, and its practical value in improving Newcastle Disease (ND) control in poultry production in Nigeria.

CTG was harvested and purified for physicochemical and phytochemical characterization. Broilers and field flocks were then investigated to evaluate CTG-alginate-based mucoadhesive vaccine formulations and immune performance. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays, hematological parameters, heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H:L) ratios, and histopathology of lymphoid organs were assessed. A field survey across six southwestern states also analyzed vaccination practices and risk factors for ND outbreaks.

Purified CTG showed high yield (81.6%), near-neutral pH (4.08), and absence of toxic metals, confirming its safety and biocompatibility. In the field, 63.7% of farms recorded sub-protective antibody titres, largely due to poor biosecurity, vaccination and cold-chain lapses. Experimentally, CTG-alginate microbead vaccines produced significantly higher and more durable antibody titres (GMT ≥203.2; P<0.05), improved lymphoid activity, and lower H:L ratios compared with conventional aqueous vaccines. The local LaSota strain delivered via mucoadhesive beads induced the most persistent protection without affecting growth.

Developing CTG-based vaccine microbeads can significantly enhance vaccine efficacy by prolonging mucosal antigen retention and exposure, resulting in stronger and sustained antibody responses. This approach is cheaper, user-friendly, and practical for poultry farmers in settings with financial, infrastructural, or cold-chain constraints. Collectively, it represents a control package suitable to the production and socio-economic context of backyard poultry farmers in Nigeria and similar regions.

Introduction

As a key aquaculture species in Nigeria, Clarias gariepinus faces disease threats in its production. We studied the pathogenesis and pathology of an Aeromonas hydrophila isolate from a natural outbreak by experimentally infecting adult Clarias gariepinus.

Methods

Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from the dorsal kidney of a dead Clarias gariepinus during a disease outbreak was further propagated in tryptone soy broth. In total, 1 ml of an overnight broth culture of A. hydrophila (1.4x 10⁸ CFU/mL) was inoculated intraperitoneally into adult Clarias gariepinus (n=50). A control group of 10 adult Clarias gariepinus was inoculated with 1 ml sterile saline intraperitoneally. Analyses included haematology, serum protein chemistry, postmortem, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, descriptive (Frequency tables) and inferential statistics (independent t-test).

Results

Aeromonas hydrophila induced a severe, fulminating disease and mortality in experimentally infected fish. Pathology revealed the liver, kidney, and gills to be the primary targets with infected fish exhibiting hepatic vacuolar degeneration, acute nephritis, hyperplasia and fusion of gill secondary lamellae, widespread haemorrhages, and ascites. Key haematological and serum chemistry findings included leukocytosis (WBC 14766.06±2560/µL vs. control 12840.00±199.69/µL), thrombocytopenia (PLT 145151.56±29006.60/µL vs. control 234900.00±47146.23/µL) and hypoalbuminemia (ALB 1.36±0.35 g/dl vs. control 1.85±0.81 g/dl) at 24 hours post-infection in adults. The leukocytosis persisted at day 18; however, hyperglobulinemia was detected (GLB 5.07±0.26g/dl vs. control 4.80±0.35g/dl). Immunohistochemistry confirmed widespread tissue tropism with intense staining for A. hydrophila antigens in the skin and kidneys.

Conclusion

The haematological profile of A. hydrophila at 24 hours is one of acute inflammatory response with marked thrombocytopenia, probably secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation. The widespread haemorrhages observed could be linked to this pathophysiology. The key findings in the subacute to chronic phase suggest persistent inflammation or immune response. These results demonstrate a complex host–pathogen interaction where A. hydrophila employs cytotoxic virulence factors to cause significant tissue damage and haematological dysregulation.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis is a leading cause of canine morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. This study synthesized evidence via a systematic review of the Nigerian literature (2009-2025) and a six-year retrospective cohort analysis of 415 laboratory-confirmed cases from the University of Ibadan Veterinary Teaching Hospital (2018-2024) to identify risk factors and quantify vaccine impact. A systematic search of Scopus, Web of science, PubMed, and AJOL identified peer-reviewed articles for qualitative synthesis. Retrospective data from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, were analyzed for demographic patterns, and Chi-square tests assessed vaccination impact on survival across breeds and clinical severity strata. Meta-analysis identified young age (<24 weeks), incomplete vaccination, breed predisposition (notably Boerboels and German Shepherds), and environmental exposure as principal risk factors. The retrospective cohort showed a near-balanced sex ratio (52.1% female) and a mean age of 21.44 ± 22.77 weeks. Vaccination significantly improved survival (Table 2): 76.6% (49/64) of vaccinated dogs survived versus 49.6% (68/137) of unvaccinated dogs (χ² = 33.95, p < 0.001). This benefit was consistent across breeds, most markedly in Boerboels (93.3% vs. 46.2%; p = 0.002) (Figure 5), and persisted when stratified by clinical severity, including in dogs presenting with >two clinical signs (76.0% vs. 44.1%; χ² = 16.39, p = 0.003). This literature review suggests vaccine failures were linked to logistical issues like suboptimal handling and maternally derived antibody interference. We conclude that prior vaccination is strongly associated with a profound survival advantage in Nigerian dogs with CPV enteritis. Strengthening early diagnosis, optimizing vaccine delivery protocols, and ensuring complete vaccination schedules are critical to reducing the endemic CPV burden.

_Abstract

_{Objective: This study leveraged statistical modeling and clinical pathology to develop a predictive framework for field diagnosis due to significant impairment of livestock productivity in tropical regions with Haemoparasitic infections but their diagnosis in resource-limited settings remains challenging.}

_{Materials and Method: A cross-sectional analysis of 112 ruminants (57 cattle, 55 small ruminants) at an abattoir in Ibadan, Nigeria was conducted. Blood samples were collected for Giemsa-stained microscopy (definitive diagnosis) and full hematological profiling, including packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Data were analyzed in R (v4.0+) using both parametric and non-parametric tests. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify hematological predictors of infection, with model performance quantified by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis.}

_{Results: The analysis revealed that infection with Trypanosoma, Babesia, Theileria, or Anaplasma species caused significant hematological alterations: profound anemia (mean PCV drop: 21.4% vs. 30.8% in healthy, p<0.0001), leukocytosis, elevated NLR (5.8 vs. 2.1, p<0.0001), and thrombocytopenia (78 vs. 125 × 10³/μL, p=0.001). Analytics derived a highly predictive diagnostic triad: PCV <24%, NLR >4, and platelets <150 × 10³/μL. This composite metric achieved a >90% probability of detecting subclinical infection in critical cases (PCV <20%, NLR >6, platelets <60 × 10³/μL), as validated by bootstrap resampling. Breed-specific baselines (e.g., resilient Ndama cattle vs. susceptible Red Bororo) were critical for accurate interpretation.}

_{Conclusion: This study provides a robust, statistically-derived hematological model that serves as a cost-effective, field-deployable tool for the early triage and management of haemoparasitism, enabling data-driven decisions in settings without access to advanced diagnostics.}

_{Keywords:Breed-Specific Susceptibility, Field Diagnostics Hemoparasitic Infections, Predictive Hematology,Ruminant Healt}

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe and progressive cardiac complication of diabetes characterized by inflammation, apoptosis, and myocardial fibrosis. DCM significantly contributes to heart failure and mortality in diabetic patients. Currently, available treatments target symptomatic relief and glycemic control but fail to address the molecular underpinnings of DCM. This study investigates the cardioprotective effects of Nymphaea lotus, a medicinal plant used to manage diabetes and its complications, in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into control and high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic groups. Diabetic rats were further subdivided and administered varying doses (50, 100, and 400 mg/kg) of N. lotus leaf extract or Metformin (the standard drug) at the end of the fourth week. Heart tissue samples were collected for the extraction and quantification of total RNA. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to assess the gene expression of apoptotic (BAX, BCL-2, caspase 3), inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α), and antioxidative (NRF2) genes.

Results: Treatment with N. lotus resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, caspase 3) and pro-inflammatory genes (IL-1β, TNF-α), while upregulating the anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2 and the antioxidative regulator. BAX was markedly elevated in 50 mg, Metformin, and Untreated groups compared to HFD/STZ, but suppressed in HFD/STZ vs. 100 mg. CASPASE3 showed a dose-dependent pattern, decreasing at 50 mg but significantly enhanced by Metformin relative to both HFD/STZ and 50 mg. IL1α and TNFα were consistently suppressed in HFD/STZ but restored by Metformin and Untreated groups. BCL2 exhibited strong upregulation in the 50 mg group, indicating anti-apoptotic activity, while NRF2 was moderately reduced under HFD/STZ.

Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate that HFD/STZ induction significantly disrupted apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress genes, while treatments produced distinct restorative responses.

This study aims to evaluate the variability of physico-chemical parameters and their influence on zooplankton communities in Lake Oubeira. The issue that arises in this context is how does the seasonal variability of physico-chemical parameters structure the spatiotemporal distribution of zooplankton communities in Lake Oubeira?

Two sampling stations were selected: station 1: Demnet Errihane north of the lake; station 2: Oued Messida south of Lake Oubeira. The physico-chemical parameters of the environment are measured in situ using a multiparameter, monthly from January 2021 to January 2022. The zooplankton sampling was carried out using a zooplankton net (mesh size = 50 μm), 50 liters of lake water were filtered per sample to obtain a concentrated volume of 50 to 120 ml, 3 ml of the concentrate were subsequently observed under an optical microscope.

After taxonomic identification and the enumeration of zooplankton individuals, statistical data analysis -software R- revealed that: the temperature reaches its maximum in summer and decreases in winter, while the dissolved oxygen concentration is higher in spring. As for the autumn, it is distinguished by high values of electrical conductivity and pH.

PERMANOVA test revealed a very highly significant effect of seasons on species distribution (P-value < 0.001), while "stations" factor showed no significant effect.

The results of NMDS (Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling) analysis indicated a marked seasonal structuring of communities. Copepods are predominantly abundant during the warm seasons, while rotifers and cladocerans predominate in colder seasons. Moreover, some species have a broader distribution, being observed over several seasons. At the end of this research work, we can confirm that physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity strongly structure the zooplankton communities of Lake Oubeira. These results highlight the role of zooplankton as a valuable bioindicator of ecosystem health through its sensitivity to environmental change.