Hair loss in women represents a complex clinical challenge with profound psychosocial implications. We present the case of a young woman from Qatar who experienced severe diffuse hair fall for three years despite consulting eight dermatologists across private and public healthcare sectors. She underwent multiple interventions including hair transplantation, topical minoxidil therapy, and experimental exosome injections without adequate diagnostic workup or blood testing. Despite these treatments, her condition showed no improvement, and she experienced significant psychosocial distress compounded by harsh communication from some physicians. Subsequently, she pursued DNA-guided intervention with nutrigenomics through a specialized trichologist, representing a paradigm shift toward precision medicine in hair loss management. This case highlights critical gaps in conventional diagnostic approaches, the importance of comprehensive metabolic and genetic assessment, and the potential of personalized genomic-guided interventions in chronic hair loss. The case underscores the necessity of patient-centered care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and compassionate communication in managing conditions with significant psychological burden.

This study focused on demonstrating the inhibitory activity of essential oils from four aromatic plants, Cymbopogon citratus, C. giganteus, Eucalyptus globulus, and Syzygium aromaticum, on strains of Candida albicans and Microsporum spp. in the Kisangani region. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and the antifungal activity was evaluated by aromatogram. The results revealed that, on the C. albicans strain, the average inhibition diameter was 3 mm for C. citratus essential oil, 1 mm for C. giganteus and E. globulus essential oils, and 24 mm for S. aromaticum essential oil. Furthermore, on the Microsporum spp. strain, the average inhibition diameter was 16 mm for C. citratus essential oil, 15.5 mm for C. giganteus essential oil, 8 mm for E. globulus essential oil, and 12 mm for S. aromaticum essential oil. This study shows that the inhibition diameters of the essential oils of the plant species studied have different activities on the two fungal strains (C. albicans and Microsporum spp.) tested. However, using Student's t-test, the probability obtained is p-value = 0.01, indicating a very significant difference in sensitivity between the two strains tested.

Background: Pediatric ameloblastoma is an uncommon odontogenic tumor that demonstrates clinicopathologic characteristics distinct from adult cases. Precise delineation of demographic distribution, anatomic predilection, radiographic presentation, and histopathologic subtypes is essential for risk-adapted surgical planning and improved long-term outcomes. Objective: To characterize the demographic, clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features of ameloblastoma in children and adolescents treated at a tertiary referral center in Lagos State, Nigeria, and to evaluate predictors of biologic tumor type. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 63 patients ≤ 18 years diagnosed with ameloblastoma between 2013 and 2025. Data collected included age, sex, duration of symptoms, tumor site, radiographic appearance, and histopathologic classification according to the 2022 WHO criteria. Associations between biologic type [unicystic vs. conventional] and clinical variables were examined using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of conventional ameloblastoma among 59 cases with specified classification. Results: The majority of patients were aged 11–15 years [42.9%], followed by 16–18 years [38.1%]; no cases occurred below 6 years. Males predominated [63.5%]. Tumors overwhelmingly involved the mandible [90.5%], with maxillary lesions accounting for 3.2%. Conventional ameloblastoma constituted 49.2% of cases, unicystic ameloblastoma 44.4%, and 6.3% were unspecified. Plexiform architecture predominated among conventional tumors [25.4% of total cohort], whereas the mural variant was most frequent among unicystic lesions [22.2%]. Radiographic appearance demonstrated a strong association with biologic type: 96.4% of unicystic tumors were unilocular, while 96.8% of conventional tumors were multilocular [p < 0.001]. On multivariable analysis, increasing age [OR 1.328 per year; 95% CI 1.067–1.654; p = 0.011], male sex [OR 4.208; 95% CI 1.516–11.681; p = 0.006], and multilocular radiographic pattern [OR 133.2; 95% CI 12.61–1407.3; p < 0.001] independently predicted conventional ameloblastoma. Duration of symptoms was not significantly associated with biologic type. Conclusion: Pediatric ameloblastoma in this cohort demonstrated teenage predominance, significant male preponderance in conventional tumors, and marked mandibular localization. Conventional ameloblastoma slightly exceeded unicystic ameloblastoma. Multilocular radiographic appearance, older age, and male sex were strong independent predictors of conventional histology. These findings underscore the importance of integrating demographic and imaging features with histopathologic classification to guide surgical decision-making in pediatric patients.

Autoimmune diseases arise from dysregulated innate and adaptive immunity, often driven by persistent inflammation, exposure to self-antigens, and defective immune tolerance. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a dual role in host defense and autoimmunity by exposing DNA–protein complexes that activate nucleic acid–sensing receptors. Efficient degradation of extracellular DNA, largely mediated by deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) encoded by the DNASE1 gene, is essential for preventing chronic inflammation. Impaired DNase I activity contributes to systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis by allowing NET accumulation, autoantibody production, and endothelial damage. Parasitic helminths induce eosinophilia and Th2-skewed responses, which modulate neutrophil activity, neutralize inflammatory mediators such as histamine, and interact with extracellular traps. We hypothesize that helminth-induced eosinophil activation protects against autoimmunity by limiting neutrophil-mediated tissue toxicity, enhancing NET clearance via DNase I, and regulating histamine-driven inflammation. In this model, DNASE1 serves as a central integrator of extracellular DNA metabolism, innate immune sensing, and eosinophil–neutrophil cross-talk. Disruption of this axis predisposes to autoimmunity, whereas helminth-driven modulation restores immune tolerance. This framework provides a testable hypothesis linking extracellular DNA clearance, helminth exposure, and autoimmune disease pathogenesis.

The nasal cavity is the principal pathway for respiration and olfaction, combining protective and sensory functions. The anterior portion filters and shields against external particles, while the posterior region refines inspired air and mediates smell perception. In Unani medicine nasal health is associated with the balance of humors and temperament. This paper interlaces together Unani concepts with modern anatomic pathology to present a very useful and pedagogical resource. We present in detail the structure and function of the nasal cavity which also includes the complex issues of its relationship to and vulnerabilities in various pathologic conditions. Unani disease classification and pathophysiologic theories are put under the microscope to present that in fact they do in many cases parallel modern bio-medical understanding of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. We look at acute catarrhal rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, epistaxis, and malignant tumors through the Unani medicine lens which also shows the very relevant role of humor-based etiologies for what are very common illnesses. This integrated approach we put forth adds to academic discussion, also has practical value for the clinician and educator and in turn helps to bridge the gap between traditional and modern systems of care.

Background- Pyogenic granuloma is a common reactive oral lesion characterized by rapid vascular proliferation and tissue remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its regulators, TIMP-2 and RECK, are key modulators of extracellular matrix turnover and angiogenesis, but their roles in pyogenic granuloma remain unclear. Aim- This study aimed to assess the expression and possible role of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK in the biologic behaviour of Pyogenic granuloma. Methods- This was a laboratory based immunohistochemical study of pyogenic granuloma cases seen at the Department of Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine, UCH Ibadan, Nigeria between January 2000 and December 2011. 50 cases of pyogenic granuloma were sectioned and stained with commercial antibodies for MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK. Immunohistochemical staining of cells in individual cases was assessed at X100 magnification. Immunohistochemical assessment of MMP2, TIMP2 and RECK were expressed in proportions/percentages. Mean scores for MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK as well as MMP-2: TIMP-2 and MMP-2: RECK in all the cases of pyogenic granuloma were compared using the Independent Sample T test. Results- All of the cases expressed MMP2 and 88% of cases expressed TIMP-2 while RECK is positive in 80%. The mean MMP2: RECK ratio in pyogenic granuloma is 2:1. TIMP -2 is significantly higher in males than females (p = 0.005) while mean MMP2:TIMP2 is significantly higher in females than males (p = 0.000). Pearson correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore the relationships between MMP-2 and its inhibitors, TIMP-2 and RECK, in pyogenic granuloma. A weak negative correlation was observed between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression (r = −0.093), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.521). Similarly, simple linear regression analysis showed that MMP-2 expression was not a significant predictor of RECK expression (β = 0.02, p = 0.882), with the model explaining virtually none of the variance (R² = 0.00). Conclusion- MMP-2 is expressed in all pyogenic granuloma cases and exceeds the levels of its inhibitors, TIMP-2 and RECK, consistent with its role in driving angiogenesis. Its expression appears largely independent of TIMP-2 and RECK, suggesting additional regulatory factors influence MMP-2 activity in these lesions.

Background: Preseptal and orbital cellulitis represent a diagnostic continuum in pediatric ophthalmology with significantly different management implications. Rapid, accurate differentiation is essential to prevent vision-threatening complications while avoiding unnecessary imaging and hospitalization. Case Presentation: A previously healthy 12-year-old girl presented with acute onset right eyelid erythema and swelling for two days. Clinical examination revealed marked periorbital edema with tenderness and erythema confined to the eyelid tissues. Critically, visual acuity remained 20/20, extraocular movements were full and painless, no relative afferent pupillary defect was present, and fundoscopic examination was normal. The patient was afebrile with only mild superior visual field restriction secondary to mechanical ptosis from lid swelling. Decision-Making: Based on preserved ocular function and absence of orbital signs, a clinical diagnosis of preseptal cellulitis was established. The decision was made to initiate outpatient oral antibiotic therapy with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage, deferring computed tomography imaging pending clinical response assessment. Outcome: The patient demonstrated excellent response to oral antibiotics with complete resolution of symptoms within 5 days, confirming the appropriateness of conservative outpatient management. Teaching Points: This case illustrates the critical clinical features distinguishing preseptal from orbital cellulitis, demonstrates evidence-based outpatient management in appropriately selected pediatric patients, and provides a practical algorithmic approach to periorbital infections in children.