Dayo Rotimi Omotoso

This study examined barriers and facilitators of the first phase of the co-creation process as part of the Youth-centred Participatory Action (YoPA) project, a multi-country co-creation initiative to address health inequities by engaging adolescents in Denmark, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Using a qualitative design informed by implementation science and realist thinking, we analysed data from 22 transcripts of semi-structured interviews with researchers, facilitators, and external stakeholders, alongside 61 logbooks from co-creation sessions. Data were coded deductively using the PROSECO process-evaluation framework, followed by the development of exploratory Context–Mechanism–Outcome configurations. Findings highlight four predominant areas shaping the co-creation process: group dynamics, partnerships, contextual influences, and resources and support. Facilitators included psychologically safe spaces, horizontal communication, consistent facilitation, strong institutional partnerships, motivation driven by purpose and belonging, and access to organizational resources and staff support. Barriers were associated with socioeconomic adversity, unstable infrastructures, logistical constraints, competing priorities, uneven engagement, and challenges in translating complex systems-thinking concepts into youth-friendly practice. Realist interpretations suggest that when structured participation, trust, and relational support were present, they activated mechanisms of ownership, agency, and sustained engagement; conversely, low-resource contexts and activities overload hindered participation, feasibility, and engagement. This study contributes empirical evidence on co-creation processes with adolescents across diverse settings. It demonstrates the combined value of the PROSECO framework and realist-inspired analysis for evaluation and understanding of how context and mechanisms shape co-creation in health-related research. Implications include the need for resourcing relational work, and designing context-sensitive strategies when conducting co-creation with adolescents.

Quercetin (QCT) is a dietary flavonoid with reported antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, but direct comparisons with established antioxidants, such

Introduction and aim. Certain drugs cause nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction through induction of oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways within the renal tissue. To mitigate drug nephrotoxicity, the therapeutic potential of trace elements such as selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) has been experimentally explored. The current knowledge and mechanisms are hereby summarized in this review. Material and methods. This narrative review was carried out through a critical assessment of relevant articles published in scientific databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Analysis of the literature. The antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties of Se and Zn culminate in their therapeutic activity against drugs nephrotoxicity. The nephroprotective effect of Se and Zn has been characterized with suppression of renal oxidative stress (reduced malondialdehyde, protein cabonyl and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity levels); upregulation of anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory markers (Bcl-2, heme oxygenase-1, factor related to nuclear factor erythroid 2; downregulation of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory like inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells NF-κB, and Bax, leading to reparation of renal histomorphology and improved renal function (indicated by reduced serum creatinine, urea, BUN levels). Conclusion. The therapeutic activity of Se and Zn against drugs nephrotoxicity underscores their potential role in the management of nephrotoxicity due to pharmacotherapy.

Introduction: The application of modern and innovative technology into anatomical science education has been on a rapid increase globally in recent years with the anatomy tutors and students playing important and complementary roles in the process of the integration. Methods: This narrative perspective presents the current state of technological applications adopted in anatomy education in medical colleges in Africa and the roles of the anatomy tutors and students in the process. Results: The role of the anatomy tutors in African medical colleges include facilitation of technological integration into anatomy education and curriculum, promotion of active learning in anatomy, design of innovative assessment strategies, provision of relevant technological support, and advocate for provision of resources and infrastructure. Similarly, the trainees played important roles in the process of technological integration into anatomy education in Africa which include increased acceptability of technology for anatomy learning, utilisation and validation of innovative assessment methods, peer-advocacy for technology-driven learning, and bridging the technological gap. Conclusion: The active participation of both the tutors and students in the adoption of technological solutions and tools will continue to enhance the quality of anatomical science pedagogy across African medical colleges.

Introduction and aim. The ovaries are almond-shaped organs that produce the female gametes and reproductive hormones. They also play a critical role of ovulation under well-coordinated hormonal regulation. However, chemotherapy involving the application of drugs to combat chronic diseases (like cancer) results in toxicity to tissues like ovaries. Similarly, exposure to heavy metals has a toxic effect on the ovaries. Hence, potential therapeutic agents including vitamin antioxidants have been explored to combat ovarian toxicity caused by drugs or heavy metals. Material and methods. This review was based on previous articles archived on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. After initial assessment, the relevant articles were selected for further critical assessment. Analysis of the literature. Induction of oxidative stress and activation of inflammo-apoptotic signaling were indicated as the major mechanisms of ovarian toxicity due to exposure to drugs and heavy metals. Moreover, vitamins such as alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and folic acid demonstrated therapeutic effects against drug and heavy metal-induced ovarian toxicity based on their modulatory effect on the downstream mechanisms of the toxicity. Conclusion. Vitamins exert a therapeutic effect against ovarian toxicity caused by drugs or heavy metal exposure due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.

Introduction and aim. Exposure to drugs and chemical toxins has been a common cause of structural and functional impairment of the male gonad (or testis), often leading to male reproductive disorder and infertility. Health concerns due to drugs or chemical-induced testicular damage have increased the exploration of potential therapeutic agents including vitamins and microelements. This review summarizes therapeutic role of vitamins and microelements against drugs or chemical toxins in preclinical studies. Material and methods. Relevant articles published on scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science were retrieved and critically reviewed for this study. Analysis of the literature. The mitigating effect of essential vitamins (such as vitamin B2, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin B17, vitamin C, vitamin E) and microelements (such as zinc and selenium) has been demonstrated on testicular damage caused by exposure to drugs and chemical toxins in preclinical studies and associated with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This was further characterized with reparation of testicular histopathology, suppression of testicular oxidative damage, improved sperm parameters, elevated testicular antioxidants and testosterone level, upregulation of steroidogenic gene, inhibition of sperm DNA damage. Conclusion. Vitamins and microelements exert therapeutic effect against drugs and chemical-induced testicular damage.