Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), which is a Gram-positive diplococcus, has emerged as a significant human pathogen. It is a primary cause of bacterial pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, and septicemia, leading to a considerable impact on global morbidity and mortality. The investigation of S. pneumoniae and its virulence factors has resulted in the identification of surface endonuclease A (EndA). EndA functions in DNA uptake during natural transformation and plays a significant role in gene transfer. The ability of S. pneumoniae to degrade neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) enhances its virulence and invasive potential in pneumococcal infections. NETosis occurs when neutrophils release chromatin into the extracellular space to form NETs, capturing and neutralizing pathogens. Currently, NETosis can be induced by several microbes, particulate matter, and sterile stimuli through distinct cellular mechanisms, and this includes the involvement of EndA in S. pneumoniae. Here, we reviewed the cellular functions of EndA, its role in S. pneumoniae as a virulence factor in relation to NETosis, its relationship to immunogenicity, and its involvement in several diseases. The discovery of this relationship would significantly impact therapeutic technology in reducing disease burden, especially pneumococcal infections.

Autologous fat grafting is a common technique in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, addressing facial rejuvenation, breast contouring, scar mitigation, and soft tissue corrections. However, clinical outcomes can be inconsistent and unpredictable. While extensive research has explored the mechanisms of harvesting, purifying, and transplanting adipose tissue, there is a notable gap in understanding the impact of donor-related factors on fat grafting success. This review aims to fill this gap by examining how variables like donor age, sex, health status, and anatomical site of fat harvest influence the biological efficacy of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Younger donors often exhibit higher ASC proliferation rates and regenerative potential, while older donors may have reduced cell viability. Hormonal differences between sexes and donor health conditions, such as obesity or diabetes, can also impact ASC functionality and graft outcomes. The anatomical source of the fat further affects its cellular composition and regenerative potential. Understanding these donor-related factors is vital for optimizing fat grafting techniques. The review also explores innovative strategies, such as adipose tissue cryopreservation and acellular fat matrices, to mitigate donor variability. These approaches offer promising avenues for enhancing the predictability and effectiveness of fat grafting. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting novel strategies, this review aims to improve clinical outcomes and advance the field of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Harmattan is a season characterized by dust, cold, and sub-humid trade winds in Sub-Saharan countries. It’s similar to meteorological phenomena like Asian dust storms, Santa Ana winds, Australian bushfires, and Saharan dust in the Caribbean. It causes profound changes in the cardiorespiratory system in apparently healthy individuals and increases the risk of hospitalization in susceptible individuals. Exposure to these extreme conditions has been associated with alterations in autonomic function and baroreceptor sensitivity thus resulting in dysregulation of blood pressure control mechanisms. Baroreceptors are critical regulators of hemodynamics and cardiovascular function. They play a vital role in the short-term responses to blood pressure perturbation and are essential for acute restoration of blood pressure following cold exposure. Harmattan wind contains a barrage of chemicals, dust, and particulate matters depending on industrialization, natural and human activities. Particulate matter from Harmattan dust can trigger systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, exacerbating endothelial dysfunction and impairing vascular reactivity thus contributing to the pathogenesis of alterations in baroreceptor insensitivity, and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, fine particulate matter from dust may penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, activating pulmonary sensory receptors and eliciting reflex responses that influence autonomic tone. The presence of rich acrolein smokes and non-essential heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury in Harmattan wind also reduces baroreflex sensitivity, culminating in a sustained increase in diastolic and systolic blood pressure. This integrated review aims to provide valuable insights into how changes in each of these environmental constituents alter vital pathophysiologic and immunologic mechanisms of the body leading to baroreceptor instability and ultimately hemodynamic imbalance using available primary studies. Understanding this intricate interplay is crucial for implementing targeted interventions and informed public health strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme environmental exposure and ultimately reduce poor health outcomes in the affected regions.

Diabetic ketoalkalosis (DKALK) is a rare but significant variant of diabetic emergencies, characterized by metabolic alkalosis rather than the typical acidosis seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Despite its clinical importance, DKALK often goes unrecognized due to limited literature on its presentation and biochemical variables. This work examines the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, management strategies, and implications for clinical practice of DKALK, drawing insights from case studies and research gaps in the field. Notable case studies underscore the diagnostic challenges and emphasize the importance of tailored management strategies for DKALK. Risk assessment involves recognizing predisposing factors such as severe vomiting, alcohol abuse, or concomitant diuretic use. Timely recognition and intervention are essential to prevent potentially life-threatening complications associated with DKALK. Continued research efforts are warranted to refine diagnostic criteria, optimize therapeutic approaches, and enhance early recognition of DKALK, ultimately improving patient outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario.