Background: Cucumis sativus (cucumber) is a widely consumed fruit known for its high water content and antioxidant properties. Despite its numerous health benefits, limited research has been conducted on its potential effects on male reproductive health. This study investigated the impact of cucumber fruit juice on male reproductive hormones and semen quality parameters. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group and two experimental groups receiving 10 ml/kg and 20 ml/kg of Cucumis sativus fruit juice daily for four weeks. Serum samples were analyzed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Semen samples were evaluated for sperm motility, viability, morphology, and abnormal sperm cell count. Results: The administration of cucumber juice did not significantly affect FSH, LH, or testosterone levels (p > 0.05), indicating that the fruit juice does not interfere with endocrine regulation of male reproduction. However, sperm quality parameters showed significant improvements. Sperm motility increased notably in the experimental groups, with the highest motility observed in the 20 ml/kg group. Sperm viability and normal morphology were also significantly enhanced compared to the control (p < 0.05). The percentage of sperm abnormalities, including head defects, mid-piece distortions, and cytoplasmic droplets, was significantly reduced, particularly at the higher dose. These findings suggest that cucumber juice may improve sperm function without altering hormonal balance. Conclusion: The results indicate that Cucumis sativus fruit juice has a beneficial effect on sperm quality, enhancing motility, viability, and morphology while reducing sperm abnormalities. These improvements may be attributed to the antioxidant and hydrating properties of cucumber, which help to reduce oxidative stress and support testicular function. However, the absence of significant hormonal changes suggests that its effects on male fertility are primarily local rather than systemic.

Background: Migraine and dementia are prevalent neurological disorders with overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms. The association between migraine and dementia risk remains debated, with conflicting findings from observational studies and emerging evidence from Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for publications from January 2021 to January 2026. Eligible studies included observational cohort studies and MR studies examining the association between migraine and dementia outcomes in adults. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies and a modified ROBINS-I framework for MR studies. A narrative synthesis was performed due to substantial heterogeneity. Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria: five population-based cohort studies and two two-sample MR studies. Among cohort studies, four reported significant positive associations between migraine and dementia risk, with hazard ratios ranging from 1.21 to 1.37 for all-cause dementia, 1.29 to 1.31 for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 1.21 to 1.35 for vascular dementia (VaD). One Swedish cohort study reported no significant associations. MR studies provided evidence supporting a causal relationship between genetically predicted migraine and increased AD risk (odds ratios 1.09–1.10), with thalamic atrophy identified as a partial mediator (28.2% of the total effect). Bidirectional MR analysis revealed that migraine increases AD risk while VaD increases migraine risk. Migraine subtype, aura status, and case definition influenced observed associations. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests migraine is associated with increased risk of dementia, particularly AD and VaD, with MR studies supporting causal relationships. Heterogeneity across studies highlights the importance of diagnostic methods, population characteristics, and dementia subtype specification. Future research should employ standardized diagnostic criteria, detailed migraine phenotyping, and investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of migraine management on cognitive outcomes.

Background: Pediatric abdominal masses are diagnostically challenging due to their diverse etiology and nonspecific presentation, necessitating accurate imaging for proper management. This study aimed to evaluate the imaging spectrum and diagnostic performance of radiological modalities in differentiating benign and malignant lesions. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to December 2025. Ninety pediatric patients with suspected abdominal masses were included and evaluated using ultrasonography as the primary modality, with CT and MRI performed when indicated. Imaging findings were assessed for lesion characteristics and origin, and classified as benign or malignant. Diagnostic performance was analyzed using standard statistical measures. Results: A total of 90 pediatric patients with abdominal masses were evaluated, with most aged 1–5 years (40.0%) and a slight male predominance (57.8%), and abdominal swelling being the commonest presentation (82.2%). Renal origin was most frequent (35.6%), followed by hepatic (22.2%), with solid lesions predominating (66.7%) and all patients undergoing USG (100%), while CT (66.7%) and MRI (20.0%) were used selectively. Wilms tumor was the leading diagnosis (24.4%), and overall diagnostic accuracy was 86.7% with sensitivity 91.1%, specificity 79.4%, PPV 87.9%, and NPV 84.4%. Conclusion: Radiological evaluation, led by ultrasonography with complementary CT and MRI, is highly effective in characterizing pediatric abdominal masses and distinguishing benign from malignant lesions.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease characterized by heterogeneous clinical, biochemical, immunological, and histological features, which may make its diagnosis challenging in clinical practice. This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic difficulties encountered in patients with suspected AIH and to highlight the role of a comprehensive diagnostic approach. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study over a five-year period from January 2019 to July 2025 in the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Proctology at Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat. Clinical records of patients evaluated for suspected AIH were reviewed, and demographic, clinical, biochemical, immunological, and histological data were analyzed. A total of 24 patients were included, with a mean age at diagnosis of 45.5 years and a marked female predominance (83.3%). Cholestatic jaundice was the most common presenting manifestation (45.8%), followed by portal hypertension syndrome (29.2%) and chronic cytolysis (16.7%). Elevated serum IgG levels were observed in 79.2% of patients. Antinuclear antibodies and anti–smooth muscle antibodies were positive in 75% and 70.8% of cases, respectively. According to the simplified International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) criteria, definite AIH was diagnosed in 11 patients (45.8%) and probable AIH in 3 patients (12.5%). In the remaining cases, alternative diagnoses were established, including primary biliary cholangitis, chronic hepatitis C, metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis, hepatic sarcoidosis, drug-induced hepatitis, and cryptogenic cirrhosis. Histopathological examination played a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and identifying overlap syndromes or alternative etiologies. Patients with confirmed or probable AIH were treated with corticosteroids in combination with azathioprine, with favorable clinical outcomes in most cases. These findings underline the diagnostic complexity of AIH and emphasize the importance of integrating clinical, biological, immunological, and histological data to establish an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate management.