Commercial Medicines Research Articles

Voltammetric methodology for the quality control and monitoring of sulfamethoxazole removal from water

Voltammetric methodology for the quality control and monitoring of sulfamethoxazole removal from water

Geo-Hydrobiology and Geoinformatics Mapping of Ethnobotany in the Gandhamardan Hills, Odisha, India

Objective: The Gandhamardan Hills (GMH)range is a group of small mountains in Peninsular India in Balangir district in Odisha state in India. There is uniqueness in geology, geography, geomorphology, climatology, Hydrology, petrology, and lithology. The lithology, soil, water, geomorphology, and traditional use of plants in Ayurveda (India) have holistic medicinal/surgery. origin. Geo-hydro-biological amalgamation through Geological Information Systems (GIS) and chemical analysis is still being explored, and the present research emphasises such studies. Methods: Data about geo-hydro-biology through grapy, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, and traditional medicinal practices are implored from literature sources, using TOPO and Q-GIS maps and ERDAS software; their analytical interpretations were reported. The chemical analysis was conducted using X-ray fluorescence spectrometric studies of the water and soil of GMH, and the exuberance of ethnobotanical species in GMH was correlated. Results Laboratory analysis, literature studies, and interaction with Ayurvedic and Kaviraj practitioners, 154 popular species databases with their pharmacological applications reported for ordinary people. Many species have multidimensional applications that can transform Ayurveda into Materia medica. Conclusion: This ethnobotanical study documented the use of plants by the local community. The natural medicinal plants are cheap for the rural communities. The information gathered can be used for further scientific investigation to develop new commercial plant-based medicines as they will be safer than synthetic drugs. SDGs 1 to 3 and 12, 13, and 15 will be satisfied if we can conserve and adequately manage the hub of medicinal plants in GMH.

The Development of a Chocolate-Based Chewable Tablet of Prednisolone-Enhancing the Palatability of Steroids for Pediatric Use.

Oral liquid prednisolone medications have poor acceptance among paediatric patients due to ineffective masking of the bitterness taste of prednisolone. This study aimed to develop a child-friendly prednisolone tablet using a patented chewable chocolate-based delivery system (CDS) previously applied successfully to mask the bitterness tastes of midazolam and tramadol. Prednisolone sodium phosphate (PSP) and prednisolone base (PB) CDS tablets were prepared, and the manufacturing process was optimised using a design of experiments (DoE) approach. Stability was assessed by quantifying residual drug content via a validated HPLC assay. A pilot randomised crossover taste study involving 25 young adult volunteers evaluated taste-masking effectiveness against Redipred™, a commercial oral PSP liquid medicine. The results showed that the PSP CDS tablet was chemically stable following storage for three months at ambient temperature, while the PB CDS tablet was unstable. The optimised PSP CDS tablet, manufactured at 50 °C with a stirring time of 26 h, was found to release over 80% of its drug load within 20 min in 0.1 M HCl and had a significantly better mean taste score compared to Redipred™ (7.08 ± 2.40 vs. 5.60 ± 2.33, p = 0.03). Fifty six percent of the participants preferred the PSP CDS tablet. In conclusion, compared to Redipred™, the CDS technology provided a more effective taste masking of PSP, potentially offering a child-friendly prednisolone formulation with improved compliance, dosing accuracy, and storage stability.

Unveiling the mechanism of essential oil action against skin pathogens: from ancient wisdom to modern science.

Essential oils are among the most well-known phyto-compounds, and since ancient times, they have been utilized in medicine. Over 100 essential oils have been identified and utilized as therapies for various skin infections and related ailments. While numerous commercial medicines are available in different dosage forms to treat skin diseases, the persisting issues include their side effects, toxicity, and low efficacy. As a result, researchers are seeking novel classes of compounds as substitutes for synthetic drugs, aiming for minimal side effects, no toxicity, and high efficacy. Essential oils have shown promising antimicrobial activity against skin-associated pathogens. This review presents essential knowledge and scientific information regarding essential oil's antimicrobial capabilities against microorganisms that cause skin infections. Essential oils mechanisms against different pathogens have also been explored. Many essential oils exhibit promising activity against various microbes, which has been qualitatively assessed using the agar disc diffusion experiment, followed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration for quantitative evaluation. It has been observed that Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans have been extensively researched in the context of skin-related infections and their antimicrobial activity, including established modes of action. In contrast, other skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogens, Propionibacterium acnes, and Malassezia furfur have received less attention or neglected. This review report provides an updated understanding of the mechanisms of action of various essential oils with antimicrobial properties. This review explores the anti-infectious activity and mode of action of essential against distinct skin pathogens. Such knowledge can be valuable in treating skin infections and related ailments.

Perspectives on U.S. University research reactor policy

Abstract Widely promoted by the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1950s and 1960s, university research reactors allowed faculty to experiment with neutron scattering, advancing our understanding of organic and inorganic materials. These advances led to innovations in commercial products, including automobiles, computers, medicine, and batteries. However, since the 1980s, more than half of all the university research reactors have been decommissioned and remaining reactors are ill-suited for modern needs. RTI International assembled a team of economists, neutron scientists, and policy analysts to examine the history of university research reactor policy in the USA, assess barriers to greater usage, and consider how US policy differs from those in other countries. We present three policy options to enhance the role of university research reactors in federal research and the national science infrastructure landscape.

Comparative efficacy of commercial oral poly-herbal traditional Chinese medicine formulations combined with western medicine in benign prostatic hyperplasia management: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prevalent among the aging male population and often presents with distressing lower urinary tract symptoms. There is emerging evidence that commercial oral poly-herbal traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation combined with Western medicine (WM) may offer enhanced therapeutic effects compared to WM alone in BPH treatment. Nevertheless, determining the optimal formulations for BPH remains controversial. We aimed to employ a network meta-analysis to compare and assess differences among commonly used and recommended poly-herbal TCM formulations outlined in the Chinese guidelines for BPH treatment, providing clinical medication recommendations and guidance. Methods: We extensively searched for RCTs of BPH patients that had oral poly-herbal TCM formulations and WM treatment, covering both English and Chinese databases up to 31 October 2023. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool Version 2 (ROB2). A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness of various formulations, followed by sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Results: Our meta-analysis included 107 RCTs involving 11,037 patients across 16 oral poly-herbal TCM formulations. The quality of the selected studies was assessed as "Some concerns". Most formulations combined with WM demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy compared to WM alone. For clinical effective rate, Jingui Shenqi pill (JGSQ) + WM had the highest-ranking probability (87.38%). Concerning International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum flow rate of urine, Guizhi Fuling capsule (GZFL) + WM was most effective (91.10% and 98.55%). Regarding the quality of life score and postvoid residual urine, Pulean tablet (PLA) + WM ranked first (86.71% and 91.81%). In controlling prostate volume, Huange capsule (HE) + WM demonstrated the highest efficacy (95.65%). Additionally, among the interventions, Lingze (LZ) + WM capsule exhibited the lowest incidence of adverse drug reactions (2.32%). Conclusion: Combining oral poly-herbal TCM formulations with WM may provide greater therapeutic benefits in BPH treatment compared to WM alone. JGSQ, GZFL, PLA, and HE emerged as promising treatment options. However, further rigorous empirical studies are essential to substantiate these findings. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=459651, CRD 42023459651.

LexA, an SOS response repressor, activates TGase synthesis in Streptomyces mobaraensis

Transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13, TGase), an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of covalent cross-links between protein or peptide molecules, plays a critical role in commercial food processing, medicine, and textiles. TGase from Streptomyces is the sole commercial enzyme preparation for cross-linking proteins. In this study, we revealed that the SOS response repressor protein LexA in Streptomyces mobaraensis not only triggers morphological development but also enhances TGase synthesis. The absence of lexA significantly diminished TGase production and sporulation. Although LexA does not bind directly to the promoter region of the TGase gene, it indirectly stimulates transcription of the tga gene, which encodes TGase. Furthermore, LexA directly enhances the expression of genes associated with protein synthesis and transcription factors, thus favorably influencing TGase synthesis at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Moreover, LexA activates four crucial genes involved in morphological differentiation, promoting spore maturation. Overall, our findings suggest that LexA plays a dual role as a master regulator of the SOS response and a significant contributor to TGase regulation and certain aspects of secondary metabolism, offering insights into the cellular functions of LexA and facilitating the strategic engineering of TGase overproducers.

Xiaoyao Pills, a Chinese patent medicine, treats mild and moderate depression: A randomized clinical trial combined with DNA methylation analysis

BackgroundXiaoyao pills (XYP) is a commercial Chinese patent medicine used in the treatment of depression. However, the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, as well as the patients who can benefit from XYP, have not been evaluated so far. ObjectivesTo this end, we conducted a double-blinded, random, and placebo-controlled clinical trial of orally administered XYP in patients with depression. MethodsThe 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) scores were recorded at baseline, and every 2 weeks after the start of treatment. To further elucidate the epigenetic mechanism of XYP, we performed mRNA sequencing and genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing using peripheral blood leukocytes of patients and healthy. ResultsXYP effectively alleviated the symptoms in patients with mild or moderate depressive disorders, particularly that of psychomotor retardation. XYP restored aberrant gene expression and DNA methylation patterns associated with depression, and the normalization of DNA methylation correlated with downregulation of several genes. In addition, altered DNA methylation levels in the XYP-treated samples were attributed to increased expression of the DNA methyltransferase DNMT1. ConclusionsOur study provides new insights into the epigenetic mechanism underlying depression and the therapeutic effects of XYP, along with an experimental basis for using XYP in the treatment of depression. Trial Registration InformationThe name of the registry and number: U.S. Clinical Trials Registry. The link to the registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ISRCTN12746343 (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12746343). The name of the trial register is “Efficacy and safety of the Xiaoyao pill for improving the clinical symptoms of stagnation of liver qi (chi) and spleen deficiency”. The clinical trial registration number is ISRCTN12746343.

Comparing the effect of phytobiotic, coccidiostat, toltrazuril, and vaccine on the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in broilers

This study compared 2 herbal anticoccidiosis drugs (water-soluble and feed-additive drugs) with monensin coccidiostat, toltrazuril (TTZ, anticoccidiosis drug), and Livacox Q (anticoccidiosis vaccine) in terms of their effects on the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in broilers. In this study, 280 Ross 308 broiler chickens (a mix of both genders) were used in a completely randomized design with 7 treatments and 5 replications each including 8 chickens per replicate. On d 21 of rearing, all experimental groups, except for the negative control group (NC), were challenged with a mixed suspension of common strains of Eimeria, and the intended indices were assessed, including performance indices, number of oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces, intestinal injuries, and the total number of intestinal bacteria. In addition, the NC and the group receiving the monensin had greater body weight gain (BWG) (P < 0.05). At the end of week 6, the monensin group had the highest feed intake (FI), while the water soluble medicine treatment resulted in the lowest feed intake (P < 0.05). Regarding the lesion scores on day 28, the highest and lowest rates of jejunal injuries were observed in the positive control group (PC), the monensin and vaccine group respectively. The rate of oocysts excretion (oocysts per gram of feces = OPG) on different days was higher in the PC group, and the use of monensin could further reduce excretion compared to the other groups (P > 0.05). Based on a comparison of the population of lactic acid bacteria between the NC and both medicinal plant treated groups, the use of these products could increase the population of these types of bacteria. Moreover, the population of Escherichia coli was less considerable in the NC and herbal powder groups (P < 0.05). Overall, similar to commercial medicines, the herbal medicines used in this project can be effective in the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis and can improve profitability in broiler rearing centers by improving intestinal health.

Preparation of benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide and its utilization for benzofuran-bearing 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazole synthesis

Benzofuran, triazole and oxadiazole spontaneously occur in natural compounds with highly desired bioactivities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticancer. These cyclic scaffolds happen in a variety of commercial medicines as well as developed drugs in late-stage clinical trials (eg. amiodarone, ramelteon, zibotentan, and ataluren). Benzofuran-bearing triazole and oxadiazole can be synthesized by click reaction, requiring an alkynyl group. The formation of the alkynyl group can be achieved by treating the precursor with sodium azide, a poisonous chemical that needs safe conditions for manipulation. In this study, a simple and convenient reflux-based method for the synthesis of benzofuran-involved triazole and oxadiazole was developed. Firstly, benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide (3) was prepared by the reaction of salicylaldehyde and ethyl chloroacetate, followed by the treatment with hydrazine hydrate. Subsequently, compound (3) reacted with KOH, CS2 and hydrazine hydrate to afford 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol derivative (4), existing in a tautomeric form with its thione isomer (4b) in 1:3 of molar ratio. Intriguingly, the reaction of (3) and 4-fluorobenzaldehyde afforded N'-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-1-benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide (6) instead of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives. Their structures were confirmed by NMR and MS. Altogether, this study implies the potential of using the simple and cost-effective reflux-based method for benzofuran-bearing triazole and oxadiazole synthesis. ® 2023 Journal of Science and Technology − NTTU

Synthesis of N-Hydroxycytidine and Dimethyl Dioxol Impurities, Method Development and Validation for Their Simultaneous Analysis in Molnupiravir.

WHO declared the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus as a global pandemic (coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)) in March 2020. Molnupiravir (MPV) is an oral antiviral drug that received use authorization for mild to moderate COVID-19 treatment in adults. However, the global and national drug testing and research of MPV is still difficult due to lack of standards and validated procedures. Therefore, this work aims to synthesize the standard substance of two main molnupiravir impurities, N-hydroxycytidine (NHC) and dimethyl dioxol (DMDO), followed by development of a HPLC-photo diode array (PDA) for their simultaneous analysis. The procedure was validated in compliance with the international pharmaceutical analysis guideline (ICH), and employed to test these compounds in molnupiravir on the market. As a result, NHC and DMDO were successfully synthesized by a hydrolysis in an alkaline environment, and acetalization in an acid environment with very high yields of 83.76 and 73.51%, respectively, along with the purities of over 99%. NHC was detected below the allowable threshold whereas DMDO could not be detected in our samples. The findings show the high applicability of our synthesis and determination procedures in the large-scale production and quality control of impurities of commercial molnupiravir medicines.

Developing an adult stem cell derived microphysiological intestinal system for predicting oral prodrug bioconversion and permeability in humans.

Microphysiological systems (MPS) incorporating human intestinal organoids have shown the potential to faithfully model intestinal biology with the promise to accelerate development of oral prodrugs. We hypothesized that an MPS model incorporating flow, shear stress, and vasculature could provide more reliable measures of prodrug bioconversion and permeability. Following construction of jejunal and duodenal organoid MPS derived from 3 donors, we determined the area under the concentration-time (AUC) curve for the active drug in the vascular channel and characterized the enzymology of prodrug bioconversion. Fosamprenavir underwent phosphatase mediated hydrolysis to amprenavir while dabigatran etexilate (DABE) exhibited proper CES2- and, as anticipated, not CES1-mediated de-esterification, followed by permeation of amprenavir to the vascular channel. When experiments were conducted in the presence of bio-converting enzyme inhibitors (orthovanadate for alkaline phosphatase; bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate for carboxylesterase), the AUC of the active drug decreased accordingly in the vascular channel. In addition to functional analysis, the MPS was characterized through imaging and proteomic analysis. Imaging revealed proper expression and localization of epithelial, endothelial, tight junction and catalytic enzyme markers. Global proteomic analysis was used to analyze the MPS model and 3 comparator sources: an organoid-based transwell model (which was also evaluated for function), Matrigel embedded organoids and finally jejunal and duodenal cadaver tissues collected from 3 donors. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) of global proteomic data demonstrated that all organoid-based models exhibited strong similarity and were distinct from tissues. Intestinal organoids in the MPS model exhibited strong similarity to human tissue for key epithelial markers via HCA. Quantitative proteomic analysis showed higher expression of key prodrug converting and drug metabolizing enzymes in MPS-derived organoids compared to tissues, organoids in Matrigel, and organoids on transwells. When comparing organoids from MPS and transwells, expression of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALPI), carboxylesterase (CES)2, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and sucrase isomaltase (SI) was 2.97-, 1.2-, 11.3-, and 27.7-fold higher for duodenum and 7.7-, 4.6-, 18.1-, and 112.2-fold higher for jejunum organoids in MPS, respectively. The MPS approach can provide a more physiological system than enzymes, organoids, and organoids on transwells for pharmacokinetic analysis of prodrugs that account for 10% of all commercial medicines.

Modernization of Primary Healthcare: Efficiency of Social Policy in the Post-Soviet State

The national security depends on the health of the population, which, in its turn, depends on the healthcare system. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia focused on the primary healthcare. The goals, tools, and results of the reforms that have taken place in the last three decades are usually considered from the point of view of law, economic feasibility, or organizational effectiveness. The author applied the historical and political approach to these reforms, thus evaluating their ability to preserve and increase human health. Fertility, morbidity, and mortality usually serve as national health criteria. The research relied on regulatory legal acts, speeches of senior government officials, official statistics, and sociological surveys. Demographic problems and budget deficits proved to be the main reasons behind the post-Soviet reforms, which transferred some material obligations from the federal to the local level and expended the scope of commercial medicine. Part of the financial burden moved from expensive specialized hospitals (secondary healthcare) to cheaper polyclinic and preventive medicine (primary healthcare). Federal budget expenditures decreased as patient capacity and the number of medical organizations went down and the productivity of primary healthcare went up. However, the national mortality and morbidity kept growing. The current diagnostic preventive healthcare model concentrates on primary healthcare: it reduces financial expenditures but fails to solve the demographic problems.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Medicinal Plants and Their Biological Applications: A Review

The manufacture of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is one of the simplest, most useful, economical and environmentally advantageous approaches to decrease the usage of hazardous substances. Since the earliest days of human history, silver and silver salts have been employed, but silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have just recently reached light. Particularly in agriculture and medicine, these have been used as antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidants. The current research on the environmentally friendly manufacture of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilising various plant extracts and their potential use as antibacterial agents is summarised and explained in this review. The main objective is to provide a comprehensive and systematic review of how various factors affect the synthesis of green Ag NPs with antimicrobial properties. These factors include the type and concentration of plant extracts and phytochemicals, the solvent and temperature of extraction, and the temperature, pH, time, and concentration of the reaction. Recent advances in using different plants to yield Ag NPs with different sizes, shapes, and stabilities have been presented. It is currently demonstrated that Ag NPs prevent many bacteria and fungi from growing and multiplying by combining Ag/Ag+ with the biomolecules found inside the microbial cells. Antioxidants and reactive oxygen species that might be produced by Ag NPs, which, by preventing cell replication, cause apoptosis and cell death. SEM and TEM images of the nanoparticle-pathogen solution show that Ag NPs may enter cells and break through the cell wall since they are smaller than microorganisms. It has similarly been established that lesser Nps present additional risks than superior ones. Additionally, Ag NPs are used in packaging to prevent microbial contamination of food products. Ag NPs' toxicity is influenced by the size, concentration, pH of the media, and length of pathogen exposure. Comprehensive details have also been provided on the biogenic AgNPs' shape- and size-dependent antibacterial properties as well as the improved antimicrobial activities caused by the synergistic interaction of AgNPs with well-known commercial antibiotic medicines.

EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL PAIN MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES DURING LABOR AND DELIVERY

Labor and delivery is a natural procedure that causes women significant pain and discomfort. Many women choose pharmacological pain management techniques, yet there is growing interest in non-pharmacological pain management techniques, viewed as safer and more natural than pharmacological methods. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of non-pharmacological pain management techniques during labor and delivery. In a randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned 246 expectant women to either a non-pharmacological intervention or a control group. During labor and delivery, the non-pharmacological intervention group received a combination of relaxation techniques, including massaging and physical therapy, aromatherapy, TENS, and mixed interventions. The control group received standard care devoid of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Pain levels were measured using a visual analog scale at 30-minute intervals. Additionally, the length of labor, delivery mode, and birth outcomes were recorded using the APGAR score system. The demographic characteristics of patients in both groups were comparable and non-significant in variations (p&gt;0.05). Forty participants utilized each non-pharmacologic technique. Comparing VAS pain scale scores at 30-minute intervals, the distribution of pain intensity levels was comparable between the groups. The larger fraction of neonates in the non-pharmacological group had higher APGAR scores, indicating no need for immediate medical attention. Based on a reasonable comparison of the effectiveness of various interventions for managing labor pain and distress, it was found that 9 (22.5%) of 40 patients who received massaging therapy reported low efficacy in managing labor pain, 13 (32.5%) reported moderate efficacy, and 28 (70%) reported high efficacy. In the aromatherapy of 40 patients, 16 reported low efficacy, 21 reported moderate efficacy, and 13 reported high efficacy in managing labor pain. Ten patients (25%) reported low efficacy, 12 patients (30%) reported moderate efficacy, and 28 patients (70%) reported high efficacy in managing labor pain through TENS. It provided cost-effective and safe alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions during labor and delivery. When properly implemented, these techniques reduced pain intensity comparable to commercial medicines while significantly improving the birthing experience and potentially contributing to better maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Grass Meal Acts as a Probiotic in Chicken

Probiotics can act as an alternative to antibiotics in animal feeding, but their use is minimal due to their expensive production. Dry grass is rich with bacteria beneficial for animal feeding and can be used as a probiotic. However, data about the quantitative dependence of the grass microbiome on environmental factors and seasons remain insufficient for preparing “grass-meal-based probiotics”. Four grass samples were collected in two geographically remote regions of Russia; their microbiome was characterized by metagenomic sequencing of 16S rDNA libraries and microbiological seeding, and biological testing of the grass meal was carried out on 6 groups of birds containing 20 Ross 308 cross broilers each for a period of 42 days. The positive control group (PC) obtained 16–25 mg/mL toltrazuril (coccidiostatic agent) and 0.5 mL/L liquid antibiotic enrostin (100 mg/mL ciprofloxacin and 106 MU/mL colistin sulfate in the commercial preparation) within the drinking water, while the negative control group (NC) obtained no medicines. Four experimental groups were fed the diet supplemented with 1% grass meal over the period of 7–42 days of life; no commercial medicines were used here. A spontaneous infection with Eimeria was registered in the NC control groups, which caused the loss of 7 chickens. No losses were registered in the PC group or the two experimental groups. In two other experimental groups, losses of coccidiosis amounted to 10% and 15%, respectively. All specimens of the grass meal demonstrated a significant effect on the average body weight gain compared to NC. Taken together, these observations support the hypothesis that the grass meal may substitute toltrazuril for protecting the chickens from parasitic invasion and increase average daily weight gain (ADG) as effectively as the antibiotic enrostin.

Features of the Functioning of Transport Healthcare in 1945–1950 (Based on the Materials of the South-Eastern Railway)

The relevance of the stated topic is determined by the social significance of the successful functioning of the system of medical care for citizens to preserve and restore their health. The experience of departmental medical institutions in the previous periods of national history makes it possible to use it rationally in modern conditions along with the services of state and commercial medicine. In scientific terms, the history of the medical and sanitary service of railway transport has not yet been properly developed, as a result of which the study of the declared topic can contribute to the concretization of knowledge about the evolution and problems of the development of domestic healthcare.The purpose of the study is to reveal the features of the post–war restoration of the activities of medical and sanitary institutions of the South-Eastern Railway on the basis of archival documents and periodical press materials.Objectives: to characterize the dynamics of the development of the network of medical and sanitary institutions on the South-Eastern Railway in 1945-1950; to identify the main activities of railway medicine in the period under study; to consider the current problems of the functioning of the industry and ways to solve them.Methodology. The research was based on the principles of objectivity and historicism. To solve the tasks set by the author, the methods of historical-genetic, historical-systemic, historical-comparative, typological, retrospective were used.Results. The study of the main activities of medical and sanitary institutions on railway transport made it possible to present in historical retrospect the features of providing medical care by means of the sectoral healthcare system, which had a certain autonomy and mobility in servicing the entrusted contingent of employees and their family members.Conclusions. During the five post-war years, the transport healthcare system that operated on the South-Eastern Railway restored full efficiency, having managed to improve the material and technical equipment of medical institutions in difficult conditions and strengthen their personnel potential, which positively affected the quality of medical care.

“Because of mchango, I give my baby gripe water so he sleeps and stops crying”: Exclusive breastfeeding and parents’ concerns about colic-like symptoms in infants under 6 months in Lake Zone, Tanzania

BackgroundEffective social and behavior change strategies for exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rely on understanding how families interpret infant behavior and provide care. Little research thoroughly explores household use of non-prescribed medicine for infants under 6 months in rural Tanzania, which can interrupt EBF and may have other harmful unintended effects.&#x0D; AimTo explore parents’ use of non-prescribed medicine in response to infants’ colic-like symptoms during the EBF period.&#x0D; MethodsWe conducted thematic analysis of a series of qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 36 mothers and 30 fathers of infants 0-6 months in Lake Zone, Tanzania. Here, we focus on emergent themes related to concerns about colic-like symptoms and global implications for public health practitioners.&#x0D; ResultsParents reported concerns about excessive crying and perceived infant abdominal pain, attributed to a potentially serious disease state locally known as mchango. Most parents gave non-prescribed medicines (e.g. gripe water, oral traditional medicine, and/or other commercial medicines) to treat or prevent mchango and associated symptoms, often including infant crying. After receiving supportive counselling on soothing techniques, most were willing to avoid giving non-prescribed medicines. Some reported continued challenges attributed to mchango symptoms, namely inconsolable crying.&#x0D; ConclusionWhile symptoms of mchango reported in this study overlapped with colic symptoms, literature in Tanzania suggests, in some cases, mchango is perceived to have spiritual origins and potentially be dangerous if left untreated. Empathetic counseling can offer parents knowledge and skills to manage colic-like symptoms without using non-prescribed medicines. Health workers need clear messages and training on risks of non-prescribed medicines and Tanzanian legislation banning its promotion and distribution.

Survey of Mycotoxin Contamination in Commercial Herbal Medicines

Survey of Mycotoxin Contamination in Commercial Herbal Medicines

Microbiological analysis in different brands of Hepato-protective liquid herbal medicines available in the Dhaka city

Introduction: The use of herbal medicine is on the rise worldwide, and safety issues associated with herbal medicines may have an impact on the population who are using it. Herbal medicines are generally considered as safe based on their long-standing use in various cultures. However, there are concerns regarding the safety especially microbial growth of many of the liquid herbal medicines. Objective: To isolate and identify the organisms from the Herbal Preparations used by the mass people. Methods: A total of 27 different Hepato-protective herbal medicines (HPHMs) were purchased randomly from identified herbal shops and retail outlets in different parts of Dhaka city. All collected samples were analyzed by the Pour Plate method for microorganisms in the Department of Microbiology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Mirpur, Dhaka. Results: The results of the culture of the studied Hepato-protective drugs showed “No growth” of any Bacteria among 14 samples (51.9%). Growth was found in the remaining 13 samples (48.1%). There was “No growth” of any fungi in all Hepato-protective liquid herbal medicines. Conclusions: The levels of viable bacteria in the studied samples were found to be above safety limits. Pathogenic bacteria were also isolated from these herbal medicines. So, the use of homemade and commercial herbal medicines is a major risk to the health of the people who use these therapies due to the lack of microbial quality standards. Therefore, this warrants immediate need of management of herbal medicines to scale up its quality &amp; safety issue.