Knowledge Of Medicine Research Articles

EarSleep: In-ear Acoustic-based Physical and Physiological Activity Recognition for Sleep Stage Detection

Since sleep plays an important role in people's daily lives, sleep monitoring has attracted the attention of many researchers. Physical and physiological activities occurring in sleep exhibit unique patterns in different sleep stages. It indicates that recognizing a wide range of sleep activities (events) can provide more fine-grained information for sleep stage detection. However, most of the prior works are designed to capture limited sleep events and coarse-grained information, which cannot meet the needs of fine-grained sleep monitoring. In our work, we leverage ubiquitous in-ear microphones on sleep earbuds to design a sleep monitoring system, named EarSleep1, which interprets in-ear body sounds induced by various representative sleep events into sleep stages. Based on differences among physical occurrence mechanisms of sleep activities, EarSleep extracts unique acoustic response patterns from in-ear body sounds to recognize a wide range of sleep events, including body movements, sound activities, heartbeat, and respiration. With the help of sleep medicine knowledge, interpretable acoustic features are derived from these representative sleep activities. EarSleep leverages a carefully designed deep learning model to establish the complex correlation between acoustic features and sleep stages. We conduct extensive experiments with 48 nights of 18 participants over three months to validate the performance of our system. The experimental results show that our system can accurately detect a rich set of sleep activities. Furthermore, in terms of sleep stage detection, EarSleep outperforms state-of-the-art solutions by 7.12% and 9.32% in average precision and average recall, respectively.

Research on general treatment principles and methods of bone fracture in Mongolian medicine

The Mongolian nomadic nation has created bone healing, or fracture healing, which is suitable for the extreme weather and territory, unique living conditions, and physical characteristics while struggling to fight diseases during a long historical period. Gradually, this treatment method has gradually developed into a more comprehensive theoretical system throughout history and has unique names due to the thinking scope of the Mongols, their cognition development, and thus their use of it in their everyday lives and continuing to enrich their knowledge. Mongols have rich experience healing bone fractures and injuries from ancient times. They are usually used to perform bone setting and massage therapy. On the other hand, they have experience using herbal and mineral medicines to heal bone fractures and injuries. During their practice, the knowledge of herbal and mineral medicines used for bone fractures and injuries became expansive. After Buddhism reemerged in the 16th century, Mongolian doctors and knowledgeable people wrote many medical books in Tibetan. One of the major representatives was Jambaldorj, who wrote Mongolian materia medica, called “The beautiful wondrous eye ornament,” based on “Four medical tantras.” In treating bone fracture and injury in traditional medicine, firstly, the four treatment methods mentioned in “Four medical tantras” are the main principles and methods, which are wind, bile and phlegm theory, dietary recommendations, advice on behavior, prescribing medicine, and accessory therapy. We concluded that the names of herbal and mineral medicines used to practice bone setting are the same, even though they are mentioned in various sources.

Some Peculiarities of Translation of Medical Texts (on the Example of Cardiological Material)

Medicine is one of the most dynamically developing fields, requiring from translators not only specialised skills, but also basic knowledge of medicine. The present study is devoted to the study of specific features of medical texts and ways of their translation from English into Russian. The aim of the study is to identify the most overlooked problems that may be encountered when translating medical texts and to provide solutions to them. The subject of the study was the peculiarities encountered during the translation from English into Russian of the original practical manual on electrocardiography. The methodological basis of this study was formed by the solid sampling method, descriptive method and method of linguocultural analysis of linguistic material. As a result of the study, a number of features is identified that require increased attention when working with medical texts: borrowing words from Latin and Greek, the use of complex abbreviations and acronyms, the transition to gender-neutral pronouns, the translation of mnemonics, differences in classifications and health care systems. The ways of their translation are also analysed, and appropriate equivalents are selected. The methods of their translation are also analyzed and the appropriate equivalents are selected. General recommendations for overcoming the highlighted translation difficulties are given. Knowledge of morphemes of Greek and Latin origin, the ability to adapt the translation to the realities of another country, continuous professional development will help to overcome difficulties in translation. The skills of working with dictionaries and handbooks play an important role in the translation of a professionally-oriented vocabulary layer and the choice of expressions suitable for the meaning. In conclusion, the competencies that a translator in the medical field should possess in order to perform a high-quality adequate translation of medical texts are given.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by various ethnic tribes of Mizoram, India.

Mizoram has a diverse range of ethnic and cultural groups, including the Lushai, Mara, Lai, Bawm, Hmar, Chakma, and Bru. Through practice and experience in their protracted battles with disease and the harsh natural environment, they have amassed rich folk medicine knowledge. The preservation of indigenous knowledge, identification of bioactive compounds, and the eventual discovery of novel medicinal plant species all depend on the documentation of the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Therefore, the present study was designed to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge related to the usage of medicinal plants in Mizoram, India. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in 17 villages of 5 districts in Mizoram between September 2022 and January 2023. A total of 128 informants (77 males and 51 females) were interviewed. Information was gathered through field observations, group discussions, and semistructured interviews. The data were presented using descriptive statistics. To assess the importance of medicinal plant species, quantitative indices such as the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), and cultural index (CI) was used. In our ethnobotanical investigation, 102 medicinal plant species from 95 genera and 58 families were recorded and documented. The majority of them (90 species) were obtained from wild habitats. The majority of the documented species were trees (48), followed by herbs (23 species) and shrubs (21 species). The most common method of preparation was decoction (67 species). Diabetes had the highest ICF value (0.81), followed by cancer, liver problems, and hypertension (0.8). The fidelity level (FL) of indigenous communities in the study area was evaluated to determine the dependability and consistency of herbal drug use. Indigenous knowledge and the variety of medicinal plant species that are used are of great values. The therapeutic applications of documented plants provide fundamental information for additional studies centered on pharmacological investigations and the preservation of the most significant species.

Knowledge, perception, attitude, and practice of complementary and alternative medicine by health care workers in Garki hospital Abuja, Nigeria

BackgroundHealthcare workers are currently making efforts to offer services that cater to the holistic care needs of their patients. Previous studies have shown that some healthcare workers encounter challenges when advising patients about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), even though its use is widespread. Many health care workers may not have received formal education or training in CAM and consequently are unable to address their patients’ questions about it. This study explored the knowledge, perception, attitude and practice of CAM by healthcare workers in Garki Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsThis was an institution-based cross-sectional study, design and a convergent parallel, mixed methods design was used for data collection. Five (5) healthcare workers were purposively selected as participants for the key informant interviews, while two hundred and fifty (250) selected using a simple random sampling method completed the questionnaire. The data collection instruments used were a key informant interview guide and a 35-item self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed with a 4-item scale with a maximum score of 8. Perceptions and attitudes were assessed using Likert scales with a maximum score of 45 and 20, respectively. Practice was assessed with a 6-item scale with a maximum score of 18. Qualitative data was analysed using framework analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data acquired from both methods were integrated to form the findings.ResultsThe average age of respondents for the quantitative study was 34.0 ± 7.8 years, and they were predominantly females (61.2%) with one to ten years of work experience (68.8%). The mean knowledge, perception and attitude scores were 1.94 ± 1.39, 13.08 ± 2.34 and 32.68 ± 6.28, respectively. Multiple linear regression result showed that knowledge (t = 2.025, p = 0.044) and attitude (t = 5.961, p = 0.000) had statistically significant effects on the practice of CAM. Qualitative data revealed that the majority of the participants perceive CAM favourably, provided it is properly introduced into mainstream medicine with evidence of safety and research to prove its efficacy.ConclusionThe study has shown the gaps in knowledge and the practices of CAM by conventional medical practitioners. This has implications for their ability to counsel and refer patients who may require CAM therapies. Policy, research and programmatic initiatives that seek to enhance their knowledge of CAM, and improve collaboration with CAM practitioners are recommended.

LEGAL CULTURE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE BUSINESS PERFORMERS

Purpose: Research on Jamu (traditional herbal medicine and herbs) in the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is important for several reasons: First, traditional knowledge in the form of herbal medicine and traditional medicine has economic value and needs to receive legal protection. Second, the local community's lack of understanding regarding intellectual property means they are not interested in taking economic benefits from traditional knowledge. Method: The theoretical framework used is legal culture theory, while the research method used is research methods socio-legal Results and Conclusion: The research conclusions obtained: First, the protection of intellectual property for traditional knowledge of herbal medicine as traditional medicine shows a strong legal culture concept. Second, the process of resolving disputes that occur between traditional herbal medicine business actors in Lamongan Regency shows a process of moving away from court mechanisms. Implications of research: Research on the legal culture of intellectual property rights protection of traditional medicine business performers has important implications in several aspects, including law, culture and business. The following are several implications that may arise from the research. one of them is Better Legal Protection.

A Systematic Review of Knowledge and Perception Regarding Generic Medicines Among Indonesians

Generic medicines are a type of medicine with an official name that has been assigned to the efficacious substance it contains. Generic medicines have the same effectiveness as patented medicines. Many people think that generic medicines are of low quality, so they prefer branded generic medicines or patented medicines. This systematic review aims to report the results of a search for previously reviewed studies that focus on the level of public knowledge and perception of generic medicines. The research method used is a literature study method using journal data from the last 10 years. Journal collection was carried out by searching online journal databases indexed in Google Scholar, and PubMed using Mesh (Medical Subject Headings) with a focus on the keywords "knowledge", "perception", and "generic medicines". The results of this research are that the level of Indonesian people's knowledge of generic medicines is quite good but not evenly distributed, especially among groups of people who have a strong belief that cheap medicines are of lower quality. Acceptance of generic medicines tends to be higher in communities with higher levels of education. Communities with low socio-economic conditions generally have a low level of education so they tend to have greater distrust of generic medicines. This research concludes that it is important to provide information about generic medicines aggressively and continuously to the public to increase public trust in generic medicines. In addition, prescribing generic medicines by physicians is the main thing to eliminate public distrust about generic medicines.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of the Iranian Coastline of Makran Based on the Unani Medicine

Background:: Makran is a semi-desert coastal strip that extends from southeastern Iran to Baluchestan, Pakistan, on the coast of the Oman Sea. This region has a special place in the country and enjoys the cultural diversity of the Baluch people. Aim:: As no specific ethnopharmacological data are available for the Makran coastline, the present work was undertaken to document and analyze traditional knowledge of medicinal approaches used by Baluch communities (Chabahar and Konarak counties) during 2021-2023 in the Sistan and Baluchestan province. Methods:: Data were collected through direct observations during comprehensive field surveys, comprehensive questionnaires, and interviews with local traditional practitioners, herbal healers, and grocery and itinerant sellers of medicinal plants and minerals. Results:: Because of its strategic location, ethnomedicine knowledge of this area has been influenced by Indian and Pakistani medicine and has been endowed with a marvelous diversity of therapeutic approaches, such as Unani or Ayurvedic systems of traditional medication for the treatment of different diseases. Herbal integration, mineral (kushtas), mud, and music and heat therapy are examples of medicinal approaches utilized in the study area. A total of 74 potential medicinal plants belonging to 41 families and 6 mineral drugs have been identified to be traditionally used for remedial measures against special diseases. The inventory of medicinal plants showed that Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Malvaceae dominated other plant families. Out of the total documented species in this area, some species were used as medicine in at least two or further forms in the local communities. The results have shown that musculoskeletal (SKE-L), digestive (GAS-D), and respiratory (RES-R) diseases have high ICF (>0.90). In terms of temperament, 37% of the medicinal plants used in this region have been found to be hot and dry, 28% hot and moist, and 25% cold and dry. Also, 77% of the medicinal plants have been found to have two degrees of toxicity. Spearman's correlation showed a moderate correlation between temperament and phytochemical compounds (r=0.31). Comparing our data with ethnopharmacological references in Iran revealed that applications of minerals (kushtas) have not been investigated in other provinces and are significant in this region. Conclusion:: The culture of the coast of Makran is rich in the local knowledge of traditional medicine. In addition to herbal medicines, mineral substances are also used in this area, which are a good source for the treatment of various ailments. The Unani medical system and the composition of herbal medicine (multi-ingredients) are the main features of medicinal methods used at the Makran coastline. The variety of treatment methods used by the Baluch people can suggest a suitable candidate for finding drugs.

Repurposing surgical wards in pandemics - An appraisal of outcomes of COVID-19 patients treated in Orthopaedic wards.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a shift in the way healthcare resources were used. While India faced limited effects in the first COVID wave primarily due to strict lockdown of the county, it was one of the worst affected in the second wave and at one time reported the highest number of daily cases. To address the lack of intensive care units (ICU) beds, the surgical wards of our institute were repurposed to take care of patients requiring supplementary oxygen and other supportive care till either they improved or an ICU bed was available. The medical personnel in charge of the surgical wards were entrusted with the care of patients with support from intensive care support teams (ICST). We aimed to examine the clinical details of patients admitted in the repurposed orthopaedic wards during the second COVID wave and to evaluate the factors that might affect the clinical outcomes in such patients. This was a retrospective review of records of patients admitted in the repurposed orthopaedic wards between 16 April 2021 and 20 May 2021. Details related to demography, COVID-19 presentation, COVID-19-related management and clinical course, including transfers to ICUs, and outcomes in terms of either discharge to home or death were recorded. They were analysed using statistical software. One hundred and twenty three patients were treated during the said period. Twenty patients died during treatment, resulting in a mortality rate of 16.3%. Age, gender, RT-PCR status, pre-existing comorbidities, SpO2 at admission, method of supplemental oxygen supply, total leukocyte counts, haemoglobin values, serum C-reactive protein, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine values had no statistically significant association with death of a patient during treatment. Based on the results, one can state that clinicians of surgical specialities having background knowledge of internal medicine from undergraduate education can manage patients of COVID-19 with support from ICST with reasonable outcomes. In case of future pandemics, surgical wards can be repurposed to tide over exigencies. Additionally, primary care physicians, who are often the first point of contact for patients, can allay their apprehensions adequately in future pandemics, thus preventing widespread panic and burdening of healthcare resources.

Analysis of The Impact of The Healthcare Roundtable Model on the Major Disease Perceptions and Competencies of Cardiovascular Medicine Nursing Staff

Objective: To analyze the impact of the healthcare roundtable model on the major disease perceptions and competencies of cardiovascular nursing staff. Methods: Forty female nursing staff working in the hospital from April to June 2023 were selected and were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 20 in each group. For 60 days, the control group used the conventional learning and communication model and the observation group used the medical and nursing roundtable model. The cognitive scores of cardiovascular disease-related knowledge, competency scores, and satisfaction with the learning and communication model before and after the implementation of the model in both groups were compared. Results: After the implementation, the cognitive scores related to cardiovascular disease- related knowledge, competency scores, and satisfaction with the learning and communication model in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The healthcare roundtable model improved the knowledge and competence of cardiovascular internal medicine nursing staff in major diseases, and it is worth popularizing.

The Retos journal is in the second quartile of Scopus: a bibliometric analysis from 2016 to 2023

The Journal of Retos has been selected to be included in Scopus' second quartile in the fields of education, orthopaedics and sports medicine, physiotherapy, sports therapy, and rehabilitation starting from January 25, 2024. Although it is worth mentioning that this accomplishment came almost ten years after the magazine Retos was included in Scopus in 2016, it has now risen to the second quartile. The objective of the study is to present a graphical representation of the scientific patterns observed in the journal Retos from 2016 to 2023. Bibliometric analysis facilitates the identification and examination of scientific trends, as well as the assessment of research structure, patterns, and trends. Hence, bibliometric analysis is a pertinent and crucial approach for attaining the goals of this study. We conducted an analysis on a dataset consisting of 2334 entries obtained from the Scopus data center. This study employed the software VOSviewer and Rstudio for doing bibliometric analysis. The findings suggest that the topics of physical education and physical activity are prevailing. The growing specialized topics are BAPNE techniques and neuromotricity. Journal Retos has made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in various areas, including education, orthopaedics, sports medicine, physiotherapy, sports therapy, and rehabilitation, on a global scale. Keywords: Bibliometric; Retos Journal; Scientific Journals; Second Quartile of Scopus.

Assessment of Nonprescription Medicine and First Aid Knowledge Among School Health Teachers in Northern Thailand

This research aimed to assess nonprescription medicine knowledge, first aid knowledge, and compared the knowledge scores with and without previous training among school health teachers in Phayao Province, Northern Thailand. This cross-sectional study included school health teachers from primary and secondary schools by using the quota and purposive sampling methods. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, nonprescription medicine assessment, and first aid assessment. The data were gathered and analyzed using descriptive and independent sample t-test analysis. A total of 152 school health teachers participated in this study, with a response rate of 94.4%. The mean age was 41.5 ± 10.6 years, and 92.8% of the teachers were females. The majority (97.4%) of the teachers did not have a degree related to health sciences. 73.0% of the teachers had no previous nonprescription medicine training, while 59.2% had no previous first aid training. Only 15.8% of teachers were knowledgeable in nonprescription medicine, and only a few (0.7%) were knowledgeable in first aid. In addition, higher knowledge scores of nonprescription medicines (P-value < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.71 – 3.69) and first aid (P-value < 0.001, 95% CI = 2.83 – 4.19) were statistically significant among the teachers who had received previous training. This highlights the importance of training teachers about the use of nonprescription medicines and first aid management so they can respond appropriately to first aid needs in schools and could be incorporated into a support policy and integrated into the teachers’ training curriculum.

An exploratory study on becoming a traditional spiritual healer among Baganda in Central Uganda.

Traditional medicinal knowledge and healing practices of indigenous spiritual healers play important roles in health care, and contribute towards achieving Universal Health Care. Traditional spiritual healers (TSHs) are grouped into three categories. One category of Baganda TSHs, Balubaale, engage ancestral spirits during health management. Balubaale are socially significant but not legally accepted. Their initiation and training practices have not been documented in Uganda. The study purpose was to understand and establish the training of traditional spiritual healers. Twelve (10M, 2F); practicing TSHs in Central Uganda were purposively selected and recruited between 15th July 2019 and 29th April 2020, and were prospectively interacted with for 24 months. Transcribed data was coded and thematically analyzed using ATLAS ti. 22 computer software and presented based on an inductive approach. Findings show key areas of TSHs training include connecting with ancestral spirits and the spiritual powers of non-materials and materials such as living and non-living things through rituals. Spiritual healers train in diagnosis and health management based on ancestral spirits and they finally pass out in a communal ceremony witnessed by family and community members. We conclude that TSHs undergo training and are supervised and supported by experienced spiritualists, family and the community. We recommend similar studies among other ethnic groups to contextualize the process of becoming a TSH, compare and harmonize findings to facilitate inter-medical systems communication and policy considerations.

Attitudes of first and sixth year medical faculty students towards sexual assault victims: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: Sexual violence encompasses a range of coercive behaviors, from verbal harassment to forced penetration, and includes from social pressure and intimidation to the application of physical force. Sexual violence has numerous mental and physical health consequences on the individual. Although physicians recognize their crucial role in caring for sexual violence victims, various attitudes and behaviors hinder their fulfillment of these roles. In our study, the aim was to determine the attitudes of first and sixth-year medical faculty students towards sexual assault victims and the socio-demographic factors influencing these attitudes. Materials and methods: A total of 370 voluntary first- and sixth-year students enrolled in the 2021-2022 academic year at Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine were administered a questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, the "Social Attitudes Scale Towards Sexual Assault Victims," and questions assessing their knowledge of forensic medicine regarding sexual assault. Results: Our study found that 55.9% of the medical faculty students who participated were female, with an average age of 20.83±2.85 years. 56.5% were first-year students. 18.9% reported that they or someone close to them had been subjected to behavior considered as sexual assault. The average score of the participants in the Social Attitudes Scale towards Sexual Assault Victims was determined to be 95.29. It was statistically significant that women aged between 17-22 and those with a high monthly family income had higher average scores on the scale. It was found that 17.3% of the participants answered all six forensic medical questions correctly. The total scores of female students on the Social Attitudes Scale Towards Sexual Assault Victims and the scores of the behavior and thought sub-dimensions were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of male students. Conclusion: It was determined that participants generally held a positive attitude towards sexual assault victims. Factors contributing to this positive attitude included higher parental education levels, the influence of education received during medical school and preceding periods, and social environments.

Evaluation and updating of the ethnofloristic medicinal knowledge of the eastern zone of Aguascalientes, Mexico

Mexico has great traditional knowledge of the use of medicinal plants, threatened by globalization and the standardization of educational systems. In Aguascalientes, the semiarid areas of the east are little studied on the ethnobotanical topic. The objective was to evaluate and update ethnobotanical knowledge of eastern Aguascalientes. Interviews, field trips, and collections of the mentioned medicinal plants were carried out. The Knowledge Wealth Index (KWI) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were calculated by the age and sex of the interviewees. 52 medicinal species were identified, with main uses in the treatment of digestive, respiratory, renal, and traumatic diseases. Low KWI was obtained with a mean of 0.13 (limited knowledge), and without significant differences in knowledge between men and women, and age. The importance of documenting and preserving traditional knowledge and the use of medicinal plants in eastern Aguascalientes is highlighted.

Women's Knowledge of Genomic Testing and Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer Treatment Decision-Making.

To understand awareness of genetic and genomic testing, as well as decision-making, in women diagnosed with breast cancer. 29 African American/Black and Latina/Hispanic women diagnosed with breast cancer. A semistructured interview guide was used in focus groups conducted via videoconference. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Many of the women understood the concept of genetic testing to identify the BRCA1/BRCA2 variant, but none of them were aware of genomic testing and its implications for personalized medicine. Participants discussed provider and patient roles in treatment decision-making, identifying roles that the physician might play in treatment planning, from primary decision-maker to collaborator. As the number of precision cancer treatments expands, patients must be able to comprehend the information provided to make informed decisions about their treatment. Providers should do a better job of explaining potential treatments so that patients feel they are part of the decision-making process. Addressing gaps in treatment access and uptake requires providers to prioritize patient engagement and understanding.

Japanese General Clinical Oncologists' Knowledge and Real-world Experiences of Cancer Genomic Medicine: A Nationwide Web-based Survey Study.

In Japan, insurance began covering two cancer gene panel tests in 2019. However, the availability of these tests remains limited to 247 facilities (as of October 2023). This survey-based study assessed the knowledge and recognition of cancer genomic medicine by physicians involved in cancer treatment. Written requests for participation in a web-based questionnaire survey were sent to 14,579 affiliated general clinical oncologists certified by the Japanese Board of Cancer Therapy. The survey was conducted from July 1 to 31st, 2021. Data between physicians affiliated with cancer genome hospitals and noncancer genome hospitals and between regions of Japan were compared. In total, 2,402 valid responses were analyzed. Of the respondents, 1,296 and 1,106 were physicians working at cancer and noncancer genome hospitals, respectively. Physicians working at cancer genome hospitals showed significantly higher results for both knowledge of cancer genomic medicine and experience in cancer gene panel test performance compared with those working at noncancer genome hospitals. There were no significant regional differences in the percentage of physicians who reported having performed cancer gene panel tests. The survey results suggest a disparity in the knowledge of cancer genomic medicine between physicians working at cancer genome hospitals and those working at noncancer genome hospitals; this disparity should be addressed by stakeholders. Closer collaboration between these facilities may be necessary to achieve national dissemination of cancer genomic medicine.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine Cynoglossum amabile: a review.

Cynoglossum amabile, a member of the Boraginaceae family, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine and ethnomedicine known as Daotihu. Despite several studies confirming the presence of bioactive pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as amabiline, ambelline, echinatine, europine, and others in C. amabile, there has been no comprehensive review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology thus far. This review was conducted by thoroughly examining the literature and analyzing network databases. It covers various aspects of C. amabile, including botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and clinical applications. The results have shown that C. amabile has been traditionally used for medicinal, edible, and ornamental purposes in China for many centuries. The whole plant, root, and leaf of C. amabile are used by different ethnic groups, such as Lisu, Bai, Naxi, Yi, Jinuo, and Han, to treat malaria, hepatitis, dysentery, leucorrhea, tuberculosis cough, fracture, joint dislocation, trauma bleeding, and skin carbuncle abscess. A total of 47 chemical components, including alkaloids (pyrrolizidine alkaloids, PAs), sterols, organic acids, and saccharides, were isolated from C. amabile. Pharmacological studies show that the chemical extracts of C. amabile possess various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, cardiovascular effects, ganglionic action, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. However, it is important to note that C. amabile exhibits hepatotoxicity, with its toxicity being linked to its primary PAs components. Although preliminary studies suggest potential applications in the treatment of prostate diseases and alopecia, further research is needed to validate these clinical uses. Our review highlights the traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activity, toxicity, and clinical applications of C. amabile. It emphasizes the essential guiding role of the indigenous medicinal knowledge system in developing new drugs. Previous studies have shown that the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of C. amabile are significantly related to its traditional medicinal practices. Cynoglossum amabile has excellent market potential and can be further analyzed in terms of phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, which are critical for its clinical drug safety, quality evaluation, and resource development.

Factors that Contributed to the Good Condition of Nicolaus Copernicus’s Teeth

Nicolaus Copernicus was not only a world-famous astronomer but a physician as well. He was born on 19th February 1473 in Toruń and died on 24th May 1543 in Frombork. His remains were found in 2005 in Frombork Cathedral. The aim of this work is to identify the reasons for mild tooth loss in the maxilla of 70-year-old Nicolaus Copernicus. This study analyzed the photos of the maxilla with the following teeth (according to the FDI notation): 22, 13, 23, 14, 24, 15, 25, and 26 from Copernicus’s second funeral in 2010. After analysis of the historical texts, it was confirmed that Copernicus had broad knowledge of various subjects, including medicine, which may have influenced his awareness of dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle. His diet and general health condition were also scrutinized. The very good state of the teeth of 70-year-old Nicolaus Copernicus may be connected to his high education and social background, wide knowledge of medicine and oral hygiene, proper dietary and lifestyle habits, and good general health. It is probable that the above-mentioned factors had a major impact on Copernicus’s longevity. This study is the first to find reasons for the good condition of Nicolaus Copernicus’s teeth on the day of his death. The improvement of knowledge about Nicolaus Copernicus’s prevention of dental disease may be important for the good condition and longevity of the current human population.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Knowledge Graph Construction Based on Large Language Models

This study explores the use of large language models in constructing a knowledge graph for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve the representation, storage, and application of TCM knowledge. The knowledge graph, based on a graph structure, effectively organizes entities, attributes, and relationships within the TCM domain. By leveraging large language models, we collected and embedded substantial TCM–related data, generating precise representations transformed into a knowledge graph format. Experimental evaluations confirmed the accuracy and effectiveness of the constructed graph, extracting various entities and their relationships, providing a solid foundation for TCM learning, research, and application. The knowledge graph has significant potential in TCM, aiding in teaching, disease diagnosis, treatment decisions, and contributing to TCM modernization. In conclusion, this paper utilizes large language models to construct a knowledge graph for TCM, offering a vital foundation for knowledge representation and application in the field, with potential for future expansion and refinement.