Modern Medical Research Articles

An ingenious technique based on the usage of fluorone-based dye; pyrosin B in prucalopride assay in different matrices through an "on-off" dye native fluorescence probe.

Prucalopride (PCD), is a modern medication approved by the United States in 2018 to alleviate constipation caused by motility issues. PCD demonstrates a strong affinity and selectivity toward the 5-HT4 receptor. The study here introduces a feasible, direct, non-extractive, and affordable pathway for PCD analytical tracking. The fluorimetric study is based on the on-off effect on the emission amplitude of fluorone-based dye (pyrosin B). In a one-pot experiment, the complex between PCD and pyrosin B is formed instantly in an acidic medium. Correlation between decreased pyrosin B emission and PCD concentrations provides a linear calibration plot from 50 to 900 ng/mL. PCD-dye complex system affecting variables were meticulously tuned. The values of the estimated limit of quantitation and limit of detection for the current methodology were 47.5 and 15.7ng/mL, respectively. Conformity of the strategy validity was achieved by a comprehensive study of the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use criteria. The method was convincingly applied for PCD assay in tablets and content uniformity investigation. Furthermore, PCD tracking in the spiked biological fluid was applied. Finally, the method uses distilled water as dispersing medium which rise accommodation with the green chemistry principle.

Healing through Ruqyah and Academic Achievement of Children in Muslim Community

Background: Ruqyah, an Islamic alternative healing practice, involves treating illnesses using Quranic verses and invocations, focusing on the names and attributes of Allah. The literature on the academic performance of Muslim children in Nepal and the use of Ruqyah is limited and requires further exploration. This study aimed to identify the use and practice of Ruqyah in healing children within the Muslim community and assess their academic achievement. Methods: This study explored the issue among the seven participants of four families from Muslim community who undergo Ruqyah often via a descriptive phenomenological method that included in-depth interviews. Three themes emerged from the interview data which offered insight into the Muslim community. Results: Parents found the use of Ruqyah and children's academic achievements reasonable. Muslims respect the Holy Quran as the word of God, using it as guidance for Ruqyah and their children, as they believed it was the right choice. The study found that the family preferences dictated whether to take it immediately or only when needed. Children who followed Ruqyah and supplemented it with modern medications improved health patterns and their academic success. Conclusion: Children who undergo Ruqyah are influenced by their parents' religious knowledge, educational level, and socio-economic background, and are academically prepared. Medications are used, with parents believing that aligning with Ruqyah improves their children's academic performance. Novelty: The study could lead to new therapeutic research directions for the Muslim communities in Nepal, assisting children in coping with illnesses and improving their academic outcomes.

Exploration of traditional Ethno-gynaecological knowledge: advances to ethnobotanical studies from indigenous communities of Neelum Valley in the Himalayan Region

The indigenous communities of the Kashmir region are exclusively dependent on medicinal plants for the treatment of various gynecological disorders. Due to the remoteness and unavailability of modern medications, indigenous communities still use traditional healthcare practices to cure various diseases related to women. The specific objective of this study is to document the traditional ethno-gynecological knowledge in Neelum Alley. Field visits were conducted from April to November 2023 to gather data on medicinal plants used for gynecological problems. Both questionnaires and group discussions were used to collect the data. The gathered data was analyzed using a variety of quantitative metrics, such as use value (UV), and relative frequency citation (RFC). A total of 45 plant species belonging to 22 families were collected from the study area. Herbs made up the majority of the medicinal plants employed by indigenous populations (91.1%), whereas leaves, the most often used plant part, contributed 22.22%. Among medicinal plants, Geranium wallichianum had the highest use value (1.41), whereas Arnebia benthamii had the highest relative frequency citation (0.80). This study emphasizes how important it is to preserve traditional knowledge, pointing out that younger people are losing understanding due to a lack of interest. The documentation of traditional ethno-gynecological knowledge is crucial for the preservation, discovery of novel medications, and sustainable conservation of vulnerable medicinal flora.

The Role of Large Language Models in Modern Medical Education: Opportunities and Challenges

The Role of Large Language Models in Modern Medical Education: Opportunities and Challenges

<i>In Silico</i> Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Gokshura (<i>Tribulus terrestris</i> L.) and <i>Punarnava</i> (<i>Boerhavia diffusa</i> L.) for their Nephroprotective Activity in Chronic Kidney Disease and Related Complications

Kidney diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Diabetes and hypertension are the main causes of kidney failure resulting in 3 out of 4 new cases. Most of the conventional drugs used in various disease conditions are reported for their nephrotoxic actions and their continuous use can also damage the kidneys. Ayurveda recommends certain herbal drugs like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa L.) which can control endstage kidney disease and its complications through the rejuvenation of the kidneys. The present study is an effort to show the nephroprotective potential of bioactive compounds present in Tribulus terrestris L. and Boerhavia diffusa L. against critical nephroprotective targets carbonic anhydrase II, renin, HIF propyl hydroxylase 2/ EGLN1, angiotensin-converting enzyme II, vasopressin receptor 2 against their respective standard drugs through in silico technique and to verify the probable efficacy of these herbs in chronic kidney disease against modern medication. Discovery Studio (DS Visualizer 2016) and Auto Dock tool (ADT Tools-1.5.6) were used for molecular docking. Among the major bioactive compounds screened, chlorogenin, hecogenin, diosgenin, neotigogenin and beta-sitosterol from Tribulus terrestris L., Beta-sitosterol, boerhavisterol, liriodenine, boerhadiffusene and ursolic acid from Boerhavia diffusa L. observed to exhibit significantly higher binding energy (BE) and inhibition constant (IC50) towards CA II, Renin, EGLN1, ACE II and V2R than their respective standard drugs. The study has demonstrated the nephroprotective activity of Tribulus terrestris L. and Boerhavia diffusa L. by inhibiting receptor activity against standard drug molecules.

The antiemetic actions of GIP receptor agonism.

Nausea and vomiting are primitive aspects of mammalian physiology and behavior that ensure survival. Unfortunately, both are ubiquitously present side effects of drug treatments for many chronic diseases with negative consequences on pharmacotherapy tolerance, quality of life, and prognosis. One of the most critical clinical examples is the profound emesis and nausea that occur in patients undergoing chemotherapy, which continue to be among the most distressing side effects, even with the use of modern antiemetic medications. Similarly, antiobesity/diabetes medications that target the glucagon-like peptide-1 system, despite their remarkable metabolic success, also cause nausea and vomiting in a significant number of patients. These side effects hinder the ability to administer higher dosages for optimal glycemic and weight management and represent the major reasons for treatment discontinuation. Our inability to effectively control these side effects highlights the need to anatomically, molecularly, and functionally characterize novel neural substrates that drive and inhibit nausea and emesis. Here, we discuss clinical and preclinical evidence that highlights the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor system as a novel therapeutic central target for the management of nausea and emesis.

Autonomy and Its Limits

Autonomy and Its Limits

Evaluation of the antidiabetic activity and toxicological properties of Jaundea pinnata (P. Beauv.)

BackgroundJaundea pinnata (JP), is a new plant native to North Africa, East Africa, Southern Nigeria, and Guinea. It is traditionally used as an anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antidiabetic herb, thus making it a potential source for modern antidiabetic medications. ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to assess the toxicological profile and the antidiabetic potentials of the methanol extract of the Jaundea pinnata (JP) leaf in mice and rats. MethodsPreliminary phytochemical screening of JP leaf was conducted using standard procedures. The plant extract's acute and sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated using a modified OECD recommendation. In normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, its anti-diabetic action was tested over 28 days at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) and distilled water serving as the positive and negative controls, respectively. Relevant organs' histopathological analysis was also assessed. ResultsAccording to the preliminary phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract, JP contains flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, deoxy-sugars, and anthraquinones. The extract demonstrated an LD50 of above 2000 mg/kg in mice. On days 14, 21, and 28 in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, the extract showed a dose-dependent antidiabetic effect; nevertheless, the activity of the extract at 400 mg/kg on day 28 was barely comparable to that of glibenclamide (10 mg/kg). At 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1500 mg/kg, respectively, the extract was appreciably non-toxic to the liver and kidney, while inducing a significant change in haematological indicators. ConclusionThe study found that JP presented antihyperglycemic properties and was relatively safe at normal dosages (< 2000 mg/kg).

Evaluations of the in vivo Laxative Effects of Aqueous Leaf and Stem Extracts of Artemisia Abyssinica in Mice.

People frequently complain of long-term constipation. The cost associated with using modern medications to treat constipation is significant, and the probability of encountering side effects is notably high. These limitations restrict their effectiveness in therapy, remain unresolved, and underscore the need for research on alternative therapeutic approaches. Plants of the genus Artemisia have been used to treat constipation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the laxative effects of aqueous A. abyssinica leaf and stem extracts of Artemisia abyssinica in mice. The laxative activity of A. abyssinica leaf and stem extracts was evaluated using three models: laxative activity, gastrointestinal motility, and gastrointestinal secretion. In this study, bisacodyl was used as a standard laxative and loperamide was used to induce constipation. In the laxative test, 200 (P<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.01) doses of plant extract significantly increased the percentage of fecal water content. Moreover, the highest dose of extract increased the frequency of defecation after 12 h (p<0.05). In the remaining two models, the experimental plans also showed significantly higher gastrointestinal motility and noticeable accumulation of intestinal fluid. The results of this study indicate that aqueous leaf and stem extracts of A. abyssinica have laxative effects.

Post-Operative Blood Glucose Level in Various Anaesthetic Techniques (General &amp; Spinal) Among Non-Diabetics Patients

Post-Operative Blood Glucose Level in Various Anaesthetic Techniques (General &amp; Spinal) Among Non-Diabetics Patients

From traditional remedies to mental hospital: the evolution of mental illness treatment among women labourers in the straits settlements, 1900-1930

ABSTRACT Mental illness was a common sickness in the Straits Settlements. The British established mental hospitals in order to treat the patients. The women labourers working under the Straits Settlements were too attached with ethnic herbs and traditional beliefs that have been passed down through generations, causing them to resist modern treatment. The traditional practice brought pointless results, and many of them were left untreated. Previous research showed that traditional medical practice caused health problems leading to mental illness among the women labourers and the British took their responsibility lightly to educate the women labourers on modern treatment. This study aims to highlight the practice of mental remedies and the evolution of treatment that could be seen in the 1900s. The British carried out many persuasive stages to gain the women labourers’ trust towards modern treatment and hospital. First, they offered treatment at home. Second, the mental hospital. Findings showed that the acceptance of modern medication among the women labourers started in 1915. This article involved qualitative method through content analysis mostly from the Straits Settlements Annual Reports. Throughout the discussion, it was observed that the women labourers preferred the occupational therapy method offered by the mental hospital.

Steroid-responsive intractable pruritus in drug-induced liver injury: a case series

Background: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is commonly caused by modern medications, complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), and other toxins. DILI is an umbrella term encompassing herb-induced liver injury (HILI) caused by herbs and CAMs, in addition to other medications. Apart from the cessation of the culprit drug and the supportive management, there are no definite treatment options for DILI. Although being used in DILI, steroids are not the standard medications for DILI, except that they are indicated for a few specific conditions. Materials and Methods: We report five cases of DILI with pruritus who responded well to steroids used as rescue therapy. DILI in these five cases was caused by CAMs (1), anabolic steroids (2), dapsone (1), and antifungal drug itraconazole (1). All patients presented with jaundice and pruritus, and their conditions did not improve following the discontinuation of offending agents and the implementation of supportive care. We used the Roussel UCLAF Causality Assessment Method 2016 for causality assessment. R-value was used to describe the pattern of liver injury. All patients underwent comprehensive work-up including liver biopsy as part of the procedure to rule out other potential etiologies. Steroids were used as a last resort, and both clinical and biochemical measurements were conducted. Results: The mean age of patients was 28.8 years, and the majority of them were males (80%). The median duration from symptom onset to presentation at our hospital was 4 weeks. The mean durations for pruritus improvement and complete biochemical improvement after steroid treatment were 3.2 weeks and 11.2 weeks, respectively. Extended follow-up was done for a mean period of 29.6 weeks from symptom presentation, and none of the patients had recurrence of liver injury after discontinuation of steroids. Conclusions: Ssteroids can be used to treat as rescue therapy for severe DILI with intractable pruritus in patients with worsening liver function. Relevance for Patients: DILI in selected cases can be therapeutically managed using steroids, which, however, should not be indicated as a first-line treatment.

Bilateral High Division of Brachial Artery: A Case Report and Clinical Significance in Ayurvedic and Modern Medical Practice

The brachial artery is a major artery of arm and continuation of the axillary artery. It begins at the lower border of the teres major muscle and ends at the level of the neck of the radius in deeper part of cubital fossa by dividing into radial and ulnar arteries. The brachial artery variations were observed in its course, branching pattern and division. Higher division of brachial artery is one of the common variations ranging from 15% to 20% of population. The course, termination and precise knowledge of variations of Brachial Artery is an important aspect in the clinical practice of Physician, Vascular surgeons, and Radiologist.

Evaluating Utilization of Tiny-TIM to Assess the Effect of Food on the Absorptions of Oral Drugs and Its Application on Biopharmaceutical Modeling

Safety and efficacy are the most critical factors for the development of modern medications. For oral drugs, evaluating drug exposure under various conditions is one of the most important outcomes for clinical trials. These data will help to better understand the safety and efficacy of new drugs. Studies involving potential drug-drug interactions, proton pump inhibitors, and intake of food are often conducted to assess the above. Among the above, the influence of food on exposure to the drug is one of the key data sets for regulatory submission. Since food may have either a positive or negative effect on drug exposure, it is important to obtain an early assessment of the food effect. To better forecast and plan for clinical studies, substantial efforts have been made in the industry to develop modeling and in-vitro and in–vivo assays. Despite the efforts, predicting the effect of food on exposure without integrating the dynamic of the gastrointestinal tract in the assessment remains challenging. In this study, we evaluated the utilization of the dynamic Gastro-Intestinal Model (Tiny-TIM) for the food effect of over 20 drugs/formulations in development or on the market that covers all BCS classes. In general, the Tiny-TIM predicted food effects were in good agreement with the reported data in humans. This suggests that Tiny-TIM can successfully capture the impact of physicochemical properties on absorption under the influence of food.

A Clinical Study on the Effect of Anu Taila Nasya and Shatyadi Vati in Vataja Pratishyaya with special reference to Allergic Rhinitis

Vataja Pratishyaya (Allergic Rhinitis) is well known for its recurrence and chronicity. Currently approximately 10-30% of adults and 40% of children are affected (feb 2023). A study 2022 revealed that COVID -19 could cause disturbances to the immune system, leading to unusual mast cell activation that may cause allergic flare-ups. Long term usage of nasal decongestants, causes Rhinitis Medicamentosa (RM). Keeping in view the limitations associated with long term usage of modern medications, there is a need to approach Ayurveda treatment for allergic rhinitis. So in present study Anu Taila Nasya and Shatyadi Vati were selected. The trial was conducted on 40 clinically diagnosed patients of Vataja Pratishyaya (allergic rhinitis). Study was carried out in a single group. Anu Taila in the form of Nasya therapy 8 drop of Marsha Nasya of 3 sitting and 2 drop of Pratimarsha Nasya in between 3 sitting of Marsha Nasya in both nostrils, once a day for 35 days along with Shatyadi Vati (500mg) 1 tab BD with lukewarm water for 35 days was given. Result was observed and data was statistically analysed before and after treatment. Highly significant results were found in subjective parameters as well as in objective parameters like sneezing (paroxysmal), nasal obstruction, running nose, itching in the nose, temporal headache, nasal congestion except IgE values (significant result).

The Critical Need for Disaster Medicine in Modern Medical Education.

Current escalation of natural disasters, pandemics, and humanitarian crises underscores the pressing need for inclusion of disaster medicine in medical education frameworks. Conventional medical training often lacks adequate focus on the complexities and unique challenges inherent in such emergencies. This discourse advocates for the integration of disaster medicine into medical curricula, highlighting the imperative to prepare health-care professionals for an effective response in challenging environments. These competencies encompass understanding mass casualty management, ethical decision-making amidst resource constraints, and adapting health-care practices to varied emergency contexts. Therefore, we posit that equipping medical students with these specialized skills and knowledge is vital for health-care delivery in the face of global health emergencies.

Precise lesion analysis to detect diabetic retinopathy using Generative Adversarial Network(GAN) and Mask-RCNN

Modern Medical diagnosis has a significant reliance on systematic image analysis for rational prognosis. With the advancement of computer vision methods, supported by deep learning algorithms, the non-invasive and early-stage detection of various diseases is a significant area of research. Amongst various image-based disease identification scopes, in this paper it is focused on Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), which is an eye disease caused by diabetes that can even lead to blindness. Therefore, early detection is critical to prevent visual disturbances from such diseases. In this study, the objective is to identify diabetic retinopathy by analysing fundus images using deep learning methods. Identifying diabetic retinopathy from fundus images, requires considerable improvement of image quality. In this work the retina images obtained by the fundus camera is improved by Generative Adversarial Network(GAN) for specific analysis. This study aimed to detect lesions using mask-RCNN techniques, where pretrained models such as R-50, R-101, and X-101 are utilized for robust segmentation and masking of the damaged regions of the fundus images. As the lesions are pathologically classified into two categories: ’exudates’ and ’microaneurysms’, similarly the input images are also mapped into two categories. Evaluation is based on the mean average precision (MAP) and the findings infer the conclusion. The comprehensive set of real-life retina images obtained from the clinical dataset benchmarked with the proposed mechanism and it is found that the proper segmentation and improvisation of fundus images by applying GAN have considerably enhanced the degree of accuracy in the Region-of-interest(ROI) bounding box for exact identification of Diabetic Retinopathy, along with reporting on stage of the disease. The aim of the work is well established in implementing the algorithm and finding the result for mapping it into the automated classification of fundus images in batches where the X-101 model seen to perform better in terms of finding Bounding Box Average Precision for both exudates (75.20%) and microaneurysms (67.202%) followed by Segmented Region Average Precision for exudates (62.363%) and microaneurysms (57.690%). The obtained results may reduce human intervention and classify a large number of input images in field-level examination in a faster manner.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF MUTRASHMARI W.S.R TO UROLITHIASIS: A CASE STUDY

Mutrashmari is one of the diseases among Ahthamahagad ¹ (8 fatal disease), comes under Mutravaha Stotasa. It is Kapha Pradhan Tridoshaj Vyadhi. In Modern Medical Science Mutrashmari is correlated with Urolithiasis due to resembalance in sign and symptoms.Renal Calculi are common affecting 1% of the population and recurrence in more than half of the patients ².In Contemporary medicine a no of medical treatment have been mentioned but it is quite expensive and the pathogenesis behind the recurrance of formation of stone cannot be avoided . Hence it is necessary to find affordable and effective medicine to treat Mutrashmari. A 18 year old girl, came to OPD of Kayachikitsa,with complaints of abdominal and back pain radiating from loin to groin region ,burning micturition came to OPD of Kayachikitsa . USG report showed three Renal Calculi. Patient was treated with Shaman Aushadhi,regular follow up was taken. These medicines had shown amazing results the stones were expelled out through urine within 3 months. All signs and symptoms of patient resolved and there was no trace of calculi in USG report after treatment.

Probiotics, An Approach towards Modern Medication

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. SARS-CoV-2 is a beta coronavirus, a genus that includes several coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, bat SARS-like CoV, and others) isolated from humans, bats, camels, civets, and other animals. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic agent that causes the disease COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have emerged from an animal source, most likely a bat, and subsequently spread to humans. While genetically closely related viruses have been isolated from Rhinolophus bats, the exact source of SARS-CoV-2 and its route of introduction into the human population have not been established. Monitoring animal infections is imperative to better understanding their epidemiological significance for animal health, biodiversity, and human health. According to evidence from risk assessments, epidemiological investigations, and experimental studies, animals play no significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which is sustained by human-to-human transmission. The possibility of Coronavirus testing by veterinary labs was considered after the Iowa State veterinary lab discovered the COVID-19 virus has a similar DNA testing process to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PED). PED is another form of coronavirus that killed many piglets in 2013 and was unresponsive to treatment. Several vet labs optimized their equipment and processes to test for PED, helping them determine that older pigs could recover and develop immunity against the virus. Those same labs are still set up for coronavirus testing. We in Dubai Safari Park, particularly within the laboratory Veterinary Hospital, are conducting RT-PCR analysis to test diverse animal species including non-human primates, Carnivores, small mammals, and Ungulates. Even though none of our animals show any respiratory signs, we have conducted this study to ensure that our animal collection is healthy and free of SARS-COV-2.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of Ceiba pentandra against some pathogenic bacteria

Many plant ingredients used in traditional medicine are widely available in rural regions, making it cheaper than modern medication. Several secondary metabolites from plants are used to make microbiocides, insecticides, and pharmaceuticals. Ceiba pentandra grows natively in equatorial Africa and other humid tropics, including Nigeria. The agar diffusion method was used to test ethyl acetate, ethanol, and C. pentandra leaf extract against clinical isolates of S. aureus, P. vulgaris, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. All extracts were antibacterial against test organisms. K. pneumoniae was most vulnerable to plant extracts, and E. coli was most resistant. The plant extracts had a minimum inhibitory concentration of 15 µg/ml to 30 µg/ml against the test organisms. The minimum bactericidal concentrations of extracts ranged from 15 to 35 µg/ml. The ethyl acetate leaf extract of C. pentandra was more efficient than the aqueous or ethanol extract against all test microorganisms. The data may indicate that plant extracts are antibacterial.