Practice Of Medicine Research Articles

Combined first-trimester screening for preterm small-for-gestational-age infants: Australian multicenter clinical feasibility study.

To assess the performance of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) first-trimester competing-risks screening model for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses requiring delivery at < 37 weeks' gestation, in a large cohort of women receiving maternity care in Australia. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of women attending one of two private multicenter fetal medicine practices for first-trimester screening for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE), defined as PE requiring delivery before 37 weeks' gestation. Risk for preterm SGA, defined as SGA requiring delivery before 37 weeks, was calculated but was not disclosed to the patient or referring physician. Screening data were matched to obstetric outcomes. The primary outcome was the efficacy of the FMF screening model in assessing the risk of preterm SGA. The potential effect on identifying other adverse pregnancy outcomes was also assessed. During the study period, 22841 women with a singleton pregnancy underwent combined first-trimester screening for preterm PE. These data were compared with those of 301721 women in the state of Victoria with a singleton pregnancy who did not undergo screening during the study period. Calculation of the risk for preterm SGA identified 3030 (13.3%) pregnancies as high risk. The sensitivity of the model was 48.6% (95% CI, 41.0-56.2%), specificity was 87.0% (95% CI, 86.6-87.5%) and positive and negative predictive values were 2.9% (95% CI, 2.7-3.1%) and 99.5% (95% CI, 99.4-99.6%) respectively. Pregnancies at high risk for preterm SGA were also more likely to have preterm PE (risk ratio (RR), 2.28 (95% CI, 1.72-3.03)) and preterm birth (RR, 1.46 (95% CI, 1.32-1.63)), compared with unscreened pregnancies. Pregnancies at low risk for preterm SGA were less likely to result in a stillbirth (RR, 0.64 (95% CI, 0.47-0.86)) compared with unscreened pregnancies. Combined first-trimester screening for preterm SGA shows moderate screening efficacy and therefore could help to inform pregnancy management and improve antenatal resource allocation. © 2025 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Generation Z in Plastic Surgery: Challenges, Solutions and New Horizons - A European and transatlantic overview.

The entrance of Generation Z (born 1997-2012) into professional life, including the practice of medicine, marks a transformational shift in priorities and values. This generation, shaped by digital immersion and a strong focus on work-life balance, is redefining the landscape of Plastic Surgery. Their preferences for inclusivity, innovation, and structured working hours challenge traditional models of mentorship, patient care, and surgical training. The aim of this survey was to explore the impact of Generation Z on the field of Plastic Surgery through insights offered by leaders of major Plastic Surgery societies in Europe and the United States, who together provide a comprehensive perspective on generational change and its implications for clinical practice, education, and healthcare systems in Plastic Surgery. In October 2024 eight leaders of national Plastic Surgery societies and associations were invited to complete a structured questionnaire with five open-ended questions. They provided detailed responses on challenges, opportunities, and structural changes needed to address Generation Z's influence. Key findings highlight a generational shift in the approach to professional life, with an emphasis on digital innovation, work-life balance, and the interaction with social media. Respondents noted an increased interest in aesthetic over reconstructive surgery and a preference for private practice among younger surgeons, raising concerns about workforce shortages in public healthcare. Advances in digital learning and simulation-based training were identified as opportunities to facilitate medical education. However, the ethical challenges of misinformation on social media and a decline in hierarchical mentorship were emphasized as critical concerns. Despite generational tensions, the integration of Generation Z's strengths in technology and advocacy for systemic reform holds promise for addressing burnout and enhancing healthcare delivery. The arrival of Generation Z in Plastic Surgery represents a possible pivotal moment to reimagine traditional models of surgical education, patient care, and professional priorities. Collaboration between generations and proactive adaptation to these changes is an imperative to ensure a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable future for the specialty.

What Research Approach to Understanding and Analyzing the Perceptions and Practices of Breast Cancer Patients?

Health and illness are intertwined concepts in anthropological studies that require understanding and interpretation, especially when related to chronic and incurable diseases like breast cancer. Patients must adhere to treatment protocols and may also seek other remedies linked to traditional medicine and the community's folk knowledge. Patients can be influenced by social interactions and communication with others, particularly with the advancement of technological and social communication methods. This creates a perception of suffering that may extend beyond the medical concept to interpretations and unknown realms in understanding those perceptions and therapeutic practices of traditional medicine. Keywords: The patient, breast cancer, anthropology, perceptions, traditional medicine.

Biological Efficiency of Kunzea ericoides Based On Bioactive Compounds and Impact of Extraction

AbstractNew Zealand is known for its diverse population of flora and fauna, of which 80 % are endemic. Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have profound and holistic knowledge of plants and utilize them in medicinal, spiritual, and ecological practices. Among these, kānuka has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. Prior in vitro studies on kānuka extracts have demonstrated promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. These studies further recommend the translation of these findings into new medicines and commercial products. However, a significant knowledge gap regarding their therapeutic potential hinders their application in various industries. A deeper understanding of the biochemical composition of the extract and the mode of interaction to exert its bioactivity in the host is vital for achieving this. Hence, this review evaluates the bioactivities of kānuka in association with its bioactive compounds (polyphenolics and terpenoids) reported in the current literature. Knowing the critical role of extraction methodologies in determining bioactive composition, we highlighted their efficiency in the bioactivities of kānuka.

Combining Immersive Simulation with a Collaborative Procedural Training on Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity and Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Readiness to perform a wide variety of procedures or manage nearly any patient presentation remains an essential aspect of emergency medicine training and practice. Often, simulation is needed to supplement real-life exposure to provide comfort and knowledge, particularly with rarer pathology and procedures. As the scope of practice continues to grow, newer procedures, such as ultrasound (US)-guided nerve blocks (UGNB), are becoming integrated into resident training, building on previously established skills. The fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is performed on patients with specific femoral fractures and is a now a component of standard multimodal pain regimens, with US-guidance limiting adverse events. Given the need for high volumes of local anesthetic to perform the block it is imperative for clinicians to understand dosing as well as recognize and treat local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST). With sparse literature on sequential immersive and procedural simulation involving intertwined topics, this presents a unique opportunity for learners. Methods: To study the perceived knowledge and comfort with FICB and LAST, a pilot study was developed with two separate but concurrent one-hour simulations completed encompassing one of each topic over one day. We surveyed 19 learners, consisting of residents ranging from postgraduate years 1–3, prior to and immediately following completion, regarding their perceptions. We used the Stuart-Maxwell test to compare survey data. Results: More than half of participants (56%) had not received prior formal training on FICB. There was a positive trend in perceived confidence and knowledge with visualizing relevant anatomy (4.0 [2.0–6.0] vs 9.0 [7.5–10.0], P = 0.10), performing FICB (4.0 [1.0–5.0] vs 9.0 [7.0–10.0, P = 0.08]), and perceived ability to teach their peers (3.0 [1.0–5.0] vs 8.5 [7.0–10.0], P = 0.20). Perceived ability in diagnosing and managing LAST also increased following the simulation (5.0 [3.0–6.0] vs 6.0 [6.0–7.0], P = 0.12 and 3.0 [2.0–6.0] vs 6.0 [6.0–7.0], P = 0.08, respectively). Conclusion: Learners’ perceptions of this simulation experience echo the findings of previous studies in which simulation can be used to teach procedures and pathology; of note, however, we presented a novel experience with a combination of immersive and procedural simulation.

Tadābīr-i-Navmawlūd (Child Health Care): A Holistic Framework in Unani System of Medicine for Child Well-Being

Infancy, the critical phase from birth to early childhood, holds immense importance, with each day contributing significantly to a child's development. Globally, approximately four million neonatal deaths occur annually, with 98% of these taking place in developing countries. In these regions, many newborns succumb to mortality at home, often under the care of mothers, family members, and traditional birth attendants. In Unani Medicine, this stage is associated with the temperament known as Mizāj Ḥārr Raṭb (hot and moist), highlighting a period of rapid growth and developmental milestones. Comprehensive neonatal and child care guidelines, referred to as Tadābīr-i-Navmawlūd, encompass various aspects, including newborn care, infant feeding, management of dentition, and therapeutic principles and treatments for children.Renowned Unani scholars such as Ibn Sīnā, Zakariyya Rāzī, Ali Ibn Abbas Majūsī, Ibn Rushd, and Ibn Hubal Baghdādī have extensively discussed these topics in classical Unani texts like Al-Qānūn fi’l Ṭibb, Kitāb al-Manṣūrī, Kāmil al-Ṣanāʻa, Kitāb al-Kulliyat, and Kitāb al-Mukhtārāt fi’l Ṭibb. Their writings outline regimens and medicinal practices aimed at promoting the health and well-being of newborns, infants, and children. Keywords: Unani medicine, Tadābīr-i-Navmawlūd, child health care, infancy, Amrāḍ-i-Aṭfāl.

Role of Hypothalamus in Acupuncture’s Effects

The significant correlation between ancient medicinal practices and brain function marks a revolutionary frontier in the field of neuroscience. Acupuncture, a traditional oriental medicine, can affect brain regions, such as the hypothalamus, anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, and hippocampus, and produces specific therapeutic effects, such as pain relief, suppression of hypertension, and alleviation of drug addiction. Among the brain regions, the hypothalamus, a small yet critical region in the brain, plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating a wide array of physiological processes, including stress responses, energy balance, and pain modulation. Emerging evidence suggests that acupuncture may exert its therapeutic effects by modulating the activity of the hypothalamus and its associated neural circuits, particularly in relation to pain, stress, and metabolic regulation. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive review of past and current research on the role of the hypothalamus in mediating the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.

Explainable AI in Diagnostic Radiology for Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review, and What Doctors Think About It

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently made unprecedented contributions in every walk of life, but it has not been able to work its way into diagnostic medicine and standard clinical practice yet. Although data scientists, researchers, and medical experts have been working in the direction of designing and developing computer aided diagnosis (CAD) tools to serve as assistants to doctors, their large-scale adoption and integration into the healthcare system still seems far-fetched. Diagnostic radiology is no exception. Imagining techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans have been widely and very effectively employed by radiologists and neurologists for the differential diagnoses of neurological disorders for decades, yet no AI-powered systems to analyze such scans have been incorporated into the standard operating procedures of healthcare systems. Why? It is absolutely understandable that in diagnostic medicine, precious human lives are on the line, and hence there is no room even for the tiniest of mistakes. Nevertheless, with the advent of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), the old-school black boxes of deep learning (DL) systems have been unraveled. Would XAI be the turning point for medical experts to finally embrace AI in diagnostic radiology? This review is a humble endeavor to find the answers to these questions. Methods: In this review, we present the journey and contributions of AI in developing systems to recognize, preprocess, and analyze brain MRI scans for differential diagnoses of various neurological disorders, with special emphasis on CAD systems embedded with explainability. A comprehensive review of the literature from 2017 to 2024 was conducted using host databases. We also present medical domain experts’ opinions and summarize the challenges up ahead that need to be addressed in order to fully exploit the tremendous potential of XAI in its application to medical diagnostics and serve humanity. Results: Forty-seven studies were summarized and tabulated with information about the XAI technology and datasets employed, along with performance accuracies. The strengths and weaknesses of the studies have also been discussed. In addition, the opinions of seven medical experts from around the world have been presented to guide engineers and data scientists in developing such CAD tools. Conclusions: Current CAD research was observed to be focused on the enhancement of the performance accuracies of the DL regimens, with less attention being paid to the authenticity and usefulness of explanations. A shortage of ground truth data for explainability was also observed. Visual explanation methods were found to dominate; however, they might not be enough, and more thorough and human professor-like explanations would be required to build the trust of healthcare professionals. Special attention to these factors along with the legal, ethical, safety, and security issues can bridge the current gap between XAI and routine clinical practice.

Evaluation of a Program Designed to Support Implementation of Prescribing Medication for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care Practices.

Offering medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in primary care can increase access to effective opioid use disorder treatment and help address the US opioid crisis. We describe a primary care office-based opioid treatment program and addiction consultation service model designed to support small, rural clinics to increase their capacity for MOUD. This is an evaluation of an intervention to increase clinic capacity to offer MOUD. The intervention consists of a standardized curriculum, addiction medicine consultants, practice facilitation, and financial incentives. Fifteen Colorado primary care practices participated from January 2022 through January 2023. Primary outcomes included overall change in the number of active buprenorphine prescriptions and implementation of MOUD milestones before and after the intervention. The mean number of active buprenorphine prescriptions in the 3 months preceding the intervention (baseline) increased from 2.1 (SD = 7.7) to 11.3 (SD = 11.2) at 13 months. Adjusted means from the Poisson model demonstrated significant improvement over time (P <.001). Mean implementation of MOUD milestones ranged from 23% to 40% at baseline and grew to 84% to 93% by the end of the program (P <.001). This model supported primary care practices that were initially doing little to no MOUD prescribing, to prescribe at significantly higher levels by the end of the program. This scalable model for addiction consultation in primary care settings illustrates how education and support to clinical teams can help practices makes changes, especially those with limited MOUD experience.

Professor Christian Albert Theodor Billroth (1829–1894): the life and work of the great master of surgery. To the 195th anniversary of his birth

The article presents the life and work of the outstanding world-renowned surgeon, Professor Theodor Billroth. It includes lesser-known yet significant facts about the life of this innovative scientist. His contributions to abdominal surgery and practical medicine as a whole cannot be overstated. One of Billroth’s contributions was the development of annual reports in the surgical clinics he led, which he and his colleagues compiled over 17 years and published in 1879. He performed the first laryngectomy for malignancy, the first prostatectomy, and the extirpation of the pancreas, among other pioneering operations. Billroth also developed surgical procedures for the tongue, a closed method for treating echinococcosis, and the first esophagectomy, leading to advancements in gastrointestinal surgery. Initially, gastric resection was developed by him and his assistants in animals before being applied to a living human in 1881. On January 29, 1881, he performed the world’s first successful “pyloric resection” on a patient with stenosis due to stomach cancer. Billroth is recognized as a respected leader in global abdominal surgery and as the founder and head of a prestigious German scientific school, which produced notable surgeons who established their own schools, trained worthy students, and made significant contributions to European practical medicine.

Les enjeux des nouvelles technologies numériques sur le système de santé marocain : Cas du service de cardiologie -B- du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn Sina (CHUIS) Rabat

We live in the era of information technology (IT) innovations in the health sector, this has led to the appropriation of new organizational models which are profoundly changing the practice of medicine. Our study aims to determine the challenges of new digital technologies in the Moroccan health system, the case of the cardiology department - B - of the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center. This is a single-center observational descriptive-analytical study carried out at the level of the cardiology department - B- for 6 months, from September 1, 2022. Questionnaires were distributed in paper form to staff-affiliated medical doctor or carrying out their internships, using a digital device within the service. Thirty-one (31) responses were collected, with a participation rate of 78%; the age of the respondents varies between 21 to 55 years with an average of 30.3± 8.71 years with a female predominance of 67.7% and almost half of the health professionals in our sample 42% were residents. The most deployed digital device is the Hospital Information System (HIS) in 80.6%; 93.5% of respondents noted that saving of time is one of the advantages of telemedicine and 71% of respondents who affirmed that the better monitoring of patients located in isolated areas in order to avoid forgoing care. 74.2% of respondents considered that technical problems constituted an obstacle to the deployment of remote procedures; compared to 22.2% for a weak diagnosis; 64.5% of respondents noted that training would be a major lever for integrating more remote activities into their practices and 54.5% of respondents are in favor of adapted time slots. The benefits perceived by respondents of these digital tools are numerous, although there are obstacles preventing digital transformation from reaching its full potential. The use of new digital technologies in this health sector responds to positive challenges in terms of organizational and educational efficiency; this requires the coordination of all stakeholders. The cardiology department -B - is a space conducive to the implementation of new digital technologies.

Remediation in Pediatric Residency Training: A National Survey of Pediatric Program Directors.

The goal of graduate medical education is for residents to achieve the skills and knowledge to practice medicine independently. While remediation is not uncommon in residency training, evidence is lacking to guide best practices. We conducted a national survey of pediatric residency programs regarding their remediation experiences identifying struggling residents, documentating the process, and monitoring progress during remediation. A total of 50.8% (99/195) programs responded. Approximately 4.7% of residents underwent remediation, and 91% (262/288) of residents successfully completed remediation. Programs used data from the Clinical Competency Committee (CCC; 100%), rotation evaluations (98.9%) and direct observation (96.6%) to identify residents who need remediation. Most programs used an improvement plan to document resident progress (88.8%) and assigned a mentor or coach to support the resident (88.8%). Nearly all programs used rotation evaluations (93.3%) to monitor progress towards achieving the goals of remediation. Two-thirds (66.3%) felt their remediation process was either very effective or effective, and about half (56.2%) were very satisfied or satisfied with their remediation process. Programs with more residents who successfully completed remediation were more likely to feel satisfied with their program's remediation processess and effectiveness. Nearly 5% of pediatrics residents undergo remediation, with 91% successfully remediating. Two-thirds of program leaders feel their remediation practices are effective, and only half are satisfied with remediation processes in their program. Opportunities exist to improve remediation processes for pediatric residents and for programs to ensure graduation of competent pediatricians.

Budget Impact Analysis of Integrative Medicine Practices for Pediatric Patients with Chronic Pain.

Chronic pain is a leading cause of morbidity in children and adolescents globally but can be managed with a combination of traditional Western medicine and integrative medicine (IM) practices. This combination has improved various critical health outcomes, such as quality-of-life, sleep, pain, anxiety, and healthcare utilization. These IM practices include acupuncture, yoga, biofeedback, massage, mindfulness, or any combination of these modalities. The current manuscript developed a budget impact model to estimate the institutional costs of implementing these practices among adolescents. A decision tree was used to estimate the reduction in hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) use based on a previously published retrospective analysis of children receiving IM practices comparing utilization rates 1-year pre-and post-implementation of IM services (Figure 1). Costs associated with the implementation of each modality were based on hourly compensation rates for licensed professionals administering each service and equipment associated with delivery (e.g. acupuncture needles, biofeedback equipment, and sensors). The cost of each hospitalization and ED visit was derived from the literature. In addition, cost-savings were estimated based on government- and commercial-contracted reimbursement rates for each service. Cost-savings were approximated to range from $1344 to $3439 per patient, with even greater cost-savings of up to $6,000 and $4,132 when accounting for governmental and commercial payer reimbursement, respectively. IM leads to improved pain relief when combined with traditional medicine and yields significant cost-savings, thus supporting the routine implementation of IM alongside traditional medicine in healthcare settings.

Screening for Health-Related Social Needs: American College of Preventive Medicine's Practice Statement.

Interest is rapidly growing around screening for health-related social needs (HRSN) in direct patient care settings. The screening and provision of HRSN is often done in the context of trying to address social determinants of health (SDOH). While there is emerging evidence that screening and referral for HRSN can improve health outcomes, there are educational, operational, and systemic gaps that need to be filled in order for HRSN screening and referral to be implemented system-wide and result in meaningful improvement in population health outcomes. The American College of Preventive Medicine recommends HRSN screening and referral in patient care settings only when there are sufficient systems in place to support addressing those needs. This paper identifies key considerations to take into account when implementing HRSN screening and referral in health care settings and makes recommendations to address those key considerations. The recommendations also frame the broader need to address SDOH at a population level. Finally, the paper identifies several knowledge and evidence gaps in the existing literature on the topic of HRSN, which will hopefully drive future research in this area, and result in an evidence-based, population approach to the issue.

Homeopathic and conventional treatments for acute upper respiratory tract infections (aURTI): Real-World cohort study on recurrence and antibiotic prescriptions.

The study evaluated the recurrence of acute upper respiratory tract infections (aURTI) and the number of antibiotic prescriptions within 12-month follow-up in patients prescribed with either homeopathic medicines or medicines from one of four conventional medication classes for aURTI therapy. This explorative cohort study used real-world electronic healthcare data from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA). Included were patients of all ages from Germany with an index diagnosis of aURTI between 2010 and 2018, who had prescriptions for either homeopathic, conventional cough &amp; cold, nasal, or throat medicines, or nonopioid analgesics on the day of diagnosis or within six days afterwards. aURTI recurrence was assessed by multivariable logistic regression, the number of antibiotic prescriptions by multivariable negative binomial regression. From 3,628,295 patients with aURTI diagnosis initially identified in the database in the relevant time interval, a total of 610,118 patients, fulfilling the in- and not violating the exclusion criteria, were retained for analysis. In the multivariate analyses on all patients, prescriptions of nasal medicines were associated with a significant, slightly higher (OR: 1.18, CI: 1.10-1.26, p<0.001) risk of aURTI recurrence compared to homeopathic medicines within 12 months. Prescriptions of cough &amp; cold (OR: 0.92, CI: 0.86-0.97, statistically significant, p=0.005) as well as throat medicines (OR: 0.93, CI: 0.86-1.01, p=0.086), and nonopioid analgesics (OR: 0.95, CI: 0.89-1.02, p=0.181) were associated with slightly lower risk of aURTI recurrence compared to homeopathic medicines. In the analysis of the age-dependent subgroups, there were some deviations from the overall population in terms of statistical significance; however, the directions of the effect estimates were unchanged. Almost all results of negative binomial regression analyses assessing differences in the frequency of antibiotic prescriptions during follow-up, both in all patients and in the age-dependent subgroups were statistically significant in favor of homeopathic medicines. The study demonstrated that follow-up recurrence and antibiotic prescriptions in patients with uncomplicated aURTI are at least comparable between patients treated with homeopathic and conventional medicines in real-world practice. Despite some methodological limitations inherent to the used database, the results of this study indicate that homeopathic medicines present a valuable therapeutic option for managing aURTI.

Challenges Facing the Appeal to Practical Wisdom in Medicine and Beyond.

As work on practical wisdom and medicine accelerates, now is a good time to outline some important challenges that any approach to developing an account of this virtue faces. More specifically, I develop five challenges having to do with the existence and nature of practical wisdom, and whether it connects with objective and general normative truths. The main goal is to provide a guide to the challenges themselves and some of the options available for tackling them, rather than trying to resolve them here.

Review article: Local medicinal plants in Nigeria for the management of diabetes; an evaluating of glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and physiological parameters

Background: Nigeria, like many regions worldwide, faces a growing burden of diabetes, prompting increased interest in traditional medicinal practices. Objective: This review examines the efficacy of local medicinal plants in Nigeria for managing diabetes mellitus, focusing on their effects on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and physiological parameters. Materials and methods: Four commonly used plants, Aloe vera, bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), bitter lemon (Citrus aurantium), and ginger (Zingiber officinale), were scrutinized for their potential therapeutic effects. Results: The literature review revealed numerous studies exploring the antidiabetic properties of these plants, including their ability to lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and modulate various physiological parameters associated with diabetes. Conclusion: The findings suggest promising avenues for utilizing local medicinal plants in diabetes management, although further research, including clinical trials, is warranted to validate their efficacy and safety.

CURRENT STATUS AND PERSPECTIVES OF THE USE OF SPECIES OF THE GENUS MELAMPYRUM IN MEDICINE AND PHARMACY

The dynamics of development in the world market of medicinal products based on raw materials of plant origin demonstrates the increased demand for medicinal raw materials, which are a component of pharmaceutical production products. A huge number of scientific works are devoted to the issue of the study of medicinal plants, and in particular the biologically active substances they contain. Medicinal plant raw materials, which contain various classes of active substances, attract the special attention of modern scientists. Due to the content of biologically active substances, plants of the genus Melampyrum show a wide range of pharmacological effects. Information about such effects is reflected in the works of foreign researchers.The purpose of our work: to conduct an analysis of scientific primary sources regarding the chemical composition and use of species of the genus Melampyrum, to establish the possibility of creating medicines based on biologically active substances of medicinal raw materials.In research, we used such methods as retrospective, historical, bibliographic.We have analyzed the use of plants of the genus Melampyrum in official medicine and we can draw conclusions that today they are not used in official medicine, but are widespread in the territory of Ukraine and contain various groups of biologically active substances such as carbohydrates (dulcite (melampyrite), glucose, maltose, sucrose, starch, hemicellulose, pectin, mucilage), iridoids (aucubin, catalpol, isocatalpol, aukuboside, agnuside, 8-epiloganin, melampiroside, musainoside, monomelitoside, globularifolin), flavonoids (rutin, luteolin, luteolin glycosides, apigenin and quercetin), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, violaxanthin, lutein, eloxanthin, flaoxanthin), anthocyanins, coumarins (umbelliferone), cardenolides, steroid saponins, alkaloids (cinnaroside, seneciphyllin I, senecionin II), oxycinnamic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic), fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic), ascorbic acid, nitrogen-containing compounds (indican, choline), free amino acids (L-glutamic acid, L-proline and tyrosine), tannins, phenolic compounds (lunularin), which accounts for a wide range of their medicinal properties.Melampyrum arvense L., Melampyrum nemorosum L., Melampyrum cristatum L. and Melampyrum pratense L. exhibit wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anticonvulsant, hypotensive effects. Their decoctions are used for hypertension, dizziness, heart disease, neuralgia, epilepsy, diseases of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Externally, it is used in the form of baths, washes, poultices for such diseases as skin tuberculosis, scrofulosis, diathesis, eczema, itching, rash, rheumatism, diseases of the chest organs, as a wound-healing agent. Aqueous extracts have an anticonvulsant and sedative effect, promote blood clotting. Teas and infusions from plant leaves are used both internally and externally.Species of the Melampyrum genus have long been used in folk medicine for various diseases. They are also studied by scientists from many countries around the world. In Ukraine, the plants of the genus Melampyrum have practically not been researched, so the data on their use in medicine indicate the prospects for further pharmacognostic research of various types of Melampyrum with the aim of creating and introducing into practical medicine and pharmacy new medicinal products of domestic production.

Optical and Electrical Dual-Mode Detection of a Carcinogenic Substance Based on Synergy of Liquid Crystals and Ionic Liquids.

Visual, sensitive, and selective detection of carcinogenic substances is highly desired in portable health protection and practical medicine production. However, achieving this goal presents significant challenges with the traditional single-mode sensors reported so far, as they have limited sensing mechanisms and provide only a single output signal. Here, we report an effective optical and electrical dual-mode sensor for the visual, sensitive, and selective detection of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), a typical volatile carcinogenic substance, leveraging the synergy of ionic liquid-doped liquid crystals (IL-LC). The optical mode derived from LCs provides the sensor with a visual identification recognizable by the naked eye, while the electrical mode derived from ILs offers a quantitative detection capability. It is noteworthy that the synergistic effect of the IL and LC enhances the performance of both optical and electrical modes. Unique sensing mechanisms derived from the interaction between NDEA and IL-LC endow the sensor with excellent selectivity. As a proof of concept, a portable kit based on a dual-mode sensor has been developed for the real-time and on-site analysis of N-nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals. This work provides valuable insights and a theoretical foundation for developing portable multimode chemical sensors.

Genetic aspects of gynaecological diseases: new approaches to diagnosis and treatment

Currently, there is no consensus among experts regarding the causes of gynaecological diseases. It is hypothesized that various environmentales factors, such as an unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, overeating, and lack of physical activity), may influence the development of gynaecological diseases. Therefore, the aim of the work will be to investigate the genetic aspects of gynecological diseases, from diagnostic methods to treatment. However, the hypothesis of genetic origin is considered particularly important in the etiopathogenesis of gynecological diseases. The main strategies for identifying and treating women's health ailments with a genetic component have been examined. Although numerous studies have been conducted, the regulation of the reproductive system and the pathogenesis of hormone-dependent pathologies are still not fully understood. These problems are complex and relevant in both the scientific sphere and practical medicine. In gynecological practice, the most frequent conditions among women of reproductive age are fibroids, adenomyosis, and ovarian cysts. These conditions often require radical surgery. Recently, there has been a trend of younger patients experiencing disruptions in their reproductive function, often resulting in infertility ranging from 30-80 %. The clinical presentation of the disease is severe, with prolonged and heavy bleeding, complications, and progressive pain. This can lead to a loss of work capacity and psychoemotional disorders. Therefore, this issue is extremely relevant. At the time of examination, the duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 10 years. Patients reported complaints of heavy or prolonged menstruation, menstrual cycle disturbances, lower abdominal pain, and infertility. The clinical picture and patients' complaints indicate a genetic association with the disease.