Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) represents an uncommon but generally harmless phenomenon, marked by a striking violet discolouration of the urinary collection bag. It is most frequently observed in chronically ill individuals with long-term catheterisation and is often linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs). The case of a 74-year-old female with multiple comorbidities is described who presented with suprapubic discomfort and discoloured urine. Laboratory evaluation confirmed a UTI and management with intravenous ceftriaxone, administration of lactulose and replacement of the urinary catheter resulted in rapid clinical improvement. This report underscores the importance of recognising PUBS as a visual clue to underlying infection in older patients and highlights the need for prompt intervention to avoid further complications.
Background/Aim: Dense deposit disease (DDD), formerly classified as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type II, is a rare renal disorder caused by dysregulation in the activation of the compliment system by an alternative pathway associated with retinal abnormalities. However, the frequency and spectrum of ocular involvement remain poorly defined because published evidence is limited to case reports and small case series. This study aimed to determine the frequency of retinal involvement among patients with biopsy-confirmed DDD identified within a consecutive MPGN cohort and to describe their clinical and multimodal retinal imaging findings. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all consecutive patients who underwent native kidney biopsy at the University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2026. Patients with biopsy-confirmed MPGN underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including multimodal retinal imaging. Clinical, histopathological and ophthalmological findings were analysed descriptively. Results: Among 110 native kidney biopsies, seven patients had MPGN, including three with biopsy-confirmed DDD. Retinal abnormalities were identified in two patients with DDD, whereas no ocular abnormalities were detected in other MPGN subtypes. One patient presented with acute exudative-ischaemic retinopathy showing partial anatomical and functional recovery, while the other exhibited the typical chronic drusenoid phenotype with drusen-like deposits, retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities and pigment epithelial detachments. Multimodal retinal imaging enabled detailed characterisation of retinal changes and choroidal neovascularisation was not detected. Conclusions: In this cohort, retinal involvement occurred exclusively in patients with biopsy-confirmed DDD and ranged from acute exudative-ischaemic retinopathy to the characteristic chronic drusenoid phenotype. These findings support comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation with multimodal retinal imaging in patients with DDD. Larger prospective multi-centre studies are needed to better define the prevalence, natural history and clinical significance of ocular involvement.
Cognitive rehabilitation treatments for Alzheimer's disease and early-stage dementia are increasingly accessible to older adults and aim to slow the progressive decline in functional performance and cognitive abilities associated with ageing. Alzheimer's disease may involve disruption of affected brain systems, impaired self-awareness, general difficulties performing daily activities, reduced motivation, despondency and lethargy. These symptoms may result directly from the disease or may be associated with depressive episodes. Cognitive rehabilitation exercise programmes are labour-intensive and rely heavily on repetition to reinforce memory, particularly because patients must repeatedly confront their memory impairments and the consequences associated with them. Therefore, patients must be adequately committed and motivated both to begin a rehabilitation programme and to remain engaged throughout the intervention. Achieving an appropriate treatment dosage is also essential for cognitive rehabilitation techniques to be effective. This review investigated the efficacy and effects of cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation interventions in patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. The aim of the current study was to improve memory and other aspects of cognitive functioning in individuals with early-stage dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Background/Aim: Secondary arm lymphoedema is a common complication following breast cancer surgery. Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) represents the standard conservative treatment, but the incremental benefit of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) remains unclear. This study compared the efficacy of CDT alone with CDT combined with IPC on lymphoedema size, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and upper-limb function in patients with secondary arm lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment. Methods: In this prospective, randomised, parallel, non-blinded study, 108 women with secondary arm lymphoedema were assigned to either the CDT (control) group or the CDT plus IPC (experimental) group. The CDT protocol included skin care, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), short-stretch multilayer compression bandaging and therapist-guided exercises. The experimental group also received IPC for 30 minutes daily at 40 mm Hg. Treatments were administered once daily, five days per week, for three weeks. Outcome measures included arm circumference, shoulder ROM and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores assessed at baseline (T0), immediately post-treatment (T1) and three months post-treatment (T2). Statistical analyses included repeated-measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. Results: Of the 108 participants, 102 completed the study (51 per group). No significant baseline differences were observed between groups. A significant main effect of time was found for all outcome measures (p < 0.01), indicating overall improvement during the study period. However, no significant group-by-time interactions were identified (0.07 ≤ p ≤ 0.85). There were no significant between-group differences in lymphoedema reduction, shoulder ROM or DASH scores at either T1 or T2. Conclusions: The addition of IPC to standard CDT does not demonstrate additional benefits in managing secondary arm lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment.
Heart failure (HF) is a condition in which the heart cannot adequately pump enough blood to the body to meet its needs. Typically, this is due to a physical or functional problem with the heart. Although the traditional diagnostic and treatment options for HF have been improved upon, the growing numbers of individuals with HF (primarily due to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and myocardial disorders) necessitate more specific, timely and personalised approaches to managing patients with HF. Artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), will have a significant impact on the future of cardiac care. AI has demonstrated increased accuracy for HF diagnosis, risk prediction, tailored therapies and rapid decision-making in clinical practice. The review will first provide an overview of the traditional methods for HF diagnostics and then compare them to the AI-based methods discussed later in the review. As shown in the review, AI generally offers a more accurate prediction of HF and allows for more frequent assessments. Traditionally, HF diagnostic methods rely on established guidelines and decision trees. In contrast, AI-based diagnostic methods utilise large amounts of complex input data including electronic health records (EHRs), electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram images, CT/MRI scan results and laboratory test markers. These complex inputs allow AI to detect HF earlier than traditional methods, to better predict the risk associated with HF and to support development of individualised patient care plans. The article includes both a comparative analysis of HF diagnostics using traditional methods versus AI-based methods and examples of various smart implantable devices, vascular/structural heart interventions, rhythm-specific treatments and circulatory assistive devices to demonstrate the positive contributions of automated systems to higher recovery rates and reduced clinical burdens. Therefore, AI could represent a revolutionary new paradigm for managing HF, allowing clinicians to detect HF earlier and more accurately classify the type of HF, as well as select treatments based on evidence. With continued advancements in AI technology, combined with greater availability of real-world clinical patient data, it is likely that the delivery of HF care will undergo a significant transformation over the course of the next few decades.
Background/Aim: For women, breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality around the world. In addition to genetic subgroups, the treatment of breast cancer depends on biochemical testing to monitor systemic involvement, particularly in the skeletal system. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between bone metabolic markers and conventional tumour markers in Iraqi patients to establish a "biochemical signature" of disease progression. Methods: Sixty participants were split into two groups for a case-control study: 30 Iraqi women (aged 30-45) with stage I-III breast cancer and 30 age-matched healthy controls. In order to minimise menopausal hormonal changes, all participants were in their reproductive years. Advanced immunoassay (CLIA, ELFA, ELISA) and colorimetric methods were used to measure the serum levels of tumour markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), vitamin D3 (25-OH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium (Ca). IBM SPSS v25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: CEA (80.42 ± 24.14) and CA15-3 (90.75 ± 24.78) levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Patients had a severe vitamin D3 deficiency (12.18 ± 5.40) as opposed to healthy individuals (45.32 ± 13.31). On the other hand, PTH and ALP levels were significantly higher in the patient group (p = 0.003). The serum calcium and phosphorus levels were substantially lower (p < 0.001). According to a ROC curve analysis, the AUC for CEA, CA15-3, ALP and PTH was 1,000, indicating full diagnostic accuracy. PTH and ALP were found to have a significant positive relationship (r = 0.995). Conclusions: The information demonstrates a strong correlation between mineral metabolism and oncological markers. The coordinated changes in these markers show that, particularly in women who are not menopausal, breast cancer significantly disrupts bone homeostasis. Concurrent assessment of these traits offers a reliable multifaceted tool to track tumour load and predict skeletal involvement, which may result in more individualised and effective treatment choices.
Background/Aim: Chronic inflammatory pain is a complex multifactorial condition involving sustained immune, neuronal and glial activation, with persistent alterations in both peripheral and central nociceptive processing. Aim of the study was to investigate the antinociceptive efficacy of diclofenac sodium alone and in combination with centrally acting adjuvants in a rat model of adjuvant arthritis. Methods: Adjuvant arthritis was induced in male rats using complete Freund's adjuvant. Animals were allocated to six groups: intact control, untreated arthritis, diclofenac monotherapy and diclofenac combined with gabapentin, pregabalin or amitriptyline. Treatment was administered from day 14 to day 28. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds were assessed using the Randall-Selitto test. Results: Adjuvant arthritis caused a marked reduction in mechanical nociceptive threshold by day 14. By day 28, diclofenac monotherapy partially restored pain thresholds, whereas combinations with gabapentin and pregabalin produced significantly greater recovery compared with diclofenac alone. The amitriptyline combination showed a moderate effect that did not reach conventional statistical significance. These findings indicate a greater contribution of central mechanisms in the later phase of inflammatory pain. Conclusions: Diclofenac-based multimodal therapy, particularly in combination with gabapentinoids, provides superior antinociceptive efficacy compared with NSAID monotherapy in chronic inflammatory pain. These findings support the relevance of targeting both peripheral and central mechanisms in persistent arthritis-related hyperalgesia.
Background/Aim: Renal involvement is one of the most frequently manifestation of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and the cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aim of this study was to analyse the types of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) at University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska regarding clinical presentation including long term patient's survival and renal outcome. Methods: This study was retrospective analysis of 27 patient with diagnosis of the AAV. The diagnosis of AAV was made at University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka between 2007 and 2023. The clinical presentation and patients' outcomes were analysed. Results: There were 27 patient, 14 females and 13 males, median age 57 .8 years, median creatinine level at presentation 391 μmol/L. Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) was diagnosed in 17 patients, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in 6 and renal-limited vasculitis (RLV) in 4 patients. Patients' followup was from 8 months to 16 years. Cumulative survival for all patients at 1-, 3and 5-years was 96.3 %, 92 % and 88.2 %, respectively. Cumulative renal survival for all patients at 1-, 3and 5years was 81.5 %, 72 % and 53.3 %. At the end of follow-up, 16 patients (59.3 %) were in complete or partial remission, 7 patients (25.9 %) were on regular dialysis and 4 (14.8 %) patients died. Relapse occurred in four patients (14.8 %). Median age of survival patients was 55.69 years and those with fatal outcome 69.75 years (p = 0.012). Initial higher serum creatinine level and > 50 % crescent in kidney biopsy were bad prognostic factors for ESRD. Conclusion: AAV with renal involvement is still a severe disease. Especially if it is not detected in time and promptly treated. Mortality and renal survival in cohort are comparable to similar reports in the literature.
Background/Aim: Spirulina fusiformis is a flexible spiral-covered cyanobacterium and potent nutraceutical. Spirulina fusiformis has been reported for its antioxidant, immune modulating or neuroprotective. The objective of the present study was to investigate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential and neuroprotective efficacy of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Spirulina fusiformis. Method: Spirulina fusiformis was extracted by maceration to obtain aqueous extract (AQE) and hydroethanolic extract (HEE) followed by its phytochemical screening. Antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH assay. The analysis using GC-MS was carried out to determine bioactive metabolic compounds. In vitro neuroprotective effects were evaluated by MTT assay in RSC96 Schwann cell lines under hyperglycaemic conditions. Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides and amino acids. The antioxidant assay demonstrated that the hydroethanolic extract exhibited approximately twofold higher DPPH radical scavenging activity than the aqueous extract or the protective viability percentage at low concentrations. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a total of 64 compounds-30 in the aqueous extract and 34 in the hydroethanolic extract. Major identified constituents included oxyproline, niacin, aucubin, N-acetyl-L-glutamic acid, leucine, niacinamide, various fatty acids and glutamic acid. These compounds are reported to possess neuroprotective and glucose-regulating properties. In vitro cytoprotective activity, assessed by MTT assay on RSC96 Schwann cells, showed improved cell viability at lower concentrations of both extracts, further supporting their neuroprotective potential. Conclusion: Spirulina fusiformis extracts showed diverse phytochemicals with significant antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, particularly in the hydroethanolic extract. GC-MS identified metabolites linked to glucose regulation and neuroprotection, while in vitro studies confirmed protective effects on Schwann cells under hyperglycaemic stress.
Background/Aim: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the third most common in men. It is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Statistics suggest a worrying increase in the incidence of this cancer in the coming years. Many factors, including family history, age, smoking habits and genetic variations, can increase susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Among these influential genetic variations, polymorphisms are of particular importance. This study aimed to investigate the influence of genetic polymorphisms, namely the 23 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs111200466) within the TLR2 gene and the Alu polymorphism within the TPA gene, on the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Methods: The participants in this study consisted of 200 people who had been diagnosed with the disease and 224 healthy people who were carefully matched in terms of age and gender. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was the method of choice for identifying the genotypes of the Alu polymorphism in the TPA gene and the 23 bp insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the TLR2 gene. Results: No significant association was found between the I/D (OR = 0.85, 95 % CI = 0.56 - 1.29, p = 0.45) and D/D (OR = 1.06, 95 % CI = 0.44 - 2.55, p = 0.88) genotypes compared to the I/I genotype of the TLR2 gene and the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Similarly, for the Alu polymorphism in the TPA gene, no significant association was found between the I/D (OR = 0.97, 95 % CI = 0.57 - 1.68, p = 0.94) and D/D (OR = 0.94, 95 % CI = 0.53 -1.67, p = 0.85) genotypes compared to the Ins/Ins genotype in relation to colorectal cancer risk. Conclusions: No statistically significant association was observed between colorectal cancer susceptibility and either the TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism or the TPA Alu polymorphism in the Iranian population studied.
Epilepsy, a neurologically heterogeneous disorder, affects approximately 50 million individuals globally, with a lifetime incidence of around 3 %. For example, in the United States, active epilepsy affects 1.1 % of adults. The disease has a complex biological nature, encompassing genetic factors, molecular-cellular and epigenetic mechanisms and the "triad" of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration. Although traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) provide symptomatic control, their inherent limitations, particularly in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy (affecting one-third of patients), as well as the lack of disease-modifying properties highlight a significant therapeutic gap. Strategies for AED use underscore the need to expand therapeutic approaches. A potential avenue in the field of pharmacological prevention today is herbal drugs, with their pleiotropic neuroprotective activity. They represent a potential area for new approaches that modulate molecular and cellular pathways. The aim of this paper was to synthesise information on this topic while discussing the potential of the phytotherapeutic approaches described to date.
Quinoline-derived analogues have considerable significant attention due to their wide range of pharmacological activities and promising therapeutic applications. The recent advancements in the synthesis of quinoline-based hybrid, bioconjugates, highlighting their role in enhancing pharmacological properties and targeting specific biological pathways is very important to study due to its vast activity potential. The present topic is based on various synthetic strategies employed to develop hybrid structures, including the incorporation of quinoline moieties into diverse pharmacophores through innovative coupling and conjugation methods. The study of hybrids with improved efficacy in antimalarial, anticancer and antibacterial activities and emphasising their structure-activity relationships (SARs) and molecular mechanisms of action is also existing in this present topic. The integration of these moieties with other bioactive fragments is shown to offer synergistic effects, leading to compounds with potent and selective biological profiles. Looking ahead, several future directions are identified to further advance the field, including the exploration of new synthetic methodologies to streamline the production of quinoline hybrids and the use of computational techniques for more precise design and optimisations. Collaborative efforts in structural biology and pharmacokinetics are also crucial for the advancement of these compounds. Overall, continued innovation and interdisciplinary research will be essential for realising the full potential of quinoline based hybrids in therapeutic applications.
A 19-year-old male presented with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, persistent fever, abdominal pain and melaena. His clinical course was complicated by gram-negative sepsis (Klebsiella NDM-positive and E coli), Clostridioides difficile infection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia and Elizabethkingia anophelis infection, leading to multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis was confirmed via bone marrow biopsy and relevant imaging. Management included HLH-2004 immunochemotherapy, broad-spectrum antimicrobials, ICU support and blood transfusions. This report underscores the diagnostic difficulty, rapid deterioration and high mortality risk when HLH coexists with opportunistic infections.
Background/Aim: Management of chronic liver disease (CLD) often involves multiple medications, increasing the risk of polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and food-drug interactions (FDIs), which may influence medication adherence. This study aimed to evaluate medication use patterns and adherence among patients with CLD at a tertiary care hospital and to examine associations between polypharmacy, DDIs, FDIs and medication adherence.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital in Haryana, India. Data were collected from 200 patients with CLD through medical record reviews and patient interviews. Prescriptions were analysed according to the Ministry of Health Prescription Audit Guidelines. Medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Polypharmacy, DDIs and FDIs were identified and their associations with adherence were statistically analysed.Results: The majority of patients were male (79 %) and 52.5 % were aged 41-60 years. Polypharmacy was present in 92 % of patients. DDIs were identified in 84.5 % of prescriptions, predominantly of moderate severity, while FDIs were observed in 43.5 % of cases. Medication adherence was classified as poor in 10 %, moderate in 48 % and strong in 42 % of patients. A statistically significant association was observed between polypharmacy and DDIs (p < 0.001). Medication adherence showed a significant negative association with FDIs (p = 0.002). No significant association was found between medication adherence and either polypharmacy or DDIs.Conclusion: Polypharmacy and DDIs were highly prevalent among patients with CLD; however, they were not significantly associated with medication adherence. FDIs were the only interaction type significantly associated with reduced adherence, highlighting the importance of dietary counselling and patient education in this population.
In this article, the literature on some endotheliotropic viruses such as parvovirus B19 (PVB19) and human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) was reviewed to update the current information on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular dysfunction. PVB19 targets exclusively endothelial cells in microvasculature by binding to P antigen receptors and co-receptors such as α5 β1 integrin and Ku80 autoantigen, whereas HHV-6 targets all cardiovascular cells by utilising CD46 and CD134 to infect predominantly cardiomyocytes. The activation of endothelial cell by PVB19 produces upregulation of some adhesion molecules, cytokine release and recruitment of inflammatory cells in acute phase. In chronic phase, there occurs pro-inflammatory environment in microvasculature which is associated with reduced production of nitric oxide (NO), impaired vasodilatory capacity, occurrence of ischaemia in cardiomyocytes and development of cardiomyopathy. On the other hand, HHV-6 infection not only induces cardiac defects due to ischaemic insult by endothelial/microvasculature dysfunction like PVB19, but also produces myocardial abnormalities by directly affecting cardiomyocytes by inducing chromosomal integration as well as promoting infiltration of immune cells and pro-inflammatory cells. Such alterations in cardiomyocytes by HHV-6 virus as a consequence of ischaemic conditions, mitochondrial dysfunction, Ca2+-handling abnormalities, inflammatory environment and immune processes are considered to explain the occurrence of cardiac apoptosis as well as cardiac fibrosis, structural damage and cardiac dysfunction. In view of these observations indicating similarities and differences in the mode of cardiovascular defects induction by PVB19 and HHV-6 infections, extensive research needs to be carried out for fully understanding the exact mechanisms of viral cardiomyopathy.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological state that is marked by difficulties skills and interactions, alongside iterative behaviours and limiting interests. ASD affects around one in the US; one out of every 54 children have a diagnosis. usually coming in early infancy following full assessments by multidisciplinary teams. ASD symptoms vary greatly and are typically shown in two areas: social communication problems and repetitive behaviour. While the actual origins of ASD are unknown, evidence indicates a mix of genetic predispositions and environmental variables. Early intervention with occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and behavioural therapies and support for education is essential for better outcomes. Recent advancements in genetic research, neuroimaging and the growth of innovative ways to treat show promise for improving the understanding and management of ASD. This review seeks to present a complete picture of ASD, including its symptoms, causes and current and developing therapy. It also stresses the need for continued research and raising awareness to help those affected and their families.
Background/Aim: The 2018 AAP/EFP classification provides a structured framework for periodontal diagnosis, but its clinical application may be difficult because it requires several sequential diagnostic decisions. This study aimed to develop and validate a hierarchical machine learning model for classifying periodontal health status according to the 2018 AAP/ EFP guidelines in Iraqi dental patients. Methods: A cross-sectional dataset of 964 periodontal records was analysed. A hierarchical random forest model was developed for primary classification into periodontal health, gingivitis and periodontitis, followed by clinically relevant secondary sub-classifications. The model included demographic variables, clinical periodontal parameters and risk factors, including smoking and diabetes. Model performance was evaluated using stratified 5-fold cross-validation and compared with gradient boosting, support vector machine and neural network models. Results: The hierarchical random forest model achieved 89.3 % accuracy for primary classification, with F1-scores of 0.92 for periodontitis, 0.87 for gingivitis and 0.83 for periodontal health. Secondary classification accuracy ranged from 82.1 % to 94.6 %. Clinical attachment loss and probing pocket depth were the most influential predictors, followed by bleeding on probing, age, smoking and diabetes. The proposed hierarchical random forest model was able to reproduce the multi-level structure of the 2018 AAP/EFP classification with good diagnostic performance. Conclusion: The model may support more consistent periodontal diagnosis, particularly in clinical settings where specialist periodontal assessment is limited.
Background/Aim: Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is a well-established imaging technique for evaluating the small bowel. Traditionally, examinations have been performed in the prone position based on the assumption that anterior abdominal compression improves bowel loop separation and reduces motion artefact from the anterior abdominal wall. However, the supine position may improve patient comfort and compliance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of prone and supine positions on image quality and patient tolerance during routine MRE.Methods: This prospective observational study included 60 adult patients undergoing MRE. Thirty patients were examined in the supine position and 30 in the prone position. All examinations were performed on a 1.5 T magnetic resonance system following a standard institutional protocol. The analysis included bowel distension, image artefacts, examination duration and patient tolerance. Results: No significant difference in examination duration was found between the two groups (p = 0.161). Prone positioning led to significantly better distension in the ileal segments (p < 0.05) and resulted in fewer artefacts in specific bowel segments. However, patients examined in the supine position reported significantly lower levels of claustrophobic discomfort (p = 0.043).Conclusion: Although MRE in the prone position provides superior small-bowel distention, the supine position is better tolerated by patients and offers a more stable examination, without significantly compromising diagnostic quality. Examinations in the prone and supine positions should be selected according to the individual patient and their clinical circumstances.
Tagetes spp (marigolds) is a genus of multifunctional plants that has been recognised to have ornamental, cultural, agricultural and therapeutic value. In the last ten years, the complex phytochemical profile of the genus, including thiophenes, flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids and essential oils, explaining a range of biological activities, has been characterised by intensive scientific research. These pharmacological activities include antifungal, antimicrobial, nematocidal, insecticidal, allelopathic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and wound-healing activities. As a result, Tagetes spp have been put at the centre of bioresources at the nexus of sustainable agriculture, pharmacology and biotechnology. The recent advances in nanotechnology, synthetic analogues and agro-waste valorisation have expanded their functional use. However, most of the available research is limited to in vitro experiments with limited evidence on field experiments, in vivo models and clinical settings. Moreover, lack of standardised extraction methods, optimal dose schedules and the tiring ecological safety studies restrain the translational capacity of these plants. The current review is a synthesis of phytochemical, ecological and biomedical knowledge between 2015-2025, hence, provides a consistent framework of the rational utilisation of Tagetes spp in crop protection and human health.
Sepsis is a multifaceted, intricate illness that poses a significant obstacle to global healthcare systems. Severe sepsis patients are usually admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), where a number of devices are put up to produce high-definition images. The foundation for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical practice is based on huge and excellent data collection. This review looks at the application of AI in sepsis management. AI is utilised in prompt diagnosis, prognosis assessment, precise treatment and subtyping analysis. Improved detection and response capabilities are provided by an AI-powered early warning systems and targeted treatment can be achieved by using profiling analysis to identify specific indications of sepsis. Precision medicine uses AI to select medications, diagnose bacteria and optimise fluids. Last but not least, the seamless incorporation of AI into the sepsis care domain heralds a paradigm shift that will create new avenues for enhancing prognostic understanding, treatment efficacy and diagnostic precision. AI technologies are developing and further research and cautious application are necessary given their potential to impact the treatment of sepsis in the future.
