Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic metabolic dysregulation accompanied by systemic inflammation and psychological burden. Diabetes-related distress (DD) is increasingly recognized as a determinant of poor glycemic control and reduced quality of life. Osteopontin, a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in metabolic and neuroinflammatory pathways, may serve as a link between inflammation, glycemic dysregulation, and psychological stress in T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among patients with T2DM (n = 300), categorized into no distress, moderate distress, and severe distress groups based on Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) scores (100 per group). Serum osteopontin levels, glycemic parameters (fasting blood sugar and HbA1c), inflammatory markers, and anthropometric measures including body mass index (BMI) were assessed. Group comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA, and correlations were analyzed using correlation coefficients as appropriate. Results: DDS scores differed significantly across the three groups (F(2,297) = 549.71, p < 0.00001). Patients with severe diabetes-related distress exhibited significantly higher HbA1c and serum osteopontin levels compared to those with no or moderate distress. Correlation analysis demonstrated a graded increase in the strength of association between osteopontin, DDS scores, and HbA1c with increasing distress severity. Osteopontin was also significantly associated with BMI and inflammatory markers. Conclusion: This study provides novel evidence that elevated serum osteopontin levels are associated with increased diabetes-related distress and poor glycemic control in patients with T2DM. These findings highlight osteopontin as a potential biomarker linking psychological stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction, supporting the need for integrated nutritional, pharmacological, and psychosocial strategies.
Context: Fatigue, stress, and cognitive performance are commonly affected in recreationally active adults who engage in regular exercise. Nutritional interventions may improve both physical and cognitive performance. IDM01, a standardized trigonelline-rich fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed extract, exhibits potential cognitive-supportive properties. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of IDM01 on fatigue, cognition, and mood in recreationally active adults. Settings and Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study. Methods and Materials: The study was conducted among healthy men and women aged 18–50 years who underwent resistance training 3–5 times per week for ≥6 months. Participants ( n = 120) received either IDM01 (500 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in fatigue score assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory–Short Form. Secondary measures included perceived exertion (Borg CR-10), motivation to move and rest, mood states (alertness, stress, and tranquillity), cognitive performance after mental exercise, and hair cortisol concentration. Safety was monitored based on the laboratory parameters and adverse event (AE) recordings. Results: Of the 120 participants, 105 completed the study. IDM01 significantly improved motivation and cognitive performance, reduced stress ( P < 0.05) compared with placebo, and significantly improved alertness from baseline (within the group). No serious AEs were observed. Conclusions: Eight weeks of IDM01 supplementation significantly improved volitional energy, alertness, stress resilience, and cognitive performance, supporting its role as a safe and effective preworkout nutraceutical for enhancing physical and mental performance in healthy adults.
Background: Recent scientific literature on “glutathione” and “skin lightening,” for which a scientometric approach was used, allows the identification of the main trends, the main collaborations, and the modifications that have taken place in recent years, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of the development and importance of this discipline. Methods: This study was conducted as an exhaustive scientometric review, taking an observational approach. For this reason, 52 documents obtained from the Scopus database were examined based on a search of the database, which was carried out on March 18, 2025. The search focused on publications between 2019 and 2025. Of the 52, 14 articles addressing the main topics of the study were selected. The data were processed with tools such as SciVal, R Studio, and VOSviewer, applying methods such as Bradford’s and Lotka’s laws. Results: A total of 14 documents were included in the analysis from 12 sources, showing an annual growth rate of 24.57%. We found an average of 3643 citations per article. The most influential authors were Al-Rikabi and Chalothorn. At the institutional level, King Saud University was the leader in publication count. India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia were the leading contributing countries in this field. The main subject headings were “glutathione” and “skin-lightening agent,” thus mostly tied to dermatology or cosmetics. The field remains small but is rapidly expanding, with publications concentrated in a limited number of institutions and countries, revealing a fragmented international collaboration network. Conclusions: The results showed a steady increase in the scientific production of glutathione and skin-lightening agents. Although international collaborations were limited, they had a remarkable impact. The most influential institutions and authors were concentrated in certain regions, and the topics highlighted a broad focus ranging from dermatology to cosmetic applications, reflecting the growing interest in this field.
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare peroxisomal disease caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene, leading to impairment of the β-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and progressive neurodegeneration. The clinical presentations vary between childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and adult adrenomyeloneuropathy. There have been no effective treatment options except in the case of early cerebral disease, where hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is used. This narrative review synthesizes existing data on dietary VLCFA restriction and new pharmacological approaches to peroxisomal metabolism in X-ALD. To identify key experimental, clinical, and translational studies, a targeted literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified key studies published between 1989 and 2026 that addressed dietary interventions, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-modulating therapies, and clinical outcomes in X-ALD. Dietary interventions, VLCFA-restricted diets, and preparations such as Lorenzo’s oil have also been shown to lower circulating VLCFA levels. They may delay disease progression in presymptomatic patients. Recent pharmacological advances are moving towards PPAR-targeted therapies, where drugs like leriglitazone demonstrate the potential to stabilize neurological progression and improve metabolic profiles in both clinical and translational research. Mechanistic evidence also indicates that modulation of PPAR signaling can affect VLCFA metabolism, mitochondrial activity, and neuroinflammatory processes. Altogether, dietary interventions and PPAR-targeted therapies may serve as complementary approaches in the management of X-ALD. The narrative design and the heterogeneity of the existing research limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions, and larger controlled studies are needed to establish the long-term clinical efficacy and optimize therapeutic strategies.
Context: Lung vital capacity (VC) reflects respiratory function and physical fitness and is influenced by nutritional status, physical activity, smoking, and metabolic factors. Obesity, smoking, and hyperglycemia can impair pulmonary function through mechanical restriction and chronic inflammation. Aims: This study aimed to determine the association of nutritional status, physical activity, smoking habits, and blood glucose levels with lung VC. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 85 employees meeting inclusion criteria. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, blood glucose measurement, and lung VC testing using spirometry were performed. The participants were selected based on the criteria. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical analysis. Results: Most subjects were male (81.2%), aged ≥30 years (72.9%), and had overweight–obesity status (60.0% based on body mass index (BMI)). Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between BMI and lung VC ( P = 0.030). Subjects with BMI ≥23 kg/m 2 had 2.4 times greater risk of abnormal lung VC compared with those with BMI <23 kg/m 2 (odd ratio (OR) 2.407; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.091–5.312). Age, waist circumference, fat mass, physical activity, smoking habits, and blood glucose levels showed no significant association with lung VC. Conclusion: Nutritional status based on BMI is significantly associated with lung VC. Employees with overweight–obesity have a higher risk for reduced lung VC. Implementation of nutrition and physical activity interventions, coupled with regular health and respiratory function screening, is recommended.
Leukodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of inborn white-matter diseases of the central nervous system characterized by variable age of onset and a wide range of clinical manifestations. Corpus callosum thinning and symmetric periventricular white matter hyperintensities are among their most common neuroimaging findings, which often overlap with acquired demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorders and lead to diagnostic delay. This narrative review consolidates recent clinico-radiological, pathological, and treatment evidence regarding leukodystrophies that exhibit these typical imaging features. An organized search of major databases was conducted to identify original research articles, consensus guidelines, and review studies on diagnostic algorithms, genotype–phenotype correlation, and the development of management approaches. The new evidence underscores the importance of combining multimodal magnetic resonance imaging with extensive clinical evaluation and next-generation sequencing to improve diagnostic accuracy, especially in adult-onset cases that are often misdiagnosed. Selective vulnerability of corpus callosum fibers is supported by pathological evidence, and imaging abnormalities are associated with axonal degeneration, microglial activation, and neuroinflammation. Despite limited treatment options, early hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has a positive impact on specific disorders, and gene-based and anti-inflammatory therapies are promising areas for research. Precision-oriented care is increasingly feasible due to advances in molecular diagnostics and quantitative imaging, but significant therapeutic gaps persist, requiring further joint research and translational innovation.
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is one of the most disabling complications of diabetes mellitus and significantly affects functional ability and quality of life. Despite its clinical importance, neuropathic pain in individuals with diabetes often remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed, particularly in resource-limited settings. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of neuropathic pain among individuals with diabetes and examine its association with demographic and clinical characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2025 and December 2025 at a private hospital in South India. Two individuals with diabetes were screened, and participants with Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scores greater than 12 were included in the final analysis. Data were collected using a validated Tamil-translated version of the LANSS pain scale. Among the 200 individuals screened, 70 (35%) participants were identified with neuropathic pain. Among these participants, 58.57% were male, and the majority were aged ≥50 years. A longer duration of diabetes (>5 years) was observed in 82.86% of participants. Additionally, 74.29% were either overweight or obese, and 77.14% demonstrated poor glycemic control. Moderate to severe pain was reported by 87.15% of participants. The most frequently reported symptoms were burning sensation (70.00%), tingling (65.71%), and numbness (58.57%). The findings indicate that a substantial proportion of individuals with diabetes experience neuropathic pain, particularly those with increasing age, longer duration of diabetes, and higher body mass index. Routine screening with validated tools, such as the LANSS scale, may facilitate early detection and timely management of neuropathic pain.
Background: Enterococcus faecium has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics and utilizes colonization and secretion factors to enhance its virulence. The sodA gene is a superoxide dismutase that is essential for bacterial survival in the presence of oxygen and reactive oxygen species. It is a useful target for distinguishing E. faecium from other Enterococcus species. Papaver rhoeas is a distinctive plant of the Syrian flora, and its spread is limited to certain areas In this study, we started with typing E. faecium based on the gene, and verified the role of alkaloids of papaver rhoeas as important antibacterial in the future. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from the University Children’s Hospital between February and May 2023, in coordination with the hospital’s Bacteriological Diagnostic Laboratory, and were cultured directly in a liquid culture medium. The patient’s name, department, and sample collection date were recorded. E. faecium was then diagnosed using the sodA gene using the MultiplexPCR reaction for a group of Enterococcus sp. species causing sepsis. The response of E. faecium to antibiotic treatment was then determined, and the alkaloids of P. rhoeas were finally applied as a future treatment for enterococcal septicemia. Result: The study confirmed the significant contribution of E. faecium in causing hospital-acquired sepsis in children, its possession of the sodA gene, and the great, rapid, and accurate benefit in diagnosing this bacterium based on this gene and the rapid determination of genus and species in a single reaction. The E. faecium isolates recorded almost complete resistance to 11 antibiotics except for vancomycin with an inhibition aura diameter of 14.16 mm, while the methanolic extract of wild P. rhoeas spread in Damascus and its countryside recorded great effectiveness, especially the fruit extract, then the petals, and finally the stem (20, 14, and 8.9 mm), followed by the soaking and boiling extract (25, 8, and 10 mm), and finally the methanolic acidified water extract, with very little or almost no effectiveness for the stem and petal extract. Conclusions: E. faecium is an important cause of neonatal sepsis in Damascus. The infecting strain carries the sodA gene, an important virulence factor that enables E. faecium to colonize and form biofilms, thus transmitting and causing infection. This has contributed to the development of multidrug resistance in this bacterium. However, P. rhoeas , especially the methanolic fruit extract, has proven to be an important agent against E. faecium . The study confirmed the widespread distribution of this medically important plant in large quantities in areas of Damascus city and its countryside, and it constitutes a promising future compound as an antibacterial against septicemia.
Sthaulya (obesity), medovaha srotorodha (obstruction of fat channels) and kapha-medodhatu vriddhi (excess adipose tissue) are increasingly recognised as significant health concerns associated with metabolic morbidity. Despite modest improvements in body mass index (BMI) with pharmacological approaches, such as Navaka Guggulu, non-pharmacological Panchakarma interventions, such as Shankhaprakshalana (intestinal lavage) and Ruksha Udvartana (dry powder massage), remain insufficiently studied despite classical recommendations and emerging clinical evidence. To review and synthesise clinical evidence on the use of Shankhaprakshalana and Ruksha Udvartana in managing obesity, specifically metabolic parameters and quality-of-life outcomes. A narrative review of clinical trials published from 2006 to 2025, including randomised controlled trials, reviews and case studies, was conducted. Research involving Shankhaprakshalana, Ruksha Udvartana and combined Panchakarma was qualitatively rated and classified in the anthropometric, metabolic and subjective outcome domains. Research on Shankhaprakshalana reported decreases in BMI (2.15–5.88 kg/m 2 , P < 0.05), with bowel regularity and digestive activities also improving. Trials of Ruksha Udvartana using Triphala-based and Rodhradi Gana formulations showed improvements in lipid profiles, including decreases in total cholesterol and triglycerides, and significant improvements in symptoms such as Alasya (lethargy) and Swedadhikya (excessive sweating). Combined Panchakarma interventions resulted in greater overall weight reduction than individual interventions. Both interventions had desirable safety profiles in large patient cohorts. These findings suggest potential modulation of neuro-metabolic pathways related to appetite regulation and gut–brain communication. Existing clinical literature suggests that Shankhaprakshalana and Ruksha Udvartana are potentially effective non-pharmacological Ayurvedic therapies for the management of Sthaulya.
Ketamine has seen expanding adoption across Virginia emergency medical services (EMS) due to its versatility across multiple high-acuity indications, including acute pain management, chemical sedation, rapid sequence intubation, and refractory status epilepticus. This review examines the current evidence base for prehospital ketamine use and evaluates dosing practices across six Virginia regional EMS councils in comparison to national recommendations. Review of publicly available protocols reveals substantial interagency variability in dosing, indication authorization, and monitoring requirements. The evidence base for analgesia and sedation is generally supportive, though limited by retrospective designs. Safety concerns, including weight estimation error, respiratory compromise, and variability between national recommendations, all present pressing issues that need to be addressed further. This review concludes that ketamine’s clinical utility in the prehospital setting is well supported but undermined by the absence of standardized statewide protocols and that collaborative action between the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services and regional medical directors is needed to ensure its safe application across the Commonwealth.
Background: Dengue fever remains a major public health problem in endemic areas of Thailand. Health literacy may influence dengue prevention behaviors; however, evidence regarding this association remains limited. This study aimed to assess health literacy and identify factors associated with favorable dengue prevention behaviors among people in Phatthalung Province, Thailand. Methods: A total of 420 subjects aged ≥18 years or older from Phatthalung Province, Thailand, were recruited for an analytical cross-sectional study. The structured questionnaire used for data collection contained demographic characteristics, health literacy, and dengue prevention behaviors. The level of health literacy was examined with a 20-item questionnaire developed from the framework of the Thai Department of Disease Control. The behaviors were classified as either favorable or unfavorable based on their score in the Dengue Prevention Scale of 75%. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with favorable dengue prevention behaviors. Results: The average overall health literacy score was 78.95 (standard deviation [SD] 9.40). The highest mean score was found for understanding skills (15.95, SD 2.06), and the lowest score for applying skills (15.60, SD 2.31). Favorable dengue prevention behavior showed a significant association with the gender of female participants (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–2.55, P = 0.02). In the health literacy domains, access skills were the only ones that were independently associated with the favorable dengue prevention behaviors (adjusted OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13–1.32, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Access skills were significantly correlated with favorable dengue prevention behaviors, especially with regard to health literacy.
Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria to inhibit or eliminate closely related competing microorganisms. In contrast to traditional broad-spectrum antibiotics, bacteriocins can be narrow-spectrum, allowing them to selectively affect a particular group of bacteria but leave the beneficial organisms of the microbiota intact. This accuracy has spawned increased interest in bacteriocins as possible reducers of microbial communities in the natural and clinical environment. Recent developments in the fields of genomics, metagenomics, and genome-mining tools have proved particularly useful in the process of the identification of novel bacteriocins, as well as in the discovery of their ubiquitous presence in heterogeneous bacteria. These peptides have a significant ecological role in microbial competition, niche competition, and community stability in complex ecosystems such as the human gut and food fermentation systems as well as environmental microbiomes. At the mechanistic level, bacteriocins use various strategies such as membrane pore formation, prevention of cell wall biosynthesis, nucleic acid degradation, and disruption of vital cellular enzymatic pathways. These multidimensional mechanisms may reduce the frequency and stability of resistance development compared with conventional antibiotics; however, adaptive resistance mechanisms may still emerge. There is mounting evidence to suggest that bacteriocins can redefine microbial population dynamics and can be used to redesign dysbiotic microbiomes linked to infection, metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, current developments in peptide engineering, synthetic biology, and heterologous expression systems are allowing the development of bacteriocins that are more stable, specific, and therapeutic. Bacteriocins can potentially be engineered to overcome certain resistance mechanisms. By manipulating microbial communities, they are reported to impact host physiology and affect neurochemical pathways. This review also reveals the ecological roles of bacteriocins in interbacterial competition, their new applications as specific microbiome regulators, and the existing advances toward their development as next-generation antimicrobial and microbiome-targeted therapies.
Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria in order to prevent the development of closely related or rival microbial species. Previously identified as agents of microbial competition in complicated ecological settings, bacteriocins are currently being considered for a variety of clinical and biotechnological roles. They are usually associated with mechanisms of action that include the formation of membrane pores, inhibition of cell wall synthesis, or interference with important intracellular activities, which usually lead to quick and specific killing of bacteria. Their particularity, combined with the strong anti-multidrug-resistant properties of bacteriocins makes them a promising substitute or complement to standard antibiotics in the context of increased antimicrobial resistance. Innovations in molecular biology and bioengineering have led to the discovery, characterization, and optimization of new bacteriocins with greater stability, spectrum, and effectiveness. Moreover, their applications are not only limited to therapeutic purposes but also extend to food preservation systems, probiotic growth, and infection prevention protocols. These benefits notwithstanding, issues of large-scale manufacturing, stability when exposed to physiological conditions, possible resistance development, and regulatory aspects are yet to be dealt with. To harness the translational potential of bacteriocins, further interdisciplinary studies combining the fields of microbiology, genomics, pharmacology, and biotechnology are necessary. Knowledge of their ecological backgrounds and molecular diversity forms the basis of novel approaches to fighting infectious diseases and maintaining microbial balance.
Neurological disorders are one of the major causes of long-term disability, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life among different groups of people. Modern evidence suggests that the optimal management should go beyond disease-specific therapy and include multidisciplinary care. This narrative review will critically synthesize the evidence to identify the interactive roles of pharmacological management, nutritional optimization, and manual rehabilitative interventions in influencing functional recovery in neurological disorders. The structured narrative methodology was chosen, and peer-reviewed articles were identified through database searches in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with publications between 2000 and 2025. The reviewed literature supports the evidence that pharmacological therapies are central to stabilizing neurological pathology and managing symptoms, including spasticity, neuropathic pain, and motor dysfunction. It has been demonstrated that nutritional modulation aids neuroplasticity, minimizes inflammatory mechanisms, and improves metabolic capacity for rehabilitation. Furthermore, when used as part of multidisciplinary care pathways, manual rehabilitation methods can be useful for treating secondary musculoskeletal complications, optimizing joint movement, reducing pain, and supporting participation in functional rehabilitation. Together, these therapeutic applications can be used in a coordinated manner to potentially improve responsiveness to rehabilitation and yield better functional recovery trajectories in neurological populations. The results emphasize the need to consider integrated rehabilitation models that combine medical, nutritional, and rehabilitative approaches. The next step in research should focus on rigorous clinical trials of integrated rehabilitation models and long-term functional outcomes to enhance evidence-based, multidisciplinary neurological care.
Background: Cerebral aneurysm (CA) is an abnormal local dilatation of blood vessels in the brain due to weakness in the lining of the vascular walls, which enlarge and bulge and can rupture at any time. Methods: This descriptive study retrospectively examines the clinical characteristics, angiographic findings, and management of CA in Makassar, Indonesia. We obtained 75 patients admitted to Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital Makassar from January 2017 to October 2023. The patients’ medical records were analyzed for angiographic findings and management of CA. Results: A total of 75 patients were included, with a mean age was 52.52 ± 10.3 years old, mostly female (61.3%). The most common clinical manifestations were headache ( n = 68, 90.7%), subarachnoid hemorrhage ( n = 55, 73.3%), and hemiparesis ( n = 19, 25.3%). The most common location aneurysms were the internal carotid artery (ICA) ( n = 29, 38.7%), anterior communicating artery ( n = 21, 28%), and posterior communicating artery ( n = 11, 14.7%). The most type of aneurysm was a saccular type ( n =74, 98.7%). There were 61 cases (81.3%) had a rupture and 14 cases unruptured (18.7%). The most size was <7 mm in diameter ( n = 59, 78.7%), and we found one giant aneurysm (>20 mm in diameter). The most common morphological form was lobulated ( n = 61, 81.3%). The 66 cases (88%) were treated with endovascular coiling and one performed stent-assisted coiling. Conclusion: CA commonly presents with headaches. The most common location of aneurysm was the anterior circulation, especially in the ICA. The most common rupture of CA was small in size. Endovascular coiling was an appropriate treatment for aneurysm management with a good outcome.
Obesity (Sthoulya) is a persistent metabolic disorder characterized by high adiposity, a defect in energy regulation, and cardiometabolic risk. According to an Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda), it is linked to excess fat accumulation (Medodhatu vriddhi), slowed metabolism (Agnimandya), and structural blockage of transport pathways (Srotorodha). Traditional lifestyle intervention methods tend to exhibit low long-term compliance, underscoring the need to consider additional approaches. Yogic cleansing exercises, also known as Shatkarma, are aimed at gastrointestinal and systemic cleansing and can affect digestion, absorption, and metabolic efficiency. This review aims to provide a narrative synthesis of the nutritional and metabolic management of obesity, integrating classical yogic and Ayurvedic concepts with modern scientific evidence, and employing Shatkarma-based yogic cleansing practices. A narrative review was performed with the use of Google Scholar, PubMed, IndMED, and AYUSH Research Portal databases. It consisted of peer-reviewed articles, classical analyses of Hatha Yoga, and clinical studies of yoga interventions published between 2000 and 2025. There was a focus on mechanistic understanding, nutritional consequences, and anthropometric variations concerning the yogic cleansing practices. It has been proposed that yogic cleansing practices enhance gastrointestinal function (Jatharagni deepana), reduce metabolic byproducts (Ama pachana), and aid in fat regulation. Combined yoga programs with Kapalabhati, Nauli, and Laghu Shankhaprakshalana showed significant changes in body mass index, waist circumference, and lipid parameters, albeit not significantly. Proposed mechanisms include improved gut motility, better autonomic balance, and greater metabolic flexibility. Nonetheless, there are scant Shatkarma-only randomized trials on obesity. Shatkarma-based yogic cleansing shows promise; prakriti-stratified trials are needed for validation.
Background and Objective: Enterococcus sp. is currently the leading cause of septicemia in various age groups. We focused in this study on the modern Syrian flora for globally important medicinal Papaver species, and to utilize their extracts against resistant enterococcal strains. Materials and Methods: Alkaloids were extracted from plant parts to obtain a methanolic extract and to identify the species and the most productive fraction using high-performance thin-layer chromatography techniques, as well as the antibacterial activity of Papaver sp. alkaloids against Enterococcus sp. Results: The study confirmed that poppy fruits are the primary taxonomic criterion for distinguishing the six species belonging to this genus. Fruits also have the highest and most diverse alkaloid content. The methanolic fruit extracts of the two species showed antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus sp., with inhibition ranging from 0 to 35 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 50 μg/mL using extracts from different parts of the plants. The extract showed greater efficacy against the strains isolated from adults than against the strains isolated from children. Conclusions: The Syrian flora still boasts a significant diversity of medicinal plants, including species unique to the Syrian environment, such as Papaver syriacum and P. dubium , which have a significant antibacterial effect against Enterococcus sp.
Introduction: Pregnancy is often associated with joy and anticipation; it can also be accompanied by significant anxiety. This study was carried out to assess prenatal anxiety and social media usage in seeking childbirth information among pregnant women. Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional design involving 300 pregnant women at a tertiary care center in Chennai with gestations of 10-40 weeks. The participants were selected via purposive sampling. Information was collected through interviews using a pregnancy-related anxiety scale (PRAQ-R) and a social media usage questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential methods were used to analyze the data. Results: The overall prenatal anxiety score ranged from 11 to 40, with a mean of 24.7 ± 4.10. The average time spent on social media was 3.78 ± 1.19 h/day. The common platforms were YouTube (77.3%), Instagram and WhatsApp (63%), web pages (50%), and Facebook (31%). Frequently researched topics were antenatal nutrition (97%), antenatal investigation (87.3%), fetal well-being (77.3%), and exercise (63.3%). Anxiety was significantly associated with previous cesarean delivery ( F = 8.48, P = 0.002). The amount of time spent on social media was significantly greater among women aged 27–36 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–4.50), among multigravida (OR = 5.09; 95% CI: [2.85–9.09]), and among women with complications in the previous pregnancy (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.02–4.12). Conclusion: Prenatal anxiety was influenced by pregnancy-related concerns and past obstetric experiences, highlighting the emotional challenges faced during pregnancy. Pregnant women actively seek childbirth-related information from multiple sources, with social media being commonly used because of its convenience and easy accessibility.
Background: Schizophrenia is a long-lasting mental disorder that needs ongoing therapy with antipsychotic drugs to avoid relapse and aid in rehabilitation. Adherence to medication is a key factor in enhancing clinical outcomes but is also a critical issue, especially in resource-constrained environments. Aim: This study aims to determine the effect of various factors on medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia who are residents of Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) Home, Chennai, and also to test how such factors relate to the various demographic variables. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The research was carried out at the SCARF Home, Anna Nagar West, Chennai. Simple random sampling was used to select a total of 50 inpatients. Inclusion criteria were male and female patients with schizophrenia who were able to comprehend Tamil or English. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data. Descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential (chi-square test) statistical analyses were conducted. Results: The majority of participants were aged 41 to 50 years (38%), male (56%), unemployed (54%), had an annual income of ₹10,000 (72%), and belonged to nuclear families (62%). The majority of the participants showed low medication adherence–influencing factors (84%), with an average of 4.12 (standard deviation = 1.79). The association between age and the elements of medication adherence was statistically significant ( P = 0.046). Conclusion: Age was found to be a strong predictor of medication adherence variables among schizophrenic patients. The results demonstrate the necessity of age-based interventions, such as special education and psychological assistance, to enhance adherence, especially in Indian contexts with limited resources.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge, complicated by the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Molecular detection of resistance-associated genes has become essential for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Gender-related differences in the molecular epidemiology of drug resistance remain inadequately explored. Aim: To evaluate gender-based differences in the distribution of resistance-associated genetic markers ( rpoB , katG , inhA , gyrA , gyr , rrs , and eis ) among TB patients. Methods: A cross-sectional molecular study was conducted among 317 bacteriologically confirmed TB patients. Genomic DNA extracted from clinical specimens was analyzed using line probe assay to detect wild-type (WT) and mutant probes associated with resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, and injectable drugs. Gender-wise comparisons were performed using the Chi-square test. Results: Of the 317 patients, 209 (66.0%) were males, and 108 (34.0%) were females. Male patients showed significantly a higher prevalence of rpoB (89.4% vs. 80.6%), katG (85.6% vs. 75.0%), inhA (87.5% vs. 77.8%), gyrA (86.6% vs. 71.0%), rrs (86.6% vs. 73.8%), and eis (86.6% vs. 75.7%) genes ( P < 0.05). Several WT probes were significantly more frequent in males, while selected mutations such as rpoB MUT3, katG MUT1, gyrA MUT3A, and gyrA MUT3C demonstrated significant gender associations. Conclusion: Distinct gender-based differences exist in the molecular distribution of TB drug resistance markers, with males exhibiting a higher prevalence of several resistance-associated genes. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating gender perspectives into TB molecular surveillance and control strategies.
