Background: Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw. is traditionally used in indigenous medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, but its anti-inflammatory potential has not yet been thoroughly validated through scientific studies. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of C. aloifolium leaf extracts and to characterize their putative bioactive constituents using HPTLC fingerprinting and FT-IR spectroscopy. Materials and Methods: Successive leaf extracts were assessed for anti-inflammatory activity using egg albumin denaturation and carrageenan-induced paw edema models in Wistar rats. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated according to OECD guideline 423. Phytochemical profiling was performed using HPTLC and FT-IR analysis. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: Among the extracts, the chloroform fraction demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vitro (IC50 = 58.40 mu g/mL) and significantly reduced paw edema in vivo at 200 mg/kg, comparable to diclofenac. No toxicity was observed up to 2000 mg/kg. HPTLC and FT-IR analyses indicated the presence of caffeine-like alkaloidal constituents and flavonoid-related functional groups. Conclusion: C. aloifolium leaf extracts exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity, likely associated with caffeine-like alkaloidal constituents and flavonoids. These findings support its traditional use and warrant further phytochemical characterization.
Background: Radiation therapy is an important treatment modality of cancer therapy. Especially for Breast Cancer it stands as primary approach of the treatment along with chemotherapy. However, radiation therapy is associated with certain adverse events which may cause significant discomfort to patients and may impact on their day-to-day activities. The objective of the study is to study the pattern of radiation related adverse events and their management in patients who are on radiation therapy or chemo-radiation therapy in breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over one year at Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Mysore, following ethical approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The study evaluated radiation-induced adverse events in breast cancer patients using MedDRA codes and RTOG grading. Patients receiving radiation alone or with chemotherapy were included, while those without cancer or receiving only chemotherapy, targeted, or hormonal therapy were excluded. Data were obtained from treatment charts, radiation cards, laboratory reports, and patient interviews. Adverse events were identified, confirmed with oncologists, graded as per RTOG criteria, and analysed for treatment patterns and management outcomes. Results: Among 315 female breast cancer patients, most were aged 51-60 years (51.7%) with invasive ductal carcinoma (62.2%) as the major subtype. ER positivity was seen in 46%, and early-stage disease (Stage 0-I) in 60.3%. Adjuvant therapy predominated (60.9%), with EBRT (78.7%) as the main modality. Common radiation-related adverse events were fatigue (73.9%), dermatitis (42.8%), breast pain/swelling (31.1%), nausea and gastritis (16.2% each), hyperpigmentation (8.6%), and pneumonitis (6.0%). Most were mild to moderate (RTOG 1-2) and managed supportively. However, 18-35% of cases, mainly fatigue and dermatitis, lacked intervention, indicating a need for improved supportive and pharmacist-led care. Conclusion: Radiation therapy is well tolerated in breast cancer patients, but proactive, multidisciplinary care and continuous monitoring are essential to manage adverse events and optimize patient outcomes.
Background: Even though pharmacy students receive formal education and training on pharmacotherapy and interactions between drugs (DDIs), food (DFIs), and disease (DDIs), limited data exist on the comparison between professional knowledge gaps among pharmacy and non-pharmacy undergraduate students, which represents the educated population of society. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the awareness and perceptions of DDIs, DFIs, and DDsI related to diabetes mellitus among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students to identify educational needs and potential gaps in understanding of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2024 and April 2025 among 570 students (285 pharmacy, 285 non-pharmacy) using a validated questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified predictors of KAP. Results: Multivariate logistic regression showed that, among pharmacy students, age >25 years was associated with higher knowledge (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.3-1.9, p = 0.01), while postgraduate status was associated with lower knowledge (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9, p = 0.01). Among non-pharmacy students, female gender was associated with higher knowledge (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9, p = 0.02), whereas postgraduate students showed lower knowledge compared with undergraduates (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9, p = 0.05). Conclusion: Although pharmacy students showed better understanding of DDIs, DFIs, and DDsI in relation to Diabetes Mellitus, there are evident gaps in attitudes and practices of both groups. Female gender, older persons, predicted positive outcomes, while postgraduate education showed a knowledge-attitude gap.
A 38-year-old male with a four-year history of primary infertility presented to the Siddha Nadu, India. The patient had well-controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension and reported no history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Clinical evaluation revealed normal secondary sexual characteristics with bilaterally small testes and no palpable varicocele. Semen analysis showed oligoasthenospermia, with a total sperm count of 18 million/mL and 20% motility. Based on Siddha diagnostic principles, a combined disturbance of Pitha and Vatha doshas was identified. A three-month Siddha therapeutic regimen comprising Thaneervitan was administered, accompanied by specific dietary and lifestyle modifications. Post-treatment evaluation revealed remarkable improvement in seminal parameters, with the sperm count rising to 52 million/mL and motility increasing to 85%, along with improved sperm morphology. No adverse effects were observed. This case highlights the potential of Siddha-based integrative therapy in improving seminal quality by addressing underlying dosha imbalances associated with oligoasthenospermia.
Background: Despite advancements in diagnostic methodologies, including advanced imaging techniques and laboratory markers, the medical community continues to search for more reliable, accessible, and cost-effective prognostic indicators. This study aims to investigate the predictive utility of serum total bilirubin in appendicitis. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 subjects who were clinically suspected of presenting with acute appendicitis or appendicular perforation and were aged over 18 years. The routine biochemical test, complete blood count, liver function test, and ultrasonograph scan was performed on all the participants for pre operative diagnosis. The pre-operative diagnosis was compared with post-operative findings based on histopathology and operative records. The sensitivity and specificity of total bilirubin in detecting appendicitis severity were measured. Results: The average total bilirubin level in acute appendicitis was 0.74 +/- 0.25 mg/dL, gangrenous appendix was 1.96 +/- 20 mg/dL, and perforated appendix was 1.78 +/- 0.35 mg/dL. When segregated based on total bilirubin cutoff value of 1.2 mg/dL, 81.15% of cases exhibited acute appendicitis, 16.6% manifested a gangrenous appendix, and 4% presented with a perforated appendix among individuals with a total bilirubin level <1.2 mg/dL. Conversely, 18.8% showcased acute appendicitis, 83.3% displayed a gangrenous appendix, and 96% exhibited a perforated appendix among subjects with a total bilirubin level >1.2 mg/dL. A statistically significant variance was detected between total bilirubin levels below 1.2 mg/dL and those exceeding 1.2 mg/dL among various appendicitis. The sensitivity and specificity of total bilirubin in detecting acute appendicitis were 86.7% and 65.9%, for gangrenous appendix 89.06% and 62.63%, and for perforated appendix 89.6% and 65.25%, respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that A total bilirubin level below 1.2 mg/dL typically indicates acute appendicitis, while a level above 1.2 mg/dL is often associated with complicated appendicitis.
Background: Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy is a significant global health issue, affecting over 50% of women in India. While oral iron supplements are commonly used, their effectiveness is often compromised due to poor adherence and gastrointestinal side effects. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose offers an alternative that is well tolerated and allows rapid correction of iron deficiency. However, evidence about its safety and efficacy in pregnant women remains limited. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from November 2023 to June 2024 in Hyderabad, India. It included pregnant women aged >= 18 years, in their second or third trimester, diagnosed with mild to moderate iron deficiency anaemia (haemoglobin 7-10.9 g/dL), and receiving intravenous ferric carboxymaltose. Haemoglobin levels were measured before infusion and weekly for four weeks. Maternal safety and adverse effects were monitored throughout. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Sixty-two women participated. The mean baseline haemoglobin was 8.54 g/dL, increasing to 10.85 g/dL by week four (p<0.001). Over 60% had moderate anaemia at baseline. No serious adverse reactions occurred. The demographic and anaemia severity patterns aligned with regional data. Conclusion: Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose significantly improves haemoglobin in pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia and has a good safety profile. It's use in antenatal care could benefit women who are unresponsive to or intolerant of oral iron. Further research is needed to assess long-term maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Background: Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a public health problem of great concern. Public knowledge is considered a prerequisite for the appropriate use of antibiotics and the limited spread of antibiotic resistance. Hence, the present study is planned to evaluate the level of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward antibiotic resistance among the Saudi public in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire in Arabic language and all data were analyzed by SPSS version 28. Results: The study's sample comprised 421 participants, with a higher representation of females (65.1%) compared to males (34.9%). The study revealed several significant factors influencing knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Married individuals demonstrated better knowledge about antibiotics (OR: 1.1, p=0.01), while those with higher education levels exhibited greater knowledge (OR: 1.1, p=0.01). Conversely, those with a bachelor's degree showed lower knowledge (OR: 0.1, p=0.01). Education level also influenced attitudes, with higher education linked to more positive attitudes towards antibiotic use (OR: 0.9, p=0.02). Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge was moderate and attitude towards the use of antibiotics was negative, so this mandates public health awareness intervention programs to be implemented on the use of antibiotics.
Background: The robust extension of online healthcare services in India has given e-pharmacy platforms as a vital recognition for imparting convenience, accessibility and affordability in pharmaceutical distribution industry. In spite of their emerging pertinence, consumer adoption remains provoked by several behavioural factors, requiring restrained empirical inspection, especially in urban biosphere such as Kolkata. To understand, why the consumer adoption of e-pharmacy is pertinent, the primary objective of the study was to understand whether behavioural intention is influencing the actual use behaviour of e-pharmacy, along with the secondary objectives was either the factors derived from the literature, such as, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and trust is influencing the behavioural intention to adopt e-pharmacy applications or not. Materials and Methods: For this particular study, a quantitative along with cross-sectional research framework was planned. Primary data was gathered obtaining a structured and closed-ended questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale distributed via Google Forms. A total of 204 valid responses was collected applying purposive and snowball sampling. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression of the data were performed using SPSS, version 21 software. Results: All the three predecessors, mentioned before, PE, EE, and Trust demonstrated significant positive relationships with BI, where Trust found to be as the strongest antecedent. With that, BI is also found to be significantly influencing UB, assuring core conjecture of UTAUT-based adoption frameworks. Conclusion: The factors are seen to be playing pivotal roles in forming consumers' behaviour towards e-pharmacy adoption in Kolkata are Perceived usefulness, ease of use and trustworthiness. The outcomes display real life offerings for healthcare policymakers and online pharmacy providers striving to advance consumer engagement and emphasising resilient digital pharmacy adoption across urban Indian ecosystem.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) represents a globally significant progressive respiratory disorder marked by persistent airflow limitation and debilitating respiratory symptoms. Conventional treatments often provide only symptomatic relief without altering disease progression. This case report explores an integrative approach combining classical Ayurvedic formulations with nanomedicine. A 69-year-old male patient with moderate COPD, presenting with chronic cough, dyspnea, appetite loss and abdominal distension, the case was managed at the Panchakarma OPD, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha, India, under the supervision of Dr. Punam Sawarkar. Despite previous conventional medication, his symptoms persisted. The therapeutic intervention includes classical ayurvedic formulations alongside Sukshma Vasa globules, a nanomedicine formulation. Following a 45-day treatment course, the patient showed significant improvement: cough and dyspnea reduced from severe/mild to mild/none, appetite improved, abdominal distension decreased and C-reactive protein levels normalized. No adverse effects were reported. This case underscores the promising potential of integrating traditional Ayurveda with nanomedicine to deliver safe and effective multi-target management for COPD, providing significant relief and improving patient well-being, warranting further clinical explorations.
Background and Objectives: The 'Journal of Neurology in Rural Practice' is one of the popular journal in the field of neurology being published by Asociaci & oacute;n Ayuda Enfermo Neuroquirufgico (AAEN) since 2010.Toassess the natureof research published in thisjournal,theobjective iscarrying out a bibliometric assessment of publication over a period of sixteen years. Methodology: The bibliographic data for the bibliometric assessment has been obtained from SCOPUS database. The bibliometric assessment carried out for annual productivity, key authors, institutions and country collaboration, thematic analysis based on author keywords and topical modelling using network analysis. Results: The study is based on 2294 documents indexed in SCOPUS database. Though India is major affiliating countries, the collaboration from United States, Nigeria, Italy, Thailand, Columbia are prominent. Among the institutions, National Institute of Mental Health and Sciences is most productive institutions. Most of the author among top ranking are from India wherein, Author from Columbia is found to be among with prominence in citation impact. Conclusion: The journal publishing papers in the field of neurology and allied fields consistently with an annual growth rate of 6.38% per year. Though the popularity and scope of the journal is international in nature however, regional centrality is common. The research impact in terms of citation is 6.133 citations per paper as compared to other neurological journals. This necessitated the foreword looking approach to increase the research impact and visibility to international community. The publications covering the modern technology such as Artificial Intelligence is lacking which may be made a part in the future publications.
Background: Tendinopathy is characterized by pain, inflammation, and functional impairment with standard therapies supporting short-term symptomatic improvement. Nutraceuticals have emerged as potential adjuncts in tendon repair and symptom management. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a combination of mucopolysaccharides, collagen type I, and vitamin C in participants with tendinopathy. Materials and Methods: Participants with clinically diagnosed tendinopathy were enrolled and assigned to either a standard therapy group (n=29) or active group (n=30). All participants received standard treatments, while the active group additionally received the test nutraceutical combination for 90 days. Symptom severity, including pain (at rest and during activity), stiffness, inflammation, mobility difficulty, weakness, and impact on daily and physical activity, along with Quality of Life (QoL), were assessed. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements; however, the active group showed a significantly greater reduction in pain at rest (92.37% v/s. 69.53%), pain during activity (87.55% v/s. 40.31%), stiffness (87.05% v/s. 44.25%), and weakness (78.50% v/s. 45.07%) (all p<0.05). Improvements in daily and physical activities were also greater in the active group. Inflammation and mobility showed numerically better outcomes, though not statistically significant. No adverse effects were reported in either group. Conclusion: Supplementation with mucopolysaccharides, collagen type I, and vitamin C appears to enhance symptom relief and functional recovery in tendinopathy, supporting its use as a safe and effective adjunctive strategy.
