All Articles in june, 2025

Custard apple is a tropical fruit that is cultivated all over India. The seeds of this fruit are found to have medicinal properties as they contain active compounds such as alkaloids, cyclohexapeptides, and acetogenins. It has been used in powdered form for the treatment of scalp lice and dandruff in our part of the world as a native medicine for a long time. We report a case of bilateral severe toxic keratoconjunctivitis following accidental exposure to custard apple seed powder.

Some preliminary results of studies on the assessment of the possibilities and prospects for obtaining products with a high Antioxidant Activity Index (AOA) from the waste of the coffee beverage production industry - "silver skin" (SC, silverskin, CS) are presented.The obtained data on the extraction of SC with aqueous-alcoholic extractants, the effect of extraction conditions on the yield of extracts, and extractive substances are discussed. It is reported on the production of dry powders of extracts that retain their properties during long-term storage.Data on the antioxidant properties of both liquid and dry forms of extracts are presented and good AOA of the studied objects is noted in comparison with the "standard" antioxidant - rosemary extract, and it is also shown that the AOA of dry forms of extracts can be increased by doping with synergists - polyphenols of natural genesis. The antioxidant activity of the obtained compositions was studied on real objects - animal fats and natural dyes, the results of which confirmed the prospects of the studied antioxidants (AO) for practical purposes.

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. One of the developmental challenges in preterm infants is the immaturity of the sucking-swallowing-breathing triad, which hinders successful oral feeding. Non-Nutritive Sucking (NNS) is an innate reflex in neonates that involves sucking motions without the intake of nutrition. This behaviour, often facilitated by pacifiers or a gloved finger, plays a vital role in neurodevelopment, feeding maturity, and physiological regulation in preterm infants. Recent studies also highlight its psychological and lactational benefits for mothers. This review presents a synthesis of current evidence supporting NNS as a low-cost, non-invasive intervention with multidimensional benefits for both preterm infants and their mothers.

A poison is a substance capable of causing illness or harm to a living organism upon contact or introduction to the body. Toxins and venoms are poisons of biological origin, with the latter usually reserved to describe the bites or stings of poisonous animals. In India, the suicide rate is 18.5 suicide deaths for every 100,000 people. The majority (79%) of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Ingestion of poison is one of the most common modes of suicide in low and middle-income countries such as India [1].

Pancreatic duct stones (PDS) are a common complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP). PDS can lead to duct obstruction and cause chronic abdominal pain. Ductal stone clearance, as well as short and long-term pain relief, is the cornerstone of endoscopic or surgical treatment. A step-up approach seems reasonable in pancreatic duct stone clearance. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) combined with standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is as effective as a surgical approach for treating painful CP with less morbidity and medical costs. Therefore, endotherapy is considered a first-line therapy in selected patients. In case of insufficient pancreatic ductal clearance or strictures, advanced endoscopic techniques, per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) with intraductal lithotripsy and/or endoscopic ultrasound-guided ductal drainage (EUS-PDD), will expand the role of the endoscopic approach. Because these new techniques are challenging, technically complex, and with high adverse events (AEs), they should be reserved for advanced tertiary care centers. Although there is increasing data that early surgical intervention may lead to better pain control and pancreatic duct stone clearance, surgery is reserved for patients failing endotherapy or patients with suspected malignancy.

Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant risk to human health, particularly through seafood consumption. Once ingested, MPs can spread from the digestive system to other organs via phagocytosis and endocytosis, leading to toxicological effects. Accumulation of MPs in tissues causes swelling, blockages, oxidative stress, and Cytotoxicity. Studies show MPs alter metabolism, disrupt immune function, and contribute to autoimmune diseases. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, vascular inflammation, and increased cancer risk due to DNA damage. MPs can cross biological barriers, including the placenta, affecting fetal development. Additionally, they serve as vectors for pollutants and bacteria, further complicating health risks. MPs in the bloodstream can trigger inflammatory responses, endothelial adhesion, and red blood cell coagulation, leading to cardiovascular complications. In vitro studies indicate MPs impair renal function and cause long-term inflammation in distal tissues. Moreover, oxidative stress caused by MPs plays a critical role in carcinogenicity. Despite growing evidence of adverse health effects, further research is necessary to understand the full impact of MPs’ exposure on human health and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Background: Undergraduate nursing students, like the general population, are not devoid of negative attitudes relating to mental health. As future manpower, undergraduate nursing students need to be trained in a manner that inspires confidence in the way they perceive and handle mentally ill persons.Aim: This study aimed to investigate undergraduate students' perceptions and attitudes toward mental health practices.Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design approach. A self-reported questionnaire was prepared and sent to 140 undergraduate nursing students studying at King Saud University. A total of 128 students took part in the study by filling out self-reported questionnaires.Results: Undergraduate nursing students have a positive perception and attitude (social relationships) towards people living with mentally ill persons in three of the five Attitudes towards Mental Illness (AMI) categories investigated. AMI1 (18.93), AMI2 (9.55), AMI3 (16.88), AMI4 (8.34), AMI5 (9.82), Average AMI (62.98).Conclusion: Undergraduate nursing students hold unjustified views regarding people with mental illness, which leads to negative attitudes held throughout their studies and professional practice. As future manpower, it is important that psychiatric training is reformed to offer undergraduate nursing students comprehensive skills necessary for future practice.

Background: Endometrial Thickness (EMT) is considered an important prognostic factor in assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Thin endometrium (< 7 mm) is often associated with implantation failure and reduced pregnancy rates, although its precise impact remains controversial.Objective: This thesis summary evaluates the role of thin endometrium in FET cycles, discusses etiologies, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and reviews available patient data.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 69 patients who underwent FET at Saveetha Medical College. Endometrial thickness was assessed via transvaginal ultrasound. Various treatment strategies including hormonal therapies (estradiol, progesterone), vasoactive agents, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), L-arginine, sildenafil citrate, vitamin E, pentoxifylline, and stem cell therapy were reviewed for their efficacy in improving endometrial receptivity.Results: Endometrial thickness < 7 mm correlated with lower pregnancy rates compared to patients with thickness ≥ 7 mm. Hormonal and adjuvant therapies reported varying degrees of success in improving EMT and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Vascularity, angiogenesis, and Doppler studies also demonstrated a significant association with endometrial receptivity.Conclusion: Thin endometrium remains a critical challenge in ART cycles. Multimodal therapeutic approaches may improve outcomes; however, larger prospective studies are required to establish standardized protocols. Our patient data support that even minimal increases in EMT can enhance implantation success.

A 24-year-old male presented with epistaxis and gingival bleeding, physical examination revealed pallor and purpuric spots on the left upper limb. Laboratory findings showed pancytopenia. As part of the etiological workup for pancytopenia, a bone marrow aspirate was performed, revealing moderately cellular marrow with rare megakaryocytes and intranuclear inclusions in proerythroblasts. Parvovirus B19 testing in the bone marrow was conducted via nucleic acid extraction followed by PCR.

Fact-finding Investigation for the Activation of the Legal-forensic Nursing Consultancy Desk at the Order of Nursing Professions of the Province of Avellino

Dural Venous Sinus Thrombosis (DVST) is a rare although serious clinical entity that causes approximately 0.5% of all stroke cases. Head trauma with skull base fracture, aneurysm, CNS infection, thrombophilia, and vasculitis may be identified as a possible cause of DVST. Vernet’s Syndrome is characterized by a constellation of unilateral cranial nerve palsies involving the 9th, 10th, and 11th cranial nerves due to compression or narrowing of the jugular foramen. We herein present a case of 33 years old Bangladeshi worker from Malaysia who had history of severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) following road traffic accident with multiple skull bone fracture and extradural hematoma 3 months back, presented with acute dysphagia, dysphonia, fever and cough for 6 days. Neurologic examination revealed deviation of uvula to the left side and features of consolidation over right upper chest. Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) revealed thrombosis involving right transverse sinus, sigmoid sinus extending up to right internal jugular vein. The diagnosis of vernet syndrome with aspiration pneumonia was made. Later thrombophilia screen showed protein S deficiency. He was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and started anticoagulation with dabigatran. After 6 months of anticoagulation he recovered fully with no residual neurological deficit.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbursts began at the end of 2019, which imposed a serious crisis on public health and the economy all over the world. To date, there is no antiviral drug available for SARS-CoV-2, and hence vaccination is the most preferred method to prevent people from getting attacked by this virus, especially for those who are at high risk. To counter coronavirus-2, there are various types of vaccines, which are being used, such as live attenuated vaccines, killed or inactivated vaccines, recombinant vaccines, mRNA vaccines, recombinant vector vaccines, and DNA vaccines. Novavax data shows that the vaccine is effective against severe diseases caused by B.1.351. The Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines show evidence of some protection against P.1. Due to the immune response, the Human body can recognize and protect itself against harmful foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. The immune system protects our body from these harmful substances by identifying them as antigens. Virus-infected cells release many chemicals such as chemokines and cytokines for the initiation of immune response. To control the pandemic situation, herd immunity is required by the immunization of a critical mass of the world population at once. In this review article, we have made an analysis of the immune response of the human body to SARS-CoV-2 infection, different types, and modes of action of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines along with the current status of vaccines.

Cannabis sativum has long been used globally for hallucination. However, detrimental effects on female reproduction have never been studied. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate cannabinoid-induced oxidative stress and reproductive containment in female mice. Fifteen adult female Parkes strain mice were randomly chosen from institutional animal houses (n = 5/group) with ad libitum access to water and food. Animals were grouped into control (vehicle-treated), treated with 6mg of cannabis/100 g of body weight, and 12 mg of cannabis/100 g of body weight. After 15 days all animals were sacrificed and tissues were collected for histology, immunohistochemistry, and estimations of different parameters. Histology and immunohistochemistry (of Cannabinoid Receptor 1; CB1) were performed following standardized protocols. All parameters were estimated either by standard biochemical protocols or by kit following the manufacturer’s protocol. Stress parameters (Super Oxide Dismutase; SOD, Catalase, CAT; Malonaldehyde, MDA and Glutathione Peroxidase; GPx), apoptotic parameters of thecal cells (by Caspase-3 assay), serum level of Estrogen (E2), steroidogenic parameters (3β Hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase; 3β HSD and 17β Hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase; 17β HSD) and expression of CB1 were noted in ovary. Data were analyzed by One-way Analysis of Variance (One-way ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range post hoc Test. We found a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in steroidogenic parameters and a significant increase (p < 0.05)in free radical and apoptotic parameters and CB1 receptor expressions upon dose-dependent cannabis treatment. We may conclude that chronic treatment of cannabis causes reproductive containment in females which has never been addressed previously.

Introduction: Pleomorphic Carcinoma (PC) is a subset of poorly differentiated non–small cell lung cancer that is diagnostically challenging because it is a rare malignancy of the lung. It shows varying dual-cell components; spindle or giant cells and epithelial cells.Method: We report a case of 68-year-old non-smoking female who presented with cough, fever, pain in the left side of chest & weight loss of recent onset and an abnormal shadow on her chest X-ray. Computed tomography of chest revealed a well defined heterogeneously enhancing cavitatory soft tissue lesion in the posterior basal segment of the left lower lobe with mediastinal lymphadenopathy.Results: Fine needle aspiration cytology& percutaneous lung biopsy confirmed poorly differentiated malignant tumor. Patient underwent a left lower lobectomy. A diagnosis of PC was confirmed after Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mutation analysis revealed an EGFR exon 21 mutation within the tumor cells. The patient is on Gefitinib based chemotherapy and has remained disease-free for three years post-surgery.Conclusion: PC of the lung is a rare pathological entity. Definite diagnosis may only be made on a resected tumor along with the use of IHC. Surgical resection is the main modality of the treatment. Such rare cases should be documented to establish an optimal management plan and to provide a further insight to targeted therapy.

Introduction: Forensic psychology plays a critical role in the criminal justice system, bridging the gap between psychology and law enforcement. One of its most significant applications is in criminal profiling, which involves the analysis of crime scene evidence, behavioral patterns, and psychological indicators to construct a profile of potential offenders. This study explores the intersection of forensic psychology and criminal profiling, focusing on how psychological principles aid in understanding and predicting criminal behavior.Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of criminal profiling as a tool in criminal investigations, and to examine the methodologies that underpin profiling practices as a vital tool in the field of forensic sciences.Methodology: Qualitative content analysis of documented criminal cases from reputable journals were reviewed for this study. Related articles were searched for from Google Scholar and Research Gate using the Keywords. A selection of high-profile cases where profiling significantly contributed to suspect identification were analyzed to assess the practical utility of psychological profiling.Results: The results indicate that while criminal profiling is not a standalone solution, it offers valuable insights when integrated with traditional investigative techniques. Psychological constructs such as personality disorders, cognitive distortions, and behavioral consistency were found to be instrumental in building accurate profiles. However, the findings also highlight challenges including subjectivity, bias, and the risk of stereotyping, potentially compromising investigative objectivity.Conclusion: Forensic psychology, through the application of criminal profiling, provides a powerful adjunct to investigative procedures. When used responsibly and in conjunction with empirical data and forensic evidence, profiling can enhance the efficiency and direction of criminal investigations. Continued research and standardization of profiling methodologies are essential to maximize its reliability and effectiveness in modern forensic practice. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the practical roles and limitations of forensic psychology’s role in the pursuit of justice.

Background: Monotherapy for liver dysfunction in diabetes is less effective. This study investigated the effect of combined linagliptin and metformin therapy on liver function in diabetic rats. Methods and materials: Sixty-four mature male (200-300 g) Wistar rats were used. Streptozotocin (35 mg/kgb.wt) was repeatedly injected intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. The rats were grouped into eight groups (n = 8). Group I: control; Group II: control + 10 mg/kgb.wt linagliptin; Group III: control + 200 mg/kgb.wt metformin; Group IV; control + 10 mg/kgb.wt linagliptin + 200 mg/kgb.wt metformin; Group V: diabetic; Group VI: diabetic + 10 mg/kgb.wt linagliptin; Group VII: diabetic + 200 mg/kgb.wt metformin; Group VIII: diabetic + 10 mg/kgb.wt linagliptin + 200 mg/kgb.wt metformin. The animals were sacrificed on the last day of the experiment, blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical assay. Results: Insulin, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), liver function biomarkers, liver glucose metabolic enzymes, malondialdehyde and inflammatory markers increased (p < 0.05) significantly. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), liver antioxidant, glycogen, and glycogen synthase were reduced significantly in diabetic rats. Linagliptin and metformin administration single and combined reduced the insulin, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, liver function biomarkers, liver glucose metabolic enzymes, malondialdehyde, and inflammatory markers, and increased the HDL-cholesterol, liver antioxidant, glycogen and glycogen synthase in diabetic rats.Conclusion: Linagliptin monotherapy alone efficiently controls hyperglycemia and remarkably improves liver functions. Combining linagliptin and metformin could be used as safe and effective therapy for liver dysfunction progression in diabetes.