Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Comparative Potency Testing Of Diphtheria Toxoid In Guinea Pigs And Mice For In-House Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis And Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccines, Wanlop Leeden, Supanee Ummalukacholk, Orawin Mangkhaladul, Eakachai Prompetchara

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Diphtheria remains endemic in parts of Thailand and continues to threaten unvaccinated populations. To strengthen vaccine self-sufficiency, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization has developed in-house diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (DTP) and diphtheria– tetanus (dT) vaccines. Potency testing of diphtheria toxoid is traditionally performed in guinea pigs; however, limitations in animal availability, cost, and logistics have prompted evaluation of alternative models.
Objectives: To compare diphtheria toxoid potency estimates of in-houseproduced DTP and dT vaccines using guinea pigs and mice, followed by a Vero cell-based toxin neutralization assay, and to assess the suitability of mice as an alternative model for potency testing.
Materials and Methods: …

Development Of Micellar Sprays Containing Rhinacanthus Nasutus Extract For Dandruff Management, Suwipa Ungphaiboon Associate Professor, Sutasinee Ardhanwanich, Ketsuda Wongsuwan, Salwa Yanya, Nattanit Aekwattanaphol

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Dandruff is a common scalp disorder associated with altered sebum secretion and microbial imbalance, particularly between Cutibacterium and Staphylococcus, which correlates with disease severity.
Objectives: This study aimed to develop and optimize a multifunctional leave-on hair and scalp spray with anti-dandruff, nourishing, and protective properties.
Materials and Methods: Micelles containing Rhinacanthus nasutus extract were prepared using eco-friendly methods, including film hydration and direct solubilization. The formulations were optimized and evaluated for physicochemical properties, drug release, and antibacterial activity.
Results: The optimized micellar spray (BP), prepared through direct solubilization in citrate buffer, exhibited a mean particle size of 192.45 …

Modified Etoposide Loaded Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles: In-Depth Physical And Biological Evaluation For Lung Cancer Treatment, Umesh Kumar Atneriya, Jitendra Sainy

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Lung cancer is approximately 25% of all death cases in any cancer and the death beats the number of deaths reported by colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined.
Objectives: This present study was carried out with an objective to investigate the possibility of graphitic carbon toward making a multifunctional anti-lung cancer nano-platform targeting etoposide (ETS) as a model drug.
Materials and Methods: First, the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) was made by the Hummer method based on graphite flakes and further modified with folic acid (FA) and polyethylene glycol to make FA/GO/ETS. The formation of FA/GO/ETS was …

Strengthening The Evidence Base For Pediatric Cardiac Ct: Statistical And Technological Considerations, Faizan Faisal

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

No abstract provided.

Comments On The Letter: Strengthening The Evidence Base For Pediatric Cardiac Computed Tomography: Statistical And Technological Considerations, Lamia Ghazi Jamjoom, Razan Kamal Daghistani

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

No abstract provided.

Trauma Work With Horses: Compassion And Connection, Olivia Sagan Prof

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

New ways of working with trauma survivors are being sought with the case being made that dominant trauma therapies have relied too heavily on verbal narration and cognitive processing.  Evidence suggests that traumatic experiences are often encoded in sensory, emotional, physiological, and relational systems that may be difficult to access through language alone. This has led to interest in the potential of body-oriented, movement-based, and experiential interventions alongside traditional talk therapies. There are also calls for exploring nature-based therapies as these have shown that engagement with natural environments may help aid the process of healing. Within this context, equine-assisted therapies …

In Silico Analysis Of Momordica Charantia Triterpenoids As Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Ligands For Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Therapy, Anita Dwi Puspitasari

Chimica et Natura Acta

Type 2 diabetes mellitus continues to rise and calls for safe therapeutic leads. This study assessed the potential of triterpenoids from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) ligands at the ATP-binding site through an in silico approach. AMPK (PDB ID: 4QFG) was prepared in YASARA; nine M. charantia triterpenoids and metformin were docked in PLANTS. Redocking of staurosporine validated the protocol (RMSD 0.2376 Å; ≤2.0 Å). Kuguacin J (-89.9934), Karavilagenin B ( 86.4084), and Kuguacin R (-85.8514) yielded lower (more favorable) docking scores than metformin (-56.5325) and interacted with hinge residues (Val96 and Glu94/Glu100). As expected, the …

Pola Rujukan Penyakit Saluran Pernapasan Di Fasilitas Kesehatan Tingkat Pertama: Tantangan Gatekeeper Program Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional Di Jakarta, Syarif Rahman Hasibuan, Melrose Holy Natasha, Fatih Jihadi Ramadan

Jurnal Biostatistik, Kependudukan, dan Informatika Kesehatan

Program Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional yang diselenggarakan oleh Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) Kesehatan mewajibkan Fasilitas Kesehatan Tingkat Pertama (FKTP) untuk menyeleksi kasus yang memerlukan rujukan. Penyakit saluran pernapasan yang menjadi penyebab utama kunjungan ke FKTP memiliki pola rujukan yang masih belum banyak diteliti. Oleh karena itu, dilakukan penelitian untuk melihat pola rujukan penyakit saluran pernapasan di FKTP dan mengetahui faktor yang berasosiasi dengan keputusan rujukan. Penelitian potong lintang ini dilakukan terhadap 89.225 klaim FKTP di Jakarta pada periode 2017-2023, dengan kriteria inklusi semua kunjungan dengan diagnosis ICD-10 diseases of the respiratory system. Uji regresi logistik dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi faktor …

Prevalence And Characteristics Of Feline Pleural Effusion In Khon Kaen, Thailand: A 2024–2025 Study, Karn Yongvanit, Naruepon Kampa

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Pleural effusion (PE) is a life-threatening condition in cats that can cause severe respiratory compromise. Identification of the underlying etiology is essential for prognosis and treatment planning. This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of diseases associated with feline pleural effusion in northeastern Thailand. Medical records of cats diagnosed with pleural effusion at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, between January 2024 and January 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Cases lacking a complete diagnostic workup were excluded. Diagnoses were confirmed using cytology or histopathology for neoplasia, echocardiography for heart disease, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for …

Acute Liver Injury Likely Induced By Alpha Lipoic Acid Contained In Dietary Supplement, Simona Maksimyan, Jonathan V. Reyes, Kasim Kazbay, Farah K. Gazi

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

The rise in use of herbal and dietary supplements, which are regulated as food rather than as drugs by the Food and Drug Association, poses the risk of unknown and potentially severe side effects. We describe the case of acute liver injury, characterized by significant elevation in AST and ALT, likely induced by the consumption of an over-the-counter supplement containing alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Our patient trusted in a “natural” alternative to Western medicine for management of neuropathy, which was ultimately detrimental to her liver. An immediate and sustained improvement in liver enzyme levels was noted with discontinuation of the …

The High Cost Of Incomplete Physical Exams: Missed Diagnosis Of Cushing Syndrome In A Patient With Recurrent Hospital Admissions, Tarah M Burton, Miranda K Hunter, Mihail Zilbermint

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Cushing syndrome is a rare but life-threatening endocrine disorder associated with a classic constellation of physical exam findings (e.g. “moon facies”, abdominal striae, etc.). However, thorough biochemical testing is needed to confirm this diagnosis. We present the case of a 35-year-old male with multiple hospitalizations across a variety of healthcare institutions for heart failure, cellulitis, uncontrolled hypertension, and diabetes.  While an adrenal mass was eventually identified on imaging, classic signs of Cushing syndrome – including violaceous striae, truncal obesity, and facial plethora – were missed during prior admissions.  This case illustrates the diagnostic delay that can result from incomplete physical …

Gender Differences In Presentation And Outcomes Of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (Scad): A Single Center Case Series Study, Abdul Nadeem Akhtar, Fnu Aisha, Aimen Binte Moazzam, Mohammad Omer Rehman Rana, Abida Perveen, Jahanzeb Malik

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is an important non-atherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), predominantly affecting younger females. Despite increasing recognition, data on gender-based differences in SCAD presentation and outcomes remain limited, particularly in South Asian populations.

Methods: This retrospective case series included 24 patients diagnosed with SCAD at Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) between January 2022 and March 2025. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, angiographic findings, management strategies, and outcomes were analyzed with a focus on gender-based differences.

Results: Of the 24 patients, 17 were female (70.8%) and 7 were male (29.2%). Females were younger and had …

Clinical And Laboratory Predictors Of 30-Day Mortality In Hiv-Positive Adults With Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study From North India, Mandip Singh Bhatia, Ankita Kumari Bhargav, Saurabh Chandrabhan Sharda, Shankar Naidu, M. R Shivaprakash, Sunil Sethi, Vikas Gautam, Arnab Ghosh

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background: Pneumonia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), early mortality after hospitalization for pneumonia remains high. Indian data on short-term mortality predictors in HIV-associated pneumonia are limited.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of HIV-positive adults admitted with pneumonia to a tertiary-care hospital in North India between April and December 2025. Clinical, laboratory, microbiological, and radiological parameters were recorded at admission. Patients were followed for 30 days. The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality. Predictors of …

Can Peripheral Angiography Be Safely Performed In Patients With Chronic Renal Insufficiency Without Significant Risk Of Contrast-Associated Renal Injury In Outpatient Settings?, Mubashar Choudry, Artem Shmelev, 0. Pierce Sebastian, Noor-E-Fatima Khan, Aleezay Farhat, Donald Wilkerson

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a known complication following

coronary angiographic procedures using iodinated contrast media (ICM). The risk of CA-AKI is

multifactorial, dependent largely on estimated glomerular filtration rates. The most important

and accepted hospital-based preventive strategy involves both a reduction of iodinated contrast

and multi-hour pre- and post-intervention normal saline hydration. Because of time constraints,

neither ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), nor outpatient-based laboratories (OBL)

can provide similar degrees of pre- and post-intervention hydration. The utilization of

carbon dioxide (CO₂) imaging, intravascular ultrasonography, and limited iso-osmolar

contrast agents may provide an alternative preventive strategy.

Pilot Intervention Of Wearable Smart Device And Coaching To Improve Sleep, Well-Being, And Professional Fulfilment Among Female Clinicians In Primary Care, Cheryl D. Stults, Sien Deng, Nina K. Szwerinski, Amandeep Mann, Sarina Le Sieur, Kimberly Ababseh, Tiffany Lam, Jill Kacher Cobb, Kelly Reilly, Stacey Upton, Dionyse Hartmann, Dennise Rosas, Laurie Gregg

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Previous research has suggested an association between lack of sleep and well-being. Given higher rates of burnout among female clinicians, the Sutter Health “Joy of Work” team (a multidisciplinary group dedicated to improving organizational well-being) conducted a pilot among female clinicians in ambulatory services to assess factors associated with sleep, professional fulfillment, and intention to leave/reduce work hours.

Methods: The intervention consisted of several components: an Oura ring (a wearable smart ring device that tracks activity, sleep, and heart rate); health coaches who sent text messages to participants and advised those participants with additional resources and questions; and three …

Dimensions Of Father-Love Absence As Predictors Of Psychological Well-Being: Evidence From University Students, Dody Hartanto, Mufied Fauziah, Zerlinda Aurora Saputri

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Psychological well-being is a crucial aspect of university students' development as young adults. Father-love absence is believed to be one of the factors influencing this well-being. This study aimed to analyze the role of father-love absence as a predictor of university students' psychological well-being and to identify the contribution of each aspect of father-love absence. A quantitative approach with a descriptive correlational design was employed. A total of 318 active university students were selected through simple random sampling and completed an online questionnaire. Father-love absence was measured using an adapted scale based on Xiang and Zhou's theory, encompassing four aspects: …

Low Rates Of Smoking Cessation Medication Prescriptions And Evidence To Support Increased Medication Utilization, Jesse Pratt

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Tobacco use remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States.  Over the past several decades, there has been a steady decline in tobacco use, however overall use remains unacceptably high.  Despite recommendations to treat people with tobacco use disorder with smoking cessation medications (SCMs), prescriptions for SCMs remain low.

Methods: A PubMed search was conducted using search terms “adult”, “smoking cessation”, “medication”, “varenicline”, “nicotine”, and “bupropion”.  Filters included publication dates within ten years, and full text.  Search results yielded 109 articles.  Thirteen articles were selected for the review.  The articles chosen either discussed prescribing …

The Impact Of A Modified Hospital Elder Life Program On Delirium, Ashley Okray

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

Background: Delirium, an acute state of fluctuating inattention and cognitive impairment, is prevalent among hospitalized older adults and associated with longer hospital stays, increased mortality, and significant healthcare costs. The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) was developed to reduce delirium through interventions addressing common risk factors. Although HELP has proven effective, many hospitals face challenges in implementing the program, leading to modified versions. This review examines recent studies using modified HELP to assess their impact on delirium prevention.

Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify studies from the last ten years that implemented modified HELP programs. Relevant studies …

Preoperative Urine Drug Screen To Increase Surgical Efficiency, Joseph Mashinchi

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to standardize the use of preoperative urine drug screens for adults scheduled for elective surgery in order to improve surgical efficiency and reduce perioperative and postoperative complications.

Method: A PubMed Search was conducted to review literature published within the past five years. The joint terms “urine drug screen and surgery” were used in the search. A literature review was conducted after reviewing multiple articles and screening for their quality, timeliness, and pertinence to elective surgical procedures and illicit drug use.

Results: Performing a urine drug screen prior to elective surgical procedure identified illicit …

Physician Assistant/Associate Mentorship In Academic Medical Centers: Is It Necessary? A Literature Review, Allana Lewis

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

ABSTRACT

Background: The number of Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) hired in academic medicine has increased over the years. Academic medical centers provide opportunities for research, clinical practice, and educational advancement. However, the status of professional mentorship opportunities specific to PAs in academic medical settings is unclear. PAs in academic medical settings are exposed to career opportunities beyond clinical practice, including research and academic education. A greater interest in the number of PAs seeking career advancement within academic medicine may arise as the number of PAs obtaining Doctor of Medical Science degrees (DMSc) increases. The purpose of this literature review is to …

The Promise Of Precision: Evaluating The Efficacy Of Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty, Jodi Wernikoff

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

Purpose: This article aims to review the treatment of patients diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis requiring a total knee arthroplasty and examine if the use of robotic- assisted surgery compared to traditional manual surgery results in improved functional outcomes and fewer post-operative complications.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted using the search terms total knee arthroplasty, robot surgical procedures, knee osteoarthritis, and quality of life. Nine articles were retrieved and served as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: While RA-TKA holds promise, more comprehensive comparative research is still required to assess the efficacy of RA-TKA in comparison to …

Preparation Of Physician Assistant Students To Manage Patients Living With Hiv/Aids In A Primary Care Setting, Austin Parrish

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

This study examined Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) educational exposure among clinical-phase physician assistant (PA) students and evaluated how well current curricula prepare future providers for HIV prevention and care. A cross-sectional survey of 109 PA students assessed HIV-related knowledge, clinical exposure, and awareness of key public health concepts, while lecture materials from 30 PA programs were analyzed for curricular content. Students demonstrated moderate but incomplete baseline knowledge, and fewer than one-quarter reported observing PrEP prescribing during primary care rotations. Awareness of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) was limited, with only …

Barriers To Breast Cancer Screening In Native Hawaiian Women, Luna M. Noel

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

ABSTRACT:

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to identify barriers for breast cancer screening in Native Hawaiian (NH) Women, identify ways to overcome those barriers, and increase breast cancer screening in NH Women.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted with search terms barriers to reasons to screen for breast cancer, barriers to breast cancer screening, barriers to breast cancer screening in Hawaii, barriers to breast cancer screening in Native Hawaiian women, breast cancer screening AND Native Hawaiian Women. Seventeen pertinent articles were retrieved and serve as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: Some barriers to mammography for …

Intermittent Fasting: Effectiveness In Lowering Bmi Of Postmenopausal Women, Becky Hanna

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the intervention of an intermittent fasting diet in postmenopausal women with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m² in comparison with a nonintervention diet for lowering BMI.

Method: A literature search was performed utilizing PubMed. Keywords such as intermittent fasting, fasting, obesity, weight loss, time-restricted feeding, postmenopausal, and menopause were used in the search. The search was limited to free full articles with dates of 2019-2024. A few combinations of terms were used to focus the results of the search. Articles examining exercise plus intermittent fasting as …

From Readiness To Transformation: The Mediating Role Of Digital Maturity In Linking Ai Readiness To Organizational Change In Hospitals, Muhammad Ryan Adi Putra, Giovanni Reynaldo, Dewi Sri Surya Wuisan

Journal of Health Research

Background: Organizational readiness is essential for AI-enabled digital transformation as healthcare organizations increasingly integrate artificial intelligence (AI). However, empirical evidence regarding the relationship between AI readiness and organizational change, the mediating role of digital maturity, remains limited in healthcare settings. This study investigated the mediating role of digital maturity in the relationship between AI readiness and organizational change.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 healthcare professionals from two Indonesian hospitals: Persahabatan Hospital (n = 165) and St. Carolus Hospital (n = 135). Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess …

Impact Of The Widespread Use Of Online Pharmacies On Overall Consumer Safety, Hasanain Am. Abbas, Eswar Kumar Kilari, Shereen M. Mekkey, Hussein Ahmed Jabbar, Mohammed Haider Majid, Haider Majeed Abd Abbas, Hassanein Khaled Hassan

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Online pharmacies improve access to medicines by offering convenient ordering and home delivery, but their growth also creates important risks for medication safety and public health. This review examines the benefits and hazards associated with online medicine supply, including access without a valid prescription, falsified and substandard products, inappropriate medicine use, privacy breaches, and weak cross-border regulatory oversight. The available evidence indicates that illicit online sellers can expose consumers to products of uncertain identity, quality, and dose, while vulnerable users may have limited ability to distinguish legitimate services from unlawful vendors. At the same time, licensed platforms can support continuity …

Preparation And In Vitro Evaluation Of Gastro-Retentive Tablets Of Frusemide Using Gas Generating Excipients As Floating Mechanism, Yousif K. Younis, Ahmed Yousif Fadhel, Nihad Hussein Ahmed

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Frusemide is a loop diuretic used for hypertension, heart failure among many other indications. It has an absorption window in the stomach and it's a class IV drug according to BCS with low bioavailability.
Floating tablets are one of the dosage forms that is best suited for drugs with such absorption window and gas generating excipients can be used to reduce floating lag times even more than traditional floating tablets that relay on density difference alone.
The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility of floating tablets as a convenient dosage form for oral administration of frusemide aiming …

Impact Of Erythropoietin Therapy On Inflammatory Biomarkers In Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comparative Study, Riyam Naji Al_Alwani, Jahanbakhsh Asadi, Zainab Mohammadi

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder frequently complicated by anemia and a persistent inflammatory state, both of which significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Reduced renal production of erythropoietin (EPO) is the primary cause of anemia in CKD. Emerging evidence suggests that EPO may exert anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects beyond its hematopoietic role. This study aimed to compare serum EPO levels and inflammatory biomarkers in CKD patients treated with EPO versus untreated CKD controls.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 60 adult patients with CKD undergoing regular hemodialysis. Participants were divided into two …

Current Advances In Cancer Immunotherapy: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Strategies, Challenges, And Future Perspectives, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Mahmoud Moustafa, Mahmoud Kamal, Vincenzo Tufarelli, Muhammad Arif, Laith Aldabbagh

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative therapeutic strategy that harnesses the host immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current immunotherapeutic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), cancer vaccines, dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, and oncolytic virus therapy. The mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and clinical benefits of each modality are discussed. Monoclonal antibodies selectively target tumor-associated antigens, whereas ICIs restore antitumor immunity by blocking inhibitory immune checkpoints. Cancer vaccines and DC-based vaccines enhance antigen-specific immune responses, while CAR-T cell therapy employs genetically …

Computational Design, Molecular Docking, Sar, And Admet Analysis Of Novel Jak1 Inhibitors As A Possible Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sarah Ahmed Waheed

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the joints which eventually leads to systemic comorbidities. Its pathogenesis was attributed to disturbances in the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription signaling pathway. In this research, an innovative lead compound C6 was created and docked toward Janus Kinase1 (JAK1). The docking process was confirmed by re-docking of the co-crystallized ligand MI1 (Tofacitinib). C6 showed a predicted docking score of -9.17 kcal/mol, with enhancement of 1.26 kcal/mol over Tofacitinib. Evaluation of the interactions showed a framework of five hydrogen bonds within the binding site involving an important contact with Glu966 as …