EPH-International Journal of Medical and Health Science
EPH - International Journal of Medical and Health Science (IJMHS) is an open access journal publishing high-quality medical research since 2015. The journal features original research, reviews, and clinical studies with strong scientific and practical relevance. All submissions undergo a double-blind peer review to ensure quality, accuracy, and global accessibility. Publication Standards Rigorous Peer Review All manuscripts undergo a strict double-blind peer review process conducted by qualified experts to ensure originality, scientific accuracy, and research integrity. Open Access Policy The journal provides immediate open access to all published content, supporting unrestricted dissemination of knowledge to researchers worldwide. Ethical Publishing The journal strictly follows international publication ethics, ensuring transparency, plagiarism screening, and adherence to global scholarly standards. Call for Manuscripts Submit your research to a double-blind, open access platform focused on quality and global reach. Submit Now
INTEGRATED SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MACHINE LEARNING FRAMEWORK FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL AND SIGNALING SIGNATURES IN ISCHEMIC AND DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), predominantly manifested as ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), constitute the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, driven by a complex architecture of genetic, metabolic, and environmental alterations. Traditional clinical diagnostic modalities, while effective for hemodynamic assessment, often fail to capture the granular molecular heterogeneity required for early intervention and personalized therapeutic strategies. The advent of high-throughput transcriptomics has provided a systems-level view of these pathologies, yet the translation of high-dimensional genomic data into robust clinical biomarkers remains hindered by the "curse of dimensionality" and the noise inherent in biological datasets. This study presents a comprehensive, integrated bioinformatics and machine learning pipeline to identify a compact, biologically potent gene signature for CVD classification. Drawing conceptual inspiration from the "Moana" classification framework—which prioritizes biological structure over raw feature variance—we employed a pathway-guided feature selection strategy on RNA-sequencing data (GSE55296) and microarray validation datasets (GSE57338). Functional enrichment analysis using KEGG and Reactome databases revealed a profound dysregulation of mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and cardiomyopathy-related pathways. Subsequent protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, refined through the intersection of multiple topological centrality algorithms (Degree, Maximal Clique Centrality, and Betweenness), distilled the transcriptome into a core signature of six genes: COX4I1, NDUFA5, NDUFV2, NDUFS3, NDUFS4, and AKT1. These features were utilized to train and evaluate supervised machine learning models. The Random Forest classifier demonstrated superior stability and performance, achieving a mean cross-validation accuracy of approximately 69.5%, significantly outperforming a Deep Neural Network (DNN) in this limited-sample regime. The findings underscore the critical role of mitochondrial Complex I and IV dysfunction in heart failure and demonstrate the efficacy of integrating systems biology with ensemble learning to develop interpretable, high-precision molecular diagnostics.
Copyright (c) 2026 EPH-International Journal of Medical and Health Science
A DATA-DRIVEN PARADIGM FOR FORECASTING TYPE 2 DIABETES RISK THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES AND CLINICAL DATA WITHIN A UNIFIED WEB-BASED PLATFORM
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has emerged as one of the most significant metabolic disorders affecting populations globally, necessitating the development of sophisticated early screening methodologies. The integration of artificial intelligence and data science in clinical applications has created unprecedented opportunities for improving disease prediction accuracy while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). This research endeavors to establish a robust predictive framework by systematically evaluating multiple classification algorithms across four distinct diabetes- related datasets obtained from Kaggle and the UCI Machine Learning Repository. Our comprehensive analysis encompasses eight traditional machine learning classifiers alongside three deep neural network architectures, with model effectiveness measured using standard evaluation metrics including Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1-Score, and Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC). We introduce a dimensionality reduction strategy based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to optimize feature representation, comparing i ts effectiveness against LASSO-based feature selection. Our experimental findings demonstrate that the XGBoost classifier combined with PCA-based feature engineering delivers exceptional predictive capability, achieving approximately 97% accuracy and F1 -score with a 96% AUC across the diabetes datasets. The optimized model has been deployed within an intuitive web-based application designed to facilitate accessible diabetes risk assessment. Additionally, we propose an integrated digital health framework incorporating Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and AI technologies to enhance the reliability and scalability of personalized diabetes management solutions.
MACHINE LEARNING–BASED PRIORITIZATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE–ASSOCIATED GENES USING WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING DATA
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, driven by complex interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Although genome-wide studies have identified multiple risk loci, prioritizing disease-relevant genes from whole genome sequencing (WGS) data remains challenging due to data complexity. This study presents an integrative computational framework combining WGS, variant annotation, machine learning–based gene prioritization, and pathway enrichment analysis to identify candidate genes associated with CVD. High-throughput WGS data comprising over 510 million reads were processed through quality control, trimming, and alignment to the human reference genome (hg38), achieving a 99.94% mapping rate. Variant calling identified 9,622 genetic variants, with 70.62% being nonsynonymous. Functional impact analysis using SIFT classified 13.75% of these variants as potentially deleterious. Gene-level features based on variant burden and functional impact were used to train a Gradient Boosting model, optimized using Optuna and tracked via MLflow. The model achieved an ROC–AUC of 0.709 and generated a ranked list of candidate genes. Key prioritized genes included AHNAK2, MUC17, HRNR, FLNC, and MYH7, associated with cytoskeletal organization, vascular signaling, inflammation, and metabolism. Pathway analysis highlighted immune signaling, MAPK pathways, lipid metabolism, and cellular stress responses as critical mechanisms in CVD. Overall, this integrative approach demonstrates the effectiveness of combining genomics and machine learning for identifying disease-associated genes, offering valuable insights for precision medicine and therapeutic target discovery.
INTEGRATIVE TRANSCRIPTOMIC, PROTEOMIC, AND MACHINE LEARNING ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 SEVERITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR POST-VIRAL OUTCOMESFor Post-Viral Outcomes
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, exhibits wide variability in clinical severity, ranging from asymptomatic infection to critical respiratory failure. Understanding the molecular determinants of this severity is essential for biomarker discovery, risk stratification, and improved clinical management. This study presents an integrative multi-omics framework combining transcriptomic analysis, proteomic enrichment profiling, and machine learning-based feature prioritization to identify molecular signatures associated with COVID-19 severity and their potential implications for post-viral outcomes. Transcriptomic analysis of the publicly available whole-blood dataset GSE213313 (Agilent microarray) identified 1,544 significantly differentially expressed genes (FDR < 0.05) in critical versus healthy samples, with enrichment of innate immune response, leukocyte activation, antigen processing, T-cell differentiation, and cytokine-mediated signalling pathways. Proteomic analysis using a published peer-reviewed dataset comparing mild (n = 3) and severe (n = 5) COVID-19 cases identified 91 severity-associated proteins, with significant enrichment of acute-phase response, complement cascade activation, platelet degranulation, and coagulation-related processes. Multi-omics integration identified 8 overlapping molecules between transcriptomic and proteomic datasets, with an inverse RNA–protein fold-change correlation (r = −0.58), indicative of post-transcriptional regulatory complexity. Machine learning analysis using a Random Forest classifier demonstrated perfect discrimination between mild and severe cases (AUC = 1.0; LOOCV accuracy = 100%), and prioritized proteins including LIPG, CLEC11A, KDR, FAIM3, and BST1 as key severity-associated features. Collectively, this study demonstrates that severe COVID-19 is characterized by coordinated dysregulation of immune activation, inflammatory signalling, complement amplification, and coagulation mechanisms across multiple molecular layers. The identified molecular signatures provide a foundation for future biomarker validation and therapeutic targeting in COVID-19 and related post-viral conditions.
PHYSIOLOGY OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND ITS IMPACT ON BRAIN FUNCTION
Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining optimal physiological and cognitive functions. Sleep deprivation, whether acute or chronic, disrupts normal brain activity and leads to significant impairments in neurological processes. This research paper explores the physiological mechanisms underlying sleep deprivation and examines its effects on brain function. The study highlights how lack of sleep alters neurotransmitter balance, hormonal regulation, and neural connectivity, particularly in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Sleep deprivation is associated with reduced cognitive performance, impaired memory consolidation, decreased attention span, and emotional instability. Additionally, it affects synaptic plasticity, increases oxidative stress, and contributes to neuroinflammation, which may predispose individuals to neurodegenerative disorders. The paper also discusses the impact of sleep loss on circadian rhythm disruption and its role in metabolic and psychological disorders. Experimental findings from previous studies indicate that even short-term sleep deprivation can significantly affect decision-making abilities and reaction time, while long-term deprivation may result in irreversible neural damage. Understanding the physiological basis of sleep deprivation is crucial for developing effective interventions and promoting healthy sleep habits. This study emphasizes the importance of adequate sleep in maintaining brain health and overall well-being.
COMPREHENSIVE IN-VITRO ANALYSIS OF ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF FISETIN USING DPPH, H₂O₂, AND FRAP ASSAYS
Background: Oxidative stress is associated with various pathological conditions including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, and aging. Natural flavonoids have attracted considerable attention due to their strong antioxidant potential. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of fisetin using three different in-vitro methods: DPPH radical scavenging assay, hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity of fisetin was evaluated using three established in-vitro methods. In the DPPH assay, the ability of fisetin to scavenge free radicals was determined spectrophotometrically at 517 nm. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity was measured at 230 nm, while reducing power was evaluated using the FRAP method at 700 nm. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard reference antioxidant. Results: Fisetin demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in all three assays. In the DPPH assay, fisetin showed concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity with a notable percentage inhibition comparable to the standard antioxidant. The hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay also revealed effective neutralization of reactive oxygen species. In the FRAP assay, fisetin exhibited strong reducing power, indicating its electron-donating ability. Conclusion: The results indicate that fisetin possesses strong antioxidant potential and may serve as a promising natural antioxidant for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
PERCEIVED STRESS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL BREATHING PATTERN IN YOUNG ADULTS – A CORRELATIONAL STUDY
Background: Psychological stress is highly prevalent among young adults and may influence physiological processes including breathing mechanics. Dysfunctional breathing refers to inefficient breathing patterns occurring without structural respiratory pathology. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between perceived stress and dysfunctional breathing patterns in young adults. Methods: A correlational study was conducted on 220 young adults using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and Manual Assessment of Respiratory Motion (MARM). Results: No statistically significant correlation was observed between perceived stress and rib cage motion. Conclusion: Perceived stress did not significantly affect breathing mechanics in healthy young adults.
AN EVALUATION OF HERBAL DRUG COMPOUND FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF JANU SANDHISHOOLA (KNEE JOINT PAIN) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO OSTEOARTHRITIS
Background: Janu Sandhishoola (knee joint pain), particularly associated with osteoarthritis, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition causing significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Ayurvedic herbal formulations with Vatahara, Shothahara, and Vedanasthapana properties offer potential therapeutic benefits. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a classical Ayurvedic herbal drug compound in managing knee joint pain and associated symptoms in osteoarthritis patients. Methods: A single-group pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design was employed with 20 participants (17 females, 3 males) diagnosed with Janu Sandhishoola. Participants received an Ayurvedic herbal compound (500 mg twice daily with plain water) for 45 days. Outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), tenderness, and swelling assessments conducted at baseline and post-intervention. Three follow-up visits were conducted at 15-day intervals (Days 15, 30, and 45). Data were analyzed using paired samples t-tests, Sign Test, and chi-square tests with significance set at p < .05. Results: Significant improvements were observed across all primary outcome measures. VAS pain scores showed remarkable reduction with a mean difference of 4.950 (95% CI [4.595, 5.305], t (19) = 29.160, p < .001). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly by 10.650 mmHg (t(19) = 3.976, p = .001) and diastolic blood pressure by 5.950 mmHg (t(19) = 3.662, p = .002). Karnofsky Performance Status improved uniformly across all participants (100% positive differences, p < .001). No significant gender-based differences were observed in treatment outcomes, indicating universal effectiveness across both male and female participants. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic herbal drug compound demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing knee joint pain, improving blood pressure parameters, and enhancing functional performance status in patients with Janu Sandhishoola associated with osteoarthritis. The intervention showed consistent benefits across gender groups with no adverse effects reported. These promising findings support the therapeutic potential of this classical Ayurvedic formulation and warrant further investigation through larger randomized controlled trials to establish definitive efficacy and long-term sustainability of treatment effects.
Copyright (c) 2015 EPH-International Journal of Medical and Health Science
LOW BACKACHE: A MAJOR COMMON HEALTH ISSUE IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN AND ITS CARE THROUGH AYURVEDA
Low backache is a very common and significant health problem in menopausal women. During menopause, a decrease in estrogen hormone leads to bone density loss, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and an increase in Vata dosha in the body, increasing the risk of low backache. Furthermore, mental stress, weight gain, physical inactivity, and calcium deficiency also aggravate this problem. This condition adversely affects women's daily activities, performance, and quality of life. According to Ayurveda, menopause is considered the initial stage of aging, in which Vata dosha is particularly prevalent. Low backache is described as "Katishool" or "Katigraha" in Ayurveda. Ayurveda adopts a holistic approach to its treatment, coordinating diet, behavior, medication, and Panchakarma therapy. Ayurvedic therapy, combined with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular Yoga practice, can significantly help in effectively managing and preventing low backache in menopausal women. Thus, Ayurveda offers a safe, natural, and long-term solution that can help improve women's overall health and quality of life.
IMPACT OF PARENTAL GENETIC MUTATIONS ON EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS
Parental genetic mutations significantly influence embryo viability and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Inherited and de novo mutations in gametes can disrupt essential biological processes such as meiosis, DNA repair, chromosomal segregation, and early embryonic cell division, leading to aneuploidy, mosaicism, implantation failure, and recurrent miscarriage. Advances in molecular diagnostics, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), have improved the detection of pathogenic variants in sperm and oocytes. Male factors such as sperm DNA fragmentation and Y-chromosome microdeletions, along with female factors like mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related chromosomal abnormalities, contribute to poor embryo quality. Although ART procedures such as IVF and ICSI improve fertilization rates, they do not eliminate underlying genetic abnormalities. The use of PGT-A and PGT-M enhances embryo selection and increases live birth rates. However, limitations such as mosaicism, high costs, and ethical concerns remain. Understanding parental genetic mutations is crucial for improving reproductive outcomes and optimizing assisted reproduction strategies.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: AN ANALYSIS OF PREVALENCE AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder with rising global prevalence, frequently associated with complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). Diabetic patients are more susceptible to UTIs due to impaired immune responses, glycosuria, and bladder dysfunction, resulting in more frequent, severe, and recurrent infections. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and microbial etiology of UTIs among patients with T2DM presenting with clinical features suggestive of infection. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Teerthanker Mahaveer University College of Paramedical Sciences and the Department of Microbiology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Hospital & Research Centre, Moradabad. A total of 158 T2DM patients aged above 18 years with symptomatic features of UTI were enrolled. Midstream urine samples were collected aseptically and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques including culture on CLED agar, wet mount microscopy, and Gram staining. Significant bacteriuria was defined as colony growth ≥10⁵ CFU/ml based on Kass criteria. Results: Of the 158 urine samples, 40 (25.31%) showed significant bacteriuria. The prevalence was highest among patients aged >35 years. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 65% of isolates, with Escherichia coli being the most common pathogen (52.5%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (12.5%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%). Gram-positive organisms comprised 35% of isolates. Conclusion: The study reveals a notable prevalence of UTIs among T2DM patients, particularly in older adults. E. coli remains the predominant uropathogen. Early microbiological evaluation and culture-guided antimicrobial therapy are crucial for managing UTIs in diabetics. Routine screening and timely diagnosis can significantly reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes in this high-risk population.
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Medical and Health Science
TO STUDY EFFICACY OF DASH MOOL KWATH IN ARTAV KSHAY
Ayurveda is the science which deals with maintenance of health and cure of disease. It stands on the frame work of Tridoshas, Sapta Dhathus and Trimalas. Apart from the sapta dhatus, upadhatus also play an important role. In female, Artava the upadhatu of rasa dhatu is responsible for conception. Hence, the healthy status of Artava is of prime importance when it comes to reproductive health. Any abnormality in Artava and its functions has an impact on menstrual regulation as well as reproduction. So within the inherent constitutional frame work of doshas and timely administration of Aushadha, Aahara and Vihara will restore the doshik balance which in turn keeps artava in samyavastha. Artavakshaya is one of the important diseases pertaining to artava. It is characterised by delayed, scanty menstruation associated with lower abdominal pain during menstruation. In classics, based on the pathophysiology of Lakshana by considering Dosha, Dushya, Agni, Srotas etc. this condition can be considered as Artava Kshaya. It is Agnimandhyajanya Vikara having Bahudoshavastha with Kapha Vata Dushti where Kapha produces Avarana to Vata Doshu and obstructs Artava Vaha Srotas. So, using agney dravyas Deepana Pachana followed with Shamana Chikitsa corrects the pathophysiology Artava Kshaya. By this the agni will be stimulated which helps in digestion of ama, formation of ahara rasa, which later on forms the Rasa dhatu from which the Artava is formed.Thus menstrual health can be maintained from the onset of menstruation till the menopause. The basic physiology of the menstrual cycle is a complex mechanism. This involves sequence of phases in coordination with the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, ovary and endometrium. Normalcy and rhythmic menstruation are prime factors for normal reproduction. The menstrual cycle with all its complexities can be easily perturbed and lead to Oligomenorrhoea and Hypomenorrhea the most common conditions seen in the present era.
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Medical and Health Science
EVALUATION OF SERUM URIC ACID TO HDL-CHOLESTEROL RATIO (UHR) AS A PREDICTOR OF TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE IN PRIMARY HYPERTENSION
Objective: To evaluate the Uric acid to HDL-Cholesterol Ratio (UHR) as a novel biomarker for predicting target organ damage (TOD) in patients with primary hypertension and without known metabolic disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 240 adults with primary hypertension. Participants were stratified into two groups based on the presence (n=102) or absence (n=138) of composite TOD, defined as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), renal impairment (reduced eGFR or albuminuria), or increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). The UHR was calculated from fasting blood samples. Logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine the association and predictive performance of UHR for TOD. Results: The UHR was significantly higher in the TOD-positive group compared to the TOD-negative group (0.17 vs. 0.12, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, UHR was an independent predictor of composite TOD (adjusted Odds Ratio: 2.41 per 0.05-unit increase; 95% CI: 1.52-3.82, p<0.001). UHR also showed strong associations with cardiac, renal, and vascular TOD individually (all p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve for UHR in predicting TOD was 0.81, which was significantly larger than for serum uric acid (0.74) or HDL-C (0.73) alone (p<0.05). The optimal UHR cut-off value for predicting TOD was 0.145, with 78.4% sensitivity and 72.5% specificity. Conclusion: The Uric acid to HDL-Cholesterol Ratio is a potent, independent, and superior biomarker for identifying hypertensive patients at high risk for target organ damage. Its integration into clinical practice could enhance risk stratification and guide more personalized management.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Medical and Health Science
UTILISATION OF INNOVATION AND HEALTH EDUCATORS JOBPERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL AND STATE OWNED COLLEGES OFEDUCATION IN DELTA STATE
A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTY OF VORICONAZOLE, ITRACONAZOLE AND TEA TREE OIL COMBINED WITH SOFT LINER IN INHIBITING THE GROWTH OF CANDIDA ALBICANS -AN IN VITRO STUDY
Aim This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the antifungal efficacyand surface roughness, heat-cure acrylic resin with soft liners incorporated with voriconazole, itraconazole and tea tree oil. Methods and Materials The antifungal drugs (voriconazole and itraconazole) were crushed using mortar pestle and added to the polymer in a specified ratio (10% w/w). After completing the process, 30 samples each of Permasoft, Permasoft with Voriconazole , Permasoft with Itraconazole and Permasoft with Tea tree oil were made (Fig 3). The finished samples were stored in distilled water in separate labelled containers at room temperature for 4 weeks. At intervals of 1st, 3rd, 7th ,14th, 21st and 28th day, samples were checked for surface roughness as well as antifungal efficacy. Preparation for Surface Roughness Assessment Thin discs of 20 mm diameter * 4mm thickness of Group D, E and F were prepared by using brass metal mould where the brass metal mould was manufactured in IIT Jammu and these were incubated at 37°C and were stored in distilled water. After 1st ,3rd ,7th , 14th, 21st and 28th day, the specimens were checked under Olympus microscope. Results and Conclusion Incorporation of Tea tree oil significantly enhanced the antifungal activity against Candida albicans, as indicated by a larger zone of inhibition (p < 0.05). Surface roughness significantly increased in the Soft Liner without incorporation of any antifungal drug , considerably increasing for itraconazole (p < 0.05), whereas tea tree oil caused a significant reduction (p< 0.05).
MICROVASCULAR CHANGES IN HYPERTENSIVE RETINOPATHY
Hypertensive retinopathy refers to the spectrum of retinal vascular changes resulting from sustained elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure. Chronic hypertension affects the ocular circulation, leading to retinopathy, choroidopathy, and optic neuropathy, and also predisposes individuals to other vision-threatening conditions such as retinal artery and vein occlusions, retinal artery macroaneurysms, and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. In addition, hypertension increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration and may complicate ophthalmic surgical procedures. The pathophysiology of hypertensive retinopathy involves autoregulatory vasoconstriction in response to acute blood pressure elevation, followed by progressive structural vascular changes due to chronic hypertension. These changes occur in three stages: the vasoconstrictive phase, characterised by generalised and focal arteriolar narrowing; the sclerotic phase, marked by vascular wall thickening, arteriovenous crossing changes, and characteristic copper and silver wiring; and the exudative phase, resulting from breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier with haemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and hard exudates. Early identification of hypertensive retinopathy is clinically important, as retinal findings reflect the severity and duration of systemic hypertension and are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Effective management primarily involves prompt and sustained blood pressure control, along with multidisciplinary evaluation to prevent ocular complications.
SUSTAINED FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING TRANSITION FROM LOCAL CUPPING TO REGIONAL MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (TARGETING FASCIAL LINES) IN A CHRONIC LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS PATIENT: A CASE STUDY
Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis is a debilitating upper limb disorder, often maintained by regional biomechanical issues. This case study investigates the clinical efficacy of a phased manual therapy approach, sequentially moving from local pain modulation to regional fascial mobilization, in a patient with chronic, functional limitations. Case Description: A 45-year-old female housewife presented with a 9-month history of dominant arm Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis, poorly responsive to initial conservative treatments. Assessment revealed severe pain, low functional capacity, and palpable restrictions along the Superficial Back Arm Line (SBAL), particularly in the triceps and posterior shoulder fascia. Intervention: The 12-week rehabilitation was sequenced into two phases: Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Local Dynamic Cupping over the forearm extensors to modulate pain. Phase 2 (Weeks 5-12): Progression to Regional Myofascial Release (MFR), targeting the SBAL to address regional mechanical restrictions. Both phases incorporated a progressive eccentric home exercise program. Outcomes: The patient demonstrated significant and sustained functional improvement. The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score improved from 85/100 at baseline to 12/100 (Week 12) and remained 7/100 at the 6-month follow-up. Pain-Free Grip Strength (PFGS) increased from 3 kg to 21 kg. Conclusion: A phased manual therapy strategy, using local pain modulation (Cupping) to enable exercise and subsequent regional mobilization (MFR) to address the underlying fascial driver, proved highly effective for achieving sustained functional recovery in this case of chronic, activity-limited Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis.
HEALING THROUGH VENOM: A MULTISYSTEM APPROACH TO THE THERAPEUTIC TRANSFORMATION OF SNAKE TOXINS
Snake venom is a complex secretion composed of proteins, enzymes, and peptides exhibiting neurotoxic, hemotoxic, and cytotoxic effects. It plays a crucial role in prey immobilization and defense but can cause severe systemic effects in humans, including paralysis, coagulopathies, and tissue necrosis. The mainstay of conventional management is prompt administration of antivenom along with supportive therapy to prevent fatal outcomes. Traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha, have long utilized herbal, mineral, and animal-derived formulations to neutralize or counteract the effects of snake venom. These systems emphasize detoxification, tissue regeneration, and restoration of balance within the body. In homeopathy, snake venoms are transformed into curative agents through potentization, which removes toxicity while retaining therapeutic energy. Remedies like Lachesis mutus, Crotalus horridus, Naja tripudians, Elaps corallinus, and Bothrops lanceolatus are employed in conditions resembling venom effects—such as hemorrhagic states, circulatory disorders, and neurological affections—following the principle of “Similia similibus curentur” (like cures like). Thus, across diverse systems of medicine, the study and therapeutic application of snake venom reflect the transformation of a deadly toxin into a source of healing, integrating ancient wisdom with modern understanding of pharmacological and dynamic principles.
A STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND MAINTENANCE OF HYPERTENSION ON CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS UNDERGOING MAINATENANCE HEMODIALYSIS
Background: hypertension is a majority comorbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), ye it is prevalence, control rates, and optimal management strategies in clinical practices remain inadequately characterized Objectives: the study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension, evaluated blood pressure control rates , identify associated factors, and assess the effectiveness of management strategies in CKD patients receiving MHD Methods: In this observational study, 50 CKD patients undergoing MHD were evaluated. Data on demographic characteristics, blood pressure measurements, antihypertensives medications, dietary adherence, and complications were collected through medical record review. Hypertension control was defined as <140/90 mmHg according to JNC 7 guidelines. Results: the prevalence of hypertension was 94% (47/50) with only 25% (12/47) achieving blood pressure control. A significant association was found between uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes mellitus (p=0.03), with 87.2% of patients requiring antihypertensives medications, notably patients adhering to strict sodium restrictions (<2g/day) demonstrated significantly higher control rates (63.2%) compared to non-adherent patients (0%). Conclusion: hypertension is highly prevalent but poorly controlled in CKD patients on MHD. These overall findings emphasize the need for a paradigm shift toward non-pharmacological interventions as foundational therapy to improve hypertension control and reduce complications in this high-risk population
DEVELOPMENT OF A DEEP‑MOISTURIZING HERBAL SHAMPOO FOR DRY AND FRIZZY HAIR USING OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS) MUCILAGE: A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO SYNTHETIC SHAMPOOS
This research paper develops and evaluates a herbal, deep‑moisturizing shampoo tailored for dry and frizzy hair, using okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) mucilage as the primary green conditioning agent. Okra mucilage was extracted aqueously and combined with traditional Ayurvedic surfactants and conditioners like soap nut (reetha), shikakai, amla, aloe vera, and, in one formula, the mild nonionic surfactant decyl glucoside. The formulations were tested via standard shampoo quality tests (pH, total residue , viscosity, surface tension reduction, foam stability, cleansing, wetting time) and a user perception survey. The okra‑based shampoos showed effective cleansing, stable foam, desirable viscosity, and desirable surface‑tension reduction. Users claimed high to moderate improvements in softness, manageability, and frizz reduction. The data support okra mucilage as a promising, sustainable alternative to synthetic conditioning systems for textured, dry, and frizzy hair, with further work recommended on preservation, stability, and instrumental performance standardization.
UTILISATION OF INNOVATION AND HEALTH EDUCATORS JOB PERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL AND STATE OWNED COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN DELTA STATE.
This study was undertaken to investigateutilisation of innovation and health educators’ job performance in federal and state owned colleges of education in Delta state. The study used descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 77 health educators in the four Federal and State Colleges of Education in Delta State. The 77 health educators were used in the study due to theirlimited number. The instrument utilised in the investigation was titled “Utilisation of Innovation and Health Educators Job Performance Questionnaire” (UIHEJPQ)”. The dependability of the instrument was established with the Pearson Product Moment Correlational Coefficient Coefficient (r). Items on the instrument were assessed with the four points scoring scale of Strongly Agree (4 points), Agree (3 points), Disagree (2 points) and Strongly Disagree (1 point). From the 77 copies of the instruments administered, 71 copies were retrieved. Male health educators were 55 and female health educators were 16. 47 experienced health educators were used while 14 inexperienced health educators were as well utilised in the inquiry. Mean rating and standard deviation wereutilised to answer the5 research questions. z test was employed to test the two null hypotheses created to guide the investigation at 0.05 levels of significance. Findings showed that the forms of teaching approaches in health education that requires innovations, the forms of innovation needed by health educators ,the factors responsible for utilisation of innovation among health educators, the consequences of non utilisation of innovation among health educators in their job performance, the strategies that can be employed to encourage the utilisation of innovation among health educators in their job performance in federal and state owned colleges of education in Delta state were high as the ratings were high. That there was no significant difference between male and female health educators in their utilisation of innovation in their job performance in federal and state owned colleges of education in Delta state. There was no significant no significant difference between experienced and inexperienced health educators in theirutilisation of innovation in their job performance in federal and state owned colleges of education in Delta state. It was concluded in the study the forms of teaching approaches in health education that requires innovations ,the forms of innovation needed by health educators in their job performance, the factors responsible for utilisation of innovation among health educators in their job performance ,the consequences of non utilisation of innovation have among health educators in their job performance , the strategies can be employed to encourage the utilisation of innovation among health educators in their job performance in federal and state owned colleges of education in Delta state were high. Male and female health educators do not differ significantly in their utilisation of innovation in their job performance in federal and state owned colleges of education in Delta state. Experienced and inexperienced health educators do not differ significantly in their utilisation of innovation in their job performance in federal and state owned colleges of education in Delta state. It was as well recommended among others that Delta state government should provide the required resources in the teaching of health education in the colleges of education to rebuild a free, all-inclusive and quality education scheme as education is internationally considered as a tool per excellence for social and monetary reform.
Federal and State Owned Colleges of Education
CLINICAL APPROACHES TO ENDODONTIC THERAPY IN PRIMARY TEETH LACKING PERMANENT SUCCESSORS: A CASE SERIES ANALYSIS
A common dental anomaly, hypodontia, refers to the congenital absence of one or more primary or permanent teeth, excluding the third molars. It is the most prevalent dental abnormality and it is estimated that 2-10 percent of the global population has it. Hypodontia in other instances can be linked with other general disorders or genetic syndromes e.g. ectodermal dysplasia.1 Two treatment options are available: either extract the primary molar to create space for the first permanent teeth to erupt and close the gap or retain the primary second molar until growth is complete.2,3 Endodontic treatment is generally showed when pulp is compromised, with the goal of preserving the tooth to maintain function and space for the eruption of permanent successors. But where there are no permanent successors to primary teeth, the decision to perform endodontic treatment is more complicated. Such cases are frequently seen in patients having congenital defects, developmental disorders or early deficiency of permanent teeth.4 During a standard pulpectomy of a deciduous tooth with pulp involvement, and no permanent replacement, one would fill the root canals with gutta-percha and then rebuild the crown. Nevertheless, there are difficulties because of the limitations of creating the curved and delicate roots of primary molars to accept the master apical file. This renders it awkward to get good obturation.5,6 The purpose of the case series is to explore clinical strategies in endodontic treatment in primary teeth that do not have permanent successors with a special focus on the issues of treatment planning, treatment protocols, and long-term prognosis. The goal of the article is to contribute to the currently existing body of knowledge on the management of primary teeth with no permanent successor by conducting a thorough case analysis of a number of cases and emphasizing the role of the patient-specific treatment plan and follow-up.
WHAT IS FATE OF HEMOGLOBIN SUBFRACTIONS IN PATIENTS OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA? HEMOGLOBIN ANALYSIS, HBA1C AND JUDGING CONTROL OF DIABETES
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing has been widely used by clinicians to analyse the glycaemic control. Its accurate interpretation is highly important as treatment initiation and titration is dependent on its value as it corresponds to an average estimated blood glucose level calculated from its percentage. Variations in red blood cells (RBC) life span can alter the HbA1c values. Conditions such as anaemia and haemoglobinopathies can increase the turnover of erythrocytes, lowering the measured HbA1c values. On the other hand, conditions that decrease the RBC turn over, lead to higher values of HbA1c. Thus, the method for screening and evaluating glycaemic control in subgroups of population with haemoglobinopathies needs refinement. This study aims at emphasizing the interference of common haemoglobin variants and anaemia with HBA1c levels and further diabetes monitoring. ABBREVIATIONS DEFINITION RBC Red Blood Cell HBA1C Glycated Hemoglobin HPLC High Performance Liquid Chromatography SCD Sickle Cell Disease SCT Sickle Cell Trait IDA Iron Deficiency Anemia
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY OF CYPRINUS CARPIO IN POLLUTED AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
The purpose of the study was to check the reproductive toxicity of sub-lethal contact to Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCH) in Cyprinus carpio. A concentration of 0.2 µg/L of LCH was bare to healthy specimens for 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 days. The gonadosomatic Index (GSI), histopathology of the gonadal tissues, and serum concentrations of sex steroid hormones (testosterone, 17 β-estradiol, and 11-ketotestosterone were studied. The results showed a progressive decline in GSI in male as well as female fish under all bare conditions. Results of the histopathological analysis revealed severe structural damage in the testes with atrophy of the germinal epithelium, reduced lobular diameter, decreased spermatozoa, as well as in the ovarian tissues with cytoplasmic clumping, deformity of the follicles, and increased atretic oocytes. Structural impairments correlated with significant reductions in testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and 11-ketotestosterone concentrations in hormonal assays. The results show that sub-lethal, short-term exposure to LCH can severely disrupt reproductive physiology and endocrine functioning in Cyprinus carpio. The study demonstrates that synthetic pyrethroid contamination is a direct cause of reproductive decline in freshwater fish and that gonadal and hormonal parameters are sensitive early biomarkers of aquatic pollution. Therefore, this result highlights the fact that strict environmental regulations, together with long-term ecological monitoring, are required to lower pesticide-induced reproductive risk in aquatic ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2022 International Journal of Medical and Health Science
CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN THE TREATMENT OF FOOT FRACTURE BY USING MINI RAIL EXTERNAL FIXATOR
Background: Foot fractures, particularly those involving the metatarsals and phalanges, are prevalent injuries that can significantly impact a patient's mobility and quality of life. The Mini Rail System (Auxein Medical) has emerged as a promising tool in the management of these fractures, offering advantages in terms of stability, minimal invasiveness, and the ability to preserve joint motion. This article reviews the clinical outcomes associated with the use of the MiniRail system in treating foot fractures, focusing on its efficacy, complications, and functional outcomes. Method: We conducted an observational study involving 46 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a study duration of six months. The participants were aged between 20 and 60 years. For the treatment, we used mini external fixators with minirail lengthener T-clamps, threaded wires, clamp cover with screw. Patients were monitored throughout the study period, with periodic follow-up visits and necessary radiographs to assess fracture union. Results: Of the 46 patients, the majority were aged between 20 and 40 years, with a higher proportion of males. Open fractures were more common than closed fractures. The functional outcomes, as assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, were predominantly excellent, good and average. Radiological union was achieved in most cases, with 2.17% of patients experiencing delayed union. Conclusion: Surgical approach reduces the risk of complications, while an intensive rehabilitation program optimizes the final result. Overall, the minirail external fixator is an effective treatment for fracture management, offering the best functional outcomes.
EVALUATING PESTICIDE-INDUCED TOXICITY IN CYPRINUS CARPIO: CYHALOTHRIN AS A CASE STUDY
The widespread agricultural application of synthetic pyrethroids has created environmental issues because they harm aquatic organisms that are not the target of treatment. This research examines the sublethal toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCH) on Cyprinus carpio's physiological, biochemical, and reproductive functions by subjecting the fish to controlled LCH exposure for 20 days. The 96-hour LC₅₀ value for LCH was established at 1.6 µg/L, while sublethal doses of LCH caused fish to become progressively hyperactive and produce mucus, and become lethargic. The biochemical analysis revealed protein content reductions of all variants, including structural and soluble proteins, while showing study concentrations enhanced protease activity with rising free amino acid levels, which indicated proteolysis along with metabolic disorder. Oxidative stress developed due to the significant reduction of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST) and accompanying MDA level increase. ATPase activity declined along with tissue ion concentrations because osmoregulatory paths and energy-dependent transport pathways lost their functionality. The fish showed reproductive problems through decreased gonado-somatic index and hormonal levels (testosterone, estradiol, 11-ketotestosterone) and gonad tissue degeneration. The blood tests showed reduced RBC numbers and decreased hemoglobin and PCV levels, and increased WBC counts, which indicated both anemic and immunological reactions. The research shows that C. carpio suffers multi-organ dysfunction when exposed to any amount of LCH below lethal levels, which creates significant ecological threats. According to this research, scientists need to tighten regulations regarding pesticide application while emphasizing how C. carpio functions as an excellent indicator for freshwater toxicology investigations.
Copyright (c) 2023 International Journal of Medical and Health Science
The medical condition of breast abscess presents a major health problem for women across the globe because it negatively impacts their physical health and life quality. The conventional treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia mainly depends on the surgical drainage and antibiotics that have been proved to be effective in controlling the acute infection but tend to develop complications such as delayed wound healing, recurrence, and psychological distress. The healthcare community shows increasing interest in Ayurveda as an integrative approach for holistic and adjunctive care because of existing healthcare challenges. In Ayurveda breast abscess is known as Stana Vidradhi and its treatment consists of diseased breast purification, wound healing and normalization of damaged tissue with herbal medicines, topical therapies and individualized regimen of various modalities of ayurvedic treatment. The available clinical evidence of Ayurvedic interventions for post-surgical breast abscess care is critically reviewed and promising outcomes include accelerated wound healing, reduced recurrence, increased patient satisfaction, and a reduction of post-surgery morbidity. Observational studies and case reports demonstrate that Ayurvedic treatments show promise for helping patients recover from breast abscesses during both short-term care and extended healing periods. However, these findings are encouraging, although there are still limitations in the form of the absence of large-scale consortia of large randomised trials, variability of treatment protocols and insufficient data on long term outcome. The piece emphasizes the demand for meticulous research, standardized methodologies, and collaborative framework to set a place for Ayurveda in the modern care. A healthcare approach combining patient-centered principles with conventional and Ayurvedic practices will create the best outcomes for breast abscess patients by managing their physical symptoms and their quality of life and psychosocial needs.
NAVIGATING GESTATIONAL DIABETES: A PATH TO A HEALTHY PREGNANCY WITH HOMOEOPATHY
Gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM], which is defined as a state of hyperglycemia during pregnancy. It is currently the most common medical complication in pregnancy. It effects approximately 15% of pregnancies worldwide, which are approximately 18 million births annually.1 In India, individual data analysed by the National Family Health Survey [NFHS] in 2015-2016 and 2019-2021 covering a total of approximately 6 lakhs and 7 lakhs women, respectively. Among them, 32,072 women in 2015-2016 and 28,187 in 2019-2021 were pregnant, of whom 180 women in 2019-2021 had diabetes during their gestational periods, allowing the percentage prevalence calculation of GDM.2
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON EPILEPSY AND ITS DIAGNOSIS/ TREATMENT USING EEG SIGNALS
Epilepsy is a chronic functional disorder of the brain resulting in recurrent seizures due to hyper-synchronous neuronal activity. About 30% of those who suffer from epilepsy develop an incurable form of the disease that does not respond to medications, also known as drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), which necessitates a careful evaluation of the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The foundation of epilepsy treatment remains electroencephalography (EEG), which continues to provide the best information regarding seizure localization, classification, and treatment follow-up. This review presents a comprehensive study of epilepsy, covering the historical development, epidemiology, and diverse etiology of epilepsy, with an in-depth study of EEG entailing the major contribution to the developments. The EEG techniques applied in this study embrace classical approaches as well as modern techniques, such as time-frequency techniques and machine learning (ML)- based automated seizure detection and deep learning (DL) based signal processing. Emphasis is made on the challenges common in elderly and pediatric age groups, together with specific EEG characteristics and timely treatment interventions. There is a detailed critical analysis of cutting-edge developments, including wearable EEG units, closed-loop neuromodulation systems, and AI-based individualized interventions.
ROLE OF IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY IN DIFFERENTIATING PRIMARYHEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA USING MANUAL TISSUE MICROARRAYTECHNIQUE AND ITS ADVANTAGE
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of liver cancer worldwide, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in distinguishing it from metastatic liver tumors. This study evaluates the role of tissue microarray (TMA) technology and immunohistochemical markers, specifically Hep Par-1 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), in the differentiation and characterization of HCC.Thirty cases of HCC were analyzed, including 11 well-differentiated, 3 moderately differentiated, and 16 poorly differentiated tumors. TMA construction was performed, and immunohistochemistry was conducted to assess Hep Par-1 and AFP expression. Hep Par-1 demonstrated granular cytoplasmic positivity, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 100%. Reactivity decreased with poorer differentiation, as all six negative cases were poorly differentiated. AFP positivity was observed in 45% of cases, with no significant correlation to differentiation level.Age distribution revealed a peak incidence between 31 and 70 years, with a male predominance (60%). Comparative analyses with previous studies confirmed consistent epidemiological trends and highlighted the diagnostic challenges in poorly differentiated HCC.The findings reaffirm Hep Par-1 as a reliable marker for HCC diagnosis, particularly in well-differentiated cases. AFP was less reliable due to variability in expression. The use of TMAs enhanced efficiency and reduced costs, supporting their utility in histopathological research. These results underscore the importance of combining morphological, immunohistochemical, and clinical data for accurate HCC diagnosis and management.