Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2026 in |
For many generations in Zimbabwe, Albizia antunesiana tree has been used in traditional healing. It has been widely used to treat infections, inflammation and other chronic illnesses such as diabetes. This study sought to provide scientific evidence to this ancient wisdom by testing the bark and leaves against modern biological markers. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which are natural compounds that the tree uses to protect itself and that we can use to improve human health. In the laboratory, the lyophilized extracts successfully hindered the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 40 and 20 mg/mL respectively. It also exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity. By testing its ability to prevent protein denaturation, it was found that the extract reached its peak protective effectiveness at a concentration of 500 µg/mL, performing comparably to diclofenac sodium. Most importantly safety trials in animal models confirmed that at doses of 5000 mg/kg, the extract remained practically non-toxic. These findings validate...
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Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2026 in |
Background: Social media usage has become widespread among medical undergraduates. Although it provides opportunities for communication and academic collaboration, excessive use may adversely affect academic performance. Objective: To determine the association between duration of social media usage and academic performance among medical undergraduate students and to assess the correlation between social media addiction scores and academic achievement. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 medical undergraduate students. Data were collected using a validated Social Media Addiction Scale and a structured questionnaire assessing daily social media usage. Academic performance was measured using university examination percentage marks. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, “Fisher’s exact test (Monte Carlo simulation)”, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Of the 427 participants, 199 (46.6%) were male and 228 (53.4%) were female. The mean university examination percentage was 63.37 ± 6.40. A statistically significant association was observed between duration of social media usage and academic performance (χ² = 16.23, df = 8, p = 0.041). No significant association was found between gender and academic performance (χ²...
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Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2026 in |
Background: Electrical injuries are a common cause of traumatic amputations in developing countries, especially among adolescents. High voltage electrical accidents often result in loss of both upper and lower limbs on the same side, leading to major physical and psychological difficulties during rehabilitation. Objective: To describe the prosthetic challenges, multidisciplinary management, and functional outcomes in an adolescent with multiple limb amputations following high voltage electrical injury. Methodology: This case study reports a 17-year-old male with right transfemoral and transradial amputations managed through a phased multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Functional and psychological outcomes were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), ABILHAND questionnaire, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale over a 6-month follow-up period. Results: After 6 months of prosthetic use and rehabilitation, FIM improved from 85/126 to 110/126, 6MWT increased from 250 m to 450 m, ABILHAND score reached 75% bimanual function, and GAD-7 anxiety score reduced from 15/21 to 6/21. Conclusion: Early and customized prosthetic rehabilitation supported by a multidisciplinary team can significantly improve functional...
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Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2026 in |
Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common among hospitalized neurological patients due to complex pharmacotherapy and polypharmacy. Clinical pharmacists play a vital role in identifying and managing these problems. Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence and types of DRPs among hospitalized neurological patients and described clinical pharmacist interventions and their outcomes. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 117 adult patients admitted to the Neurology Department and ICU of Benghazi Medical Center between November 2024 and March 2025. DRPs were identified and classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification v9.1 by trained clinical pharmacists. Interventions and outcomes were documented. DRPs resolution was defined as complete correction or discontinuation of the identified problem during hospitalization. Results: DRPs were identified in 84.6% of patients. The most common DRPs were drug use without indication (32.3%), adverse drug reactions (27.3%), non-adherence (18.2%), patient-related (7.1%), and drug–drug interactions (15.1%). Multiple DRPs per patient were observed. The most frequent interventions were medication adjustment, patient education, and medication reconciliation. Approximately 78.3% of DRPs were...
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Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2026 in |
Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid widely distributed in medicinal plants and is recognized for a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. In the present study, leaves of Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. were subjected to sequential solvent extraction, and ursolic acid was isolated by column chromatographic purification. Structure of the isolated compound was confirmed by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H and ¹³C NMR) spectroscopy, experiments, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Isolated compound was further evaluated for in-vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and for antidiabetic potential using the α-amylase inhibitory assay. Molecular docking was performed against the porcine pancreatic α-amylase target (PDB ID: 1OSE) to investigate binding modes and key molecular interactions governing inhibitory activity. In-silico ADMET profiling was conducted using SwissADME to estimate pharmacokinetic properties and drug-likeness. The findings demonstrate that E. tereticornis leaves represent a promising natural reservoir of ursolic acid and support its potential as...
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