Journal of Innovations in Medical Research

Betanin Ameliorates Triclosan-Induced Spermatogenic Dysfunction and Testicular Damage in Prenatally Exposed Wistar Rats

2025-04-08T12:16:31+00:00

Aims: To investigate the effects of betanin on reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, testicular histology and testicular damage induced by prenatal TCS exposure in Wistar rats. Study Design: Experimental study design, using a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) approach with animal subjects (Wistar rats). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University Makurdi, between August and October 2024. Methodology: Sixty Wistar rats were divided into ten groups (n=6/group). Groups received varying doses of TCS (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), betanin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), or a combination of both for 31 days. Hormone levels, sperm count and morphology, and testicular histology were assessed. Results: TCS exposure significantly reduced testosterone levels (20 mg/kg TCS: 1.35±0.31 ng/ml) and LH (20 mg/kg TCS: 1.10±0.14 mlU/ml), sperm count (20 mg/kg TCS: 74.00 ± 29.69 x10⁶/ml), and normal sperm morphology (20 mg/kg TCS: 29.65%). Betanin co-administration partially mitigated these effects, with the 20 mg/kg betanin + 20 mg/kg TCS group showing near-control levels of testosterone (3.77±0.74 ng/ml) and LH (2.70±0.29 mlU/ml), and improved sperm count (5 mg/kg TCS + 5 mg/kg betanin: 97.20 ± 3.11 x10⁶/ml) and morphology. Histological analysis revealed severe testicular damage in TCS-exposed groups, which was partially ameliorated by betanin. Conclusion: Prenatal TCS exposure impairs male reproductive function. Betanin offers partial protection, suggesting its potential therapeutic role against TCS-induced reproductive toxicity.

Postoperative Complications of Minor Amputation Stump in Diabetic Patients: A Prospective Study

2025-04-08T12:20:10+00:00

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue in Tunisia, with a prevalence of 12.2% in 2016, and diabetic foot affects up to 25% of patients, leading to serious complications such and amputations. Postoperative complications of amputations include necrosis, phantom pain, and infection, but few studies in Tunisia have explored their incidence, prompting an exploratory study to examine these complications. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 4 months, from October 2021 to February 2022, at the General Surgery Department of Mohamed Taher Maamouri Regional Hospital in Nabeul and the Endocrinology Department of the Farhat Hached University Hospital Center in Sousse, involving diabetic patients hospitalized for unilateral minor lower limb amputation. Results: The study included 14 patients, with 6 from the Endocrinology Department at the Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse and 8 from the General Surgery Department at the Mohamed Taher Maamouri Regional Hospital in Nabeul. The average age of the participants was 50.29 ± 13.69 years. There was a male predominance, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.7. All patients had type 2 diabetes (85.7%), and insulin was the most prescribed treatment (57.1%). 43% of patients had diabetes for 10 to 20 years. 57.14% of the patients (8/14) had cardiovascular disease, and 78.5% (11/14) had diabetic retinopathy. The podiatric assessment revealed cyanosis (57.1%) and thick nails (100%). The dorsal skin flexibility was reduced in 92.9% of the patients. Arterially, 57.14% of the patients were in stage 3 or 4 of the Leriche and Fontaine classification, indicating severe ischemia. Wet gangrene was the most frequent reason for amputation (50% of cases). 13 were evaluated postoperatively after the death of one patient on day 1. During the first dressing change, various complications were observed: hyperkeratosis (15.3%), infections (15.3%), non-budding stump with fibrin (38.4%), and necrotic tissue (15.3%). At the first follow-up appointment, four patients were lost to follow-up, reducing the sample size to nine. (55.5%) had delayed wound healing and hyperkeratosis had progressed, affecting 77.8% of the patients (7/9). The infection rate had tripled compared to the initial observation. Conclusion: This study identified a range of early and late complications, including infections, necrosis, and delayed healing in 14 patients following minor amputation. Despite the small sample size, the findings highlight the importance of personalized care for diabetic amputee.

Liver Diseases: Epidemiology, Prevention, and Management Strategy

2025-04-08T12:25:22+00:00

The liver is a highly complex many cell types largest internal solid organ in the body. The most common causes of liver disease are viral hepatitis; over alcohol, fat, and toxin chemicals consumption; autoimmunity; hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); and hereditary problems and drug reactions. More than 844 million people worldwide suffer from a chronic liver disease and more than two million people die each year worldwide due to liver disease. About two-thirds of them are men, and most of them are related to complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The burden of liver disease is increasing due to unconscious lifestyle, consumption of unhygienic foods, poor available data, limitations of resources, hepatitis, inadequate and poorly national and global fund of liver treatment, insufficient hepatologists, use of traditional medicines and herbal supplements, poverty and malnutrition, etc. This review study tries to discuss the global and regional prevalence, incidence, fatality, mortality, diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease.

Mean Platelet Volume and Cancer-Associated Deep Vein Thrombosis

2025-04-08T12:26:41+00:00

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common and serious complication in cancer patients, primarily driven by malignancy-induced hypercoagulability and systemic inflammation. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a hematological parameter reflecting platelet activation and inflammatory status, has been proposed as a potential marker for thromboembolic risk stratification in oncology. Objective: This retrospective study aimed to assess the association between MPV and DVT in patients with underlying cancer. Methods: We analyzed MPV levels in a cohort of 102 patients diagnosed with DVT, including 18 individuals with active malignancy. Results: Although MPV values were slightly elevated in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients, the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.86). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MPV is not a reliable biomarker for cancer-associated DVT. Further studies exploring alternative hematological and inflammatory markers are warranted to improve risk assessment in this high-risk population.

Phytochemistry, Nutritional Composition, Health Benefits, Applications and Future Prospects of Momordica Charantia L.: A Comprehensive Review

2025-04-08T12:30:56+00:00

Momordica charantia L., commonly known as bitter melon (BM) or bitter gourd, has great nutritional value and versatile properties. BM is consumed directly as a traditional vegetable or used for pickling, and has also been made into uniquely flavored canned products, tea, compound beverages, and wine. Various extracts, juices and isolated compounds show a wide range of health effects and biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antifungal, neuroprotective, and blood cholesterol-reducing effects. In this review, we not only review the phytochemical properties of BM but also highlight the potential of Chia seeds for food applications and the use of all parts as a source of ingredients for medicines and cosmetics that promote health and well-being. This will provide theoretical support for the integrated use of such natural products.

Youth in Action: Party Building Empowering High-Quality Development of the Communist Youth League in Infectious Disease Hospitals — A New Practice

2025-04-08T12:33:15+00:00

Under the strategic framework of China’s high-quality public health development, Nanning Fourth People’s Hospital has pioneered a Party-guided Communist Youth League (CYL) model in infectious disease healthcare, demonstrating innovative organizational synergy and youth-driven impact. The hospital’s CYL committee established a tripartite development system—ideological anchoring, organizational optimization, and professional enablement—achieving transformative outcomes: a 210% increase in youth mobilization efficiency (2022–2024), 98% theoretical engagement via dual-track ideological education (“Party branch mentorship + youth lecture teams”), and recognition of clinical units as National/Provincial Youth Civilization Collectives. Breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS immunotherapy and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis management were realized through youth-led innovation. During COVID-19, 432 young clinicians under Party leadership achieved a 25% reduction in ICU mortality through standardized protocols while maintaining zero nosocomial infections. The “Nightingale” volunteer-service ecosystem integrated clinical expertise with community health initiatives, delivering 50,000+ beneficiary engagements. Future roadmaps prioritize AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine networks, and a mentorship-based talent pipeline to strengthen grassroots infectious disease control. This practice validates the multiplier effect of Party-CYL collaboration in healthcare modernization, offering an exemplary model for aligning youth mobilization with the “Healthy China” strategy through socially accountable medical leadership.

Current Status of Induction Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

2025-04-30T08:54:47+00:00

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a unique endemic distribution in the world, with the highest incidence rate in South China, Southeast Asia and North Africa. About 70% of newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients suffer from locally advanced diseases. The current methods of radiotherapy and chemotherapy include synchronous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, induction chemotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Induction chemotherapy has better tolerance, so higher drug concentrations can be used to improve the survival rate of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Induction chemotherapy can eliminate micro metastatic diseases early. This article provides a review of the application of induction chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Comparative Study on Response Efficacy of Generative Artificial Intelligence Large Language Model for Elderly Diabetes Mellitus

2025-04-30T08:57:08+00:00

We aimed to evaluate the response accuracy of different generative artificial intelligence (GAI) large language models to common problems of elderly diabetes, so as to compare the performance differences of various AI large language models in the quality of medical information service.

A standardized evaluation question pool containing 10 elderly diabetes related questions was constructed, and then four GAI chat robots using different generative artificial intelligence large language model were selected to answer the questions and score the accuracy of all answers. In addition, the problem is summarized into two dimensions of “diagnosis and evaluation” and “control and treatment”, and the above four GAI big language models are analyzed in these two dimensions.

In general, Moonshot model and Lark model are significantly better than DeepSeek LLM and SparkDesk model in response to common problems of elderly diabetes, with higher accuracy and strong stability, but there is no significant difference in response performance between Moonshot model and Lark model. In addition, in the dimensions of “diagnosis and evaluation” and “control and treatment”, Moonshot model and Lark model have better performance than DeepSeek LLM model and SparkDesk model.

Metal Artifact Reduction MR Imaging After Arthroplasty: Advances and Clinical Applications

2025-04-30T09:28:20+00:00

Total joint arthroplasty was an effective treatment for end-stage joint diseases, with rapid increasement and widely applied in clinical practice. Periprosthetic joint infection remains the most severe periprosthetic complications. MRI is the preferred imaging modality for evaluating musculoskeletal infections. However, conventional MRI in post-joint arthroplasty patients was significantly hindered by severe prothesis-induced artifacts, limiting the assessment of periprosthetic structures. Metal artifact reduction imaging has been developed to mitigate metal artifacts and enhance visualization of periprosthetic tissues, improving the detection and characterization of periprosthetic complications. This review systematically examines the advancements in metal artifact reduction imaging and its clinical applications in the assessment of periprosthetic complications.

High Price of Perfection that Is Anatomy: Why Studying and Teaching the Human Body Is a Financial Muscle

2025-04-30T09:29:53+00:00

The Anatomy Department is often viewed as one of the most expensive to maintain within Basic Medical Sciences, a reality not unique to any particular institution but consistent globally. This mini-review examines the factors contributing to the high costs of maintaining an Anatomy Department, including specialized infrastructure, safety regulations, ethical considerations, and the resources required for cadaveric dissection. The separation of anatomy buildings from other departments is driven by safety and hygiene needs, psychological and ethical concerns, and space requirements for specialized labs. Unlike other departments, Anatomy requires multiple dedicated labs, such as dissection, microscopic anatomy, and model/simulation labs, which add to the financial burden. Additionally, the procurement, preservation, and ethical management of human specimens incur significant ongoing costs. The rise of digital tools like the Anatomage table, though beneficial in some ways, presents high initial and maintenance costs that may exacerbate financial challenges, particularly for institutions in resource-constrained settings. While digital dissection tools offer educational advantages, they cannot replace the hands-on experience of working with human cadavers, which is essential for developing ethical and professional medical practices. This review calls for sustainable funding models and innovative solutions to reduce financial pressures while ensuring the continued success and efficacy of anatomy education.

Research Advances of Risk Prediction Methods for Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with Lower Extremities Deep Venous Thrombosis

2025-04-30T09:32:32+00:00

Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) is a disease of venous return disorder caused by abnormal blood agglutination in lower extremity deep vein. In recent years, the incidence of DVT is increasing gradually and the age of onset tends to be younger. One of the primary hazards associated with LEDVT is pulmonary embolism (PE) resulting from thrombus dislodgement. Once pulmonary embolism occurs, the prognosis is frequently poor; in severe cases, it can pose a significant threat to the patient’s life. Consequently, early detection and prompt diagnosis of pulmonary embolism are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and mitigating the risk of mortality. There is sound evidence supporting the use of several methods to enhance the diagnosis and predict the risk of PE. Therefore, the review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature concerning diagnostic methods for PE.

Calcium Carbide-Induced Ripening Alters Vitamin C Levels and Organ Histomorphology in Wistar Rats: Implications for Food Safety

2025-04-30T09:34:48+00:00

Background: The use of calcium carbide (CaC₂) in fruit ripening is widespread in many developing countries, raising concerns about food safety and the potential health risks posed by chemical residues. This study investigates the effects of calcium carbide-induced ripening on vitamin C levels and organ histomorphology in Wistar rats. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of calcium carbide-induced ripening on vitamin C content in fruits and histological changes in the liver, kidneys, and ovaries of Wistar rats. Methodology: Wistar rats were divided into nine groups, with each group receiving different ripening treatments (naturally ripened, market ripened, and laboratory ripened with calcium carbide). The treatment duration was 20 days. Vitamin C levels were measured, and histopathological analyses were performed on liver, kidney, and ovary tissues. Results: The results showed that naturally ripened fruits had the highest vitamin C content (2.23±1.20 mg/ml), while calcium carbide-treated fruits exhibited lower levels, with the 30g CC laboratory ripened fruits showing 1.28±0.50 mg/ml. Histological examination revealed vascular congestion and tissue degeneration in the liver and kidneys of rats fed calcium carbide-treated fruits. Liver and kidney weights were significantly altered in the calcium carbide-treated groups, with liver weights in Group D (4.40±0.40g) and Group G (5.00±0.90g) being notably lower. Conclusion: Calcium carbide-induced ripening adversely affects vitamin C content and induces histopathological changes in vital organs, indicating potential toxicity. These findings emphasize the need for stricter regulation of artificial ripening agents to protect public health.

Evolution and Controversy of Treatment Mode for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: From Traditional Chemoradiotherapy to Total Neoadjuvant Therapy Combined with Immunotherapy Strategy

2025-04-30T09:38:04+00:00

In recent years, the treatment mode of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has undergone a significant evolution from postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and then to total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). Although the traditional mode of “preoperative chemoradiotherapy + surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy” reduces the local recurrence rate, the distant metastasis rate is still high, and the compliance of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is poor. By advancing postoperative chemotherapy to preoperative period, TNT has formed “induction chemotherapy + concurrent chemoradiotherapy + surgery” or “concurrent chemoradiotherapy + consolidation chemotherapy + surgery” mode, which has significantly improved the completion rate of treatment and the rate of pathological complete response (pCR). Many studies have shown that induction chemotherapy has the potential to improve disease free survival (DFS) and metastasis control, while consolidation chemotherapy has advantages in organ preservation rate. In addition, breakthroughs have been made in immunotherapy for patients with Mismatch Repair Deficiency (dMMR). Single-agent PD-1 inhibitors can lead to clinical complete response (cCR) in some patients. However, the immunotherapy response of patients with Microsatellite stability (MSS) still needs a breakthrough. The current controversies focus on the selection of chemotherapy timing in TNT mode, the synergistic mechanism of radiotherapy and immunotherapy, and the optimization of precise stratification strategy. In the future, it is necessary to integrate multi-omics data and artificial intelligence models, combined with dynamic efficacy evaluation, to promote individualized treatment decisions, and ultimately achieve the dual goals of survival benefit and function preservation.