Background: The integrative approach in medicine is steadily on the rise in the modern era. Combining knowledge from several fields allows for a deeper comprehension of complicated phenomena and creative answers to critical issues. By bridging the gaps, this holistic approach fosters synergy and advances knowledge in an array of domains.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the scope and potential of Ayurveda-based integrative approaches in contemporary healthcare for developing evidence-based, holistic, and globally relevant models.
Methods: The scope of integrative medicine in the present era has been assimilated and analyzed through the Samhitas, standard Ayurvedic texts, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science–indexed scientific journals, standard textbooks of medicine and allied health sciences, news and updates, online articles, and resources from international healthcare and medical institutions. Intending to develop evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine data and initiate collaborative integrative healthcare models, Ayurveda takes an integrative approach that considers individualized treatment plans, evidence-based practices, cultural and societal considerations, and translational methodology to achieve the P4 Medicine, aptly the Integrative Ayurveda Medicine.
Results: Ayurveda, with its holistic approach to healthcare management, has the longest uninterrupted tradition of healthcare practice. Incorporating emerging knowledge into Ayurveda whilst maintaining fundamentals shall certainly provide comprehensive opportunities to address global healthcare requirements. Western medicine has gained its current acknowledged position as mainstream modern medicine through its openness to learn from the contemporary disciplines of sciences, application of technological advancements, and continued adoption of evidence-based approach.
Conclusion: The concept of an integrative healthcare approach, particularly concerning Ayurveda, has the potential to yield significant benefits in addressing the long-term requirements of creating a more contented, joyful, and peaceful global community.
Background: Music is a universally accessible, non-invasive tool with potential therapeutic effects on stress and autonomic function. College students, frequently exposed to high levels of psychological stress, may benefit from music-based interventions for stress reduction.
Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of slow and fast tempo music on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and emotional well-being in college students with moderate to high stress levels.
Methods: A within-subject experimental study was conducted among 122 college students aged 17–25 years. Based on Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) scores, 60 individuals with moderate or high stress were selected for intervention. Resting HR and BP were measured prior to exposure. Participants were sequentially exposed to slow-beat music (“Weightless,” 71 bpm) and fast-beat music (“Worldwide Chopper,” 128 bpm) with a washout period to minimize carryover effects. HR was recorded during, and BP was measured after, each music session. A mood state questionnaire was administered post-intervention.
Results: Exposure to slow tempo music produced a significant reduction in HR and BP, suggesting enhanced parasympathetic activity. In contrast, fast tempo music induced a mild elevation in HR and BP within physiological limits, indicating sympathetic arousal. Mood questionnaire responses aligned with physiological findings, with participants reporting feelings of relaxation during slow music and feelings of energy and stimulation during fast music.
Conclusion: Slow tempo music appears to be a promising, non-pharmacological intervention for stress reduction and autonomic regulation in college students. It may aid in balancing cardiovascular responses while improving emotional well-being. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to explore long-term effects on cardiovascular health and psychological outcomes.
Background: Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid compound naturally occurring in the Cannabis sativa plant. The commercial Δ8-THC products are typically synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD), which may lead to the formation of various impurities. These impurities may contribute to unintended pharmacological or toxicological effects, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety assessment.
Purpose: This study aims to assess the pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles of Δ8-THC and its structurally related impurities using in silico methods, thereby providing preliminary safety insights before in vitro or in vivo experimentation.
Method: In silico ADMET predictions were performed using the pkCSM web server.
Results: All analyzed compounds possess good membrane permeability and showed favorable values for intestinal absorption. The skin permeability values were within acceptable limits, with the exception of compound 10 (log Kp value -2.443). This suggests that compound 10 may have significantly reduced dermal permeability. All compounds were also predicted to exhibit high Caco-2 cell permeability. Compounds 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 (0.704, 0.542, 0.531, 0.531, 0.648), and 11 (0.227) showed relatively low VDss values. This could influence their duration of action and tissue-specific effects. All the compounds are unlikely to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), based on predicted log BB and CNS permeability indices. Our predictions indicate that impurities 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12 have the potential to inhibit the hERG channel, flagging them as possible cardiotoxic agents.
Conclusion: Δ8-THC and its structurally related impurities exhibited favorable absorption and distribution characteristics; variations in volume of distribution and dermal permeability, particularly for compound 10, may influence their pharmacological behavior. The predicted hERG inhibition by impurities 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12 raises potential cardiotoxicity concerns. Future work should include in vitro and in vivo validation of these predictions, as well as expansion to include additional impurities formed under various synthetic and storage conditions.
Background: Cancer remains a major global health concern, and survival depends heavily on early diagnosis. Recent advances in biotechnology have led to the development of more efficient and less invasive tools for early detection of cancer, key for improving diagnosis in resource-limited healthcare settings.
Purpose: This paper reviews a wide range of biotechnological tools currently being explored for early cancer detection. The goal is to understand their strengths, limitations, and possible impact on both clinical practice and public health.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed, open-access articles published between 2021 and 2025. Sixteen tools were grouped into eight themes, such as microfluidics, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) diagnostics, liquid biopsy, biosensors, organoids, breath-based tests, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-guided tools, and radiomics. Each tool was evaluated for its potential to be scaled for wider use, its ease of access, the strength of its clinical testing, and how well it can be incorporated into existing diagnostic systems.
Results: Several tools, such as wearable biosensors, breath-based tests, and paper-based microfluidics, showed strong potential for use in routine screening due to their low cost and ease of use. Others, like CRISPR and organoid models, are more complex but offer high accuracy and personalization. However, many tools still need wider validation across different populations and clinical settings.
Conclusion: While each tool has its own limitations, biotechnology is helping make cancer tests more accurate, less painful, and easier to access. If these technologies are developed carefully and adapted to local healthcare needs, they could improve early diagnosis and help reduce cancer cases around the world.
Background: For centuries, people have used traditional eye care practices using mineral-only treatments and herbal medicines to optimize their eye health. Many practices are documented in older texts, including the Sushruta Samhita, Ebers Papyrus, and Islamic texts. In a world moving towards integrative medicine, optometry is now reflecting on these traditional practices.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review traditional eye treatments and their potential place in modern optometric treatment by exploring their historical context, current use, pharmacological evidence, and clinical outcomes.
Methods: A literature analysis was carried out using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Key search terms were ‘herbal remedies,’ ‘traditional ophthalmic medicine,’ and ‘ocular health.’ Reports published in English articles from 2016 to 2025 that included information on traditional medicine and the way it is used in modern eye care were included in the study.
Results: Prevalence percentages of traditional medicines were found to be quite variable in rural and underserved areas; in rural India it’s at 25%, and Zimbabwe had 65.7%. Minerals, honey, ghee, and herbal extracts have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. Catastrophic misuse can cause corneal ulcers or blindness; however, data summarize that it offers potential therapeutic benefits for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and dry eye syndrome.
Conclusion: Conventional eye medications may be available for use as an adjunct treatment; however, their safe incorporation into modern ocular care requires further clinical validation, standardization, and large studies.
Background: Cervical ripening is a pivotal step in the induction of labor (IOL), particularly in term pregnancies with an unfavorable cervix. While prostaglandins remain the cornerstone agents for this purpose, interest has grown in exploring the synergistic role of estrogen.
Purpose: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of dinoprostone followed by misoprostol (MC group) versus estradiol followed by misoprostol (ME group) in primigravida women undergoing IOL at term.
Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 172 primigravida women (86 per group) at term with singleton, cephalic presentation and Bishop score ≤6. The MC group received intracervical dinoprostone gel followed by up to three misoprostol doses; the ME group received vaginal estradiol followed by misoprostol similarly. Primary outcomes included change in Bishop score, number of misoprostol doses, and onset of active labor.
Results: The mean pre-induction Bishop score was lower in the MC group (2.77 ± 1.15) compared to the ME group (3.17 ± 0.86; p = 0.009), though final scores were similar (9.70 ± 1.53 vs. 9.73 ± 1.29; p = 0.872). Only 36% of women in the MC group required a third dose of misoprostol versus 100% in the ME group (p = 0.001). Successful ripening was achieved in 84.9% (MC) and 83.7% (ME), while establishment of active labor occurred in 86% (MC) and 90.7% (ME). Rupture of membranes was more frequent in the MC group (33.7% vs. 20.9%; p = 0.043). Maternal and neonatal outcomes, including cesarean section rates and NICU admissions, were comparable between groups.
Conclusion: Both protocols demonstrated comparable efficacy for cervical ripening and showed similar obstetric outcomes within the limits of this study. Dinoprostone may reduce the need for repeated misoprostol dosing. Agent selection should be tailored based on clinical context.
Background: Mobile phones are essential tools for healthcare workers (HCWs) but may act as reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, contributing to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
Purpose: This study investigates bacterial contamination on HCWs’ mobile phones, their resistance patterns, and associated usage practices.
Methods: A six-month cross-sectional study was conducted at SGT Hospital, Gurugram. A total of 120 mobile phones (100 HCWs, 20 non-HCWs) were swabbed from commonly touched areas. Samples were cultured on standard media, and isolates were identified by morphological and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of Staphylococcus aureus was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. PCR assays targeting 16S rRNA and mecA genes were used for molecular confirmation of bacterial isolates and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). A structured questionnaire assessed participants’ mobile phone usage and hygiene practices.
Results: Of the 120 phones, 95 (79.1%) showed bacterial contamination. Predominant isolates included diphtheroids (37.5%), S. aureus (27.5%), Micrococcus (26.6%), Bacillus (13.3%), and Acinetobacter (5.8%). Among 33 S. aureus isolates, 16 (48.5%) were MRSA by culture, while PCR confirmed 14 as mecA-positive. Resistance was highest to penicillin, erythromycin, and cefoxitin. Contamination correlated significantly with risk behaviors such as phone use in washrooms and lack of cleaning practices (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Mobile phones of HCWs are major reservoirs of MDR bacteria, particularly MRSA, posing a hidden risk of nosocomial transmission. Implementation of standardized phone-cleaning protocols and behavioral guidelines is essential to reduce device-mediated infection spread.
Background: Depression, anxiety, and stress are common mental health challenges among university students that may negatively influence their academic performance.
Purpose: This study aims to examine the association between depression, anxiety, stress, and academic performance among university students.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed to gather data from 85 students from De Montfort University (Leicester and Dubai campuses) selected through purposive sampling (77.6% female; M_age = 20.4 years). Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Academic Performance Scale (APS). Pearson correlation analyses were used to assess relationships among variables, and simple linear regressions examined the predictive effects of depression, anxiety, and stress on academic performance.
Results: Academic performance showed significant negative correlations with depression (r = −0.50, p < .01), anxiety (r = −0.47, p < .01), and stress (r = −0.47, p < .01). Depression, anxiety, and stress were strongly interrelated (r = 0.74–0.84), suggesting these psychological difficulties commonly co-occur. Simple linear regression analysis revealed that depression (β = −0.50, p < .001), anxiety (β = −0.47, p < .001), and stress (β = −0.47, p < .001) each significantly predicted poorer academic performance.
Conclusions: Mental health difficulties are prevalent among university students and can adversely impact their academic performance. The results highlight the importance of university-based interventions in supporting students’ emotional well-being and academic success. The findings can be relevant for psychologists, counselors, clinicians, educators, and parents; these stakeholders are encouraged to use strategies that address both cognitive and emotional challenges faced by students.
Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and common musculoskeletal issue that can affect both mobility and functional quality. Backward walking (retro-walking) has gained attention due to its ability to reduce pain and improve disability while maintaining strength, mobility, and balance in many other conditions. The aim of this study is to examine its therapeutic effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of pain related to postural low back pain and also improving functional abilities in adults aged 30–50 years.
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether backward walking (retro-walking) can effectively reduce pain and improve daily functional activities in adults (aged 30–50 years) who are suffering from postural low back pain (LBP).
Methods: Out of 69 individuals chosen on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 34 participants with postural LBP were recruited and divided into Group A (control) and Group B (experimental). The six-week intervention for Group B included backward walking sessions three times per week, starting at 10 minutes per session and progressing to 30 minutes on a flat surface. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores were recorded pre- and post-intervention. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis, with paired and unpaired t-tests assessing differences within and between groups.
Results: Statistical evaluation revealed a significant reduction in pain scores post-intervention (p<0.001) and an improvement in functional abilities in both groups. However, Group B experienced a greater decline in NPRS scores compared to Group A.
Conclusion: Backward walking is an effective, non-invasive, and cost-efficient intervention for individuals with postural LBP. The study had a relatively small sample size, which limits its generalization. Also, the study was done for a shorter period; therefore, long-term effects remain unpredictable.
Background: Prostatic diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and carcinoma, are common in elderly males and contribute significantly to morbidity. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is widely used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool, though its specificity for malignancy is limited.
Purpose: To evaluate the clinicopathological correlation of various prostatic lesions with serum PSA levels and age distribution.
Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at a tertiary care center in Nashik from August 2019 to December 2021. A total of 110 prostatic specimens, including TURP chips, needle biopsies, and open prostatectomy specimens, were analyzed. Histopathological examination, Gleason grading, and serum PSA measurement were performed. Data were analyzed using EpiInfo 7.2, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 110 specimens, TURP was most frequent (68.18%), followed by needle biopsy (26.36%) and open prostatectomy (5.45%). BPH was the predominant lesion (76.36%), while carcinoma accounted for 17.27% of cases. The 61–70-year age group had the highest incidence of both benign and malignant lesions (46.36%). Mean serum PSA was significantly higher in malignant lesions (89.82 ± 52.32 ng/ml) and atypical small acinar proliferation (54.93 ± 65.08 ng/ml) compared to BPH and PIN (7.56 ± 12.38 ng/ml). Gleason scores 7 and 8 were most frequent among carcinoma cases (31.57% and 31.57%, respectively).
Conclusion: BPH is the most common prostatic lesion in elderly males, while PSA levels correlate strongly with malignancy and atypical lesions. Histopathological evaluation and Gleason scoring remain essential for diagnosis and management.
