The increasing prevalence of candidiasis and the emergence of antifungal-resistant Candida species necessitate the exploration of alternative therapeutic agents from medicinal plants. This study investigated the anti-candidiasis activity of methanol extracts of Calliandra haematocephala and Entada africana against selected Candida species, determine their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values, and characterize their bioactive compounds using GC–MS analysis.The assay was evaluated against C. albicans, C. auris, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 100 mg/ml, with fluconazole (5 mg/ml) as the reference drug. Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent activity, with zones of inhibition diameter ranging from 10 to 14 mm for C. haematocephala and 10 to 18 mm for E.africana extract. Notable activity was recorded in 100 mg/kg. Fluconazole showed higher zones of inhibition (16 to 26 mm) when compared with the extracts. C. haematocephala extract’s MIC result varies between 50 (C.albicans) and 100 (C.auris, C. tropicalis and C.krusei) mg/ml. MFC (200 mg/ml) was observed against C.auris and C.krusei while 150 mg/ml was recorded against C.albican. Inhibition against C. tropicalis was not determined. For E. africana extract’s MIC value, 100 mg/ml was determined for C.albican and C.krusei while C.auris and C.tropicalis value was 25 mg/ml. MFC was highest in C.krusei at 200 mg/ml. MIC and MFC values confirmed anti-candidiasis potential of the extracts. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of biologically active compounds including fatty acids, terpenoids, phenolics, and quinones such as thymoquinone, caryophyllene, humulene, oleic acid, and linoleic acid derivatives. The study revealed efficient biomolecules that could be responsible for the therapeutic activities of C. haematocephala and E. africana in traditional medicine especially in the treatment ofcandida infections.

Vision is crucial for human existence, but delivering medications effectively to the eye continues to be a significant challenge because of the eye's unique structure and function. Traditional dosage forms like ophthalmic solutions, suspensions, ointments, gels, and inserts are commonly utilized; nonetheless, a significant challenge associated with these forms is the swift loss of medication from the precorneal area due to nasolacrimal drainage, tear turnover, and drug dilution, leading to reduced bioavailability. The constraints mentioned have prompted the creation of innovative ocular drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes, dendrimers, nanosuspensions, microemulsions, ocuserts, and mucoadhesive formulations. Although there have been improvements, traditional methods frequently necessitate regular dosing and invasive procedures, which can result in low patient adherence. Innovative systems seek to enhance bioavailability, ensure extended release, and improve patient comfort and treatment results. This review examines the structure and function of the eye, obstacles to delivering medication to the eye, traditional methods, and recent innovations aimed at overcoming these hurdles for better treatment results.

Medicinal plants are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Ficus semicordata is commonly used in India and Nepal to treat digestive issues, infections, inflammation, and liver diseases. This study examines the phytochemical makeup, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial potential of methanolic extracts from the fruit, leaf, and bark of Ficus semicordata. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of key secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and glycosides. We assessed antioxidant activity using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, where the leaf extract demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity compared to the fruit and bark extracts. We evaluated antibacterial and antifungal activities using the agar well diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Among the samples tested, the bark extract showed significant antibacterial activity, while all extracts exhibited measurable antifungal effects.  These findings support the traditional medicinal uses of Ficus semicordata and suggest that it might be a useful natural source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Further studies should aim to isolate and identify the active compounds responsible for these biological effects.

Knee weight bearing synovial joints osteoarthritis is the most common disabling disorder of normal active life immensely in poor and developing countries.  It also consumes a major amount of financial resources for its diagnosis and relief. Also, two thirds of the world population belong to the economically weaker and illiterate population in resides in remote areas where modern conservative care system facilities developed by advance countries are not available and even if these amenities are available, financial constraints, ignorance and illiteracy are major impediment factors for utilizing by burgeoning masses of society. Worldwide medical surveys found that modern therapeutic facilities in these developing and poor countries are almost negligible or absent. Advanced sophisticated treatments for treatment of osteoarthritis are very costly and unaffordable. Onset, progress and growth of degenerative   disorder of articular cartilage of knee joints can be contained if it is diagnosed at early stages of development. Several detection and diagnostic/treatment technologies are available for providing relief and amelioration to the detection and progress status of disorder, but clear diagnosis/treatment methodologies are still required for containing the status and abatement from weight bearing knee joints disorder. Review discusses the benefits and disadvantages of various joints diagnostic, investigative and therapeutic methodologies for the most crippling ailment i.e., osteoarthritis. This review has focused on the prevalence, risk factors and therapeutic methodologies for limiting the genesis and progress and relief associated with weight bearing knee joints. Large epidemiologic studies can contribute significantly to identifying the additional factors for the genesis of risk factors. New factors for controlling risk factors for the prevention of osteoarthritis, also new studies are desired to improve important unresolved questions. In depth, comprehensive search studies are needed for diagnostic procedures to identify the factors responsible for the origin and progress of knee joint osteoarthritis disorder for the onset of symptoms.

Narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) are typically defined as oral implants with a diameter smaller than that of standard implants. With the continuous updating and development of implant prosthodontic concepts, their clinical application is becoming increasingly widespread. They are particularly suitable for situations such as insufficient prosthetic space or limited alveolar bone width in patients. This review aims to examine the clinical application of narrow-diameter implants, summarize their current application status and research progress, and provide reference and guidance for clinical practice.

Retained Surgical Items (RSIs), including sponges, needles, and instruments inadvertently left behind after surgery, remain a critical concern in perioperative practice. Although relatively rare, these events can result in serious complications such as infection, reoperation, prolonged hospitalization, and even mortality. In India, evidence indicates that surgical sponges account for nearly 69% of RSIs, with detection ranging from immediately post-surgery to several years later.
Nurses—particularly scrub and circulating nurses—serve as the frontline defense against such occurrences. Accurate counting of surgical items is a core professional responsibility, conducted at three essential stages: prior to incision, before cavity closure, and at the completion of the procedure. Any discrepancy in counts triggers immediate corrective measures, including systematic searches of the operative and sterile fields and waste disposal areas. If unresolved, radiological imaging is promptly initiated to identify the missing item.
At Apollo Hospitals, the Operating Room Nursing Council has emerged as the driving force behind strengthening surgical count practices and enhancing patient safety. Under the leadership of the Department of Nursing, the Council has spearheaded structured refresher programs, competency-based training modules, regular audits, and organization-wide communications emphasizing accountability in swab counts. Through high-fidelity simulation exercises that replicate real-time count discrepancies, the Council has significantly improved interdisciplinary coordination, vigilance, and crisis response capabilities.
Furthermore, the Council ensures strict adherence to internationally recognized safety frameworks, including the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist and guidelines from the Association of peri Operative Registered Nurses (AORN). These evidence-based practices, reinforced by continuous monitoring and education, have elevated compliance standards and fostered a culture where “every count matters.”
Through the visionary leadership of the Operating Room Nursing Council, Apollo Hospitals continues to set a benchmark in perioperative safety, demonstrating how nurse-led governance can significantly reduce risks and strengthen systems to prevent Retained Surgical Items.

The spectral properties of the copper–4-toluidine–cyclodextrin (Cu:4TD:CD) nanomaterial were examined using absorption, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, SEM, FTIR, XRD, and molecular modeling techniques. The distinct spectral variations observed for 4TD upon adding α-CD and β-CD at different pH values indicate that the resulting inclusion complexes adopt different structural geometries. While 4TD exhibits a single emission maximum in all solvents and in α-CD and β-CD solutions, excimer emission observed. The confined geometry of the α-CD cavity likely restricts the free rotation of the amino or methyl substituents of 4TD. SEM images and EDX analysis of the Cu:4TD:β-CD nanomaterial reveal the presence of 46.8% carbon, 49.0% oxygen, and 3.16% copper. In the FTIR spectra, several characteristic peaks disappear and notable reductions in intensity are observed for the Cu:4TD:CD nanoparticles, indicating strong interactions between 4TD and copper nanoparticles. The ¹H NMR spectra show both up field and down field shifts of 4TD proton signals, accompanied by markedly reduced peak intensities, support strong coordination of 4TD with copper in the CD-based nanomaterials.

Generative AI models, particularly large language models (LLMs) and multimodal systems, are revolutionizing data analysis workflows. This paper investigates their measurable impact on productivity, error reduction, and accessibility. Using case studies across finance, healthcare, and education, combined with academic studies, we demonstrate that generative AI reduces task completion time by over 30%, lowers coding errors by nearly 40%, and democratizes access to insights for non-technical users.

Oral lichen planus (Akbari, et al.) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa. Its etiology and pathogenesis are not yet clear, but immune factors, psychological factors, and infectious factors are all related to it. OLP is difficult to treat and prone to recurrence. More importantly, long-term erosive lesions of oral lichen planus have a tendency toward malignancy. There are various treatment methods for OLP. Corticosteroids are the first-line therapy, and calcineurin inhibitors are the second-line therapy. This article summarizes the treatment methods for OLP as well as some ongoing prospective studies. However, current OLP therapies aim to eliminate all mucosa-related lesions, and so far, there is no completely effective and safe treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously seek new treatment approaches, which can provide ideas for obtaining more effective and safe treatments in clinical practice.

Exposure continues to shape patterns of skin damage and disease, which has driven sustained refinement of sunscreen technologies. Current formulations combine organic and inorganic filters, film-forming systems, and delivery structures that enhance stability and coverage while limiting dermal penetration. Advances in particle engineering, encapsulation, and hybrid combinations have broadened spectral protection and improved photostability, although interactions among filters and vehicle components remain important determinants of performance. Safety assessments have focused on penetration behavior, irritancy, photoreactivity, and environmental fate, with most data indicating low systemic exposure but ongoing concern for aquatic persistence and filter degradation products. Regulatory frameworks continue to evolve as newer filters, nanocarriers, and eco-focused strategies emerge. Together, these developments illustrate a dynamic field balancing efficacy, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Currently, oral and maxillofacial tumors maintain a relatively high incidence rate. Due to the special location of these tumors, the disease not only severely impacts patients' daily functions, such as swallowing and speech, but also greatly affects their facial appearance, thereby influencing their psychological health and even social survival status. Soft and hard tissue defects in the maxillofacial region caused by tumors, maxillofacial trauma, and other reasons also lead to the destruction of the patient's appearance and function, seriously affecting their quality of life. Therefore, the application of reconstructive surgical techniques for maxillofacial defect repair is of great significance to ensure the integrity of maxillofacial shape and function, which is also a research focus that domestic and international scholars have been diligently working on. The nasolabial flap is a versatile flap used in the treatment of nasal basal cell carcinoma. It is the preferred surgical method for closing nasal surgical defects after basal cell carcinoma resection. For the reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue defects, there are multiple surgical options. For smaller oral mucosal defects in different anatomical parts of the oral cavity, the nasolabial flap is a very useful and simple alternative to other pedicled flaps and free flaps. It can be widely used for functional reconstruction after oral and maxillofacial surgery. The nasolabial flap is a valuable choice for repairing small oral defects, especially suitable for elderly patients with loose skin and those whose physical conditions cannot tolerate the need to open a second operative area.

Plastics have transformed the way we package products thanks to their versatility, strength, light weight, and affordability. Today, they are used across almost every industry, including food, cosmetics, electronics, and especially pharmaceuticals. In medicines, packaging is more than just a container it protects drugs, keeps them stable, and makes sure they can be stored and delivered safely. For this reason, plastics have largely replaced older materials like glass and metal. [1]They are commonly used as primary packaging that directly touches the product, such as bottles, blister packs, droppers, ampoules, and pre-filled syringes. These solutions help preserve the safety and effectiveness of medicines throughout their shelf life. [2]
According to market analyses, plastics currently account for approximately 53 % of primary pharmaceutical packaging materials globally. Notably, blister packs alone comprise around 30 % of this segment. However, the extensive reliance on plastics has raised increasing concerns regarding product degradation and contamination, particularly under adverse environmental conditions. During storage and transportation, pharmaceuticals are often subjected to fluctuating temperatures, varying humidity levels, and mechanical stresses. These factors may lead to the release of microplastics (MPs). These particles defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm release from the packaging into the medication. [3] Such leachates can interact with active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are the substances in medicines that produce therapeutic effects by treating, preventing, or diagnosing disease, or by modifying physiological functions. This interaction can alter their chemical composition, stability, and therapeutics, posing significant health risks to patients. Plastics are not completely stable, and their breakdown can be accelerated under certain conditions such as high temperatures, UV exposure, or acidic and alkaline environments. This degradation can release a range of additives and residues, including plasticizers, stabilizers, solvents, and unreacted monomers. [4] The risks are particularly pronounced for liquid medicines like syrups, suspensions, and injectables, where even small amounts of contamination can destabilize the formulation. Alarmingly, studies have found microplastics (MPs) in over 70% of liquid pharmaceutical products exposed to stressed conditions. [2]

This review explores the emerging strategies of nano herbal formulations in the fight against COVID-19. Nanotechnology offers significant advantages over conventional herbal medicines, primarily through improved pharmacokinetics—including enhanced solubility, stability, and sustained release of the drug—which enables precision and targeted therapeutics while minimizing systemic side effects. Various nanocarrier platforms are being utilized, such as Liposomes, Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) (used in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines), chitosan-based systems, and metallic nanoparticles. The trend is also moving toward green synthesis, an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method using biological precursors. Furthermore, nanotechnology plays a crucial role in improving Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and is being tested in therapeutics like Nano Curcumin for hospitalized patients. Despite these benefits, challenges remain, notably high production costs, difficulty in scaling up, stability issues, and a lack of long-term safety and toxicity data. The future of this field is focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate data-driven optimization and ensure the development of safe and stable nano-based delivery systems.

Cognitive health is fundamental to overall well-being, and the growing prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease has intensified the search for safe and effective cognitive enhancers. Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs,” include both synthetic and herbal agents that enhance memory, learning, attention, and mental clarity. Among these, herbal nootropics have gained remarkable attention due to their broad pharmacological actions, natural origin, and favorable safety profiles. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the pharmacological potential, mechanisms, and challenges associated with major herbal nootropics, including Ginkgo biloba, Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, Curcuma longa, and Bacopa monnieri. These herbs exert their cognitive-enhancing effects through multifactorial mechanisms such as modulation of neurotransmitters, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, neuroprotection, and the promotion of neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity.The article also highlights the growing Interest in combination herbal therapies, which demonstrate synergistic benefits by targeting multiple pathways involved in memory and learning. Despite their potential, herbal nootropics face challenges including variability in phytochemical composition, poor bioavailability, lack of standardized formulations, and limited clinical validation. Recent advances in nanotechnology, phytosome systems, and exosome-mediated delivery offer promising solutions to overcome these issues by enhancing stability, brain targeting, and therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, the convergence of herbal medicine with modern analytical and nanotechnological innovations opens new frontiers for developing safe, effective, and personalized cognitive enhancers. In summary, herbal nootropics represent an evolving domain in neuropharmacology that bridges traditional wisdom with modern science to support cognitive health and combat neurodegenerative disorders.

Diarrhea disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for approximately 1.7 billion cases annually and over 500,000 preventable deaths worldwide (World Health Organization, 2024). Despite advances in oral rehydration therapy and zinc supplementation, the burden of disease and economic costs remain substantial, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Amaranthus spinosus is traditionally used in parts of Nigeria for the management of diarrhoea; however, its pharmacological effects require further validation.
This study evaluated the antidiarrhoeal and spasmolytic activities of the ethanolic leaf extract of Amaranthus spinosus (ELEAS) using castor oil–induced diarrhoea in mice and isolated rabbit jejunum preparations. ELEAS (300 and 500 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the frequency and weight of diarrhoeal stools and prolonged the onset of diarrhoea compared with the negative control. At 300 mg/kg, ELEAS produced 83.3% inhibition of wet faeces, comparable to loperamide (4 mg/kg), which achieved 100% protection. In isolated rabbit jejunum, ELEAS reduced spontaneous contractions and attenuated acetylcholine-induced contractions, suggesting a possible muscarinic receptor antagonistic effect.
These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the traditional use of Amaranthus spinosus as an antidiarrhoeal agent and suggest that its mechanism may involve both antisecretory and antimotility actions.