https://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/issue/feedSpecial Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences.2025-08-17T11:20:41+00:00Editor-in-ChiefEditor@trccollegesjournals.comOpen Journal Systems<p>The Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences (SJMAS) <strong>ISSN 2976-5609, </strong>is an online, peer-reviewed publication that aims to be the authoritative, comprehensive source of information about knowledge, skills, and opportunities in worldwide medical, life, and social sciences communication.</p> <p><br />The Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences works to advance the broader profession by publishing content that reflects life sciences professionals' interests, concerns, and expertise. Its purpose is to inform, inspire, and motivate professionals.</p> <p>Write for The Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences Journal.</p> <p><br />Submissions of highly qualified articles to the Journal are welcome. Review our Instructions for Contributors to learn more about the submission process. Write for one of our regular sections or consider writing an article for an upcoming theme issue:<br />Volunteer for The Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences Journal<br />We welcome volunteers to provide peer review and other valuable services.</p> <p>Contact the Journal Editor-in-Chief at Editor@sjmas.com to inquire about volunteer opportunities.</p>https://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/124Modern approaches to the management of patients with diabetic nephropathy2025-08-17T04:28:55+00:00Vaibhav Gumbervaibhav.aesl@gmail.comGhassan Salibidr.ghassan@wmclebanon.comNikolaos TzeniosNicolas@trccolleges.com<div> <p class="Title2"><strong style="font-size: 0.875rem;"><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 0.875rem;">Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a major complication of diabetes mellitus, is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. The increasing global burden of diabetes, especially in low- and middle-income countries, has led to a parallel rise in diabetic kidney disease. This study reviews current evidence-based strategies for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of DN, highlighting recent advances in pharmacological therapies, biomarker discovery, and the integration of precision medicine.</span></p> </div> <div> <p class="Title2" align="left"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods and Materials: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US">This project employed a comprehensive literature review using reputable databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and guidelines from KDIGO and the American Diabetes Association. The methodology also involved synthesis of clinical trial data, expert consensus documents, and emerging research on novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Practical recommendations were developed through analysis and comparative evaluation of diagnostic and treatment algorithms.</span></p> </div> <div> <p class="Title2" align="left"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US">Findings indicate that DN pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and dysregulated hemodynamics. Key diagnostic tools such as urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and emerging biomarkers (e.g., NGAL, KIM-1, and urinary nephrin) enhance early detection. Novel pharmacotherapies demonstrate renoprotective and cardioprotectiveincluding SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and non-steroidal MRAs (e.g., finerenone). Lifestyle modifications and precision medicine approaches further optimize patient outcomes.</span></p> </div> <div> <p class="Title2" align="left"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusion: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US">The management of diabetic nephropathy requires a multidisciplinary, personalized, and evidence-based approach. Integration of early biomarkers, individualized glycemic and blood pressure control, RAAS inhibition, and new therapeutic agents can significantly delay disease progression and reduce cardiovascular risk. Future directions should emphasize precision medicine, continued research on novel agents, and collaborative care models to improve long-term outcomes in DN patients.</span></p> </div>2025-08-17T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2025 Vaibhav Gumber, Dr. Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenioshttps://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/127Innovative Approach to Endometriosis: Nanotechnology 2025-08-17T04:43:03+00:00Singh Shrutishruti17139@gmail.comPoh Omasyarifa Binti Jamalomasharifabj@kursksmu.net<p style="font-weight: 400;">Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million women of reproductive age globally, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatment options due to the limitations of current therapies and diagnostic methods. This study explores the potential of nanotechnology in revolutionizing endometriosis treatment through the comparison of silicon naphthalocyanine (SiNc) and kinase insert domain receptor magnetic nanoparticles (KDR-MN). A retrospective analysis was conducted on these nanotechnologies, focusing on their effectiveness in imaging and thermal ablation of endometriotic lesions. Characterization of nanoparticles was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), while fluorescence microscopy assessed nanoparticle uptake in endometriotic cell lines. The therapeutic efficacy of thermal ablation was evaluated using an alternating magnetic field (AMF) and laser system. In vivo studies involved adult rhesus macaques with advanced endometriosis, with biopsies implanted into SCID mice. Results indicated that SiNc could serve as a single-agent nanoplatform for photothermal therapy (PTT) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging, effectively demarcating lesions and achieving complete eradication within four days’ post-treatment. KDR-MN demonstrated targeted delivery to endometriotic tissues, producing significant negative contrast on MRI and effective thermal destruction at elevated temperatures. Both SiNc and KDR-MN show promising potential for efficient imaging and thermal ablation of endometriotic lesions, underscoring the innovative application of nanotechnology in enhancing endometriosis management. These findings pave the way for future research into targeted therapies that improve treatment outcomes for affected women.</p>2025-08-17T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2025 Singh Shruti, PhD., Assoc. Prof. Poh Omasyarifa Binti Jamalhttps://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/128Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign for Marginalized Communities in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur District2025-08-17T04:53:07+00:00Deepika Mandaldeepikamandal029@gmail.comGhassan Salibidr.ghassan@wmclebanon.comNikolaos TzeniosNicolas@trccolleges.com<p> </p> <div> <p class="Title2" align="left"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US">Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in India, especially within marginalized tribal populations. In Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, limited healthcare access, low literacy, and cultural stigma exacerbate the disease burden. Despite being preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening, awareness and uptake of these measures remain critically low.</span></p> </div> <div> <p class="Title2" align="left"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods and Materials: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US">A community-based cervical cancer awareness campaign was designed and implemented in Jagdalpur using a mixed-methods approach. The campaign combined educational workshops, mobile screening units, and HPV vaccination drives. Culturally tailored interventions such as folk media, tribal leader engagement, and local language materials were employed. Data collection included pre- and post-campaign surveys, focus group discussions, and service uptake monitoring to assess the impact.</span></p> </div> <div> <p class="Title2" align="left"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US">The campaign engaged over 5,000 participants, with notable increases in awareness and behavioral changes. Awareness of cervical cancer rose from 28% to 75%, while knowledge of HPV vaccination and Pap smears increased by 51% and 53%, respectively. More than 1,200 women underwent Pap smears and 520 adolescent girls received the HPV vaccine. The campaign demonstrated that community involvement and cultural sensitivity significantly improve health engagement and service utilization.</span></p> </div> <div> <p class="Title2" align="left"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusion: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US">The Jagdalpur cervical cancer awareness initiative highlights the effectiveness of community-driven, culturally appropriate strategies in reducing health disparities. Future efforts should focus on policy integration, infrastructure support, and sustained community health education to ensure long-term impact and replicability in similar underserved settings.</span></p> </div>2025-08-17T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2025 Deepika Mandal, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenioshttps://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/131A Comprehensive Examination of End-of-Life Decision-Making2025-08-17T07:26:22+00:00Michelle Tshekiso michietrials1604@gmail.comGhassan Salibidr.ghassan@wmclebanon.comNikolaos TzeniosNicolas@trccolleges.com<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Background: </strong>End-of-life decision-making presents a critical ethical and clinical challenge in modern healthcare. With medical technologies enabling prolonged life even in advanced illness, families and physicians often face conflicts between respecting patient autonomy, cultural values, and medical judgments. This study explores who should hold the final authority in end-of-life decisions and how ethical frameworks, cultural influences, and family dynamics shape these processes .</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Methods and Materials: </strong>A mixed-methods approach was employed, including an extensive literature review of bioethical frameworks and clinical guidelines, expert interviews with physicians and bioethicists, and surveys distributed to healthcare professionals and families with lived end-of-life care experiences. The data were analyzed to identify communication gaps, ethical tensions, and practical barriers in decision-making. A shared decision-making (SDM) framework was developed, integrating ethical principles, cultural considerations, and emotional support strategies .</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed a persistent tension between medical recommendations and family preferences, with 68% of surveyed families reporting feelings of exclusion from decisions and 75% of physicians expressing frustration over demands for non-beneficial treatments. Cultural values strongly influenced preferences, with Western norms prioritizing individual autonomy and many non-Western contexts emphasizing family consensus. The proposed SDM framework—centering on communication, informed consent, cultural competence, and emotional support—was positively received by both families and healthcare providers as a tool to bridge ethical and relational divides .</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Conclusion: </strong>End-of-life decision-making must balance autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice while respecting cultural and familial contexts. Implementing a shared decision-making model enhances collaboration, reduces conflict, and promotes dignity for patients. The study underscores the need for cultural competency, emotional support systems, and legal tools such as advance directives to guide ethical, patient-centered end-of-life care .</p>2025-08-17T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2025 Michelle Tshekiso , Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenioshttps://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/132Impact of Climate Change on Public Health2025-08-17T11:20:41+00:00Aina Binti Abdul Jalilainaeainae123@gmail.comGhassan Salibidr.ghassan@wmclebanon.comNikolaos TzeniosNicolas@trccolleges.com<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Background: </strong>Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, exerting wide-ranging effects on ecosystems, economies, and human health. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, food insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases are increasingly recognized as significant threats to public health, with vulnerable populations facing the highest risks.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Methods and Materials: </strong>This study employed a mixed-methods approach that combined a comprehensive literature review with an applied intervention. Peer-reviewed research articles, WHO and IPCC reports, and epidemiological studies were reviewed to identify links between climate variables and health outcomes. Additionally, a workshop series for healthcare professionals was developed, focusing on stress management, mindfulness practices, and coping strategies to address climate-related stressors. Data collection tools included validated stress and resilience surveys and qualitative interviews.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Results: </strong>The review confirmed clear associations between climate change and health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, malnutrition, mental health issues, and increased incidence of vector-borne diseases. Workshop evaluations indicated improvements in healthcare professionals’ resilience, stress awareness, and coping mechanisms. Findings suggest that combining research synthesis with practical interventions strengthens both academic understanding and real-world preparedness.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Climate change poses significant and diverse risks to public health that demand urgent, coordinated responses. Preventive strategies, adaptation policies, and capacity-building interventions for healthcare workers are essential to mitigating impacts. Integrating evidence-based research with practical resilience-building initiatives provides a sustainable framework for addressing the health consequences of climate change.</p>2025-08-17T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2025 Aina Binti Abdul Jalil, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios