Allied Medical Research Journal

The Evolving Role of Medical Journals in Shaping Research Standards

Prof. Dr. Uzma Dost Muhammad Rajar — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Medical Journal stand at an essential crossroads of human history no longer a mere chronicler of discovery, rather than a transformative force reforming the very foundation of scientific inquiry. As we venture deeper into an era defined by exponential knowledge expansion and unprecedented global collaboration, these institutions must evolve from gatekeepers to visionaries, from repositories to catalysts of change that will define the future of health research for generations to come.

Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils as a Promising Intervention for Valproic acid induced Autism: Behavioral and Oxidative Stress Mitigation

Sarah Jameel Khan, Abeer Jameel Khan — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represented by challenges in cognition, communication skills and showed repetitive activities. Valproic acid (VPA) is a prescribed medication used for managing epilepsy, migraine and mood disorders. However, prenatal VPA exposure increased the risk of ASD in children.

Methods: This experiment involved Wister albino rats which are equally divided into five groups. Normal control group contain rat pups from untreated female rats and the remaining four groups were from female rats that received 600 mg/kg of VPA at gestation day of 12.5, and classified as an untreated VPA-induced autism group, risperidone-treated group, LEO-treated group and REO- treated group. Treatments were administered from PND 15 to PND 45. Neurobehavioral tests and anti-oxidant activity were examined at the end of experiment along with histopathological and immunohistochemical examination.

Results: At PND-45, treatment with risperidone, lavender essential oil, and rosemary essential oil significantly improved alternation performance and transfer latency relative to untreated VPA group (p < 0.001), indicating partial restoration of working memory function. Treatment with risperidone, lavender essential oil, and rosemary essential oil significantly increased mobility time relative to the untreated VPA group (p < 0.001), indicating improved motor and exploratory behavior. At PND-45, all treated VPA-induced autism groups showed a significant increase in time spent in the open arm compared to both the control and untreated VPA groups (p < 0.001), indicating reduced anxiety-like behavior. In open field the treatment with RISP, LEO, and REO significantly reduced crossings compared to the untreated VPA group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils showed beneficial effects by reducing oxidative stress and improved different behavioral outcomes. Future studies should focus on clarifying the precise molecular mechanisms through which lavender and rosemary essential oils exert their neuroprotective effects in valproic acid-induced autism models.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.01/001

TRPML1 regulates Mitochondrial and Lysosomal mediated Cell Death in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that expresses neither estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, nor HER2; therefore, limiting the current available treatments. Recent evidence shows that the lysosomal cation channel TRPML1 is overexpressed in TNBC cells whereas minimal in normal cells hence can be targeted for anticancer therapy. The objective of the present study is to determine whether Mucolipin synthetic agonist 5 (ML-SA5), a small-molecule TRPML1 agonist, selectively induces cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells and to elucidate the cellular pathways involved in this process

Methods: This study was conducted in MDRL 1 and 2 Lab, Ziauddin University, Clifton campus and this is in-vitro experimental study completed in 8 months. The cytotoxicity of MDA-MB 231 cells exposed to various doses of ML-SA5 was studied over a different time duration using the MTT assay. Cell death was further analyzed by propidium iodide and annexin V-FITC staining. Changes in mitochondrial and lysosomal activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species were evaluated.

Results: ML-SA5 induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values in the lower micromolar range (6.8 μM). PI staining indicated also confirmed cell death, with minimal apoptosis. Mitochondrial staining revealed altered morphology and compromised function. Lysosomal labeling showed enlarged lysosomes suggesting impaired lysosomal integrity. A significant rise in ROS levels was observed, indicating oxidative stress.

Conclusion: The activation of TRPML1 by ML-SA5 leads to increased oxidative stress and damage to mitochondria and lysosomes, resulting in cell death in TNBC cells.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.01/002

Multivariate Prediction of NICU Admission Based on Maternal and Intrapartum Risk Factors

Dr. Sadif Wagan, Dr. Shagufta Wagan, Dr. Aisha Wagan — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission is a significant outcome of the process of providing perinatal care. This outcome often correlates with severe morbidity of the newborns. Awareness of risk factors concerning the mother and pregnancy generally helps to address the situation appropriately. To determine the maternal and obstetric predictors independently associated with NICU admission in singleton deliveries using multivariate statistical analysis.

Methods: This was a retrospective, analytical cross-sectional study of 2,511 singleton deliveries. Bivariate comparisons were conducted using chi-square tests and t-tests, followed by multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), area under the ROC curve (AUC), and variance inflation factors (VIF) were reported.

Results: NICU admissions occurred in 322 neonates (12.8%). The primary predictors of NICU admissions, after adjustment for all other terms, included cesarean delivery, with an AOR of 48.7; advanced maternal age >35 years, with an AOR of 18.2; prolonged labor >12 hours, with an AOR of 8.1; preterm birth, with an AOR of 6.6; and hypertensive crisis, with an AOR of 3.7. The model demonstrated good prediction accuracy with an AUC of 0.95.

Conclusion: Advanced maternal age, hypertensive crisis, cesarean delivery, preterm birth, and long labor have emerged as significant predictors of NICU admission.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.01/003

Prevalence of Forward Head Posture and Its Association with Neck Pain Among Academicians: A Cross-Sectional Study

Javeria Jutt, Mahnoor Junaid, Maryam Rafique — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) has been found to be increased among individuals of different occupations, specifically those engaged in desk based work. Extended period of screen time and reading among academicians may contribute to the deviations of posture linked with neck pain causing functional limitations. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of forward head posture and its association with neck pain among academicians.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 academicians from Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi University and Indus University through non probability convenience sampling. Outcome measures were plumb line for assessing FHP, Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) for pain and Neck disability index (NDI) for functional disability. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Frequency and percentages were shown for descriptive data and associations were analyzed using the Chi-square test. P value was <0.05

Results: FHP has been reported in 76.6% of the participants. Mild neck disability was reported among 38.1%, while 9.1% presented with moderate disability. No statistically significant association was observed between FHP and pain intensity (p = 0.184) or neck disability (p = 0.276). However, NPRS and NDI were significantly associated (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Results concluded that FHP has been found to be common among different faculty members though many of the individuals didn’t report any pain or disability but the postural correction is still an occupational concern. Therefore, the ergonomic interventions and posture correction strategies are recommended in order to reduce long-term musculoskeletal risk.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.01/004

Effect of Auditory and Visual Cueing on Freezing of Gait and Balance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Freezing of gait (FOG) significantly impairs mobility and quality of life (QoL), affects 50% of the elderly population diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The current study is aimed to determine the effects of Auditory and Visual Cueing (AUC) versus conventional treadmill training on Freezing of Gait and Balance in PD patients.

Methods: A total number of n=34 participants diagnosed with PD and FOG were randomly allocated in either AVC group or a TT group n=17 in each group. The study design was a randomized controlled trial conducted across three different facilities. The improvement of the participants based on treatment were monitored using a Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment, Timed Up and Go test, Ten-Minute Walk Test, and New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (NFOG-Q). Values were taken at baseline, at 6 weeks and at after 12 weeks of intervention.

Results: The findings of the study had revealed that AVC shown a significant improvement across all group and turned out to be an efficacious over TT. The statistical analyses had shown that on gait and balance parameter AVC was found significantly (p=0.002) better than TT. Additionally, NFOG-Q and functional walking capacity was also appeared effectively improved in AVC group with a value at 12^th weeks was significantly better (p<0.001) in comparisons to TT.

Conclusion: Integration of multimodal treatment strategies into routine exercise-based protocol in managing freezing of gait among PD patients can represent better outcome in improving balance, functional mobility and gait dysfunction. Audio Visual cuing is turned out as an effective treatment protocol in managing FOG among PD.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.01/005

Combined Upper Cervical Mobilization and Shoulder Strengthening in Overhead Athletes with Cervical Hypermobility

Shahnila Anum, Rabia Khan, Danish Latif — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Throwing performance among athletes is significantly affected coupled with increased risk of injury in the presence of scapular dyskinesia. The condition is prevalent among 50% of athletes involving in overhead movements. The present study is aimed to determine the effects of combined upper cervical mobilization and shoulder strengthening in overhead athletes throwing performance and scapular movement experiencing upper cervical hypermobility.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Aftab Physiotherapy and Medical Centre and Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, between June 2024 and August 2025. A sample size of n=24 athletes were recruited. The outcome measures were assessed at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Assessment was based on shoulder active range of motion, scapular dyskinesia test, throwing performance and disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Results: Twenty participants completed all assessments (10 per group). At 12 weeks, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to the control group in shoulder flexion (178.90±4.52° vs. 172.30±5.28°, p=0.005), abduction (176.40±5.18° vs. 170.80±5.89°, p=0.028), and external rotation (94.70±4.28° vs. 89.50±4.76°, p=0.015). Normal scapular movement patterns were achieved in 60% of experimental group participants compared to only 30% in the control group (p=0.041).

Conclusion: Combining upper cervical mobilizations with shoulder strengthening exercises produced significantly superior improvements in shoulder range of motion, throwing performance, scapular movement quality, and upper extremity function compared to shoulder strengthening alone in overhead athletes with scapular dyskinesis and upper cervical hypermobility.

https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.01/006