Purpose: To assess incidence of demodex species, correlate ocular symptomatology, evaluate efficacy of coconut oil as treatment method in all types of blepharitis. Materials and Methods: 30 patients with anterior & mixed blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction & non-specific irritation were enrolled for study. History taken & examined clinically. 2 lashes/lid were sampled & mounted on slides with normal saline & observed under light microscope. Number of mites counted. Patients positive for demodex were treated with coconut oil application over lid margins & reviewed after 3 weeks. Results: Incidence of demodex was 40% & it increased with age. Demodex was commonly associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, non-specific irritation, madarosis, cloudy & toothpaste like meibum quality. Burning sensation and itching were common complaints. At 3rd week, all patients were symptom-free. Mite count dropped by 52.8% but were not eliminated. Conclusion: Demodex infestation is often overlooked but it is associated with about half of blepharitis cases. Hence further evaluation should be considered. Coconut oil is an easily available mode of treatment & helps reduce symptoms and mite counts.
Type 2 Diabetes mellitus contributes to the development or progression of many chronic and age-related pathological processes. One of the major risk factors for morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes is renal and vascular disease as well as heart disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with a significantly increased age of kidney disease with higher urea and creatinine levels. 76 Libyan subjects participated in the study. The subjects were divided into three categories. One group hosts diabetes case (n=40) while the other group serves as a control (n=12) and the other group has no type 2 diabetes mellitus but urea and creatinine levels are elevated (n=36). After oral informed consent of the study participants, 5 ml of venous blood was drawn under sterile conditions for whole blood analysis. Fasting blood sugar was analyzed. Urea and creatinine levels were compared between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, a statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26 where the correlation between parameters was analyzed by an independent samples t-test. In this study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus caused a significant increase in urea and creatinine compared to the control group. The study indicated that type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the damage to the kidney function.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Anthropogenic and climatic factors influence soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, setting the stage for agriculture’s sustainability. Soil is a primary carbon sink crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making soil health essential for mitigating climate change. Healthy soil enhances climate resilience by maintaining or increasing carbon content and lowering emissions. The overuse of fertilisers pollutes the environment and inadequate application damages soil fertility and microbial activity. The conversion of forests and pastures to agricultural land has resulted in significant carbon losses from the soil. Additionally, soil sealing, air pollution, and industrial contamination all contribute to climate change. Harmful practices such as heavy tillage, land neglect, monoculture cultivation, and excessive chemical use, driven by the pressure to meet growing food demand, have led to soil compaction, degradation, pollution, and nutrient imbalances. Current mismanaged crop and soil techniques deteriorate soil quality; however, by increasing carbon storage in mineral soils and removing emissions from organic soils, sustainable management can contribute to climate neutrality. Climate change can be exacerbated by the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from unsustainable farming practices and poorly managed soils. The purpose of this study is to investigate the detrimental impacts of anthropogenic (Anthropocene) effects on the environment and soil health from a comprehensive perspective and to formulate potential recommendations. The European Union’s Green Deal, Bioeconomy, and Farm to Fork initiatives aim to sustainably transform agriculture in response to climate challenges. These strategies aim to reduce chemical pesticide use by 50%, fertilizer use by 20%, and nutrient losses by 50% by 2030 to preserve soil fertility. These management practices include efficient fertilizer use to maintain soil health and mitigate climate change effects. Restoring degraded soils and implementing conservation measures can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage capacity. Sustainable soil and crop management, including crop rotation, minimizing post-harvest ploughing, preserving vegetation cover, boosting organic matter, and using fertilizers sensibly, is urgently needed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and store atmospheric carbon dioxide in soil.
International journal of agricultural and applied sciences (ijaas)
Ecbalium elaterium has a very violent effect on the body and has little use in modern herbalism. Little is known about the acute and chronic toxicities of ecbalium elaterium in human. This study aims to determine the acute toxicity (LD50) of fruit extract and another aerial part extract of the ecballium elaterium in experimental animals. Thus, male albino mice were divided into different groups each group consists of six mice receiving 40, 46, 52, 61, and 69 mg/kg of fruit extract of ecballium elaterium, respectively. Other groups were given 1000, 1412, 1995, 2818, and 3981 mg/kg of the areal part of ecballium elaterium extract, respectively. The LD50 in both treatments was determined by using the Spearman-Karber method. The LD50 of the fruit and aerial parts of ecballium were 55 mg/kg and 2112.5 mg/kg, respectively. The present findings showed significant weight loss after one month of treatment with 1400 mg/kg and 40 mg/Kg of fruit and aerial part extracts, respectively. The results indicated that the fruit extract is highly toxic as compared to the extract of the aerial parts.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
A major hallmark of Parkinson's disease is loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The pathophysiological mechanisms causing this relatively selective neurodegeneration are poorly understood, and thus experimental systems allowing to study dopaminergic neuron dysfunction are needed. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated toward a dopaminergic neuronal phenotype offer a valuable source to generate human dopaminergic neurons. However, currently available protocols result in a highly variable yield of dopaminergic neurons depending on the source of hiPSCs. We have now developed a protocol based on HBA promoter-driven transient expression of transcription factors by means of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, that allowed to generate very consistent numbers of dopaminergic neurons from four different human iPSC lines. We also demonstrate that AAV vectors expressing reporter genes from a neuron-specific hSyn1 promoter can serve as surrogate markers for maturation of hiPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons. Dopaminergic neurons differentiated by transcription factor expression showed aggravated neurodegeneration through α-synuclein overexpression, but were not sensitive to γ-synuclein overexpression, suggesting that these neurons are well suited to study neurodegeneration in the context of Parkinson’s disease.
Numerous health and social relationship problems, namely an increased risk of contracting HIV, mortality, crime, unemployment and impaired interpersonal relationships, are related to drug dependence, with opioids at the helm. For this reason, opioid addiction is considered a major public health problem [1] and is characterized as a ‘chronic relapsing disease’ and is a major concern for public health, as are drug and alcohol addictions [1, 2]. In addition to social support and psychotherapy, treatment of opioid dependence relies on medication intake. The three main opioid-dependence treatment categories include opioid agonists, opioid antagonists, and non-opioid medications. Naltrexone hydrochloride (API), one of the most commonly used medications relies on an opioid antagonist. It reduces opioid cravings, it can be administered outside the hospital setting and cannot be abused [3]. However, during treatment several patients often forget to take a dose, doubling the next dose to compensate. In some cases, this finding in the therapeutic levels not being reached, while in other cases undesired (side) effects appear. For this reason, especially in the case of long-term treatments of numerous diseases, an extended dosing interval is recommended, so that the patient receives the drug, only once a day, instead of two or three times a day.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The % age elemental composition (ash, crude fat, crude protein, moisture and total carbohydrates) was determined in the Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn., legume flours. M. uniflorum contained moisture (8.9), ash (3.34), crude fat (1.30), crude protein (18.15) and total carbohydrate (68.31). Similarly, moisture (9.14), ash (3.73), crude fat (1.78), crude protein (22.64) and total carbohydrate (62.71) were estimated in P. lunatus. Meanwhile, P. vulgaris contained moisture (9.43), ash (3.61), crude fat (3.49), crude protein (19.46) and total carbohydrate (64.01). The gross, ash free, moisture and ash free calorific values were also determined. P. vulgaris showed the highest(3.91) and P. lunatus lowest (3.84), whereas M. uniflorum (3.86) caloric values (kcal/g), respectively. The elemental composition and caloric values of tested legume flours justify them as good sources of nutrition and energy.
Urolithiasis is a common worldwide problem with high recurrence. This review covers thirty-six (36) families starting from alphabet M to R. It includes Rubiaceae (17); Phyllanthaceae and Rutaceae (09); Polygonaceae (08); Pinaceae and Piperaceae (06); Menispermaceae, Myrtaceae, Oleaceae, Oxalidaceae, Plantaginaceae and Ranunculaceae (05); Moraceae and Musaceae (04); Meliaceae, Orchidaceae and Rhamnaceae (03); Moringaceae, Onagraceae, Papaveraceae, Pedaliaceae, and Polygalaceae (02); Magnoliaceae, Malpighiaceae, Molluginaceae, Myoporaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Paeoniaceae, Parmeliaceae, Parnassiaceae, Periplocaceae, Platanaceae, Polypodiaceae, Portulacaceae, Primulaceae and Punicaceae (01) plant used globally in different countries. Hopefully, this review will be helpful for the general public and attract the scientific world for antiurolithiatic drug discovery.
The present study aimed to explore the possible morphological features and growth patterns of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under the microscope. The results showed that the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals may be arborescent, donut, dumbbell, needles, platy, prismatic, rosette, round edges, loose agglomerates and compact aggregates. The study provides detailed information about calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals' morphology and aggregation patterns.
This exploratory case study employed Appreciative Inquiry Framework in answering the following questions: 1) What are the expectations set by the following to the student homosexuals; a) Self, b) Parents and c) Teachers; 2. What are the positive and negative effects of these expectations to the student homosexuals? and 3) How do these expectations affect the process of identity development of the student homosexuals?. The participants are five college students who identified themselves as homosexual. Written consent was secured to ensure that the research abides to the ethical standards. The data was triangulated through analysing the point of view of the student participants, their parents and their teachers. Results revealed that expectations set by the student homosexuals, their parent and teachers are all contributory factors that affect the identity development of student homosexuals. Moreover, it was revealed that those who have problems in their identity development experienced difficulties in their performance in school. Positive and negative effects of expectations were also noted as the participants shared their stories. With the results, it was recommended that teachers must treat all their students equally regardless of their gender preferences in life. Activities that support the holistic personalities of students must be given emphasis. The parents must support their children in whatever endeavour they take and provide them guidance to be successful in their academic pursuits. Lastly, a model of counselling procedure for student homosexuals was proposed.
Formality transfer seeks to adjust text formality without altering its core meaning, which carries substantial implications across diverse domains like machine translation, dialogue systems, and social media content creation. This study provides an extensive overview of formality transfer specifically within Arabic text, an emerging domain within natural language processing. Particularly, we carried out a comprehensive review of literature on text formality transfer, focusing on studies published between July 2010 and April 2024. Our focus lies in treating formality transfer in Arabic as akin to a machine translation task, presenting synthesized insights. Despite advancements in formality transfer for English and other languages, Arabic’s distinct linguistic features present unique challenges and opportunities. Our investigation uncovers several research gaps necessitating future exploration, emphasizing persistent limitations. Moreover, we delve into text formality transfer as a promising avenue for forthcoming research initiatives in the realm of Arabic text processing.
Introduction: Loco-regional anesthesia role is increasingly important in surgery, especially in postoperative pain control. Using ultrasound-guided techniques has made the loco-regional approach increasingly safe and manageable, guaranteeing excellent analgesic results and patient compliance. This bibliometric research aimed to identify the most influential papers on the adductor canal blocks and outline their characteristics. Methods: All articles published from 1980 to 2022 were included in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases and found using the keywords “Adductor canal block” or “Saphenous nerve block” or “Peripheral nerve block” or “Hunter canal block” or “Subsartorial canal block” or “ACB” or “Knee” or “TKR” or “TKA” or “Analgesia” or “Arthroplasty” or “Replacement” in the title section had bibliometric analysis performed. The first 25 papers were selected and analyzed by the number of citations. The correlation between numerical variables was evaluated using the Pearson Correlation coefficient. Results: Literature screening found 252 publications. One hundred ten were only about the adductor canal block. Of these, 25 articles were selected for our bibliometric study, published in 8 different journals and with a total number of citations equal to 1.457. “Regional Anesthesia and pain medicine” journal – with 9 articles – was the one that produced the most. There was a significant strong correlation between the n. of citations and the citation rate (R = 0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The purpose of this study is to be a guide on regional anesthesia and, particularly, on adductor canal block, making the most effective as well as the most cited articles available to anesthesiologists or other researchers interested in this topic.
In health care delivery systems, if you are not part of the solution, then you must be part of the problem. Over the last few decades, clinical pharmacy encourages pharmacists and pharmacy support staff to move their focus from product-oriented role towards new direct engagement with patients, to make the most of the benefits that patients obtain from the medicine they take, or the problems they encounter with their medicines use. In the USA, pharmacists’ participation in physicians ward rounds was shown to reduce adverse drug events by 78% and 66% in general medical and intensive care settings [1. 2]. A study covering 1 029 US hospitals indicated that centrally based and patient-specific clinical pharmacy services are associated with reduced mortality rates [3]. The services involved were medicine information, clinical research performed by pharmacists, active pharmacist participation in resuscitation teams and pharmacists undertaking admission medication histories. New pharmacists’ roles in healthcare systems around the globe have moved and developed significantly over the past few years, particularly with expansion of the scope of practice which allows pharmacists to focus on the clinical aspects of direct patient care [4, 5]. Pharmacists are drug therapy experts of health care team. Therefore, pharmacists, today, are the arbiters of effective and safe use of medicines. Medication therapy management is one of the major areas in which physicians more and more rely on pharmacists to benefit their patients.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Project management plays significant roles to the success of the project. The aim of the study is to review and analyze latest literature on the effects of triple constraints on the project outcome. The study is based on the secondary method whereas literatures are collected form the google scholar ranging from 2010 to 2023. After reviewing the literature, the study concludes a number of findings. The quality of the project is highly depended on the time and budget. However, inadequate management, stakeholders involvement are also play crucial roles towards project success. The study concludes a number policy recommendations.
Political participation of women is essential for the functioning and vitality of any democracy. In India, despite constitutional provisions and various initiatives, women's participation in politics remains significantly lower than that of men. This study aims to delve into the factors influencing women's political participation in Indian democracy and explore avenues for their empowerment in the political sphere. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, data, and case studies, this article examines socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers that hinder women's entry into politics. Additionally, it highlights successful initiatives and policy measures undertaken at various levels to enhance women's political participation. The study underscores the importance of addressing structural inequalities, promoting gender sensitive policies, and fostering a conducive environment for women's engagement in politics. By advocating for inclusive and equitable political representation, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on women's empowerment and democratic governance in India.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are interconnected metabolic disorders with significant health implications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the extent of their co-occurrence in Africa is lacking. The aim of this review was to determine the prevalence of MAFLD and its association with glycemic control (HbA1c) in persons with T2D in Africa. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Global Health, and Web of Science from their inception to December 6, 2023. Data on MAFLD prevalence and correlation coefficients regarding its association with glycemic control were pooled through random effect meta-analyses. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis of MAFLD prevalence, while 2 were incorporated in the analysis of the association between MAFLD and glycemic control. The pooled prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D was 48.1% (95% CI: 36.1–60.3). The subgroup analysis revealed regional variations in MAFLD prevalence, with rates of 44.7% (95% CI: 28.7–62.0) in sub-Saharan Africa and 55.3% (95% CI: 36.2–73.0) in Northern Africa. Additionally, we observed an increasing trend in MAFLD prevalence, recording 55.1% (95% CI: 43.6–66.1) in the recent five years. There was a weak positive correlation between MAFLD and HbA1c (r = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18–0.47). The findings of this study highlight a high prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D in Africa, with a suggested link between MAFLD and suboptimal glycemic control. Therefore, healthcare providers should prioritize the screening and management of MAFLD in individuals with T2D to enhance their metabolic health.
Various quality control tests are employed for solid dosage forms such as uniformity, dissolution and drug contents in order to assess their pharmaceutical equivalence. The objective of the current study was to assess and contrast five distinct metformin hydrochloride brands that are offered for sale in the Libyan market. The physicochemical equivalence of the five brands of metformin hydrochloride tablets (500 mg) were determined through the evaluation of official and non-official standards according to the USP including uniformity of weight, friability, hardness, dissolution rate and drug content. All the examined brands available in the Libyan market passed the official weight variation, friability, dissolution and disintegration tests and were equivalent. The friability test was found within the specified limit. All the formulations were disintegrated within 09 - 15 min. The tested brands were non-equivalent to the innovator Glucophage® according to their dissolution evaluation. The percentage content of the active ingredient of five brands of metformin tablets showed values within the monograph specifications (95% - 105%). In conclusion, all the five brands available in the Libyan market which were evaluated in this study cannot be substituted with the innovator product in clinical practice.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Innovations to enrich mathematics learning resources can be expressed in the form of culture-based or ethnomatematic learning. The purpose of this study was to analyze the ethnomatematic content of Selogending Temple in Kandangan as mathematics teaching material for grade 4 elementary school students. This type of research uses qualitative research. Sources of research data are Selogending Temple and resource persons related to the Selogending Temple site. This study uses data collection methods in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. Qualitative data analysis techniques used are reduction and data exposure, and drawing conclusions. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there are mathematical elements in Selogending Temple including plane geometry, spatial geometry and reflection. The Selogending Temple building which has ethnomatic content is the Entrance Gate, Mbah Tejo Kusumo Petilasan, Mbah Pukulun Petilasan, Patrapan Hall, shrine, Padma, Wadung Prabu, Linggasiwa, and Mbah Raden Selogending Petilasan. Inovasi untuk memperkaya sumber belajar matematika dapat dituangkan dalam bentuk pembelajaran berbasis kebudayaan atau etnomatematika. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis muatan etnomatematika pada Candi Selogending di Kandangan, Kabupaten Lumajang, Provinsi Jawa Timur sebagai bahan ajar matematika kelas 4 SD. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kualitatif. Sumber data penelitian adalah Candi Selogending dan narasumber terkait situs Candi Selogending. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pengumpulan data berupa observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data kualitatif yang digunakan yaitu reduksi dan pemaparan data, serta penarikan kesimpulan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat unsur matematika pada Candi Selogending meliputi bangun geometri bidang, geometri ruang dan pencerminan. Bangunan Candi Selogending memiliki yang memiliki muatan etnomatematika adalah Gapura Pintu Masuk, Petilasan Mbah Tejo Kusumo, Petilasan Mbah Pukulun, Balai Patrapan, tempat pemujaan, Padma, Wadung Prabu, Linggasiwa, dan Petilasan Mbah Raden Selogending.
Menstruation is a normal physiological impact on each girl’s life. Menstruation is monthly uterine bleeding for 3-5 days after every 28 days from puberty till menopause. A change in mood, behaviour, appearance of some abnormal vague symptoms is often noticed in the second half of the cycle. Symptoms are severe enough to disturb the life cycle of a woman called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study aimed to assess the premenstrual symptoms and coping strategies among adolescent girls. The majority of the students suffered from premenstrual syndrome. Objective: to assess the premenstrual symptoms and coping strategies among adolescent girls. Methodology: A nonexperimental descriptive research design was adopted in this study. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 30 adolescent girls. The assessment of premenstrual symptoms and coping strategies was carried out using a self-reported Likert’s rating scale. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: Majority (93.3%) of the samples sometimes had physiological and psychological problems, 90% of them had behavioural symptoms. Majority (43.3%) of the samples always followed coping strategies and 16.7% of the samples sometimes followed coping strategies and 40% never followed any coping strategies. Conclusion: PMS was common among students at 18-24 years. The most common physical symptoms experienced by adolescent girls were headache, backache and lower abdominal pain. Adolescent girls used coping strategies as taking hot / cold drinks, do not express anger to others, and turn to study and forget things, hearing music and taking medications. Keywords: Premenstrual Symptoms, physiological, psychological & behavioural symptoms, Coping Strategies, Adolescent Girls.
Our research is a contribution to the analysis of emergent practices in the mediatization of the Gospel. It mobilizes an intercultural approach of the appropriation of the TIC by social actors at ends of proselytism and propaganda. The mobilized problem is that of the seduction in the media revival of the neo-pentecostal leaders. By supporting us on an observation of the practices of the TVevangelism in Cameroon, we analyze the emergent social uses of the audio-usual mediums at ends of proselytism and propaganda. Our research reveals the interest to go beyond the deterministic analyses of the development of the TIC to propose an intercultural analysis which underlines the sociocultural contingency of the movement of emergence and development of the TIC. The aim is to propose an intercultural analysis which underlines the sociocultural contingency of the movement of emergence and development of the TIC in Africa.
Université Nazi Boni
Central Council For Research In Unani Medicine, Ministry Of Ayush, Government Of India, New Delhi