India is in the midst of a severe second wave of Covid-19. As per the Global Commission for Post-Pandemic Policy by mid-April of 2021, India had manufactured nearly 17 percent of all Covid-19 vaccine doses globally. It was the world’s fourth-largest producer, after China (about 36 percent), the United States (about 22 percent) and the European Union (more than 17 percent). Even so, following a shortage of vaccines and with insufficient local production, Government of India decided to import more foreign vaccines with quicker approval process for vaccines accepted in US/EU markets. India is currently using made-in-India vaccines, namely, Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute India and Covaxin of Bharat Biotech in its COVID-19 immunisation programme. The shortcoming in the production of vaccines and its dissemination within the country urges one to understand who the local producers are and how the market is playing out. This paper looks at the evolving market structure of vaccine production in India in the textbook framework of an oligopoly market. We use secondary data sources and daily newspaper briefs.
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.
Background Covid-19 pandemic has hit many countries and put the majority of the public health system to test globally. Mandatory use of face mask was among policies set by the government to contain the spread of the novel disease. But citizens’ attitudes and compliance with these policies are important in controlling the pandemic. We assessed gender-based compliance to Covid-19 protocol (use of face mask) in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods Perception regarding Covid-19 and the use of face masks were assessed among participants using a questionnaire-based survey. In a cross-sectional study, ninety (n=90) questionnaires were administered to willing participants directly. A Chi-square test was used to determine the descriptive analysis of all responses, P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result Out of 90 participants, 55.6% (50/90) were male and 44.4%(40/90) were female. Forty-two (84%) males deny the existence of the pandemic while in females, 14 (35%) deny that Covid-19 exist. Thirty-seven (74%) of the male respondents do not comply with to use of the face mask and use a single face mask multiple times without decontamination. In females, 28 (70%) comply with the use of the face mask. Unlike the men, 20 (50%) of the females always decontaminate the face mask. The middle-aged adult (26-45 years) uses the face mask more than the young (18-25 years). There was a significant association of gender in relation to the perception of Covid-19 and the use of facemask (p< 0.05). Conclusion Male respondents showed an irresponsible attitude complying to Covid-19 protocol than the females, therefore, enlisting them as a risk factor for the continued spread of the virus. We recommend that public health awareness and campaigns should focus and employ greater influence on men and young adults in their compliance with the preventive protocols.
The increasing prevalence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creating content signifies a notable change in the digital communication landscape. While the broader effects on widespread media platforms have been extensively discussed, the specific consequences within specialized online communities remain less explored. These communities, frequently founded and established on shared interests, mutual confidence, and perceived genuineness, are particularly susceptible to alterations in the origin and trustworthiness of content. This paper challenges three questions: (1) How AI content affects credibility perceptions, (2) Verification methods used by communities, (3) Consequences for trust dynamics. A hypothetical framework would be used to investigate the potential impact of AI-produced content on the dynamics of trust and credibility within these focused digital environments. By drawing upon existing academic work in media studies, the behavior of online communities, and the concept of source credibility, a theoretical model and outline a potential research strategy were encouraged to examine how the presence, identification, and interpretation of content authored by AI might modify member interactions, processes for verifying information, and the overall unity of the community. The hypothetical outcome suggests that the subtle integration of AI content could diminish perceived authenticity, complicate established indicators of trust, and potentially lead to the fragmentation or decline of communities that depend on authentic human connection and collective expertise. The article concludes by considering the ramifications for those who manage communities, design platforms, and participate as members, stressing the importance of greater openness and digital literacy in navigating the evolving digital media landscape.
Epithelial cells, lining the skin and internal organs, play a crucial role as protective barriers and regulators of substance transport. Traditionally, these cells were not considered to employ electrical signaling for communication. However, recent investigations have unveiled that epithelial cells generate slow electrical signals, termed the "silent scream," in response to injury, thus challenging conventional views of intercellular communication. A recent experimental investigation provided compelling evidence for this phenomenon, demonstrating the ability of these cells to transmit electrical signals over considerable distances within the epithelium. The research utilized microelectrode array chips to precisely detect subtle electrical events in keratinocytes and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells, revealing spiking activity characterized by slow propagation speeds, distinct from the rapid action potentials of neurons. The mechanisms underlying this novel signaling are explored, focusing on the involvement of mechanosensitive ion channels, calcium signaling, and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release. Calcium ions, well-established intracellular messengers, appear to play a central role in this biological phenomenon. Integrating this newly discovered communication mode into the existing understanding of skin cell biology reveals a more intricate picture of how skin senses and responds to its environment. The implications of this finding extend to various facets of skin physiology and pathology, including wound healing, inflammation, and skin aging. In wound healing, where endogenous electric fields guide cell migration and promote repair, this unique type of electrical signaling potentially plays a crucial part. Furthermore, aberrant electrical signaling might contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions, and age-related changes in this signaling could underlie the functional decline observed in aged skin. The potential for other environmental stressors to trigger the epithelial-generated electric signals also warrants investigation. The exploration concludes by discussing potential technological applications, such as bioelectric sensors and enhanced wound healing therapies, and future research directions aimed at further elucidating the molecular mechanisms and functional roles of this non-excitable cell electrophysiology.
The contribution of financial perspective measures to improving organizational performance is empirically examined in this article. The study examines how financial metrics like ROI, cost control, profitability, and revenue growth relate to organizational effectiveness using the case of MTN Ghana. It is based on the balanced scorecard framework. The study uses a quantitative approach to investigate the relationship between financial performance metrics and important success indicators like market share, operational effectiveness, and shareholder value, using data from a dataset of different companies in multiple industries. The results of the study show how important financial perspective metrics are for reaching competitive advantage and sustainable growth. Businesses that put a high priority on strategic fiscal management typically perform better, especially when it comes to cost-effectiveness, liquidity, and profit margins. But the study also highlights the drawbacks of depending only on financial indicators. To create a more thorough performance evaluation system, it emphasizes the need to combine financial measurements with non-financial indicators like employee development, internal processes, and customer satisfaction. In summary, the study offers practitioners and scholars useful information by offering evidence-based recommendations for enhancing financial strategies. Organizations can develop a balanced approach to performance measurement that promotes long-term success by using both financial and non-financial metrics. The article ends with practical suggestions for businesses looking to increase output and streamline their budgets.
Background: Pre-eclampsia remains a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Research into changes associated with the disease offers some hope into identifying predictive and prognostic factors. In recent times, serum leptin has attracted interest as a possible marker for the disease. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the serum leptin levels in normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a prospective case-control study design at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria in which sixty three pregnant women who received antenatal care and developed pre-eclampsia were recruited into the study. For each selected pre-eclamptic, a matched normotensive was selected as control. Serum leptin level was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) ELISA. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in mean serum leptin levels between the normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant patients 15.11±4.81 ng/dl vs 38.98±8.66 ng/dl; p<0.001. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in mean leptin levels between mild and severe pre-eclampsia; 16.49±8.22 ng/dl vs 39.03±8.58 ng/dl;p<0.001.Conclusion: This study revealed an association between serum leptin level and pre-eclampsia. Serum leptin may be a potential marker for pre-eclampsia and deserves further investigation.
In April 2020, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested immediate withdrawal of all prescription and over the counter ranitidine products. Ranitidine recalled due to the presence of unacceptable level of carcinogenic substance N-nitosodimethylamine (NDMA). Several pharmaceutical manufacturers have issued ranitidine product recalls including brand and generic ranitidine. FDA alerts patients to stop using ranitidine and advised to talk with their health care professional about alternative treatments. In Libya, limited studies have been conducted to address people awareness and knowledge in this regard. The objective of this study was to assess people's awareness and behavior towards ranitidine recall and related issues. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zawia city for two months. Online questionnaire was distributed to 300 participants. Descriptive statistics analysis using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used. The study found that more than half of the participants and their family member were likely to utilize ranitidine inappropriately. They seem to consume ranitidine more often without medical consultation. The findings also showed that 82.5% of the participants that were using ranitidine obtained the drug from pharmacies after the date of announcing ranitidine withdrawal from the market by FDA. Furthermore, the vast majority of the participants were poorly informed or even they had no information about ranitidine toxicity and their perception of the dangers of continue use of this drug is limited. The participants argued that pharmacists do not provide slightly information about dispensed ranitidine. In conclusion, all results reported as benefits of the participants in the study whereas the participant's perception and awareness increased when a brief notification regarding the reason of ranitidine toxicity was provided.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Rasa shastra is aPharmaco – therapeutic branch of Ayurved, incorporates many of the Herbo– mineral – metallic pharmaceutical preparations prepared out of the Parada namely KhalviyaRasayana, ParpatiRasayana, PottaliRasayanaandKupipakwaRasayana.Rasaushadhis are important for their uniqueness in Ayurvedic therapeutics due to lesser doses. KharaliyaRasayanais used in wide range for therapeutic utility and is easy for preparation. Icchabhedi Rasa is one such kharaliyaherbo-mineral formulation mentioned in various Ayurvedic text. Icchabhedi Rasa is a classical preparation commonly used for Virechana. Icchabhedi Rasa is described in various classical texts with some variation of ingredients. Jayapalais the chief ingredient of the preparation having Katu Rasa, UshnaVirya and KatuVipaka. It is well known for its strong purgative action. Though variation is observed in thedescription of these KharaliyaRasayana and compilation of these will help to study in comparative manner.AYU
Dengue is an acute infection disease caused by a flavi virus (species Dengue virus of the genus Flavi virus), transmitted by female mosquito aedes mosquito, infection has globally become a major public health concern since the incidence of the dengue fever has increased more than 30-fold over the last decades. The dengue fever has been a most important public health problems since many years and the various outbreak of the dengue cases has been seen time to time. One of the reasons for the increasing and time to time outbreak of the dengue may be the reason of climate change, global warming, lack of knowledge about signs, symptoms, transmission, preventive measure and lack of ignorance or lack of the preventive practice of the dengue fever. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study on 192 head of household's was study population residing in Kanchan RM, Rupandehi Respondent was selected using Non probability judgmental sampling techniques by face-to-face interview was used. Result shows 58.3% good knowledge and 62% good practice. Knowledge was found to be associated with Age, Types of family, Size of family, educational level and Family suffered from dengue. Preventive practice was found to be associated with the Ever heard from health professional. Study will contribute towards development of appropriate policy strategies at local level that will tackle the problem associated with the knowledge and preventive practice of DF and provide a basis for future research on this area. Inferential analysis shows that there is significant association between the level of knowledge with age, types of family, size of family, educational level and family suffered from dengue and the level of preventive practice was associated with the ever heard from health professional.
Fragaria nubicola (Hoof. f) Linn. (Rosaceae) is a medicinally important plant commonly called Wild strawberry. Traditionally, it has been used to treat different diseases. The study was carried out to compile all the previous data in review form based on its distribution, traditional medicinal uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry
The strategy is a means of establishing the organisation's purpose in terms of priorities for resource allocation, action programs and long term objectives (Grant 2005). Chandler (1962) defines strategy as determining the primary long-term goals of an organisation, the adoption of courses of action, and the allocation of necessary resources. Besides, the strategy also focuses on allocating resources in relation to the organisation and its environment (Schendel & Hatten 1972). The strategy also pertains to the top management's decisions pertaining to its scope and the future direction. Such strategy covers an action plan on the organisation's future, commitments to specific products, services, and the markets.
Mushrooms and fenugreek are widely used to reduce hyperglycemia, and fenugreek is also used as a culinary ingredient to enhance flavor and aroma. This study is aimed at investigating the underlying mechanisms of the hypoglycemic effects of mushrooms and fenugreek in a Type 2 diabetic rat model. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)–activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions to reduce hyperglycemia through insulin-independent pathways and protects beta-cells. Diabetic model rats were administered standard diets supplemented with 5% oyster mushroom powder (mushroom-treated (MT) group) and 5% fenugreek seed powder (fenugreektreated (FT) group) for 8 weeks. The results showed improvements in both glycemic and lipid profiles, with both oyster mushroom and fenugreek enhancing the phosphorylation of AMPK in muscle tissue. However, no effect on insulin secretion was observed. These findings suggest that both substances reduce hyperglycemia through an insulin-independent pathway. In silico analysis of both mushroom and fenugreek seed extracts revealed bioactive compounds having a strong binding affinity to α-glucosidase, which suggests mushroom and fenugreek supplements might control postprandial blood glucose levels.
Background: Phaseolus vulgaris, commonly known as kidney bean, has been studied previously for pharmacological properties such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Various extracts of the seeds have been researched except fixed oils. Objective: Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the behavioral activity of fixed oil extracted from Phaseolus vulgaris seeds. Methodology: Hole board, light and dark, stationary rod and open field tests were used for behavioral evaluation. Four groups were made with seven mice in each : (1) Control = Normal saline 2ml/kg (2) Phaseolus vulgaris fixed oil = PVFO 2ml/kg (3) PVFO 4ml/kg (4) Diazepam (1mg/kg) as standard. All treatments were given orally 30 minutes before the performance of tests. In the hole board test, PVFO 4ml/kg decreased the number of head poking (p≤0.01). Results: In light and dark tests, PVFO in both doses reduced the time spent in the light compartment (p≤0.01). In the open field test, the number of peripheral lines crossed was decreased (p≤0.05), whereas in the stationary rod test, no effect was observed by any dose of PVFO. Conclusion: Results indicate that Phaseolus vulgaris fixed oil does not affect memory or learning in mice and may possess a dose-dependent sedative hypnotic effect.
Smartphones are constantly changing in today's world, and as a result, security has become a major concern. Security is a vital aspect of human life, and in a world where security is lacking, it becomes a concern for mobile users' safety. Malware is one of the most serious security risks to smartphones. Mobile malware attacks are becoming more sophisticated and widespread. Malware authors consider the open-source Android platform to be their preferred target as it came to lead the market. State-of-the-art mobile malware detection solutions in the literature use a variety of metrics and models, making cross-comparison difficult. In this paper various existing methods are compared and a significant effort is made to briefly address android malwares, various methods for detecting android malwares and to give a clear image of the progress of the android platform and various malware detection classifiers.
Analgesic activity on two Cleome scaposa and Cleome brachycarpa by applying pressure-induced pain model
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced respiratory support that is being adopted as salvage therapy in acute respiratory failure [1]. The widespread use of this technology came as a result of a large multicenter randomized UK study showing a survival benefit for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients transferred to an ECMO-capable specialist center [2]. Moreover, improvements in clinical management and advances in technology have gradually changed ECMO from a “rescue therapy of last resort” to a type of standardized therapy for severe impairment with clear indications and contraindications in many specialized centers around the globe, including for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. It is characterized by psychological disturbances and other symptoms that vary with the severity of the condition. Common mental health issues include anxiety, mood fluctuations, hallucinations, psychosis, depression, and cognitive decline. These psychiatric conditions should be taken into account when diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis before initiating treatment is essential, as overlooking these psychological aspects can lead to suboptimal care.
The use of Capsicum annum L. for culinary purposes dates back centuries. Its medicinal benefits have also been investigated in the past few days. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in 4 different colored (green, yellow, orange, and red) sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) were investigated in 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. Current research is directed at authenticating whether Capsicum can be used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, comparing the effects of the most used analgesic aspirin. The effects of ethanol extract of Capsicum annum L. were determined for analgesic activity by acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and hot plate test. Animals were divided into ten groups (n=7): (1) Control (2) CAG 200 (3) CAG 400 (4) CAR 200 (5) CAR 400 (6) CAO 200 (7) CAO 400 (8) CAY 200 (9) CAY 400 (10) Standard. All the extracts given intraperitoneally in rat hind paws of seven animals in each treatment group received 200, 400 mg/kg. Acute toxicity was also determined by increasing the dose to 3000 mg/kg, which showed no evidence of mortality. A statistical calculation was performed using SPSS software to compare the effects of aspirin and Capsicum extract. Positive results were obtained as compared to the control group; the analgesic effect was statistically significant (P˂ 0.05). These observations revealed that the fresh fruit extract of four kinds of Bell pepper at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/ kg possesses anti-inflammatory and pain-suppressing activities possibly mediated via PG synthesis inhibition.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is becoming more common globally and is increasingly resistant to treatment options. Despite extensive research into its pathophysiology, there are still no proven cures for metastatic melanoma. Unfortunately, current treatments are frequently ineffective, costly, and have several adverse effects. Natural substances have been extensively researched for their anti-MM capabilities. Chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy with natural products is an emerging strategy to prevent, cure or treat melanoma. Numerous prospective drugs are found in aquatic species, providing a plentiful supply of lead cytotoxic chemicals for cancer treatment. Anticancer peptides are less harmful to healthy cells and cure cancer through several methods, such as altered cell viability, apoptosis, angiogenesis/metastasis suppression, microtubule balance disturbances and targeting lipid composition of the cancer cell membrane. This review addresses marine peptides as effective and safe treatments for MM and details their molecular mechanisms of action.
Augustine University Ilara Epe, Lagos, Nigeria
Jntua, Aicte
Banasthali Vidyapith