Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern affecting many individuals as it is highly prevalent in all parts of the world. Recent studies have reported an association of vitamin D deficiency with cardiometabolic alterations such as dyslipidemia. The study aimed to evaluate vitamin D and lipid profile levels among the Libyan adult population and investigate the correlation of vitamin D deficiency with the alteration of lipid profile levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Janzour Hospital among 193 subjects (107 males and 86 females) whose ages ranged between 20 and 50 years over three months from Sept to Dec 2023. Vitamin D, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels were estimated. The total mean vitamin D levels were 8.31±4.74, 23.83±2.78, and 42.67±7.95 ng/dl for deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency, respectively. The findings revealed significant alterations in cholesterol (increase), triglyceride (increase), LDL-cholesterol (increase), and HDL-cholesterol (decrease) among subjects who had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency as compared to subjects having vitamin D sufficiency. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol, and they were positively associated with HDL cholesterol. The incidence of dyslipidemia is higher in the vitamin D deficiency group than in the insufficiency and sufficiency groups. It is essential to frequently monitor lipid profiles among vitamin D-deficient individuals to avoid subsequent disorders or damages associated with the alterations of lipid profile patterns.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The international opioid crisis highlights the important role of pharmacists in prevention, using their availability and drug knowledge to prevent abuse. In this study, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Mangalore pharmacists towards preventing opioid abuse were assessed. From February to March 2025, a cross-sectional survey was done among 203 pharmacists aged 18-46 years in Mangalore using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback. Pharmacists showed high knowledge, with 93.6% identifying opioids' mechanism as binding to CNS receptors correctly, 78.8% identifying naloxone's role in reversing overdose, and 70.0% knowing prescription drug monitoring programs' usefulness. Attitudes were optimistic, with 92.6% considering patient education a primary responsibility, 92.1% identifying multiple visits to the pharmacy as misuse, and 93.1% supporting medication-assisted treatment. The practice was active, with 93.1% checking prescription drug monitoring programs for suspected misuse and 69.0% advising take-back programs, but 43.8% associated early refills with misuse. Mangalore pharmacists show strong knowledge, attitudes, and practice against opioid abuse, being very strong in education and medication-assisted treatment support but having voids in misuse detection (for example, recognition of early refill) and naloxone confidence. Stronger training, better prescription drug monitoring program access, and policy adjustments can enhance their role in India's opioid strategy. Pharmacists are presented as front-line champions of opioid misuse prevention in this study, with implications for localized harm reduction.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The Covid 19 pandemic affects many elements of a person's life negatively. This reduced concern and considered the major problems that people – especially adolescents and young adults – are experiencing. In this regard, the study examined young adults' mental health by looking at the relationship between welfare and several psychological characteristics, such as loneliness, suppression of mind, common anxiety, flexibility, and self-worth. A total of 134 young people (45 men and 89 women) aged 18 to 25 were recruited for the study by purposeful sampling. Information collection Questionnaires are used. The measurement measurements were the Rosenberg personality Scale, UCLA isolation Scale edition 3 and the Coping Capacity Questionnaire. The information was analysed by means of the coefficient of Pearson correlation and a z-test to determine results for various genres. In Pairson's product time correlation test, the above psychological features were linked to well-being. Self-esteem, well-being, resilience and well-being were found to be moderately good. All had a negative association between general anxiety and well being, solitude and wellbeing, and suppression of thought and wellbeing. The results of the Z-test showed no significant differences in psychological variable scores among men and women, meaning that the whole community felt a sense of harmony in difficult times regardless of gender. The gladness of the sample was 7.95 (ranging from 0 to 20), which was very low.
This study investigated the effect of health education on posture practices in reducing low back pain among patients in Rivers state, Nigeria. To achieve this, pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was employed, and the study targeted 170 patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Two objectives having corresponding research questions and hypotheses guided the study, while convenience and stratified sampling techniques were used to select 50 participants, comprising 35 patients from the general outpatient clinic department and 15 patients from the spine physiotherapy unit, with 20 male and 30 female participants. Data collection was done by administering a self-structured, self-administered questionnaire, titled health education effect on ergonomic practices and low back pain, which had a reliability coefficient of 0.75. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses. The research found that educating patients on various methods of preventing low back pain, including healthy weight maintenance, warm-up exercises, and proper postural habits while sitting and standing, had a noteworthy impact on reducing pain. Moreover, the study also revealed that health education programmes were successful in therapeutic posture practices and reducing low back pain in patients residing in Rivers state. Therefore, the study concluded and recommended that health education interventions for functional and therapeutic posture practices are effective strategies for reducing low back pain among patients in Rivers state, and healthcare providers should incorporate these interventions into their treatment plans for patients suffering from low back pain.
In some countries, a high percentage of the population relies on traditional plants for treating certain diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of G. alypum extract (GAE) and Alhagj marorum extract (AME) on lipid profiles in experimentally induced hypercholesteremic rats and on the blood pressure of experimentally induced hypertensive rats. Male Wistar rats weighing 200 - 300 g were divided into five groups: group 1 received a normal diet (negative control), group 2 received a high lipid diet containing coconut oil (10 g/kg/day), cholesterol (4 g/kg/day) and cholic acid (0.20 g/kg/day) (positive control), group 3 received a high lipid diet together with clofibrate (50 mg/kg/day), group 4 received a high lipid diet together with AME (200 mg/kg/day) and group 5 received GAE (200 mg/kg/day). The experiment continued for two weeks, then the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for estimation of cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein. To induce hypertension, rats were divided into two groups (n = 8 in each group). Group 1 received normal saline (control) and Group 2 received dexamethasone (0.40 mg/kg, i.p.) for seven consecutive days. Later, the rats were anesthetized using thiopental and the carotid artery was cannulated for recording blood pressure. AME (40 mg/kg) or GAE (40 mg/kg) were injected through a cannula placed into the internal jugular vein at a dose volume of 0.1 ml. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after plant extract administration. The results showed that clofibrate GAE extract and ANE extract significantly decreased cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein as compared to high-lipid diet-treated rats. Data also indicated that administration of GAE or AME extract significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in experimentally induced hypertensive rats. In conclusion, GAE and AME have antihyperlipidemic and antihypertensive activities and further investigation is needed to clarify the mechanism of these effects.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Though the anatomy and physiology of the adult caprine (Capra hircus L.) stomach have been investigated extensively, the early development of the abomasum has not yet been fully elucidated. The glandular part of abomasum plays an important role in digestion of ingested food by action of gastric juices. Very few studies have been conducted so far regarding histogenesis of goat foetal abomasum in India. In the present study, we have investigated the embryonic and early foetal development of the goat, Capra hircus L. fundic abomasum. We collected 36 developing abomasum of healthy and normal embryos/foeti of goat and assigned them into three group viz. Gr. I (0-50 days of gestation), Gr. II (51-100 days of gestation) and Gr. III (101-150 days of gestation). Small pieces of tissues were processed by routine paraffin. The wall of glandular stomach, the fundic part, was composed of epithelium, pleuripotent blastemic tissue and serosa up to 44 days of gestation. Tunica muscularis became separable at 46 days of gestation. The epithelium was stratified type up to 50 days and gradually changed to pseudo-stratified columnar to simple columnar type from 76 days of gestation. Primary and secondary abomasal folds were observed at 51 and 76 days of gestation, respectively. Gastric pit, the fore runner of gastric gland was reported first at 70 days. The gland became branched tubular type at 145 days. The cells found in the mucosa of the abomasum were surface epithelial cells, chief cells, parietal cells, mucous neck cells and undifferentiated cells. Chief and parietal cell were observed at 76 days and mucous neck cells at 82 days of gestation. Reticular, collagen and elastic fibers came into sight at 38, 76 and 100 days of gestation, respectively. The present study is expected to supplement known data and knowledge regarding histogenesis of goat fetal abomasum and help in diagnosis and treatment of related congenital anomalies.
India’s economic system has undergone significant changes in recent years reflecting globalization and changes in national policies. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s economic growth, focusing on imports and exports. The study explores the key drivers of economic expansion, including trade liberalization, trade agreements, and technological advancement. It also explores the impact of international trade and geopolitical events on business models. It assesses the role of policy measures such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Make in India initiative, and various free trade agreements in generating economic benefits. The paper also assesses the trade balance and its impact on India’s economic stability and growth. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving the market, including diversifying entrepreneurs, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening the domestic economy. The review provides insights to policymakers, businesses, and academics who want to understand and harness India’s economic potential in the global economy.
The objective of the paper is to predict corporate bankruptcy of selected telecom service sector companies. The study ranges for a period of ten years from 2006-2007 to 2015-2016 for three selected telecom service sector. By applying Altman's Z-score model the study analyze the financial position of the companies and suggests the financial components to be concentrated to improve the financial health. Further the study suggests that the companies should regularly estimate Z-score for making strategies to improve their financial position.
One of the unique features of Indian society is prevalence of caste system which was originated thousands of years back to demarcate the people engaged in different occupation or jobs. Initially it was not much rigid but gradually people belonging to upper castes for their own selfish means to maintain their monopoly made this arrangement hereditary and started treating people of lower castes disgracefully. For preservation of this system, people started controlling their women to prevent inter-caste marriages and the concept of endogamy came up. This robbed away many types of freedom from women. For women belonging to lower castes, this situation is worse as they are doubly subjugated on the basis on caste as well as gender. Men belonging to their own caste treat them as secondary beings. This paper throws light on this intersection. How intersection of these two kinds of inequalities place them at the lowest position in Indian society. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rises as their leader who all his life worked for empowerment of downtrodden section of society. He argues that education is the primary tool for evading these differences among people. He further emphasizes to adopt the concept of exogamy to break the backbone of Indian caste system and to immediately leave a religion or culture which legitimizes such system of inequality among people of the same land.
Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) consist of heterogeneous subpopulations with different multipotent properties: small and large cells with high and low multipotency, respectively. Accordingly, sorting out a target subpopulation from the others is very important to increase the effectiveness of cell-based therapy. We performed flow-based sorting of hMSCs by using optimally designed microfluidic chips based on the hydrodynamic filtration (HDF) principle. The chip was designed with the parameters rigorously determined by the complete analysis of laminar flow for flow fraction and complicated networks of main and multi-branched channels for hMSCs sorting into three subpopulations: small (<25>40 μm) cells. By focusing with a proper ratio between main and side flows, cells migrate toward the sidewall due to a virtual boundary of fluid layers and enter the branch channels. This opens the possibility of sorting stem cells rapidly without damage. Over 86% recovery was achieved for each population of cells with complete purity in small cells, but the sorting efficiency of cells is slightly lower than that of rigid model particles, due to the effect of cell deformation. Finally, we confirmed that our method could successfully fractionate the three subpopulations of hMSCs by analyzing the surface marker expressions of cells from each outlet.
Alzheimer Disease is a chronic neurological brain disease. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer illness may the prevent the occurrence of memory cellular injury. Neuropsychological tests are commonly used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The above technique, has a limited specificity and sensitivity. This article suggests solutions to this issue an early diagnosis model of Alzheimer’s disease based on a hybrid meta-heuristic with a multi-feed-forward neural network. The proposed Alzheimer’s disease detection model includes four major phases: pre-processing, feature extraction, feature selection and classification (disease detection). Initially, the collected raw data is pre-processed using the SPMN12 package of MATLAB. Then, from the pre-processed data, the statistical features (mean, median and standard deviation) and DWT are extracted. Then, from the extracted features, the optimal features are selected using the new Hybrid Sine cosine firefly (HSCAFA). This HSCAFA is a conceptual improvement of standard since cosine optimization and firefly optimization algorithm, respectively. Finally, the disease detection is accomplished via the new regression- based multi-faith neighbors’ network (MFNN). The final detected outcome is acquired from regression-based MFNN. The proposed methodology is performed on the PYTHON platform and the performances are evaluated by the matrices such as precision, recall, and accuracy.
In their different ownership structures, business enterprises pursue different strategies towards accomplishing their owners’ needs and interests. At the heart of these accomplishments is the generation of sufficient financial returns to cover obligations as they become due and residual incomes for the owners. It is doubtless that without a grip of financial stability, the survivability of for-profit organizations becomes bleak. Financial management plays and instrumental role in this case. The generation of sufficient information for decision making for the business and investors alike is integrally critical in shaping the progression of the business enterprise. While businesses provide financial statements according to prevailing laws and accounting standards to the public for their consumption in decision making, they are further needed to be accountable to them regarding their performance and investors’ engagements, especially considering that investors are foundational sources of capital for organizational operations.
Mobile pervasive environment interact with several devices at varying service ranges. The technical heterogeneity of pervasive environment is expected to increase the system flexibility and adaptability on modeling with context training phase. While working with context based training phase, time entity measure is considered as the significant issue. The evaluation of the services through numerous devices during training phase does not acquire an effective service monitoring on mobile pervasive environment. Mobile pervasive environment based information extraction fails to modify the patterns as activities change over time. To improve the flexibility of context training phase in mobile pervasive environment, an Active Context Source Discover Training Phase (ACSDTP) with Classifier Decision Tree Support (CDTS) mechanism is proposed in this paper. Our research work is to develop an effective modification (i.e., updation) of the pattern on training phase with real world context as per changes over time. Initially, the ACSDTP set up the available sensors in pervasive environment to work with the ever changing set of context users. The available sensors are maintained using the Active Discover process. Second, the CDTS mechanism is designed using weighted prediction for easy identification of context result on the training phase. Decision tree is operated separately using the learning techniques, where the identification is performed in a significant manner with minimal time factor. The learning process is performed to identify the inferred situations. Finally, the integration process is carried out to work with the complex association between the situations and sensor data in the mobile pervasive environment to achieve flexibility and adaptability factor. Experiment is conducted on factors such as time entity measure rate, precision ratio, and user context result determination level.
Indian Banking industry has witnessed a tremendous developments due to sweeping changes that are taking place in the information technology. Electroic banking has emerged from such an innovative development. Many developments in Tele-communication technology and electronic data processing in recent years have contributed to remarkable changes in the banking sectors. The application of modern information technology has radically altered the traditional way of doing banking business. Availability of ATMs and plastic money (i.e., credit and debit cards) has helped customers avoid going to bank premises for cash. Bank customers can view their bank accounts; get statements of accounts, purchase drafts and transfer funds through their personal computers. Another development viz., Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has contributed to effective working of banks. The computer networks have helped to automate the funds transfer, contributing to more effeicient systems of payments. All these developments in banking sectors in recent years have given birth to a new concept called E-Banking. Hence this study is undertaken in order to know the customer preference towards E-banking services with special reference to private sector banks.
Aim: Murraya koenigii is a widely used plant both as a potential medicinal agent and also for common cooking purposes. Aim of this present study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of Murraya koenigii leaf extracts on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Study Design: Screening and isolation of pathogenic bacterial strains from contaminated water. Preparation of Murraya koenigii leaf extracts using petroleum ether, acetone and ethyl acetate by using serial extraction method with Soxhlet apparatus. Place and Duration of Study: Department of microbiology, Agro biotec research centre Ltd, Poovanthuruthu, Kottayam, Kerala, India, between 2014 January to 2014 May. Methodology: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the bacterial strains used in this study. Morphological and biochemical analysis of microorganisms were conducted to identify the strains. Leaf extracts (petroleum ether, acetone and ethyl acetate) of Murraya koenigii were screened using MHA disc diffusion methods. Results: Various concentration of plant extracts were used to check its activity against isolated pathogens. Acetone extract of curry leaves exhibit maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and petroleum ether extracts shown maximum inhibition against Escherichia coli.
A P2P network can be an ad hoc connection- a couple of computers connected via a Universal Serial Bus to transfer files. And these networks are vulnerable to peers. The traditional security techniques are insufficient for P2P networks as they are insecure by their very nature. There’s no centralized server controlling access to shared resources in a P2P network which have unique challenges including identity management of the peers, secure reputation data management, Sybil attacks, and above all, availability of reputation data. The future actions are predicted where peers are encapsulated in its digital reputation, based on the past behaviour of the peer.Thus a peer’s reputation allows it to cooperate and prevent from malicious activities. The cryptographic protocol is coupled with selfcertification and cryptographic mechanisms for identity management and countering Sybil attack.
The valuable effects of regular exercise for promotion of health and therapy of diseases were obviously evaluated. The notion that exercise can be considered as a medication has been hypothesized. The growing problems of obesity and non-communicable diseases have placed a great burden on public health experts to promote physical literacy and physical activity among the modern day population. Physical literacy and physical activity have become the cornerstones of women’s health. Women have certain special needs that includes reproductive health. Increased physical activity and maintaining normal body image and body weight will help a woman attain physical, mental and spiritual development. With the growing number of women with obesity and the implication of obesity as one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, stroke and osteoarthritis, a knowledge and awareness about physical activity is essential. Thus, physical activity is a fundamental aspect of the improvement of motor skills and work performance, allowing a better healthy lifestyle. Physical exercise is effective to be measured as a drug, however, more care should be considered to the dosing and individual variations between genders.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Internet of things describes the network of physical objects such as sensors, receivers, transmitters and other technologies which are used in VCN. In Vehicular communication network two or more vehicles are communicate with each other. VCN use advanced technologies to solve transportation related problems like long traffic delays, road accidents and air pollution. IOT based technologies make vehicular network smart. In this chapter we reviewed about network resource allocation security techniques, challenges and also discuss how we can make vehicular communication network smarter. We reviewed about different models and schemes for V2V communication. These schemes were developed to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of resource in an intelligent transportation system.
In the Indo-Pak subcontinent, the traditional systems of medicine, both Ayurvedic and Unani, are primarily based on herbs and herb-based preparation for therapy. Therefore, the importance of the herbal identification process remains critical in achieving the desired and successful therapeutic effect. To support the manufacturers and practitioners of both systems, many herbs are still collected from wild sources, as herbal farming is not very developed in this part of the world. During a survey program conducted in different areas of Pakistan, significant lacks and gaps were noted to be present in the identification & characterization of herbs, which needs to be addressed and fulfilled as many species look alike apparently or physically but have different biological or pharmacological activity. Based on this objective and approach, Centella asiatica was selected for the pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical investigation to establish a better correlation and to provide useful methods in its identification as the use of Centella asiatica is very common in Pakistan and other South Asian countries for CNS disorders therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to develop & report some and rapid identification methods for Centella asiatica. The present study includes physical, physicochemical, preliminary phytochemical and fluorescence analysis. For the first time, in the present study, NIR and FT-IR spectra of Centella asiatica have been reported for identification. The findings of the present study are quite promising and can be helpful for the manufacturers and researchers in the identification and development of Centella asiatica-based new drugs or formulations.
Oxalate is widely distributed in plant foods as potassium, sodium and ammonium oxalates (water-soluble form) and as insoluble calcium oxalates. Oxalate forms strong chelates with dietary calcium, thus rendering the complex unavailable for absorption and assimilation. It precipitates as insoluble salts accumulating in the renal glomeruli and contributes to the development of renal disorders. The seed flours of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. were investigated for their total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents by HPLC. The total oxalate content of M. uniflorum, P. lunatus and P. vulgaris was 1.24, 1.77 and 1.71 mg/ g, respectively. The %age of soluble oxalate were M. uniflorum (19.50), P. lunatus (15.08) and P. vulgaris (15.88). Only soluble oxalate is responsible for oxalate absorption (bioavailability) and its excretion. Overall, the total oxalate content is high in legume flour of M. uniflorum, P. lunatus, and P. vulgaris, but the soluble oxalates are very low. Therefore, all these three legumes don't have the adverse effects of oxalate on minerals bioavailability and risk of urolithiasis.
Augustine University Ilara Epe, Lagos, Nigeria
Jntua, Aicte
Banasthali Vidyapith