Objective: This study was conducted to investigate traditional beliefs and practices of women regarding care of the mother and the infant during pregnancy, in childbirth, and in the postpartum period. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at a public hospital in Istanbul. The data collected consisted of socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, and responses to questions about some traditional customs regarding pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Results: In our research, some non-harmful cultural practices were found, such as the belief that to have a clever and beautiful baby the mother should eat fruit; that to have a healthy and peaceful pregnancy, the mother should not look upon ugly things; the mother should indulge her food cravings; and to have an easy birth, the mother should walk and focus on prayers. On the other hand, we also found beliefs that could be harmful, such as wiping the mouth of a baby with a date before breastfeeding, and practices believed to be protective that could cause harm, such as putting a knife under the baby’s bed, fastening a safety pin to the baby’s clothes, and for the mother and child to remain at home for 40 days. Conclusion: While non-harmful and beneficial practices related to maternal and infant health should be accepted and supported as a part of our cultural richness, practices that could be harmful should be prevented in pregnancy classes or with training upon hospital discharge

Reyhan aydin doğan

The control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Nigeria from inception is predicated on effective biosecurity by stamping out policy but outbreaks of the disease continued to re-occur with altered clinico-pathologic manifestations. This study undertook the qualitative assessment of the clinico- pathological features of HPAI H5N1 during the 2021/2022 outbreaks in commercial poultry and peri-domestic birds in northern Nigeria. A total of 22 commercial poultry farms with 53,932 laying chickens and 3 households with 120 backyard broiler chickens, 18 indigenous chickens, 10 peafowls and 9 geese were investigated for HPAI. The clinico-pathologic manifestations observed in commercial poultry were subtle compared to previous presentations of the disease except in the peafowls, geese, broilers and indigenous chickens. The interspecies mortality rates significantly varied from 1.6% to 19.6% for laying chickens and 33.3% to 100% for broilers, indigenous chickens, geese and peafowls. Based on the history of sudden and high mortality, clinical signs and post mortem lesions observed, three diseases; HPAI, very virulent Newcastle disease and fowl cholera were drawn out as differential diagnoses. However, a tentative diagnosis of HPAI was made and samples were sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria for confirmatory diagnosis. Results of the laboratory tests conducted on the samples using one step flu A screening and duplex real time RT-PCR and virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs confirmed HPAI H5N1 in twenty-five farms. It is concluded that the continuous though, irregular outbreaks of HPAI and emerging clinico-pathologic manifestations are pointers to failure of control and that the disease may become endemic. It is recommended that government should review its policy on the control of HPAI to include the adoption of zoned vaccination with close monitoring.

Bitrus inuwa

The use of geo-morphometric variables to discriminate fish populations is one of the appropriate, effective and widely adopted approaches to study population dynamics. To determine intrinsic population variability in goldstripe ponyfish, Karalla daura sampled from Keti Bunder, Karachi Fish Harbour, Hawks Bay and Pasni along the coastal belt of Pakistan. Size frequency distribution based on normal distribution demonstrates that individuals of 13 cm total length were common in all groups. Some fifteen morphometric and six geometric variables were used to develop Principal Component Analysis (PCA) that revealed (76%, 13.9% and 9.8%) variation deduced from first three components. The population sampled from Karachi fish harbors showed significant taxonomic variability. An eigenvalue 7.251 and canonical correlation 0.937 among four groups was appraised from PCI whereas Wilks’ Lambda test of function λ = 0.27 was significant at P <0.05. The highest variance percentage was the most correlated among the groups defined by total length, girth, 2nd dorsal fin, pectoral fin rays, eye dia, snout to extended gill cover and head length parameters. PC-II accounted for 13.9% of the variance that are more correlated with standard length, snout to eye tip, eye tip to first dorsal fin, base of 1st dorsal fin, last fin ray to tip of caudal, anal fin ray to pelvic fin ray, chin to snout and pelvic fin to pectoral fin. PC-III showed 9.8% variance with fork length, total weight, anal fin rays, last anal fin ray to 1st dorsal fin, tip of caudal fin to last anal fin ray, last anal fin ray to 1st anal fin, first pelvic fin to chin, eye to chin, 1st dorsal fin to last anal fin ray and last dorsal ray to last anal fin ray. among the groups. Whereas PC-IV has 0.3 % variance denoted by total weight, tip caudal fin to last anal fin ray. The PCA displayed a clear discrimination by sampling site, especially specimen from Karachi fish harbor were distinct from other location. Keti Bandar specimen was not dispersing as much as by geographical discrimination. Overall, results revealed that different topographies and environmental conditions causing significant variation in populations of Karalla daura. Therefore, it is assumed that this species has ability to adopt different ecosystem for survival despite acquiring adverse impact on phenotypic characteristics.

Imtiaz kashani

Background: This study investigated the utilization of consumer health informatics in health promotion among the staff of tertiary institutions in Rivers state. Subjects & Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. Two research questions guided this paper. The population of this paper comprised all the 13,046 staff of tertiary institutions in Rivers state. A sample of 1226 staff was drawn using multi-stage sampling techniques. An instrument titled, “Utilization of Consumer Health Informatics in Health Promotion Questionnaire” (UCHIHPQ) was adopted for data collection. The instrument was validated and reliability yielded an index of 0.80. Mean and Standard Deviation statistics were used to answer the research questions. The statistical analysis was performed with the use of SPSS v23. Results: The result revealed among others that to a very large extent, the respondents accepted that consumer health informatics was used to improve their nutritional and physical health status. Conclusion: It was therefore concluded and recommended among others that staff of tertiary institutions in Rivers state should regularly use intelligent informatics applications to attain a healthy balance between self-reliance and seeking professional help concerning nutritional and physical health matter

Fxintegrity publishing

Before the start of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, the whole environment around us had been deemed very toxic to breathe in due to the amount of greenhouse gases that had been emitted over the centuries. The Earth faced rising temperatures, which in turn led to the melting of glaciers and rising of sea levels. Environmental degradation was happening fast due to the depletion of resources such as air, water and soil. But after the coronavirus lockdown (Talabandi) commenced, there have been changes in the environment. The lockdown still has a huge impact on people in India too. The halt of industrial production and traffic resulted in cleaner air and rivers. In India the first phase of the nationwide lockdown that began on March 24 followed by enforcement of a series of regulations had some evidences that the COVID-19 curve is flattening in the country's COVID-19 affected regions. There was a good chance Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the lockdown (Talabandi) four times that ended on (Phase 1 (24 March-14 April)., Phase 2 (15 April-3 May)., Phase 3 (4 May-17 May) & Phase 4 (18 May-31 May). The paper focuses on different aspects of environmental impact due to SARS-CoV-2 in India.

Rina kumari

Migratory behaviour in Littorina scabra (Linne 1758) was studied in a mangrove ecosystem and observations were made in their natural habitat or in situ observation in Tanjung Tiram, Ambon. Migratory speed and pattern of L. scabra of different sizes (small and large) particularly in mangrove Sonneratia alba were observed throughout of the February 19th to March 11th, 2019 during the day and night on incoming or outgoing tides and these are usually a 3 hours (270 minutes) observation. Marked snails were used to track the position to investigate their migratory direction and speed during advancing and receding tides. Those organisms migrate up and down the trees following the tidal cycles. This study indicates that small size organisms which live on leaves, branches or trunks move faster than the big organisms and they move faster during the incoming tide than outgoing tide. For a big size L. scabra, they move slower during the incoming tide than the outgoing tide. This behaviour indicates that they move faster to avoid immersion during incoming tide than during the outgoing tide when they move slower because they are searching for food. The migration trials showed different patterns for all sizes of L. scabra and this pattern seems to be influenced by the area of surface they occupy such as leaves, branches or trunks. They tend to move forward in one direction (almost straight line) when they are on a small surface such as trunks and on the larger surface such as leaves and braches most L. scabra of all sizes make different trial patterns such zig-zag.

Irma kesaulya

Treatment adherence is a critical component of epilepsy management. Antiepileptic drug side effects affect adherence and may result in the discontinuation of medication. This study aimed to investigate the association between antiepileptic drug side effects and medication adherence among Libyan patients with epilepsy while identifying predictors of adherence. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tripoli University Hospital involving 200 adult epilepsy patients. Adherence was assessed via a self-report tool dichotomized as adherent/ non-adherent if patients stopped medication due to side effects. Side effects were evaluated using the Side Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs questionnaire. Logistic regression analyzed predictors of adherence, including antiepileptic drug use, therapy regimen, and side-effect profiles, with p<0.05 declared association. The overall adherence rate was 87.0%. Higher adherence was observed in older age groups, 95.8% in patients aged 51-60, 89.4% in married patients, and 91.0% in university-educated patients. Patients on monotherapy and those seizure-free in the preceding month demonstrated better adherence (88.4% and 93.0%, respectively). Valproate users had notably low adherence (52.6%) while carbamazepine and phenytoin users showed higher adherence (89.7% and 91.7%, respectively). Cognitive complaints significantly reduced adherence (76.1% vs. 79.6%), as did aggressive behavior (58.3% adherence). Logistic regression identified two independent predictors: patients on old-generation antiepileptic drugs had 2.7 times higher adherence (AOR=2.702, 95% CI: 1.168-6.249; p=0.02) while cognitive side effects reduced adherence by 86.4% (AOR=0.136, 95% CI: 0.031-0.596; p=0.008). Cognitive side effects predict non-adherence, necessitating routine monitoring. Paradoxically, older antiepileptic drugs correlated with better adherence. Integrating patient-reported metrics and addressing cognitive impacts could optimize epilepsy care, highlighting gaps in side-effect management and advocating personalized strategies in clinical settings.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Hybanthus enneaspermus, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac was investigated for its potential to reverse antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in female rats. The aqueous extract was evaluated for secondary metabolite, amino acid and mineral constituents. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, terpenoids, phenolics, calcium, potassium, sodium, glutamine and leucine are some of its notable constituents. 60 healthy, sexually responsive female albino rats (144.7±5.9 gm) were divided into six groups (A-F) of 10 rats each; of which 50 were induced into sexual dysfunction. Rats in group A were administered distilled water throughout the experimental period and served as a control group, while rats induced into sexual dysfunction (Groups B-F) by fluoxetine were given water, the reference medication (Tadalafil) and oral doses of the extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) once daily for seven days, respectively. When administered to sexually active rats, fluoxetine significantly decreased the frequency of darting, hopping, lordosis, genital grooming, and licking behavior by 57.4%, 42.5%, 43.9%, 64.0%, and 41.8%, respectively. However, the latency of darting, hopping and lordosis were significantly increased by 50.6%, 47.7%, and 54.9%, respectively. Hybanthus enneaspermus aqueous extract administered at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg significantly reversed fluoxetine-mediated changes in all sexual behavior parameters. The extract's ability to reverse the characteristics of sexual behavior at 1000 mg/kg was comparable to those of tadalafil-treated rats. Additionally, all the extract dosages reversed the levels of blood luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, prolactin and estrogen after it has significantly been altered by fluoxetine. The results indicated that the aqueous extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus improved the proceptive, receptive and orientational behavior of rats. The extract also enhanced reproductive hormone concentration by restoring sexual competence in sexually-impaired female rats. The findings of this study provide further evidence in favor of Hybanthus enneaspermus widespread usage in the management of female sexual dysfunction.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Hypertension is a high-risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and its prevalence rate is increasing due to risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyles and aging populations. Managing hypertension is crucial to avoid complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. In Northern Cyprus, where hypertension is a growing public health concern, pharmacists are increasingly recognized as key players in managing this ongoing condition. This study investigates the impact of pharmacists in controlling hypertension in Northern Cyprus through a survey-based observational approach. Data were collected from 70 hypertension patients engaging with community pharmacists. The results highlight pharmacists’ contributions to patient education, blood pressure monitoring, and medication adherence. Relevant studies in other countries contextualize the findings about the importance of the pharmacist role. An analysis of the data confirms significant improvements in patient outcomes with pharmacist interventions. The survey results provide insights suggesting that overcoming systemic barriers and strengthening collaboration can optimize pharmacists' roles in managing hypertension in Northern Cyprus.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

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.

Mostafa eissa

Hyperoxaluria is a metabolic disorder responsible for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. The study was conducted on glass slides to observe the growth patterns of urinary calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals and their inhibition by 5, 10, 15 and 20 % infusion of Macrotyloma uniflorum seeds. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium metasilicate of 1.06 specific gravity and 3M acetic acid solution) at pH 5.02 - 5.17 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 1 M oxalic acid drop was dropped to the left, and 1 M calcium chloride and magnesium acetate (1:1) solution was dropped to the right side of the properly formed gel. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. In the case of the crystal inhibition study, a drop of M. uniflorum infusion was also added on the right side just after adding calcium chloride and magnesium acetate solution. The results without infusion showed detailed morphology and aggregation patterns of observed crystals such as donut, dumbbell, needles, platy, prismatic, rosette, round edges, X-shape crystals, loose and compact aggregates. All infusions of M. uniflorum affected the crystals, forming defective crystals. 5 % infusion inhibited crystals of all morphologies except donuts, X-shaped crystals, donuts, platy crystals and rosettes. Defected rosettes were observed in 10 % infusion, which was reduced gradually in the crowd by 15 and 20 %, respectively. From this study, it can be concluded that M. uniflorum seeds infusion is effective against calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

Dr. salman ahmed

Vaccines avoid many illnesses and save many lives every year. As a result of common vaccine use, the smallpox virus has entirely been eradicated and the occurrence of measles, polio and other childhood diseases have considerably been abridged around the world. Classical vaccine strategies, for instance inactivated pathogen, live attenuated and subunit vaccines, offer strong protection against diversity of hazardous diseases. In spite of this achievement, there remain chief obstacles to vaccine development against a diversity of infectious pathogens, part-icularly those better able to avoid the adaptive immune response. Furthermore, for most emer-ging virus vaccines, the main barrier is not the efficiency of usual approaches but the requirements for more rapid development and large-scale use. Nucleic acid therapeutics have appeared as hopeful option to classical vaccine approaches.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a frequently utilized analytical method that has numerous characteristics, including high selectivity, sensitivity, and a reduced time requirement. Upon using this fabulous technique, the limit of detection is reduced, and the accuracy, precision, reliability, and specificity can be expanded. This technique plays a crucial role in both qualitative and quantitative analysis throughout the various stages of drug production, from the initial discovery of the drug to its excretion from the body. The role of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in pharmaceutical analysis during various stages of drug discovery, production, and clinical use, including drug pharmacokinetics, is reviewed and discussed in detail. This provides an overview of the benefits of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography from the chemical, pharmaceutical, and clinical perspectives.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

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.

Bitrus inuwa

Background: Scabies is characterized by the presence of burrows, erythematous papules, and generalized pruritus which is usually worse at night. Recently an upsurge in the incidence of scabies has been reported in many settings, including the area of the study. The study aimed to determine if there is a nexus between scabies and climate change as a risk factor. Methods: This was a case-control study carried out in a Cottage Hospital. Case files of 18, 000 patients who attended the hospital between 2016 and 2019 were reviewed. The diagnosis was mainly clinical, i.e. based on the presence of itching in the typical scabies locations, presence of scabies burrows and history of similar itching in the other members of the patient’s household. 112 cases of scabies were diagnosed within this period. Results: From 2016 to 2019, the incidence of scabies rose from 3 to 50. Prevalence among males was 59.8%, and in females 40.2%, although the difference was not significant (p=0.0.53). Compared to other age groups, prevalence was highest in the 6-17 years age group (37.5%), but the difference among the age groups was also not significant (p=0.84). Conclusions: Within four years (2016-2019), the incidence of scabies had risen from 3 to 50 in the area of the study, being higher in males (59.8%) than females (40.2%), and in children less than 18 years (37.5%). Community survey, prompt diagnosis, adequate treatment and avoidance of overcrowding might help to stem the observed rising incidence of the disease.

Emmanuel umegbolu

Obesity is a complex and challenging global public health concern. It is a major disease involving excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity is dangerous and has been related to a range of long-term health issues that can impact adults and children. According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide are obese as of March 2022. In the Libyan situation, the prevalence of obesity has increased among the public over the last decade. This cross-sectional survey-based study is conducted by using self-structured designed questionnaire to evaluate the use of anti-obesity drugs and herbal products among Libyan people. Additionally, considered as an indirect method, pharmacist performance in obesity management was also evaluated. The investigators collected interview data from three different cities in the Northwest of Libya over a period of five months, 2019. A total of 170 participants who use weight loss products were randomly selected to participate in the study after obtaining their verbal consent. The participants' experience with weight reduction agents revealed that more than half of the participants (52.3%) used herbal products while 32.0% of the participants have used drugs of chemical origin and 15.6% have used both (herbal and drugs). The majority of the participants (91.4%) used these products without medical consultation which in turn led to failure to lose and maintain weight with 74.2% gaining weight after stopping using these products. In conclusion, poor pharmacist intervention in obesity management was revealed where the majority of the participants reported that Libyan community pharmacists had not been offering weight management services, monitoring weight loss progress, or explaining the risks of being overweight or obese.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Marketing has now adopted technologies in the attempt to increase brand recognition. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies suffer, yet many even reap more profits, such as e-commerce. The purpose of this research is to figure out whether Celebrity Endorsement, Advertising Appeal, and Electronic Word of Mouth have influence towards customer’s Purchase Decision in one of popular e-commerce in Indonesia called Bukalapak. Through the non-probability sampling type, particularly purposive sampling approach, one hundred respondents are taken as samples. The method in this research is descriptive and causal, and the research type is quantitative research. The data analysis methods used are descriptive statistics, coefficient of correlation, coefficient of determination, linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing through T-Test and F-Test. The T-test shows that Celebrity Endorsement, Advertising Appeal, and Electronic Word of Mouth partially influence the Purchase Decision. The F-Test result shows that all independent variables simultaneously influence Purchase Decision. Out of all, Celebrity Endorsement has the biggest influence on Purchase Decision. The value of coefficient of determination obtained is as much as 80.6% indicating that the customer’s Purchase Decision in Bukalapak is explained by Celebrity Endorsement, Advertising Appeal, and Electronic Word of Mouth. The recommendation given is to ensure the company uses talented and well-known celebrity endorsers, design attractive and unique advertisement, and maintain satisfactory performance to encourage complimentary reviews on its platform.

L

Several pieces of research have proved that the relational effects and outcomes of service quality have a positive and significant impact on consumer satisfaction, consumer retention, consumer loyalty and consumer advocacy. The present research analysed the impact of seven relational outcome constructs on the consumer satisfaction and found that Consumer education, Physical evidence, Emotional intelligence, Social competence and Product policy, have significant and direct impact on overall consumer satisfaction The other relational outcome constructs, personalized relationship between individual customer and service employee, consumer retention and consumer loyalty have important direct effect on overall consumer satisfaction, and these three outcomes also have a direct effect on consumer advocacy. Hence, it was concluded that service quality, consumer satisfaction and consumer loyalty are positively correlated and have a significant and positive impact on consumer advocacy. The research was conducted on 300 consumers of the insurance industry.

Ileyas rizvi

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a distinct medical condition characterized by symptoms such as fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and the presence of hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow and other organs. HLH can be classified as either hereditary or secondary, linked to various infections, autoimmune disorders, or cancers. The occurrence of malaria-associated HLH in newborns is considered rare. This report details a case involving a newborn diagnosed with mixed-type malaria complicated by HLH. The diagnosis was delayed because of the rare occurrence of malaria infections in Libya, which the treating clinicians did not initially take into account. The patient received supportive care and antimalarial treatment, which yielded excellent results, and was subsequently discharged from the hospital.

Karishma

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.

Zamzam abdelazim