Living with epilepsy, its unpredictable seizures, and its comorbid conditions present many challenges over the time. Continued educational efforts can play a key role in helping people learn to live with epilepsy and understand epileptic medications over the life span. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of pharmacist-initiated education on patients with epilepsy. Prospective and observational pilot study to evaluate the impact of educational interventions during February and March, 2019 was conducted. A total of seven patients with epilepsy was included in this study. They received ordinary consultation care in National Centre of Epilepsy at Ali Omar Askar Hospital in Tripoli, Libya. Knowledge assessment questionnaire was assessed initially and patients were subjected to pharmacist-initiated education and they have given follow up reporting card. A follow up for one month has continuously been done and final evaluation included: knowledge assessment questionnaire, adverse drug reactions and epileptic attacks reporting. All the patients completed the pre and post education questionnaire. There was no significant difference between the patients’ knowledge before and after interventional questionnaire except for only two patients which is statistically significant (P=0.03) and (P=0.02) whose knowledge was significantly enhanced by post education. Thus, there are a lot of opportunities and challenges for pharmacists to play a role in epileptic care and education as patients with epilepsy are not knowledgeable about their illness regardless of age, educational background or duration of epilepsy. This role must be highly enforced and implemented in patients with epilepsy.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. It is mainly associated with a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta
Noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, tend to last long and result from genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Uric acid nephrolithiasis, arthritis and gout come under noncommunicable diseases related with Monosodium urate monohydrate (MSUM ) crystals. MSUM crystals are deposited in peripheral joints, causing gout and eliciting an intense localized inflammatory attack. In contrast, in collecting ducts and medullary interstitium, it is a urinary calculi which causes dysuria, nausea and hematuria. The study aims to explore the possible morphological features of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under a microscope to observe the growth patterns of MSUM crystals. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium meta silicate solution + 0.2M sodium hydroxide + 2N acetic acid) at pH 5.02 - 5.17 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 0.07 M uric acid drop was added to the adequately formed gel. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. Monosodium urate monohydrate was formed as spherical ring banded spherulites, dumbbell and composite spherulites. The current study provides different phases of MSUM crystallization on a glass slide for the first time. It may also be used as a model to evaluate prophylactic management against gouty and renal stones through in vitro assessment of crystal growth and aggregation inhibition and modulation of developing or developed crystals by using different natural products.
ABSTRACT Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection rate and mortality among Nigerian health care workers appear to be on the increase. Aside from health workers, it has caused millions of infections and deaths worldwide. This study determined the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of nursing and midwifery students towards COVID-19 in a North-Eastern Nigerian state. Methods: A total of 156 respondents were involved in this institutional-based cross-sectional study, conducted after the lockdown period. A total of 17 questions were used to assess the KAP with knowledge appraised with 12 questions, attitudes with 2 questions, and practices with 3 questions. Results: The majority of the students (53.80%) possessed a good level of knowledge regarding COVID-19, while 40.4% had fair knowledge regarding COVID-19 with only 5.80% having poor knowledge of COVID-19. The mean knowledge of COVID-19 in this study was 9.40±1.353 with an overall 78% correct answer rate. A vast majority of the respondent (82.7% and 98.1%) had strong confidence in Nigeria and believed that the pandemic will soon be over, respectively. Only a few avoided large gatherings of people (30.8%) with the vast majority reporting to have worn a mask when going out (84.6%) and washing their hands with running water and soap frequently as recommended (73.1%). In multiple logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score (OR: 0.39-0.40, 95%CI: 0.26 – 0.62, P<0.05) was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of negative preventive practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions: The participants in this study showed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices toward COVID-19. There is still a need to strategize and implement periodic educational interventions and training on infection control practices among healthcare workers including students.
Background and Aim: Ultrasound popliteal sciatic nerve block (UPSNB) is commonly performed in foot and ankle surgery. This study aims to assess the use of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants in UPSNB for hallux valgus (HV) surgery, comparing their efficacy in producing motor and sensory block and controlling postoperative pain. The adverse event rate was also evaluated. Methods: This mono-centric retrospective study included 62 adult patients undergoing HV surgery: 30 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg (Group 1), whereas 32 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg, and dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/Kg (Group 2). At first, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was evaluated after 48 hours. The other outcomes were time to motor block regression, evaluation of the first analgesic drug intake, analgesic effect, adverse effects (hemodynamic disorders, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)) and patient satisfaction. The continuous data were analyzed with student’s t-test and the continuous one with χ2. Statistical significance was set at a p-value lower than 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found in VAS after 48 hours (4.5 ± 1.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.621) to motor block regression (18.9 ± 6.0 vs 18.7 ± 6, p = 0.922). The number of patients that took their first analgesic drug in the first 48 h (p = 0.947 at 6 hours; p = 0.421 at 12 hours; p = 0.122 at 24 hours and p = 0.333 at 48 hours) were not significant. A low and similar incidence of intraoperative hemodynamic disorders was recorded in both groups (hypotension p = 0.593; bradycardia p = 0.881). Neither PONV nor other complication was found. Patients in Group 1 reported a lower degree of interference with sleep (p = 0.001), less interference with daily activities (P = 0.002) and with the affective sphere (P = 0.015) along with a more satisfactory postoperative pain management (p < 0.001) as compared to Group 2. Conclusion: No significant differences were observed in the duration of motor and sensory blockade between patients in both groups. Additionally, both groups showed good pain control with a low rate of adverse effects, even if there was no clinical difference between the groups. However, patients who received dexamethasone reported experiencing less interference with their sleep, daily activities and overall emotional well-being, and overall pain control.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the government has issued a learning policy to be carried out online (online). As implemented at Baiturrohman Elementary School, online learning is applied. This research uses a qualitative approach, and the type is a case study. Data collection techniques used participatory observation, structured interviews, and documentation—data analysis using data condensation, data presentation, and concluding. The validity of the data is source triangulation and technical triangulation. The results of this study indicate: (1) Planning the Recitation Method for Arabic Language Subjects in Online Learning at Baiturrohman Elementary School, namely: The teacher determines the goals according to the lesson plans, gives assignments according to the student's abilities, determines the types of assignments such as reading, writing, and practice. Provide instructions/resources in student books and several applications. The teacher provides time for the deadline for submitting assignments from 07.30 to 18.00 in Google Classroom. (2) Implementation of the Recitation Method on Arabic Language Subjects in Online Learning at Baiturrohman Elementary School, namely: Teachers provide guidance if they have difficulties, provide motivation to study at home, and support parents for children's learning at home; students do assignments at home independently. independent. (3) Evaluation of the Recitation Method on Arabic Subjects in Online Learning at Baiturrohman Elementary School, namely: Student assignments are written in spoken/written packages, sent in the form of photos/videos via Google Classroom, Teacher assessments via Google Classroom, Result assessment PH is done via a google form.
Background Type 2 diabetes and obesity are serious public health concerns globally and a growing burden in Africa. Both conditions have serious repercussions on health when they co-occur, yet the extent of their co-occurrence in Africa remains unknown. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among persons with type 2 diabetes in Africa. Method A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, African Index Medicus (AIM), and African Journals Online (AJOL) for observational studies that reported the prevalence of overweight and/or obesity among type 2 diabetes patients in Africa. The prevalence data from individual studies were aggregated through a random-effects meta-analysis. The I2 statistic was used to evaluate between-studies heterogeneity, while subgroup analysis and mixed-effects meta-regression were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. We assessed publication bias using funnel plots and Egger’s test. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Of 1753 records retrieved, 80 articles were eligible for this review, with 74 cross-sectional studies included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.6% and 25.6% respectively, while the overall prevalence of both overweight and obesity was 61.4%. Also, the pooled prevalence of both overweight and obesity across the five geographical areas in Africa ranged from 56.9% in East Africa to 88.5% in Southern Africa. Nineteen factors were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes is a significant public health concern that transcends geographical boundaries within Africa. The findings from this review highlight the need for innovative weight management interventions that are tailored to the cultural context of the African setting
The incidence of diabetes mellitus has increased globally making it a major public health concern. Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder that causes an imbalance in the electrolytes which regulate essential metabolic mechanisms of the body. This study aimed to estimate the electrolyte levels in Libyan patients with type II diabetes mellitus and to investigate their relations to glycemic control and body mass index. A total of 122 Libyan subjects whose ages ranged between 35 years and 60 years for both sexes were included in this study, 77 patients were type II diabetic patients (37 males and 40 females) and 45 subjects were healthy individuals (23 males and 22 females) live in Tripoli area, Libya. The levels of blood glucose, HbA1c, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium were estimated in this study along with the measurement of body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. All the findings were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA test. Significant increases in glucose, HbA1c, potassium, chloride, calcium, blood pressure and BMI among diabetic patients were observed as compared to the healthy individuals. On the other hand, significant decreases in sodium and magnesium levels among the diabetic patients were observed as compared to the control group. In addition, significant alterations in all the biochemical parameters in uncontrolled diabetic patients as compared to the controlled diabetic patients, and in unhealthy weight diabetic patients as compared to the healthy weight patients. It is concluded that diabetes mellitus results in an imbalance of electrolytes. Poor glycemic control and obesity have adverse effects on electrolyte balance among diabetic Libyan patients. Good glycemic control, maintaining a healthy weight and regular evaluation of electrolytes among diabetics can reduce the fatalities associated with electrolyte rearrangements.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Higher Education has an important role in the task of rebuilding a nation and it pavCes the way for overall development of a nation. The twentieth century has witnessed several revolutions like Green revolution, White revolution, I.T revolution, so on and so forth, taking human civilization to new heights. At the start of 21st century, we gave a lot of importance given to higher education. Every country realized the value of higher education and the benefits that accrue from it. “The social demands for higher education continue to increase. The inabilities of the state to support this growing demand result in new financing arrangements for higher education. The recent reforms in this area could be broadly divided into two categories: the privatization of public institutions and the establishment of private institutions of higher education. Privatization implies the application of market principles in the operation of public institutions, while ownership rests within the public domain. Promotion of the private sector implies the growth and expansion of the non-state sector in higher education, and very often this sector does not rely on state funding for its growth and expansion. Both of these measures have paved the way for market operations in higher education
One of the most important challenges for a company is to manage its supply chain efficiently. One way to do this is to control and minimize its various logistics costs together to achieve an overall optimization of its supply network. One such system that integrates two of the most important logistics activities, namely inventory holding and transportation, is known as the inventory routing problem. Our replenishment network consists of a supplier that uses a single vehicle to distribute a single type of item during each period to a set of customers with independent and deterministic demand. The objectives considered are the management of supplier and customer inventories, the assignment of customers to replenishment periods, the determination of optimal delivery quantities to avoid customer stock-outs, the design and optimization of routes. A genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to solve our IRP. Different crossover structures are proposed and tested in two sets of reference instances. A comparison of the performance of different crossover structures was established. Then, it was used to find the most appropriate crossover structure that provides better results in a minor computation time. The obtained results prove the competitiveness of GAs compared to literature approaches, demonstrate the performance of our approach to best solve large scale instances and provide better solution quality in fast execution time.
The daily water distillation of the single basin conventional solar still is limited. In the present work, experimental analysis of a parabolic disc type solar still and conventional solar still are investigated. The solar radiation is focused to the single point to produce higher basin temperature. The water is flown continuously inside the copper receiver to utilize the incident solar radiation. The hourly readings were taken to analyze the thermal performance of the parabolic disc type solar still and conventional solar still. The water collection of parabolic disc type solar still is increased about 40% over conventional solar still.
Vitamin C is associated with history of the cause of the ancient hemorrhagic disease scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient with important antioxidant properties. It is required by the body for normal physiological function. The body cannot synthesize vitamin C, it is present in nature through foods and other natural sources and it exists as a nutritional food supplement. The antioxidant activity of vitamin C protects the body from free radical damage. Vitamin C is essential for the development and maintenance of connective tissues. It is used as therapeutic agent in many diseases and disorders. Vitamin C plays an important role in several metabolic functions, as the conversion of the amino acid, tryptophan, to the neurotransmitter, serotonin, and the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. Vitamin C supplementation resulted in a significant increase in vitamin C levels in populations; its high intake is associated with positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Vitamin C protects the immune system, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps to fight infections. It has an important role in bone formation, wound healing and the maintenance of healthy gums. There is profound beneficial effect of vitamin C in respect to human diseases as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and many metal toxicities. Several vitamin C analogs have been produced as anticancer and antioxidant activity. Vitamin C is useful if it is used as adjuvant therapy for several chronic diseases. Thus, this review summarizes the importance of vitamin C in the body’s physiology and biochemistry, in addition, the different mechanisms that vitamin C is implicated to treat different acute and chronic diseases. Future exploration should pay attention to chronic disease management by vitamin C.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an embryonic interatrialdefect potentially associated withischemic cerebralstrokes. One option is the occlusion of the atrial shunt byendovascular means. This procedure is recommendedfor patients with a history of cryptogenic strokes.Patent foramen ovales (PFOs) are common in the general population (prevalence 20-30%) and do not constitute a pathology in their own terms. Nevertheless, a association has been established between the occurrence of certain cryptogenic ischemic strokes and the presence of a PFO. The risk appears higher when septal patency is associated with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). The aim of this presentation is to study the association between the PFO and the occurrence of ischemic stroke, and the benefits of its closure.
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)
Saline and sodic (alkali) soils can significantly reduce the value and productivity of affected land. By estimation, slightly more than one-fourth of irrigated farmland in the United States is affected by soil salinity. Ions most commonly associated with soil salinity include the anions chloride (Cl–), sulfate (SO4=), carbonate (HCO3–), and sometimes nitrate (NO3–) and the cations sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg++), and sometimes potassium (K+). Crops differ in ability to tolerate salt accumulation in soils, but if levels are high enough (more than 16 mS/cm), only tolerant plants will survive. As salts accumulate in soil, the soil solution osmotic pressure increases. Reclamation of sodic soils is different; excess sodium must first be replaced by another cation and then leached. Sodic soils are treated by replacing the sodium with calcium from a soluble source.
The presented review was an attempt to share the contribution of Greco Arabic Muslim scientists in the field of medicine. In this regard, al-Andalusi, al-Antaki, al-Baghdadi, al-Jawhari, al-Kindi, al-Nafis, alRazi, al-Tabari, al-Zahrawi, Ibn Abdallah Ibn Idris al Qurtubi, Ibn al-Jazzar, Ibn al-Baitar, Ibn alHaitham, Ibn El-Quff, Ibn Haiyan, Ibn Sina, Ibn Wahshiyyah and Ibn Zuhr with their contribution has discussed.
Overall, disability refers to a physical or mental state that impairs an individual's ability to function in daily life. It suffices to say that disability is a medical-social issue that affects both the family and the nation. In a country like India, where girl children are frequently stigmatized as a burden on society, the condition of girl children with special needs is frequently subject to carelessness, lack of compassion, and illiteracy. Though the situation has improved slightly since the introduction of inclusive education, the situation is critical for tribal girl students with special needs. In a fragile socioeconomic environment, tribal girls are already vulnerable to high dropout rates, early marriage, and an ignorant attitude from family members, but the situation is pitiful for tribal girls with special needs. The tribal girl students with special needs suffer quadruple discrimination of being female, being disabled, being ST, and being socio-economically backward. Here, intervention through artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted devices can be critical in overcoming the barriers encountered by tribal girl students with special needs in the process of inclusion and development
Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with significant morbidity and mortality among healthcare workers worldwide. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers toward COVID-19 at Ataq General Hospital, and three other hospitals and health centers in Shabwah Governorate, Yemen. Materials and Methods: From January 1, 2022, to February 28, 2022, a cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers was conducted in the city of Ataq, Shabwah Governorate at the following hospitals: Ataq General Hospital, Al Shefa’a Hospital, Al Aafiah Hospital, and COVID-19 Isolation Center. Results: A total of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. Their mean age was 28.17 ± 7.73 years, 79 (73.8%) of them were male and 28 (26.2%) were female. The overall knowledge was good, with a score of 19 out of 21; however, most participants were unaware of some of the extra-respiratory symptoms of the disease, such as diarrhea and confusion, and about 57% of them were unaware that eating or interacting with wild animals may contribute to the infection with the COVID-19 virus. Attitude analysis of the participants revealed that about half of those surveyed do not believe that Yemen can contain COVID-19. In general, the practice of the participants was good. Conclusion: Although the overall knowledge score in this study was good, most respondents could not recognize some of the extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 and were unaware of the possibility of transmission of the disease from wild animals. In addition, about half of those surveyed do not believe that Yemen can contain COVID-19
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.
This study examines Javanese Krama's learning in improving students' ability to speak politely at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Ambulu. This research approach is a descriptive qualitative approach, and the type of research used is phenomenology. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation, and documentation. While the data analysis using the model of Miles, Huberman, and Johnny Saldana consists of data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion. The results of this study are 1) Planning for learning the Javanese Krama language to improve the ability of students to speak politely at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Ambulu, namely: the teacher prepares a Learning Implementation Plan, prepares to memorize material for the Javanese Krama language vocabulary for students. 2) Implementation of Javanese Krama language learning in improving the ability of students to speak politely at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Ambulu, namely: opening, core, and closing activities. Then the habit of using Javanese manners during learning hours and outside the classroom. 3) Evaluation of Javanese Krama language learning in improving the ability of students to speak politely at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Ambulu, namely: in the classroom using daily questions, PTS and PAS. Meanwhile, habituation outside of learning hours is by assessing students' speech and manners. 4) The implications of learning Javanese Krama in improving the ability of students to speak politely at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Ambulu have a positive impact on students becoming accustomed to using Javanese Krama when communicating with teachers both in attitude and speech.
Université Nazi Boni
Central Council For Research In Unani Medicine, Ministry Of Ayush, Government Of India, New Delhi