Elephantopus scaber L., a medicinal plant from Myanmar, was studied to evaluate its biological activity. The activity of antimicrobial assessment showed that ethyl acetate extract exhibited moderate activity in contrast to all six tested organisms. Using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay with ascorbic acid as standard for antioxidant activity showed that ethyl acetate extract possessed 36.28 μg/mL. The in vivo antidiabetic activity with glipizide, as a standard hypoglycemic agent was employed to determine antidiabetic activity. The data parameter under observation for Elephantopus scaber L. reaches its peak at 135 min, with a 39.0% reduction. No toxic behavior was observed at the limited tested concentrations (2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg) and it suggested a favorable safety profile.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Micro-level assessment of vulnerability to climate change creates basis for policy formulation. The study specifically ascertained the levels and determinants of vulnerability to climate change among selected food crop farmers. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square regression analysis. The result revealed that 15.95%, 68.97% and 15.08% of the households were highly vulnerable, moderately vulnerable and less vulnerable to climate change respectively. This implies a varied effect on crop farmers. The result also showed that amount saved, extension contacts, household expenditure and value of crop were significant at 1% level. The study recommended the provision of basic amenities and soft loans to farmers as well as an improvement in extension services. It also advocated the introduction of effective climate change mitigation and adaptive measures to boost agricultural output in their area.
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.
Medical research is defined as "all scholarly activities that deal with any of the areas of studies being conducted in the pre, para, and clinical areas being taught in a medical school". Such a definition is somewhat arbitrary, as medical research covers a much larger field and ultimately affects every individual. The results of research activities are directly translated into social action, such as pollution control, vaccinations, mass fluoridation and nutritional improvements. The eradication of diseases like smallpox, poliomyelitis and plague, the decline in the death rate from infectious and cardiovascular diseases, and the diagnosis of genetic disorders are some examples of how medical research helps to provide improved health care. Thus, the wealth of medical knowledge that grows through the process of discovery and research development becomes part of daily living. The aim of scientific research is always to extend the frontiers of knowledge and to discover rational correlations and principles [1, 2]. Medical research can be divided into biomedical (basic medical), clinical, and health science research. The areas overlap each other and health science research has a component of social research. Experimental research covers areas such as physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology and pathology and is relatively easy to conduct. If adequate financial support is obtained, the necessary infrastructure for laboratory research could be built and experimental animals maintained in an animal house. For clinical research, the patients with a particular disease are the direct object of study. This type of research involves dealing with the clinical picture, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of the disease. Dealing with human beings requires stringent regulations and precautions to be observed. It requires setting up a research team in the hospital to monitor and chart out guidelines involving the ethical dimension of the problem to be studied and maintain a systematic medical recording system. Moreover, it is through a prolonged study of a large number of cases of the same disease that clinical research learns to predict the likely prognosis and judge the efficacy of the treatment. This type of research activity has limitations in the form of having a restricted number of cases of the disease under investigation, a need to update one's knowledge concerning laboratory techniques from which he obtains his 'cues', and the longer time interval required to complete the work. Health science research is a recent development of medical research due to the demands placed on many health services. More often basic medical and clinical research go hand in hand and are inseparable. Furthermore, clinical research workers often conduct studies on experimental animals, due to either the limited number of human cases or for ethical considerations.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Character education is an effort to foster and shape student character according to school culture. The research objective was to describe the process of cultivating character in students through school intracurricular and extracurricular activities. The research method with qualitative, data collection with interview, observation, and documentation. The results showed (1) character planting through intracurricular activities with (a) strengthening learning, namely character building in accordance with the theme or material, and (b) spiritual paradigm by inserting Islamic values ??in the learning process. (2) character planting through extracurricular activities with (a) scouts, namely forming leadership characters, being independent, solving problems, and loving nature, (b) leadership, forming leadership characters, responsibility, and making decisions, (c) painting, forming detailed, focused, creative characters , (d) martial art, forming tough, skilled characters, (e) reciting recitation, forming religious, moral, orderly characters, (f) child preachers, forming brave characters, positive thinking, art of communication, influencing others. Pendidikan karakter merupakan upaya membina dan membentuk karakter siswa sesuai dengan budaya sekolah. Tujuan penelitian untuk mendeskripsikan proses penanaman karakter siswa melalui kegiatan intrakurikuler dan ekstrakurikuler di sekolah. Metode penelitian dengan kualitatif, teknik pengumpulan data dengan wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan: (1) Penanaman karakter melalui kegiatan intrakurikuler dengan cara (a) Penguatan pembelajaran yaitu pembentukan karakter yang sesuai dengan tema atau materi, dan (b) paradigma spriritual dengan menyisipkan nilai keislaman dalam proses pembelajaran. (2) Penanaman karakter melalui kegiatan ekstrakurikuler, (a) Pramuka yaitu membentuk karakter kepemimpinan, mandiri, memecahkan masalah, dan cinta alam, (b) Kepemimpinan, membentuk karakter kepemimpinan, tanggung jawab, dan membuat keputusan, (c) Melukis, membentuk karakter detail, fokus, kreatif, (d) Pencak silat, membentuk karakter tangguh, terampil, (e) Mengaji, membentuk karakter religious, akhlak, tertib, (f) Pendakwah cilik, membentuk karakter berani, berfikir positif, seni komunikasi, mempengaruhi orang lain.
Sexuality is a subject to be discussed without shying-away. This essay, discusses about how sexuality of a certain minority people in India and across borders, are being perceived by people in various countries and the consequences faced by the people whose sexuality seems deviant i.e. the sexual minorities from the majority . This essay provides illustrations in the form of research done by various sources that provides such evidences that paint a different picture of the sexual minorities viz. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) people in India and across the world aiming at eliminating the prejudice against them.
Urolithiasis is a common worldwide problem with high recurrence. This review covers the forty-one (41) antiurolithiatic plants of the Rosaceae family that are used in 14 countries. Hopefully, this review will be helpful for the general public and attract the scientific world for antiurolithiatic drug discovery.
This article explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and personalized healthcare, focusing on how AI-driven technologies are revolutionizing the delivery of individualized medical care. Through an in-depth examination of recent advancements, practical implementations, and ethical considerations, this paper elucidates the transformative role of AI in tailoring treatments, improving diagnostic precision, and enhancing overall patient outcomes.
Background: There is great promise for improving nutrition and health thanks to phytonutrients' antioxidant qualities and health advantages. Their capacity to combat oxidative stress and associated illnesses emphasizes the importance of precisely evaluating their antioxidant characteristics. Objective: This study concludes by providing a comprehensive and critical critique of the current approaches to measure the antioxidant activity of phytonutrients. It dives into the fundamentals, benefits, drawbacks, and most recent developments of commonly used antioxidant assays, giving the reader a comprehensive grasp of the topic. This recapitulation of the review's goal in the end reinforces the reader's primary takeaway. Methods: Research on several antioxidant tests, such as FRAP, ORAC, DPPH, and ABTS, is consolidated in this review. It looks at each assay's performance traits, technological advances, and techniques. The review also assesses the incorporation of many assays to thoroughly examine phytonutrient potency and its uses in the food industry and nutritional science. Results: The review shows how antioxidant tests have advanced significantly, improving sensitivity, accuracy, and physiological relevance. It demonstrates how these tests can be used practically to guarantee food quality, create supplements, and offer nutritional advice. The paper also lists the difficulties today, including the intricacy of antioxidant mechanisms, test variability, and the requirement for assay standardization. The practical value of the research is emphasized by highlighting the significance of antioxidant tests for quality assurance, adulteration detection, and shelf life extension in the food business. Discussion: Scientists, doctors, and business experts interested in evaluating and applying phytonutrients will find this review helpful. It emphasizes how crucial it is to improve antioxidant testing to ascertain the possible health advantages and therapeutic uses of phytonutrients. The review highlights the need for increased test sensitivity, accuracy, and relevance while discussing the benefits and drawbacks of the available techniques. It draws attention to the importance of strong and trustworthy antioxidant tests to maximize the use of phytonutrients in food quality control and pharmaceutical research. Prospects: Future directions seek to address the challenges discovered through the development of multidisciplinary research and testing technologies. Novel approaches will advance our knowledge of phytonutrient potency and aid in developing medicines and nutraceuticals. This study highlights the significance of trustworthy assays for understanding and utilizing phytonutrients, providing academics and professionals in the business with vital insights.
Metformin is considered the first-line treatment as a monotherapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Emerging evidence suggests that metformin may have a renoprotective role; therefore, understanding the impact of metformin dose and therapy duration on renal function may significantly improve renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients. This study aims to investigate the renoprotective effects of metformin by analyzing its dose-dependent impacts on the estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used from September 2022 to October 2023. Data from 302 type 2 diabetes patients were collected from patient files at the Benghazi Diabetic Center and the Aljabal Al-Alkdar Diabetic Center, including all with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on varying doses of metformin. The collected data included age, gender, metformin dose, duration of metformin therapy, urea, and creatinine. Exclusion criteria included patients with significant comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (other than diabetic nephropathy), liver disease, heart failure, or malignancy; those taking nephrotoxic medications; individuals with recent acute illnesses or surgical procedures; pregnant or lactating women; participants with inadequate medical records; and patients who were non-adherent to metformin therapy. Survival analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different metformin doses on the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The study analyzed 302 diabetic patients, of whom 46.0% were male and 54.0% were female. The age was 58.3±11.9 years. The HbA1c was 7.7%±1.3%. The duration of diabetes was 11.4±8.1 years. The creatinine was 1.0±0.9 mg/dL, and the urea was 36.7±23.8 mg/dL. Data analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in survival distribution across the dose groups. Different metformin doses significantly impact the estimated glomerular filtration rate, suggesting that dosage plays a crucial role in maintaining renal function.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
On January 2021, cases affected by coronavirus epidemic are constantly increasing, Libyan Ministry of Health provides the vaccine to the people those who are most at risk. The purpose of this study was to assess and verify the adverse effects of the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The study conducted at the Aljmail city, west region of Libya. The study was cross-sectional study during the period of August 31st and November 5th, 2021. The method involved 133 adult Libyan participants of both gender ageing more than 18 years old. The preliminary data were 54.0% who developed post-vaccination symptoms. The participant's aged 60 years and more with chronic diseases were more likely to have adverse effects after receiving the first dose of vaccine. In conclusion, AstraZeneca vaccine was good and effective but this study indicates a need for a large and long period study to confirm the safety of the vaccine use in the adult people.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The wet coating of anhydrous borax powders with stearic acid (SA) to reverse their inherent hydrophilic surface properties was investigated. The coating procedure was based on the results from a previous study that revealed that the stearic acid solution (2 wt. % SA) mixed for 60 minute at 750 rpm on the magnetic stirrer was sufficient for the surface modification of anhydrous borax. For the experiments, stearic acid powders were first dissolved in water at 80 °C. The mixture obtained by adding anhydrous borax powders to this solution was vigorously mixed on a magnetic stirrer to initiation and completion the surface modification. Each of these solutions was then filtered using a filter paper to separate the undissolved particles, and the residue on paper was dried at 50 °C for 48 h until constant weighing was obtained. Wettability has been accepted as a key parameter for success in wet coating treatment. This parameter gained via the experimental characterization technique was used for an evaluation of the powder properties. The degree of wettability of anhydrous borax powders was measured and compared both after their surfaces were coated with stearic acid and after they were treated with water for a certain period of time in an aqueous environment. The stearic acid coating made the powder hydrophobic and this property was highly preserved after washing.
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.
Overpopulation is a global problem which affects almost everyone in the globe by reducing the available natural resources in the existence. An epidemiological survey was conducted with the aim to assess the people’s response towards overpopulation and its harms to them. The study was conducted based upon descriptive survey design using interview method. The study comprises 80 people residing in selected rural area. The data was collected based on purposive sampling using checklist. The study reveals that most of the people are residing by doing unskilled work due to unemployment with poor living standard.
This research paper examines the dynamic interplay between social movements and Indian politics to assess their importance in shaping the socio-political landscape of the nation. In recent decades, India has witnessed the rise of various social movements, from grassroots activism to large-scale protests, each with distinct goals and socio-political implications. This study uses a multidimensional approach that combines historical analysis, case studies, and theoretical frameworks to reveal the complex connections between social movements and political transformations. The research begins by delving into the historical context of social movements in India, highlighting their evolution from the pre-independence era to the present. By examining key movements such as India's independence struggle, the Chipko movement, anti-corruption protests and farmers' agitations, this paper seeks to identify recurring patterns, strategies and outcomes across periods. The study further examines the impact of social movements on policy-making, political discourse and institutional reforms. By analyzing specific cases where social movements have influenced legislative decisions or brought about political change, the research aims to assess the tangible results of grassroots activism on the functioning of Indian democracy. The role of social media and technology in amplifying the voices of social movements is also explored, emphasizing their transformative influence on public opinion, mobilization and information dissemination. This study uses a comparative analysis of movements with varying degrees of success to distinguish the factors that contribute to their effectiveness and endurance. the research presents a comprehensive assessment of the role played by social movements in shaping Indian politics. By synthesizing historical perspectives, contemporary case studies and theoretical insights, this article contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between social activism and political change in the Indian context. The aim of the findings is to inform policy makers, scholars and activists about the potential of social movements as catalysts for positive social transformations and democratic development.
The result of this study showed that the growth performance of the two varieties of amaranth were greatly reduced, in terms of number of leaves per plant in the saline treated plant exposed to the highest saline concentration compared to the control. Amaranthus cruentus had more number of leaves (6.63) than Amaranthus hybridus (5.67) and Amaranthus hybridus had higher survival rate than Amranthus cruentus(1.83). Although both test plant varieties responded to varying saline concentrations in various ways, both tends to show similar responds. Also, the number of days to germination increases with increased salinity concentrations the two amaranth varieties was both adversely affected by higher saline concentrations, where increased salinity concentrations caused reduction in shoot length Also, the leave breadth was better in the control and the plants with lower amounts of NaCl concentration(0.025 and 0.05), this implies that Amaranthus hybridus and Amaranthus cruenthus tolerate moderate salinity levels, while the plants with higher salinity concentrations (0.075,0.01,0.15) had leave breadth that were small, and eventually died because of high amounts of salt.
The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes, expectations, experiences, and barriers that physicians in Tripoli hospitals experienced when working alongside Clinical Pharmacists (CPs). A descriptive self-administered questionnaire was used for the study, and participants were selected from several Tripoli hospitals. Most of the respondents agreed that CPs are an essential part of patient care teams and that they have the legal authority to review a patient's medication regimen and response. More than half of respondents believe CPs must be responsible for the medications they prescribe to patients. Half of the respondents agreed that CPs should be encouraged to play a more active role in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The majority of participants agreed that CPs should participate in managing drug side effects and almost half agreed that CPs can contribute to decisions about drug interactions. By a low agreement rate, 42.7% of respondents thought CPs were specially qualified to counsel patients on drug therapy. A similar low trend was observed, with 40.9% agreeing to provide pharmacists with additional responsibility and authority in clinical departments, in contrast, 54.5% expressed their concern about the clinical responsibility of CPs in clinical practice. A minority of physicians agreed that Physicians should consult pharmacists in selecting the best pharmacological treatment. At the same time, the majority think that pharmacists lack clinical skills and 61.8% feel that physicians are unable to communicate effectively with CPs. 43.6% acknowledged that the traditional opposition between the two professions was a barrier to interprofessional collaboration while the absence of pharmacy space in clinical settings was cited by 39.1%. A majority of respondents agreed that physicians and pharmacists may improve their interprofessional collaboration by raising their awareness about it. A minority of respondents thought that laws and regulations governing physician collaboration should be put in place to promote effective collaboration between physicians and CPs. The study discovered that although most physicians endorse the introduction of clinical pharmacy services in hospitals and believe that physicians and pharmacists can collaborate on many tasks, respondents were not as impressed with the CPs' performance and believed that they lacked the professionalism required to carry out clinical responsibilities successfully. To facilitate the growth of clinical pharmacy services, laws and regulations must be put in place.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are actions or events that occur when two or more drugs administered together, may cause a clinical significance or not. There are certain factors that may affect the severity of DDIs such as age, gender, number of drugs prescribed, and physician specialists. This study aims to answer: Is there DDI in Libyan community pharmacies? In addition, to explore the factors that might be affecting DDI. Drug Interactions Checkers are used. 200 prescriptions were collected randomly from two different areas ( high and low income),100 from each one and were used to investigate the DDIs by using two different sources (Drugs.com and BNF platforms), bearing in mind, age, gender, prescribers’ specialty, and drug number (prescription size). A personal interview questionnaire with pharmacists for investigate a source of DDI knowledge was considered. The correlation test was used to analysis the findings. The randomly selected sample has 316 drug combinations. The study has revealed a minimum of three drugs (46.0%). In general, Drugs.com was the richer source of DDI than BNF (66.5% and 34.5%, respectively). It is found that 66.5% (67.0% of this is moderate DDI) of these combinations have DDI by Drugs.com. A significant correlation between DDI and gender (male > female, p = 0.035) was found. In a state of residential areas, the results are similar in both selected pharmacies. Most moderate DDIs (21.0% and 15.0%) are prescribed by orthopedics and psychiatrists, respectively. The observational interview questionnaire indicated that 100% of the participating pharmacists had no source of knowledge regarding DDI, 100% of 200 prescriptions had no chick it regarding DDI and 100% of found DDI is released to use by community pharmacies to patients. More than half of the prescribed drug combinations have DDIs (classified as moderate DDIs), and all of them are released for use by pharmacists.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
A new feature generates customer delight by using modern computer vision techniques to drive new search paradigms through visual discovery.
Community pharmacist plays an essential role in educating the epileptic patients about their disease and medications. Improving the patient’s awareness may lead to improve their compliance and decrease drug-drug interaction and ultimately improve their quality of life. Pharmacist can detect the emergence of health problems and can help prevent progression of comorbidities. Considering the complexity of treating epilepsy and the lack of information about pharmacists’ contributions to epilepsy management, pharmacist performed pharmaceutical counselling, pharmaco-therapeutic follow-up and systematic measurement and evaluation of findings and increase medication adherence of patient with epilepsy. This study was aimed to assess the community pharmacist's knowledge about epilepsy and their treatment by antiepileptic drugs in Libya. The design of the study is a cross sectional study. The knowledge was collected through a questionnaire which included 35 questions divided into three sections: demographic data, general information about epilepsy and information about epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs. The questionnaire was prepared and validated by consultant training in Ali Omer Asker Hospital in Tripoli for two months. The findings indicate that over 200 patients are altered viewed, of whom, only epileptic patients were observed. The majority of the participants were female, qualification degree BSc and years of experience from one to five years. Unfortunately, some of the participants (40.0%) had poor knowledge and about 60.0% of them had good knowledge. This study indicates that the importance of community pharmacist in Libya requires more improvement to achieve the existing function and that the impact of continuous study of everything related to diseases and medicines is important to obtain a qualified pharmacist who can become an effective agent for a change.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences