Epithelial cells, lining the skin and internal organs, play a crucial role as protective barriers and regulators of substance transport. Traditionally, these cells were not considered to employ electrical signaling for communication. However, recent investigations have unveiled that epithelial cells generate slow electrical signals, termed the "silent scream," in response to injury, thus challenging conventional views of intercellular communication. A recent experimental investigation provided compelling evidence for this phenomenon, demonstrating the ability of these cells to transmit electrical signals over considerable distances within the epithelium. The research utilized microelectrode array chips to precisely detect subtle electrical events in keratinocytes and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells, revealing spiking activity characterized by slow propagation speeds, distinct from the rapid action potentials of neurons. The mechanisms underlying this novel signaling are explored, focusing on the involvement of mechanosensitive ion channels, calcium signaling, and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release. Calcium ions, well-established intracellular messengers, appear to play a central role in this biological phenomenon. Integrating this newly discovered communication mode into the existing understanding of skin cell biology reveals a more intricate picture of how skin senses and responds to its environment. The implications of this finding extend to various facets of skin physiology and pathology, including wound healing, inflammation, and skin aging. In wound healing, where endogenous electric fields guide cell migration and promote repair, this unique type of electrical signaling potentially plays a crucial part. Furthermore, aberrant electrical signaling might contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions, and age-related changes in this signaling could underlie the functional decline observed in aged skin. The potential for other environmental stressors to trigger the epithelial-generated electric signals also warrants investigation. The exploration concludes by discussing potential technological applications, such as bioelectric sensors and enhanced wound healing therapies, and future research directions aimed at further elucidating the molecular mechanisms and functional roles of this non-excitable cell electrophysiology.

Karishma

Dietary intake of contaminated food with heavy metals may cause severe risk for the human health. Heavy metals affect adversely a human health. The current study assessed the concentrations of heavy metals including Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) of urban and rural areas in Bangladesh. The experimental samples of fresh eggplant fruits were collected from six local markets in Jashore, Bangladesh, and the tissues were extracted with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Trace elements in eggplant fruits were estimated with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Obtained result show that Heavy metal concentrations were high in the urban areas compared to rural areas. Heavy metals in the eggplant fruits of rural and urban areas were: Pb (2.74-18.64), Cu (10.20-67.16), Ni (46.63-148.46), and Zn (86.65-148.73) mg.kg-1 respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Ni and Zn in eggplant were at an excess of safe limits according to the Food and Agriculture and World Health Organizations. While, Cu was lower than the maximum safe limit. The present study concluded that growing eggplants in Jashore areas are heavily contaminated with Pb, Ni and Zn that would be hazardous for consumer’s health. The result of this study will be beneficial for the agricultural policy makers in Bangladesh to take appropriate action and reduce the heavy metal toxicity among fresh food products.

Arafat hassan razon

Background: Previously, Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae), commonly known as holy basil, has been noted for its anti-ulcer properties, primarily attributed to its oil and leaf extracts. However, the anti-ulcer activity of an ethanolic extract derived from the whole plant has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the antiulcer effect of the ethanolic extract of O. sanctum whole plant (OSWP) in an experimental ulcer model. Methods: The study, conducted at PCSIR Labs Complex in Karachi in August 2024, was approved by the Ethical Use of Experimental Animals Committee (IEC/OSWP-05). This study investigates the anti-ulcer activity of an ethanolic extract of OSWP in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage at 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight, with ranitidine (50 mg/kg) used as a positive control. Outcome measures included ulcer index (UI), percentage protection, and gastric pH. Results: The ethanolic extract of OSWP demonstrated dose-dependent gastroprotective effects. At 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, the UIs were 9.49 ± 2.40, 4.55 ± 1.44, and 2.5 ±2.25, respectively, with corresponding protection ranging from 48.9% to 86.54% for the 200 to 400 mg/kg doses (p < 0.05). Gastric pH increased from 5.6 to 7.6. In comparison, ranitidine (50 mg/kg) resulted in a UI of 4.0 ± 0.88, 78.47% protection (p < 0.05), and a pH of 7.0. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity in the ethanolic extract of OSWP, which may be further developed as a potential anti-ulcer agent. A graphical presentation of the whole experimental process is shown in Figure 1.

Karishma

La lecture de toute production romanesque signée d’une Africaine, laisse souvent transparaître a priori l’idée qu’elle évoque la victimisation de la femme par la gent masculine. Mais, à certain niveau, l’univers de sa fiction n’affiche pas de façon catégorique ou formelle cette question. Tel est le cas de Fatou Diome avec son roman en cours de décryptage. Le but de cet article est de montrer que l’auteure construit son texte autour de plusieurs facettes pour assurer la transmission des valeurs identitaires et que le choix de certains genres oraux et l’évocation de la problématique de genre (homme-femme) offrent des concepts qui servent à exprimer des faits propres à l’identité culturelle africaine. À partir d’une analyse thématique et sociocritique, nous comprenons qu’elle adosse insidieusement à ce thème la problématique de l’identité. Ce, à partir de plusieurs artifices littéraires qui sont entre autres le potentiel oral traditionnel du terroir et le discours revalorisant la femme, par ricochet l’identité africaine.

Assanvo

Breast cancer is the most prevalent invasive form of cancer in females and poses a significant challenge to overcoming the disease burden. The growth in global cancer deaths mandates the discovery of new efficacious natural anti-tumor treatments. In this regard, aquatic species offer a rich supply of possible drugs. Studies have shown that several marine peptides damage cancer cells by a broad range of pathways, including apoptosis, microtubule balance disturbances, and suppression of angiogenesis. Many side effects, including immune response suppression, characterise traditional chemotherapeutic agents. The discovery of novel putative anti-cancer peptides with lesser toxicity is therefore necessary and timely, especially those able to thwart multi-drug resistance (MDR). This review addresses marine anti-cancer peptides for the treatment of breast cancer.

Dr. salman ahmed

Avian leukosis virus is recognized as an important viral pathogen in the poultry industry, resulting in salient severe economic losses due to reduced production, uneven flock growth rates, reduced growth, and immunosuppression which predispose affected birds to other infections. This study examined the seroprevalence of avian leukosis virus (ALV) in local chickens (LC) in 5 different live bird markets (LBMs) in Kaduna Metropolis. A total of 276 sera were tested for ALV p27 antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An overall seroprevalence of 28.3% (78/276) was recorded in the study. At the market level, the seroprevalence of 35% (21/60), 30% (18/60), 32% (16/50), 28.6% (16/56), and 14% (7/50) were recorded for Sabon Tasha, Central market, Railway station, Kawo and Sokoto Road LBMs respectively. With regards to sex, female LC showed a significantly higher prevalence of 30.5% (46/105) compared to male chickens 26.9% (46/171) with no significant difference (P > 0.05) observed. This study established the presence of antigen to ALV in local chickens sold in LBMs. We recommend surveillance and further studies on the isolation, molecular characterization and pathogenicity of ALV in the study area.

Bitrus inuwa

Frequent power outages arising from poor state of electricity infrastructure is hindering Nigeria’s socio-economic growth. Port Harcourt is one of the foremost cities in Nigeria where business and social activities are becoming rapidly more dependent on electricity. Any power outage, even of the shortest duration, in Port Harcourt City has severe socio-economic impacts and there is no likelihood that the phenomenon would abate even in the nearest future. This research investigated the causes of incessant power outages in Port Harcourt City and suggested remedial measures to reverse the trend. The researcher relied on datacollected from primary sources through personal observations, interviews and discussions with residents of the City and from secondary sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and current scholarly literature relating to this research, over a period of twelve months. The study used a descriptive and the non-parametric simple percentages technique in analysing the data so collected and in drawing conclusions. It was found that inadequate power generating capacity, shortage of gas, weak and dilapidated electrical transmission and distribution network, inadequate power infrastructure facilities, etc. are the chief causes of incessant power outages in the Port Harcourt metropolis. The paper recommends, among others, immediate upgrade of existing power infrastructure facilities, review of government policy on domestic gas supply and stiff statutory legislation on vandalism as measures to stabilise electricity supply in the Port Harcourt city.

Dr. hachimenum amadi

Effective project management requires an understanding of how stakeholders are impacted by project failure. It draws attention to the effects on those involve finances, reputations, and emotions, assisting organizations in risk avoidance and fostering stakeholder satisfaction, trust, and long-term success. The purpose of this study is to provide proactive risk management, stakeholder involvement, and project result strategies. In order to compile this study, we have used a number literature reviews ranging from 2004 to 2023. The study's findings show that project failure results in significant financial losses, harms reputation, has legal ramifications, affects employee wellbeing, stifles relationships with stakeholders, stifles innovation, and endangers communities and the environment. By Adopting proactive risk management, strong governance, open communication, employee support, stakeholder involvement, strategic resource allocation, and social and environmental responsibility to reduce these negative effects and achieve sustainable project outcomes. The policymakers, practitioners and academia should focus risk factors those are associated with the project failure and hance manage a good harmony among the stakeholders.

Nazim ullah

Background: Although statins are considered safe, they do have side effects with a wide range of hepatic adverse effects. The present study aims to estimate the frequency of liver injury in patients treated with various statins and to describe their clinical characteristics and outcomes. Materials and Methods: We carried out a secondary post hoc analysis of collected data from our previous study entitled “Frequency of Rhabdomyolysis in Patients Treated with Statins in Hamad General Hospital, Qatar.” Results: We identified 10 cases (1.0%) of statin-induced liver injury during the study period. Their mean age was 62±10.09 years, with 6 (60%) males and 4 (40%) females. Of the 10 patients, six patients received rosuvastatin, two patients received atorvastatin, and other two cases received simvastatin. The mean duration between the initiation of statin and the development of liver injury (latency period) was 20.40±6.91 months. Five of our patients were asymptomatic, and liver injury was discovered incidentally during routine testing of the patients during routine follow-up, while four patients developed painless jaundice and one developed muscle pain attributed to rhabdomyolysis. Statins were stopped in all patients. Nine of them were managed on an outpatient basis, while one patient with rhabdomyolysis was admitted. In all patients, other statins were reintroduced after a mean time of 7.4±3 months without recurrence of liver injury. No mortality has been reported. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that statin-induced liver injury is a rare clinical entity that occurs regardless of the dose and type of statin, with rosuvastatin being the most causative drug. Statin-induced liver injury was asymptomatic and was discovered incidentally in 50% of our cases during routine testing, underscoring the importance of routine follow-up of liver function tests in asymptomatic patients.

Karishma

During the 16th century, firearms played a transformative role in Indian warfare, considerably enhancing the effectiveness of the Mughal army. The introduction of muskets and artillery by Babur in 1526 revolutionized military strategies, giving the Mughals a decisive advantage in battles and sieges. The Mughal army’s structure, particularly under Akbar’s Mansabdari system, centralized control and ensured a loyal, efficient military force. This technological and organizational superiority enabled the Mughals to consolidate power over diverse regions through a combination of military might and diplomacy. By the 17th century, there was a significant change in rebellions as firearms started being used by peasants. This shift in weaponry fundamentally altered the nature of these uprisings, empowering the peasantry in new ways to resist authority. Multiethnic regional powers also recognized the importance of firearms, acquiring them from the Mughals or Europeans, and employing them effectively in battles. In the mid-18th century, the Marathas and later the Mysore Sultanate took a notable step by establishing arms factories and engaging European experts to produce advanced firearms. This marked a departure from the past, where regional powers typically relied on the Mughals or European companies for firearm procurement. This shift toward domestic arms production signaled a move toward greater self-sufficiency and the development of advanced firepower. By the 18th century, the Mughal Empire was in decline, and multiethnic regional powers and European colonial forces, equipped with advanced firearms, challenged and eventually overshadowed Mughal dominance.

Bidyut patar

The exponential growth of biomedical literature presents both an unprecedented opportunity and a significant challenge for medical professionals and students. Conducting a thorough yet efficient literature review is a fundamental skill, essential for evidence-based practice (EBP), research, education, and scholarly writing. However, navigating this vast information landscape effectively remains a common hurdle. This review aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to conducting efficient and rigorous literature reviews tailored to the needs of medical professionals and students. It focuses on practical strategies, critical appraisal techniques, synthesis methods, and leveraging technology to optimize the process while maintaining scientific integrity. A narrative review methodology was employed, synthesizing established principles and methods from evidence-based medicine, information science, and academic writing. Key sources include guidelines from major medical libraries, EBP resources, and authoritative texts on research methodology and critical appraisal. The review outlines a structured approach encompassing: defining a focused question using frameworks like Participants; Intervention/Exposure; Comparison; and Outcome (PICO/PECO); developing and executing a systematic search strategy across multiple databases; efficient screening and selection of relevant literature; critical appraisal of study quality and relevance; effective synthesis of findings (narrative, thematic, or tabular); clear and concise writing; and strategies for maintaining currency. Emphasis is placed on leveraging technology (reference managers, databases, and AI tools) cautiously and avoiding common pitfalls, such as scope creep and uncritical acceptance of findings. A life-long experience that the academic writer learns through life, and yet may fall into them easily. An efficient literature review is not merely about speed, but about systematic rigor, critical thinking, and strategic use of resources. By adopting the structured, technology-enhanced, and critically appraised approach outlined, medical professionals and students can navigate the literature effectively, saving valuable time while producing high-quality, evidence-informed outputs for clinical practice, research, and education.

Karishma

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 incorporation of lomustine, a hydrophobic anticancer drug into PLGA nanoparticles by interfacial deposition method was optimized. Based on the optimal parameters, it was found that lomustine-PLGA nanoparticles with acceptable properties could be obtained. Optimization of formulation variables to control the size and drug entrapment efficiency of the prepared nanoparticles seems to be based on the same scientific principles as drug-loaded nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation, solvent evaporation method. The process was the most important factor to control the particle size, while both the drug-polymer interaction and the partition of drug in organic and aqueous phases were the crucial factors to govern the drug entrapment efficiency. PLGA concentration at lower level (100 mg), 1:5 organic phase: aqueous ratio, 1%w/v PVA concentration, 3%w/v pluronic F68 achieved smaller particle size. Additionally, L:G ratio of PLGA 75:25, lower volume of organic solvent (1:10 organic phase: aqueous phase), higher initial drug content (10 mg) enhanced the drug entrapment efficiency and maintained lomustine concentration in blood for an extended time period, elevated lomustine concentration in lungs and slowed the elimination of lomustine. The biodistribution profiles of prepared nanoparticles in albino mice showed higher plasma drug concentration for longer period of time, elevated drug concentration in lungs and slow elimination from kidney. No toxic effects of prepared nanoparticles were observed in histopathological examination of lungs and kidney. The systematic investigation reported here promises the development of PLGA nanoparticles loaded with lomustine when tested in Lung Cancer cell line L132 and toxicological/ histopathological studies in albino mice.

Archana mehrotra

The coexistence of Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) and Graves’ disease (GD) is uncommon. Here, we report a case of a 41-year-old Filipino female, who presented with thyrotoxicosis and acute ischemic stroke. Based on her clinical presentation, cerebral computed tomography angiography, and thyroid function tests, she was diagnosed with MMS and GD. Her Burch-Wartofsky point scale score was 30, suggesting an impending thyroid storm. Antithyroid therapy was started with her neurological status deterioration initially, but after controlling the thyroid storm, the patient’s neurological status stabilized. She remained stable till she travelled to her country. We hypothesized that MMS in a patient with GD is mediated through anti-dsDNA antibodies, by altering key biological mechanisms, that is, inflammation, neutrophil extracellular traps, and apoptosis that drive a distinctive and coordinated immune and vascular activation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of MMS associated with GD reported in Qatar.

Karishma

Effective crisis communication response through using the proper strategies is critical to cope with crises and to protect the reputation and existence of the involved parties. Usually, aviation accidents receive great attention from the media and the public. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) which was shot down over eastern Ukraine on 17 July 2014 during its scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur received global attention. This attention was due to the involvement of several countries either at the level of the countries of victims or the countries accused of the attack. Image repair theory proposed by William Benoit, the widely used in crisis communication response was implemented in this study. The Russian response to the international accusation, especially from the Western world on supporting the attackers of MH17 has been examined in this study. This study implemented both quantitative and qualitative content analysis to achieve its aims. A total of 306 news stories from the online New Straits Times newspaper Website from the years 2014 to 2019 were analysed. A total of 191 strategies were included in 123 news stories since some stories combined more than a strategy. Out of 191 strategies, 43.5% were simple denial, followed by shift the blame and attack accuser with 35.1% and 21.5% respectively. The results revealed that the image repair effort by Russia was effective and successful.

Mohammed fadel arandas

The study examined public-private sectors’ collaboration in human resource management and curriculum development in the administration of public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study comprised 281 principals in the 281 public secondary schools in Rivers State. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to draw up sample of 259 principals representing 92.2% of the population of the study (211 male principals and 70 female principals). An instrument titled: Public-Private Sectors’ Collaboration for School Administration Questionnaire (PPSCSAQ) designed in the modified 4-point Likert Scale with a reliability index of 0.87 was used for data collection. The face and content validities were ensured. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research question while z-test was used in testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study showed that to a high extent public-private sectors collaborate in human resource management and curriculum development in the administration of public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. It was recommended among others that the government should provide enabling environment and formulate favourable policies to sustain public-private sectors’ collaboration as it ensures effective human resource management in the state.

Fxintegrity publishing

This paper found that 35% of Adivasis have health problems, and 73% said that they are getting treatment with RMP. 87% have toilet facility and more than 12% still defecate openly. 18.3% said that they faced different problems at open defecation, and 50% of women not using sanitary napkins. Nearly 90% of respondents wash their hands after toilets and coming from outside of the home. Ten per cent of respondents said that they do not have an awareness of sanitation. Therefore, the study confirmed that the sanitation facilities considerably made the women's dignity and quality of life better in the study area. Moreover, four case studies also focused on open defecation problems in the study area.

B suresh lal

Social competence is often seen as a desirable trait during adolescence as it is considered as a protective factor in resilient individuals. It promotes personal and interpersonal effectiveness by enhancing skills needed for dealing with environmental challenges in daily life situations. Poor social competence has been associated with a number of psychosocial troubles during adolescence, including mental disorders, emotional and behavioral problems. Of the many skill building programs used to enhance adolescent social competence, Life Skills Education and Training have been significant ones. The present study investigates the utility of life skills training in enhancing social competency during adolescence. A pre- and post-test experimental design was used in the study to analyze the stated objectives. Adolescent Social Competency Scale was used to select the study sample. 160 adolescent students (mean age=16.44) who scored low on social competence participated in the study. These were randomly divided into the experimental and control group (n=80), consisting of equal number of male and female adolescents (n=40). Participants in the experimental group were trained on six of the ten core life skills, based on the module prepared by the researcher. The training lasted for 10 sessions following which post-test assessments were done. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics including independent sample t-test and repeated measures of ANOVA. The results of the study indicate a significant effect of life skills training in enhancing adolescent social competence, irrespective of gender.

Hita claudia rao

Despite the evolution of modern technology, the users of hearing aids do not realize the persistence of feedback, while wearing the device until the condition becomes worse. The feedback cancellation algorithms, instead of cancelling the acoustic feedback, limits speech intelligibility. The paper presents a novel method for estimation of SNR based adaptive-feedback equalizers (SBAFE) algorithm to develop an optimized hearing aid for the feedback less sound transmission and achieving better speech discrimination. The data gathered for the optimization is visualized and compared with the traditional technology, which provides the subjective and objective quality of the hearing aids.

Jayanthi g

Mucosal systems such as orally disintegrating films (ODFs) and mucoadhesive buccal films (MBFs) have gained attention and become a potential alternative to the conventional oral drug delivery systems, especially for patients who are geriatric or pediatric or those having difficulty in swallowing or drugs with extensive first-pass metabolism. Such films provide benefits, including a quick onset of action, increased bioavailability, and patient compliance. Successful development entails meticulous optimization of ingredients such as film-forming polymers, plasticizers, surfactants, taste maskers, and material selection for the corresponding manufacturing process, including solvent casting, hot-melt extrusion, 3D printing, and electrospinning. Limitations remain, with challenges including low drug loading capacity, no unified evaluation standard, stability problems, and regulatory vagueness of the liposome carrier. Emerging trends signal the promise of nanocarrier-based films, solid dispersions, and stimuli-responsive systems to circumvent these barriers. Personalization technologies, specifically 3D printing and natural and biodegradable polymers, are expected to broaden the clinical use of oromucosal films. This article provides an overview of the current state of development, along with formulation and manufacturing considerations of ODFs and MBFs, the role of which is significant in addressing translational and regulatory hurdles.

Karishma