Review of mentoring in higher education

Mentoring relationships between a senior, experienced faculty member and a junior employee, between a faculty member and an undergraduate or graduate student, or between a senior and a junior student is essential in higher education. The current review aims to emphasize the necessity of establishing organized mentorship programs at national institutions to enhance academic performance, teaching/learning effectiveness, knowledge and skill development, growth and development, research productivity, and community engagement. The mentor and mentee both benefit from the mentoring relationship. Academic advising, preceptor supervision, and supervision of graduation projects are different from the mentoring relationship as they focus on only one aspect of the relationship, whether it is the study plan, the study session, or the project, respectively. Mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship that calls for integrity, decency, self-assurance, trust, and respect. Educational institutes and colleges should set up a committee to establish a well-organized mentoring program with all the necessary templates for recruiting mentors and mentees, and also for annual evaluation and feedback from all parties involved.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Phytochemical evaluation and in-vitro thrombolytic activity ofsalvia hispanica

The present study was designed to investigate the in-vitro thrombolytic activity of various extracts of seeds of Salvia hispanica by Clot lysis method. In this study, Streptokinase was used as a positive control and the human blood was taken as test sample. The mean % of clot lysis for streptokinase was found to be 66.8%. Similarly the methanolic, ethanolic, aqueous and acetonic extracts of salvia hispanica exerted 48.5%, 35.8%, 33.3%, 27.7% lysis of the blood clot in thrombolytic activity test respectively. From our findings it was observed that all the extracts of Salvia hispanica revealed remarkable thrombolytic activity

Zeenath Banu Zeenath banu

Effect of weather parameters on seasonal incidence of pod borer complex in pigeonpea

Field experiments were conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif season of 2013 and 2014 to determine the effect of weather parameters on the incidence of pod borer complex on early maturing pigeonpea varieties. The study revealed that the infestation of Helicoverpa armigera and Maruca vitrata started with the onset of bud initiation and reached its peak at flowering stage. The maximum H. armigera larval population (1.83 larvae plant-1) was recorded in 1st week of July sown crop, whereas, the maximum incidence of M. vitrata (21.17 webs plant-1) was recorded in 2nd week of July sown crop. The larval population of H. armigera was significantly and positively correlated with the maximum temperature, followed by minimum temperature.Incidence of M. vitrata was negatively correlated with evening relative humidity and wind speed which was significant at p  0.05 level of significance.

DR. BABU LAL JAT Dr. babu lal jat

Occurrence of hypopituitarism in tunisian turner syndrome patients: familial versus sporadic cases

Objective: To explore unusual association between Turner Syndrome (TS) and Hypopituitarism in a Tunisian cohort. Methods: We reported 6 patients with TS associated to Hypopituitarism, including three familial cases except the fourth sister who showed only a TS phenotype. Biochemical analysis, resonance magnetic imaging and cytogenetic analyses were performed. Results: The average age of our patients was 17.2 years (11-31 years). They were all referred for short stature and pubertal delay, except for the fourth sister who presented spontaneous puberty with the integrity of the pituitary axis and the presence of an X ring chromosome. Karyotype analysis showed monosomy in 3 cases and a mosaic TS in the 3 remaining cases, including one patient with abnormal X chromosome structure. Somatotropic and corticotropic deficiencies were confirmed in 2 sporadic cases while the gonadotropic and thyrotropic axes were spared. In contrast; familial cases were consistently affected by the integrity of the corticotropic axis. MRI showed pituitary hypoplasia in all familial cases and pituitary stalk interruption syndrome in only one sporadic case. No correlation was found between the chromosome formula and the anterior pituitary involvement. Conclusion: Co-segregation of congenital Hypopituitarism with pituitary hypoplasia and X chromosome aberrations could imply a molecular anomaly of transcription factors responsible for the differentiation and development of pituitary cells such as PROP1, POUF1, Hesx1, Lhx3, Lhx4. The etiopathogenic link between X chromosome abnormalities and the occurrence of Hypopituitarism remains unclear; however, the progress of molecular biology may clarify the interrelation between transcription factors and sex chromosome segregation abnormalities.

Mariam moalla Mariam moalla

Melilotus officinalis (l.) pallas: ethnopharmacology, biological and phytochemical investigation

Natural products the most significant source for pharmaceutical development have been investigated and utilized to alleviate diseases since early human history. Natural compounds from both terrestrial and marine organisms have been extensively used for the treatment of many diseases either in their natural form or as a template for synthetic modification. A variety of new chemical entities from natural resources at present are undergoing clinical trials. The government sector, industries and academic institutions also play an important role in the natural drug development for human health enhancement.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

“in vivo approach: potential diuretic activity of m. charantia linn. on alloxan induced albino wistar rats in diabetes mellitus”.

The screening of perfect diuretics for non-clinical utility in Diabetes mellitus is a relatively novel approach which gain inssight into underlying the pathophysiological processes. This study is aims to evaluate the diuretic effect of a crude aqueous & alcoholic extract of M.charantia Linn. using Albino Wistar Rat model. In this study, the comparative observation of Diuretic activity with standard and extracted compound were shown that the estimated 24‐hour urine contains the Na+ - 3.82 g, 3.82 g, 3.92 g and K+ - 1.35 g, 1.39 g, 1.48 g wt. for Vehicle control, Standard drug, and Extracted compound respectively. Which possess the favoring result means from the spot urine were 10.7±7.0 g/24 h and 3.9±2.1 g/24 h, respectively. Coefficients were 0.035, 0.022, 0.046 at (d±2SD = 7.07 g, 4.42 g and 8.92 g) for sodium chloride and 0.068, 0.031, 0.046 at (d±2SD =4.92 g, 2.31 g, and 3.34 g) for potassium chloride. The Na+ and K+ results can be deduced by conversion (1 g NaCl=0.4 g Na+, 1 g KCl≈0.5 g K+). The present study guide formulation of non clinical trials with statistical study to further measuring the claimed efficacy of M. charantia as a natural remedy for diabetes mellitus.

Wahul UMESH Wahul umesh

Comparative composition, antioxidants, and antimicrobial effects of 3- and 7-day fermented seeds of nigella sativa

The significance of fermentation is gaining more relevance due to the need for better preparation of plants, the desire for better plant constituents, and the aim for the preservation of medicinal plants. Hence, this study sets out to determine and compare the pH, proximate composition, chemical constituents, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects of 3-day and 7-day fermented seeds of Nigella sativa. The fermentation of the seed was done for 3 and 7 days using 2.5% sugar. The pH of the sample declined from 3.5 to 3.45 during the fermentation. The proximate composition (moisture, ash, lipid, protein, and carbohydrates) was higher for the 3-day fermented sample while fiber was higher for the 7-day sample. The phytochemical constituents (tannins, saponins, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, phytates, oxalates, terpenoids, steroids, and glycosides) were higher for the 3-day than the 7-day sample. The Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry technique showed peaks that were characterized as 17 and 20 constituents on days 3 and 7 of the sample, respectively. The antioxidant capacity (ranging from 35.50% to 82.69% for the 3-day and from 37.50% to 84.99% for the 7-day sample) varies by the increasing concentration (7.81 mg/mL to 1000 mg/mL) of the sample. The diameter of zones of inhibition tested at different concentrations (25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL) showed varying degrees of activity against Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus. The zones obtained were higher 8-10 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and 10-12 mg/mL against Proteus vulgaris for the 7-day fermented sample while 8.0 to 9.0 mg/mL was obtained for the 3-day fermented against Staphylococcus aureus and 8.0 to 10.0 mg/mL against Proteus vulgaris. Overall, the results of this study indicated that fermentation contributed to enhancing the bioactive components and antioxidant capacity of the fermented seeds of N. sativa thereby supporting the use of fermentation in the production of value-added functional foods.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Globalisation and adivasis - an empirical study in telangana

The process of globalisation has made an unprecedented change in indigenous people's lives worldwide. However, the degree of exploitation and marginalisation vary from State to state and Adivasi tribal group to group. It examines very young, and older people are representing the highest number in the study areas. More than 73 per cent of Adivasi tribes are illiterates. The majority of families practice nuclear and have below three family members. Fifty-seven per cent of families have tiles roofs to their houses. 70% of respondents are cultivators (farmers), and 81% possess landholdings. More than 64 per cent collect minor forest produce. 68% of respondents earn less than 20k annual income. 90% of women participated in deciding their economic and family affairs—Majority Adivasi tribal suffering from anaemia, TB, BP and Diabetes. Adivasi tribals staple food is rice, followed by jowar—91% of respondents practising non-tribal traditional marriage system. The Government should take steps towards developmental activities in all villages, including water supply, bus services and roads. The Government has to take an integrated approach to develop Adivasi tribes in all aspects they need and participate in.

B Suresh Lal B suresh lal

Secured message exchange in mission critical infrastructure using conditional privacy preserving authentication

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) received enormous attention in recent years due to its phenomenal ability of implementation in various fields. WSNs consist of a large number of small sensor nodes. These nodes are very cheap in terms of cost. In military operations, there is always a threat of being attacked by enemies. So, the use of these cheap sensor nodes will help to reduce the loss. In this project, the security of data transmission in WSNs for military applications is analyzed. It discusses the available scenarios of using sensor nodes in the military uses. The aim is to present a better deployment of sensor nodes for military purposes with the help of cryptographic techniques. This project will try to identify different areas in which we can reduce the damage in case of militant’s attack or enemy’s outbreak using an intelligent deployment of nodes. It is proposed to use the WSNs in battlefield surveillance to closely monitor the critical areas and borders to obtain information about enemy activity in that area. Hence, militant’s will gather information quickly which will result in quick response. Border monitoring is an essential component of military surveillance to prevent enemy’s intrusion. Here the proposed work provides security using several techniques to encrypt and decrypt the data in WSNs. Elliptic Curve cryptography involves Attribute based encryption which is more complicate to hack. As well as skipjack is used to create digital signature to avoid unauthorized users.

Dr H Shaheen Dr h shaheen

Pengembangan bahan ajar tematik berbasis nilai-nilai keislaman kelas vi madrasah ibtidaiyah

Development of thematic teaching materials based on Islamic values, especially those related to the contents of the verses of the Alqur'an and / or hadith as the basis of all science. In the available books, there are no thematic teaching materials that are integrated with the Al-Quran and Hadith, as well as Islamic values ??that are able to implement the core competencies of the 2013 curriculum, namely the competence of spiritual attitudes in thematic learning. The formulation of this research is: (1) producing thematic teaching materials based on Islamic values ??theme 7 (Leadership) class 6 Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 2 Jember. (2) to determine the effectiveness of thematic teaching materials based on Islamic values ??in learning. This study uses a research and development research type, the Borg and Gall model which is divided into 10 steps, namely: (1) research and data collection (2) planning, (3) product draft development, (4) initial field trials, ( 5) revising the results of trials, (6) field trials, (7) improving products from field tests, (8) conducting field trials, (9) improving product results, and (10) disseminating and implementing. The testing technique was carried out by comparing the pre-test and post-test values. The data was calculated using the t-test and processed using the SPSS application to determine the effectiveness of teaching materials. The results of this study indicate: the validation test produces an average of 88.79% with the criteria that the book is very suitable for use in learning. In terms of attractiveness, this book is very interesting to use for students, this is based on the results of the questionnaire data given to students with an average of 88.24% with very attractive qualifications. Meanwhile, from the results of the pre-test and post-test based on the t count which shows that it is greater than the t table, it means that the book is effective for use in learning. Pengembangan bahan ajar tematik berbasis nilai keislaman, terutama yang terkait dengan isi ayat Alqur'an dan/atau hadits sebagai dasar dari semua sains. Dalam buku yang telah tersedia tidak ada bahan ajar tematik yang terintegrasi dengan Al-Quran, dan Hadits, serta nilai-nilai Islam yang mampu mengimplementasikan kompetensi inti dari kurikulum 2013 yaitu kompetensi sikap spiritual dalam pembelajaran tematik. Perumusan penelitian ini yaitu: (1) menghasilkan bahan ajar tematik berbasis nilai keislaman tema 7 (Kepemimpinan) kelas 6 Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 2 Jember. (2) mengetahui efektifitas bahan ajar tematik berbasis nilai-nilai keislaman dalam pembelajaran. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian pengembangan Research and Development, model Borg and Gall yang terbagi menjadi 10 langkah, yaitu: (1) penelitian dan pengumpulan data (2) perencanaan, (3) pengembangan draf produk, (4) uji coba lapangan awal, (5) merevisi hasil uji coba, (6) uji coba lapangan, (7) penyempurnaan produk hasil uji lapangan, (8) uji pelaksanaan lapangan, (9) penyempurnaan produk hasil, dan (10) diseminasi dan implementasi. Teknik uji coba dilakukan dengan membandingkan nilai pre-test dan post-test. Data dihitung dengan uji-t dan diolah menggunakan aplikasi SPSS untuk mengetahui efektifitas bahan ajar. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan: uji validasi tersebut rata-rata menghasilkan 88,79 % dengan kriteria bahwa buku tersebut sangat layak untuk digunakan dalam pembelajaran. Dari segi kemenarikan, buku ini sangat menarik untuk digunakan pada siswa, hal ini berdasarkan dari hasil data angket yang diberikan kepada siswa dengan rata-rata 88,24% dengan kualifikasi sangat menarik. Sedangkan dari hasil pre-test dan pos-test berdasarkan uji t hitung yang menunjukan lebih besar dari t tabel, berarti buku tersebut efektif untuk digunakan dalam pembelajaran.

EDUCARE: Journal of Primary Education Educare: journal of primary education

Ethnopharmacology- drug discovery from treasure house of ancient wisdom

Ethnopharmacology is an information exchange and understanding about people's use of plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms and minerals to discover a a wealth of helpful therapeutic agents and explore their toxic potential passed On by oral tradition or in written documented form Materia medica. This study area provides a scientific backbone for developing active therapeutics based on the traditional medicine of various ethnic groups. It is the interdisciplinary scientific exploration of biologically active agents traditionally employed or observed by man. The broad spectrum Of this domain covers social (anthropology), chemical (chemistry), biological (botany, biochemistry, microbiology) and pharmaceutical sciences (pharmacognosy, pharmacology and clinical therapeutics). Many valuable drugs of today (e.g., atropine, ephedrine, tubocurarine, digoxin and reserpine) have been used by studying indigenous remedies. Chemists continue to use plant-derived drugs (e.g., morphine, taxol, physostigmine. quinidine and emetine) as prototypes in their attempts to develop more effective and less toxic medicines. Currently, USP and BP contain many active ingredients/excipients from natural sources. Its objectives include the preservation of indigenous medical knowledge to understand the pharmacological basis Of herbal medicine; scientific study of indigenous drugs to contribute in the long run to promote or improve primary health care in regions of study; search for pharmacologically unique principles from existing indigenous remedies; finding a valid reason to guard the rainforests or to engage in conservation; establish gene banks and libraries of plant extracts for future biological evaluation: well-established germplasm banks for essential crops. Ethnopharmacology can be an innovative and powerful discovery engine for newer, safer, and more affordable medicines from the treasure house (traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples) of ancient wisdom.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Regional disparities in covid-19 vaccine distribution: a global analysis of manufacturer contributions and product availability

The global endeavor to develop and deploy COVID-19 vaccines has underscored both significant scientific progress and enduring disparities in worldwide access. This analysis examines regional vaccine distribution patterns across World Health Organization (WHO) regions—Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, and Western Pacific—revealing substantial variations in vaccine types and manufacturer contributions. Data indicate that the Americas and Europe demonstrate a broad vaccine portfolio, with prominent contributions from major international pharmaceutical companies alongside regionally developed vaccines. Conversely, African, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific regions show considerable reliance on vaccines from Asian (notably China and India) and Russian manufacturers, in addition to Western products. This distribution highlights the influence of geographical proximity to manufacturing centers, regional alliances, and local production capabilities (e.g., CIGB and Finlay in the Americas, COVIran Barakat in the Eastern Mediterranean, and various Chinese products in the Western Pacific) on vaccine availability. Predominant vaccines by country count include Pfizer-BioNTech's Comirnaty, AstraZeneca's Vaxzevria, Janssen's Ad26.COV2-S, Moderna's Spikevax, Beijing CNBG's BBIBP-CorV, and SII's Covishield. The observed regional variations in vaccine types and supply chains carry implications for comparative effectiveness research, the understanding of differential immune responses, and the evaluation of pandemic control strategies. Furthermore, inconsistencies in global data reporting and product nomenclature present challenges for comprehensive analysis. The findings emphasize the importance of diversified supply chains, the growing role of regional manufacturing in enhancing global health security, and the need for standardized global data for a more profound understanding of vaccine equity and efficacy to inform future pandemic responses.

Mostafa Eissa Mostafa eissa

Molecular characterization of melanin pigment producing actinomycetes.

The soil samples were collected from Melia dubia plantations in two different locations in Tamil Nadu. A total of twenty five actinomycetes isolates were isolated and they were screened for melanin pigment production using different culture media. Only two isolates were able to produce melanin pigment under in vitro study and one isolate showed positive reaction to L-tyrosine substrate. Based on morphological and bio-chemical characters the isolate was identified as Streptomyces sp. The DNA of the isolate was isolated and its 16S rDNA gene was amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis of Streptomyces puniciscabiei was carried out.

Dr. SARANYA DEVI K Dr. saranya devi k

Assessment of community knowledge and awareness about ranitidine recall: a cross-sectional study

In April 2020, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested immediate withdrawal of all prescription and over the counter ranitidine products. Ranitidine recalled due to the presence of unacceptable level of carcinogenic substance N-nitosodimethylamine (NDMA). Several pharmaceutical manufacturers have issued ranitidine product recalls including brand and generic ranitidine. FDA alerts patients to stop using ranitidine and advised to talk with their health care professional about alternative treatments. In Libya, limited studies have been conducted to address people awareness and knowledge in this regard. The objective of this study was to assess people's awareness and behavior towards ranitidine recall and related issues. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zawia city for two months. Online questionnaire was distributed to 300 participants. Descriptive statistics analysis using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used. The study found that more than half of the participants and their family member were likely to utilize ranitidine inappropriately. They seem to consume ranitidine more often without medical consultation. The findings also showed that 82.5% of the participants that were using ranitidine obtained the drug from pharmacies after the date of announcing ranitidine withdrawal from the market by FDA. Furthermore, the vast majority of the participants were poorly informed or even they had no information about ranitidine toxicity and their perception of the dangers of continue use of this drug is limited. The participants argued that pharmacists do not provide slightly information about dispensed ranitidine. In conclusion, all results reported as benefits of the participants in the study whereas the participant's perception and awareness increased when a brief notification regarding the reason of ranitidine toxicity was provided.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Revolutionizing supply chains the role of artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of supply chain management, offering unprecedented opportunities for optimization, efficiency, and innovation. This white paper explores the various applications of AI in supply chain operations, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the way businesses manage inventory, logistics, demand forecasting, and more. Through real-world examples and case studies, we demonstrate how AI-driven technologies are reshaping traditional supply chain practices and driving competitive advantage in today's dynamic marketplace.

Kalpak

Growth patterns of monosodium urate monohydrate (gouty and urinary) crystals in gel : an in vitro study

Monosodium urate monohydrate crystals are deposited in peripheral joints, causing gout and eliciting an intense localized inflammatory attack. In contrast, collecting ducts and medullary interstitium is a urinary calculus, which causes dysuria, nausea and hematuria. The purpose of the present study is to observe possible growth patterns of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. The crystals were grown in test tubes using a single diffusion gel technique and were observed on the 7th,14th, 21st, 28th, and 40th days. Needle and spherulite-type crystals were observed on the 14th day, while arboresque, crystal sheaves, densely branched, dumbbell, mushroom-type spherulites, plumose and hexagonal prismatic crystals were observed for the first time. After the 40th day, complete spherulites were observed with their aggregates. The crystals were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopies. The pattern of MSUM will help determine the role of different natural products in the modulation, inhibition or promotion of these crystals by affecting the shape, size, transparency, approximate number and total mass of growing crystals. In case of inhibition or modulation, it will help evaluate prophylactic management. In contrast, the promotion of the crystal will give an idea about the risk factors of gout and kidney stones.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Proactive and reactive styles of palestinian presidents leadership in times of crisis

Crises are unavoidable which makes response an imperative matter. Thus, the proactive style becomes an indispensable part of the readiness and preparedness in any potential crisis and can help prevent it. Besides, the reactive style is still important to deal effectively with a crisis especially regarding its recovery. Proactive and reactive styles were needed by Palestinian Presidents due to the occurrence of various crises faced by them. This study examines both proactive and reactive styles used by the Palestinian Presidents leadership during crisis. Besides, it examines how the Palestinian Presidents used these styles to deal with different crises at different times. This study used content analysis on the news stories from the New Straits Times. A total of 313 stories from1996 to 2016 pertaining to proactive and reactive styles used by Palestinian Presidents were found. The stories that included reactive style figured 67.7%, while the stories that included proactive style totaled 32.3%. For President Arafat, a total of 63% of the stories included reactive style compared to 37% of the stories that included proactive style. For President Abbas, a total of 78.4% of the stories contained reactive style compared to 21.6% that contained proactive style. Proactive style has been used only in political crises, while reactive style has been used in all crises. Providing various scenarios in dealing with crises allows other organizations and individuals to be initiative in dealing with any similar future crises. This study serves as a guideline for choosing proper prospective measures and responses to crises.

Mohammed Fadel Arandas Mohammed fadel arandas

Radial nerve palsy secondary to congenital constriction ring syndrome in a neonate: a case report and literature review

Congenital constriction band syndrome (CBS) is a rare condition characterized by either partial or complete circular constrictions around limbs or digits. Possible consequences include acrosyndactyly of the digits, terminal amputations, and localized swelling with digital edema distal to the constrictions. Occasionally, a constriction band may lead to injury of a peripheral nerve. We report a case of CBS in a newborn presenting with radial nerve palsy caused by a constriction band at the level of the arm. Surgical release of the congenital constriction band was performed at 1 month of age, including neurolysis of the radial nerve. As a result, the nerve was decompressed, and hand function was restored. Given the rarity of radial nerve palsy as a complication of congenital constriction bands, this case enriches the limited literature by emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention to optimize functional outcomes. It also highlights the need for increased clinical vigilance and provides practical insights into managing isolated radial nerve palsies.

Karishma Karishma

Ascorbic acid has an anxiolytic-like effect in the presence of flumazenil in rats

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble vitamin; it is present in the highest concentration in the brain. Ascorbic acid in high doses acts as a potential treatment for various neuropathological and psychiatric conditions. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist; it competitively inhibits the activity of benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine substances that interact with benzodiazepine receptors site on the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex. This study aims to investigate the effect of flumazenil on the anxiolytic action of ascorbic acid using an elevated plus maze model of anxiety in rats. Male Albino Wistar rats weighing between 250 and 320 grams were used. Rats were divided into four equal groups of seven rats each and treated as follows: Group I, the control group received a single dose of 1.0% tween 80; Group II treated with a single dose of 125 mg/kg ascorbic acid; Group III was injected by a single dose of 1.0 mg/kg flumazenil; Group IV received a combination treatment of 125 mg/kg ascorbic acid and 1.0 mg/kg flumazenil. Behavioural measurements using a plus maze were scored 30 min after the administration. The parameters scored are the time spent on the open and closed arms, the lines and number of entries into open and closed arms, and the anxiety measure. Ascorbic acid decreased anxiety measure and increased the total lines and total number of entries; this effect was abolished by the administration of flumazenil with ascorbic acid. Thus, ascorbic acid produces an anxiolytic-like effect in rats; this effect was abolished by flumazenil administration with ascorbic acid. This may indicate that the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex has to be stimulated to produce the anxiolytic effect.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Evaluation of the antifungal efficacy of mitracarpus scaber extracts and ocimum gratissimum oil against clinical isolates of fungi

Dermatophytes and Candida albicans are widespread with increasing prevalence and pose a grave threat to public health globally. Ocimum gratissimum and Mitracarpus scaber have been used in Southeastern Nigeria for several purposes, including antimicrobial effects, and have exhibited inhibition of growth to fungi. This study aimed to evaluate and ascertain the antifungal potential of these extracts against dermatophytes and Candida albicans. A total of 50 samples of dermatophytes and Candida albicans previously isolated from clinical samples at two different Hospitals, in the Southeast of Nigeria were used. The clinical samples were vaginal discharge, sputum, swab samples from the endocervix, urine, groin, mouth thrush, and palm. These organisms were all identified using standard mycological identification and characterization techniques. The sensitivity of selected fungi to the extracts (ethanolic extract of M. scaber and O. gratissimum oil) and ketoconazole was evaluated using a modified cup-agar diffusion plate method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined by the agar dilution method. Their minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and killing rates against the isolates were also determined. The organisms remain an important etiological agent in this species, implicated in several kinds of infections. The result showed that the activity of the O. gratissimum oil was comparable with that of the conventional drugs, indicating the potential in this extract. The MIC values for Candida isolates were consistently lower against O. gratisimum compared to ketoconazole. The MFC results indicated that O. gratissimum oil had a greater biocidal effect against most of the test organisms in contrast to ketoconazole. The killing rate study also indicated that the oil has very good activity against the isolates. O. gratissimum oil holds great potential for use in treating a wider spectrum of fungal pathogens.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

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