This present study evaluated the quality attributes of functional bread developed from the blends of wheat and soy-okara (SOF) flour. A completely randomized design which generated six (6) experimental runs based on different combinations of wheat (60–90%) and soy-okara (10–40%) flours was adopted for the production of functional bread. The flour blends were processed into bread and analyzed for sensory properties. The optimum flour combination in obtaining higher sensory acceptability was 85.34% WHF and 14.66% SOF with desirability function of 85% using numerical optimization techniques. The control (100% whole-wheat bread) and optimized bread produced were assessed for physicochemical, antioxidant properties and sensory qualities. The carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium of the optimized bread were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the control sample having 58.14 and 75.14%, 128.80, and 75.60 mg/100 g, 68.18 and 63.77 and 13.83 ppm and 12.62 ppm respectively. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the control and optimized bread were significantly (p<0.05) different with values ranging from 92.77 to 114.86 mg/100 g and 66.43 to 57.51 mg/100 g respectively. A significant variation was observed in the sensory qualities between the control and optimized bread. The study revealed that the nutritional and antioxidant properties of the developed functional bread validate its potential health-promoting effects.
Several diseases affect maize plants and one among them is black bundle disease, causal organism of which is yet to be confirmed with conflicting reports appearing in literature. In the present work, an effort was made to record the disease incidence by carry out filed surveys in Southern most district of Karnataka state, India and also to isolate and identify the causal organism. The surface sterilized pith tissue from the infected plants was cultured on PDA medium to identify the organism in the affected vascular tissue. The isolated tissue produce Cephalosporium acremonium which was confirmed based on morphological characters. In addition, Simplicillium sp. and Macrophomina phaseolina were also isolated from the same infected plant material and suspected to have participated in the disease development. In accordance with several reports in literature, Cephalosporium acremonium was tested and confirmed as the causal organism of disease in green house experiments by following the Koch’s postulates. This is in contrast with some earlier reports, wherein the exact symptoms of black bundle disease were reported as barren stalks in corn caused by Fusarium sp. The simplicillium sp. which had morphological similarity with C. acremonium and had an ambiguous taxonomic status in literature was confirmed as a distinct species through PCR based diagnosis.
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic diseases worldwide, with very high prevalence rates in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria. Given the importanceand benefits of newborn screening (NBS), it is essential to assess awareness and acceptance of NBS for SCD and the factors influencing its acceptance in this region. Methods: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study that examined pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic for their first visit between August 1 and October 31, 2023. This antenatal clinic has an average annual attendance of 1,521 pregnant women who come for their first visit. The data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 20), and the results were presented in prose, tables, and figures as appropriate. A level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Three hundred and two (302) pregnant women were recruited for the study. Though there was low awareness (13.2%), there was a high acceptance rate (96.7%) of NBS for SCD amongst the women studied. However, the type of marriage (monogamous marriage, p = 0.029) was the only factor found to have a significant relationship with the respondents’ willingness to accept NBS for SCD. Conclusions: Community education, with an emphasis on married couples, women of reproductive age, and religious leaders, should be intensified. The monogamous marriage setting may reflect marital stability, social support, or correlated socioeconomic factors on health decision-making. However, this may have different implications in different societies.
A large number of people suffer from gallstones worldwide, and this problem is now increasing significantly due to malnutrition, changes in living lifestyle, lack of exercise and conditions, i.e. industrialization. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries due to their cultural acceptability, efficacy, safety and fewer side effects than modern synthetic medicines. This review aims to gather information on the plants utilized in various parts of society against gallstones. The information provided is beneficial for ordinary people and the scientific community for further phytochemical, toxicological and pharmacological studies, which may lead to the discovery of new, more effective and safer medicines for gallstones.
The current study was conducted to determine the insoluble, soluble, and total dietary fiber content of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn. , and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. , and legume flours by using AOAC enzymatic-gravimetric analysis. The results showed that M. uniflorum, P. lunatus, and P. vulgaris legume flours contained 155.91, 120.01, and 90.80 mg/g insoluble dietary fiber, respectively. At the same time, soluble dietary fiber was not found in any tested sample.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading reason of death among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Individuals with DM have a two to five time's greater risk of developing CVD than non-DM. Unfortunately, little data exists on Libya's prevalence and characteristics of cardiovascular risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors and to assess their control among patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). All the patients with T2DM who attended the outpatient clinic at National Diabetes Hospital from September 2013 to April 2022 were interviewed and examined and included in this study. Demographical data age, smoking habit, body mass index measure, drug intake, history of previous cardiovascular events, blood pressure and fasting lipid profile were all recorded. 1049 patients have completed the study with a mean age of 54.06 ± 14.5 years old (females represented 68.0% of the studied sample size), there were different duration of diabetes between the studied sample, varying from newly diagnosed patients (n = 265, 25.2%) and above ten years of diabetes duration patients (n = 488, 46.5%). Active smoking in 129 patients (12.3%), the bodyweight of studied patients ranged from 44.0 Kg to 186 Kg (85.65 ± 1.73), 820 of the patients had uncontrolled body weight (78.85%). Uncontrolled blood pressure, even with treatment, was found in 304 patients (29.0%), uncontrolled dyslipidaemia in 45 patients (04.3%), and uncontrolled hyperglycaemia in 816 patients (77.9%). Established CVD was positive in 295 patients (28.2%), maximum age group was in 54 - 74 years (n = 516, 49.3%). The most typical age group with multiple (more than three) CVD risk factors was 54 - 74 years of age, were female patients with more than ten years of history of diabetes, uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HBA1c > 10%), uncontrolled body weight, uncontrolled blood pressure and dyslipidemia. Thus, the present data indicated that Libyan patients with diabetes mellitus have high CVD risk factors. Even in patients with previous events, these uncontrolled risk factors elevate the likelihood of repeated cardiovascular events. Patients with diabetes mellitus necessitate a more aggressive approach to control the modified risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity and smoking.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Beetroot is vegetable containing phytochemical ingredients with potent antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is key drivers in the pathophysiology of some metabolic syndromes. Its effect on the progress of induced metabolic syndrome has, however, hardly been investigated. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of beetroot extract on various biophysical components of metabolic syndrome in rat. Following ethical approval, 50 Wister albino rats were used in this study and divided into three groups: Group A: rats were put on a high-fat-high-fructose (HFHF) diet; Group B: rats were put on an HFHF + fresh beetroot extract while group C: rats were the control group and were given a normal diet. The animals’ body weights and fasting blood sugar were taken fortnightly. Five rats from each group were then sacrificed at weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 and the following parameters were measured: liver volume, fasting lipid profile, hepatic transaminases and blood platelet level. Compared to the HFHF group, beetroot supplementation resulted in a significant attenuation of overall weight gain (56.91% vs. 34.51%; p < 0> 0.05). Beetroot supplementation further ameliorated the thrombocytopenia caused by an HFHF. Beetroot juice supplementation attenuated the attendant effects of induced metabolic syndrome which might contribute towards averting the consequential cardiovascular sequel. Thus, lifestyle modification comprising beetroot intake as a dietary supplementation may alleviate metabolic syndrome and may offer a potential non-medical adjunct in the routine management of metabolic syndrome.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Abstract Cigarette smoking has been linked to health challenges of global concern. This study determined Body Mass Index (BMI), serum cotinine and C-reactive protein levels of smokers. Forty-five smokers and forty-five aged-matched non-smokers were recruited into the study. Informed consents were obtained from the participants. Ethical consideration was granted by Cross River State Ministry of Health. Blood samples were collected by standard phlebotomy. Smokers were categorized based on Smoking Pack Years (SPY) into light, moderate and heavy smokers. Serum cotinine and C-reactive protein levels were determined by spectrophotometry. Height and weights were measured and BMI calculated. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Student’s t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation were utilized for comparison, results were considered significant at p<0.05. There was no significant difference (p=0.103) between the mean age of smokers and non-smokers. Mean BMI of smokers was significantly lower (p=0.015) than that of non-smokers. Mean Serum cotinine and C-reactive protein of smokers were significantly higher (p=0.001) than those of non-smokers. Mean age, serum cotinine and C-reactive protein levels vary significantly (p<0.05) among the smokers categorized based on SPY. BMI did not vary significantly (p=0.269) among the groups. A correlation between age and serum cotinine was negative (r=-0.359, p=0.016), and that between age and SPY was negative (r=-0.348, p=0.019). Correlations between cotinine and C-reactive protein and between cotinine and SPY were positive (r=0.928, p=0.001) and (r=0.947, p=0.001) respectively. A correlation between C-reactive protein and SPY was positive (r=0.957, p=0.001). The study had shown that C-reactive protein increases with cotinine levels and smoking pack years in smokers.
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.
This paper examines India’s diplomatic stance towards Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, focusing on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and India’s historical relations with both sides. The issue of Israeli settlements has been an issue and a obstacle to peace in the region. As a prominent global player and staunch supporter of Palestinian rights, India finds itself in the delicate position of balancing its traditional support for the Palestinian cause with its growing strategic ties with Israel.The article delves into the evolving dynamics of India’s foreign policy and the factors influencing its stance on Israeli settlements. Analyses India’s historical suppor t for Palestinian self-determination and its voting record in international forums not supporting Israeli settlements. It also examines India’s growing economic and defence cooperation with Israel, which complicates its position on the issue of settlements.
Nowadays, the pharmacy profession is moving toward a multidisciplinary approach. Besides the pharmacists’ role beyond dispensing and checking the safety, quality and efficacy of the delivered medications, pharmacists are currently using their clinical knowledge to serve the community through different disciplines including drug counseling, vaccination, screening, and drug therapy management
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Background and Objectives: Despite the controversies that prevail regarding the efficacy of episiotomy, it is still practiced widely around the world in various degrees of prevalence. This study aimed to identify and analyze the prevalence, clinical profile, and complications of episiotomy performed on women who delivered at the Asha’ab Obstetric Emergency Center. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved women who had undergone vaginal delivery at the Asha’ab Obstetric Emergency Center, in Aden city, Yemen, between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the center’s administrative office. Results: During the study period, 858 women delivered vaginally at our center. Out of these, 443 women had had an episiotomy, representing an episiotomy prevalence of approximately 51.6%. These 443 women were enrolled in this study. The episiotomy was more common among primigravida women (n=362, 81.7%), followed by multiparous women (n=42, 9.5%). The most commonly associated medical disorder was anemia (n=167, 37.7%), followed by hypertension (n=33, 7.4%). Perineal pain (n=51, 11.5%) was the most frequently reported post-episiotomy complication, followed by perineal discomfort (n=32, 7.2%), wound infection (n=27, 6.1%), perineal bleeding (n=18, 4.1), difficulty in walking (n=9, 2.0%), wound dehiscence (n=3, 0.7%), and difficulty in defecation (n=1, 0.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence of episiotomy among women who gave birth at the Asha’ab Obstetric Emergency Center, in Aden city, Yemen, was higher than the World Health Organization recommendation, which is around 10% or less with acceptable obstetric evidence indicating the need. Further prospective large-scale studies are recommended to confirm the findings of this study.
Cloud computing is a technology of delivering resources such as hardware, software (virtual too) and bandwidth over the network to the consumers worldwide. All the services are requested and accessed through a web browser or web service. The main advantage that cloud is provided to the nation worldwide is that it is not so easily affordable to one and all. Multi-conglomerate companies invest a lot of money on the cloud and let people access it for a smaller cost and even free at the lowest level of the consumer chain. In this paper we address to the problems that the cloud technology faces and how it can be overcome.
Background: Although stroke is a major problem in Hadhramout Governorate, there is a scarcity of reliable information on risk factors of stroke and predictors of in-hospital mortality. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors and outcomes of stroke patients admitted to Ibn Sina Hospital, Hadhramout, Yemen, and to identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality. Methods and Materials: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Ibn Sina Hospital in Mukalla district, Hadhramout Governorate, over a 4-month period (from January 1, 2021, to April 30, 2021). Results: During the study period, we recruited 100 cases of stroke, of whom 77 (77%) were male and 23 (23%) were female. Their mean age was 65.42±12.78 years. Hypertension was the most common risk factor, occurring in 81 (81%) patients, while no risk factors were identified in 5 (5%) cases (Cryptogenic). Ischemic stroke was found in 70 (70%) cases, and hemorrhagic stroke was noticed in 30 (30%) patients. The in-hospital mortality was 29 (29%), and the univariate analysis found male sex, hypertension, and hemorrhagic stroke as probable predictors of in-hospital mortality. Only hemorrhagic stroke (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=2.053 and 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.822–1.599; p<0.001) and hypertension (adjusted OR= 1.677; 95% CI=0.555–1.495; p=0.011) were found to be independent predictors of mortality by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Stroke is a major problem in Hadhramaut Governorate with ischemic stroke being more than hemorrhagic. Men were more likely to have a stroke than women and majority of cases were elderly. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia were the most commonly identified risk factors that were significantly associated with stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke and presence of hypertension were found to be risk factors for in-hospital mortality; therefore, hypertension should be well-controlled to reduce in-hospital mortality.
The emergence of big data has caused various challenges to data management lifecycle including storage, processing, sharing, and applications. During the same time frame, the fast development in cloud computing provides increased efficiency in computing support that address these challenges. However, there are issues in big data and cloud computing management which include security concerns, data fragmented, and distrust in using clouds that could become the roadblock to e-government services success. Although ensuring data management has been the responsibility of providers in the public sector, this issue seems to be unavoidable. In such circumstances, initiatives from the public sector agencies are crucial to ensure data is effectively managed. This research in progress aims to investigate how the public sector agencies in Terengganu manage data to improve the e-government performance. The research uses the interpretive research paradigm and adopts the qualitative research methodology using a case study design. A single case of a public sector which utilizes big data and cloud computing within the e-government platform is selected as the case for this research. The findings of this research are expected to be used in developing a framework of big data and cloud computing management which will assist in providing reliable and accurate information to citizens within the e-government environment.
The Atlas of Shear Zone Structures in Meso-Scale illustrates the morphological characteristics of shear zones within the Himalayas that have been gathered by the author’s intensive field observations over the last decade. The book deals with various shear zone-related structures, produced in brittle and/or ductile regimes. The shear sense indicators and associated microstructures are also described.
Carica papaya leaves are a popular remedy to treat Dengue-induced thrombocytopenia. There have been reports of Carica papaya effects as antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory. There is limited evidence documenting the effects of Carica papaya on increasing platelet count in relation to Dengue infection. Moreover, the mechanism by which Carica papaya increases the platelet counts has not been elucidated. Understanding how Carica papaya affects platelet function may have implications beyond Dengue fever management. This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which Carica papaya affects platelet count. The mechanism of thrombocytopenia in the aqueous and methanol extracts was elucidated by measuring reactive oxygen species in platelets using chemiluminescence. Both aqueous and methanol extracts of Carica papaya leaves were found to increase reactive oxygen species levels in vitro. This study is the first to try to demonstrate the mechanism by which Carica papaya increases platelet count. Carica papaya leaves may be developed into novel and useful therapeutic agents in the management of thrombocytopenia-related disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Metformin, a widely prescribed biguanide for type 2 diabetes, has emerged as a promising candidate in skin cancer therapy due to its diverse anticancer mechanisms. Beyond its glucoselowering effects, metformin inhibits key oncogenic pathways, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathways, activates AMP-activated protein kinase, and disrupts mitochondrial complex I function. These mechanisms are presumed to contribute to metformin's antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Predictive molecular docking studies reveal that metformin interacts with critical proteins in melanoma pathophysiology. Against PI3K/mTOR (PDB: 5OQ4), PTPN2 (PDB: 7UAD), and TRIP13 (PDB: 5VQA), metformin exhibited docking scores of -4.4, -4.6, and -5.6 kcal/mol, respectively, interacting via hydrogen bonding with residues such as ASP-836, ASP-964 (5OQ4), ASP-50 (7UAD), and SER-187, SER-138 (5VQA). Compared to standard inhibitors, PQR309 (-9.4 kcal/mol), ABBV-CLS-484 (-7.5 kcal/mol), and ATP (-10.8 kcal/mol), metformin displayed moderate binding affinity, suggesting potential but weaker inhibition of these targets. Preclinical and clinical studies support metformin's potential to reduce skin cancer risk, particularly in diabetic patients. However, challenges regarding bioavailability, optimal dosing, and patient selection persist, necessitating further investigation. Therefore, given its affordability, safety, and multitargeted action, metformin represents an attractive candidate for repurposing in skin cancer pharmacotherapy. Focusing future research on optimizing its therapeutic application, refining drug combinations, and identifying biomarkers would enhance clinical outcomes.
Financial sector needs special attention pertaining to incorporation of the ESG criteria. Economic and financial issues coupled with climate change would have negative impact on the stability of financial institutions. This research paper attempts to synthesize and summarise scholarly articles published in Scopus database on ESG domain with reference to banking sector using bibliometric analysis. The objective of this review paper is to understand from past literature the trajectory of studies in the domain of ESG. There is a substantial growth in frequency of publication in the year 2022 along with annual growth of around 30 percent during 2015-2023. Bibliometric with MS-Excel, R-Studio and VOS-viewer were used to identify and analyze research trends related to the number of studies, research fields, authors, nations, institutions, and keywords. The important keywords identified in the bibliometric analysis were sustainability, corporate social responsibility, sustainable finance, banks performance.
Uric acid has increasingly been associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients who are hyperuricemic have a risk of developing diabetic complications. Pathogenesis of uric acid may decrease nitric oxide bioavailability in vascular smooth muscle, endothelial cells and direct scavenging of nitric oxide by uric acid. A decrease in endothelial nitric oxide production by uric acid has also been associated with endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance. This study aims is to determine the relationship between uric acid and glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 161 Libyan patients (67 males and 94 females) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both levels of serum uric acid and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were determined. The patients were divided into two groups. The controllable diabetic group with HbA1c of less than 06.0% and the uncontrollable diabetic group with HbA1c of more than 06.0%. Patients who are suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications were included whereas patients with smoking, alcoholism, nephrotic disease, malignancy, hepatitis, and renal failure or kidney disease were excluded. The mean and standard deviation of uric acid, HbA1c and Pearson correlation coefficient test were considered. In the controllable diabetic group, serum uric acid mean was found to be 4.807 ± 1.39 and HbA1c was found to be 5.032 ± 1.39. In the uncontrollable diabetic group, serum uric acid was 4.897 ± 1.66 and HbA1c was 8.396 ± 1.65. Uric acid level has significantly been correlated with HBA1C in controlled and uncontrolled diabetic patients (p < 0.05). In addition, the uric acid level was found to be higher in uncontrolled diabetic group than that in the controlled group (p < 0.05). A possible relationship between serum uric acid and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was noted. Thus, uric acid can be used as a potential biomarker to indicate impaired glucose metabolism.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences