Background and Objectives: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains a public health issue in Nigeria. The rapid diagnosis of PTB is essential for the early initiation of treatment and management of patients. The utility of the BACTEC MGIT 960 TB system was evaluated and compared with the Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) culture method for the recovery of Mycobacteria from sputum samples. Methods: A total of 2400 sputum samples submitted to the South East TB Zonal Reference Laboratory, Amachara Umuahia, Nigeria were tested. Samples were decontaminated using the standard N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Sodium Hydroxide method and concentrated before processing. The processed samples were inoculated into both MGIT 960 tubes and LJ medium and incubated accordingly. Results: From all sputum samples, Mycobacteria were recovered from 201 (8.4%) sputum samples by the MGIT 960 system and 175 (7.3%) by LJ culture (p=0.014). The sensitivity for MGIT and LJ culture for mycobacteria were 95.0% and 80.1%, respectively. Among the 201 MGIT-positive cultures, 127 (63.2%) were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 74 (36.8%) as Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT). The recovery rate of MTBC from LJ-positive samples was 84.0% and MOTT 16.0%. MGIT 960 identified more MOTT than LJ culture (p=0.045). The contamination rate associated with MGIT and LJ culture was 4.1% and 2.5%, respectively (p=0.037). The time to detection of mycobacteria in MGIT 960 and LJ was 14.8 days and 33.2 days, respectively. Conclusion: MGIT 960 has good diagnostic accuracy. It provided a more rapid and higher recovery of all mycobacteria than the LJ culture.

Karishma

The unprecedented global effort to develop and distribute COVID-19 vaccines has highlighted remarkable scientific achievements and persistent inequities in access across populations. Analyzing of regional vaccine deployment patterns reveals critical insights into pandemic response dynamics, shaped by manufacturing capacity, regulatory frameworks, procurement strategies, and regional health priorities. Data from WHO regions (Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, and Western Pacific) demonstrate significant disparities in vaccine types and suppliers, underscoring the complexity of global vaccination efforts. (Figure 1) illustrates this regional vaccine distribution by WHO regions.

Karishma

Communication is not always direct; it often involves nuanced elements like humor, irony, and sarcasm. This study introduces a novel two-level approach for sarcasm detection, leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are crucial for many deep learning applications, yet their deployment on IoT devices is challenged by resource constraints and the need for low latency, particularly in on-device training. Traditional methods of deploying large CNN models on these devices often lead to suboptimal performance and increased energy consumption. To address this, our paper proposes an energy-efficient CNN design by optimising batch normalisation operations. Batch normalisation is vital for deep learning, aiding in faster convergence and stabilising gradient flow, but there has been limited research on creating energy-efficient and lightweight CNNs with optimised batch normalisation. This study proposes a 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) optimisation technique for batch normalization. This technique introduces an energy-efficient CNN architecture. We investigate the use of batch normalization optimization to streamline memory usage and computational complexity, aiming to uphold or improve model performance on CPU-based systems. Additionally, we evaluate its effectiveness across diverse datasets, focusing on energy efficiency and adaptability in different settings. Furthermore, we analyze how batch normalization influences the performance and effectiveness of activation functions and pooling layers in neural network designs. Our results highlight batch normalization's ability to enhance computational efficiency, particularly on devices with limited resources.

Jiby mariya jose

The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents an unprecedented challenge to identify effective drugs in the prevention and treatment process. At present, there is no proven therapy for this disease, although therapeutic approaches continue to be carried out using traditional medicines (herbal) and pharmacological therapy. Information about SARS-CoV-2 virology has rapidly developed and scientists try to provide a number of potential drugs. Remdesivir has strong in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. Several potential drugs are currently underway in a clinical trial. Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and oseltamivir have not been proven to have efficacy, and the benefits of corticosteroids are still diverse. Current clinical evidence does not support the termination of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, coagulation therapy in patients with COVID-19 concomitant with comorbidities.

Syahrul tuba

Cloud computing is used to achieve sustainability in terms of computing. It reduces energy and resource consumption. Most of the companies have been moving their applications to the cloud to reduce power, energy re-source, and carbon emission. Today's computing landscape is rapidly shifting toward creating applications to leverage Cloud platforms to have necessary features such as elasticity, virtualization, low cost, and pay-per-use. Cloud computing's rising demand and versatility are achieving acceptance in the research community as a means of implementing large-scale electronic systems in the format of workflows (set of tasks). One of the most important objectives of this effort is to trim down makespan which is the total period taken by the resources to complete all workflow activities. Another foremost objective of this work is to satiate all the user-delineated time constraints while scheduling workflow activities.

Mohd haroon

This review shares historical glimpses of the art and science of urinary crystal growth in the gel. This successful journey of long and detailed research consists of theoretical and experimental knowledge. The survey consists of historical aspects of crystal growth, the development of urinary crystal growth in the gel as an in vitro urolithiasis model and the application of this model to evaluate prophylactic management against kidney stones.

Dr. salman ahmed

The current study was conducted to explore the antiemetic activity of two marine algae, Iyengaria stellata Børgesen (Phaeophycota) and Valoniopsis pachynema Børgesen (Chlorophycota), by chick emesis model. Emesis was induced by copper sulphate (50 mg/kg), and the extracts were tested orally at 150 mg/kg. Chlorpromazine (150 mg/kg orally) was used as a standard antiemetic drug. The results showed that methanol extracts of both seaweeds have antiemetic activity.

Dr. salman ahmed

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

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer death in men, and its treatment is commonly associated with severe adverse effects. So, new treatment modalities are needed. In this context, natural compounds have been widely explored for their anti-PCa properties. Aquatic organisms contain numerous potential medications. Anticancer peptides are less toxic to normal cells and provide a productive treatment approach via multiple mechanisms, including altered cell viability, apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, suppression of angiogenesis and microtubule balance disturbances. This review sheds light on marine peptides as efficacious and safe therapeutic agents for PCa.

Dr. salman ahmed

Background: Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common nerve entrapment syndrome of the upper extremity after carpal tunnel syndrome. In situ decompression (ISD) and ulnar nerve transposition (UNT) are the major surgery methods in practice for the treatment of CuTS. However, controversies exist over the efficacy and safety of these methods. Aim: The objective of the study was to compare the short- and long-term clinical outcomes in patients treated with ISD and UNT surgery. Method: This was a retrospective study comprising 56 patients who underwent either ISD or UNT at Naresuan University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. Data on age, sex, hand involved, duration of the surgery, duration of the symptoms including the clinical outcomes such as elbow range of motion (ROM), quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH), McGowan grade (MGG), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain scores, motor and sensory conduction velocity (MCV1, MCV2, and SCV), and Tinel's sign were collected during the two-week, one-month, three-month, and six-month follow-ups post-surgery. Results: Of the 56 patients in the study, 62.5% were female. The number of patients aged <60 years was higher in both groups. The mean age of patients in the ISD group was 49.07±6.13 years, while in the UNT group, it was 51.5±7.04 years. After one month, 53.57% and 32.14% of the patients recovered to MGG 1 in the ISD and UNT groups, respectively. The majority of the patients had MGG 1 six months after the surgery. The QuickDASH score and pain scores of the patients improved during all follow-ups, but no statistical significance was revealed when the two techniques were compared. Conclusion: The study found that both the ISD and UNT were efficient and safe in treating CuTS. Further study with the inclusion of parameters such as revision surgery and complications would be vital.

Saran malisorn

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.

Hope inegbenosun

cASUARINA EQUSITIFOLA IS A FAST GROWING EVERGREEN TREE GROWN BY FARMERS UNDER AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS IN tAMILNADU state of Southern India

Dr. saranya devi k

Background: Poverty and malnutrition are associated with the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). Nutritional reintegration with anti-TB therapy may improve treatment success rate. Aim: To investigate the nutritional status of low-income pulmonary TB patients in relation to the different anti-TB treatment phases. Methods: Forty five pulmonary TB patients and 40 controls aged 19-54 years, receiving treatment at Infectious Disease Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria, between September 2018 and July 2019 were studied. Serum total protein, albumin, iron and vitamin A were determined by colorimetric and HPLC methods respectively. Height and weight were measured and BMI computed, and data analysed using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation at P<0 P=0.001).>0.05) respectively. Albumin and iron were significantly lower in CPAT-HIV compared with CPAT patients. Albumin correlated positively and significantly with iron (r=0.405, p=0.006) in TB patients. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is associated with decreased BMI, albumin, iron and vitamin A, and higher total protein, and globulin, suggesting that malnutrition may be associated with TB risk, poor treatment compliance and outcomes

Eworo raymond

Monitoring and controlling of clean area environment is of paramount importance to ensure product safety and quality. This comprehensive analysis evaluates environmental monitoring (EM) data from Class C and Class D controlled environments in pharmaceutical manufacturing, utilizing Active Air (AA), Passive Air (PA), and Contact Plate (CP) or Replicate Organism Detection And Counting (RODAC) surface samples. The study aims to identify contamination trends, anomalies, and compliance with ISO 14644-1 and EU GMP Annex 1 standards. Results reveal unexpected findings: Class C Active Air (43 CFU/m³) and RODAC (3 CFU/plate) overall averages are higher than Class D Active Air (34 CFU/m³) and RODAC (2 CFU/plate), respectively, deviating from expected cleanroom classification. Class D Passive Air (22 CFU/plate) is higher than Class C (17 CFU/plate), aligning with expectations. Persistent hotspots were identified in Class C (e.g., location labelled “AA C 12 NG0”AA averages± Standard Deviation (SD): 67.33±17 CFU/m³), indicating localized control failures, while Class D showed extreme individual spikes (e.g., AA D 99 Ac: Max 171 CFU/m³). Sporadic contamination events in Class C suggest transient breaches, necessitating root-cause investigations. The study also highlights limitations of Class D monitoring, which obscures temporal trends and risks missing critical excursions due to long intervals between samples. Recommendations include targeted engineering assessments for high-load zones, enhanced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cleaning and gowning, adoption of real-time biofluorescent particle counters to replace manual sampling, and increased monitoring frequency in Class D hotspots.

Mostafa eissa

Globally, approximately 12% of the population is inflicted by various types of urolithiasis. Standard treatments are available to avert and treat urolithiasis, but with significant adverse side effects. Pentacyclic triterpenes represent a group of naturally occurring compounds with immense potential as treatments for kidney stones. This review aims to provide an integrative description of how pentacyclic triterpenes can effectively treat calcium oxalate urolithiasis through various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition mechanisms. Some pentacylic triterpenes showing promising activities include lupeol, oleanolic acid, betulin, and taraxasterol. Moreover, future perspectives on developing pentacyclic triterpenes in formulations/drugs for urinary stone prevention are highlighted. It is anticipated that compiled information would serve as a scientific baseline to advocate further investigations on the potential of pentacyclic triterpenes in urolithiasis remediation.

Dr. salman ahmed

This study aims to determine the process of implementing PJOK learning in limited face-to-face learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in class V MIN 2 Palangka Raya City. This type of research is qualitative with case studies. Data collection techniques by observation and interviews. Meanwhile, data analysis uses descriptive data analysis. The results of this study show that:1) planning for sports and health physical education learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in MIN 2 Palangka Raya City: Teachers plan the PJOK class V learning program, develop the Annual Program, carry out Semester Program activities, carry out learning plans in the learning syllabus, distribute effective weeks.2) Implementation of Sports and Health Physical Education learning in MIN 2 Palangka Raya City, namely: development of the Annual Program into the Learning Implementation Plan, carrying out Semester Program activities, implementation of learning plans in the learning syllabus, online teaching, and learning process activities teachers explain teaching materials, apply learning methods.

Educare: journal of primary education

In their different ownership structures, business enterprises pursue different strategies towards accomplishing their owners’ needs and interests. At the heart of these accomplishments is the generation of sufficient financial returns to cover obligations as they become due and residual incomes for the owners. It is doubtless that without a grip of financial stability, the survivability of for-profit organizations becomes bleak. Financial management plays and instrumental role in this case. The generation of sufficient information for decision making for the business and investors alike is integrally critical in shaping the progression of the business enterprise. While businesses provide financial statements according to prevailing laws and accounting standards to the public for their consumption in decision making, they are further needed to be accountable to them regarding their performance and investors’ engagements, especially considering that investors are foundational sources of capital for organizational operations.

Zamzam abdelazim

In health care delivery systems, if you are not part of the solution, then you must be part of the problem. Over the last few decades, clinical pharmacy encourages pharmacists and pharmacy support staff to move their focus from product-oriented role towards new direct engagement with patients, to make the most of the benefits that patients obtain from the medicine they take, or the problems they encounter with their medicines use. In the USA, pharmacists’ participation in physicians ward rounds was shown to reduce adverse drug events by 78% and 66% in general medical and intensive care settings [1. 2]. A study covering 1 029 US hospitals indicated that centrally based and patient-specific clinical pharmacy services are associated with reduced mortality rates [3]. The services involved were medicine information, clinical research performed by pharmacists, active pharmacist participation in resuscitation teams and pharmacists undertaking admission medication histories. New pharmacists’ roles in healthcare systems around the globe have moved and developed significantly over the past few years, particularly with expansion of the scope of practice which allows pharmacists to focus on the clinical aspects of direct patient care [4, 5]. Pharmacists are drug therapy experts of health care team. Therefore, pharmacists, today, are the arbiters of effective and safe use of medicines. Medication therapy management is one of the major areas in which physicians more and more rely on pharmacists to benefit their patients.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Self-medication with antibiotics is becoming a trend that threats the health systems worldwide through developing bacterial resistance which is associated with high health care costs and increased rate of morbidity and mortality. The main objective of this study is to assess antibiotic self-medication practice among Libyan university pharmacy students. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among pharmacy students at Sabratha University in the western region of Libya. A validated questionnaire was used to collect relevant data which were statistically analyzed. A total of 170 undergraduate Pharmacy students participated in the study during spring 2021. About 80% of the participants reported the use of antibiotics without consulting a physician. The major reason for using antibiotics was to get a quick relief of emergency conditions which was reported by 35% of the students. About 25% of the students used antibiotics to relieve their pains and aches. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin (55%). Most antibiotics were obtained over the counter from community pharmacies (85%). Half of the participants were not sure if they can advise patients to use antibiotics without a prescription, although 60% of them believed that it was good practice. In conclusion, prevalence of antibiotic self-medication among university pharmacy undergraduate students is high. Thus, serious interventions are required to ensure safe and effective use of antibiotics among the population in Libya.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Market trends indicate that natural health products are being used to maintain health as well as prevent and treat many medical conditions. A recent Canadian survey showed that 71% of the Canadian population have used a natural health product. Among these, many reports that they take natural health products on a daily basis. This review emphasizes on Canadian post-market surveillance system that apply to natural health products for human use. The public's perception is that the natural health products are all-natural, safe and effective, but there is still a wide variety of harms linked with these products. The post-market surveillance system is the monitoring window to observe and control the adverse effects of using natural health products. There are many activities involved in the post-surveillance to ensure the quality of the approved natural health products. Despite the fact that post-market surveillance plays a very important role in eliminating and/or reduce the risk of using natural health products, there are still some challenges and more work to be done to improve the outcome of the post-market surveillance of the natural health products.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences