This paper compares different optimizable machine learning classification models to predict eight types of anemia from complete blood count (CBC) data. For the research, we used a publicly available Kaggle dataset containing 1281 observations, 14 predictors, and the diagnosis as the categorical target variable with nine categories (eight types of anemia and the healthy category). First, we examined the dataset and observed the histograms of some of the predictors. We compared the values of predictors of observations with no anemia to the observations where any anemia was diagnosed. Next, we used MATLAB R2024a to train and test nine optimizable machine-learning classification models. These models were Ensemble, Tree, SVM, Efficient Linear, Neural Network, Kernel, KNN, Naïve Bayes, and the Discriminant. Bayesian optimization was used to optimize the hyperparameters of all these models. We used 90% of observations for training and 10% of observations for testing. During the training, 10-fold cross-validation was used to prevent overfitting. The results showed the best accuracy was reached with the Ensemble classification model using the bag ensemble method (validation accuracy: 99.22%, test accuracy: 100%). Finally, we inspected our best classification model in more detail. We calculated the permutation feature importance to determine the contribution of each predictor to the final model. The results showed 6–7 important predictors, while the most important feature was the amount of hemoglobin.

Ladislav végh

While playing the Pathfinder RPG, the Game Master describes the events that occur in the game world, and the players take turns describing what their characters do in response to those events. Unlike storytelling, however, the actions of the players and the characters controlled by the Game Master (frequently called non-player characters, or NPCs) are not certain. Most actions require dice rolls to determine success, with some tasks being more difficult than others. Each character is better at some things than he is at other things, granting him bonuses based on his skills and abilities. Whenever a roll is required, the roll is noted as “d#,” with the “#” representing the number of sides on the die. If you need to roll multiple dice of the same type, there will be a number before the “d.” For example, if you are required to roll 4d6, you should roll four six-sided dice and add the results together. Sometimes there will be a + or – after the notation, meaning that you add that number to, or subtract it from, the total results of the dice (not to each individual die rolled). Most die rolls in the game use a d20 with a number of modifiers based on the character's skills, his or her abilities, and the situation. Generally speaking, rolling high is better than rolling low. Percentile rolls are a special case, indicated as rolling d%. You can generate a random number in this range by rolling two differently colored ten-sided dice (2d10). Pick one color to represent the tens digit, then roll both dice. If the die chosen to be the tens digit rolls a “4” and the other d10 rolls a “2,” then you've generated a 42. A zero on the tens digit die indicates a result from 1 to 9, or 100 if both dice result in a zero. Some d10s are printed with “10,” “20,” “30,” and so on in order to make reading d% rolls easier. Unless otherwise noted, whenever you must round a number, always round down. As your character goes on adventures, he earns gold, magic items, and experience points. Gold can be used to purchase better equipment, while magic items possess powerful abilities that enhance your character. Experience points are awarded for overcoming challenges and completing major storylines. When your character has earned enough experience points, he increases his character level by one, granting him new powers and abilities that allow him to take on even greater challenges.

Kamal singh

Background: Exposure to cigarette smoke has been associated with pulmonary and reproductive dysfunctions; inflammatory response, oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in cigarette smoke have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these disorders. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), a biomarker of inflammation and oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)), reproductive hormones (testosterone (TST), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)) cotinine and urinary PAH metabolite (1- hydroxypyrene (1-HOP)) were estimated in male active smokers. Methods: One hundred men aged 20-47 years, comprising 50 active male smokers and 50 non-smokers, were randomly recruited into this comparative cross-sectional study. The PEFR was measured using a peak flow meter, serum levels of cotinine, FSH, LH, TST, TNF-α, and urine 8-OHdG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 1-HOP by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data analysis was done using a t-test and correlation analysis at p≤0.05. Results: Smokers had significantly higher cotinine (49.73±31.76 versus 0.51±0.69 ng/ml, p≤0.001), 8-OHdG (16.34±12.10 versus 5.79±2.14 ng/ml, p≤0.001) and lower PEFR (309.20±56.05 versus 452.80±45.76 L/min, p≤0.001) and LH (5.75±2.06 versus 6.97±2.79 mIU/ml, p=0.015) compared to non-smokers. Duration of exposure to cigarette smoke correlated positively with cotinine (r=0.937, p≤0.001) and 1-HOP (r=0.813, p≤0.001) while cotinine correlated positively with 1-HOP (r=0.863, p≤0.001) only in smokers. Conclusion: Reduced lung function and luteinizing hormone and concurrent increase in oxidative DNA damage associated with exposure to cigarette smoke may suggest the involvement of PAH-induced DNA damage in the development of pulmonary and reproductive impairment in smokers.

Eworo raymond

Lycium schweinfurthii is a shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family which widely grows in North Africa and Mediterranean regions. The plant leaves have traditionally been used for gastrointestinal diseases as peptic ulcer in Libya. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lycium schweinfurthii extract on the central nervous system in mice including anticonvulsant, antidepressant and muscle relaxant activities. The methanolic extract was prepared by fractionation technique. Albino male mice weighing 22 ± 2.0 gm were used and equally divided into equal number and weight for each experiment (n = 6). The best effective pharmacologically dose of 400 mg/kg, i.p. of the methanolic extract was selected to explore the anticonvulsant activity for picrotoxin-induced convulsion in mice (5.0 mg/kg), antidepressant activity of forced swimming test of depression and muscle relaxant action by motor coordination test of hanging wire. Fluoxetine (10.0 mg/kg), imipramine (15.0 mg/kg) and diazepam (5.0 mg/kg) were used as reference compounds. Lycium schweinfurthii extract exhibited a significant prolonged delay in the onset time of induced convulsion and significant decrease in the frequency of convulsion as well as a significant decrease in the duration time of attacks. Pretreatment with flumazenil (2.0 mg/kg) was found to increase the frequency and duration of convulsions without profound change in the onset time produced by Lycium schweinfurthii. For antidepressant activity, the plant leave extract significantly decreased immobility time duration without a muscle relaxant effect. The results suggest that the methanolic extract of Lycium schweinfurthii leave has anticonvulsant and antidepressant-like activities without any muscle relaxant effect in mice. Thus, Lycium schweinfurthii may have a neuropharmacological potential use in human.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Worldwide, the focus on online learning during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic faced many challenges. The present study aimed to evaluate the preferences, perceptions, and attitudes of university students toward various strategies of learning. A pre-piloted cross-sectional survey was posted on the internet in Arabic and English language. Questions covered the demographical characteristics of the participants and their preferences and perceptions of various learning strategies. We received 270 questionnaires from various countries. The majority (n=199, 73.7%) of respondents were from the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with n=125 (46.3%) participants from the College of Pharmacy. The majority (n=198, 73.0%) of respondents were females, Arabs (n=262, 97.0%), living with their families (n=208, 77.0%), and with only the father working (n=174, 64.0%). Preference was, for online learning (n=145, 53.7%) as compared to in-class learning (n=119, 44.1%). More students (n=110, 40.7%) claimed improvement in their grades with online learning but 62 of students (23.0%) stated that their grades were worsened. Student’s performance in online exams was similar to that in paper exams. The majority (n=168, 62.2%) of students claimed that their overall expectations of online learning were not the same as those for in-class learning. 50.0%-60.0% of respondents believed that in-class learning allows them to learn more effectively, and achieve the best work preparation, best exam performance, and best education value, and they were more likely to recommend it. Despite the disadvantages of online learning, it remains the future strategy for higher education. Appropriate planning of courses, and helping students by reducing digital inequity, if any, would certainly prove satisfactory for the millennial generation of students

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

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

This work was focused on identification and evaluation of process parameters of modified nanoprecipitation method, for fabrication of lomustine nanoparticles, with the aim of reducing cancer cell viability at low concentration of lomustine. The parameters controlling particle size, mostly in nanosize, were solvent/nonsolvent composition and emulsification speed of homogenizer along with aqueous phase volume. This controlled particle size is below 250 nm. The stabilizer concentration controlled particle size is within 68 nm ± 0.89 to 137 ± 0.94 nm with PDI 0.06 ± 0.008 to 0.25 ± 0.001. But, the stabilizer addition mode showed more uniform size distribution with PDI 0.085 ± 0.004. Entrapment efficiency was maintained well above 47 ± 0.23%. The drug release pattern was monophasic with controlled release over 24 hrs. In the method used, drug content was affected by ratio of polymer to drug to organic solvent, as well as homogenization speed and time. Percentage viable cells of L132 human lung cancer cell line remained, were only 5% at 100 μg/ml lomustine equivalent PLA nanoparticles.

Archana mehrotra

The core of the current study is to find out a different source of diet that stimulates better growth rate and low-cost feed for commercial fish milkfish Chanos chanos. This study was to assess the impact of partial replacement of fish meal by soybean meal in the diet of juvenile milkfish, Chanos chanos (initial weight 25 ± 0.6 g). The juveniles were fed with two types of isonitrogenous diets (40% crude protein). Plant protein source diet (D1) comprised of soybean meal 45% and 10% fish meal, while animal protein source diet (D2) contained fish meal 25% and soybean meal 30%. The trial was conducted with two replications for 60 days. Fish juveniles (10 each) were stocked in outdoor fiberglass seawater tanks (5000 Liters). Results revealed that final weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly lower in fish fed D2 diet. Fish fed D1 had better feed efficiency, weight gain (21.88 ± 1.9 g), and SGR (1.05 ± 0.3), while D2 had a lower growth rate, WG (18.71 ± 2.3 g) and SGR (0.93 ± 0.2). The maximum growth rate found on plant diet which is significantly higher weight gain than D2. In D2 feed conversion ratio (0.54 ± 0.21) was significantly higher (P≤0.05). Condition factor among both treatments did not differ significantly (P≥0.05). The survival rate remained constant (100%) in both treatments. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended that 45% soybean meal with addition of 10% fishmeal (40% protein) is more effective than 30% soybean meal with addition of 25% fish meal to the omnivorous milkfish for aquaculture.

Imtiaz kashani

Homoeopathy is one of the latest systems of medicine discovered at the latter part of 18th century, first rose to prominence in the 19th century due to its success in treating epidemics and is currently second largely utilized system of medicine globally. Prophylaxis through Homoeopathy has been strongly promulgated by stalwarts and popular among the general public in the recent times, but still controversy revolves around it. Aim of the study is to review the available literature for analyzing the usefulness of Homoeopathy in prophylaxis of human, animal as well as plant diseases. A comprehensive search has been made in electronic database aimed to target the available literature of various levels of evidence. Examples are summarized under different areas of applicability of homeopathic medicine as prophylactic. Currently there is convincing evidence to support effectiveness of Homoeopathy in prophylaxis, though sparse. More rigorous research studies are warranted to enlarge the horizon of its application.

Dr deepthi gilla

Objective: This study fills an important research gap by focusing on the effectiveness of low-impact exercise in Parkinson's disease (PD), taking into account the different challenges faced by people with varying degrees of disease severity. Motivation: Unlike generic investigations into exercise and PD, our research prioritizes low-impact activities, considering safety concerns related to balance deficits and coordination challenges in the PD population. The study aligns with a patient-centred approach, aiming to provide a safer alternative to traditional exercise modalities. Approach: Conducting a comprehensive literature review, we conducted an online literature search on various databases, specifically investigating about low-impact exercises on both motor and non motor symptoms in PD individuals. Review process involved capturing diverse intervention types, durations, frequencies, and intensities. Findings: The amalgamation of diverse outcome measures, including UPDRS, Berg Balance Scale, TUG, 6MWT, and PDQ-39, showcased the multifaceted impact of low-impact exercises on both movement related and non-movement related symptoms. Notably, aerobic exercises being treadmill walking, cycling, and group sessions, emerged as pivotal interventions, demonstrating improvements in gait, balance, flexibility, and overall quality of life for PD individuals. Conclusion: While acknowledging limitations, such as potential publication bias and a focus on aerobic exercises, this study provides meaningful decision making information for clinicians and researchers. Future research should diversify interventions and methodologies to enhance the evidence base and address nuanced aspects of low-impact exercises in PD management. The results of this review contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding the nuanced benefits of personalized low-impact exercise for Parkinson's disease.

Nagarjuna narayanasetti

This study aimed at the evaluation of the quality attributes and sensory properties of noodles produced from composite blends of acha, adu, mungbean and moringa oleifera seed. Composite flours of acha, adu, mungbean and moringa oleifera seed were formulated by total replacement of wheat with acha, adu, mungbean and moringa oleifera seed at different graded ratios (B= (55:35:5:5), C= (55:30:10:5, D= (50:30:15:5), E= (50:25:20:5), F= (45:25:25:5) while 100% wheat flour was used as the control (sample A)). The composite flours were used to produce noodles and the noodles subjected to proximate analysis and sensory properties evaluation. Proximate analysis revealed that the noodles contained moisture content of 10.22-13.90%, 2.32-4.48% ash, 10.13-17.90% protein, 1.50-5.71% lipid, 0.48-3.68% crude fibre, 54.33-75.35% carbohydrate and 340.31-355.42Kcal/100 g energy. There was an increase in the moisture, ash, protein, lipid and crude fibre contents with a decrease in carbohydrate and energy contents as the amount of mungbean flour increases. Sensory evaluation scores showed that noodles made with 0% wheat, 55% acha, 35% adu, 5% mungbean and 5% moringa oleifera seed can favourably compare with the control. It is recommended that the beany flavour of mung beans be removed before its addition in the composite blend in order to produce noodles that can be highly accepted.

Okechukwu obed chukwuemeka

Strain improvement studies were conducted for the production of L-asparaginase from a marine fungus Beauveriabassiana SS18/14 by employing physical and chemical mutagens, in a systemic manner to obtain mutants that have higher L-asparaginase production. The wild strain produced 6.32 IU/mL of L-asparaginase activity while the UV mutant UVF-4 yielded 8.34 IU/mL and nitrous acid mutant UVF4-N-2 exhibited 10.44 IU/mL enzyme activity. The overall strain improvement programme increased L-asparaginase activity 1.65 times with respect to the parent wild strain.

Dr.p.v.kamala kumari

Adverse drug reactions have increased significantly in people as many new drugs have come to the market in the last two decades. This has not only economic consequences but also causes morbidity and mortality. In Bangladesh, some incidents happened related to drug problems and it took several lives. Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions can primarily control this situation and healthcare professionals can play an immeasurable role. Therefore, this study was aimed to be conducted at seven different hospitals and diagnostic centers to find out the actual scenario of adverse drug reactions among the healthcare professionals in Bangladesh to make them aware of adverse drug reactions and the reporting system, and to know about their opinion towards adverse drug reactions. However, after evaluation of the questionnaires it was found that a large number of healthcare professionals were not aware of adverse drug reactions and pharmacovigilance, especially the nurses. It was found that 13.3% of nurses did not know about adverse drug reactions and 93.3% of them had not reported any reactions. Furthermore, many healthcare professionals did not show a positive attitude towards pharmacovigilance. If proper pharmacovigilance practice cannot be started, the nation will face serious economic and health-related problems.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Using realia media in learning activities will provide an interesting learning experience for students so that they are more active in participating in learning. This discussion aims to describe and analyze the application of realia media in improving student learning outcomes at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Jember. The research approach uses qualitative and case study research types. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and documentation. Analysis of the data used in this study using the Miles and Huberman model consisting of data condensation, data presentation, and concluding. The validity of the data was tested by using triangulation of sources and techniques. The results of this study indicate (1) Realia media planning in improving student learning outcomes at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Jember, namely: Identifying the needs and characteristics of students, formulating learning objectives, summarizing material, writing instructional media scripts, conducting tests and revisions. (2) The implementation of realia media in improving student learning outcomes at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Jember, namely: the teacher learns the instructions for using the media, and all equipment must be in a state of readiness so as not to be disturbed by technical matters, and keep students steady. conducive for learning activities to take place. (3) Evaluation of realia media in improving student learning outcomes at MIMA 35 Nurul Ulum Jember, namely: learning media according to KD and indicators, learning media according to the estimated time and assignments in the Buena book, learning media can attract students' attention, media learning is in accordance with the times/updated, thematic assessment criteria are spiritual, social, knowledge, and skillful.

Educare: journal of primary education

Natural products have played an essential role in treating human diseases for thousands of years. According to WHO, 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicines to cure and prevent ailments. Numerous plants have been reported to have antitussive activity. Our present study aimed to evaluate the antitussive effect of aerial parts of ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Caesalpiniaceae) at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses in healthy albino rats. Caesalpinia pulcherrima is an ornamental plant, usually 3.7-4.3 m in height, known as Peacock flower and is used traditionally to treat cough, bronchitis and asthma. Cough significantly affects human health and is the most common reason to visit physicians. Cough may be produced due to disease, allergens, pollutants and respiratory infections. Any mechanical or inflammatory change provokes the afferent or sensory nerves in the larynx and tracheobronchial, resulting in a cough. In this study, cough was induced by using the sulphur dioxide induction method. Animals were divided into four groups of 7 animals each, and all the drugs were administered orally. Group I was a control group, while group II was a standard taking Prospane. The extract showed highly significant results at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses compared to the control. So, it proves and supports the traditional use of Caesalpinia pulcherrima to relieve cough.

Dr. salman ahmed

Objective: Improving quality work by infusing a “sense of belongingness” in lowest-level workers. The present work focuses on the management of human resources in an enterprise where contract workers are involved in carrying out quality work related to the parent organisation. In today’s world, where the number of supervisors has reduced significantly, it is a challenge to maintain the quality of work at a satisfactory level. The paper proposes to enhance the quality of work by infusing a “sense of belongingness” into lowest-level workers. Methodologies adopted: Case studies. The first case study was conducted between 2007-2011 during a project related to Rural Electrification Work in the Bokaro district under the scheme RGGVY. The author was deputed to supervise the rural electrification work of 300 villages with thousands of kilometres of 11kv and 415V distribution lines, along with over 400 distribution transformers in four blocks of the Bokaro district in Jharkhand. Contractors engaged local workers for erection of all infrastructure. The author explained the process of erection to local communities and brought about a sense of belongingness in them towards the infrastructure being developed. The second case review was conducted between 2013-16 at Chandrapura, Bokaro, during the operation and maintenance work of the 220KV switchyard. Six workers were involved in the maintenance work of the switchyard. They rectified faults during emergencies and took care of housekeeping. However, they only followed orders and never worked proactively. The author divided the workplace into eighteen parts, each maintaining three parts. During monthly walk-in inspections, one worker was awarded as the best contractor’s employee of the month of that section, which introduced a sense of competition among them. Analysis: During the first case study, after pointing out the benefits of the infrastructure being developed and how the quality of work will help in its sustainability for an extended period, villagers realised its importance in their well-being. As a result, they kept vigil over the contractor’s work during the erection process. In second case study, the repetitive external motivation (awards and appreciation) infused a “sense of belongingness” in them. Thus, all employees started functioning proactively. As a result, the occurrence of electrical faults was reduced drastically, and housekeeping improved. Findings: These two case studies lead the author to coin the term “sense of belongingness”, which can lead to improve the quality of work by the lowest-level workers in a company. There are five ways to develop a “Sense of Belongingness” (SOB) among workers- external motivation, which can lead to internal motivation; mutual respect; a sense of duty (every person has their own responsibility); brainstorming sessions (to make them feel as an integral part of the department); encouraging them to do more than expected. Conclusion: All these steps help to develop a “sense of belongingness” among the lowest-level workers in an organisation. Without these principles, it will be a challenge to achieve quality work. The paper addresses all the processes in detail to improve the work culture in a department and, ultimately, an organisation.

Rajiv ranjan sinha

This study aims to examine and compare the levels and patterns of aggressive behavior among higher secondary students in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas. Aggression among adolescents is a significant concern, and understanding its variations across different settings can provide valuable insights for intervention and prevention strategies. The study employs a review-based research design, using articles published between 1993 and 2023 to collect data on aggressive behavior of higher secondary students. For this purpose, a review of the literature was performed by using the search words “aggressive behavior”, “higher secondary students”, “rural”, “semi-urban”, “urban” in the databases like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia, Shodhganga, PubMed, JSTOR and Elsevier for articles. The results will shed light on the prevalence, types, and potential factors influencing aggression in these areas, informing the development of targeted interventions and policy recommendations and statistical analyses will be employed to examine the relationships between variables. Importance and Scope of the Topic: Aggressive behavior is a topic that affects us all. From playground bullies to road rage enthusiasts, aggressive behavior has a significant impact on our daily lives. Understanding the causes and consequences of aggression is crucial in finding ways to prevent and manage such behavior. After all, the world would be a much better place if we all knew how to calm down and express our frustrations in healthy ways.

Abdul jaleel kuzhiyengal mambra

The COVID-19 was announced as pandemic by WHO on March 11th, 2020. Five days later, on March 16th, 2020 prevention measures to prevent the outbreaks had been taken by authorities in Libya. The health care institutes were working during the quarantine and until now. Pharmacists as health care professionals have a critical role in COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to access the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of community pharmacists, hospital pharmacists and pharmacy assistants toward COVID-19 in Libya. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in period from November, 2020 to January, 2021. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square to measure the differences and association within socio-demographic variables. Pearson correlation was used to measure the relationship between KAP of pharmacists. A total of 205 responses were received. The majority of respondents were from the eastern part of Libya. The percent of good knowledge score was 61.5%, the percent of adequate attitude score was 59% and the percent of sufficient practice score was 56.6%. There was an association between knowledge score and respondent’s professional and educational level with P=0.008 and P=0.028, respectively. There was an association between score of attitudes and working setup, professional level and educational level with p = 0.003, 0.011 and 0.002, respectively. There was also an association between practice score with regard to gender, age educational level and work place with P=0.004, P=0.017, P=0.002 and P=0.027, respectively. There was a positive relationship between knowledge and attitude (P>0.05). In conclusion, the KAP of community pharmacists, hospital pharmacists and pharmacy assistants were low but acceptable. Therefore, KAP should be improved among pharmacists by implanting an effective health education programs in Libya.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

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

Background: Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatments for other conditions. Studies have shown that stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers can act as potential sources of these infections in patients accessing treatment in healthcare facilities. This study aimed to increase awareness among health workers in Nigeria of the potentials of stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers to transmit HAIs. Methods: Moist swab sticks were used to collect samples from 38 randomly selected stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers from some departments of four district hospitals. Collected samples were cultured using standard microbiological techniques. In addition, self-designed questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and practice of doctors and nurses on the roles of stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers in HAIs. Results: About 83.8% of the health workers demonstrated some awareness of the roles of stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers in HAIs. 42.5% cleaned their stethoscopes, while 5% their sphygmomanometers. Staphylococcus aureus, (65.9% of stethoscopes), proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (67.6% of sphygmomanometers), Streptococcus and Coliform species were isolated. There was no significant difference between the contamination of stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers by the isolates, except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (t=3.49, p=0.04). Conclusions: Awareness did not match practice in cleaning the stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers in the four facilities. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the two most common organisms isolated with a significant difference (t=3.49, p=0.04) between stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers in isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To curb HAIs, health workers need to improve on their practice of cleaning stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers.

Emmanuel umegbolu