Fruits are indispensable in today’s world owing their tremendous health benefits. Cucumber and watermelon are commonly consumed fruits worldwide. In this study, antioxidant potential of crude methanol extract of different concentrations of cucumber and watermelon were screened for antioxidant activity using total phenolic content, ferric reducing power (FRAP), ferric thiocyanate (FTC) tests and free radical scavenging (DPPH) assay. They are good source of calcium, magnesium and copper with appreciable amounts of vitamin C (143.360 ± 101.400 mg/100 g) for cucumber and vitamin A (90.980 ± 22.860 mg/100g; 29.475 ± 0.575 mg/100 g) for both watermelon and cucumber respectively. It was found that polyphenolics compounds were maximum in watermelon (87.04 ± 0.55 mg/g GAE in concentration 100 mg/mL). The extracts showed a potent DPPH free radical scavenging activity; cucumber had maximum percentage inhibition at 20 µg/mL concentration (29.2%) compared to watermelon at 40 µg/mL concentration (13.5%). These fruits also exhibited fairly good antioxidant activity with in both FRAP (0.517 mg/100 g; 0.317 mg/100 g) and FTC (17.2%; 31%) methods for watermelon and cucumber respectively.

Svedbergopen

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, most educational institutions have opted for online education rather than traditional modes of education to protect their employees and students. Online education has been gaining momentum in almost all countries around the world. This coincides with the recently introduced competency-based medical education in India which has embraced online education. This poses a new challenge for the institutions involved, the instructors or teachers, and the students since they must adapt quickly to the new mode of learning. Online education requires teachers to improve their competency in three major areas; pedagogy, technology, and content knowledge. Some of the challenges include; lack of technological skill, poor time management and lack of infrastructure. As technology rapidly advances, health care education systems must also advance in tandem. To implement the new competency-based system and online education, the institutions and the individuals must realize the importance of online education, identify the barriers and quickly work on solutions for success. Methods: This review was conducted based on various research papers on the topic of online medical education, the challenges faced by faculty members, and the opinion of students on this dilemma. Search terms included online medical education, COVID19, competency-based medical education. Conclusion: This review identified various challenges posed by online education on the current medical curriculum, faced by both faculty members and students, especially under the light of the Competency-Based Undergraduate Curriculum for Indian Graduates. Different solutions were proposed to overcome these challenges.

Nirav

Pyrazole is a nitrogen containing 5-membered heterocyclic compound containing 3 carbons& 2 nitrogen atoms in the adjacent position of ring structure and is chemically known as 1, 2- diazole. Pyrazole nucleus is present in many pharmaceutically important compounds and intermediates . Majority of anti-inflammatory agents currently employed have GI irritation and enhanced acidity as side effects. As part of our efforts to develop newer and effective anti-inflammatory agents , ten newer pyrazole carbaldehydes were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity using Diclofenac was the standard. Out of ten compounds synthesized, all compounds exhibited comparable activity with that of the standard.Highest percentage of haemolysis was observed for Pyrazole carbaldehydes with methoxy phenyl groups as substituents. These compounds should be considered for developing as leads for newer & safer anti-inflammatory agents.

Vinod b

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most personally distressing, and disabling psychiatric condition. COVID 19 pandemic and country wide lockdown are likely to exacerbate the symptoms in diagnosed cases of OCD. Homoeopathy, an established system of medicine with potential relevance to mental health issues has a sparse literature in management of OCD. Objectives: The primary purpose of this case report is to point out the usefulness of Individualized homoeopathic medicine in treatment of OCD. The secondary purpose is to highlight the utility of similimum in the management of exacerbation of psychiatric conditions due to stressful life situations. Methods: A case of OCD reported in Psychiatry out Patient Unit treated by Classical Homoeopathy is presented in this case report. The case was assessed at baseline and follow up visits with Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Results: Baseline Y-BOCS score of 24 (Severe OCD) turned gradually to subclinical range of seven within 6 months. Patient had excellent relief for next six months and was functionally well. A comparatively milder exacerbation of symptoms (Y-BOCS-17) during lockdown could be managed effectively with the repetition of similimum resulting in subclinical score of five quickly within a month. Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicine is useful in the management of OCD and also symptom exacerbation due to stressful life events like lockdown.

Dr deepthi gilla

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

Zn1-xCdxO (x=0, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) ternary alloys were successfully synthesized by Sol–gel method. The prepared powders were sintered at 800°C for 4hrs. The compositional, structural and optical studies were investigated by SEM equipped with EDS, XRD and UV-Visible Spectroscopy. XRD results were compared with JCPDS data and confirmed the formation of Cd doped ZnO nanoparticles with polycrystalline single phase hexagonal wurtzite structure. The crystallite size was found to decrease from 21 to 17 nm with increase in the concentration of Cd. EDS analysis revealed the existence of Cd content in ternary alloys. From Ultraviolet-visible spectral studies optical band gap vary from 3.21 eV to 3.12 eV with Cd concentration. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and Peer-review under responsibility of International conference on materials research and applications-2016.

Mohan kumar thumma komma

Urolithiasis is a global health problem with a high recurrence rate. Different in vivo and in vitro models have been successfully used to evaluate the antiurolithiatic potential of medicinal plants. In vitro models study renal stone formation, and in vivo models reveal the pathological effects of urolithiasis. Thus, in vitro models are significantly and effectively used to evaluate prophylactic management, and in vivo models direct urolithiasis treatment. This paper describes the advantages, limitations and applications of both models, especially the role of in vitro studies in the evaluation of prophylactic management.

Dr. salman ahmed

Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the level of attachment of fathers in Karabuk province and the factors affecting them. Materials and Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 200 fathers who brought their children Karabuk University Education Research Hospital Pediatric Outpatient Clinic and were selected by random sampling method. The socio-demographic data form prepared by the researchers by scanning the literature and the Paternal-Infant attachment Scale, which was validated by Gulec in Turkish, were used. Data forms were applied to the fathers who agreed to participate in the study by face to face interview method. The data were calculated by applying descriptive statistics, percentage calculation and nonparametric tests used in independent variables. Results: It was found that 22.5% of the fathers defined attachment as “happiness”, 5.5% “sacrifice”, 17% “unconditional love” and 55% “I do not know”. The mean score of attachment scores of the fathers was 80.3±8.23. Conclusion: Significant differences were found between the age of the children, duration of marriage, father's age, family type, number of children, and type of delivery. There was no significant difference between defining attachment, infant gender and working status.

Reyhan aydin doğan

Background and Aim: Ultrasound popliteal sciatic nerve block (UPSNB) is commonly performed in foot and ankle surgery. This study aims to assess the use of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants in UPSNB for hallux valgus (HV) surgery, comparing their efficacy in producing motor and sensory block and controlling postoperative pain. The adverse event rate was also evaluated. Methods: This mono-centric retrospective study included 62 adult patients undergoing HV surgery: 30 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg (Group 1), whereas 32 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg, and dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/Kg (Group 2). At first, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was evaluated after 48 hours. The other outcomes were time to motor block regression, evaluation of the first analgesic drug intake, analgesic effect, adverse effects (hemodynamic disorders, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)) and patient satisfaction. The continuous data were analyzed with student’s t-test and the continuous one with χ2. Statistical significance was set at a p-value lower than 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found in VAS after 48 hours (4.5 ± 1.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.621) to motor block regression (18.9 ± 6.0 vs 18.7 ± 6, p = 0.922). The number of patients that took their first analgesic drug in the first 48 h (p = 0.947 at 6 hours; p = 0.421 at 12 hours; p = 0.122 at 24 hours and p = 0.333 at 48 hours) were not significant. A low and similar incidence of intraoperative hemodynamic disorders was recorded in both groups (hypotension p = 0.593; bradycardia p = 0.881). Neither PONV nor other complication was found. Patients in Group 1 reported a lower degree of interference with sleep (p = 0.001), less interference with daily activities (P = 0.002) and with the affective sphere (P = 0.015) along with a more satisfactory postoperative pain management (p < 0.001) as compared to Group 2. Conclusion: No significant differences were observed in the duration of motor and sensory blockade between patients in both groups. Additionally, both groups showed good pain control with a low rate of adverse effects, even if there was no clinical difference between the groups. However, patients who received dexamethasone reported experiencing less interference with their sleep, daily activities and overall emotional well-being, and overall pain control.

Dario cirillo

There are several significant assays including bioavailability, Toxicity, high clearance, and further current therapies require higher and frequent dosing to gain desired therapeutic effects for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nanoparticles have beenwidely investigated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Though, higher doses of Nanocarriers also increase the incidence of dreadful adverse effects. Wherever, nanocarrier properties are most populated by the use of different approaches like targeting ligands, to change the physicochemical properties including higher encapsulation, better penetrating ability in cells etc. The main advantage of the nanocarrier that they provide longer circulation which enhances drug localization at the inflamed site and selective targeting to enhance the therapeutic index of anti-arthritic drugs. However, the optimal properties of nanocarrier also depend on the route of administration and size of particles, thus larger size show more retention upon local injection and smaller sized ones are more optimal for passive targeting. The present article discusses the emergence of nano-carriers for antirheumatic drugs, which delivers drug molecule to the inflamed site by topical, intra-articular (i.a) and intra-venous (i.v) administration to take advantage of therapeutic efficacy by passive and active drug delivery. Advancements have been made extensively but still better investigations are needed to achieve the risk-benefit ratio for the development of safe, stable and effective targeting nanocarriers for the e treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Dr. wahul umesh b

: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities of the methanol extract of two varieties of Cicer arietinum viz black or Desi and white or Kabuli were tested in 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. For the analgesic effect of the extracts, acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and hot plate tests were employed in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats, whereas the diuretic action was determined using metabolic cages for rats. Animals were divided into six groups (n=7): (1) Control (2) Standard (3) MECAB 200 (4) MECAB 400 (5) MECAW 200 (6) MECAW 400. All extracts and standard drugs were administered orally. Acute oral toxicity of the extracts was also checked in mice up to 2000mg/kg dose, which showed a favorable safety. Significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were observed. The results of diuretic activity were significant at the 12th and 24th hrs. Therefore, it is concluded that the methanol extracts of the seeds of Cicer arietinum have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic potential.

Dr. salman ahmed

Contact between pharmaceutical company representatives (PCRs) and medical practitioners is viewed by drug companies as a vital part of their marketing strategy. Studies show that PCRs employ persuasion disguised as information. Because PCRs are keenly involved in competitive marketing, they are more likely to use persuasion than information during their promotional visits. Information increases customer awareness of a particular product without influencing the preferences. Persuasive marketing directly influences a consumer’s brand preference. Positively influencing a prescriber’s attitude towards a product is essential for effective marketing since there is an association between attitude, intention and behaviour. Numerous studies find that pharmaceutical promotional interactions have an impact on physician’s perceptions and their prescribing practices. Yet, many of today's health professionals do not acknowledge their vulnerability to being misled by pharmaceutical marketing. This study demonstrate that Pharmaceutical promotion strategies do not differ greatly from those of other types of marketing, PCRs more likely to use persuasion to highlight the perceived difference of their particular brand. Persuasion often has a subtle influence that is not easy to detect and physicians should receive education regarding the drug promotion techniques used by pharmaceutical companies. Persuasion often has a subtle influence that is not easy to detect. Overconfidence is a major risk factor for being misled. This analysis highlights some critical aspects of persuasive communication by PCRs in promotional visits. It will help prescribers to interpret, evaluate and respond appropriately to manipulative behaviour by PCRs.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Introduction: Saliva is a crucial diagnostic tool to evaluate oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum is an effective method to increase salivary flow and can also be employed a medium for the administration of medicinal ingredients. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of chewing xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums on salivary acidogenicity levels. Materials and Methods: A single centre, randomised, doubleblind, multiple arm parallel clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged between 6-11 years. Baseline salivary pH was recorded with the pH meter and then the participants were asked to consume chocolate and salivary pH was recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. Then children were randomly allocated to Group A-Xylitol chewing gum (control group, n=20), Group B-Herbal chewing gum (n=20), and Group C-Probiotic chewing gum (n=20) and instructed to chew gum according to their assigned group and salivary pH was again recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. The change in salivary pH was evaluated using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Post-hoc Bonferroni’s test. Results: The mean age of the study population was 9.23±1.38 years. Statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in pH was recorded post consumption of probiotic, xylitol and herbal chewing gums and the mean salivary pH values recorded at 60 minutes were 7.20±0.21, 7.01±0.23 and 6.43±0.22, respectively. Conclusion: The observations of the study showed that xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums reversed the fall in salivary pH, after an acidogenic challenge with probiotic being better among the three groups.

Dr. neeti tatiya

The % age elemental composition (ash, crude fat, crude protein, moisture and total carbohydrates) was determined in the Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn., legume flours. M. uniflorum contained moisture (8.9), ash (3.34), crude fat (1.30), crude protein (18.15) and total carbohydrate (68.31). Similarly, moisture (9.14), ash (3.73), crude fat (1.78), crude protein (22.64) and total carbohydrate (62.71) were estimated in P. lunatus. Meanwhile, P. vulgaris contained moisture (9.43), ash (3.61), crude fat (3.49), crude protein (19.46) and total carbohydrate (64.01). The gross, ash free, moisture and ash free calorific values were also determined. P. vulgaris showed the highest(3.91) and P. lunatus lowest (3.84), whereas M. uniflorum (3.86) caloric values (kcal/g), respectively. The elemental composition and caloric values of tested legume flours justify them as good sources of nutrition and energy.

Dr. salman ahmed

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations, or do something over and over again. It is affecting all ages in the world. It is unusual for symptoms to begin after the age of 35 and half of people develop problems before 20. This making university students a target of OCD. This study investigates the prevalence of symptoms of OCD and identifies possible risk factors among pharmacy students of University of Tripoli, Libya. 80 pharmacy students registered in the final academic year 2019/2020 were enrolled in this study. All the participants were females ranging of 22 to 24 years old of a same environmental background. This study is based on a validated questionnaire for screening of OCD as mentioned by the American Psychiatric Association without modification. A total of 63 students have returned the questionnaire (response rate, 78.8%). The study shows that OCD symptom is relatively common among pharmacy students. The most common symptoms are losing something of importance (71%) and checking things over and over or repeat actions many times to be sure they are done properly (63%). Among OCD symptoms, the most common associated trigger factors were stress and phobia which representing 62% of the participated students. This study indicates that pharmacy students are at risk of being susceptible to getting OCD. OCD affects academic performance and quality of student life, therefore, a psychological and health services for university students should be implanted.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare birth defect marked by a complete reversal of the positions of abdominal and thoracic organs, resembling a mirrored image. This condition can raise challenges both in diagnosis and treatment procedures. Management of cholelithiasis in SIT patients presents difficulties due to the anatomical differences. We present a case involving a 47-year-old male patient who experienced intermittent left upper abdominal pain over the course of 4 months; the pain had worsened in the last 2 months. The pain was felt radiating to the waist and left back and was accompanied by nausea and vomiting. After clinical assessment and radiological investigations, such as thoracic X-ray and abdominal ultrasound, the patient was suspected of having cholelithiasis and SIT. The patient underwent an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy without complications and experienced an uneventful recovery. Several intraoperative adjustments were implemented to address the technical challenges arising from the underlying anatomical variation.

Karishma

The microbiological quality of purified water is a crucial aspect in the healthcare industry to ensure safety for different applications and uses. Understanding the trend and forecasting would be of prime importance to take proactive control and protective measures before catastrophic excursions might occur leading financial and health casualties. This study analyzes microbial density, a key metric for monitoring water purification system efficacy in healthcare facilities. The objective was to transform irregular, cumulative data into a regular time series and identify the optimal ARIMA model for forecasting to support predictive maintenance and regulatory compliance. Preliminary modeling attempts were conducted using simpler approaches such as linear, exponential and Holt-Winters methods without showing promising outcomes. Descriptive statistics and distribution analysis, including the Johnson Transformation for normality, were performed. ARIMA models with differencing orders d=0, d=1, and d=2 were fitted to the Aggregated cumulative logarithmically transformed data series, with the best model at each order selected based on minimum AICc. Model adequacy was assessed through parameter significance and residual diagnostics (Ljung-Box test). Descriptive statistics showed the aggregated series non-normal (p<0 d=0) AICc=319.39) d=2) AICc=258.98)>0.5). The ARIMA(2, 1, 2) model (d=1) was optimal (AICc=256.91), with all significant parameters and white noise residuals (p>0.3), effectively addressing non-stationarity. Forecasts from ARIMA(2, 1, 2) predict stable future growth. The ARIMA(2, 1, 2) model with first-order differencing is the most appropriate and robust model for forecasting data trends. Its strong statistical fit and reliable residual properties make it a valuable tool for predictive maintenance, optimizing resources, and enhancing patient safety in healthcare water systems, provided model performance is continuously monitored. Addressing data limitations and processing requires monitoring and exploring alternative models for future improvement.

Mostafa eissa

Trachoma is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and one of the most common ocular contagious diseases, caused by different serovers such as A, B, Ba ,C of bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis that occurs recurrently. Most infants are adversely affected from chronic keratoconjunctivitis, leading to blindness in later life. Epidemiological studies in 2023 revealed that approximately 115.7 million people were at risk of trachoma, but presently it has been declined to almost 103.2 million. Basically this disease is predominant in least developed or developing nations with high poverty. Preventive measures being implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) , popularly known as ‘SAFE’ strategy: S for surgery, A for antibiotic dissemination, F for facial cleanliness, and E for environmental improvements. Now-a-days it is effectively and extensively applied; that’s why number of active patients are reduced drastically, but trachoma-free world creation should be the principal and researches will make it possible.

Diptarup mallick

Family businesses must harness the full potential of their human resources and maintain employee loyalty to achieve the companies’ objectives effectively. This study examines the influence of transformational leadership on employee commitment through work-life balance and workplace social support. The research was conducted from August to December 2023 using an online questionnaire distributed to employees in a family firm in Medan, Indonesia. The data were then analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results show that transformational leadership significantly effects employee commitment, work-life balance, and workplace social support. However, although workplace social support mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee commitment, work-life balance fails to do so. It was also found that work-life balance has no direct influence on employee commitment. Using an IPMA analysis, this study highlights the importance of transformational leadership and workplace social support in the family business environment. Transformational leadership has also been shown to have the best performance and effect on employee commitment. Managers should prioritize these aspects to reduce employees’ stress levels, improve psychological well-being, and increase job satisfaction, leading to a more committed, high-performance workforce.

L

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