Use of chemical fungicide to control plant diseases causes several adverse effects such as, development of resistance in the pathogen, residual toxicity, pollution to the environment etc. So an alternative way to overcome the usage of dreadful chemicals is very important. The use of plant extracts as biofungicide is one of the popular and effective method. Araucaria columnaris is a commonly seen ornamental plant known as Christmas tree. It’s a South African species, under the family Araucariaceae. Hence, in the present study, the plant resin extract was tested in-vitro against major plant pathogensby preliminary bioassay. It was found that up to 95% reduction of mycelium growth was observed against major phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporyum, Rhizoctoniasp, Cylindrocladiumsp, Alternariasp, and Colletrotricum sp., causing tomato wilt, damping off, foliage blight, and leaf blight diseases in economically important plants. Up to our knowledge it is the first report showing the antifungal activity of Araucaria columnaris resin as antifungal agent. By using this valuable tree, further work will be done to formulate commercial biofungicide.
Diaspora groups across the world have been known for adopting and inventing processes and forms of ‘homemaking’ in their host lands. This article brings into focus the methods of homemaking assumed by the Indo-Surinamese Hindustani diaspora in the Netherlands, which owes its origin to colonial dispersal. Considering their status as a ‘twice-migrant’ diaspora, the process may appear to be distinctly difficult for the Hindustanis, a position this article seeks to examine. The article interrogates the notion of homemaking in the case of the Hindustanis through ethnographic conversational interviews of Indo-Surinamese interlocutors—a unique perspective based on personal histories and everyday experiences.
This study reviews indicators of poverty and the government policies and strategies to reduce and alleviate poverty in Jordan and investigate the effects of information technologies (ITC) on the poverty in Jordan, Population growth rate, GDP at current prices, consumer price index, and human development index in addition to percentage of population use internet, percentage of export and import of ITC of the total trade are used as dependent variables. Data from different resource is collected from 1999 in which the internet started in Jordan till 2018 on the abovementioned variables. The results show that there are negative impacts of the percentage of population using internet on the poverty rate while there are positive effects of human development index and consumer price index on poverty
The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of four different colored (green, yellow, orange, and red) sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are available at the local market in Karachi, Pakistan. Their 95% ethanol extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg were prepared and compared with commonly used analgesics (aspirin) and anti-inflammatory agents supporting its traditional use. The analgesic effects of 95% ethanol extracts of Capsicum annum L. were investigated by acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and hot plate test. The anti-inflammatory activities were observed using carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw in rats. Animals were divided into ten groups (n=7): (1) Control (2) CAG 200 (3) CAG 400 (4) CAR 200 (5) CAR 400 (6) CAO 200 (7) CAO 400 (8) CAY 200 (9) CAY 400 and (10) Standard. All the extracts were given orally. Acute toxicity was also determined by increasing the dose to 3000 mg/kg, which showed no evidence of mortality. All extracts of Capsicum significantly increased the hot plate pain threshold and remarkably reduced the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Results obtained were compared with the corresponding control group, revealing that the fresh fruit extract of all four kinds of bell pepper (200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg) possess anti-inflammatory and pain-suppressing activities possibly mediated via PG synthesis inhibition
Potato starch extraction is a critical process with implications across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics. This review explores current techniques, challenges, and future opportunities in potato starch extraction. Traditional methods such as compression or wet grinding, enzymatic processes, and microwave-assisted extraction are examined for their efficiency, advantages, and limitations. The paper emphasizes the importance of quality control measures to ensure the purity and safety of the extracted starch. Critical quality control aspects include raw material inspection, monitoring during processing, purity and composition analysis, and adherence to national and international standards. Innovations in extraction methods, including enzymatic and green solvent extraction, ultrasonic and microwave-assisted techniques, and advancements in nanotechnology and biotechnological approaches, are highlighted as trends driving the industry towards greater sustainability and efficiency. The clean label movement also reflects a consumer-driven shift towards natural, minimally processed ingredients, influencing industry practices and regulatory compliance. The future of potato starch extraction holds significant promise, with the integration of sustainable practices and technological innovations to meet evolving market demands and regulatory standards, underscoring the need for continuous research and development in the field.
Lakes are characterized by dynamic responses to ecological and limnologic disturbances that occur within a constrained timeframe. Some endorheic lakes in the Kenyan Rift valley are presently regarded as environmental hotspots because of complex changes that are revealed through multiple proxies; changing lake levels and surface area, turbidity and sedimentation, and the proliferation of macrophytes, and loss of aquatic biodiversity. Lake Baringo is characterized by widespread catchment degradation accompanied by high levels of turbidity during erratic and decline of the native fishery based on Oreochromis niloticus baringoensis. A careful analysis implicates potential natural factors such as catchment topography and increasing anthropogenic pressure as the main causes of lake ecosystem degradation. This paper recommends several strategies for restoration of Lake Baringo based on an integrated multi-faceted approach that combines catchment rehabilitation, pollution control, and provision of alternative livelihoods such as agriculture to the riparian communities
Cardiovascular disorders are known as one of the leading health problems which are associated with mortality worldwide. Myocardial ischemia (MI) is the improper blood supply to the myocardium, which leads to severe complications to life-threatening problems like AMI, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, as well as diabetic-associated complications such as diabetic atherosclerosis/cardiomyopathy/hypertension. Despite several efforts, the current therapeutic platforms are unrelated to significant results. Hence, it seems that developing novel therapies is required. Increasing evidence indicates that curcumin (CRC) acts as a cardioprotective agent. Given that CRC and its analogues exert their cardioprotective effects via affecting various cardiovascular disease-related mechanisms (i.e., Inflammation and oxidative stress). Herein, we have highlighted the protective impacts of CRC against MI for the first time. This review might be a stepping stone for further investigation into the clinical implications of the CRC against MI. Furthermore, it highlights a legitimate concern for the scientific community, seeking novel techniques and characteristic dynamic biopharmaceuticals against myocardial ischemia.
The present study shows the pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on the flowers of Cordia sebestena. L. belongs to the family Boraginaceae. C. sebestena L. is found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the American, Asian and African continents. Though it is an essential plant, no pharmacognostic work has been found on its parts, such as flowers. Various organoleptic characters were recorded by macroscopic study. A microscopic study of the flowers was also conducted, which shows the presence of fibres, calcium oxalate crystals and multiple types of trichomes, along with fluorescence analysis. The present study also deals with the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of C. sebestena L. FT-IR spectra revealed the presence of C-H, C=C, C-N, C-O and aromatic groups. The chemical composition of the hexane extract of the flowers of C. sebestena L. was detected through GC-MS, and the spectrum achieved through GC-MS was correlated with the database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) which comprise more than 62000 outlines of the mass spectrum. GC-MS analysis of n-hexane extract showed the existence of Retinoic acid, lupeol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and hexadecanoic acid, along with fatty acids, esters, alkaloids and alcohols. These pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies can be valuable in providing reliable proof of the quality of the plant, which can benefit health professionals and herbal medicine manufacturers.
The coronaviruses are group of viruses containing about seven members that have genetic material of RNA. They are surrounded by the protein capsid and lipid-containing membrane which has spike protein as flower petals. This family of viruses can infect animals and birds as well as humans causing signs and symptoms of respiratory system. However, these depend on the immune system of the infected host. The COVID-19 pandemic is a major global health disaster and the greatest task have faced the world. The infecting agent of COVID-19 disease was identified on December 31st, 2019 by Chinese scientist in Wuhan City. It was named Novel Coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-2 or SARS-2). After that, health minister of China announced that this virus is a new Coronavirus and it is of very high contagious rate [1]. In spite of the existence of many infectious cases in Libya at the winter season, the National Center of Disease Control (NCDC) announced about the first case of coronavirus on March 24th, 2020. It was identified by using a RT-PCR technique for a patient who came from Saudi Arabia. The NCDC, which is the government corporation responsible for the COVID-19 in Libya, has a daily news report about COVID-19 situation, including numbers of new cases infected patients, healing cases and total deaths number all over the country
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Living with epilepsy, its unpredictable seizures, and its comorbid conditions present many challenges over the time. Continued educational efforts can play a key role in helping people learn to live with epilepsy and understand epileptic medications over the life span. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of pharmacist-initiated education on patients with epilepsy. Prospective and observational pilot study to evaluate the impact of educational interventions during February and March, 2019 was conducted. A total of seven patients with epilepsy was included in this study. They received ordinary consultation care in National Centre of Epilepsy at Ali Omar Askar Hospital in Tripoli, Libya. Knowledge assessment questionnaire was assessed initially and patients were subjected to pharmacist-initiated education and they have given follow up reporting card. A follow up for one month has continuously been done and final evaluation included: knowledge assessment questionnaire, adverse drug reactions and epileptic attacks reporting. All the patients completed the pre and post education questionnaire. There was no significant difference between the patients’ knowledge before and after interventional questionnaire except for only two patients which is statistically significant (P=0.03) and (P=0.02) whose knowledge was significantly enhanced by post education. Thus, there are a lot of opportunities and challenges for pharmacists to play a role in epileptic care and education as patients with epilepsy are not knowledgeable about their illness regardless of age, educational background or duration of epilepsy. This role must be highly enforced and implemented in patients with epilepsy.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The present study deals with the phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antibacterial activity of hydroalcohol, acetone, and hexane extracts of the leaves of Psidium guajava. The antimicrobial activity was measured by the agar well diffusion method. Gastric volume, pH, total and free acidity and the ulcerative index was also measured in hydroalcoholic extract of Psidium guajava on gastric ulcer pyloric ligation in rat. Glycosides, terpenoids, and tannins are only present in the hydro alcohol extract. The extracts are tested against gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) bacterial strains. The zone of inhibition against microorganisms is direct proportional to the concentration of extract. Maximum zone of inhibition (24mm) against Staphylococcus aureus except hexane extract was seen. Psidium guajava leaves show maximum phytochemicals compounds and inhibition of microorganisms in hydroalcoholic extract. So the hydroalcoholic extraction was used for anti-ulcer activity. The present study was performed in pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer model in albino rats in which the ability of hydroalcoholic extracts of Psidium guajava was tested at a dose level of 400 mg/kg body weight orally and compared with Ranitidine (10 mg/kg) as standard. From the results it is concluded hydro alcohol leaf extracts of Psidium guajava 400 mg/kg dose level showed significant anti-ulcer activity when compared to that of standard drug.
Resveratrol, a polyphenol predominantly present in red grapes, has attracted interest due to its possible health advantages. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties of this substance indicate that it may have a beneficial effect on wound healing in individuals with diabetes mellitus. This study aims to determine the role of resveratrol on type 2 diabetic wound healing on total protein and albumin levels in rats. 20 male adult Albino Wistar rats were rendered diabetic using a high-fat diet and an alloxan injection (120 mg/kg). The rats were grouped into four: non-diabetic control group (negative control), diabetic control group (positive control), diabetic treatment group 1 (resveratrol: 10 mg/kg) and diabetic treatment group 2 (resveratrol: 20 mg/kg). Excisional wounds were created and monitored for wound closure over a defined treatment period of 14 days. Studies were conducted and expressed using physical and biochemical indices. The data demonstrated wound healing activities via biochemical indices, and histological and macroscopic methods. There was a difference in fasting blood glucose between the diabetic control group with the treatment groups. There was a difference between the diabetic control group compared to the group treated with resveratrol 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg in the weight of the rats. There was no significant acceleration in total albumin and globulin levels in the diabetic wounded group treated with resveratrol (10 mg and 20 mg). The results suggest that resveratrol treatment does not affect on total albumin and globulin levels in diabetic rats.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
This study explored how Egyptian journalists perceive the opportunities and challenges of robot journalism and its effect on newsroom operations. Guided by Roger Fidler’s Mediamorphosis Theory and in-depth interviews with journalists, the study reveals that artificial intelligence improves efficiency, data processing and investigative reporting. The participants cited ethical responsibility, employment stability, and cultural appropriateness as areas of concern. The findings highlight how Egyptian reporters are seeking a moderate solution and automation, which does not compromise professional judgment or public confidence. The study reveals that the adoption of robot journalism needs to be done responsibly and contextually to facilitate innovation in Egypt’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Compliance with pharmacological therapy is the primary key to treating diabetes, but it has not received full attention from clinicians. Several systematic reviews of compliance factors have been conducted in several regions of the country. However, it does not feature studies from Indonesia. This study aims to systematically review the factors that can influence adherence to diabetes mellitus (DM) medication in Indonesia. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching the National (Garuda and Sinta) and International (PubMed and Science Direct) journal databases. Research that met the inclusion criteria was published from January 2011 to December 2020. The quality of the study was assessed using the SQAT guidelines. The research reporting method uses the PRISMA guidelines. Compliance factors are classified based on the domain of compliance factors, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A total of 370 scientific research articles from the Garuda database (n=36); Science Direct (n = 108); PubMed (n = 18); Sinta (n= 208). Three hundred forty-one research articles were excluded, 29 full-text screening articles, and 16 research articles met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Factors that influence adherence to taking diabetes medication are social and economic (income, education level, and occupation), factors of personnel and health systems (health workers), factors of patient therapy (amount of diabetes medication, frequency of taking medication, and drug products), factors patient's disease (blood sugar levels, disease duration), patient factors (gender, emotional factors, social support, level of knowledge, and treatment satisfaction), and disease management factors (pharmacy counseling and education). Factors that influence adherence to taking DM medication in Indonesia are very diverse and are multi-factor. These factors can serve as relevant intervention targets. Clinicians must consider adjusting the frequency of taking medication and providing social support to DM patients.
The Sigma Delta Analog to Digital Converter (SD-ADC) with passive analog components is presented. The digital blocks required for creating the samples with required sample rate and word length from the 1 bit ADC output are presented. The digital filters are initially modeled in MATLAB Simulink and validated in frequency domain. Further they are synthesized to Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA technology. The synthesis results report clock speeds up to 300MHz. The simulation results are used to validate the principle and verify the performance of SD-ADC. The results demonstrate a promising technology area of realizing SD-ADC as a reconfigurable block on FPGA to meet several signal processing applications with sampling rates up to few hundreds of KHz
Background: Pre-eclampsia remains a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Research into changes associated with the disease offers some hope into identifying predictive and prognostic factors. In recent times, serum leptin has attracted interest as a possible marker for the disease. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the serum leptin levels in normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a prospective case-control study design at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria in which sixty three pregnant women who received antenatal care and developed pre-eclampsia were recruited into the study. For each selected pre-eclamptic, a matched normotensive was selected as control. Serum leptin level was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) ELISA. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in mean serum leptin levels between the normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant patients 15.11±4.81 ng/dl vs 38.98±8.66 ng/dl; p<0.001. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in mean leptin levels between mild and severe pre-eclampsia; 16.49±8.22 ng/dl vs 39.03±8.58 ng/dl;p<0.001.Conclusion: This study revealed an association between serum leptin level and pre-eclampsia. Serum leptin may be a potential marker for pre-eclampsia and deserves further investigation.
Background: Information on Bleomycin pulmonary toxicity (BPT) in Qatar is scarce. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of BPT and to describe its clinical significance and outcome in germ cell tumor (GCT) patients who received bleomycin-containing regimens.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research. It included all patients diagnosed with GCT and treated with a bleomycin-containing regimen between January 2002 and December 2008 Results: We identified fourteen patients with GCT who received bleomycin containing regimen. Four of them (28.5%) had developed BPT, and they were males with mean age of 39.3±8.3 years (range: 25-46 years). The calculated creatinine clearance before treatment was normal in the 4 cases. Evaluation of the chest computed tomography scan before starting bleomycin containing regimens revealed that none of our patients had pre-existing parenchymal lung disease. The mean cumulative bleomycin dose was 187.5± 153.7 U, while the mean time to onset of BPT was 3.5±2.1 months. Once the diagnosis of BPT was established, bleomycin was discontinued in the four patients and short courses of dexamethasone were administered. Two patients (50%) died, while one patient survived with a fibrosis sequel, and the fourth patient recovered without a fibrosis sequel. Conclusion: BPT is one of the life-threatening side effects of this drug that every doctor should be aware of when treating GCT, therefore, a high index of suspicious is needed for early recognition of BPTs.
Sexuality is a subject to be discussed without shying-away. This essay, discusses about how sexuality of a certain minority people in India and across borders, are being perceived by people in various countries and the consequences faced by the people whose sexuality seems deviant i.e. the sexual minorities from the majority . This essay provides illustrations in the form of research done by various sources that provides such evidences that paint a different picture of the sexual minorities viz. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) people in India and across the world aiming at eliminating the prejudice against them.
Background: Breast cancer is a commonly found malignancy worldwide in women, and effective treatment is regarded as a substantial clinical challenge even in the presence of several options. Extensive literature is available that demonstrates polyphenols, the richly introduced phytopharmaceuticals, as anticancer agents. Among these polyphenols, resveratrol, silibinin, quercetin, genistein, and curcumin are reported to have tremendous potential against breast cancer. However, till now, no comprehensive survey has been found about the anticarcinogenic properties of luteolin against breast cancer. Scope and approach: This review targeted the available literature on luteolin in the treatment of breast cancer, its effects in combination with other anticancer drugs, and possible mechanisms. Key findings and conclusion: Lutein's outstanding therapeutic potential in the treatment of breast cancer has been recorded not just as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent but also complemented by its synergistic effects with other anti-cancer therapies such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and NSAIDs such as celecoxib and possible underlying mechanisms. Ideally, this review will open new dimensions for luteolin as an effective and safe therapeutic agent in diminishing breast cancer.
Using off-label drugs in obstetric-gynecology patients requires caution because of the high risk of pregnancy. Although there is still debate, data profiling its use in clinical practice is lacking. This study aims to observe the use of off-label drugs in obstetrics and gynecology patients in private hospitals, especially the pill Misoprostol. This study used a descriptive observational approach to hospital medical record data. Retrieval of research data retrospectively at Bunda General Hospital (X Hospital) for July 2017 – December 2017 and Sinar Kasih Hospital (Y Hospital) for January 2018 – December 2018. The number of samples was determined using the Slovin formula, with a systematic random sampling technique at X Hospital and total sampling at Y Hospital. The samples were 220 RM at X 130 Hospital and Y 90 Hospital. The research was conducted in the period January 2019 - March 2019. The results were analyzed univariately using several related references. The results showed 26.92% of misoprostol off-label use in X Hospital and 4% in Y Hospital. The off-label drug found was Misoprostol which belongs to the category of off-label indications (Missed Abortion, Incomplete Abortion, Blighted Ovum, and Induction of labor in cases of Serotinus, KPD, and IUFD), off-label doses (50 µg, 100 µg, and 400 µg), and off-label routes of administration (sublingual and vaginal).