Noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, tend to last long and result from genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Uric acid nephrolithiasis, arthritis and gout come under noncommunicable diseases related with Monosodium urate monohydrate (MSUM ) crystals. MSUM crystals are deposited in peripheral joints, causing gout and eliciting an intense localized inflammatory attack. In contrast, in collecting ducts and medullary interstitium, it is a urinary calculi which causes dysuria, nausea and hematuria. The study aims to explore the possible morphological features of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under a microscope to observe the growth patterns of MSUM crystals. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium meta silicate solution + 0.2M sodium hydroxide + 2N acetic acid) at pH 5.02 - 5.17 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 0.07 M uric acid drop was added to the adequately formed gel. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. Monosodium urate monohydrate was formed as spherical ring banded spherulites, dumbbell and composite spherulites. The current study provides different phases of MSUM crystallization on a glass slide for the first time. It may also be used as a model to evaluate prophylactic management against gouty and renal stones through in vitro assessment of crystal growth and aggregation inhibition and modulation of developing or developed crystals by using different natural products.
Liposomes are a novel drug delivery system (NDDS), they are vesicular structures consisting of bilalyers which form spontaneously when phospholipids are dispersed in water. They are microscopic vesicles in which an aqueous volume is entirely enclosed by a membrane composed of lipid bilayers. NDDS aims to deliver the drug at a rate directed by the needs of the body during the period of treatment and direct the place of action. Liposomes are colloidal spheres of cholesterol non-toxic surfactants, sphingolipids, glycolipids, long chain fatty acids and even membrane proteins and drug molecules or it is also called vesicular system. It differs in size, composition and charge and drug carrier loaded with variety of molecules such as small drug molecules, proteins, nucleotides or plasmids etc. Few drugs are formulated as liposomes to improve their therapeutic index. Hence a number of vesicular drug delivery systems such as liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes and pharmacosomes are developed. The focus of this chapter is to the various method of preparation, characterization of liposomes, advantages and applications, etc. Liposomes for Drug Delivery - liposomes
Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women and the third most common cause of cancer death in men. Therefore, early detection of this cancer can lead to lower infection and death rates. In this research, we propose a new lightweight deep learning approach based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for efficient colon cancer detection. In our method, the input histopathological images are normalized before feeding them into our CNN model, and then colon cancer detection is performed. The efficiency of the proposed system is analyzed with publicly available histopathological images database and compared with the state-of-the-art existing methods for colon cancer detection. The result analysis demonstrates that the proposed deep model for colon cancer detection provides a higher accuracy of 99.50%, which is considered the best accuracy compared with the majority of other deep learning approaches. Because of this high result, the proposed approach is computationally efficient.
Fresh water crab was exposed in fluoride water at 96h the rate of oxygen uptake was higher in gills followed by hepatopancreas and muscle. On exposure to fluoride water, tissue respiratory rates decreased, effect on gill tissue appeared to be more pronounced than other tissues under the study. The rate of oxygen uptake in male was higher tha control animal. Rate of oxygen consumption showed a significant decrease in both sexes with increase in duration of exposure to fluoride.
The exploration encompasses the diverse dimensions of the Verbesina genus, a cluster of flowering plants within the Asteraceae family, comprising 340 species with varied growth patterns and floral attributes. Traditional medicinal practices associated with Verbesina species across different cultures are scrutinized, emphasizing the necessity for scientific validation of these ethnomedicinal traditions. Through chemical and pharmacological profiling, Verbesina plants reveal a plethora of bioactive compounds and therapeutic potentials, propelling drug discovery and development opportunities. Safety considerations, conservation challenges, and sustainable harvesting practices emerge as pivotal factors in maximizing the benefits of Verbesina species while minimizing environmental impacts. Finally, we underscore the significance of collaborative research efforts, recognizing the invaluable contributions of our professional colleagues and researchers in related fields in fully harnessing Verbesina plants' medicinal, healthcare and conservation potentials, promising groundbreaking discoveries and applications with profound implications for human well-being.
During this research work, a theoretical study was done to compare the boiler efficiency by using two different fuels, i.e. commercial sawdust briquette and biomass briquette prepared using 850 μ coconut leaves, with sawdust as the binder. For preparing the biomass briquettes to leave of coconut were gathered, dried, milled, and sieved and sizes of 850μ were selected. The sized coconut leaves were then mixed in the company of sawdust that worked as a binder in 1:2 ratios, and compressed by means of a piston-type briquette machine, which was fabricated for the same. Ultimate and proximate analyses were carried out on the biomass briquette to determine their various compositions. Results from analysis were used to calculate the boiler efficiency by the indirect method using Indian Standard Boiler Efficiency IS 8753. Results from the analysis showed that boiler efficiency by indirect method for commercial sawdust briquette is 68.80% and boiler efficiency by indirect method for coconut leaves of 850μ, with sawdust as a binder is 61.17%. The reason for higher boiler efficiency for commercial sawdust briquette is due to its higher calorific value (4451.37KCal/gm) when compared to that coconut leaves briquette made from 850μ size with sawdust as a binder (3672.45KCal/gm). From proximate and ultimate analysis, the results showed a reduction in ash content percentage, moisture content, and rise in volatile matter percentage, when the comparison was along with the marketable sawdust briquette, which is of considerable significance. Additional properties akin to the percentage of hydrogen, fixed carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen were roughly the same as that of the commercially available sawdust briquettes. After calculating the boiler efficiency of the two biomass briquettes, coconut leaves with sawdust as binder exhibited the most optimistic trait and as it is more easily and readily available, thus making it more economically viable.
The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between globalization, resource conflicts and peace –building in Africa, with particular emphasis on Nigerian’s north-central geo-political zone. The wave of globalization that has swept across the world with its attendant socio-economic and political consequences lies at the heart of this study. The debate that is raging currently amongst intelligentsias, public analysts, and the international community point to the fact that the global system has suffered increasing setbacks occasioned by the impacts of globalization and contestation for scarce natural resource endowments. The changes that have emerged for several decades in both developed and developing nations, with the latter having a greater share of repercussions, have remained largely daunting. The multiplier effects of these changes have resulted in worsening crisis situations, with a fast growth rate of intra-state and/or trans-regionalized networked conflicts, which is why Africa and indeed Nigeria, has become a hotbed for contestations recently. This work adopts a qualitative approach as a method of investigation. This work relies on classic works of experts in the broader discipline of globalization and conflict resolutions, the essence of which is to clearly define ways of ensuring absolute peace in Nigeria’s north-central zone. The paper observes that guaranteeing peace-building requires the adoption of both vertical and horizontal approaches as templates for the realization of peace objectives.
In childhood, epilepsy is the most common globally widespread neurological problem, usually with serious consequences for this most critical period of development. Dravet and Lennox Gastaut syndromes are two forms of rare and severe treatment resistant epilepsies that occur early in the life. These resistant epilepsies recognised by continuous unrelenting seizures of many types including the occurrence of status epilepticus. In addition, it is associated with the development of behavioural, neurological, cognitive deficits and the sequelae of increased risk of mortality rate. Historically, cannabis was found to possess several medical benefits including its use for epilepsy. In this review, information and data were extracted from 99 references using PubMed and Google Scholar (November, 2021). Data with clinical evidence on cannabidiol regarding its efficacy on Dravet syndrome and Lennox Gastaut syndrome, mechanism of action, safety, pharmacokinetic properties and interactions with anti-epileptic medications were all reviewed and discussed. Highly purified cannabidiol is a cannabis derived compound that is suggested in recent research as an add-on therapy to the existing treatment of both resistant epileptic types; since it is able to reduce the duration, frequency and severity of seizure disorders. It is also characterised with multiple signalling transduction mechanisms, primarily via inhibition of excitatory and potentiation of inhibitory pathways.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Background: Numerous studies have linked uterine fibroids to hypertension, suggesting that this condition may be a risk factor unique to women. These days, fibroids are the main cause of myomectomy and hysterectomy. This study aimed to ascertain the relationship between uterine fibroids and hypertension in Saudi women. Methods: This case-control study was carried out between January 2023 and January 2024 on patients with uterine fibroids and non-uterine fibroids who had an appointment for surgery at the gynecological department of the Maternal and Children Hospital (MCH) Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. Blood pressure readings and fibroid diameters are important factors in studying uterine fibroids. Results: The 140 individuals who were split into 70 cases and 70 control groups had average ages of 41.62±2.16 and 44±1.10. 95 participants had menorrhagia, which was the most common ailment in both groups. In contrast to the controls, the uterine fibroid cases had significantly higher rates of anemia (54.2%), OCP (12.8%), infertility (11.4%), and abortion (37.1%) (P<0.001). 48.5% of uterine fibroids had hypertension, compared to 17.1% of controls (P<0.001).Conclusion: There is a considerable relationship between uterine fibroids and hypertension. Anemia, infertility, and abortion are higher in uterine fibroid cases.
Several studies demonstrate a strong correlation between talent and organizational performance. This view has led to continued improvement of methodologies, human resource scorecards, benchmarking, and engaging in best practices aimed at attracting both talent and better business management. As all these underline advancements of organizational strategic goals, it also determines the development and alignment of individual performance (Savanevičienė and Vilčiauskaitė, 2017, pg. 247). Although most of the studies involve for-profit corporations incorporating them in various industries proves to be both logical and psychologically sound. Regarding this project, the major focus is on determining talent strategies that best companies use to attract and retain people. For the project, Deloitte has been chosen as the reference organization for the strategies it uses and how its human resource management has been able to sustain attracting and retaining good talent.
The mechanical heart valve prosthesis with a caged ball has been around for 60 years. It has since experienced changes and adjustments. The Starr–Edwards (SE) valve was a pioneer and was taken out of clinical use in the late 2000s. SE is reportedly close to or has reached the age of 50, according to numerous sources from around the globe. The author’s observations and review of the literature about thrombogenicity, pannus formation, left ventricular outflow tract obstructions, and infective endocarditis in the SE valves, which were reportedly higher before its clinical ending, were only an overestimation and were not supported by scientific data. However, it was less discussed in the article, along with potential benefits. The main reasons for its demise were its obtrusive size and unattractive shape. There have been several successful implantations of these valves in Asian nations and reports of fewer primary failures and unexpected cardiac fatalities. Therefore, there is a need for extensive data gathering, documentation, and more recent studies on these valves to prepare for a prospective revival of use with newer research, mainly when long-term durability is considered.
Libraries play a vital role in providing access to information and fostering lifelong learning in communities. With the rapid advancement of Information Communication Technology (ICT), libraries are embracing digital tools and services to enhance their offerings and extend their reach. In today's interconnected world, the utilization of Information Communication Technology (ICT) resources and services has become imperative for various sectors. This study examines the utilization of ICT-based resources and services by libraries, focusing on key technologies such as digital libraries, online databases, electronic resources, and library management systems. It explores how these technologies enable libraries to expand their collections, improve accessibility, and deliver personalized services to users. The present study is an attempt to examine uses of information communication technology based library resources and services at university of Tamil Nadu. In this paper, the majority of the users' use of ICT based resources and services are study purpose. The majority of the respondents that satisfaction of ICT based resources and services have developed academic skills.
Background: Previously, Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae), commonly known as holy basil, has been noted for its anti-ulcer properties, primarily attributed to its oil and leaf extracts. However, the anti-ulcer activity of an ethanolic extract derived from the whole plant has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the antiulcer effect of the ethanolic extract of O. sanctum whole plant (OSWP) in an experimental ulcer model. Methods: The study, conducted at PCSIR Labs Complex in Karachi in August 2024, was approved by the Ethical Use of Experimental Animals Committee (IEC/OSWP-05). This study investigates the anti-ulcer activity of an ethanolic extract of OSWP in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage at 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight, with ranitidine (50 mg/kg) used as a positive control. Outcome measures included ulcer index (UI), percentage protection, and gastric pH. Results: The ethanolic extract of OSWP demonstrated dose-dependent gastroprotective effects. At 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, the UIs were 9.49 ± 2.40, 4.55 ± 1.44, and 2.5 ±2.25, respectively, with corresponding protection ranging from 48.9% to 86.54% for the 200 to 400 mg/kg doses (p < 0.05). Gastric pH increased from 5.6 to 7.6. In comparison, ranitidine (50 mg/kg) resulted in a UI of 4.0 ± 0.88, 78.47% protection (p < 0.05), and a pH of 7.0. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity in the ethanolic extract of OSWP, which may be further developed as a potential anti-ulcer agent. A graphical presentation of the whole experimental process is shown in Figure 1.
Arisaema jacquemontii Blume (Araceae) is a medicinally important plant for treating different diseases, especially dermatological disorders. Alkaloids, phenols, terpenes, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins have been reported from this plant. Antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and anticancer activities are also shown by Arisaema jacquemontii. The present review attempts to compile all the previous data based on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology reported in the earlier articles.
Pumping fluid is one of the crucial parts of any microfluidic system. Using electric and magnetic fields as a substitute for moving parts can have many advantages. In this study hydrodynamic and heat transfer characteristics of electroosmotic flow under influence of lateral electric and transverse magnetic field, are studied numerically. Results indicate that the dimensionless parameters such as Hartmann number, intensity of the lateral electric field, pressure gradient parameter and aspect ratio have an important role in controlling flow. It can be implied that the enhancement of pressure gradient leads to the decrease of critical Hartmann number, and this dependency can be reduced from 44% to 7% for S=0.5 to S=50 in two pressure gradients of Ω=1 and Ω=20. In addition, the reduction of aspect ratio of microchannel section leads to the increment of critical Hartmann number in a specified lateral electric field. At the end, thermal analysis is being done by consideration of the effects of magnetic and electric fields on the Nusselt number.
Motherhood has true nobility and unique capacities. Pregnancy and childbirth are special events in women’s lives. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Infra-red radiation therapy on pain perception and wound healing among primi postnatal women with episiotomy in Christian mission hospital, Madurai. The study was conducted among 60 postnatal women, 30 in experimental group and 30 in control group, who were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Data collection was done as planned 6 weeks were taken for data collection procedure. The data gathered were analyzed and the interpretation was made on the study objectives. The paired‘t’ test and independent‘t’ test were used to find out the effectiveness of infrared radiation therapy. Comparison of pain perception and wound healing status values between pre-test and post-test, experimental and control group showed a significant difference at 0.05 levels. The study concluded that the infrared radiation therapy was effective in reducing episiotomy pain and wound healing. Therefore, infra-red radiation therapy should be used to augment the therapy of episiotomy. Keywords: Pain perception, Wound healing, Episiotomy, Infrared lamp
Dry powder injection of spironolactone was developed using lyophilization and hydrotropic solubilization method. It is fast acting medication in emergencies like refractory edema associated with heart failure and hepatic cirrhosis. The ultimate aqueous based powder prepared showed 892.85 and 378.57 times increased solubility of spironolactone with sodium salicylate and sodium benzoate as compared to its water solubility. Amongst six hydrotropic agents, the solubility was increased in the order sodium salicylate > sodium benzoate > nicotinamide > sodium ascorbate > urea > sodium acetate. IR graph showed shift of wavenumber of characteristic peaks. Lyophilization technique produced more stable product against different temperature cycles and stability parameters. Degradation was only about 0.45% at room temperature and it was more about 1.3% at higher temperatures. Haemolytic activities of lyophilized formulations observed were 8.54% to 96.85% for sodium salicylate based hydrotropic lyophilized system and 3.50 to 88.17% for sodium salicylate based hydrotropic lyophilized system.
The Group of Twenty (G20) has emerged as a pivotal forum for international cooperation, bringing together leaders from the world's major economies to address pressing global challenges. In this paper, we analyse the priorities of G20 leadership in fostering consensus and advancing collective action on key issues facing the global community. Drawing upon recent declarations, communiqués, and policy statements, we identify and examine the core areas of focus for G20 members, exploring both common ground and divergent perspectives. Our analysis reveals several recurring themes that underscore the G20's commitment to promoting economic stability, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. Addressing climate change and environmental sustainability emerges as a top priority, reflecting growing recognition of the urgent need for concerted action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy. Additionally, enhancing global health resilience and strengthening pandemic preparedness feature prominently on the agenda, as demonstrated by recent efforts to coordinate responses to the COVID-19 crisis and bolster health systems worldwide. Furthermore, the G20 remains committed to advancing trade and investment liberalization, promoting financial regulatory reform, and fostering innovation and digital transformation to drive economic recovery and prosperity. However, divergent views on issues such as trade imbalances, protectionism, and technology governance persist, posing challenges to consensus building and cooperation among member states.
The study of diabetes is not only limited to particular symptoms, but it is consequently affects the pathological and functional changes in the metabolic pathways of human body system. In those symptomatic diseases various drugs are used to treat the diabetes such as biosimilar therapy including use of insulin and insulin analogues, oral hypoglycaemic agents and various other complementary medicines. In understanding of suggested potential antidiabetic, effect of M. charaantia Linn. on fasting blood sugar levels and its biochemical analysis in alloxan- induced diabetic rats were investigated. The extracts of M. charaantia Linn. Produced a significant antidiabetic activity at normal dose levels of their lethal doses. A comparison between the action of reduction in blood glucose level in different dose forms of M. charantia extract and Std. drug were seen. An oral glucose tolerance or oral tolerance test were performed with the use of glucose strip Accu-check meter. The different extract viz. ethanol extract + water, petroleum ether + Isopropyl alcohol extract were used for further dosing purpose. The ethanol + water extract were showed significant (P<0.001) antidiabetic activity. In alloxan induced rat model blood glucose level were as, 214.5±5 mg/dLfor std.drug and 216.5±5 mg/dL in comparison with diabetic control 225.5±5 mg/dL. An ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis and p-values less than 0.01 compared to normal group and 0.05 compared to diabetic control group were considered statistically significant. The extract of M.charantia Linn. from seed at the dose of 250 mg/kg, significantly shows the better result in reduction of blood glucose level as compared to the concentration of 500 mg/kg. The increased level of glucose due to the damage of pancreas showed regeneration of pancreatic enzymes by extract of M. charaantia Linn. Which were damaged by alloxan treatment. These solvent extract also balance the body weight loss in diabetic rat, hence the present extract shows the potential to act as antidiabetic drug.
Covid 19, the pandemic originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, had the entire world conquered. The structure and transmission of the causative organism, Coronavirus is well studied. Remdesivir, the product of Gilead pharmaceuticals, was effective against many viral infections, including Ebola and SARS. It comes under the category of nucleoside prodrug and has given promising results in the early trials against SARS COV 19. In depth, research is taking place at a rapid pace, so that Remdesivir will be available to the therapeutic community as an effective remedy for the pandemic caused by SARS COV2. If this meets success, the darkest era in the modern history of mankind may become a memory in the near future.