Wilsons disease is a rare inherited disorder which is characterized by impaired copper excretion which leads to excessive deposition of copper in many tissues and organs like brain, liver, and eye. This is also characterized by Kaiser-Fleischer ring, low serum ceruloplasmin levels and elevated urinary copper excretion [1]. A 26year male patient came to the neurology department with chief complaints of involuntary tremors of both hands and difficulty in walking in the last one month associated with swaying to one side in the last 20 days. On examination the patient is having Kaiser-Fleisher ring positive and upon further investigation Magnetic resonance imaging brain was performed which revealed the features in favor of Wilson’s disease. And for this condition the patient is treated with chelating agents and benzodiazepines.
Emesis is defined as a forceful expulsion of stomach contents via the mouth. The adverse effects of available anti-emetic drugs potentiate us to evaluate natural products to explore effective natural anti-emetics with fewer side effects. The fruits of Illicium verum Hook. f. were selected for anti-emetic activity based on their folkloric use against gastrointestinal complaints. Crude methanolic extract and its aqueous, dichloromethane, ethylacetate and hexane fractions were evaluated using the copper sulphate-induced chick emesis model. Emesis was induced by the oral administration of copper sulfate 10 ml/kg body weight and metoclopramide (150 mg/kg p.o.) as a standard anti-emetic drug. The anti-emetic effect was observed by calculating the mean decrease in the number of retches compared to that of the control. Methanolic extract and its fractions were tested at 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg oral doses. Among all tested fractions, ethyl acetate showed the highest (94.46%), and hexane showed the lowest (56.30%) anti-emetic activity at 50 mg/kg. Further, isolation and purification from the same fractions are in process to discover effective natural anti-emetic compound(s) with less unwanted effects.
Background: Water distribution systems within healthcare facilities are complex ecosystems that can harbor opportunistic pathogens, posing a significant risk to patient safety. Ensuring the microbiological quality of water requires rigorous monitoring and a deep understanding of the entire system, from source to point-of-use. This study undertakes a comprehensive statistical analysis of microbiological data from a healthcare facility’s water treatment and distribution network to identify contamination hotspots, evaluate the efficacy of critical treatment barriers, and map potential contamination pathways. Methods: This retrospective case study analyzed heterotrophic plate count (HPC) data collected from 29 distinct sampling points throughout a healthcare facility’s water system. The points represented various stages, including municipal source water, intermediate treatment steps (softening, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis), storage tanks, and multiple points-of-use. Non-parametric statistical methods were employed due to the non-normal distribution of microbial data. A Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc analysis was used to compare microbial loads across all sampling points. A focused Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess the performance of the ultrafiltration (UF) unit. Results: The analysis revealed significant variability in microbiological quality throughout the system (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.0001). One point-of-use and a pre-UF exhibited high median microbial counts and extreme variability, indicating chronic contamination and potential biofilm proliferation. Critically, the ultrafiltration unit failed to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in microbial load between the pre-filter. Conclusion: The data reveals variability in microbiological levels across the water system, suggesting that the ultrafiltration barrier's performance is a significant factor influencing downstream water quality. The data points to systemic issues, likely involving widespread biofilm, that compromise water quality at the points-of-use.
Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) owing to their very open characteristics are being very attractive and adaptive. With the openness comes security issues to be dealt. The most usual attack in mobile ad-hoc network is the black-hole attack. It advertises false path as shortest and newest to the destined node. On gathering packets containing data will drop them and does not send it to the destination. This paper proposes an algorithm to overcome such an attack under Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol in MANETs. The proposal aims to detect and avoid black-hole attack by using the parameters of AODV routing protocol in its enhanced form of route recovery. The proposed algorithm has two different scenarios, where first comes the detection then the avoidance. The simulation results are obtained from NS -2 to authenticate the effectiveness of proposed technique in comparison with the existing protocols in the existence of black-hole attack with respect to change in simulation end time and active number of attackers. The implementation is assessed based on delay, delivery ratio, drop, overhead, throughput and packet forwarding ratio. The results obtained from network simulator are mapped to form a dataset, which is then validated on a modelled fuzzy inference system using MatLab software.
A web-based academic advising system was designed to facilitate more accurate advising sessions on campus, as well as provide a complete history of past advising sessions. Advisors may select which courses they wish a student to register in, up to several semesters into the future, as well as leave comments for the student and other campus staff. The system was designed and developed using Relational Data Model (RDM) and Data Flow Diagram (DFD) and was implemented using PHP and MySQL programming languages. The researchers have developed an interactive web-based information system that can help Nigerian universities to facilitate more accurate advising sessions on campus and make important decisions. The developed System can handle errors, updates and modification of data more efficiently and can be accessed anywhere and anytime than the manual methods of academic advising system. This paper describes an Advisement System designed to mitigate the issues of an out-of-the-box implementation in a Nigerian university to help improve retention and graduation. Successful implementation of this research study would enable the main objective of this system to assist Nigerian universities orientation camp in solving the problems associated with the manual method of the academic advising system
The identification of isomorphism in epicyclic gear trains has been found a lot of attention by researchers for the last few years. Various methods have been suggested by different authors for the detection of isomorphism in planer kinematic chains and epicyclic gear trains (EGTs), but everyone has found some difficulties to address new issues. In this paper, a modified path matrix approach was presented in order to compare all the distinct geared kinematic mechanisms. A new method based on the matrix approach and corresponding train values is required to identify isomorphism among epicyclic gear trains and their mechanisms. The proposed method was examined on the basis of various examples from four-link, five-link, six links, and eight-link one-degree-of-freedom EGTs and six links two-degree-of-freedom EGTs. All the examples have been found satisfactory results with existing literature.
This study ascertained availability of disaster preparedness and digitization in archives preservation in public libraries in Rivers state. Two objectives and its corresponding research questions and hypotheses guided this study. The descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target population of this study comprised 514 library staff drawn from Rivers state library board and staff from Jubilee library Port Harcourt. The sample size for this study was 399 library staff comprising of 227 staff from Rivers state library board and 172 library staff from Jubilee library Port Harcourt. The sample size was determined by Taro Yamane sample size determination formula while a two-stage sampling technique of stratified and simple random sampling techniques was used to select the sample size. A self-structured questionnaire titled availability of disaster preparedness and digitization in archives preservation questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Face and content validation was ensured by three experts. The instrument yielded reliability coefficients of 0.79 with the use of Cronbach Alpha reliability method. Meanand Standard Deviation was used in answering research questions while z-test was used for the inferential statistics. The findings revealed that disaster preparedness and digitization in the preservation of archives are supported and available in public libraries in Rivers state, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that there are significant differences in the responses of Rivers state library board staff and Jubilee library Port Harcourt staff on the terms of the availability of the disaster preparedness and digitization in archive preservation in the public libraries. It was therefore recommended that more librarians should be employed by the Rivers state government so as to make the process of archive preservation in the State’s public libraries through disaster preparedness and digitization less rigorous and efficient.
Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) represent a vital element in our economy in terms of addressing unemployment and the gross domestic product (GDP) of our country. Improving the success rate of SMMEs would save a lot of financial resources, thus understanding the financing options that complement success at different phases of the business is very important. This research sought to examine the extent to which the financing options chosen by entrepreneurs will have an impact on business success. The investigators adopted the progression of the ventures along the business life cycle stages as a benchmark for assessing success. The study focused primarily on SMMEs in the Eastern Cape Information Communication Technologies (ICT) sector. Data was obtained using an online survey which reached 50 small business owners/ business representative within the ICT sector in the Eastern Cape Province. The research study showed the role that internal financing options, such as personal savings, family, relatives and friends' financing, retained earnings, sale of existing assets and cutting down stock levels, play in the achievement of ICT SMME success. Moreover, examined external financing options such as Broad-Based Black Economic empowerment (B-BBEE) financing, bank loans, equity financing, government grants, trade credit, to SMME success. Key results revealed that the financial support of B-BBEE and personal savings have played a key role in the success of ICT SMMEs throughout the business life cycle phases. This occurs after an ICT SMME has advanced successfully over the start-up stage and aims for success in the development phase. The finding revealed that for these SMMEs to attain success at the development stage, they should finance their business investment projects utilising credit trade, bank loans, families, relatives and friends. The abovementioned financing options are only substantially linked to good advancement from the development phase onto the expansion phase. Also, suggestions have been made to the ICT SMME management to include B-BBEE finance, personal savings, bank loans, families, relatives and friends and trade credit as suitable funding choices for the ICT SMME's life cycle
Purpose of review: This narrative review aims to assess the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia protocols (MAPs) in managing postoperative pain and reducing opioid consumption. The review evaluates the safety profile of MAPs, identifies the most effective components for different surgical contexts, and discusses their broader applicability in clinical practice. Given the growing concerns around opioid use, the focus is on alternative strategies that can offer comparable or superior pain relief with fewer side effects. Recent findings: Recent studies have demonstrated that MAPs, which combine various pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, significantly reduce postoperative pain intensity and opioid use. These protocols show superiority over traditional opioid-centric approaches without increasing adverse events like nausea and respiratory depression. Incorporating regional anesthesia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and nerve blocks has enhanced recovery, minimized complications, and improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, MAPs can be tailored to specific surgical settings, with combinations of medications like ketamine, acetaminophen, and dexamethasone proving effective in different clinical scenarios. Summary: Multimodal analgesia offers a viable approach to optimize postoperative pain management, reducing opioid-related risks and improving recovery outcomes. By utilizing the synergistic effects of different pain relief modalities, MAPs can achieve better pain control while minimizing opioid consumption. The review underscores the need for the broader adoption of MAPs and further research to refine these protocols, aiming for long-term improvements in surgical care and patient experiences
Arenaria serpyllifolia L. is a medicinally important plant found in subtropical and temperate regions of the Himalayas from Nepal to Kashmir. The plant is used traditionally to treat kidney and bladder-related problems. Flavonoids and xanthone-containing compounds, such as epicatechin, japonicumone, quercetin, etc, are reported in the plants. Plants have shown Inhibitory effects on Carboxyl esterase
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the Antiparkinson activity of Allium sativum in Haloperidol induced Parkinson‟s disease in mice. Method: Parkinson‟s disease was induced by administering haloperidol (2.0 mg/kg i.p.) Daily for a week. The mice were divided into 5 group (n=6). Group II received haloperidol (2mg/kg body weight).Group III received combination of levodopa and carbidopa (100mg+ 10mg/kg by i.p along with haloperidol) and Group IV and V received Allium sativum extract (200 and 400mg/kg by p.o), respectively for 7 days along with haloperidol. To evaluate the antiparkinson effect of Allium sativum, catalepsy bar test, rotarod test, hang test and horizontal bar test were used. One way ANOVA was used to test statistical significance followed by Bonferroni multiple comparison tests .Results: Allium sativum extract (200 and 400mg/kg by p.o) was found to decrease the duration of catalepsy significantly (P<0.001) in catalepsy bar test as compared to haloperidol group, and significantly increases (P<0.001) fall off time in, rotarod test, hang test and horizontal bar test respectively as compared to haloperidol group. Conclusion: The result of the present study conclusively shows the Antiparkinson‟s activity of Allium sativum in haloperidol induced Parkinson‟s disease in mice.
Biological information processing networks rely on allosteric protein switches that dynamically interconvert biological signals. Construction of their artificial analogues is a central goal of synthetic biology and bioengineering. Receptor domain insertion is one of the leading methods for constructing chimeric protein switches. Here we present an in vitro expression-based platform for the analysis of chimeric protein libraries for which traditional cell survival or cytometric high throughput assays are not applicable. We utilise this platform to screen a focused library of chimeras between PQQ-glucose dehydrogenase and calmodulin. Using this approach, we identified 50 chimeras (approximately 23% of the library) that were activated by calmodulin-binding peptides. We analysed performance parameters of the active chimeras and demonstrated that their dynamic range and response times are anticorrelated, pointing to the existence of an inherent thermodynamic trade-off. We show that the structure of the ligand peptide affects both the response and activation kinetics of the biosensors suggesting that the structure of a ligand:receptor complex can influence the chimera's activation pathway. In order to understand the extent of structural changes in the reporter protein induced by the receptor domains, we have analysed one of the chimeric molecules by CD spectroscopy and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. We concluded that subtle ligand-induced changes in the receptor domain propagated into the GDH domain and affected residues important for substrate and cofactor binding. Finally, we used one of the identified chimeras to construct a two-component rapamycin biosensor and demonstrated that core switch optimisation translated into improved biosensor performance.
Anemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are common blood disorders. The role of vitamin D was agreed to be regulating in calcium and phosphate absorption and bone metabolism and its deficiency is observed as a crucial nutritional problem. Vitamin D is created under the skin by ultraviolet light. It is usually get vitamins from the food; however, in the case of vitamin D, there simply are not enough rich food sources for people to get adequate amounts in their diet. Its effects on the prevention of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and anemia has received much attention recently. To get sufficient vitamin D, need to be exposed to sunshine or use supplements. Vitamin D3 was found in the largest population as a deficiency. With regard to hemoglobin was the subject whom has less normal range of hemoglobin (19.05%) than international normal range, and in ferritin the low population number was the subject whom has less normal range of ferritin than WHO normal range. The population who has low ferritin also has low vitamin D3 and variable hemoglobin. According international guidelines, optimizing nutrition with daily or intermittent (1 to 3 times per week) iron supplementation, should be considered a first-line intervention in high-risk or high-prevalence groups. Although it is probably less effective than daily iron supplementation, intermittent iron appears to be a useful and cost effective way of controlling anemia and iron deficiency anemia. This may indicate that a positive relation between the low concentration parameter of vitamin D3 and ferritin level but no significant correlation with hemoglobin.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Purpose: To study the outcome of therapeutic keratoplasty in severe microbial keratitis cases otherwise advised evisceration. Methods: A retrospective, single-center clinical audit included 28 patients with severe microbial keratitis presenting from April 2014 to April 2016. Patients with microbial keratitis either affecting more than 2 quadrants of the limbus and/or cases with infections involving more than 180 mm2 of the cornea who were advised evisceration by more than one ophthalmologist were included. Cases with endophthalmitis were excluded. At 3 months, the outcome was “success” if resolution of infection occurred without recurrence and evisceration was not required. Success was termed “complete” if best vision was 6/24 or better and “partial” other- wise. The outcome was termed a “failure” if infection recurred in the graft or the eye was eviscerated. Results: Mean age of the patients (male:female, 17:11) was 49.5 years, and the mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 28.6 days. Evisceration was required in 2/28 cases. The outcome was “success” in 22/28 cases (78.6%)—complete (10/22); partial (12/22) —and “failure” in 6/28 cases. The outcome was poorer in general in fungal keratitis (n = 16) than bacterial keratitis (n = 7). Conclusions: Primary evisceration is best avoided in infections limited to the anterior segment. Even in hopeless cases, every eye deserves a fair chance.
Because of globalisation's intense change and competition pressure, businesses are driving from the company's dimension of individual management to collaborative cooperation approaches aided by the anticipated business strategy. A business strategy is a decision or action of a business or organisation to attract customers and achieve the organisation's objective. These strategies are the master plan for securing a competitive position of the firm market area of the competitors. Through business strategies, organisations will carry their business operations and fulfill the customers' desires and demands. Multination organisations and firms establishing subsidiaries and business entities in international markets or foreign countries must adopt different strategies during the integration process. The macro-economic and intercultural factors are the epicenter for change and must be considered in complex ventures. In the modern competitive market, multinational firms must collaborate and communicate with the partners, suppliers and customers through a complicated and temporary product supply chain. Business strategies involve complex processes requiring information on the diverse sources that need simultaneous changes by the managers of entrepreneurs. I this report, I choose Tesla Inc or Tesla Motors to explore the key strategies they have anticipated to inherit the global motor vehicle sector within the past few decades. The organisation was founded in 2003 by a group of various engineers. Tesla Motors deal in the automotive industry and has transformed its services to the global society.
A study to evaluate the influence of body mass index, life styles and dietary habits on blood pressure among the nursing students at selected nursing college of Vijayapur. The objective of the study is to assess relationship of life style factors, body mass index and dietary habits with blood pressure. A sample of 500 nursing students was included in the study. The study result showed there is significant association between body mass index, life style dietary habits and blood pressure
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with headquarters in Bangalore to assess and accredit higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. Its objectives are to evaluate and accredit institutions of higher learning, enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and research, and offer financial support for workshops, conferences, and seminars. India is regarded as one of the biggest college and university systems in the entire globe, and fixing today's problems would require competent administration of these kinds of institutions. The purpose of the National Academic Accreditation Council (NAAC) is to ensure that higher education is of a high caliber. This was the driving force behind the NAAC's creation. Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are evaluated and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an independent organization created by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The socioeconomic and cultural growth of any country is greatly influenced by higher education. With an increase in both the number of educational institutions and learners enrolled in various programs, higher education in India has grown significantly in recent years. This report presents policy recommendations for education systems to help all children succeed in their schooling, focusing on system and school-level policies to promote equity and quality. In order to support all students toward academic success, this study offers suggested solutions for education systems that center on system- and school-level policies that uphold quality and equity. Additionally, since expanding chances helps both the educational system and society at large, it offers proof on how to assist underprivileged kids and schools. It also provides evidence on how to support disadvantaged students and schools, as improving opportunities benefits the education system and societies as a whole.
Introduction: Psilocybin mushroom use is well documented in spiritual and religious ceremonies globally. This drug is now the most popular in Europe and the USA. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the experiences and effects of psilocybin on patients with depression and anxiety. Method: A qualitative study was conducted interviewing ten participants currently taking psilocybin while experiencing depression and/or anxiety. Ethical approval was obtained from the University ethics committee. Participants were recruited via social media and groups are known to have used psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression. Participants were informed of study aims and consent was obtained before interviews commenced. Confidentiality was maintained throughout this study. Interviews began with informing participants that psilocybin may be effective in the management of depression. Initially, information around the way treatment with psilocybin was obtained was sought. This was followed by queries around the effects of the drug in terms of experiences both during and after treatment. Finally, participants were asked to outline the positive effects of psilocybin on their lives. Results: The data were thematically coded using Grounded Theory as an underpinning philosophical paradigm. Emerging themes included enhancement of smell, vision, hearing, and taste sensations. Another theme emerging was the experience of being ‘connected with the universe’ while on the drug. Additionally, participants reported a stabilization of mood, an increase in optimism and emotional control, and a healthier emotional connection with others. Most also felt an increase in comfort, peace and calmness. Another theme that emerged centered on the mechanism of action of psilocybin. Participants stated that this substance seemed to ‘make new connections in their brain,’ resulting in new perspectives. Some participants felt this resulted in a calming influence on the mind and body. This aligns with research showing that psilocybin works by changing the thinking and improving information processing. Conclusion: Psilocybin has promising effects on the patients with depression/anxiety even after a single dose. Psilocybin is safe but the administration should be guided by a health professional to yield safe and positive outcomes.
Air pollution is a major health problem in developing countries and has adverse effects on human health and the environment. Non-thermal plasma is an effective air pollution treatment technology. In this research, the performance of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor packed with glass and ceramic pellets was evaluated in the removal of SO2 as a major air pollutant from air in ambient temperature. The response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of three key parameters (concentration of gas, gas flow rate, and voltage) as well as their simultaneous effects and interactions on the SO2 removal process. Reduced cubic models were derived to predict the SO2 removal efficiency (RE) and energy yield (EY). Analysis of variance results showed that the packed-bed reactors (PBRs) studied were more energy efficient and had a high SO2 RE which was at least four times more than that of the non-packed reactor. Moreover, the results showed that the performance of ceramic pellets was better than that of glass pellets in PBRs. This may be due to the porous surface of ceramic pellets which allows the formation of microdischarges in the fine cavities of a porous surface when placed in a plasma discharge zone. The maximum SO2 RE and EY were obtained at 94% and 0.81 g kWh−1, respectively under the optimal conditions of a concentration of gas of 750 ppm, a gas flow rate of 2 l min−1, and a voltage of 18 kV, which were achieved by the DBD plasma packed with ceramic pellets. Finally, the results of the model's predictions and the experiments showed good agreement.
Background: Evidence has suggested that school-based physical activity programs (SBPAPs) including structured physical education, extracurricular sports, and activity-based learningenhance memory and other cognitive functions. However, evidence on whether Indian adolescents can achieve improved cognition or increased academic performance also remains scarce. This study aimed to examine the relationship between SBPAPs and academic performance among Indian adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed study was carried out from October 2024 to March 2025 in public and private secondary schools in Haryana and Punjab, north India. A total of 300 students aged 13 to 17 years were divided into an intervention group (n = 150) who participated in structured physical activity (PA) of at least 150 minutes per week and a comparison group (n = 150) who were involved in less than 30 minutes of PA per week. Academic performance was assessed in terms of composite scores of core subjects, while the level of PA was measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation analysis were all used for quantitative data handling. Qualitative data gathered from focus group discussions and key informant interviews with a subsample (n = 30) were thematically analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between the groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the comparison group, the intervention group showed significantly higher academic scores (mean = 76.4%, SD = 7.8; mean = 70.6%, SD = 8.4) with a moderate-to-large effect size (t = 6.30, p < 0.001, d = 0.72). A one-way ANOVA found that academic performance differed significantly among PA intensity levels (F(2,297) = 19.44, p < 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between PA levels and academic achievement (r = 0.44, p < 0.01). Qualitative findings corroborated quantitative data, showing that physically active students displayed improved concentration, emotional regulation, and academic motivation. Conclusions: Partaking in structured SBPAPs significantly increases Indian adolescents’ academic performance. These findings imply the necessity of including physical education in the academic curriculum as a low-cost, scalable method for supporting both cognitive growth and educational achievement.