Recent Articles

Essential oil was extracted from the Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) plant to evaluate its antifungal activity against four phytopathogenic fungi, viz., Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger, using the poisoned food technique. Different concentration of extracted essential oil viz., 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm, 4000 ppm, and 6000 ppm, were used to evaluate the potential effect against tested pathogens. At the concentration of 1000 ppm, 100% inhibition of mycelial growth was observed against Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus niger, whereas at a concentration of 2000 ppm 100% growth inhibition was found against Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus fungi, respectively. The percentage inhibition of mycelial growth of the tested fungi was found to be dose dependent. The GC-MS analysis of essen tial oil revealed 40 compounds. Among them 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl- (E)- (Citral), Neral (Beta Citral), 2-Pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl- (Diacetone alcohol, Geraniol (Lemanol) and Geranyl acetate were found to be major constituents. In silico studies revealed that Geranyl acetate has strong binding affinity and inhibition constant against four major fungal cell wall proteins. Thus, based on the above results it concluded that essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus could be used as an al ternative to synthetic fungicides for management of phytopathogenic fungal diseases.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is commonly encountered by interventional cardiologists. Severe CAC may impair stent delivery or result in stent underexpansion, stent thrombosis and/orin-stent restenosis (ISR).Adequate preparation of heavily calcified coronary lesions (e.g. using non-compliant balloons, cutting/scoring balloons, rotational/orbital atherecto my or intravascular lithotripsy) prior to stent implantation is essential in preventing stent underexpansion.However, in cer tain cases the deployed stent may remain underexpanded despite extensive lesion preparation.Recent reports have suggest ed that IVL could be used with success in patients with acute stent failure.We present a case of Acute IWMI with stent un Keywords: CAC(Coronary artery calcium),PCI(Percutaneous coronary intervention),IWMI(Inferior wall MI),IVL(Intravs cular lithotripsy),RA(rotational atherectomy),NCB(non compliant balloon) derexpansion during primary PCI due to focal dense calcification managed with IVL with good final result. Shockwave In travascular Lithotripsy (IVL) is the only technology that cracks both medial and intimal calcium while minimizing trauma to the vessel wall.In the recent past it has been indicated for denovo calcified coronary lesions and calcified Instent resteno sis.For IVL use in acute stent failure it is a off label indication.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML) are increasingly being used in the Neurocritical Care and healthcare in general. The ML model algorithms have many existing and potential uses in triage, diagnosis, clinical decision support, mon itoring, and prevention of clinical syndromes. Combining and appropriately analyzing the vast number of neurocritical care data parameters, ranging from clinical (including electronic medical record), laboratory, imaging, multimodal monitoring, and many others is beyond human capability. ML algorithms can help the providers and patients in analyzing these data pa rameters to address certain defined problems. Machine learning does have limitations in several aspects (technical, medi co-legal, financial, clinical, ethical, social, etc.), which can prevent realization of its full potential. Addressing these pitfalls with appropriate solutions in a timely manner is important to get the maximum benefit out of this valuable technological ad vancement

Objective: This study was explored the impact of Nihavent theme on decreasing of adaptation difficulty in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Materials and methods: The study was conducted with a total of 30 patients, 15 patients in the intervention group and 15 patients in the control group. Before the application, The Descriptive Characteristics Data Form and Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly were administered to both groups. The patients in intervention group had music ses sions for 12 weeks. Patients in the control group received standard care but did not participate in the specific intervention. One week after the music session completed, the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly was re-adminis tered to both groups.

This study examined the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) in reducing tobacco smoking dependency be haviour among incarcerated individuals within correctional settings in Oyo State. Anchored on social cognitive theory, which highlights the role of self-efficacy in behaviour change, the research was designed to address the pressing public health concern of tobacco smoking among the inmates.

Aim: The aim of this study was to generate linear anthropometric data for the design of Negroid anatomical model for fu ture standardization. Method: The research design was cross-sectional and non-experimental design. A total number of three hundred (300) sub jects were recruited between the ages of 18 to 37 years with a BMI range of 18.50 to < 30.00 for this study. Taro Yamane’s formula was used to determine the minimum sample size. BMI and linear body anthropometric measurements were taken using a stadiometer, calibrated flexible meter tape, meter rule, and weighing scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS for dis crete statistics and t-tests of significance

Background: Erectile dysfunction in diabetic males is considerably high, but it is often underdiagnosed and under-man aged. Identifying the status and risk factors of erectile dysfunction is important in sexual quality of life and maintaining part ner relationships. Objectives: To assess erectile dysfunction and associated factors among adult diabetic males attending Jimma Medical Cen ter from May 15 to June 15, 2023

The aim of the study was to generate linear craniofacial anthropometric database for Ijaws resident in Port Harcourt using photogrammetry. Methods: The study involved 300 subjects (150 males and 150 females) between the ages of 18 to 40 years randomly selected from Port Harcourt environs. Direct anthropometric and photogrammetric methods were used in this study. Frontal and lateral view photographs of the subjects taken in the natural head position were analyzed using Pro Image facial analysis soft ware. Seven craniofacial parameters were measured and the data analyzed using Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25.0

The mucocutaneous junction (MCJ) is a specific site located at body orifices such as the lip and mouth, nasal orifice, eyelid, vulva, prepuce and anus. The present review was conducted to show the similarity and difference among these sites of the MCJ in terms of 1) cytokeratin expression, 2) the distribution of immunoreactive cells, 3) nerves and terminals, and 4) site specific cell lineage and other features. In near-term fetuses, routine histology clearly demonstrated the putative MCJ due to a transient, thick stratification of the epithelium. This was most evident in the oral mucosa and less evident in the palpebral skin. In the anus and eyelid, the MCJ developed from highly proliferative epithelia of future glands, independent of the growing skin and mucosa of a simple origin from the surface ectoderm. In elderly individuals, the MCJ was expanded in the nose and anus possibly as a result of mechanical stimuli, and was apparently connected to a hemorrhoid venous plexus. At the vulva and prepuce, a morphology intermediate between pseudostratified columnar and stratified squamous epithelia was evident at near-term. Except for the vulva and prepuce, corpuscle-like nerve terminals were sandwiched between the dermal papillae and epidermis, whereas nerves arranged in parallel exhibited free ends beneath the mucosa. Langerhans cells were richly distributed in the skin stratum spinosum, while suppressive T lymphocyte clusters were present in the lami na propria mucosae. Those observations might teach us that the lip does not show a general morphology

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the efficacy of a combination of Salacia chinensis extract, citrus bioflavonoids, and trivalent chromium (SEC) on glucose and insulin control, psychobiological perceptions of hunger, and adverse events reported from 12 weeks of supplementation. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study design, subjects were randomized to consume SEC or a placebo (PLA). Participants completed two study visits (baseline and after 12 weeks of supplementation) where they were assessed for glucose and insulin changes after an oral su crose tolerance test (OSTT), perceptual indicators of hunger and appetite, waist circumference, and clinical biomarkers of metabolic and physiological function associated with glucose and insulin control. Twelve weeks of SEC supplementation sig nificantly reduced cravings for sweets, reduced insulin and glucose responses to an OSTT, and increased adiponectin levels. Improvements in BUN: creatinine ratio provides preliminary support for maintaining healthy kidney function. These re sults support the role of botanical supplements in improving outcomes associated with obesity, metabolic health and glu cose intolerance

The target of most cancer chemotherapeutic agents is to drive cancer cells toward death, necessitating the need to find a fine balance between anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Any shift favoring the pro apoptotic proteins is needed to drive cellular death in cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, this study uses molecular docking, ADMET predictions, and molecular dynamics simulations for the identification of potent inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 from Morus alba. Our molecular docking study discovered that quercetin-3-(6- malonylglucoside) (-10.912kcal/mol) and epigallocatechin gallate (-9.750kcal/mol) recorded excellent binding affinity against human Bcl-2, better than popular stan dard drugs, venetoclax (-9.468(kcal/mol) and navitoclax (-9.058kcal/mol). Interactions profile summary clearly showed that hydrophobic interactions at TRP141, VAL145, and TYR105 were consistently maintained by the ligands, and all the com pounds, except venetoclax, consistently maintained the hydrogen bonding at TYR105. MD simulation analysis showed that the protein and ligand RMSD for the quercetin-3-(6-malonylglucoside)-Bcl-2 complex fell within permissible range, suggest ing the ligand is capable of functioning as apposite antagonists of Bcl-2. Epigallocatechin gallate also bind excellently with the target, and both ligands showed favorable ADMET parameters. Summarily, this study identifies two compounds of mul berry as potential drug candidate in the management of known human malignancies, and therefore suggest the compounds should further be assessed through in vitro and in vivo approaches to validate the reports documented here

The electronic and thermoelectric properties of AB3 (A =Pr, Nd and B=In) materials (crystallizing in the cubic structure) having space group Pm-3m (221) are studied using B3PW91 hybrid functional through the Full-Potential Linear Augment ed Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) approach within the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT). The calculated lattice pa rameters for PrIn3 and NdIn3 are 4.5668 Å and 4.5539 Å respectively. Electron-electron correlation effect is due to the 4f or bitals present in these materials and therefore, with the use of B3PW91 hybrid functional, band structure and density of states are calculated. When analyzing electron charge density, these materials showed a stronger ionic character. Band struc ture and density of state analysis confirms the metallic nature of the materials. Using the semi-empirical Boltzmann ap proach implemented in the BoltzTraP code, the thermoelectric parameters, such as Seebeck coefficient, figure of merit, elec trical conductivity per relaxation time, and electronic thermal conductivity per relaxation time as a function of chemical po tential, were computed at 500 K temperature gradient. PrIn3 showed highest Seebeck coefficient value, 50.68μV/K among th ese compounds. The peak value of electrical conductivity per relaxation time and electronic thermal conductivity per relaxa tion time among these compounds is calculated for NdIn3 is 2.43 x 1020 1/Ωms and 22.50×1014 W/mKs

Background: This study aims to fill the information gap on factors affecting time to return to normal HbA1c level and expected survival times in Ethiopia, as studies on these aspects are scarce, particularly in diabetic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients with Diabetes Mellitus who follow-up the diabetic clinic at HUCSH, Ethiopia, between May to July 2021. The 382 diabetic patients were recruited into the study using simple random sam pling techniques from the recorded frame of the hospital and were interviewed using structured interview schedule. The Cox re gression analysis is applied on time to time to return normal HbA1c level. Data were entered, using EPI – info and analyzed by us ing STATA 16 computer software. Result: Diabetic patient expected survival times to return normal HbA1c had an average of 52.678 weeks with a standard error of 0.144. HbA1c level return to normal on patients of age below 18 year-old is reduced by 91.7% as compared to those who are older than 54 years. Similarly, the recovery time of patients in the age groups 18-36 year and 36-54 year is reduced by 44.1% and 55.6%, respectively compared to patients of age above 54 year-old. Moreover, when compared to patients with no medication side effects and patients with nausea/vomiting, headache, fatigue, and stomach upset have 43.8%, 57.3%, 44.1%, and 64.3% longer time to re turn to normal HbA1c level. Additionally, patient with low adherence level of patients were increased by 47.8 % time to return to normal HbA1c level compared to high adherence.

Background and Objectives: A novel ibuprofen L-arginine film-coated tablet formulation has recently been developed. The study objective was to assess bioequivalence of the newly developed formulation and a marketed granules for oral solution (reference), in terms of rate and extent of absorption of S(+)-ibuprofen, R(-)-ibuprofen and their sum. Methods: In this randomized, two-way cross-over study, 24 healthy men and women received a single 600 mg oral dose of each product in 2 subsequent periods, with a washout of at least 3 days. Plasma S(+)- and R(-)-ibuprofen concentrations were determined with a chiral bioanalytical method up to 12 h post-dose, and total ibuprofen was calculated at each time- point as the sum of the two enantiomers’ concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. The primary study endpoints for bioequivalence evaluation were plasma peak concentration (Cmax ) and area under the curve up to the last time-point (AUC0–t )

Choice of anesthetic approach for patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) remains a challenge to the anesthetist, especially in emergency situations and for patients having multiple diseases. Although two main types of anesthetic techniques including general anesthetic (GA) and local anesthetic (LA) are used in EVAR, little is known about the effects of a combination method. Hence, we report a new combination anesthetic method used for 3 cases who are having multiple basic diseases (cardiovascular or lung) or with complex surgical procedure. The relevant anesthetic proce dure was firstly anesthesia induction with midazolam, sufentanil, etomidate, rocuronium and methylprednisolone. After in duction of GA and tracheal intubation, LA with 2% lidocaine combined with midazolam for sedation monitored anesthesia care (MAC) was maintained till to the end of the operation. Importantly, propofol and remifentanil were not injected with micropumps, muscle relaxants were not used, and anesthetics were not inhaled to maintain anesthesia. The depth of anesth esia was determined by Bis value and kept at the level of 40-60 during the operation. All patients cured and have completed one year follow-up. The benefits of using the method include: 1) increasing analgesic effect of LA mode and preventing pa tient body from moving and vasospasm occlusion caused by patient stress during LA procedure; 2) reducing the adverse re actions of GA drugs on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems therefore maintaining intraoperative hemodynamic sta bility. It is concluded that our method provides a new and valuable anesthetic consideration for emergency and complex en dovascular repair surgery

Solar cell technology is increasingly popular for generating electricity. Th¬e photovoltaic effect is the fundamental principle behind solar cells, converting light into electricity. One of the most significant advantages is that solar energy is a renewable resource. Despite the reported advantages, some challenges are associated with using solar cells to generate electricity

In this work an artificial neural network (ANN) was constructed and trained for the prediction of the soil organic carbon to water distribution coefficients of some aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene derivatives based on quantitative structure- property relationships approaches. The inputs of this network are theoretically derived descriptors, which were chosen by the stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) variables selection techniques. These descriptors are: R-maximal in dex/weighted by atomic Sanderson electronegativities, R-maximal autocorrelation of lag5/weighted by atomic Sanderson electronegativities, R-autocorrelation of lag3/weighted by atomic Sanderson electronegativities, 3D-Morse-signal 01/weight ed by atomic van der Waals volumes and H autocorrelation of lag3/weighted by atomic polarizabilities which encode topo logical and electronic aspects of molecules. The standard errors of the obtained ANN model are 0.16, 0.19 and 0.27 for train ing, test and prediction sets respectively. Comparison between statistical results calculated from the MLR and ANN models reveals that all statistics have been improved considerably in the case of the ANN model. Also the results obtained in this pa per demonstrate that it is possible to generate robust neural network, capable in estimation of the soil organic carbon to wa ter distribution coefficient using theoretically calculated molecular descriptors.

In this research, (Poly lactic acid)(PLA)/Poly(ε-caprolactone)(PCL) blends containing 2 and 3 phr glycidyl methacrylate (G MA) as a chain extender, and nanocomposites of compatibilized and uncompatibilized PLA/PCL containing 7 and 9 phr nanocalcium carbonate (NCC) were prepared via melt mixing. The crystallinity, tensile properties, morphology, permeabili ty and rheology of the samples were investigated. The results showed that using 25 wt. % of PCL leads to optimum proper ties of PLA/PCL blends. The crystallinity of this sample was increased from 5 (for neat PLA) to 27% in the sample contain ing both GMA and NCC. In addition, the elongation at break of the compatibilized blend is improved up to 180% in com parison to neat PLA. The result showed that the barrier properties of PLA/PCL blends were increased by the crystallinity en hancement of PLA and the intrinsic low permeability of PCL. It was found that the addition of 9 phr NCC to this sample promotes crystallinity and barrier properties, but causes lower tensile properties of blends. Finally, the use of NCC and GMA simultaneously results in lower crystallinity and barrier properties, which could be due to the phase separation of com ponents in the blends. The barrier properties of some samples like compatibilized nanocomposite in composition of 9 phr NCC are closer to PE and PP and thus suitable for replacing of oil based polymers

Background: Overweight and obesity is defined as the accumulation of excessive fat in the body of children. Even though childhood overweight and obesity are not yet supposed to be an emerging health issue in Ethiopia, their preva lence increases. The magnitude of overweight and obesity in the Southwest region, particularly in Bonga town is un known. Hence, the study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children in Bonga town, Southwest Ethiopia

The incremental procedure for composite resin restorations is time-consuming and technique-sensitive, requiring the physi cian to have outstanding hand dexterity to achieve appropriate contacts and shapes. The "stamp technique" for posterior composite restoration is a technique for precisely replicating occlusal architecture but is less popular. When the tooth's pre operative anatomy is intact, this treatment is recommended. When caries has caused the occlusal surface to cavitate, an indi rect approach may be used. This case series goal is to explain the direct and indirect methods of fabricating and restoring stamps using various materials, with a focus on how dependable and predictable they are when done correctly and how much they aid the practitioner to perfection.