Texila International Journal

The word atherosclerosis consists of two parts: atherosis (accumulation of fats accompanied by several macrophages) and sclerosis (fibrosis layer comprising smooth muscle cells. The presence of hyperlipaemia is the major risk issue factor for coronary artery disease. In 2016 advances in atherosclerosis research were focused on the discovery and validation of newly targeted genetics and mechanistic connection to atherothrombotic heart diseases. The Survey on awareness about the risk factors and complications of liver cirrhosis among college students was conducted using a Google form link. We have distributed our survey among 100 college students. Pie charts and Bar diagrams were used to represent output variables. Results showed that the knowledge of cardiovascular 54.00 % said No and 46.00 % said yes. Stroke caused due to lack of blood supply to 44.00 % said heart, 50.00 % said brain, and 6.00 % said I don't know. These findings conclude that the majority of the population is unaware of the risk factors such as obesity, LDL, and family history, which lead to the development of atherosclerosis, but only a few populations are aware of stress, smoking, coronary heart attack, cholesterol, sleep apnea, HDL, work pressure, physical activity, heart disease, and coronary disease that leads to atherosclerosis.

The current research endeavors to assess the biological reactions induced by two newly formulated tooth creams from Cocos nucifera. Freshly harvested coconut from the Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu underwent processing to create two distinct formulations: one utilizing coconut milk and the other lyophilized coconut extract. Tooth cream samples were prepared and tested against commercial tooth cream following ISO 10993-5 recommendations. Human gingival fibroblast cells were isolated and cultured according to approved protocols, and cytotoxicity evaluations were conducted through MTT assay and live/dead staining. Results indicated high cell viability in both coconut-based formulations, comparable to the commercial tooth cream. Live/dead staining revealed predominantly live cells with minimal cytotoxic effects. Novel coconut-derived tooth creams exhibit comparable biocompatibility to commercial formulations, showing high cell viability and minimal cytotoxicity with human gingival fibroblasts. This suggests coconut-based tooth creams as safe alternatives for oral care, advocating further investigation into their efficacy and tissue safety. Overall, our findings endorse natural compound utilization in dental care formulations.

Natural resources, ranging from herbs like neem and clove to minerals like fluoride, are harnessed for their antimicrobial properties in oral care products. These resources provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals, offering effective yet eco-friendly solutions against oral microorganisms. The present study aims to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of two toothpaste formulations derived from the extracts of Cocos nucifera. Two toothpaste preparations were made from the pulp extracts of Cocos nucifera. Group 1 was prepared from milk extracted from freshly ground coconut pulp. The second extract was obtained by the lyophilization process. Both toothpaste formulations were then analyzed for their antimicrobial efficacy by assessing the zone of inhibition for the following oral pathogens; Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Candida albicans by agar well diffusion assay. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. It was found that the toothpaste derived from the extracts of coconut milk had antimicrobial efficacy against S.mutans, S.aureus and C.albicans in the various dilutions tested and the toothpaste made from the lyophilized extract exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against P.aeruginosa in various dilutions. Toothpaste derived from the coconut milk extract demonstrated significant efficacy against tested oral pathogens, suggesting its suitability for incorporation into oral care products. Its antimicrobial properties highlight its potential for combating oral infections and enhancing oral hygiene routines. Further research and development could optimize its utilization in various dental formulations.

Illicium Verum commonly called star anise, which is indigenous to northeast Vietnam and Southwest China. Illicium verum is one of the vital ingredients of Chinese medicinal herbs. Principal component (Trans-anethol) exhibits antimicrobial activity such as antiviral, anti-bacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activities. Cholesterol, a waxy or fat like substance which is found in each and every cell of our body. Cholesterol helps our metabolism work efficiently, but if our body has too much cholesterol in blood, it causes several harmful effects. Anti-cholesterol drugs are useful in reducing the blood cholesterol level. Ethanolic extract of Illicium verum was found to be rich in phytochemicals such as Alkaloids, terpenoids and steroids. The ethanolic extract of illicium verum exhibited a significant antioxidant potential (Ic50 = 300 µg/ml) and anti-cholesterol potential (Ic50 = 400 µg/ml) as compared to standard drugs.

Glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide in agricultural and residential settings, has sparked concerns regarding its potential health impacts. Despite numerous studies exploring potential associations between glyphosate exposure and diabetes, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) are implicated in insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, playing crucial roles in diabetes pathogenesis, especially Type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the effect of glyphosate on TNF-α and IGF-1 expression in male Wistar rats. The results revealed a dose-dependent increase (p<0.05) in TNF-α and IGF-1 expression in adipose tissue following glyphosate exposure compared to the control group. These findings suggest that glyphosate exposure may contribute to the development of diabetes by altering the expression of IGF-1 and TNF-α.

Glyphosate is used as an herbicide in agriculture. At sub-agriculture concentrations, glyphosatebased herbicide inhibits cell proliferation. Glyphosate is a chelating agent that interferes with the metabolic activities in plants thereby adversely affecting its metabolism. The study aimed to determine the glyphosate-induced detrimental changes in SREBP-1c and PPAR-γ mRNA expression in adipose tissue of adult male rats. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 6 animals. Group I served as normal control rats; Group II-IV consisted of rats exposed to glyphosate at different concentrations (50, 100, and 250 mg/kg body weight respectively) orally for 16 weeks. After 16 weeks of treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and adipose tissue was dissected out for the assessment of SREBP-1c and PPAR-γ mRNA by real-time PCR using gene-specific down-regulated primers. The results with the p<0.05 level were considered to be statistically significant. The results showed a significant dose-dependent increase (P <0.05) in the expression of SREBP-1c in all the glyphosate-exposed rats compared to control rats and PPAR-γ mRNA expression was found to be significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05) compared to normal control animals. The current findings for the first time report that glyphosate had detrimental changes in the expression of transcription factors such as SREBP-1c and PPAR-γ mRNA in adipose tissue and thereby glyphosate may lead to the development of type-2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has gained popularity due to its broad-spectrum effects and use in genetically modified, glyphosate-resistant crops. Recent data, however, points to possible adverse effects of glyphosate and herbicides based on glyphosate, such as genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, elevated stress levels, disturbance of the hormones such as estrogen pathway and possible associations with specific cancer types. This has raised concerns about the widespread use of glyphosate and its impact on human health and the environment. The objective of this study was to determine whether antioxidants vitamin C and E could shield experimental rats' livers from the damaging effects of glyphosate. Animals were grouped as Group I-control, 30 days of oral glyphosatetreated rats as Group II, and Rats that received simultaneous glyphosate treatment and oral administration of vitamins C and E were for 30 days as Group III. We used the user's manual to figure out the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, the histomorphology of liver tissue using H&E staining, and the liver and kidney function tests using Diatek Greiner kits. The study revealed that prolonged exposure to glyphosate can alter the SREBPI and HNF1 pathways, leading to diabetes. As an herbicide, glyphosate can cause harmful changes in vital organs, leading to diabetes and other disorders.

Lupeol has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-protozoal, anti-proliferative, anti-invasion, antiangiogenic and cholesterol-lowering properties. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of lupeol on neuroinflammatory signalling molecules have not yet been identified. The study was designed to study the effect of lupeol on the expression of inflammatory signalling molecules in brain tissue of high-fat diet and sucrose-fed type-2 diabetic rats. Adult male albino rats of Wistar 150-180 days old with 180-200 g body weight (b.wt) were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group I: Control (vehicle-treated): Group II: High fat diet-induced type-2 diabetic rats; Group III: Type-2 diabetic rats treated with lupeol (25 mg/kg b.wt/day) orally for 30 days and Group IV: Type-2 diabetic rats treated with metformin (50 mg/kg, b.wt/day orally for 30 days. After 30 days of treatment, the animals were anaesthetized, and brain tissue was dissected and used for the assessment of mRNA expression analysis. Type-2 diabetic animals showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA levels in brain tissue in high-fat diet-induced type-2 diabetic animals. However, lupeol treatment, effectively reduced (p<0.05) the neuroinflammatory signaling molecules (TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA) showing that lupeol has significant role over the control of neuroinflammatory signaling. Our present findings clearly show that lupeol has a significant role in reducing neuroinflammation via the downregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 in brain tissues and hence, lupeol can be a potential natural drug for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Myristica fragrans (mace) and Cinnamomum verum are traditional medicinal plants which are used as spices in flavouring of food. They exhibit various medicinal properties. Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body's ability to process blood sugar levels. Anti-diabetic drugs are used to stabilize and control blood glucose levels. From the study, it was evident that the methanolic extract of Myristica fragrans (mace) exhibited significantly increased antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential when compared to that of Cinnamomum verum.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Type 2 diabetics are insulin resistant. Insulin acts on AKT signaling molecules which then act on GLUT 4 which increases glucose uptake and glucose in the case of diabetic patients this pathway is absent to indicate that the pathway piperine is used. This study aims to evaluate the effect of piperine on Ir/ IRS-1/AKT signalling molecules in highfat diet and sucrose-fed type 2 diabetic rats. Healthy adult male albino rats of Wister strain weighing 180 to 200 g were used for the evaluation of the effect of piperine. Fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels are decreased with piperine administration. From this study, it is proved that piperine activates the insulin signaling pathway thus proving the potential anti-diabetic role.

Myristica fragrans is commonly named as nutmeg or mace. It is native to Moluccas of Indonesia. It is used in folk medicine. Phytochemicals present in the plant are responsible for the medicinal properties of the plant. Antioxidants neutralise the free radicals that are produced in our body due to various biochemical reactions .Gout is a clinical condition caused due to accumulation of Uric acid crystals in one or more joints leading to inflammation. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of the extract helps in preventing excess production of uric acid. The extract was found to be rich in phytochemicals such as saponin, alkaloid, terpenoids and flavonoids. The IC50 for the antioxidant potential of the extract was 280µg/ml and the IC 50 for the xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of the extract was 320 µg/ml.

Illicium verum is a dark-coloured spice found in tropical areas of Asia. It is known for its medicinal value, flavoring properties and cosmetic properties. It helps in dispelling cold and relieving pain. Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by severe pain, redness and tenderness of joints. This is due to accumulation of uric acid crystal. Anti-gout activity of the herbal extract can be analyzed by its xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are manmade chemicals which are highly reactive and cause disorders such as diabetes, and cancer and conditions such as breathing difficulties etc., It is endocrine receptors and environmental pollutants. IL1-β and TNF-α are pro-inflammatory markers. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that have therapeutic effects on PCB. They also protect the body from free radicals, pollutants and toxins. They also help in the defence system and protect the body against cancer, arthritis, etc. The harmful effects and the changes induced by PCBs on pro-inflammatory markers and the therapeutic role of vitamin C and E on PCB were studied using Adult male albino rats. Adipose tissues from control and treated animals were dissected out and used for the assessment of pro-inflammatory markers. The IL1-β and TNF-α mRNA expression levels were measured using the RT-PCR method. The data were analyzed statistically. The results showed that the IL1-β and TNF-α mRNA expression levels of PCB-induced rats were significantly increased (p<0.05). Treatment with Vitamin C and E could effectively reduce the expression of the pro-inflammatory signalling molecules in adipose tissue.

Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites which act as antioxidants and possess various protective role.Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase enzymes catalyse hydrolysis of starch to simple sugars. Abelmoschus esculentus is a flowering plant of the Malvaceae family and is valued for its green seed pods. It naturally possesses anti-diabetic property, acts as a starch blocker as it prevents the absorption of starch in the body. Abelmoschus esculentus was cut vertically to open and added to 50ml of water. Soaked overnight and the aqueous extract was decanted and used for the phytochemical screening test followed by the evaluation of antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. The data were analysed statistically by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Overnight soaked extract of Abelmoschus esculentus exhibited a significant antioxidant potential (IC50=280 µg/ml) and compared with standard vitamin C. Alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory potential of Abelmoschus esculentus was analysed (IC50=380µg/ml and 320µg/ml respectively) and compared with standard acarbose. Though Abelmoschus esculentus is a common vegetable, its efficiency increases when soaking overnight.

The development of insulin resistance and diabetes in obese people is caused by metabolic inflammation. In adipose tissues in the abdomen, macrophages infiltrate and cause insulin resistance. As a result of the macrophages adopting an M1 polarization, pro-inflammatory cytokines are released. Piperine, known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, is being studied as a potential treatment for inflammatory diseases. Our findings suggest that piperine, an immunomodulator, can effectively treat obesity-related diabetes.

In this study we have used a computational method to investigate how caffeic acid affects important regulators in lipid metabolism, such as the DGAT, GPAT, and PAP genes. Studying how natural substances interact with important regulatory genes is key to understanding lipid metabolism, especially in the setting of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. We used molecular docking to find out how strongly caffeic acid binds to lipogenic regulators and how these regulators interact with each other. The findings indicate that caffeic acid can directly affect DGAT, GPAT, and PAP. We used predictive models to assess how caffeic acid-binding may influence enzyme activity, gene expression, and signalling pathways related to lipid metabolism. Our computer results give us important information about how caffeic acid might affect lipid metabolism (DGAT, GPAT, and PAP), but it is very important to stress that these interactions and their importance in the body need to be confirmed in experiments. In conclusion, because cellular and metabolic processes are so complicated, it is important to do both in vitro and in vivo studies to fully understand how caffeic acid affects lipid balance and how it might be used to treat metabolic diseases. This study establishes the foundation for the next research, highlighting the capacity of natural chemicals to impact crucial regulators of lipid metabolism.

Metabolic inflammation is an essential event in obesity-induced diabetes and insulin resistance. An extract of the active phenolic component of black pepper (Piper nigrum), piperine, is well known to provide beneficial physiological effects. This study aims to assess the regulation of inflammatory signalling molecules in adipose tissue by Piperine using a high diet and sucrose-induced type II diabetic experimental model. Our results suggest that piperine has the potential as a therapeutic drug or dietary supplement.

EGCG is the main catechin present in green tea. Fatty acids can be categorized as saturated or unsaturated depending on the hydrocarbon chain and terminal carboxyl group they contain, typically with an even number of carbons. EGCG has attracted considerable interest because of its several health benefits, such as its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer characteristics. Yet, the precise molecular targets and mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Exploring the potential interaction of EGCG with fatty acids and carnitine transporters, which play a vital role in lipid metabolism and energy production, could provide insights into its physiological effects. Analysis of molecular docking between EGCG and fatty acid and carnitine transporters, and their interactions. A contact and binding occur between the fatty acid transporters (FABP) and VLCAD and CPTII. EGCG was subjected to molecular docking simulations with active sites of transporter families such as FABP, CPT2, and VLCAD. The docking analysis showed that EGCG has favourable binding interactions with the target transporters, involving important hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. EGCG showed a strong ability to bind to the active sites of FABP and CPT2, indicating its potential to influence their functions.

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of several illnesses, and the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway, including SMAD2 and SMAD3, regulates inflammatory responses. Aspalathin, a naturally-occurring compound extracted from several plant sources, has shown potential anti-inflammatory properties. This study uses computational methods to investigate how aspalathin affects SMAD2, SMAD3, and TGF-β in order to understand how it regulates inflammation. We use molecular docking to analyze how aspalathin binds with important components of the TGF-β pathway. Our research reveals promising information about the potential of aspalathin, which shows a strong ability to bind with the inflammatory regulator (SMAD2, SMAD3, and TGF-β). Aspalathin may offer therapeutic benefits for treating inflammatory diseases. Further testing in both controlled laboratory environments (in vitro) and inside live creatures (in vivo) are required to validate the computational findings and prove aspalathin's potential as a viable option for inflammation management.

Background: Diosmin is a natural compound with a wide range of biological activity, e.g., it improves lymphatic drainage, supports microcirculation, and increases venous tone, and venous elasticity, hence, it is applied in the pharmacotherapy of chronic venous disorders (CVD). This work aims to analyze the effect of diosmin on mTOR and Akt-signaling molecules in NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: Healthy adult rats were split into four groups randomly. Each group consisted of 6 animals. Group I: Control, Group II: NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinogenic rats, Group III: Cancer-bearing animals treated with diosmin (200 mg) orally for 28 days. Group IV: Control animals treated with diosmin (200 mg) alone for 28 days. Liver function markers (ALP and AST) were measured by biochemical analysis while mTOR and Akt mRNA expression were analyzed by q-PCR analysis. Results:  ALP and AST concentration in the serum and mRNA expression of the transcription factor, mTOR  were found to be upregulated in HCC bearing rats but Akt mRNA expression was reduced. However, a 200 mg dose of diosmin controls the altered levels of liver function markers and signalling molecules. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that diosmin may be one of the pharmacological and therapeutic natural compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Claustrophobia is a form of anxiety that is caused due to the fear of closed spaces. The person will be psychologically affected because of it. Claustrophobia can be analyzed with the help of Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia means getting fear of what would happen to them in public places. Claustrophobia will cause severe breathing difficulties as well. The treatment for the claustrophobia was given according to analyzing the patients and by referring to many previous studies. The aim of this study is to know the effects of claustrophobia and its perspective among the students. A survey has been created through Google forms and it has been circulated through social networking and the results obtained through the responses from the survey obtained from the students were put in the form of the pie chart. From the results obtained, we would come to know that 41.5% of students have mentioned that it does not affect their studies and a majority of the students have told that by having good ventilation they could get rid of claustrophobia. We would like to conclude that the majority of the students are aware of claustrophobia and it does not affect your studies.

The most employed scaffolds in tissue engineering are alginate and chitosan due to their properties like biodegradability, compatibility, and structural similarity to that of the ECM. Curcumin, together with scaffolds such as alginate and chitosan, can improve wound healing properties by tissue repair and regeneration. This study aims to load curcumin into alginate chitosan scaffolds and to analyze their potential wound healing properties by characterization and checking their biocompatibility. Curcumin was loaded into the alginate-chitosan scaffold. It was then characterized using Fourier Transform-InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Annexin V PI apoptotic assay and Hemolytic assay were done to screen its biocompatibility. FT-IR has strong absorption bands at 3237, 2359, 1597, 1406, 1025, and 947 cm −1. SEM analysis of the curcuminloaded alginate-chitosan scaffold showed the dispersed curcumin on the surface of the porous scaffold. Our results suggest that the curcumin-loaded alginate-chitosan scaffold possesses greater biocompatibility towards peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) which was confirmed by Annexin V-PI assay and hemolytic assay. Curcumin loaded onto an alginate-chitosan scaffold is reported to be biocompatible using flow cytometry and hemolytic assay. However a more detailed study must be done before using it for potential wound healing applications.

Graphene-loaded polymannose-chitosan scaffolds have emerged as promising candidates for drug screening applications due to their unique properties. The combination of polymannose and chitosan, supplemented with graphene, offers a versatile platform with potential applications including drug screening. The aim of this study is to fabricate and characterize the biocompatible graphene oxide loaded polymannose chitosan scaffold (PM-Chi-GO) for potential drug screening applications. The scaffold was meticulously prepared by combining oxidized polymannose with chitosan hydrochloride and graphene oxide, employing gelation techniques. Characterization involved Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological studies. The biocompatibility of the scaffold was assessed using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). FTIR analysis revealed distinctive peaks at 3296, 1624, 1528, 1389, 1060, and 808 cm-1 , corresponding to specific functional groups within the scaffold. SEM displayed a porous morphological structure. Biocompatibility testing with PBMCs demonstrated favorable responses, confirming the scaffold's potential for in vitro drug screening applications. The synthesized PM-Chi-GO is characterized by its unique structural and biocompatible properties and holds significant promise for future drug screening endeavors. This study establishes a foundation for the utilization of this scaffold in drug screening applications.

Chronic Rhino Sinusitis (CRS) is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses affecting people of all ages. The various etiological causes and challenging diagnostic techniques have a role in misdiagnosis and severity of sinusitis. There is no typical sinusitis therapy. There are many new and developing treatments, both natural and developed, and staying up to date on these therapies and their effectiveness is still difficult. As new CRS treatment alternatives, low-level laser therapy and near-infrared laser therapy have generated some interest. According to certain research, these photo-therapies use various light wavelengths and intensities to decrease the production of biofilms and enhance the in vitro activity of antibiotics against sinus infections. On contrast to this, some studies concluded that phototherapy for CRS is still in its relative infancy and that better studies are required to accurately evaluate its therapeutic impact. The goal of this review was to gather data regarding how Laser therapy affected chronic sinusitis.

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide and the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup, among other herbicide formulations. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherol) are both antioxidants that play important roles in reducing oxidative DNA damage and protecting cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. The study aimed to analyse the effect of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C and E) on the expression of IGF-1 and KIM-1 molecules in the kidneys of glyphosate-exposed rats. Adult male Albino Wistar rats were grouped into 3. Group I: Control; Group II: Glyphosate treated (100mg); Group III: Glyphosate+ vitamin E & C treated. Serum, insulin, and mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and kidney injury molecules (KIM-1) mRNA expression by RT-PCR. Serum insulin was measured by the ELISA method. Glyphosate-exposed rats developed hyperglycaemia and hyper compared to control but antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin C and E) supplementation, reduced the glyphosate mediate increased fasting blood glucose and insulin near to that of the control level. Similarly, mRNA expression of both IGF-1 and KIM-1 were also significantly altered due to glyphosate induction whose effects were found to be reduced when vitamins C and E were treated. It is concluded that glyphosate exposure causes renal damage and develops diabetic nephropathy by modulating the expression of IGF-1 and KIM-1 molecules in the kidney. Vitamin C and E potentially were able to reduce the detrimental changes caused by glyphosate. Hence, vitamin C and E supplements could be considered therapeutic drugs for diabetic nephropathy.

Argyreia nervosa, commonly known as Hawaiian baby woodrose or wooly morning glory, is a plant native to India and is also found in various parts of the world. It is known for its seeds, which have been used traditionally in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems for various diseases. The study was aimed at assessing the effect of Argyreia nervosa on insulin signaling molecules of the liver in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental type-2 diabetic rats. Healthy adult male Wistar albino rats-150-180 days old weighing 180-200g was used for the study and divided as Group I-Normal rats; Group IItype-2 diabetic rats; Group III-Diabetic rats + A. nervosa 500 mg/kg b.wt; Group IV-Normal rats + A. nervosa 500 mg/kg b.wt. Fasting blood glucose, and fasting serum insulin were measured by calorimetric methods. Further mRNA expression analysis of insulin receptor (IR) was measured in control and treated animals by quantitative Ream Time PCR analysis. A. nervosa root extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations in STZ-induced rats compared with control. In addition, mRNA expression of IR showed a one-fold increase in the expression which shows that A. nervosa is involved in the regulation of insulin signaling in the liver and thereby reduces insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes. Our study concludes that A. nervosa root extract has a significant role on insulin signaling molecules thereby it reduces hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia via insulin receptor-mediated pathways. Hence, A. nervosa may be considered as one of the therapeutic natural antidiabetic drugs.

The aim of this review is to explore the learning outcome and understanding how the adaptive study design helps in current scenario of drug development in various therapeutic areas compared to traditional randomized clinical trials with respect to Dose Finding, identification of Maximum tolerated dose (MTD), fewer subjects, short duration, increases success rate of study objective, yields better knowledge of treatment effect like better estimates of sub-group effects or dose-response relationship. One of the major advantage of this study design is that potential changes are approved prior hand by regulatory authorities and ethics committee, hence there is no need to submit the protocol amendment and also logistics for the change in treatment is also planned upfront and researchers are given full flexibility to respond towards unexpected events and there are several options proposed upfront to introduce any new doses, amend endpoints. The conclusion is that the use of Adaptive designs appears to be increasing in certain diseases and in some of the diseases it is still underutilised. FDA and other regulators, researchers are still exploring how and the extent to which they may be incorporated into the evaluation of experimental therapies bearing in mind that focus will be mainly in feasibility, validity, flexibility, integrity and efficiency. As the new regulatory guideline are already established, future investigations of adaptive designs could examine ongoing dynamics in trials and based on this project, there are some suggestions to be given to the researchers to include the adaptive design or methodology to be indicated in the study title which certainly helps to retrieve the data easily.

The phenomenon of involuntary engagement with internet devices, accompanied by a sense of emptiness in their absence, characterizes internet addiction disorder. A comprehensive meta-analysis spanning 80 studies worldwide from 1996 to 2012, involving 89,281 participants across 31 countries, revealed a 6% prevalence of this disorder among young individuals globally. A separate study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) investigated 2,755 participants aged 18-65 in India, finding a prevalence rate of 1.3% for internet addiction. Notably, this disorder has not yet been recognized as Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Numerous studies have examined the prevalence of internet addiction in the Indian population. This current study aimed to assess the prevalence, impact, and available treatment options for internet addiction among Indian adults. Utilizing a cross-sectional, close-ended online survey questionnaire distributed among the general public and experts, a total of 303 responses were collected. The findings revealed that 33.3% of Indian adults were addicted to the internet, with varying degrees of severity: severely (1.7%), moderately (10.2%), and mildly (20.8%) addicted. Notably, most severely addicted individuals (80%) fell within the 26-35 years age range. Male participants exhibited a higher prevalence of internet addiction compared to females (57.1% vs. 42.9%), with males also displaying a greater propensity for addiction (71.9% vs. 28.1%). Further analysis indicated that 11.2% of addicted individuals experienced symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, with males affected at a rate 50% higher than females.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of insurance funds on human development index in Nigeria between 2012 and 2022. The design adopted for this study was ex-post-factor; data used for analysis were elicited from Central Bank Statistical Bulletin, World Bank Developmental Indicators Data base and National Insurance Commission Annual Reports. To achieve this objective, a model was formulated based on empirical and theoretical reviews. The model used human development index in Nigeria as the dependent variable, while life insurance funds, pension funds and deposit administration funds were the independent variables in the model. This study employed the Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS) Model to analyze data.The findings elicited from this study revealed that life insurance funds and pension funds recorded significant positive effect on human development index, while deposit administration funds had a significant negative effect on human development index in Nigeria. From the inferential result, the researcher concluded that insurance funds have significant effect on human development index in Nigeria. From the foregoing, the researcher recommended that the National Insurance Commission, in conjunction with the government should efficiently work together to ensure that the premium collected, and the income generated by the industry through pension funds and life insurance are diversified into economic and productive investment, in order to boost human development in Nigeria.

In contemporary society, the internet has become an integral aspect of daily life, alongside a concerning rise in internet addiction characterized by an overwhelming compulsion to engage with online activities. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among the youth population in India, leading to various physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Despite its widespread impact, internet addiction has yet to be officially recognized as a disorder in diagnostic manuals like the DSM. A comprehensive meta-analysis spanning 80 studies across 31 countries revealed a global prevalence of internet addiction at 6%. In the Indian context, a study sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research surveyed 2,755 adults aged 18-65, identifying a prevalence rate of approximately 1.3%. Examining a sample of 303 adult participants in India, it was found that 33.3% exhibited signs of internet addiction, with 1.7% classified as severely addicted, 10.2% as moderately addicted, and 20.8% as mildly addicted. Notably, the majority of severely addicted individuals were in the 26-35 age group, while addiction rates were higher among males compared to females [1, 2]. Furthermore, analysis revealed a correlation between internet addiction and poor sleep quality, affecting 22.6% of addicted individuals, particularly males aged 18-25 and 26-35. These findings underscore the urgent need for further research and interventions to address the growing issue of internet addiction and its associated health impacts.

The study examined the effect of internal factors on financial performance of pharmaceutical wholesale companies in Zimbabwe. The research objectives set to guide the study were to ascertain internal factors influencing the financial performance of pharmaceutical wholesale companies; establish operating mechanisms that are deployed to improve financial performance of pharmaceutical wholesale companies; identify adverse effects resulting from the poor financial performance of pharmaceutical wholesale companies and proffer recommendations on how pharmaceutical wholesale companies in Zimbabwe can improve financial performance. The study adopted a quantitative research design and employed convenient sampling to gather data from 103 pharmaceutical companies in Zimbabwe. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results from the study were presented using tables and figures. Results from the study show that information technology systems and marketing systems may influence financial performance of pharmaceutical wholesale companies, while organizational culture, financial mechanisms and distribution systems may not influence financial performance. Adverse effects of poor financial performance identified in the study include economic loss, bad operational decisions, poor staff retention and bankruptcy. Key recommendations from the study include the need to leverage information technology (IT) systems and marketing systems to improve the financial performance of pharmaceutical wholesale companies in Zimbabwe. While the study did not find significant influences of organizational culture, financial mechanisms and distribution systems on financial performance, it is essential for companies to continuously assess and adapt these internal factors to align with organizational goals and market dynamics.

Information and communications technology (ICT) plays a vital role in enhancing planning effectiveness in higher education institutions. This study investigated the relationship between ICT application and effective planning in federal universities in Northern Nigeria. A correlational research design was used with population is ten thousand five hundred and seventy-seven (10,577) staff and the sample size of 2,114 university staff. The sapling procedure was simple random sampling; proportionate sampling and accidental sampling. Participants completed a modified likert scale questionnaire measuring ICT use and effective planning. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages was used. At a significance level of 0.05, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMCC) was employed to evaluate the formulated null hypotheses. Results showed a significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.528, p < 0.05) between ICT application and effective planning, indicating technology use associates with improved planning. The findings were that there is significant relationship between the application of ICT and effective planning in Federal Universities of Northern Nigeria. Based on these conclusions, it is recommended that universities develop ICT plans integrated with their strategic goals, while conducting regular evaluations to refine technology management practices. This will empower effective data-driven and collaborative planning activities. The study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between ICT capabilities and planning effectiveness in Nigerian higher education.

The study sought to contribute to the general body of knowledge and research work in business value system (BVS). The research work also aimed to establish the most prominent types of values from the literature and ascertain how BVS elements are interconnected and influence business performance toward success. The concept of business values as a system is relatively new. However, this paper's purpose is to bridge the various pieces of BVS knowledge in literature by systematically reviewing a collection of articles on the subject and drawing valuable conclusions relating to the various paradigms or schools of thought. The researcher, for this study, identified and critically reviewed a minimum of forty (40) old and recent articles on BVS that were gathered from highly recognized and profiled research databases, including Google Scholar, Research Gate and Elsevier (database), Persistent themes on the prevalent forms of BVS; their interconnectedness and their influence on business performance were observed. It became clear that defining BVS exists because of the systematic connectedness of the values. There is enough evidence from the literature that when implemented well, BVS yields successfulness to the companies and consequently, development of the respective local and national communities in a mutual manner.

This article explores the usefulness of digitalisation in the economic inclusion of rural women in the Umguza district of Zimbabwe. An inductive approach was used, and information was collected through semi-structured interviews with 250 rural women in the 19 wards of Umguza district between the ages of 16 and 65, as well as reviewing secondary data in the form of government, nongovernmental, industry reports and scholarly articles. Thematic analysis was used to draw insights on pertinent themes and patterns related to the role of digitalisation in the economic inclusion of rural women. The key findings indicated that the lives of rural women who accessed and used digital technology improved through active participation in economic activities and had greater, faster access to information and skills resulting in higher productivity. The findings highlight the necessity of adopting a gender-sensitive approach in rolling out technology-based initiatives to ensure the sustainable economic inclusion of rural women, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of gender equality and economic development. The study concluded that access to and usage of digital technologies opens up economic prospects for rural women, enriches their financial status, increases their access to education, and nurtures social connectivity. The findings also show that when elements like the provision of cheaper broadband solutions and low-cost smartphones are not attended to, digitalisation has the potential to adversely affect rural women resulting in the widening of the digital gender divide. The recommendations from this study provide insights to government, private sector, and civil society seeking to drive women's economic inclusion through digitalisation and contribute to the body of research on digitalisation and rural women's economic inclusion.

This paper will highlight the important features of Project Management Traits and Skills and identify the most effective skill set to produce a successful Construction Project. The paper is laid out with a general introduction of the key concepts of Project Management, specifically Construction Project Management, it then examines the crucial traits, skills, and characteristics and determines based on research of works completed as to the combination that is most likely to achieve project success. It was established that Interpersonal skills, leadership, effective communication, and prompt technical skills were likely to produce the most successful project. The purpose of the research study is to place, in the research linguistics, the methods and instruments to be used in the research model, from the location of the type of study and the design of the research; its world or population; its samples; and the instruments and techniques of data collection. The techniques used in this study will be based on the literature, review of standards of traits and skills, studies, and research undertaken previously, which will allow to gather the information needed to make findings and conclusions and develop the Risk Management Plan. The result was identifying traits and skills needed by Project Managers to compete and complete construction projects and how project managers must operate and respect the professional codes of their field, particularly the responsibilities that surround all facets of project management.

The South African mining industry, despite being the world's fifth-largest mineral reserve, is facing various challenges that prevent it from contributing to the economy to its fullest potential. These challenges include inflationary pressure, extreme nationalism, political instability, civil unrest, poor infrastructure, and inefficient regulatory practices, which have discouraged foreign investments. Although the government has developed legal frameworks to address uncertain circumstances, the lack of follow-up and transparency are key drawbacks contributing to the persistence of these issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of open strategy as a strategic management method in the South African mining industry can foster innovation and growth while showcasing how open strategy can benefit both established and emerging mining entities. The study highlights the importance of adopting a mutually beneficial approach, which can unlock the full potential of the mining industry and lead to more innovative and competitive business strategies. The study used a mixed methodology, which means both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The research included interviews with 20 highly knowledgeable participants and a survey that received 205 responses. To identify the right individuals to participate in the research, the snowball research technique was used. It helped in creating a relevant chain sampling and selecting individuals based on their knowledge, relationships, and expertise regarding the research subject. According to the study's results, there is a favorable attitude toward open strategy, which is reinforced by the growing demand for inclusive communication as an effective means of engaging stakeholders. The results also revealed that the South African mining sector lacks formalized strategies and employee engagement methods. The research determined the value of the current strategic processes in South Africa's mining sector and generated an approach to how open strategy can be a successful process for mining companies.

This study examines how Federal Universities of Northern Nigeria use ICT to make decisions. Technology in data storage, analytics, and decision support systems has transformed decision-making, according to the introduction. We examine how ICT improves decision-making through data gathering, analysis, and communication. The hypothesis is that ICT use does not affect decision-making in these universities. The correlational study included 2,114 workers from all Northern Nigerian Federal Universities. The sample procedure selected states from each geopolitical zone and seven federal institutions from each state. Data was collected using a questionnaire on ICT in Effective Planning (QAICTEP). The null hypothesis was tested using Pearson's Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMCC). The respondents' age, experience, and qualifications were diverse. Male respondents outnumbered female respondents 75% to 25%. The null hypothesis was rejected since the PPMCC analysis showed a positive correlation (r = 0.609) between ICT application and decision-making. The conclusion shows that ICT use improves decision-making. ICT infrastructure investments, training, enhanced Decision Support System integration, and strong data governance regulations are recommended. at conclusion, this study sheds light on strategic ICT integration and decision-making at Federal Universities in Northern Nigeria, emphasising the need to improve decision-making quality and efficiency.

The threat of counterfeiting medicines is probably growing, particularly in poorer countries with weak regulatory mechanisms and poorly monitored distribution networks. Various interventions, including innovative technologies, have been used to solve problems. The study used a quantitative design method adopting a hybrid quantitative method such as desk, online and physical interviews approach. The selected states for the study are Lagos, Kano, Anambra and FCT Abuja. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires with mainly closed-ended questions and analysed using SPSS (IBM-SPSS version 21). The findings show that the highest proportion of consumers who have heard about counterfeit or fake drugs before was from Lagos (97.1%). The study also found that stakeholders know highly about fake/counterfeit drugs (94.3%). The results show that 62.0% of consumers knew about drug anti-counterfeiting technology, and most stakeholders (79.0) knew about NAFDAC Anti-Counterfeiting Interventions. However, respondents from Lagos had the highest level of awareness (77.3%) of the Anti-Counterfeiting Interventions. The results also revealed that stakeholders exhibited a positive perception of NAFDAC's innovative techs., (TruScan, RFID, GPHF MINILABS, Black Eye, Others) to curb fake drugs. The findings emphasise raising awareness, implementing effective anticounterfeiting strategies, and addressing financial limitations to protect public health and combat Nigeria's growing threat of fake drugs.

The medical carrier chosen by intern doctors as their careers is an important determinant of the future supply of doctors in different specialties, and it is important for the planning of workforce in health-care services. The objective of this study was to compare the pattern of career perspective of intern doctors in government and private medical college hospitals of Bangladesh. This was a comparative cross-sectional type of study carried out among 161 intern Doctor of Government Medical college hospital and 152 intern doctors of private medical college hospital from January to December 2018. Majority (83.4%) of the respondents was unmarried and most of them (82.4%) belonged to Islam. Majority (66.9%) of the respondents (government and private medical college) want to join in government services and the association was statistically significant (p=0.000). A large number of respondents (77.9%) wanted to practice in Bangladesh. The association between type of medical college and intended practice location was not statistically significant (p=0.610). Majority (68.3%) of the respondents want to practice in Dhaka city and the association was statistically significant (p=0.000). About 42.8% of the respondents opted for Medicine as their first choice. Most (91.1%) of the respondents did not have any intention of changing profession and very few (8.9%) of them have intention of changing the profession. The study recommends improving the facilities in Basic subjects for attracting intern doctors to develop their career in these fields.

Immunization serves as a cost-effective shield against vaccine-preventable diseases, promoting population health and sustainable prosperity. This study aimed to determine vaccination coverage and assess the timeliness of vaccination (BCG, PENTA1, and measles vaccines) among children aged 12 to 23 months in the wards of Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, with the number of children sampled being 460 to account for non-response and design. Information about children were obtained through interviews with proxy caregivers. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Ethical approval was obtained from the CRS Ministry of Health. There were 190 male children (41.3%) and 275 female children (58.7%) in the study. The age group of 12-15 months (55.2%) represents the largest category. The overall vaccination coverage was 88.3%, varying across wards (100% in ward 4, followed by 96.1% in ward 8, then 96% in ward 5, 91.6% in ward 12, and 80.8% in ward 11). The proportion of overall timely vaccination was 71.5%, with PENTA1 having the highest timeliness (88.3%). The proportions of timely vaccination for BCG and PENTA1 were highest in ward 4, followed by ward 5, but lowest in ward 11. Timeliness for all vaccines was also highest in ward 4, followed by ward 12, then ward 5, ward 8 and ward 11. Vaccination coverage and timeliness differed between locations, highlighting the need for Government interventions to be context-specific, addressing challenges within different ward locations rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Advansync2 appliance is known as a tooth-borne fixed functional appliance consisting of bands cemented on permanent first molars in the upper and lower arches, to dissipate orthodontic forces. These fixed functional appliances could cause excessive proclination of the lower incisors, which could lead to inflammatory root resorption. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of root resorption and incisor tooth inclination changes in subjects with class II malocclusion who were treated with the Advansync2 appliance. 10 patients (6 males and 4 females) between the age group of 13-20 years with class II malocclusion treated with Advansyc2 appliance were included. A CBCT of each of these patients was taken before and after the treatment with the Advansync2 appliance and evaluated for the amount of root resorption and tooth inclination in the mandibular incisor tooth region. The measurement of root resorption was made using the axial navigation method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (version 22.0). A paired t-test was used to detect changes in the root length before and after the use of the Advansync2 appliance. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the parameters of the angle of inclination as the data was not normally distributed. There was a statistically significant reduction of the mandibular anterior tooth roots by 0.52mm (p =0.01). The angle of inclination for the mandibular incisor region was reduced by 5.73 ° indicative of proclined incisors (p = 0.005).

White spot lesions are a regrettable but frequent side effect of orthodontic treatment that can be avoided by using dentifrices that encourage enamel remineralization. To evaluate the remineralising efficacy of an indigenously developed dentifrice containing green synthesised strontium fluorapatite nanoparticles (SrFAp NPs). SrFAp NPs were green synthesised using plant extracts of Equisetum arvense and Laminariales along with fluorine and hydroxyapatite precursors. Characterisation and cytotoxicity evaluation of the SrFAp NPs was done. Remineralising efficacy was evaluated on 30 extracted non carious teeth separated into 1 control group and 5 test groups of 5 teeth each. All samples underwent demineralisation and remineralisation. The test groups were exposed to the corresponding concentration of SrFAp NPs dentifrice. The pre and post treatment Vickers hardness test and Energy dispersive x-ray analysis were performed. Statistical analysis done using SPSS software. Characterisation and cytotoxicity tests revealed successful formation of SrFAp NPs with good cell viability. Increase in enamel hardness values seen in all test groups post treatment. Highly significant difference in enamel hardness values seen in 0.1%, 0.8% and 1% SrFAp dentifrices. EDAX analysis shows strontium uptake in all the test groups. 0.1 Wt%, 0.2 Wt%, 0.1 Wt%, 0.5 Wt%, 0.2 Wt% of Sr uptake seen in 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8% and 1% SrFAp dentifrices respectively. SrFAp NPs containing dentifrices have successfully remineralised enamel leading to increased enamel hardness. EDAX shows successful uptake of strontium of highest 0.5 Wt% seen with 0.8% SrFAp NP dentifrice.