Abstract: The prevalence of lifestyle diseases or the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are on the rise colossally as well as globally. The key contributors are understood to be the pollutants and contaminants present in local ambient environment that trigger the onset of cellular oxidative stress i.e. imbalance in levels of oxidants and antioxidants at cell level, and the pro-inflammatory changes. Reports in literature indicate a possibility of association between risk of increase in lifestyle-disease-incidences and the acquisition of clinical vulnerability (ACV) in subjects chronically exposed to pollutants. Occurrence of oxidative stress is known to be the first and foremost change for the onset of NCDs. Therefore a periodic assessment of imbalance in levels of oxidants and antioxidants is plausible that can be performed by determining levels of cellular oxidative damage and the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in blood or body fluids. Elucidation of subnormal TAC can provide an opportunity for protection from ACV or getting predisposed to diseases and disorders through evidence based timely supplementation of antioxidants. In this review, we hypothesize, and appraise, the utility and significance of TAC measurements as a public health tool for monitoring ACV. Its measurement at different levels of NCD prevention shall result in efficient implementation of global action program for control of NCDs burden. Points in approval are ease, reliability, specificity, reproducibility, and the inexpensiveness of the method. We also contend that further research could lead to development of a proper cocktail of antioxidants to be used as adjuvant therapeutic measures to delay or reverse existing NCDs and their impact in individuals. We propose TAC as an early indicator that can be used to detect and control ACV and related NCDs.

The article presents the results of experimental studies, during a 3-month period of time, devoted to the chronic toxicity research of the first synthesized compound – 7-(3-chlorobutylene-2-yl-1)-8-N-methylpiperazino-3- methylxanthine (chlomepiroxane), possessing anthelmintic activity.

The aim of this paper is focused in measure the level of knowledge they have high school students about financial topics such as: spending and credit, savings and investment and money management. The participants were 368 students of different high schools in three municipalities of the State of Veracruz, México who were selected from of the stratified sample. The questionnaire is a scale that includes 31 items of multiple choices in the form of cases where there is only one correct answer of the total four options. The instrument showed acceptable Chronbach alpha reliability and internal consistency (> 0.7). The results lead us to think that there is a lack of knowledge about the usefulness of pensions, the issues related to insurance, the impact of inflation on salaries of people workers, even an interesting fact is that although it was known that there is a knowledge about the basic channels of saving, they denote lack of knowledge towards the investment instruments, especially those that by their nature are associated with the capital markets.

The objective of this study was to establish weight estimation equations from body measurements applicable to Lagune cattle. Live weight (LW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), and withers height (WH) were recorded in 909 Lagune cattle (506 males and 403 females) aged from 0 to 45 months at the Samiondji Breeding Farm in southern Benin. The correlation of weight with the BL (males - 0.95, females - 0.80) or with the HG (males - 0.96, females - 0.97) was higher than with the WH (males - 0.92, females - 0.79). Several types of equations between the weight and the three body measurements were compared. The equations retained for the Lagune cattle were polynomial regressions of the predicted weight (Y) on the BL (x), the HG (z) and the WH (t): Y = -77.29 - 0.07x + 1.47z + 0.18t for males and Y = -1.31 + 1.74x + 1.77z - 1.99t for females. The coefficients of determination R2 were 0.95 and 0.94 for the respective males and females, while the Mallows coefficients were identical Cp = 4.00. The residual means of differences between observed and predicted weight were small (2.6 vs. 4.2 kg for the respective males and females) indicating good accuracy of the estimates.

This research investigates the sensitivity of female business owners/managers to ethical challenges and the effect on their success as female entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The survey design was used with study population consisting of 1,678 female owners of registered small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) operating in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. From the population, random sampling technique was utilized to select a sample of 400 female entrepreneurs for the study. Data were obtained through the Multidimensional Ethical Questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that except in conflict of interest, relationship between moral equity, contractual obligation, and entrepreneurial success was positive and significant. Participants were found to be aware of what constituted ethical issues, and tended to act accordingly to minimize ethical challenges in the process of doing business. We recommended sensitization on the consequences of unethical business decisions to business and the larger society.

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. WHO estimates traditional medicines, mostly plant drugs cater to the health needs of nearly 80% of world population. The aim was to study the influence of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed powder on the basic parameters of obesity induced by hight calorie diet. We included 40 male rats and divided them to 4 groups of 10 animals in each group. Normal rats (groups 1, 3) were fed by a standard chow, while the others (groups 1, 4) were fed with high-caloric diet during 14 weeks. From week 15 to 18, groups 2 and 4 were treated with Trigonella foenum-graecum seed powder (Fg). Liver function markers were estimated by biochemical analyzer Microlab 300 and commercial kits from Elitech diagnostic according to the standard protocols provided by manufacturers. The serotonin content was determined in brain using ion-exchange chromatography and fluorescence methods. We have shown that consumption of high-calorie diet leads to changes in food behavior and the development of obesity in rats. Treatment of obese rats with Trigonella foenum-graecum seed powder leads to normalisation of key physiological and biochemical parameters. Treatment with Fg significantly suppressed the increments of body weight, fat weight. Fg improved lipid levels. These results demonstrated the treatment effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed powder on the basic parameters of obesity induced by hight calorie diet.

Derivatives of 7-substituted-8-amino-3-methylxanthines is a promising group of substances for synthesis and pharmacological screening in order to create diuretics, for pharmacological correction of the kidneys, on their basis. The acute toxicity and diuretic activity dependence on the chemical structure for the first synthesized 7-substituted-8-amino-3-methylxanthines in experiments on rats was investigated. 3-Methyl-7-(2-hydroxy-3-p-methoxyphenoxy)propyl-8-(2-furyl)methylaminoxanthine, increases urine excretion at 201.3% and is higher in the diuretic effect comparing to hydrochlorothiazide up to 111.3%.

Plants form the main ingredients of medicine in traditional system of healing and have been the source of inspiration for several major pharmaceutical drugs. In spite of great advances of modern scientific medicine, there is a rapid increase in the use of alternative medicine worldwide. To investigate the effect of the aqueous root extract, Methanol and n-Hexane root fractions of Curcuma longa Linn on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats. A total of thirty-six (36) rats were used and were grouped into six (6) groups of six (6) rats each. Group I served as normal control, group II served as diabetic control, Group III rats were induced with diabetes and administered with standard drug (Metformin, 100mg/kg) while Groups IV, V and VI were induced with diabetes and administered with crude aqueous extract, methanol and n-hexane fractions respectively at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight for four weeks. The research found that the methanol fraction showed highest potency with a significant (p<0.05) decrease in blood glucose level when compared to diabetic control after few days of fraction administration, it was followed by the aqueous extract which also shows hypoglycemic activity a week after administration. N-hexane fraction showed a marked hypoglycemic activity only after about two weeks of administration with the fraction. The present study demonstrated that the methanol fraction possesses the highest hypoglycemic activity.

Abstract: Stroke is an emergency condition in which blood supply get effected and blood flow to brain stops and brain cells starts to die. Stroke is a second leading cause of hospitalization during Hajj. There are six types of stroke. There are many risk factors which may lead to stroke during Hajj such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, depression, atrial fibrillation, increased volume of heart, angioplasty, elderly, renal disease, calcium and fat deposition in heart vessels and rheumatic fever etc. Our survey aims to find its awareness in pharmacy undergraduates. A cross sectional and random sampling method was used to collect data in the month of August and September 2015. Data was collected from 100 pharmacy undergraduates from Karachi, Pakistan. According to our survey 100% pharmacy undergraduates have basic knowledge about stroke, 58% have awareness about the second leading cause of hospitalization during Hajj, 74.5% have knowledge about types of stroke and 69.9% have awareness about the risk factor of stroke during Hajj. 88% pharmacist have knowledge that how to prevent stroke during Hajj. We concluded that there is lack of awareness. Steps should be taken to spread its awareness in layman.

Indiscriminate usage of Cassia occidentalis in treating many diseases has been locally practiced, the need for ascertaining the epicacy of the extract in management of liver and kidney damage become imperative. This research investigate the effects of aqueous root extracts of Cassia occidentalis on some liver and kidney parameters in acetaminophen induced liver and kidney toxicity. A total of thirty five rats were used for the research, in phase I, ten rats were used to confirm the inducement of hepato-renal toxicity by acetaminophen. They were grouped into two of five rats each, group I serve as normal control, group two serves as test control and administered with 750mg/kg body weight of acetaminophen. The animals were euthanized after 24 hours of acetaminophen administration and liver function indices (ALT, AST, total protein, Albumin total and direct Bilirubin) and kidney function indices (urea and creatinine) were assayed. In phase II, twenty five rats were grouped into five groups (GI – GV) of five rats each. G I served as normal control, GII served as test control, GIII, GIV and GV were induced with hepato-renal toxicity and administered with the extract at a dose of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg body weight per day for two weeks. A significant increase (p<0.05) in both liver and kidney function indices was observed in test control group compared to normal control in both phases. Administration of the extract lead a significant decrease (p<0.05) in liver parameters in a dose dependent manner compared to test control. Contrary to this however, a slight decrease in serum urea and creatinine was observed in the extract administered groups. The observed hepatocurative ability of the plant may not be unconnected with the presence of various phytochemicals in the plant.

Abstract: Leprosy is also called as ‘numbing skin disease’ or ‘Hansen’s disease’. The stigma attached to leprosy persists in many countries. At an early stage, leprosy may manifest itself only in mild skin lesions, but if left untreated, these lesions can become much more noticeable. Some people with leprosy may have a distinctive odour caused by infected ulcers. Since ancient times, leprosy has been interpreted as God’s punishment of the sinful. Other causes of leprosy which people have been reported to traditionally believe are witchcraft, a curse, trespassing of food taboos, contagion, and being hereditary. Leprosy is more a social problem rather than just a medical disease. A review of the literature showed that the stigma, misconceptions and negative attitudes towards leprosy patients are prevalent in most communities. Most misconceptions pertaining to leprosy, in particular the beliefs in heredity, evil spirits and contact with prostitutes as causes of leprosy, were found to be most common. In addition, deformities arising as a consequence of untreated leprosy played a significant part in increasing the stigma to leprosy. Health providers should also learn problem-solving skills to assess the patients’ reasons for defaulting treatment or follow-up and act on them. This means that they should be trained on techniques to analyse and motivate behaviour change.

Prolymphocytic leukemia T (PLL-T) is a rare entity of mature lymphoproliferative syndrome, characterized by its evolution but especially by its poor prognosis. It is usually revealed by hyperlymphocytosis in the blood. We report a case of prolymphocytic leukemia T, revealed by blood hyperlymphocytosis higher than 800 G/L, diagnosed at the My Ismail military hospital of Meknès, Morocco.

Drug related adverse effects may be minor or major. Pharmacists have an ethical obligation to notify the appropriate bodies whenever adverse effects where suspected. Stroke affect one’s physical and communication abilities, as well as causing emotional changes and difference in behaviour. The study underlines the importance of monitoring stoke survivors emotional and behaviour alternation. The objective is to determine the drug utilization review in post stroke patients and to assess the adverse reactions in stroke management. Cross-sectional prospective study was performed for six-month and the patients diagnosed as stroke and wished to participate were identified. All the subjects were evaluated for adverse drug reactions through telephonic or face to face interview. Out of 52 patients 71.15% were males and 28.84% females. The mean age of the patients was 63.21 (±10.19) years and 61% patients had Blood Pressure, followed by 55% Dyslipidymia, 42% Diabetes Mellitus. A total of 38 incidences of ADRs were observed during the study period for 15 patients. The highest reported ADR was GI bleeding (17.3%) followed by GI Distress and Constipation. Causality of ADRs found to have probable 74%, possible 23.6% and definite 2.6% and no doubtful categories. The study results cleared that majority of the stroke patients have adequately severe neurological impairment and need assistance to carryout activities of daily living. Majority of the patients seems to have mistaken the symptoms of ADR to be due to the disease being treated and old age. Drug utilisation studies should be carried out in large number of population and at different locations which helps to reduce the drug related problems and improve the rational use of drugs by the patients.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in small ruminants. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of 0.5% and 1% formalin killed prototype vaccine of C. pseudotuberculosis in bucks and does. A total of 24 healthy bucks and does were equally divided into four groups of 6 animals. Groups A and B were vaccinated with 0.5% and 1% formalin killed prototype vaccine and groups C and D were kept as positive (+) and negative (-) control groups, inoculated with plain vaccine adjuvant. After booster vaccination at the 6th week, groups A, B and C were experimentally inoculated with 2mL of 106 cfu of live C. pseudotuberculosis subcutaneously. On the 12th week, all animals were euthanized and samples of reproductive organs and pituitary glands of both bucks and does were collected. Bacterial isolation and identification was done on the basis of morphological characteristics and PCR detection. Based on the bacterial culture results, 3 samples each were Positive for C. pseudotuberculosis colonies from bucks in groups A and B, while 4 samples were positive from does in group A and only 1 from does in group B. All bucks and does from groups A and B showed negative PCR amplifications in all samples. This study showed that 1% formalin killed prototype vaccine of C. pseudotuberculosis is effective in preventing the spread of the bacteria to the reproductive organs and pituitary glands of both bucks and does. Thus, it will be a suitable preventive measure against CLA in small ruminants.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) lack adequate skills to manage and monitor their cash management practices leading to limited financial growth hence inability to compete while increasing their assets, opening more branches and growing their sales. This study sought to analyze effect of cash management practices (cash holding practices, use of technology and cash pooling practices) as well as analyze the combined effect of the cash management practices on financial performance of SMEs in Nyeri town, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design with target population being the registered SMEs in Nyeri town. Data was collected using a self-administered semistructured questionnaire from a sample population of 62 SMEs operating in Nyeri town and registered by the business registrar’s office in Nyeri County. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. Results obtained indicated that cash holding practices and use of technology in cash management had a relevant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Nyeri. The study recommended that all stakeholders in business operations ranging from suppliers, customers, and financiers should embrace use of technology to facilitate electronic data interchange. Future research could focus on comparative study of large organizations to establish whether the same factors affecting SMEs financial performance also affect large businesses.