Antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities of adiantum capillus-veneris are predominantly mediated through ATP-dependent K+ channels activation

The study was tempted to explore the scientific basis for the medicinal use of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. in diarrhea using the in vivo and in vitro assays. The crude extract of dried leaves of A. capillus-veneris exhibited antidiarrheal effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice at 300 and 500 mg/kg, similar to the effect loperamide. It was also found safe up to administered dose of 7 g/kg in mice. In isolated rabbit jejunum, extract of A. capillus-veneris showed a concentration-dependent relaxation of spontaneous and low K+ (25 mM)-induced contractions and had weak inhibitory effect on high K+ (80 mM), similar to the activity pattern of cromakalim, an ATP-dependent K+ channel opener. Interestingly, its inhibitory effect on spontaneous contractions was potentiated in the presence of atropine. These data demonstrates that A. capillus-veneris possesses antidiarrheal and antispasmodic properties mediated possibly through ATP-dependent K+ channels activation, thus providing scientific basis to its folk use in abdominal colic and diarrhea

Database independent Migration of Objects into an Object-Relational Database

This paper reports on the CERN-based WISDOM project which is studying the serialisation and deserialisation of data to/from an object database (objectivity) and ORACLE 9i.Comment: 26 pages, 18 figures; CMS CERN Conference Report cr02_01

ACC-deaminase and/or nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria and growth response of tomato (Lycopersicon pimpinellfolium Mill.)

The study aimed to identify and select important plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and examine the response of tomato growth upon inoculation. Inoculation with rhizobacterial isolates increased all the measured physical, chemical, and enzymatic growth parameters compared to control. However, the TAN1 isolate had the highest effect, and significantly (P < 0.05) increased the root length (8.25-fold), root fresh (8.36-fold) and dry (12.6-fold) weight, shoot length (6.92-fold), shoot fresh (7.18-fold) and dry (6.90-fold) weight, number of leaves (11.0-fold), chlorophyll a (6.25-fold), chlorophyll b (10.7-fold), carotenoid contents (8.80-fold), seedlings fresh (9.0-fold) and dry (8.71-fold) weight, plant macronutrient uptake, i.e. N (7.7- and 8.9-fold), P (10.5- and 11.4-fold), K (7.8- and 8.8-fold), Ca (12.7- and 8.2-fold), and Mg (12.6- and 9-fold) in shoot and root, plant micronutrient uptake, i.e. Zn (6.6-, 10.2-), Cu (9.3-, and 10.3-fold), Fe (7.7- and 10.7-fold), and Mn (4.7- and 5.7-fold) in shoot and root and plant antioxidant enzymes, i.e. glutathione S-transferase (10.7-fold), peroxidase (8.1-fold), and catalase (10.5-fold). Our results concluded that inoculation of agricultural crops with rhizobacteria is a very useful approach to increase the plant growth. The rhizobacteria having both 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase and nitrogen-fixing activity are more effective than rhizobacteria possessing either ACC-deaminase or nitrogen-fixing activity alone for growth promotion of crops

The Dynamics of Value Creation in Online Brand Communities: Strategy Map Approach

As the clout of social networking is growing, brand managers are exploring diversified marketing strategies and consumer attitudes. The current study reveals the impact of value creation practices and brand loyalty in online brand communities based on perceived benefits enjoyed by consumers. Based on quantitative research approach, a sample of 308 respondents were collected to investigate relationships among online brand community participation, value creation practices and brand loyalty. The results highlighted hedonic, learning, self-esteem and social benefits as antecedents for online brand community participation. Moreover, value creation practices are derived as essential factor for enhancing brand loyalty among online community members. The finding exhibited valuable insights about developing corporate strategies to achieve customer intimacy for long-term relationship. Managerial implications are explained by identifying value-creation practices as a mechanism for enhancing consumer engagement and relationship management

Improving Patient Care with Machine Learning: A Game-Changer for Healthcare

Machine learning has revolutionized the field of healthcare by offering tremendous potential to improve patient care across various domains. This research study aimed to explore the impact of machine learning in healthcare and identify key findings in several areas.Machine learning algorithms demonstrated the ability to detect diseases at an early stage and facilitate accurate diagnoses by analyzing extensive medical data, including patient records, lab results, imaging scans, and genetic information. This capability holds the potential to improve patient outcomes and increase survival rates.The study highlighted that machine learning can generate personalized treatment plans by analyzing individual patient data, considering factors such as medical history, genetic information, and treatment outcomes. This personalized approach enhances treatment effectiveness, reduces adverse events, and contributes to improved patient outcomes.Predictive analytics utilizing machine learning techniques showed promise in patient monitoring by leveraging real-time data such as vital signs, physiological information, and electronic health records. By providing early warnings, healthcare providers can proactively intervene, preventing adverse events and enhancing patient safety.Machine learning played a significant role in precision medicine and drug discovery. By analyzing vast biomedical datasets, including genomics, proteomics, and clinical trial information, machine learning algorithms identified novel drug targets, predicted drug efficacy and toxicity, and optimized treatment regimens. This accelerated drug discovery process holds the potential to provide more effective and personalized treatment options.The study also emphasized the value of machine learning in pharmacovigilance and adverse event detection. By analyzing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) big data, machine learning algorithms uncovered hidden associations between drugs, medical products, and adverse events, aiding in early detection and monitoring of drug-related safety issues. This finding contributes to improved patient safety and reduced occurrences of adverse events.The research demonstrated the remarkable potential of machine learning in medical imaging analysis. Deep learning algorithms trained on large datasets were able to detect abnormalities in various medical images, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnoses. This technology reduces human error and ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes.While machine learning offers immense benefits, ethical considerations such as patient privacy, algorithm bias, and transparency must be addressed for responsible implementation. Healthcare professionals should remain central to decision-making processes, utilizing machine learning as a tool to enhance their expertise rather than replace it. This study showcases the transformative potential of machine learning in revolutionizing healthcare and improving patient care

The Secular Side of Islam: a Case Study of Tariq Ali’s Islam Quintet

The present study discusses the secular side of Islamic civilization in Tariq Ali’s Islam Quintet. Against the misrepresentation of Islam in the western discourse, Ali’s Islam Quintet depicts the past history of Muslims that highlights the secular, tolerant, pluralistic and intellectual side of the Islamic civilization. The study is qualitative in nature. The technique of content analysis was used to analyse the texts of three novels – Shadows of the pomegranate tree, The Book of Saladin, A Sultan in Palermo – of Islam Quintet to argue that the author deconstructs the western notions about Islam and retells the history from other’s perspective. The analysis of the Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree demonstrates that the Muslims of Banu Hudayl lived secular lives and their actions and decisions were determined by material and economic motives. Furthermore, the study highlights the intellectual, rational, tolerant and secular side of some significant historical and fictional characters in “the Book of Saladin” and “a Sultan in Palermo”. Keywords: Christian Europe, Islamic civilization, Islam Quintet, Orientalism, Secular aspec

MANAGING CONSUMER COMMITMENT THROUGH ONLINE BRAND COMMUNITIES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM CHINA

The competitive virtual environment generates opportunities for organizations to secure ever-lasting relationship with consumers. This study revealed the relationship of perceived benefits and community commitment enjoyed by the consumers after joining online brand community. A sample of 308 respondents is obtained from China through social networking sites. The analytical outcome highlights the decisive role of hedonic, learning, selfesteem and social benefits for enhancing brand community commitment. Moreover, consumer knowledge before joining a brand page was investigated which concluded that consumer commitment is not moderated by consumer knowledge in an online brand community but it showed positive impact as an antecedent of community commitment. Brand managers could use this accessible tool for satisfying consumer needs and for enhancing brand attachment and loyalty. The future studies might investigate the impact of such consumer commitment on brand loyalty and brand equity by emphasizing on management perspective