Search

Over the past decade, safeguarding marine life and aquatic ecosystems against deleterious dye pollutants has emerged as a paramount concern. Methylene blue dye stands out as one such pollutant capable of inflicting irreversible damage to marine ecosystems even at minute concentrations. Addressing this pressing issue, we synthesized a novel CoMnFe2O4/graphene oxide nanocomposite employing a microwave-ultrasonic method. This composite, comprising soft superparamagnetic CoMnFe2O4 hollow microstructures integrated onto graphene oxide surfaces, revealed a mesoporous structure with a notably high surface area, which was about 96.4654 m2.g−1. Various analytical techniques were employed to scrutinize the crystal structure, functional groups, surface chemical composition, and morphologies of the synthesized CoMnFe2O4/graphene oxide nanocomposite (X-ray diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy). The CoMnFe2O4 crystal phase appears to be cubic in the X-ray diffraction with a 28.91 nm Avg. crystallite size. The measured band gap energies for the CoMnFe2O4, graphene oxide, and CoMnFe2O4/graphene oxide nanocomposite are 2.23 eV, 2.90 eV, and 1.89 eV, respectively. Remarkably, under visible light irradiation, the nanocomposite exhibited an impressive degradation efficiency of 97.54 % within just fifty minutes (at pH = 7, Methylene blue conc. = 15 mg/L, and catalyst dose = 0.05 g.), attributed to a photo degradation rate constant (k value) reaching 0.07330 min−1. Notably, this efficiency nearly doubled with the introduction of H2O2 peroxide. The outstanding recyclability of the CoMnFe2O4/graphene oxide nanocomposite, sustaining optimal performance over four cycles without significant degradation, underscores its potential for long-term environmental remediation efforts. Moreover, its magnetic extractability from contaminated solutions enhances its suitability for advanced environmental applications.

Abstract Melanoma presents increasing prevalence and poor outcomes. Progression to aggressive stages is characterized by overexpression of the transcription factor E2F1 and activation of downstream prometastatic gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Appropriate therapeutic manipulation of the E2F1-governed GRNs holds the potential to prevent metastasis however, these networks entail complex feedback and feedforward regulatory motifs among various regulatory layers, which make it difficult to identify druggable components. To this end, computational approaches such as mathematical modeling and virtual screening are important tools to unveil the dynamics of these signaling networks and identify critical components that could be further explored as therapeutic targets. Herein, we integrated a well-established E2F1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) map with transcriptomics data from E2F1-expressing melanoma cells to reconstruct a core regulatory network underlying aggressive melanoma. Using logic-based in silico perturbation experiments of a core regulatory network, we identified that simultaneous perturbation of Protein kinase B (AKT1) and oncoprotein murine double minute 2 (MDM2) drastically reduces EMT in melanoma. Using the structures of the two protein signatures, virtual screening strategies were performed with the FDA-approved drug library. Furthermore, by combining drug repurposing and computer-aided drug design techniques, followed by molecular dynamics simulation analysis, we identified two potent drugs (Tadalafil and Finasteride) that can efficiently inhibit AKT1 and MDM2 proteins. We propose that these two drugs could be considered for the development of therapeutic strategies for the management of aggressive melanoma. Graphical abstract

Background: The pathophysiology of psychosis is complex, but a better understanding of stimulus binding windows (BWs) could help to improve our knowledge base. Previous studies have shown that dopamine release is associated with psychosis and widened BWs. We can probe BW mechanisms using drugs of specific interest to psychosis. Therefore, we were interested in understanding how manipulation of the dopamine or catecholamine systems affect psychosis and BWs. We aimed to investigate the effect of dexamphetamine, as a dopamine-releasing stimulant, on the BWs in a unimodal illusion: the tactile funneling illusion (TFI). Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced placebo-controlled crossover study to investigate funnelling and errors of localization. We administered dexamphetamine (0.45 mg/kg) to 46 participants. We manipulated 5 spatial (5-1 cm) and 3 temporal (0, 500 and 750 ms) conditions in the TFI. Results: We found that dexamphetamine increased funnelling illusion (p = 0.009) and increased the error of localization in a delay-dependent manner (p = 0.03). We also found that dexamphetamine significantly increased the error of localization at 500 ms temporal separation and 4 cm spatial separation ([p.sub.interaction] = 0.009; [p.sub.500ms14cm v. baseline] = 0.01). Limitations: Although amphetamine-induced models of psychosis are a useful approach to understanding the physiology of psychosis related to dopamine hyperactivity, dexamphetamine is equally effective at releasing noradrenaline and dopamine, and, therefore, we were unable to tease apart the effects of the 2 systems on BWs in our study. Conclusion: We found that dexamphetamine increases illusory perception on the unimodal TFI in healthy participants, which suggests that dopamine or other catecholamines have a role in increasing tactile spatial and temporal BWs., Introduction People integrate multiple stimuli over space and time to form unified percepts of objects and events, (1) and alterations in integration have been proposed as being important for a [...]

Evidence for the teaching involves transmission of knowledge, superiority of guided transmission is explained in the context of our knowledge, but it is also much more that. In this study we have examined General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's cadet and civilian students' response to constructivist learning theory and participatory teaching methods, especially concepts and knowledge on the learning platform in the Defence University. Target population of this study represents 41 students. All students were given a questionnaire related to constructivist learning theory and participatory teaching methods. The claims of constructivist teaching/learning theory that this paper has singled out are the following: 1) learning is an active experience; 2) the ideas students hold about the subject and topic being taught will form a part of their learning experience; and 3) learning is socially and culturally rooted. Recent developments in Constructivist Teaching/Learning Theory was explained and briefly described in this paper.

Abnormal miRNA expression has been evidenced to be directly linked to HCC initiation and progression. This study was designed to detect possible prognostic, diagnostic, and/or therapeutic miRNAs for HCC using computational analysis of miRNAs expression. Methods: miRNA expression datasets meta-analysis was performed using the YM500v2 server to compare miRNA expression in normal and cancerous liver tissues. The most significant differentially regulated miRNAs in our study undergone target gene analysis using the mirWalk tool to obtain their validated and predicted targets. The combinatorial target prediction tool; miRror Suite was used to obtain the commonly regulated target genes. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the resulting targets using the DAVID tool. A network was constructed based on interactions among microRNAs, their targets, and transcription factors. Hub nodes and gatekeepers were identified using network topological analysis. Further, we performed patient data survival analysis based on low and high expression of identified hubs and gatekeeper nodes, patients were stratified into low and high survival probability groups. Results: Using the meta-analysis option in the YM500v2 server, 34 miRNAs were found to be significantly differentially regulated ( P -value ⩽ .05); 5 miRNAs were down-regulated while 29 were up-regulated. The validated and predicted target genes for each miRNA, as well as the combinatorially predicted targets, were obtained. DAVID enrichment analysis resulted in several important cellular functions that are directly related to the main cancer hallmarks. Among these functions are focal adhesion, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt signaling, insulin signaling, Ras and MAPK signaling pathways. Several hub genes and gatekeepers were found that could serve as potential drug targets for hepatocellular carcinoma. POU2F1 and PPARA showed a significant difference between low and high survival probabilities ( P -value ⩽ .05) in HCC patients. Our study sheds light on important biomarker miRNAs for hepatocellular carcinoma along with their target genes and their regulated functions.

Context. Black soldier fly larvae are a promising alternative ingredient in poultry feed. They might be able to replace soybean and fishmeal because the have high concentrations of protein and fat, and are also rich in vitamins and minerals, and because partial replacement of soybean and total replacement of fishmeal produce no adverse effect on the growth performance of village chickens. Therefore, they are a suitable replacement for these traditional ingredients in poultry feed. Aims. This study determines the nutritive values of black soldier fly larvae and evaluates the effects of feeding diets containing black soldier fly larvae on the growth performance of village chickens. Methods. Samples of black soldier fly larvae were subjected to proximate analysis before a total of 280 1-day-old village chicks were randomly divided into four groups. All groups were fed a basal diet with partial replacements of corn and soybean with black soldier fly larvae at 0% (Control), 5% (T1), 10% (T2) and 15% (T3) for 70 days. Each treatment group consisted of seven replicates, with 10 birds per replicate. The bodyweights, bodyweight gains and feed conversion rates were determined. Key results. Dry rendered black soldier fly larvae contained 773.0 ± 0.08 g/kg dry matter, 36.1 ± 0.09 g/kg ash, 408.8 ± 0.28 g/kg crude protein, 283.0 ± 0.16 g/kg ether extract and 40.9 ± 0.44 g/kg crude fibre. The larvae also contained 2.041 MJ/kg of metabolisable energy, 20.4 g/kg of calcium and adequate concentrations of vitamins. The feeding trial showed an average bodyweight gain of 1231.45 ± 23.37 g and feed conversion ratio of 2.03 ± 0.15, which were most efficient with Diet T3. Conclusions. Inclusion of 15% black soldier fly larvae in diets can enhance the growth performance of village chickens without adverse effects. Implications. Partial replacement of soybean and total replacement of fishmeal in the diet of chickens by black soldier fly larvae are not affecting the growth performance of village chickens but might reduce the feed cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies that examined the effect of amphetamine or caffeine on spatial working memory (SWM) and verbal working memory (VWM) have used various tasks. However, there are no studies that have used spatial span tasks (SSTs) to assess the SWM effect of amphetamine and caffeine, although some studies have used digit span tasks (DST) to assess VWM. Previous reports also showed that increasing dopamine increases psychosis-like experiences (PLE, or schizotypy) scores which are in turn negatively associated with WM performance in people with high schizotypy and people with schizophrenia. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the influence of d-amphetamine (0.45 mg/kg, PO), a dopamine releasing stimulant, on SST, DST, and on PLE in healthy volunteers. In a separate study, we examined the effect of caffeine, a nonspecific adenosine receptor antagonist with stimulant properties, on similar tasks.MethodsHealthy participants (N = 40) took part in two randomized, double-blind, counter-balanced placebo-controlled cross-over pilot studies: The first group (N = 20) with d-amphetamine (0.45 mg/kg, PO) and the second group (N = 20) with caffeine (200 mg, PO). Spatial span and digit span were examined under four delay conditions (0, 2, 4, 8 s). PLE were assessed using several scales measuring various aspects of psychosis and schizotypy.ResultsWe failed to find an effect of d-amphetamine or caffeine on SWM or VWM, relative to placebo. However, d-amphetamine increased a composite score of psychosis-like experiences (p = 0.0005), specifically: Scores on Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Perceptual Aberrations Scale, and Magical Ideation Scale were increased following d-amphetamine. The degree of change in PLE following d-amphetamine negatively and significantly correlated with changes in SWM, mainly at the longest delay condition of 8 s (r = -0.58, p = 0.006).ConclusionThe present results showed that moderate-high dose of d-amphetamine and moderate dose of caffeine do not directly affect performances on DST or SST. However, the results indicate that d-amphetamine indirectly influences SWM, through its effect on psychosis-like experiences.Trial registrationClinical trial registration numberCT-2018-CTN-02561 (Therapeutic Goods Administration Clinical Trial Registry) and ACTRN12618001292268 (The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry) for caffeine study, and ACTRN12608000610336 for d-amphetamine study.

BackgroundRTS,S/AS01 induced anti-circumsporozoite protein (CSP) IgG antibodies are associated with the vaccine efficacy. There is currently no international standardisation of the assays used in the measurement of anti-CSP IgG antibody concentrations for use in evaluations of the vaccine's immunogenicity and/or efficacy. Here, we compared the levels of RTS,S/AS01 induced anti-CSP IgG antibodies measured using three different enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assays (ELISA).Methods196 plasma samples were randomly selected from the 447 samples collected during the RTS,S/AS01 phase IIb trial in 2007 from Kenyan children aged between 5-17 months. The vaccine-induced anti-CSP IgG antibodies were then measured using two independently developed ELISA protocols ('Kilifi-RTS,S' and 'Oxford-R21') and compared to the results from the reference 'Ghent-RTS,S' protocol for the same participants. For each pair of protocols, a deming regression model was fitted. Linear equations were then derived to aid in conversions into equivalent ELISA units. The agreement was assessed using Bland and Altman method.FindingsThe anti-CSP IgG antibodies measured from the three ELISA protocols were in agreement, and were positively and linearly correlated; 'Oxford' and 'Kilifi' r = 0.93 (95% CI 0.91-0.95), 'Oxford' and 'Ghent' r = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96), and 'Kilifi' and 'Ghent' r = 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.98), pConclusionsWith the linearity, agreement and correlations established between the assays, conversion equations can be applied to convert results into equivalent units, enabling comparisons of immunogenicities across different vaccines of the same CSP antigens. This study highlights the need for the international harmonisation of anti-CSP antibody measurements.

Abstract Background RTS,S/AS01, the leading malaria vaccine has been recommended by the WHO for widespread immunization of children at risk. RTS,S/AS01-induced anti-CSP IgG antibodies are associated with the vaccine efficacy. Here, the long-term kinetics of RTS,S/AS01-induced antibodies was investigated. Methods 150 participants were randomly selected from the 447 children who participated in the RTS,S/AS01 phase IIb clinical trial in 2007 from Kilifi-Kenya. Cumulatively, the retrospective follow-up period was 93 months with annual plasma samples collection. The levels of anti-CSP IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 antibodies were then determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results RTS,S/AS01 induced high levels of anti-CSP IgG antibodies which exhibited a rapid waning over 6.5 months post-vaccination, followed by a slower decay over the subsequent years. RTS,S/AS01-induced anti-CSP IgG antibodies remained elevated above the control group levels throughout the 7 years follow-up period. The anti-CSP IgG antibodies were mostly IgG1, IgG3, IgG2, and to a lesser extent IgG4. IgG2 predominated in later timepoints. RTS,S/AS01 also induced high levels of anti-CSP IgM antibodies which increased above the control group levels by month 3. The controls exhibited increasing levels of the anti-CSP IgM antibodies which caught up with the RTS,S/AS01 vaccinees levels by month 21. In contrast, there were no measurable anti-CSP IgG antibodies among the controls. Conclusion RTS,S/AS01-induced anti-CSP IgG antibodies kinetics are consistent with long-lived but waning vaccine efficacy. Natural exposure induces anti-CSP IgM antibodies in children, which increases with age, but does not induce substantial levels of anti-CSP IgG antibodies.

Copyright of Ginecologia.ro is the property of MEDICHUB MEDIA, S.R.L. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia is the property of Publikasi Indonesia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Antivenom has been the cornerstone of management for snake envenomation since its development and clinical use more than 100 years ago. Frequently used antivenoms are polyvalent antibodies, produced by immunizing animals. Like other protein drugs, antivenom has immunogenicity and may cause acute allergic reactions including 'anaphylaxis9 ranging from mild to life threatening reactions. Premedication with subcutaneous adrenaline has clear benefit evidenced by reduction of number and extent of these events. Due to diversities of venom composition, to be maximally effective, antivenoms should ideally be produced by using the venoms from species of local origin. For ensuring the ongoing safety and effectiveness of this antivenom, routine pharmacovigilance is necessary. Pharmacovigilance is a systematic, scientific study on adverse events that can be reported to concerned authority (Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) in Bangladesh) by active or passive reporting. Introduction of pharmacovigilance will help to improve the monitoring and management of the AV related risks through identification and assessment of suspected drug adverse reactions, ineffectiveness, and other drug-related problems. Bangladesh drug regulatory authority (DGDA) encourages to report adverse events by health professionals following use of AV. At the same time need based distribution of AV and other logistics to the health care facilities across the country has to be established. Health authority should prioritize the need and take necessary actions to produce AV(s) using the venom from the locally collected medically important venomous snakes. Antivenom is an essential drug for managing a community emergency, snakebite envenomation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of some Saudi Arabia honey products. Materials & Methods: For this investigation, sixty Saudi Arabia honey products were tested to determine the antimicrobial activity against highly antibiotic-resistant pathogens as well as antioxidant activity in comparison with Manuka honey as a standard. Results: Testing Saudi Arabia honeys, different levels of growth suppression were observed against five bacterial strains. The pathogenic strains were Staphylococcus aureusas, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter diversus and Salmonella enterica. These suppression levels depended on the type of honey. The comparative study of Saudi Arabia honeys revealed a strong correlation between total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and significant radical scavenging activities. Conclusion: It was concluded that Saudi Arabia honey products have the capacity to suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria and perform significant radical scavenging activities.

Abstract. Plant metabolic engineering is a modern discipline that promises to create opportunities in pharmaceutical industries to produce and biomedicine. Over the long period natural and synthetic plant hormones have had tremendous implications in callus/cell culture /suspension/ for secondary metabolites production (SMs). Generally, SMs plays a vital fundamental role in protecting the plant from biotic and abiotic attacks to which it may be subjected. This review article focused on the relationship between various factors related to the drug production. In medicinal plants, in vitro studies, based on biotic factors such as fungal/endo-phytic fungal elicitors/microbe-derived exogenous elicitor yeast extract (YE) were cross checked with the abiotic six factor groups, including auxins and cytokinins, gamma radiation, lights, temperature, carbon sources, photoperiods, precursor chemicals and plant metabolic enzymes. Moreover, key enzymes and gene networks can serve as a resource to selected potential targets for specific SMs production. This is the first review to describe the light factors needed for the SM production, which has favorable role for SMs. We envisage that the researcher can design how to modulate the stress factors in terms of drug improvement from medicinal plants.

In present study, arsenic (As) uptake potential of an eco-friendly Morus alba (mulberry) leave biomass was analyzed. Surface properties of the sorbent and its affinities for arsenic ions with respect to temperature were studied. Freundlich, D-R, Florry-Huggins and Halsey isotherms were found to be similar with recorded experimental data. Maximum sorption capacities 2.82 mg/g and 4.93 mg/g were calculated for As(III) and As(V) at pH-6 and pH-4, respectively. The energy values of the sorption 3.31-5.89 (

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder known primarily by its motor symptomatology. These motor manifestations are also hypothesised to affect the respiratory muscular function of PD patients contributing to restrictive pattern of ventilatory dysfunction. Previous reports attempting to detect these abnormalities through spirometric assessments have been inconclusive. Attempts at reversal of the restrictive abnormalities by levodopa therapy too, have yielded conflicting results. Objectives: This study aims to classify spirometric abnormalities in asymptomatic PD patients after levopopa withdrawal and document changes after levodopa replacement. Methods: Thirty-six non-smoker PD patients without pre-existing respiratory abnormalities were enrolled. Their standard spirometric values- FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC, were noted before and after their morning levodopa dose. Results: Nineteen patients had abnormal PFT values at baseline - 14 restrictive and 5 obstructive defects. Fourteen patients showed improvement in their pulmonary performances after dopamine administration with 6 showing complete reversibility. Statistically significant improvement in the post-levodopa FVC values was seen in patients with restrictive disorder (P value=0.04) but not for obstructive disorders. Discussions: This pilot study characterised that 39% of PD patients had restrictive ventilatory defects prior to morning dopamine administration. Of these, 40% showed improvement after levodopa administration. Conclusion: Restrictive defects are common in PD patients which are evident on routine spirometric screening. These defects are reversible on levodopa administration.

The purpose of this study was to provide more light on the effect of Qatada (Acacia hamulosa) honey from Saudi Arabia as a dressing on pilonidal sinus wound healing, antibacterial activity, and cytokine levels. The results revealed that the pH of 3.56 of tested honey, where glucose was 378 mmol/l also the specific gravity was 1.435, while contents of total phenolic and flavonoid and DPPH activity (32.15 mg GAE/100 g honey), (54.27 mg RE/100 g honey) and (127.83 mg/ml) respectively. The mean duration of pilonidal sinus wounds to be ready for surgical closure was 43.5 days in the control (standard dressing) group where the honey dressing group was 28.5 days. Less pain, edema, and foul-smelling discharge were expressed in the honey group if compared with the standard dressing group. The total bacterial count was 9 × 109 at the begging of the experiment then it reduced after the application of standard dressing traditional therapy to (9 ×105) and honey treatment group (9 ×102) after 21 days post-treatment. Significant reduction (p0.05) was observed in serum TNFα(-52), IL6 - 46), and IL-17 (-60) relatively to pre-treatment values. Based on our findings, we may conclude that Qatada honey bioactivities aided wound healing by increasing tissue growth while decreasing overall bacterial count and inflammation.

This research aims to investigate the marginalization of sexually abused children within the dominant societal discourse. The study reveals that these children are frequently subjected to discrimination by various social groups, including parents, adult relatives, caretakers in children’s homes, administrative bodies, and the legal system. Additionally, societal attitudes and responses further perpetuate this marginalization. The impact of this discrimination is particularly severe for girls, due to the patriarchal nature of Sri Lankan society, which tends to place greater emphasis on sexual issues concerning females. The findings underscore the harmful effects of power and hegemony in perpetuating such societal biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]