bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formalin-fixed Stool Improves Performance of the Kato‑Katz method
Authors: Wisetmora Ampas , Artchayasawat Atchara , Laummaunwai Porntip , Pitaksakulrat Opal , Wattanawong Oranard , Boonmars Thidarut
Published: May 2023

Background Parasitic infections are a public health problem worldwide including in Thailand. An epidemiological survey for helminthiasis based on stool examination uses the Kato-Katz method as recommended by the WHO. Limitations of this method include the need for fresh stool as well as time requirements and a lack of quality control. These remain a big problem in parasite control policy. Our goal here was to use formalin-fixed stool samples to improve the diagnostic performance of the Kato-Katz method.Methods Stools were divided into two groups: formalin-fixed and unfixed stool groups at various time points and processes for the Kato-Katz method. Fresh Echinostome eggs were added to each stool group. The clearing process was increased by incubation with glycerol. Each group was observed and photographed under a light microscope. Parasite eggs were imaged and compared with the standard Kato-Katz method.Results The quality of Echinostome egg visualization from the slide of formalin-fixed stool was significantly better than the unfixed stool (p < 0.01). Stool fixed for seven days retains its normal Echinostome egg morphology. Incubation with glycerol for 1 h could increase the Kato-Katz performance by digesting the stool content and enhancing egg observation. Moreover, the result of Kato-Katz method using natural helminths infection fixed and fixed stool plus glycerol found the good quality of Opisthorchis viverrini and Taenia egg visualization, normal morphology with clear background of slide.Conclusions Formalin-fixed stool could be suitable and appropriate for the Kato-Katz method rather than fresh stool; it could be used for epidemiological studies.
Larvicidal and Insecticidal activity of herbal formulation against Tribolium castaneum and Maconellicoccus hirsitus respectively
Authors: Patil Sujata N , Hundiwale Jogendra C. , Vadnere Gautam P
Published: May 2023

The Mealybug,Maconellicoccus hirsitus, is commonly known as pink hibiscus mealybug which is a serious insect pest of many plants of tropical and subtropical region.Tribolium castaneumis the major pest of wheat and rice. Also, serious pest of cereal grains and their products. The efficacy of herbal extract of 13 medicinal plants was checked againstMaconellicoccus hirsitusandTribolium castaneumin vivo under the temperature 25-270C and relative humidity 60–70%. The herbal extract at 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% concentration were applied to check their insecticidal and larvicidal activity. From the result of this experiment, reveals that, the herbal extract may be effective againstMaconellicoccus hirsitusandTribolium castaneumand we can use as alternative to chemical pesticides.
Crystal structure engineering of GdFeO3/Mxene composites with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption: role of phase transition and high polarizability
Authors: Chen Qiuling
Published: May 2023

The development of new materials that can absorb electromagnetic waves (EMW) is needed to address the problem of signal interference and crosstalk. In this study, a new composite material consisting of MXene and GdFeO3 nanoparticles has been synthesized using crystal structure engineering to improve EMW attenuation performance between 2 and 18 GHz. The GFO nanoparticles, with a size of 30–40 nm, are evenly distributed on the surface of the MXene layers. The XRD and Raman spectra of the composite material show different phases of GdFeO3, which have different crystal symmetries and coordination states. The XPS and EPR measurements indicate the coexistence of various valence states of Fe, which leads to oxygen vacancies in the lattice. The addition of MXene greatly increased the specific surface area and dielectric properties of the composite material. Due to the improved polarization and phase transition behavior, the P-E loop, DM constant, and attenuation constant were significantly enhanced. The combination of good ferroelectric GdFeO3 and disordered crystal phase into the multilayered MXene matrix resulted in an enhancement of conductive and magnetic losses. Experimental results demonstrated that the Pbnm GdFeO3/MXene composites exhibited excellent EMW absorption performance. At a thickness of 4 mm, the minimum reflection loss was − 61.5 dB, and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 8.62 GHz was achieved at 10.8 GHz due to the good dielectric, magnetic, and multiple reflections contributing to superior EMW absorption performance with a broad band.
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy-based Diagnosis Support System for Distinguishing between Mild and Severe Depression Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Huang Zhiyong , Liu Man , Yang Hui , Wang Mengyao , Zhao Yunlan , Han Xiao , Chen Huan , Feng Yaju
Published: May 2023

Due to the fast-paced lifestyle, individuals may experience varying degrees of depression attributed to stress, academic pursuits, and other causative factors. Hemodynamics and functional connectivity (correlation between channels) of the prefrontal lobe have been identified as crucial factors in assessing the severity of depression. As a non-invasive technique for monitoring cerebral blood flow, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) shows promising potential as a tool for objective auxiliary diagnosis of depression.This study aimed to develop prediction models for distinguishing patients with severe depression from those with mild depression based on the dataset collected by fNIRS.We collected the fNIRS data from 140 subjects, and used a complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise-wavelet threshold combined denoising method (CEEMDAN-WPT) to remove the jitter and artefact noise generated during the verbal fluency task (VFT). The temporal and correlation features of 18 channels in the prefrontal lobe of the subjects were extracted as predictors. We screened out the optimal temporal features (TF) or correlation features (CF) using the RFECV, and investigated their role in distinguishing severe and mild depression, respectively. The fusion of TF and CF, as the input of the prediction model, yielded higher classification accuracy than using TF or CF alone as the prediction factor. Among the prediction models, the SVM-based predictive model performed well in nested cross-validation, with an accuracy rate of 92.8%.The proposed model effectively distinguishes mild depression from severe depression, provides an objective diagnostic method for mental health workers, and is significant in treating patients with depression.
A prefrontal cortex alpha / delta switch controls the transition from positive to negative affective states
Authors: Burgdorf Jeffrey , Moskal Joseph
Published: May 2023

Positive and negative emotional states in rats can be studied by investigating ultrasonic vocalizations. Positive affect in rats is indexed by 50-kHz USVs, and negative affect is indexed by 20-kHz calls. We examined the relationship of emotional states in rats using medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) quantitative electroencephalograms (qEEG) and found that hedonic USVs were associated with active wake qEEG (high alpha/low delta), and aversive USVs occurred with groggy wake qEEG (low alpha/high delta). Further, alpha stimulation of the MPFC induces hedonic calls and reward-seeking behavior, whereas delta stimulation produces aversive calls and avoidance behavior. The brain region responsible for generating USVs, the periaqueductal gray (PAG), shows a motor-evoked potential that is temporally locked to the alpha (hedonic) and delta (aversive) motor-evoked potential. Closed-loop alpha stimulation could prevent delta qEEG and aversive USVs. At the neuronal circuit level, alpha was associated with synaptic potentiation (LTP) whereas delta induced depotentiation (LTD). At the pharmacological level, NMDAR and growth factor modulation regulated these forms of neuroplasticity. At the single neuron level, excitatory neurons show increased activity in response to alpha frequencies and decreased activity during delta frequencies. In humans, the feeling of joy increased alpha and decreased delta power in frontal scalp qEEG, and the opposite response was seen for sadness. Thus, the synchronization of alpha / delta oscillations through the neuronal circuit responsible for emotional expression coordinates emotional behavior, and the switch between active wake / positive affect and groggy wake / negative affect is under the control of an LTP- LTD synaptic plasticity mechanism.
Prevalence and Factors Affecting the Intention of Women to Limit Childbearing in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rashid Md. Mamunur , Roy Tapan Kumar , Rahman Mosiur
Published: May 2023

Women’s intention to limit childbearing is a leading issue in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study tries to identify which factors are associated with limiting childbearing intention among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh. We used the most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 data to analyze this study. The outcome variable was women’s intention to limit childbearing. Individual, household and community-level factors were used as the explanatory variables. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the background characteristics of the study. To check the association between the outcome variable and explanatory variable, we used two-level logistic regression model. The result of this study showed that women’s age, education, wealth index, and use of modern methods had significantly associated with women’s intention to limit childbearing. According to the two-level logistic regression model, the likelihood of women’s intention to limit childbearing was found to be increased with the increased age of respondents. Higher-educated women were 83% lower likelihood of limiting childbearing compared to illiterate women. Women who came from middle wealth index had a 40% lower likelihood to limit childbearing than the poorest women. Women who had used modern methods were 1.52 times more to limit childbearing than women who had not used modern methods. So, improving access to women’s age, wealth index, education and contraceptive use will pay more attention to achieving desired fertility rate.
Energy Efficient Cluster based Artificial Intelligence Routing for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: P Rajendra Prasad , Ahmed Roshan Zameer , Choudhary Dilip Kumar
Published: May 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) based wireless sensor network technology is the future of advancement for real-time applications. With AI wireless sensor network technology, it is possible to collect data from any environment, analyze in real time, and use it to optimize processes and operations. AI wireless sensor network technology provides an unprecedented level of accuracy as well as the ability to detect even the slightest changes in a given environment. The AI-based approach uses clustering-based techniques with Self Organizing Map (SOM) for energy conservation in resource-constrained networks. By clustering the network, it becomes more energy efficient, as data can be shared among members of a cluster without needing to be transmitted across multiple nodes. We make an effort to define key parameters of the design space for size, cost, mobility, deployment, and energy parameters and support our conclusions by demonstrating where different existing sensor network applications are located within the design space. The proposed work AI cluster-based routing approach outperforms in terms of energy consumption and computational challenges of the network. Furthermore, the work includes a mathematical analysis, which allows readers to better understand the inner workings of the proposed approach and how it can be used to reduce network energy consumption. The results obtained demonstrate the proposed approach to achieve lower energy consumption than the existing algorithms while providing the same level of performance in terms of throughput and latency, as well as a comparison with traditional justification techniques.
Diagnosis of Immunoglobulin D myeloma with severe renal involvement ten years after a solitary plasmacytoma
Authors: Mrabet Sanda , Hmida Mohamed Ben
Published: May 2023

Immunoglobulin D myeloma is a rare subtype often described as aggressive with advanced disease at diagnosis. Primary renal involvement is seen in scarce cases. The aim of the present study was to describe the case of a 55‑year‑old male patient with immunoglobulin D‑λ myeloma who presented with severe renal failure at diagnosis. On examination, he presented a 10- year-old sternal arch. Investigations concluded a sternal plasmacytoma associated with multiple others in the ribs. He benefited from traditional chemotherapy and remained hemodialysis-dependent. We concluded that IgD-secreting plasma cells could remain quiescent for a long time in the form of a solitary plasmacytoma. However, in case of bone marrow involvement, they may induce myeloma with serious organic damage.
Eye tracking by Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display provides biofeedback for gaze stabilisation exercises and enables on-the-fly measurement of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex gain
Authors: Nowakowski Jonatan Julian , Moksud Nafeesa , Zatoński Tomasz
Published: May 2023

Background: Vestibular hypofunction is a debilitating condition managed by vestibular rehabilitation protocol. Growing evidence indicates use of a virtual reality head mounted display (VR-HMD) based vestibular rehabilitation protocol improves adaptation responses by the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), and reduction of symptoms. Currently such protocols only employ habituation exercises, and not gaze stabilisation.
Methods: A VR-HMD with integrated biofeedback system was designed to guide 8 participants (4 cases, 4 controls) through VR-based vestibular rehabilitation exercises, allowing the participants to self-correct for gaze stabilisation. VOR, angular VOR and patient discomfort were measured.
Results: Ipsilesional VOR of patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction increased by 23.17% (SD: ±18,87%, p=0.01). One patient achieved a statistically significant decrease in aVOR for the contralesional side. Patient discomfort increased with the duration of the protocol.
Conclusions: This pilot VR-HMD protocol is a good alternative to classic gaze stabilisation exercises and allows for on the fly measurement of VOR. All patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction demonstrated VOR gains. This is the first known study to employ biofeedback within the VR-HMD rehabilitation protocol that aids patients comply precisely to the exercises while also providing on-the-fly measurements for later examination and analysis. Further research is needed to optimise the technical considerations and tailor the rehabilitation protocol to patient needs and comfort.
Investigating the Vibration assisted rock drilling in longitudinal-torsional direction
Authors: Gao Dayong , Lin Jianyong , Li Jianlei , Yao Hongliang
Published: May 2023

To address the issues of high axial force and slow cutting speed in traditional rock drilling, this paper proposes a longitudinal-torsional coupled vibration assisted rock drilling scheme. Theoretical modeling of rock drilling under longitudinal-torsional coupled vibration assistance is presented, followed by finite element simulations of traditional drilling, longitudinal vibration drilling, torsional vibration drilling, and longitudinal-torsional coupled vibration drilling. Results show that longitudinal-torsional coupled vibration drilling reduces the maximum axial force by 36.32% and increases the drilling speed by 36.28% compared to traditional drilling. Experimental validation shows a reduction in strain of the drill bit support by 35.48% and a 31.25% increase in drilling speed during longitudinal-torsional coupled vibration drilling compared to torsional vibration drilling. Study demonstrates that longitudinal-torsional coupled vibration drilling is a more efficient method for rock drilling than other methods.
A low dose of naloxone mitigates autoimmune hepatitis by regulating TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways
Authors: Ibrahim Kawther Magdy , Ahmed Hebatalla Ibrahim , Ramadan Laila , Balah Amany
Published: May 2023

Naloxone is a non-selective opiate receptor antagonist that is mainly used in the management of opiate addiction. Previously, naloxone has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A popular and well-known animal model of autoimmune hepatitis that closely matches the pathogenic changes that take place in humans is the Concanavalin A (Con A) model. The present study demonstrates that a low dose of naloxone (LD NX) has the ability to improve hepatic function and attenuate hepatic damage induced by Con A as indicated by a substantial decrease in serum aminotransferase, bilirubin and enhancement of albumin production as well as liver pathological changes. Also, The proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interferon- γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were highly suppressed in animals pretreated with LD NX via interference with TLR4/NF-kB as well as JNK signaling pathways. Additionally, oxidative stress was significantly attenuated in animals pretreated with LD NX as indicated by high reduction in hepatic MDA and an increase in Nrf2, HO-1 expression and subsequent production of the endogenous antioxidants, SOD, CAT and GSH. Collectively, this study demonstrates that LD NX has the ability to mitigate Con A-induced autoimmune hepatitis via modulation of inflammatory cytokines secretion and interference with reactive oxygen species generation.
The association between TLRs and clinical outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Lei Chunyan , Lin Shihan , Li Yongyu , Zhu Xiaoyan , Li Haijiang , Xue Ruolong , Chang Xiaolong , Yang Xinglong , Zhong Lianmei
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in innate immunity and inflammatory responses in various diseases. Our study aimed to investigate the association the levels of soluble TLR4 (sTLR4) and soluble TLR2 (sTLR2) and clinical outcomes following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).Methods Patients admitted to department of Neurology with acute ICH were retrospectively included. Plasma levels of sTLR4 and sTLR2 after ICH were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Poor clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin score (mRS) of 3–6 at 3-month and 12-month after onset.Results All 207 patients with ICH and 100 non-stroke controls were included in our analysis. The mean sTLR4 level was 4.53 ± 1.51ng/ml and mean sTLR2 level was 3.65 ± 0.72ng/ml. There was a significant trend towards a worse clinical outcomes with increasing sTLR4 and sTLR2 terciles at 3 and 12 months. According to receiver operating curve (ROC), the sTLR4 was reliable predictor for poor clinical outcome at 3 months (ROC = 0.75) and 12 months (ROC = 0.74). The sTLR2 was less reliable predictor for poor clinical outcome at 3 months (ROC = 0.64) and 12 months (ROC = 0.65). The level of sTLR4 was an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome at 12-month (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.80; P = 0.019).Conclusions The sTLR4 quantification may provide accurate prognostic information after ICH.
Roadmap of electrons from donor side to the reaction center dimer of photosynthetic purple bacteria with mutated cytochromes
Authors: Kis M. , Szabó T. , Tandori J. , Maróti P.
Published: May 2023

In photosynthetic bacteria, the absorbed light drives the canonical cyclic electron transfer between the reaction center and the cytochrome bc1 complexes via the pools of mobile electron carriers. If kinetic or structural barriers hinder the participation of the bc1 complex in the cyclic flow of electrons, then the pools of mobile redox agents must supply the electrons for the multiple turnovers of the reaction center. These conditions were achieved by continuous high light excitation of intact cells of bacterial strains Rba. sphaeroides and Rvx. gelatinosus with depleted donor side cytochromes c2 (cycA) and tetraheme cytochrome subunit (pufC), respectively. The graduate oxidation by ferricyanide reduced further the availability of electron donors of pufC. The electron transfer through the reaction center was tracked by absorption change of the dimer and by induction and relaxation of the bacteriochlorophyll fluorescence. The rate constants of the electron transfer (~ 3·103 s‒1) from the mobile donors of Rvx. gelatinosus bound either to the RC (pufC) or to the tetraheme subunit (wild type) were similar. The electrons transferred through the reaction center dimer were supplied entirely by the donor pool, their number amounted about 5 in wild type Rvx. gelatinosus and decreased to 1 by exhaustion of the pool in pufC oxidized by ferricyanide. The complex shape of the measured function of the yield of fluorescence versus oxidized dimer revealed the contribution of two competing processes: the migration of the excitation energy among the photosynthetic units and the availability of electron donors to the oxidized dimer. The experimental results were simulated and rationalized by a simple kinetic model of the two-electron cycling of the acceptor side combined with aperiodic one-electron redox function of the donor side.
Numerical Investigation of Double Emulsion Formation in non-Newtonian Fluids using Double Co-Flow Geometry
Authors: Malakshah Vahid Mollania , Darabi Mahdi , Sattari Amirmohammad , Hanafizadeh Pedram
Published: May 2023

The paper presents a 2D axisymmetric numerical simulation in three phases to investigate a double Co-Flow microfluidic device's ability to produce double emulsions in both Newtonian and non-Newtonian ambient fluids. The Volume of fluid (VOF) method was utilized to perform an investigation of the creation of a double emulsion in a double Co-Flow geometry. The study utilized a model to examine how the size and generation frequency of double emulsions are impacted by various factors such as the velocity of the phases, viscosities, interfacial tension, and rheological properties of non-Newtonian fluids. The model predicted the process of emulsification successfully in dripping and jetting regimes and was used to predict the impacts of the velocity of the phases on the dimension, and frequency of compound droplets. As the inner phase's flow rate is raised, the size of the inner droplets rises, while the dimension of the outer droplets remains mostly unchanged. In contrast, growing the outer phase's flow rate leads to a reduction in the size of compound droplets. However, when the middle phase's flow rate is enhanced, the size of detached droplets in the outer and inner phases undergo opposite changes, i.e., decreasing and increasing in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, respectively. Also, the results showed that in non-Newtonian fluids, smaller droplets are formed compared to Newtonian fluid, and the diameter of the double emulsions formed decreases, with the rise in the concentration of the non-Newtonian fluid.
A Post-Pandemic Case Study and Situation Analysis of Helping Babies Breathe Programs in Vietnam
Authors: Kain Victoria , Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh , Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh , Fatth Waleed , Kelly Patty , Larbah Amina , Patel Divya
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVE
To assess the current state of healthcare workers' skills following an extended hiatus in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training in Vietnam.
STUDY DESIGN
A two-phased study collected demographic and epidemiologic information, followed by semi-structured interviews with stakeholders to analyse the impact of the pandemic on neonatal resuscitation education and what is needed to resume and upscale training.
RESULTS
Vietnam's neonatal mortality rate has decreased, but socioeconomic differences and the availability of skilled birth attendants varies by region. The situation analysis highlighted the need for resources to support neonatal resuscitation training, difficulty in skill maintenance, and the impact of the pandemic on the neonatal workforce.
CONCLUSION
In low-resource countries, the global pandemic resulted in shortages of medical supplies, decreased access to care, and diminished neonatal resuscitation skills. These settings require regular neonatal resuscitation training, raising issues regarding reversal of HBB training gains, lack of skill reinforcement, and unsafe practices.
MURO PARA QUEM? Os ecolimites da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e o falso discurso da proteção ambiental
Authors: Almeida Thácio Henrique’s F. P. de , Giannella Letícia de C.
Published: May 2023

Em 2001, foi noticiado o Ecolimites, um projeto cujo objetivo oficial era frear a expansão horizontal das favelas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro sobre áreas de proteção ambiental a partir da instalação de cabos de aço e muros. Este artigo tem como intuito analisar a implementação de ecolimites em 13 favelas das Zonas Sul e Oeste da cidade em 2009, buscando apontar as contradições do projeto. Para tanto, foi realizada uma análise quali-quantitativa do Ecolimites e dos dados de expansão das favelas. Os resultados apontam que a justificativa do projeto não encontra embasamento nos dados oficiais, e, portanto, parece ter outros objetivos que não a proteção ambiental. Conclui-se que se deve questionar a legalidade e a constitucionalidade do projeto Ecolimites.
Índice da vulnerabilidade social urbana em Goiás:
Authors: Neto Aristóteles Teobaldo , Medeiros Levindo Cardoso
Published: May 2023

Neste trabalho, o principal objetivo foi elaborar um Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social Urbana (IVSU) em Goiás, na escala do setor censitário, baseado no SoVI (Social Vulnerability Index)® e no banco de dados do Censo Demográfico 2010. Foi possível concluir que a pobreza, o déficit educacional e a população de cor preta/parda constituíram o principal fator de vulnerabilidade social. Em torno de 23% das pessoas residiam em setores de elevada vulnerabilidade. A desigualdade é sistêmica, mas foi mais grave nas cidades médias e grandes. Os 37 municípios mais desiguais corresponderam a 15% do total (246), mas concentraram 73% da população urbana. A natureza dos dados favorece expandir os estudos na escala do tempo (Censos Demográficos) e/ou do espaço (território nacional).
O complexo imobiliário-financeiro na produção do espaço metropolitano: o caso do município de Nova Lima, Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte (MG)
Authors: Sales Bárbara Marques , Giannella Letícia de C. , O’Neill Maria Mônica V. C.
Published: May 2023

As metrópoles da América Latina vêm se conformando a partir de uma série de transformações socioespaciais, que revelam a complexidade dos processos de urbanização. Neste trabalho, objetiva-se analisar a atuação do complexo imobiliário-financeiro na produção do espaço metropolitano de Belo Horizonte, mais especificamente no município de Nova Lima, no contexto da neoliberalização urbana. Os caminhos metodológicos passaram por revisão de literatura, análises estatísticas e espaciais. Realizou-se uma descrição dos processos de produção do espaço urbano no município e identificação dos principais empreendimentos imobiliários da região e sua relação com a expansão de áreas construídas, enfatizando a construção de condomínios residenciais. Para tanto, foram utilizados dados dos Censos Demográficos de 1991, 2000 e 2010 e analisadas imagens de satélite referentes ao período entre 1974 e 2020. Nota-se que o caso estudado é um exemplo das transformações do capitalismo e seu papel na produção do espaço metropolitano e das relações urbano-rural.
Perspectiva de mulheres sobre prevenção à gravidez na adolescência e ações de saúde na escola
Authors: Silva Jéssica Karoline Barbosa da , Dias Maraina Gomes Pires Fernandes , Andrade Luciane Sá de
Published: May 2023

A gravidez na adolescência tem impactos nos processos de vida, visto sua complexidade; assim, a investigação das atividades voltadas aos aspectos da prevenção, baseada na promoção da saúde e abordagem histórico-cultural, apresenta relevância à pesquisa em saúde. Deste modo, o presente artigo busca analisar os sentidos de mulheres sobre as ações desenvolvidas pela escola relacionadas à prevenção da gravidez. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descritivo e transversal com abordagem qualitativa. Participaram do estudo três mulheres que passaram pelo momento da primeira gravidez durante a adolescência. Os dados foram construídos com entrevistas e análise qualitativa. Os resultados demonstraram que as atividades executadas no espaço de ensino caracterizaram-se por serem atividades pontuais, com abordagem técnica; infelizmente, a escola foi pouco explorada pelos serviços de saúde. Assim, este trabalho contribuiu para o conhecimento da prática da equipe de saúde e escolar no desenvolvimento de ações de prevenção à gravidez na adolescência.
Roflumilast Protects against Neuroinflammatory Alterations in Brain
Tissues of Lipopolysaccharide-induced Mice Model
Authors: Singh Rakesh Kumar , Kumari Nisha , Pandey Shivam Kumar , Akhtar Mohammed Zunaid , Dey Mangaldeep , Gautam Avtar Singh , Nanda Anjuman , Tiwari Aman
Published: May 2023

Background:

Microglial overactivation promotes the production of various second messengers
and inflammatory markers in brain tissue, resulting in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration,
which may lead to cognitive decline. The cyclic nucleotides are one of the important second
messengers involved in the regulation of neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and cognition. The levels
of these cyclic nucleotides are maintained by phosphodiesterase enzyme isoforms, particularly
PDE4B, in the brain. An imbalance between PDE4B levels and cyclic nucleotides may lead to aggravating
neuroinflammation.

Methods:

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were administered intraperitoneally on alternate days for 7 days
at a dose of 500 μg/kg in mice, which triggered systemic inflammation. This may lead to the activation
of glial cells and may activate oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory markers in brain tissue.
Furthermore, oral administration of roflumilast (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg) in this model ameliorated
oxidative stress markers, neuroinflammation and improved neurobehavioral parameters in these animals.

Results:

The detrimental effect of LPS increased oxidative stress, AChE enzyme levels, and decreased
catalase levels in brain tissues, along with memory impairment in animals. Moreover, it also
enhanced the activity and expression of the PDE4B enzyme, resulting in a decline in cyclic nucleotide
levels. Furthermore, treatment with roflumilast improved the cognitive decline, decreased AChE enzyme
level, and increased the catalase enzyme level. Roflumilast also reduced the PDE4B expression
in a dose-dependent manner, which LPS up-regulated.

Conclusion:

Roflumilast has shown an anti-neuroinflammatory effect and reversed the cognitive decline
in LPS-induced mice model.
A Pan-Cancer Signature For S100A11 - Prognostic And Immunotherapeutic
Value
Authors: Zhang Ping , Le Yali , Geng Chenchen , Zhao Guanghui , Gao Xiaoqian , Zhu Shuzhen , Liu Ziqian
Published: May 2023

Background:

S100 calcium-binding protein A11 (S100A11) has important roles in tumorigenesis
and multiple cancer progression.

Amis:

In this study, we aimed to analyze the expression and prognostic value of S100A11 across cancers
and further explore the relationship between S100A11 and the tumor immune microenvironment.

Methods:

We analyzed the differential expression of S100A11 in the TIMER, GEPIA, and BioGPS
databases and searched for its prognostic impact in the GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier plotter databases.
We used the SangerBox database to investigate the relationship between S100A11 expression and the
tumor immune microenvironment. The TIMER database explored the relationship between S100A11
expression and tumor immune-infiltrated cells (TILs). Correlation analysis of S100A11 expression
with clinical parameters in thyroid carcinoma (THCA) was performed using the UALCAN database.
The co-expression network of S100A11 in THCA was explored through the LinkedOmics database.
RT‒qPCR and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to analyze the expression level of
S100A11 in THCA.

Results:

S100A11 expression was higher in many tumors than in paired normal tissues, and increased
expression was associated with poor prognosis, including overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival
(RFS), and disease-free survival (DFS). S100A11 was differentially expressed in immune subtypes
and molecular subtypes of some cancers. The expression of S100A11 was correlated with immune
checkpoints (ICP), tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), neoantigens,
and TILs. The methylation level of S100A11 was negatively correlated with mRNA expression.
S100A11 expression had a specific correlation with the clinical parameters of THCA. In THCA, the
coexpression network of S100A11 was mainly involved in regulating inflammation and immune responses.
RT‒qPCR and IHC staining confirmed that S100A11 was upregulated in THCA.

Conclusion:

S100A11 may be related to the regulation of the tumor microenvironment. S100A11 may
serve as a potential pan-cancer biomarker for prognosis. S100A11 could be a potential target for
THCA immunotherapy.
Methods and Applications of Raman Spectroscopy: A Powerful Technique in Modern Research, Diagnosis, and Food Quality Control
Authors: Benattia Farah Kenza , Arrar Zoheir , Dergal Fayçal
Published: May 2023

Background:

Raman spectroscopy has evolved into an important fast, rapid, direct, and non-destructive technique that has recently been applied in different fields.

Objective:

The present work aims to study the theoretical bases and the experimental techniques relate to Raman spectroscopy and highlight the performance as well as the different applications of the technique.

Methods:

Spectroscopy, in general, is the study of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter, which corresponds to the emission or transmission of energy in the form of a wave at a given frequency. Raman spectroscopy is based on the inelastic diffusion of photons on electrons. The change in electron energy level leads to different modes of vibration of a molecule. These different vibration modes occur at specific frequencies for each molecule.

Results:

Raman spectroscopy is used in chemistry as a tool to identify molecules in a sample. Indeed, each Raman peak is associated with a vibration mode of a molecule; it is considered as a more useful approach to monitor the chemical parameters of samples tested in several fields, especially in food safety.

Conclusion:

This review covers the current research status and prospects of Raman spectroscopy. The Raman effect is considered from the time of its discovery as a great gift for chemists because it contributes to a better characterization of the structure of matter.
Pathophysiology of Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers and Therapeutic Status
Authors: Abbaszadeh Fatemeh , Fakhri Sajad , Piri Sana , Khan Haroon
Published: May 2023

Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are the most common human
malignancies. The prevalence of esophageal Cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,
gastric Cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal Cancer and gallbladder Cancer are
on the rise now a days. Despite advances in cancer treatment, increasing reports are
focusing on finding novel therapies with lower side effects and higher potency. From
the mechanistic point of view, several dysregulated factors are behind the
pathophysiology of GIT cancers. Multiple studies have shown molecular targeted
therapies in various GIT cancers, including epidermal growth factor receptor pathway
(EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor pathway (VEGF), Wnt/β-catenin pathway,
and insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR).The aforementioned mediators are the
critical targets of the existence of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules in
treating GIT cancers. Accordingly, providing the exact dysregulated mechanisms
behind GIT cancers could pave the road in the treatment of cancers. This chapter
reveals dysregulated signaling pathways and potential therapeutic agents in the
treatment of GIT cancer.
Phytonutrients as a Therapeutic Modality: An Overview
Authors: A.A. Fayed Marwa , Ajmal Shah Muhammad , Shah Shahid , Mujtaba Shah Ghulam , Rasul Azhar , Iqbal Shabnoor
Published: May 2023

Phytonutrients in plants play a great role in their protection against certain
bacteria, viruses, and fungi resulting from certain detoxification processes within the
plant. There are many recommendations to increase the intake of high amounts of fresh
colored vegetables and fruits, besides whole grains (cereals) and beans, which contain
phytoconstituents to lower the risk of certain cancers, diabetes and hypertension, in
addition to certain heart diseases. The effect of phytonutrients differs according to their
chemical class and amount. They may act as antioxidants which prevent the effect of
carcinogens on the healthy body. The sources constituents and mechanisms of the
phytonutrients are summarized in this chapter. 
Saponins in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer
Authors: Chauhdary Zunera , Ajmal Shah Muhammad , Hassan Mehmood Malik , Saleem Uzma , Rasul Azhar , Mujtaba Shah Ghulam , Khan Ajmal , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Iqbal Shabnoor , Bibi Shabana
Published: May 2023

The natural glycosides with triterpenoid or spirostaneaglycones are the
saponins, which are associated with a wide range of therapeutic activities, inclusive of
gastrointestinal anticancer activities. To promote research and development of novel
cytotoxic agents against GIT cancer, this chapter focused on the anticancer potentia l of
the naturally occurring triterpenoid and steroidal saponins. The in vitro assays and in
vivo studies authenticated the anticancer potential of these compounds through anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-multidrug resistance activities.
The protein targets and signaling cascades behind the anticancer effect of these
compounds in GIT cancer are also discussed in this chapter. 
Plant Essential Oils in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Rasool Shahid , Ibrahim Muhammad , Hussain Mulazim , Ajmal Shah Muhammad , Amin Adnan
Published: May 2023

Gastrointestinal malignancies are well-known terms in the pathogenesis of
the alimentary canal. They have been prevalent in different organs of the
gastrointestinal tract system. Gastric tumor is the second most common cause of death
due to cancer in the world. The epidemiology of cancer has changed within the last few
decades. A significant deal with such carcinomas is done using essential plant
constituents like alkaloids, volatile oils, and glycosides. They involve various
mechanisms for eliminating these carcinomas. Many plant essential oils, such as
thymol, lemon oil, limonene, carvacrol, and lavender oils, have been investigated for
their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties been shown to
modulate numerous immunological and cellular functions. Many types of research have
proven that a large number of volatile oils and aromatic compounds present in various
plants have important anti-cancer activities. They showed the anti-cancer effect on cell
lines and cancer cells in animals. The use of various plant volatile oils may alter or
affect the pathogenesis of several types of gastrointestinal cancer like liver cancer,
esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. In this chapter, the anti-cancer
activity of plant essential oil components against GIT cancers has been discussed, with
a focus on their possible mechanism of action. 
Drugs For Relapse Prevention in Addiction: Review of Psychological and Neurological Factors, Genetics and Neurobiological Mechanisms
Authors: Hua Cheng
Published: May 2023

Behavioral and substance addictions share more similarities than differences
in etiological, phenomenological, and clinical presentations. Interactions between the
variables of predisposing (i.e., neurobiological and psychological constitutions) and
moderating (i.e., coping style and cognitive and attentional biases), as well as variables
of mediating (i.e., affective and cognitive reactions to situational triggers) in
combination with reduced inhibitory control may accelerate or reduce the developing
of specific versions of model for addictive behaviors. Around 50% individuals’
variability in becoming addicted to substance (nicotine, alcohol, or illicit drugs) is
attributable to genetic factors. Genetic variations to addiction susceptibility and
environmental factors such as stress or social defeat also alter brain-reward
mechanisms impart vulnerability to addiction. The emergence and maintenance of
addiction might be the consequences of chronic exposure to drugs remodeling the
chromatin structure including FosB, Cdk5, G9a, and BDNF around genes. Only few
drugs for substance use disorders (SUDs) are approved by the FDA, But QSP
approaches provide valuable strategies for designing novel prevention or treatment
towards drug addiction. Conjugate vaccines and monoclonal antibodies treatments
generating high-affinity anti-drug IgG antibodies neutralizing drug doses in the serum
might lead the immunotherapy for SUDs in the future.
Introduction to Vector Borne Diseases
Authors: Krishnan Jayalakshmi
Published: May 2023

Vector-borne diseases(VBDs) are reported to represent amount 17% of all
infectious diseases. The geographical distribution of vectors depends upon various
climatic factors, and social factors. In the recent past, the spread of VBDs across the
world is so rapid that it is associated with a change in climatic factors, global warming,
travel and trade, unplanned urbanization, deforestation etc. Amongst the vector-borne
diseases notable is West Nile fever (WNF) caused by West Nile Virus (WNV). WNF
belongs to the family of Flaviviridae, which is part of the Japanese encephalitis
antigenic group. WNV is transmitted from infected birds to human beings by mosquito
bites. WNV is readily reported in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and
West Asia. Looking at the history, WNV was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile
district of Uganda in 1937. It was identified in birds (crows and columbiformes) in the
Nile delta region in 1953. Over the past 50 years, human cases of WNV have been
reported in various countries.
Malaria
Authors: Krishnan Jayalakshmi
Published: May 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines cerebral malaria (CM) as an
otherwise unexplained coma in a patient with asexual forms of malaria parasites on the
peripheral blood smear. Malaria is a severe, devastating illness characterised by
respiratory distress, severe anemia, and cerebral malaria (CM). Altered consciousness,
convulsions, ataxia, hemiparesis, and other neurologic and psychiatric impairments are
noted in cerebral malaria. Thus, cerebral malaria is defined as a condition in which a
human has Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite in peripheral blood, followed by
neurological complications of any degree. CM accounts for 300,000 deaths per year,
and almost any survivors there display severe neurological manifestations. Coma is the
outcome of CM, which is again due to brain hypoxia due to inflammation, edema,
Brain swelling, and vascular blockage, are all due to the sequestration of pRBCs in
brain microvasculature [1, 2]. In Ugandan children with CM infected with
P.falciparum, severe cognitive impairment, behaviour problems such as hyperactivity,
inattentiveness, aggressive behaviour, loss of speech, hearing loss, blindness, and
epilepsy were noted (Irdo et al. , 2010). Heme offered protective responses to ECM, by
dampening the activation of microglia, astrocytes, and expression of IP10, TNFa, and
IFNg [3].
TLRs in Lymphatic Filariasis
Authors: Krishnan Jayalakshmi
Published: May 2023

Lymphatic filariasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases and also a
disfiguring vector-borne disease. Parasitic nematodes such as Wuchereriabancrofti,
Brugiamalayi, and Brugiatimori are the three types of parasites that cause lymphatic
pathology in terms of hydrocele, lymphedema, and elephantiasis [1]. Among these
three parasites, Wuchereriabancrofti is the principal parasite, which causes around 90%
of infections. These nematodes impair the lymphatic system, thus leading to
considerable morbidity in the affected people. The life cycle of this adult-stage lymph-dwelling parasites is complex in nature. Once they start infecting the lymphatics, they
cause swelling, dilatation, and thickening of lymph vessels.
Dengue Virus and Toll-Like Receptors
Authors: Krishnan Jayalakshmi
Published: May 2023

Dengue is one of the most important arboviral diseases recorded in the
world. Dengue, a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries, is spread
by female Aedes mosquito bites. Among Aedes mosquitoes, Aedesaegypti is the
primary vector and Aedesalbopictus is the less infective secondary vector [1]. Dengue
hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe form of the disease, that causes differential
expression of the TLRs in dendritic cells (DCs). TLR3 and TLR9 in DCs of patients
with early onset of dengue fever were unregulated, whereas in severe cases, poor
expression of TLR3 and TLR9 is observed [2]. This kind of alteration in the TLR
expression during dengue may alter the clinical manifestation of the disease. However,
this can be considered for further research on therapeutics.
Toll-Like Receptors in Vector-borne Diseases
Authors: Krishnan Jayalakshmi
Published: May 2023

The immune system is highly complex, it senses foreign invaders, thus protecting the body. The adaptive arm of the immune system confers long-term protection, whereas the innate immune system confers immediate protection. The immune system uses pattern recognition receptors that are able to sense the molecular patterns associated with pathogens.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important mediators of inflammatory pathways in the gut which play a major role in mediating the immune responses towards a wide variety of pathogen-derived ligands and link adaptive immunity with the innate immunity.

This book covers the role of TLRs in several vector-borne Diseases. Starting with an introduction to these diseases, the book explains the different types of receptors involved in these diseases. The diseases are then covered in separate chapters, including: malaria, lymphatic filariasis, visceral leishmaniasis, dengue fever, chikungunya, West Nile fever, and Japanese encephalitis.

The book is a handy reference for researchers and trainees involved in clinical medicine and infection control. It can also serve as supplementary reading material for Students undertaking courses in biotechnology, public health, entomology, immunology, epidemiology, and life sciences.
Frequency transfer of an optically detected magnetic resonance and observation of the Hanle effect in a nonzero magnetic field
Authors: Vershovskii A. K.  , Petrenko M. V.
Published: May 2023

The method of transferring the frequency of an optically detected magnetic resonance both up and down by an arbitrary value is implemented in a single-beam optical pumping scheme by modulating the linearly polarized beam component. The possibility of observing the Hanle resonance in a magnetic field virtually zeroed upon transition to a rotating coordinate system is demonstrated. A model experiment was carried out, confirming the fundamental feasibility and effectiveness of the method. Keywords: Optically detectable magnetic resonance, optical resonance frequency transfer, Hanle effect, Bell-Bloom scheme, quantum magnetometer.
Investigation of some low-temperature characteristics of plasticizers based on ethylene glycol
Authors: Putis S.M.  , Mershin A. Yu  , Dushenok S.A.
Published: May 2023

The results obtained by studying the low-temperature characteristics of diols (ethylene glycol and its derivatives) and their nitroesters by the differential scanning calorimetry method are presented. It is shown that the studied compounds are characterized by glass transition temperatures in the range from -73 to -103oC, while ethylene glycol and its dinitrate differ from other compounds in the presence of crystallization and melting temperatures under experimental conditions. Keywords: Differential scanning calorimetry, ethylene glycol and its derivatives, glass transition temperature.