End Of The Study Research Articles

Sequential Epidemiological Analyses of Real-World Data: A Tool for Prospective Drug Safety Surveillance from the Rofecoxib Example.

Large administrative healthcare databases can be used for near real-time sequential safety surveillance of drugs as an alternative approach to traditional reporting-based pharmacovigilance. The study aims to build and empirically test a prospective drug safety monitoring setup and perform a sequential safety monitoring of rofecoxib use and risk of cardiovascular outcomes. We used Danish population-based health registers and performed sequential analysis of rofecoxib use and cardiovascular outcomes using case-time-control and cohort study designs from January 2000 to September 2004. Each monitoring period added 6 months of data until the end ofthe study period. In the case-time-control study, incident cases of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke were identified and matched with up to five time controls on age, sex, and calendar time. Exposure status on the date of diagnosis was assessed using a 60-day focal window, with reference windows 120, 180, and 240 days prior to the diagnoses. In the cohort study, incident users of rofecoxib were matched up to 1:4 with ibuprofen users (active comparators) using high-dimensional disease risk scores and were followed for 60 days. The earliest association between rofecoxib use and therisk of MI was seen in study period 2 for case-time-control design (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.04-1.93) and instudy period 7 for the cohort study design (RR 1.22; 95% CI 1.02-1.47). Our prospective drug safety monitoring setup showed that the risk of MI could have been detected 3.5 years before theultimate market withdrawal of rofecoxib. However, further research is needed to validate this approach.

Assessment of Bedrock Depth Utilizing Vertical Electrical Sounding (DDBR)

This study is aimed at evaluating the depth to bed rock around Liji area of Gombe Northeastern Nigeria. The area covers 18𝒌𝒎𝟐and lies between Latitudes 11°11ʹ20.4ʺ, and 11°14′ 37.4″Eand Longitudes 10°16′ 20.8″, and 10°19′ 16.0″N, (Gombe N.W Sheet 152). The study area consists of Basement rocks (Coarse grained Biotite Granite,), Aptian-Albian indurated Bima Sandstone, Gombe Formation and Mudrock. Ten (10) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) were profiled around Liji and environs, employing Schlumberger array with a maximum electrode separation of AB/2 = 100m to determine the depth to bedrock. The data obtained were processed and interpreted using WinResist program. The results showed that seven (7) VES points (VES 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 10) displayed three layers while the remaining (VES 4, 7 and 9) had four layers. The Geo-electric sections along profiles A-A’ and B-B’ revealed that the area is underlain dominantly bythree layers, (top soil, weathered sandstone and basement). Thefirst layer has a resistivity value ranging from 2.3 to 193.5Ωm witha thickness that ranges from 0.4 to 7.1m. The second layer isweathered Sandstone with a resistivity range of 2.8 to 4607.6Ωmand thickness of 0.8 to 7.3m while the third layer is Basement withresistivity value of 93.6 to 37356.9Ωm with an infinite thickness.VES 4, 7 and 9 had four layers and the third layer represent thefresh Sandstone with resistivity ranges of 290.2Ωm to 4607.6Ωmand a thickness of 3.3m to 17.3m while the forth layer in therespective three VES points is basement, having resistivity rangesof 3.1Ωm to 15717.4Ωm with an infinite thickness. At the end ofthe study, the results revealed that Basement rocks are present atVES 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 at the depth of 10m, 9.3m, 19.7m, 6.5m,5.7m, 14.7m and 24.0m respectively with an infinite thickness,therefore these serves as the depths to be removed to reached thetop of the basement for the construction of a sound foundation.

Evaluation of Flavonoid-rich Fraction of Portulaca Grandiflora Aerial Part Extract in Atherogenic Diet-induced Atherosclerosis.

Portulaca grandiflora is a tiny, upright herb that contains a variety of chemical components, including alkaloids, glycosides, mucilage, proteins, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids possessing properties that may help with atherosclerosis. The reported pharmacological properties of Portulaca grandiflora are antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory properties. The yield of methanol extract is higher than that of ethanol and acetone, and its phytoconstituents, like flavonoids and polyphenols, and has potent antioxidant properties. In order to determine the effectiveness of Portulaca grandiflora methanol extract fraction against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia, hemodynamic change, antioxidant levels, and vascular dysfunction in rats, a study was carried out on a flavonoid-rich methanol extract fraction of the aerial part of Portulaca grandiflora Hook. This method involves a study of 30 days involving male Wistar rats (240-250 g) (n=5) that were fed with an Ath diet. Study groups were divided into (i) The Control Group, (ii) the Diseases Control Group, (iii) Disease + Standard drug (Atorvastatin 20mg/kg, orally, (iv) Disease + Test Extract dose 1 (Portulaca grandiflora 200 mg/kg orally), and (v) Disease + Test Extract dose 2 (Portulaca grandiflora 400 mg/kg orally). Both the test drug Portulaca grandiflora and the standard drug Atorvastatin were given orally for 30 days. At the end of the study, blood samples were taken to measure the serum lipid profile, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and levels of oxidative tissue stress. Hemodynamic parameters and aortic staining were performed. Portulaca grandiflora treatment improved the lipid profile and considerably reduced oxidative stress levels. Aortic staining examination revealed a marked reduction in atherosclerotic lesions. These results revealed that Portulaca grandiflora is an effective treatment approach in preventing atherosclerotic lesion progression, which is attributed to its protection against oxidative stress and various enzymatic activities in the Atherogenic model.

Effects of Trehalose Administration in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by a deficiency of lysosomal enzymes required for the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), mainly in the central nervous system. Trehalose has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent to attenuate neuropathology in MPS III. We conducted a single- arm, open-label study to evaluate the efficacy of trehalose treatment in patients with MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB. Five patients with MPS III were enrolled. Trehalose was administrated intravenously (15 g/week) for 12 weeks. Health-related quality of life and cognitive function, serum biomarkers, liver, spleen, and lung imaging were assessed to evaluate trehalose efficacy at baseline and trial end (week 12). TNO-AZL Preschool children Quality of Life (TAPQOL) scores increased in all patients, and the mean scores for quality of life were increased after the intervention. Serum GAG levels were reduced in all treated patients (however, the differences were not statistically significant). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were reduced in all patients post-treatment (p=0.0039). The mean levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) were also decreased after 12 weeks of treatment with Trehalose. Decreased serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance and increased GPX activity were observed at the end of the study. Decreases in mean splenic length were observed, whereas the liver volume did not change. Improvements in health-related quality of life and serum biomarkers (GAGs, liver aminotransferase levels, antioxidant status), as well as liver and spleen size, were found following 3 months of trehalose administration in patients with MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB.

Body Mass Index a Forecast of Sputum Culture Conversion Among Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients.

Background Drug-resistant tuberculosisis a major health issue around the world. The time it takes to find a sputum-positive patient is a major risk factor for the spread of tuberculosis, and many things can indicate a longer time to culture conversion. Also, there is strong proof that poor nutrition is linked to infectious diseases. So, this study aimed to look into the link between a person's body mass index (BMI) and the change of a sputum culture within three months in people who have rifampicin-resistant (RR)/multidrug-resistant (MDR)-tuberculosis (TB) kept on a bedaquiline-based regimen. Materials and methods The Department of Respiratory Medicine at King George's Medical University, Lucknow, hosted an observational, analytical, prospective, single-center study from May 2020 to April 2021. The study included 105 people who had been identified with RR/MDR-TB and were on an optimized background regimen that included a bedaquiline-based regimen. The result we were interested in was sputum culture conversion within three months, and we looked at how BMI related to that outcome. Analytical analyses utilized Pearson's chi-square test for categorical variables and the t-test for continuous variables. Differences with a P-value of <0.05 were considered significant. SPSS software (version 18.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for all analyses, with missing data not replaced or credited. Results A total of 105 people who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. The patients had a mean age of 33.34 years and were mostly male 61 (58%). Fifty-eight (58; 55%) patients lived in rural areas. Most patients had fever 77 (73%), cough 72 (69%), and weight loss 66 (63%). Sixty-nine (69; 66%) patients had a history of TB. Fifty-seven patients had a BMI of <18.5 kg/m2, and 48 patientshad with BMI of ≥18.5. At the end ofthe study, 75/105 patients converted their sputum culture. Of the 105 patients, 57 (54%) had a low BMI (less than 18.5 kg/m2). Among the 57 patients with a BMI of <18.5 kg/m2, only 28(46%) achieved sputum culture conversion after 3 months while 29 (60%) of 48 with BMI ≥18.5 achieved sputum culture conversion after 3 months.Among the patients with a BMI <18.5, 15/57 (26%) tested positive for sputum culture after three months. In patients with a BMI of ≥18.5, only 4/48 (8%) patients tested positive for sputum culture after three months. Conclusion Inpatientswithdrug-resistant tuberculosis, lowBMI (<18.5kg/m2)wasanindependentriskfactor forfailingtoconvert sputum cultureswithinthreemonths.

A Comparative Approach to Sustainable Fish Meal: Prussian carp meal (Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782)

In the present study, the usability of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) meal (PCM) as an alternative animal protein source in fish feeds was investigated by comparing it with anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) meals in terms of their biochemical, fatty acid, amino acid and element compositions. Prussian carp were obtained by fishing and made into a meal (PCM). Anchovy (AM), and sprat (SM) meals were purchased from a commercial company. The amino acid analysis results show that PCM's total, essential, and non-essential amino acid values were lower than that of AM and SM (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and Omega-6 values of PCM were higher than AM and SM; and lower than saturated fatty acids (SFA), Omega-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), atherogenicity index (AI) values (P &amp;lt; 0.05). According to the element analysis, the P and Ca values of the PCM were higher than the AM and SM (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and the Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se values were lower. According to the results of the present study, PCM can be utilized in the feed industry to boost the sustainability of fish meals used in feed production, which in turn will reduce the foreign dependency on vegetable and fish meals, and lower feed costs.

Venipuncture Site Influences Blood-drop Volume in C57BL/6 Mice.

Many experiments require the collection of serial blood samples from mice. However, the size of mice limits the volume of blood that can be safely collected as a survival procedure. In IACUC protocols, investigators may report the amount of blood they collect from mice as a number of drops. Many institutions, including ours, use an anecdotal conversion factor (1drop of mouse blood = 25μL) to ensure that blood-collection volumes are compliant with institutional guidelines. To our knowledge, previous work has not experimentally determined the volume of a drop of mouse blood. In this 10-wk crossover experiment, 2 phlebotomists bled 30 C57BL/6J mice from 3 sites (facial, saphenous, and tail) using one or 2 different needle gauge sizes per site. Male and female mice were weighed weekly and divided among 5 groups (n = 6): left and right tail vein, left and right saphenous vein, and facial vein. A single blood drop from each site was weighed, and the volume of each drop was calculated using the average blood density determined from 8 mice terminally bled at the end of the study. Venipuncture site and side significantly influenced blood-drop weight and thus calculated volume. Facial vein puncture produced the largest drop volume (mean: 21.7μL), followed by the saphenous vein (mean: 9.97μL) and tail vein (mean: 4.96μL). Collection from the facial vein was associated with more hemorrhage and morbidity. Left-sided venipuncture was associated with slightly larger-volume blood drops, though the effect size of side was small. The results of this study may be useful in more accurately estimating blood loss via conversion of drops to volume. Our data indicate that blood collection from saphenous and tail veins minimizes blood loss relative to facial vein puncture and may optimize both serial collection of small-volume blood samples and animal welfare.

Assessment of School Teacher's Disaster Preparedness by Using Comprehensive School Safety Framework

The Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF) is a comprehensive strategy for a safe learning environment for teachers, students and school staff. This study assessed the disaster preparedness level of secondary school teachers in the public school district Attock. Three hundred twenty teachers were selected from district Attock public based on their age, gender, qualification, teaching level and teaching experience. A five-point Likert scale survey instrument using the CSS framework was used to analyze the disaster preparedness of secondary school teachers. The data was collected through Google Forms using a survey. Data was standardized on MS Excel for a smooth run on SPPS. The data revealed that the majority of the schools are prepared for disaster. There are safe learning facilities, school disaster management, disaster risk reduction and resilience education. However, no school was found to be highly prepared. At the end of the study, the researcher gives further research recommendations on school safety based on the CSS framework.

The relationship between psychological distress and weight maintenance in weight cycling: mediating role of eating behavior

BackgroundObesity is a global public health concern. The goal of this study was to see if eating habits could mediate the relationship between psychological distress and weight maintenance in a population with a history of weight cycling.MethodsA 3-month outpatient intervention consisting of a diet and exercise program was provided to 153 participants. Psychological distress, appetite, and behavior were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline and six months.ResultsAfter the structural equation model was developed, it was discovered that the psychological status of people with obesity and weight cycling histories correlated with the weight loss outcome effect (three and six months). This effect was mediated by factors related to eating behavior. Associative psychological factors had a direct effect on eating behavior (three months: β = 0.181, 95% CI: 0.055–0.310; six months: β = 0.182, 95% CI: 0.039–0.332) and appetite had a direct effect on eating behavior (three months: β = 0.600, 95% CI: 0.514–0.717; six months: β = 0.581, 95% CI: 0.457–0.713), both of which were significant (p < 0.01). At three months, psychological distress has a more substantial positive impact on weight change, with eating behavior acting as a partial mediator. At six months, there was no support for appetite’s moderating role in eating behavior.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that psychological interventions should be strengthened to improve weight loss effectiveness, particularly in participants with a history of weight cycling, making weight loss more complicated and prone to rebound.Clinical trial registrationThe study has been registered in Clinical Trials (NCT05311462).

Sustaining Patency of Peripherally Inserted Venous Catheter (PIVC) among Patients in Continuous Intra Venous Therapy

Background: Phlebitis is still a common complication of peripheral venous catheters. Finding a suitable solution to prevent and reduce the incidence of this complication continues to be a challenge. Various strategies were used to reduce the incidence of phlebitis. Mostly non-pharmacological measures were taken as first preference. Intially, when patients come to any hospital for their treatment, the first is the peripherally inserted venous catheter access conducted inpatient for medication administration, fluid administration and blood transfusion in both the hospital setting and ambulatory setting. About 70% of thepatients admitted to the hospital requires peripherally inserted venous catheters (PIVCs). The incidence of phlebitis is higher in patients who undergo continuous intravenous therapy. Objectives: To find out the effect of hand grip exercise in the sustaining patency of peripherally inserted venous catheters among patients in continuous intravenous therapy. Methods: During the 8 weeks the hand grip exercise was evaluated in patients, who had undergone continuous intravenous infusion through the peripherally inserted venous catheter for at least 3 days. The measurement of data is based on the patient’s socio-demographic Performa, patency checklist, visual infusion phlebitis score and visual analogue scale. The post-test was conducted in both experimental and control groups. Result: Till the end of the study, 76 participants were taken. On day 3 of the hand grip exercise maximum of 24 (61.5%) PIVC were patent, whereas in control group 5 (13.5%) PIVC were able to maintain their patency. On day 5 of exercise 34 (91.9%) PIVC were replaced with a cause of phlebitis 33(89.2%) in the control group in comparison with the experimental group only 22 (56.4%) lines were replaced with the same cause of phlebitis 24 (61.5%). Conclusion: Hand grip exercise is important for clients, to reduce the need for the potentially painful process of placing vascular lines and also helps to control costs by reducing the number of devices used for each client and the development of phlebitis.

Features of the influence of special strength training on performance in competitive activities in Mixed Martial Arts (example of horting)

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of the specific influence of strength training in horting on the effectiveness of the implementation of the functional adaptation potential of the athletes' body and their level of technical and tactical skill in the process of competitive activity. In the process of the research, a comparative analysis of the results of the matches between the athletes of all three experimental groups identified at the stage of selection for the championship of Ukraine was carried out after three months of using experimental models of strength training classes and during the competition for the selection for the Cup of Ukraine. The results of the study showed that the number of victories of athletes of the second group at this stage of the study during qualifying matches decreased by 41.7% compared to the previous results. At that time, on the contrary, among the athletes of the third group, we observe an increase in the effectiveness of competitive activity by 62.5% compared to the number of victories recorded during qualifying matches for the championship of Ukraine before the use of the experimental model of strength training classes. In the process of analyzing the results of competitive activity recorded in at the end of the study, during qualifying matches for the Cup of Ukraine, it was found that among the athletes of the second group, compared to the magnificent indicators of the previous control, we observed the largest decrease in the number of victories by 4 times due to technical knockout. At the same time, among the athletes of this group, the indicator of the number of victories obtained due to knockout decreased by 50.0% compared to the results that were revealed during the qualifying competitions before the start of the application of the proposed experimental model of training sessions. The corresponding negative dynamics to a 3-fold decrease in the number of victories obtained in matches with athletes of the third group in the conditions of the use of suffocating techniques, we record in the participants of the second group at this stage of the study compared to the results found in previous competitions.

Abstract 3924: Dual COX-2/sEH inhibition enhances immunotherapy and chemotherapy to induce bladder cancer regression

Abstract Unresolved inflammation plays a critical role in bladder cancer initiation and progression. Chemotherapy (e.g. gemcitabine and cisplatin), the standard of care for advanced bladder cancer, disrupts inflammation resolution and is only partially effective in preventing tumor recurrence after treatment. Immunotherapy has emerged as a potential treatment option for bladder cancer patients, however it is ineffective in 80% of patients and can induce a pro-inflammatory cytokine storm. Therefore, there is a critical unmet medical need to improve chemotherapy and immunotherapy in bladder cancer. To address this, we have developed dual COX-2/sEH inhibitors (e.g. PTUPB). This lead compound is representative of a newly patented class of “dual acting” molecules that target two important enzymes in the arachidonic acid cascade with nanomolar binding affinity: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Oral dosing of PTUPB is well-tolerated in animal models. Since chemotherapy and immunotherapy both induce tumor-promoting inflammation via an eicosanoid/cytokine storm, we hypothesized that dual COX-2/sEH inhibition would enhance immunotherapy in experimental bladder cancer via anti-inflammatory mechanisms. When syngeneic (MB49) bladder tumors reached ~200 mm3 in immunocompetent mice, treatment was initiated with PTUPB, anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD1, gemcitabine &amp; cisplatin, or various combinations thereof. Here we demonstrate that chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy stimulated sEH and COX-2 expression in tumor tissue which was counter-regulated by PTUPB. While monotherapy treatment with PTUPB, gemcitabine &amp; cisplatin, anti-PD1 or anti-CTLA-4 suppressed tumor growth compared to control, the tumors escaped single treatments by the end of the study. Remarkably, dual COX-2/sEH inhibition in combination with chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin) and/or immune checkpoint blockade (anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD1) induced sustained tumor regression via synergistic anti-tumor activities. Chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy induced the expression of ER stress response genes (e.g. BiP and CHOP) and angiogenic factors (e.g. EGF and VEGF-C) in bladder cancer tissue, which were repressed by PTUPB. PTUPB also prevented chemotherapy-induced toxicity and prolonged survival in an orthotopic MB49 tumor model. Taken together, our results demonstrate dual COX-2/sEH inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach to enhance immunotherapy in bladder cancer without overt toxicity. Citation Format: Kimberly Lupita Vazquez, Eva Rothenberger, Weicang Wang, Sung Hee Hwang, Diane R. Bielenberg, Bruce D. Hammock, Dipak Panigrahy. Dual COX-2/sEH inhibition enhances immunotherapy and chemotherapy to induce bladder cancer regression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3924.

Converting laundry work of women in underdeveloped countries from risk of musculoskeletal disorders to a sustainable intervention: A design with holistic approach

AbstractMore than half of the population in impoverished areas around the world, which lack sufficient energy and water, do not have washing machines. Due to a lack of resources and economic reasons, the mechanical task of modern washing machines requiring electrical energy can only be done through hand washing. Additionally, water fetching and laundry work are predominately assigned to women due to socio‐cultural dynamics in disadvantaged areas. The repetitive motions involved in washing over extended periods of time, coupled with awkward body positions, often lead to musculoskeletal disorders in women. This study aims to improve women's work safety and living conditions through a product design for laundry washing. First, the ergonomic risk associated with women's body postures while washing clothes on the floor was evaluated to better understand the impact of the intervention and rapid upper extremity assessment (RULA) method was used for this purpose. Subsequently, the design process for a manual washing product, which operates without electricity, can handle bulk laundry and facilitates easier and more ergonomic work instead of directly scrubbing clothes, was initiated as a remedial intervention. Recognizing that laundry work is a multidimensional experience in women's lives beyond its ergonomic aspects, a holistic design methodology was adopted, incorporating various design approaches to create concepts that better integrate with the lives of woman users. Insights gained from these design approaches were then combined with the conceptual design method to generate design proposals. At the end of the study, the developed manual washing machine design performed improved RULA analysis scores and biomechanical loading outcomes compared to hand washing.

The effects of biological and chemical silver nanoparticles along with aerobic and anaerobic training protocols on tissues: Morphological and histopathological evaluation.

Nanotechnology and its byproducts are used increasingly considering its global nanotechnology market size and many applications in the health field. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercises on cellular uptake of nanoparticles in body tissues. Fusarium oxysporum was used to synthesize biological AgNPs in silver nitrate solution and UV-vis spectrophotometer; XRD and TEM were used to confirm production of nanoparticles. Moreover, 45 male Wistar rats were purchased and randomly divided into 9 equal groups including healthy control groups, aerobic preparation, anaerobic preparation, biological AgNPs, chemical AgNPs, biological AgNPs+aerobic preparation, biological AgNPs+anaerobic preparation, chemical AgNPs+ aerobic preparation, chemical AgNPs+anaerobic preparation. In order to induce aerobic and anaerobic preparation and to create tissue adaptations, male rats completed two types of aerobic and anaerobic protocols three sessions per week for 10 weeks. At the end of the study, sampling was done for histopathology study. The size and shape of AgNPs was 20-30 nm and spherical to polygonal, respectively. The results showed that anaerobic exercise was significantly effective in weight loss. The chemical nanoparticle group led to more intensive tissue degradation in all variables and there were no significant tissue changes in the aerobic, anaerobic, the biological nanoparticles + aerobic and anaerobic groups. It seems that biological AgNPs are more effective than chemical AgNPs on body tissues and chemical AgNPs lead to more tissue damage in most variables. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: There were severe degradative histological effects in the chemical AgNPs groups compare biological AgNPs groups, in terms of most variables.

The paradox of spring: Thyroid and glucocorticoid responses to cold temperatures and food availability in free living Carneddau ponies

In seasonal environments, maintaining a constant body temperature poses challenges for endotherms. Cold winters at high latitudes, with limited food availability, create opposing demands on metabolism: upregulation preserves body temperature but depletes energy reserves. Examining endocrine profiles, such as thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) and glucocorticoids (GCs), proxies for changes in metabolic rate and acute stressors, offer insights into physiological trade-offs. We evaluated how environmental conditions and gestation impact on faecal hormone metabolites (fT3Ms and fGCMs) from late winter to spring in a free-living population of Carneddau ponies. Faecal T3Ms were highest in late February and March, when temperatures were lowest. Then, fT3Ms concentrations decreased throughout April and were at the lowest in May before increasing towards the end of the study. The decline in fT3M levels in April and May was associated with warmer weather but poor food availability, diet diversity and diet composition. On the other hand, fGCM levels did not display a clear temporal pattern but were associated with reproductive status, where pregnant and lactating females had higher fGCM levels as compared to adult males and non-reproductive females. The temporal profile of fT3Ms levels highlights metabolic trade-offs in a changing environment. In contrast, the ephemeral but synchronous increase in fGCM concentrations across the population suggest a shared experience of acute stressors (i.e., weather, disturbance or social). This multi-biomarker approach can evaluate the role of acute stressors versus energy budgets in the context of interventions, reproduction, seasonality and environmental change, or across multiple scales from individuals to populations.

Digital and online tools employed by prospective teachers to access information

The proliferation of digital information technologies has underscored the heightened necessity for online information search. This study is directed towards the analysis of the strategies adopted by prospective teachers in the selection of digital content employed for accessing information, their preferences concerning the use of digital and online tools, and the rationale that underpins these preferences. To achieve this aim, the case study method was used. Employing the purposive sampling method, the study involved a participant pool of 72 teacher candidates in the 3rd and 4th grades within the faculties of education. To collect data, a personal information form, an online interview form, a focus group interview form, and a word association test were employed. The data were analyzed using the content and descriptive analysis methods. At the end of the study, the prospective teachers expressed a common tendency that when it comes to scientific research, they often prefer to search for articles whereas for more general inquiries, they have a propensity for utilizing internet searches. Most of the prospective teachers follow a step-by-step research process when accessing information. In addition, they employ both goal-oriented and general-content resources while in pursuit of scientific information. They pay attention to data reliability, accurate information, speed, and access to the Internet in the process of obtaining information. They consider the tools they use adequate and reliable. Teacher candidates establish complex conceptual networks among the array of tools they employ to access information. A comprehensive discussion concerning the outcomes of the research is also presented.

Ameliorative Effect of Cinnamon and Rosemary Oils in Acrylamide–Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats

Liver diseases can result from various causes, such as viruses, bacteria, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications and toxic substances. While modern medicine offers treatments for these conditions, there needs to be more effective drugs that can protect and regenerate liver cells. Therefore, it is crucial to identify new treatment options and liver-protective agents that are both highly efficient and safe. This study is assigned to investigate the adverse effects of acrylamide on the liver in rats and explore whether these effects can be mitigated by co-administration of cinnamon oil (C.O.), rosemary oil (R.O.), or a combination of both oils during acrylamide exposure. A total of 70 male albino rats were divided randomly into 7 groups, each group of 10 rats, that received different treatments: control group, acrylamide-treated group (20 mg/kg b.wt), cinnamon oil-treated group (200 mg/kg b.wt), rosemary oil-treated group (250 mg/kg b.wt), acrylamide and cinnamon oil-treated group, acrylamide and rosemary oil-treated group, and acrylamide, cinnamon oil, and Rosemary oil-treated group. These treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Blood and liver tissue samples were gathered at the end of the study to assess the outcomes. The results revealed that cinnamon oil and rosemary oils exhibited hepatoprotective effects, as evidenced by normalized liver function parameters (alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, and Alkaline phosphatase), as well as improvements in nonenzymatic parameters (total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein). The observed hepatoprotection of cinnamon oil and rosemary oils was attributed to their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by acrylamide, as demonstrated by lower levels of liver cell lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde) and enhanced activity of antioxidative enzymes (glutathione and catalase) in liver tissue. Keywords: Cinnamon, Rosemary, Acrylamide, Liver, Rats, Antioxidants

Comparison of the effectiveness of project-based 6E learning and problem-based quantum learning: Solomon four-group design

PurposeResearchers have previously utilized the project-based 6E learning model and the problem-based quantum learning model in various courses, such as the instructional principles and methods course and the character and values education course. These models were evaluated for their impact on students in different subjects, including developing skills, values, democracy perceptions, attitudes towards cooperative learning, metacognitive thinking skills and teacher self-efficacy perceptions. In 2023, Ökmen, Sahin and Kiliç reported positive outcomes, while Sahin and Kiliç reported similar findings in 2023a, 2023b and 2023c. There has been no investigation into how the models affect students' critical thinking and academic literacy. This study seeks to determine the impact of both models on these skills, gain more insight into their effectiveness and determine which is more beneficial. The results will guide the decision-making process for the character and values education course and other courses in the future. Specifically, this research aims to compare the effects of the project-based 6E learning model and problem-based quantum learning model on critical thinking and academic literacy.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed the Solomon four-group experimental design to assess the efficacy of the applications. Prior knowledge and experience of the participants were evaluated through pretests. However, it should be noted that pretests may impact posttest scores either positively or negatively. For instance, participants taking the test multiple times may become more interested or attentive to the subject matter. The Solomon four-group design was deemed appropriate to analyze the influence of pretesting. This design enables the investigation of the application effect, pretest effect and interactive effect of pretest and application (van Engelenburg, 1999).FindingsIt was concluded that the project-based 6E learning model was effective in developing critical thinking in students, but not significantly. It was concluded that the problem-based quantum learning model significantly improved students' critical thinking skills. It was concluded at the end of the study that the project-based 6E learning model notably enhanced students' academic literacy. It was concluded that the problem-based quantum learning model had a significant positive impact on students' academic literacy. According to research, it has been determined that the problem-based quantum learning model is superior in enhancing critical thinking abilities compared to the project-based 6E learning model. Nevertheless, there seems to be no detectable disparity in the academic literacy advancement of pupils between the problem-based quantum learning model and the project-based 6E learning model.Originality/valueThere has been no investigation into how the models affect students' critical thinking and academic literacy. This study seeks to determine the impact of both models on these skills, gain more insight into their effectiveness and determine which is more beneficial. The results will guide the decision-making process for the character and values education course and other courses in the future.

Density affects rearing performance of juvenile landlocked fall Chinook Salmon

AbstractObjectiveDensity‐related information for landlocked fall Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha shortly after first feeding is poorly understood. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of a range of rearing densities (low, intermediate, and high) on rearing performance and survival of newly feed‐trained juvenile landlocked fall Chinook Salmon.MethodsThe fish were reared for 66 days in 1.8‐m (diameter) tanks with approximate volume of 2036 L at one of three loadings of approximately 2500, 5000, or 10,000 fish/tank.ResultThe initial and final densities for each of the three loadings were 0.73 and 8.93, 1.45 and 16.41, and 2.90 and 26.86 kg/m3, respectively. At the end of the study, the specific growth rates were significantly lower, total lengths were significantly shorter, and feed conversion ratios were significantly greater in the fish from the highest‐density treatment relative to the fish in the other treatments. Percentage of weight gain, final weights, and condition factor were significantly reduced in fish from the highest‐density treatment relative those at the lowest density. There were no significant differences in any growth metrics between fish that were reared at the lowest and intermediate densities. The intermediate density (5000 fish/tank) produced intermediate results that did not significantly differ from either the highest or lowest densities. Mortality was not significantly different among the density treatments.ConclusionAn initial loading of 5000 fish in 1.8‐m (diameter) circular tanks, corresponding to initial and final densities of 1.45 and 16.41 kg/m3, respectively, is recommended to minimize the detrimental effects of density on newly feeding Chinook Salmon while maximizing their production in often limited hatchery space.

Efficacy of adjunctive octenidine hydrochloride as compared to chlorhexidine and placebo as adjuncts to instrumentation in stage I-II periodontitis: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

This randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of octenidine hydrochloride and chlorhexidine mouthwashes as adjuncts to instrumentation in stage I-II periodontitis patients. Forty-five patients with mild-to-moderate periodontitis were randomly allocated to three groups: 0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), placebo, and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes. Patients were instructed to use the mouthwash after instrumentation for twice a day up to 3 weeks. Periodontal parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), O'Leary plaque index (PI), Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), Lobene stain index (SI), and oral soft tissue changes were recorded at baseline and once every week for 3 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was also recorded as a self-administered questionnaire at the end of the study. The one-way ANOVA was used to compare VAS scores between the groups. The repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Newman-Keuls tests were used to assess the differences in the periodontal parameters between groups at different time intervals. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the mean SI. There was a significant reduction in the mean GI of the OCT and CHX groups compared to placebo (p < 0.05). OCT usage resulted in significantly less staining, according to mean SI, when compared to CHX. Furthermore, VAS scores revealed that OCT was significantly the preferred mouthwash (p < 0.01). Adjunctive octenidine hydrochloride may be an alternative to chlorhexidine in its ability to control the periodontal parameters in patients with stage I-II periodontitis. Further larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings.