Main Cause Research Articles

Impact of the Severe Malaria "Champions Program" on the Management of Severe Malaria Cases in 12 Hospitals of the North and Far North Regions of Cameroon.

Malaria remains a main cause of morbidity and mortality in Cameroon. Since 2021, the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative Impact Malaria Project has supported the National Malaria Control Program to develop the Champions program in two northern regions. We assessed this program's preliminary effectiveness on the performance of hospitals in the management of severe malaria and reduction of malaria-related deaths. We conducted a secondary analysis of Outreach Training and Supportive Supervision (OTSS) data from four rounds (one round pre-Champions program and three rounds post-Champions program and 2020-2022 malaria-related mortality data for 12 hospitals). Using linear regressions, we measured changes in hospital readiness and competency of health workers in the management of severe malaria between baseline and subsequent rounds. There were statistically significant improvements in overall management of severe malaria scores in post-Champions OTSS rounds, with post-Champions round 3 exhibiting an increase of +14% (P = 0.013) over baseline. Overall health facility readiness scores exhibited an increase of +7% (P = 0.006) from baseline to post-Champions round 3. There were no statistically significant findings associated with providing the right treatment, as nearly all patients hospitalized with severe malaria were treated with a recommended severe malaria treatment. Reported inpatient malaria deaths and case fatality rates trended downward from 2020 to 2022, but these differences were not statistically significant. The Champions program resulted in significant improvements in quality of inpatient care for severe malaria. The downward trends in malaria deaths and case fatality rate will require further monitoring to determine whether the Champions program is having the desired impact of reducing inpatient deaths from malaria.

The first two years of the use of low titer group O whole blood during French Military overseas operations: A retrospective study.

On the battlefield, hemorrhage is the main cause of potentially preventable death. To reduce mortality due to hemorrhagic injuries, the French Military Medical Service (FMMS) has deployed low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) since June 2021 during operation BARKHANE in the Sahel-Saharan strip. Questions persist regarding the circumstances under which the FMMS employs LTOWB during overseas operations. We performed a retrospective analysis of all LTOWB transfused by the FMMS during overseas operations in the Sahel-Saharan strip between June 1, 2021, and June 1, 2023. Information was collected from battlefield forward transfusion sheets. Over the 2-year study period, 40 units of LTOWB were transfused into 25 patients. Of the 25 patients, 18 were combat casualties and seven were transfused for non-trauma surgery. Of the 40 units of LTOWB transfused, 22 were provided during Role 2 care, 11 during tactical medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and seven in light and mobile surgical units. Among combat casualties, LTOWB was the first blood product transfused in 13 patients. In combat casualties, 6 h post-trauma, the median ratio of plasma: red blood cells (RBCs) was 1.5, and the median equivalent platelet concentrate (PC) transfused was 0.17. No immediate adverse events related to LTOWB transfusion were reported. LTOWB is transfused by the FMMS during overseas operations from the tactical MEDEVAC until Role 2 care. Deployment of LTOWB by the FMMS enables an early high-ratio plasma/RBC transfusion and an early platelet transfusion for combat casualties.

Plagues in Our Criminal Justice System

This study compared the causes of wrongful convictions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand to a) determine the main causes of wrongful convictions in different countries, b) determine if the cause(s) of wrongful convictions significantly differ between each country, c) determine what, if any, recommendations arose from these cases, and d) if any of these recommendations could be implemented in a Canadian setting. The main causes were witness perjury, forensic error, and procedural error (Canada), witness perjury (US), witness perjury and police misconduct (UK), police misconduct (Australia), and procedural error (New Zealand). Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant differences in distribution between these countries for medicolegal death investigations, bitemark analysis, procedural error, police misconduct, inadequate legal defence, eyewitness misidentification, and witness perjury. Objectives c and d were addressed through a content analysis resulting in the following five themes emerging: lack of accountability, education, accessibility, discrimination, and post exoneration.

ECLAMPSIA: PERSPECTIVE ON THE POSSIBLE REPERCUSSIONS ON THE CHILD'S HEALTH

Eclampsia is a serious complication of pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria and edema during pregnancy. Eclampsia can cause seizures, coma and maternal and fetal death, being one of the main causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the world. Furthermore, eclampsia can have repercussions on the child's health, such as prematurity, low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral palsy, delayed neuropsychomotor development and increased risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases in adulthood. Despite the importance of the topic, there are few studies that address the consequences of eclampsia on child health in a comprehensive and up-to-date manner. Objective: was to identify and analyze scientific articles that investigated the effects of eclampsia on children's health, from birth to school age, considering clinical, neurological, cognitive, behavioral and social aspects. Methodology: A search was carried out in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: eclampsia, child health, child development, child outcome and child morbidity. Articles published in the last 10 years, in Portuguese, English or Spanish, that evaluated children born to mothers with eclampsia, whether or not compared with children born to mothers without eclampsia or with pre-eclampsia, were included. Articles that did not address the outcomes of interest, that had insufficient samples, that presented selection bias or confusion, that were reviews, case reports or letters to the editor were excluded. The selection of articles was made according to the PRISMA checklist, following the steps of identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion. The data extracted from the articles were: authors, year, country, study design, sample size, children's age, evaluated outcomes and main results. Results: 16 studies were selected. The outcomes evaluated were: mortality, morbidity, growth, neuropsychomotor development, cognition, behavior, quality of life and risk factors for chronic diseases. The main results were: higher perinatal and neonatal mortality in children born to mothers with eclampsia; higher incidence of neonatal complications, such as asphyxia, hypoglycemia, jaundice, infection, hemorrhage and convulsions; higher frequency of prematurity, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction and small for gestational age; greater risk of delay in neuropsychomotor development, cognitive deficit, behavior problems, low quality of life and lower school performance; higher prevalence of hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in childhood. Conclusion: Eclampsia is a condition that negatively affects a child's health, from the perinatal period to school age, compromising their growth and development potential. It is necessary to expand research on this topic, as well as implement prevention measures, early diagnosis and adequate treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, aiming to reduce their impacts on maternal and child health.

Long‐term variability and trends of meteorological droughts in Ukraine

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to identify changes in the spatiotemporal distribution and severity of meteorological droughts in Ukraine between 1946 and 2020. In order to determine the role of precipitation and atmospheric evaporative demand on drought severity, two drought indices were applied for comparative analysis: the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized evaporation precipitation index (SPEI). Both indices were calculated on 3‐ and 12‐month timescales. The gridded dataset of monthly air temperature and atmospheric precipitation for Ukraine with high spatial resolution (0.1° × 0.1°), developed in the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute, was used. Results of time series analysis of drought indices showed at least 20 episodes, in which more than 25% of the territory of Ukraine was affected by drought of varying intensity. Trends show an increase in drought severity determined mostly by a strong observed increase in the atmospheric evaporative demand. Tendencies towards an increase in the duration and intensity of droughts were observed mainly in the southwestern, central and northern regions of Ukraine. The main cause of the increase was droughts in spring and summer. The temporal analysis of the spatial distribution of areas affected by drought during the identified main drought episodes showed different patterns in drought propagation across the territory of Ukraine.

Factors Associated with the Incident of Diarrhea among Children

Diarrhea is still a global problem with high levels of morbidity and mortality in various countries, especially in developing countries, and is one of the main causes of high rates of child morbidity and mortality in the world. The number of diarrhea sufferers found in Indonesia is estimated to be around 60 million cases every year. The number of diarrhea incidents in Dr. M. Yunus in Bengkulu Province in 2017 there were still 193 toddlers (13.3%). To determine the factors associated with the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers at RSUD Dr. M. Yunus Hospital Bengkulu Province in 2017. This research is an analytical survey with a cross sectional design. The sampling technique was carried out using a total sampling of 150 toddlers. The research instrument consisted of a questionnaire about socio-economic status and rotavirus immunization. Meanwhile, the questionnaire contains knowledge about the incidence of diarrhea. This questionnaire has been tested for validity and reliability with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient value of 0.752. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis. From 150 samples, it was found that the largest group of respondents did not suffer from diarrhea, 113 respondents (75.3%), with 111 respondents (98.2%) having good knowledge, 81 respondents (98.8%) who had good socio-economic status. good nutritional status of 84 respondents (96.6%) and rotavirus immunization of 112 respondents (97.4%). The results of analysis using the chi-square test showed that there was a significant relationship between maternal knowledge (P= 0.000), socio-economic status (P= 0.000), nutritional status (P= 0.000), and rotavirus immunization (P= 0.000) with the incidence of diarrhea. in toddlers at RSUD Dr. M. Yunus Hospital Bengkulu Province 2017. There is a relationship between the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers at Dr. M. Yunus Hospital Bengkulu Province with maternal knowledge, socio-economic status, nutritional status, and rotavirus immunization. It is hoped that health workers can provide more education in the community to increase mothers' knowledge about diarrhea so that it can help prevent diarrhea incidents.

Enterovirus and Paraechovirus Meningitis in Neonates: Which Is the Difference?

Enterovirus (EV) and parechovirus (HPeV) are common viruses in the neonatal period, with similar seasonality and symptomatology. They also are the main causes of aseptic meningitis in newborns and children under 1 year of age. We compared the clinical signs, laboratory data, brain, and neurodevelopmental outcome of 10 infants with HPeV and 8 with EV meningitis. In patients with EV meningitis, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) values were significantly higher than those of patients with HPeV infection. Procalcitonin values were low in both groups. White blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte values were significantly higher in EV patients. None of the infants had a brain lesion on cerebral ultrasound neither negative neurological outcome. Based solely on symptoms, it is not possible to distinguish HPeV from EV infection. C-reactive protein, WBC, and lymphocyte values might allow the physician to assume EV infection. The gold standard test for diagnosis remains real-time polymerase chain reaction on cerebral spinal fluid.

(151) Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Nursing and Midwifery Students Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract Introduction Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health problem. Nursing and obstetrics students are the future workers whose role in health education and promotion is undeniable. Hence we became interested in evaluating their knowledge of STIs. Objective The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nursing and midwifery students regarding sexually transmitted diseases. Methods This was a prospective, cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study, conducted in the Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Tunis (ISSIT) and the Higher Institute of Health Sciences and Techniques of Tunis (ESSTST) over the period of to months (March 1st, 2022 to April 30, 2022). The target population of our study included 568 students. The information was collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Results Our study population sample was mainly composed of women (72%) versus 28% men. The average age of our sample was 21 years old. The majority of students (95%) have already heard of STIs. The main source of information was the academic background of these students (79%), followed by the media (15%) and only 1% comes from the family circle. Students rated their knowledge as fairly good and good in 37% and 34% of cases, respectively. Only 5% admitted having very good knowledge and 2% with zero knowledge. For their knowledge of the modes of transmission of STIs: 98.4% retained vaginal penetration, 69.1% for anal penetration against 40.7% for oral sex. The best-known germ was the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (87.8%) followed closely by syphilis (82.9%). The least known agent was Neisseria Gonorrhoeae (Gonococcus), identified only in 28.4% of cases. 65% of the students recognized syphilis as a bacterial infection. However, 34.1% of students in the sample did not know that it can be associated with HIV infection. Most students (52.8%) had no information regarding HPV infection and only a minority of 18.7% knew that there is an HPV vaccine. 7% already had sex and the medium age of their first sexual intercourse was 18, With an average of 1.33 partners during the last 12 months. Only 2% of them had used a condom during their first sexual intercourse with a new partner. 43%had justified the nonuse of condoms with decreased feelings of pleasure, 29% get embarrassed to purchase it, 14%had some difficulties using it, and 14% did not use a condom because they simply wanted to get pregnant. 75%had the intention to use a condom during their first sexual intercourse while 25% did not. Conclusions The knowledge of health students regarding sexually transmitted infections needs a boost in order to improve the involvement of awareness of the whole population. Besides, they are not taking the necessary measures to avoid sexually transmitted infections for multiple reasons and the lack of knowledge might be the main cause. Disclosure No.

Candent issues in pneumonia. Reflections from the Fifth Annual Meeting of Spanish Experts 2023.

Pneumonia is a multifaceted illness with a wide range of clinical manifestations, degree of severity and multiple potential causing microorganisms. Despite the intensive research of recent decades, community-acquired pneumonia remains the third-highest cause of mortality in developed countries and the first due to infections; and hospital-acquired pneumonia is the main cause of death from nosocomial infection in critically ill patients. Guidelines for management of this disease are available world wide, but there are questions which generate controversy, and the latest advances make it difficult to stay them up to date. A multidisciplinary approach can overcome these limitations and can also aid to improve clinical results. Spanish medical societies involved in diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia have made a collaborative effort to actualize and integrate last expertise about this infection. The aim of this paper is to reflect this knowledge, communicated in Fifth Pneumonia Day in Spain. It reviews the most important questions about this disorder, such as microbiological diagnosis, advances in antibiotic and sequential therapy, management of beta-lactam allergic patient, preventive measures, management of unusual or multi-resistant microorganisms and adjuvant or advanced therapies in Intensive Care Unit.

The Prosperous Short Video Environment: Hidden Threats to Young People's Mental Health

Abundant online media fill people's lives, especially the prosperity of short videos, which provide a convenient way of entertainment for young people's busy lives. However, many studies have found that while it brings people fun, it also brings many psychological problems. This study aims to address the psychological problems that occur in young people and propose ways to reduce the impact of the problems. By reading existing literature, combined with network data and the current network environment, this article finds out the psychological problems that young people will have after using short video platforms, such as blurring the boundaries between reality and virtual behavior, one-sided videos increasing psychological anxiety. After analyzing the problems, this paper found that the main causes of these problems came from social pressure and the platform's regulatory capabilities. Hence, young people can reshape their understanding of the short video virtual environment and improve their ability to resist the psychological problems caused by exploring new interests.

Rapid fiber-detection technique by artificial intelligence in phase-contrast microscope images of simulated atmospheric samples.

Since the manufacture, import, and use of asbestos products have been completely abolished in Japan, the main cause of asbestos emissions into the atmosphere is the demolition and removal of buildings built with asbestos-containing materials. To detect and correct asbestos emissions from inappropriate demolition and removal operations at an early stage, a rapid method to measure atmospheric asbestos fibers is required. The current rapid measurement method is a combination of short-term atmospheric sampling and phase-contrast microscopy counting. However, visual counting takes a considerable amount of time and is not sufficiently fast. Using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze microscope images to detect fibers may greatly reduce the time required for counting. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the use of AI image analysis for detecting fibers in phase-contrast microscope images. A series of simulated atmospheric samples prepared from standard samples of amosite and chrysotile were observed using a phase-contrast microscope. Images were captured, and training datasets were created from the counting results of expert analysts. We adopted 2 types of AI models-an instance segmentation model, namely the mask region-based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN), and a semantic segmentation model, namely the multi-level aggregation network (MA-Net)-that were trained to detect asbestos fibers. The accuracy of fiber detection achieved with the Mask R-CNN model was 57% for recall and 46% for precision, whereas the accuracy achieved with the MA-Net model was 95% for recall and 91% for precision. Therefore, satisfactory results were obtained with the MA-Net model. The time required for fiber detection was less than 1 s per image in both AI models, which was faster than the time required for counting by an expert analyst.

Arterial hypertension as a risk factor for the development of CKD in children with CAKUT syndrome and its correction

The review is devoted to the development of end-stage renal failure (ESRD) in children with congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT syndrome. In this regard, measures to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are important. One of the independent risk factors for a decrease in excretory renal function is arterial hypertension (AH), the correction of which is a mandatory component of nephroprotection. CAKUT syndrome is associated with a congenital decrease of the mass of active nephrons, which inevitably leads to hyperfiltration, the main cause of the development of ESRD has a high prevalence in CACUT syndrome and plays a special role in maintaining hyperfiltration. The presence of cysts, nephrosclerosis sites, and endothelial dysfunction contribute to the activation of renin secretion with a further increase in the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Angiotensin II is not only a powerful vasoconstrictor. Its effects on sympathetic stimulation of dense spot, hyperplasia of smooth muscle cells, increased expression of several growth factors, cytokines and chemokines is known. The result of the interaction of this complex is the development of glomerular hypertrophy, tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Blood pressure correction should begin with lifestyle modification. It is recommended to start taking antihypertensive drugs in children with blood pressure > 90 percentile. Among the first-line pharmacological drugs for the treatment of hypertension, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin II type I receptor blockers (ARBs) play a major role. Unlike adults, a combination of them is possible.

Reduced toxicity (FluBu3) versus myeloablative (BuCy) conditioning in acute myeloid leukemia patients who received first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in measurable residual disease-negative CR1.

In the present study, reduced toxicity (FluBu3) and myeloablative (BuCy) conditioning were compared in patients with AML who received first allogeneic HSCT in MRD-negative CR1. The study included 124 adult patients who underwent HSCT from an HLA-matched (8/8) sibling, unrelated, or 1-locus mismatched (7/8) unrelated donor (MMUD). The median age was 45 years and intermediate cytogenetics comprised majority (71.8%). The 2-year OS, RFS, CIR and NRM for BuCy (n = 78, 62.9%) and FluBu3 (n = 46, 37.1%) groups were 78.3% and 84.5% (p = 0.358), 78.0% and 76.3% (p = 0.806), 7.7% and 21.5% (p = 0.074) and 14.3% and 2.2% (p = 0.032), respectively. At the time of data cut-off, relapse and NRM were the main causes of HSCT failure in each of the FluBu3 and BuCy arms. Among patients, 75% of relapsed FluBu3 patients had high-risk features of either poor cytogenetics or FLT3-ITD mutation compared with 16.7% of BuCy patients. The majority of NRM in the BuCy group was due to GVHD (73%), half of whom received MMUD transplantation. To conclude, the FluBu3 reduced toxicity conditioning showed comparable post-transplant OS and RFS to BuCy and was associated with significantly reduced NRM that was offset by a trend towards higher risk of relapse even in MRD-negative CR1 population.

Reliability assessment of land subsidence monitoring results using PSI technique in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

ABSTRACT Groundwater exploitation, soft ground, and urban development are the main causes of land subsidence in Vietnam. This study focuses on identifying, zoning, monitoring, and evaluating land subsidence using PSI technique with IBI method applied to Ho Chi Minh City. The results show diverse land subsidence trends from 2014 to 2021 with different levels in varying locations 98,278 km2 had subsided by over 10 cm, 214,593 km2 had subsided by 5 to 10 cm, and 1.377,897 km2 had subsided by less than 5 cm. Notably, certain areas have higher subsidence funnel centres. To ensure accuracy when using PSI techniques, both natural and human-induced factors must be considered during data collection, which influences the actual subsidence rate. Though difficult, this technique provides reliable insights into this complex phenomenon, e.g. in the geodetic precise levelling method to detect millimetre-level deformations in urban areas. The average PS density in urban areas is between 0,5% and 2,5% of the original number of pixels. The positioning accuracy of a PS is within 1 m in all three directions if a large number of SAR scenes are used. Therefore, the results have been documented with 1 mm precision.

Viral Immunogenicity Prediction by Machine Learning Methods.

Since viruses are one of the main causes of infectious illnesses, prophylaxis is essential for efficient disease control. Vaccines play a pivotal role in mitigating the transmission of various viral infections and fortifying our defenses against them. The initial step in modern vaccine design and development involves the identification of potential vaccine targets through computational techniques. Here, using datasets of 1588 known viral immunogens and 468 viral non-immunogens, we apply machine learning algorithms to develop models for the prediction of protective immunogens of viral origin. The datasets are split into training and test sets in a 4:1 ratio. The protein structures are encoded by E-descriptors and transformed into uniform vectors by the auto- and cross-covariance methods. The most relevant descriptors are selected by the gain/ratio technique. The models generated by Random Forest, Multilayer Perceptron, and XGBoost algorithms demonstrate superior predictive performance on the test sets, surpassing predictions made by VaxiJen 2.0-an established gold standard in viral immunogenicity prediction. The key attributes determining immunogenicity in viral proteins are specific fingerprints in hydrophobicity and steric properties.

The growth and demise of a Middle Miocene carbonate platform in Central Luconia, offshore Malaysia

The evolution and facies distribution of relatively small carbonate platforms, ∼30 km2, are not well documented, even though they are common in ancient and modern carbonate systems. This study investigates depositional facies and evolution of a Miocene carbonate platform in Central Luconia, offshore Malaysia. An integrated approach, including core-described lithofacies, well-log correlation, and seismic analysis, allowed for the mapping of facies through time. The platform was divided into five stratigraphic zones (1 [top], 2 Upper, 2 Lower, 3 Upper, 3 Lower [bottom]) separated by low porosity intervals. Five depositional facies groups were recognized in core samples: (1) bioclastic wacke-packstone facies deposited in a platform interior, (2) bioclastic packstone facies deposited in backreef environments, (3) coral boundstone facies deposited at the reef margin, (4) interbedded shale and carbonate facies deposited on the slope, and (5) argillaceous carbonate facies deposited across the platform as flooding layers. Well D penetrated almost the entire platform, and facies in that well changed upward from mainly bioclastic wacke-packstone at the bottom to mainly bioclastic packstone in the middle to coral boundstone near the top before being covered by interbedded shale and carbonate. Six seismic facies were identified and combined with well data to map the five facies groups through time. The platform shows repeated backstepping of facies at flooding layers followed by aggradation of facies belts up to exposure surfaces, resulting in a long-term backstepping of depositional environments until the platform drowned. Sr-isotopes dating near the top of the platform yielded an age of approximately 12 Ma. This suggests that the platform drowned earlier than other carbonate platforms in Central Luconia (8–10 Ma). More tectonic subsidence in this area during the Middle Miocene is proposed as the main cause of the early demise of this carbonate platform compared to other Luconia platforms.

The Influence of Diet and Its Components on the Development and Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is diagnosed annually in nearly a million people worldwide, with approximately half of them being diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. Non-infectious risk factors for the development of HCC include an unbalanced lifestyle, including poor dietary choices characterized by a low intake of antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, selenium, and polyphenols, as well as an excessive consumption of energy and harmful substances. Repeated bad dietary choices that contribute to an unbalanced lifestyle lead to the accumulation of fatty substances in the liver and to it entering an inflammatory state, which, without intervention, results in cirrhosis, the main cause of HCC. This review of the English language literature aims to present the food components that, when included in the daily diet, reduce the risk of developing HCC, as well as identifying foods that may have a carcinogenic effect on liver cells.

Fullerenol mitigates ischemia/reperfusion-induced kidney injury

Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (RIRI) is the main cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and is associated with a poor prognosis. Current treatment options for AKI have limitations, highlighting the necessity for developing new treatments. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of RIRI-induced AKI. Therefore, fullerenol with ROS quenching properties may have the potential to treat RIRI-induced AKI. This study is the first time to investigate the potential protective effects of fullerenol nanoparticles against RIRI. In cell experiments, fullerenol can effectively mitigate HK-2 cell damage induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation through scavenging ROS and inhibiting apoptosis. In animal experiments, fullerenol is rapidly distributed to the liver and kidneys after entering the body and part of the fullerenol is slowly excreted through urine. Fullerenol accumulated in the kidney alleviates ischemia–reperfusion-induced kidney damage by inhibiting pro-apoptotic proteins and promoting the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. These findings suggest that fullerenol nanoparticles have potential as drugs to prevent and treat RIRI.

The Effect of Sapodilla Leaf Extract on IL-6 and TGF- β Levels of Skin Tissue (Experimental Study on Male White Rats of Wistar Strain Exposed to UV Light)

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light affects cell and tissue homeostasis which has a damaging effect on DNA characterized by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inflammation due to UV rays is the main cause of oxidative stress in the skin. Healing of wounds caused by sunburn through a complex process consisting of inflammatory cell infiltration, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling phases to restore normal skin integrity and function, rapid healing and epithelialization to prevent infection and minimize functional and aesthetic complications. The researchers aimed to see the effect of administering sapodilla leaf extract cream (Manilkara zapota) on IL-6 and TGF-β levels in Wistar rats with sunburn. Experimental study with a post test only control group design using a total of 30 mice as experimental animals, divided randomly into 4 treatment groups consisting of a control group, a placebo group, a sapodilla leaf cream group with a dose of 25% and a 50% cream group. Mouse skin tissue exposed to UV was analyzed using the ELISA method to determine the levels of IL-6 and TGF-β. There was no significant difference in the average IL-6 levels between treatment groups with the one way anova difference test, a p value of 0.25 (p0.05), there was a significant difference in the average TGF-β levels for each group with a p value of 0.005 (P0.05), Manilkara zapota leaf extract cream had a significant effect on TGF-β levels at a dose of 50%. Administration of Manilkara zapota leaf extract cream has a dose-dependent effect on IL-6 and TGF-β levels in skin tissue of mice exposed to UV.

Thermal sensitivity of Rhinella arenarum tadpole at low concentrations of dimethoate pesticides

One of the main causes of contamination of aquatic environments, which affects biotic communities, is the use of pesticides in agricultural regions. Amphibians are considered good bio-indicators of aquatic pollution, because they are one of the most susceptible groups to pollution. Several studies suggest that both pollution and climate change produce synergistic effects in amphibians which amplify the toxicity afecting survival, and malformations with an increase in temperature. We studied the sensitivity of sublethal concentrations of dimethoate in Rhinella arenarum tadpoles on two fitness related thermal traits including locomotor swimming performance and thermal tolerance limits (CTmax = critical thermal maximum and CTmin = critical thermal minimum). The locomotor performance of R. arenarum tadpoles decreased with increasing sublethal dimethoate concentrations up to ∼60 % at intermediates dimethoate concentration. The tadpoles showed a tendency to decrease their tolerance to high temperatures (CTmax) with increasing dimethoate concentration around ∼0.5 °C, however no significant differences were found among treatments. Similarly, tadpoles showed decreases in their cold resistance (CTmin) with dimethoate concentrations, around 1 °C the high concentrations of dimethoate. The increase of atypical climatic events, such as heat waves may put R. arenarum tadpoles at greater risk when exposed to dimethoate. Our results show that the sublethal concentrations of the dimethoate pesticide may affect the fitness and survival of the larvae of R. arenarum in natural, and seminatural enviroments.