Maximum Effect Research Articles

MicroRNAs as promising drug delivery target to ameliorate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using nano-carriers: a comprehensive review.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a deteriorating condition triggered by various factors, such as smoking, free radicals, and air pollution. This worsening disease is characterized by narrowing and thickening of airways, painful cough, and dyspnea. In COPD, numerous genes as well as microRNA (miRNA) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Many in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that upregulation or suppression of certain miRNAs are effective treatment options for COPD. They have been proven to be more beneficial than the current symptomatic treatments, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids. MiRNAs play a crucial role in immune cell development and regulate inflammatory responses in various tissues. MiRNA treatment thus allows for precision therapy with improved outcomes. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems such as polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, and liposomes are an efficient method to ensure the biodistribution of the miRNAs to the target site. Identification of the right nanoparticle depending on the requirements and compatibility is essential for achieving maximum therapeutic effect. In this review, we offer a thorough comprehension of the pathology and genetics of COPD and the significance of miRNAs concerning various pathologies of the lung, as potential targets for treating the disease. The present review offers the latest insights into the nanoparticle drug delivery systems that can efficiently carry and deliver miRNA or antagomirs to the specific target site and hence help in effective management of COPD.

Which decarbonization policy mixes are better for China's power sector? A simulation balancing aggregate abatement effects and economic impacts

The decarbonization policies are currently being planned or implemented worldwide, particularly for emerging economies such as China. When the government designs a preferred decarbonization policy mix, both environmental and economic impacts should be considered. This paper focuses on decarbonization policy mixes in China's power sector, including renewable electricity subsidies (ES), tradable green certificates (TGC), and two carbon pricing instruments. An integrated model combining a partial equilibrium model and an input-output framework was constructed to investigate their abatement effects and economic impacts. The results show that the combination of multiple decarbonization policies can achieve greater emission reduction or lower economic losses compared to implementing them separately. The mix of carbon pricing and TGC shows the least economic losses; the mix of carbon pricing, ES, and TGC achieves maximum abatement effect. A narrow focus on carbon emission reduction would hinder the economic development. The combination of multiple decarbonization policies can trigger more substantial variations in the supply chain of the power sector than their individual implementation. Those policy mixes including carbon tax may achieve lower carbon emissions and economic losses compared to those including a carbon emissions trading market. Therefore, policymakers should conduct a comprehensive simulation of the multiple impacts of policy mixes before implementing them, encompassing both direct impacts on the power sector and indirect impacts on its upstream sectors.

Evaluation of Health Education During Covid 19 in theCity of Masvingo

This study made an evaluation of health education during COVID 19 in the City of Masvingo.The literature of the study included the background to the study, statement of the problem, major research question, sub-questions, objectives, and significance of the study, delimitations,limitations, and definition of terms. The literature reviewed in this study was drawn based on the research sub-questions which focused on the evaluation of health education during COVID 19 in the City of Masvingo. The study discusses the research design, the population, the sample and sampling procedures which were used, the research instruments and explains data presentation and analysis procedures. The research design, the instruments and the samples adopted were justified. These include the selection of research design in which the researcher considered different views of other authorities which guided the researcher to select and use both quantitative and qualitative research. The sample population consisted of fifty (50) purposive selected participants chosen in Masvingo Urban. Data collection procedures highlighted how the researcher collected data using different instruments which included a questionnaire and interviews also the advantages and disadvantages were indicated. The presentation of data was guided by the research sub questions. Data was analysed and discussed in relation to literature. The findings of the study revealed that COVID-19 is not only an individual health issue but also engages caregivers, families, extended social networks, neighbourhoods, communities, health systems and organizations and governing/political systems. Structural changes in health promotion are requisite to sustain health during the COVID-19 and future pandemics. However, the researcher recommended that campaigns should elicit the help of religious and civil society leaders for maximum effect. In addition, governments should suspend all international travel to or from the most-affected countries, and quarantine citizens who have travelled to or through those areas for at least two weeks.

Achieving a comparable transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect by spin–orbit field driven magnetoplasmonic

In this study, we propose and simulate a magnetoplasmonics heterostructure that utilizes spin–orbit fields to generate an internal magnetic field and create a significant magneto-optical effect. Our approach offers a new way to overcome the challenges of using permanent magnets or magnetic coils in conventional magnetoplasmonics, such as high-power consumption and non-scalability. We demonstrate that it is possible to create an appropriate amount of magnetic field using spin–orbit fields induced by the spin-Hall effect, such that the consumption power becomes reasonable and the dimensions could be miniaturized. This approach will be an important development in the field of magneto-optics, as it can lead to enhanced transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect in the present of surface plasmon polaritons. The proposed nanostructure consists of a ferromagnetic film adjacent to a heavy metal layer, both sandwiched between two noble metal films, and deposited on a dielectric prism. The strength of the Kerr signal strongly depends on the thickness of the ferromagnetic layer, with the maximum effect observed at a thickness of 5nm. This concept has potential for various nanophotonic and spintronic applications, particularly for developing high-speed active plasmonic devices for ultrafast light modulation.

Viscometric studies of heavy oil in the presence of compositions consisting of amphiphilic compounds and organic solvents

The chemical composition of high-viscosity heavy oil has been studied by IR spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. It is found that characteristic absorption bands are available and characterize aliphatic structures and aromatic cycles, sulfur- and organophosphorus compounds, and the presence of compounds containing heteroatoms P, V, Ca, Pd, Ni, Ru, Mo, Fe, Cu and Zn in its composition is found. The method of rotational viscometry has established the Newtonian nature of the oil flow in the studied range of the velocity up to 300 s–1. At the same time, according to the densitometry results (ρ = 0.954 g/cm3 ), studied heavy oil belongs to the bituminous type characterized by a complex rheological behavior under long- and high-term deformation conditions. In order to regulate the studied oil viscosity properties, composite additives based on amphiphilic reagents of cationic and amphoteric type and organic solvents have been developed, their influence on dynamic and kinematic viscosity has been examined. It has been established that compositions with surfactants simultaneously containing a large amount of amino and phosphate groups dissolved in a non-polar aromatic solvent (toluene) or an organic mixture (catalytic reforming gasoline) have a maximum modifying effect of the colloidal structure of bituminous oil. The interaction of functional groups of amphiphilic reagents with oil heteroatoms leads to the dispersion of resinous-asphaltene substances, a decrease in the structural and mechanical strength of the system, an increase in the molecular mobility of aggregates, which results in improving the investigated oil quality and viscosity characteristics by 7.0 and 12.6 % according to the composition efficiency index.

Study on the Bioactivity Response of the Newly Developed Zn-Cu-Mn/Mg Alloys for Biodegradable Implant Application.

Scaffolds play a crucial role in bone tissue engineering to support the defect area through bone regeneration and defect reconstruction. Promising tissue regeneration without negative repercussions and avoidance of the lifelong presence inside the body make bioresorbable metals prosper in the field of regenerative medicine. Recently, Zn and its alloys have emerged as promising biodegradable materials for their moderate degradation rate and satisfactory biocompatibility. Nevertheless, it is very challenging for cells to adhere and grow over the Zn surface alone, which influences the tissue-implant integration. In this study, an attempt has been made to systematically investigate the bioactivity responses in terms of in vitro hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and in vivo biocompatibility of newly developed Zn-2Cu-0.5Mn/Mg alloy scaffolds with different surface roughness. The rough surface of Zn-2Cu-0.5Mg shows the highest degradation rate of 0.16 mm/yr. The rough surface exhibits a prominent role in the adsorption of protein, further enhancing cell adhesion. Concentration-dependent alloy extract shows the highest cell proliferation for 12.5% of the extract with a maximum cell viability of 101% in Zn-2Cu-0.5Mn and 108% in Zn-2Cu-0.5Mg after 3 d. Acceptable hemolysis percentages (less than 5%) with promising anticoagulation properties are observed for all of the conditions. Enhanced antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) activity due to a significant effect of ions illustrates the maximum killing effect on the bacterial colony for the rough Zn-2Cu-0.5Mg alloy. In addition, it is observed that for rough Zn-2Cu-0.5Mn/Mg alloys, the inflammatory response is minimal after subcutaneous implantation, and neo-bone tissue forms in the defect areas of the rat femur with satisfactory biosafety response. The osseointegration property of the Zn-2Cu-0.5Mg alloy is comparable to that of the Zn-2Cu-0.5Mn alloy. Therefore, the rough surface of the Zn-2Cu-0.5Mg alloy has the potential to enhance biocompatibility and promote better osseointegration activity with host tissues for various biomedical applications.

Supramolecular structure and thermal transformations of modified resinous-asphaltene substances

A detailed study of the supramolecular structure of high molecular weight resinous-asphaltene substances (RAS) and the study of their stability to thermal-oxidative degradation processes in the presence of surfactants is a promising scientific direction and can become the basis for the development of additional oil treatment processes and, as a result, the intensification of thermal transformations of oil dispersed systems (ODS). In the work it has been established that the maximum modifying effect, which consists in reducing the amount of asphaltenes by 8–11 % and increasing the concentration of resins, saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons in the composition of the dispersion medium, is achieved by the interaction of ODS with octadecylpropylenediamine, alkyldiamine with the content of ethoxylated groups n = 3–6 and butyl coconut fatty alcohol ester with n = 10. This fact is due to a change in the geometric parameters of asphaltene nanoaggregates due to the adsorption of these surfactants on their surface. Thus, against the background of an increase in the interplanar distances of condensed aromatic layers dm from 3.66 to 3.85 Å and values of the intrachain distance from 5.71 to 5.80 Å, the average diameter of aromatic layers decreases by 0.67–2.36 Å and the average height of their pack by 1.52–2.64 Å, while the average number of layers in a pack is 5. Estimation of the results of thermal analysis indicates that the RAS thermograms have a similar form with three endoeffects with minima in the ranges of ~ 34.7–37.7 °C (I); 325.7–339.3 (II) and 434.8–438.7 °С (III) and one exoeffect with a maximum of ~ 460.5–475.3 °С (IV). With a decrease in the factor of crystallinity and aromaticity of RAS, their resistance to the processes of thermo-oxidative degradation in the temperature region of coke formation increases. The energy of thermal-oxidative destruction for modified systems by surfactants exceeds by 21.6 kJ/mol of this indicator for unmodified RAS and is 62.07 ÷ 66.13 kJ/mol.

The dynamic roles of intracellular vacuoles in heavy metal detoxification by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (Rho) can develop a range of strategies to resist the toxicity of heavy metals. This study aimed to investigate the physiological responses and transcriptomic regulation of the fungus under different heavy metal stresses. This study applied transmission electron microscopy and RNA-seq to investigate the fungal resistance to Pb, Cd, and Cu stresses. Under Pb stress, the activated autophagy-related genes, vesicle-fusing ATPase, and vacuolar ATP synthase improved vacuolar sequestration. This offsets the loss of lipids. However, the metal sequestration by vacuoles was not improved under Cd stress. Vacuolar fusion was also inhibited following the interference of intravacuolar Ca2+ due to their similar ionic radii. Cu2+ showed the maximum toxic effects due to its lowest cellular sorption (as low as 7%) with respect to Pb2+ and Cd2+, although the efflux pumps and divalent metal ion transporters partially contributed to the detoxification. Divalent cation transporters and vacuolar sequestration are the critical strategies for Rho to resist Pb stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the main strategy for Cd resistance in Rho. The intracellular Cu level was decreased by efflux pump and divalent metal ion transporters.

Study of magnetic, thermodynamic and transport properties of Laves phase NdRh[formula omitted]

The results of magnetic measurements, electron spin resonance, heat capacity, resistivity, and magnetocaloric effect as well as density functional theory (DFT), are presented for the compound NdRh2 (MgCu2-type structure). This compound was synthesized at a pressure of 8 GPa and a temperature of 1700 K. The magnetic properties of the material are shown to be determined by the high-temperature (over 400 K) spin polarization of the 4d Rh electrons and by the ferrimagnetic (FiM) interaction of Rh and Nd magnetic subsystems. Concurrently, the spontaneous magnetization of the spin polarization of 4d Rh electrons is ≈0.01μB/Rh, while the Nd magnetic moment is ≈1.7μB/Nd. This leads to complicated magnetic behavior with long range FiM order at TC≲7 K at zero field and with wide temperature range of spin fluctuations TC<T≲50 K. Specific heat and resistivity data provide corroboration of the spin fluctuation regime with the spin fluctuation temperature Θsf≈28.5 K. The optimal critical parameters were identified as β=1.18±0.02, γ=0.85±0.02, and TC≈40 K from modified Arrott plotting, which are distinct from any conventional universality class. The maximum magnetocaloric effect, when the magnetic field changes from 0 to 9 T, ΔH=9 T occurs at T≈11 K and the magnetic entropy change reaches −ΔSm=7.0 J (kg K)−1. In our DFT calculations, the FiM arrangement was obtained, with values of magnetic moments of Nd and Rh. Additionally, the Fermi surface was constructed.

Maximal Analgesic Effect Attained by the Use of Objective Neurophysiological Measurements With Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

ObjectivesSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been challenged by the lack of neurophysiologic data to guide therapy optimization. Current SCS programming by trial-and-error results in suboptimal and variable therapeutic effects. A novel system with a physiologic closed-loop feedback mechanism using evoked-compound action potentials enables the optimization of physiologic neural dose by consistently and accurately activating spinal cord fibers. We aimed to identify neurophysiologic dose metrics and their ranges that resulted in clinically meaningful treatment responses. Materials and MethodsSubjects from 3 clinical studies (n = 180) with baseline back and leg pain ≥60 mm visual analog scale and physical function in the severe to crippled category were included. Maximal analgesic effect (MAE) was operationally defined as the greatest percent reduction in pain intensity or as the greatest cumulative responder score (minimal clinically important differences [MCIDs]) obtained within the first 3 months of SCS implant. The physiologic metrics that produced the MAE were analyzed. ResultsWe showed that a neural dose regimen with a high neural dose accuracy of 2.8μV and dose ratio of 1.4 resulted in a profound clinical benefit to chronic pain patients (MAE of 79 ± 1% for pain reduction and 12.5 ± 0.4 MCIDs). No differences were observed for MAE or neurophysiological dose metrics between the trial phase and post-implant MAE visit. ConclusionFor the first time, an evidence-based neural dose regimen is available for a neurostimulation intervention as a starting point to enable optimization of clinical benefit, monitoring of adherence, and management of the therapy.

Индекс качества расследования пожаров

Results of fire investigation are extremely significant for the elaboration of preventive measures to ensure fire safety. The maximum effect will be achieved via qualitative fire investigation whose improvement depends on multiple factors, primarily on the optimal human resource provision for investigating authorities. The authors suggest that various factors are divided into two blocks: the first is procedural, and the second is a security resource. Later, this will help to targetedly analyze the cause of fire investigation low-quality indices for an employee and make the best management decision. The article provides basic factors affecting fire investigation quality and their weight coefficients depending on existing situations. Until now, the problem of mathematic substantiation of approaches to building unified integral indicators for fire investigation quality has remained unexplored. Against the background of growing complex technogenic fires, including fires at industrial enterprises, the relevance of the study is obvious, and the provided results are of practical importance. The results provided in the article enable consideration of fundamental factors affecting fire investigation quality, taking into account certain indicators. The suggested approach in the calculated substantiation of the fire investigation quality index allows for determining employee’s success and evaluating his/her level, considering the impact of various factors. The fire investigation quality index value can be used both as a tool to support management decision-making by a responsible person when assessing inspector’s activities and to determine the optimal number of employees of territorial divisions.

Abstract P233: Amyloid Beta Plaque Deposits Co-Localize with Endothelial Cells in the Hippocampus of Female APPswe/PSEN1dE9 Mice During the Onset of Amyloid Pathology

Increasing evidence shows that cardiovascular diseases are associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s diseases (AD). It is unknown whether systemic vascular dysfunction occurs prior to the development of AD, if this occurs in a sex-dependent manner, or whether endothelial cells play a role in the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. We hypothesized that female mice present with an exacerbated formation of Aβ peptides, and vascular dysfunction would occur during the onset of amyloid pathology, thus escalating its progression. To test this hypothesis, we used a double transgenic mouse model of early onset AD (APPswe/PSEN1dE9) prior to the onset of amyloid pathology (3 months of age) and during the onset of amyloid pathology (7 months of age). Immunofluorescence was performed in the hippocampus stained with Aβ 1-42 and CD31 antibodies. High resolution images were acquired on the confocal microscope. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation (1pM-30µM) was evaluated in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA), and the data analyzed as non-linear curve regression and maximum effect (Emax). The statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t test, or two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc ( p &lt;0.05*). We observed that during the onset of amyloid pathology (7-months-old), there was elevated Aβ deposition which co-localized with endothelial cells in the hippocampus from female but not male APP/PS1 mice [females colocalization rate (%): control 12.9 ± 2.0 vs . APP/PS1 25.1 ± 7.8, n=4; males colocalization rate (%): control 23.2 ± 6.5 vs. APP/PS1 15.3 ± 3.3, n=4]. In addition, the 7-month-old female APP/PS1 mice showed an exacerbated endothelium-dependent relaxation compared to the 3-month-old group (female APP/PS1 7-month-old ACh Emax: 97.1 ± 1.6*%, n=4 vs. 3-month-old ACh Emax: 70.1 ± 8.3%, n=6). Furthermore, endothelial dysfunction occurred prior to the onset of amyloid pathology irrespective of sex. Overall, these data showed that the endothelial dysfunction prior to the onset of amyloid pathology may be an early marker of AD. Further, a greater burden of Aβ formation in hippocampal endothelial cells from female but not male APP/PS1 mice may be associated with vascular abnormalities and dysfunction.

Abstract P309: Vasodilating Effects of Macrolides: ex vivo and in vivo study

Background: Anecdotal reports showed a decrease in blood pressure (BP) values in subjects assuming macrolide antibiotics when co-administered with calcium channel blockers. Recently, in the MAPA study, in patients with primary hypertension given a single dose of macrolide a decrease in BP was observed. However, whether macrolides induce per se vasorelaxation remains unknown. Aim: To investigate if macrolides induce vasorelaxation and to identify the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The effects of 3 macrolides (roxithromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin) were investigated in a wire myograph in aortas isolated from C57BL/6J mice, following standard protocols. Relaxation/contraction was evaluated in phenylephrine pre-contracted aorta segments exposed to different macrolide concentrations [10 -10 M to 10 -5 M]. Longer-term effects of azithromycin (50 mg/Kg/d intraperitoneally for 14 days) were investigated in vivo in a mouse model of Ang II-induced hypertension. BP was measured with the tail-cuff method; functional and structural/mechanical properties of the aorta and mesenteric arteries were evaluated with wire or pressure myograph, as appropriate. Results: After exposure to macrolides, phenylephrine pre-contracted mice aorta segments showed relaxation (maximum effect: -15-20% vs DMSO). The vasodilating effect was abolished by the removal of the endothelium, and was blunted by L-NAME. In the vivo studies treatment with azithromycin lowered BP values and prevented Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction. Conclusions: Macrolides exert a vasodilatory action that involves endothelium-dependent NO release. In a model of Ang II-mediated hypertension, azithromycin exerted a BP-lowering effect.

Клинические особенности и коморбидные нейропсихиатрические состояния у педиатрических пациентов с тикозными расстройствами. Обзор.

INTRODUCTION. Tic disorders are a common neurological pathology among children and adolescents. Tic disorders and comorbid conditions affect patients' socialization, education, and emotional state. Social stigmatization and discrimination caused by tic disorders have an irreparable impact on personality development, making it necessary to raise awareness and understanding of these conditions. AIM. The objective of this study is to analyze the literature on the features of the etiology, diagnosis, and clinical manifestations of tic disorders and comorbid disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS. An analysis of DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 criteria, as well as 28 international literature sources from the PubMed database, was performed. This analysis provided descriptions of the diagnostic criteria, etiology, and pathogenesis of tic disorders and comorbid disorders. Data on the clinical manifestations of comorbid disorders, differential diagnosis, and main treatment approaches were also presented. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The prevalence of tic disorders is about 1% of the population, with 1 in 5 schoolchildren experiencing tics during their development. Currently, the exact causes of tics are unknown; it is assumed that tic disorders is a multifactorial disease involving heredity, environmental factors, and immune-mediated mechanisms. Additionally, dysfunctions in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits and neurotransmitter imbalances play significant roles. About 80% of patients with tics have comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorders, mixed anxiety-depressive disorders, and sleep disturbances, which in some cases present challenges in the differential diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. CONCLUSION. The high degree of comorbidity in tic disorders necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, involving neurologists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and behavioral therapy specialists. This collaboration aims to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect and improve the quality of life for patients. KEYWORDS: tics, chronic tics, Tourette syndrome, Gilles de la Tourette Disorder

Exploring Brominated Aromatic Butenolides from Aspergillus terreus EGF7-0-1 with Their Antifungal Activities.

Fungal diseases could severely harm agricultural productions. To develop new antifungal agents, based on the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking, typical bromine isotope peak ratios, and ultraviolet absorptions, cultivation of the soft coral-derived endophytic fungi Aspergillus terreus EGF7-0-1 with NaBr led to the targeted isolation of 14 new brominated aromatic butenolides (1-14) and six known analogues (15-20). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 1-14 exhibited wildly antifungal activities (against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Pestalotiopsis microspora, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, Botrytis cinerea, and Diaporthe phoenicicola). The bioassay results showed that compounds 1-14 exhibited excellent antifungal activities against C. gloeosporioides, with concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC50) values from 2.72 to 130.41 nM. The mechanistic study suggests that compound 1 may disrupt nutrient signaling pathways by reducing the levels of metabolites, such as carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, leading to an increase in low-density granules and a decrease in high-density granules in the cytoplasm, accompanied by numerous vacuoles, thereby inhibiting the growth of C. gloeosporioides. Monobrominated γ-butenolide 1 may be expected to exploit a novel agriculturally antifungal leading drug. Meanwhile, compound M1 has conformed antifugual activities against C. gloeosporioides by papayas in vivo.

Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in upper elementary students through game-based learning

Introduction. The acquisition of knowledge by students to more actively develop their minds through challenging activities in the form of contextual problem analysis and academically oriented training in thinking skills is still lacking. Solving an inappropriate problem can trigger students' reluctance to try to solve the problems presented because the problem presented will be an early "gateway" as a stimulus that can subsequently stimulate students' thinking, so the skill of the teacher in "packaging" a problem as interesting as possible may be one of the determining factors in the success of the application of the learning model. Study participant and methods. This study included approximately 600 middle school students (grades four through six) in Indonesia, situated in a township with a median family income of IDR72,000,000/year and a median household income of IDR48,000,000/year, where 9.3% lived in poverty. The ethnically diverse composition featured 40.22% Javanese. The chosen school lacked academic tracking in social studies classes for grades 4-6 and had a willing teacher for Game-Based Learning (GBL) interventions. Using a quasi-experimental design, three GBL intervention classes (62 pupils) were randomly selected from five sections taught by the participating teacher, while seven classes (115 students) received conventional instruction. The study aimed to evaluate GBL's impact on social studies education, employing Denah Education Game (DENDA) with specific objectives for territories. The results. The findings indicate that students in the Game-Based Learning (GBL) group had a slightly higher average post-test score (M = 3.66) compared to conventional students (M = 3.60). Similarly, the average score of GBL students on the delayed post-test (M = 2.11) was slightly higher than the score of conventional students (M = 2.00). However, both the post-test (F(1,96) =0.07, p &gt;0.05) and delayed post-test (F(1,91) =0.45, p &gt;0.05) did not show a consistent effect, according to these results. The study indicates that the Game-Based Learning (GBL) intervention successfully enhances students' understanding with slightly higher post-test and delayed post-test scores compared to traditional teaching methods. The findings emphasize the importance of student discourse in game-based scenarios, with higher-level conversations predominantly observed in intra- and inter-group discussions. Despite fluctuations in intellectual activities, student engagement and critical thinking remain high. However, challenges in addressing gender differences and implementing GBL in conventional classroom settings need further research and development focus. Conclusion. The study supports integrating Game-Based Learning (GBL) into conventional classrooms, noting no significant differences from traditional teaching. However, caution is advised due to implementation challenges. Gender differences underscore the need for further exploration of GBL effectiveness across genders and grade levels. Positive impacts on critical thinking are seen through student-centered learning and authentic problem-solving scenarios. GBL aligns with best teaching practices, emphasizing engagement and student-driven learning. While acknowledging limitations, the research calls for ongoing exploration of GBL's potential in fostering critical thinking and aligning it with traditional educational principles for maximum effectiveness in diverse classrooms.

Analysis of Peri-Implantitis Photothermal Therapy Effect According to Laser Irradiation Location and Angle: A Numerical Approach.

In recent years, dental implants have become increasingly popular around the world. However, if the implant is not properly managed, inflammation may occur, and the implant itself may need to be removed. Peri-implantitis is a common inflammation that occurs in dental implants, and various laser treatments have recently been studied to eliminate it. In this study, the situation of removing peri-implantitis using photothermal therapy, one of the various laser treatments, was analyzed theoretically and numerically. The temperature distribution in the tissue for various laser irradiation locations, angles, and power was calculated based on heat transfer theory, and the degree of thermal damage to tissue was analyzed using the Arrhenius damage integral. In addition, the thermally damaged region ratio of inflamed and normal tissue was analyzed using the Arrhenius thermal damage ratio and normal tissue Arrhenius thermal damage ratio to confirm the trend of treatment results for each treatment condition. The results of the study showed that if only the thermal damage to the inflamed tissue is considered, the laser should be angled vertically, and the laser should be applied to the center of the inflamed tissue rather than close to the implant. However, if the thermal damage to the surrounding normal tissue is also considered, it was found that the laser should be applied at 1.0 mm from the right end of the inflamed tissue for maximum effect. This will allow for more accurate clinical treatment of peri-implantitis in the future.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and anti-edematous activities of aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latilolius (sm.) Bruce ripe fruits in rat

Background: The vegetative system of Sarcocephalus latifolius represents a natural source of active substances, as the species is used in traditional african medicine to treat several diseases involving inflammation and oxidation. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius ripe fruits in rats. Material and method: DPPH radical scavenging and iron reduction were used to assess antioxidant activity in vitro. Rat paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran and formalin was used to assess acute and subacute anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Results: Extract at 10 mg/mL yielded 92.95±11.44 mg EAG/g total polyphenols, 0.082±0.005 mg ERu/g total flavonoids and 0.14 ± 0.003 mg EAT/g condensed tannins. Aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius ripe fruits showed DPPH radical inhibition with an IC50 greater than 25 μg/mL. DPPH inhibition by gallic acid was 92.91% at 25 μg/mL. IC50 of ascorbic acid and aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius on Fe3+reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were 18.9 μg/mL and 111.6 μg/mL, respectively. For carrageenan, the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius ripe fruits showed a maximal anti-inflammatory effect at five hours, with inhibitions (p&lt;0.05) of 48.49% at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 56.16% at 300 mg/kg. For dextran, the inhibitions (p&lt;0.01) observed at the thirtieth minute were 34.55% at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 44.44% at 300 mg/kg. For formalin, significant inhibitions (p&lt;0.05) on the first day were 29.19% at 200 mg/kg and 30.60% at 300 mg/kg.

Inhibitory Actions of Potentiating Neuroactive Steroids in the Human α1β3γ2L γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor.

The γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor is modulated by a number of neuroactive steroids. Sulfated steroids and 3β-hydroxy steroids inhibit, while 3α-hydroxy steroids typically potentiate the receptor. Here, we have investigated inhibition of the α1β3γ2L GABAA receptor by the endogenous neurosteroid 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (3α5βP) and the synthetic neuroactive steroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-androstane-17β-carbonitrile (ACN). The receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. All experiments were done using two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology. In the presence of low concentrations of GABA, 3α5βP and ACN potentiate the GABAA receptor. To reveal inhibition, we conducted the experiments on receptors activated by the combination of a saturating concentration of GABA and propofol to fully activate the receptors and mask potentiation, or on mutant receptors in which potentiation is ablated. Under these conditions, both steroids inhibited the receptor with IC50s of ∼13 μM and maximal inhibitory effects of 70-90%. Receptor inhibition by 3α5βP was sensitive to substitution of the α1 transmembrane domain (TM) 2-2' residue, previously shown to ablate inhibition by pregnenolone sulfate. However, results of coapplication studies and the apparent lack of state dependence suggest that pregnenolone sulfate and 3α5βP inhibit the GABAA receptor independently and through distinct mechanisms. Mutations to the neurosteroid binding sites in the α1 and β3 subunits statistically significantly, albeit weakly and incompletely, reduced inhibition by 3α5βP and ACN. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The heteromeric GABAA receptor is inhibited by sulfated steroids and 3β-hydroxy steroids, while 3α-hydroxy steroids are considered to potentiate the receptor. We show here that 3α-hydroxy steroids have inhibitory effects on the α1β3γ2L receptor, which are observed in specific experimental settings and are expected to manifest under different physiological conditions.

Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Wound Healing Activities of Rutin and Quercetin and Their Interaction with Gentamicin on Excision Wounds in Diabetic Mice.

Phytochemicals are effective and are gaining attention in fighting against drug-resistant bacterial strains. In the present study, rutin and quercetin were tested for antibacterial, antibiofilm, and wound healing activities on excision wounds infected with MDR-P. aeruginosa in diabetic mice. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were studied in vitro using broth dilution assay and crystal violet assay, respectively. These phytochemicals were tested alone for wound-healing activities at different concentrations (0.5% and 1% in ointment base) and in combination with gentamicin to evaluate any additive effects. Rutin and quercetin demonstrated effectiveness against MDR-P. aeruginosa at higher concentrations. Both phytochemicals inhibited biofilm formation in vitro and contributed to the healing of diabetic wounds by eradicating biofilm in the wounded tissue. Rutin at a low concentration (0.5%) had a lesser effect on reducing the epithelization period and regeneration of the epithelial layer compared to quercetin. When combined with gentamicin, quercetin (1%) displayed the maximum effect on epithelium regeneration, followed by rutin (1%) in combination with gentamicin. Both phytochemicals were found to be more effective in controlling biofilm and wound-healing activities when used as an additive with gentamicin. The study supports the traditional use of phytochemicals with antibacterial, antibiofilm, and wound-healing activities in managing diabetic infections.