In this study 70 male students were participated to determine the thyroid disorder through ultrasonography. Thyroid scan was done in 70 students prospectively with no indicative of thyroid disease (age of 19 - 23 yrs)...In this study 70 male students were participated to determine the thyroid disorder through ultrasonography. Thyroid scan was done in 70 students prospectively with no indicative of thyroid disease (age of 19 - 23 yrs). Thyroid scan for students who participated the study took place in the department of Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University by using an IU 22 Philips ultrasound machine with a 5 - 12 MHz linear transducer. Among the total number of the subjects, 26% was found with abnormal ultrasound findings, 17% of them with cystic nodule, while solid and mixed nodule represented 4% for each. The high rate of abnormal findings of thyroid gland in the study suggested that screening using ultrasound scan was useful in detecting early thyroid disorders.展开更多
This study sets the objective to involve undergraduate students in the evaluation of radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes in Sudanese universities. Based on the analysis of survey results in w...This study sets the objective to involve undergraduate students in the evaluation of radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes in Sudanese universities. Based on the analysis of survey results in which the participants (BSc students undertaking radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes at university level) are asked to answer both closed and open-ended questions, the study seeks to reveal the participants’ perceptions and introspections about the radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes in Sudan. It also attempts to explore the participants’ suggestions and recommendations as to enhance the quality of these programmes with an eye to helping syllabus designers to improve these programmes, thereby bettering healthcare services for the larger good to the community. A brief cross-sectional survey is completed by a total of 105 radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology students, i.e. 39 (37.1%) third-year students and 66 (62.9%) fourth-year students. The majority of participants is satisfied with the programmes, indicating that they are up-to-date and ran abreast with the latest developments in the field. Very few suggest that the programmes should be reviewed for revision, implying that there is room for improvement. Some participants recommend that more training hours in modern imaging modalities (e.g. MRI, CT and U/S) should be introduced. Only one participant recommends the introduction of advanced training centres.展开更多
The advancement of Artificial Intelligence(AI)has garnered significant attention within the academic research community,reflecting the prevailing zeitgeist.However,there is a paucity of literature that has delved into...The advancement of Artificial Intelligence(AI)has garnered significant attention within the academic research community,reflecting the prevailing zeitgeist.However,there is a paucity of literature that has delved into its connection with the higher order thinking skills of human beings.The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the relationship between AI utilization and the development of critical thinking(CT)in the field of education.A systematic literature search was performed in two databases,Web of Science and Scopus,with a focus on empirical studies related to AI and CT.The review process followed the PRISMA framework and adopted a bottom-up approach,Ultimately,the integrated review synthesized 21 eligible studies from a total of 649 articles.The systematic review identified three relationships between AI technologies and CT.The results suggest that AI technologies can help to enhance learners’CT skills(n=13).However,excessive or inappropriate utilization of AI may hinder CT development(n=7).Moreover,the cultivation of CT skills has been shown to positively influence the effectiveness of AI utilization(n=4).This article represents the first literature review to delve into the reciprocal relationship between AI implementation and CT development within the education field,striving to illuminate the ways in which learners can enhance their higher-order thinking skills through more effective utilization of AI technologies.展开更多
Metabolomics covers a wide range of applications in life sciences,biomedicine,and phytology.Data acquisition(to achieve high coverage and efficiency)and analysis(to pursue good classification)are two key segments invo...Metabolomics covers a wide range of applications in life sciences,biomedicine,and phytology.Data acquisition(to achieve high coverage and efficiency)and analysis(to pursue good classification)are two key segments involved in metabolomics workflows.Various chemometric approaches utilizing either pattern recognition or machine learning have been employed to separate different groups.However,insufficient feature extraction,inappropriate feature selection,overfitting,or underfitting lead to an insufficient capacity to discriminate plants that are often easily confused.Using two ginseng varieties,namely Panax japonicus(PJ)and Panax japonicus var.major(PJvm),containing the similar ginsenosides,we integrated pseudo-targeted metabolomics and deep neural network(DNN)modeling to achieve accurate species differentiation.A pseudo-targeted metabolomics approach was optimized through data acquisition mode,ion pairs generation,comparison between multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)and scheduled MRM(sMRM),and chromatographic elution gradient.In total,1980 ion pairs were monitored within 23 min,allowing for the most comprehensive ginseng metabolome analysis.The established DNN model demonstrated excellent classification performance(in terms of accuracy,precision,recall,F1 score,area under the curve,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC))using the entire metabolome data and feature-selection dataset,exhibiting superior advantages over random forest(RF),support vector machine(SVM),extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),and multilayer perceptron(MLP).Moreover,DNNs were advantageous for automated feature learning,nonlinear modeling,adaptability,and generalization.This study confirmed practicality of the established strategy for efficient metabolomics data analysis and reliable classification performance even when using small-volume samples.This established approach holds promise for plant metabolomics and is not limited to ginseng.展开更多
As new-generation intelligent technologies rapidly evolve,enhancing artificial intelligence(AI)education has become a global consensus,and improving AI literacy is a key focus in higher education.To address the lack o...As new-generation intelligent technologies rapidly evolve,enhancing artificial intelligence(AI)education has become a global consensus,and improving AI literacy is a key focus in higher education.To address the lack of relevant knowledge among non-computer science students,the complexity of the material,which leads to low interest and high difficulty in learning,this paper proposes a three-pronged teaching design model:“BOPPPS model+large language models(LLMs)+mind maps with 3w2h”.This model aims to assist teachers in designing practical teaching cases and engaging,interactive activities,and provides examples of its application to help teachers better teach AI and improve the AI literacy of non-computer science students.展开更多
Objective This systematic review aimed to identify the predictors of recovery from dysphagia after stroke in the last ten years,thereby providing an evidence-based basis for nurses to identify high-risk patients and d...Objective This systematic review aimed to identify the predictors of recovery from dysphagia after stroke in the last ten years,thereby providing an evidence-based basis for nurses to identify high-risk patients and develop individualized rehabilitation plans to improve patient prognosis.Methods Databases including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Biology Medicine disc(CBMdisc),China Science and Technology Journal(VIP),WanFang,PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,the Cochrane Library,and Scopus were retrieved to search for literature on the predictors of recovery from dysphagia after stroke.The retrieval period was from January 2013 to December 2023.The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS)and the Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool(PROBAST).Meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 and Stata15.1 software.The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO(CRD42024605570).Results A total of 1,216 results were obtained,including 599 in English and 617 in Chinese.A total of 34 studies were included,involving 156,309 patients with post-stroke dysphagia,and the rate of dysphagia recovery increased from 13.53%at 1 week to 95%at 6 months after stroke.Meta-analysis results showed that older age[OR=1.06,95%CI(1.04,1.08),P<0.001],lower BMI[OR=1.28,95%CI(1.17,1.40),P<0.001],bilateral stroke[OR=3.10,95%CI(2.04,4.72),P<0.001],higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score[OR=1.19,95%CI(1.01,1.39),P=0.030],tracheal intubation[OR=5.08,95%CI(1.57,16.39),P=0.007]and aspiration[OR=4.70,95%CI(3.06,7.20),P<0.001]were unfavorable factors for the recovery of swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.Conclusions The lack of standardized criteria for rehabilitation assessment of post-stroke dysphagia has resulted in reported recovery rates of swallowing function exhibiting wide variability.Nurses should take targeted preventive measures for patients aged≥70 years,low BMI,bilateral stroke,high NIHSS score,tracheal intubation,and aspiration to promote the recovery of swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.展开更多
Current research primarily focuses on emerging organic pollutants,with limited attention to emerging inorganic pollutants (EIPs).However,due to advances in detection technology and the escalating environmental and hea...Current research primarily focuses on emerging organic pollutants,with limited attention to emerging inorganic pollutants (EIPs).However,due to advances in detection technology and the escalating environmental and health challenges posed by pollution,there is a growing interest in treating waters contaminated with EIPs.This paper explores biochar characteristics and modification methods,encompassing physical,chemical,and biological approaches for adsorbing EIPs.It offers a comprehensive review of research advancements in employing biochar for EIPs remediation in water,outlines the adsorption mechanisms of EIPs by biochar,and presents an environmental and economic analysis.It can be concluded that using biochar for the adsorption of EIPs in wastewater exhibits promising potential.Nonetheless,it is noteworthy that certain EIPs like Au(III),Rh(III),Ir(III),Ru(III),Os(III),Sc(III),and Y(III),have not been extensively investigated regarding their adsorption onto biochar.This comprehensive review will catalyze further inquiry into the biochar-based adsorption of EIPs,addressing current research deficiencies and advancing the practical implementation of biochar as a potent substrate for EIP removal from wastewater streams.展开更多
The study of the morphometric parameters of the three most abundant species in the lower course of the Kouilou River (Chrysichthys auratus, Liza falcipinnis and Pellonula vorax) was carried out. The standard length of...The study of the morphometric parameters of the three most abundant species in the lower course of the Kouilou River (Chrysichthys auratus, Liza falcipinnis and Pellonula vorax) was carried out. The standard length of Chrysichthys auratus varies between 43.57 and 210 mm, for an average of 96.70 ± 28.63 mm;the weight varies between 2.92 and 140.83 mg, an average of 73.03 ± 21.62 mg. The condition coefficient is equal to 4.42 ± 1.52. Liza falcipinnis has a standard length which varies between 59.9 mm and 158.08 mm for an average of 88.15 ± 29.74 mm;its weight varies between 4.77 and 76.21 mg, an average of 18.61 ± 11.82 mg. The condition coefficient is equal to 2.47 ± 1.57. Pellonula vorax has a standard length which varies between 60.33 mm and 117.72 mm;for an average of 80.48 ± 17.75 mm;the weight varies between 3.61 and 25.17 mg, an average of 9.03 ± 3.61 mg. The condition coefficient is equal to 2.17 ± 0.57. These three species have a minor allometric growth.展开更多
Two widespread bird species in Sri Lanka’s dry zone,Pycnonotus cafer(Red-vented Bulbul,RVBB)and Pycnonotus luteolus(White-browed Bulbul,WBBB),were studied to understand their foraging dynamics and ecology.The researc...Two widespread bird species in Sri Lanka’s dry zone,Pycnonotus cafer(Red-vented Bulbul,RVBB)and Pycnonotus luteolus(White-browed Bulbul,WBBB),were studied to understand their foraging dynamics and ecology.The research was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 in Mihintale Sanctuary(80.30′11.24″E,8.21′04.63″N)and the Faculty of Applied Sciences,Rajarata University of Sri Lanka(80.502206″E,8.353090″N).Data were obtained through focal sampling,opportunistic observations,and mist netting.Both species predominantly foraged on twigs,using gleaning as the dominant food-handling technique.RVBB foraged mostly at the canopy level,while WBBB foraged primarily at the sub-canopy level.Fruits constituted the major food type for both species.RVBB and WBBB utilized 10 and 7 plant species,respectively,with Grewia helicterifolia being the primary foraging plant.Minimal foraging was observed on Croton sp.(RVBB)and Hugonia mistax(WBBB).The correlation between nutritional components and the consumption of both species revealed a preference for foods with lower protein,higher fat,and ash content.There was no linear correlation between gape width and fruit size(r=-0.21,P=0.69)for both species.The standardized dietary niche breadth indicated both species are specialists,with a high pairwise dietary niche overlap(0.9854).These findings highlight the niche-specific foraging adaptations of RVBB and WBBB within Mihintale,emphasizing their distinct strategies in utilizing plant species,fruit sizes,and foraging heights.Understanding such ecological dynamics is essential for habitat conservation efforts and ensuring the availability of key foraging resources for these species in the dry zone.展开更多
Pimpinella anisum,commonly known as anise,is generally used in both folk medicine and the culinary world.In traditional medicine,it is valued for its digestive,respiratory,and antispasmodic properties.This study aims ...Pimpinella anisum,commonly known as anise,is generally used in both folk medicine and the culinary world.In traditional medicine,it is valued for its digestive,respiratory,and antispasmodic properties.This study aims to examine the volatile compounds and antibacterial effect of P.anisum essential oil(PAEO)as well as for the first time its genotoxicity employing both in vitro and computational approaches.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analysis identified anethole as the principal compound,which comprises 92.47%of PAEO.PAEO was tested for its potential antibacterial properties against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633,Listeria innocua ATCC 33090,Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213,Klebsiella aerogenes ATCC 13048,and a clinical strain of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi.PAEO displayed noteworthy antibacterial action toward all tested bacteria,especially Staphylococcus aureus,with an inhibition zone of 21.43±0.87 mm,as determined by the disc-diffusion test.Varied between 0.0625%and 2%v/v,while the MBC values ranged from 0.125%to 8%v/v,reflecting the strength of the tested EO.The MBC/MIC ratios indicated the bactericidal nature of PAEO.The results of molecular docking revealed strong binding interactions between key PAEO molecules and microbial target proteins.ADMET(Absorption,Distribution,Metabolism,Excretion,and Toxicity)analysis confirmed favorable pharmacokinetic properties,indicating its potential as a safe therapeutic agent.Additionally,genotoxicity was assessed using the comet assay,which demonstrated minimal genotoxic risk,affirming the oil’s safety.These results highlight the promising antimicrobial properties of PAEO and its possible use as an active agent in the pharmacy,food,and cosmetic sectors.展开更多
Mycotoxins,toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungus including Aspergillus,Penicillium,and Fusarium,pose considerable threats to food safety and human health worldwide.This review analyzes the main categories of ...Mycotoxins,toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungus including Aspergillus,Penicillium,and Fusarium,pose considerable threats to food safety and human health worldwide.This review analyzes the main categories of mycotoxins—namely aflatoxins,ochratoxins,and fusarium toxins(zearalenone and fumonisins)—along with their health implications,sources of contamination,and environmental circumstances conducive to their production.The document highlights the pressing necessity for efficient management techniques and investigates the use of food polymer-based nanotechnology as an innovative solution.Biopolymeric nanoparticles produced from natural food materials exhibit notable antibacterial characteristics,biodegradability,and the ability to enhance mycotoxin detection and management.This review emphasizes the transformative capacity of nanotechnology based innovative strategies in improving mycotoxin control,providing insights into emerging research avenues and practical applications to bolster food safety systems and keyword co-occurrence analysis,limitations and future perspectives.展开更多
Artemisia dracunculus L.,or tarragon,is a perennial herb from the Asteraceae family that is extensively cultivated for its aromatic leaves,which are valued for its preventative and therapeutic properties in both cooke...Artemisia dracunculus L.,or tarragon,is a perennial herb from the Asteraceae family that is extensively cultivated for its aromatic leaves,which are valued for its preventative and therapeutic properties in both cookery and traditional medicine.This study aims to investigate the antibacterial,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties of A.dracunculus(tarragon)essential oil(ADEO),with estragole(57.23%)identified as the major compound through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analysis.ADEO exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity,with Escherichia coli showing higher resistance inhibition zone(IZ)=14.7±0.58 mm,minimum (inhibitory concentration(MIC)=2%and minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC)=4%),while Bacillus subtilis(IZ=24.05±2.11 mm and MIC=MBC=0.125%)and Staphylococcus aureus(IZ=18.69±1.45 mm,MIC=0.0612%and MBC=0.125%)were more sensitive to its actions.Antioxidant ability was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil(DPPH),2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS),xanthine oxidase inhibition,and beta-carotene bleaching assays.ADEO showed remarkable antiradical effect on DPPH(IC_(50)=127.05±3.47μg/mL)and ABTS radical(IC_(50)=89.60±8.73μg/mL)as well as significant inhibition of xanthine oxidase(IC_(50)=47.9±2.04μg/mL)and lipid peroxidation(IC_(50)=231.63±5.21μg/mL).ADEO also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the enzymesCOX-1(IC_(50)=59.2±2.43μg/mL),Cyclo-oxygenase-2(COX-2)(IC_(50)=74.68±1.34μg/mL)and 5-lipooxygense(5-LOX)(IC_(50)=93.18±1.87μg/mL),which are involved in the inflammatory pathway.These findings suggest that ADEO,with its high estragole content,holds promising potential as a natural antibacterial,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory agent for preventive and therapeutic applications.Further research is needed to explore its safety and efficacy in clinical settings.展开更多
The entomofauna in the Republic of Congo is very little known. Studies carried out in natural forests are few. It is in this context that this inventory of entomofauna was carried out from April to July 2022 in the Sc...The entomofauna in the Republic of Congo is very little known. Studies carried out in natural forests are few. It is in this context that this inventory of entomofauna was carried out from April to July 2022 in the Scientific City Forest. The general objective is to contribute to the knowledge of the trapping, mowing and sight hunting;the three types of traps used are: Barber pots, colored plates and aerial traps. This study made it possible to invent 1523 specimens belonging to 106 species, 99 genera, 59 families and 12 orders. The order Diptera is the most abundant and richest in species (47% and 26%). This order is followed by Hymenoptera (23% and 23%). Formicidae (14%) and Calliphoridae (13%) are the most abundant families. The Formicidae family presents the greatest species richness (7%), Calliphora sp and Polyrhachis cyaniventris present the highest specific relative abundance of the entire collection. These preliminary results of the entomofauna of Scientific City constitute a database. However, this study must be continued and extended to other areas of Brazzaville, using other capture techniques and taking into account the seasons.展开更多
Background:In today’s context,vegetable oils,commonly used in culinary practices such as frying and baking,are integral to numerous daily dietary choices.Palm oil,a frequently employed vegetable oil,raises concerns s...Background:In today’s context,vegetable oils,commonly used in culinary practices such as frying and baking,are integral to numerous daily dietary choices.Palm oil,a frequently employed vegetable oil,raises concerns surrounding food safety,thus presenting a significant challenge.Methods:This research aims to enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol(3-MCPD)and glycidyl fatty acid esters(GEs)commonly found in food and edible oil products.The study endeavours to apprise consumers of these health risks through a comprehensive survey.The survey enlisted the participation of 120 respondents within the age bracket of 18 years to those above 36 years(capped at 50 years).Results:Strikingly,a significant proportion,ranging from 88%to 89%,demonstrated a lack of awareness concerning the potential risks associated with 3-MCPD and GEs in food products.Conclusion:This study underscores the urgency of augmenting consumer's awareness levels regarding 3-MCPD and GEs.Furthermore,it promotes a more detailed examination of Malaysian edible oils and food products available in the market to establish an appropriate Tolerable Daily Intake for the Malaysian population.This research contributes to the broader discourse on food safety and public health by highlighting these crucial facets.展开更多
Insects represent an important taxon for the functioning of ecosystems. They also contribute to human and animal nutrition and are vector agents of several diseases. In Congo-Brazzaville the diversity of entomofauna i...Insects represent an important taxon for the functioning of ecosystems. They also contribute to human and animal nutrition and are vector agents of several diseases. In Congo-Brazzaville the diversity of entomofauna is very little known. The present study aimed to investigate ponds. The inventory of insects was conducted in ponds Ngatsouéné and Yo, the first one was located in the center of Djambala and the last one was 2 km from the center of the city. The insects were caught with an entomological net from 23rd to 24th December 2012. The study identifies 37 species belonging to 17 families and 7 orders. This entomofauna study showed a high proportion of the Orthoptera order (27.20%). Family Mantidae has the largest species number (13.51%). Mantis sp is the most abundant species (13.51%). This is a database and therefore, should be extended to different aquatic ecosystems of the Department of Plateaux. The results obtained during this study will contribute to the development of a database for the management of entomofauna in Congo.展开更多
Abiotic stresses such as drought,heat,salinity,and heavy metal contamination severely affect global agricultural productivity.Between 2005 and 2015,droughts caused losses of approximately USD 29 billion in developing ...Abiotic stresses such as drought,heat,salinity,and heavy metal contamination severely affect global agricultural productivity.Between 2005 and 2015,droughts caused losses of approximately USD 29 billion in developing countries,and from 2008 to 2018,droughts accounted for over 34%of crop and livestock yield losses,totaling about USD 37 billion.To support the growing human population,agricultural output must increase substantially,necessitating a 60%–100%rise in crop productivity to meet the escalating demand.To address environmental challenges,organic,inorganic,and microbial biostimulants are increasingly employed to enhance plant resilience through various morphological,physiological,and biochemical modifications.Plant biostimulants enhance plant resilience under abiotic stress through mechanisms such as abscisic acid signaling modulation,which regulates stomatal closure to reduce water loss during drought and heat stress.Additionally,they aid in scavenging reactive oxygen species and stabilizing ion channels,mitigating oxidative damage,and maintaining ionic balance under stress conditions such as salinity.This review summarizes recent advancements in applying these biostimulants,focusing on their roles in triggering morphological,physiological,biochemical,and molecular changes that collectively enhance plant resilience under stress conditions.It also includes a bibliometric analysis of all articles published on biostimulants from 2019 to 2024 and explores future research directions.Emphasis was placed on optimizing biostimulant formulations and understanding their synergistic effects to maximize their efficacy under various stress conditions.By integrating biostimulants into agricultural practices,we can adopt a sustainable strategy to safeguard crop productivity in the face of climate change and environmental stressors.展开更多
Biotechnology has revolutionized agriculture through innovations such as genetically modified(GM)technology and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.In this review,a comparative analysis of these methods that addresses the conc...Biotechnology has revolutionized agriculture through innovations such as genetically modified(GM)technology and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.In this review,a comparative analysis of these methods that addresses the concerns regarding the oversimplification of the notion that the CRISPR-based editing approach is equivalent to traditional GM approaches is offered.Since the 1990s,despite the potential benefits for crop improvement and food security,controversies have arisen around recombinant technology and the introduction of GM products due to perceived environmental and health concerns.In contrast,the recent emergence of the CRISPR/Cas systemas a precise genome editing tool has garnered relatively less public resistance.In this review,the reasons for these contrasting findings are explored to shed light on the distinct characteristics inherent to each approach.Additionally,we conduct a bibliographic analysis to examine the shift in research priorities between the two technological eras,followed by a comprehensive comparison of the two approaches,to enable a better understanding of the potential synergies that can be achieved between agricultural biotechnology and conventional techniques for enhancing modern agriculture.A nuanced understanding of these technologies is crucial for informed decision-making,responsible implementation,and addressing the concerns surrounding agricultural biotechnology.展开更多
Spinal cord injury presents a significant challenge in regenerative medicine due to the complex and deli-cate nature of neural tissue repair.This study aims to design a conductive hydrogel embedded with magnetic MgFe_...Spinal cord injury presents a significant challenge in regenerative medicine due to the complex and deli-cate nature of neural tissue repair.This study aims to design a conductive hydrogel embedded with magnetic MgFe_(2)O_(4) nanoparticles to establish a bioelectrically active and spatially stable microenvironment that promotes spinal cord regeneration through computational analysis(BIOVIA Materials Studio).Hydrogels,known for their biocompatibility and extracellular matrix-mimicking properties,support essential cellular behaviors such as adhesion,proliferation,and migration.The integration of MgFe_(2)O_(4) nanoparticles imparts both electrical conductivity and magnetic responsiveness,enabling controlled transmission of electrical signals that are crucial for guiding cellular processes like differentiation and directed migration.Furthermore,the hydrogel acts as a delivery medium,facilitating the adsorption of MgFe_(2)O_(4) nanoparticles onto spinal tissue through strong Van der Waals and intramolecular interactions.The computational simulations revealed a robust adsorption profile,with a binding distance of 20.180Åand a cumulative adsorption energy of 2740.42 kcal/mol,indicating stable nanoparticle-tissue interactions.Pressure-dependent sorption analysis further demonstrated that reduced pressure conditions enhance adsorption strength,promoting tighter material-tissue integration.The adverse Van der Waals energy and increased intramolecular energy observed under these conditions underscore the importance of optimized adsorption settings for functional tissue interface formation.Altogether,the conductive hydrogel-MgFe_(2)O_(4) composite system offers a promising therapeutic platform by combining structural support,electrical stimulation,and magnetic guidance,thereby enhancing cell-material interactions and fostering an environment conducive to spinal cord tissue repair.展开更多
BACKGROUND In tropical Asia,arbovirus-induced encephalitis continues to be a serious public health issue.Encephalitis is caused by wide range of neurotropic pathogens,and flaviviruses are one of the main causative age...BACKGROUND In tropical Asia,arbovirus-induced encephalitis continues to be a serious public health issue.Encephalitis is caused by wide range of neurotropic pathogens,and flaviviruses are one of the main causative agents in the area.Sri Lanka reports a considerable number of central nervous system infections annually.Both dengue and Japanese encephalitis are endemic,and cases of Zika and West Nile virus infections were reported occasionally in Sri Lanka.Although reported number of Japanese encephalitis cases has reduced in the past,aetiological diagnosis in majority of encephalitis cases is still unknown.AIM To detect dengue virus(DENV)infections in individuals in the central region of Sri Lanka who were clinically suspected of having encephalitis.METHODS A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 99 cerebrospinal fluid samples received to a virology laboratory from patients in the central part of Sri Lanka who were clinically suspected of having encephalitis.Samples were analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)with universal flavivirus primers to detect flaviviral RNA followed by DENV serotyping real-time RT-PCR,and an immunoglobulin M(IgM)detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect IgM antibodies indicative of a possible recent DENV infection.RESULTS DENV aetiology was detected in 6(6.06%)cerebrospinal fluid samples,and all were confirmed as DENV infections.A single positive result(1.01%)was yielded through RT-PCR and was identified as DENV serotype 3.Serology testing detected 05(5.05%)anti-dengue IgM positives and further investigation indicated probable DENV aetiology.Among positives 02(33.33%)were children(aged less than 14 years),and rest were adults.CONCLUSION These findings underscore the presence of DENV-associated central nervous system infections and highlight the need for broader surveillance and more advanced diagnostic approaches in the future.展开更多
This review provided an updated synthesis of current knowledge regarding the processing, chemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and clinical applications of white tea (Camellia sinensis), commonly known as...This review provided an updated synthesis of current knowledge regarding the processing, chemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and clinical applications of white tea (Camellia sinensis), commonly known as WT. Information was collated from reliable sources, including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, PubChem, J-Stage, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). In China, WT, referred to as “Bai Cha”, is a prized spring tea harvested during early spring when the young tea plant leaf buds are still covered with delicate, downy white hairs. Fujian Province serves as the primary production region. WT processing is minimal, involving withering as the most crucial step, followed by drying. This simple process preserves its unique qualities and chemical integrity. The dominant phenolic compounds in WT are flavonoids, including catechins, dimeric catechins, flavones, flavonols, and flavanones. Additional constituents encompass phenolic acids, alkaloids, glycosides, and amino acids. These bioactive compounds contribute to WT’s diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, and male reproductive health benefits. To date, seven clinical studies have investigated the therapeutic potential of WT. These include two studies each on its use as a mouth rinse and its anti-obesity effects, and one study each focusing on its applications in managing diabetes, periodontitis, and depression. Perspectives on WT’s broader implications and opportunities for future research are also explored, highlighting its potential for expanded therapeutic applications.展开更多
文摘In this study 70 male students were participated to determine the thyroid disorder through ultrasonography. Thyroid scan was done in 70 students prospectively with no indicative of thyroid disease (age of 19 - 23 yrs). Thyroid scan for students who participated the study took place in the department of Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University by using an IU 22 Philips ultrasound machine with a 5 - 12 MHz linear transducer. Among the total number of the subjects, 26% was found with abnormal ultrasound findings, 17% of them with cystic nodule, while solid and mixed nodule represented 4% for each. The high rate of abnormal findings of thyroid gland in the study suggested that screening using ultrasound scan was useful in detecting early thyroid disorders.
文摘This study sets the objective to involve undergraduate students in the evaluation of radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes in Sudanese universities. Based on the analysis of survey results in which the participants (BSc students undertaking radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes at university level) are asked to answer both closed and open-ended questions, the study seeks to reveal the participants’ perceptions and introspections about the radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes in Sudan. It also attempts to explore the participants’ suggestions and recommendations as to enhance the quality of these programmes with an eye to helping syllabus designers to improve these programmes, thereby bettering healthcare services for the larger good to the community. A brief cross-sectional survey is completed by a total of 105 radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology students, i.e. 39 (37.1%) third-year students and 66 (62.9%) fourth-year students. The majority of participants is satisfied with the programmes, indicating that they are up-to-date and ran abreast with the latest developments in the field. Very few suggest that the programmes should be reviewed for revision, implying that there is room for improvement. Some participants recommend that more training hours in modern imaging modalities (e.g. MRI, CT and U/S) should be introduced. Only one participant recommends the introduction of advanced training centres.
基金funded by Macao Polytechnic University grant number RP/FCA-08-2023.
文摘The advancement of Artificial Intelligence(AI)has garnered significant attention within the academic research community,reflecting the prevailing zeitgeist.However,there is a paucity of literature that has delved into its connection with the higher order thinking skills of human beings.The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the relationship between AI utilization and the development of critical thinking(CT)in the field of education.A systematic literature search was performed in two databases,Web of Science and Scopus,with a focus on empirical studies related to AI and CT.The review process followed the PRISMA framework and adopted a bottom-up approach,Ultimately,the integrated review synthesized 21 eligible studies from a total of 649 articles.The systematic review identified three relationships between AI technologies and CT.The results suggest that AI technologies can help to enhance learners’CT skills(n=13).However,excessive or inappropriate utilization of AI may hinder CT development(n=7).Moreover,the cultivation of CT skills has been shown to positively influence the effectiveness of AI utilization(n=4).This article represents the first literature review to delve into the reciprocal relationship between AI implementation and CT development within the education field,striving to illuminate the ways in which learners can enhance their higher-order thinking skills through more effective utilization of AI technologies.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.:2022YFC3501805)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:82374030)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Program of Tianjin in China(Grant No.:23ZYJDSS00030)the Tianjin Outstanding Youth Fund,China(Grant No.:23JCJQJC00030)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation-Tianjin Joint Support Program(Grant No.:2023T030TJ).
文摘Metabolomics covers a wide range of applications in life sciences,biomedicine,and phytology.Data acquisition(to achieve high coverage and efficiency)and analysis(to pursue good classification)are two key segments involved in metabolomics workflows.Various chemometric approaches utilizing either pattern recognition or machine learning have been employed to separate different groups.However,insufficient feature extraction,inappropriate feature selection,overfitting,or underfitting lead to an insufficient capacity to discriminate plants that are often easily confused.Using two ginseng varieties,namely Panax japonicus(PJ)and Panax japonicus var.major(PJvm),containing the similar ginsenosides,we integrated pseudo-targeted metabolomics and deep neural network(DNN)modeling to achieve accurate species differentiation.A pseudo-targeted metabolomics approach was optimized through data acquisition mode,ion pairs generation,comparison between multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)and scheduled MRM(sMRM),and chromatographic elution gradient.In total,1980 ion pairs were monitored within 23 min,allowing for the most comprehensive ginseng metabolome analysis.The established DNN model demonstrated excellent classification performance(in terms of accuracy,precision,recall,F1 score,area under the curve,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC))using the entire metabolome data and feature-selection dataset,exhibiting superior advantages over random forest(RF),support vector machine(SVM),extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),and multilayer perceptron(MLP).Moreover,DNNs were advantageous for automated feature learning,nonlinear modeling,adaptability,and generalization.This study confirmed practicality of the established strategy for efficient metabolomics data analysis and reliable classification performance even when using small-volume samples.This established approach holds promise for plant metabolomics and is not limited to ginseng.
文摘As new-generation intelligent technologies rapidly evolve,enhancing artificial intelligence(AI)education has become a global consensus,and improving AI literacy is a key focus in higher education.To address the lack of relevant knowledge among non-computer science students,the complexity of the material,which leads to low interest and high difficulty in learning,this paper proposes a three-pronged teaching design model:“BOPPPS model+large language models(LLMs)+mind maps with 3w2h”.This model aims to assist teachers in designing practical teaching cases and engaging,interactive activities,and provides examples of its application to help teachers better teach AI and improve the AI literacy of non-computer science students.
文摘Objective This systematic review aimed to identify the predictors of recovery from dysphagia after stroke in the last ten years,thereby providing an evidence-based basis for nurses to identify high-risk patients and develop individualized rehabilitation plans to improve patient prognosis.Methods Databases including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Biology Medicine disc(CBMdisc),China Science and Technology Journal(VIP),WanFang,PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,the Cochrane Library,and Scopus were retrieved to search for literature on the predictors of recovery from dysphagia after stroke.The retrieval period was from January 2013 to December 2023.The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS)and the Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool(PROBAST).Meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 and Stata15.1 software.The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO(CRD42024605570).Results A total of 1,216 results were obtained,including 599 in English and 617 in Chinese.A total of 34 studies were included,involving 156,309 patients with post-stroke dysphagia,and the rate of dysphagia recovery increased from 13.53%at 1 week to 95%at 6 months after stroke.Meta-analysis results showed that older age[OR=1.06,95%CI(1.04,1.08),P<0.001],lower BMI[OR=1.28,95%CI(1.17,1.40),P<0.001],bilateral stroke[OR=3.10,95%CI(2.04,4.72),P<0.001],higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score[OR=1.19,95%CI(1.01,1.39),P=0.030],tracheal intubation[OR=5.08,95%CI(1.57,16.39),P=0.007]and aspiration[OR=4.70,95%CI(3.06,7.20),P<0.001]were unfavorable factors for the recovery of swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.Conclusions The lack of standardized criteria for rehabilitation assessment of post-stroke dysphagia has resulted in reported recovery rates of swallowing function exhibiting wide variability.Nurses should take targeted preventive measures for patients aged≥70 years,low BMI,bilateral stroke,high NIHSS score,tracheal intubation,and aspiration to promote the recovery of swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.
基金support from the earmarked fund for XJARS(No.XJARS-06)the Bingtuan Science and Technology Program(Nos.2021DB019,2022CB001-01)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42275014)the Guangdong Foundation for Program of Science and Technology Research,China(No.2023B1212060044)。
文摘Current research primarily focuses on emerging organic pollutants,with limited attention to emerging inorganic pollutants (EIPs).However,due to advances in detection technology and the escalating environmental and health challenges posed by pollution,there is a growing interest in treating waters contaminated with EIPs.This paper explores biochar characteristics and modification methods,encompassing physical,chemical,and biological approaches for adsorbing EIPs.It offers a comprehensive review of research advancements in employing biochar for EIPs remediation in water,outlines the adsorption mechanisms of EIPs by biochar,and presents an environmental and economic analysis.It can be concluded that using biochar for the adsorption of EIPs in wastewater exhibits promising potential.Nonetheless,it is noteworthy that certain EIPs like Au(III),Rh(III),Ir(III),Ru(III),Os(III),Sc(III),and Y(III),have not been extensively investigated regarding their adsorption onto biochar.This comprehensive review will catalyze further inquiry into the biochar-based adsorption of EIPs,addressing current research deficiencies and advancing the practical implementation of biochar as a potent substrate for EIP removal from wastewater streams.
文摘The study of the morphometric parameters of the three most abundant species in the lower course of the Kouilou River (Chrysichthys auratus, Liza falcipinnis and Pellonula vorax) was carried out. The standard length of Chrysichthys auratus varies between 43.57 and 210 mm, for an average of 96.70 ± 28.63 mm;the weight varies between 2.92 and 140.83 mg, an average of 73.03 ± 21.62 mg. The condition coefficient is equal to 4.42 ± 1.52. Liza falcipinnis has a standard length which varies between 59.9 mm and 158.08 mm for an average of 88.15 ± 29.74 mm;its weight varies between 4.77 and 76.21 mg, an average of 18.61 ± 11.82 mg. The condition coefficient is equal to 2.47 ± 1.57. Pellonula vorax has a standard length which varies between 60.33 mm and 117.72 mm;for an average of 80.48 ± 17.75 mm;the weight varies between 3.61 and 25.17 mg, an average of 9.03 ± 3.61 mg. The condition coefficient is equal to 2.17 ± 0.57. These three species have a minor allometric growth.
文摘Two widespread bird species in Sri Lanka’s dry zone,Pycnonotus cafer(Red-vented Bulbul,RVBB)and Pycnonotus luteolus(White-browed Bulbul,WBBB),were studied to understand their foraging dynamics and ecology.The research was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 in Mihintale Sanctuary(80.30′11.24″E,8.21′04.63″N)and the Faculty of Applied Sciences,Rajarata University of Sri Lanka(80.502206″E,8.353090″N).Data were obtained through focal sampling,opportunistic observations,and mist netting.Both species predominantly foraged on twigs,using gleaning as the dominant food-handling technique.RVBB foraged mostly at the canopy level,while WBBB foraged primarily at the sub-canopy level.Fruits constituted the major food type for both species.RVBB and WBBB utilized 10 and 7 plant species,respectively,with Grewia helicterifolia being the primary foraging plant.Minimal foraging was observed on Croton sp.(RVBB)and Hugonia mistax(WBBB).The correlation between nutritional components and the consumption of both species revealed a preference for foods with lower protein,higher fat,and ash content.There was no linear correlation between gape width and fruit size(r=-0.21,P=0.69)for both species.The standardized dietary niche breadth indicated both species are specialists,with a high pairwise dietary niche overlap(0.9854).These findings highlight the niche-specific foraging adaptations of RVBB and WBBB within Mihintale,emphasizing their distinct strategies in utilizing plant species,fruit sizes,and foraging heights.Understanding such ecological dynamics is essential for habitat conservation efforts and ensuring the availability of key foraging resources for these species in the dry zone.
文摘Pimpinella anisum,commonly known as anise,is generally used in both folk medicine and the culinary world.In traditional medicine,it is valued for its digestive,respiratory,and antispasmodic properties.This study aims to examine the volatile compounds and antibacterial effect of P.anisum essential oil(PAEO)as well as for the first time its genotoxicity employing both in vitro and computational approaches.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analysis identified anethole as the principal compound,which comprises 92.47%of PAEO.PAEO was tested for its potential antibacterial properties against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633,Listeria innocua ATCC 33090,Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213,Klebsiella aerogenes ATCC 13048,and a clinical strain of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi.PAEO displayed noteworthy antibacterial action toward all tested bacteria,especially Staphylococcus aureus,with an inhibition zone of 21.43±0.87 mm,as determined by the disc-diffusion test.Varied between 0.0625%and 2%v/v,while the MBC values ranged from 0.125%to 8%v/v,reflecting the strength of the tested EO.The MBC/MIC ratios indicated the bactericidal nature of PAEO.The results of molecular docking revealed strong binding interactions between key PAEO molecules and microbial target proteins.ADMET(Absorption,Distribution,Metabolism,Excretion,and Toxicity)analysis confirmed favorable pharmacokinetic properties,indicating its potential as a safe therapeutic agent.Additionally,genotoxicity was assessed using the comet assay,which demonstrated minimal genotoxic risk,affirming the oil’s safety.These results highlight the promising antimicrobial properties of PAEO and its possible use as an active agent in the pharmacy,food,and cosmetic sectors.
基金Financial support for this study is acknowledged by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura,Sri Lanka under the research grant number RC/URG/SCI/2024/12。
文摘Mycotoxins,toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungus including Aspergillus,Penicillium,and Fusarium,pose considerable threats to food safety and human health worldwide.This review analyzes the main categories of mycotoxins—namely aflatoxins,ochratoxins,and fusarium toxins(zearalenone and fumonisins)—along with their health implications,sources of contamination,and environmental circumstances conducive to their production.The document highlights the pressing necessity for efficient management techniques and investigates the use of food polymer-based nanotechnology as an innovative solution.Biopolymeric nanoparticles produced from natural food materials exhibit notable antibacterial characteristics,biodegradability,and the ability to enhance mycotoxin detection and management.This review emphasizes the transformative capacity of nanotechnology based innovative strategies in improving mycotoxin control,providing insights into emerging research avenues and practical applications to bolster food safety systems and keyword co-occurrence analysis,limitations and future perspectives.
文摘Artemisia dracunculus L.,or tarragon,is a perennial herb from the Asteraceae family that is extensively cultivated for its aromatic leaves,which are valued for its preventative and therapeutic properties in both cookery and traditional medicine.This study aims to investigate the antibacterial,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties of A.dracunculus(tarragon)essential oil(ADEO),with estragole(57.23%)identified as the major compound through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analysis.ADEO exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity,with Escherichia coli showing higher resistance inhibition zone(IZ)=14.7±0.58 mm,minimum (inhibitory concentration(MIC)=2%and minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC)=4%),while Bacillus subtilis(IZ=24.05±2.11 mm and MIC=MBC=0.125%)and Staphylococcus aureus(IZ=18.69±1.45 mm,MIC=0.0612%and MBC=0.125%)were more sensitive to its actions.Antioxidant ability was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil(DPPH),2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS),xanthine oxidase inhibition,and beta-carotene bleaching assays.ADEO showed remarkable antiradical effect on DPPH(IC_(50)=127.05±3.47μg/mL)and ABTS radical(IC_(50)=89.60±8.73μg/mL)as well as significant inhibition of xanthine oxidase(IC_(50)=47.9±2.04μg/mL)and lipid peroxidation(IC_(50)=231.63±5.21μg/mL).ADEO also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the enzymesCOX-1(IC_(50)=59.2±2.43μg/mL),Cyclo-oxygenase-2(COX-2)(IC_(50)=74.68±1.34μg/mL)and 5-lipooxygense(5-LOX)(IC_(50)=93.18±1.87μg/mL),which are involved in the inflammatory pathway.These findings suggest that ADEO,with its high estragole content,holds promising potential as a natural antibacterial,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory agent for preventive and therapeutic applications.Further research is needed to explore its safety and efficacy in clinical settings.
文摘The entomofauna in the Republic of Congo is very little known. Studies carried out in natural forests are few. It is in this context that this inventory of entomofauna was carried out from April to July 2022 in the Scientific City Forest. The general objective is to contribute to the knowledge of the trapping, mowing and sight hunting;the three types of traps used are: Barber pots, colored plates and aerial traps. This study made it possible to invent 1523 specimens belonging to 106 species, 99 genera, 59 families and 12 orders. The order Diptera is the most abundant and richest in species (47% and 26%). This order is followed by Hymenoptera (23% and 23%). Formicidae (14%) and Calliphoridae (13%) are the most abundant families. The Formicidae family presents the greatest species richness (7%), Calliphora sp and Polyrhachis cyaniventris present the highest specific relative abundance of the entire collection. These preliminary results of the entomofauna of Scientific City constitute a database. However, this study must be continued and extended to other areas of Brazzaville, using other capture techniques and taking into account the seasons.
文摘Background:In today’s context,vegetable oils,commonly used in culinary practices such as frying and baking,are integral to numerous daily dietary choices.Palm oil,a frequently employed vegetable oil,raises concerns surrounding food safety,thus presenting a significant challenge.Methods:This research aims to enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol(3-MCPD)and glycidyl fatty acid esters(GEs)commonly found in food and edible oil products.The study endeavours to apprise consumers of these health risks through a comprehensive survey.The survey enlisted the participation of 120 respondents within the age bracket of 18 years to those above 36 years(capped at 50 years).Results:Strikingly,a significant proportion,ranging from 88%to 89%,demonstrated a lack of awareness concerning the potential risks associated with 3-MCPD and GEs in food products.Conclusion:This study underscores the urgency of augmenting consumer's awareness levels regarding 3-MCPD and GEs.Furthermore,it promotes a more detailed examination of Malaysian edible oils and food products available in the market to establish an appropriate Tolerable Daily Intake for the Malaysian population.This research contributes to the broader discourse on food safety and public health by highlighting these crucial facets.
文摘Insects represent an important taxon for the functioning of ecosystems. They also contribute to human and animal nutrition and are vector agents of several diseases. In Congo-Brazzaville the diversity of entomofauna is very little known. The present study aimed to investigate ponds. The inventory of insects was conducted in ponds Ngatsouéné and Yo, the first one was located in the center of Djambala and the last one was 2 km from the center of the city. The insects were caught with an entomological net from 23rd to 24th December 2012. The study identifies 37 species belonging to 17 families and 7 orders. This entomofauna study showed a high proportion of the Orthoptera order (27.20%). Family Mantidae has the largest species number (13.51%). Mantis sp is the most abundant species (13.51%). This is a database and therefore, should be extended to different aquatic ecosystems of the Department of Plateaux. The results obtained during this study will contribute to the development of a database for the management of entomofauna in Congo.
文摘Abiotic stresses such as drought,heat,salinity,and heavy metal contamination severely affect global agricultural productivity.Between 2005 and 2015,droughts caused losses of approximately USD 29 billion in developing countries,and from 2008 to 2018,droughts accounted for over 34%of crop and livestock yield losses,totaling about USD 37 billion.To support the growing human population,agricultural output must increase substantially,necessitating a 60%–100%rise in crop productivity to meet the escalating demand.To address environmental challenges,organic,inorganic,and microbial biostimulants are increasingly employed to enhance plant resilience through various morphological,physiological,and biochemical modifications.Plant biostimulants enhance plant resilience under abiotic stress through mechanisms such as abscisic acid signaling modulation,which regulates stomatal closure to reduce water loss during drought and heat stress.Additionally,they aid in scavenging reactive oxygen species and stabilizing ion channels,mitigating oxidative damage,and maintaining ionic balance under stress conditions such as salinity.This review summarizes recent advancements in applying these biostimulants,focusing on their roles in triggering morphological,physiological,biochemical,and molecular changes that collectively enhance plant resilience under stress conditions.It also includes a bibliometric analysis of all articles published on biostimulants from 2019 to 2024 and explores future research directions.Emphasis was placed on optimizing biostimulant formulations and understanding their synergistic effects to maximize their efficacy under various stress conditions.By integrating biostimulants into agricultural practices,we can adopt a sustainable strategy to safeguard crop productivity in the face of climate change and environmental stressors.
基金supported by the by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(Grant No.FRGS/1/2023/STG03/UM/02/2)Universiti Malaya RU Fund(Grant No.ST087-2022).
文摘Biotechnology has revolutionized agriculture through innovations such as genetically modified(GM)technology and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.In this review,a comparative analysis of these methods that addresses the concerns regarding the oversimplification of the notion that the CRISPR-based editing approach is equivalent to traditional GM approaches is offered.Since the 1990s,despite the potential benefits for crop improvement and food security,controversies have arisen around recombinant technology and the introduction of GM products due to perceived environmental and health concerns.In contrast,the recent emergence of the CRISPR/Cas systemas a precise genome editing tool has garnered relatively less public resistance.In this review,the reasons for these contrasting findings are explored to shed light on the distinct characteristics inherent to each approach.Additionally,we conduct a bibliographic analysis to examine the shift in research priorities between the two technological eras,followed by a comprehensive comparison of the two approaches,to enable a better understanding of the potential synergies that can be achieved between agricultural biotechnology and conventional techniques for enhancing modern agriculture.A nuanced understanding of these technologies is crucial for informed decision-making,responsible implementation,and addressing the concerns surrounding agricultural biotechnology.
基金the“Young Talent Research Grant”:(600-RMC/YTR/5/3(004/2022)Universiti Teknologi Mara(UiTM)for providing the financial support.
文摘Spinal cord injury presents a significant challenge in regenerative medicine due to the complex and deli-cate nature of neural tissue repair.This study aims to design a conductive hydrogel embedded with magnetic MgFe_(2)O_(4) nanoparticles to establish a bioelectrically active and spatially stable microenvironment that promotes spinal cord regeneration through computational analysis(BIOVIA Materials Studio).Hydrogels,known for their biocompatibility and extracellular matrix-mimicking properties,support essential cellular behaviors such as adhesion,proliferation,and migration.The integration of MgFe_(2)O_(4) nanoparticles imparts both electrical conductivity and magnetic responsiveness,enabling controlled transmission of electrical signals that are crucial for guiding cellular processes like differentiation and directed migration.Furthermore,the hydrogel acts as a delivery medium,facilitating the adsorption of MgFe_(2)O_(4) nanoparticles onto spinal tissue through strong Van der Waals and intramolecular interactions.The computational simulations revealed a robust adsorption profile,with a binding distance of 20.180Åand a cumulative adsorption energy of 2740.42 kcal/mol,indicating stable nanoparticle-tissue interactions.Pressure-dependent sorption analysis further demonstrated that reduced pressure conditions enhance adsorption strength,promoting tighter material-tissue integration.The adverse Van der Waals energy and increased intramolecular energy observed under these conditions underscore the importance of optimized adsorption settings for functional tissue interface formation.Altogether,the conductive hydrogel-MgFe_(2)O_(4) composite system offers a promising therapeutic platform by combining structural support,electrical stimulation,and magnetic guidance,thereby enhancing cell-material interactions and fostering an environment conducive to spinal cord tissue repair.
文摘BACKGROUND In tropical Asia,arbovirus-induced encephalitis continues to be a serious public health issue.Encephalitis is caused by wide range of neurotropic pathogens,and flaviviruses are one of the main causative agents in the area.Sri Lanka reports a considerable number of central nervous system infections annually.Both dengue and Japanese encephalitis are endemic,and cases of Zika and West Nile virus infections were reported occasionally in Sri Lanka.Although reported number of Japanese encephalitis cases has reduced in the past,aetiological diagnosis in majority of encephalitis cases is still unknown.AIM To detect dengue virus(DENV)infections in individuals in the central region of Sri Lanka who were clinically suspected of having encephalitis.METHODS A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 99 cerebrospinal fluid samples received to a virology laboratory from patients in the central part of Sri Lanka who were clinically suspected of having encephalitis.Samples were analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)with universal flavivirus primers to detect flaviviral RNA followed by DENV serotyping real-time RT-PCR,and an immunoglobulin M(IgM)detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect IgM antibodies indicative of a possible recent DENV infection.RESULTS DENV aetiology was detected in 6(6.06%)cerebrospinal fluid samples,and all were confirmed as DENV infections.A single positive result(1.01%)was yielded through RT-PCR and was identified as DENV serotype 3.Serology testing detected 05(5.05%)anti-dengue IgM positives and further investigation indicated probable DENV aetiology.Among positives 02(33.33%)were children(aged less than 14 years),and rest were adults.CONCLUSION These findings underscore the presence of DENV-associated central nervous system infections and highlight the need for broader surveillance and more advanced diagnostic approaches in the future.
文摘This review provided an updated synthesis of current knowledge regarding the processing, chemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and clinical applications of white tea (Camellia sinensis), commonly known as WT. Information was collated from reliable sources, including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, PubChem, J-Stage, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). In China, WT, referred to as “Bai Cha”, is a prized spring tea harvested during early spring when the young tea plant leaf buds are still covered with delicate, downy white hairs. Fujian Province serves as the primary production region. WT processing is minimal, involving withering as the most crucial step, followed by drying. This simple process preserves its unique qualities and chemical integrity. The dominant phenolic compounds in WT are flavonoids, including catechins, dimeric catechins, flavones, flavonols, and flavanones. Additional constituents encompass phenolic acids, alkaloids, glycosides, and amino acids. These bioactive compounds contribute to WT’s diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, and male reproductive health benefits. To date, seven clinical studies have investigated the therapeutic potential of WT. These include two studies each on its use as a mouth rinse and its anti-obesity effects, and one study each focusing on its applications in managing diabetes, periodontitis, and depression. Perspectives on WT’s broader implications and opportunities for future research are also explored, highlighting its potential for expanded therapeutic applications.
