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Preparation, Characterization, and Biological Assessment of Heterocyclic Schiff Base Metal Complexes
No full textMIIMC, MMIIMC, and CMIIMC are biologically significant Schiff bases formed by the condensation of 3-amino-5-methyl isoxazole with formyl chromone. Substituted formyl chromones and metal chelates containing Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) are prepared. These were studied utilising elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-VIS, 1H, 13C, mass spectra, magnetic susceptibility, conductance tests, and thermogravimetric techniques. The data revealed that the ligands display neutral, bidentate coordination through carbonyl oxygen and azomethine nitrogen. The antibacterial activity of the ligands and metal complexes is determined in vitro against bacteria and fungus using the paper disc method. Metal chelates have significantly higher MIC values against bacteria than ligands. The DNA binding properties of Cu(II) complexes were examined. MTT is used to determine the complexes\u27 anticancer efficacy against HL60 tumour cells. The researchers discovered that the complexes prevented apparent morphological alterations. The inhibition ratio was hastened by increasing the dosage, and it had a strong positive association with the medicine dosage.
Thermal analysis of complexes showed initial mass loss due to moisture and hydrated water molecules, followed by weight loss at 220oC due to coordinated water molecules, indicating metal oxide breakdown
Mental Health and Quality Sleep among Brazilian Medical Students during Covid-19 Pandemic: Prevalence and Associated Factors
No full textAims: Due the pandemic of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), stricter measures to limit unessential interactions were adopted, including the suspension of classroom lessons and the implementation of the distance learning regime. As these restrictions change lifestyles, this study aimed to assess the impacts of social distancing on mental health and sleep quality in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Medical school in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Data collection took place from June 1 to July 1, 2020.
Methodology: This study used self-administered questionnaires answered by students from a Public University in Brazil. The collection instrument consisted of four parts: socioeconomic variables, self-perception of health, Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Absolute and relative frequencies described the sample, Chi-square test and Student’s t-test tested associations between the variables, Pearson’s correlation tested the relationship between PSQI and SRQ-20.
Results: Of the 210 participants, 138 students (65.7%) had scores suggestive of mental distress by the SRQ-20; women had a higher risk when compared to men (women 67.7% vs. men 49%, p < .01). 186 students (88.6%) had poor sleep quality according to the PSQI; women also had higher sleep disturbance (women 1.26 ± 0.06 vs. men 1.35 ± 0.04, p < .05). Mental distress measures were positively correlated with sleep quality (r = 0.611, p < .001).
Conclusion: The strict preventive measures, and the radical changes in the lifestyle of medical students had a negative impact on the quality of their sleep and mental state. The students showed high levels of mental distress and poor sleep quality, and women appear to be an important risk factor. Implementation of interventions for well-being in pandemic condition by universities, and special focus to the most affected groups (such as women), should be stimulated
Psychological State of Teachers: Developing and Validating a Standardised Scale
No full textPeople show different emotional and psychological states over time due to stress, workload, sleep and other factors. This study examined the emotional and psychological states of 200 Junior High School Teachers. The study employed the quantitative method. The instrument used was a questionnaire. The collected data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, Pearson\u27s Correlation and Regression. The instrument was made based on the experiences of the researchers and available literature. Confirmatory Factor analysis led to the reduction of the number of items on the questionnaire to 40. The results showed that teachers do not freely express their emotions, which affects their sleep patterns. The final questionnaire has strong psychometric properties, including a clear factor structure and adequate reliability. Based on these findings, we recommend that stakeholders like the Ministries of Health and Labour educate teachers on emotion management and encourage them to seek psychological and medical support. We also urge the Ministry of Education to prioritize mental well-being among teachers by incorporating coping methods like positive, emotional, religious, and social coping. To the Mental Health Authority, we recommended that they must intensify their efforts to demystify mental health services, making them accessible to all, and to avoid viewing mental health problems solely through a spiritual lens
Prevalence of Bacterial Leaf Blight in Rice Across Andhra Pradesh and In vitro Assessment of Silver and Copper Nanoparticles against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
No full textBacterial leaf blight is one of the most destructive diseases in rice which leads to yield loss of 20-40%. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of bacterial leaf blight in rice across Andhra Pradesh. A roving survey was conducted during Kharif 2023 in Andhra Pradesh to assess the severity of bacterial leaf blight disease in rice. The percent disease index averages from 25 to 59.6% was recorded. The maximum disease severity was observed in the tillering stage. The maximum percent disease index was observed in Chinta reddy Palem village in Nellore district (59.60%), while the minimum was recorded in Denduluru village in Eluru district (25%). The disease was more severe in the BPT-5204 variety. In spite chemical control, there are chances of development of resistance. There is a need for nanotechnology intervention for management of disease. This study also investigates the antimicrobial activity of copper and silver nanoparticles against Xoo by using paper disc diffusion method under invitro conditions. Silver nanoparticles exhibited the highest anti-microbial activity when compared with copper nanoparticles at 0.1% and 0.2% concentrations, respectively. Further research is needed to explore the field application of nanoparticles and their long-term effects on rice crops
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome Predictors in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Analysis
No full textBackground: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses significant challenges to public health, with poor outcomes frequently observed in affected patients. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics and factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis at Liwa Hospital from January 2018 to May 2023.
Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional single-center analysis was conducted on 408 patients admitted to Liwa Hospital. Among these, 28 patients diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) were selected for detailed analysis based on their treatment outcomes and clinical data. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients aged 18 years or older with confirmed drug-resistant TB, while patients younger than 18, those with latent tuberculosis, and those with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis were excluded.
Results: The majority of patients were between 18-40 years old (60.7%), predominantly male (85.7%), and Asian (96.4%). Comorbidities included diabetes (46.4%) and hypertension (21.4%). Clinical characteristics revealed cough (28.6%) and fever with cough (7.1%) as common symptoms. Primary resistance was observed in 92.9% of cases, with 96.4% being newly diagnosed TB cases. Adverse drug events were minimal, with 7.1% experiencing nausea and vomiting. Radiological findings showed unilateral TB in 53.6% and cavitary TB in 57.1% of cases. Laboratory analysis indicated elevated HbA1c (9.83 ± 3.25), CRP (25.94 ± 5.16 mg/L), and white blood cell count (9.94 ± 4.59 x 10^9 cells/L). Rifampicin resistance was the most prevalent (42.9%), followed by isoniazid resistance (25.0%). Regarding treatment outcomes, age, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were found to be significantly associated with poor outcomes in patients (p=0.05).
Conclusion: The study identified significant associations between treatment outcomes and age, hypertension, and diabetes status, with higher proportions of poor outcomes observed in patients. Comprehensive management strategies targeting these factors are essential to improve outcomes in patients with drug-resistant TB. Further research is warranted to develop tailored interventions for this population
Research Progress on Electrical Properties of Self-sensing Concrete
No full textIn order to effectively avoid the different degrees of impact and damage to the existing buildings and structures, it is particularly important to strengthen the health detection of such structures and facilities, which is also an important research field in the development of green building discipline. Smart concrete is both structural and functional, and has the potential of self-monitoring of concrete structures. This paper reviews the basic concepts of self-sensing concrete, including the research progress of self-sensing concrete materials, and summarizes the classification of different conductive phase materials and their conductive properties. Secondly, the basic mechanical properties and electrical properties of self-sensing concrete are discussed. The factors affecting the perceptual performance of self-sensing concrete considered by different scholars are summarized. It is concluded that few scholars have studied the mechano-electric interaction evaluation mechanism that takes the electrical parameters into account the stress, strain, crack or damage of concrete, and evaluates mechanical properties and crack propagation length through the change of electrical signals. Finally, the importance of self-sensing performance of intelligent concrete is emphasized, and the prospect of future research is put forward
Female Athlete Triad: Understanding the Interrelationship between Energy Availability, Menstrual Function, and Bone Health
No full textThe Female Athlete Triad (FAT) is a complex medical condition characterized by three interrelated components: low energy availability (EA) with or without disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). This syndrome is particularly prevalent among female athletes who engage in sports that prioritize leanness, endurance, and aesthetic performance, such as gymnastics, dance, and long-distance running. Prolonged exposure to inadequate caloric intake relative to energy expenditure can disrupt hormonal regulation, leading to irregular or absent menstrual cycles (amenorrhea) and compromising bone health.
This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the prevalence and impact of low EA on menstrual function and BMD among 180 female athletes aged 18-30 years. Participants were divided into three menstrual status categories: eumenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and amenorrhea. The study also categorized athletes into sports groups (aesthetic, endurance, and power sports) to identify patterns across different disciplines. Data collection included dietary intake records, exercise logs, menstrual history questionnaires, and DEXA scans to measure BMD at the lumbar spine and hip.
Results indicate that 67% of participants exhibited low EA (< 30 kcal/kgFFM/day), which was significantly associated with menstrual dysfunction (p < 0.001). Among participants, 25% reported oligomenorrhea (irregular cycles), and another 25% experienced amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for more than three months). BMD analysis revealed that 30% of the athletes had osteopenia, while 5% were diagnosed with osteoporosis, highlighting the long-term risks associated with chronic low EA and menstrual irregularities. Notably, athletes engaged in aesthetic sports had the highest prevalence of low EA (80%) and menstrual dysfunction (45%), followed closely by those in endurance sports.
These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to promote energy balance, safeguard reproductive health, and prevent bone deterioration among female athletes. Educational programs focusing on nutritional counseling, regular monitoring of menstrual health, and multidisciplinary care involving coaches, sports dietitians, and healthcare providers are essential to mitigate the risks of the Female Athlete Triad. Future research should further explore psychological factors influencing energy availability, including body image concerns and disordered eating patterns, to develop comprehensive prevention strategies
A Literature Review on Steel Frame-Infill Wall Structures – Research Status and Prospects
No full textWith the rapid development of China\u27s economy, the state pays more and more attention to the development of assembled steel structures, which makes the proportion of assembled buildings in new houses higher and higher. However, there are still many problems in the current research on steel frame-infill wall structure, such as less research on steel pipe concrete columns and less research on lightweight insulated walls. This article examines the current research status of steel-concrete frame structures both domestically and internationally, ALC wall panel structure research status and frame infill wall research status. At the same time, the problems existing in the current related research are expounded, and the corresponding summary suggestions and prospects are made
Evaluation of Zepp’s Procedure in Management of Chronic Otitis Externa in Dogs
No full textThe study was conducted on 10 dogs presented at VCC, VSR, CVAS Bikaner with the owner complaint of consistent shaking of head and scratching of ear, rubbing of ear to hard object, purulent foul smelling discharge from ear and also had history of long medicinal treatment using NSAIDS, steroids and antibiotics. Clinical otoscopic examination of the ears revealed purulent odoriferous discharge, with stenosis and calcification of lateral ear canal in some cases. For definitive diagnosis ear exudate was collected in sterile swabs inserted in lateral ear canal using otoscope, and it was evaluated for parasites, bacteria, fungi, yeast. Skull radiography was performed to evaluate calcification in the ear canal and involvement of middle ear. After thorough examination it was concluded that the animals were suffered from chronic otitis externa and decided to perform zepps procedure (lateral ear canal resection) to increase drainage, facilitate ventilation of ear canal and easy placement of topical agents into horizontal ear canal. Zepp’s procedure was performed under general anaesthesia; post-operative care was done using regular application of topical steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics along with systemic antibiotics. After one month of post-operative care four ear showed excellent healing and dryness of the ear, Infection subsided in three ears and no improvement was seen in three ears. Microbiology suggested mixed bacterial infection in 6 dogs. Zepp’s procedure is a conservative surgical operation found to be a choice of surgical management in cases of early stages of otitis externa which has not been progressed to otitis media
Plant-Based Insecticides for Control of Aedes aegypti, Sitophilus zeamais and Nasutitermes corniger: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis
No full textInsect pests can transmit diseases or affect the economy and their uncontrolled growth is intensified by human activity, which has affected ecosystems and interfered with trophic chains. Aedes aegypti L. transmits dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever, while Sitophilus zeamais Motsch is a stored grain pest, and Nasutitermes corniger Motsch attacks trees and urban buildings. This work provides a review of the state of art and current trends, as well as a bibliometric analysis on the insecticidal activity of plant-based products against Ae. aegypti, S. zeamais and N. corniger. The review of literature data showed that plant insecticides comprise secondary metabolites and proteins that can impair the viability of embryos, larvae, pupae, and adults, as well as fertility and oviposition or feeding behavior of insects. Also, they tend to be more biodegradable and less harmful to non-target organisms compared to synthetic insecticides. The bibliometric analysis revealed the concentration of publications in tropical regions worldwide, where there is a strong occurrence of diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti. These reports were far more numerous than those on N. corniger and S. zeamais. Furthermore, the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles from plant products has strongly emerged as a current trend