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Schools are increasingly regarded as a key setting for promoting the health, well‐being, and development of children and adolescents. In this multicountry cross‐sectional survey, we describe the health, nutrition, and food environments of public primary schools in five urban settings in Africa region: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Durban; South Africa, Khartoum, Sudan; and, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We evaluated the school health and nutrition (SHN) environments in three main areas: (1) the availability of health‐related policies, guidelines, and school curricula, (2) the provision of health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in schools, and (3) the school food environments and eating habits of adolescents. We used stratified random sampling to recruit 79 schools from five countries. Trained fieldworkers collected standardized questionnaire data from 79 school administrators, 765 food vendors, and 4999 in‐school adolescents aged 10–15 years. In our study, 24 out of 79 school administrators were aware of their school's health‐related policies and guidelines while 30 schools had a specific SHN curriculum. In general, health, nutrition, and WASH services were inadequate. Possibly due to a lack of school kitchens, 14.4% of students bought snacks and unhealthy foods from food vendors. Our study indicates that schools' food and nutrition environments are insufficient to improve adolescent health and nutrition in the African region, including limited coverage of SHN policies, suboptimal facilities and nutrition services, and unregulated food environments. Schools in sub‐Saharan Africa need to improve their health and nutrition environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present dissertation addresses the service gaps and the causes behind it, specifically in super-speciality eye hospital with a wide range of multi-specialists. It includes the hierarchical process flow at a typical modern-day care Eye hospital. A Survey has been conducted in which the patients are posed a questionnaire during their first visit to the OPD, to provide constructive feedback and grievances. A qualitative feedback of this is done by using MS Excel and other service tools. The results have pointed out the locations and causes of delay By performing a Fish-bone analysis (cause-effect), the causes for delays in clinical diagnosis (done in various phases) are identified and plausible solutions are furnished to upgrade which would be a part of the continuous quality program. This research helps the reader understand the process of service, its results and implications that are proposed as a solution to overcome the above issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mental health problems and suicide are the leading cause of mortality in young people globally. India is home to the largest number of adolescents in the world. This study was undertaken to assess the policy environment for addressing adolescent mental health in India.Methods: We conducted a review of 6 policies and programs and 11 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. The findings were analyzed using the policy triangle analysis framework (i.e., context, content, actors and process).Results: There is no conformity of the age ranges addressed by these documents nor are vulnerable groups explicitly recognized. Stress, anxiety and depression were commonly identified as mental health concerns and diverse platforms such as community, family, school, digital and health facility were recommended to deliver preventive and treatment interventions. Some interventions specifically targeted some social determinants (like safe and supportive schools) but many others (like social norms) were not addressed. Preventive interventions were recommended for delivery through peers and other non-specialist providers while treatment interventions were recommended for delivery in healthcare facilities by specialist health professionals. There was very little engagement of young people in the development of these policies or in their implementation, except for peer educators mentioned in one policy. Stakeholders identified several major challenges in implementing these policies, notably the lack of inter-sectoral coordination and fragmentation of governance; budgetary constraints; and scanty human resources.Conclusions: Although there are now several policy instruments testifying to a comprehensive approach on adolescent mental health, there are gaps in the extent of engagement of young people and how these will be operationalized that may limit their impact on addressing the burden of mental health problems in young people in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and Objectives: The present study was aimed to evaluate anti parkinsonium effect of Betaine for its Applications in trigger factors in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and to understand development of new treatments approaches for PD. Betaine is naturally obtained product. It has antioxidant, neuroprotective activity. Hence, we inspected whether betaine can act as a protective agent in 6-OHDA induced oxidative stress on cerebellum of Sprague-Dawleyrats. Material and Methods Thirty-six adult Sprague-Dawley rats were dived into six groups. Rats were received unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions for induction except normal and rats were treated with respective treatment. At the day of 21 rats were sacrificed. Prepared brain homogenate was used for further Biochemical estimation. Result: Betaine showed marked rise in SOD and Catalase activity as well as GSH content subsequently decreasing in the lipid peroxidation process. Our result suggests Betaine to be potent antioxidant at dose 12.5 and 25 mg/kg as compared to standard (L-dopa+Benserazide) and pro-inflammatory cytokines viz: TNF-a, IL-1ß and IL-6 were significantly reversed by Betaine as compared to that of standard group (L-dopa+ Benserazide). Discussion and Conclusion: Betaine showed dose dependent effect by reducing LPO level as increasing SOD, GSH and Catalase activity and marked reduced proinflammatory cytokine, hence we conclude that betaine has good anti parkinsonism activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tablets or capsules taken orally remain one of the most effective means of treatment available. The effectiveness of such dosage forms relies on the drug dissolving in the fluids of the gastrointestinal tract prior to absorption into the systemic circulation. The present study reveals the evaluation of four marketed sample of Telmisartan tablets. The main aim of the study is to conduct dissolution test on the tablets to determine the compliance with a given official monograph. Four different marketed samples of Telmisartan were purchased from local market. The Telmisartan tablets were evaluated for the various in-vitro tablet properties such as thickness, hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content, disintegration time and dissolution rate. In-vitro dissolution test is conducted on four different brands of telmisartan tablets to assess their equivalency. All the four marketed samples of Telmisartan have shown good tablet properties and comply with the pharmacopoeial specification. The in- vitro dissolution showed the 80% drug release within one hour from all the four brands which complies with the specification of pharmacopoeia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Van der Waals two-dimensional (2D) materials have shown various physical characteristics depending on their growth methods and conditions. Among those characteristics, the surface structural properties are crucial for the application of 2D materials, as the surface structures readily affect their atomic arrangements and/or interaction with substrates due to their atomic-scale thicknesses. Here, we report on the anisotropic friction domains of MoS2 grown not only by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) under various sulfur pressure conditions but also by a mechanical exfoliation process. The 180° periodicity of each domain and the 60° shift between adjacent domains indicate the presence of linearly aligned structures along the armchair direction of MoS2, which is determined by the optical second-harmonic generation method. The anisotropic friction domains of CVD-grown MoS2 flakes may be attributed to linearly aligned ripples caused by an inhomogeneous strain field distribution, which is due, in turn, to randomly formed nucleation sites on the substrate. The universality of the anisotropic frictional behaviors of 2D materials, including graphene, hBN, and WS2 with honeycomb lattice stacking, which differ from ReSe2 with a distorted triclinic 1T' structure, supports our assumption based on the linearly aligned ripples along the crystallographic axes, which result from an inhomogeneous strain field. By measuring friction forces on graphene-like surfaces, South Korean researchers have uncovered evidence of ripple structures too tiny to see with typical electron microscopes. Devices made from two-dimensional (2D) materials often perform at less than their full theoretical potential. Bae Ho Park from Konkuk University in Seoul and colleagues suggest this discrepancy may arise from strain-induced patterns which appear when ultrathin crystals are deposited onto supports including silicon or glass. The team investigated 2D molybdenum disulfide surfaces with scanning probe microscopy to both record atomic-level topography and measure the transverse forces experienced by the moving probe tip. The resulting images revealed periodic frictional domains with geometries that suggest the presence of underlying surface ripples. These structures, which also appeared during scans of graphene and other films, can affect the electrical properties of 2D materials. We report on the anisotropic friction domains of MoS2 not only grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) under various sulfur pressure conditions, but also by mechanical exfoliation process. The 180° periodicity of each domain and the 60° shift between adjacent domains indicate the presence of linearly aligned structures along the armchair direction of MoS2. The universality of anisotropic frictional behaviors of 2D materials, including graphene, hBN, and WS2 with stacking honeycomb lattices supports our assumption based on linearly aligned ripples along the crystallographic axes, which result from an inhomogeneous strain field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the flexible wings and fins of flying and swimming animals, we investigate the flow induced by the interaction between a flapping flexible surface and the surrounding fluid for the limiting case of Strouhal number St→∞ (zero free-stream speed). The model selected for this purpose is a twodimensional sinusoidally pitching rigid symmetric foil to which is attached at the trailing edge a thin chordwise flexible surface (along the chord line). The flow so generated is a coherent jet aligned along the foil centreline, containing a reverse Bénard- Kármán vortex street and delivering a corresponding unidirectional thrust. We analyse the flow and thrust generation process. The measured velocity field suggests that the flow and thrust generation mainly occurs during the phases when the trailing edge is near the centreline. Flexibility of the surface is important in accelerating the near-wake flow and in transferring momentum and energy to the fluid. We present a detailed account of when and where the momentum and energy are added to the fluid. This study shows that the deformations of the flexible surface are responsible for generating a favourable pressure gradient along the jet direction, and for the observed unsteady actuator disc-type action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the preventive effects of orally administered disulfiram (DS) against the doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity were investigated in rats. DS was orally administered for 7 days at doses of 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day. DOX (30 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered on the 5th day of the initiation of DS treatment. Within 48 h of injection, DOX treatment significantly altered ECG, elevated the ST height, and increased the QT and QRS intervals. It reduced the cardiac levels of injury markers like creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB and lactate dehydrogenase. DOX elevated the serum levels of SGOT and nitric oxide. Its injection significantly induced lipid peroxidation in the cardiac tissue and reduced the activities of innate antioxidants like super oxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione in the cardiac tissue. DOX treatment raised the TNF-α level and caused histological alterations in the myocardium like neutrophil infiltrations, myonecrosis, and edema. Pre-treatment of rats with DS (2, 10, and 50 mg/kg p. o. for 7 days) prevented the ECG changes, minimized oxidative stress, and normalized the biochemical indicators of the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. DS also protected rat heart from DOX-induced histological alterations. Recently, DS is reported to exert chemosensitization of cancer cells. Our in vitro investigation using MCF7 cell line revealed that DS reverses the DOX-induced suppression of NF-κB and Nrf2 expression. These findings about the protective activity of DS against the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity warrant a detailed investigation on its utility as an adjunct therapy to cancer chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of ferulic acid (FA) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac toxicity in rats. Isoproterenol challenged in a dose of 85 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) subcutaneously for two consecutive days in the experimental group resulted in acute cardiac toxicity as evidenced by changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern and marked elevation of serum cardiac enzymes viz aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine kinase (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) also increases inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, acute toxicity effect was exhibited by disturbance in the antioxidant system as decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) with the rise in activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Pre-treatment with FA at the increasing dose of (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w.) orally for 28 consecutive days followed by isoproterenol injection for 2 days significantly attenuated changes in serum cardiac enzymes. Furthermore, histopathological evaluation confirmed the restoration of cellular architecture in FA pretreated rats. The cardioprotective effect of FA was comparable with standard drug treatment metoprolol. Taken together, FA demonstrated cardioprotective effect against ISO-induced cardiac toxicity by normalization of serum cardiac biomarkers, alleviating oxidative stress and augmenting endogenous antioxidant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient electronics represents an emerging technology whose defining feature is an ability to dissolve, disintegrate or otherwise physically disappear in a controlled manner. Envisioned applications include resorbable/degradable biomedical implants, hardware-secure memory devices, and zero-impact environmental sensors. 2D materials may have essential roles in these systems due to their unique mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties. Here, we study the bioabsorption of CVD-grown monolayer MoS2, including long-term cytotoxicity and immunological biocompatibility evaluations in biofluids and tissues of live animal models. The results show that MoS2 undergoes hydrolysis slowly in aqueous solutions without adverse biological effects. We also present a class of MoS2-based bioabsorbable and multi-functional sensor for intracranial monitoring of pressure, temperature, strain, and motion in animal models. Such technology offers specific, clinically relevant roles in diagnostic/ therapeutic functions during recovery from traumatic brain injury. Our findings support the broader use of 2D materials in transient electronics and qualitatively expand the design options in other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and highly functional three-dimensional systems that are ubiquitous in biology suggest that similar design architectures could be useful in electronic and optoelectronic technologies, extending their levels of functionality beyond those achievable with traditional, planar two-dimensional platforms. Complex three-dimensional structures inspired by origami, kirigami have promise as routes for two-dimensional to three-dimensional transformation, but current examples lack the necessary combination of functional materials, mechanics designs, system-level architectures, and integration capabilities for practical devices with unique operational features. Here, we show that two-dimensional semiconductor/semi-metal materials can play critical roles in this context, through demonstrations of complex, mechanically assembled three-dimensional systems for light-imaging capabilities that can encompass measurements of the direction, intensity and angular divergence properties of incident light. Specifically, the mechanics of graphene and MoS2, together with strategically configured supporting polymer films, can yield arrays of photodetectors in distinct, engineered three-dimensional geometries, including octagonal prisms, octagonal prismoids, and hemispherical domes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A clean and more economic protocol for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles and pyrazolyl-4H-chromenes has been carried out using bael fruit ash (BFA) as a non-conventional natural catalyst in aqueous condition at ambient temperature. The catalyst was obtained from renewable resources by simple thermal treatment to dry rind of Aegle marmelos (Bael) fruit and formation of its active phase was confirmed by AAS, DSC-TGA, XRD, FT-IR, and SEM techniques. The BFA catalyst was found to be a green, highly active, easily biodegradable, and recyclable without loss of activity after the fifth run. The methodology provides an alternative platform to the conventional catalyzed process.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to develop a paper-based approach as part of anti-microbial packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut roses. To achieve this, a synergistic solution was developed from a mixture of bay, fenugreek, and lemon extract. A 1:1:1 ratio with an additional 3 % sucrose. It was found effective against Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella typhimurium, and Enterobacter cloacae , which are the primary microorganism responsible for the spoilage of rose flowers. GCMS analysis shows that the presence of eugenol, oleic acid, ascorbic acid, caryophyllene, á-bisabolene, methyl eugenol, á-curcumene, humulene, and allene compounds contributed to the anti-microbial and antioxidant properties of the active matrix. The developed active matrix was coated on a kraft paper called Freshness Keeper (FK). FK paper was subjected to various characterization techniques, such as SEM, FTIR, and GCMS. The study revealed that the mechanical and barrier properties of the paper remained largely unchanged, except for the % elongation break and water absorptiveness. These changes were observed following the paper's coating with the matrix. The results suggest that the coating has the potential to affect the physical properties of the paper. To assess its effectiveness on the vase life and physiochemical characteristics of Rosa hybrida L. cut flowers were tested. The control flowers (without FK) displayed signs of wilting, color change, and bacterial growth after 10–12 d of storage at 2–4 ℃ with 85 % relative humidity. In contrast, the FK-wrapped flowers showed similar signs after 18–20 d of storage, effectively enhancing shelf life by an additional 8–10 d. Furthermore, the FK maintained the freshness and diameter of the cut rose bunches, while simultaneously maintaining the petal moisture content, petal color, and sensory attributes and controlling ethylene production. These results suggest that extending the shelf life of fresh-cut roses can reduce postharvest losses and add value to the flower industries, both domestically and in export markets. [Display omitted] • A paper-based approach is developed as part of anti-microbial packaging. • A formulated synergistic solution has anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. • Extract coated on paper extends fresh-cut rose's shelf life and maintains quality. • Fresh-cut roses stored at 2–4 ℃ exhibited a 1.5–2x fold increase in shelf life. • Coated paper reduces microbial spoilage and postharvest losses of cut rose flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A nanocluster like morphology of NiO composites with CuO was synthesized by Co-precipitation method. • NiO Composites with CuO nanoclusters with high surface area and porosity for antibacterial application. • Composite samples exhibited high antibacterial activity as compared to pure sample. • It is a promising material for antibacterial activity. Nanotechnology has sparked an enormous interest in diverse bioactivities because of its potential applications. This investigation aims to examine the antibacterial characteristics of Nickel oxide (NiO) and Nickel oxide composite with Copper oxide (NiO-CuO) resulting from the formation of nanocomposites. The construction methodology involves the chemical coprecipitation for NiO as well as the synthesis of NiO-CuO nanocomposites. The as-synthesized mixed metal oxide nanocomposites were confirmed by different analytical techniques. The agar well diffusion method was employed to assess the antibacterial activity. Screening the antibacterial action of NiO, and their mixed metal oxide NiO-CuO nanocomposites discovered that the sample NC-2 possessed the most effective antibacterial activity. The three samples revealed significant antibacterial action. These synthesized mixed metal oxides can be used instead of synthetic antibacterial agents in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]