SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) constitute an important group of infections with serious implications for public health. According to WHO, 1 million new contagions are produced daily, with more than 370 million new cases yearly. STIs can be originated from viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Regardless of their nature, they can be either cured or treated and controlled, but more importantly, they are preventable. Aims: The best tool to fight against STIs is prevention, which has a strong dependence on knowledge. This work aimed to assess the level of knowledge of society about STIs and gonorrhea. Methods: We conducted an online survey, covering a wide range of ages and levels of education, inquiring about areas such as origin, ways of contagion, prevention, associated diseases, and treatment of STIs and gonorrhea. We performed a statistical analysis of the answers. Results and Discussion: it was found that the general level of knowledge about STIs was independent of the age and level of education of the respondents. The respondent has shown better familiarity with prevention and contagion than with origin, diseases, and treatment. When the question was focused on gonorrhea, we found a lack in the cognizance of several points. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we conclude it is necessary to improve sexual education programs, starting at early ages but directed to all populations, particularly about gonorrhea.

This study was designed to prepare vaccines. Cancer vaccines promote the destruction of cancer cells,and the cancer cells contain special antigens on their surface when the vaccine is given, it acts as an antigen to activate the immune system. The IL-2 stimulates the response to a type of cells called T-cell, and outer membrane vesicle (OMV) targeting cancer cells by stimulating the immunity to respond with it two types including innate andadaptive immunity, that lead to stimulating the immune system to reduce mammary adenocarcinoma induction in lab mice using T4-1 cell line breast cancer by taking blood and serum to evaluate the immune system efficacy. The tumor induction success by monitoring mice body weight loss showed the lost weight began in the third week after tumor induction, so 23.2 g at first and second week to 14.35 g at the end of the fourth week, whereas the control animals were weighed 32.37 g. The immunity system efficacy results appear a difference in blood and serum parameters after cancer induction. The result shows an increase in total WBC and monocytes (5900, 0.2 cells/mm respectively) but non significantly decreased in neutrophils and lymphocytes count (2.6, 5.9 cells/mm, respectively). Therefore, the first and second doses of vaccines increased the antibody and complement of the immune system compared with control. While Eliaza data for cytokines profile referred to elevated IL2 (26.5 pg/ml)in the serum of vaccination mice but only significantly decreased in IL6 and IL-22 amount (20.4 and 19.6 pg/ml respectively) comparing with control.

Background: Scientific conferences play a vital role in knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Building on the success of its 2022 inaugural event, the Second Southern Science Conference (SSCON 2024) aimed to expand international scientific collaboration while addressing contemporary challenges in sustainability and research methodology. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid conference format in facilitating global scientific collaboration and to showcase cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation in Latin America. Methods: The conference implemented a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual attendance. Over three days, 38 lectures were presented by renowned researchers, covering key topics including materials science, environmental sustainability, chemical processes, and regional development. Participation metrics and collaboration patterns were analyzed to assess the conference's impact. Results: The conference achieved significant participation with 242 contributing authors from 13 countries across four continents. Notable research presentations included advances in laser surface modification techniques, geotechnology applications in biofuel production, sustainable silica synthesis from biomass, and green valorization of tropical seeds. The conference produced 66 approved papers, with most involving 2-5 collaborators. Discussion: The hybrid format proved effective in removing geographical barriers and promoting global engagement. The strong representation from Latin American institutions highlighted the region's growing influence in international scientific discourse. Key research presentations demonstrated innovative approaches to sustainability challenges, particularly in waste utilization and environmental technology. Conclusion: SSCON 2024 successfully evolved from its predecessor, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid conferencing in fostering international scientific collaboration. The conference established itself as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, particularly in sustainability and technological innovation, while identifying areas for future improvement such as extended submission timelines and permanent management structures.