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Review on the Biogenesis of Platelets in Lungs and Its Alterations in SARS-CoV-2 Infection Patients
Thrombocytes (platelets) are the type of blood cells that are involved in hemostasis, thrombosis, etc. For the conversion of megakaryocytes into thrombocytes, the thrombopoietin (TPO) protein is essential which is encoded by the TPO gene. TPO gene is present in the long arm of chromosome number 3 (3q26). This TPO protein interacts with the c-Mpl receptor, which is present on the outer surface of megakaryocytes. As a result, megakaryocyte breaks into the production of functional thrombocytes. Some of the evidence shows that the megakaryocytes, the precursor of thrombocytes, are seen in the lungs interstitium. This review focuses on the involvement of the lungs in the production of thrombocytes and their mechanism. A lot of findings show that viral diseases, which affect the lungs, cause thrombocytopenia in human beings. One of the notable viral diseases is COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-associated coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 caused a worldwide alarm in 2019 and a lot of people suffered because of this disease. It mainly targets the lung cells for its replication. To enter the cells, these virus targets the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors that are abundantly seen on the surface of the lung cells. Recent reports of COVID-19-affected patients reveal the important fact that these peoples develop thrombocytopenia as a post-COVID condition. This review elaborates on the biogenesis of platelets in the lungs and the alterations of thrombocytes during the COVID-19 infection. 2023, SAGE Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. -
Dolastatins and their analogues present a compelling landscape of potential natural and synthetic anticancer drug candidates
Human cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality. Traditional treatment methods, while effective are often associated with substantial side effects, high technical requirements, and considerable expenses. Recently, anticancer peptides, such as dolastatin-type peptides naturally found in marine mollusc Dolabella auricularia, have gained attention due to their enhanced characteristics and specific targeting of cancer cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the anticancer activities of natural dolastatins and synthetic analogues over the past 35 years, focusing on their utilization in advancing cancer treatment strategies. This updated review encompasses a detailed analysis of numerous studies demonstrating the cytotoxic effects of dolastatins and their synthetic analogues on various human tumour cell lines. The analysis includes investigations into their ability to activate apoptosis pathways, inhibit cell cycle progression, and indirectly limit inflammation and angiogenesis in tumours. Both natural dolastatins and synthetic analogues have demonstrated significant anticancer properties through a variety of mechanisms in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies. Some have even advanced to clinical trials, either alone or in combination with other agents, and have shown promising outcomes. The biological activities of dolastatins and their synthetic analogues offer a promising path in the development of more effective and sustainable anticancer drugs. Their specific action on cancer cells and relative non-toxicity to normal cells highlight their potential as superior cancer therapeutic agents. The current study provides a platform for the most recent preclinical and clinical research on dolastatins and their analogues. Further research into these marine peptides may contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient treatment models for cancer, filling a significant gap in the current cancer therapeutic portfolio. 2023 The Authors -
Anticancer activity and other biomedical properties of ?-sitosterol: Bridging phytochemistry and current pharmacological evidence for future translational approaches
Sterols, including ?-sitosterol, are essential components of cellular membranes in both plant and animal cells. Despite being a major phytosterol in various plant materials, comprehensive scientific knowledge regarding the properties of ?-sitosterol and its potential applications is essential for scholarly pursuits and utilization purposes. ?-sitosterol shares similar chemical characteristics with cholesterol and exhibits several pharmacological activities without major toxicity. This study aims to bridge the gap between phytochemistry and current pharmacological evidence of ?-sitosterol, focusing on its anticancer activity and other biomedical properties. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of ?-sitosterol's potential for future translational approaches. A thorough examination of the literature was conducted to gather relevant information on the biological properties of ?-sitosterol, particularly its anticancer therapeutic potential. Various databases were searched, including PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using appropriate keywords. Studies investigating the effects of ?-sitosterol on different types of cancer were analyzed, focusing on mechanisms of action, pharmacological screening, and chemosensitizing properties. Modern pharmacological screening studies have revealed the potential anticancer therapeutic properties of ?-sitosterol against various types of cancer, including leukemia, lung, stomach, breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancer. ?-sitosterol has demonstrated chemosensitizing effects on cancer cells, interfering with multiple cell signaling pathways involved in proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, survival, metastasis invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Structural derivatives of ?-sitosterol have also shown anti-cancer effects. However, research in the field of drug delivery and the detailed mode of action of ?-sitosterol-mediated anticancer activities remains limited. ?-sitosterol, as a non-toxic compound with significant pharmacological potential, exhibits promising anticancer effects against various cancer types. Despite being relatively less potent than conventional cancer chemotherapeutics, ?-sitosterol holds potential as a safe and effective nutraceutical against cancer. Further comprehensive studies are recommended to explore the biological properties of ?-sitosterol, including its mode of action, and develop novel formulations for its potential use in cancer treatment. This review provides a foundation for future investigations and highlights the need for further research on ?-sitosterol as a potent superfood in combating cancer. 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Updated aspects of alpha-Solanine as a potential anticancer agent: Mechanistic insights and future directions
Cancer remains a critical global health challenge, with limited progress in reducing mortality despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. The growing resistance of tumors to existing chemotherapy exacerbates this burden. In response, the search for new anticancer compounds from plants has intensified, given their historical success in yielding effective treatments. This review focuses on ?-solanine, a glycoalkaloid primarily derived from potato tubers and nightshade family plants, recognized for its diverse biological activities, including anti-allergic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antibiotic properties. Recently, ?-solanine has gained attention as a potential anticancer agent. Utilizing resources like PubMed/MedLine, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, the American Chemical Society, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Wiley, and various commercial websites, this review consolidates two decades of research on ?-solanine's anticancer effects and mechanisms against nine different cancers, highlighting its role in modulating various signaling pathways. It also discusses ?-solanine's potential as a lead compound in cancer therapy. The abundant availability of potato peel, often discarded as waste or sold cheaply, is suggested as a sustainable source for large-scale ?-solanine extraction. The study concludes that ?-solanine holds promise as a standalone or adjunctive cancer treatment. However, further research is necessary to optimize this lead compound and mitigate its toxicity through various strategies. 2024 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Family Factors Associated with Problematic Use of the Internet in Children: A Scoping Review
Background: Problematic use of the internet (PUI) is a growing concern, particularly in the young population. Family factors influence internet use among children in negative ways. This study examined the existing literature on familial or parental factors related to PUI in children. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in EBSCOhost, PubMed, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, Biomed Central, VHL Regional Portal, Cochrane Library, Emerald Insight, and Oxford Academic Journal databases. Studies reporting data on family factors associated with PUI in children, published in English in the 10 years to July 2020 were included. The following data were extracted from each paper by two independent reviewers: methodology and demographic, familial, psychiatric, and behavioral correlates of PUI in children. Results: Sixty-nine studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Three themes emerged: parenting, parental mental health, and intrafamilial demographic correlates of PUI in children. Parenting styles, parental mediation, and parentchild attachment were the major parenting correlates. Conclusion: Literature on significant familial and parental factors associated with PUI in children is scarce. More research is required to identify the interactions of familial and parental factors with PUI in children, to develop informed management strategies to address this issue. 2022 Indian Psychiatric Society - South Zonal Branch. -
A Comprehensive Review on the Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Properties of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles
With the advancement of technology, there is a growing demand for new nanoparticles that are viable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and non-hazardous, as well as having unique chemical and physical properties. Silver nanoparticles are currently promising for antibacterial, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic applications. Because of their toxicity, nanosilver particles are now widely used in various applications, including cosmetics, clothing, sunscreen, medicinal, sensing, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic. The importance of plant extracts in the synthesis of AgNPs is emphasized. The various mechanisms and characterization techniques used in the study of silver nanoparticles will also be covered. This review also discusses the role of green synthesized AgNPs in antimicrobial and photocatalytic applications, which adds to our understanding of improving health, and the environment and preventing contagious diseases. 2022 by the authors. -
Resveratrol as a therapeutic choice for traumatic brain injury: An insight into its molecular mechanism of action
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health challenge owing to its high incidence rate, long-term sequelae, and complex pathophysiology with limited available treatment options. Food supplement rich in polyphenols has shown promising health benefits in TBI. Resveratrol, a phytoalexin stilbenoid commonly found in many plants, including grapes, nuts, and berries, is endowed with several health-promoting effects. In this review, the pathophysiology of TBI and the underlying mechanism for Resveratrol-induced neuroprotection in TBI has been discussed. The spectrum of injuries in TBI, including the acute primary injury, and delayed secondary injury often leading to other forms of neurodegenerative disorders, indicates the dysregulation of multiple pathways following TBI and its complex pathophysiology. Despite poor bioavailability and solubility, Resveratrol as a therapeutic in neurological illnesses, including TBI, is attributable to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, detectable level in the brain, and the lack of unfavorable toxicity. Substantial preclinical evidence has associated Resveratrol with protection against TBI and subsequent secondary brain injury as it has significant anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, emphasizing its promising scope in the treatment of TBI. 2022 -
A critical review focussing on the synthesis and applications of monoclinic yttrium oxide nanophosphor
Research on monoclinic Y2O3 has been limited, not because of a lack of potential applications, but rather due to challenges associated with synthesizing phase-pure material. The limited understanding of the material and its properties has hindered researchers from further exploring this compound. Some studies suggest that the B-type polymorph of Y2O3 exhibits superior performance compared to its cubic counterpart. Additionally, there are reports indicating the existence of simple synthesis techniques that could potentially overcome the material's significant disadvantage highlighted by many researchers, namely, complex synthesis routes. To date, no comprehensive reports have summarized the key findings related to B-type Y2O3. In this effort, we aim to provide an exhaustive overview of research conducted on this polymorph. This includes an examination of diverse synthesis techniques employed by researchers, theoretical studies conducted on the material, an exploration of its luminescence properties, and an overview of various applications studied thus far. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Properties, Synthesis and Emerging Applications of Graphdiyne: A Journey Through Recent Advancements
Graphdiyne (GDY) is a new variant of nano-carbon material with excellent chemical, physical and electronic properties. It has attracted wide attention from researchers and industrialists for its extensive role in the fields of optics, electronics, bio-medics and energy. The unique arrangement of spsp2 carbon atoms, linear acetylenic linkages, uniform pores and highly conjugated structure offer numerous potentials for further exploration of GDY materials. However, since the material is at its infancy, not much understanding is available regarding its properties, growth mechanism and future applications. Therefore, in this review, readers are guided through a brief discussion on GDYs properties, different synthesis procedures with a special focus on surface functionalization and a list of applications for GDY. The review also critically analyses the advantages and disadvantages of each synthesis route and emphasizes the future scope of the material. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Cross layer design with weighted sum approach for extending device sustainability in smart cities
IoT associates with MEMS technology and various other technologies to connect smart devices globally. Providing reliable interaction between the smart devices and maintaining the battery sustainability of smart devices are the major demand since most of the IoT devices are run by a battery source. Device sustainability is the prime concern in most the IoT applications such as smart cities, e-health, smart grid, etc. Thus, we have come up with a cross layer design that improves the device sustainability and lifetime of the IoT networks in smart cities. In the proposed design, physical layer and data link layer information is utilized by the network layer to explore the energy efficient communication among the IoT devices, since 70% - 80% of device energy is utilized for its communication. Cross-layer design can be an optimal solution to enhance the modalities of the wireless network. The Weighted sum approach is used in the proposed model which is an effective computation method to analyze and identify the routing metrics that are associated with energy efficiency. Based on the routing metric analysis (Table 2) it is found that a particular combination of routing metrics performs effective power utilization (by attaining optimal transmission power) and achieves sustained device lifetime. From the obtained results, it is noticed that the MTPM + ETP + ND routing metric combination outperforms all the other combinations, and designing the cross-layer mechanism with the weighted sum approach computation gives better network performance without compromising the device lifetime. In smart cities applications, the device scalability is huge, since frequent battery replacement is a very difficult task. Therefore, we come up with an efficient network model that is more suitable to maintain device sustainability in smart cities. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
An ecology intervention in an English studies programme: Contexts, Complexities and Choices
Over the past few decades, there has been a critical mass gained regarding the need to engage purposefully with Ecology. Unfortunately, this has not provoked any stimulating work within the Humanities and Social Sciences academia. In fact, alongside growing realisations about the necessity to address Ecology, there is a glaring absence of any significant engagement. In response to such a vexing reality, the Department of English at Christ University chose to initiate an Ecological venture within its Honours programme. This paper captures - the vigorous debates it lit up, the tough choices that had to be made, and the promise it offers - that complex journey. 2014 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore). -
Novel electrochemical biosensor key significance of smart intelligence (IoMT & IoHT) of COVID-19 virus control management
Recent outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has led to the different possibilities of the development of treatment against corona virus. To know the phylogenicity of SARS-CoV, various studies have been conducted with the outcome of the results showing virulence is caused due to spike protein. Various detection techniques with clinical approach like imaging technology, RT-PCR etc. are comparatively expensively than the use of biosensors. Nano-biosensors have an excellent way of approach to track the conditions of individual and public providing information about the existing condition and treatment status. Electrochemical nano-biosensors are referred as an excellent way of detection. The use of graphene based electrochemical nano-biosensors are most advantageous due to its elevated properties. Fluorescence investigation is one of the precise ways of sensing, optical biosignals that helps in obtaining real time results with high accuracy and negligible changes. The potential application of nano-biosensors are very wide, improvised and advanced Nanotechnology helps in the use of nano-biosensors detect all possible biosignals. Significant ubiquitous IoT-enabled novel sensor technologies that can be potentially utilized to respond various facets the growing COVID-19 pandemic from diagnostic and therapeutics to the prevention stage. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR TRAMADOL IN PHARMACEUTICAL AND FORENSIC CONTEXT A REVIEW
Tramadol is a centrally-acting weak opioid recept or analgesic and is a racemic mixture of (+)-tramadol and ()-tramadol enantiomers. Tramadol does not show many adverse severe effects without any dependency potential in therapeutic doses, as seen in other opioids only if not used for extended periods in doses higher than recommended. Symptoms of tramadol intoxication are similar to those of other opioid analgesics but may include serotonergic and noradrenergic components. Fatal intoxications are rare and appear synergetic with other drugs and alcohol. There is growing evidence of abuse of tramadol in many countries. Due to its extensive use in the medical field as an analgesic of choice, pharmaceutical analysis in both process and quality control is essential. Due to its abuse and overdose cases, forensic toxicological analysis of tramadol in body fluids and tissues is also vital in medico-legal practice. Tramadol and its metabolites are found in wastewater also. This analytical review (from 2016-2021) focuses on identifying and determining t ramadol in bulk dr ugs, formulations, forensic drug seizures, forensic toxicological specimens, and wastewater. The analytical methods covered include UV/Visible/IR spectrophotometric methods, thin-l ayer, gas and li quid chromat ographic met hods, electrochemical methods, GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS-MS methods, and electrochemical methods. The review will i nt eres t phar maceut i cal chemi st s, pharmacol ogis ts, biochemists, forensic chemists, forensic toxicologists, and environmental scientists. 2023, Medico Legal Society. All rights reserved. -
Refugees in host countries: A comparative study between Uyghurs in Turkey and Tibetans in India
The status of refugees in host nations may depend upon several factors, including the economic situation of the receiving state, political alignments, international commitments, ethnic affinities, the domestic refugee regime, security considerations and bilateral ties with the home country. The study aims to discern the role that bilateral ties and domestic considerations play in the refugee experience. Is there a pattern that can be drawn out from these two factors? The article uses neoclassical realist and critical theories to better understand the phenomena, while employing the case study method to make a comparative study. The study analyses how India and Turkey have dealt with refugees belonging to two ethnic minorities of the Republic of China: the Tibetans and the Uyghurs. The results show that the way the receiving states handle refugees depends greatly on domestic considerations. It becomes clear that even though bilateral ties between the host and the home nation are important, no simple deduction can be made on how this affects the treatment of refugees. Both cases provide varied response patterns; it is only through a blend of realpolitik and critical theory that the phenomena can be understood. Mapping refugees and their movements, as well as their status in the host countries, determines many of the policies created for their welfare. The article therefore attempts to provide a framework for a better understanding of the phenomena by considering bilateral ties and domestic considerations. The Author(s) 2022. -
A Systemic Review on Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2
As the new strains spread around the world, scientists have been trying to learn more about the different strains, especially Omicron, and how SARS-CoV2 acts in general. Studying historical trends of virus spread and the structure of the virus and its strains, as well as all the mechanisms it needs to survive, can help identify the symptoms and diagnose and treat the disease. The research has shown that the new strains, including Omicron, have a higher rate of mutation and transmissibility. Additionally, due to the rapid spread of the virus, there has not been a significant amount of time to understand the severity of the infection. To better understand the novel variants, a detailed analysis of the basic pathophysiology of the virus is needed. This includes transcriptome analysis for the recombination index to identify variation in the strand. This aided in the diagnostic process, and therapeutics for mutants of the virus could be treated. The Omicron strain is particularly threatening due to its rapid transmission rate and its property of immune evasion, which can make it less vulnerable to vaccination. 2023 Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal. -
The Women in CBOs: A Resource-based Approach for COVID-19 Management in Kerala
In the fight against COVID-19-the global health emergency-the community-based organisations were an effective tool for planning and implementation of relief measures. This article is an examination of the various ways in which the community-based organisations extended their support in the fight against the pandemic. 2022 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
Text Mining-A Comparative Review of Twitter Sentiments Analysis
Background: Text mining derives information and patterns from textual data. Online social media platforms, which have recently acquired great interest, generate vast text data about human behaviors based on their interactions. This data is generally ambiguous and unstructured. The data includes typing errors and errors in grammar that cause lexical, syntactic, and semantic uncertainties. This results in incorrect pattern detection and analysis. Researchers are employing various text mining techniques that can aid in Topic Modeling, the detection of Trending Topics, the identification of Hate Speeches, and the growth of communities in online social media net-works. Objective: This review paper compares the performance of ten machine learning classification techniques on a Twitter data set for analyzing users' sentiments on posts related to airline usage. Methods: Review and comparative analysis of Gaussian Naive Bayes, Random Forest, Multinomial Naive Bayes, Multinomial Naive Bayes with Bagging, Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Optimized AdaBoost, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Optimized SVM, Logistic Regression, and Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) for sentiment analysis. Results: The results of the experimental study showed that the Optimized SVM performed better than the other classifiers, with a training accuracy of 99.73% and testing accuracy of 89.74% compared to other models. Conclusion: Optimized SVM uses the RBF kernel function and nonlinear hyperplanes to split the dataset into classes, correctly classifying the dataset into distinct polarity. This, together with Feature Engineering utilizing Forward Trigrams and Weighted TF-IDF, has improved Optimized SVM classifier performance regarding train and test accuracy. Therefore, the train and test accuracy of Optimized SVM are 99.73% and 89.74% respectively. When compared to Random Forest, a mar-ginal of 0.09% and 1.73% performance enhancement is observed in terms of train and test accuracy and 1.29% (train accuracy) and 3.63% (test accuracy) of improved performance when compared with LSTM. Likewise, Optimized SVM, gave more than 10% of enhanced performance in terms of train accuracy when compared with Gaussian Nae Bayes, Multinomial Nae Bayes, Multinomial Nae Bayes with Bagging, Logistic Regression and a similar enhancement is observed with Ada-Boost and Optimized AdaBoost which are ensemble models during the experimental process. Optimized SVM also has outperformed all the classification models in terms of AUC-ROC train and test scores.. 2024 Bentham Science Publishers. -
Development and Validation of Work Environment Services Scale (WESS)
Purpose: This study presents a nine-factor, 32-item measure of work environment scale in the service sector. A healthy work environment is one in which employees trust the people they work for, have pride in what they do, and enjoy working with the people (Levering and Moskowitz, 2004). Methodology: This instrument builds on the conceptual model espoused by Insel and Moos (1974), Gordon (1973), Fletcher and Nusbaum (2010), Amabile et al. (1996), and Spector (2003). The scale included items elicited through a literature review, the use of the Delphi technique with a panel of experts, and tested on 824 full-time employees from nine service sector industries and five major cities in India. Findings: The Work Environment Services Scale (WESS) is a reliable and valid scale useful for measuring the nine work environment factors in the Indian services organization, with its own norms and a detailed manual. Originality/Value: The prevailing scales for measuring work environment do not capture the influence of ethics, recreation facilities, and the impact of social giving on the work environment. Most scales were suitable for sectors in the Western context, and there were no Indian scales measuring service employees' perception of their work environment. 2021 Harold Andrew Patrick et al., published by Sciendo 2021. -
Systematic Review of Interparental Conflict and Intimate Relationship Satisfaction of Adult Offspring
Purpose: The objective of this paper is to synthesize a systematic review and showcase the findings of how interparental conflict affects the adult offsprings relationship satisfaction. Approach: The paper follows a systematic review approach adhering to PRISMA Guidelines. Findings: Three major themes were identified by the researcher that explained the consequences of interparental conflict on adult offspring. The themes are-Offspring Factors, Offspring factors feature the significant components and factors of offspring that highlight the differences in impact of interparental conflict on ones own romantic relationship; Consequences of Interparental Conflict on Offspring, which highlights the various corollaries on offspring of divorce; and Parent Factors help understand the different parental elements that affect relationship satisfaction of adult offspring. Limitations: 4 full text articles could not be accessed by the author, and hence were not accounted for in the study. Practical Implications: The study helps practitioners comprehend the extensive effects of interparental conflict for usage in therapeutic setups. It also highlights research gaps in existing literature such as lack of studies focusing on men, LGBTQ+ population, children from polygamous families and multicultural cohorts. Value/Originality: Despite the numerous studies published on the topic interparental conflict and its effects on adult offspring, no review has been done to the authors knowledge, thereby limiting the accessibility of precise information. The research aims to bridge this gap, and make comprehensive findings easily accessible. 2022 RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FOR ALL. -
Understanding Agape Leadership: A Scoping Review
Agape, a Greek term for unconditional love, is often overlooked in the context of leadership, which has traditionally emphasized control and dominance. Agape leadership is a type of leadership that places the well-being and growth of individuals, communities, and society at the forefront. This style of leadership is characterized by a profound sense of compassion and consideration for others and is grounded in the principles of love, compassion, and empathy. This paper reviews the literature on agape leadership, exploring how it is conceptualized, practiced, and studied. The review finds that agape leadership is linked to favourable results, including increased trust, motivation, performance, respect, and collaboration, in which people can thrive and reach their full potential. This style of leadership is not only focused on achieving specific goals or outcomes, but also on fostering a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfilment in the lives of those being led. The leadership style of agape can bring about enduring and constructive transformations in society as it motivates and galvanizes individuals to collaborate toward a collective aspiration of a more promising tomorrow. Agape leaders also place a high value on personal growth and development and are constantly seeking to learn and grow in their own leadership journey. 2023 Open Access/Author/s - Online @ http//: www.pharosjot.com