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The Puzzle of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: From Epidemiology to Treatment
Inherited neurodegenerative pathology characterized by lower muscle tone and increasing spasticity in the lower limbs is termed hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). HSP is associated with changes in about 80 genes and their products involved in various biochemical pathways, such as lipid droplet formation, endoplasmic reticulum shaping, axon transport, endosome trafficking, and mitochondrial function. With the inheritance patterns of autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked recessive, and mitochondrial inheritance, HSP is prevalent around the globe at a rate of 15 cases in every 100,000 individuals. Recent technology and medical interventions somewhat aid in recognizing and managing the malaise. However, HSP still lacks an appropriate and adequate therapeutic approach. Current therapies are based on the clinical manifestations observed in the patients, for example, smoothing the relaxant spastic muscle and physiotherapies. The limited clinical trial studies contribute to the absence of specific pharmaceuticals for HSPs. Our current work briefly explains the causative genes, epidemiology, underlying mechanism, and the management approach undertaken to date. We have also mentioned the latest approved drugs to summarise the available knowledge on therapeutic strategies for HSP. 2022 by the authors. -
The puzzle of pheromones in nature and their mysterious influence: a comprehensive review
Pheromones are chemical signals that are given off by creatures to communicate with other conspecifics. Because of their influence on animal behavior and relationships throughout the animal world, pheromones have fascinated scientists for decades. The newest findings and new perspectives on the intriguing field of pheromones are synthesized in this thorough review article. We investigate the many roles played by pheromones, from mating attraction and territorial marking to alarm signaling and social organization. The chemical diversity of pheromones is explored in depth in this paper, highlighting the variety of substances used by different animals as messengers. We go over the processes involved in pheromone detection and processing to help understand how chemosensory receptors and brain circuits interact in complex ways. Additionally, we discuss the role that pheromones play in ecology and evolution by promoting speciation and adaptation. This review emphasizes both the new research on pheromones in humans as well as their function in the animal world. We investigate the data supporting human pheromones and their possible impact on social and reproductive behaviors. The review aims to offer a detailed exploration and insight into the role and effects of pheromones in the natural world. This includes examining the chemical essence of pheromones and their functionality as communication signals across different species, investigating the specificity of these chemicals to certain species and how non-specific pheromones come about, and delving into the evolution of pheromones with a focus on the physiological and evolutionary mechanisms that drive communication. Additionally, the review seeks to understand the role pheromones play in pest management, specifically how species-specific pheromones can be utilized in eco-friendly pest control strategies. It will also explore the enigmatic impact pheromones have on the behavior and interactions within and among species. Drawing from a variety of sources, such as scientific research articles, studies on pheromone evolution, and articles on pheromone application in pest management, the review aspires to synthesize existing knowledge to provide a comprehensive overview of pheromones and their intriguing influence in nature. This study intends to not only summarize existing information but also encourage further research, shedding light on these cryptic chemical signals and their tremendous influence on the biology and behavior of species. It does this by offering a comprehensive perspective on the complex world of pheromones. 2024 Mighila Rixon, et al. -
The Renaissance of Electro-Organic Synthesis for the Difunctionalization of Alkenes and Alkynes: A Sustainable Approach
Electro-organic reactions are now considered as one of the most efficient and environmentally benign methodologies to synthesize highly functionalized motifs like difunctionalized unsaturated compounds from readily available substrates. Excellent regioselectivity, functional group tolerance and broad range of substrates are the main advantages of electrochemical difunctionalization reactions. Alkenes and alkynes readily accept radical or ionic derivatives which makes it vital precursors for the electrochemical synthesis of industrially relevant and biologically active molecules through difunctionalization. This review aims to provide the readers an excellent coverage of the different electrochemical difunctionalization of alkenes and alkynes such as 1,2-homodifunctionalization, 1,2-heterodifunctionalization, rearrangement, ipso-migration, cyclization and dehydrogenative annulation reactions. 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH -
The Renaissance of Ferrocene-Based Electrocatalysts: Properties, Synthesis Strategies, and Applications
The fascinating electrochemical properties of the redox-active compound ferrocene have inspired researchers across the globe to develop ferrocene-based electrocatalysts for a wide variety of applications. Advantages including excellent chemical and thermal stability, solubility in organic solvents, a pair of stable redox states, rapid electron transfer, and nontoxic nature improve its utility in various electrochemical applications. The use of ferrocene-based electrocatalysts enables control over the intrinsic properties and electroactive sites at the surface of the electrode to achieve specific electrochemical activities. Ferrocene and its derivatives can function as a potential redox medium that promotes electron transfer rates, thereby enhancing the reaction kinetics and electrochemical responses of the device. The outstanding electrocatalytic activity of ferrocene-based compounds at lower operating potentials enhances the specificity and sensitivity of reactions and also amplifies the response signals. Owing to their versatile redox chemistry and catalytic activities, ferrocene-based electrocatalysts are widely employed in various energy-related systems, molecular machines, and agricultural, biological, medicinal, and sensing applications. This review highlights the importance of ferrocene-based electrocatalysts, with emphasis on their properties, synthesis strategies for obtaining different ferrocene-based compounds, and their electrochemical applications. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
The Role of Nanoparticles in Response of Plants to Abiotic Stress at Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Levels
In recent years, the global agricultural system has been unfavorably impacted by adverse environmental changes. These changes in the climate, in turn, have altered the abiotic conditions of plants, affecting plant growth, physiology and production. Abiotic stress in plants is one of the main obstacles to global agricultural production and food security. Therefore, there is a need for the development of novel approaches to overcome these problems and achieve sustainability. Nanotechnology has emerged as one such novel approach to improve crop production, through the utilization of nanoscale products, such as nanofertilizer, nanofungicides, nanoherbicides and nanopesticides. Their ability to cross cellular barriers makes nanoparticles suitable for their application in agriculture. Since they are easily soluble, smaller, and effective for uptake by plants, nanoparticles are widely used as a modern agricultural tool. The implementation of nanoparticles has been found to be effective in improving the qualitative and quantitative aspects of crop production under various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. This review discusses various abiotic stresses to which plants are susceptible and highlights the importance of the application of nanoparticles in combating abiotic stress, in addition to the major physiological, biochemical and molecular-induced changes that can help plants tolerate stress conditions. It also addresses the potential environmental and health impacts as a result of the extensive use of nanoparticles. 2023 by the authors. -
The role of Syzygium samarangense in nutrition and economy: An overview
Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr & Perry is a tropical evergreen fruit tree from the family Myrtaceae majorly cultivated in South East Asia. The crispy and juicy fruits are highly nutritious and range from deep red to white color. This underutilized fruit is eaten raw or used in making jams, jelly, juice, salad, wine making and also used in garnishing. The cultivation of this fruit has been extended to a larger area with the improvement of technology. The fruit is rich in secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenes, and, tannins; minerals like calcium, copper, chlorine, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, and vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin C. The bark, fruit, and flower have pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammation, anti mutation, antinociceptive activity, antioxidation activities, antiulcerogenic effect, and wound healing activity. The present review discusses the biology, the improved varieties of fruit, and geographic distribution of S samarangense, the cultivation and harvesting practices, pharmacological activities, the industrial applications, and the economic importance of fruit. The review also emphasizes the future outlook and strategies that can be adopted to transform this underutilized fruit into a fruit of commercial importance. 2022 SAAB -
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Neurodegenerative Diseases
The human gut has a rich and dynamic microbial population that plays an important role in many physiological activities. This review explores the complex interaction between the gut microbiota and human health, with an emphasis on its effect on neurodegenerative illnesses. The makeup of the gut microbiome and its impact on brain function through the gutbrain axis is highlighted. Dysbiosis, characterized by changes in the gut microbiotas composition, has been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Huntingtons, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A Bidirectional communication between the stomach and the brain takes place via a variety of channels, including neurotransmitters and metabolites generated by gut bacteria. We investigate the processes through which dysbiosis causes neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage, which drive disease development. Potential therapeutic approaches that focus on the gut microbiota, such as antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, are reviewed, with promising preclinical and clinical findings. Overall, this study emphasizes the relevance of gut microbiota to neurodegenerative illnesses, as well as the need to understand and target the gut-brain axis for future treatment options. 2024 by the authors. -
The shadow of truth: Ethical Concerns in the Writings of Alexander Solzhenitsyn
"One word of truth will outweigh the entire world." These were the words of Alexander Solzhenitsyn while accepting the Nobel Prize in 1974. The twentieth century was the bloodiest century in human history, thanks largely to two ideologies - Fascism and Marxism. While there have been numerous studies on Nazi Germany, there have been relatively few on what transpired in Soviet Russia. This paper examines the contributions of the Russian writer and philosopher Alexander Solzhenitsyn to the understanding of the workings of totalitarianism. Solzhenitsyn wrote numerous works like The First Circle, Cancer Ward and The Gulag Archipalego. This paper will be examining his major work called One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. The main intention is to probe the ethical concerns that the writer raises in this work, along with his deep understanding of human nature. This paper also seeks to compare Solzhenitsyn's views with that of thinkers like Jean Paul Sartre and Vaclav Havel. The key query here will be the essence-existence debate that Sartre initiated in his seminal work 'Existentialism Is a Humanism' and an attempt will be made to show how Havel and Solzhenitsyn would differ from Sartre. Finally there will be an attempt to establish how Solzhenitsyn reaffirms Lev Tolstoy's theory of history, according to which history is a process where 'great individuals' play a minimal role. 2013 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore). -
The unique risk factor profile of triple-negative breast cancer: a comprehensive meta-analysis
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis compared with other breast cancer subtypes. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines whether known risk factors for breast cancer are also associated with TNBC in adult women. Methods: EMBASE, Medline, SCOPUS, and gray literature were queried with no limit on the date or language of publication. The exposures of interest included parity, breastfeeding, duration of breastfeeding, age at menarche, age at first live birth, oral contraceptive (OC) use, duration of OC use, use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), family history, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, smoking, and breast density. The main outcome of interest was TNBC. Study quality was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for case control studies and cohort studies. We estimated weighted odds ratios from random effects models to study the exposureoutcome associations. Protocol was registered under the number: PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021254594. Results: Thirty-three studies were included. Family history, longer duration of OC use, and higher breast density were significantly associated with increased risk for TNBC, whereas later age at menarche, later age at first birth, and breastfeeding were protective against TNBC. Parity, MHT, alcohol, smoking, and BMI were not significantly associated with TNBC overall, but higher parity was associated with higher risk among Black women. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that TNBC has a distinct risk factor profile compared with overall breast cancer. This can be the foundational work in identification of actionable TNBC risk factors to improve prevention and early detection of these poor prognosis breast tumors. The Author(s) 2024. -
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. -
Therapeutic effects of vitamin D and cancer: An overview
Since vitamin D's discovery, strenuous efforts to investigate its physiological exploit and deficiency on human health were done. Our body synthesizes fat-soluble vitamin D when get exposed to sunlight. In recent years, experimental data indicate that sunlight exposure and an adequate level of circulating vitamin D can reduce the incidence of cancer. Several in vitro and in vivo studies also suggest vitamin D as a potentially valuable supplement for cancer treatment and prevention. Nevertheless, there need to be adequate clinical studies performed to substantiate the suppressive ability of vitamin D concerning cancer incidence. Thus, understanding the cellular mechanisms of vitamin D can be advantageous for preventing several chronic diseases. Consequently, this review concentrates on different studies that have been conducted to characterize the outcome of vitamin D in reducing cancer incidence and its medication by cellular progression mechanism. 2021 The Authors. Food Frontiers published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd and Nanchang University, Northwest University, Jiangsu University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. -
Therapeutic potential of marine macrolides: An overview from 1990 to 2022
The sea is a vast ecosystem that has remained primarily unexploited and untapped, resulting in numerous organisms. Consequently, marine organisms have piqued the interest of scientists as an abundant source of natural resources with unique structural features and fascinating biological activities. Marine macrolide is a top-class natural product with a heavily oxygenated polyene backbone containing macrocyclic lactone. In the last few decades, significant efforts have been made to isolate and characterize macrolides' chemical and biological properties. Numerous macrolides are extracted from different marine organisms such as marine microorganisms, sponges, zooplankton, molluscs, cnidarians, red algae, tunicates, and bryozoans. Notably, the prominent macrolide sources are fungi, dinoflagellates, and sponges. Marine macrolides have several bioactive characteristics such as antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antiviral), anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and neuroprotective activities. In brief, marine organisms are plentiful in naturally occurring macrolides, which can become the source of efficient and effective therapeutics for many diseases. This current review summarizes these exciting and promising novel marine macrolides in biological activities and possible therapeutic applications. 2022 The Authors -
Three decades of advances in extraction and analytical techniques for guava (Psidium guajava L.): A review
Despite extensive experimental focus, there remains a notable gap in comprehending the progressive development of these techniques over time. This comprehensive review is dedicated to cataloging the evolution of extraction and analytical methods spanning several decades. In this article, we meticulously traced the development of analytical and extraction techniques. Additionally, we intricately map the periodic discovery of metabolites within guava fruit, aligning them with the chronological utilization of analytical methods. This article results from extensive research and literature analysis to bridge the knowledge gap. Our efforts highlight the advantageous phytochemicals in guava and the diverse extraction techniques available. By encompassing various facets of analytical methods and delving into metabolomics, this review can offer substantial benefits to cultivating future guava varieties. Subsequent sections within this review will serve as a valuable resource, aiding prospective researchers in identifying the most effective extraction and analytical methods for discovering novel metabolites in guava or similar biological samples. Furthermore, through a comprehensive timeline detailing methodological advancements, this review enhances our understanding of the evolutionary path of guava research. Such insights empower researchers to make informed decisions and actively contribute to the continual advancement of the field of research. 2024 -
Toward sustainable and eco-friendly production of coffee: abatement of wastewater and evaluation of its potential valorization
Abstract: Coffee is one of the most significant beverages consumed worldwide, dating to times immemorial. It plays a pivotal role in several economies owing to its second position in the list of trading commodity, after petroleum. The growing demand for coffee has resulted in a great amount of coffee production and processing and subsequent release of large volumes of wastewater. This wastewater is characterized to have very high chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand with potential to cause environmental pollution thus requiring smart strategies to effectively reduce their load of the wastewater before releasing them into the habitable ambiance. The existing research on coffee wastewater treatment should be critically analyzed for their sustainability and economic viability for them to be commercially used in developing countries for effluent mitigation. This literature review aims to suggest an effective way to treat the wastewater by combining various methods, coupling it with value addition like energy generation. The goal of this review is to provide a direction for future research to integrated treatment with valorization along with a focus on emerging technologies. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Toxic Effects of Nanoparticles on Fish Embryos
Nanoparticles are used widely in the in-drug delivery, diagnostics, cosmetics, paints, electronics, fabrics, solar cells, medicines etc. Their wide application is due to their special properties which include minute size, high reaction rate, increased surface area and quantum effect. Despite their multiple applications, nanoparticles have harmful effects too due to their improper disposal causing their entry into the aquatic environment greatly threatening the ecological security as well as our health. Zebra fishes (Danio rerio) are used more commonly for the evaluation of toxicity and are considered a promising animal model. Studies on Salmon and Labeo rohita have also been used for toxicity evaluation. Nanoparticles affect the embryo more easily than the adult since the embryo are more sensitive. Hence it becomes important for us to study the effect of the nanoparticles on the embryo of the fishes. These nanoparticles have the ability to cross the chorion layer and affect the developing embryo. Since the fishes are a part of the food chain, when these organisms get affected they will eventually harm the humans too. This review focuses on the effect of metal nanoparticles (NPs) like gold(Au), silver(Ag), copper(Cu), platinum and metal oxides nanoparticles like titanium dioxide, aluminium oxide, copper oxide, nickel oxide zinc oxide on the embryonic development of fish embryos. When compared to the other nanoparticles (NPs) like silver, copper and platinum, it has been observed that the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) showed no toxicity to embryos of zebrafish though few studies contradict this. Aluminium nanoparticles showed no toxicity and role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in enhancing the toxicity of nanoparticles have also been discussed. 2021 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Treating troubled families: Therapeutic scenario in India
India, a country of diverse cultures, languages, life styles, and ethnicities, is becoming a land of economic change, political stability, technological advancement, and changing traditional structures of relationships as well as health consciousness. Being known for its ancient traditions, rituals, religious orientation, spiritual outlook and folk beliefs, Indian families attempt to continue certain healthy and traditional elements such as warmth, strong bond, hierarchy, extended support, cultural orientation, shared values and time, tolerance, respect for the aged and inculcation of religious teachings and traditions in families. These factors, or practices, in fact have strong therapeutic value in supplementing the growth and development of individuals in the family system in spite of its transitional position. This paper deals with the review of family-based mental health services and focuses on the changing trends of those practices in India and the advancement of Indian families in their engaging ability with mentally ill members as well as with the treating team. 2012 Institute of Psychiatry. -
Triggers of Changes in Business Processes and Applications: A Systematic Review
Organizations must constantly adapt due to the rapid rate of technological development, market conditions, and customer expectations. The multidimensional world of catalysts that drive changes in corporate processes and applications is explored in this systematic review. Every business must adopt the changes if it wants to compete in the market and outlast its rivals. A wide range of factors, including internal and external forces, can cause applications and business processes to change. These changes are frequently necessary to stay current with the shifting demands of the market, technology advancements, organizational requirements, competitive pressures, legal compliance, environmental and sustainability programs, market trends, and consumer insights. Taking this into account, this chapter attempts to concentrate on the causes of changes in business processes and applications by analyzing the perspective. 2024, Iquz Galaxy Publisher. All rights reserved. -
Tuning the output of the higher plants Circadian Clock
The circadian clock is an ascribed regulator found in the cells of creatures, that keeps biological and behavioral processes in stnc with dailt environmental changes throughout the 24-hour ctcles. When the circadian clock in humans malfunctions or is misaligned with environmental signals, the timing of the sleep-wake ctcle is altered and several circadian rhtthm sleep disorders result. Due to the Earth's rotation on its axis, predictable environmental changes are anticipated bt complex processes. The combined term for these ststems is the circadian clock. The circadian rhtthm regulates photostnthesis and photoperiodism, making it the "primart controller of plant life." The circadian clock is made up of post-translational alterations to core oscillators, epigenetic tweaks to DNA and histones, and auto regulatort feedback loops in transcription. In addition, the circadian clock is cell-autonomous and regulates the circadian rhtthms of distinct organs. Biochemical elements such as photostnthetic products, mineral nutrients, calcium ions, and hormones are used bt the core oscillators to communicate with one another. Arabidopsis is utilized to identift clock-related genes that govern plant growth, germination, pollination, flowering, abiotic and biotic stress responses, and more. The biological ctcles of all species, notablt humans, are undoubtedlt impacted bt other elements, including high altitude and changing ecoststems, in addition to the ones alreadt stated. Although it hasn't tet published ant experimental or scientific evidence to support them, the implication that living things have lives does appear inescapable. Hence, the present studt elaborates on the higher plants related to the circadian clock. The Author(s). -
Two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene for photocatalytic hydrogen production: A review
This study focuses on the utilization of two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene as a catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production. MXenes, a class of transition metal carbides/nitrides, exhibit exceptional properties conducive to enhancing photocatalytic reactions. This research explores the performance of Ti3C2 MXene as a cocatalyst in photocatalytic systems, aiming to improve charge separation, inhibit recombination, and facilitate efficient hydrogen evolution from water under light irradiation. The synthesis methods, catalyst-loading strategies, and overall photocatalytic mechanisms are investigated, shedding light on the potential of Ti3C2 MXene as a promising material for advancing hydrogen production through sustainable means. 2023 Korean Chemical Society, Seoul & Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
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