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Epigenetic Mechanisms Induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Promote Its Survival in the Host
Tuberculosis caused by the obligate intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one among the prime causes of death worldwide. An urgent remedy against tuberculosis is of paramount importance in the current scenario. However, the complex nature of this appalling disease contributes to the limitations of existing medications. The quest for better treatment approaches is driving the research in the field of host epigenomics forward in context with tuberculosis. The interplay between various host epigenetic factors and the pathogen is under investigation. A comprehensive understanding of how Mycobacterium tuberculosis orchestrates such epigenetic factors and favors its survival within the host is in increasing demand. The modifications beneficial to the pathogen are reversible and possess the potential to be better targets for various therapeutic approaches. The mechanisms, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and miRNA modification, are being explored for their impact on pathogenesis. In this article, we are deciphering the role of mycobacterial epigenetic regulators on various strategies like cytokine expression, macrophage polarization, autophagy, and apoptosis, along with a glimpse of the potential of host-directed therapies. 2024 by the authors. -
Essential Oil from Coriandrum sativum: A review on Its Phytochemistry and Biological Activity
Essential oils are hydrophobic liquids produced as secondary metabolites by specialized secretory tissues in the leaves, seeds, flowers, bark and wood of the plant, and they play an important ecological role in plants. Essential oils have been used in various traditional healing systems due to their pharmaceutical properties, and are reported to be a suitable replacement for chemical and synthetic drugs that come with adverse side effects. Thus, currently, various plant sources for essential oil production have been explored. Coriander essential oil, obtained from the leaf and seed oil of Coriandrum sativum, has been reported to have various biological activities. Apart from its application in food preservation, the oil has many pharmacological properties, including allelopathic properties. The present review discusses the phytochemical composition of the seed and leaf oil of coriander and the variation of the essential oil across various germplasms, accessions, at different growth stages and across various regions. Furthermore, the study explores various extraction and quantification methods for coriander essential oils. The study also provides detailed information on various pharmacological properties of essential oils, such as antimicrobial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, allelopathic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, and hepatoprotective properties, as well as playing a major role in maintaining good digestive health. Coriander essential oil is one of the most promising alternatives in the food and pharmaceutical industries. 2023 by the authors. -
ETHICAL CONFLICTS AMONG THE LEADING MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE LEADERS
Today, the whole world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. In these circumstances, medical professionals are being viewed as the frontline warriors who are risking their lives for the sake of helping, caring, and curing these patients. However, in these difficult times, there are few medical professionals and health care providers who are taking advantage of this situation and taking advantage of distressed and distraught patients at will. A conflict between professional and personal ethical values makes them depressed and puzzled. It is tough for them to maintain a good image of their profession and business. The objectives of this study are to review the ethical conflict amid the ongoing Covid pandemic and post-Covid pandemic (vaccination period) in the context of medical professionals and health care providers. The paper is designed based on a literature review. Almost fifty-two research papers, articles, survey reports, and newspapers were studied in the context of ethics in business/profession. After reviewing moral distress is ongoing and post-pandemic period, the researchers have tried to present the medical professionals and health care providers' critical situation to give priority to their professional ethics or personal interest. School of Engineering, Taylor's University -
Evaluation of a gamified learning experience: Analysis of factors that impact the effectiveness of a gamified experience; [Avaliao de uma expericia de aprendizagem gamificada: Anise dos fatores que afetam a eficia de uma expericia gamificada]
Gamification has gone through a faddish cycle. It first gained prominence around 2012 and was quickly abandoned, as practitioners did not achieve the outcomes they expected. According to Gartner's Hype Cycle, Gamification is at a point at which one might expect wide scale adoption. However, if history is not to repeat itself and results are to be achieved as theoretically predicted, a deeper understanding of the concept is essential. In the current study, the researchers attempt to evaluate a gamified learning experience. The participants were students of a Master in Business Administration course. The students were asked to participate in a gamified module and relevant data was collected, before and after the intervention. Based on a review of literature, the researchers identified the exogenous variables of Valence, Attitude towards use of Technology and Experience with Technology. The endogenous variables identified included Reaction and Learning. The findings of the study suggest that the gamified module resulted in increase in knowledge and that Attitude, Experience and Valence significantly predicted the Learner's reaction to the experience. The findings of the study provide support to key theories in the area of gamification and insights for practitioners, on the factors to be considered before using a gamifiedlearning intervention. 2021 UNIVERSIDADE FEEVALE All rights reserved. -
Evaluative study on supercapacitance behavior of polyaniline/polypyrrole metal oxide based composites electrodes: a review
Electricity is a versatile form of energy but suffers from a drawback in that it cannot be stored easily. Supercapacitors are devices that can address this problem. Fabrication of efficient supercapacitors is the need of the hour, which requires an intelligent selection of the electrode materials and electrochemical conditions. In this review, electrochemical studies and synthesis methods of polymer based metal oxide composites, especially polyaniline and polypyrrole, are discussed in detail. Various fabrication methods that are in use for the preparation of the supercapacitor electrodes are evaluated, which gives an idea of the selection of suitable materials for electrochemical applications. The supercapacitance studies of the reported works are also discussed, which help to understand the efficiency and working of different polymer based metal oxide composites for energy applications. Conducting polymers have good capacitance behavior but low cyclic stability. Incorporating metal oxides, graphene, noble metals, MXenes, and carbon nanotubes enhances the capacitance of conducting polymers. Polyaniline based electrodes show comparatively higher capacitance values compared to polypyrrole based electrodes. The types of supercapacitors, the importance of polymers in supercapacitance applications, and the improvement of the polymer substrates by using various materials like metal oxides to enhance the supercapacitance ability are discussed in depth in this review. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Evidence-Based Interventions for Improved Psychosocial Outcomes in Harmful Alcohol Use: A Scoping Review
Background. Harmful alcohol use is defined as a drinking pattern that lasts at least one month or has occurred often during the preceding 12 months and that negatively impacts multiple facets of life. It has a high recurrence rate and a poor prognosis, despite the availability of cognitive-behavioral and psychosocial therapy. Emerging neuromodulation techniques for treating harmful alcohol use are gaining traction in the field of psychotherapy, but knowing their efficacy in terms of psychosocial outcomes necessitates an adjuvant approach. This scoping review aims to investigate the existing evidence on the effectiveness of various psychosocial interventions that improve quality of life (QoL) dimensions in conjunction with neurotherapies for individuals with harmful alcohol use. Methods. The review utilized a five-stage technique to search for research papers from 2000 to 2022. After screening and reviewing 41 full-text papers, 29 were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Conclusion. The articles highlighted the advantages of integrated therapeutic interventions such as motivation enhancement therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, neurotherapy, multimodal therapy, supportive therapy, and 12-step facilitation programs. However, limited studies have explored the effectiveness of combining neurotherapy with psychosocial interventions. Implications. Future research should focus on the efficacy of combining neurofeedback with psychosocial therapies to improve QoL for individuals with harmful alcohol use. 2024. Thakuria and Bennett. -
Evolution of Single-Session Therapy: A Bibliometric Analysis
OBJECTIVE: This bibliometric analysis aimed to explore the publication and citation metrics of the research literature on single-session therapy (SST) to understand its current status, trends, and future prospects. METHODS: Seventy-five keywords were validated by subject matter experts. Publications from 1972 through September 2023 were extracted from the bibliometric website Lens.org. Publication trends, citation patterns, prominent journals, and influential authors were examined as part of the bibliometric analysis. Citation network analysis, bibliographic coupling of authors, and coauthorship network analysis were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 301 SST publications, including 18 books, 85 book chapters, and 176 journal articles, were found, published by 493 authors. The citation- and publication-related metrics suggested a growing level of subject matter expertise over time. Initially, single-author publications held more prominence than collaborative work, but this pattern shifted. From 2011 to 2020, scholarly interest surged, resulting in 144 publications during this period. CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis, the first systematic exploration of the SST knowledge base, can be used to expand and enrich future SST research. -
Examining the Domain of Green Finance Through Bibliometric Research Analysis of 22 Years (20002022): An Analytical Retrospective
Green finance has evolved as a concept aiming to integrate environmental protection and economic profits. Growing global concern towards climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, industrial pollution control, waste management, and environmental protection has caught the attention of countries and policymakers towards innovative financial products and services that are used to address a broader range of environmental concerns. Financial instruments such as green bonds, green stocks and loans effectively guide capital investment towards environment-friendly projects and promote the United Nations sustainable development goals. Thus, green finance is considered a compelling concept that plays a vital role in promoting sustainability. The authors used the Scopus database to perform a bibliometric review of green finance from 2001 to 2022 to determine the current trend and progress in the field. The article presents a thorough bibliometric and temporal analysis that provides inputs that other researchers on this topic have not evaluated. VoS Viewer and Biblioshiny. The software was used to visually analyse the data and identify patterns of co-occurrences and prominent research themes. The graphical and systematic mapping illustrates the evolution in publications over time and identifies areas of current research interests. The findings show that the research on green finance has gained momentum from 2014 onwards. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the green finance-related research, which will help the researchers and policymakers to examine better the trends and future direction of the development of green finance. 2023 MDI. -
Excited state intramolecular proton transfer dual emission Schiff bases for metal detection and cell imaging
Fluorescent probes incorporating the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomenon have emerged as versatile tools in scientific research. These probes exhibit dual emission, resulting from the unique transfer of a proton within the molecule upon excitation. This property makes ESIPT-based Schiff bases highly attractive for metal detection, cell imaging, and sensing biologically important molecules. In metal detection, the spectral changes of ESIPT-based Schiff bases upon interaction with metal ions enable the development of sensitive and selective sensors. For cell imaging, their photophysical properties make them ideal for labeling cellular components and facilitating multicolor imaging. In sensing biomolecules, ESIPT-based Schiff bases offer selective detection of interactions and enzymatic activities. Integration of these probes holds great promise for applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical research, and healthcare. This review focuses on the photoluminescent properties and application of ESIPT dual emission Schiff bases for sensing of metal ions, biologically relevant molecules and cell imaging. 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Exopolysaccharides Derived from Probiotic Bacteria and their Health Benefits
Probiotic bacteria are producers of secretory products such as bacteriocins and polysaccharides. Both homopolymeric and heteropolymeric exopolysaccharides (EPS) present on the surface of microorganisms have shown beneficial properties. While the fact that they play a role in bacterial homeostasis is well established, studies exploring their health promoting effects have also gained traction. Some exopolysaccharides function by inducing immune tolerance, others act by evading immune responses such as those by B and T cells. The interaction between the EPS and the immune system helps protect the bacteria against an attack by the host immune system. Several exopolysaccharides also show tolerogenic properties by reducing the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing IL-10 production. They are also associated with anti-bacterial activity, anti-biofilm activity and anti-tumour properties. This review highlights the different types of exopolysaccharides and their health benefiting potentials. Better understanding of these mechanisms will pave the way for harnessing their potential to improve our health. The Author(s) 2023. -
Experience of psychic restructuring among refugees in the context of life in refuge
Changes in the inner voice, thoughts, and feelings due to the recurrent experiences in social and cultural reality are defined as psychic restructuring (PR). Any collective trauma can drastically change a persons psyche in multiple ways. The first argument of the study is that PR happens in individuals as a result of exile, which has manifold reasons. The second argument is that first-generation older adults crave for their homeland more intensely because of their subtle memories of the left behind. The third argument is that there are metaphorical representations of exilic experiences in the art forms that would depict their inexplicable quest for PR. Finally, it suggests the possibility of constructive PR in refugees with the aid of clinically driven and standardized art-based therapies (ABT). These arguments have multicollinearity in the context of PR, which still needs to be studied. The study tries to bridge the gap or lacuna in this research arena. 2023 The Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the Public Sector. -
Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities in Higher Education: A Scoping Review
Background: As the number of students with learning disabilities (SwLD) entering higher education (HE) increases, a need arises to improve the services provided to them by understanding their experiences. This scoping review explores the extent and type of evidence on the experiences of SwLD in HE. Method: The review followed the six stages outlined by Arksey and OMalley. PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, ProQuest, and APA PsycNet were searched for primary data, and studies published between January 2012 and July 2022 were included. The following information was extracted and collated from the included studies: author/s, year, location, objective/aim, study design, materials and methods, and major findings. Results: The search yielded 3729 titles and abstracts. Their screening resulted in 26 eligible articles. The review of these articles identified three major themes: (a) academic concerns, (b) psychosocial experiences, and (c) support systems and accommodations. The academic concerns included difficulties in areas such as reading, writing, and spelling. The studies on psychosocial experiences showed that SwLD experience stress, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. The studies on support systems and accommodations indicate that they get academic support, technological support, and extra time for examinations from educational institutions. Conclusion: The SwLD experiences academic and psychosocial challenges during higher studies. However, the existing support systems do not address these challenges, and there is a need for further research in this area. 2023 The Author(s). -
Exploring ocean pH dynamics via a mathematical modeling with the Caputo fractional derivative
Global warming is a complex problem with far-reaching global implications. One of its notable repercussions is the escalation of CO2 levels in the atmosphere, resulting in the phenomenon known as Ocean Acidification (OA). In this research, we have established a correlation between four key factors: marine species, human population, CO2 levels, and ocean pH. By formulating a Caputo fractional differential equation, we investigated the dynamics of these variables to evaluate the significance of this climatic phenomenon. The model analysis reveals that the rise in anthropogenic CO2 emissions causes a reduction in the oceans pH level and increases OA.This process, in turn, decreases the oceans ability to absorb CO2, making it less effective in mitigating climate change. In this study, it was demonstrated that elevated levels of CO2 result in a reduction in pH levels, which in turn causes a decrease in the population of marine species that play a critical role in numerous economic sectors such as tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries. Moreover, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the influence exerted by the intrinsic growth rate of the human population. We examined various theoretical aspects, including the assessment of existence and uniqueness. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the effect of key parameters on the dynamics of the system using the generalized AdamsBashforthMoulton method. The Author(s) 2024. -
Exploring the anti-inflammatory activities, mechanism of action and prospective drug delivery systems of tocotrienol to target neurodegenerative diseases
A major cause of death in the elderly worldwide is attributed to neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD (Alzheimers disease), PD (Parkinsons disease), ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), FRDA (Friedreichs ataxia), VaD (Vascular dementia) etc. These can be caused due to multiple factors such as genetic, physiological problems like stroke or tumor, or even external causes like viruses, toxins, or chemicals. T3s (tocotrienols) exhibit various bioactive properties where it acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and cholesterol lowering agent. Since T3 interferes with and influences several anti-inflammatory mechanisms, it aids in combating inflammatory responses that lead to disease progression. T3s are found to have a profound neuroprotective ability, however, due to their poor oral bioavailability, their full potential could not be exploited. Hence there is a need to explore other drug delivery techniques, especially focusing on aspects of nanotechnology. In this review paper we explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of T3 to apply it in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and also discusses the possibilities of nano methods of administering tocotrienols to target neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright: 2023 Mathew AM et al. -
Exploring the efficiency of green synthesized silver nanoparticles as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation: unveiling key insights
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received a lot of interest for their several applications, including their remarkable potential as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation. This research thoroughly investigates the efficacy of ecologically friendly, green-synthesized AgNPs in the treatment of synthetic dye-contaminated wastewater. The synthesis of AgNPs from various biological substrates is investigated, emphasizing their economic viability, significant conductivity, and considerable biocompatibility. The improper disposal of synthetic dyes in wastewater poses severe environmental and health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and persistent chemical features. In response to this challenge, this review paper investigates the capability of AgNPs to serve as effective photocatalysts for degrading a range of organic dyes commonly found in industrial effluents. Specific dyes, including methyl orange, congo red, nitrophenol, methylene blue, and malachite green, are studied in the context of wastewater treatment, providing insights into the efficacy of AgNPs synthesized from diverse biological sources. The review sheds light on the photocatalytic degradation methods used by green-synthesized AgNPs, shedding light on the transition of these synthetic dyes into less hazardous compounds. It also delves into the toxicity aspect of the AgNPs and its possible remediation from the environment. The ecologically friendly synthesis procedures investigated in this work provide an alternative to traditional methods, highlighting the importance of sustainable technologies in solving modern environmental concerns. Furthermore, a comparative examination of various biological substrates for AgNPs synthesis is presented, evaluating their respective dye degradation efficiencies. This not only helps researchers understand the environmental impact of synthetic dyes, but it also directs them in choosing the best substrates for the production of AgNPs with enhanced photocatalytic activities. 2024 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd. -
Exploring the far-reaching consequences of malnutrition during pregnancy and beyond: A comprehensive review
In India, maternal and infant malnutrition continues to be a significant contributor to health problems. Fetal malnutrition can result from an inadequate nutrient supply, necessary nutrition services, and ideal practices before, during, and following pregnancy. This comprehensive review delves into the complex relationships among hormone changes, microbial ecosystems, and nutrition, and how these relationships affect the health of mothers and their offspring. The review highlights how important it is to maintain good nutrition during pregnancy and to comprehend the dietary modifications that pregnant people make on their own to create interventions that work. Important minerals like calcium, iron, folic acid, iodine, and vitamin D are covered. Acknowledging the mutualistic association between the eating habits of mothers and the diverse microbiomes found in their gut, vagina, and oral channels, the review explores the influence on hormone levels and their consequences during gestation. Diverse fetal developmental needs are depicted by the table that outlines food requirements for each of the three trimesters. The detrimental effects of poor prenatal nutrition on a mothers health and its repercussions for neonates are examined. The effects of malnutrition after delivery, including difficulties throughout pregnancy, healing periods, and general effects on mental and physical health, are well studied. The study, which adopts a worldwide viewpoint, finds that societal norms, information gaps, and poverty are the main causes of malnutrition. Prevention techniques are discussed, emphasizing the significance of taking a comprehensive approach to addressing this vital issue in both the Indian and global contexts. 2024 Visagaa Publishing House. -
Exploring the Relationship between Environmental Cognition, Pro-Environmental Behavior, and Mental Health among Adolescents: A Narrative Review
Introduction: Adolescents cognition, behavior, and attitudes are essential for environmental conservation; hence, the physical environment is inevitable in their mental health. The environment can influence adolescents sense of support, freedom, and the stimulation they seek in life. Environmental factors such as pollution, weather, lifestyle changes, and working conditions significantly influence adolescents' mental health. Knowing and learning about environmental cognition and its influence on adolescents is vital. Objective: To understand the relationship between environmental cognition, pro-environmental behavior, and mental health among adolescents with the help of a narrative approach. Methods: The present article employed a narrative review. Research articles were taken from four databases, PubMed, Research Gate, Web of Science, and Science Direct, using the PRISMA procedure from 2000 to 2023. The data was collected from various databases and narrowed down for the results. Results: This study proves a strong relationship between environmental cognition, pro-environmental behavior, and adolescents' mental health. Twenty-six selected research studies out of 45 initial studies state that solid environmental cognition may lead to enhanced pro-environmental behavior, which is crucial to adolescents mental health and well-being. Furthermore, pro-environmental cognition wholly mediated the relationship between environmental behavior and mental well-being. Conclusion: Implications of this study concentrate on developing focused interventions, creating urban planning policies, and developing adolescent-friendly community designs, which are solid pillars for promoting mental health. Adolescents must be motivated to protect the environment to become pioneers of pro-environmental behavior. The Author(s). 2024 Open Access. -
Exploring the Use of the Therapists Self in Therapy: A Systematic Review
Purpose: This systematic qualitative review explored how psychotherapists use their self in therapy within the psychotherapy literature. It sought to examine the key documented ways through which the therapists self is intentionally used in therapy and the process of using the therapists self. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, databases including PubMed, ProQuest, APA PsycArticles, and APA PsycINFO were searched. The review question How do therapists use their self in therapy? guided the search using derivative keywords. Of the 149 screened articles, 20 underwent full-text review, and only four studies met inclusion criteria. Findings: All studies that met the inclusion criteria were from the West. Therapeutic self-disclosure (TSD) emerged as the primary way through which therapists used their self in therapynotably, the only way documented in the studies reviewed. Studies discussed the nature, rationale, influencing factors, and effectiveness of TSD. This article elaborates upon the themes from the reviewed studies. It critically examines existing literature, lists avenues for future research, and discusses implications for psychotherapy practice. Conclusions: The review underscores a significant gap in empirical qualitative research regarding therapists use of their self beyond TSD in therapy. There is an urgent need for further exploration in this domain. 2024 The Author(s). -
Extrinsic pseudocapacitance: Tapering the borderline between pseudocapacitive and battery type electrode materials for energy storage applications
Extrinsic pseudocapacitance, which can also be referred to as induced pseudocapacitance, is, at present, one of the most widely explored fields in energy storage. Extrinsic pseudocapacitive mechanism can be imparted to an otherwise diffusion-controlled faradaic energy storage material by external methods like size engineering, compositional modification, doping, anion intercalation, and morphological modifications. As a significant mechanism that plays a borderline role between battery-type and pseudocapacitive nature of energy storage, extrinsic pseudocapacitance tends to narrow down the boundary between these conventionally diverse systems, which in turn would contribute a lot to the development of hybrid energy storage technologies. For effective utilization in upcoming energy storage technologies, a critical analysis on the effect of this mechanism on reported devices shall turn into a valid account. This review gives a detailed insight into extrinsic pseudocapacitance, its significance, and recently reported materials, methods, and devices. The future outlook and challenges in transforming extrinsic pseudocapacitive mechanisms into a promising strategy for next-generation energy storage devices are also discussed. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Eye-Tracking Measures in Aviation: A Selective Literature Review
Objective: The aim of this article is to present a comprehensive review of eye-tracking measures and discuss different application areas of the method of eye tracking in the field of aviation. Background: Psychophysiological measures such as eye tracking in pilots are useful for detecting fatigue or high-workload conditions, for investigating motion sickness and hypoxia, or for assessing display improvements and expertise. Method: We review the uses of eye tracking on pilots and include eye-tracking studies published in aviation journals, with both a historical and contemporary view. We include 79 papers and assign the results to the following three categories: Human performance, aircraft design, health and physiological factors affecting performance. We then summarize the different uses of eye tracking in each category and highlight metrics which turned out to be useful in each area. Our review is complementary to that of Ziv (2016). Results: On the basis of these analyses, we propose useful application areas for the measurement of eye tracking. Eye tracking has the potential to be effective in terms of preventing errors or injuries by detecting, for example, fatigue or performance decrements. Applied in an appropriate manner in simulated or real flight it can help to ensure optimal functioning of manmachine systems. Conclusion: Further aviation psychology and aerospace medicine research will benefit from measurement of eye movements. 2018, 2018 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.