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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. -
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. -
Roadmap on ionic liquid crystal electrolytes for energy storage devices
The current organic liquid electrolytes used in electrochemical energy systems cause rapid performance degradation and even combustion. The advancement of new electrolytes with exceptional safety and electrochemical performance is crucial in addressing these challenges. Recently developed ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) offer promising opportunities for tailoring ion transport channels through modified nano segregated structures, thereby ensuring excellent operating safety and combining the advantageous properties of ionic liquids and liquid crystals. This review focuses on investigating the ion conductive properties and operational mechanisms of ILC electrolytes for energy storage and conversion devices, which play a pivotal role in the development of superior electrolytes. The review critically analyzes the recent development and fundamental properties electrochemical interaction framework of ILC electrolytes applied in energy storage devices. Particular attention is given to elucidating the mechanism of ILC and phase formation, past decade fabrication of energy storage device with ILC electrolytes, emphasizing their capacity for ion redistribution and exceptional stability. Additionally, the review addresses the drawback, limitation, commercialization, challenges and provides future perspective for the growth of ILC electrolytes in the field of energy storage. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
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. -
Knots of the umbilical cord: Incidence, diagnosis, and management
Knot(s) of the umbilical cord have received emphasis because the clinical assessments and sonographic literature show a crucial role in fetal outcomes. The true umbilical cord knot could be a knot in a singleton pregnancy or an entanglement of two umbilical cords in monoamniotic twins. Clinical manifestations are almost silent, which can raise clinical challenges. They worsen outcomes, and the pathology can be easily missed during prenatal visits because ultrasonographers do not pay attention to the cord during an obstetric ultrasound scan. However, most medical centers now have ultrasound machines that improve fetal assessment. The umbilical cord should be routinely evaluated during a fetal assessment, and suspicion of an umbilical cord knot can be more frequently diagnosed and is detected only incidentally. Clinical outcome is usually good but depends on the knot's characteristics and if it is tight or loose. In this review, we discuss pathophysiology, the theories on formation, the main risk factors, ultrasound signs and findings, different opinions in the management, and features of pregnancy outcomes feature. 2024 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. -
A comprehensive review on application of atomic force microscopy in Forensic science
The primary objective of forensic investigation of a case is to recognize, identify, locate, and examine the evidence. Microscopy is a technique that provides crucial information for resolving a case or advancing the investigation process by analyzing the evidence obtained from a crime scene. It is often used in conjunction with suitable analytical techniques. Various microscopes are employed; scanning probe microscopes are available in diverse forensic analyses and studies. Among these, the atomic force microscope (AFM) is the most commonly used scanning probe technology, offering a unique morphological and physico-chemical perspective for analyzing multiple pieces of evidence in forensic investigations. Notably, it is a non-destructive technique capable of operating in liquid or air without complex sample preparation. The article delves into a detailed exploration of the applications of AFM in the realms of nanomechanical forensics and nanoscale characterization of forensically significant samples. 2024 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine -
Recent trends in hierarchical electrode materials in supercapacitor: Synthesis, electrochemical measurements, performance and their charge-storage mechanism
Supercapacitors are energy storage devices that getting significant research interest among global researchers due to their features such as high specific capacitance, quick charge/discharge, high power density, prolonged cycle life, and safety that contribute to applications in portable electronic devices. Electrode materials are key constituents of supercapacitors and they control their electrochemical performances. There are various structures of electrode materials have been developed for supercapacitors such as core-shell structures, hetero-structures, and hierarchical structures. Among the structures, hierarchical electrode materials (HEMs) are low-cost, easy to synthesize, have high surface area, high active sites, and high electrochemical performances. Thus, this review focuses on the recent synthesis of hierarchical-type electrode materials, electrochemical setup, and characterization, analyses three- and two-electrode system performances in the use of supercapacitors, and charge-storage mechanisms, and summarizes critical viewpoints for future research. The performance of HEMs-based supercapacitors is shown to be high when compared to a single type of electrode. In supercapacitors, porous carbons, metal-organic frameworks, and transition metal sulfides-based HEMs have exceptional electrochemical capabilities across all parameters, including specific capacitance, cycle stability, energy density, and capacitance retention, as found in this review. This review may be helpful to the primary researchers who are working on the preparation and measurement of HEMs for supercapacitor applications. Further, the hierarchical structure-based electrode material is promising for future research in advanced supercapacitor research and could be of interest in technology transfer. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Production of betalains in plant cell and organ cultures: a review
Betalains are nitrogen-containing natural pigments that are water soluble and they comprise of the red-violet betacyanin and the yellow betaxanthin which are abundant in plants such as red/yellow beet, amaranth, prickly pear, pitaya, and others. They are widely used as food coloring agents for many centuries. Betalains are used in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmeceuticals, since they have tremendous potential to scavenge free radicals and prevent diseases, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, cancer, neurological disorders, and vascular stenosis. Betalains are proven to be toxicologically safe and have health benefits, they have been approved as food additives in the United States of America, and European countries. Although betalains can be found in natural resources, there are differences in their composition, amounts, and seasonality. For this reason, researchers have developed alternative methods of producing these valuable compounds using cell and organ culture techniques. In several plants, cell and organ cultures are established, and bioreactor technologies have been used to produce betalains on a wide scale. In this review, we discuss the varied biotechnological methods and approaches applied for the biosynthesis of betalains including metabolic engineering approaches. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
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. -
Discovering Consumer Behavior Towards Back-of-Pack Nutrition Labels: A Systematic Literature Review
This systematic literature review aims to examine the impact of back-of-pack (BOP) labels on food manufacturers' practices in the field of consumer behaviour research. The review comprehensively analyses a wide range of articles spanning over two decades to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the subject matter. It focuses specifically on how BOP labels affect consumers, food manufacturers' behaviors and practices. The findings highlight that BOP labels conveying intuitive information effectively prompt product reformulation, particularly in reducing unhealthy nutrients such as sodium, sugar, and calories. Voluntary BOP labeling has limited uptake and is often applied to already healthier products. Consumers and food producers' response varies based on label design and enforcement type, suggesting strategic labeling of healthier choices. The review provides valuable insights for future public health research and policymaking efforts, emphasizing the importance of mandatory policies and specific guidance in BOP labels. This research brings novelty by comprehensively examining the impact of back-of-pack (BOP) labeling on consumers and food manufacturers' practices. The findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the differential effects of mandatory and voluntary BOP labeling approaches and offering insights into label design and enforcement types. As per the researcher knowledge there is no available systematic literature review (SLR) specifically focusing on BOP labeling in recent years. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of mandatory versus voluntary BOP labeling on consumer dietary habits and food manufacturers' product reformulation strategies. 2024 The Author(s). -
Epidemiological Transition in India and Determinants that Are Shifting Disease Burden: A Systematic Review
Indias disease burden patterns are shifting towards increased morbidity and mortality from Non-communicable disease and chronic diseases. This is one of the first studies conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and checklist to understand the role played by various determinants of health in this epidemiological transition happening in India. The search on 9 reputed bibliographic databases yielded 459 articles and finally 58 articles were selected based on carefully curated selection criteria. The results confirm the relation between India's demographic transition and the increasing disease burden from Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 21 studies significantly associated urban residential status, increasing income, better living conditions and education with increasing NCDs' prevalence. 12 studies found that NCDs were more prevalent among women than men. Increased physical activity, a healthy diet and a lower hipto-waist ratio were observed to protect against NCDs. While 9 studies found smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with the prevalence of NCDs. It is of foremost importance that Indias public health policy focus must shift towards inclusivity as there is an affluent gradient to the increased morbidity and mortality from NCDs. Copyright2024 by authors, all rights reserved. -
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 -
A Review on Fish Skin-Derived Gelatin: Elucidating the Gelatin PeptidesPreparation, Bioactivity, Mechanistic Insights, and Strategies for Stability Improvement
Fish skin-derived gelatin has garnered significant attention recently due to its abundant availability and promising bioactive properties. This comprehensive review elucidates various intricacies concerning fish skin-derived gelatin peptides, including their preparation techniques, bioactive profiles, underlying mechanisms, and methods for stability enhancement. The review investigates diverse extraction methods and processing approaches for acquiring gelatin peptides from fish skin, emphasizing their impact on the peptide composition and functional characteristics. Furthermore, the review examines the manifold bioactivities demonstrated by fish skin-derived gelatin peptides, encompassing antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, elucidating their potential roles in functional food products, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. Further, mechanistic insights into the functioning of gelatin peptides are explored, shedding light on their interactions with biological targets and pathways. Additionally, strategies aimed at improving the stability of gelatin peptides, such as encapsulation, modification, and integration into delivery systems, are discussed to extend the shelf life and preserve the bioactivity. Overall, this comprehensive review offers valuable insights into using fish skin-derived gelatin peptides as functional ingredients, providing perspectives for future research endeavors and industrial applications within food science, health, and biotechnology. 2024 by the authors. -
Emerging Nanomaterials as Versatile Nanozymes: A New Dimension in Biomedical Research
The enzyme-mimicking nature of versatile nanomaterials proposes a new class of materials categorized as nano-enzymes, ornanozymes. They are artificial enzymes fabricated by functionalizing nanomaterials to generate active sites that can mimic enzyme-like functions. Materials extend from metals and oxides to inorganic nanoparticles possessing intrinsic enzyme-like properties. High cost, low stability, difficulty in separation, reusability, and storage issues of natural enzymes can be well addressed by nanozymes. Since 2007, more than 100 nanozymes have been reported that mimic enzymes like peroxidase, oxidase, catalase, protease, nuclease, hydrolase, superoxide dismutase, etc. In addition, several nanozymes can also exhibit multi-enzyme properties. Vast applications have been reported by exploiting the chemical, optical, and physiochemical properties offered by nanozymes. This review focuses on the reported nanozymes fabricated from a variety of materials along with their enzyme-mimicking activity involving tuning of materials such as metal nanoparticles (NPs), metal-oxide NPs, metalorganic framework (MOF), covalent organic framework (COF), and carbon-based NPs. Furthermore, diverse applications of nanozymes in biomedical research are discussed in detail. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
A rapid investigation of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent switch-on probes for detection and in cellulo tracking of G-quadruplex and double-stranded DNA
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescence switch-on probes designed for the detection and in cellulo tracking of G-quadruplex and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). G-quadruplexes, non-canonical DNA structures, play pivotal roles in regulating various biological processes, making them critical targets for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The unique properties of NIR fluorescence probes, such as deep tissue penetration, minimal photodamage, and low autofluorescence background, offer significant advantages for bioimaging. We critically analyze the design strategies, photophysical properties, and binding mechanisms of various NIR fluorescence switch-on probes. Additionally, we discuss their efficacy and specificity in identifying G-quadruplexes and dsDNA within cellular environments. Key challenges and future directions for improving the sensitivity, selectivity, and biocompatibility of these probes are also highlighted. This review aims to underscore the potential of NIR fluorescence probes in advancing our understanding of DNA dynamics and their applications in biomedical research. 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Nanomaterials as novel elicitors of pharmacologically active plant specialized metabolites in cell and organ cultures: current status and future outlooks
Specialized plant metabolites, such as phenolics, terpenes, terpenoids, nitrogen-containing compounds, and sulfur-containing compounds, are commercially valuable owing to their wide array of applications in the medical, pharmacological, cosmetic, agriculture, and food industries. Procuring valuable specialized metabolites from wild or cultivated plants is desirable; however, the concentrations and quality of secondary compounds vary between samples. Therefore, plant cells and organ cultures have been selected as viable alternatives for producing specialized metabolites. Elicitation is a strategy used to enhance the accumulation of specialized compounds in cell and organ cultures. Different biotic substances, including signaling chemicals such as salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate, elements of plant cell walls (cellulose and pectin), polysaccharides from microbes (chitin and glucan), and abiotic substances such as inorganic salts, heavy metals, UV radiation, and high salinity, have been successfully tested and used as elicitors for the hyperaccumulation of bioactive substances in cell and organ cultures. Recently, metals, metal oxide nanoparticles, and carbon-based nanomaterials have been used as unique elicitors to boost the synthesis of bioactive compounds in cell and organ cultures. The applications and usage of nanoparticles as elicitors in plant cell and organ cultures are summarized in this review. The mechanism of elicitation, toxicity, benefits, and drawbacks of using nanoparticles in plant cell and organ cultures are discussed. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2023. -
Mapping the literature on school bullying in India: A scoping review
School bullying has been identified as a major issue among students throughout the world. With around 260 million school students, the largest student population in the world, it becomes essential to investigate this issue in the Indian context. The present work uses the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework for scoping review to examine the nature of research on school bullying in India and identify research gaps to be addressed by future research. The review maps the concepts examined, research approaches used, sample characteristics, data collection methods, researcher characteristics, and nature of publications in relation to bullying. Seven databases - JSTOR, PsycNET, Cochrane Reviews, ERIC, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials - were searched for sources containing the terms bullying and India published in English and between the years 2015 and 2022. Thirty-eight sources selected for the review suggest that existing research in India on school bullying is limited compared to the West and yet provides a guiding light to future researchers. The findings from this review highlight research gaps in the existing literature and outline areas for further exploration. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Developmental prospects of carrageenan-based wound dressing films: Unveiling techno-functional properties and freeze-drying technology for the development of absorbent films A review
This review explores the intricate wound healing process, emphasizing the critical role of dressing material selection, particularly for chronic wounds with high exudate levels. The aim is to tailor biodegradable dressings for comprehensive healing, focusing on maximizing moisture retention, a vital element for adequate recovery. Researchers are designing advanced wound dressings that enhance techno-functional and bioactive properties, minimizing healing time and ensuring cost-effective care. The study delves into wound dressing materials, highlighting carrageenan biocomposites superior attributes and potential in advancing wound care. Carrageenan's versatility in various biomedical applications demonstrates its potential for tissue repair, bone regeneration, and drug delivery. Ongoing research explores synergistic effects by combining carrageenan with other novel materials, aiming for complete biocompatibility. As innovative solutions emerge, carrageenan-based wound-healing medical devices are poised for global accessibility, addressing challenges associated with the complex wound-healing process. The exceptional physico-mechanical properties of carrageenan make it well-suited for highly exudating wounds, offering a promising avenue to revolutionize wound care through freeze-drying techniques. This thorough approach to evaluating the wound healing effectiveness of carrageenan-based films, particularly emphasizing the development potential of lyophilized films, has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients receiving wound healing treatments. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Review on lightweight cryptography techniques and steganography techniques for IoT environment
In the modern world, technology has connected to our day-to-day life in different forms. The Internet of Things (IoT) has become an innovative criterion for mass implementations and a part of daily life. However, this rapid growth leads the huge traffic and security problems. There are several challenges arise while deploying IoT. The most common challenges are privacy and security during data transmission. To address these issues, various lightweight cryptography and steganography techniques were introduced. These techniques help secure the data over the IoT. The hybrid of cryptography and steganography mechanisms provides enhanced security to confidential messages. Any messages can be secured by cryptography or by embedding the messages into any media files including text, audio, image, and video using steganography. Hence, this article has provided a detailed review of efficient, lightweight security solutions based on cryptography and steganography and their function over IoT applications. The objective of the paper is to study and analyze various Lightweight cryptography techniques and Steganography techniques for IoT. A few works of literature were reviewed in addition to their merits and limitations. Furthermore, the common problems in the reviewed techniques are explained in the discussion section with their parametric comparison. Finally, the future scope to improve IoT security solutions based on lightweight cryptography and steganography is mentioned in the conclusion part. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Society for Reliability Engineering, Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM), India and The Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden 2024. -
GrapheneLiquid Crystal Synergy: Advancing Sensor Technologies across Multiple Domains
This review explores the integration of graphene and liquid crystals to advance sensor technologies across multiple domains, with a focus on recent developments in thermal and infrared sensing, flexible actuators, chemical and biological detection, and environmental monitoring systems. The synergy between graphenes exceptional electrical, optical, and thermal properties and the dynamic behavior of liquid crystals leads to sensors with significantly enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and versatility. Notable contributions of this review include highlighting key advancements such as graphene-doped liquid crystal IR detectors, shape-memory polymers for flexible actuators, and composite hydrogels for environmental pollutant detection. Additionally, this review addresses ongoing challenges in scalability and integration, providing insights into current research efforts aimed at overcoming these obstacles. The potential for multi-modal sensing, self-powered devices, and AI integration is discussed, suggesting a transformative impact of these composite sensors on various sectors, including health, environmental monitoring, and technology. This review demonstrates how the fusion of graphene and liquid crystals is pushing the boundaries of sensor technology, offering more sensitive, adaptable, and innovative solutions to global challenges. 2024 by the authors.