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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. -
Spiritual Intelligence and Spiritual Care in Nursing Practice: A Bibliometric Review
Spiritual intelligence (SI) has recently gained traction in various fields, including nursing. Given the increasing emphasis on patient-centred care and the holistic well-being of patients and nurses, SI is particularly relevant in nursing practice. A bibliometric analysis of recent publications (20142024) in the field helps synthesise and evaluate the existing research on SI in the general field of nursing, identify literature gaps, suggest future research directions and raise awareness of the importance of SI in nursing practice. The present study reports bibliometric data (n = 461) from the Scopus database on SI, spiritual quotient and spiritual care in nursing and health care. The data are analysed using MS Excel and VOSviewer software. The publications trend analysis revealed a significant increase in SI-related publications since 2015. The study presents top-cited articles. Journal of Religion and Health was found to be a prominent journal with the maximum number of publications, and Sage was found to be the top publisher of journals with articles on SI. Network visualisation reveals central figures such as Wilfred McSherry, Trove Giske, Elizabeth Johnston Taylor, Fiona Timmins, Silvia Caldeira and Linda Ross as key researchers in the field. The United States and Iran have the most substantial connections of authors publishing on SI. This study reveals an increasing interest in SI and care within nursing research, confirming its growing significance in the field. By reporting areas where research on SI in nursing remains underdeveloped, the study paves the way for the development of new or updated curricula in nursing programs. The study can guide faculty development initiatives by highlighting the importance of SI and providing resources for educators to incorporate these concepts into their teaching. This study presents specific research questions to address these knowledge gaps. Future studies which can address these questions will enrich nursing education and practice, leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced nurse well-being using the full potential of SI in nursing practice. 2024 Published by Scientific Scholar on behalf of Indian Journal of Palliative Care. -
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Insights and New Prospects in Disease Pathophysiology, Biomarkers and Therapies
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder marked by the gradual loss of motor neurons, leading to significant disability and eventual death. Despite ongoing research, there are still limited treatment options, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the diseases complex mechanisms and the identification of new therapeutic targets. This review provides a thorough examination of ALS, covering its epidemiology, pathology, and clinical features. It investigates the key molecular mechanisms, such as protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity that contribute to motor neuron degeneration. The role of biomarkers is highlighted for their importance in early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Additionally, the review explores emerging therapeutic approaches, including inhibitors of protein aggregation, neuroinflammation modulators, antioxidant therapies, gene therapy, and stem cell-based treatments. The advantages and challenges of these strategies are discussed, with an emphasis on the potential for precision medicine to tailor treatments to individual patient needs. Overall, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of ALS research and suggest future directions for developing effective therapies. 2024 by the authors. -
Influencer Marketing and Consumer Behaviour: A Systematic Literature Review
Influencer marketing is an emerging area in the field of marketing. Specifically, this topic grabs the attention of several academicians and practitioners because of the key role played by influencers to stimulate consumer behaviour. Significantly, a systematic way of analysing and summarising the works of literature in this nascent area is necessary. A systematic literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the whole literature studied. From this knowledge, a systematic literature review has been undertaken from the period of 2016 to 2021 based on 65 articles from the ABDC journal to fetch relevant research themes, methodology, theories, variables, antecedents and consequences and potential research gaps. From this information, this research proposed an integrative framework which depicts the role of social media influencers in activating consumer behaviour. Future research direction has presented comprising of knowledge gap in the existing literature from key areas such as theory, methodology and settings. This research provides implications for both theories and practice. 2022 Management Development Institute. -
Partition Refugees in Jammu Cry for Protection of Land and Job Rights
Article 370 was presented as an obstacle in the complete integration of Kashmir and it had denied citizenship and land rights to around 1.5 lakh West Pakistan Refugees (all Hindus) since their migration in 1947. However, after the lapse of merely five years of the abrogation, these WPRs, the new citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, have started feeling disillusioned and demanding protection of lands and jobs under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution. 2024 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
Will the antioxidant supplements impact the mitigation of oxidative stress in Parkinsons disease?
Parkinsons disease is a frequent neurodegenerative condition marked by both non-motor and motor symptoms. It is brought on by the selective depletion of dopamine neurons from the substantia nigra region of the midbrain. Numerous variables, including lifestyle, environment, age, smoking, and underlying medical disorders, affect the occurrence of Parkinsons disease. The free radicals created by oxidative stress have an impact on the morphology and function of neuronal cells and are a factor in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinsons and Alzheimers, disorder. Although the pathophysiological mechanism causing neuronal degeneration is still unknown, oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic Parkinsons disease. It also has an association with numerous proteins, including ?-synuclein, amyloid, DJ-1 protein and several signalling pathways like extracellular regulated protein kinases. Reactive oxygen species also contribute to complex Is mitochondrial respiratory activity. The naturally occurring antioxidants are the phenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins, and lignans. These antioxidants retain the reactive oxygen species generation and plays a role in several biological effects. As a result, natural plant antioxidants may have an impact on Parkinsons disease and offer an alternative therapy that minimises oxidative stress and slows down the evolution of the disease. 2024 Visagaa Publishing House. -
Harnessing transition metal oxide?carbon heterostructures: Pioneering electrocatalysts for energy systems and other applications
Exponential demand for energy resources and fossil fuel substitution with green alternatives are essential to bringing sustainable development and a solution to the energy crisis. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) and their composites (TMOCs) as promising electrocatalysts to develop potential energy conversion and storage devices contribute to the solution to this crisis. The productivity of green fuels such as hydrogen from water-splitting reactions, the efficiency of energy storage and harvesting devices including supercapacitors and batteries, and the performance of electrochemical sensors can be remarkably enhanced with TMOs and their composites. Excellent electrochemical attributes, stability, abundant reserves, low cost, environment-friendly, and low toxicity make TMOs and their composites an excellent choice. The tunability of the physical and chemical properties of TMOs makes them attractive for research in designing different energy storage devices. This review presents a concise overview of the unique physical and electrochemical aspects of various TMOs and TMOCs, such as spinels, perovskites, and TMO-integrated carbon-based compounds, and their relevance for specific applications, emphasizing energy-related fields. The recent research advancements of TMOs-based functional materials for emerging applications, such as water splitting, fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries, and sensing, are discussed. This review also highlights the advantageous properties and pertinent fabrication methods of TMOs and TMOCs for electrocatalysis, along with the methods to enhance their electrocatalytic abilities, which improve the overall efficiency of the desired applications. 2024 -
Updated aspects of alpha-Solanine as a potential anticancer agent: Mechanistic insights and future directions
Cancer remains a critical global health challenge, with limited progress in reducing mortality despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. The growing resistance of tumors to existing chemotherapy exacerbates this burden. In response, the search for new anticancer compounds from plants has intensified, given their historical success in yielding effective treatments. This review focuses on ?-solanine, a glycoalkaloid primarily derived from potato tubers and nightshade family plants, recognized for its diverse biological activities, including anti-allergic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antibiotic properties. Recently, ?-solanine has gained attention as a potential anticancer agent. Utilizing resources like PubMed/MedLine, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, the American Chemical Society, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Wiley, and various commercial websites, this review consolidates two decades of research on ?-solanine's anticancer effects and mechanisms against nine different cancers, highlighting its role in modulating various signaling pathways. It also discusses ?-solanine's potential as a lead compound in cancer therapy. The abundant availability of potato peel, often discarded as waste or sold cheaply, is suggested as a sustainable source for large-scale ?-solanine extraction. The study concludes that ?-solanine holds promise as a standalone or adjunctive cancer treatment. However, further research is necessary to optimize this lead compound and mitigate its toxicity through various strategies. 2024 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Heavy metal ion sensing strategies using fluorophores for environmental remediation
The main aim of this review is to provide a holistic summary of the latest advances within the research area focusing on the detection of heavy metal ion pollution, particularly the sensing strategies. The review explores various heavy metal ion detection approaches, encompassing spectrometry, electrochemical methods, and optical techniques. Numerous initiatives have been undertaken in recent times in response to the increasing demand for fast, sensitive, and selective sensors. Notably, fluorescent sensors have acquired prominence owing to the numerous advantages such as good specificity, reversibility, and sensitivity. Further, this review also explores the advantages of various nanomaterials employed in sensing heavy metal ions. In this regard, exclusive emphasis is placed on fluorescent nanomaterials based on organic dyes, quantum dots, and fluorescent aptasensors for metal ion removal from aqueous systems, and to identify the fate of heavy metal ions in the natural environment. 2024 -
Integrating dye-sensitized solar cells and supercapacitors: portable powerpacks for future energy applications
Integrating energy storage and harvesting devices have been major challenges and significant needs of the time for upcoming energy applications. Photosupercapacitors are combined solar cell-supercapacitor devices which can provide next-generation portable powerpacks. Owing to advantages like economic and environmental friendliness, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer vast potential for being integrated with energy accumulation devices like supercapacitors. Over the past few years, various types of harvesting cum storage power devices combining DSSCs and supercapacitors have been reported. Over time the devices have improved in both performance and stability providing a broad outlook to possible future advancements including commercialization. We still have many challenges that are yet to be resolved in order to take these powerpacks to the next level of applications in portable and wearable electronics and communication devices. In this context, a detailed analysis and comparison of already reported photo-powered integrated supercapacitors based on DSSCs would give further insights into future advancements. In this review, we have discussed the development of photosupercapacitors, their fabrication strategies, and different materials used as counter electrodes, electrolytes, and dye sensitizers. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Heterogeneous Catalysis in the Synthesis of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclics
The synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds using heterogeneous catalysis is a topic of significant interest in organic synthesis and chemical research. Heterogeneous catalysis offers several advantages over homogeneous catalysis, including easier separation and recovery of the catalyst, reduced waste generation, and potentially higher stability and reusability. In this review, the pivotal role of heterogeneous catalysis in synthesizing nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds is explored. Various types of heterocycles and the specific applications of these compounds in drug discovery and material development are discussed in detail. This review discusses various examples of heterogeneous catalysts employed in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles, including metal oxides, supported metals, metal nanoparticles, zeolites, and other porous materials. Emphasis is placed on the mechanistic insights and reaction pathways facilitated by different catalysts. Additionally, recent advancements and innovations in the field are discussed, including novel catalyst designs, green chemistry approaches, and emerging trends in catalytic materials. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact and potential of heterogeneous catalysis in this important area of organic synthesis. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
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. -
Cinnamon A Competent Drug: A Review on Extraction, Analysis and Anticancer Action
Cinnamon, an Indigenous species, is extensively used as a folk medicine in India, China, and other parts of the world due to its therapeutic potential inherited via the latent chemical composition. The vital component presented is cinnamaldehyde, along with cinnamic acid and cinnamate, which contributes to being an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer agent together with the capability to control neurological syndromes like Alzheimer's and even Parkinson's diseases. Given the importance of the anticarcinogenic properties of cinnamon on various cell strains concerning the curable effect, this review focuses on evaluating different extraction methods like steam distillation, Soxhlet extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and more, in addition to a summary of new technologies like gas chromatography, HPLC, DART-MS, and NMR, etc. which paved the way in characterizing the chemical composition of cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde showed its apoptosis through various mechanistic pathways on an adequate number of cell lines and antineoplastic potential on specific multifaceted cancerous cells, which advocates for continued research and investment in this vital area of drug discovery and suggestions for future scope. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Biotechnological approaches for the production of camptothecin
Abstract: Camptothecin (CPT), an indole alkaloid popular for its anticancer property, is considered the third most promising drug after taxol and famous alkaloids from Vinca for the treatment of cancer in humans. Camptothecin was first identified in Camptotheca acuminata followed by several other plant species and endophytic fungi. Increased harvesting driven by rising global demand is depleting the availability of elite plant genotypes, such as Camptotheca acuminata and Nothapodytes nimmoniana, crucial for producing alkaloids used in treating diseases like cancer. Conservation of these genotypes for the future is imperative. Therefore, research on different plant tissue culture techniques such as cell suspension culture, hairy roots, adventitious root culture, elicitation strategies, and endophytic fungi has been adopted for the production of CPT to meet the increasing demand without affecting the source plants existence. Currently, another strategy to increase camptothecin yield by genetic manipulation is underway. The present review discusses the plants and endophytes that are employed for camptothecin production and throws light on the plant tissue culture techniques for the regeneration of plants, callus culture, and selection of cell lines for the highest camptothecin production. The review further explains the simple, accurate, and cost-effective extraction and quantification methods. There is enormous potential for the sustainable production of CPT which could be met by culturing of suitable endophytes or plant cell or organ culture in a bioreactor scale production. Also, different gene editing tools provide opportunities for engineering the biosynthetic pathway of CPT, and the overall CPT production can be improved. Key points: Camptothecin is a naturally occurring alkaloid with potent anticancer properties, primarily known for its ability to inhibit DNA topoisomerase I. Plants and endophytes offer a potential approach for camptothecin production. Biotechnology approaches like plant tissue culture techniques enhanced camptothecin production. The Author(s) 2024. -
An extensive review on transition metal catalyzed indole C[sbnd]H activation: Catalyst selection and mechanistic insights
The present review article explores the expansive synthetic methodologies facilitated by C[sbnd]H activation of indoles using transition metal catalysts. The strategic utilization of catalysts such as palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, and manganese has revolutionized organic synthesis by enabling selective alkynylation, acylation, and annulation reactions. These transformations are pivotal in pharmaceuticals, particularly in the synthesis of antihistamines and potential antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, these catalysts play a crucial role in perfumery and other chemical industries, enhancing the efficiency and precision of compound synthesis. The choice of transition metal catalysts is informed by their affordability and compatibility with both traditional analytical methods and innovative techniques like microwave synthesis and LED irradiation. Furthermore, this review underscores the interdisciplinary impact of transition metal-catalyzed C[sbnd]H activation on indoles, highlighting its significance in advancing both fundamental organic chemistry and applied sciences essential for modern technological advancements and drug discovery efforts. 2024 The Author(s) -
Phyto- and zoomass-derived nanostructured carbon as efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells: a review
Abstract: The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) plays a pivotal role in several energy storage and conversion technologies, including metal-air batteries, microbial fuel cells, and low-temperature hydrogen and alcohol fuel cells. Fuel cells, in particular, have gained significant traction as a feasible alternative energy source due to their efficiency, cleanliness, adaptability, and ability to reuse exhaust heat. However, the complex nature of ORR requires highly efficient electrocatalysts for optimal fuel cell performance. While Pt-based electrocatalysts are widely regarded as the most suitable for both the cathode and anode in fuel cells, their high cost, scarcity, and susceptibility to fuel crossover have driven the search for alternative ORR catalysts. In this context, carbon materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their low cost, long-term stability, and strong electrocatalytic activity. Recent advancements in biomass-derived carbon nanostructures align with the global push for sustainable energy and a pollution-free environment. This review examines carbon structures derived from the carbonization of plant and animal biomass and evaluates their performance as noble metal supports, non-noble metal electrocatalysts, and metal-free electrocatalysts for ORR. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Perovskite photosupercapacitors: Next generation powerpacks integrating solar cells and supercapacitors
As solar energy is intermittent, it must be stored in addition to being harvested, opening one of the most potential areas for powering future technology. The devices that have the ability to collect and store energy are called Photosupercapacitors. Owing to their dual purpose, photosupercapacitors are gaining increasing attention as potential components for emerging wearable and portable electronics. These devices have advanced significantly; among them, Perovskite-based Photosupercapacitors have reported greater efficiency so far. When required, this integrated device, which consists of a perovskite solar cell unit and a supercapacitor, can supply reliable off-grid power to external loads and charge itself in an illuminated space. This review primarily focuses on various types of Perovskite-based Photosupercapacitors that have emerged so far, significantly discussing the choice of material for each layer, the technique of connecting the solar cell and supercapacitor, the performance of each part, and the overall powerpack performance. The present review gives a broad outlook on challenges and future perspectives involved in the development of these devices. We believe that this review would provide a valid account of the current developments and future scopes for developing portable, highly efficient Perovskite-based Photosupercapacitors with less toxicity and admissible stability. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Potential of insect-based milk moiety from Pacific beetle cockroach, Diploptera punctata (Blattodea): Insights as superfood
Diploptera punctata is a viviparous cockroach and secretes a concoction of glycosylated proteins as a basis of nutrition for developing embryos termed as cockroach milk. The milk proteins were identified as the lipocalin-like milk proteins (Lili-Mip) which are present in the brood sac of the gestated female D. punctata. Blotting techniques and RNA transcriptome assays have reported analogous Lili-Mip in the midgut of D. puncta embryos, which proved the ingestion during development inside brood sac. Thermodynamics and kinetic studies augmented the stability of the milk crystals and their controlled release mechanism of sustenance. Gene ontogeny reported the evolution of the ovoviviparous to viviparous due to selective pressures posed during the development stages of the embryos. Molecular simulation modelling studied unveiled the binding efficacies of the milk protein to build strong affiliates to the ligands to form a stable milk protein complex. Ahead of its nutritional benefits, cockroach milk also offers environmental advantages compared to traditional dairy and plant-based milk production. Nevertheless, there are still important hurdles to overcome to include this unconventional superfood as staple in human diets which are also discussed in the review. This review explored the existing molecular, evolutionary and biochemical insights for understanding the phenomena of the production of milk crystals and addressed the research gaps for developing a novel nutrient prospective from insect source. 2024 Korean Society of Applied Entomology -
Polymer photosupercapacitors: combined nanoarchitectonics with polymer solar cell and supercapacitor for emerging powerpacks in next-generation energy applications
Efficient energy harvesting and storage are inevitable for the sustenance and growth of mankind, wherein the utilization of advanced technologies in this field has brought a significant impact on the energy sector. Integration of energy harvesting and storage devices is a need for powering next-generation energy needs like the Internet of Things (IoT), opening a wide range of application areas like wearable devices or integration with fabrics. Among third-generation solar cells, organic or polymer solar cells are extremely environment-friendly, lightweight, and flexible, making themselves potential candidates for integrated powerpacks along with supercapacitors. This article is a comprehensive review of polymer solar cell-based photosupercapacitors and their developments over the recent years. Through this review, we intend to give a valid account of polymer photosupercapacitors, to the scientific community regarding recent updates, which would help develop future approaches and strategies. As these integrated devices are considered to have a profound impact on energy industries and related applications, we believe that a detailed review of the present status and future prospects would aid further developments in the research field. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Food additives and contaminants in infant foods: a critical review of their health risk, trends and recent developments
The infant food market has expanded rapidly over the past two decades. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including concerns over the health effects of infant food additives and issues with food safety. However, new evidences suggest that certain food additives, such as those used to preserve and transport infant formula to keep it fresh for longer, should be avoided. Science into the effects of additives on human behavior makes up a sizable sector of the additives market. Problems such as hypernatremic dehydration, malnutrition, and obesity in infants are directly linked to faulty formula production. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established the toxicity types and chemical tests necessary for evaluating the safety of food additives and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) compounds. These tests are crucial in understanding the food safety aspects of food additives. The health effects of different types of food additives on infants are discussed in this context. The article gives an outline of various national and global agencies that provides recommendations and standards to gauge the quality of baby food. The immunological responses, allergic reaction pathways and other related health hazards among the infants and young children caused by the food additive are discussed in this article. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s) 2024.