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Environmental Pollutants as Emerging Concerns for Cardiac Diseases: A Review on Their Impacts on Cardiac Health
Comorbidities related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and environmental pollution have emerged as serious concerns. The exposome concept underscores the cumulative impact of environmental factors, including climate change, air pollution, chemicals like PFAS, and heavy metals, on cardiovascular health. Chronic exposure to these pollutants contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, further exacerbating the global burden of CVDs. Specifically, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), heavy metals, pesticides, and micro- and nanoplastics have been implicated in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality through various mechanisms. PM2.5 exposure leads to inflammation and metabolic disruptions. Ozone and CO exposure induce oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. NO2 exposure contributes to cardiac remodeling and acute cardiovascular events, and sulfur dioxide and heavy metals exacerbate oxidative stress and cellular damage. Pesticides and microplastics pose emerging risks linked to inflammation and cardiovascular tissue damage. Monitoring and risk assessment play a crucial role in identifying vulnerable populations and assessing pollutant impacts, considering factors like age, gender, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle disorders. This review explores the impact of cardiovascular disease, discussing risk-assessment methods, intervention strategies, and the challenges clinicians face in addressing pollutant-induced cardiovascular diseases. It calls for stronger regulatory policies, public health interventions, and green urban planning. 2025 by the authors. -
Psychological autopsy: Overview of equivocal deaths, suicides and homicide-suicides
Psychological autopsy studies are a method to understand the causes of equivocal deaths. Suicides and homicide-suicide are the result of various events. The understanding of an individual's life before their death, by interviewing the next of kin, provides some insight into the causes. The research articles dealing with psychological autopsy studies through case studies of suicide or homicide-suicide instances, obtained from different search engines, shed light on the mental health, Alcohol use disorder (AUD), and Drug use disorders (DUD) of individuals before death. The primary characteristic of suicides in a population of late twenties to early fifties was romantic relationship conflicts. In contrast, suicides in the teenage years and early twenties were characterized primarily by a lack of familial acceptability and, to a lesser extent, self-acceptance. Simultaneously, there was a high risk of suicidal behavior and commission of acts among the DUD patients, getting treatment without psychiatric diagnosis and therapy. Over time, the psychological autopsy technique has shown to be quite helpful in determining the risk factors for suicidal behavior. The study helps to develop multiple rehabilitation and mental awareness that need to be created among various populations so that the suicide and homicide-suicide rates can be reduced. 2025 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine -
Fish waste valorisation through production of biodiesel and biopolymers for sustainable development: A mini review
Fish processing waste accounts for one of the major classes of food waste generated worldwide in terms of the high volume of waste generated. The presence of high amounts of organic compounds (proteins: 1530 %, lipids: 520 %) in fish waste makes them highly susceptible to autolysis which when not managed properly pose adverse effects on the environment like production of offensive odor, generation of hydrogen sulfide, higher biological oxygen demand (1000 mg/L to 12,000 mg/L or even higher) (BOD), and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria. Fish waste is rich in lipids and polysaccharides that can be channelized for biodiesel and biopolymer production respectively. Biodiesel refers to the biofuel produced from transesterification of plant and animal fats. Extraction of oils from fish waste followed by transesterification reactions can yield biodiesel through a biorefinery approach. Biorefinery concept emphasizes the conversion of biomass into commercially important byproducts. Biopolymers refers to the natural polymers that can be extracted from the natural sources or produced through microbial fermentation process. Furthermore, commercially important biopolymers like chitosan and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) can be used as biorefineries. This review work presents the sequential strategies for conversion of fish waste to biodiesel, PHA and chitosan through various physicochemical and biological methods. The review also presents the existing challenges and the future in the fish waste biorefinery concept. The scope of this review is to present a broader concept of integrating fish waste biorefinery for production of multiple value added products like biodiesel and biopolymers. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Navigating green synthesized metal-based nanoparticles as anti-inflammatory agent Comprehensive review
The biosynthesis of nanomaterials is a vast and expanding field of study due to their applications in a variety of fields, particularly the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Various synthetic routes, including physical and chemical methods, have been developed in order to generate metal nanoparticles (NPs) with definite shapes and sizes. In this review, focused on the recent advancements in the green synthetic methods for the generation of silver, zinc and copper NPs with simple and eco-friendly approaches and the potential of the biosynthesized metal and metal oxide NPs as alternative and therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is a body's own defense mechanism that can become chronic inflammation affecting healthy cells. Owning to the size-based advantages of NPs which can mitigate in theses medical conditions and serve as anti-inflammatory drugs. The factors influencing their physicochemical properties, toxicity, biocompatibility and mode of action to formulate an effective nanomedicine in the treatment of inflammation. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Green Power: The Role of Plant-Based Biochar in Advanced Energy Storage
This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of recent progress in utilizing plant-based biochar for supercapacitors. It specifically focuses on biochar derived from plant biomass such as agricultural residues, weeds and aquatic plants, examining their potential in energy storage applications. It explores various synthesis methods like pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization and evaluates their impact on biochar's structure and electrochemical properties. Additionally, it examines the electrochemical performance of biochar-based supercapacitors, focusing on parameters such as capacitance, cycling stability, and rate capability. Strategies to enhance biochar's electrochemical performance, such as surface modification and composite fabrication, are also discussed. Furthermore, it addresses existing challenges and prospects in harnessing plant-based biochar for supercapacitor applications, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and efficient electrode material for next-generation energy storage devices. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
A comprehensive review of microplastic pollution in freshwater and marine environments
Water popularly termed the The Elixir of Life is now polluted beyond control in several regions. Microplastics, the tiny contaminants have found their way into all walks of life. They have also been found to be present in human blood, multiple organs, and even breast milk. There is an abundance of microplastics in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Curbing them has to start with a ban of all forms of primary microplastics, and single use plastics with preference being given to biodegradable alternatives. India in particular banned single use plastics in 2022, which put an end to several commonly used plastic items being replaced with biodegradables. Paint is one of the largest contributors to microplastics, followed by textile industry, cosmetic, pharmaceutical industry, packaging industry are all top contributors to microplastics. The wastewater treatment plants aren't designed to filter microplastics from the source and this results in microplastics polluting all water resources. Though several novel techniques for microplastic segregation exist such as sieving, filtration, density separation, visual sorting, alkali digestion exist, they aren't fully employed as the initial process of microplastic segregation from waste is still in question. 2024 The Author(s) -
New frontiers in polyphenol analysis: A review of electrochemical sensors and commercial devices enhancing food and beverage analysis
Food safety concerns arise from outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and contamination within the food supply. Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds in plants, are characterized by multiple phenolic (hydroxyl) groups and are prevalent in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and wine. While beneficial in moderation, excessive polyphenol intake is harmful, and they classified as secondary pollutants in environment. Therefore, accurate quantification of polyphenols is essential for ensuring product safety, quality, and nutritional value, which is the focus of this review. Electrochemical sensors offer a sensitive, selective, and cost-effective method for detecting polyphenols in food and beverages. The review examines advanced voltammetric techniques for identifying polyphenols in various food samples, including beverages and dietary products. Additionally, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) sensors are highlighted as valuable tools for assessing the antioxidant potential of foods, aiding in nutritional analysis and quality control. This review, for the first time, catalogs around ten commercially available devices and twenty assay kits for detecting antioxidant polyphenols, highlighting their significance in advancing food safety, bolstering consumer confidence, and supporting ongoing nutritional research. Additionally, made efforts to bridge a crucial gap between conventional research and industry needs by expanding the existing body of knowledge and providing fresh insights into polyphenol analysis. 2025 Elsevier Inc. -
Biomass Carbon Dots: Illuminating New Era in Antimicrobial Defense and Cancer Combat
The twenty-first century has witnessed remarkable advancements across diverse facets of human life, including significant progress in the medical field, economic growth, scientific breakthroughs, and technological advancements. Despite these strides that improved living standards, the persistent threat posed by pathogenic infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc., remains a critical concern. The enduring emergence of new variations of these infections continues to impact lives profoundly. Cancer is another looming spectre that continues to challenge human health security. Consequently, extensive research endeavours aim to develop swift, efficient, and innocuous methods for curing and preventing these infections. This paper explores a burgeoning field in physics, focusing on recent advancements in nanomaterials, particularly in developing carbon dots (CDs). Characterized by their size, which is less than 10nm, CDs have proven exceptionally beneficial in diagnosing and treating life-threatening health issues while preserving the viability of healthy cells. Their versatility is evident in various biomedical applications, serving as bioimaging probes, intracellular drug delivery agents, and agents for bactericidal and fungicidal, as well as in cancer treatment and diagnosis. The key attributes contributing to their efficacy include ease of functionalization, biocompatibility, fluorescence, low cytotoxicity, and catalytic properties. As an innovative nanomaterial, CDs showcase tremendous potential in advancing medical diagnostics and therapeutics, offering a glimpse into a future where these tiny entities play a pivotal role in ensuring human well-being. This review focuses on the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancerous activities of the CDs derived from various precursors derived by biomass. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
A critical review focussing on the synthesis and applications of monoclinic yttrium oxide nanophosphor
Research on monoclinic Y2O3 has been limited, not because of a lack of potential applications, but rather due to challenges associated with synthesizing phase-pure material. The limited understanding of the material and its properties has hindered researchers from further exploring this compound. Some studies suggest that the B-type polymorph of Y2O3 exhibits superior performance compared to its cubic counterpart. Additionally, there are reports indicating the existence of simple synthesis techniques that could potentially overcome the material's significant disadvantage highlighted by many researchers, namely, complex synthesis routes. To date, no comprehensive reports have summarized the key findings related to B-type Y2O3. In this effort, we aim to provide an exhaustive overview of research conducted on this polymorph. This includes an examination of diverse synthesis techniques employed by researchers, theoretical studies conducted on the material, an exploration of its luminescence properties, and an overview of various applications studied thus far. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Emerging Nanoparticle-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Cancer: Innovations and Challenges
Malignant growth is expected to surpass other significant causes of death as one of the top reasons for dismalness and mortality worldwide. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, this illness causes approximately between 9 and 10 million instances of deaths annually. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are the three main methods of treating cancer. These methods seek to completely eradicate all cancer cells while having the fewest possible unintended impacts on healthy cell types. Owing to the lack of target selectivity, the majority of medications have substantial side effects. On the other hand, nanomaterials have transformed the identification, diagnosis, and management of cancer. Nanostructures with biomimetic properties have been grown as of late, fully intent on observing and treating the sickness. These nanostructures are expected to be consumed by growth in areas with profound disease. Furthermore, because of their extraordinary physicochemical properties, which incorporate nanoscale aspects, a more prominent surface region, explicit geometrical features, and the ability to embody different substances within or on their outside surfaces, nanostructures are remarkable nano-vehicles for conveying restorative specialists to their designated regions. This review discusses recent developments in nanostructured materials such as graphene, dendrimers, cell-penetrating peptide nanoparticles, nanoliposomes, lipid nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and nano-omics in the diagnosis and management of cancer. 2025 by the authors. -
"Community Resilience to Climate Change: Integrating Sociological Perspectives"
This review article aims to present the possible ways in which communities can be resilient to climate change as seen from sociological viewpoints. Thus, it provides a systematic review of the current literature to underscore the centrality of social capital, community networks, and cultural practices in strengthening adaptive capacities in various contexts. Bangladesh coastal people and New York City are two cases in which social capital enhances the process of preparedness, response, and recovery during disasters. Cultural knowledge and traditional coping mechanisms also enhance community resilience by learning to live with the environment and innovate in the face of climate change. Implications for policy focus on the need to incorporate sociological findings into climate change adaptation, calling for the promotion of community-based adaptation and governance structures. Issues related to the scalability of resilience interventions and socio-economic inequalities are presented and future directions for research to enhance the methodological approaches and support vulnerable populations are proposed. Thus, this review aligns with the goals of community empowering and adaptive governance to highlight sociological perspectives in creating resilience to climate change impacts. 2025 Betasciencepress Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Microplastics distribution and potential health implications of food and food products
Microplastics, miniscule plastic fragments ubiquitous in the environment, pose a growing threat as they infiltrate our food chain. This review delves into the contamination of various food categories, including seafood, agricultural products, and even processed foods through packaging and processing methods. Developing reliable analytical techniques to accurately detect microplastics levels within complex food matrices is crucial to gauge the true extent of this contamination. Although the entire range of potential health effects associated with microplastic intake is not yet known, there is reason to be concerned about the risks. These include the potential for microplastics to physically hurt the gastrointestinal tract, exposure to chemicals that seep from the polymers themselves, and the potential for microplastics to act as carriers for other dangerous compounds. This analysis identifies important knowledge gaps about the long-term health effects of microplastics exposure. It highlights the urgent need for more investigation to fully assess the possible dangers connected to microplastics in the food chain. Furthermore, it is imperative that efficient mitigation measures be put in place as soon as possible to protect food safety from microplastics contamination. More cooperation is required to create more stringent laws governing the use of plastic, investigate substitute materials for manufacturing and packaging, and create effective filtering systems for the processing of food and water. Through devoted research to close knowledge gaps and the implementation of strong mitigation strategies, can make proactive efforts to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of our food supply chain for future generations. 2024 Elsevier Inc.