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Biotechnological Research Progress in Jatropha, a Biodiesel-Yielding Plant
Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing challenges in todays world. The main cause of this pollution is fuel emissions from automobiles and other sources. As industrialization progresses, we will be unable to compromise on the use of energy to power heavy machines and will be forced to seek out the best options. As a consequence, utilizing green fuel, such as biodiesel derived from natural sources, is a realistic option. Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is recognized as the greatest feedstock for biodiesel production throughout the world, and it has gained a huge market value in the recent years. Conventional cultivation alone will not be sufficient to meet the global need for the plants biomass for the production of biodiesel. Adoption of plant tissue culture techniques that improve the biomass availability is an immediate need. The present review provides detailed information regarding in-vitro plant propagation (direct and indirect organogenesis), somatic embryogenesis, and acclimatization protocols of plantlets for stabilized production of biomass. The review also focuses on biotechnological approaches such as gene transformation studies, production of haploids, and double haploids for developing elite germplasm for high biomass and improved traits for the production of biodiesel. 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
Biotechnological Approaches for Production of Artemisinin, an Anti-Malarial Drug from Artemisia annua L.
Artemisinin is an anti-malarial sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua L. (Aster-aceae family). One of the most widely used modes of treatment for malaria is an artemisinin-based combination therapy. Artemisinin and its associated compounds have a variety of pharmacological qualities that have helped achieve economic prominence in recent years. So far, research on the biosynthesis of this bioactive metabolite has revealed that it is produced in glandular trichomes and that the genes responsible for its production must be overexpressed in order to meet demand. Using biotechnological applications such as tissue culture, genetic engineering, and bioreactor-based approaches would aid in the upregulation of artemisinin yield, which is needed for the future. The current review focuses on the tissue culture aspects of propagation of A. annua and production of artemisinin from A. annua L. cell and organ cultures. The review also focuses on elicitation strategies in cell and organ cultures, as well as artemisinin biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of biosynthetic genes in Artemisia and plant model systems. 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Synthesis of Nitriles: A Sustainable Approach
Nitriles unveil widespread applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, textiles, rubber, polymers, and constitute a significant intermediate in several organic transformations, necessitating the design of simple and environmentally benign pathways for their synthesis. Over the recent years, electro-organic reactions have found widespread attention in developing effective and selective organic synthesis. They possess several advantages: high atom economy, selectivity, minimal waste production, and shorter routes to multistep traditional organic reactions. The development of novel strategies for greener and sustainable electro-organic synthesis of nitriles is therefore commendable. This review focuses on analyzing various methods and strategies used in the electrochemical synthesis of nitriles using phase transfer catalyst, N-oxoammonium salts mediated electrocatalysis, iodine-mediated electrocatalysis, and anodic oxidations of aldoximes. In addition, the recent trends including the synthesis of nitriles via C?H cyanation, domino oxidation, bio electrocatalysis, and metal-ligand cooperative synthesis have been discussed. 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Fabrication and Applications of Wrinkled Soft Substrates: An Overview
Morphology of soft materials, including those of natural systems has great influence in controlling their surface functionalities and responses to external stimuli. Surface morphological features of natural soft systems are produced through controlled cell growth and tissue growth. Artificial systems capable of emulating the morphology-dependent physicochemical responses of natural soft substrates can be prepared through various methods such as surface oxidation, thermal stress, compressive stress, etc. Wrinkling is an important morphological irregularity on soft substrates which can be leveraged in this direction. Wrinkling in artificial soft systems can be achieved through several experimental strategies such as compressive stress, thermal stress, surface oxidation, etc. The tunable, reversible and responsive nature of wrinkled soft substrates make them a potential tool for numerous applications in electronics, optics, adhesives, etc. In this review, have briefly summarized and commented on recent developments in different types of wrinkled soft substrates, their preparation, and emergent applications. 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Flavonoids as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Molecules: A Review
Hydroxylated polyphenols, also called flavonoids, are richly present in vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, herbs, seeds, stems, and flowers of numerous plants. They possess numerous medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammation. Studies show that flavonoids activate antioxidant pathways that render an anti-inflammatory effect. They inhibit the secretions of enzymes such as lysozymes and ?-glucuronidase and inhibit the secretion of arachidonic acid, which reduces inflammatory reactions. Flavonoids such as quercetin, genistein, apigenin, kaempferol, and epigallocatechin 3-gallate modulate the expression and activation of a cytokine such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1?), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8); regulate the gene expression of many pro-inflammatory molecules such s nuclear factor kappa-light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-?B), activator protein-1 (AP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM), and E-selectins; and also inhibits inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and lipoxygenase, which are pro-inflammatory enzymes. Understanding the anti-inflammatory action of flavonoids provides better treatment options, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, obstructive pulmonary disorder, arthritis, Alzheimers disease, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and cancer. This review highlights the sources, biochemical activities, and role of flavonoids in enhancing human health. 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
Recent trends in photocatalytic water splitting using titania based ternary photocatalysts-A review
Hydrogen is considered as an ideal fuel, and its use has several advantages. While several methods are available for producing hydrogen, photocatalytic water splitting using semiconductor-based photocatalysts is one of the better methods. Among the various semiconductors, titania, having many desirable properties, is a widely explored photocatalyst material to fabricate ternary heterojunctions. Preventing the recombination of photoexcited charge carriers, reducing the band gap, and enhancing the migration of charges are steps needed to improve the efficiency of the photocatalysts. Various modifications have been made to the structural and chemical properties of the photocatalysts. While innovative synthetic protocols can bring about the desired changes, incorporating metal oxides and noble metals with varied morphologies into titania leads to multijunction photocatalysts. Structural modifications to titania include incorporation of various nanostructured materials, noble metal nanoparticles, transition metal chalcogenides, polymer materials, semiconductors like g-C3N4, quantum dots, etc. 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
Photosensitizer Anchored Nanoparticles: A Potential Material for Photodynamic Therapy
Detection and treatment of cancer have been demanding areas with the increase in cancer and malignant diseases across the globe. Photodynamic therapy is a multi-step treatment procedure using photosensitizers as a drug in the presence of light. Photosensitizers anchored on different nanomaterials through covalent and non-covalent interactions contribute significantly to photodynamic therapy. Nanoparticles have been employed as promising carriers to transport photosensitizers to the target cells. Photosensitizer functionalized nanoparticles are more effective in terms of stability and water solubility than bare ones. This review is a brief account of different types of nanoparticles functionalized on photosensitizers currently used for photodynamic therapy. We have focused on photosensitizer anchored organic, inorganic, and carbon-based nanomaterials, which can be effectively used in photodynamic therapy. 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Resveratrol as a therapeutic choice for traumatic brain injury: An insight into its molecular mechanism of action
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health challenge owing to its high incidence rate, long-term sequelae, and complex pathophysiology with limited available treatment options. Food supplement rich in polyphenols has shown promising health benefits in TBI. Resveratrol, a phytoalexin stilbenoid commonly found in many plants, including grapes, nuts, and berries, is endowed with several health-promoting effects. In this review, the pathophysiology of TBI and the underlying mechanism for Resveratrol-induced neuroprotection in TBI has been discussed. The spectrum of injuries in TBI, including the acute primary injury, and delayed secondary injury often leading to other forms of neurodegenerative disorders, indicates the dysregulation of multiple pathways following TBI and its complex pathophysiology. Despite poor bioavailability and solubility, Resveratrol as a therapeutic in neurological illnesses, including TBI, is attributable to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, detectable level in the brain, and the lack of unfavorable toxicity. Substantial preclinical evidence has associated Resveratrol with protection against TBI and subsequent secondary brain injury as it has significant anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, emphasizing its promising scope in the treatment of TBI. 2022 -
An updated review on advancement in fermentative production strategies for biobutanol using Clostridium spp.
A significant concern of our fuel-dependent era is the unceasing exhaustion of petroleum fuel supplies. In parallel to this, environmental issues such as the greenhouse effect, change in global climate, and increasing global temperature must be addressed on a priority basis. Biobutanol, which has fuel characteristics comparable to gasoline, has attracted global attention as a viable green fuel alternative among the many biofuel alternatives. Renewable biomass could be used for the sustainable production of biobutanol by the acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) pathway. Non-extinguishable resources, such as algal and lignocellulosic biomass, and starch are some of the most commonly used feedstock for fermentative production of biobutanol, and each has its particular set of advantages. Clostridium, a gram-positive endospore-forming bacterium that can produce a range of compounds, along with n-butanol is traditionally known for its biobutanol production capabilities. Clostridium fermentation produces biobased n-butanol through ABE fermentation. However, low butanol titer, a lack of suitable feedstock, and product inhibition are the primary difficulties in biobutanol synthesis. Critical issues that are essential for sustainable production of biobutanol include (i) developing high butanol titer producing strains utilizing genetic and metabolic engineering approaches, (ii) renewable biomass that could be used for biobutanol production at a larger scale, and (iii) addressing the limits of traditional batch fermentation by integrated bioprocessing technologies with effective product recovery procedures that have increased the efficiency of biobutanol synthesis. Our paper reviews the current progress in all three aspects of butanol production and presents recent data on current practices in fermentative biobutanol production technology. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Recent advances of MoO3 based materials in energy catalysis: Applications in hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions
This work mainly focuses on the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction of nanostructured molybdenum trioxide-based materials for energy catalysis. MoO3 is an n-type wide bandgap semiconductor and has the ability to replace noble metal catalysts. Here we summarize the crystal structure and properties of nanostructured MoO3. The work also highlights the recent advancement in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction, photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction, electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction, and photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction in MoO3 based materials. 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
Family Factors Associated with Problematic Use of the Internet in Children: A Scoping Review
Background: Problematic use of the internet (PUI) is a growing concern, particularly in the young population. Family factors influence internet use among children in negative ways. This study examined the existing literature on familial or parental factors related to PUI in children. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in EBSCOhost, PubMed, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, Biomed Central, VHL Regional Portal, Cochrane Library, Emerald Insight, and Oxford Academic Journal databases. Studies reporting data on family factors associated with PUI in children, published in English in the 10 years to July 2020 were included. The following data were extracted from each paper by two independent reviewers: methodology and demographic, familial, psychiatric, and behavioral correlates of PUI in children. Results: Sixty-nine studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Three themes emerged: parenting, parental mental health, and intrafamilial demographic correlates of PUI in children. Parenting styles, parental mediation, and parentchild attachment were the major parenting correlates. Conclusion: Literature on significant familial and parental factors associated with PUI in children is scarce. More research is required to identify the interactions of familial and parental factors with PUI in children, to develop informed management strategies to address this issue. 2022 Indian Psychiatric Society - South Zonal Branch. -
Effectiveness of interventions to address obesity and health risk behaviours among people with severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): A systematic review and meta analysis
Introduction People with severe mental illness (SMI) are more likely to have obesity and engage in health risk behaviours than the general population. The aims of this study are (1) evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that focus on body weight, smoking cessation, improving sleeping patterns, and alcohol and illicit substance abuse; (2) Compare the number of interventions addressing body weight and health risk behaviours in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) v. those reported in published systematic reviews focusing on high-income countries (HICs). Methods Intervention studies published up to December 2020 were identified through a structured search in the following database; OVID MEDLINE (1946-December 2020), EMBASE (1974-December 2020), CINAHL (1975-2020), APA PsychoINFO (1806-2020). Two authors independently selected studies, extracted study characteristics and data and assessed the risk of bias. and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool V2. We conducted a narrative synthesis and, in the studies evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to address body weight, we conducted random-effects meta-analysis of mean differences in weight gain. We did a systematic search of systematic reviews looking at cardiometabolic and health risk behaviours in people with SMI. We compared the number of available studies of LMICs with those of HICs. Results We assessed 15 657 records, of which 9 met the study inclusion criteria. Six focused on healthy weight management, one on sleeping patterns and two tested a physical activity intervention to improve quality of life. Interventions to reduce weight in people with SMI are effective, with a pooled mean difference of -4.2 kg (95% CI -6.25 to -2.18, 9 studies, 459 participants, I2 = 37.8%). The quality and sample size of the studies was not optimal, most were small studies, with inadequate power to evaluate the primary outcome. Only two were assessed as high quality (i.e. scored 'low' in the overall risk of bias assessment). We found 5 reviews assessing the effectiveness of interventions to reduce weight, perform physical activity and address smoking in people with SMI. From the five systematic reviews, we identified 84 unique studies, of which only 6 were performed in LMICs. Conclusion Pharmacological and activity-based interventions are effective to maintain and reduce body weight in people with SMI. There was a very limited number of interventions addressing sleep and physical activity and no interventions addressing smoking, alcohol or harmful drug use. There is a need to test the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of context-appropriate interventions to address health risk behaviours that might help reduce the mortality gap in people with SMI in LMICs. The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press. -
Enabling Agricultural Sector through Blockchain Technology Farmers Perspective
The agricultural sectors in India and abroad have been affected extensively due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is necessary to provide solutions for the availability of resources, controlling the cost, quality in production, transparent food supply, fulfilling demand, and removing intermediaries. The structural reforms in the agricultural sector by adopting emerging technologies, especially blockchain technology (BCT) and the robotics automation process, are inevitable during the pandemic and future development. To study the impact of blockchain on the Agriculture sector, the farmer's level of awareness of the blockchain technology, its methodological influence, the inclination of farmers to adopt the technology in their farming, and agri-related activity are vital. This paper aims to explore the opportunities of BCT in expanding the agriculture sector, ascertain the awareness and intensity of farmers' knowledge of the effect of BCT, and develop the mean difference in the opinion of the farmers towards the utilization of BCT in the relevant field of agriculture. A structured interview schedule was administered with 360 sample farmers from the Delta regions of three states located in the southern part of India, such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamilnadu, using a purposive sampling technique intending. Irrespective of the age, gender, land capacity, possession, education level, learned procedures, and abundant experience helped the farmers demand a new technology interface to improve their income level and register their sustainability. 2022 by authors, all rights reserved. -
Reversing Cell Aging - Understanding the Causes and Potential Remedies, a Current Perspective
To retain vigor, vitality and youthfulness has always been cherished as the dream of mankind from time immemorial. Scientists have been on the quest to find out the reasons for aging so that remedial measures can be thought of. With the current pace of developments in this domain, the possibility of extending one's expiry date is not so far off in the future. Through reverse cell aging, the concept of everlasting youth might no longer be a fantasy. Aging is the net result of reduction in the efficiency of physiological activities in our body essentially due to wear and tear. At the molecular level, the reasons for this include telomere shortening, oxidative stress, glycation, protein aggregation, mutation etc. Progressive damage due to these underlying causes result in pathological manifestation resulting in cell aging. The current review focuses on the causes of cellular aging, both genetic and epigenetic and discusses various approaches like telomere reactivation, epigenetic age reversal and hyperbaric oxygen treatment to reverse that condition. 2022 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Multifarious pigment producing fungi of Western Ghats and their potential
Concerns about the negative impacts of synthetic colorants on both con-sumers and the environment have sparked a surge of interest in natural col-orants. This has boosted the global demand for natural colorants in the food, cosmetics and textile industries. Pigments and colorants derived from plants and microorganisms are currently the principal sources used by mod-ern industry. When compared to the hazardous effects of synthetic dyes on human health, natural colors are quickly degradable and have no negative consequences. In fact, fungal pigments have multidimensional bioactivity spectra too. Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot has a lot of unique eco-logical niches known to harbor potential endophytic pigment-producing fungi having enumerable industrial and medical applications. Most of the fungi have coevolved with the plants in a geographical niche and hence the endophytic associations can be thought to bring about many mutually ben-eficial traits. The current review aims to highlight the potential of fungal pigments found in the Western ghats of India depicting various methods of isolation and screening, pigment extraction and uses. There is an urgent need for bioprospecting for the identification and characterization of ex-tremophilic endophytic fungi to meet industry demands and attain sustain-ability and balance in nature, especially from geographic hotspots like the Western Ghats. 2022 Horizon e-Publishing Group. All rights reserved. -
Process of identity development and psychological functioning: A critical narrative review for the Indian context
Background: Identity is a crucial milestone achievement for adolescents to become contributing adult members in society. This narrative research focused on exploring the link between identity development and psychological functioning and understanding the process of Indian adolescents' and adults' identity development and psychological functioning. Often, the Indian identity researchers use the theories of identity development conceptualized by Erikson, James Marcia and Michael Berzonsky which have been primarily conceptualized to understand the process of individual's identity development in the western individualistic cultural context. These theorists based their theories on certain essential contextual conditions, for the individuals' identity development. This review article critically explored the availability and applicability of those contextual conditions for Indian adolescents' and adults' identity development. Methods: The articles for the review were mainly collected from the online databases such as PROQUEST Research Library, Taylor and Francis, the archives of the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, the archives of the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, EBSCO, and Google. A narrative review method was used to examine various elements of the process of identity development conceptualized by the mainstream identity development theorists Erikson, James Marcia, and Michael Berzonsky and their applicability to the process of Indian adolescents' and adults' identity development. Results: The review found that the processes of mainstream identity development theories have some serious limitations in their applicability to the Indian context. Conclusions: This article identified alternative identity development processes and interventions that could be used to enhance Indian adolescents' and adults' identity development. 2022 The Author(s). -
Synthetic approaches toward butenolide-containing natural products
The butenolide scaffold is ubiquitous in many natural products and pharmaceutical active ingredients. These candidates appeal to organic chemists for the synthesis of products with various biological activities. This review delineates the efforts made in the total synthesis of natural products based on the butenolide core unit such as umbelactones, akolactones, ansepcinolide, lissoclinolide, fugomycin, and muricadienin. Many of the reported syntheses involve chiral pool, enzyme resolution, and chiral auxiliary, or enantioselective approaches as a key step. Overall, this review highlights the synthetic methods involved in the preparation of butenolide-containing molecules and aims to increase the profile of such scaffolds to the synthetic community. 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Ochratoxin A as an alarming health threat for livestock and human: A review on molecular interactions, mechanism of toxicity, detection, detoxification, and dietary prophylaxis
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic metabolite produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi commonly found in raw plant sources and other feeds. This review comprises an extensive evaluation of the origin and proprieties of OTA, toxicokinetics, biotransformation, and toxicodynamics of ochratoxins. In in vitro and in vivo studies, the compatibility of OTA with oxidative stress is observed through the production of free radicals, resulting in genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. The OTA leads to nephrotoxicity as the chief target organ is the kidney. Other OTA excretion and absorption rates are observed, and the routes of elimination include faeces, urine, and breast milk. The alternations in the Phe moiety of OTA are the precursor for the amino acid alternation, bringing about Phe-hydroxylase and Phe-tRNA synthase, resulting in the complete dysfunction of cellular metabolism. Biodetoxification using specific microorganisms decreased the DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and cytotoxicity. This review addressed the ability of antioxidants and the dietary components as prophylactic measures to encounter toxicity and demonstrated their capability to counteract the chronic exposure through supplementation as feed additives. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Recent advances in functionalization of carbon nanosurface structures for electrochemical sensing applications: tuning and turning
Carbon nanomaterial has garnered interest in the research fraternity owing to the multiple advantages which includes its earth abundance, good electronic conductivity, excellent tolerance to acidic/alkaline media, and very good biocompatibility. Because of the above-mentioned advantages, they have found their way through applications in catalysis, sensing environmental remediation, and biological application. Heteroatom doping and organo-functionalization of carbon materials greatly extends the arsenal of these materials and their potential for a spectrum of application particularly in the field of electrochemical sensing. This review focusses on the creation and development in the design of electrochemical sensors based on the usage of doped and organo-functionalized carbon materials. Emphasis is given on the distinct properties and synergistic effects resulting from functionalization and doping. We hope that this review would throw light into the minds of researchers who would like to tune and turn their work, such that it promotes further activities in this particular field of research. 2021, Islamic Azad University. -
Advancement and Challenges of Biosensing Using Field Effect Transistors
Field-effect transistors (FETs) have become eminent electronic devices for biosensing applications owing to their high sensitivity, faster response and availability of advanced fabrication techniques for their production. The device physics of this sensor is now well understood due to the emergence of several numerical modelling and simulation papers over the years. The pace of advancement along with the knowhow of theoretical concepts proved to be highly effective in detecting deadly pathogens, especially the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein of the coronavirus with the onset of the (coronavirus disease of 2019) COVID-19 pandemic. However, the advancement in the sensing system is also accompanied by various hurdles that degrade the performance. In this review, we have explored all these challenges and how these are tackled with innovative approaches, techniques and device modifications that have also raised the detection sensitivity and specificity. The functional materials of the device are also structurally modified towards improving the surface area and minimizing power dissipation for developing miniaturized microarrays applicable in ultra large scale integration (ULSI) technology. Several theoretical models and simulations have also been carried out in this domain which have given a deeper insight on the electron transport mechanism in these devices and provided the direction for optimizing performance. 2022 by the authors.