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Review on Dietary Factors in Fermented Foods and their Efficacy in Disease Management
The process of preservation of various food sources, over time, gave rise to fermented foods. Traditionally, each ethnic group has its distinct fermented food(s) incorporated into their diet, both as culinary enjoyment and nutrition. Fermentation increases nutrient availability and enhances the texture and flavor of the original food. The benefits of fermented food consumption and potential probiotic intake are discussed in this review. The review describes mechanism(s) of action of bioactive components from fermented foods on the human system, their role in health management, and an overview of the role of fermented foods in improving diseases, namely obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hematological cancers, and radiation-induced diarrhea in cancer patients and allergies are briefly reviewed. 2022 Bentham Science Publishers. -
Systematic Review of Interparental Conflict and Intimate Relationship Satisfaction of Adult Offspring
Purpose: The objective of this paper is to synthesize a systematic review and showcase the findings of how interparental conflict affects the adult offsprings relationship satisfaction. Approach: The paper follows a systematic review approach adhering to PRISMA Guidelines. Findings: Three major themes were identified by the researcher that explained the consequences of interparental conflict on adult offspring. The themes are-Offspring Factors, Offspring factors feature the significant components and factors of offspring that highlight the differences in impact of interparental conflict on ones own romantic relationship; Consequences of Interparental Conflict on Offspring, which highlights the various corollaries on offspring of divorce; and Parent Factors help understand the different parental elements that affect relationship satisfaction of adult offspring. Limitations: 4 full text articles could not be accessed by the author, and hence were not accounted for in the study. Practical Implications: The study helps practitioners comprehend the extensive effects of interparental conflict for usage in therapeutic setups. It also highlights research gaps in existing literature such as lack of studies focusing on men, LGBTQ+ population, children from polygamous families and multicultural cohorts. Value/Originality: Despite the numerous studies published on the topic interparental conflict and its effects on adult offspring, no review has been done to the authors knowledge, thereby limiting the accessibility of precise information. The research aims to bridge this gap, and make comprehensive findings easily accessible. 2022 RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FOR ALL. -
A meta-ethnographic synthesis of lived experience of spouse caregivers in chronic illness
Social workers routinely work with chronically ill, providing support for long term care. Several qualitative studies describe the experiences of the person and carer in a chronic illness. There is a limited synthesis of these experiences to aid practice. The current review aims to present a synthesis of the experiences of the spouses of chronically ill persons reported in the literature. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was done, and the studies were selected using PRISMA guidelines. The selected studies were subjected to quality check using CASP guidelines and a score was assigned to each of those studies. Later, qualitative synthesis of the results of the selected studies was done using the principles of meta-ethnography. 2407 studies published between 19992019 were identified and 22 studies were included in the final synthesis. The number of participants in the studies reviewed was 309, with more representation of females. The reciprocal synthesis of these studies identified loss, change, caregiving and exhaustion, barriers in providing care, illness experience, coping, socio-cultural norms and support as common themes from the accounts of the participants. Continuity of change was identified as the core concept in the lived experience of the spouses of chronically ill persons. Illness, loss and Lived experience is proposed as a model of the lived experience of the spouses. Through this synthesis, the factors influencing the lived experience of spouse caregivers is understood, which can help social work professionals in the health sector in planning interventions for the spouses of chronically ill persons. The Author(s) 2021. -
Mucormycosis (black fungus) ensuing COVID-19 and comorbidity meets - Magnifying global pandemic grieve and catastrophe begins
Post COVID-19, mucormycosis occurred after the SARS-CoV-2 has rampaged the human population and is a scorching problem among the pandemic globally, particularly among Asian countries. Invasive mucormycosis has been extensively reported from mild to severe COVID-19 survivors. The robust predisposing factor seems to be uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, comorbidity and immunosuppression acquired through steroid therapy. The prime susceptive reason for the increase of mucormycosis cases is elevated iron levels in the serum of the COVID survivors. A panoramic understanding of the infection has been elucidated based on clinical manifestation, genetic and non- genetic mechanisms of steroid drug administration, biochemical pathways and immune modulated receptor associations. This review lime-lights and addresses the What, Why, How and When about the COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) in a comprehensive manner with a pure intention to bring about awareness to the common public as the cases are inevitably and exponentially increasing in India and global countries as well. The article also unearthed the pathogenesis of mucormycosis and its association with the COVID-19 sequela, the plausible routes of entry, diagnosis and counter remedies to keep the infection at bay. Cohorts of case reports were analysed to spotlight the link between the pandemic COVID-19 and the nightmare-mucormycosis. 2021 Elsevier B.V. -
Disorders in graphene: types, effects and control techniquesa review
The development of graphene and graphene-like materials has been a breakthrough in the field of nanotechnology for its exceptional properties. It exhibits extraordinary properties owing to its unique, regular arrangement of carbon atoms in it. However, graphene is usually modified for specific applications, by introducing disorder in the system. Since disorders are ubiquitous during the synthesis of graphene and graphene-like materials, it is best to exploit the defects for tuning its exceptional properties for suitable device applications. Like in any material, the disorder can drastically affect the properties, and hence they are deliberately incorporated into the material. In this review, we discuss topics related to the creation and configuration of disorders in graphene such as corrugations, topological defects, vacancies, adatoms and sp3-defects. The effects of these disorders on the electrical, thermal, chemical and mechanical properties of graphene are analysed subsequently. Finally, we review earlier works on the modulation of structural defects in graphene for specific applications. 2021, Korean Carbon Society. -
The role of Syzygium samarangense in nutrition and economy: An overview
Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr & Perry is a tropical evergreen fruit tree from the family Myrtaceae majorly cultivated in South East Asia. The crispy and juicy fruits are highly nutritious and range from deep red to white color. This underutilized fruit is eaten raw or used in making jams, jelly, juice, salad, wine making and also used in garnishing. The cultivation of this fruit has been extended to a larger area with the improvement of technology. The fruit is rich in secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenes, and, tannins; minerals like calcium, copper, chlorine, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, and vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin C. The bark, fruit, and flower have pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammation, anti mutation, antinociceptive activity, antioxidation activities, antiulcerogenic effect, and wound healing activity. The present review discusses the biology, the improved varieties of fruit, and geographic distribution of S samarangense, the cultivation and harvesting practices, pharmacological activities, the industrial applications, and the economic importance of fruit. The review also emphasizes the future outlook and strategies that can be adopted to transform this underutilized fruit into a fruit of commercial importance. 2022 SAAB -
Interrogating Populist Tendencies within the Left Rhetoric in Kerala
After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, there has been an increasing shift from class-based politics to politics based on mobilising "people" within the left-wing political praxis and rhetoric. Such tendencies are visible even within the left rhetoric in Kerala. In the particular context of Kerala, this process is enmeshed with sub-nationalist sentiments and concerns around vikasanam (development). It is possible that this tendency can metamorphose into different directions, depending on the tactical priorities of the left in Kerala. 2022 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
A Short Review on Recent Applications of Chitosan Biopolymer in Gene and Drug Delivery
The battle of the human race with genetic disorders was prevailing from the time immemorial. Revolutions and modernizations in science and technology have clearly improved our understanding regarding the molecular basis of genetic disorders thereby aiding in designing new therapeutic interventions in their treatment and prevention. With the advent and development of gene therapy in the last few decades, promising windows were opened for treatment and prevention of genetic disorders and cancer. Despite of its remarkable significance in medicine, the common practice of using viral vectors as gene delivery agents has created controversies and concerns among the scientific community. This made the research focus on biobased polymers as alternative non-viral vector systems for gene and drug delivery for treating genetic disorders and cancer. Chitosan is a cationic polymer that can be easily tailored to serve as gene and drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their structural integrity and stability have made them widely used for various applications in the biomedical field. Chitosan and its derivatives have gained more attention as vectors for gene delivery and cancer therapy in the past decade. The amenability of structural modification, non-toxicity and high biodegradability of chitosan derivatives can make them prospective carriers for controlled drug delivery in future. 2022 Chemical Publishing Co.. All rights reserved. -
An insight into microscopy and analytical techniques for morphological, structural, chemical, and thermal characterization of cellulose
Cellulose obtained from plants is a bio-polysaccharide and the most abundant organic polymer on earth that has immense household and industrial applications. Hence, the characterization of cellulose is important for determining its appropriate applications. In this article, we review the characterization of cellulose morphology, surface topography using microscopic techniques including optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Other physicochemical characteristics like crystallinity, chemical composition, and thermal properties are studied using techniques including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. This review may contribute to the development of using cellulose as a low-cost raw material with anticipated physicochemical properties. Highlights: Morphology and surface topography of cellulose structure is characterized using microscopy techniques including optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Analytical techniques used for physicochemical characterization of cellulose include X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Fluorescent Mechanism in Zero-Dimensional Carbon Nanomaterials: A Review
Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have acquired growing interest from different areas over decades. Their fascinating property of tunable fluorescence by changing the excitation wavelength has attracted researchers worldwide. Understanding the mechanisms behind fluorescence is of great importance, as they help with the synthesis and applications, significantly when narrowed down to applications with color-tunable mechanisms. But, due to a lack of practical and theoretical information, the fluorescence mechanisms of CDs remain unknown, preventing the production of CDs with desired optical qualities. This review focuses on the PL mechanisms of carbon dots. The quantum confinement effect determined the carbon core, the surface and edge states determined by various surface defects and the connected functional/chemical groups on the surface/edges, the molecular state solely determined the fluorophores in the interior or surface of the CDs, and the Crosslink Enhanced Emission Effect are the currently confirmed PL mechanisms. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. -
Biotic elicitors: a boon for the in-vitro production of plant secondary metabolites
Plant secondary metabolites are produced naturally in the plant system as a defense mechanism to combat environmental stress factors. These metabolites are extensively used in food, cosmetics, agrochemicals and pharmaceutical sectors. With the applications of plant tissue culture, any particular organ which is the major site for secondary metabolite production can be targeted and cultured. Recently, a new strategy to increase the metabolite production in plants has been employed with the use of elicitors. These elicitors are the chemical substances that trigger the biosynthetic pathways by activating certain transcriptional factors and upregulating the genes. Hence the secondary metabolite production increases in the plant system due to the stress developed by the introduction of the elicitors. Generally, elicitors may be abiotically derived from non-living sources or biotically derived from the living sources. In the present review, the mechanism of biotic elicitation and the applications of biotic elicitors like bacterial, fungal, algal elicitors and other polysaccharides extracted from them has been discussed extensively. It has been noted that the addition of bacterial elicitors like Rhizobiumrhizogenes showed a 94% increase in genistein production while Escherichia coli showed a 9.1-fold increase in diosgenin production. Similarly, fungal elicitors like Aspergillus niger increased thiophene production by 85% and a 26-fold increase in sanguinarine production was seen when the cultures were treated with Botrytis sps. Algal extracts like Haematococcus pluvialis increased the betalain production by 2.28 folds while Botryococcus braunii elicited Vanillin, Vanillylamine and Capsaicin by 3-fold, 6-fold and 2.3-fold respectively. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. -
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.