Antibacterial Activity of Silver-Modified CuO Nanoparticle-Coated Masks.

A green and cost-effective sonochemical synthetic method was followed for coating silver-modified copper oxide (Ag-CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) on disposable surgical mask. The NP-coated masks were systematically characterized using XRD and FT-IR for understanding the structural and surface functionalities. In addition, the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis showed the homogeneous coating of Ag-CuO NPs over the mask fibers.

Facile and Highly Selective Deprotection of Aryl Propionates/Acetates Using a Supported Lewis Acid Catalyst (20% InCl/MCM-41).

The selective deprotection of substituted aryl esters like acetates and propionates in the presence of different electron-donating and -withdrawing functional groups to the corresponding phenols in good yields was reported using the Lewis acid supported solid acid catalyst 20 InCl/MCM-41 prepared by the wet impregnation method. The textural and microscopic properties of the catalyst were studied, which revealed a high degree of dispersion of InCl over MCM-41, promising quantification of Lewis acidity, and well-ordered honeycomb structure. The methodology was further explored for the selective deprotection of acetates and propionates in the presence of substituted amides that remain unaltered.

Unveiling cyclodextrin conjugation as multidentate excipients: An exploratory journey across industries.

The discovery of branched molecules like dextrin by Schardinger in 1903 marked the inception of cyclodextrin (CD) utilization, catalyzing its journey from laboratory experimentation to widespread commercialization within the pharmaceutical industry. CD, a cyclic oligosaccharide containing glucopyranose units, acts as a versatile guest molecule, forming inclusion complexes (ICs) with various host molecules. Computational studies have become instrumental in elucidating the intricate interactions between β-CD and guest molecules, enabling the prediction of binding energy, forces, affinity, and complex stability.

sp. nov., a novel cellulase-producing black yeast-like fungi isolated from ginger in India.

The genus , known for its melanized, yeast-like appearance, includes a diverse group of fungi with significant implications across various fields. An isolate representing a novel species was identified within this genus from a ginger tuber from India, based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S LSU rRNA gene, SSU rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region confirmed this strain as a new species.

The Selection of Storage Period for Fresh Rice Noodles, Processing Materials, and the Screening of Key Indicators.

The storage period of paddy is a critical factor affecting rice quality, and it is still unclear how fresh rice noodles, primarily made from paddy, respond to changes in the storage period. To elucidate the relationship between the paddy storage period and the quality of fresh rice noodles, this study used fourteen rice varieties as materials and set up three paddy storage periods (six months, nine months, and twelve months). It explored the quality variation patterns of fresh rice noodles processed from these paddies and analyzed the relationship between the two in conjunction with rice quality.

First record of Hornylia nalanda from India (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae).

The emesine bug, Hornylia nalanda Wygodzinsky, 1966, previously described from Sri Lanka on single male specimen, has been recorded in the present study from India, based on one female specimen collected from Malappuram, Kerala. Illustrated description of the first female specimen, along with images of the holotype and comments on related species and genera within the tribe Emesini are provided.

A new apterous species of the genus Ploiaria (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Maharashtra, India.

A new species of thread-legged assassin bugs, Ploiaria enigmatica sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae: Leistarchini), is described from Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India.

First record of Bagauda aelleni (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from India and notes on its natural history in Sri Lanka.

Bagauda aelleni Villiers, 1970 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae: Leistarchini), described from Sri Lanka, is reported from India for the first time. Based on specimens collected at Sirumalai, Tamil Nadu, the species is redescribed and various aspects of its morphology and life history are highlighted and illustrated.

Challenges and barriers in conducting school-based physical activity research: A narrative review.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous mental and physical health benefits. But it has been observed that young people and children frequently participate in low levels of PA, which is especially noticeable when they progress from primary to secondary school. Thus, in order to improve physical health among school-going children, different schools should put in place school-based PA intervention programs.

Microplastic contamination in the aquaculture icon Oreochromis mossambicus: Prevalence, characteristics, and comprehensive overview.

The global production of plastics has surged to 368 million tonnes annually, leading to significant plastic waste accumulation, projected to reach 12,000 Mt by 2050, impacting aquatic ecosystems. Fish, crucial for their protein and nutrients, are particularly vulnerable to microplastic (MP) ingestion. As a major aquaculture producer and fish consumer, India faces rising plastic pollution in freshwater, which disrupts fish health and growth, posing a significant threat to the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture systems and potential health risks.

Impact of diethyl phthalate on freshwater planarian behaviour, regeneration, and antioxidant defence.

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) has been widely used as a plasticiser in various consumer products, including cosmetics, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals, and recent studies reported a higher abundance of this priority phthalate in the aquatic environment. DEP is a potential endocrine disruptor, affecting immune systems in humans and wildlife even at low-level chronic exposure. As concern over phthalates increases globally, regulatory bodies focus more on their environmental impact.

Sodium stress-induced oxidative damage and antioxidant responses during grain filling in Indica rice.

Sodium treatment caused the sodium ion accumulation at the milk stage of immature rice grains which in turn triggered the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage. The tolerant cultivar showed an enhanced antioxidative response and induced expressions of OsNHX and OsHKT ion-transporters. Sodium chloride-(NaCl) induced soil salinity is a major constraint hindering global rice production.

Flamingo Search Sailfish Optimizer Based SqueezeNet for Detection of Breast Cancer Using MRI Images.

Breast cancer with increased risk in women is identified with Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Breast MRI) and this helps in evaluating treatment therapies. Breast MRI is time time-consuming process that involves the assessment of current imaging. This research work depends on the detection of breast cancer at the earlier stages.

A Novel Device and Method for Assay of Bacterial Chemotaxis Towards Chemoattractants.

Capillary assemblies and microfluidic devices used for bacterial chemotaxis assays have certain inherent limitations. This opens opportunities for innovation in the area. The present study describes an innovative economical device called chemotaxis plate and also a method to use this device for chemotaxis assay.

Synthesis and characterization of micro-/nano-α-FeO for photocatalytic dye degradation.

Photocatalytic activity using micro-/nano-α-FeO on a large scale was carried out using a sol-gel autocombustion method. A degradation time of 60 min was noted for 50 mg of the catalyst. Post characterization, this catalyst system showed a degradation of about 53% (rate = 2.

The good, the bad, and the GPT: Reviewing the impact of generative artificial intelligence on psychology.

This review explores the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)-a technology capable of autonomously creating new content, ideas, or solutions by learning from extensive data-on psychology. GenAI is changing research methodologies, diagnostics, and treatments by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing therapeutic interventions, and providing deeper insights into cognitive processes. However, these advancements come with significant ethical concerns, including privacy, bias, and the risk of depersonalization in therapy.

Integrative taxonomy of the genus Coridius Illiger, 1807 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Dinidoridae) reveals hidden diversity and three new species from North-East India.

The genus Coridius Illiger, 1807 (Heteroptera: Dinidoridae) comprises a group of phytophagous terrestrial bugs consisting of 36 species distributed in the Afrotropical and Indo-Malayan regions. In several communities in northeastern India, insects are recognised as a delicacy, medicine, and a nutritional supplement, with Coridius being a popular delicacy. However, Coridius has received little taxonomic attention to date due to large intraspecific variations, inadequate taxonomic treatments, and the rarity of many species.

Leukemia in India: Insights Into Incidence, Prevalence, Mortality, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of leukemia and other cancers in India and to observe any changes over time.

Methodology: Detailed estimates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 30 types of cancers in India were analyzed for 29 years from 1990 to 2019 as part of the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study. Data from all available sources were used to gather information on the overall burden of disease in India.

Design and Development of Ophthalmic Liposomes from the QbD Perspective.

Due to significant lachrymation, drug washing out, and poor adhesion to the lipophilic outer layer of the precorneal and cornea membrane, topical ophthalmic solution drops have poor ocular bioavailability. The rate of transcorneal absorption is impacted in the case of hydrophilic drug molecules as brimonidine tartrate, timolol maleate, cyclosporine, etc. Ophthalmic solution administered in many doses is less patient-compliant.

Multi-Target In-Silico modeling strategies to discover novel angiotensin converting enzyme and neprilysin dual inhibitors.

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, stroke, and hypertension, affect 608 million people worldwide and cause 32% of deaths. Combination therapy is required in 60% of patients, involving concurrent Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System (RAAS) and Neprilysin inhibition. This study introduces a novel multi-target in-silico modeling technique (mt-QSAR) to evaluate the inhibitory potential against Neprilysin and Angiotensin-converting enzymes.

Formulation and Evaluation of Drumstick Leaves Tablet as An Immunomodulator.

The human immune system plays a pivotal role in protecting the body against pathogens, maintaining homeostasis, and preventing disease. Immunomodulation, the process of regulating immune responses, is crucial for optimal health. In recent years, there has been growing interest in natural remedies for immune system modulation, driven by the recognition of their potential efficacy and safety profiles.

Dual drug-loaded polymeric mixed micelles for ovarian cancer: Approach to enhanced therapeutic efficacy of albendazole and paclitaxel.

Chemotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge in treating ovarian cancer effectively. This study addresses this issue by utilizing a dual drug-loaded nanomicelle system comprising albendazole (ABZ) and paclitaxel (PTX), encapsulated in a novel carrier matrix of D-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate vitamin E (TPGS), soluplus and folic acid. Our objective was to develop and optimize this nanoparticulate delivery system using solvent evaporation techniques to enhance the therapeutic efficacy against ovarian cancer.

Novel Pyrazole-Chalcone Hybrids: Synthesis and Computational Insights Against Breast Cancer.

More women die of breast cancer than of any other malignancy. The resistance and toxicity of traditional hormone therapy created an urgent need for potential molecules for treating breast cancer effectively. Novel biphenyl-substituted pyrazole chalcones linked to a pyrrolidine ring were designed by using a hybridization approach.