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Biological and green synthesis of nanomaterial is a superior choice over chemical and physical methods due to nanoscale attributes implanted in a green chemistry matrix, have sparked a lot of interest for their potential uses in a variety of sectors. This research investigates the growing relevance of nanocomposites manufactured using ecologically friendly, green technologies. The transition to green synthesis correlates with the worldwide drive for environmentally sound procedures, limiting the use of traditional harsh synthetic techniques. Herein, manganese was decorated on ZnO NPs via reducing agent of Withania- extract and confirmed by UV-spectrophotometry with highest peak at 1:2 ratio precursors, and having lower bandgap energy (3.3 eV). XRD showed the sharp peaks and confirms the formation of nanoparticles, having particle size in range of 11–14 nm. SEM confirmed amorphous tetragonal structure while EDX spectroscopy showed the presence of Zn and Mn in all composition. Green synthesized Mn-decorated ZnO-NPs screened against bacterial strains and exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. To check further, applicability of synthesized Mn-decorated Zn nanocomposites, their photocatalytic activity against toxic water pollutants (methylene blue (MB) dye) were also investigated and results showed that 53.8% degradation of MB was done successfully. Furthermore, the installation of green chemistry in synthesizing nanocomposites by using plant extract matrix optimizes antibacterial characteristics, antioxidant and biodegradability, helping to build sustainable green Mn decorated ZnO nanomaterial. This work, explains how biologically friendly Mn-doped ZnO nanocomposites can help reduce the environmental impact of traditional packaging materials. Based on these findings, it was determined that nanocomposites derived from biological resources should be produced on a wide scale to eradicate environmental and water contaminants through degradation.

The term \"Long-COVID\" (LC) is characterized by the aftereffects of COVID-19 infection. Various studies have suggested that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation is among the significant reported causes of LC. However, there is a lack of in-depth research that could largely explore the pathogenic mechanism and pinpoint the key genes in the EBV and LC context. This study mainly aimed to predict the potential disease-associated common genes between EBV reactivation and LC condition using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and reported naturally occurring biomolecules as inhibitors. We applied the bulk RNA-Seq from LC and EBV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the Protein–Protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database, identified hub genes using the cytoscape plugins CytoHubba and MCODE, and performed enrichment analysis using ClueGO. The interaction analysis of a hub gene was performed against naturally occurring bioflavonoid molecules using molecular docking and the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. Out of 357 common genes, 22 genes (CCL2, CCL20, CDCA2, CEP55, CHI3L1, CKAP2L, DEPDC1, DIAPH3, DLGAP5, E2F8, FGF1, NEK2, PBK, TOP2A, CCL3, CXCL8, DEPDC1, IL6, RETN, MMP2, LCN2, and OLR1) were classified as hub genes, and the remaining ones were classified as neighboring genes. Enrichment analysis showed the role of hub genes in various pathways such as immune-signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT signaling, interleukin signaling, protein kinase signaling, and toll-like receptor pathways associated with the symptoms reported in the LC condition. ZNF and MYBL TF-family were predicted as abundant TFs controlling hub genes' transcriptional machinery. Furthermore, OLR1 (PDB: 7XMP) showed stable interactions with the five shortlisted refined naturally occurring bioflavonoids, i.e., apigenin, amentoflavone, ilexgenin A, myricetin, and orientin compounds. The total binding energy pattern was observed, with amentoflavone being the top docked molecule (with a binding affinity of –8.3 kcal/mol) with the lowest total binding energy of −18.48 kcal/mol. In conclusion, our research has predicted the hub genes, their molecular pathways, and the potential inhibitors between EBV and LC potential pathogenic association. The in vivo or in vitro experimental methods could be utilized to functionally validate our findings, which would be helpful to cure LC or to prevent EBV reactivation.

Water pollution being a potential risk to mankind is treated in several ways which includes chemical treatments. Among them, adsorption took a prominent position for the removal of many hazardous dyes from waste water. Here in this study, an environment-friendly, inexpensive, and broadly available leaves of Brassica oleracea were utilized for adsorption of two carcinogenic dyes, i.e., Congo red and brilliant green. The adsorbent Brassica oleracea leaves were collected, dried, and characterized by FTIR and SEM and then utilized in batch manner for dye removal. Isothermal modeling was carried out on data obtained after experiment which show the best fitting of Langmuir with qmax 42.553 and 103.093 mg.g-1 for Congo red (CR) and brilliant green (BG), respectively. Consequently, a homogenous, monolayer mode of adsorption was followed. Kinetic modeling supported pseudosecond order and Elovich model in most suitable manner. It was also found that a spontaneous, exothermic process provided by the values of thermodynamic parameters (∆G°, ∆H°, and ∆S°) was calculated.

PurposeThe objectives of this study are threefold: firstly, to measure the impact of educational inequality on income inequality, and per capita income; secondly, to measure the impact of gender inequality in education on income inequality, per capita income and educational inequality; and lastly, to test the Kuznets inverted U-shape hypothesis between inequality in education and average year of schooling.Design/methodology/approachThe study has adopted the Marin and Psacharopoulos (1976) model of human capital in which income earned by an individual can be estimated as a function of number of year spent in schooling or education. Gini coefficient is used as a measure of income inequality, while inequality in education is measured by Gini index of educational inequality. Gender inequality in education is measured by the difference between male and female enrolment ratios as a proportion of male enrolment. The study utilizes the data of six South Asian countries, i.e. Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka from 1980 to 2010 at five-year average and employs fixed effect model (FEM) and random effect model (REM) for estimation.FindingsResult suggests that educational inequality and average year of schooling have positive and significant impact on income inequality. Primary (basic) education and tertiary (higher) education reduce income inequality, while secondary education widens income inequality. Negative relationship exists between educational inequality and per capita income. Unequal distribution of education among boys and girls at primary level increases income inequality, while reduces income inequality at tertiary level. Gender inequality in secondary and tertiary level of education reduces per capita income, while unequal distribution of education among boys and girls further increases the educational inequality. Kuznets inverted U-shape hypothesis does not hold between education expansion and educational inequality, while weak U-shape relationship exists in South Asian countries.Practical implicationsGovernment has to provide free education in poor regions and makes employment programs to reduce the income and educational inequality respectively, while to remove gender inequality in education it is necessary to build more schools especially for girls. Government has to launch different online education programs for expansion in education at all levels.Originality/valueThis study adds to the literature by analyzing whether the inequality in income increases (decreases) due to increase (decrease) in educational and gender inequality in South Asian countries. This study contributes in the existing literature by developing a measure of educational and gender inequality in education in South Asian countries.Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2020-0226.

Prevotella intermedia is a gram-negative, anaerobic, multidrug-resistant bacterium known to cause oral infections. Given its clinical significance as an opportunistic pathogen, developing effective preventive and therapeutic measures is crucial. This study employed an integrated approach, combining subtractive proteomics and immunoinformatics, to identify novel therapeutic targets. We analyzed the core genome of P. intermedia , revealing five essential proteins as potential drug targets and three as potential candidates for a vaccine. The selected vaccine candidate proteins underwent additional evaluation to determine their immunogenic epitopes (B-cell, MHC-I, and MHC-II) and the design multi-epitope vaccine incorporating suitable linkers and adjuvants. Structural validation, including the identification of globular regions and post-translational modifications (PTMs), was performed. Molecular docking with the TLR4 receptor demonstrated strong interactions, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, dynamic cross-correlation matrix (DCCM) analysis, binding free energy calculations, and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed stable binding between the vaccine prototypes and TLR4. Among the four proposed vaccines, we identified HBHA-PiMEV, L7/12-PiMEV, and GMCSF-PiMEV as most effective, with sustained interactions to human immune receptors and docking scores of −1110·2cal/mol, −1016·1 kcal/mol, and −1149·6 kcal/mol, as well as 15, 27, and 16 hydrogen bonds respectively. Based on different evaluation parameters, HBHA-PiMEV was identified as the most effective vaccine construct. Additionally, the novel drug targets were annotated for their roles in key biological processes, underscoring their therapeutic value. In summary, our investigation identified novel therapeutic targets and designed potent vaccine constructs against P. intermedia for further experimental validation to combat this multidrug-resistant pathogen. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Background: Chronic neuropathic low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent health condition and difficult to treat. Conventional therapies often provide limited relief and raise safety concerns. Supplemental palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown benefits in neuropathic pain, but its application as a supportive strategy has been limited by poor oral bioavailability. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate a phospholipid-based palmitoylethanolamide formulation (PEA-PL, Cronilief™), developed using Phytosome™ delivery technology, with respect to solubility optimization, systemic exposure, and associated clinical effects in individuals with chronic neuropathic LBP. Methods: PEA-PL solubility was assessed in fasted-state simulated intestinal fluid and compared with unformulated PEA. Plasma PEA concentrations were evaluated in healthy volunteers after 2 weeks of supplementation with unformulated PEA (300 mg/day) or PEA-PL (300 or 600 mg/day). Clinical efficacy was assessed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized, trial in which 120 adults with neuropathic LBP received PEA-PL 600 → 300 mg (n = 40), PEA-PL 450 mg (n = 40), or placebo (n = 40), daily for 8 weeks in addition to Standard of Care. Primary outcomes were effects on neuropathic pain (Douleur Neuropathique 4, DN4) and its intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS). Secondary outcomes included effect on functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), quality of life (QoL) (SF-12), and concomitant analgesic use. Safety was monitored throughout the 8-week supplementation period. Results: PEA-PL increased PEA solubility approximately eight-fold and resulted in higher plasma PEA concentrations than unformulated PEA. Both PEA-PL regimens significantly improved pain, functional disability, sleep, and QoL outcomes versus placebo (all p < 0.0001), with greater effects for the 600 → 300 mg regimen. Analgesic discontinuation occurred more frequently in PEA-PL groups (65–70%). Supplementation was well tolerated. Conclusions: A phospholipid-based (Phytosome™) PEA formulation (Cronilief™) was developed and associated with optimized systemic exposure and clinically meaningful reductions in pain severity and functional disability in individuals with chronic neuropathic LBP.

Vicilin has nutraceutical potential and different noteworthy medicative health-promoting biotic diversions, and it is remarkable against pathogenic microorganisms and insects. In this study, Vigna aconitifolia vicilin (VacV) has been identified and characterized from the seed of Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal (Moth beans). LC-MS/MS analysis of VacV provided seven random fragmented sequences comprising 238 residues, showing significant homology with already reported Vigna radiata vicilin (VraV). VacV was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation (60%) followed by size exclusion chromatography on Hi-Load 16/60 Superdex 200 pg column and anion-exchange chromatography (Hi trap Q FF column). Purified VacV showed a major ~50 kDa band and multiple lower bands on 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) under both reduced and non-reduced conditions. After all, a three-dimensional molecular structure of VacV was predicted, which showed β-sheeted molecular conformation similar to crystallographic structure of VraV. All Vicilins from V. aconitifolia and other plants were divided into six sub-groups by phylogenetic analysis, and VacV shared a high degree of similarity with vicilins of Vigna radiata, Pisum sativum, Lupinus albus, Cicer arietinum and Glycine max. Additionally, VacV (20 μg) has significant growth inhibition against different pathogenic bacteria along strong antifungal activity (50 μg). Likewise, VacV (3.0 mg) produced significant growth reduction in Rice Weevil Sitophilus oryzae larvae after 9 days compared with control. Furthermore, by using MMT assay, the cytotoxicity effect of VacV on the growth of HepG2 liver cancerous cells was tested. VacV showed cytotoxicity against the HepG-2 line and the acquired value was 180 µg after 48 h. Finally, we performed molecular docking against caspase-3 protein (PDB ID: 3DEI) for VacV bioactive receptor interface residues. Hence, our results reveal that VacV, has nutraceutical potential and moth beans can be used as a rich resource of functional foods.

Background: Berberine is a poorly absorbed natural alkaloid widely used as nutraceutical to counteract diarrhoea and to lower cholesterol and hyperglycaemia. It has also been reported to reduce signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: To explore, through a multi-centric, randomized, controlled and prospective study, the possible role played by a form berberine that is more easily absorbed (Berberine Phytosome ® , BP) in 130 Pakistani women with a diagnosis of PCOS and fertility problems due to menstrual and ovary abnormalities. Results: Ninety days of supplementation with BP, administered at 550 mg x2/ die , determined (i) resumption of regular menstruation in about 70% of women ( versus 16% in the control group; p < 0.0001), (ii) normalization of the ovaries anatomy in more than 60% of women ( versus 13% in the control group; p < 0.0001), (iii) acne improvement in 50% of women ( versus 16% in the control group; p = 0.0409) and (iv) hirsutism reduction in 14% of women ( versus 0% in the control group; p = 0.0152). The metabolic and the hormonal profiles of the women in the two groups did not significantly differentiate at the end of the study. BP was well-tolerated and no specific side-effects were registered. Respectively after one, two and 8 years of trying, three women supplemented with BP became and are currently pregnant. Conclusion: Our study showed the positive effects of BP supplementation in women with PCOS and confirmed the high safety profile of this nutraceutical. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ , identifier NCT05480670

The widespread discharge of synthetic dyes such as Eriochrome Black T (EBT) into water bodies poses significant environmental and health concerns due to their toxicity, persistence, and resistance to degradation. In response to this issue, the removal of EBT dye from aqueous solutions using nickel-modified orange peel biochar (MOPB) was investigated in this study at various experimental conditions such as adsorbent dose, pH, concentration of dye, temperature, and contact time. Biochar was prepared from orange peels via pyrolysis, and structural characterization was performed using FTIR, XRD, and SEM to assess morphological changes, pore structure, and functional groups post-modification. MOPB exhibited significantly enhanced adsorption capacity compared to unmodified biochar. Optimal removal (at 0.1 g adsorbent dose, 25 ppm dye concentration, 90 min contact time, 35 °C, and pH 4) resulted in maximum EBT elimination. The equilibrium dataset was evaluated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir model (R2 = 0.99) best described the uptake of EBT dye, which implies that the adsorption of EBT dye onto MOPB was monolayered. The kinetic data were also analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be the best fit (R2 = 0.99), indicating that it governs the rate-limiting step of the reaction. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. These findings demonstrate the potential of MOPB as a low-cost, sustainable adsorbent for the efficient removal of EBT from industrial wastewater.

Objective: To find out undergraduate students' perceptions regarding the inclusion of clinical audits in their curriculum. Study Design: Exploratory sequential mixed methods study. Place and Duration of study: Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Dec 2022 to Mar 2023. Methodology: The first phase of the study comprised a quantitative research questionnaire regarding undergraduate students' perceptions about the inclusion of a clinical audit in their curriculum. These perceptions were explored in depth in the second phase with focus group discussions (FGD). Thirty students participated in the study, ten from the fourth year and twenty from the final year MBBS. Results: The study included 30 participants. The results showed that (24, 80%) of participants were able to develop skills as team members, (22, 73%) were able to identify audit topics, collect data, write audit reports and understand conflicts of interest, and (21, 70%) were able to write audit proposal and develop skill in life long audit learning. The key themes emerging from clinical audit focus group discussions (FGD) were better clinical care, patient safety, lack of understanding about audit by students and faculty and improper implementation mechanisms. Conclusion: In conclusion, a clinical audit promotes a safe, good-quality, and evidence-based environment for patient care. It also decreases the risk of clinical negligence and should be incorporated as an integral part of the undergraduate curriculum.