Mini Review Research Articles

MINI REVIEW ON PIROXICAM DERIVATIVES SYNTHESIS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS

Today the focus is on reducing the likelihood of creating a potentially hazardous substance by concentrating on the synthesis of derivatives from approved medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are a popular class of medications used to treat painful arthritis. The medication piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Piroxicam has been the basis for the synthesis of several derivatives with various biological activity in recent years. This mini review aims to describe the biological activities of these derivatives that have emerged in the previous ten years. KEY WORDS: piroxicam , non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-glycation , anti-nociceptive , anti-HIV.

AI-Powered nanorobots: A mini review on innovations in healthcare

AI-Powered nanorobots: A mini review on innovations in healthcare

Recent Progress on the Application of Chitosan, Starch and Chitosan–Starch Composites for Meat Preservation—A Mini Review

The preservation of meat via sustainable methods and packaging is an area of continued interest driven by the need to address food security. The use of biomaterial films and coatings has gained significant attention due to their non-toxicity and biodegradability compared with conventional synthetic films. Starch and chitosan are sustainable sources for the preparation of films/coatings owing to their relatively low cost, natural abundance derived from numerous sources, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and film-forming attributes. These remarkable features have notably increased the shelf life of meat by inhibiting lipid oxidation and microbial activity in food products. Furthermore, recent studies have successfully incorporated binary biopolymer (starch and chitosan) systems to combine their beneficial properties upon composite formation. This literature review from 2020 to the present reveals that chitosan- and starch-based films and coatings have potential to contribute to enhanced food security and safety measures whilst reducing environmental issues and improving sustainability, compared with conventional synthetic materials.

Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluid, a Mini Review

The rapid development of the world and the increasing need to increase the efficiency of devices in many applications has led to the development of fluid conductivity with more efficient heat transfer has made it necessary to enhance heat transfer to meet the cooling challenge, as is the case in the photonics, electronics, power supply and transportation industries. Nanofluids and methods for measuring them have been developed and studied to facilitate the interpretation of their behavior, including thermal behavior. The study aimed to gain a fundamental and experimental understanding of the thermal behavior of nanofluids by examining thermal conductivity, preparation techniques, stability-enhancing agents, and measurement techniques. With changes in shape, concentration, and temperature, nanofluids exhibit significantly improved thermal conductivity. In addition, efforts have been made to introduce new and accurate correlations for estimating thermal conductivity at different concentrations and temperatures.

Electrochemical Imaging of Precisely‐Defined Redox and Reactive Interfaces

AbstractUnderstanding the diverse electrochemical reactions occurring at electrode‐electrolyte interfaces (EEIs) is a critical challenge to developing more efficient energy conversion and storage technologies. Establishing a predictive molecular‐level understanding of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) is challenging due to the presence of multiple intertwined chemical and electrochemical processes occurring at battery electrodes. Similarly, chemical conversions in reactive electrochemical systems are often influenced by the heterogeneous distribution of active sites, surface defects, and catalyst particle sizes. In this mini review, we highlight an emerging field of interfacial science that isolates the impact of specific chemical species by preparing precisely‐defined EEIs and visualizing the reactivity of their individual components using single‐entity characterization techniques. We highlight the broad applicability and versatility of these methods, along with current state‐of‐the‐art instrumentation and future opportunities for these approaches to address key scientific challenges related to batteries, chemical separations, and fuel cells. We establish that controlled preparation of well‐defined electrodes combined with single entity characterization will be crucial to filling key knowledge gaps and advancing the theories used to describe and predict chemical and physical processes occurring at EEIs and accelerating new materials discovery for energy applications.

Electrochemical Imaging of Precisely-Defined Redox and Reactive Interfaces.

Understanding the diverse electrochemical reactions occurring at electrode-electrolyte interfaces (EEIs) is a critical challenge to developing more efficient energy conversion and storage technologies. Establishing a predictive molecular-level understanding of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) is challenging due to the presence of multiple intertwined chemical and electrochemical processes occurring at battery electrodes. Similarly, chemical conversions in reactive electrochemical systems are often influenced by the heterogeneous distribution of active sites, surface defects, and catalyst particle sizes. In this mini review, we highlight an emerging field of interfacial science that isolates the impact of specific chemical species by preparing precisely-defined EEIs and visualizing the reactivity of their individual components using single-entity characterization techniques. We highlight the broad applicability and versatility of these methods, along with current state-of-the-art instrumentation and future opportunities for these approaches to address key scientific challenges related to batteries, chemical separations, and fuel cells. We establish that controlled preparation of well-defined electrodes combined with single entity characterization will be crucial to filling key knowledge gaps and advancing the theories used to describe and predict chemical and physical processes occurring at EEIs and accelerating new materials discovery for energy applications.

Application of Nata de Coco and Shrimp Skin Waste as a Material for Production Biodegradable Plastic – Mini Review

Application of Nata de Coco and Shrimp Skin Waste as a Material for Production Biodegradable Plastic – Mini Review

A Mini Review on Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Some Properties and Potential Applications

A Mini Review on Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Some Properties and Potential Applications

Synthesis and Biological Activity of 2-pyridone Derivatives: A Mini Review

: The 2-pyridone nucleus is an important scaffold present in various compounds with diverse pharmacological activity. Among the reported 2-pyridone analogs, the majority of the compounds either have a substituted ring system or a fused ring system. Till now, several derivatives have been reported by different researchers for their antimicrobial activity, anticancer activity, antiviral activity, antioxidant activity, anti-hepatitis virus activity, and anti-allodynia and anti-obesity activities. In this review, we have attempted to compile synthetic methods of 2-pyridone ring by ring cyclization along with pharmacologi cal aspects related to various synthesized derivatives of the 2-pyridone nucleus.

Potential Herbal Remedies for Treatment of Depression: A Mini Review

Background:: Depression is a psychiatric and mood disorder that impacts a person's mental health and behavior and is frequently linked to suicide. As per the World Health Organization's estimate, depressive disorder will be the main cause of mental disorders by the year 2030, and it has a huge impact on the burden of disease in the world. To treat depression, there are pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy alternatives. With little to no consideration of other neurochemicals altered in depression, most antidepressant preparations are based on the monoamines, neuroendocrine, and neuro-inflammation concepts. Objective:: The present study aims to provide comprehensive data related to depression, the factors associated, the mechanism involved, herbal plants effective for managing depression, and novel formulations along with patents and clinical trials. Methods:: A thorough assessment of herbs and novel formulations that have been proven effective in treating depression was conducted. After extensive review, the present study includes a mechanism of action of herbal plants showing antidepressant effects, novel formulations, patents, and clinical trials related to depression. Results:: Numerous studies reported that diverse herbal plants have been found to have a positive effect on depression management, such as Panax ginseng, Melissa officinalis, Piper methysticum, Schinus molle L, Kielmeyera coriacea Mart, Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula angustifolia Mill, Crocus Sativus L. Conclusion:: Herbal plant research could help establish the potential of isolated compounds from plants with medicinal properties for managing depressive illnesses.

Bacterial synthesis of metal nanoparticles as antimicrobials.

Nanoscience, a pivotal field spanning multiple industries, including healthcare, focuses on nanomaterials characterized by their dimensions. These materials are synthesized through conventional chemical and physical methods, often involving costly and energy-intensive processes. Alternatively, biogenic synthesis using bacteria, fungi, or plant extracts offers a potentially sustainable and non-toxic approach for producing metal-based nanoparticles (NP). This eco-friendly synthesis approach not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances features of NP production due to the unique biochemistry of the biological systems. Recent advancements have shown that along with chemically synthesized NPs, biogenic NPs possess significant antimicrobial properties. The inherent biochemistry of bacteria enables the efficient conversion of metal salts into NPs through reduction processes, which are further stabilized by biomolecular capping layers that improve biocompatibility and functional properties. This mini review explores the use of bacteria to produce NPs with antimicrobial activities. Microbial technologies to produce NP antimicrobials have considerable potential to help address the antimicrobial resistance crisis, thus addressing critical health issues aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Goal #3 of good health and well-being.

Exercise entrainment of musculoskeletal connective tissue clocks.

The musculoskeletal system, crucial for movement and support, relies on the delicate balance of connective tissue homeostasis. Maintaining this equilibrium is essential for tissue health and function. There has been increasing evidence in the last decade that shows the circadian clock as a master regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis in several connective tissue clocks. Very recently, exercise has emerged as a significant entrainment factor for cartilage and intervertebral disc circadian rhythms. Understanding the implications of exercise on connective tissue peripheral clocks holds promise for enhancing tissue health and disease prevention. Exercise-induced factors such as heat, glucocorticoid release, mechanical loading, and inter-tissue crosstalk may play pivotal roles in entraining the circadian rhythm of connective tissues. This mini review underscores the importance of elucidating the mechanisms through which exercise influences circadian rhythms in connective tissues to optimize ECM homeostasis. Leveraging exercise as a modulator of circadian rhythms in connective tissues may offer novel therapeutic approaches to physical training for preventing musculoskeletal disorders and enhancing recovery.

Kynurenine pathway in type 2 diabetes: Role of metformin.

The Kynurenine pathway (KP) which is involved in the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) from tryptophan (Trp) is intricate in the development of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Inflammatory reactions in response to cardiometabolic disorders can induce the development of IR through the augmentation of KP. However, kynurenine (KYN), a precursor of kynurenic acid (KA) is increased following physical exercise and involved in the reduction of IR. Consequently, KP metabolites KA and KYN have anti-diabetogenic effects while other metabolites have diabetogenic effects. KP modulators, either inhibitors or activators, affect glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in T2D in a bidirectional way, either protective or detrimental, that is not related to the KP effect. However, metformin through inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways can reduce the activation of KP in T2D. These findings indicated a strong controversy regarding the role of KP in T2D. Therefore, the objectives of this mini review were to clarify how KP induces the development of IR and T2D. In addition, this review aimed to find the mechanistic role of antidiabetic drug metformin on the KP, and how KP modulators affect the pathogenesis of T2D.

ZSM-5-Based Catalyst Structure Design and Selectivity Control for Liquid Hydrocarbon Formation: A Mini Review

The selectivity limitation has long posed a significant challenge in the conversion of CO or CO2 into liquid hydrocarbon-based sustainable fuels via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) and other related processing pathways due to the Anderson–Schulz–Flory (ASF) distribution. The unique pore structure, thermal stability, and acidic sites of ZSM-5 have enabled its widespread applications in various catalytic processes of value-added chemicals and sustainable fuels. In the reaction pathways from CO/CO2 to liquid HCs of interest, incorporating ZSM-5 into metal catalysts provides new opportunities to enhance product selectivity and catalytic activity, and even lower the reaction energetics. This review highlights recent advancements over the past five years in the structural design of ZSM-5-based catalysts aimed at improving the conversion selectivity of advanced liquid biofuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. It explores innovative strategies for optimizing catalyst composition, the acidity, mesoporosity, and structures of ZSM-5 to design more efficient, selective, and robust catalysts. Additionally, the review addresses the direct hydrogenation of CO and CO2 into C5+ liquid hydrocarbons, focusing on catalyst selection, acidic site optimization, and the structural configuration of ZSM-5. The mechanisms involved in these processes are also surveyed.

Prospects for cordycepin biosynthesis in microbial cell factories

Cordycepin, an adenosine analog, exhibits diverse bioactivities and holds significant potential for applications in healthcare and agriculture. Fungi of the genus Cordyceps, such as Cordyceps militaris, can naturally produce cordycepin. Current sources of cordycepin primarily involve extraction from fruiting bodies or isolation from liquid fermentation using C. militaris, presenting challenges such as low production intensity, complex separation and purification systems, and high production costs, limiting industrial feasibility. Recent advancements have witnessed the utilization of various fungal chassis cells to successfully engineer heterologous biosynthetic platforms for cordycepin, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and unconventional yeasts, offering advantages of high yield, short fermentation cycles, and a broad substrate spectrum. This mini review summarizes the biosynthetic pathways of cordycepin and focused on the comparison of the characteristics, advantages, current performance and prospects for the microbial cell factories, analyzing potential targets for metabolic pathway modification and giving strategies in both genetic engineering and process engineering to enhance production intensity. The mini review particularly emphasizes the crucial role of chassis cell stress tolerance to the toxic product in determining cordycepin yield and highlights the urgent need for high-throughput screening methods for high-yield strains.

Precision Dopaminergic Treatment in a Cohort of Parkinson's Disease Patients Carrying Autosomal Recessive Gene Variants: Clinical Cohort Data and a Mini Review.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients harboring recessive gene variants exhibit a distinct clinical phenotype with an early disease onset and relatively mild symptoms. Data concerning individualized therapy for autosomal recessive PD forms are still scarce. Demographic and treatment data of a cohort of PD carriers of recessive genes (nine homozygous or compound heterozygous PRKN carriers, four heterozygous PRKN carriers, and three biallelic PINK1 carriers) were evaluated. The average levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) was 806.8 ± 453.5 (range 152-1810) in PRKN carriers and 765 ± 96.6 (range 660-850) in PINK1 carriers. The majority responded to low/moderate doses of levodopa. The response to dopamine agonists (DAs) was often favorable both as initial and longitudinal therapy. In total, 8/13 PRKN and 1/3 PINK1 carriers were treated with amantadine successfully, and this also applied to patients who could not tolerate levodopa or DAs. In the era of personalized treatment, the therapeutic approach in recessive PD gene carriers might differ as compared to idiopathic PD. Lower LEDD doses were efficient even in patients with a very long disease duration, while a few patients were doing well without any levodopa treatment decades after disease initiation. DAs or amantadine could be used as a first and main line treatment regimen if well tolerated. Literature data on therapeutic strategies in carriers of pathogenic mutations in recessive PD genes, including device-aided treatments, will be further discussed.

Embracing the sustainable horizons through bioenergy innovations: a path to a sustainable energy future.

The urgent need for mitigating climate change necessitates a transformative shift in energy production and consumption paradigms. Amidst this challenge, bioenergy emerges as a pivotal contributor to the global energy transition, offering a diverse array of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels derived from biomass. This mini review delves into the unique potential of bioenergy innovations, particularly renewable diesel, bio jet fuel, and ethanol, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transform various industries. The article highlights critical technological advancements, supportive policies, and cross-sector collaboration essential for a sustainable energy transition. Specific challenges such as ensuring a consistent biomass feedstock supply, decentralizing processing units, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks are examined. Innovative solutions like decentralized biomass processing and enhanced biomass logistics are discussed as pathways to overcome these barriers. The review provides specific recommendations for near-term policies and strategies to support decentralized facilities, showcasing bioenergy's role in achieving a sustainable future.

Music Therapy as a Non-Pharmacological Treatment Approach for Parkinson’s Disease: A Mini Review

Music Therapy as a Non-Pharmacological Treatment Approach for Parkinson’s Disease: A Mini Review

Kinetic Insights into Na Ion Transfer at the Carbon‐Based Negative Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractThe relentless quest for sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions has propelled sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) to the forefront of research and development in the realm of rechargeable batteries. This mini review delves into the intricate interfacial kinetics of Na ion transfer within SIBs, with a special focus on the carbon‐based negative electrode/electrolyte interfaces. By synthesizing insights from a myriad of studies encompassing experimental and theoretical analyses, we illuminate the critical role of electrode material properties and interfacial dynamics in dictating the kinetics of Na ion transfer for SIBs. Strategies for optimizing these parameters are scrutinized, revealing pathways to enhance the kinetic behavior of Na ions. Furthermore, emerging materials such as hard carbon, carbon nanospheres, and graphene‐like graphite are evaluated for their potential to surmount existing limitations.

Current advances in cancer energy metabolism under dietary restriction: a mini review.

The manipulation of the energy or source of food for cancer cells has attracted significant attention in oncology research. Metabolic reprogramming of the immune system allows for a deeper understanding of cancer cell mechanisms, thereby impeding their progression. A more targeted approach is the restriction of cancer cells through dietary restriction (CR), which deprives cancer cells of the preferred energy sources within the tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing immune cell efficacy. Although there is a plethora of CR strategies that can be employed to impede cancer progression, there is currently no comprehensive review that delineates the specific dietary restrictions that target the diverse metabolic pathways of cancer cells. This mini-review introduces amino acids as anti-cancer agents and discusses the role of dietary interventions in cancer prevention and treatment. It highlights the potential of a ketogenic diet as a therapeutic approach for cancer, elucidating its distinct mechanisms of action in tumor progression. Additionally, the potential of plant-based diets as anti-cancer agents and the role of polyphenols and vitamins in anti-cancer therapy were also discussed, along with some prospective interventions for CR as anti-tumor progression.