Synergistic Potential Research Articles

NIR‐Responsive injectable hydrogel cross-linked by homobifunctional PEG for photo-hyperthermia of melanoma, antibacterial wound healing, and preventing post-operative adhesion

Current therapeutic approaches for skin cancer face significant challenges, including wound infection, delayed skin regeneration, and tumor recurrence. To overcome these challenges, an injectable adhesive near-infrared (NIR)-responsive hydrogel with time-dependent enhancement in viscosity is developed for combined melanoma therapy and antibacterial wound healing acceleration. The multifunctional hydrogel is prepared through the chemical crosslinking between poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) and gelatin, followed by the incorporation of CuO nanosheets and allantoin. The synergistic inherent antibacterial potential of CuO nanosheets, the regenerative and smoothing effect of allantoin, the extracellular matrix-mimicking effect of gelatin, and the desirable swelling behavior of the hydrogel results in fast wound recovery after photothermal ablation of the tumor. Additionally, the hydrogel can serve as an alternative to sutures owing to its tissue adhesiveness ability, which can further render it the merits for accelerated repair of abdominal lesions while acting as a biocompatible barrier to prevent peritoneal adhesion.

Synergies and Potential of Industry 4.0 and Automated Vehicles in Smart City Infrastructure

The integration of Industry 4.0 and automated vehicles into the smart cities concept is a topical issue in the urbanization of cities and technological innovation within cities. As it is a relatively modern issue, many aspects of this field have not yet been explored; as a consequence, this paper is concerned with the search for synergies between Industry 4.0 and automated vehicles in smart city infrastructures. There is a lack of contributions in this field that summarize these synergies in a single article and address a wide range of aspects, including transport, energy, communication, and citizen participation. As the field lacks a complete and clear summary of what is already known, which would help multiple stakeholders, the authors decided to conduct this review. The article elucidates the above-stated aspects through a clear and in-depth literature review, which is complemented by specific examples from practice. Of course, the article also includes a description of the synergy potential and the impact on the inhabitants, the environment, and, last but not least, on the overall city life. The main hypothesis of this article is that the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and automated vehicles within smart city infrastructure will result in significant improvements in transportation efficiency, resource utilization, and overall urban sustainability. The article discusses the positives and negatives of such integration, highlighting, on the one hand, the benefits in terms of reducing environmental impact and improving citizens’ quality of life, but on the other hand, also highlighting the various ethical, legal, and social issues that such integrations may bring. Several methods have been used within the article, namely analysis, synthesis, comparison, and historical interpretation. The final discussion highlights the benefits, as well as the challenges, that such integration faces and must deal with if it is to be successful. It can be concluded that the synergistic potential of automated vehicles and Industry 4.0 in smart city infrastructure is enormous and that such integration offers promising solutions for enhancing transportation efficiency, energy management, and overall urban sustainability. It is also highlighted in the article that, in order to reap the benefits of such synergies, a wide-ranging collaboration of policymakers, industry stakeholders, and urban planners is needed.

Novel antimony-based antimicrobial drug targets membranes of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.

Antibiotic resistance presents a critical global public health crisis that threatens our ability to combat bacterial infections. In light of the declining efficacy of traditional antibiotics, the use of alternative solutions, such as metal-based antimicrobial compounds, has gained renewed interest. Based on the previously synthesized innovative organoantimony(V) compounds, we selected and further characterized the antibacterial efficacy of five of them against three important Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Among these compounds, SbPh4ACO showed broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, with membrane-disrupting effects against all three pathogens. Furthermore, we revealed the synergistic potential of SbPh4ACO when combined with antibiotics, such as cefoxitin, at concentrations that exert no cytotoxic effects tested on three mammalian cell lines. This study offers the first report on the mechanisms of action of novel antimony-based antimicrobial and presents the therapeutic potential of SbPh4ACO in combating both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens while enhancing the efficacy of existing antibiotics.

Synergistic strategies for enhanced liver cancer therapy with sorafenib/resveratrol PEGylated liposomes in vitro and in vivo

This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib (Sr) and resveratrol (Rv) encapsulated in liposomal formulations for liver cancer treatment. In vitro release profiles demonstrated sustained drug release, with 70 % and 56.7 % at intestinal pH of 6.8 and 79.3 % and 74.2 % at gastric pH of 1.2 after 72 h for liposomal (Sr/Rv-Lip) and PEGylated liposomal (Sr/Rv-PEG-Lip) formulations. pH-dependent release patterns highlighted adaptability of these formulations to distinct physiological conditions, crucial for targeted drug delivery. Stability assessments over three months revealed a marginal 8.5 % decrease in Sr/Rv-PEG-Lip encapsulation efficiency, accompanied by nonsignificant alterations in size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI). These indicate the formulations' capability to preserve physicochemical properties, offering promising enhanced stability for Sr and Rv. In vitro studies demonstrated superior anticancer effects of Sr/Rv-PEG-Lip with an IC50 of 5.1 μM, showing 3.1-fold increased potency, compared to Sr/Rv in H22 cells, demonstrating enhanced cytotoxicity. Sr/Rv-PEG-Lip, compared to Sr/Rv, was 50.5 and 33.1 % more potent in inhibiting proliferation and migration of H22 cells, respectively. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay underscored the synergistic potential of Sr and Rv, with PEGylation amplifying oxidative stress induction by 1.4-fold. In vivo, Sr/Rv-PEG-Lip demonstrated superior efficacy in suppressing tumor growth by reducing the tumor volume to 380.4 mm³ and inhibiting the weight gain by 22.7 % with minimal toxicity, demonstrating its translational potential in liver cancer therapy. These findings contribute valuable insights into nanomedicine, suggesting Sr/Rv-loaded PEGylated liposomes as a promising avenue for liver cancer treatment.

Relationship between banking infrastructure, innovation and economic growth in Kazakhstan

Today, the development of financial technologies and their application in the banking sector have changed the processes of economic growth in general and commercial banks in particular, giving them an innovative orientation. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the banking infrastructure, innovation, and economic growth in Kazakhstan based on panel data. The study relies on information extracted from annual publications issued by the National Bank of Kazakhstan, the World Bank Database, and the Bureau of the National Statistics of Kazakhstan from 2004 to 2022, and also uses a regression model. Within this framework, variables used in the study, the number of ATMs, the number of bank branches, and the share of innovative products, are explanatory variables, and the gross domestic product per capita is the dependent variable. The study showed that both business innovations and the prevalence of ATMs have a significant and noticeable impact on the economic landscape of Kazakhstan, as evidenced by the impressive value of the R-square of 0.890. Moreover, the regression model demonstrates reliable stability and reliability, which is confirmed by the p-value of 0.001. In light of these findings, it is important to contribute valuable insights and evidence-based recommendations to enhance Kazakhstan’s economic growth strategy by leveraging the synergistic potential of its banking infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. AcknowledgmentsThe study was funded by the Committee Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Investigating the impact of macroeconomic, political, and digital processes on financial sustainability of Kazakhstan” No. AP19674948.

D-limonene combined with Bacillus thuringiensis against Spodotera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Focusing on alternatives for better control of S. frugiperda, research has proven the efficiency of using natural compounds to reduce the emergence of resistance. Consequently, the combination of different modes of action of natural insecticide, capable of enhancing the action of each molecule, promoting a barrier to the pest resistance. So, this work evaluated the toxicity of d-limonene associated with entomopathogenic microorganisms against S. frugiperda. A population of caterpillars was assembled in the laboratory to conduct in vitro toxicity assays. A range of insecticide dilutions was carried out and then applied to larvae, with the aim of obtaining the dose-response curve. After determining the lethality of each product and aiming to determine the synergistic potential between them, several binary combinations were established. D-limonene essential oil promoted high mortality of caterpillar at very low concentrations, and the subspecies of bacilli used ensured high caterpillar mortality. However, the strain of B. bassiana used promoted caterpillar mortality only at a very high dose. B. bassiana + d-limonene presents synergistic properties with very high toxicity to S. frugiperda. B. thuringiensis + d-limonene, although resulting in toxicity for larvae, does not appear to be synergistic.

Distribution characteristics and microbial synergistic degradation potential of polyethylene and polypropylene in freshwater estuarine sediments

The microbial degradation of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) resins in rivers and lakes has emerged as a crucial issue in the management of microplastics. This study revealed that as the flow rate decreased longitudinally, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), heavy fraction of organic carbon (HFOC), and small-size microplastics (< 1 mm) gradually accumulated in the deep and downstream estuarine sediments. Based on their surface morphology and carbonyl index, these sediments were identified as the potential hot zone for PE/PP degradation. Within the identified hot zone, concentrations of PE/PP-degrading genes, enzymes, and bacteria were significantly elevated compared to other zones, exhibiting strong intercorrelations. Analysis of niche differences revealed that the accumulation of NH4+-N and HFOC in the hot zone facilitated the synergistic coexistence of key bacteria responsible for PE/PP degradation within biofilms. The findings of this study offer a novel insight and comprehensive understanding of the distribution characteristics and synergistic degradation potential of PE/PP in natural freshwater environments.

Effect of Plant Secondary Metabolites against Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Review on Apoptosis Induction and Synergistic Potential

Abstract: Lung carcinoma is the most ubiquitous and fundamental cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The conventional therapeutic approaches for lung cancer have consistently encountered several challenges and complexities, prompting the exploration of novel tactics for the detection and management of cancer. Lung cancer is a highly preventable disease, and early-stage detection significantly improves patient’s survival rates. Several distinct medicinal substances from plants aid in treating human illnesses and promoting good health. Plants, including Astragalus propinquus, Curcuma longa, Anethum graveolens, Allium cepa, etc., are utilized as medicines to treat lung cancer. It can be effectively treated using plant secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and polyphenols. This review describes the structures of plant metabolites and the process by which they induce apoptosis against lung cancer. This data will assist in the comprehensive awareness and understanding of the factors that combat phytochemicals against lung cancers and the production of new anti-cancer medications.

Advancing the eradication of harmful dyes through stereolithography-produced 3D floating photocatalysis: Exploiting the synergistic potential of graphene/MnO2/Fe3O4 hybrid nanomaterials

The utilization of heterogeneous photocatalysis for the breakdown of organic pollutants in wastewater has become increasingly popular as an alternative treatment method, offering rapid mineralization of organic compounds. However, the challenges lie in the recycling and recovery processes. To overcome this hurdle, a novel 3D-printed hybrid photocatalyst composed of graphene/MnO2/Fe3O4 was developed through an ex-situ approach. Comprehensive property evaluations were conducted, and the catalyst was employed in the creation of a 3D photocatalyst designed for MB dye removal under direct sunlight, facilitating the easy separation of the used catalyst. Further enhancement of its photocatalytic activity was achieved through carbonization, rendering it promising for wastewater treatment owing to its ordered structure and facile recovery. Notably, the developed 3D photocatalyst exhibited a significant improvement in MB dye degradation compared to powder samples. It showcased effective degradation of 10 ppm of MB dye within a mere 120 min of sunlight exposure. Radical trapping analysis indicated that the high photocatalytic degradation was predominantly attributed to the photogenerated superoxide radicals. Consequently, the 3D printed photocatalyst demonstrated exceptional reusability and sustained efficiency in MB dye degradation without any discernible decrease in catalytic activity. The augmented photocatalytic degradation was governed by the generation of photogenerated charge carriers through reduction and oxidation reactions. This research holds promise for the creation of an economical, user-friendly, and highly efficient 3D printed hybrid photocatalyst with synergistic applications in water purification.

Low operating pressure hydrophilic MOF-801/Biopolymer interfacial membrane for defluoridation and Co-Organic pollutant remediation

In the context of the energy-water nexus, where the demand for clean water intersects with the imperative for energy-efficient water treatment solutions, this research is dedicated to achieving low-pressure-driven membrane solution. Herein, study uses new class of active MOF-801 fillers materials that are in to stable biopolymers matrix to address the pervasive issue of fluoride contamination in drinking water. By harnessing the synergistic potentials of biogenic chitosan-sodium alginate (CS:SA) multilayers combined with MOF-801 fillers on the polyether sulfone (PES) porous support matrix. This study not only achieves significant improvements in fluoride removal but also enhances with exceptional resistance to fouling. Target specific designed membranes also exhibit versatility in effectively removing various emerging pollutants including fouling agents (BSA, TA, HA) and organic dyes (CR, MO, MB, CV), with a flux of > 40 L·m−2·h−1. The optimized membrane showed exceptional stability under different pH condition showed great separation performance and regeneration capabilities, as well as its effectiveness in defluoridation of groundwater feed. Large scale testing of defluoridation abilities tested for ∼5000 L of feed with a fluoride ion distribution coefficient (Kd) of 45621 mL/g at 4 bars of pressure. Therefore, the optimized membrane stands as an ideal candidate for applications within the energy-water nexus, where sustainability and resource efficiency are of paramount importance.

A Manganese-Based Nanodriver Coordinates Tumor Prevention and Suppression through STING Activation in Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most prevalent and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor, exhibits profound immunosuppression and demonstrates a low response rate to current immunotherapy strategies. Manganese cations (Mn2+) directly activate the cGAS/STING pathway and induce the unique catalytic synthesis of 2'3'-cGAMP to facilitate type I IFN production, thereby enhancing innate immunity. Here, a telodendrimer and Mn2+-based nanodriver (PLHM) with a small size is developed, which effectively target lymph nodes through the blood circulation and exhibit tumor-preventive effects at low doses of Mn2+ (3.7mg kg-1). On the other hand, the PLHM nanodriver also exhibits apparent antitumor effects in GBM-bearing mice via inducing in vivo innate immune responses. The combination of PLHM with doxorubicin nanoparticles (PLHM-DOX NPs) results in superior inhibition of tumor growth in GBM-bearing mice due to the synergistic potentiation of STING pathway functionality by Mn2+ and the presence of cytoplasmic DNA. These findings demonstrate that PLHM-DOX NPs effectively stimulate innate immunity, promote dendritic cell maturation, and orchestrate cascaded infiltration of CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes within glioblastomas characterized by low immunogenicity. These nanodivers chelated with Mn2+ show promising potential for tumor prevention and antitumor effects on glioblastoma by activating the STING pathway.

A Robust Pyro-phototronic Route to Markedly Enhanced Photocatalytic Disinfection.

Photocatalysis offers a direct, yet robust, approach to eradicate pathogenic bacteria. However, the practical implementation of photocatalytic disinfection faces a significant challenge due to low-efficiency photogenerated carrier separation and transfer. Here, we present an effective approach to improve photocatalytic disinfection performance by exploiting the pyro-phototronic effect through a synergistic combination of pyroelectric properties and photocatalytic processes. A set of comprehensive studies reveals that the temperature fluctuation-induced pyroelectric field promotes photoexcited carrier separation and transfer and thus facilitates the generation of reactive oxygen species and ultimately enhances photocatalytic disinfection performance. It is worth highlighting that the constructed film demonstrated an exceptional antibacterial efficiency exceeding 95% against pathogenic bacteria under temperature fluctuations and light irradiation. Moreover, the versatile modulation role of the pyro-phototronic effect in boosting photocatalytic disinfection was corroborated. This work paves the way for improving photocatalytic disinfection efficiency by harnessing the synergistic potential of various inherent material properties.

The Role of Internet and Social Interactions in Advancing Waste Sorting Behaviors in Rural Communities

Addressing the global challenge of sustainable waste management, this research investigates the influence of social dynamics and digital connectivity on rural residents’ willingness to adopt waste classification practices, essential for sustainable environmental management. Through a comprehensive analysis of 5413 rural participants surveyed in the China Labor-force Dynamic Survey (CLDS), this study employs a novel mixed-methods approach. It integrates quantitative analysis with the Manski social interaction framework and a Recursive Bivariate Probit model to explore the intricate interplay between community interactions, internet access, and environmental behaviors. Our methodology stands out for its unique combination of social theory and econometric modeling to address a pressing environmental issue. Results highlight a significant effect of mobile internet use and social interactions within communities on enhancing willingness towards waste classification. Notably, digital connectivity emerges as a key facilitator of environmental engagement, mediating social influences, and fostering a collective approach to waste management. Considering these insights, we propose targeted policy interventions that blend digital strategies with traditional community engagement efforts. Recommendations include crafting digital literacy programs and leveraging social media to bolster community-centric environmental governance. By harnessing the synergistic potential of digital tools and social dynamics, these strategies aim to elevate the effectiveness of waste classification initiatives in rural China, offering a scalable model for environmental sustainability.

Synergistic Potential Sof Cinnamon Extracts, Antibiotics, and Alum on Selected Clinical Microbes

Antibiotics are natural or synthetic substances used to inhibit or kill susceptible microorganisms. Due to the increase rate of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there is the need to venture in other methods involving the coalescence effect of antibiotics and other substances such as cinnamon and alum to effectively eradicate these pathogenic organisms using less concentrated conventional antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the selected antimicrobial agents were determined using the broth dilution method, following standards and procedures set by the national council of clinical laboratory standards (NCCLS). The synergistic potentials of all the antimicrobics used were analyzed by the checkerboard assay. The MIC values of 25, 0.25, 0.75,25mg/ml were obtained for cinnamon extracts, gentamicin, penicillin G, and aq. Alum respectively against S. aureus. For E. coli O157H:H7, the MIC values of cinnamon extracts, gentamicin, penicillin G, and aq. Alum were 12.5, 0.25, 0.75 and 25mg/ml respectively,s while the MIC values of cinnamon extracts alum and fluconazole for C. albicans were 12.5, 25 and 0.05mg/ml respectively. There is a reduction in the MIC values for the various combinations against the same clinical microbes. All the antimicrobics used in this study inhibited the growth of the clinical microbes. All the microbes used in this study inhibited the tested microbes in dose dependent manner. The combinations of these agents resulted in reduction in MIC and MBC values, with an additive, indifference, and antagonistic effects using checkerboard assay which resulted to a fractional inhibitory concentration index which ranged from 0.56 to 7.9. Therefore, application of cinnamon, alum, and their combinations with conventional antibiotics can be used as treatment measure against infections caused by S. aureus, E. coli O157H:H7, and C. albicans.

Analysing the Combined Effects of Radiotherapy and Chemokine Receptor 5 Antagonism: Complementary Approaches to Promote T Cell Function and Migration in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma.

The presence of an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is a major contributor to poor responses. Novel treatment strategies are required to supplement current regimens and improve patient survival. This study examined the immunomodulatory effects that radiation therapy and chemokine receptor antagonism impose on T cell phenotypes in OAC with a primary goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets to combine with radiation to improve anti-tumour responses. Compared with healthy controls, anti-tumour T cell function was impaired in OAC patients, demonstrated by lower IFN-γ production by CD4+ T helper cells and lower CD8+ T cell cytotoxic potential. Such diminished T cell effector functions were enhanced following treatment with clinically relevant doses of irradiation. Interestingly, CCR5+ T cells were significantly more abundant in OAC patient blood compared with healthy controls, and CCR5 surface expression by T cells was further enhanced by clinically relevant doses of irradiation. Moreover, irradiation enhanced T cell migration towards OAC patient-derived tumour-conditioned media (TCM). In vitro treatment with the CCR5 antagonist Maraviroc enhanced IFN-γ production by CD4+ T cells and increased the migration of irradiated CD8+ T cells towards irradiated TCM, suggesting its synergistic therapeutic potential in combination with irradiation. Overall, this study highlights the immunostimulatory properties of radiation in promoting anti-tumour T cell responses in OAC and increasing T cell migration towards chemotactic cues in the tumour. Importantly, the CCR5 antagonist Maraviroc holds promise to be repurposed in combination with radiotherapy to promote anti-tumour T cell responses in OAC.

Long-term enhancements in antidepressant efficacy and neurogenesis: Effects of intranasal co-administration of neuropeptide Y 1 receptor (NPY1R) and galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) agonists in the ventral hippocampus.

This study evaluates the sustained antidepressant-like effects and neurogenic potential of a 3-day intranasal co-administration regimen of galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) agonist M1145 and neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor (NPY1R) agonist [Leu31, Pro34]NPY in the ventral hippocampus of adult rats, with outcomes analyzed 3 weeks post-treatment. Utilizing the forced swimming test (FST), we found that this co-administration significantly enhances antidepressant-like behaviors, an effect neutralized by the GALR2 antagonist M871, highlighting the synergistic potential of these neuropeptides in modulating mood-related behaviors. Insitu proximity ligation assay (PLA) indicated a significant increase in GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes in the ventral hippocampal dentate gyrus, suggesting a molecular basis for the behavioral outcomes observed. Moreover, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunolabeling revealed increased cell proliferation in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, specifically in neuroblasts as evidenced by co-labeling with doublecortin (DCX), without affecting quiescent neural progenitors or astrocytes. The study also noted a significant uptick in the number of DCX-positive cells and alterations in dendritic morphology in the ventral hippocampus, indicative of enhanced neuronal differentiation and maturation. These morphological changes highlight the potential of these agonists to facilitate the functional integration of new neurons into existing neural circuits. By demonstrating the long-lasting effects of a brief, 3-day intranasal administration of GALR2 and NPY1R agonists, our findings contribute significantly to the understanding of neuropeptide-mediated neuroplasticity and herald novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of depression and related mood disorders, emphasizing the therapeutic promise of targeting neurogenesis and neuronal maturation processes.

Determination of chemical compositions of rosemary and sweet marjoram essential oils and their blends and their antifungal potential against potato rubbery rot disease agent Geotrichum candidum

AbstractIn this study, the chemical compositions of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Spenn.) and sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) essential oils, both individually and in various blend ratios, were investigated by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Their antifungal activities were also determined against the potato rubbery rot disease agent, Geotrichum candidum, under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Camphor (20.69%) and terpinen-4-ol (35.13%) were determined as primary constituents in rosemary and sweet marjoram essential oils, respectively. Sweet marjoram and rosemary essential oils completely inhibited mycelial growth of G. candidum at 55.0 and 65.0 µL/Petri concentrations, respectively. Essential oils at these concentrations were found as fungicidal. Notably, a synergistic fungicidal antifungal effects were also observed in essential oil blends. Blend of sweet marjoram and rosemary essential oil in a 3:1 ratio (O75R25) significantly enhanced antifungal activity at the relatively lower concentration (45.0 µL/Petri). Microscopic observations revealed structural deformations in exposed hyphae, including cytoplasmic coagulation and vacuolization. Essential oil blend (O75R25), sweet marjoram and rosemary essential oils completely inhibited the disease lesion caused by G. candidum on potato tubers at concentrations of 100.0, 125.0, and 150.0 µL/L air, respectively. These findings emphasized that essential oil blends of rosemary and sweet marjoram have synergistic antifungal potential and can be used as effective biofungicides against plant fungal diseases.

Phage therapy: breathing new tactics into lower respiratory tract infection treatments.

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) present a significant global health burden, exacerbated by the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The persistence and evolution of multidrug-resistant bacteria intensifies the urgency for alternative treatments. This review explores bacteriophage (phage) therapy as an innovative solution to combat bacterial LRTIs. Phages, abundant in nature, demonstrate specificity towards bacteria, minimal eukaryotic toxicity, and the ability to penetrate and disrupt bacterial biofilms, offering a targeted approach to infection control. The article synthesises evidence from systematic literature reviews spanning 2000-2023, in vitro and in vivo studies, case reports and ongoing clinical trials. It highlights the synergistic potential of phage therapy with antibiotics, the immunophage synergy in animal models, and the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics critical for clinical application. Despite promising results, the article acknowledges that phage therapy is at a nascent stage in clinical settings, the challenges of phage-resistant bacteria, and the lack of comprehensive cost-effectiveness studies. It stresses the need for further research to optimise phage therapy protocols and navigate the complexities of phage-host interactions, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised. We call for regulatory adjustments to facilitate the exploration of the long-term effects of phage therapy, aiming to incorporate this old-yet-new therapy into mainstream clinical practice to tackle the looming AMR crisis.

Effectiveness of wealth-based vs exchange-based tax systems in reducing inequality

In the so-called “fair” models of peer-to-peer wealth exchanges, economic inequality tends to reach its maximum value asymptotically. This global trend is evident as the richest continuously accumulate a larger share of wealth at the expense of others. To address the mounting issue of inequality, different strategies of taxes and redistribution are commonly employed. Our study delves into the interplay between wealth and trade (consumption) tax bases, probing their impact on wealth distribution within wealth-conservative economies. The ultimate aim is to unearth an optimal framework that adeptly curbs inequality. Through a meticulous analysis of varying tax rates and the allocation of the collected tax to the most economically vulnerable strata, we unveil a compelling pattern resembling two distinct phases. These phases delineate the most effective systems for inequality mitigation. Our findings underscore the synergistic potential of amalgamating these tax systems, surpassing the individual efficacy of each. This synthesis beckons policymakers to weave together tax rates and precision-targeted redistribution, crafting tax systems that wield the potential for tangible and substantial reductions in economic disparity.

Investigating Bacopa monnieri L. Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases.

The popular perennial creeping plant known as Bacopa monnieri (also known as Brahmi) is being utilized in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine practice. It has a variety of bioactive phytoconstituents that have been used therapeutically to treat a number of serious illnesses. Ancient Vedic scholars used this herb because of its pharmacological effects, particularly as a nerve booster and nootropic supporter. However, it is vital to comprehend the active phytochemical components of Bacopa monnieri extract (BME) and their molecular mechanisms in order to better grasp the effect of BME on neurological illnesses and diseases. Understanding its active phytochemical constituents and their molecular processes is essential. Numerous clinical investigations indicated that BME may have neuroprotective benefits, so it is worthwhile to re-evaluate this wellknown plant. Here, we focused on neurological problems as we examined the pharmacological and phytochemical characteristics of BME. For their effective usage in neuroprotection and cognition, many clinical concerns and the synergistic potential of Bacopa extract have been investigated. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition caused by the production of reactive oxygen species, which also causes amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein aggregation and increases neuro-inflammation and neurotoxicity. Our review offers a more indepth molecular understanding of the neuroprotective functions of BME, which can also be connected to its therapeutic management of neurological illnesses and cognitive-improving effects.