Scientific Research Research Articles

UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS OF STEVIA REBAUDIANA BERTONI FOR DIABETES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complicated metabolic condition defined by long-term elevated blood glucose levels. This chronic hyperglycemia induces metabolic dysfunctions that cause structural and functional disruptions in the vasculature, leading to macrovascular and microvascular complications. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, commonly known as Stevia, is a perennial shrub that contains various bioactive constituents responsible for its sweetness and several other activities. Many studies on Stevia have shown that it possesses various beneficial effects on health, including being zero-calorie, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-tumor. Several studies have found that neither gastric juice nor digestive enzymes decompose stevioside. The presence of bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds supports Stevia's medicinal properties and its potential use in both the food/nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. A significant antioxidant capacity of Stevia has been identified recently. It can also help limit essential nutrient supply to tumor cells. Research on Stevia's effects on the human body has largely found no negative side effects. The growing body of evidence underscores Stevia's potential role in managing various health conditions, particularly for diabetic patients, due to its minimal impact on blood sugar levels. However, to fully harness its benefits and meet the increasing global demand, further scientific research is essential to optimize its cultivation, enhance its chemical constituents and ensure its safety. Overall, Stevia stands out as a promising natural sweetener with significant health benefits for diabetic patients. In this review article, we explore different aspects of Stevia and its beneficial effects on diabetic patients.

Cities Are Concentrators of Complex, MultiSectoral Interactions Within the Human‐Earth System

AbstractCities are concentrators of complex, multi‐sectoral interactions. As keystones in the interconnected human‐Earth system, cities have an outsized impact on the Earth system. We describe a multi‐lens framework for organizing our understanding of the complexity of urban systems and scientific research on urban systems, which may be useful for natural system scientists exploring the ways their work can be made more actionable. We then describe four critical dimensions along which improvements are needed to advance the urban research that addresses urgent climate challenges: (a) solutions‐oriented research, (b) equity‐centered assessments which rely on fine‐scale human and ecological data, (c) co‐production of knowledge, and (d) better integration of human and natural systems occurring through theory, observation, and modeling.

Nanoripples evolution on tungsten surface induced by two-pulse configuration

Tuneable shapes and uniformity of the laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) attract interest because of their diverse applications in both scientific research and technological advancements. In this work, we investigate the progression of regular one-dimensional (1D) LIPSS on a tungsten surface, examining its evolution based on the time delay between two laser pulses that initiate the formation of nanoripples. 1D-LIPSS were formed in the case of single-beam laser ablation with approximately 84 laser pulses. Two-dimensional (2D) LIPSS, including triangle, hexagonal, and square shapes, were generated by employing two cross-polarized laser beams (with wavelengths of 1030 nm and pulse durations of 40 fs) with no delay between the pulses. However, introducing a time delay of 2 picoseconds (ps) between the two cross-polarized laser pulses resulted in the division of the initially cross-oriented 2D-LIPSS into square-shaped structures, particularly along the spatially overlapped region of the laser beams. The emergence of triangle- and hexagonal-shaped two-dimensional laser-induced periodic surface structures (2D-LIPSS) is analyzed within the framework of a self-organization model, particularly in the context of solidifying the molten layer under cold temperature conditions on the tungsten surface. We examine the formation mechanism of LIPSS, attributing it to a combination of the self-organization/hydrodynamic mechanism initially, which transitions to the electromagnetic mechanism as the effective number of pulses increases.

Political PR in International Digital Communications: The Experience of the Eurasian Media Space

Digital media has become an integral part of the political life of citizens, as an increasing number of people around the world use digital media technologies for communication. Digital media contribute to the formation of socio-political factors that raise concerns about the spread of disinformation, information disagreements and political polarization.Aim. To analyze the tools, problems and opportunities of political PR in the context of digitalization of the media space in foreign countries and the EAEU countries.Tasks. To give significant ideas about the concepts of “political public relations” and “political communication”; to identify factors influencing political communication processes; to present international experience in the application of political PR in the context of digitalization of media; to formulate the possibilities for the development of Eurasian integration in the context of digitalization of the media space.Methods. The methodological basis of the scientific research was such modern general scientific research methods as: comparative analysis, statistical and structural-logical methods, content analysis of open sources of information.Results. The paper defines the role and importance of digital media in political PR activities, identifies traditional and modern factors of influence on political activity, as well as problems in the new digital reality. To build political communications with the audience, its impact and increase engagement, political organizations use new media technologies using multimodality. In practice, the digital inequality of the world population deprives a number of people of digital communication, and as a result, the necessary conditions for participation in the political and economic life of the country. The digital divide of the EAEU countries reduces the political communicative impact on citizens’ beliefs in the need to strengthen integration processes. It seems appropriate to introduce consistency in the formation of the Eurasian integration agenda and a single digital information field to increase the political culture of civic engagement in all EAEU member states.Conclusions. With the help of variation of resources, the necessary content is formed to create the necessary audience effect. Indeed, digital media has a number of advantages that have been proven in practice, however, political PR is influenced by the negative side of the development of digital communications — the spread of fake news, most of which cannot be traced to the source. Therefore, the transformation of digital opportunities, the distribution of political resources, the dissemination of political discourse and the structure of political opportunities in the digital age is the most relevant in the modern world. Using the example of the EAEU countries, it is proved that digitalization in the international media space causes the involvement of citizens of different countries in integration, generalization and formation of public support for the state.

Emily Lawless, Natural History, and the Possibilities of Enchantment

Natural History – including entomology, marine zoology, and botany – enjoyed a significant vogue in the late nineteenth century, coinciding with the much more widely celebrated and discussed literary and cultural revival. These, I argue, are not distinct but rather entwined movements. Placing the Irish novelist, poet and scientist Emily Lawless (1845–1913) within this context, and examining both her scientific research and novels including Major Lawrence F.L.S (1885) and The Book of Gilly (1906), this article explores the overlapping modes of science and literature in the work, and suggests that Lawless’s sustained and committed engagement in naturalist study in Ireland led to an attempt to harness the discourses of natural science into narratives of spiritual and national resurgence. Whereas many contemporaries – Yeats among them – rejected science as a disenchanting force, Lawless provides an illuminating counter-example, whose scepticism regarding the occult spiritualities of her Revival contemporaries led her to develop an alternative form of positivist spirituality which foregrounded the materiality of the natural world and the spiritual potential of close, detailed scientific study.

DEVELOPMENT OF A DEPRESSOR ADDITIVE BASED ON BIODEGRADABLE CHITOSAN FOR DIESEL FUEL

For the first time in scientific research, effective compositions of copolymers based on environmentally friendly aminopolysaccharide chitosan and acrylic acid and styrene were developed and scientifically based. The scientific significance of the research results was explained by the fact that a copolymer was obtained from acrylic and styrene.

Pathogenetic relationship of microbiome and metabolic disorders on the background of hypertension and gout: Potential targets of pharmacotherapy

Cardiometabolic diseases are one of the urgent problems of modern medicine. Currently, much attention is being paid to the study of the common pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, gout and hypertension. One of the pharmacological targets is the correction of the intestinal microbiome and dysbiosis, as an integral link in the development of systemic inflammation and endotoxinemia, leading to the development of these pathologies. The article presents the results of scientific research devoted to the study of the effect of the intestinal microbiome on the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The main goal of the research is to find a rational pharmacological therapy of intestinal dysbiosis for the treatment of comorbid patients. It has been proved that, together with standard drug therapy, taking into account the pathogenetic features of the development of cardiometabolic diseases, it is advisable to use drugs that affect the intestinal microbiome. The main classical approach is the use of probiotic drugs containing live bacteria. The use of probiotics in combination with probiotic drugs to support the growth of intestinal normoflora has become a promising direction. However, this approach requires a long period of correction of the microflora, which prompted the idea of using postbiotics – signaling molecules – products of the vital activity of the microflora for a more targeted and rapid effect on pathological processes, both in the intestine and on the organ system as a whole. This approach promotes the beginning of the development of synbiotics, a complex of microorganisms, growth factors and metabolites that made it possible to more effectively influence on dysbiotic processes in various pathologies, including dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Correction of intestinal barrier permeability disorders will help prevent the development of systemic complications associated with chronic pathologies. The article also presents the author’s scheme of the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases, based on the study of current scientific research.

Comprehensive undergraduate experiment: determination of phenylurea herbicide in tea by magnetic solid-phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography

Against the backdrop of the Ministry of Education's promotion of new agricultural science construction and interdisciplinary integration, a comprehensive chemistry experiment to enhance the practical skills of students in preparing biomass functional materials and detecting pesticide residues was designed. Natural loofah was utilized as a precursor in synthesizing nitrogen-doped magnetic porous carbon materials, which were then applied in a magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) technique. Subsequently, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to analyze and detect the phenylurea herbicide monuron in tea. The experimental process included material synthesis, characterization, optimization of the MSPE conditions, adsorption performance studies, and HPLC, reflecting its scientific, systematic nature and providing a comprehensive learning platform for students. It not only deepens student understanding of the relationship between material characterization and application, but also improves their experimental design and problem-solving capacities. Moreover, by integrating cutting-edge science, ideological and political education, and experimental training, it not only stimulates student interest in scientific research and cultivates innovative thinking and practical skills, but also strengthens their feelings of social responsibility and historical mission. This approach realizes the comprehensive educational goals of experimental training and lays the foundation for nurturing high-quality talent with a global perspective and sense of social responsibility.

Innovations in reproductive medicine, Gartner hype cycle and Dunning–Kruger effect

Research questionIn the dynamic field of reproductive medicine, the introduction of new technologies and interventions often follows the modified Gartner hype cycle, characterised by initial enthusiasm, unmet inflated expectations, and eventual disillusionment. This paper explores how the Dunning-Kruger effect, where individuals overestimate their knowledge and competence, contributes to the hype cycle in reproductive medicine. DesignBy examining the history of the endometrial scratch, the study illustrates the negative impact of prematurely adopted innovations. We stress the urgent need for a more rigorous approach to designating interventions as 'innovative' and call for robust data collection and analysis to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. ResultsThis proposed framework aims to balance the need for innovation with the imperative to protect patients from harm and ensure the cost-effectiveness of reproductive technologies. It reiterates the importance of evidence-based practice, emphasising that interventions should be thoroughly vetted through scientific research before being widely adopted. The paper underscores the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing the introduction of new technologies to prevent the premature implementation of unproven methods. ConclusionsWe propose the creation of comprehensive national and international databases accessible to researchers and clinicians. This would facilitate the rapid and reliable assessment of new treatments, allowing for continuous monitoring of their safety and efficacy. By integrating data from various sources, the framework aims to provide a more holistic understanding of the impacts of new interventions on patient outcomes. This paper advocates for a cautious and measured approach to innovation, ensuring that advancements are scientifically validated and clinically beneficial.

Pandit Srinivasa Narayana Iyengar: A pioneer who revived Ayurveda in the Tamil region and advocated for the combined recognition of Ayurveda and Siddha

Abstract The study explores the life and multifaceted contributions of Pandit Srinivasa Narayana Iyengar, a key figure in the revival movement of Ayurveda during Colonial India. Iyengar dedicated his life to the practice of Ayurveda, emphasizing charitable services and contributing to the propagation of Ayurvedic principles. The monthly Ayurvedic medical journal, Vaidya Chandrika, initiated by him, helped in fostering communication between Sanskrit and Tamil-speaking physicians. Other noteworthy endeavors include establishing dispensaries, raw drug stores, and pharmacies for manufacturing medicines. In addition to his active involvement in sociopolitical spheres, Iyengar resisted Western medical dominance, opposing the linguistic and regional divisions within Ayurveda and Siddha. His principles emphasized scientific thinking, observation, and public awareness for the revival of Ayurveda. This article aims to shed light on the invaluable contributions of Pandit S. Narayana Iyengar in professionalizing Ayurvedic practice and encouraging an integrated medical system in Tamil Nadu during a crucial period in history.

Enhanced optical, dielectric and transport properties in PVDF based (La0.5Bi0.5FeO3)0.5-(BaTiO3)0.5 composites

In this comprehensive study, we investigated PVDF composites incorporating LaBiFeO3-BaTiO3 (LaBiFO-BaTO) perovskite fillers, focusing on their structural, optical, dielectric, impedance, modulus and DC-conductivity properties. The fabrication involved precise preparation of LaBiFO-BaTO perovskite via solid-state reaction, ensuring phase purity conducive to composite integration. Using a solution casting method, PVDF films with varying LaBiFO-BaTO concentrations (5 %, 10 %, and 15 % wt) were successfully synthesized. XRD confirmed the synthesis of single-phase LaBiFO-BaTO and revealed structural modifications in PVDF composites, highlighting improved filler-matrix interactions at higher concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy depicted the morphological evolution and surface roughness changes with increasing filler content. Optical studies indicated a red shift in absorption spectra with higher LaBiFO-BaTO concentrations, correlating with a decrease in the direct band gap energy of the composites. Electrical characterization demonstrated enhanced dielectric properties and impedance behaviour in PVDF/LaBiFO-BaTO composites, suggesting their suitability for applications in capacitors and optoelectronic devices. This systematic investigation provides valuable insights into optimizing PVDF-based composites for advanced functional materials. The composites exhibit enhanced dielectric permittivity at room temperature, attributed to space charge polarization and the high dielectric constant of LaBiFO-BaTO. Dielectric loss (tanδ) remains minimal (<0.1), decreasing with frequency, indicative of low energy dissipation suitable for high-frequency applications. Further the dielectric relaxation have been examined using Havrilak-Negami model. Impedance and modulus analyses reveal temperature-dependent behaviours, with reduced impedance and enhanced charge transfer kinetics in higher concentration composites. DC conductivity measurements demonstrate increased charge transport properties with temperature, influenced by thermally activated charge hopping mechanisms. Overall, PVDF/LaBiFO-BaTO composites show promising characteristics for capacitors, sensors, and optoelectronic devices, suggesting avenues for further optimization and broader application in advanced technologies.

Target detection and simultaneous degradation of furazolidone by molecularly imprinted CoWO4/g-C3N4

In this study, a "Two birds with one stone" strategy was employed to concurrently address the challenges of electrochemical detection and photocatalytic degradation of the environmentally hazardous furazolidone (FRZ). An innovative molecularly imprinted CoWO4/g-C3N4 (i.e. MIP-CoWO4/g-C3N4) nanomaterials was constructed through a combination of hydrothermal and electrochemical polymerization techniques. The resulting MIP-CoWO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites can be served as an exceptional sensing platform for FRZ detection, demonstrating low detection limit (2.61×10−13 mol L−1), considerable sensitivity (2.03 μA. nM−1. mm−2), excellent selectivity and decent stability. Meanwhile, the MIP-CoWO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites exhibited remarkable photocatalytic efficiency for FRZ degradation (79.87 %). In addition, the systematic investigation into the impact of operational reaction parameters on both the electrocatalytic and photocatalytic reactions was conducted, elucidating the plausible mechanisms for both detecting and degrading FRZ. This research provides firm foundation for the development of multifunctional nanomaterials, further advancing the "integration of diagnosis and treatment" in environmental management and control.

Adsorptive removal of ppb levels of boron trichloride using N-doped porous carbon materials

The removal of trace boron impurities (BCl3) in chlorosilane represents a significant challenge in polysilicon production. In this study, we employed the high-temperature ammonia etching method to fabricate nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) adsorbents derived from lignite. The as-prepared NPCs were tested and evaluated as potential adsorbents for efficient removal of BCl3. Furthermore, a systematic investigation was conducted to assess the impact of contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dose, and temperature. It was found that the adsorbent (NPC900) obtained at 900 °C exhibited an excellent efficacy in removing BCl3 (R% = 98.9 %), with a residual concentration of BCl3 in the solution was 1.65 ppb, which met the industrial requirements. This can be primarily attributed to its porous structure and high pyridinic-N content. Furthermore, the adsorption of BCl3 on NPC900 was better followed by Pseudo-second order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The interactions between BCl3 and different nitrogen forms was analysis through the utilizing density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The findings indicate that pyridinic-N exhibits a stronger interaction with BCl3 (Eads = −102.35 kJ/mol), primarily due to the easier electron transfer from the nitrogen atom on pyridinic-N to BCl3.

Social solidarity of students: university practices and fashioning tools

The problem of the research. Integration and consolidation are needed in modern society. Of particular importance is the maintenance of solidaristic practices, the "education" of which should be carried out by the educational system in general and higher education institutions in particular. Today it is important to understand what tools the Russian university system has for the formation of solidaristic thought and action. In this regard, it is important to rethink the experience of the Soviet era, when solidarity education was part of the ideological system. The aim of the article is to identify the most effective tools and methodologies for fostering solidarity consciousness among students at Russian universities, with due consideration of both national and global experience. Materials and methods. Theoretical analysis was employed to examine Russian and global scientific literature on the nature and evolution of social solidarity among young people and students, its underlying principles and manifestations. The system approach and the principle of additionality were employed to comprehend the instruments and practices of social solidarity formation in higher education institutions. The position of an "internal observer" integrated within the university system was augmented and refined by the research position of an "external observer", enabling a comprehensive examination of the university system. Results. The system of Russian higher education in modern conditions continues to be the most important actor of socialization of the young generation, designed to instill in them one of the basic values – the value of social solidarity. The educational subjects within the social and humanitarian block, which form part of the overall educational process, have the potential to facilitate the formation of social solidarity. In order to fully grasp this concept, it is necessary to apply it to the ongoing process of updating the aforementioned disciplines, which are designed to create a uniform set of content and teaching methods. This will help to foster a holistic worldview in young people, equipping them to engage with the world around them in an informed and empathetic manner. The process of fostering solidarity thinking and action cannot be reduced solely to the educational process, the improvement of the curriculum and the set of disciplines. The trinity of educational, educational and scientific processes is capable of forming social solidarity among modern Russian students. Conclusion. It is challenging to envisage Russian society without the pivotal role of higher education, which is tasked with actively shaping the value priorities of young people. In light of the crucial mission of socialization carried out by higher education institutions, which includes the formation of fundamental values and the promotion of solidarity practices among student youth, it is evident that the influence of higher education on the younger generation of Russian citizens is significant.

Optimized protocol for the multiomics processing of cryopreserved human kidney tissue.

Biobanking of tissue from clinically obtained kidney biopsies for later analysis with multiomic approaches, such as single-cell technologies, proteomics, metabolomics, and the different types of imaging, is an inevitable step to overcome the need of disease model systems and toward translational medicine. Hence, collection protocols that ensure integration into daily clinical routines by the usage of preservation media that do not require liquid nitrogen but instantly preserve kidney tissue for both clinical and scientific analyses are necessary. Thus, we modified a robust single-nucleus dissociation protocol for kidney tissue stored snap-frozen or in the preservation media RNAlater and CellCover. Using at first porcine kidney tissue as a surrogate for human kidney tissue, we conducted single-nucleus RNA sequencing with the widely recognized Chromium 10X Genomics platform. The resulting datasets from each storage condition were analyzed to identify any potential variations in transcriptomic profiles. Furthermore, we assessed the suitability of the preservation media for additional analysis techniques such as proteomics, metabolomics, and the preservation of tissue architecture for histopathological examination including immunofluorescence staining. In this study, we show that in daily clinical routines, the preservation medium RNAlater facilitates the collection of highly preserved human kidney biopsies and enables further analysis with cutting-edge techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing, proteomics, and histopathological evaluation. Only metabolome analysis is currently restricted to snap-frozen tissue. This work will contribute to build tissue biobanks with well-defined cohorts of the respective kidney disease that can be deeply molecularly characterized, opening up new horizons for the identification of unique cells, pathways and biomarkers for the prevention, early identification, and targeted therapy of kidney diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we addressed challenges in integrating clinically obtained kidney biopsies into everyday clinical routines. Using porcine kidneys, we evaluated preservation media (RNAlater and CellCover) versus snap freezing for multi-omics processing. Our analyses highlighted RNAlater's suitability for single-nucleus RNA sequencing, proteome analysis and histopathological evaluation. Only metabolomics are currently restricted to snap-frozen biopsies. Our research established a cryopreservation protocol that facilitates tissue biobanking for advancing precision medicine in nephrology.

A Typology and Lead Isotope and Cultural Exchange Study on Bronze Knives from Shuangyuan Cemetery, Chengdu City, Southwest China

Background: Bronze knives, which have been excavated in large quantities and acquired hierarchical significance, are essential artifacts in Shu State in Southwest China. Building upon previous typological analyses of bronze knives, it is hypothesized that Shu culture may have imported foreign-style bronze knives. However, further demonstration of the provenance of metal materials, the typology of knives, and the cultural exchange necessitates a comprehensive examination through the lens of scientific analysis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in the manufacturing processes and metal resources of Shu bronze knives with various cultural styles and whether bronze knives in the foreign styles were imported or locally imitated. Methods: In this study, the typology, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to analyze twenty-four bronze knives unearthed from Shuangyuan cemetery, a cemetery of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. Results: The results of the study show that the knives of Shuangyuan Cemetery can be classified typologically into five types, encompassing both local and foreign styles. The predominant alloy composition of these knives is lead-tin bronze, characterized by a notably high tin content. Lead isotope ratios indicate that metal materials from the South China geochemical province and Yangtze geochemical province were mainly used to manufacture the bronze knives unearthed from the Shu state Conclusion: While the majority of foreign-style knives with ring-shaped heads were likely imported from neighboring regions like Chu state, distinctively styled type D and type E bronze knives appear to have been locally imitated by the Shu, showcasing a blend of external influences and indigenous innovation. The combination of typology and scientific analysis of the bronze knife may shed new light on the study of the Shu culture of the Eastern Zhou period.

Development of a science, environment, technology, and society-based learning module to foster critical thinking in elementary students

This study aims to develop a science, environment, technology, and society (SETS)-based learning module to enhance critical thinking skills among elementary school students. Employing a research and development (RD) approach adapting the Borg and Gall model, this module is designed to enrich the learning process of natural and social sciences (IPAS). The research sample involved elementary school students from selected schools, utilizing quantitative methods to measure the module's effectiveness. Validation results showed high scores in content, media, language, and pedagogy, indicating a highly valid module. Practicality tests revealed high practicality from both learners' and educators' perspectives, with average scores above 90. The findings indicate a significant increase in students' critical thinking abilities post-module learning, as measured by pre-test and post-test instruments. Implications of these findings suggest that integrating SETS concepts into IPAS learning can be an effective strategy in enhancing elementary students' critical thinking skills. These findings also offer insights for educational practitioners in designing more interactive and environmentally relevant learning materials.

A Guide to Implementation Science for Phase 3 Clinical Trialists: Designing Trials for Evidence Uptake

The delayed and modest uptake of evidence-based treatments following cardiovascular clinical trials highlights the need for greater attention to implementation early in the development and testing of treatments. However, implementation science is not well understood and is often an afterthought following phase 3 trials. In this review, we describe the goals, frameworks, and methods of implementation science, along with common multilevel barriers and facilitators of implementation. We propose that some of the approaches used for implementation well after a trial has ended can be incorporated into the design of phase 3 trials to foster early post-trial implementation. Approaches include, but are not limited to, engaging broad stakeholders including patients, clinicians, and decision-makers in trial advisory boards; using less restrictive eligibility criteria that ensure both internal validity and generalizability; having trial protocols reviewed by regulators; integrating trial execution with the health care system; evaluating and addressing barriers and facilitators to deployment of the intervention; and undertaking cost-effectiveness and cost utility analyses across jurisdictions. We provide case examples to highlight concepts and to guide end-of-trial implementation.

FIBROMIALGIA E DEPRESSÃO: IMPACTOS NA QUALIDADE DE VIDA

This work investigates the relationship between fibromyalgia and depression, two conditions that significantly affect individuals' quality of life and are often interconnected. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, while depression manifests as persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and changes in appetite and sleep. The main objective of the research was to analyze how these conditions relate to and influence each other. The methodology involved a literature review of studies on the topic, including scientific articles, theses, and research reports. The analysis focused on the prevalence of depressive disorders in patients with fibromyalgia, the interactions between physical and psychological symptoms, and the treatment strategies aimed at improving the quality of life of affected individuals. The results revealed a strong relationship between fibromyalgia and depression, with a high prevalence of depressive disorders in patients suffering from chronic pain. Depression not only intensifies the perception of pain but can also lead to the worsening of physical symptoms and a reduction in quality of life. The simultaneous diagnosis of these conditions is often challenging, as the symptoms overlap, making it difficult to choose the appropriate treatment. Furthermore, conventional treatments, which often focus solely on pain relief, are not entirely effective. Another important aspect identified was the role of social support in coping with both conditions. Patients who receive support from family and the community tend to have a better response to treatment, highlighting the importance of care that considers both physical and emotional aspects. The concluding considerations indicate that the interaction between fibromyalgia and depression is complex and requires integrated attention that includes not only medical care but also psychological and social support. It suggests that a broader approach to treating these conditions can lead to more positive outcomes, improving patients' quality of life. Finally, the need to raise awareness about the importance of social support and integrated treatment is emphasized to facilitate recovery and proper management of fibromyalgia and depression.

Insights into the culturable fungal endophytes of Dioscorea bulbifera L. in terms of their diversity, antidiabetic and antioxidant activity

The research on endophytes is focused on understanding the complex microbiome compositions, their interactions with host plants and their bioactive potential. Our study provided an overview of the diversity, distribution and bioactivities of culturable endophytic fungi associated with fungal endophytes of Dioscorea bulbifera L. The phylogenetic analysis depicted the evolutionary relationship among taxa of endophytic fungal isolates. The isolated fungal endophytes belonged to twenty-five genera and thirty-eight species. Further, diversity indices demonstrated significant diversity of fungal endophytes in the different tissues: stem, leaf, tuber and bulbil. A higher consistency of endophytic fungal isolates in the bulbils was found using Shannon index. Furthermore, Simpson's index revealed that the leaf tissue harboured highly diverse fungal endophytes. Likewise, Margalef's index depicted high taxonomic richness in bulbils. The isolates such as Acrocalymma medicaginis, Curvularia lycoperscii, Talaromyces macrospora, Fusarium laceratum, Paecilomyces formosus and Microascus cirrosus isolated in this study have been reported as endophytes for the first time from any plant. In-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the ethyl acetate extracts revealed that Nigrospora oryzae (Z2) effectively inhibited α-glucosidase activity with IC50 value of 0.6 µg/ml whereas IC50 value of the acarbose, the positive control was reported to be 0.040 µg/ml. The results of antioxidant activity demonstrated that H15A (Acrocalymma medicaginis) and BD5 (Phomopsis longicolla) could be used as potential sources of antioxidant agents. Moreover, H15A (Acrocalymma medicaginis) was reported to produce 687.1 ± 0.17 µg GAE/mg of TPC and 78.55 ± 0.29 µg QE/mg of TFC quantitatively. These findings suggest that the potential endophytes could be explored using systematic bio-guided investigations to further discover novel natural products. Our study provides an important resource for a deeper understanding of endophyte-plant interactions at molecular and genetic levels.