Unique Composition Research Articles

Metabolome and Metagenome Integration Unveiled Synthesis Pathways of Novel Antioxidant Peptides in Fermented Lignocellulosic Biomass of Palm Kernel Meal.

Approximately one-third of the entire world's food resources are deemed to be wasted. Palm kernel meal (PKM), a product that is extensively generated by the palm oil industry, exhibits a unique nutrient-rich composition. However, its recycling is seldom prioritized due to numerous factors. To evaluate the impact of enzymatic pretreatment and Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation upon the antioxidant activity of PKM, we implemented integrated metagenomics and metabolomics approaches. The substantially enhanced (p < 0.05) property of free radicals scavenging, as well as total flavonoids and polyphenols, demonstrated that the biotreated PKM exhibited superior antioxidant capacity. Non-targeted metabolomics disclosed that the Lactobacillus fermentation resulted in substantial (p < 0.05) biosynthesis of 25 unique antioxidant biopeptides, along with the increased (p < 0.05) enrichment ratio of the isoflavonoids and secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways. The 16sRNA sequencing and correlation analysis revealed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and polysaccharide lyases had significantly dominated (p < 0.05) proportions in PMEL, and these bacterial species were strongly (p < 0.05) positively interrelated with antioxidants peptides. Fermented PKM improves nutritional value by enhancing beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants and minimizing anti-nutritional factors, rendering it an invaluable feed ingredient and gut health promoter for animals, multifunctional food elements, or as an ingredient in sustainable plant-based diets for human utilization, and functioning as a culture substrate in the food sector.

Unsupervised Denoising in Spectral CT: Multi-Dimensional U-Net for Energy Channel Regularisation

Spectral Computed Tomography (CT) is a versatile imaging technique widely utilized in industry, medicine, and scientific research. This technique allows us to observe the energy-dependent X-ray attenuation throughout an object by using Photon Counting Detector (PCD) technology. However, a major drawback of spectral CT is the increase in noise due to a lower achievable photon count when using more energy channels. This challenge often complicates quantitative material identification, which is a major application of the technology. In this study, we investigate the Noise2Inverse image denoising approach for noise removal in spectral computed tomography. Our unsupervised deep learning-based model uses a multi-dimensional U-Net paired with a block-based training approach modified for additional energy-channel regularization. We conducted experiments using two simulated spectral CT phantoms, each with a unique shape and material composition, and a real scan of a biological sample containing a characteristic K-edge. orangeMeasuring the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM) for the simulated data and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for the real-world data, our approach not only outperforms previously used methods—namely the unsupervised Low2High method and the total variation-constrained iterative reconstruction method—but also does not require complex parameter tuning.

Green Protocol for the Synthesis of Luminescent Carbon Nanodots Derived from Murraya Koenigii Leaves and Urea: Enhancing Photoluminescence for Advanced Bioimaging.

We have synthesized Murraya Koenigii leaves powder-derived carbon nanodots (CNDs) by hydrothermal method. A tribute to our commitment to environmental sustainability is the unique composition of our CNDs, which are made entirely of natural carbon sources and a green solvent, water. Our further efforts to improve performance led us to start making nitrogen-doped CNDs. By using urea as a non-toxic source of nitrogen, we observed a substantial increase in fluorescence intensity, extending the usefulness and potential of these nanomaterials. We investigated the optical properties using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The other parameters, like structural and size-shape morphology, were analyzed using FTIR, XRD, and HR-TEM, respectively. The fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated their capability to exhibit wavelength-dependent photoluminescence (PL), highlighting the potential of these CNDs for cell bioimaging applications. The fluorescence properties affirm their suitability for biomedical applications, as they do not involve any inherent risk to cells.

Each Glacier Has a Unique Organic Matter Composition

Like snowflakes, no two glaciers are alike: Carbon-containing compounds released from glaciers vary from place to place, meaning climate and ecosystem effects of melting could vary as well.

Research Progress on the Quality, Extraction Technology, Food Application, and Physiological Function of Rice Bran Oil.

Rice bran oil is recommended by the World Health Organization as one of the three major healthy edible oils (along with corn and sesame oils), owing to its unique fatty acid composition and functional components. This study screened, organized, and analyzed a large number of studies retrieved through keyword searches, and investigated the nutritional value and safety of rice bran oil. It reviews the stability of raw rice bran materials and the extraction and refining process of rice bran oil and discusses food applications and sub-health regulations. Research has found that a delayed stabilization treatment of rice bran seriously affects the overall quality of rice bran oil. Compared with traditional solvent extraction, the new extraction technologies have improved the yield and nutritional value of rice bran oil, but most of them are still in the research stage. Owing to the lack of economical and applicable supporting production equipment, extraction is difficult to industrialize, which is a challenging research area for the future. Rice bran oil has stronger antioxidant stability than other edible oils and is more beneficial to human health; however, its application scope and consumption are limited owing to the product price and lack of understanding. Rice bran oil has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and neuroprotective effects. Further exploratory research on other unknown functions is required to lay a scientific basis for the application and development of rice bran oil.

Nutrient content and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry metabolomic comparative analysis of Lithocarpus corneus and Lithocarpus pachylepis.

China possesses abundant species resources in genus Lithocarpus Blume, commonly known as "acorns." These nuts are traditional foods in China, holding significant potential for local specialty food and rural economic development. To explore their edible value, we compared the nutritional components and metabolites between the fruits of Lithocarpus corneus (YD) and Lithocarpus pachylepis (HL), which are cultivated widely in south of China. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis of YD and HL was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technology. A total of eight classes of differential metabolites (DAMs) were detected: alkaloids, amino acids and peptides, carbohydrates, fatty acids, polyketides, shikimates and phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, and other metabolites. In the positive ion mode, 225 DAMs were identified, whereas in the negative ion mode, 116 DAMs were identified. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially abundant metabolites were generally enriched in three pathways: aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and ABC transporters. The nutritional content of YD has higher moisture, fructose, and total flavonoid levels, but lower starch, protein, fat, glucose, sucrose, and total sugar content than HL. Additionally, YD contains more Ca, K, P, and Fe, but less Mg and Zn compared to HL. Analyses indicate that YD is nutrient-rich and beneficial, making it suitable for further development. Two species of Lithocarpus contain nandrolone, suggesting a new direction for specialty food development. The unique chemical composition and rich nutritional content of Lithocarpus fruits provide a theoretical basis for their development and application as food resources. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: L. corneus and L. pachylepis are traditional Chinese nuts, rich in starch, minerals, and flavonoids, making them suitable for consumption or use as food constituents. Their fruits contain various unique natural chemical compounds, indicating high application value and development potential.

Exploring botanical diversity, ecological traits, and edaphic determinants in Kala Chitta National Park, Pakistan: Implications for conservation and management

Globally, environmental degradation has prompted several countries to strengthen their protected area networks to halt biodiversity loss. National parks incorporate into their design, are based on scientific evidence, and offer a complete management mechanism to enable successful conservation for the most ecologically critical and vulnerable ecosystem. However, managing these protected areas effectively requires a grasp of the complex dynamics of plant ecosystems and edaphic factors. Nevertheless, Pakistan's protected areas have seen the least investigation of these relationships. To fill this knowledge gap, this study investigates the vegetation dynamics and edaphic factors that influence plant distribution in Kala Chitta National Park of Pakistan. A comprehensive botanical survey documented 203 plant species across 60 study sites, revealing a diverse flora comprising species from 160 genera and 54 families. The most abundant families were Poaceae (34 species) and Fabaceae (21 species), Amaranthaceae (13 species) and Asteraceae (15 species). The majority of species were herbaceous (49.2%), followed by grasses (16.7%) and shrubs (15.2%). Climbers and ferns constituted 1.4% and 1.9% of the total, respectively, with co-dominant habits of tall reed and sedge accounting for 2.9% of the vegetation. Ecologically, Therophytes emerged as the most numerous life forms (42.8%), followed by hemicryptophytes (17.7%) and megaphanerophytes (8.3%). Analysis of leaf spectra revealed Nanophylls as the dominant type (36.9%), followed by Microphylls (33%). Phytogeographical distribution highlighted three major clusters, with Asia Tropical, Asia Temperate, and Europe accounting for 45% of species. Four distinct plant communities were identified using TWINSPAN analysis: Senegalia-Dichanthium-Justica (SDJ), Neltuma-Lantana-Cannabis (NLC), Prosopis-Saccharum-Desmostachya (PSD), and Dodonaea-Alhagi-Oxalis (DAO). Each community exhibited unique species compositions and ecological gradients influenced by edaphic factors. PCA revealed associations between specific edaphic variables and plant communities, with available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK) linked to the NLC community. At the same time, total nitrogen (TN) was predominantly associated with the DAO community. These findings highlight the importance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity within Kala Chitta National Park. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring of vegetation dynamics and collaborative conservation initiatives involving local stakeholders to promote ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental change.

Gut Microbiota and Its Connection to Neurological Disorders - summary of current knowledge

Introduction and Purpose: The gut microbiota plays a crucial role not only in absorption, metabolic, and immune processes but also increasingly in shaping behavior and is strongly linked to the gut-brain axis. Different sections of the digestive system, due to varying environmental conditions and physiological functions, have a unique microbiota composition, both quantitatively and qualitatively, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea. This study aims to review current scientific research on the impact of the gut microbiome on the gut-brain axis and to explore how this influence may affect neurological disorders. Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: Dysbiosis in the digestive system leads to changes in the composition of the gut microbiome, which can significantly impact the development and progression of various mental health conditions, as indicated by numerous clinical studies examining the gut-brain axis correlation. The main challenge is the insufficient understanding of which microorganisms within the human microbiota have positive or negative effects on mental health. Therefore, further research is needed to better elucidate these mechanisms. Summary: Neurological disorders are a common challenge in clinical practice. Evaluating gut microbiota and metabolic states may provide valuable diagnostic and therapeutic insights, potentially improving patients' quality of life. Materials and Evidence: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database.

Tribological and investigation study of a dlc-coated H13 friction drilling tool on AZ31B magnesium alloy

IntroductionFriction drilling is an innovative method in hole-making for sheet metal applications, thin sheets of conventional structural alloy materials like copper, titanium, steel etc., even though there are other methods, such as thermal distortion for the welding of nuts, riveting of nuts, and threading. For the last hundred years, researchers have focused on studying the development of this technique to maintain strength, hole roughness, hole geometry, hardness etc. It is interested in finding solutions for wear, tool life, and plastic deformation.MethodFriction drilling is also called a green hole-making process because this process uses the friction between the rotating tool and the workpiece. In this research, instead of regular HSS and Tungsten Carbide tools, the H13 tool steel is used, because the H13 steel tool has unique chemical compositions like chromium and molybdenum, which give high toughness, hot hardness, and wear resistance. Diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coating has been used in this research to enhance tool life and AZ31B magnesium alloy is used as the work material. Initially, in this research, the wear stability of the DLC-coated H13 tool was investigated, and later, the tool surface roughness and hole quality were verified.Results and DiscussionThe material loss observed for the DLC-coated H13 steel tool in the pin-on-disk test was 0.05 g. This investigation used two different diameter tools, namely 3 and 7 mm. Research has concluded that the 7 mm tool is better for friction drilling by seeing the roughness and hole quality. However, the conditions were that the spindle should rotate at 4,000 rpm and the feed rate of the tool to be at 200 mm/rev.

Sea buckthorn and its flavonoids isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol favorably influence bone and breast tissue health.

Bone tissue and breast tissue are interrelated, as demonstrated by breast microcalcifications, breast cancer bone metastases, bone morphogenetic proteins, and Wnt signaling. In addition, osteoblasts and osteoclasts represent an important switch of tumor cell dormancy during bone metastasis. Damage to both types of tissues mentioned above is highly prevalent, especially in postmenopausal women, and manifests itself in osteoporosis and breast cancer. Sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides L.), a botanical drug with high antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties, has great therapeutic potential due to the unique composition of its bioactive metabolites. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge from in vitro and in vivo studies on the effect of sea buckthorn, as well as its most widespread flavonoids isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, on bone and breast tissue health. In vitro studies have revealed the beneficial impacts of sea buckthorn and aforementioned flavonoids on both bone health (bone remodeling, mineralization, and oxidative stress) and breast tissue health (cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor growth, and metastatic behavior). In vivo studies have documented their protective effects against disturbed bone microarchitecture and reduced bone strength in animal models of osteoporosis, as well as against tumor expansion and metastatic properties in animal xenograft models. In any case, further research and clinical trials are needed to carefully evaluate the potential therapeutic benefits of sea buckthorn and its flavonoids. Based on the available information, however, it can be concluded that these bioactive metabolites favorably affect both bone and breast tissue health.

Structural and functional insights into the T-even type bacteriophage topoisomerase II.

T-even type bacteriophages are virulent phages commonly used as model organisms, playing a crucial role in understanding various biological processes. One such process involves the regulation of DNA topology during phage replication upon host infection, governed by type IIA DNA topoisomerases. In spite of various studies on prokaryotic and eukaryotic counterparts, viral topoisomerase II remains insufficiently understood, especially the unique domain composition of T4 phage. In this study, we determine the cryo-EM structures of topoisomerase II from T4 and T6 phages, including full-length structures of both apo and DNA-binding states which have never been determined before. Together with other conformational states, these structures provide an explicit blueprint of mechanisms of phage topoisomerase II. Particularly, the asymmetric dimeric interactions observed in cryo-EM structures of T6 phage topoisomerase II ATPase domain and central domain bound with DNA shed light on the asynchronous ATP usage and asynchronous cleavage of the G-segment DNA, respectively. The elucidation of phage topoisomerase II's structures and functions not only enhances our understanding of mechanisms and evolutionary parallels with prokaryotic and eukaryotic homologs but also highlights its potential as a model for developing type IIA topoisomerase inhibitors.

Seeds Combining Pyrrolidine Control the Framework Al Distribution of FER Zeolite to Enhance Its Performance in the Skeletal Isomerization of n-Butene

FER zeolites have a unique framework structure and acid distribution, and are widely studied as a catalyst for reactions such as n-butene skeletal isomerization and dimethyl ether carbonylation. The Brönsted acid site (BAS) located in the 10-member ring (10-MR) of FER zeolites serves as the active site for the isomerization reaction of skeletal n-butene to produce isobutene. This study prepared five types of FER zeolites using different methods: using pyrrolidine (PY) alone as a template; using Na-form FER as seeds (SN) or H-form FER as seeds without organic structure directing agents (OSDAs); and combining the seeds of SN or SH with PY as OSDAs. The differences in the structure and acid distribution of the five zeolites were investigated, as well as their catalytic performance for the skeletal isomerization of n-butene. Experiments and characterization results showed that under hydrothermal synthesis conditions, the FER-PY+SH zeolites synthesized by using both H-form zeolites seeds and pyridine exhibited the highest aluminum concentrations at T1 and T3 sites, along with the greatest BAS located in the 10-MR. This unique composition contributed to the highest selectivity of isobutene. The FER-PY+SH catalyst was continuously used for 720 h at 350 °C, 0.1 MPa, and an n-butene mass space velocity of 2.0 h−1 for three cycles of 2160 h. During this period, the conversion of n-butene was over 39%, while the selectivity of isobutene exceeded 95%. The FER-PY+SH catalyst exhibited excellent stability and activity.

Silk Fibroin-Based Multiple-Shape-Memory Organohydrogels.

Organohydrogels (OHGs) are intriguing materials due to their unique composition of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. This antagonistic nature endows the OHGs with several remarkable properties, making them highly versatile for various applications. We present here a simple and inexpensive approach to fabricate silk fibroin (SF)-based OHGs with multistage switching mechanics and viscoelasticity. The continuous hydrophilic phase of the OHG precursor consists of an aqueous SF solution, while the hydrophobic droplet phase consists of a crystallizable n-octadecyl acrylate (C18A) monomer and several long-chain saturated hydrocarbons (HCs) with various chain lengths between 14 and 32 carbon atoms, namely, n-tetradecane, n-octadecane, n-docosane, n-dotriacontane, and 1-docosanol. After the addition of a C18A/HC mixture containing Irgacure photoinitiator into the continuous aqueous SF phase under stirring, a stable oil-in-water emulsion was obtained, which was then photopolymerized at 23 ± 2 °C to obtain nonswelling OHGs with multiple-shape-memory behavior. By changing the chain length and mass proportion of HCs, a series of OHGs with tunable transition temperatures could be obtained, meeting various applications. OHGs containing dimer, trimer, and quadruple combinations of in situ-formed poly(C18A) and HC microinclusions exhibit effective triple- or quintuple-shape memory whose shape-recovery temperatures could be adjusted over a wide range, e.g., between 7 and 70 °C.

A Comprehensive Review of Techniques for Enhancing Zirconia Bond Strength: Current Approaches and Emerging Innovations.

The increasing use of zirconia in dental restorations necessitates a comprehensive understanding of effective bonding techniques to ensure long-term clinical success. Zirconia's unique chemical composition presents challenges in achieving a durable bondas it lacks the glass phase necessary for traditional etching and silanization processes. This review evaluates current methods and emerging innovations for enhancing zirconia bond strength to resin cements. Our findings emphasize the importance of mechanical surface treatments such as air-particle abrasion and tribochemical silica-coating, which significantly improve micromechanical retention. Laser irradiation, while less commonly used, also shows promise in enhancing bond strength without compromising zirconia's structural integrity; 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) primers emerged as critical agents in forming stable P-O-Zr bonds, particularly when used with resin cements containing 10-MDP. However, variations in formulation and application methods impact their overall efficacy. Resin cement demonstrated superior bond strength compared to conventional cement, but clinical outcomes varied, highlighting the importance of cement-primer compatibility and strict procedural adherence. Emerging technologies such as polymer-infiltrated ceramic networks (PICNs) and additive manufacturing (AM) of zirconia offer potential for future advancements, although they require further research to address mechanical and aesthetic challenges. In conclusion, while established methods such as sandblasting and the use of MDP primers remain reliable, ongoing research into novel materials and techniques continues to offer opportunities for enhancing zirconia bonding. Clinicians must balance effectiveness, procedural complexity, and clinical practicality when selecting the most appropriate bonding protocols for zirconia restorations.

Native intra-articular knee microbiome is a matter of facts: a systematic review of clinical evidence.

Growing interest surrounds the role of human gut microbiome in the development of degenerative pathologies such as osteoarthritis (OA), but microbes have recently been detected also in other sites previously considered to be sterile. Evidence emerged suggesting that even native and osteoarthritic knee joints may host several microbial species possibly involved in the osteoarthritic degeneration. This is the first systematic review critically collecting all the available evidence on the existence and composition of knee intra-articular microbiome. A systematic research on the PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases was performed. Human clinical studies investigating the presence of intra-articular microbiome in native osteoarthritic knee joints with next-generation sequencing techniques were collected. A total of eight studies were included reporting data on 255 knees. All the included studies reported evidence supporting the existence of an intra-articular microbiome in native knee joints, with detection rates varying from 5.8% to 100%. Bacteria from the Proteobacteria phylum were found to be among the most identified followed by the Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Bacteroideta phyla. Proteobacteria phylum were also found to be more common in osteoarthritic knees when compared to healthy joints. Furthermore, several pathways correlating those microbes to knee OA progression have been suggested and summarized in this review. Evidence collected in this systematic review suggests that the native knee joint, previously presumed to be a sterile environment, hosts a peculiar intra-articular microbiome with a unique composition. Furthermore, its alteration may have a link with the progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Recommendations for Accurate Lipid Annotation and Semi-absolute Quantification from LC-MS/MS Datasets.

Recent developments in LC-MS instrumentation and analytical technologies together with bioinformatics tools supporting high-throughput processing of large omics datasets significantly enhanced our capabilities and efficiency of identification and quantification of lipids in diverse biological materials. However, each biological matrix is characterized by its unique lipid composition, thus requiring optimization of analytical and bioinformatics workflows for each studied lipidome. Here, we describe an integrated workflow for deep lipidome profiling, accurate annotation, and semi-absolute quantification of complex lipidomes based on reversed phase chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry. This chapter provides details on selection of the optimal extraction protocol, acquisition of LC-MS/MS data for accurate annotation of lipid molecular species, and design of lipidome-specific mixtures of internal standards to assist quantitative analysis of complex, native lipidomes.

Modulating the techno-functional properties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild) protein concentrate using high-pressure technologies and their impact on in vitro digestibility: A comparative study

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP; 200–600 MPa at 24 °C for 20 min) and dynamic high pressure (DHP; 50–180 MPa) were applied to modulate the techno-functional properties of quinoa protein concentrate (QPC) produced from non-defatted flour using a lab-scale extraction. QPC's unique composition, with 74.6 % protein and significant levels of unsaturated fatty acids, influenced the effects of HHP and DHP. HHP significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced hydration properties, peaking at 400 and 500 MPa (on average 4.34 g/g), while DHP reduced the oil absorption capacity from 2.5 to 1.8 g/g. Both processing techniques decreased QPC protein solubility. This reduction corresponded to decreased foaming capacity and emulsifying properties in HHP-processed QPC. DHP increased emulsifying activity and stability indices, with optimized improvements at 100 MPa of 39.4 and 414.4 %, respectively. These modifications in QPC's properties occurred without noticeable loss in in vitro protein digestibility (IVPDaverage = 86.1 %). The findings support the potential of high-pressure technologies to uniquely modulate different techno-functional properties of QPC, produced from non-defatted flour, while maintaining high digestibility, thereby offering greater versatility in its use. Industrial relevanceQuinoa is a strategic choice for diversifying plant protein sources, with the use of non-defatted flour in QPC production offering new insights into its composition and properties, reducing both costs and environmental impact. In this study, HHP and DHP, recognized as “green” physical processing technologies, demonstrated advantageous potential to develop innovative quinoa protein ingredients with added value and clean-label appeal, while maintaining their high nutritional value. The distinctive effects of high-pressure technologies and varying pressure levels on modulating QPC's techno-functional properties underscore the creation of multifunctional QPC and the optimization of key properties, addressing the urgent demands of the plant-based food segment.

Engineering a 3D network hydrogel composite membrane with Chitosan/Pluronic F127/bioactive glass for the topical administration of therapeutic agents

The primary aim of designing a topical drug delivery system is to address localized ailments by administering therapeutic agents directly to superficial areas of the body such as skin and open wounds. This study presents the engineering of a three-dimensional (3D) network hydrogel composite membrane comprising chitosan (CS), Pluronic F127 (Pl), and bioactive glass (BG) for the topical administration. In the presence of CS and Pl, glutaraldehyde forms imine bonds (Schiff base linkages) by reacting its aldehyde groups with the amino groups of the polymer chains. The hydrogel structural and chemical properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealed its unique composition and molecular structure. Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was employed to image and investigate the morphology of the hydrogel, confirming its interconnected sheet like morphology with small beads structure. The hydrogels demonstrated excellent water retention ability as 32.93 %, further controlled degradation kinetics rate was systematically evaluated up to 14 days, and optimal swelling behavior makes it suitable for prolonged drug delivery applications. Moreover, hemocompatibility and cyto-compatibility assays yielded less than 1.1 % and above 60 %, confirming the hydrogel safety for blood contact and cell viability. Tube inversion tests confirmed its mechanical integrity, while antibacterial assays revealed its efficacy against pathogenic microorganisms. Co-culture studies demonstrated the capability of developed hydrogel to support cell growth and proliferation. In vitro drug release studies clearly reveal that the hydrogel provides a sustainable delivery system for piperacillin-tazobactam, demonstrating superior characteristics indicative of non-Fickian or anomalous diffusion. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited promising hemostatic properties, suggesting its potential for wound healing applications. Overall, this comprehensive strategy highlights the versatility of the engineered 3D network hydrogel composite membrane as a promising platform for delivering therapeutic agents locally in various biomedical applications.

Pro-Health Potential of Selected Uncommon Oilseed Plants

Oilseed plants are a valuable group of foods in human nutrition. Uncommon oilseed plants, such as safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), camelina (Camelina sativa L.), and black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), have been gaining increasing attention. The unique chemical compositions of these plants, which contribute to potential health benefits, underscore the importance of further exploration and study. The continuation of development of research in this field, resulting in the well-documented positive impact of these plants on human health, may lead to the possibility of them becoming new functional foods in the future. This review aims to present the potential health-promoting properties of the aforementioned uncommon oilseed plants based on recent literature reports and intends to inspire further exploration of their unique features. Among others, recent reports on the anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential, as well as the preventive potential in the case of metabolic diseases of these plants, were discussed. The importance of further development of these problems was also emphasized.

Unique among high passes: Insights into the genetic uniqueness among butterflies of Ladakh Trans-Himalaya through DNA barcoding.

The butterfly assemblage of Ladakh Trans-Himalaya demands a thorough analysis of their population genetic structure owing to their typical biogeographic affinity and their adaptability to extreme cold-desert climates. No such effort has been taken till date, and in this backdrop, we created a COI barcode reference library of 60 specimens representing 23 species. Barcodes were generated from freshly collected leg samples using the Sanger sequencing method, followed by phylogenetic clade analyses and divergence calculation. Our data represents 22% of Ladakh's Rhopaloceran fauna with the novel barcode submission for six species, including one Schedule II species, Paralasa mani. Contrary to the 3% threshold rule, the interspecific divergence between two species pairs of typical mountain genus Hyponephele and Karanasa was found to be 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively. The addition of conspecific global barcodes revealed that most species showed little increase in divergence value, while a two-fold increase was noted in a few species. Bayesian clade clustering outcomes largely aligned with current morphological classifications, forming monophyletic clades of conspecific barcodes, with only minor exceptions observed for the taxonomically complicated genus Polyommatus and misidentified records of Aulocera in the database. We also observed variations within the same phylogenetic clades forming nested lineages, which may be attributed to the taxonomic intricacies present at the subspecies level globally, mostly among Eurasian species. Overall, our effort not only substantiated the effectiveness of DNA Barcoding for the identification and conservation of this climatically vulnerable assemblage but also highlighted the significance of deciphering the unique genetic composition among this geographically isolated population of Ladakh butterflies.