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Climate change, caused by both natural and human activities, poses significant threats to global health, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental disruptions. The One Health concept, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is crucial in addressing these challenges. Climate change is linked to the emergence and resurgence of infectious diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses worldwide due to outbreaks, floods, and disrupted trade, among other factors. Therefore, it is crucial to adapt to this changing climate to safeguard One Health. By implementing a One Health approach, we can effectively address the consequences of climate change and make substantial contributions to health and food safety. This approach also holds the potential to mitigate economic losses, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Additionally, in the future, research interventions based on the One Health framework may offer sustainable solutions to combat climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis is the most devastating attribute of breast cancer (BC) that leads to high mortality. It is a complex process of tumor cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ERA on BC metastasis and BC progression in vivo. The transwell invasion/migration and wound healing assays showed that ERA treatment significantly reduced the invasion and migration of BC cell lines. The expression of mesenchymal (E-cadherin and N-cadherin), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9), and stemness markers (Oct3) were down-regulated by ERA. Furthermore, ERA down-regulated angiogenic chemokines (CXCL1/2/3, CXCL5, and CXCL12) expression in the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cell line. The clonogenic survival of BC cells was also reduced by ERA treatment. Strikingly, ERA prevented DMBA-induced tumor growth in Swiss albino mice as depicted by a high animal survival rate (84%) in the ERA group and histopathological analysis. Conclusively, this study revealed that ERA possesses anti-metastatic potential and also reduces the growth of BC in vivo. Moreover, the GC–MS data revealed the presence of biologically active compounds (Lupeol, Phytol, phytosterol) and some rare (9, 19-Cyclolanost) phyto metabolites in ERA extract. However, further studies are suggestive to identify and isolate the therapeutic agents from ERA to combat BC and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Typhoid fever is a fatal disease in humans that is caused by Salmonella typhi. S. typhi infections need immediate antibiotic therapy, and their extensive use has led to multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The use of bacteriophages is becoming a new way to treat these resistant bacteria. This research was directed to bacteriophage isolation against S. typhi and to determine phage-antibiotic synergism. Aims: To isolate bacteriophages targeting S. typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever, and investigate their potential synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The Widal test was positive; twenty diarrheal stool samples were taken, and for confirmation of S. typhi, different biochemical tests were performed. The disc-diffusion technique was used to determine antimicrobial resistance, and the double agar overlay method was used for bacteriophage isolation from sewage water against S. typhi. To test antibiotic-phage synergism, the S. typhi bacteria was treated by phages together with varying antibiotic concentrations. Results: Eleven samples were positive for S. typhi with black colonies on SS-agar. These were catalase and MR positive with alkali butt on TSI. Clear plaques were observed after the agar overlay. Isolated phages were stable at various pH and temperature levels. Synergism was observed on agar plate. The zone was enlarged when phages were combined with bacterial lawn culture and ciprofloxacin disk. Bacterial growth inhibition had a significant p-value of 0.03 in titration plates, with the phage-ciprofloxacin combination being more effective than the phage and antibiotic alone. Conclusion: The study highlights the synergistic effects of isolated bacteriophages with antibiotics, which are not only effective against S. typhi infection but also decrease antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilute magnetic semiconductor Zn1−xCuxO (x = 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5%) nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method. The impact of dopant concentration on the physical properties was investigated along with the anti-bacterial and photocatalytic activities. Synthesis of ZnO nanorods was confirmed by the characteristic band at 380 nm in UV–Visible spectra of the synthesized samples. A red shift in absorbance spectra was observed from 380 to 465 nm with an increase in dopant concentration. The hexagonal wurtzite geometry and rod-like morphology of Cu-doped ZnO nanorods having an average size of 29 nm were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. An increase in the crystallinity of the material was observed with an increase in the dopant (Cu) ratio without any alteration in geometry. EDX analysis was used to confirm the purity of samples. FTIR spectra were recorded to explore the functional group present in samples. The hysteresis loop drawn by a vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) was utilized to analyze the ferromagnetic behavior. As-synthesized pure and Cu–ZnO nanorods were evaluated for their photocatalytic behavior for the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) dye. Zn1 − xCuxO with x = 4.5%, pH 3, and catalyst dosage of 0.5 g has shown the maximum efficiency. Results elucidated > 81% degradation of MO dye with a rate constant (k) value of − 1.930 × 10−2 min−1 in just 90 min of exposure to a visible light source. ZnO nanorods have also exhibited anti-bacterial potential against gram-positive and gram-negative strains of bacteria. However, smaller size nanorods were found more effective to suppress the growth of gram-negative bacteria. A slight decrease (11%) in catalytic potential was observed in the 5th cycle during recycling and reuse experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistence and prevalence of microbial diseases (pandemics, epidemics) is the most alarming threats to the human resulting in huge health and economic losses. Rapid detection and understanding of the disease dynamics by molecular biotechnology tools allow for robust reporting, treatment and control of diseases. As per WHO, the optimal diagnostic approach should be quick, specific, sensitive, without a stringed instrument, and low cost. The drawbacks of traditional detection techniques promote the use of CRISPR-mediated nucleic acid detection methods such as SHERLOCK as detection method. It takes advantage of the unexpected in vitro features of CRISPR-Cas system to develop field-deployable sensitive detection tools. Previously, CRISPR-mediated diagnostic methods have extensively been reviewed particularly for SARS-COV-2 detection, but it fails to provide the insight into advances of this technique. This study is the first attempt to review the advances of SHERLOCK approach as diagnostic tool for viral diseases detection. Variations of SHERLOCK mechanism for improved efficiency are discussed. Particularly integrated SHERLOCK approaches in terms of extraction-free assay and Bluetooth-enabled detection are reviewed to access their feasibility for the development of simpler and cost-effective diagnostic toolkits. Insight in to perks and limitations of diagnostic methods indicates its potential as ultimate diagnostic instrument for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by human activities are the leading cause of rapid climate change. High energy consumption projects in the BRI initiative have more impact on the environment. Therefore, fiscal policy instruments are essentials to combat climate change. This paper explores the impact of fiscal policy instruments, FDI, energy use, and GDP on climate change in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. The study utilizes fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) long-run econometric models to estimate the long-run results in the full panel and individual countries. Furthermore, Dumitrescu and Hurlin's (2012) causality test has been utilized to observe the short-run causalities among variables. The empirical findings confirmed that fiscal policy instruments expressively help to mitigate climate change, while foreign direct investment significantly intensifies the climate change in BRI. The short-run heterogeneous causality endorses bidirectional causality between fiscal policy instruments and climate change. It suggests that policy-makers should consider fiscal policy instruments to mitigate climate change in the BRI countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methotrexate (MTX), the first-line drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can cause considerable toxicity, which limits effective dosage regimens. Moreover, it has rapid clearance, which leads to poor patient compliance. To mitigate such challenges, this study aimed to validate the use of MTX-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) in treating Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) arthritis in rats. Healthy Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into five groups. The first group served as healthy control, while the second group served as arthritic control. Group 3 was administered methotrexate, while groups 4 and 5 were MTX-loaded NP-treated groups. NPs were prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized by zeta size, potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. NPs were 190 nm in size, and PDI was 0.25, confirming the uniform distribution of NPs. A significant increase in paw thickness was noted up to the 21st day of the study, which was reversed by a high dose of MTX-loaded NPs. MTX NPs significantly reduced the level of pro-inflammatory markers, including TNF-α and IL-6, along with improving control of oxidative stress biomarkers. The findings of biochemical, haematological, radiological, and histopathological investigations further confirmed amelioration of necrosis and cellular infiltration. It can be concluded that MTX-loaded chitosan NPs are promising candidates for treating FCA-induced arthritis in a rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanoparticle spinel ferrites Mg0.5Zn0.5CexLaxFe2-2xO4 (x = 0.0, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.0375, 0.05) were synthesized by mean of co-precipitation method. These magnetic nanoparticles were sintered at 750 °C for 8 h. XRD patterns confirmed the formation of the cubic spinel structure of prepared nanoparticles. The lattice constant of nanoparticle ferrites increased, while crystallite size decreased with doping content (x). Pure ferrite sample has an optical bandgap of 2.61 eV, and it increases from 1.73 to 2.17 eV as concentration (x) is changed from 0.0125 to 0.05. The electrical dc resistivity is of the order of 1010 Ω cm for doping content (x) from 0 to 0.0375 and has a maximum value of 5.48617 × 1012 Ω cm for content x = 0.05. The Curie temperature (Tc) decreased 433–373 K as concentration (x) was increased. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and impedance are reduced with the increase of frequency. The dielectric constant, as well as the dielectric loss diminished while impedance increased as doping of cerium and lanthanum, was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost-effective and controllable synthesis of M0.25Ni0.15Cu0.25Co0.35Fe2O4 (M2+ = Mg2+, Mn2+, and Cd2+) ferrites via the sol–gel auto-combustion technique. The impact of divalent cations on the structural, dielectric, and optoelectrical properties of ferrites was examined by XRD, FTIR, Raman, LCR, UV–Vis, and two probe I-V measurement techniques. The crystallite size was 52.66 nm, and the minimum specific surface area was observed 5.1507 m2/g for Mg2+ doped NCCF ferrite. The FTIR and Raman analysis also confirmed the substitution of divalent cations (M2+ = Mg2+, Mn2+, and Cd2+) at their respective lattice sites. The maximum energy bandgap was 1.67 eV Mg2+-doped NCCF ferrite as compared to other divalent ion-doped ferrites. The dielectric loss decreased while the ac conductivity increased with increasing frequency, and the minimum values were observed for Mg2+-doped NCCF ferrite. The activation energy was observed maximum for Mg2+-doped NCCF ferrite (0.2234 eV). Due to incredible properties including small specific surface area, large energy band gap, high resistivity, and loss dielectric loss of Mg2+-doped NCCF ferrite have potential applications in different fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel ferrites are attaining huge importance in the modern era, due to their incredible properties, which means they are widely used in various fields. Therefore, in this paper a cost-effective and environmentally friendly preparation of Mg0.25Ni0.25Cu0.5−xCoxFe1.97La0.03O4 (x = 0.0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375, and 0.5) ferrites via the sol–gel auto-combustion method were carried out. How the structural and functional properties varied with the Cu to Co ratio was studied. It was found that the crystallite size (D) was reduced from 47.2 to 27.6 nm as the Co2+ increased from x = 0.0 to 0.5. While the two major absorption bands including the higher frequency band (υ1) and lower frequency band (υ2) lie in the range of 573.80–538.65 cm−1 and 470.37–405.65 cm−1 belong to the spinel matrix. Five active Raman modes were found in the range of wave number 200–800 cm−1 corresponds to the sublattices of the spinel structure. The optical bandgap increased from 0.85 eV to 1.33 eV for x = 0.0 to x = 0.25 and then observed optical band gap was 1.15 eV and 1.46 eV for x = 0.375 to x = 0.5. The resistivity (ρ) was minimum for Co2+ concentration x = 0.25 at low temperature, while at high temperature the resistivity (ρ) was maximum for Co2+ doping x = 0.25. The temperature coefficient of resistance percentage (TCR %) was −2.66%/K at 513 K for x = 0.25, as shown in the graphical abstract. At lower frequencies, the impedance was observed maximum for Co2+ doping x = 0.125 and minimum for x = 0.375. These findings indicate that the as-prepared ferrites are a potential candidate for optoelectrical and bolometric devices. Highlights: Mg0.25Ni0.25Cu0.5−xCoxFe1.97La0.03O4 synthesis via the sol-gel auto-combustion method. The crystallite size was decreased with Co2+ doping. At high temperatures, the resistivity (ρ) was maximum for Co2+ doping x = 0.25. At lower frequency, the impedance was maximum for Co2+ doping x = 0.125. The temperature coefficient of resistance percentage (TCR%) was −2.66%/K at 513 K for x = 0.25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium ferrites belong to normal spinel ferrites, and they exhibit interesting electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. The pure and cerium-doped cadmium ferrites CdFe2−xCexO4 (x = 0.0, 0.125, 0.250, 0.375, 0.5) were synthesized by a chemical co-precipitating technique using sodium hydroxide as a co-precipitating agent. The structures and phase purity of fabricated nanomaterials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallite size for all the prepared nanomaterials was in the range of 28–46 nm. The lattice constant and unit cell volume were found to decrease with the increasing concentration of Cerium, which was confirmed by the peak shift in the XRD pattern. The X-ray density for all nano ferrites increased with the enhancement of cerium composition. The resistivity of the nanomaterials has random behavior with the enhancement of cerium composition for a temperature, but the value of resistivity at x = 0.125 has the lowest value and at x = 0.375 has the highest value for almost all temperatures. For specific concentrations, a decreasing trend of resistivity of fabricated materials was found with an increment of temperature. The activation energies were also calculated, and it increased for x = 0.125 and then decreased for all the nanomaterials. For the confirmation of the M–O bonds, FTIR analysis of all the nano ferrites was also performed. The analysis shows a higher frequency absorption band in the range of 531.24–534.84 cm−1. This absorption band confirms that metal oxides are formed in all the synthesized nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The mounting incidence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and the dearth of novel antibiotics demand alternate therapies to manage the infections caused by resistant superbugs. Bacteriophages and phage=derived proteins are considered as potential alternates to treat such infections, and have several applications in health care systems. The aim of this review is to explore the hidden potential of bacteriophage proteins which may be a practical alternative approach to manage the threat of antibiotic resistance. Results: Clinical trials are in progress for the use of phage therapy as a tool for routine medical use; however, the existing regulations may hamper their development of routine antimicrobial agents. The advancement of molecular techniques and the advent of sequencing have opened new potentials for the design of engineered bacteriophages as well as recombinant bacteriophage proteins. The phage enzymes and proteins encoded by the lysis cassette genes, especially endolysins, holins, and spanins, have shown plausible potentials as therapeutic candidates. Conclusion: This review offers an integrated viewpoint that aims to decipher the insights and abilities of bacteriophages and their derived proteins as potential alternatives to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt ferrites have attracted extraordinary attention due to their high coercivity, chemical stability, and mechanical hardness. Lanthanum doped-cobalt ferrites having chemical formula CoLaxFe2-xO4 with composition x = (0.00, 0.015, 0.045, 0.060) were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and current-voltage (I-V) technique. The structure of the crystal was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The crystallite size of nanoparticles was examined in the range of 21–25 nm, and a fluctuating trend was found with the inclusion of La3+ cations. The X-ray diffraction patterns verify the contraction of lattice constant and unit cell volume with the substitution of La3+ cations except for the concentration of x = 0.060. Lattice constant was in the range of 8.34 Å–8.41 Å while unit volume cell was in the range of 580 Å3–596 Å3. The resistivity of all samples was calculated by the application of two probes I-V technique. The maximum resistivity of the order of 81.129 × 105 Ω cm was found for the concentration of x = 0.060 at 723 K which makes it useful for high-frequency gimmicks applications. The resistivity and drift mobility were found inversely related to each other. The inverse relation low-frequency absorption band and high-frequency absorption bands were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiponectin, a soluble adipocytokine, plays an important role in the functioning of adipose tissue and in the regulation of inflammation, particularly hepatic inflammation. The adiponectin subsequently imparts a crucial role in metabolic and hepato-inflammatory diseases. The most recent evidences indicate that lipotoxicity-induced inflammation in the liver is associated with obesity-derived alterations and remolding in adipose tissue that culminates in most prevalent liver pathology named as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A comprehensive crosstalk of adiponectin and its cognate receptors, specifically adiponectin receptor-2 in the liver mediates ameliorative effects in obesity-induced NAFLD by interaction with hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Recent studies highlight the implication of molecular mediators mainly involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and obesity-driven NAFLD, however, the plausible mechanisms remain elusive. The present review aimed at collating the data regarding mechanistic approaches of adiponectin and adiponectin-activated PPARs as well as PPAR-induced adiponectin levels in attenuation of hepatic lipoinflammation. Understanding the rapidly occurring adiponectin-mediated pathophysiological outcomes might be of importance in the development of new therapies that can potentially resolve obesity and obesity-associated NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at investigating the percent prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in equines and associated personnel. A total of 150 swabs of equines and 50 nasal swab samples of associated personnel were collected. These samples were processed in mannitol salt broth for enrichment. A total of 175 nasal swab samples changed the broth color from pink to yellow which were detected as samples containing S. aureus. These samples were processed further on specific media, namely mannitol salt agar, Staph-110, and blood agar, for phenotypic and Gram's staining–based confirmation of S. aureus isolates. Out of these 175 S. aureus–positive samples, 150 were of equine and 25 were of human origin. Identification of MRSA isolates in 175 S. aureus–positive samples was carried out by antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method. Results showed the presence of MRSA in 87 samples, out of which 81 samples were collected from equines and six samples from humans. Results of antibiotic testing revealed that percentage positivity of MRSA was higher (54%) in equines as compared with the associated personnel (24%). Most resistant antibiotics against MRSA isolates were oxacillin and methicillin while linezolid was found to be the most sensitive antibiotic against MRSA. In conclusion, our findings indicated prevalence of MRSA in equines and associated personnel evidencing an occupational risk of contracting MRSA from horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium ferrites belong to normal spinel ferrites, and they exhibit interesting electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. The pure and cerium-doped cadmium ferrites CdFe2−xCexO4 (x = 0.0, 0.125, 0.250, 0.375, 0.5) were synthesized by a chemical co-precipitating technique using sodium hydroxide as a co-precipitating agent. The structures and phase purity of fabricated nanomaterials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallite size for all the prepared nanomaterials was in the range of 28–46 nm. The lattice constant and unit cell volume were found to decrease with the increasing concentration of Cerium, which was confirmed by the peak shift in the XRD pattern. The X-ray density for all nano ferrites increased with the enhancement of cerium composition. The resistivity of the nanomaterials has random behavior with the enhancement of cerium composition for a temperature, but the value of resistivity at x = 0.125 has the lowest value and at x = 0.375 has the highest value for almost all temperatures. For specific concentrations, a decreasing trend of resistivity of fabricated materials was found with an increment of temperature. The activation energies were also calculated, and it increased for x = 0.125 and then decreased for all the nanomaterials. For the confirmation of the M–O bonds, FTIR analysis of all the nano ferrites was also performed. The analysis shows a higher frequency absorption band in the range of 531.24–534.84 cm−1. This absorption band confirms that metal oxides are formed in all the synthesized nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]