Carbon dots as smart biosensing and imaging materials delving with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral potentials against infectious pathogens

Abstract In the emerging era of infectious diseases, antimicrobials are widely applied against pathogenic microbes (i.e., bacteria, fungus, or virus) to avoid global mortality. Nonetheless, quite a few of the microbiome adopted genetic mutations over extended period and fostered sustainable resistance towards the existing and newer antibiotics. Carbon dots (CDs) are the carbon‐based nanomaterials, unveiled their potential as antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral agents resembled with ease of synthesis, reduced toxicity, smart functionalization, high aqueous dispersibility, and auspicious biocompatibility. This review has emphasized over the discussion corroborated with the types of CDs and their synthesis, and numerous properties of CDs tailored to their biofunctionalization. Further the article was featured with the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, bioimaging, biosensing, and anticancer responsiveness of CDs (in vivo and in vitro mode) followed by their biocompatibility, toxicity assessments, challenges, and future prospectives.

Reelin/Disabled‐1 Signalling Contributes to Functional Recovery on Zebrafish After Spinal Cord Injury

ABSTRACT Reelin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, plays important roles in neural development. Mutation‐induced loss of its functions in mammals leads to severe disorders associated with impaired motor coordination, tremors and ataxia. Little is known about Reelin's role in functional recovery after central nervous system injury. We determined the effect of knock‐down of Reelin and its downstream signal‐transducing molecule Disabled‐1 (Dab‐1) on functional recovery after spinal cord injury in larval zebrafish. Larvae deficient in Reelin and Dab‐1 were generated by application of two non‐overlapping antisense morpholinos for each molecule. Individual knock‐down of Reelin and Dab‐1 expression impaired locomotor recovery after injury, inhibited remyelination of regrown axons and reduced numbers of motor neurons caudal to the lesion site. These results indicate that the Reelin/Dab‐1 signalling pathway is involved in axon regeneration after injury of a paradigmatic vertebrate in the central nervous system.

Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Risk of Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypertension (HTN) are common conditions with substantial health burdens. While prior studies suggest a link between GERD and HTN, findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to clarify the relationship between GERD and HTN. Method A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted to identify observational studies published through December 2024. Studies evaluating the prevalence and association between GERD and HTN were included. Screening and data extraction were performed using Nested Knowledge software, with quality assessed via the Modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to calculate pooled prevalence and risk estimates, while heterogeneity was quantified using the I 2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using DOI and funnel plots. Results Twelve studies, with sample sizes ranging from 71 to 12  960 participants, were included. The pooled prevalence of HTN among GERD patients was 16.80% (95% CI: 6.28%–31.02%) with high heterogeneity ( I 2  = 99%). The pooled risk ratio (RR) for HTN was 1.381 (95% CI: 0.992–1.922) and heterogeneity ( I 2  = 76%) highlighted variability. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias were evident. Conclusion GERD is a potential risk factor for HTN, with GERD patients demonstrating an elevated likelihood of developing HTN. Future research is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms and confounding factors that may influence this association.

A Randomized Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Artesunate and Curcumin in Patients With Crohn's Disease: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Aim Less than half of all patients with Crohn's disease remain in remission with long‐term use of azathioprine. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of Artesunate and Curcumin in maintaining remission in patients with Crohn's disease, who had ongoing evidence of disease activity despite taking azathioprine. Methods Patients with Crohn's disease being treated with azathioprine for at least 3 months but still had mild to moderate Crohn's disease (CDAI 150–450) were included. Patients were randomized into four blocks of 10 patients each in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive artesunate 200 mg PO daily for 2 weeks and/or curcumin 200 mg PO daily for 3 months or placebo. Harvey–Bradshaw Index, CDAI, and fecal calprotectin were measured at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Forty patients were recruited and randomized into the study. Both Artesunate and Curcumin were well tolerated with no adverse effects. The Harvey–Bradshaw Index statistically differed across the treatment groups at 6 months ( p  = 0.047), there were no significant group differences in the post hoc pairwise analysis. The differences in CDAI from baseline to 6 months were statistically significant in Artesunate + Curcumin ( p  = 0.0098) and Curcumin + Placebo ( p  = 0.0431) groups. Similarly, statistically significant differences were observed between Baseline and 6 months for the Harvey–Bradshaw Index in the Artesunate + Curcumin ( p  = 0.0070) and Curcumin + Placebo ( p  = 0.0138) groups. Conclusion A combination of artesunate and curcumin in patients with ongoing inflammatory activity appears to be effective as measured by CDAI and Harvey–Bradshaw Index.

Recent Development in Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Activity of Promising Schiff Base Derivatives

ABSTRACT One of the most common neurological conditions in the world, epilepsy, increases a person's risk of dying young by three times when compared to the general population. This has led to the development of new antiepileptic drugs, although safety and potency are concerns. Additionally, Schiff base derivatives (commonly referred to as imines or azomethines) are a significant player in the medical treatment of epilepsy. Apart from being essential linkers and intermediates, this adaptable moiety also acts as a basic scaffold in the building of compounds with biological activity. Numerous Schiff base derivatives have been shown to regulate and cure neurological illnesses by blocking enzymes, receptors, and other targets. To cure epilepsy, researchers are concentrating on creating novel derivatives based on Schiff bases since they serve as a linker for various pharmacophores. Thus, this study sheds light on the current therapeutic expansion of derivatives based on Schiff bases as well as their synthesis schemes, all of which will assist researchers in creating effective prospective antiepileptic medications with advantageous pharmacological action.

Non‐communicable disease (NCD) risk among people living with HIV in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa: evidence from a randomised trial of community‐based differentiated service delivery

Abstract Introduction As differentiated HIV services provided outside of clinics are scaled up, clients may have fewer interactions with ancillary services for non‐communicable disease (NCD) prevention and management traditionally offered within facilities. This study was embedded in the DO ART randomised trial (2016−2019), which demonstrated that community‐based differentiated service delivery (DSD) improved HIV viral suppression compared with facility‐based care. We assessed NCD risk among men and women living with HIV accessing community‐based DSD versus facility‐based care in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Methods First, we described lifestyle and clinical NCD risk among DO ART participants in rural and semi‐rural KwaZulu‐Natal. Next, we compared clinical NCD risk at 12 months by randomisation arm (community‐based DSD vs. facility‐based care). Finally, we explored the relationship between 12‐month viral suppression and clinical NCD risk, overall and stratified by randomisation arm (i.e. service delivery type). Results Among 1010 participants, the median age was 32 years, 245 (24%) smoked, 229 (23%) had hypertension and 502 (50%) were overweight or obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25). Smoking was more common among men than women (43% vs. 6%, p ≤ 0.001), while overweight/obesity was more common among women than men (65% vs. 34%, p  ≤ 0.001). We found no statistically significant association between service delivery type and clinical NCD risk factors at 1 year. We also found no significant associations between viral suppression at 12 months and blood pressure, haemoglobin A1c or smoking. However, virally suppressed clients had higher mean BMI (+0.93 kg/m 2 , p = 0.004) and higher mean cholesterol (+5.79 mg/dl, p = 0.001). These associations were greater in effect size and statistically significant among clients receiving community‐based DSD (BMI: p = 0.003; cholesterol: p = 0.001), but smaller and not significant for facility‐based care (BMI: p = 0.299; cholesterol: p = 0.448). Conclusions Relatively younger adults accessing HIV treatment in South Africa had substantial NCD risk, which differed by gender and may increase with age. Among clients receiving community‐based DSD, viral suppression was associated with modestly higher BMI and cholesterol levels. Community‐based DSD programmes should consider integrating NCD risk screening and management that addresses gender‐specific needs to prevent premature mortality among people living with HIV. Clinical Trial Number NCT0292999

Harnessing Crystallization‐Driven Self‐Assembly (CDSA) of Semicrystalline Block Copolymers for Functional 2D Architectures and Their Applications

Abstract 2D micelles have attracted considerable attention in materials science due to their high surface area, tunable surface properties, and diverse potential applications. Although various methods are well‐established for synthesizing 2D inorganic materials, the development of 2D organic materials remains less advanced due to challenges in achieving controlled synthesis. Crystallization‐driven self‐assembly (CDSA) has emerged as a powerful and adaptable approach for constructing 2D micellar structures with precise control over dimensions, morphology, and corona chemistry. This technique is particularly significant for creating functional 2D architectures with applications across tissue engineering, nanomedicine, and sensing. Recent advances in CDSA of block copolymers have enabled enhanced structural precision and reproducibility, making it a valuable tool for designing next‐generation 2D materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current principles, properties, and application potential of 2D micelles with crystalline cores formed through CDSA, highlighting the transformative impact of this approach in the field of soft matter and nanotechnology.

Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Polymeric Materials: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract Inspired by the extreme structural complexity and functional efficiency of biomolecules, researchers have developed stimuli‐responsive materials, capable of adapting their structural conformations and physicochemical properties upon external changes in temperature, pH, light, etc. These materials can expand, contract, or bend in response to external stimuli, which makes them useful for a variety of applications such as biomedicine, sensors, shape‐memory devices, and smart interface materials. Multistimuli‐responsive materials exhibit enhanced features than single‐/dual‐responsive materials, affording enhanced fine tuning of their parameters. Among such materials, reversibly cross‐linked networks have generated increasing interest recently due to their 3D architecture and unique properties, based on the low viscosity, good solubility, and high functionality of the building blocks, which can be further modified. In order to achieve dynamic self‐assembly, future research on stimuli‐responsive macromolecular self‐assembly should mimic thec structures, functions, and processes found in nature.

Effect of Mercerization and Fibre Loading on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polyester/Sisal Fibre Composites

The present work aims to study the effect of untreated sisal fibre and the influence of fibre treatment on polyester‐based composites. Four categories of composites are prepared, comprising the first category with untreated fibre (category A) and the other three categories with sodium hydroxide‐treated fibre. The concentrations used are 1 mole (category B), 2 moles (category C) and 3 moles (category D). Micrographs show that the interfacial bonding between the fibre and polyester improves with treatment, though excessive treatment deteriorates the fibre. The void content and water absorption increase with fibre loading. For category A composites, the tensile, flexural and compressive strengths are improved by 21.1 %, 15.4 % and 13.5 % respectively, whereas hardness increases by 3.7 %. Among the different samples, category C composites deliver the best output. The tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength and hardness for category C composites are improved by 37.4 %, 30.6 %, 21.2 and 9.3 %, respectively and for category B composites by 24.5 %, 18.9 %, 16.4 % and 5.6 % respectively. For category D composites, the compressive strength and hardness increase marginally by 9.7 % and 3 % respectively. All the percentage improvements discussed are against neat polyester.