In this work, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by an eco-friendly biosynthesis using Bougainvillea spectabilis leaf extract, which acts as reducing and capping agent. The AgNPs were analyzed using UV spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and scanning electron SEM. From the UV-visible spectral analysis we recorded an SPR peak at 415 nm, which is characteristic of spherical AgNPs. The results obtained from FTIR suggest the potential role of biomolecules in reducing Ag+ and the capping of AgNPs. The XRD pattern demonstrated the FCC crystalline of metallic silver, showing average crystallite size ranging from 30 to 50 nm. Results obtained from the SEM revealed the morphology and size distribution of synthesized AgNPs. From the images obtained, we determined a spherical morphology with an estimated size distribution measuring 50–200 nm. Furthermore, the AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial behavior against tested bacterial strains, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results highlight that the silver NPs are sustainable for potential biomedical and environmental applications.
Aims In low‐ and middle‐income countries, antibiotic resistance is rising rapidly because of poor medication adherence, polypharmacy, and weak regulatory enforcement, while substandard and counterfeit medicines further accelerate resistance. Cefixime trihydrate, a broad‐spectrum third‐generation cephalosporin, is a widely used and frequently prescribed antibiotic in Bangladesh. This study evaluated quality attributes, including % drug content and % drug release, of eight commonly prescribed cefixime 200 mg tablet brands and compared them with the innovator‐equivalent brand. Methods Chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed‐phase C18 column with UV detection at 282 nm (column temperature 30°C; run time 8 min), using methanol and 0.01 M KH 2 PO 4 buffer (pH 4.5) at 1 mL/min. Dissolution studies were conducted using a USP Apparatus 2, and antimicrobial activity was assessed via the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Results All nine brands met USP potency standards (90%–110%) and dissolution criteria (≥ 75% drug release within 45 min). A one‐way ANOVA with Dunnett′s test ( α = 0.05, two‐tailed; critical value = 2.731) revealed significant differences between Tab. A, Tab. E, and Tab. F and the reference brand at 45 min. However, among local brands, seven out of eight (87.5%) complied with the FDA‐recommended difference factor (f1) and similarity (f2) factor criteria. Zone of inhibition studies showed good antimicrobial activity across most of the brands at 5 μ g disc load. Conclusion Seven out of the eight local brands met the f1/f2 similarity criteria relative to the reference, indicating comparable in vitro dissolution behavior, whereas one brand (Tab. C) did not. These results emphasize the need for continuous quality surveillance to ensure therapeutic equivalence and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumour that mostly affects adolescents. Although conventional treatment approaches improved disease prognosis significantly, high metastasis rate and recurrence impose a substantial disease burden on patients. Therefore, innovation of targeted therapy is of pressing importance towards better disease prognosis. Several in vitro studies using microRNA delivered via mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles presented significant results in reducing OS metastatic properties. Henceforth, the objective of this study, which is to compile and analyse data from relevant studies, subsequently provides a comprehensive and evidence-based summary that validates the tumour-suppressive role of miRNA-loaded MSC-derived EVs targeting OS metastasis. Studies were systematically selected from three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, according to the PRISMA criteria and flowchart. Experimental data regarding proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were extracted using WebPlotDigitizer and analysed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. A systematic search from databases identified 33 studies, with four studies fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria after final screening process. The pooled meta-analysis demonstrated that miRNA-loaded MSC-derived EVs were associated with a significant decrease in proliferation, migration and invasion rates of the OS cells, with a significant increase in apoptosis rate. Moreover, low to moderate heterogeneity was observed across selected studies. This review confirms that miRNA-loaded MSC-derived EVs significantly suppressed OS metastasis by inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion while promoting apoptosis. However, clinical translation is currently limited by the lack of standardised protocols necessary for large-scale trials to validate EV-based therapies as a potential therapeutic approach in the future.
The Magayel and Barkaya forest massifs located in the Far North Region of Cameroon are rich in biodiversity. In this study, we sought to document the floristic diversity and the use of plant resources by the local populations surrounding the Magayel and Barkaya forest massifs. A total of 12 transects (30×1000 m) were established in each forest massif to inventory the woody plants from May to July 2022. Data on plant uses were obtained through a survey conducted in eight villages near the forest massifs and in the nearest markets, involving 436 key informants and six focus group discussions. In total, 69 species distributed across 41 genera and 23 families were recorded in the two massifs. The Shannon diversity index varied from 3.35 to 3.43 bits and Pielou evenness index varied from 0.45 to 0.49, respectively, in Magayel and Barkaya forest massifs. The species with high value importance indices in the Magayel forest massif were Balanites aegyptiaca (12.74) and Terminalia macroptera (9.83), whereas in the Barkaya forest massif, they were Balanites aegyptiaca (10.80) and Sclerocarya birrea (10.62). Leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, and wood are the main products exploited. The species with high uses citation frequency were Balanites aegyptiaca (7.74%), Combretum fragrans (6.45%), Terminalia macroptera (5.81%) in the Magayel forest massif and Sclerocarya birrea (4.43%), Balanites aegyptiaca (3.94%), Sterculia setigera (3.94%) in the Barkaya massif. Habitat destruction, overexploitation of natural resources, fires, and urbanization constitute the main threats to the Magayel and Barkaya forest massifs. Ensuring the sustainability of harvested products, high-demand species should be domesticated for effective long-term management.
There has been a continuous surge in the production of fruit peel waste worldwide, driven by improved dietary habits and rapid population growth. The management of these wastes through conventional approaches, such as landfilling and incineration, presents serious environmental challenges. This is because of reduced land availability, the release of toxic gases during open-air burning, and the slow decomposition of these wastes, which releases methane, causing climatic changes. Reports on the presence of heavy metal ions in wastewater discharged from industries have been conducted, indicating their potential threats to both human health and the environment. High costs often limit conventional approaches to removing heavy metal ions; thus, fruit peel waste-based biosorbents offer a low-cost alternative. Utilizing fruit peel waste as a biosorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions promotes a circular economy approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, this review examines the composition of fruit peel waste and its potential application as a biosorbent for removing heavy metal ions. Additionally, the findings contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the biosorption process, the modification strategies employed to enhance biosorption capacity, the regeneration ability of biosorbents, and the potential application of the extract in the synthesis of various nanoparticles utilized in heavy metal ion removal.
