Background: Nardostachys jatamansi DC. (Jatamansi), a perennial rhizomatous herb of the family Caprifoliaceae, is widely used in Ayurveda for the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The rhizome, being the most therapeutically active part, possesses diverse pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant activities. Aim and Objective: The present study aimed to establish pharmacognostical standards and evaluate the phytochemical profile of the rhizome of Nardostachys jatamansi for its identification and quality control. Methodology: Pharmacognostical evaluation was carried out through macroscopic, powder microscopic, and physicochemical analyses following standard protocols. Preliminary phytochemical screening of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts was performed to identify major secondary metabolites. Chromatographic profiling was conducted using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), along with UV–Visible spectroscopic analysis. Results: Macroscopically, the rhizome was dark brown, cylindrical, fibrous, brittle, aromatic, and slightly bitter. Microscopic examination revealed diagnostic features including cork cells with oil globules, cortex canals, phloem patches, cambium, xylem vessels, and stellate cork rings. Powder microscopy showed fibres, vessels, tracheids, parenchyma containing starch grains, oil globules, and stone cells. Physicochemical parameters were found within acceptable limits, with loss on drying (2.53 % w/w), ash value (7.64 % w/w), water-soluble extractive (8.43 % w/w), and ethanol-soluble extractive (5.62 % w/w). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and proteins. HPTLC profiling of the ethanolic extract revealed a characteristic chromatographic pattern with a prominent band at Rf 0.95 under UV 254 nm and 366 nm. Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive set of pharmacognostical and phytochemical standards for Nardostachys jatamansi rhizome, which can serve as reliable parameters for its identification, authentication, and quality control, and may support further pharmacological and formulation-based studies.

The convergence of global plastic pollution and antimicrobial resistance crises has intensified concerns about the role of microplastics (MPs) in disseminating antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in marine environments. This review synthesizes the mechanistic pathways through which MPs act as vectors for ARG propagation, supported by a bibliometric analysis of 144 studies retrieved from Scopus. MPs possess distinct physicochemical properties such as nanoplastic formation, polymer-specific sorption, weathering-induced oxidation, and additive leachate release that facilitate microbial colonization and biofilm formation. These plastisphere biofilms, enriched with mobile genetic elements including integrons, transposons, and plasmids, promote ARG transfer via conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Environmental modulators like salinity, oxygen, nutrients, pH, UV exposure, and reactive oxygen species further accelerate horizontal gene transfer, while co-selection pressures from heavy metals and antibiotics amplify resistance dissemination. Bibliometric mapping reveals a sharp rise in publications since 2018, with China leading contributions and major research themes centered on horizontal gene transfer, metagenomics, nanoplastics, and biofilm-mediated resistome evolution. Overall, marine MPs substantially intensify ARG spread through complex microbe–plastic–pollutant interactions, posing significant ecological and public health risks. Addressing current gaps, such as limited field validation, underexplored nanoplastic mechanisms, geographic bias, and lack of standardized monitoring, requires harmonized surveillance, omics integration, pollutant mixture modeling, and One Health-based risk assessment to inform global policy interventions.

Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) is well known for its medicinal properties, yet the biotechnological potential of its endophytic fungi remains underexplored. This study isolated and characterized endophytic fungi from M. piperita leaves, assessing their in vitro and in silico antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. The endophytic fungus was isolated on potato dextrose agar and identified using morphological characteristics and 18sRNA sequencing. The fungus was identified as Alternaria alternata MPL5 and submitted to GenBank (ID: OR994590.1). The ethyl acetate extract of the fungus exhibited high cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 60.41 µg/ml) against Hep G2 cell lines. The extract demonstrated robust antioxidant properties in DPPH radical-scavenging assay (IC50 = 51.66 µg/ml), hydrogen peroxide assay (IC50 = 137.64 µg/ml), reducing power assay (0.125 OD at 100 µg/ml), and total antioxidant assay (0.169 OD at 100 µg/ml). Additionally, the extract displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis (21.00 ± 1.00 mm), Salmonella typhi (19.66 ± 1.15 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (17.33 ± 0.57 mm), and Escherichia coli (17.66 ± 1.52 mm). GC-MS analysis of the extract revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, notably 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro (4,5) deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione, constituting 18.32

In this research, hybrid epoxy nanocomposites incorporating chitosan (CS) and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were developed using a manual lamination approach. Initially, the optimal CS content was established to maximise mechanical performance by synthesising CS/epoxy nanocomposites with various volume fractions of CS (0 to 12

Introduction: Hypertension is a major global health disorder contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although several antihypertensive drugs are available, long-term therapy is frequently associated with adverse effects, economic burden, and poor patient compliance. Ayurveda describes conditions comparable to hypertension through concepts such as Vyānabala Vaiṣamya, Sirāgata Vāta, and Raktagata Vāta, emphasizing systemic balance and cardiovascular stability. Methods: A narrative review of classical Ayurvedic literature and contemporary biomedical studies was conducted to evaluate a polyherbal formulation containing Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Jatāmāṁsī (Nardostachys jatamansi), Śaṅkhapuṣpī (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Rasona (Allium sativum), Aśvagandhā (Withania somnifera), and Gokṣura (Tribulus terrestris). Results: Literature suggests these herbs possess antihypertensive, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anxiolytic, adaptogenic, and vasorelaxant activities through autonomic modulation, endothelial protection, and oxidative stress reduction. Ayurvedic interpretation indicates normalization of Vāta and Rakta Duṣṭi with enhancement of Hṛdaya Bala. Discussion: The review demonstrates convergence between Ayurvedic concepts and modern hypertension pathophysiology, supporting future experimental and clinical evaluation of the formulation. Keywords: Hypertension, Ayurveda, Polyherbal formulation, Cardiovascular disease, Integrative medicine

Angiotensin II (ANG) is the main effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system and exerts its physiological effects through the ANG type 1 receptor (AT1R). The AT1R is a member of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) family, which can adopt different conformations that can either bias G-protein coupling or β-arrestin signaling. The G-protein–mediated signaling through Gαq is generally associated with detrimental effects of ANG while β-arrestin pathway is reported to elicit cardioprotective effects. We hypothesize that in the absence of β-arrestin signaling, activation of biased AT1R/Gαq signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) results in elevated blood pressure and vascular dysfunction through an AT1R dependent mechanism. To test this hypothesis, we developed a transgenic mouse model inducible expressing a mutant AT1R (AT1RTSTS-AAAA), that prevents β-arrestin binding and would signal predominantly through the Gαq pathway, after Cre-recombinase activation. The mouse models were validated by culturing primary fibroblasts from mice carrying inducible AT1RWildType (AT1RWT) or AT1RTSTS-AAAA, respectively and inducing expression with an adenovirus expressing Cre. Primary fibroblasts from AT1RWT or AT1RTSTS-AAAA exhibited Cre-inducible expression of tdTomato, serving as an indicator for the transgene expression. When compared to AT1RWT, there was in increase in phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (P-ERK) in AT1RTSTS-AAAA in response to ANG. Next, we bred AT1RTSTS-AAAA transgenic mice with mice carrying tamoxifen-inducible SMC-specific CRE (SMCCRE, S-TSTS). Tamoxifen injection successfully activated AT1RTSTS-AAAA transgene, which was confirmed by tdTomato reporter staining and western blot from aortic tissue. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly elevated in S-TSTS mice 1-week post-tamoxifen injection compared to control mice (SBP 140.01±6.99 vs. 106.97±2.89 mmHg, p< 0.05). Candesartan was administered in drinking water (10 mg/kg/day) once hypertension (HT) was established. One week after candesartan treatment, HT was effectively reversed in S-TSTS mice (SBP 99.93±2.16 vs. 94.19±1.18 mmHg). After removing candesartan for 2-weeks, the SBP once again increased in S-TSTS mice (SBP 140.28±7.13 vs. 111.94±4.05 mmHg, p< 0.05), indicating an AT1R-dependent mechanism. Mesenteric arteries from S-TSTS mice demonstrated a decrease in vasorelaxation in response to acetylcholine (ACh, p< 0.05), which was restored by preincubation with Tempol and ROCK inhibitor (p< 0.05). Furthermore, S-TSTS mice exhibited a robust increase in vasoconstriction in response to ANG (p< 0.05), which was abolished by losartan treatment (p< 0.05). Removal of endothelium in S-TSTS mice resulted in an increased in ANG-induced vasoconstriction (p< 0.05), indicating that vascular smooth muscle cells predominantly mediate this response. Our results indicate that activation of AT1R-mediated G-protein signaling leads to HT and vascular dysfunction via redox and ROCK signaling pathways. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2026 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies are reshaping the future of healthcare by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, optimizing treatment strategies, and expanding patient monitoring beyond traditional clinical environments. This review examines the translational applications of AI-driven tools—including machine learning, predictive analytics, and clinical decision support systems—alongside digital health innovations such as wearables, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring. Evidence highlights significant gains in diagnostic precision, early disease detection, personalized therapy development, and workflow efficiency. Furthermore, AI-enabled predictive models show promise for outbreak forecasting and patient outcome prediction, while virtual assistants and teleconsultation platforms enhance patient engagement. Despite these advancements, barriers to widespread clinical adoption persist, including data privacy concerns, regulatory fragmentation, technological interoperability, and healthcare professional acceptance. Addressing these challenges requires robust ethical frameworks, harmonized regulation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scalable real-world validation. While the manuscript frequently highlights the critical role of scalable real-world validation, it is essential to distinguish between proof-of-concept AI applications—often limited to controlled, retrospective datasets—and models that have undergone rigorous external validation and prospective real-world testing across diverse clinical environments. Proof-of-concept studies demonstrate feasibility but often overperform under optimized conditions, whereas real-world deployment reveals performance declines due to data drift, site-specific variations, and unmodeled confounders. Ultimately, the integration of AI and digital health (AI-DH) has the potential to foster more accessible, efficient, and equitable healthcare systems, but its success depends on balancing technological innovation with patient trust, safety, and societal readiness.

ABSTRACT This research focuses on the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using graphene oxide (GO) as heterogeneous catalyst employing experimental and kinetic modelling approaches. The modified Hummers method was used to synthesized the GO and subsequently it was characterized by SEM, HR‐TEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR to confirm its layered structure and oxygen‐containing functional groups. Process optimization was carried out using Response Surface Methodology with a Box–Behnken design (BBD), determined the optimal transesterification conditions, achieving a maximum biodiesel yield of 92.6% at a methanol‐to‐oil ratio of 5:1, catalyst loading of 6 wt%, reaction temperature of 52.5°C, and reaction time of 60 min. GC–MS analysis confirmed the high fatty acid methyl ester content (80%–90%). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations interpret the strong reactant adsorption on the GO surface and a significant reduction in the activation energy from 92.0 to 52.7 kJ /mol, showing the enhanced catalytic performance. Kinetic modelling favored the experimental results ( R 2 = 0.97), while the physics‐informed neural network (PINN) provides accurate yield prediction with minimal error. Overall, the results demonstrate that GO‐catalyzed transesterification, supported by multi‐scale modelling and artificial neural network provides a sustainable and the efficient route for biodiesel production from waste‐derived feedstocks.

Cardiovascular diseases and chronic wounds, particularly in diabetic patients, pose significant therapeutic challenges due to impaired vascular function, persistent inflammation, and delayed tissue repair. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation and platelet aggregation regulation are critical processes in maintaining vascular health and controlling inflammation. In this study, a series of novel indolylchalcones (9-15) and their N-acylated derivatives (20-27) are synthesised to explore their potential as multifunctional therapeutic agents. Compounds 24 and 25 demonstrate NOS activation (350-450% increase) and anti-platelet aggregation (40-45% inhibition), improving microvascular circulation and reducing thrombotic risk. They exhibited minimal cytotoxicity in NIH3T3 cells and negligible hemolytic activity. Notably, in diabetic wound models, compounds 24 and 25 accelerated wound healing by improving eNOS/NO levels, promoting angiogenesis, enhancing tissue regeneration, and modulating inflammatory cytokines, including marked reduction in IL-1β and TNF-α levels. Their dual functionality, vascular protection and regenerative potential positions indolylchalcones as promising candidates for future development in cardiovascular and wound-healing therapies.

Plastic pollution, resulting from the persistence of conventional polymers, remains a critical environmental challenge that necessitates the development of biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) represent an attractive solution, being naturally synthesized by microorganisms under nutrient-limited conditions. This study investigates the production of PHAs using lignocellulosic wood waste, specifically sal and teak residues, as an economical carbon source. Fermentable sugars were obtained via dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis (10% w/v biomass with 4% v/v H2SO4), incubated at 120 °C for 1 h, and filtered to yield a hydrolysate containing approximately ~ 36 mg/mL total reducing sugars (DNS assay). The hydrolysate served as the carbon source in bioprocess optimization (optimal carbon concentration: 2.50%, equivalent to 25 g/L). Potential PHA-producing isolates were screened using Nile Blue and Sudan Black staining. The most efficient producer, Klebsiella pneumoniae strain DSM 30,104 (MK2023), confirmed through 16 S rRNA sequencing, demonstrated notable PHA accumulation. Process parameters-including carbon and nitrogen concentrations and Temperature-were optimized through Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) followed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a face-centered central composite design. Optimal production was achieved at 2.50% carbon, 0.105% nitrogen, and 34 °C, yielding 5.7 mg/mL PHA after 72 h with 10% (v/v) inoculum. UV-Vis and FTIR analyses confirmed the polymer's identity as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The study highlights wood waste as a viable, low-cost substrate for PHA synthesis, promoting sustainable biopolymer production while advancing circular bioeconomy practices.

Edible coatings are revolutionizing food preservation by offering a sustainable and effective solution to key industry challenges. Made from natural biopolymers such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, these coatings form a thin, edible layer on food surfaces. This barrier reduces moisture loss, protects against oxidative damage, and limits microbial growth, thereby extending shelf life while preserving food quality. Enhanced with natural additives like essential oils and antioxidants, these coatings offer antimicrobial benefits and contribute to health. Applications span from fresh produce, where they control respiration and moisture, to meat, dairy, and bakery products, maintaining sensory and nutritional properties. Innovations in coating technologies—such as composite materials, nano-emulsions, and bio-nanocomposites—are improving their mechanical strength, barrier properties, and compatibility with other preservation methods like modified atmosphere packaging. Although challenges remain in cost, consumer acceptance, and regulation, edible coatings represent a significant stride towards sustainable food systems and reduced dependence on synthetic packaging.

In recent years, non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections have become a considerable threat to public health. This pathogen has increased in incidence and is a health concern mostly regarded as foodborne. It is highly important to appreciate the magnitude of the problem and act decisively and systematically to curb it. NTS infections are acquired mainly via food which is contaminated such as undercooked chicken, eggs, and even unpasteurized milk (Antony, 2023). An estimated 94% of salmonellosis cases result from the consumption of contaminated food (Ehuwa et al., 2021). Numerous studies have highlighted the role of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) in foodborne outbreaks, identifying various serovars as significant contributors. For instance, Salmonella Heidelberg has been implicated in outbreaks (Eikmeier et al., 2018;Motladiile, 2019), alongside S. Typhimurium (Yang et al., 2017;Eikmeier et al., 2018) and S. Enteritidis, which remains a dominant serovar linked to foodborne transmission (Yang et al., 2017;Eikmeier et al., 2018;Sevilla-Navarro et al., 2020).Additionally, S. Infantis (Sevilla-Navarro et al., 2020), S. Newport, and S. Saintpaul (Eikmeier et al., 2018) have been recognized as causes of outbreaks across various geographical regions.Unlike typhoidal Salmonella which causes typhoid fever, NTS usually cause gastroenteritis with less severe cases with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and pains in the abdomen, however, it is often taken lightly (Sears et al., 2023). Most of those infected remain asymptomatic, which spreads the idea that NTS is just another case of food poisoning. On the contrary, in people whose immunity is compromised, e.g. people living with HIV or those undergoing chemotherapy, NTS can infrequently cross barriers and become deleterious. Among such individuals, moderate to severe disease may also lead to hospitalization or vegetative state and lethal outcomes in some cases. The disparity in outcomes implies that whereas recovery would be swift for a good proportion of people, some of them would have to fight for their lives. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NTS as an emerging public health concern, focusing on its epidemiology, rising incidence rates, and research trends across diverse regions focusing on region-specific scientific contributions, the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance, and the economic burden associated with NTS infections, highlighting the critical need for enhanced global research and public health strategies.Salmonella species, and especially non-typhoidal ones (NTS), are of serious global health concern causing most cases of gastroenteritis that amount to approximately 93.8 million incidences and almost 155,000 deaths per annum, and the most affected region is Sub-Saharan Africa where invasive NTS death rate stands at 85.9% and specifically this region further kills under five-year-old children where in such cases the active case fatality increases to 20%. In Asia, NTS are comparatively rare, but still in Pakistan, an incidence rate of 7.2 per 100,000 people years has been reported (Table 1). The presence of risk factors like inadequate food safety measures, poor sanitation, and lack of safe drinking water explain the increased burden of NTS infections in such areas, placing additional pressure on weak health systems already (Ao et al., 2015;Das et al., 2022;Sanni et al., 2023). The two most common serovars, Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis account for the largest raft of cases globally (WHO, 2018;Balasubramanian et al., 2019;Stanaway et al., 2019;Mohakud et al., 2022;Crump et al., 2023). Salmonella Typhimurium is predominant in Africa and the United States (Hagedoorn et al., 2024), where it is frequently associated with beef and poultry. In contrast, Salmonella Enteritidis is more prevalent in Europe and Asia (Hagedoorn et al., 2024), commonly linked to imported chicken (Bloomfield et al., 2023;Mkangara, 2023). Beyond these, several other non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars significantly contribute to foodborne illnesses worldwide.Salmonella Infantis is increasingly linked to human infections and is commonly found in chicken, pork, and retail foods in the UK (Bloomfield et al., 2023). Salmonella Newport, associated with beef, is a notable serovar in the U.S. with invasive disease potential. Salmonella Dublin, primarily tied to cattle, is prevalent in Europe and Africa but also infects humans. Salmonella Heidelberg is mainly found in the Americas, frequently linked to poultry. Meanwhile, Salmonella Weltevreden is prominent in seafood from Asia and North America (Hagedoorn et al., 2024). During the literature review, using the Scopus database, a bibliometric analysis of NTS research publications from 1982 to 2024 shows that most studies have been conducted in the USA, Brazil, European countries, African nations, India, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (Figure 1). Although this analysis highlights the geographic regions where NTS research is concentrated, it does not perfectly align with the actual epidemiological data. However, it suggests that these are the areas where NTS cases are being most actively reported and studied.The disproportionate focus on certain regions, coupled with the lack of comprehensive data from resource-limited countries, underlines the need for more focused research in these underserved areas to better understand the disease's true impact. More targeted epidemiological studies are essential to guide public health strategies and interventions in the regions most affected by NTS. The incidence of NTS infections has been steadily increasing, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. In these populations, NTS can escalate into severe and invasive infections, including bacteremia and meningitis, requiring prompt medical intervention (Arii et al., 2002;Magwedere et al., 2015;Ballal et al., 2016;Chen et al., 2023). However, in low-resource settings, where access to timely healthcare is often limited, the risk of life-threatening outcomes is heightened.As indicated by the bibliometric analysis of research publications from 1982 to 2024, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of studies focused on NTS outbreaks worldwide (Figure 2). While this increase in research publications does not directly reflect the epidemiology of NTS, it signals a growing recognition of the issue and the efforts being made to address it globally.The rising number of NTS cases can be attributed to several factors, including inadequate food safety measures, poor hygiene, and limited public health awareness. In areas with weaker health infrastructures, the challenge of controlling NTS is more pronounced, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle this escalating public health threat. One of the most pressing challenges with NTS is the growing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Over the years, this pathogen has become resistant to several key antibiotic classes, such as fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, which are often used to treat severe infections.Globally, non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) shows high levels of antibiotic resistance. Among them, some regions like Guangzhou, China, documented ampicillin resistance up to 92.16%, while among Southeast Asia, which includes the Philippines, resistance to ciprofloxacin is at 8.7% (Gong et al., 2022;Sia et al., 2023). Researches indicate a sharp rise in resistance to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone in recent years, with some regions reporting resistance rates of up to 30% for ciprofloxacin and 25%for ceftriaxone (Hengkrawit and Tangjade, 2022;Yang et al., 2023). In countries such as Vietnam and Taiwan, multidrug resistance (MDR) among NTS strains has reached concerning levels, with studiesshowing that up to 53.8% of isolates were MDR between 2014 and 2019 (Hengkrawit and Tangjade, 2022). The situation is even more alarming in Bangladesh, where 94% of Salmonella strains from broiler chickens have been reported as multidrug-resistant (Yang et al., 2023). Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been an increasing problem with as high as 47% in China and 50% in sub-Saharan Africa (Crump et al., 2023;Gong et al., 2022). Moreover, third-generation cephalosporins, which include ceftriaxone, have also developed resistance at 2.2% level in the Philippines (Sia et al., 2023) and as high as 25% in other regions (Nelson et al., 2020;Chang et al., 2021). Sulfonamide resistance is similarly concerning, with reports showing around 43% resistance among isolates (Hengkrawit and Tangjade, 2022). A study highlighted that nearly all NTS isolates from poultry were resistant to tetracycline, emphasizing the impact of agricultural practices on resistance development (Nelson et al., 2020). Although carbapenem resistance is less common, it has been detected in some NTS strains. A study found that about 10.7% of isolates were resistant to carbapenems (Poomchuchit et al., 2021).Clearly, the resistance has reached alarming levels in view of the prevalence of antibiotics both in human healthcare and animal husbandry practices (Crump et al., 2015;Adesiji et al., 2018), resulting in the emergence of 'superbugs' that are hard to treat (Wang and Sun, 2015;Siddiky et al., 2022). In countries where there is little regulation preventing people from buying antibiotics without prescriptions, the problem is even worse. There is a growing incidence of NTS strains with multi-drug resistance (Ogasawara et al., 2008;Hendriksen et al., 2019), thereby reducing the effectiveness of usual therapies and add strain to the control of Health Systems. Such resistance makes the treatment of infections limited and increases the period of illness especially for the invasive NTS. In low-resource areas where there is limited access to cheap, effective antimicrobial agents, this problem also significantly increases the death rates.NTS exerts significant economic burden in terms of healthcare expenditures, productivity losses, and the associated demand on public health systems especially in countries where the spread of infection is rampant. The combination between the cost of treatment for infections and the associated economic losses due to absenteeism is too much for any economy to bear (Mulla and Cole, 2004;Sanni et al., 2023). High-income countries also experience a similar trend, where the direct medical costs (DMCs) constitute the highest expenditure drivers for all NTS as well as invasive NTS (iNTS) cases.The average treatment price for NTS patients is USD 545.9 in Taiwan and USD 21,179.8 in Türkiye, while management and handling of iNTS differs from case to case, varying from USD 1973.1 in Taiwan to USD 32,507.5 in the USA (Kim et al., 2024). However, it is perplexing that very few studies have been conducted on the economics in the developing and resource-limited areas (Aqeel et al., 2024), where the already strained health systems may even suffer more, thus hindering economic growth and expansion more significantly.The increase in NTS calls for an all-inclusive and all-embracing approach. First, there is need to say that global food safety standards must be improved. This means there should be better management of systems of food production, better hygiene practices and attitudes enforced and practices of handling food in a safe manner taught to the public (CDC, 2024). Maintenance of the older systems is not an option given the over-reliance on the existing systems. Instead, the governments must focus on cutting-edge detection technologies which are capable of controlling the spread of further infection in record time after outbreak. Another area that calls for attention is the management of antibiotic resistance. This entails putting measures in place to curb the use of antibiotics in food animals, encouraging the research and development of better antibiotics, and most importantly, use of antibiotics by physicians on the patient only when necessary (Fagbamila et al., 2023). In this regard, it is also important to conduct public information campaigns about the dangers of antibiotics to the public.It is also important to note that (Smith et al., 2016) improving the availability of clean water and sanitation in developing countries is important since these are public health interventions that can significantly help contain NTS as well as other enteric infections.In addition, it is necessary to enhance global efforts for monitoring NTS outbreaks and the resistance to antibiotics. It calls for nations to work together effectively in order to determine all those populations at risk and measure the impact of the risk by activating specific measures. Organizations such as World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization must lobby for better food safety and responsible use of antibiotics all over the world.The conclusion here is that there is an increasing occurrence of NTS which poses a global health threat that needs urgent and targeted measures. The completion of strengthening food safety and quality as well as addressing antibiotics resistance and ensuring proper sanitation and provision for clean water are important measures in mitigating this pathogen. The cost implications are high but such threats can be managed through strategic works and sustained commitment over a period of time in place of resources. In order to prevent millions of people's health from being compromised, such threats have to be dealt with as quickly as possible. In sickness, health groups should work towards NTS no longer being a public health threat that is under wraps.The authors declare that there are no commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest in connection with the study.

This research demonstrates the sustainable synthesis of crystalline nanosilica (SiO₂) from rice husk, an agricultural waste, via a cost-effective route. The nanosilica was integrated with ferrites and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to create a magnetic nanocomposite using injection moulding equipment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystallinity of the SiO₂, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed nanoscale particle morphology. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified Si–O–Si functional groups, validating the silica structure. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed strong UV absorption, indicating potential catalytic applications, and low visible light absorption. Tauc plot analysis yielded the direct and indirect band gaps. The indirect band gap was determined to be 1.73 eV, and subsequently direct band gap is 1.88 eV, which is similar to semiconductor electronics materials. Magnetic measurements showed diamagnetic behavior for pure SiO₂ and ferromagnetic properties for the SiO₂–ferrite–PVDF nanocomposite, exhibiting distinct hysteresis loops. These results highlight the successful valorization of rice husk-derived nanosilica from agriculture waste in producing polymer magnets with potential applications in semiconductor electronics, catalytic activity and biomedical science.

The increase in carbapenem-resistant E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections presents a serious public health concern due to the scarcity of effective treatment options. This study addresses this challenge by utilizing a green synthesis approach for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the fungal isolate Rhizopus arrhizus HGS2I2. The isolate was confirmed through morphological and molecular techniques, and nanoparticle synthesis was visually verified by a change in solution color. The biogenic synthesized AgNPs are characterized using UV–Vis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), FTIR analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV–Vis spectrum exhibited a peak around 420 nm, while DLS analysis showed a particle size of approximately 64.23 nm with good uniformity. TEM images revealed a spherical morphology, and FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional biomolecules that assist in nanoparticle stabilization. Antibacterial performance of the AgNPs was assessed through the well diffusion assay against drug-resistant isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The inhibition zones showed a clear concentration-dependent trend. E. coli displayed inhibition zones of 19.66 ± 0.57 mm, 17.0 ± 1.0 mm, and 14.33 ± 0.57 mm, while K. pneumoniae showed zones of 17.33 ± 1.52 mm, 16.33 ± 1.52 mm, and 12.33 ± 2.08 mm at concentrations of 1000, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Meropenem, used as a control, had no inhibitory effect, confirming resistance. The AgNPs showed potent antibacterial properties, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 10 µg/mL for carbapenem-resistant E. coli and 25 µg/mL for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined to be 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, antioxidant activity was confirmed via DPPH assay, suggesting the biomedical relevance of the synthesized nanoparticles.

Heavy metal (HM) contamination significantly threatens ecosystems and human health. This review explores eco-engineered bioremediation strategies, focusing on the pivotal role of rhizosphere-associated microorganisms in detoxifying heavy metals. Rhizobacteria deploy diverse mechanisms—including biosorption, bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biomineralization—to immobilize or convert toxic metals, with their efficiency strongly influenced by environmental factors such as pH and metal speciation. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) further enhance phytoremediation by mitigating metal-induced phytotoxicity and promoting plant resilience under stress. Various scalable approaches, including in-situ and ex-situ remediation techniques, biosorbents, microbial consortia, and genetically engineered microbes (GEMs), show promising potential but raise essential ecological and regulatory concerns. Key challenges such as scalability, environmental variability, and the possible formation of toxic intermediates must be carefully addressed. Advances in omics technologies and a deeper exploration of native microbial communities offer promising avenues to optimize bioremediation outcomes. Moreover, a detailed understanding of plant–microbe interactions and the role of secondary metabolite signalling in the rhizosphere is essential to improve remediation efficiency. Future strategies should prioritize the application of functional genomics, developing bioinoculants tailored to specific environmental conditions, and implementing robust ecological risk assessments for GEMs. This review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach- integrating microbial ecology, plant sciences, and environmental engineering- to drive the development of sustainable, effective HM remediation technologies worldwide.