Ferritin facilitates the transportation of iron molecules, plays crucial roles in metabolic, circulatory, and immune-regulatory functions, serving as a pivotal biomarker for assessing the risk of anaemia due to iron deficiency. In this study, graphene quantum dots (GQDs), zero-dimensional nanomaterials renowned for their exceptional optical and electrical properties, were employed as a matrix for the development of an electrochemical sensor. The synthesized GQDs were analysed via FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM and EDX. Additionally, surface modifications were investigated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), FE-SEM and FT-IR spectroscopy. Specificity and interference studies were also conducted using Vitamin B12, Folic acid (VB9), Vitamin C, Interleukin-6, Interleukin-beta. The biosensor exhibited excellent repeatability, with a % RSD of 4.04%, and the reproducibility of the sensor yielded a % RSD of 0.52%. Electrochemical analyses, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), revealed a sensitivity of 7381.2 mu A mm-2 ng-1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.0 fg ml-1 Furthermore, simultaneous detection of vitamin D3 and ferritin was achieved via a single electrode equipped with two working areas. Through the CV technique, the sensor chip demonstrated successful concurrent detection of both analytes. Stability of the sensor was checked for 6 months with an overall decrease of 9.7% current and in-house synthesis of SPPE was also done. Once developed, the sensor was validated with patient serum samples of known concentrations and revealed that the current-concentration relationship was analogous in both clinical and standard samples, suggesting potential clinical applications.

Elevated levels of heavy metals in cells lead to an imbalance of cellular redox homeostasis which is also seen in zinc and lead ion mediated toxicity. Human peroxiredoxins (hPrxI and hPrxII) are central regulators of redox balance; however, their role in mitigating heavy metal-induced stress remains unclear. Previously, we showed that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae model lacking TSA1 and TSA2 (tsa1tsa2Δ) showed growth defects in the presence of redox stressors that can be rescued by expressing hPrxI and hPrxII. In the present study, we utilized the tsa1tsa2Δ strain to understand the role of human homologs metal ion-induced stress. Growth assays demonstrated that ZnCl2 and PbCl2 markedly impaired the growth of tsa1tsa2Δ cells, whereas plasmid-based expression of hPrxI restored growth under both conditions. In contrast, hPrxII expression conferred protection only against ZnCl2 toxicity. Measurements of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) revealed significant accumulation upon ZnCl2 and PbCl2 exposure, which was alleviated by either hPrxI or hPrxII expression. Immunoblotting analyses indicated that hPrxI undergoes a monomer to dimer transition under heavy metal stress, suggesting redox-dependent structural modulation. Notably, catalytic mutants of both hPrxI and hPrxII partially restored growth and reduced ROS levels, demonstrating that their catalytic residues are not essential for conferring protection. These findings highlight isoforms specific and catalysis-independent roles of human peroxiredoxins in counteracting heavy metal-induced oxidative stress.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potent regulators of oncogenic gene networks, yet their therapeutic use is limited by significant delivery barriers. Nano-niosomes are vesicular systems based on non-ionic surfactants offer a promising solution by encapsulating and protecting miRNAs, enabling efficient and controlled delivery to tumor cells. This review highlights the distinct advantages of niosomes, which include enhanced chemical stability, lower production costs, and greater scalability compared to liposomal carriers. Recent progress in niosome-mediated miRNA delivery is critically evaluated, with a focus on surface modifications such as ligand conjugation (folate, peptide, antibody) and stimuli-responsive platforms that improve tumor specificity and therapeutic outcomes. The discussion extends to the interplay between niosomal composition, functionalization strategies, and biological barriers, as well as emerging applications in immunomodulation and the use of AI-driven formulation design. By integrating recent advances in nanotechnology and cancer therapeutics, this review positions nano-niosomal miRNA delivery as a novel, practical platform for achieving targeted and effective cancer therapy.

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with rising incidence and persistent therapy resistance highlighting the need for new multi-targeted therapeutic agents. Pinocembrin (5,7-dihydroxyflavanone), a naturally occurring flavanone found in honey, propolis, and several medicinal plants, has gained increasing attention for its broad-spectrum anticancer potential. Recent studies demonstrate that pinocembrin modulates multiple hallmarks of cancer by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3, and NF-κB pathways, resulting in antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence from diverse cancer models—including breast, prostate, colon, lung, ovarian, and melanoma—shows that pinocembrin induces cell-cycle arrest, activates intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, inhibits angiogenesis, and suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analyses further reveal that modifications such as hydroxylation, esterification, and glycosylation enhance its bioavailability and anticancer activity. Despite its therapeutic promise, the clinical utility of pinocembrin is limited by poor solubility and rapid metabolic clearance. Recent nanotechnology-based formulations, including polymeric micelles, liposomes, nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, have significantly improved their stability, bioavailability, and tumor-targeted delivery. Pinocembrin also exhibits synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapeutics while maintaining low toxicity toward normal cells, underscoring its suitability for combination therapy and chemoprevention. Preliminary clinical data indicate a favorable safety profile, although long-term toxicity, optimal dosing, and pharmacokinetic parameters require further investigation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the anticancer mechanisms, SAR-driven insights, nanotechnology-enhanced delivery, synergistic actions, and safety considerations of pinocembrin. By integrating recent findings and highlighting research gaps, it provides a comprehensive foundation for advancing pinocembrin toward future preclinical and clinical applications in oncology.

For sustainable energy generation, the OER half-cell reaction is an important electrochemical process. In this research article, we have successfully synthesized cost-effective pure g-C3N4, g-C3N4/Cu2O, and g-C3N4/Co-doped Cu2O composite materials using a simple chemical mixing and annealing approach to investigate their electrocatalytic OER performance. All of the synthesized samples were characterized using XRD, FESEM, TEM, BET, XPS, and UV-visible DRS techniques. XRD analysis revealed successful synthesis of the pure g-C3N4 and composite samples, while FESEM and TEM analyses showed successful deposition of a sheet-like g-C3N4 sample on Cu2O and Co-doped Cu2O samples. The band gap of the composite sample (g-C3N4/Co doped Cu2O) increased to 2.9 eV as compared to pure g-C3N4 having a band gap of 2.7 eV. Electrochemical OER activity investigations have shown enhancement in OER current density (18 mA/cm2) in the g-C3N4/Co-doped Cu2O sample compared to the pure g-C3N4 sample (current density 0.5 mA/cm2). The enhanced OER activity of the g-C3N4/Co-doped Cu2O sample was attributed to a low Tafel slope (119 mV/dec), confirming the fast reaction kinetics and enhanced charge transfer ability of g-C3N4/Co-doped Cu2O as compared to the pure g-C3N4 electrode. Chronoamperometric stability investigation of g-C3N4/Co-doped Cu2O confirms the stable current density for 10 h. Hence, this report shows the synergistic effect of doping and composite formation on electrochemical OER activity.

OBJECTIVE:Bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains pose a serious global health threat. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of green-synthesized copper nanoparticles (G-CuNPs) against MDR strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., and Escherichia coli. SIGNIFICANCE:Emerging MDR pathogens necessitate the development of novel, eco-friendly alternatives. G-CuNPs synthesized using Citrus pseudolimon peel extract may offer a biocompatible and sustainable approach to combating MDR infections. METHODOLOGY:Clinical bacterial isolates were obtained from diagnostic specimens including urine, pus, wound swabs, sputum, and blood collected from hospitalized patients at a tertiary care hospital. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 automated system. Phenotypic detection of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was conducted. G-CuNPs were synthesized and characterized for physicochemical properties. Antibacterial activity was assessed using a CFU-based time-kill assay. Mechanistic studies included evaluation of cell membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and DNA degradation. Interaction with bacterial enzymes was analyzed via molecular docking. Hemolytic and cytotoxicity assays were performed to assess biocompatibility. RESULTS:G-CuNPs (10 mg/mL) displayed potent antibacterial activity by disrupting cell membranes, inducing ROS accumulation, and degrading bacterial DNA. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities to key bacterial enzymes. Compared to chemically synthesized CuNPs, G-CuNPs (Indian Patent No. 202111048797) exhibited minimal hemolytic and cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSION:G-CuNPs demonstrate promising antibacterial potential and biocompatibility, highlighting their applicability in biomedical domains such as implant coatings and wound care. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate their clinical utility.

Electrochemical nanosensors offer remarkable capabilities for precise and selective vitamin detection, with transformative implications for healthcare, nutrition, and food industry quality control. Nanotechnology advancements have facilitated the creation of nanoscale sensors with customized properties, enhancing the efficacy of detecting vitamins. Materials such as gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots have been modified to display remarkable sensitivity and specificity for distinct vitamins. Integrating these materials with electrochemical techniques enables the translation of biochemical interactions into measurable electrical signals, achieving accurate and swift detection. Real-time monitoring of vitamin levels enables health optimization and improves quality control, nutritional label accuracy and supply chain monitoring in the food industry. This review comprehensively examines the electrochemical properties of sensors for vitamin analysis, highlighting modernization in the design of sensors, restyling nanomaterial-based sensor technologies and exploring their applications in food quality control while simultaneously addressing current challenges and future directions in the development of sensors.

Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a major complication arising from diabetes mellitus. It is accelerated by oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Capsaicin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties but exhibits limited bioavailability. The present study aimed to develop an oral capsaicin liposomal formulation and investigate its potential against the diabetic peripheral neuropathy rat model. Methods Three formulations, namely capsaicin-loaded liposomes, capsaicin-loaded chitosan-coated liposomes, and chitosan-coated liposomes co-loaded with capsaicin, gabapentin, and metformin, were formulated and characterized. Rats were divided into nine groups in order to determine the liposomal formulation's capability by conducting several experiments. These included blood glucose level, lipid profile estimation, behavioural parameters, nerve conduction velocity, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histological examinations of tissues. Results The particle size of capsaicin-loaded liposomes, capsaicin-loaded chitosan-coated liposomes and chitosan-coated liposomes co-loaded with capsaicin, gabapentin, and metformin was 183.45 nm, 252.90 nm and 291.4 nm, respectively. The entrapment efficiency of capsaicin in formulations varied between 69–80%. Liposomal formulations of capsaicin reduced the levels of blood glucose and lipid profile. Additionally, significant improvement was observed in nerve conduction velocity, behavioural parameters, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Histological findings demonstrated that capsaicin liposomal formulations alleviated the sciatic nerve degeneration and showed improvement in the islet cells of the pancreas. Conclusion Formulated capsaicin exhibits sciatic nerve regeneration, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties as evidenced by increased nerve conduction velocity and effective regulation of metabolic parameters. The best outcomes were observed with the chitosan-coated liposomes co-loaded with capsaicin, gabapentin, and metformin. These findings support that an oral formulation of capsaicin-loaded liposomes has great potential against diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

To measure individuals’ generalized approach to group inequality, social dominance orientation (SDO) scale (i.e., SDO7; with two correlated dimensions of dominance and anti-egalitarianism) has been developed. However, its measurement invariance has not been tested yet, nor has it been extensively used in developing countries. Therefore, in the present study, we studied the factor structure of the eight-item SDO7 scale-short form in India and tested its measurement invariance across groups on a sample of 734 college students (age, M = 20.3 years, SD = 3.48). The results show that, after controlling for the acquiescence response style and wording (method) biases, the theoretically consistent two-factor model was a better fit than the one-factor model. This best-fit model was strongly invariant across caste and gender and partially strongly invariant across religion. Moreover, consistent with social realities, Hindu, men, and higher caste (among Muslim) had higher SDO. Thus, the present study supports the cross cultural validity of SDO and partially establishes a reliable and valid Hindi version of SDO7 scale-short form.

Nanotechnology has revolutionized cancer treatment by enabling targeted drug delivery, early detection and personalized therapies. Cancer treatments now include surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and the emerging approach of nanotherapy. This new treatment regimen has fewer side effects than other available methods. Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles is playing a key role as a valuable alternative to chemical and physical routes, providing environmentally friendly products through eco-friendly, low-cost and biocompatible methods. Metal nanoparticles produced via green chemistry using biological sources reduce the risk of side effects and improve the metal’s effectiveness against cancer cells. Green nanoparticles have demonstrated significant potential in inducing cytotoxic effects against a range of cancer cell lines in scientific studies. Because of their synergistic properties, biosynthesized bimetallic nanoparticles incorporating two different metallic elements have emerged as an effective treatment for cancer, outperforming monometallic nanoparticles in terms of biomedical efficacy due to their synergistic properties. Due to the initiation of multiple molecular mechanisms, including apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy, these nanoparticles can penetrate cancer cells and induce their death. Three-dimensional cell culture models, such as spheroids, are used since they can effectively mimic the key characteristics of solid tumors found in humans, for example, their structural organization, cell layering structure, hypoxia and nutrient gradients. Current review highlights the recent advances of the bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized by green chemistry approach with special emphasis on the involvement of phytochemicals in their reduction, stabilization, functionalization processes and cancer killing potential, with a special mention of its efficacy on 3D tumor spheroids model. Similarities and differences with classic synthesis methods are emphasized, showing that the green routes are faster, less energy-consuming and result in less toxic byproducts, which are eco-friendly and bio-medically important. The mechanisms of nanoparticle formation are reviewed here for a better scientific understanding. It goes further by discussing the scalability and applicability of green synthesis with a focus on anticancer potential. In summary, the application of phyto-components for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles holds great promise for the treatment of cancer.

Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are two of the most widespread environmental toxicants, posing significant immunological and systemic health risks worldwide. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the immunotoxicity of Pb and As, highlighting their shared and unique cellular mechanisms, with a focus on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and epigenetic modifications. Pb exposure has been shown to suppress CD4⁺ T cell populations, alter CD8⁺ and NK cell ratios, elevate Th2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-6, and increase IgE levels, contributing to heightened allergy risk and systemic inflammation. Arsenic disrupts IL-6/STAT3 signaling, suppresses IFN-α/β-mediated antiviral responses, and promotes chronic inflammation through NF-κB and HIF-1α activation. Both metals generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), impair mitochondrial membrane potential, trigger apoptotic cascades, and induce genotoxic markers such as γH2AX and micronuclei. Co-exposure to Pb and As results in enhanced toxicity, with synergistic increases in lipid peroxidation (MDA), nitric oxide, cytokine release, and histopathological damage in liver and kidney tissues. However, most toxicological models overlook low-dose, chronic, and combined exposures. We emphasize the urgent need for chronic exposure studies, prospective human cohorts, multi-metal models, and omics-integrated approaches to identify early biomarkers of dysfunction. This review underscores the global public health urgency of addressing Pb and As co-exposure through multidisciplinary research, regulatory reform, and targeted interventions, particularly in vulnerable populations across high-risk regions.

Since its discovery in the bacterium Chromobacterium violaceum, violacein-a striking purple pigment-has garnered significant interest due to its promising applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Violacein exhibits a range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiparasitic effects, yet its complete molecular mechanisms are still being elucidated. Its mechanisms of action likely involve complex interactions with cellular receptors, signaling pathways, and specific molecular targets. Given violacein's unique properties and bioactive intermediates, future research holds substantial potential to advance its clinical and industrial applications. Upcoming studies will focus on deepening our understanding of violacein's molecular interactions, conducting clinical trials, and refining drug delivery systems to maximize its therapeutic value. Additionally, obtaining regulatory approval, conducting rigorous safety assessments, and developing efficient biosynthetic methods remain essential steps for violacein's successful integration into food biotechnology and medical applications.

When juxtaposed with 2D cell culture models, multicellular tumor spheroids demonstrate a capacity to faithfully replicate certain features inherent to solid tumors. These include spatial architecture, physiological responses, the release of soluble mediators, patterns of gene expression, and mechanisms of drug resistance. The morphological and behavioural similarities between 3D-cultured cells and cells within tumor masses highlight the potential of these models in studying cancer biology and drug responses. The liquid overlay method, hanging drop technique, and ultra-low adhesion plates are among the various methods for generating tumor spheroids, each with its advantages and applications. Gene expression studies, employing advanced methods such as microarrays, suppression subtractive hybridization, qRT-PCR, and mass-spectrometry-based proteomics revealed distinct expression patterns in 3D spheroids compared to 2D cultures, uncovering upregulation and downregulation of genes associated with tumor development, metastasis, and drug resistance. Protein expression studies identified alterations in key signaling pathways, metabolic characteristics, and phosphorylation levels, highlighting the impact of 3D culture on cellular responses. This study explores genes and proteins expression variations in various cancer cell lines cultivated in 3D spheroids, shedding light on the complexity of interactions in a more tumor-mimicking environment. The fusion of these analytical approaches not only advances scientific understanding but also holds promise for the development of more effective cancer treatments.

The prompt asserts that identifying low levels of vitamin D (hypovitaminosis D) in pregnant women and infants at an early stage is crucial due to the irreversible clinical consequences that can result. The measurement of 25hydroxy Vitamin D3 levels can serve as a valuable indicator of the risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency. Graphene, a two-dimensional material composed of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms, is highly regarded due to its exceptional thermal, electronic, optical and mechanical properties, as well as its single-atom thickness and large surface area. In this investigation, graphene oxide (GO) were incorporated into paper electrodes, creating a costeffective material that served as a matrix for developing an immunosensor. Using modified Hummer's method, graphene oxide was synthesized and subsequently drop-cast onto the surface of a screen-printed paper electrode (SPPE), resulting in enhanced electrochemical signal. Thereafter, SPPE was modified with graphene oxide (GO) and further functionalized with 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3 monoclonal antibody using cross-linking chemistry of EDC:NHS. To characterize the synthesized GO, various analytical techniques were employed, including UV-Vis, FT-IR, Particle Size Analyser, Raman analysis, FE-SEM, TEM and XRD analyses. The stratified modification of the electrode surface was monitored through FT-IR and EIS techniques. Finally, the sensor response was measured after hybridization with different antigen concentrations by CV and DPV analyses. For electrochemical measurements, "K3[Fe (CN)6]3-/4- (5 mM in PBS buffer, pH 7.2)" was utilized as a redox indicator. The developed smart phone android based immunosensor showed a sensitivity of 2036.12 mu A/mm2/fg and LOD 5.96 fg/mu L for electrochemical detection of vitamin D3.