Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore (DAVV)

The MXenes, a class of substances made by chemically delaminating ternary (or quaternary) stacked carbides or nitrides, are among the more intriguing groups of 2D structures being studied. The intricate linking (a combination of covalent and metallic bonds), electrical frameworks, atomic organizing, synthetic pathways, and external terminal units of the MXene group give it unique characteristics. Comprehensive data concerning MXenes is lacking, considering the increased fascination with these compounds. This review discusses the most important basic and practical features of MXenes, including their electrical and structural characteristics, possible uses, and devices. A comprehensive review of the present state, developments, and abilities of MXenes, including their use in energy-related applications, electronics and photonics, is made possible by the primary characteristics and attributes discussed in the following sections, which have been evaluated using both scientific and mathematical methods. Because of its distinct two-dimensional architecture and chemical composition on the surface, MXenes have outstanding metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, exceptional adaptability, and ion intercalation capabilities. As a result, they are gaining a lot of interest and have significant promise for use in supercapacitor development and energy production. Finally, the authors have reviewed the applications of various MXenes in biomedicine, environmental, and industries.

Recently, rising petroleum product costs have coincided with an increase in the use of fossil fuels over time. It has caused environmental pollution problems around the world. The global community is consequently aggressively searching for alternate energy sources. Given the high yields, carbon emissions, and renewable sources. Biomass is a remarkable natural resource that has the ability to produce profitable bio-crude. Bio-crude can be generated through pyrolysis. Three byproducts of pyrolysis comprise bio-oil, pyro-gasses, and charcoal the amount of contaminants found in unprocessed biomass is significant, including water, tar, ash, and low calorific value. Upgradation methods or the biorefinery process can be used to eliminate all of these contaminants. Diesel fuel can be replaced by bio-oil in high-energy output after upgrading. This study examines the main elements of crude oil biorefineries, including downstream upgrading procedures, biomass feedstock processing, and thermochemical conversion techniques such as pyrolysis. Biocrude oil biorefineries offer an attractive option for sustainable bioenergy production. They are essential to the continuous shift towards a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy landscape as long as technology and process optimization continue to progress.

Introduction The presence of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression is common, and their complex connection poses difficulties in therapy and affects patient outcomes. Thus, this study aims to examine the complex correlation between depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a specific focus on potential biomarkers and innovative therapeutic approaches. Methods Publications were considered between 2015-2024 from standard databases like Google Scholar, PUBMED-MEDLINE, and Scopus using standard keywords, “Depression”, “cardiovascular disease”, “Biomarkers”, and “Therapeutic Approaches”. Recent studies have discovered several potential biomarkers linked to depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including neuroendocrine factors, inflammatory markers, and signs of oxidative stress. Therapeutic approaches for depression and cardiovascular disease have emerged, with a focus on tackling their connections from multiple dimensions. Results Emerging research suggests that depression has an impact on both the prognosis and risk of CVD. Conversely, depression can be caused by CVD, which triggers a series of events that lead to higher rates of illness and death. Conclusion A comprehensive understanding of the fundamental pathophysiological pathways is essential for the identification of biomarkers that can serve as diagnostic tools or therapy targets. Among these interventions, exercise and dietary adjustments have shown promising impacts on cardiovascular health and results, as well as mental health. Ultimately, the selection of diagnostic techniques and treatments hinges on comprehending the complex interplay between depression and CVD. Researchers are developing novel therapeutic techniques to enhance the cardiovascular and mental health outcomes of individuals with both depression and CVD.

Emotion recognition models are used to determine the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of humans from facial visuals. The enormity of facial expressions makes it challenging to extract emotions from face images. The main focus of this research is to extract emotions from facial images and emotional speech using deep learning models. In previous research, proposed methods suffer from issues like performance degradation caused by poor layer selection as well as poor accuracy. In the proposed model, data is gathered, and preprocessed to improve the image's quality for more accurate emotion recognition. The region extraction is carried out using a faster Recurrent-convolutional neural network (R-CNN) and the standard Resnet-101. Then, a pretrained model is created using the standard combination of the ResNet-101 and GoogLeNet model for feature extraction. To classify emotions accurately, an activational attention layer coupled deep learning model (ALNN-EmR model) is proposed using the bald hawks-based deep convolutional neural network (bald hawks-deep CNN) in this research. In the proposed model, the features are acquired using the ResLeNet model designed by concatenating the ResNet-101 and GoogLeNet features. Using the ResLeNet features, the proposed activational attention layer coupled deep learning model (ALNN-EmR) recognizes the emotions, where the weights and biases of the model are successfully adjusted using the bald hawk optimization (BHO). The proposed ALNN-EmR model is implemented and the effectiveness is revealed through the emotional speech and video-based data analysis.

PEGylation refers to the technique of modifying protein and peptide drugs with PEG, which offers numerous advantages over their unmodified counterparts in terms of physicochemical properties and therapeutic efficacy. This book chapter aims to equip the readers with detailed insights into objectives, methods, and end applications of PEGylation. The chemistry-related aspects of PEGylation, with special emphasis on the site of PEGylation, is the central theme of this piece of literature. Various critical factors affecting the process of PEGylation and its outcomes, such as the structure of PEG and size of PEG, have been emphasized in this manuscript. The applications of PEGylation in active and passive targeting and various FDA-approved PEGylated products are thoroughly discussed.

In the realm of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, the science of drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past few decades. Central to this progress has been the advent of PEGylation, a groundbreaking technology that has revolutionized how drugs are administered and their pharmacokinetics optimized. However, as with any revolutionary concept, the limitations and drawbacks of PEGylation have become increasingly apparent. This has prompted a new wave of innovation and exploration in the field, seeking alternative strategies and technologies to go “Beyond PEGylation”. In this discussion, we delve into the world of PEGylation and its alternatives, exploring the current state of the art, the challenges it presents, and the novel approaches that promise to reshape drug delivery and therapeutic strategies in the future.

Polyethylene glycol, due to its “stealth” characteristics and biocompatibility, is frequently used in the administration of drugs and nanomaterials. PEGylation enables biomaterials and particle delivery systems to circumvent the immune system and extend circulation lifetimes. To diagnose various diseases, substantial attempts are being made to create alternative imaging techniques that can improve the signal or produce high positive contrast for effective molecular imaging. The development of PEGylated nanoparticles as contrast agents in imaging technology has made it possible to gain precise cellular and molecular imaging, detect drug delivery, particularly to tumoral areas, and provide information for adequate surgical excision of solid tumors. PEGylated nanocarriers have been identified as potential candidates for the targeted treatment and imaging of malignant tumors. Peptides or antibodies can be conjugated to the surface of PEGylated nanocarriers to directly target tumor cells and potentially impair their active signaling pathways. They improve magnetic resonance imaging contrast, helping physicians to track anatomical, physiological, and molecular changes in a disease as treatment progresses. PEGylated nanocarriers are effective imaging tools for tumor diagnosis, follow-up, and disease monitoring, which help in the overall clinical management of tumors.

Target-specific therapeutic modalities solve shortcomings associated with traditional medication administration and therapy. The success of liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, micelles, protein-drug conjugates, and other nanoplatforms in improving the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of the therapeutic after systemic administration has led to promising results in clinical settings and market traction. NPs have been the gold standard for medication administration for millennia; however, this conventional method still faces problems with drug solubility, sustained payload release, and getting the necessary treatment to the targeted sickness site. NPs-mediated drug administration and targeting are further improved by encasing nanoformulations in a stealth coating made of hydrophilic polymers authorized by the FDA, such as PEG, chitosan, polyacrylamides, etc. The NPs are protected by this surface layer against opsonization, immune system recognition, and aggregation. The benefits and requirements for the PEGylation of NPs are discussed in this chapter. Here, the focus is on NPs as a means of drug administration and how the PEGylation of NPs enhances their therapeutic utility. Several PEGylated NPs that have demonstrated promising outcomes for both systemic and nonsystemic drug delivery have also been highlighted.

Nanocarriers hold immense potential for targeted drug delivery, but their therapeutic efficacy is often hindered by immunological interactions. The covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol chains, known as PEGylation, has emerged as a promising approach to modifying the immunological properties of nanocarriers. PEGylation offers several advantages, including steric stabilization, reduced protein adsorption, and decreased recognition by the immune system, resulting in prolonged circulation time and improved biodistribution. By shielding nanocarriers from immune recognition, PEGylation can mitigate undesired immune responses, such as rapid clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system or induction of pro-inflammatory reactions. This chapter hereby highlights the nuances of the PEGylation technique while emphasizing the altered immunological properties of the PEGylated nanocarriers, which positively impact the various aspects of drug delivery.

The transport of nucleic acids to host sites must be successful in creating gene therapy techniques. Due to their capacity to shield nucleic acids from deterioration and improve their cellular absorption and bioavailability, PEGylated nanocarrier systems have demonstrated significant potential as delivery technologies. This manuscript outlines creating and evaluating a PEGylated nanocarrier system for transporting nucleic acids. The nanocarrier comprised a lipid-based core for encasing nucleic acids and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating to increase stability and decrease immunogenicity. The nanocarrier may effectively encapsulate and shield the nucleic acids from nuclease deterioration. Moreover, it displayed in vitro minimal cytotoxicity and good cellular uptake and transfection efficiency. In vivo tests revealed that considerable gene activation in the liver was caused by the nanocarrier’s ability to effectively carry nucleic acids to target cells in a mouse model.

The advent of nanotechnology has brought tremendous progress in the field of biomedical science and opened avenues for advanced diagnostics and therapeutics applications. Several nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanogels have been designed to increase the drug efficiency and targeting ability in patients. Nanoparticles based on gold, silver, and iron are dominantly used for biomedical purposes owing to their biocompatibility properties. Nanoparticles offer an enhanced permeation into tissue vessels; however, their short half-life, toxicity, and off-site accumulations limit their functionality. The above shortcomings could be prevented by employing an integrated system combining nanoparticles with a nanogel-based system. These nanogels are 3D polymeric networks formed by physical and chemical crosslinking and are capable of incorporating nanoparticles, drugs, proteins, and genetic materials. Modification, functionalization, and introduction of inorganic nanoparticles have been shown to enhance the properties of nanogels, such as biocompatibility, stimuli responsiveness, stability, and selectivity. This review paper is focused on the design, synthesis, and biomedical application of inorganic nanoparticle-based nanogels. Current challenges and future perspectives will be briefly discussed to emphasize the versatile role of these multifunctional nanogels for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Topical formulations of corticosteroids, particularly clobetasol propionate (CP), are commonly used to treat a range of dermatological conditions. CP is a potent corticosteroid known for its efficacy in managing inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Emulgel-based formulations of CP have emerged as an innovative approach, offering advantages like improved drug solubility, enhanced skin penetration, and extended drug release. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the latest advancements in the development and evaluation of CP emulgel formulations. Key aspects discussed include the selection and optimization of emulgel components, formulation characterization, in vitro drug release, and pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects. Emphasis is placed on recent studies and innovations that underscore the potential of CP emulgels in dermatological therapy, highlighting their promising applications in enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.

Cryptography is essential to ensure data security in embedded devices that handle sensitive data. SRAM boosts overall performance by temporarily storing cryptographic keys. However, attackers can use side-channel, such as Power Analysis, to exploit power consumption patterns and extract secret keys. Once a key is compromised, encrypted data becomes vulnerable. There are many secure SRAM cell designs available in the literature, but they often degrade other performance parameters. This paper presents a novel 10-T SRAM cell design that provides protection against power analysis side-channel attacks (SCA) across all three cell operations, while also maintaining the performance of other key parameters. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted on 1000 samples each for case when BL=Q and BL≠Q during reading, writing, and holding data, using Cadence Virtuoso with a 45 nm technology node at 1V/270°C. Based on these simulations, the mean power difference was evaluated. The proposed P-10T SRAM cell exhibits a 0% mean power difference in all three modes of operation, demonstrating complete resilience to power analysis SCA. The design achieves 84.87% reliability with hold stability, read stability, and write ability values of 429 mV, 242 mV, and 250 mV, respectively. Furthermore, the write power dissipation of P-10T cell is 57.44 µW, which is 1.80× lower than the power consumed by the conventional 6T cell.

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease, represent a significant global health challenge with limited therapeutic options. Protein misfolding and aggregation, a common pathological hallmark in these disorders, have emerged as promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Molecular docking techniques have played a pivotal role in the identification and design of small molecules that can modulate protein misfolding, offering new hope for effective treatments. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in molecular docking techniques for targeting protein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss the principles and methodologies behind molecular docking, including various scoring functions and algorithms employed for accurate ligand-protein interactions. Additionally, we explore the use of molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning approaches to enhance the precision of docking studies. Furthermore, we highlight case studies and success stories where molecular docking has contributed to the discovery of potential drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. These include compounds that inhibit amyloid-β aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease, α-synuclein oligomerisation in Parkinson’s disease, and mutant huntingtin aggregation in Huntington’s disease. We also discuss the problems and restrictions of molecular docking related to neurodegenerative diseases, such as how to accurately show the flexibility of proteins and why docking results need to be confirmed by experiments. We also discuss the structural biology methods, such as cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, and how these techniques might help in improving molecular docking studies.

Biomaterials are essential in modern medicine, driving advancements in tissue engineering (TE), drug delivery, and medical devices. This review explores the intersection of biomaterials and sustainability, highlighting efforts to develop environmentally friendly materials through advanced technology. It examines key biomaterial characteristics for example biodegradability, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility, and discusses the influence of polymers on medical technology. From inert substances to bioactive materials, biomaterials have evolved to elicit biological responses. Notably, 3D-printed biomaterials are revolutionizing implant development with their customization and tissue facilitation advantages. The emergence of production-on-demand (POD) in 3D printing promises environmental sustainability and cost efficiency. Forecasts indicate significant growth in the global biomaterials market, particularly in Asia, reflecting increasing demand for biomaterial-based medical products. With applications ranging from synthetic skin to dental implants, biomaterials showcase versatility and importance in healthcare. Advanced characterization techniques and bioprocessing technologies enable the production of sustainable biomaterials, addressing environmental concerns. Despite challenges for example scalability and regulatory hurdles, ongoing research and collaboration are vital. Future efforts should prioritize bioprocessing optimization, novel biomaterial formulations, and life cycle assessments to enhance sustainability. Overall, sustainable biomaterials play an essential part in direction of environment related issues and advancing healthcare, necessitating continuous innovation and collaboration.

Herbal medications provide universal benefits such as effectiveness, safety, cost, and acceptance. With increased interest in plant extract research, there is also increased concern about the activity of bioactive lumberjack climber plants indigenous to Sri Lanka and Indian submontane forests. It was recently determined that plants containing kotalanol, salacinol (derived from roots, especially stems), and mangiferin (xanthone from roots) are anti-diabetic agents. Salacia reticulata (S. reticulata) contains 1,3-diketone, dulcitol, leucopelargonidin, epicatechin, furovatannin, glycoside tannin, triterpene, 30-hydroxy-20(30)-dihydroisoigesterol, hydroxyferruginol, acidic Lambert, and 16-acetate. Chemical components such as collagen in 26-hydroxy-1,3- friederandione and maitenfolate have also been discovered in S. reticulata roots. Root decoction treats skin conditions, rheumatic conditions, gonorrhoea, hemorrhoids, asthma, edema, irritation, dry mouth, menstrual cramps, and dysmenorrhea. The gastrointestinal suppression of enzymes that take over glucose through the blood reduces postprandial hyperglycemia and improves blood sugar control. Additionally, mangiferin can impede the action of aldose reductase, which delays the development or worsening of diabetes. Consequently, efforts are underway to discover new therapeutic targets, signifying a novel approach to medication development. In this regard, S. reticulata has been widely consumed owing to its discoveries and is currently the focus of substantial studies on diabetes treatment.