Subasini Uthirapathy’s research while affiliated with Tishk International University and other places

Introduction It is hypothesized that air pollutants could be associated with semen parameters. This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to reach a firm conclusion regarding the possible association between outdoor air pollution and semen parameters among the adult population. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science were systematically searched using the text keywords and MeSH terms, including “air pollution” and “semen parameters,“. The population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework was used as follows: P (Adult men), I (Individuals with the highest exposure to the air pollutants), C (Individuals with the lowest exposure to the air pollutants), O [Semen parameters, including semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, normal morphology rate, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI)]. The overall effect was presented as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) analyzed via a fixed (inverse-variance) or random (DerSimonian-Laird) weighted model. Low, moderate, and high heterogeneity were defined as I² index < 40, 40–75, and > 75%, respectively. Results Seventeen studies covering 24,065 participants were enrolled in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Higher exposure to outdoor air pollution was associated with significant decreases in semen volume (WMD: -0.13 mL; 95% CI, -0.21 to -0.05; P = 0.001; I² = 32.1%), sperm concentration (WMD: -12.41 × 10⁶/mL; 95% CI, -23.29 to -1.53; P = 0.03; I² = 98.7%), total motility (WMD: -5.96%; 95% CI, -10.76 to -1.16; P = 0.01; I² = 96.2%), progressive motility (WMD: -4.89%; 95% CI, -9.23 to -0.55; P = 0.03; I² = 98.0%), normal morphology rate (WMD: -2.64%; 95% CI, -4.36 to -0.92; P = 0.003; I² = 94.6%), and significant increases in DNA fragmentation index (WMD: 5.41%; 95% CI, 3.24 to 7.59; P < 0.001; I² = 70.4%). Conclusion Based on the results, it can be stated that air pollution can impair sperm parameters. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to illuminate this issue and clarify the underlying mechanisms.

The tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins are well-studied as essential modulators of many processes, including the modulation of several pathways linked to immunological reactions. Most TRIM family members can polyubiquitinate the targeted proteins by acting as E3 ubiquitin ligases. According to current research, TRIMs play a critical role in innate immune response via modifying transcription factors, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), and key adaptor proteins within innate immunity. It is becoming clearer that TRIMs play important roles in adaptive immune response, especially in the stimulation and promotion of T cells. We highlight the E3 ubiquitin ligase functions of TRIMs in the PRRs axis linked to autoimmune disorders. By focusing on TRIM family members, we also clarify the new approaches to regulating immunological reactions to alleviate autoimmunity.

Food safety has garnered significant social attention due to the rapid economic development and the enhancement of living standards. Food detection plays a vital role in ensuring food safety. Recently, the adoption of rapid and efficient detection technologies has emerged as a standard approach for food safety screening, significantly reducing the risk of food safety incidents. Nanozymes represent a class of nanomaterials that emulate the biocatalytic functions of natural enzymes. Specifically, oxidases are a subset of oxidoreductases that enable the oxidation of hydrogen donor substrates in the existence of molecular oxygen. Recent literature has documented numerous instances of various nanomaterials demonstrating oxidase-mimicking activity, which has emerged as one of the most extensively investigated enzymatic properties, with a wide range of applications. This review examines the substantial advancements and promising potential of oxidase mimics by categorizing oxidase-mimicking nanozymes according to their substrates, along with a brief introduction to their synthesis methods. A comprehensive review of sensing applications for food contamination detection has been conducted, focusing on pathogenic bacteria, toxins, heavy metals, pesticide residues, and other contaminants. Furthermore, the current challenges and future prospects in this field are tentatively deliberated.

The intricate relationship between gut microbiota and the brain has emerged as a pivotal area of research, particularly in understanding myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This complex condition is characterized by debilitating fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and a wide array of systemic manifestations, posing significant challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Recent studies highlight the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a crucial pathway in ME/CFS pathophysiology, suggesting that alterations in gut microbial composition may impact immune responses, neurochemical signaling, and neuronal health. This narrative review systematically explores English-language scholarly articles from January 1995 to January 2025, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The findings underscore the potential for targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at correcting gut dysbiosis. As research progresses, a deeper understanding of the microbiota-gut-brain connection could lead to innovative approaches for managing ME/CFS, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.

In this study, salicin, the key active ingredient in willow bark and a primary source of aspirin, was extracted using supercritical CO₂. Gas chromatography (GC) characterized the extract. Key operating factors, including pressure, temperature, particle size, and extraction time, were varied to optimize extraction yield, employing response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) method. The maximum yield was 12.371% (mass of extracted salicin / mass of dry willow bark) with a 56.75% salicin recovery under the optimal condition, determined as 22 MPa pressure, 40 °C temperature, 0.45 mm particle size, and 100 minutes extraction time. Results showed that higher extraction time and pressure increased yield, while temperature and particle size reduced it. Extraction time had the most significant effect, while temperature was the least impactful. The Sovová and Tan and Liou models were applied, showing close agreement between predicted and experimental extraction curves.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has drawn much interest recently in the search for innovative cancer therapeutics, especially in light of the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The TME comprises various cell types within the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as immune cells, endothelial cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Throughout the malignancy, these cells interact with cancerous cells and with one another. Inside the TME, CAFs are predominant and diverse cell types essential in regulating immune escape, angiogenesis, chemotherapeutic resistance, and cancer cells to invade and metastasize. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and soluble substances are secreted by CAFs, which also remodel the extracellular matrix to partially coordinate their actions. A subclass of EVs called exosomes comprises proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Exosomes contain macromolecules that can transfer from one cell to another, changing the recipient cell's activity. Since exosomes are also circulating, it is possible to investigate their composition as potential biomarkers for cancer patient's diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, we focus on the function of exosomes derived from CAFs in the communications between CAFs and other TME cells and cancerous cells. Initially, we explain the various roles of CAFs in carcinogenesis. Subsequently, we address the processes by which CAFs interact with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and other cells within the TME, with a special focus on the function of exosomes. We then go into greater detail regarding the processes by which exosomes derived from CAFs aid in the development of HCC, in addition to the clinical implications of exosomes. Finally, we address facets of exosomes that warrant additional research, such as novel discoveries regarding the enhancement of immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade therapy.

The advent of multifunctional nanoparticles has significantly transformed the landscape of image-guided drug delivery (IGDD) in nuclear medicine. This review presents a detailed examination of the progress and applications of these nanoparticles within the field. It discusses combining imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with targeted drug delivery platforms, highlighting the nanoparticles’ ability to improve drug bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges related to their translation into clinical practice. By analyzing recent studies and advancements, it seeks to provide insights into the potential of multifunctional nanoparticles for enhancing IGDD in nuclear medicine.

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the key pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease is oxidative stress, which is characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of antioxidant supplementation in mitigating oxidative stress markers in Alzheimer’s disease. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on antioxidant supplementation in Alzheimer’s disease and its effects on oxidative stress markers. The paper will examine the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease, the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation, and the challenges and limitations of using antioxidants as a therapeutic strategy.