Articles

In many sectors, ranging from sports and military operations to professional settings (notably cognitive enhancement); human performance augmentation has been an enduring ambition. The idea behind this movement, known as human enhancement, has evolved over time from simple means of training to the improvement or augmentation of physical ability through recent developments in fields such as pharmaceuticals and implantable devices that can enhance natural abilities. They span from pharmaceutical agents to wearable technologies used for sophisticated self-experimentation, which offer promise but also present ethical, health, and societal risks Performance-Enhancing Drugs are used to enhance the performance of humans in one way or another as a basic idea. The categories of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) included are Stimulants: Stimulant drugs, including amphetamines and caffeine (in the form of coffee) have been used for thousands of endeavours and physical stamina for decades. There have been many sources of controversy in the sporting world due to use or misuse and side-effectual restrictions. The release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and allowing muscles to grow big, and fast. Nevertheless, the consumption of anabolic steroids is strictly controlled because it has side effects and complications such as liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and greater aggression. Erythropoietin EPO is a hormone that produces red blood cells, and increased oxygen delivery to muscle. EPO Athletes and even more notably endurance athletes (such as cyclists) have a storied history of abusing this performance-enhancing agent to build stamina. However, the misuse of this drug can be very hazardous, as it causes complications such as blood clotting and heart issues.

Floriculture is the branch of horticulture that deals with the cultivation and management of flowers and ornamental plants and has blossomed into commercial activity with considerable growth and a useful crop diversification option, particularly for small farmers over the past three decades. It is a global industry with significant economic, social, and aesthetic values. Globally 171 countries practice floriculture. India occupies 51st position in terms of exports and contributes Rs. 455 crores which is 0.06% of global trade.The present study was carried out during the College on Wheels project organized by the Higher Education Council, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and was aimed to explore the floral and ornamental plant diversity of major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai, etc. of India for evaluating their suitability for introduction in floriculture of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.The floral and ornamental plant species were explored, photographed, evaluated, identified, and inventorised. A total of 51 species belonging to 23 different families of floral and ornamental plants were explored and evaluated in terms of parameters like climate, soil type, photoperiod requirements, watering needs, and maintenance requirements for their cultivation. It was found that some of the explored species of ornamental plants were already introduced into the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir because the parameters for the successful growth and thriving of these species match with the existing climatic and other conditions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the climatic and other requirements of some of the explored species were found in conformity with the climatic and other parameters available in the Union Territory of J&K for the successful establishment and growth of plants. Thus, there is an urgent need to introduce these explored species into the region to enhance the floral diversity of ornamental plants, beautify the landscape, and promote tourism and the generation of better livelihood. The Department of Floriculture should take a lead role in this direction to import these floral and ornamental plant specimens from pan India.

Neurotoxicity is increasingly recognized as a critical factor impacting long-term health, with growing evidence linking it to both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Pesticides, widely used in agriculture and industry, have emerged as significant contributors to neurotoxic risk, given their capacity to disrupt key neurodevelopmental processes at low exposure levels. As conventional animal models present limitations in interspecies translation, human-derived neuron-based in vitro screening strategies are urgently needed to assess potential toxicants accurately. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer an innovative and scalable source for human-specific neuronal models that complement traditional animal-based approaches and support the development of predictive assays for neurotoxicity. Recent various stem cell models, including 2D cultures, 3D organoids, and microfluidic systems, are now available, advancing predictive neurotoxicology by simulating key aspects of human neural development and function. With the integration of High-Throughput (HT) and High-Content (HC) screening methodologies, these hiPSC-based systems enable efficient, large-scale evaluation of chemical effects on neural cells, enhancing our ability to detect early biomarkers of neurotoxic effects. Identifying early biomarkers of neurotoxic is essential to developing therapeutic interventions before irreversible damage occurs. This is particularly crucial in the context of developmental neurotoxicity, where early exposure to toxicants can have lifelong consequences. This review specifically presents an in-depth overview of the current progress in hiPSC-derived neural models and their applications in neurotoxicity testing, with a specific focus on their utility in assessing pesticide-induced neurotoxicity. Emphasizing future research priorities, we highlight the potential of these models to transform predictive toxicology, offering more human-relevant assessments and advancing the field toward a more precise evaluation of environmental neurotoxicants.

Background: Microorganisms belonging to Streptomyces sp. are Gram-positive bacteria known for their unsurpassed capacity for the production of secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of ethyl acetate Streptomyces sp. PERM2 extract, its potential modes of action and bioactive secondary metabolites.Results: The ethyl acetate PERM2 extract showed antimicrobial activity more pronounced on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration value (MIC) of 0.5 mg/mL and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 2 - 4 mg/mL against bacterial pathogens. MIC value against pathogenic fungi was 2 mg/mL and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of 0.01 - 0.05 mg/mL against pathogenic fungi. PERM2 crude extract showed the ability to inhibit bacteria cell wall synthesis at 0.5 and 1 MIC. The extract was found to possess dose-dependent 2,2-Diphenyl-picrylhadrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and Ferric reducing activity. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of three major compounds identified as 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z) (29.75%), tridecyl trifluoroacetate (24.82%) and 1-(+)-ascorbic acid 2, 6-dihexadecanoate (22.34%). The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed the presence of 22 non-volatile metabolites in PERM2 extract and only the compound 3, 30-O-dimethylellagic acid was identified. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that ethyl acetate Streptomyces sp. PERM2 extract possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities; inhibits bacteria cell wall and protein synthesis; and contains significant bioactive secondary metabolites which could be used as an alternative to multi-resistance antibiotics.

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is an iatrogenic complication caused by antipsychotic agents and rarely by other anti-depressive/antiepileptic or anti-nausea medication. It is mostly a benign condition with implications regarding esthetic issues but it can also impact social and emotional well-being. We are reporting a case in which severe TD ensued in an elderly lady with newly diagnosed dementia, who presented to the psychiatric ER with a Capgras syndrome and paranoia accompanied by behavioral disturbances. She was treated with 4 consecutive antipsychotic agents (haloperidol, brexiprazole, risperidone, and olanzapine) due to unresponsive psychosis in conjunction with biperiden and developed a severe case of TD, which was complicated by two successive episodes of jaw subluxation. In spite of the good outcome following the reduction of the subluxation, we emphasize the danger of this rare painful, and bothersome side-effect and recommend how to pharmacologically deal with the TD setting in which it occurred.

Excessive ankle stiffness can greatly impact mobility, leading to discomfort, difficulty in walking, and limited Range of Motion (ROM). We aimed to identify and address the symmetry of shank muscle strength, ankle passive stiffness, and plantar pressure distribution, in a patient with unilateral excessive ankle stiffness, utilizing Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) accompanied by Faradic Electrical Stimulation (FES).The patient’s muscle strength and ROM which had diminished due to 3.5 years of ankle immobilization post-rescue from amputation, underwent a 12-week program involving IASTM and FES. The plantar and dorsiflexion muscles’ torque, ROM, and plantar pressure were measured using an isokinetic and plantar distribution system before and after the intervention. Symmetry of muscle torque, ROM, and plantar pressure between two limbs were calculated for pre and post-test.Results indicated improvement in the ratio index of the concentric/eccentric dorsi- and plantar-flexion peak torque and dorsi- and plantar-flexion work, ROM, gait line length, and contact time after a 12-week intervention.The study suggests that IASTM and FES are effective interventions for restoring symmetry in a patient with post-operation complications, highlighting the need for further research on similar cases.

Introduction: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) was first reported in 2003. In 2014, it was revealed that not only bisphosphonates but also other antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs can cause osteonecrosis (Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: MRONJ). The aim of this study is to compare awareness and knowledge about BRONJ and MRONJ among specialists/trainers (ST), general dental practitioners (GDP); and dentists who graduated before and after the year 2014. Materials and methods: A survey regarding demographic information and knowledge about BRONJ and MRONJ was prepared and delivered to dentists via social media.Results: A total of 422 dentists participated in our study. It was observed that the awareness and knowledge about BRONJ and MRONJ were statistically higher in ST and in dentists who graduated in 2014 or later. In addition, when their specialties were compared to each other, it was seen that the awareness and knowledge of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists (OMR) and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) were higher than others.Discussion: According to the results of this study, it was seen that the awareness and knowledge of the ST group were higher than GDP, maybe because they may encounter these cases more. In addition, dentists who graduated in 2014 or later had higher awareness, maybe because MRONJ was coined and entered the dentistry education curriculum in 2014. Awareness and knowledge of OMR and OMS were found higher may be because they encounter these patients more frequently. Planning educational strategies for all dentists, especially GDP and dentists who graduated before 2014 is very important for post-graduate dentistry education.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) can infect pigs of any age, but the disease severity varies significantly, particularly affecting neonatal piglets due to their immature immune system. Various vaccination strategies have been questioned for their efficacy, especially since outbreaks have occurred even on vaccinated farms. Recent suggestions indicate that exposure to the virus may enhance the effectiveness of inactivated vaccines, highlighting the potential benefits of using attenuated viruses to generate immunity in sows without prior exposure. This study aimed to evaluate the humoral and cytokine responses in pregnant sows and their piglets after inoculation of affected piglet intestinal contents and a virus isolated. We measured immune parameters such as IL-12, IL-22, IgG, and IgA, as well as neutralizing antibodies in serum, colostrum, and milk. Notably, higher titers of neutralizing antibodies were found in sows immunized with the viral inoculum, while IL-12 and IL-22 levels showed no significant differences. Additionally, we assessed productive parameters like total piglets born, weaning mortality, average birth weight, and stillborn rates. The results indicated that sows treated with affected piglet intestinal contents had higher mortality (48.31%) and stillborn rates (20.96%) compared to those receiving the isolated virus (30.02% and 10.44%, respectively). These findings suggest that using an isolated virus can offer a safe, long-lasting, and specific immune response, underscoring the importance of thorough analysis of both systemic and mucosal immune responses against PEDV.

Background: The study of new neuron formation in the adult brain has sparked controversy and ignited interest among scientists in recent times, these include its occurrence and location in the adult human brain, functional significance, variation in study methods, translation from animal model to human, and ethical challenges involving neural stem cell research. Aim: To provide a comprehensive understanding of adult neurogenesis, functional significance, and challenges and explore the latest advances in the study of adult neurogenesis. Methodology: An extensive and systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) was conducted using keywords related to adult neurogenesis and techniques involved in its study. Results: The mechanism of adult neurogenesis was found to occur in specific brain regions such as the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle. Adult neurogenesis is vital neural plasticity, providing a potential mechanism for the brain to adapt and reorganize in response to environmental cues and experiences. Cutting-edge research and sophisticated imaging techniques, such as two-photon microscopy, MRI, optogenetic, and stem-cell-based therapies have provided deeper insight into the study of adult neurogenesis. Conclusion: The study of neurogenesis is important for understanding nervous system development, physiology, pathology, and exploring neuroplasticity. Its advancement is challenged by some ethical concerns regarding embryonic, pluripotent stem cells, and the need for safe, and noninvasive study methods. Although recent breakthroughs in neuroimaging, microscopic techniques, and genetic tools are aiding real-time study of adult neurogenesis.

Children who experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—including trauma, family instability, or significant loss—are at increased risk for enduring mental, emotional, and physical challenges, including conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic health issues. Without effective support, these adverse experiences can have lasting effects on a child’s well-being, often persisting into adulthood and impacting mental, emotional, and physical health outcomes over the long term. Storytelling is a powerful method to support resilience in these children by enabling them to process emotions, make sense of complex experiences, and view themselves as active agents in their lives. By framing their experiences within personal narratives, children can create coherent stories that aid emotional regulation and support mental well-being. Through storytelling, children can frame their struggles as part of a larger, purposeful journey, fostering a sense of agency and self-worth. Techniques such as narrative therapy, story circles, and resilience-themed books-exemplified by The Adventures of Gabriel—help children explore their experiences, visualise positive outcomes, and strengthen social bonds. Moreover, storytelling is an accessible tool that aids in perspective—taking, allowing children to relate their challenges to those of characters, which reinforces their ability to overcome adversity and navigate life’s complexities with strength and optimism.