Search

Transition metal compounds (TMCs) are potentially fruitful substitutes for noble metals for electrocatalytic splitting of water due to their intrinsic electrocatalytic activity, modifiable morphology, tunable electronic structure and their earth‐abundance. The combination of TMCs with graphene improves the dispersion of loaded catalysts, providing more catalytic active sites, enhancing the conductivity of hybrids, affording accelerated charge‐transfer kinetics, and minimizing catalyst bleaching, aggregation, and sintering under harsh reaction conditions. Additionally, graphene incorporation into TMCs modulates the electronic structure of active centers because of the synergistic interaction between them, thereby improving their catalytic performance. This review paper focuses on the recent progress made in designing different graphene‐transition metal‐based materials that can be used in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting (OWS). In‐situ characterization methodologies and DFT calculations that facilitate catalyst development are discussed elaborately. Finally, the advancements made in the development of graphene‐supported transition metal compounds for use in a functional water electrolyzer have been explored. In conclusion, a few specific recommendations have been made about the current challenges related to the widespread production of effective HER/OER electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the potential antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of an ethanolic extract derived from Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Wild flowers in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Thirty healthy young adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Normal control, Diabetic control, Glibenclamide (standard drug), Saraca asoca flower extract (SAFE) at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate, and blood glucose levels were monitored on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. Lipid profiles, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol were also assessed. The results demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose levels with administration of Saraca asoca flower extract. Both doses (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) showed significant antihyperglycemic activity compared to the diabetic control group. Additionally, treatment with the extract led to favorable changes in lipid profiles, including decreased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol levels. These findings highlight the potential of Saraca asoca flower extract as a natural intervention for managing diabetes and improving lipid metabolism. The observed pharmacological effects may be attributed to bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins present in the extract. Further exploration of underlying mechanisms and long-term safety and efficacy assessments are necessary to validate its clinical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcone is a ubiquitous chemical compound included in the majority of organically derived plant products. In the present research, chalcones derivatives were prepared by the reaction of alpha-hydrogenated ketones with aldehydes. This reaction is carried out in reflux for four to five hours, with ethanol frequently utilised as the solvent and NaOH as the catalyst. The prepared derivatives further characterized by UV spectroscopy and Infrared specetroscopy. The UV spectrum of chalcones is characterized by two primary absorption bands: band I and a secondary band, band II. The chalcones band typically manifests in the range of 340-390nm, with occasional smaller fluctuations or peaks observed at 300-320nm. The infrared absorptions of the chalcones C1, C2 and C3 are for Ar-(C-H) stretching band (2920-2975cm-1), Aromatic ring (=CH) bond vibration at 1525-1620cm-1. Chalcone have wide range of pharmacological properties like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filariasis is a neglected tropical ailment that is among the oldest on Earth. It causes deformities and has a low fatality rate, but it causes a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and a high morbidity rate, which causes society to stigmatise the disease. The underlying cause of this medical illness is nematode worms, which are thread-like worms that are categorised according to their presence in vertebrate hosts. Mansonella ozzardi and Onchocerca volvulus are members of the body cavity group, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori are members of the lymphatic group, and Onchocerca streptocerca and Loa loa are members of the cutaneous group. Several pathological problems accompany the mosquito-borne illness lymphatic filariasis, which is among the most common diseases in tropical and subtropical areas. Research into filariasis has advanced rapidly in recent years, shedding light on the parasite's genetics, the host-parasite dynamic, the disease's pathophysiology and the efficacy of treatment. To avoid side effects and provide permanent relief from the aforementioned filarial infections, which cannot be achieved with the marketed drug-therapy, there is a need for an alternative herbal medicinal therapy for filariasis, even though there are marketed preparations for the treatment. Consequently, the plant items that have been shown to be effective against severe filarial infections are the focus of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slope failures in hilly terrain impact the social and economic balance of the community. The major reasons for these slope failures are steeper slopes, climate factors, seismic activity, nearby excavations, and construction. Natural slopes show significant heterogeneity due to the inherent randomness in material properties and geometric nonlinearities. Effective slope stability analysis solutions can be achieved by incorporating probabilistic approaches. We present a comprehensive method to develop and analyze a heterogeneous two-dimensional slope model, utilizing a non-linear-spatial-probabilistic-finite element method under a plane strain condition. The developed slope model encompasses geometrical and material nonlinearity with a uniform random distribution over the space. Also, the present slope model integrates the Mohr-Coulomb's constitutive model for elastoplastic analysis to capture more realistic and complex behavior. A benchmark soil slope problem was modeled using the spatial probabilistic finite element method, comprising all six material properties with uniform spatial uncertainties. These material properties are elastic modulus, unit weight, cohesion, friction angle, and dilation angle. During the numerical simulation, the detailed deformations, stress patterns, strain patterns, potential pre-failure zone, and failure characteristics of heterogeneous slopes were achieved under self-weight and step loading sequences. Nodal failure and probability of nodal failure were introduced as two novel quantitative parameters for more insights into failure investigations. The testbench slope model was subjected to self-weight load and external 100-step loading sequences with a loading increment of -0.1 kN/m. The percentage probability of nodal failure was obtained at 40.46% considering uniformly distributed material uncertainties with a 10% coefficient of variation. The developed testbench slope model was also simulated for different values of the coefficient of variation (ranging from 0% to 50%) and comparatively investigated. The detailed deformation patterns, thorough profiles of stresses-strains, failure zones, and failure characteristics provided valuable insights into geotechnical engineering practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transdermal drug delivery systems have received a lot of attention due to their noninvasive nature and possible advantages over standard drug administration methods. Because transdermal administration systems skip the gastrointestinal tract and hence avoid hepatic first pass metabolism, also the chance of adverse effects such as liver malfunction and gastrointestinal tract discomfort is low. This comprehensive review explores the various aspects of polymeric advancements in transdermal drug delivery, encompassing their roles as matrix and microreservoir formers, microneedles, pressure sensitive adhesives, rate controlling membranes, and many other components. The article emphasizes the importance of biocompatibility, chemical compatibility, and stability of polymers within the transdermal delivery system. Furthermore, it delves into the recent advancements in synthetic and natural polymer‐based transdermal drug delivery systems. Thus, a comprehensive search strategy is conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to write this review paper. The scope of this investigation involves an in‐depth study of the various polymeric materials used, their formulations, and the mechanisms that support their efficacy in delivering medications over the skin barrier. Additionally, it explores the challenges associated with stability and safety concerns, while highlighting novel approaches to overcome these problems. Furthermore, the review discusses the biocompatibility of polymeric materials, crucial for ensuring minimal adverse effects and maximum therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]