Fittonia albivenis-Mediated ZnO–Cu Nanoparticles against MDR E. coli
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli has reduced the reliability of conventional antibacterial therapy and has increased the need for agents capable of acting through several cellular pathways. In the present present-data study, ZnO-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared through a plant-mediated route using methanolic leaf extract of Fittonia albivenis as a reducing, chelating and capping matrix. Sequential Soxhlet extraction was performed, and the methanol fraction was standardized for total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Zn:Cu precursor ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 were evaluated. Nanoparticle formation was characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, XRD, SEM and TEM. Antibacterial performance was assessed against E. coli ATCC 25922 and three multidrug-resistant isolates by agar well diffusion, broth microdilution and minimum bactericidal concentration testing. The Zn:Cu 2:1 formulation was selected because a hydrodynamic diameter of 28.9 ± 3.1 nm, a PDI of 0.19 ± 0.02 and a zeta potential of -38.4 ± 2.0 mV were obtained. XRD reflections were assigned primarily to hexagonal wurtzite ZnO with minor monoclinic CuO contributions, and a crystallite size of 26.8 nm was calculated. TEM showed particles mainly within 22-34 nm. The optimized ZnO–Cu 2:1 formulation showed greater antibacterial activity than monometallic ZnO and CuO, producing inhibition zones of 23.2–26.4 mm and bactericidal MIC/MBC values of 32–64/64–128 µg/mL against E. coli MTCC 723 and MTCC 40. Activity was significantly greater than that of monometallic ZnO and CuO controls. The combined action was interpreted in relation to reactive oxygen species generation, Zn2+/Cu2+/release, membrane injury and interference with bacterial proteins.
Functional Recovery and Quality of Life After Exercise Training in Multiple Sclerosis
Abstract
Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition associated with progressive functional limitations, reduced mobility, and impaired health-related quality of life. Although exercise is increasingly recognized as an important rehabilitation strategy, further research is needed to understand its impact on broader patient-centered outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise training on functional recovery and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial design was used involving individuals with MS allocated into exercise and control conditions. Participants completed a 12-week structured exercise intervention consisting of aerobic and resistance training. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54), while functional recovery was evaluated through measures of balance, mobility, walking endurance, muscular strength, and aerobic capacity. Changes from baseline to post-intervention were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of exercise rehabilitation.
Results
Exercise training resulted in significant improvements in both physical and mental domains of quality of life compared with the control condition. Participants demonstrated enhanced functional performance, including improvements in balance, mobility, walking endurance, muscular strength, and aerobic capacity. Aerobic exercise showed greater benefits for endurance-related outcomes and physical quality of life, whereas resistance exercise demonstrated stronger effects on strength and balance-related measures.
Conclusion
Structured exercise rehabilitation improves quality of life and functional recovery in people with multiple sclerosis. The findings support individualized exercise prescription, where training approaches are selected according to patient needs and rehabilitation goals. Exercise should be considered an essential component of comprehensive MS management.
