ABSTRACT
Medulloblastoma is a type of brain cancer that primarily affects children. While chemotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating medulloblastoma, the development of chemotherapy resistance remains a challenge. One potential therapeutic approach is to selectively inhibit the inducible transcription factor called STAT3, which is known to play a crucial role in the survival and growth of tumor cells. The activation of STAT3 has been linked to the growth and progression of various cancers, including medulloblastoma. Inhibition of STAT3 has been shown to sensitize medulloblastoma cells to chemotherapy, leading to improved treatment outcomes. Different approaches to STAT3 inhibition have been developed, including small-molecule inhibitors and RNA interference. Preclinical studies have shown the efficacy of STAT3 inhibitors in medulloblastoma, and clinical trials are currently ongoing to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in patients with various solid tumors, including medulloblastoma. In addition, researchers are also exploring ways to optimize the use of STAT3 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy and identify biomarkers that can predict treatment that will help to develop personalized treatment strategies. This review highlights the potential of selective inhibition of STAT3 as a novel approach for the treatment of medulloblastoma and suggests that further research into the development of STAT3 inhibitors could lead to improved outcomes for patients with aggressive cancer.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition is a universal problem that has many forms. It affects all geographies, all age groups, and rich and poor people.The link between food insecurity and the health of populations has been established. Malnutrition commonly affects all groups in a community, but infants and young children are the most vulnerable because of their high requirements for growth and development. Hence, this study is taken up to assess existing household food insecurity, nutritional status, and various factors influencing the same among preschool children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Anganwadis in the rural field practice area attached to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), Bengaluru. Based on the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method, 500 Anganwadi children aged three to six years were included in the study from nine Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) blocks in Nelamangala, Bengaluru. Data were collected using a pre-validated, semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 500 study participants, 274 (54.8%) were boys and 226 (45.2%) were girls. Moderate underweight was seen in 13.87% of boys and 28.32% of girls. Severe underweight was seen in 6.57% of boys and 4.4% of girls. Moderate stunting was seen in 6.2% of boys and 21.68% among girls. Severe stunting was seen in 1.44% of boys and 0.88% of girls. Moderate wasting was seen in 12.41% of boys and 16.81% of girls. Severe wasting was seen in 2.19% of boys and 0.88% of girls. Mild food insecurity was seen in 11.65% of households, and moderate food insecurity was seen in 5.2% of households. There was a significant association between wasting and household food insecurity (p < 0.05), stunting, and household food insecurity (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between age and stunting, gender and stunting, and gender and underweight. On regression analysis, moderate food insecurity was 2.08 times higher and significantly associated with stunting. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malnutrition was less than the NFHS 5 statistics in this study. Regular monitoring and analysis of food insecurity and malnutrition among children and women need to be done at the national, state, and regional levels.
ABSTRACT
Exosomes, small tiny vesicle contains a large number of intracellular particles that employ to cause various diseases and prevent several pathological events as well in the human body. It is considered a "double-edged sword", and depending on its biological source, the action of exosomes varies under physiological conditions. Also, the isolation and characterization of the exosomes should be performed accurately and the methodology also will vary depending on the exosome source. Moreover, the uptake of exosomes from the recipients' cells is a vital and initial step for all the physiological actions. There are different mechanisms present in the exosomes' cellular uptake to deliver their cargo to acceptor cells. Once the exosomal uptake takes place, it releases the intracellular particles that leads to activate the physiological response. Even though exosomes have lavish functions, there are some challenges associated with every step of their preparation to bring potential therapeutic efficacy. So, overcoming the pitfalls would give a desired quantity of exosomes with high purity.
