Orthogonal Persulfide Generation through Precision Tools Provides Insights into Mitochondrial Sulfane Sulfur.

The sulfane sulfur pool, comprised of persulfide (RS-SH) and polysulfide (RS-SnH) derived from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), has emerged as a major player in redox biochemistry. Mitochondria, besides energy generation, serve as significant cellular redox hubs, mediate stress response and cellular health. However, the effects of endogenous mitochondrial sulfane sulfur (MSS) remain largely uncharacterized as compared with their cytosolic counterparts, cytosolic sulfane sulfur (CSS). To investigate this, we designed a novel artificial substrate for mitochondrial 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), a key enzyme involved in MSS biosynthesis. Using cells expressing a mitochondrion-localized persulfide biosensor, we demonstrate this tool's ability to selectively enhance MSS. While H2S was previously known to suppress human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), we found that MSS profoundly affected the HIV-1 life cycle, mediating viral reactivation from latency. Additionally, we provide evidence for the role of the host's mitochondrial redox state, membrane potential, apoptosis, and respiration rates in managing HIV-1 latency and reactivation. Together, dynamic fluctuations in the MSS pool have a significant and possibly conflicting effect on HIV-1 viral latency. The precision tools developed herein allow for orthogonal generation of persulfide within both mitochondria and the cytosol and will be useful in interrogating disease biology.

Tailoring Indocyanine Green J-Aggregates for Imaging, Cancer Phototherapy, and Drug Delivery: A Review.

Indocyanine green J-aggregates (ICG-Jagg) have emerged as a significant subject of interest in biomedical applications due to their unique optical properties, tunable size, and excellent biocompatibility. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth exploration of ICG-Jagg, with a focus on elucidating the diverse facets of their preparation and the factors that influence the preparation process. Additionally, the review discusses their applications in biomedical diagnostics, such as imaging and contrast agents, as well as their utilization in drug delivery and various phototherapeutic interventions.

Therapeutic potential of Aloe vera-coated curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles in an Alzheimer-induced mice model: behavioural, biochemical and histopathological evidence.

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera-coated curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles in mitigating Alzheimer's disease progression in mice, by examining behavioural changes, biochemical markers, and histopathological alterations, thus elucidating its potential as a treatment strategy. METHODS: The green synthesis method was used to synthesise this nanoformulation, which was then characterised using a variety of techniques, including percentage encapsulation efficacy, UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, FT-IR, FESEM, and EDX. Several in-vivo assessments, including behavioural evaluations, dose optimisation studies, oxidative stress marker estimation, and histological studies, were conducted to determine the potential therapeutic impact of nanoformulation on the Alzheimer-induced mice model. RESULTS: The synthesised nanoparticles show a mean diameter of 76.12 nm ±1.23, a PDI of 0.313 ± 0.02, a zeta potential of 6.27 ± 0.65 mV, and the percentage encapsulation efficiency between 90% and 95% indicating good stability of synthesised nanoformulation. With the help of Morris water maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition assay, the learning capacity and memory were assessed, and the results show that the synthesised nanoformulation significantly decreased the transfer latency to reach baited arm or to the hidden platform within 7 days. CONCLUSION: The formulation demonstrated significant biochemical benefits and remarkable cognitive advantages, establishing it as a prospective therapeutic intervention option that is both safe and effective.

In vivo characterization of a luffa-based composite scaffold for subcutaneous implantation in rats.

Recent advancements in tissue engineering have witnessed luffa-derived scaffolds, exhibiting their exceptional potential in cellular proliferation, biocompatibility, appropriate interconnectivity, and biomechanical strength. In vivo studies involved implanting fabricated scaffolds subcutaneously in Wistar rats to evaluate their impact on the heart, liver, and kidneys. This approach provided a safe and minimally invasive means to evaluate scaffold compatibility with surrounding tissues. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four distinct groups, Group A, B, C, and D are referred to as 3% LC implanted scaffolds, 5% LC implanted scaffolds, control (without luffa scaffolds), and Sham (without any scaffold implantation), respectively. Histological analysis in all the groups indicated that the animal models did not exhibit any signs of inflammation or toxicity, suggesting favorable tissue response to the implanted scaffolds. Initial observations revealed elevated levels of enzymes and biomarkers in the experimental groups after a 24 h interval, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and serum creatinine. However, these parameters normalized 3 weeks post-implantation, with no significant increase compared to the control groups, suggesting that the implanted luffa-based scaffolds did not induce adverse effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Furthermore, the scaffold's significant pore size and porosity enable it to release drugs, including antibacterial medications. This study demonstrates promising results, indicating excellent scaffold porosity, sustained drug release, affirming the in vivo biocompatibility, absence of inflammatory responses, and overall tissue compatibility highlighting the immense potential of these luffa-based scaffolds in various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Burkholderia Bacteremia at a Hospital in India.

Burkholderia spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause infection in patients with disrupted immunity. The study intended to demonstrate the epidemiology and clinical features associated with Burkholderia spp. bacteremia. This retrospective study was performed to assess the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients whose blood cultures were growing Burkholderia spp. and, based on their underlying comorbidities, were subjected to survival analysis from January 2022 to December 2022 at a university hospital in northern India. Three hundred patients with Burkholderia spp. bacteremia were included in this study conducted over 1 year. The mean age of the patients was 33.86 years with a male predominance of 56.67% (170/300, 56.67%). Underlying malignancies (207/300, 69.0%) were the most common clinical diagnosis, and catheter in situ (300/300, 100.0%) was the most common risk factor. Burkholderia cenocepacia (244/300, 81.33%) was the most common Burkholderia spp. isolated. All isolates were highly susceptible to minocycline. Kidney disease (P = 0.029), hypertension (P = 0.005), type 2 diabetes mellitus (P = 0.039), and respiratory disease (P <0.001) in patients were significantly associated with death owing to Burkholderia spp. bacteremia, whereas patients with malignancies (P <0.001) and undergoing treatment were significantly associated with a better outcome when the microorganism was susceptible to empirical antibiotics. The presence of indwelling devices, mechanical ventilation (P <0.001), and a hemodialysis catheter (P = 0.026) were statistically significant risk factors associated with poor outcomes.

Metal-Free Photoredox Catalyzed Sulfonylation of Phenylhydrazines with Thiols.

The sulfonylation method stands out as a simple and efficient approach for synthesizing sulfonamides. Despite the advancements in constructing the sulfonamide framework, the potential use of phenyl hydrazine as an amination source remains unexplored. Herein, we report a metal-free, environment-friendly photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of phenylhydrazines using thiols, employing MeCN:H2O as a green solvent and eosin Y as a photoredox catalyst. This strategy exhibits a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility, including hetero(aryl) as well as aliphatic phenylhydrazines. Finally, this protocol also demonstrated good application for the synthesis of pharmaceutical analogues.

Cetuximab decorated redox sensitive D-alpha-tocopheryl- polyethyleneglycol-1000-succinate based nanoparticles for cabazitaxel delivery: Formulation, lung targeting and enhanced anti-cancer effects.

This research work aims to fabricate cetuximab (CTX) decorated cabazitaxel (CBZ) loaded redox-sensitive D-alpha-tocopheryl-polyethyleneglycol-1000-succinate (TPGS-SS) nanoparticles (NPs) for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted lung tumor therapy.The NPs were prepared using a dialysis bag diffusion method to produce, non-redox sensitive non targeted (TPGS-CBZ-NPs), redox-sensitive nontargeted (TPGS-SS-CBZ-NPs), and targeted redox-sensitive NPs (CTX-TPGS-SS-CBZ-NPs). Developed NPs were characterized for particle sizes, polydispersity, surface charge, surface morphologies, and entrapment efficiency. Moreover, additional in vitro studies have been conducted, including in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake studies.The particle size and charge over the surface were found to be in the range of 145.6 to 308.06 nm and -15 to -23 mV respectively. The IC50 values of CBZ clinical injection (Jevtana®), TPGS-CBZ-NPs, TPGS-SS-CBZ-NPs, and CTX-TPGS-SS-NPs were found to be 17.54 ± 3.58, 12.8 ± 2.45, 9.28 ± 1.13 and 4.013 ± 1.05 µg/ml, suggesting the 1.37, 1.89 and 4.37-folds respectively, enhancement of cytotoxicity as compared to CBZ clinical injection, demonstrating a significant augmentation in cytotoxicity. In addition, the in-vitro cellular uptake investigation showed that CTX-TPGS-SS-CMN6-NPs accumulated significantly compared to pure CMN6, TPGS-CMN6-NPs, and TPGS-SS-CMN6-NPs in the A549 cells. Furthermore, the targeting efficiency of developed NPs were analysed by ultrasound/photoacoustic and IVIS imaging.

Gum acacia based hydrogels and their composite for waste water treatment: A review.

The non-toxic nature of natural polysaccharides and their biodegradability makes them the first choice of researchers. Various natural polysaccharides are available nowadays, like cellulose, starch, chitosan, gum acacia, guar gum etc. Among these, gum acacia is a common natural polysaccharide presently used in research and technology. It is highly biodegradable, pH stable and shows appropriate water solubility. It is used in research to synthesize hydrogels and hydrogel nanocomposites for various applications because of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and excellent absorption properties. The major fields of applications include the stabilization of metal nanoparticles in the form of nanocomposites, wound dressing materials, delivery systems of various drugs and pharmaceutical agents, bioengineering, tissue engineering, purification of water, synthesis of antibacterial and antifungal composites for agricultural improvements, and many others. Due to the increasing problem of water pollution, the major focus is on research helping to reduce this problem. Gum acacia-based hydrogel and hydrogel composites were synthesized and tested for pollutant removal efficiency from wastewater by different researchers. The research on gum acacia hydrogel and their hydrogel composite applications for water purification, as well as their synthesis processes and properties, are summarized in this review article.

Unearthing diverse culturable fungal communities associated with Ophiocordyceps indica sp. nov. from Indian Western Himalaya.

Fungal communities colonizing Ophiocordyceps spp. plays a crucial ecological role in their natural habitat, contributing to infect the host larvae, and influencing their occurrence. Although associated fungi with the newly described Ophiocordyceps indica, from the Indian Western Himalaya remains unclear. Therefore, we untangled the culturable fungal communities associated with O. indica and soil adhered to it, collected from low-height areas of Himachal Pradesh, India. The study resulted in the identification of 111 fungal isolates representing 17 families, with maximum fungal isolates (36.03%) within Cordycipitaceae. Interestingly, a total of 24 genera were found associated with O. indica and adhered soil, of which 12 were common, 8 were exclusive to O. indica and 4 were only limited to soil. Additionally, the influence of soil physicochemical parameters on fungal diversity indices revealed a positive correlation with humidity and available nitrogen and a negative correlation with pH and available phosphorus. These findings provide insights into the culturable fungal diversity of O. indica and the soil adhering to it, thus can contribute to the understanding of host-microbial interactions. Furthermore, these associations can be explored as a source of bioactive metabolites to combat the unending industrial demands.

Integrative Pharmacology in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders.

The detrimental physical, mental, and socioeconomic effects of substance use disorders (SUDs) have been apparent to the medical community for decades. However, it has become increasingly urgent in recent years to develop novel pharmacotherapies to treat SUDs. Currently, practitioners typically rely on monotherapy. Monotherapy has been shown to be superior to no treatment at all for most substance classes. However, many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed that monotherapy leads to poorer outcomes when compared with combination treatment in all specialties of medicine. The results of RCTs suggest that monotherapy frequently fails since multiple dysregulated pathways, enzymes, neurotransmitters, and receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of SUDs. As such, research is urgently needed to determine how various neurobiological mechanisms can be targeted by novel combination treatments to create increasingly specific yet exceedingly comprehensive approaches to SUD treatment. This article aims to review the neurobiology that integrates many pathophysiologic mechanisms and discuss integrative pharmacology developments that may ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with SUDs. Many neurobiological mechanisms are known to be involved in SUDs including dopaminergic, nicotinic, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and kynurenic acid (KYNA) mechanisms. Emerging evidence indicates that KYNA, a tryptophan metabolite, modulates all these major pathophysiologic mechanisms. Therefore, achieving KYNA homeostasis by harmonizing integrative pathophysiology and pharmacology could prove to be a better therapeutic approach for SUDs. We propose KYNA-NMDA-α7nAChRcentric pathophysiology, the "conductor of the orchestra," as a novel approach to treat many SUDs concurrently. KYNA-NMDA-α7nAChR pathophysiology may be the "command center" of neuropsychiatry. To date, extant RCTs have shown equivocal findings across comparison conditions, possibly because investigators targeted single pathophysiologic mechanisms, hit wrong targets in underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, and tested inadequate monotherapy treatment. We provide examples of potential combination treatments that simultaneously target multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms in addition to KYNA. Kynurenine pathway metabolism demonstrates the greatest potential as a target for neuropsychiatric diseases. The investigational medications with the most evidence include memantine, galantamine, and N-acetylcysteine. Future RCTs are warranted with novel combination treatments for SUDs. Multicenter RCTs with integrative pharmacology offer a promising, potentially fruitful avenue to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of SUDs.

Characteristics of Chryseobacterium bacteremia, associated risk factors and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern at a university hospital: a descriptive, retrospective study.

Introduction: Chryseobacterium species are emerging bacteria capable of causing nosocomial infections in immunocompromised patients or patients with indwelling medical devices. Hypothesis/ Gap statement: Information about the incidence of Chryseobacterium bacteremia from worldwide literature is limited. Aim: We aimed to recognize the clinical characteristics, frequency of distribution of different Chryseobacterium species isolates, and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile from bloodstream infections. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study to identify all isolates of Chryseobacterium species from bloodstream infection from January 2018 to November 2022 at a university hospital in North India. Results: We identified 42 non-duplicate isolates of Chryseobacterium species from bloodstream infection in the duration of our study. Mean age of the patients was 48.35±16.63 years. Men (22/42, 52.2 %) were more commonly affected in comparison to women (20/42, 47.6 %) but the difference was not significant. The most common species identified was C. indologenes (40/42, 95.24 %) followed by C. gleum (2/42, 4.76 %). The co-morbidities commonly encountered in our study were chronic kidney disease (21/42, 50.0 %) followed by diabetes mellitus (12/42, 28.6 %) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8/42, 19.05 %). All patients had intravenous access to medications or fluid management via a central or peripheral line and mechanical ventilation was observed in 39 (39/42, 92.86 %) patients. All the isolates were susceptible to minocycline (100 %), followed by doxycycline (97.6 %) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (95.2 %). Conclusion: Chryseobacterium species are capable of causing pneumonia, bacteremia and urinary tract infection in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics can prevent progression to septicemia.

One year experience of Achromobacter bacteremia at a tertiary care hospital in Northern India.

Introduction: Achromobacter is a Gram-negative, motile, obligate aerobic and non-fermentative bacterium. It is an emerging pathogen in the hospital environment as it is frequently found in various solutions. Hypothesis/Gap Statement: Information about the incidence and risk factors of Achromobacter bacteremia from India is limited. Aim: We conducted this study to identify the risk factors and underlying conditions predisposing to bacteremia by Achromobacter spp. and analyse the antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates. Methodology: We performed a retrospective observational study where automated blood cultures positive for Achromobacter spp. were assessed for clinical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility patterns from January 2022 to December 2022 in the microbiology laboratory of a tertiary care centre in Northern India. Results: A total of 14 cases (14/2435, 0.57 %) of Achromobacter spp. were identified from bloodstream infections in one year. The mean age of the patients was 37.59±23.17 years with a male predominance (8/14, 57.1 %). All patients were managed on intravenous antibiotics and intravenous access as peripheral line catheters and only 5(5/14, 35.7 %) patients were managed on central line catheters. The isolates were found highly susceptible to ticarcillin-clavulanic acid (14/14, 100.0 %) followed by fluoroquinolones (12/14, 85.72 %) and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (12/14, 85.72 %). Only 57.14 % (8/14, 57.14 %) of the patients were susceptible to piperacillin-tazobactam. The all-cause 40 day mortality was observed in 35.7 % (5/14, 35.7 %) with two deaths that were directly attributable to sepsis. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the incidence of Achromobacter bacteremia at our centre and the necessary antibiotic therapy to combat it.

EGFR Targeted Redox Sensitive Chitosan Nanoparticles of Cabazitaxel: Dual-Targeted Cancer Therapy, Lung Distribution, and Targeting Studies by Photoacoustic and Optical Imaging.

In this research, we have modified tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) to a redox-sensitive material, denoted as TPGS-SH, and employed the same to develop dual-receptor-targeted nanoparticles of chitosan loaded with cabazitaxel (CZT). The physicochemical properties and morphological characteristics of all nanoparticle formulations were assessed. Dual-receptor targeting redox-sensitive nanoparticles of CZT (F-CTX-CZT-CS-SH-NPs) were developed by a combination of pre- and postconjugation techniques by incorporating synthesized chitosan-folate (F) and TPGS-SH during nanoparticle synthesis and further postconjugated with cetuximab (CTX) for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting. The in vitro release of the drug was seemingly higher in the redox-sensitive buffer media (GSH, 20 mM) compared to that in physiological buffer. However, the extent of cellular uptake of dual-targeted nanoparticles was significantly higher in A549 cells than other control nanoparticles. The IC50 values of F-CTX-CZT-CS-SH-NPs against A549 cells was 0.26 ± 0.12 µg/mL, indicating a 6.3-fold and 60-fold enhancement in cytotoxicity relative to that of dual-receptor targeted, nonredox sensitive nanoparticles and CZT clinical injection, respectively. Furthermore, F-CTX-CZT-CS-SH-NPs demonstrated improved anticancer activity in the benzo(a)pyrene lung cancer model with a higher survival rate. Due to the synergistic combination of enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of small-sized nanoparticles, the innovative and redox sensitive TPGS-SH moiety and the dual folate and EGFR mediated augmented endocytosis have all together significantly enhanced their biodistribution and targeting exclusively to the lung which is evident from their ultrasound/photoacoustic and in vivo imaging system (IVIS) studies.

Post-transcriptional repression of CFP-1 expands the regulatory repertoire of LIN-41/TRIM71.

The Caenorhabditis elegans LIN-41/TRIM71 is a well-studied example of a versatile regulator of mRNA fate, which plays different biological functions involving distinct post-transcriptional mechanisms. In the soma, LIN-41 determines the timing of developmental transitions between larval stages. The somatic LIN-41 recognizes specific mRNAs via LREs (LIN-41 Recognition Elements) and elicits either mRNA decay or translational repression. In the germline, LIN-41 controls the oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET), although the relevant targets and regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. The germline LIN-41 was suggested to regulate mRNAs indirectly by associating with another RNA-binding protein. We show here that LIN-41 can also regulate germline mRNAs via the LREs. Through a computational-experimental analysis, we identified the germline mRNAs potentially controlled via LREs and validated one target, the cfp-1 mRNA, encoding a conserved chromatin modifier. Our analysis suggests that cfp-1 may be a long-sought target whose LIN-41-mediated regulation during OET facilitates the transcriptional reprogramming underlying the switch from germ- to somatic cell identity.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards COVID-19 Pandemic among Patients Attending Dental Outpatient Department of M.G.M. Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India.

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an extremely contagious illness that spreads mostly via the dentistry practice. Patients in need of dental care are at a higher risk of becoming infected with and becoming carriers of the illness. Aim: To assess the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of patients visiting dental outpatient department of M.G.M. Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients visiting dental outpatient department of M.G.M. Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India were included. The questionnaire had four sections including demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and practice in relation to COVID-19. Along with computation of descriptive statistics, data analysis was performed using unpaired t-test. Results: A total of 332 people took part in the research. The female respondents were higher in number (53.01%) and the highest percentage of the respondents belongs to the age group 18-40 years (55.72%). Nearly, 98% of respondents were vaccinated. The highest percentage of KAP level was recorded for knowledge (74.95%) followed by that of attitude (50.84%) and practices (37.05%). Conclusion: While respondents' overall knowledge was high but their enthusiasm for taking preventative measures was low, and their efforts to stem the pandemic were lagging at best. Future campaigns should focus more on reaching out to marginalized populations, such as those with less education or higher poverty rates.

Surgical Outcomes of Levator Resection in Moderate and Severe Ptosis With a Good Levator Function: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: An abnormally drooping upper eyelid in comparison with the normal position in primary gaze refers to ptosis. Levator resection should be the procedure of choice in patients with moderate to severe ptosis and a good levator function. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analysed the surgical outcomes after large and maximal levator resection in patients with moderate and severe ptosis with a good levator function and Bell's phenomenon. All patients had a good levator function; therefore, levator resection was the procedure of choice. We performed levator resection of 20 mm and above and the desired post-operative correction was achieved. RESULTS: One patient had microcornea, and hence, he was undercorrected and his post-operative marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD 1) was 3 mm. Two patients who had severe ptosis pre-operatively had a post-operative MRD 1 of 3 mm. Rest of the patients had a post-operative MRD 1 of 4 mm. CONCLUSION: Levator resection of 20 mm or more should be performed in patients with congenital simple ptosis with a good levator function and Bell's phenomenon to achieve a favourable post-operative outcome.

Systematic analyses with genomic and metabolomic insights reveal a new species, Ophiocordyceps indica sp. nov. from treeline area of Indian Western Himalayan region.

Ophiocordyceps is a species-rich genus in the order Hypocreales (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota) depicting a fascinating relationship between microbes and insects. In the present study, a new species, Ophiocordyceps indica sp. nov., is discovered infecting lepidopteran larvae from tree line locations (2,202-2,653 m AMSL) of the Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, Indian Western Himalayan region, using combinations of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. A phylogeny for Ophiocordyceps based on a combined multigene (nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1α, and RPB1) dataset is provided, and its taxonomic status within Ophiocordycipitaceae is briefly discussed. Its genome size (~59 Mb) revealed 94% genetic similarity with O. sinensis; however, it differs from other extant Ophiocordyceps species based on morphological characteristics, molecular phylogenetic relationships, and genetic distance. O. indica is identified as the second homothallic species in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae, after O. sinensis. The presence of targeted marker components, viz. nucleosides (2,303.25 µg/g), amino acids (6.15%), mannitol (10.13%), and biological activity data, suggests it to be a new potential source of nutraceutical importance. Data generated around this economically important species will expand our understanding regarding the diversity of Ophiocordyceps-like taxa from new locations, thus providing new research avenues.

Birth and death view of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

The potential of cells to guide their genome and configure genes to express at a given time and in response to specific stimuli is pivotal to regulate cellular processes such as tissue differentiation, organogenesis, organismal development, homeostasis, and disease. In this review, we focus on the diverse mechanisms involved in DNA replication and its degradation, mRNA synthesis, and associated regulation such as RNA capping, splicing, tailing, and export. mRNA turnover including Decapping, deadenylation, RNA interference, and Nonsense mediated mRNA decay followed by protein translation, post-translational modification, and protein turnover. We highlight recent advances in understanding the complex series of molecular mechanisms responsible for the remarkable cellular regulatory mechanisms.

An ionic liquid synthesis route for mixed-phase sodium titanate (Na2Ti3O7 and Na2Ti6O13) rods as an anode for sodium-ion batteries.

Sodium ion batteries represent a sustainable alternative to Li-ion technologies. Challenges with material properties remain, however, particularly with regards the performance of anodes. We report a rapid, energy-efficient ionic liquid synthesis method for mixed phase Na2Ti3O7 and Na2Ti6O13 rods. This method is based on a novel phase-transfer route which produces pure functional materials via a dehydrated IL. The structure of the synthesised materials was characterised using powder X-ray diffraction, which confirms the formation of a mixed Na2Ti3O7 and Na2Ti6O13 phase, with majority Na2Ti3O7 phase, in contrast to previous synthesis methods. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals a rod morphology, with an average diameter and length of 87 nm ± 3 nm and 1.37 µm ± 0.07 µm, respectively. The initial discharge and charge capacity of Na2Ti3O7 nanorods were measured as 325.20 mA h g-1 and 149.07 mA h g-1, respectively, at 10 mA g-1 between 0.01-2.5 V. We attribute the enhanced performance to the higher weight fraction of Na2Ti3O7 phase vs. previous reports, demonstrating the potential of the ionic liquid method when applied to sodium titanate materials.

EGFR targeted albumin nanoparticles of oleanolic acid: In silico screening of nanocarrier, cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics for lung cancer therapy.

This study aimed to develop cetuximab (CTX) functionalized albumin nanoparticles (ALB-NPs) of oleanolic acid for EGFR targeted lung cancer therapy. The molecular docking methodology has been applied for a selection of suitable nanocarrier. Various physicochemical parameters like particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro drug release of all the ALB-NPs were analyzed. Furthermore, the in-vitro qualitative and quantitative cellular uptake study revealed that higher uptake of CTX conjugated ALB-NPs than nontargeted ALB-NPs in A549 cells. The in-vitro MTT assay revealed that the IC50 value of CTX-OLA-ALB-NPs (4.34 ± 1.90 µg/mL) was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) than OLA-ALB-NPs (13.87 ± 1.28 µg/mL) in A-549 cells. CTX-OLA-ALB-NPs caused apoptosis in A-549 cells at concentrations equivalent to its IC50 value and blocked the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phases. The hemocompatibility, histopathology and lung safety study confirmed the biocompatibility of the developed NPs. In vivo ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging confirmed the targeted delivery of the NPs to lung cancer. The findings demonstrated that CTX-OLA-ALB-NPs have potential for site-specific delivery of OLA for effective and targeted therapy of lung carcinoma.