Inhibition of IKK complex by (2 methyl butyryl) Shikonin, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone, abrogates melanoma growth and progression via modulation of the IKK/NFκB /EMT signaling axis.

Melanoma is an aggressive form of malignancy that originates from melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes underlying the basal layer of the epidermis with a poor prognosis, low survival rates, and limited treatment options. Although several specific and effective systematic strategies for treating melanoma have been established, the underlying molecular mechanism of melanoma progression, mortality and the promising therapeutic options remain elusive. Shikonin (SK), a natural naphthoquinone derived from a medicinal herbaceous plant, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of several cancer cells.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM) versus flexible endoscopic septotomy (FES) for treatment of Zenker's diverticulum: does either make the cut? A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes.

Background: Endoscopic treatments of symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) include flexible endoscopic septotomy (FES) and, more recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM). Data comparing these techniques are limited. We conducted a meta-analysis evaluating FES vs.

Advanced Liquid-Entrapped Nanosurfaces for Optimized Atmospheric Water Harvesting.

Our study addresses the pressing global freshwater scarcity crisis by engineering advanced liquid-entrapped nanosurfaces optimized for highly efficient atmospheric water harvesting (AWH). Through a synergistic approach integrating carbon fiber paper (CFP), hydrothermally synthesized nanoneedles (NNs), and silicone oil liquid entrapment (LE) within NNs, we achieved remarkable improvements in water collection efficiency. While CFP captures fog effectively during AWH, it faces challenges with water-pinning effects, mitigated by NNs' improved droplet-spreading properties, leading to a notable 50% increase in harvesting efficiency.

Not so inert -tris-chelate cobalt(III) complex of a hydroxy-pyridine functionalized NHC ligand for cyclic carbonate synthesis.

The homoleptic hydroxy-pyridine functionalized Co(III)-NHC complex (2) demonstrates extraordinary catalytic activity towards the CO cycloaddition under mild conditions. Using this catalyst and TBAB, the highest TON (666 667) and TOF (52 713 h) were achieved compared to previously reported cobalt catalysts.

Exploration of immunomodulatory mechanism of caprine Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells.

The present study was aimed to explore the possible mechanisms by which caprine Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) perform their immunomodulatory function. WJ-MSCs were isolated through explants culture and characterized as per ISCT criteria using culture behavior, expression of surface markers by PCR, FACS and immunocytochemical localization (ICC), trilineage differentiation potential etc. Secretory behavior for important biomolecules (IDO, TGFβ1, VEGF, IL6) was evaluated by ICC and western blot assay.

Hidden vortices and Feynman rule in Bose-Einstein condensates with density-dependent gauge potential.

In this paper, we numerically investigate the vortex nucleation in a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) trapped in a double-well potential and subjected to a density-dependent gauge potential. A rotating Bose-Einstein condensate, when confined in a double-well potential, not only gives rise to visible vortices but also produces hidden vortices. We have empirically developed Feynman's rule for the number of vortices versus angular momentum in Bose-Einstein condensates in the presence of density-dependent gauge potentials.

Clinical Spectrum of Acute Post-streptococcal Glomerulonephritis in Children: A Kashmir Experience.

Background In the pediatric population, acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is a common glomerular etiology of hematuria and acute hypertension leading to hospitalization. We conducted this study to know the clinical profile and occurrence of acute PSGN in patients presenting with features of acute nephritic syndrome. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted on children aged between two and 18 years, presenting with clinical features of acute glomerular nephritis (AGN).

Utilization of low-grade walnut kernels for oil extraction using eco-friendly methods: a comparative analysis of oil composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

Walnut oil was extracted using three different eco-friendly extraction methods, solvent extraction (using ethyl acetate [EA] and ethanol [ET]), aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE), and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE), and their lipid yield, lipid composition, physicochemical analysis, mineral composition, total phenols, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity were analyzed and compared. The AEE technique offered a greater yield (50.6%) than the other extraction methods and gave comparatively higher linoleic acid (66.

Light-absorbing impurities in glacial environments over western Himalaya from reanalysis data and in situ observations.

In context with the scientific evidence of aerosol deposition induced snow and glacier melt, this paper provides baseline information about the spatiotemporal variability of aerosols and snow-ice chemistry filling the data and knowledge gap over the western Himalaya, India based on recently published paper [1]. A systematic approach was employed that entailed analysis of aerosol variability over four decades using MERRA-2 (Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications) data over five major mountain ranges in the western Himalaya. Further, data about nine physicochemical parameters was generated over three selected glaciers in the study area.

Using the Rendezvous Technique Through Choledochoduodenostomy for Malignant Biliary Obstruction.

Endoscopic transpapillary biliary stenting via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the preferred therapy for benign and malignant distal biliary obstruction. In cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy has been shown to be as effective as percutaneous methods with an improved safety profile. Despite its efficacy, it is complicated by stent occlusion in 9%-26% of cases.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure gradient measurement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure gradient measurement (EUS-PPG) is a new modality where the portal pressure is measured by directly introducing a needle into the hepatic vein and portal vein. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-PPG.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify pertinent studies.

An Amphiphilic Cell-Penetrating Macrocycle for Efficient Cytosolic Delivery of Proteins, DNA, and CRISPR Cas9.

The discovery of safe platforms that can circumvent the endocytic pathway is of great significance for biological therapeutics that are usually degraded during endocytosis. Here we show that a self-assembled and dynamic macrocycle can passively diffuse through the cell membrane and deliver a broad range of biologics, including proteins, CRISPR Cas9, and ssDNA, directly to the cytosol while retaining their bioactivity. Cell-penetrating macrocycle CPM can be easily prepared from the room temperature condensation of diketopyrrolopyrrole lactams with diamines.

Influence of learned landmark correspondences on lung CT registration.

Background: Disease or injury may cause a change in the biomechanical properties of the lungs, which can alter lung function. Image registration can be used to measure lung ventilation and quantify volume change, which can be a useful diagnostic aid. However, lung registration is a challenging problem because of the variation in deformation along the lungs, sliding motion of the lungs along the ribs, and change in density.

Safety and efficacy of thalidomide in treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to angioectasias: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Thalidomide has been used for angioectasia-associated refractory gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), with studies showing variable efficacy and side effects profile. We conducted a meta-analysis to reconcile the data.

Methods: Online databases were searched for studies evaluating thalidomide in patients with refractory/recurrent GIB due to angioectasias.

Meta-Analysis of Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection Versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Complex Colorectal Lesions.

Background: Studies evaluating endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for complex colorectal lesions have shown variable results. We conducted a meta-analysis of the available data.

Methods: Online databases were searched for studies comparing EFTR versus ESD for complex colorectal lesions.

: Sustainable Floating Oil Cleaner of Water Bodies.

Various plant-based materials effectively absorb oil contaminants at the water/air interface. These materials showcase unparalleled efficiency in purging oil contaminants, encompassing rivers, lakes, and boundless oceans, positioning them as integral components of environmental restoration endeavors. In addition, they are biodegradable, readily available, and eco-friendly, thus making them a preferable choice over traditional oil cleaning materials.

Lutein and the Underlying Neuroprotective Promise against Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD) are the two most common progressive neurodegenerative diseases with limited knowledge on their cause and, presently, have no cure. There is an existence of multiple treatment methods that target only the symptoms temporarily and do not stop the progression or prevent the onset of disease. Neurodegeneration is primarily attributed to the natural process of aging and the deleterious effects of heightened oxidative stress within the brain, whether via direct or indirect mechanisms.

Hydrothermal and Laser-Guided Janus Membrane with Dual Wettability for Unidirectional Oil/Water Separation.

The development of a Janus membrane with contrasting chemical functionality/or wettability on opposite faces has shown great promise as a passive and energy-efficient oil/water separation technology. Notably, one side of the membrane is designed hydrophilic (i.e.

Exploring morphological variability, in vitro antioxidant potential, and HR-LCMS phytochemical profiling of Phlomis cashmeriana Royle ex Benth. across different habitats of Kashmir Himalaya.

Phytochemicals are broadly acknowledged for their health-promoting effects owing to the fact of their capacity to counteract free radicals (e.g., superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, hydroperoxyl radical, singlet oxygen, hypochlorite, and nitric oxide) and shield against oxidative stress induced by environmental factors.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Induces Acinar-to-Ductal Cell Transdifferentiation and Pancreatic Cancer Initiation Via LAMA5/ITGA4 Axis.

Background & Aims: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by desmoplastic stroma surrounding most tumors. Activated stromal fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play a major role in PDAC progression. We analyzed whether CAFs influence acinar cells and impact PDAC initiation, that is, acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM).

Anti-lung Cancer Activity of Synthesized Substituted 1,4-Benzothiazines: An Insight from Molecular Docking and Experimental Studies.

Background: Thiazine, a 6-membered distinctive heterocyclic motif with sulfur and nitrogen atoms, is one of the heterocyclic compounds that functions as a core scaffold in a number of medicinally significant molecules. Small thiazine-based compounds may operate simultaneously on numerous therapeutic targets and by employing a variety of methods to halt the development, proliferation, and vasculature of cancer cells. We have, herein, reported a series of substituted 1,4 benzothiazines as potential anticancer agents for the treatment of lung cancer.

Mass balance of Nehnar glacier from 2000 to 2020, using temperature indexed-IAAR approach.

Glacier mass balance is inextricably linked to annual meteorological conditions and is a key indicator for assessing the ice reserves of a glacier. As a result, a number of studies have estimated glacier mass balance using different methods. Here, we have used the improved accumulation area-ratio (IAAR) method to study the mass balance of the Nehnar glacier from 2000 to 2020.