"Elucidating the immunomodulatory role of endocannabinoids in intervertebral disc degeneration".

Purpose: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been well-established to play a crucial role in the regulation of several physiological processes as well as many inflammatory disease conditions. However, its role in intervertebral disc degeneration has been least explored. We aim to investigate the immunomodulatory role of endocannabinoids in regulating IVD health.

Breeding for brown plant hopper resistance in rice: recent updates and future perspectives.

Rice yield is often threatened by various stresses caused by biotic and abiotic agents. Many biotic stress factors are known to cause crop growth and yield from seedling to maturity. The brown plant hopper (BPH) can potentially reduce the rice yield to an extent of up to 80%.

Does the gut microbiome influence disc health and disease? The interplay between dysbiosis, pathobionts, and disc inflammation: a pilot study.

Background Context: Gut microbiome alterations resulting in inflammatory responses have been implicated in many distant effects on different organs. However, its influence on disc health is still not fully investigated.

Purpose: Our objective was to document the gut biome in healthy volunteers and patients with disc degeneration and to understand the role of gut dysbiosis on human disc health.

Microhydration of small protonated polyaromatic hydrocarbons: a first principles study.

Using first principles methodology, we investigate the microsolvation of protonated benzene (BzH), protonated coronene (CorH) and protonated dodecabenzocoronene (DbcH). Gas phase complexes of these small protonated polyaromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs) with mono-, di-, and tri-hydrated water molecules are considered. Their most stable forms are presented, where we discuss their structural, energetic aromaticity and IR and UV spectral features.

Beyond the venom: Exploring the antimicrobial peptides from Androctonus species of scorpion.

Prevalent worldwide, the Androctonus scorpion genus contributes a vital role in scorpion envenoming. While diverse scorpionisms are observed because of several different species, their secretions to protect themselves have been identified as a potent source of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-like compounds. Distinctly, the venom of these species contains around 24 different AMPs, with definite molecules studied for their therapeutic potential as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic agents.