Differential regulation of Shh-Gli1 cell signalling pathway on homeodomain transcription factors Nkx2.2 and Pax6 during the medulloblastoma genesis.

Background: Medulloblastoma is a pediatric malignant brain tumor associated with an aberrantly activated Shh pathway. The Shh pathway acts via downstream effector molecules, including Pax6 and Nkx2.2.

Do cardiometabolic risk factors mediate the relationship between body composition and bone mineral content in South Indian children aged 5 to 16 years?

Background/objective: The complex interplay between adiposity, bone health and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors is unclear in Indian children. We aimed to investigate the mediating role of number of CMR factors on the relationship between fat % and bone mineral content (BMC) % in South Indian children aged 5-16 years.

Subjects And Methods: Healthy children (n = 317), from India, underwent anthropometric, blood biochemistry, blood pressure, along with body composition and BMC assessments using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Homeodomain Transcription Factors Nkx2.2 and Pax6 as Novel Biomarkers for Meningioma Tumor Treatment.

Unlabelled: Meningioma is a common brain tumour which has neither a specific detection nor treatment method. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) cell signaling pathway is a crucial regulatory pathway of mammalian organogenesis and tumorigenesis including meningioma. Shh cell signalling pathway cascade function by main transcription factor Gli1 and which further regulates in its downstream to Pax6 and Nkx2.

Potential of siRNA-Bearing Subtilosomes in the Treatment of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Therapeutics, based on small interfering RNA (siRNA), have demonstrated tremendous potential for treating cancer. However, issues such as non-specific targeting, premature degradation, and the intrinsic toxicity of the siRNA, have to be solved before they are ready for use in translational medicines. To address these challenges, nanotechnology-based tools might help to shield siRNA and ensure its specific delivery to the target site.

Amphotericin B Nano-Assemblies Circumvent Intrinsic Toxicity and Ensure Superior Protection in Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis with Feeble Toxic Manifestation.

In spite of its high effectiveness in the treatment of both leishmaniasis as well as a range of fungal infections, the free form of the polyene antibiotic amphotericin B (AmB) does not entertain the status of the most preferred drug of choice in clinical settings. The high intrinsic toxicity of the principal drug could be considered the main impedance in the frequent medicinal use of this otherwise very effective antimicrobial agent. Taking into consideration this fact, the pharma industry has introduced many novel dosage forms of AmB to alleviate its toxicity issues.

Propranolol for the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Propranolol is a β-adrenergic antagonist used in the management of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, and angina pectoris. There is some evidence that propranolol may benefit individuals with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). A total of three case series, one randomized controlled trial and one case report were identified (from a literature search of three major databases: PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane collaboration) that assessed the use of propranolol for the management of BPSD.

Differential role of Pax6 and its interaction with Shh-Gli1-IDH2 axis in regulation of glioma growth and chemoresistance.

Glioma is a major brain tumor, and the associated mortality rate is very high. Contemporary therapies provide a chance of survival for 9-12 months. Therefore, a novel approach is essential to improve the survival rate.

Prazosin for the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Prazosin, a centrally acting α1 adrenoceptor antagonist, has been included in two published algorithms amongst the list of medications that may be used in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, a review of PubMed, Ovid and Cochrane Collaboration found that there was only one small published randomized controlled trial (RCT) that evaluated the use of prazosin amongst individuals with BPSD. Evidence from this good quality RCT indicates that prazosin appears to benefit individuals with agitation and aggression amongst individuals with BPSD and this medication is well tolerated.

Patho-Physiology of Aging and Immune-Senescence: Possible Correlates With Comorbidity and Mortality in Middle-Aged and Old COVID-19 Patients.

During the last 2 years, the entire world has been severely devastated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic (COVID-19) as it resulted in several million deaths across the globe. While the virus infects people indiscriminately, the casualty risk is higher mainly in old, and middle-aged COVID-19 patients. The incidences of COVID-19 associated co-morbidity and mortality have a great deal of correlation with the weakened and malfunctioning immune systems of elderly people.

The Deltacron conundrum: Its origin and potential health risks.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), since its outbreak in December 2019, has been capable of continuing the pandemic by mutating itself into different variants. Mass vaccinations, antibiotic treatment therapy, herd immunity, and preventive measures have reduced the disease's severity from the emerging variants. However, the virus is undergoing recombination among the current two variants: Delta and Omicron, resulting in a new variant, informally known as "Deltacron," which was controversial as it might be a product of lab contamination between Omicron and Delta samples.

A Study of Correlation between Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Carotid Atherosclerosis.

Unlabelled: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological condition characterized by a wide spectrum of histological abnormalities and clinical outcome. The underlying histological abnormality is hepatic steatosis, characterized by fatty infiltration of liver cells resembling that of alcohol-induced liver injury but occurring in patients who do not abuse alcohol. NAFLD is now recognised as one of the most common form of chronic liver diseases in developed countries with an estimated prevalence of 12-24% in the Asian population.

Native wild plants in Karachi, Pakistan: Rich source of antioxidant raw material.

Extracts of nine plants were studied for DPPH radical scavenging and reducing abilities. Pentatropis spiralis, Calotropis procera, Helitropium curassavicum, Withania somnifera and Chenopodium album showed reducing power ranging from 34% to 146%. Suaeda fruticosa, Trianthema portulacastrum, Pluchea lanceolata and Rumex dentatus has excellent antioxidant potential proved by their DPPH scavenging and reducing power.

A systematic review of ketamine for the treatment of depression among older adults.

Objective: To review the currently available data on the use of ketamine in the treatment of depression among older adults from randomized controlled studies.

Design: Randomized controlled trials.

Setting: Variable.

Systematic review of benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders in late life.

Background: Benzodiazepines are currently the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of anxiety in older adults, although there is a dearth of good-quality data on this subject. The aim of this review was to systematically review studies examining the efficacy and tolerability of benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety disorders among older adults.

Methods: The authors conducted a systematic review, searching PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Chaperone Like Attributes of Biogenic Fluorescent Gold Nanoparticles: Potential to Alleviate Toxicity Induced by Intermediate State Fibrils Against Neuroblastoma Cells.

In general, neurodegenerative disorders have a great deal of correlation with the misfolded as well as aggregated forms of protein-based macromolecules. Among various species formed during the aggregation process, protein oligomers have been classified as most toxic entities against several types of living cells. A series of chemicals have been developed to inhibit protein aggregation as a measure to regulate neurodegenerative diseases.

Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated With Diffuse B-cell Lymphoma-Report of A Rare Case.

Erythema gyratum repens (EGR) is a rare paraneoplastic dermatosis known to be associated with internal malignancy. Herein, we report a case of EGR with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in a young farmer who presented with generalized massive lymphadenopathy and wood-grain pattern dermatosis. Lymph node biopsy with immunohistochemistry established the diagnosis of DLBCL.

Exploring the potential role of sonic hedgehog cell signalling pathway in antidepressant effects of nicotine in chronic unpredictable mild stress rat model.

Nicotine is the most common and highly addictive drug of abuse, associated with several life-threatening diseases and high mortality. Nicotine abuse is the concerted effort to feel reward and fight depression in depressed individuals. The underlying mechanism of nicotine is to activate the brain reward system in the central nervous system and provide an antidepressant effect.

Antidepressant and Neuroprotective Effects of Naringenin via Sonic Hedgehog-GLI1 Cell Signaling Pathway in a Rat Model of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress.

Depression is one of the most prevalent and crucial public health problem connected to significant mortality and co-morbidity. Recently, numerous studies suggested that dietary flavanones exhibit neuroprotective and antidepressant effects against various psycho-physiological conditions including depression. The present study is focused on the antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of naringenin (NAR) and the involvement of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression.

Cadmium-induced neurodegeneration and activation of noncanonical sonic hedgehog pathway in rat cerebellum.

Background: Cadmium is a nonessential toxic heavy metal, which enters the body easily and damages the cellular system. The sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is one of the key regulatory pathways, which define neural growth and development.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore how cadmium exposure affects neural activities, Shh signaling cascade, and its downstream target genes.

Use of cariprazine in psychiatric disorders: A systematic review.

Background: Cariprazine was approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and currently is being evaluated for treating depression in clinical trials in the United States. We systematically reviewed the literature on the efficacy and safety of cariprazine.

Methods: We performed a literature search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane collaboration databases through August 31, 2016.

Anticonvulsants as monotherapy or adjuncts to treat alcohol withdrawal: A systematic review.

Background: This systematic review evaluates current literature on anticonvulsants to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS).

Methods: We performed a literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane collaboration databases through September 30, 2016. The search was not restricted by patients' age.