Development of a hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) glioblastoma cell lines culture as a model system for CD73 inhibitor response study.

Background: Despite the development of various therapeutic approaches over the past decades, the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains a major challenge. The extracellular adenosine-generating enzyme, CD73, is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of GBM, and targeting CD73 may represent a novel approach to treat this cancer. In this study, three-dimensional culture systems based on three hydrogel compositions were characterized and an optimal type was selected to simulate the GBM microenvironment.

The availability of essential medicines in public health facilities in Afghanistan: navigating socio-political and geographical challenges.

During the past two decades, the Afghan government, along with international community, has developed a system aimed at improving access to essential health services under Afghanistan's challenging socio-political and geographical circumstances. In 31 provinces, non-state actors competed for fixed-term contracts to implement a predefined package of health services. In three provinces, the government organised the provision of health services.

The effect of capping agent on morphology, surface functionalization, and bio-compatibility properties of KTiOPO nanoparticles.

KTiOPO (KTP) nanoparticles (NPs) are potential materials as biolabels for long-term imaging. Optimizing their properties can lead to higher imaging efficiency and lower cytotoxicity and side effects. In this study, these nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method and capping agents of oxalic acid and glycine.

Routine Nil Per Os Before All Cardiac Catheterisations: Time to Reconsider?

Nil per os (NPO) is a common instruction before cardiac catheterisation. NPO was originally adopted from general surgery to minimise gastric contents during procedures and reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration in case of vomiting. However, NPO has since been associated with adverse effects on patient well-being, fasting-related complications, and increased health care costs.

Designing a recombinant coat protein to reduce tobacco mosaic virus infection in plants.

The Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is a critical plant virus that can cause a significant drop in crop yield. To understand how recombinant coat-protein impacts the affinity and assembly of TMV's subunits, research is being conducted to assess the effect of recombinant protein on virus resistance. To develop a recombinant coat-protein that can lower TMV infection rates in plants, a design strategy was employed that involves creating defective viral subunits leading to incorrect assembly.