Advances in CRISPR-Cas systems for kidney diseases.

Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionised the study and treatment of kidney diseases, including acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), lupus nephritis (LN), and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). CRISPR-Cas technology offers precise and versatile tools for genetic modification in monogenic kidney disorders such as PKD and Alport syndrome. Recent advances in CRISPR technology have also shown promise in addressing other kidney diseases like AKI, CKD, and DKD.

Sequestration of Cr(VI) onto polyethyleneimine-derivatized cellulose and its effect on the enzymatic degradation and microbiome viability.

The extremely hazardous nature of Cr(VI) necessitates its sequestration in a sustainable and effective manner. Cellulose-derived materials, known for their eco-friendly properties, are widely employed in environmental remediation. To improve its adsorption capabilities for heavy metals, cellulose is often derivatized with moieties like amine, thiol, carboxylic acid, etc.

Dual-targeting inhibitors involving tubulin for the treatment of cancer.

Combination therapies play a pivotal role in cancer treatment due to the intricate nature of the disease. Tubulin, a protein crucial for cellular functions, is a prime target in tumor therapy as it regulates microtubule dynamics. Combining tubulin inhibitors with other different inhibitors as dual targeting inhibitors has shown synergistic anti-tumor effects, amplifying therapeutic outcomes.

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) yielding medicinally relevant rings: a recent update and chemical space analysis of the scaffolds.

In this review we have compiled multicomponent reactions (MCRs) that produce cyclic structures. We have covered articles reported since 2019 to showcase the recent advances in this area. In contrast to other available reviews on this topic, we focus specifically on MCRs with strong prospects in medicinal chemistry.

Development of a novel and affordable point-of-care kit for rapid detection of urea and glucose adulteration in cow milk.

The increasing global population has raised the demand for cow milk, leading to its adulteration with harmful substances, including urea and glucose, that cause damage to humans when consumed regularly. Hence, this study started with predicting urea and glucose toxicity using ProTox-III software, wherein the results revealed that urea belongs to class IV with an LD value of 6350 mg kg and glucose belongs to class VI with an LD value of 23 000 mg kg. Then, a qualitative colorimetric kit and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used for the preliminary detection of urea and glucose in cow milk.

Optimizing cryptographic protocols against side channel attacks using WGAN-GP and genetic algorithms.

This research introduces a novel hybrid cryptographic framework that combines traditional cryptographic protocols with advanced methodologies, specifically Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks with Gradient Penalty (WGAN-GP) and Genetic Algorithms (GA). We evaluated several cryptographic protocols, including AES-ECB, AES-GCM, ChaCha20, RSA, and ECC, against critical metrics such as security level, efficiency, side-channel resistance, and cryptanalysis resistance. Our findings demonstrate that this integrated approach significantly enhances both security and efficiency across all evaluated protocols.

Humic acid Glazed Magnetite material for the Adsorptive Desulfurization of Model Fuel.

Impact of climate change that stems from gaseous emissions require sustainable materials to eliminate sulfur.  This study involves the modification of humic acid with magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) by a microwave-assisted synthesis of an absorbent with reasonable pore volume and diameter for elimination of thiophenic compounds from fuel. The magnetic nano adsorbent designated Fe3O4@HA was characterized using advanced spectroscopic techniques, while their structure and morphology were analyzed through DLS, XPS, XRD, FT-IR, TGA, FESEM-EDX, VSM, and BET-N2 techniques.

From manure to megawatts: Navigating the sustainable innovation solution through biogas production from livestock waste for harnessing green energy for green economy.

This article aims to provide a systematic review of the literature on animal biomass and biogas plants through an analysis of externalities and benefits in economic, social, and environmental terms. In recent years, the spread of biogas plants has played an important role, especially in rural areas, generating benefits not only for the individual farm but for entire communities, contributing to the reduction of energy poverty and, at the same time, promoting the production of energy and organic manure. In light of the findings, the study argues that: (a) more public subsidies are needed; (b) the deployment of an appropriate policy mix would encourage the spread of small and medium-sized plants, with a reduction in road transport; and (c) targeted and diversified investments are needed on a geographic-by-geographic basis.

Mycobactin analogue interacting with siderophore efflux-pump protein: insights from molecular dynamics simulations and whole-cell assays.

Introduction: In response to continued public health emergency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant key strategy is the discovery of novel mycobacterial efflux-pump inhibitors (EPIs) as potential adjuvants in combination drug therapy. Interest in identifying new chemotypes which could potentially synergize with the existing antibiotics and can be deployed as part of a combination therapy. This strategy could delay the emergence of resistance to existing antibiotics and increase their efficacy against resistant strains of mycobacterial species.

Elucidating circRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous regulatory RNA network during leaf rust pathogenesis in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Advancements in bioinformatic tools and breakthroughs in high throughput RNA sequencing have unveiled the potential role of non-coding RNAs in influencing the overall expression of disease-responsive genes. Owing to the increasing need to develop resilient crop varieties against environmental constraints, our study explores the functional relationship of various non-coding RNAs in wheat during leaf rust pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) were retrieved from SAGE and RNA-Seq libraries, respectively, in the susceptible (HD2329) and resistant (HD2329 + Lr28) wheat Near-Isogenic Lines (NILs).

Energy-exergy and environ-economic (4E) analysis of heat storage-based single-slope solar stills integrated with solar air heater.

The energy-exergy and environ-economic (4E) analysis was conducted on a solar still with and without a hybrid thermal energy storage system (TESS) and a solar air heater. The proposed solar still was modified by integrating a rectangular aluminium box filled with paraffin wax and black gravel as the TESS and coupled with a solar air heater. Paraffin wax was selected due to its widespread availability and proven effectiveness in accelerating desalination, improving process uniformity, and maintaining optimal temperature levels.

Can conformational flexibility influence the self-assembly behavior and sensing efficacy of fluorogenic amphiphiles? A case study with bisbenzimidazole-based probes.

In this work, we have explored the metal ion sensing properties of two bisbenzimidazole-based fluorescent probes, that differ in their conformational flexibility, in an aqueous medium. The compound with a flexible methyl spacer (1) experienced blue shifts in its absorption and emission maxima (along with a turn-off response) upon the addition of Hg ions. On the contrary, the compound with a relatively rigid structure (2) showed red shifts in both its absorption and emission maxima (along with a turn-off response) when treated with Hg under similar conditions.

Red and NIR light-triggered enhancement of anticancer and antibacterial activities of dinuclear Co(II)-catecholate complexes.

Photoactive complexes of bioessential 3d metals, activable within the phototherapeutic window (650-900 nm), have gained widespread interest due to their therapeutic potential. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and light-enhanced anticancer and antibacterial properties of four new dinuclear Co(II) complexes: [Co(phen)(cat)] (Co-1), [Co(dppz)(cat)] (Co-2), [Co(phen)(esc)] (Co-3), and [Co(dppz)(esc)] (Co-4). In these complexes, phen (1,10-phenanthroline) and dppz (dipyrido[3,2-:2',3'-]phenazine) act as neutral N,N-donor ligands, while cat and esc serve as O,O-donor catecholate ligands derived from catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and esculetin (6,7-dihydroxy coumarin).

Impact of ions, pH and the nature of substrate on the structure and activity of a robust single-stranded DNA binding (SSB)-like protein from Phi11.

The gene gp13 in bacteriophage Phi11 has been annotated as a Single-Stranded DNA binding protein (SSB protein, GenBank accession no. NC_004615.1).

Optimizing Linezolid: Transforming It into a Selective MAO-B Inhibitor via a Toxicity-to-Activity Optimization Approach.

Linezolid, a widely used oxazolidinone antibiotic, exhibits potent activity against resistant bacterial infections but is associated with serotonergic toxicity, primarily due to its inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAOs, consisting of MAO-A and MAO-B isoforms, play crucial roles in neurotransmitter metabolism, with implications for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. This study aims to optimize Linezolid's structure to transform it into a selective MAO-B inhibitor.

Design and Synthesis of Topoisomerases-Histone Deacetylase Dual Targeted Quinoline-Bridged Hydroxamates as Anticancer Agents.

The multifactorial nature of cancer requires treatment that involves simultaneous targeting of associated overexpressed proteins and cell signaling pathways, possibly leading to synergistic effects. Herein, we present a systematic study that involves the simultaneous inhibition of human topoisomerases (hTopos) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) by multitargeted quinoline-bridged hydroxamic acid derivatives. These compounds were rationally designed considering pharmacophoric features and catalytic sites of the cross-talk proteins, synthesized, and assessed for their anticancer potential.

Riparian Soil Heavy Metal Contamination and Pollution Assessment and Management Planning Integrating Multiple Indices, Statistical and Geospatial Approaches.

This research assesses heavy metal contamination within the riparian zone of the Danro River, a tributary of the Ganges River basin in India, particularly impacted by sand mining activities. The study conducted analyses on major and trace elements in soil samples, focusing on those identified as ecologically hazardous by the Water Framework Directive of India. Utilizing a combination of indices (Enrichment Factor, Pollution Load Index, and Index of geo-accumulation) and statistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the investigation aimed to evaluate contamination severity, ecological risks, and pollution sources.

Organocatalytic [4+2] Benzannulation Between 1,4-Dithiane-Based Enal and Nitroolefins to Access 2-Nitrobiaryls.

A simple method for constructing unsymmetrical 2-nitrobiaryls has been developed between substituted 1,4-dithiine-2-carbaldehyde and nitroolefins under metal-free conditions. To gain the advantage of the HOMO-raising effect of temporary substitutions on in situ generated dienamine intermediate, the present protocol established [4+2] benzannulation of 1,4-dithiane-tethered enals with nitroolefin. Further, easy unmasking of 1,4-dithiine units results in a benzannulation product like that of unsubstituted enals, which are difficult to access.

Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome as a novel therapeutic target for osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, the most common arthritic condition, is an age-related progressive disease characterized by the loss of cartilage and synovial inflammation in the knees and hips. Development of pain, stiffness, and considerably restricted mobility of the joints are responsible for the production of matrix metalloproteinases and cytokines. Although several treatments are available for the management of this disease condition, they possess limitations at different levels.

Unfolding the Potential of Pyrrole- and Indole-Based Allylidene Hydrazine Carboximidamides as Antimicrobial Agents.

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a significant global health challenge, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths annually and severely impacting healthcare systems worldwide. Several reported antimicrobial compounds have a guanidine motif, as the positive charge on guanidine promotes cell lysis. Therefore, pyrrole- and indole-based allylidene hydrazine carboximidamide derivatives with guanidine motifs are proposed as antimicrobial agents that mimic cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs).

Hot-Exciton Mechanism with Diphenyl Anthracene Core Unit: A Detailed Theoretical Study.

Hot-exciton materials, among all kinds of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) emitters, have better exciton utilization efficiency and efficiency roll-off, making them possible for their practical applications. We studied the photophysical properties of a few hot-exciton molecules based on an anthracene core unit to efficiently harvest all triplet excitons to the lowest excited singlet state. The conversion of triplet exciton to singlet exciton utilizing hRISC can be enhanced due to the 1ππ*←3nπ* transition channel.

Modulation in the charge transfer characteristics of flexible bis-benzimidazole probes: independent sensing mechanisms for Hg and F.

Flexible bis-benzimidazole-based V-shaped amphiphilic probes (1 and 2) that form a fluorescent nanoscopic assembly in aqueous media have been designed. The ion-binding properties of compound 1 are investigated in both polar protic (water) and aprotic (acetonitrile) solvents. In acetonitrile, the compound shows a distinct chromogenic response towards Hg (LOD: 8.

Targeting the epigenome with advanced delivery strategies for epigenetic modulators.

Epigenetics mechanisms play a significant role in human diseases by altering DNA methylation status, chromatin structure, and/or modifying histone proteins. By modulating the epigenetic status, the expression of genes can be regulated without any change in the DNA sequence itself. Epigenetic drugs exhibit promising therapeutic efficacy against several epigenetically originated diseases including several cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and so forth.

In silico evaluation of bisphosphonates identifies leading candidates for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibition.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in 777 million confirmed cases and over 7 million deaths worldwide, with insufficient treatment options. Innumerable efforts are being made around the world for faster identification of therapeutic agents to treat the deadly disease. Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 (PASC), also called Long COVID, is still being understood and lacks treatment options as well.

Recent advances in lipid-based nanocarriers for advanced skin cancer therapy.

Skin cancer is prevalent worldwide,surpassing all other forms of cancer and it does not respond effectively to conventional formulations. Treatment of skin cancer further require deeper permeation into the skin. Therefore, researchers are working on different types of nanoformulations for delivering therapeutic agents to the site of action.