Smoothened Inhibitor, PF-04449913 Inhibits the Development of Myelofibrosis in a JAK2V617F Transgenic Mouse Model by Reducing TGF-β and MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Treatment of JAK2V617F driven myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) with Ruxolitinib (JAK inhibitor, JAKi) has shown limited disease-modifying benefits and has led to the search for other pathways as potential therapeutic targets for this disease. We investigated the effects of Smoothened inhibition (SMOi) using the small-molecule inhibitor PF-04449913 (PF-13) in a JAK2V617F transgenic mouse model that recapitulates many of the phenotypes of MPNs including bone marrow fibrosis and splenomegaly. We show both that hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is activated in JAK2V617F cells and that SMOi reduces splenomegaly in JAK2V617F mice.

Molecular Self-Assembly of Peptides into Supramolecular Nanoarchitectures for Target-Specific Drug Delivery.

Self-assembled fluorescent peptides are promising drug-delivery vehicles targeting cancer cells and enhancing the precision of therapeutic agents. Several systems have been developed including fluorescent peptides as cysteine-core peptides, cyclic peptides, nanostructures and peptide polymer conjugates specifically designed for targeted drug delivery. Further, these supramolecular carriers aid in targeted drug transport by using different cargos like doxorubicin (Dox), paclitaxel (PTX), etc.

Management of haemorrhoids through siddha formulation .

Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal condition characterized by symptomatic enlargement and distal dislodgment of anal cushions which mainly affects the quality of life. Siddha herbal medicine Kuppaimeni () is indicated for haemorrhoids, was used in this pilot study to catalogue the feasibility of Kuppaimeni samoola choornam in the management of first, second, and third- degree internal Hemorrhoids, along with a dietary regimen, of including two fig fruits in the daily diet. Ten participants were selected for the study and they underwent medication with a drug administration calendar period of forty - eight days.

Deciphering the Vulnerability of Pollen to Heat Stress for Securing Crop Yields in a Warming Climate.

Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe extreme temperature events, negatively impacting agricultural productivity and threatening global food security. Plant reproduction, the process fundamental to crop yield, is highly susceptible to heatwaves, which disrupt pollen development and ultimately affect seed-set and crop yields. Recent research has increasingly focused on understanding how pollen grains from various crops react to heat stress at the molecular and cellular levels.

Pesticide pollution: toxicity, sources and advanced remediation approaches.

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that food production must rise by 70% to meet the demands of an additional 2.3 billion people by 2050. This forecast underscores the persistent reliance on pesticides, making it essential to assess their toxicity and develop effective remediation strategies.

An ecofriendly approach to bioremediate nickel oxide nanoparticles using a macrofungus, Pleurotus fossulatus.

Nowadays, nickel oxide nanoparticles are in great demands owing to their use in many sectors. These nanoparticles may release into aquatic environment from different industries and cause negative effect on aquatic flora and fauna. Therefore, an effective and efficient method is required to remove these nanoparticles from contaminated water.

A Foreign Body Aspiration Leading to Pneumothorax: A Case of Airway Emergency.

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is a matter that should not be taken lightly. The presence of a foreign object might lead to hazardous complications, particularly in the pediatric population. These complications depend on the type and location of the aspirated object as the tracheobronchial tree has a very small diameter, and foreign bodies become stuck in the upper airways of children, causing stridor and sudden difficulty in breathing.

Identifying long non-coding RNAs involved in heat stress response during wheat pollen development.

Introduction: Wheat is a staple food crop for over one-third of the global population. However, the stability of wheat productivity is threatened by heat waves associated with climate change. Heat stress at the reproductive stage can result in pollen sterility and failure of grain development.

Silent Killer in the Nose: Two Cases of Nasal Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in Adults.

We report two cases of nasal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) in adult patients from our center who presented with local mass effect and systemic involvement. Our first patient had spontaneous unilateral epistaxis. Her blood investigation showed severe thrombocytopenia, and the bone marrow biopsy result showed bone marrow infiltration by non-hematopoietic malignant cells.

A Red Flag: A Case of Oropharyngeal Cancer Masquerading as an Ulcer of an Infective Origin.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is a prevalent neoplastic condition. The incidence rate in Malaysia is rising, with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection being recognized as a significant contributing factor. Hence, it is paramount for physicians to effectively diagnose and identify significant indicators that may indicate a malignant etiology.

Concurrent Anaplastic and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Manifesting as a Thyrocutaneous Fistula.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly aggressive form of thyroid cancer with poor prognosis. Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is more common and known to have a favorable outcome after treatment. Here, we report a case of a 59-year-old lady with a long-standing goiter presenting with a discharging anterior neck mass.

Primary Nasal Tuberculosis Masquerading as Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Case Report of Diagnostic Dilemma.

Primary nasal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare disease even in areas with high TB burden, possibly attributed to the protective mechanism of sinonasal mucosa. Its symptoms are subtle and can be mistaken for other granulomatous inflammatory conditions. We would like to report a case of a 70-year-old Indian lady who underwent a successful left endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy three years ago and presented with recurrent left epiphora.

Uncommon but Not Elusive: A Case of Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum in the External Auditory Canal.

Ceruminous glands are modified apocrine sweat glands that are situated in the cartilaginous segment of the external auditory canal. Ceruminous gland tumors only account for about 5% to 5.7% of all external ear tumors.

Overexpression of GmPIF4b affects morpho-physiological traits to reduce heat-induced grain loss in soybean.

Heat waves associated with climate change seriously threaten crop productivity. Crop seed yield depends on the success of reproduction. However, reproductive development is most vulnerable to heat stress conditions.

A Case of an Uncommon Lower Lip Swelling.

A woman in her fifty-seventh year appeared with a painless swelling on her left lower lip that had been present for three years. The size of the swelling was noticeably increasing in size over time. On examination, there was a lump that was firm, non-tender, and measured 2 cm x 1 cm above the lower lip.

Findings from a Malaysian multicentre study on oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: In addition to the conventional aetiologic agents of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) such as tobacco usage, alcohol consumption and betel quid usage, it has been established that a proportion of OPSCC are driven by persistent oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Currently, there is a lack of data on the burden of HPV- associated OPSCC in Asian countries including Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional multicentre study with tissue analysis of Malaysian patients diagnosed with primary OPSCC within a five-year period, from 2015 to 2019 between 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2019 was undertaken.

Computational Approaches to Designing Antiviral Drugs against COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 necessitates innovative strategies for the rapid development of effective treatments. Computational methodologies, such as molecular modelling, molecular dynamics simulations, and artificial intelligence, have emerged as indispensable tools in the drug discovery process. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of these computational approaches and their application in the design of antiviral agents for COVID-19.

Nasal Septal Ancient Schwannoma: Ancient and Rare.

Schwannoma is a rare benign neurogenic tumor arising from the Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. A 77-year-old man presented with progressively worsening left nasal block and hyposmia for the past six months. Nasal endoscopy revealed a polypoidal reddish mass occupying the left middle meatus.

Pathological analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility of Chryseobacterium balustinum RTFCP 298 isolated from diseased rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

In this study, six isolates of Chryseobacterium balustinum were characterized from diseased rainbow trout fingerlings. The virulence characteristics, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of these isolates were investigated. The bacterium showed positive results for catalase, cytochrome oxidase, and aesculin hydrolysis, while negative results were obtained for DNase, gelatinase, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer's reaction, Simon citrate, Hydrogen sulphide, and starch hydrolysis.

Insight to Identify Potential Inhibitors of BUB1B from Mushroom Bioactive Compounds to Prevent Breast Cancer Metastasis.

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women worldwide, and its metastasis is a significant cause of mortality. Therefore, identifying potential inhibitors of proteins involved in breast cancer metastasis is crucial for developing effective therapies. BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B) is a key regulator of mitotic checkpoint control, which ensures the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division.

Pokkali: A Naturally Evolved Salt-Tolerant Rice Shows a Distinguished Set of lncRNAs Possibly Contributing to the Tolerant Phenotype.

Pokkali is a strong representation of how stress-tolerant genotypes have evolved due to natural selection pressure. Numerous omics-based investigations have indicated different categories of stress-related genes and proteins, possibly contributing to salinity tolerance in this wild rice. However, a comprehensive study towards understanding the role of long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the salinity response of Pokkali has not been done to date.

A Facile Synthesis of Flower-like Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Its Efficacy Measurements for Antibacterial, Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activity.

The objective of this study was to investigate the rhombohedral-structured, flower-like iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles that were produced using a cost-effective and environmentally friendly coprecipitation process. The structural and morphological characteristics of the synthesized FeO nanoparticles were analyzed using XRD, UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, and HR-TEM techniques. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of FeO nanoparticles on MCF-7 and HEK-293 cells were evaluated using in vitro cell viability assays, while the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (, , and ) was also tested.

Circular RNAs modulate the floral fate acquisition in soybean shoot apical meristem.

Background: Soybean (Glycine max), a major oilseed and protein source, requires a short-day photoperiod for floral induction. Though key transcription factors controlling flowering have been identified, the role of the non-coding genome is limited. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) recently emerged as a novel class of RNAs with critical regulatory functions.