Human sclerostin-inspired short peptides reverse osteoporosis and suppress joint degeneration in osteoarthritis via opposing Wnt pathways.

Sclerostin, a key regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, exhibits dual therapeutic potential in bone disorders: its inhibition promotes bone formation in osteoporosis, while its mimicry suppresses aberrant bone growth in osteoarthritis (OA). Using structural insights from NMR studies, we identified two sclerostin-derived peptides: SC-1 (an 18-mer) from loop 2, and SC-3 (a 14-mer) from loop 3. Molecular modeling showed that SC-1 binds to the first ectodomain of LRP6, potentially displacing sclerostin through competitive inhibition to activate Wnt signaling.

Assessment of Burnout among Healthcare Practitioners in India: A Survey-based Nationwide Study.

Background: Healthcare practitioners (HCPs) face high stress levels at work due to the demanding nature of their profession, making them more susceptible to burnout. The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of burnout among HCPs in India and to examine its relationship with age, gender, and working hours.

Materials And Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional, pan India study was conducted from October 6 to 26, 2022.

Microgravity as a contributing factor to venous thromboembolism development: Risks and prevention strategies.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) being the third most occurring cardiovascular disease in the world after Myocardial Infarction and Stroke is very fatal. Being a multi-factorial disease, several risk factors in the terrestrial condition plays crucial part in the disease topography. Once exposed to microgravity, the weightlessness influences several thrombotic parameters, thus making astronauts in-flight to develop higher blood viscosity and increased risk of VTE.

Antimicrobial efficacy of blueM gel and calcium hydroxide against F. nucleatum and E. faecalis biofilm: an ex-vivo study.

Endodontic treatment failure can result from persistent bacteria, inadequate cleaning and sealing of root canals, and missed canals. The resilience of bacteria such as F. nucleatum and E.

Structural analysis of M. tuberculosis EccC1 and its complex with EsxAB virulence factor using X-ray crystallography, molecular docking, and dynamics simulation techniques.

M. tuberculosis ESX-1 system secretes virulence factors into host macrophages during infection, however, the mechanism of secretion is currently unknown. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of MtbEccCb1-D2 protein (Leu34-Ser313 residues, Mw ∼ 31.

miR-320-3p regulates apelin and TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling in hypobaric hypoxia exposed rats to induce skeletal muscle atrophy.

Emerging research on microRNA has decoded its crucial role in gene regulation, development and diseases. Skeletal muscle atrophy is reported in several chronic diseases as well as prolonged stay at high altitude. miR-320-3p is reported to be upregulated in various chronic diseases including cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, and chronic kidney diseases.

Determinants of outpatient healthcare-seeking behaviors among the rural poor affected by chronic conditions in India: a population-based cross-sectional study in seven states.

Background: A rising burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) increases demand for outpatient healthcare. Yet, evidence on preferences and barriers to healthcare services for India's most disadvantaged population, the target of India's largest public health insurance scheme (PM-JAY), is lacking.

Objective: We explore determinants of outpatient healthcare-seeking behavior among PM-JAY eligible individuals with CNCDs in rural areas of seven states.

Neutropenic sepsis and CMV-induced haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in the postpartum period.

A postpartum woman in her 40s, with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy, developed neutropenic sepsis after a caesarean section and hysterectomy for placenta previa. She presented with high fever, respiratory distress, and splenomegaly, along with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <100 cells/mm³). Blood cultures showed coagulase-negative staphylococci, and viral tests were positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Mapping women's work in India: An application of small area estimation.

Background: Understanding variations in women's work participation at lower administrative levels, such as districts, is a missing link in identifying trends, patterns and variation that can offer insights into this long-term stagnation. We link data from the 2019-21 Indian National Family Health Survey and the 2011 Indian Population and Housing Census to generate estimates of women's work within 640 districts of India, and to examine the spatial clustering of women's work across these districts. We examine women's work through three outcome variables, namely, district-level estimates of 1) percentage of women who worked in the past 12 months, 2) percentage of women who were self-employed in the past 12 months, and 3) percentage of women who earned cash in the past 12 months.

Treatment-induced neuropathy of diabetes (TIND): a hidden complication in diabetes management.

Treatment-induced neuropathy of diabetes (TIND) is an under-recognised complication that arises after rapid glycaemic control in diabetic patients. It presents with acute autonomic dysfunction and/or neuropathic pain resulting from small fibre nerve damage. This case involves a woman in her 50s with type 2 diabetes who transitioned from oral hypoglycaemic agents to insulin therapy, leading to a significant drop in HbA1c from 10% to 7.

Emergence of MDR Enterobacter hormaechei RSM5 in Pharma Effluent and its Implications in β-lactam Antibiotic Removal from Effluent.

Antibiotic resistance poses the biggest threats to global health and development and also to food security. β-lactam antibiotics (BLAs) responsible for the transpeptidation/cross-linking process during cell wall biosynthesis contribute to the maximum resistance. The production of β-lactamase enzyme is a significant contributing factor to the development of antibiotic resistance to β-lactam antibiotics.

Thrombotic complications post liver transplantation: Etiology and management.

Liver transplantation (LT) is the life saving therapeutic option for patients with acute and chronic end stage liver disease. This is a routine procedure with excellent outcomes in terms of patient survival and quality of life post LT. Orthotopic LT (OLT) patients require a critical care as they are prone to variety of post-operative vascular, cardiovascular, biliary, pulmonary and abdominal complications.

Optimizing surgical margins in oral cancer without frozen section: A single center retrospective study.

Purpose: Frozen section analysis has been a cornerstone in intraoperative pathological evaluation for oral cancer surgeries, aiding in achieving tumor-free margins. However, its utility and availability are subjects of ongoing debate and research. This study evaluates the efficacy of a guideline-based approach to surgical resection margins in the absence of frozen section analysis in a resource-constrained setting.

USP10 deubiquitinates and stabilizes CD44 leading to enhanced breast cancer cell proliferation, stemness and metastasis.

Despite extensive research, strategies to effectively combat breast cancer stemness and achieve a definitive cure remains elusive. CD44, a well-defined cancer stem cell (CSC) marker is reported to promote breast cancer tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance. However, mechanisms leading to its enhanced expression and function is poorly understood.

Anti-Microbial Drug Metronidazole Promotes Fracture Healing: Enhancement in the Bone Regenerative Efficacy of the Drug by a Biodegradable Sustained-Release In Situ Gel Formulation.

Nitroimidazoles comprise a class of broad-spectrum anti-microbial drugs with efficacy against parasites, mycobacteria, and anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Among these drugs, metronidazole (MTZ) is commonly used with other antibiotics to prevent infection in open fractures. However, the effect of MTZ on bone remains understudied.

Fortifying Micronutrient Supplementation in India: Indian Expert consensus.

Micronutrients play a key role in human health, being involved in energy metabolism, immunity, cellular functioning, growth, and development. Deficiencies in micronutrients occur in individuals of all ages due to several factors, including inadequate diets, disease states, and overweight/obesity. Guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Expert Group on Nutrient Requirements for Indians (2023) have specified the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for macronutrients and micronutrients.

Root Canal Instrumentation: Current Trends and Future Perspectives.

The evolution of root canal instrumentation techniques has significantly impacted the field of endodontics, enhancing both the efficiency and outcomes of treatments. This review outlines the transition from manual to mechanical and rotary instruments, highlighting the role of nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys and smart technologies in advancing procedural precision and reducing patient discomfort. Key historical developments and technological innovations, such as digital imaging and navigation systems, are explored for their contributions to improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Therapeutic implication of MicroRNA-320a antagonist in attenuating blood clots formed during venous thrombosis.

Venous thrombosis (VT) is a complex multi-factorial disease and a major health concern worldwide. Its clinical implications include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). VT pathogenesis involves intricate interplay of various coagulants and anti-coagulants.

Identification of putative antiviral bioactive compounds derived from family Asteraceae: An in silico approach.

This computational study investigates 21 bioactive compounds from the Asteraceae family as potential inhibitors targeting the Spike protein (S protein) of SARS-CoV-2. Employing in silico methods and simulations, particularly CDOCKER and MM-GBSA, the study identifies two standout compounds, pterodontic acid and cichoric acid, demonstrating robust binding affinities (-46.1973 and -39.

RING finger E3 ligase, RNF138 inhibits osteoblast differentiation by negatively regulating Runx2 protein turnover.

A few ubiquitin ligases have been shown to target Runx2, the key osteogenic transcription factor and thereby regulate bone formation. The regulation of Runx2 expression and function are controlled both at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Really interesting new gene (RING) finger ubiquitin ligases of which RNF138 is a member are important players in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, contributing to the regulation of protein turnover and cellular processes.