Molecular probes for monitoring pyroptosis: design, imaging and theranostic application.

Pyroptosis is a recently discovered process of programmed cell death that is linked with tumor progression and potential treatment strategies. Unlike other forms of programmed cell death, such as apoptosis or necrosis, pyroptosis is associated with pore-forming proteins gasdermin D (GSDMD), which are cleaved by caspase enzymes to form oligomers. These oligomers are then inserted into the cell surface membrane, causing pores to consequently result in rapid cell death. Pyroptosis, in conjunction with immunotherapy, represents a promising avenue for prognostication and antitumor therapy, providing a more precise direction for disease treatment. To gain deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying pyroptosis in real-time, non-invasive and live cell imaging techniques are urgently needed. Non-invasive imaging techniques can enhance future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases, including different types of tumors. This review article discusses various non-invasive molecular probes for detecting pyroptosis, including genetic reporters and nanomaterials. These strategies can enhance scientists' understanding of pyroptosis and help discover personalized and effective ways to treat inflammatory diseases, particularly tumors.

Revealing Melatonin's Mysteries: Receptors, Signaling Pathways, and Therapeutics Applications.

Melatonin (5-methoxy-acetyl tryptamine) is a sleep-inducing hormone, and the pineal gland produces it in response to the circadian clock of darkness. In the body, MT1 and MT2 receptors are mostly found, having an orthosteric pocket and ligand binding determinants. Melatonin acts by binding on melatonin receptors, intracellular proteins, and orphan nuclear receptors. It inhibits adenyl cyclase and activates phospholipase C, resulting in gene expression and an intracellular alteration environment. Melatonin signaling pathways are also associated with other intracellular signaling pathways, i. e., cAMP/PKA and MAPK/ERK pathways. Relative expression of different proteins depends on the coupling profile of G protein, accounting pharmacology of the melatonin receptor bias system, and mediates action in a Gi-dependent manner. It shows antioxidant, antitumor, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective activity. Different types of melatonin agonists have been synthesized for the treatment of sleeping disorders. Researchers have developed therapeutics that target melatonin signaling, which could benefit a wide range of medical conditions. This review focuses on melatonin receptors, pharmacology, and signaling cascades; it aims to provide basic mechanical aspects of the receptor's pharmacology, melatonin's functions in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and any treatments and drugs designed for these diseases. This will allow a basic comparison between the receptors in question, highlighting any parallels and differences that may exist and providing fundamental knowledge about these receptors to future researchers.

A Novel Privacy Preserving Scheme for Smart Grid-Based Home Area Networks.

Despite the benefits of smart grids, concerns about security and privacy arise when a large number of heterogeneous devices communicate via a public network. A novel privacy-preserving method for smart grid-based home area networks (HAN) is proposed in this research. To aggregate data from diverse household appliances, the proposed approach uses homomorphic Paillier encryption, Chinese remainder theorem, and one-way hash function. The privacy in Internet of things (IoT)-enabled smart homes is one of the major concerns of the research community. In the proposed scheme, the sink node not only aggregates the data but also enables the early detection of false data injection and replay attacks. According to the security analysis, the proposed approach offers adequate security. The smart grid distributes power and facilitates a two-way communications channel that leads to transparency and developing trust.

Gigabit-class optical wireless communication system at indoor distances (1.5 ÷ 4 m).

In this paper we experimentally realized bidirectional optical wireless communication (OWC) link using four channel visible LED board exploiting wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) for the downlink and infrared LED for uplink. We achieved greater than 5 Gbit/s data rate at common indoor distance (1.5 to 4 m) for downlink and 1.5 Gbit/s for uplink using commercially available LEDs. We achieved these results after a careful choice of the LED emission wavelengths and the optical filter spectra. Moreover, we investigate the optimal LED working current and the optimal modulation depth. The bit error ratios of all the channels were maintained lower than the FEC limit (3.8·10(-3)).

Comparative study on the magnetic properties of Fe-substituted Co2Sn1-xFexO4spinel oxides and its exchange bias effect.

Herein, we report the Fe-substituted Co2Sn1-xFexO4(0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.4) inverse spinel's oxide using the solid-state reaction method. X-ray reveals the single-phase cubic structure with space group Fd3m. With increasing Fe in Co2Sn1-xFexO4spinel oxide, the transition temperature rise. The ac susceptibility at different frequencies also confirms a spin-glassy state at lower temperatures. The strong exchange bias effect appears in the sample having Fe substitution (x= 0.2) under the presence of constant temperature ∼10 K. The high-temperature susceptibility of Curie-Wise fitting shows that the system changes from antiferromagnetic exchange (x< 0.2) to ferromagnetic exchange (x> 0.2).

Adsorption and separation technologies based on supramolecular macrocycles for water treatment.

The escalating challenges in water treatment, exacerbated by climate change, have catalyzed the emergence of innovative solutions. Novel adsorption separation and membrane filtration methodologies, achieved through molecular structure manipulation, are gaining traction in the environmental and energy sectors. Separation technologies, integral to both the chemical industry and everyday life, encompass concentration and purification processes. Macrocycles, recognized as porous materials, have been prevalent in water treatment due to their inherent benefits: stability, adaptability, and facile modification. These structures typically exhibit high selectivity and reversibility for specific ions or molecules, enhancing their efficacy in water purification processes. The progression of purification methods utilizing macrocyclic frameworks holds promise for improved adsorption separations, membrane filtrations, resource utilization, and broader water treatment applications. This review encapsulates the latest breakthroughs in macrocyclic host-guest chemistry, with a focus on adsorptive and membrane separations. The aim is to spotlight strategies for optimizing macrocycle designs and their subsequent implementation in environmental and energy endeavors, including desalination, elemental extraction, seawater energy harnessing, and sustainable extraction. Hopefully, this review can guide the design and functionality of macrocycles, offering a significantly promising pathway for pollutant removal and resource utilization.

Topical Spironolactone in the Treatment of Evaporative Dry Eye Disease.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is associated with evaporative dry eye syndrome, which is characterized by a reduction in meibum secretion and tear film instability. Present treatments provide only temporary relief, thereby necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies for chronic treatment. This study aims to evaluate topical spironolactone, a medication with anti-mineralocorticoid, anti-androgenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, in treating dry eye. A retrospective observational study was performed on the medical records of 102 patients diagnosed with dry eye disease. These patients were categorized into two groups based on their Schirmer's tear test scores. Various clinical indicators, including subjective global assessment scores, visual acuity, keratitis, conjunctival staining scores, and lid margin health, were evaluated prior to and following treatment with topical spironolactone eye drops. The group with higher Schirmer's scores exhibited improvement in self-reported global assessment scores after treatment. Significant improvements were also observed in keratitis and conjunctival staining scores, visual acuity, and lid margin inflammation. Similarly, the group with lower Schirmer's scores demonstrated improvements in self-reported global assessment scores and visual acuity after treatment. Topical spironolactone may improve tear film quality and address the inflammatory processes associated with MGD and evaporative dry eye. Moreover, the topical administration of spironolactone in an ocular vehicle appears to be well tolerated and may mitigate the risk of systemic adverse effects. Further studies are warranted to explore the long-term effects of topical spironolactone in the treatment of evaporative dry eye disease.

Bilateral Renal Lymphangiomatosis.

Lymphangiomatosis is a rare and benign mesenchymal disorder where there is developmental malformation and dilatation of lymphatic channels. The most common sites for lymphangiomatosis are the cervical neck and axilla, but it can also occur in the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, mesentery, omentum, colon, and pelvis. Renal lymphangiomatosis is an even rarer multicystic disorder which may be hilar, pericalyceal, paracalyceal, peripelvic, or para pelvic. We report a case of 24-year-old female with bilateral perirenal lymphangiomatosis. Her complain was bilateral flank pain and bilateral perinephric fluid collection with multiple sepatations was noted on radiological examination.

Ophthalmological Aspects of von-Hippel-Lindau Syndrome.

Background: von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is a multisystem neoplastic disorder involving eyes, central nervous system, kidneys, spine, and other tissues. A retinal capillary hemangioma (RCH) is the earliest manifestation of the VHL disease in most cases.Areas covered:This paper aims to provide an up-to-date review of the current literature about von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Molecular background, systemic and ocular features of the diseases as well as the utility of newer imaging modalities in diagnosis and monitoring of ocular VHL disease have been described. Besides, we have discussed newer treatment modalities and therapeutic targets.Conclusion: Modern imaging technologies like optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography are tools of the trade, in making an appropriate diagnosis and monitoring disease activity and response to treatment. Peripheral RCH may be treated using laser photocoagulation in tumors up to 3000 µm. Vascular endothelial growth factor suppression can help in reducing tumor activity and stabilize the tumor size; however, it does not regress the RCH.

The dynamic relationship between structural change and CO2 emissions in Malaysia: a cointegrating approach.

The current study investigates the dynamic relationship between structural changes, real GDP per capita, energy consumption, trade openness, population density, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions within the EKC framework over a period 1971-2013. The study used the autoregressive distributed lagged (ARDL) approach to investigate the long-run relationship between the selected variables. The study also employed the dynamic ordinary least squared (DOLS) technique to obtain the robust long-run estimates. Moreover, the causal relationship between the variables is explored using the VECM Granger causality test. Empirical results reveal a negative relationship between structural change and CO2 emissions in the long run. The results indicate a positive relationship between energy consumption, trade openness, and CO2 emissions. The study applied the turning point formula of Itkonen (2012) rather than the conventional formula of the turning point. The empirical estimates of the study do not support the presence of the EKC relationship between income and CO2 emissions. The Granger causality test indicates the presence of long-run bidirectional causality between energy consumption, structural change, and CO2 emissions in the long run. Economic growth, openness to trade, and population density unidirectionally cause CO2 emissions. These results suggest that the government should focus more on information-based services rather than energy-intensive manufacturing activities. The feedback relationship between energy consumption and CO2 emissions suggests that there is an ominous need to refurbish the energy-related policy reforms to ensure the installations of some energy-efficient modern technologies.