Inhibition of IKK complex by (2 methyl butyryl) Shikonin, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone, abrogates melanoma growth and progression via modulation of the IKK/NFκB /EMT signaling axis.

Melanoma is an aggressive form of malignancy that originates from melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes underlying the basal layer of the epidermis with a poor prognosis, low survival rates, and limited treatment options. Although several specific and effective systematic strategies for treating melanoma have been established, the underlying molecular mechanism of melanoma progression, mortality and the promising therapeutic options remain elusive. Shikonin (SK), a natural naphthoquinone derived from a medicinal herbaceous plant, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of several cancer cells.

Preclinical model of Mycobacteroides abscessus lung disease by nose-only exposure of mice to bacterial powder aerosol.

The limitations of existing mouse models of lung infection with Mycobacteroides abscessus impede drug discovery and development. In contrast to current animal models that introduce NTM intravenously or by intranasal/intra-tracheal instillation or via bronchoscopy-guided insufflation, we developed a dry powder inhalation (DPI) of M. abscessus ATCC 19977 that generated paucibacillary lung infection and histopathology in immunocompetent mice.

Quantum transport under oscillatory drive with disordered amplitude.

We investigate the dynamics of non-interacting particles in a one-dimensional tight-binding chain in the presence of an electric field with random amplitude drawn from a Gaussian distribution, and explicitly focus on the nature of quantum transport. We derive an exact expression for the probability propagator and the mean-squared displacement in the clean limit and generalize it for the disordered case using the Liouville operator method. Our analysis reveals that in the presence a random static field, the system follows diffusive transport; however, an increase in the field strength causes a suppression in the transport and thus asymptotically leads towards localization.

Scaling theory for non-Hermitian topological transitions.

Understanding the critical properties is essential for determining the physical behavior of topological systems. In this context, scaling theories based on the curvature function in momentum space, the renormalization group (RG) method, and the universality of critical exponents have proven effective. In this work, we develop a scaling theory for non-Hermitian topological states of matter.

TLR/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways as a main target in frailty, cachexia and sarcopenia.

Mobility disability is a common condition affecting older adults, making walking and the performance of activities of daily living difficult. Frailty, cachexia and sarcopenia are related conditions that occur with advancing age and are characterized by a decline in muscle mass, strength, and functionality that negatively impacts health. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a significant factor in the onset and progression of these conditions.

Unhealthy behaviours associated with uncontrolled hypertension among adults in India- Insights from a national survey.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are governed by a cluster of unhealthy behaviours and their determinants, like tobacco and alcohol, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, overweight and obesity, pollution (air, water, and soil), and stress. Regulation of these unhealthy behaviours plays a crucial role in blood pressure control among individuals on hypertensive treatment, especially those suffering from uncontrolled hypertension. Hence, the present study aims at identifying the unhealthy behaviours associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Integrative phylogenetic analysis of the genus Episoriculus (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Soricidae).

Shrews in the genus Episoriculus are among the least-known mammals in China, where representatives occur mainly in the Himalayan and Hengduan mountains. We sequence one mitochondrial and three nuclear genes from 77 individuals referable to this genus, collect morphometric data for five shape and 11 skull measurements from 56 specimens, and use museum collections and GenBank sequences to analyze phylogenetic relationships between this and related genera in an integrated molecular and morphometric approach. Whereas historically anywhere from two to eight species have been recognized in this genus, we conclude that six (Episoriculus baileyi, E.

Explainable human-centered traits from head motion and facial expression dynamics.

We explore the efficacy of multimodal behavioral cues for explainable prediction of personality and interview-specific traits. We utilize elementary head-motion units named kinemes, atomic facial movements termed action units and speech features to estimate these human-centered traits. Empirical results confirm that kinemes and action units enable discovery of multiple trait-specific behaviors while also enabling explainability in support of the predictions.

Investigating the performance of multivariate LSTM models to predict the occurrence of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.

In the current cybersecurity landscape, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have become a prevalent form of cybercrime. These attacks are relatively easy to execute but can cause significant disruption and damage to targeted systems and networks. Generally, attackers perform it to make reprisal but sometimes this issue can be authentic also.

A novel efficient data storage and data auditing in cloud environment using enhanced child drawing development optimization strategy.

The optimization on the cloud-based data structures is carried out using Adaptive Level and Skill Rate-based Child Drawing Development Optimization algorithm (ALSR-CDDO). Also, the overall cost required in computing and communicating is reduced by optimally selecting these data structures by the ALSR-CDDO algorithm. The storage of the data in the cloud platform is performed using the Divide and Conquer Table (D&CT).

Rapid radiation of a plant lineage sheds light on the assembly of dry valley biomes.

Southwest China is characterized by high plateaus, large mountain systems, and deeply incised dry valleys formed by major rivers and their tributaries. Despite the considerable attention given to alpine plant radiations in this region, the timing and mode of diversification of the numerous dry valley plant lineages remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the macroevolution of Isodon (Lamiaceae), a lineage commonly distributed in the dry valleys in southwest China and wetter areas of Asia and Africa.

Evaluating the In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) Against the Adult Stages of Fasciola hepatica.

Background: Fascioliasis represents one of the most significant parasitic and foodborne zoonotic diseases in the world. Resistance to currently deployed human and veterinary flukicides is a growing health problem. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have developed enormous importance in nanomedicine.

Transforming Medicine: Cutting-Edge Applications of Nanoscale Materials in Drug Delivery.

Since their inception in the early 1960s, the development and use of nanoscale materials have progressed tremendously, and their roles in diverse fields ranging from human health to energy and electronics are undeniable. The application of nanotechnology inventions has revolutionized many aspects of everyday life including various medical applications and specifically drug delivery systems, maximizing the therapeutic efficacy of the contained drugs by means of bioavailability enhancement or minimization of adverse effects. In this review, we utilize the CAS Content Collection, a vast repository of scientific information extracted from journal and patent publications, to analyze trends in nanoscience research relevant to drug delivery in an effort to provide a comprehensive and detailed picture of the use of nanotechnology in this field.

Bactericidal Hemostatic Sponge: A Point of Care Solution to Combat Traumatic Injury.

Uncontrollable haemorrhage and associated microbial contamination in the battlefield and civilian injuries pose a tremendous threat to healthcare professionals. Such traumatic wounds often necessitate an effective point-of-care solution to prevent the consequent morbidity owing to blood loss or haemorrhage. However, developing superior hemostatic materials with anti-infective properties remains a challenge.

Multipronged strategy for protection and motivation of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a real-life study.

Objective: We aimed to assess risk of COVID-19 infection & seroprotection status in healthcare workers (HCWs) in both hospital and community settings following an intensive vaccination drive in India.

Setting: Tertiary Care Hospital.

Methods: We surveyed COVID-19 exposure risk, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance, vaccination status, mental health & COVID-19 infection rate across different HCW cadres.

Malpractice or masterful practice? Navigating vicarious liability in healthcare.

In the intricate landscape of healthcare, vicarious liability looms large, shaping the responsibilities and actions of healthcare practitioners and administrators alike. Illustrated by a poignant scenario of a medication error, this article navigates the complexities of vicarious liability in healthcare. It explains the legal basis and ramifications of this theory, emphasizing its importance in fostering responsibility, protecting patient welfare, and easing access to justice.

Exploring the anti-aging potential of natural products and plant extracts in budding yeast : A review.

Historically, plant derived natural products and their crude extracts have been used to treat a wide range of ailments across the world. Biogerontology research aims to explore the molecular basis of aging and discover new anti-aging therapeutic compounds or formulations to combat the detrimental effects of aging and promote a healthy life span. The budding yeast has been, and continues to be, an indispensable model organism in the field of biomedical research for discovering the molecular basis of aging has preserved nutritional signaling pathways (such as the target of rapamycin (TOR)-Sch9 and the Ras-AC-PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase) pathways, and shows two distinct aging paradigms chronological life span (CLS) and replicative life span (RLS).

Comparison of conventional and modified carbo-dissection techniques for LIMA harvesting in CABG.

In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the use of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is considered the gold standard. The conventional technique of using electrocautery for LIMA harvesting is associated with adverse events. In this study, we used a different technique that combined carbon dioxide with electrocautery to harvest LIMA and compared it with the conventional electrocautery method.