Evidence for Chiral Wobbler in Nuclei

Three ΔI=1 bands with the πg_{9/2}⊗νg_{9/2} configuration have been identified in _{35}^{74}Br_{39}. Angular distribution, linear polarization, and lifetime measurements were performed to determine the multipolarity, type, mixing ratio, and absolute transition probability of the transitions. By comparing these experimental observations with the corresponding fingerprints and the quantum particle rotor model calculations, the second and third lowest bands are, respectively, suggested as the chiral partner and one-phonon wobbling excitation built on the yrast band. The evidence indicates the first chiral wobbler in nuclei.

Discovery of New Isotopes ^{160}Os and ^{156}W: Revealing Enhanced Stability of the N=82 Shell Closure on the Neutron-Deficient Side

Using the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{106}Cd(^{58}Ni,4n)^{160}Os and the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS, two new isotopes _{76}^{160}Os and _{74}^{156}W have been identified. The α decay of ^{160}Os, measured with an α-particle energy of 7080(26) keV and a half-life of 201_{-37}^{+58}  μs, is assigned to originate from the ground state. The daughter nucleus ^{156}W is a β^{+} emitter with a half-life of 291_{-61}^{+86}  ms. The newly measured α-decay data allow us to derive α-decay reduced widths (δ^{2}) for the N=84 isotones up to osmium (Z=76), which are found to decrease with increasing atomic number above Z=68. The reduction of δ^{2} is interpreted as evidence for the strengthening of the N=82 shell closure toward the proton drip line, supported by the increase of the neutron-shell gaps predicted in theoretical models.

Drug Repositioning: A Monetary Stratagem to Discover a New Application of Drugs

Drug repurposing, also referred to as drug repositioning or drug reprofiling, is a scientific approach to the detection of any new application for an already approved or investigational drug. It is a useful policy for the invention and development of new pharmacological or therapeutic applications of different drugs. The strategy has been known to offer numerous advantages over developing a completely novel drug for certain problems. Drug repurposing has numerous methodologies that can be categorized as target-oriented, drug-oriented, and problem-oriented. The choice of the methodology of drug repurposing relies on the accessible information about the drug molecule and like pharmacokinetic, pharmacological, physicochemical, and toxicological profile of the drug. In addition, molecular docking studies and other computer-aided methods have been known to show application in drug repurposing. The variation in dosage for original target diseases and novel diseases presents a challenge for researchers of drug repurposing in present times. The present review critically discusses the drugs repurposed for cancer, covid-19, Alzheimer's, and other diseases, strategies, and challenges of drug repurposing. Moreover, regulatory perspectives related to different countries like the United States (US), Europe, and India have been delineated in the present review.

Occupancy of orbitals and the quadrupole collectivity in 45Sc nucleus

In the present work, the Doppler Shift Attenuation method (DSAM) was used to analyze the observed lineshapes of transitions from excited states in ⁴⁵Sc, populated in the reaction ³⁶Ar + ¹²C at a beam energy of 145 MeV. The interpretation and comparison of the experimental results have been performed with large-scale shell model calculations, involving different interactions like: GX1A, GX1J, FPD6, KB3 and ZBM2. KB3 and FPD6 (present work) interactions in the negative parity states, and in positive parity states ZBM2 are most pre-eminent in reproducing the results, due to the large configuration space describing strong collective effects. Furthermore, the present work also looks at the details of the shell model helping in improving the understanding for the occupancy of orbitals. The present investigation suggests the observation of stronger collectivity for positive parity states over negative parity states with predicted enhanced collectivity of states in ⁴⁵Sc nucleus.

Global Trends of Cosmeceutical in Nanotechnology: A Review

Nanotechnology suggests different innovative solutions to augment the worth of cosmetic products through the targeted delivery of content that manifests scientific innovation in research and development. Different nanosystems, like liposomes, niosomes, microemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoform lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, and nanospheres, are employed in cosmetics. These nanosystems exhibit various innovative cosmetic functions, including site-specific targeting, controlled content release, more stability, improved skin penetration and enhanced entrapment efficiency of loaded compounds. Thus, cosmeceuticals are assumed as the highest-progressing fragment of the personal care industries that have progressed drastically over the years. In recent decades, cosmetic science has widened the origin of its application in different fields. Nanosystems in cosmetics are beneficial in treating different conditions like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, dandruff, photoaging and hair damage. This review highlights the different nanosystems used in cosmetics for the targeted delivery of loaded content and commercially available formulations. Moreover, this review article has delineated different patented nanocosmetic formulation nanosystems and future aspects of nanocarriers in cosmetics.

Probing ^{93m}Mo Isomer Depletion with an Isomer Beam

The isomer depletion of ^{93m}Mo was recently reported [Chiara et al., Nature (London) 554, 216 (2018)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature25483] as the first direct observation of nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC). However, the measured excitation probability of 1.0(3)% is far beyond the theoretical expectation. In order to understand the inconsistency between theory and experiment, we produce the ^{93m}Mo nuclei using the ^{12}C(^{86}Kr,5n) reaction at a beam energy of 559 MeV and transport the reaction residues to a detection station far away from the target area employing a secondary beam line. The isomer depletion is expected to occur during the slowdown process of the ions in the stopping material. In such a low γ-ray background environment, the signature of isomer depletion is not observed, and an upper limit of 2×10^{-5} is estimated for the excitation probability. This is consistent with the theoretical expectation. Our findings shed doubt on the previously reported NEEC phenomenon and highlight the necessity and feasibility of further experimental investigations for reexamining the isomer depletion under low γ-ray background.

Cardioprotective potential of simvastatin in the hyperhomocysteinemic rat heart

The present study investigated the probable role of simvastatin, 3-hydroxymethyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, in abrogated cardioprotection in hyperhomocysteinemic (Hhcy) rat hearts. Isolated Langendorff's perfused normal and Hhcy rat hearts were subjected to 30-min global ischemia (I) followed by 120-min reperfusion (R). Assessment of myocardial damage was done by measuring infarct size and analyzing the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) in coronary effluent. In addition, the oxidative stress in the heart was assessed by measuring lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion generation. I/R produced myocardial injury in normal and Hhcy rat hearts by increasing myocardial infarct size, LDH and CK in coronary effluent and oxidative stress. Hhcy rat hearts showed enhanced myocardial injury and high oxidative stress as compared to normal hearts. Treatment with Simvastatin (10 μMol) afforded cardioprotection against I/R-induced myocardial injury in normal and hyperhomocysteinemic rat hearts as assessed in terms of reductions in myocardial infarct size, LDH and CK levels in coronary effluent and oxidative stress. The reductions in the high degree of oxidative stress may be responsible for the observed cardioprotection afforded by simvastatin against I/R-induced myocardial injury in normal and hyperhomocysteinemic rat hearts.

Tertiary dentinogenesis with calcium hydroxide: a review of proposed mechanisms

Calcium hydroxide has been used extensively in dentistry for a century. Despite its widespread use as a pulp-capping agent, its mechanisms of action still remain ambiguous. Understanding its modes of action will lead to a broader understanding of the mechanisms associated with induced dentinogenesis and help in optimizing the currently available agents to target specific regenerative processes to obtain the best possible clinical outcomes. A literature search relating to mechanisms of dentinogenesis of calcium hydroxide up to December 2011 was carried out using pubmed and MEDLINE database searches as well as manual searching of cross-references from identified studies. Resulting suggestions regarding dentinogenic mechanisms of calcium hydroxide range from direct irritating action of the material to induction of release of biologically active molecules. The purpose of this article is to discuss various mechanisms through which calcium hydroxide may induce tertiary dentinogenesis in the light of observations made in included studies.

Myocardial postconditioning: next step to cardioprotection

Myocardial ischemia is a condition in which lack of blood flow to the cardiac muscle occurs resulting in deficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the heart. The restoration of blood flow to an organ or tissue is termed reperfusion. Brief episodes of ischemia and reperfusion given after prolonged ischemia and at the onset of reperfusion denotes postconditioning. Myocardial postconditioning is a phenomenon in which myocardium from lethal ischemia-reperfusion injury is protected. However, numerous experimental studies reveal that the cardioprotective effects of postconditioning are suppressed in various pathological states. This review critically discusses the mechanisms involved in the cardioprotective effects of postconditioning and factors affecting the cardioprotective potential of myocardial postconditioning.

Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity: Do we have a promising therapeutic approach to blunt it?

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are employed clinically because of their potent bactericidal activities, less bacterial resistance, post-antibiotic effects and low cost. However, drugs belong to this class are well-known to cause nephrotoxicity, which limits their frequent clinical exploitation. Gentamicin, a commonly used aminoglycoside, is associated with an induction of tubular necrosis, epithelial oedema of proximal tubules, cellular desquamation, tubular fibrosis, glomerular congestion, perivascular edema and inflammation, which ultimately show the way to renal dysfunction. It is a matter of debate whether we have promising agents to prevent the incidence of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The present review critically discussed the pathogenesis of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. In addition, based on the experimental and clinical studies, the possible therapeutic approach to prevent gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity has been discussed.

The multifaceted therapeutic potential of benfotiamine

Thiamine, known as vitamin B(1), plays an essential role in energy metabolism. Benfotiamine (S-benzoylthiamine O-monophoshate) is a synthetic S-acyl derivative of thiamine. Once absorbed, benfotiamine is dephosphorylated by ecto-alkaline phosphatase to lipid-soluble S-benzoylthiamine. Transketolase is an enzyme that directs the precursors of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to pentose phosphate pathway. Benfotiamine administration increases the levels of intracellular thiamine diphosphate, a cofactor necessary for the activation transketolase, resulting in the reduction of tissue level of AGEs. The elevated level of AGEs has been implicated in the induction and progression of diabetes-associated complications. Chronic hyperglycemia accelerates the reaction between glucose and proteins leading to the formation of AGEs, which form irreversible cross-links with many macromolecules such as collagen. In diabetes, AGEs accumulate in tissues at an accelerated rate. Experimental studies have elucidated that binding of AGEs to their specific receptors (RAGE) activates mainly monocytes and endothelial cells and consequently induces various inflammatory events. Moreover, AGEs exaggerate the status of oxidative stress in diabetes that may additionally contribute to functional changes in vascular tone control observed in diabetes. The anti-AGE property of benfotiamine certainly makes it effective for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. Interestingly, few recent studies demonstrated additional non-AGE-dependent pharmacological actions of benfotiamine. The present review critically analyzed the multifaceted therapeutic potential of benfotiamine.

Alterations in macromolecular composition and cell wall integrity by ciprofloxacin in Mycobacterium smegmatis

The present study has been undertaken to explore the biochemical mechanism of antimycobacterial action of a potent fluoroquinolone i.e. ciprofloxacin in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Cells grown in the presence of a subinhibitory concentration (IC50) of ciprofloxacin had a significantly lower content of all the major macromolecules i.e. DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids with maximum inhibition in DNA concentration as compared to control. Significant quantitative changes were also observed in the various chemical constituents of cell wall of ciprofloxacin grown cells. A decrease in the number of binding sites for a fluorescent probe L-anilinonapthalene-8-sulphonate (ANS) in ciprofloxacin grown cells suggested structural changes on the cell surface. Significant changes were also observed in the morphology of cells grown in the presence of ciprofloxacin by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results suggest that ciprofloxacin exerts its antimycobacterial activity by affecting the cell wall as well as various macromolecules, particular DNA, the vital component for cell survival and growth.