Investigating industry 4.0 technologies in logistics 4.0 usage towards sustainable manufacturing supply chain.

In the era of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), automation and data analysis have undergone significant advancements, greatly impacting production management and operations management. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, cloud computing (CC), and big data, have played a crucial role in shaping Logistics 4.0 (L4.0) and improving the efficiency of the manufacturing supply chain (SC), ultimately contributing to sustainability goals. The present research investigates the role of I4.0 technologies within the framework of the extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB). The research explores various variables including subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavior control, leading to word-of-mouth, and purchase intention. By modeling these variables, the study aims to understand the influence of I4.0 technologies on L4.0 to establish a sustainable manufacturing SC. A questionnaire was administered to gather input from small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry. An empirical study along with partial least squares structural equation modeling (SEM), was conducted to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the use of I4.0 technology in L4.0 influences subjective norms, which subsequently influence attitudes and personal behavior control. This, in turn, leads to word-of-mouth and purchase intention. The results provide valuable insights for shippers and logistics service providers empowering them to enhance their performance and contribute to achieving sustainability objectives. Consequently, this study contributes to promoting sustainability in the manufacturing SC by stimulating the adoption of I4.0 technologies in L4.0.

Antecedents for online food delivery platform leading to continuance usage intention via e-word-of-mouth review adoption.

The focus of hospitality initially was on ambience and novelty to attract customers. With the rise of the digital revolution, the hospitality industry has also undergone significant change. Long-distance travel at the workplace, odd working hours, and a variety of food options have driven people staying in Indian metropolises towards online food delivery (OFD) services. The popularity of OFD services has risen because of their practicality, simplicity, and a rise in consumer confidence in digital payments. Specifically, for the food industry, digitalization has opened new horizons to capture customers. The competition is not among the big brands, but big brands are competing with homemakers who run tiffin services, and street food hawkers who claim to provide traditional Dhaba-style food and fast food. The customers are loaded with unlimited options to choose the food in terms of price, cuisine, quality, etc. The present research examines the associations between service quality of OFD services, perceived ease of use, and word-of-mouth review adoption, leading to expectation confirmation modeling. The path analysis was carried out using data from 500 Indian respondents residing in Tier-I cities who have been using OFD services regularly. The research outcome shows that servqual has a positive influence on perceived ease of use and confirmation. Additionally, it encourages continued usage intentions because of its favorable impact on the adoption of e-word-of-mouth reviews.

Ricolinostat suppresses proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and enhances the antiproliferative activity of topoisomerase inhibitors in cervical cancer cells.

Ricolinostat has been found to exhibit anticancer effects alone and in combination with various chemotherapeutic drugs in several cancer types. However, to the best of our knowledge, the efficacy of ricolinostat in cervical cancer is still not investigated. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effect of ricolinostat in cervical cancer alone and in combination with topoisomerase inhibitors. The effect of ricolinostat on cervical cancer cells was assessed using MTT, cell-cycle arrest, Annexin V/PI staining assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, and western blot analysis. The antiproliferative effect of ricolinostat in combination with topoisomerase inhibitors was assessed using the MTT assay and synergism was computed using "CompuSyn" software. We found that ricolinostat inhibited proliferation, and induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. We further found that ricolinostat treatment resulted in increased ROS production, decreased Bcl-xL expression, and induced p21 expression. We also investigated the effect of ricolinostat in combination with topotecan and etoposide in cervical cancer cells. Ricolinostat was found to significantly enhance the antiproliferative activity of both, topotecan and etoposide, in cervical cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, our study showed that ricolinostat suppressed proliferation by inducing G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, indicating that ricolinostat may be a promising antitumor agent in cervical cancer. Also, ricolinostat and topotecan/etoposide combination are synergistic in cervical cancer cells.

HDAC6: A unique HDAC family member as a cancer target.

BACKGROUND: HDAC6, a structurally and functionally distinct member of the HDAC family, is an integral part of multiple cellular functions such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, DNA damage and genomic stability, all of which when deregulated contribute to carcinogenesis. Among several HDAC family members known so far, HDAC6 holds a unique position. It differs from the other HDAC family members not only in terms of its subcellular localization, but also in terms of its substrate repertoire and hence cellular functions. Recent findings have considerably expanded the research related to the substrate pool, biological functions and regulation of HDAC6. Studies in HDAC6 knockout mice highlighted the importance of HDAC6 as a cell survival player in stressful situations, making it an important anticancer target. There is ample evidence stressing the importance of HDAC6 as an anti-cancer synergistic partner of many chemotherapeutic drugs. HDAC6 inhibitors have been found to enhance the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs such as DNA damaging agents, proteasome inhibitors and microtubule inhibitors, thereby highlighting the importance of combination therapies involving HDAC6 inhibitors and other anti-cancer agents. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we present a review on HDAC6 with emphasis on its role as a critical regulator of specific physiological cellular pathways which when deregulated contribute to tumorigenesis, thereby highlighting the importance of HDAC6 inhibitors as important anticancer agents alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs. We also discuss the synergistic anticancer effect of combination therapies of HDAC6 inhibitors with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.

Tumor microenvironment responsive nanogels as a smart triggered release platform for enhanced intracellular delivery of doxorubicin.

The fabrication of novel and intelligent delivery systems that can effectively deliver therapeutics to the targeted site and release payload in enhanced/controlled manner is highly desired to overcome the multiple challenges in chemotherapy. The present article demonstrates the potential application of dual stimuli responsive nanogels as tumor microenvironment targeted drug delivery carrier. Disulfide cross-linked pH and redox responsive PEG-PDMAEMA nanogels were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The nanogels were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The PEG-PDMAEMA nanogels exhibited dual stimuli-responsive release of the encapsulated model anticancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX) due to the acidic pH-response of dimethyl amine group in PDMAEMA and reductive cleavage of the disulfide linkages. A relatively higher release of DOX was observed from the nanogels at pH 5.0 than at pH 7.4. DOX release was further accelerated in tumor simulated environment of pH 5.0 and 10 mM glutathione (GSH). Confocal microscopy images revealed that DOX-loaded PEG-PDMAEMA nanogels can rapidly internalize and effectively deliver the drug into the cells. The nanogels exhibited higher cytotoxicity in GSH-OEt pretreated HeLa cells than untreated cells. The dual stimuli responsive nanogels synthesized in this study exhibited many favorable traits, such as pH and redox dependent controlled release of drug, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and enhanced cytotoxicity, which endow them as a promising candidate for anticancer drug delivery.

Association of tuberculosis and diabetes Mellitus: an analysis of 1000 consecutively admitted cases in a tertiary care hospital of North India.

INTRODUCTION: The association of Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus is a cause of concern for the health sector. The coexistence of these two highly prevalent diseases has made the already existing treatments very complex. This issue is of particular significance to developing countries like India that bear a significant burden of these two diseases. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 1000 consecutively admitted patients in a tertiary care hospital were analyzed for the coexistence of Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus. RESULTS: The study found that a significant proportion of diabetic patients had coexistent tuberculosis (65.5%). Rural population was predominantly affected in both the genders. The study observed that the coexistence of these two conditions increased with advanced age. CONCLUSION: The coexistence of Diabetes Mellitus with Tuberculosis needs to identified early and adequately addressed. The rural population needs to be educated about these two conditions and seek timely medical care.

Nutritional and functional characterization of barley flaxseed based functional dry soup mix.

Barley flaxseed based functional dry soup mix (BFSM) was developed from whole barely flour (46.296%), roasted flaxseed powder (23.148%) and the seasoning (30.555%) comprising several flavoring compounds and anticaking agent, using simple processing technique. Developed BFSM was nutritious. On dry matter basis it contained: protein (14.31%), carbohydrate excluding crude fiber (54.70%), fat (8.70%), ash (17.45%) and crude fiber (4.84%). It was low glycemic soup, free of antinutritional risk and had calorific value of 319.77 kcal/100 g (wet or sample basis, sb) estimated from its composition. 100 g (sb) of BFSM contained 4.36 g ß-glucans and 8.08 g total lipid of which 25.6% was ω-3 fatty acids. Different extracts of BFSM revealed the presence of total phenols (0.57-1.86 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, sb) with antioxidants equivalence of DPPH (20.69-39.07%) and FRAP (120-331 µm Fe (II)/g, sb).

Lorazepam: a weapon of offence.

The use of knock out drugs for perpetuation of crime has significantly increased in recent years. These drug facilitated crimes mainly involve robbery and sexual offences. Most of the drugs employed for these purposes affect the nervous system and bring a state of incapacitation and amnesia. The miscreants exploit these properties of drugs to commit such crimes. The unsuspecting travellers on public transport vehicles and women in disco parties are most vulnerable to such crimes. The unrestricted and unregulated sale of prescription drugs and general ignorance of such incidents is a challenge that needs to be addressed promptly.

Self inflicted human teeth bites: a case report.

Human infighting has been a part of our civilization since times immemorial. These incidences may go unnoticed or may attract attention of law enforcing agencies depending upon the severity of the offence. Though weapons are generally employed to inflict injuries, rare cases have been reported in literature where human teeth have been used to serve this purpose. Human bites may be self inflicted or self suffered in connivance with others to level an allegation against an adversary. We are presenting here such a case where such injuries were produced to bring a false charge against a neighbor.

Comparative evaluation of salivary soluble CD44 levels in periodontal health and disease.

CONTEXT: Inflammation, immunoactivation, and malignant diseases are associated with increased plasma levels of soluble CD44 (sCD44). Serum sCD44 has been recognized as a diagnostic marker in smoking-induced diseases. AIM: (1) To assess the levels of salivary sCD44 in periodontal health and disease. (2) To compare the levels of salivary sCD44 in smokers and nonsmokers. (3) To assess if salivary sCD44 levels could be used as a diagnostic marker for periodontitis. SETTING AND DESIGN: A total of 60 patients were divided into three groups viz. Group A - healthy, Group B - aggressive periodontitis and Group C - chronic periodontitis (Subdivided into C1 - chronic periodontitis smokers and C2 - chronic periodontitis nonsmokers). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The plaque index, gingival index (GI), probing depth and clinical attachment level; along with the radiographs were recorded. The saliva sample collected at baseline was stored at -80°C. The sCD44 levels were analyzed using ELISA. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA test and Mann-Whitney's test was used to compare readings between all the groups and Pearson correlation was calculated for CD44 and all the clinical parameters in each group. RESULTS: Highest mean sCD44 was recorded in Group C2 followed by Group C1. The GI was positively correlated with CD44 levels in chronic periodontitis group. Contrary to previous reports nonsmokers subjects had higher CD44 levels as compared to smoker. CONCLUSION: Soluble CD44 levels were positively correlated with periodontal disease. Thus, salivary sCD44 could be considered as a one of the biomarker for periodontitis that is, aggressive and chronic periodontitis.

Sexual dimorphism of incisors: a study of the Jat Sikhs.

Upper and lower incisors of 400 Jat Sihks (200 of each sex) have been measured for their length and breadth to assess any possible sexual dimorphism. However, the difference between the two sexes has been observed to be insignificant.