In cancer cells, a vital cellular process during metastasis is the transformation of epithelial cells towards motile mesenchymal cells called the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The cytoskeleton is an active network of three intracellular filaments: actin cytoskeleton, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. These filaments play a central role in the structural design and cell behavior and are necessary for EMT. During EMT, epithelial cells undergo a cellular transformation as manifested by cell elongation, migration, and invasion, coordinated by actin cytoskeleton reorganization. The actin cytoskeleton is an extremely dynamic structure, controlled by a balance of assembly and disassembly of actin filaments. Actin-binding proteins regulate the process of actin polymerization and depolymerization. Microtubule reorganization also plays an important role in cell migration and polarization. Intermediate filaments are rearranged, switching to a vimentin-rich network, and this protein is used as a marker for a mesenchymal cell. Hence, targeting EMT by regulating the activities of their key components may be a potential solution to metastasis. This review summarizes the research done on the physiological functions of the cytoskeleton, its role in the EMT process, and its effect on multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells—highlight some future perspectives in cancer therapy by targeting cytoskeleton.

The geochemical characteristics of 33 groundwater samples collected in and around the Kalpakkam area in 2019 were investigated, as well as the effects of seawater intrusion. The dominance of anions and cations is Cl- > HCO3- > NO3- > SO4 and Na+ > Mg >Ca> K. Electrical conductance has exceeded the allowable limit in the northeastern part of the study area, which could be accredited to the proximity of a backwater. The Cl (strong acid) predominates over HCO3 and SO4 (weak acids) in the groundwater of the study region during both seasons of 2019, 90.9 percent and 100%, respectively, based on the hydro-chemical features. The Water Quality Index was determined, and many of the 33 samples fell into the bad category, followed by the nice. The majority of anions and cations show a positive correlation (correlation matrix) with Cl-, especially Na and Mg, suggesting these ions may have been derived from seawater intrusion, secondary salt leaching, and chemical weathering, indicating both natural and anthropogenic origins. The interaction of the ions representing Mg, Ca, Na, and Cl in factors suggests secondary salt leaching or backwater recharge. The study's theme is to examine groundwater's geochemical signatures through geochemical analysis. Using statistical approaches, assess the impact of various pollution sources. The water quality index (WQI) is used to classify the quality of groundwater.

Background Viral interference is the concept that different viruses have an effect on the incidence of other viruses– either positive or negative. While this has been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models, it is not well described in large observational studies. Methods We analysed all patients tested for positive respiratory viruses between January 2016– December 2019 just prior to the pandemic in the National University Hospital laboratory, Singapore. Nasal, throat, and/ or nasopharyngeal swabs were collected by treating clinicians and tested by either multiplex PCR or immunofluorescence. Survival plots were created to study the time for a second viral infection following the initial respiratory viral detection. Results RSV (HR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.43–0.92; p<0.01) and influenza (HR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.27-0.61; p<0.001) -positive cases showed a greater delay in subsequent respiratory infections compared to other pathogens, suggesting relative protection, while enterovirus/ rhinovirus (HR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.52-2.77; p<0.001) and Parainfluenza (HR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.18-2.63; p<0.001) showed heightened susceptibility. No significant associations were found for Adenovirus, seasonal coronaviruses, and other pathogens. Conclusion We found that it is possible that prior infections with Influenza virus or RSV conferred significant cross-protection against subsequent circulating respiratory viral infections for the next 4 years. Larger studies are needed to explore mechanisms behind this possible broad-spectrum antiviral response in human hosts as this may have implications for vaccination strategies.