Outcome of tailored therapy in rheumatic heart disease with persistent atrial fibrillation (RHD-AF).

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic heart disease with persistent atrial fibrillation (RHD-AF) is associated with increased morbidity. However, there is no standardized approach for the maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) in them. We aimed to determine the utility of a stepwise approach to achieve SR in RHD-AF. METHODS: Consecutive patients with RHD-AF from July 2021 to August 2023 formed the study cohort. The stepwise approach included pharmacological rhythm control and/or electrical cardioversion (Central illustration). In patients with recurrence, additional options included AF ablation or pace and ablate strategy with conduction system pacing or biventricular pacing. Clinical improvement, NT-proBNP, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, and thromboembolic complications were documented during follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients with RHD-AF (mean age 56.13 ± 9.51 years, women 72.28%) were included. Utilizing this approach, 43 (51.81%) achieved and maintained SR during the study period of 11.04 ± 7.14 months. These patients had improved functional class, lower NT-proBNP, better distance covered for 6MWT, and reduced HF hospitalizations. The duration of AF was shorter in patients who achieved SR, compared to those who remained in AF (3.15 ± 1.29 vs 6.93 ± 5.23, p = 0.041). Thirty-five percent (29) maintained SR after a single cardioversion over the study period. Only one underwent AF ablation. Of the 24 who underwent pace and ablate strategy, atrial lead was implanted in 22 (hybrid approach), and 50% of these achieved and maintained SR. Among these 24, none had HF hospitalizations, but patients who maintained SR had further improvement in clinical and functional parameters. CONCLUSIONS: RHD-AF patients who could achieve SR with a stepwise approach, had better clinical outcomes and lower HF hospitalizations.

Investigations on anticancer activity of Eu3+ doped hydroxyapatite nanocomposites against MCF7 and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines: A structural and luminescence Perspective.

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we investigate the role of Eu3+ doped hydroxyapatite nanocomposites (Han: Eu3+) in the treatment of MCF7 and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we explored the structural and luminescent properties of these nanocomposites. Han: Eu3+ were synthesized using a modified co-precipitation method, and their morphology and crystal structure were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in which the average crystalline size of Han: Eu3+ was found to be 25 nm, rendering them suitable for cellular uptake and targeted therapy. To gain insights into the luminescent properties of Han: Eu3+, their excitation and emission spectra were recorded using photoluminescence spectrometer. The characteristic red emission of Eu3+ ions was observed upon excitation, validating the successful doping of Eu3+ into the Han lattice, which was confirmed by the CIE chromaticity coordinate study. These luminescent properties of Han: Eu3+ hold promise for potential applications in bioimaging. To evaluate the efficacy of Han: Eu3+ in breast cancer treatment, MCF7 and 4T1 cell lines were exposed to varying concentrations of the nanocomposites. Cell viability assays revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability, indicating the potential anticancer activity of Han: Eu3+. The findings of this study contribute to the expanding field of nanomedicine, bringing targeted breast cancer treatments and us closer to more effective.

Do rainfed production systems have lower environmental impact over irrigated production systems?: On -farm mitigation strategies.

The intensive agriculture practices improved the crop productivity but escalated energy inputs (EI) and carbon foot print (CF) which contributes to global warming. Hence designing productive, profitable crop management practices under different production systems with low environmental impact (EI and CF) is the need of the hour. To identify the practices, quantification of baseline emissions and the major sources of emissions are required. Indian agriculture has diversified crops and production systems but there is dearth of information on both EI and CF of these production systems and crops. Hence the present study was an attempt to find hot spots and identify suitable strategies with high productivity, energy use efficiency (EUE) and carbon use efficiency (CUE). Energy and carbon balance of castor, cotton, chickpea, groundnut, maize, rice (both rainfed and irrigated), wheat, sugarcane (only irrigated), pigeon pea, soybean, sorghum, pearl millet (only rainfed) in different production systems was assessed. Field specific data on different crop management practices as well as grain and biomass yields were considered. Rainfed production systems had lower EI and CF than irrigated system. The nonrenewable sources of energy like fertilizer (64 %), irrigation (78 %), diesel fuel (75 %) and electricity (67 %) are the major source of energy input. Rainfed crops recorded higher CUE over irrigated condition. Adoption of technologies like efficient irrigation strategies (micro irrigation), enhancing fertilizer use efficiency (site specific nutrient management or slow release fertilizer), conservation agriculture (conservation or reduced tillage) rice cultivation methods (SRI or Direct seeded rice) were the mitigation strategies. These results will help policy makers and stake holders in adoption of suitable strategies for sustainable intensification.

Network pharmacology based anti-diabetic attributes of bioactive compounds from Ocimum gratissimum L. through computational approach.

The present research was framed to determine the key compounds present in the plant Ocimum gratissimum L. targeting protein molecules of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) by employing In-silico approaches. Phytochemicals previously reported to be present in this herb were collated through literature survey and public phytochemical databases, and their probable targets were anticipated using BindingDB (p ≥ 0.7). STRING and KEGG pathway databases were employed for pathway enrichment analysis. Homology modelling was executed to elucidate the structures of therapeutic targets. Further, Phytocompounds from O. gratissimum were subjected for docking with four therapeutic targets of DM by using AutoDock vina through POAP pipeline implementation. 30 compounds were predicted to target 136 protein molecules including aldose reductase, DPP4, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glucosidase. Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, starch and insulin resistance were predicted to have potentially modulation by phytocompounds. Based on the phytocompound's binding score with the four targets of DM, Rutin scored the lowest binding energy (-11 kcal/mol) with Aldose reductase by forming 17 intermolecular interactions. In conclusion, based on the network and binding score, phytocompounds from O. gratissimum have a synergistic and considerable effect in the management of DM via multi-compound, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms.

Soil bacterial community structure and functioning in a long-term conservation agriculture experiment under semi-arid rainfed production system.

Soil microbial communities are important drivers of biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, organic matter decomposition, soil organic carbon, and Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs: CO2, N2O, and CH4) and are influenced by crop and soil management practices. The knowledge on the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil bacterial diversity, nutrient availability, and GHG emissions in semi-arid regions under rainfed conditions is vital to develop sustainable agricultural practices, but such information has not been systemically documented. Hence, studies were conducted for 10 years in rainfed pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)-castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) cropping system under semi-arid conditions to assess the effects of tillage and crop residue levels on the soil bacterial diversity, enzyme activity (Dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase), GHG emissions, and soil available nutrients (Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Sequencing of soil DNA through Illumina HiSeq-based 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing technology has revealed that bacterial community responded to both tillage and residue levels. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria in terms of Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTUs) at phyla, class as well as genera level was higher in CA (NTR1: No Tillage + 10 cm anchored residue and NTR2 NT + 30 cm anchored residue) over CT (conventional tillage without crop residues). CA resulted in higher enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase) and reduction in GHG emissions over CT. CA recorded 34% higher and 3% lower OC, as compared to CT, and CTR1, respectively. CA recorded 10, 34, and 26% higher available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium over CT and CTR1, respectively. NTR1 recorded 25 and 38% lower N2O emissions as compared to CTR1 and CTR2, respectively. Whereas only NT recorded 12% higher N2O emissions as compared to CT. Overall, the results of the study indicate that CA improves the relative abundance of soil bacterial communities, nutrient availability, and enzyme activities, and may help to contribute to the mitigation of climate change, and sustainability in rainfed areas.

Pest scenario of Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) on pigeonpea during future climate change periods under RCP based projections in India.

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) is the major insect pest of pigeonpea and prediction of number of generations (no. of gen.) and generation time (gen. time) using growing degree days (GDD) approach during three future climate change periods viz., Near (NP), Distant (DP) and Far Distant (FDP) periods at eleven major pigeonpea growing locations of India was attempted. Multi-model ensemble of Maximum (Tmax) and Minimum (Tmin) temperature data of four Representative Concentration Pathways viz., RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 of Coupled Model Inter comparison Project 5 (CMIP5) models was adopted here. The increase in projected Tmax and Tmin are significant during 3 climate change periods (CCPs) viz., the NP, DP and FDP over base line (BL) period under four RCP scenarios at all locations and would be higher (4.7-5.1 °C) in RCP 8.5 and in FDP. More number of annual (10-17) and seasonal (5-8) gens. are expected to occur with greater percent increase in FDP (8 to 38%) over base line followed by DP (7 to 22%) and NP (5to 10%) periods with shortened annual gen. time (4 to 27%) across 4 RCPs. The reduction of crop duration was substantial in short, medium and long duration pigeonpeas at all locations across 4 RCPs and 3 CCPs. The seasonal no.of gen. is expected to increase (5 to 35%) with shortened gen. time (4 to 26%) even with reduced crop duration across DP and FDP climate periods of 6.0 and 8.5 RCPs in LD pigeonpea. More no. of gen. of H. armigera with reduced gen. time are expected to occur at Ludhiana, Coimbatore, Mohanpur, Warangal and Akola locations over BL period in 4 RCPs when normal duration of pigeonpeas is considered. Geographical location (66 to 72%), climate period (11 to 19%), RCPs (5-7%) and their interaction (0.04-1%) is vital and together explained more than 90% of the total variation in future pest scenario. The findings indicate that the incidence of H. armigera would be higher on pigeonpea during ensuing CCPs in India under global warming context.

Energy decomposition and waterswapping analysis to investigate the SNP associated DPD mediated 5-FU resistance.

5-fluorouracil is an essential component of systemic chemotherapy for colon, breast, head, and neck cancer patients. However, tumoral overexpression of the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase has rendered 5-FU clinically ineffective by inactivating it to 5'-6'-dihydro fluorouracil. The responses to 5-FU in terms of efficacy and toxicity greatly differ depending upon the population group, because of variability in the DPD activity levels. In the current study, key active site amino acids involved in the 5-FU inactivation were investigated by modelling the 3D structure of human DPD in a complex with 5-FU. The identified amino acids were analyzed for their possible missense mutations available in dbSNP database. Out of 12 missense SNPs, four were validated either by sequencing in the 1000 Genomes project or frequency/genotype data. The recorded validated missense SNPs were further considered to analyze the effect of their respective alterations on 5-FU binding. Overall findings suggested that population bearing the Glu611Val DPD mutation (rs762523739) is highly vulnerable to 5-FU resistance. From the docking, electrostatic complementarity, dynamics, and energy decomposition analyses it was found that the above mutation showed superior scores than the wild DPD -5FU complex. Therefore, prescribing prodrug NUC-3373 or DPD inhibitors (Gimeracil/3-Cyano-2,6-Dihydroxypyridines) as adjuvant therapy may overcome the 5-FU resistance.

IgG4 related disease and aortitis: an up-to-date review.

Aortic involvement in immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is extremely rare and is often overlooked during the aortitis work-up. IgG4-related aortitis differs from non-IgG4-related aortitis in its histopathological features, site of involvement, laboratory markers, and treatment options. The histopathological examination of the vessel walls characteristically reveals adventitial thickening with intimal sparing, typically affecting the infrarenal abdominal aorta. In addition, inadequate knowledge about the disease often leads to delayed or missed diagnosis and undermanagement of a potentially treatable condition. Hence, in this paper, we review the unique clinical manifestations, laboratory markers, diagnostic features, current treatment strategies, and novel experimental therapeutic options in the management of IgG4-related aortitis.

Optical, emission, and excitation dynamics of Eu3+ -doped bismuth-based phosphate glass for visible display laser applications.

Eu3+ -doped-bismuth-based phosphate glasses with chemical equation (60 - x)P2 O5 -20Bi2 O3 -10Na2 CO3 -10SrF2 -xEu2 O3 (PBNSEu), (where x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 mol%) were fabricated using the melt-quenching method. Obtain X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were used to characterize the structure of the prepared PBNSEu glass. The J-O (Judd-Ofelt) intensity parameters (Ω2 , Ω4 ) were estimated using photoluminescence emission spectra. When excited with a xenon lamp at λexc  = 394 nm, the most intense red-emission transition occurred at ~612 nm (5 D0 →7 F2 ). J-O intensity parameters were used to calculate radiative properties, whereas the radiative branching ratio (ßR ), radiative transition probability (AR ), radiative lifetime (τR ), and total radiative transition rate (Aτ ) were calculated for the transitions 5 D0 →7 FJ (where J = 0-4) and were obtained in the emission spectra for europium ion-doped in the current glass. Using the CIE1931 chromaticity coordinates axes, the colours of various concentrations of Eu3+ ion-doped PBNS glass were evaluated using the emission spectra. Temperature-dependent luminescence spectra were recorded for the optimized PBNSEu20 glass to calculate the activation energy. These results strongly suggested red components in w-LEDs and visible display laser applications.

Impact of Chronic Periodontitis on Intrauterine Growth of the Fetus: An Original Research.

Introduction: The human body goes through a roller coaster of hormonal changes during pregnancy. The periodontal pathologies may alter and may bring about different/altered responses to normal stimuli. Hence, in our study, we assessed the relation between the chronic periodontitis and its impact on the intrauterine growth of the fetus. Material and Method: We conducted a retrospective observational study, where the data was collected from the institutional records. We included 200 pregnant subjects and grouped them equally as those with and without periodontal pathologies. We compared the groups for various parameters of the subject and the new born, and measured the significance deliberating P < 0.05 as significant. Results: We observed that among the various clinical parameters, the female subjects were exponentially prone to "vulvo-vaginitis, premature rupture of membranes" and the new born had restricted growth. Conclusion: Oral health affects the general health. The periodontal disease specifically has an adverse impact among pregnant women. Hence care should be given to oral hygiene maintenance.

Evaluating area-specific adaptation strategies for rainfed maize under future climates of India.

This study investigates the spatio-temporal changes in maize yield under projected climate and identified the potential adaptation measures to reduce the negative impact. Future climate data derived from 30 general circulation models were used to assess the impact of future climate on yield in 16 major maize growing districts of India. DSSAT model was used to simulate maize yield and evaluate adaptation strategies during mid (2040-69) and end-centuries (2070-99) under RCP 4.5 and 8.5. Genetic coefficients were calibrated and validated for each of the study locations. The projected climate indicated a substantial increase in mean seasonal maximum (0.9-6.0 °C) and minimum temperatures (1.1-6.1 °C) in the future (the range denotes the lowest and highest change during all the four future scenarios). Without adaptation strategies, climate change could reduce maize yield in the range of 16% (Tumkur) to 46% (Jalandhar) under RCP 4.5 and 21% (Tumkur) to 80% (Jalandhar) under RCP 8.5. Only at Dharwad, the yield could remain slightly higher or the same compared to the baseline period (1980-2009). Six adaptation strategies were evaluated (delayed sowing, increase in fertilizer dose, supplemental irrigation, and their combinations) in which a combination of those was found to be effective in majority of the districts. District-specific adaptation strategies were identified for each of the future scenarios. The findings of this study will enable in planning adaptation strategies to minimize the negative impact of projected climate in major maize growing districts of India.

A Comparative Study of Pain and Healing in Post-Dental Extraction Sockets Treated with Ozonated Water/Oil and Normal Saline.

Aim: A comparative study of pain and healing in post-dental extraction sockets treated with ozonated water/oil and normal saline. Purpose: The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ozonated water/oil in reducing pain and enhancing healing and swelling following dental extractions and surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Patients and Methods: Clinical trial was conducted involving 50 individuals requiring two-stage bilateral removal of tooth of which 25 patients were for asymptomatic bilateral extractions and 25 patients for surgical removal of asymptomatic bilaterally similar impacted mandibular third molars. The patients were divided into two groups following a split-mouth design: In group I, sterile ozonated water was irrigated in the sockets after extraction for 2 min on study side and normal saline on the control side following extraction. In group II, transalveolar extractions/surgical extraction of impacted mandibular III molars were carried out under copious irrigation with sterile ozonated water on study side and normal saline irrigation on control side evaluated by independent observer on 2nd, 4th and 7th day for the efficacy of ozonated water/oil in reducing pain and enhancing healing in post-dental extraction sockets. Results: The use of ozonated water/oil increased the healing rate in all extraction cases, except in 4% of cases in which they did not show any effect of healing in extraction sockets on 7th postoperative day. The use of ozonated water/oil did not show any effects on the healing rate in impaction cases in all postoperative days. The use of ozonated water/oil showed decreased incidence of pain in subjects of both extraction and impaction cases.

Benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides: Synthesis, antifungal activity, in silico studies and evaluation as fluorescent probes.

Four new benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides with combinations of chloride, ethyl ester and methyl as terminals of the amino substituents were synthesized. These compounds were characterized and their optical properties were studied in absolute dry ethanol and water. Their antiproliferative activity was tested against Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a broth microdilution assay, along with an array of 36 other benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values between 1.56 and >200 µM were observed. Fluorescence microscopy studies, used to assess the intracellular distribution of the dyes, showed that these benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides function as efficient and site specific probes for the detection of the vacuole membrane. The added advantage of some of the compounds, that displayed the lower MIC values, was the simultaneous staining of both the vacuole membrane and the perinuclear membrane of endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Molecular docking studies were performed on the human membrane protein oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), using the crystal structure available on PDB (code 1W6K). The results showed that these most active compounds accommodated better in the active sites of ER enzyme OSC suggesting this enzyme as a potential target. As a whole, the results demonstrate that the benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides are interesting alternatives to the available commercial dyes. Changes in the substituents of these compounds can tailor both their staining specificity and antimicrobial activity.

Study of trivalent samarium ion embedded lithium-based borate glass for high-density optical memory devices.

Sm3+ ions doped strontium lithium lead borate glasses (SLLB:Sm) were prepared using a conventional melt-quenching technique. The glasses were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical absorption, fluorescence spectral analysis, and fluorescence lifetime decay. The Judd-Ofelt (J-O) parameters and radiative parameters of the SLLB:Sm10 glass (1.0 mol% Sm3+ ion-doped glass) were calculated using J-O theory. From the emission spectra, among all the synthesized glass, SLLB:Sm10 glass had the highest emission intensity for 4 G5/2 →6 H11/2 transition (610 nm). Emission parameters, such as stimulated emission cross-section and optical gain bandwidth, were calculated. For all concentrations of Sm3+ ions, the decay profile showed an exponential nature and decreased when the Sm3+ ion concentration was increased due to a concentration quenching effect. This result suggests that the synthesized SLLB:Sm10 glass could be used for application in high-density optical memory devices.

Potentiometric studies of complex equlibria of CaII, MgII and ZnII with 5-sulphosalicylic acid in cationic micelles of CTAB.

Formation of metal ligand complex species of 5-sulphosalicylic acid with CaII, MgII and ZnII metal ions have been studied potentiometrically in various composition (0.0, 0.5, 1.0. 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% w/v) of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The study has been carried out at 303 K temperature and maintaining 0.16 mol dm-3 ionic strength using NaCl. The dynamic species belongs to 5-sulphosalicylic acid are LH2 - and LH2-. The best fit of complex speciation has been preferred on basis of statistical parameters like skewness, χ 2, Kurtosis and crystallographic R-factor. ML2H, ML2H2 and ML3H3 type complex were formed by the complexation of 5-sulphosalicylic acid with the metal ions. The change in stability of complex species with composition of the surfactant has been illustrated on the basis electrostatic grounds. Distribution of chemical species with respect to pH and various compositions medium and probable complex equilibria are also studied.

Introgression of Root and Water Use Efficiency Traits Enhances Water Productivity: An Evidence for Physiological Breeding in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

BACKGROUND: Semi-irrigated aerobic cultivation of rice has been suggested as a potential water saving agronomy. However, suitable cultivars are needed in order to sustain yield levels. An introgression of water mining and water use efficiency (WUE) traits is the most appropriate strategy for a comprehensive genetic enhancement to develop such rice cultivars. RESULTS: We report a novel strategy of phenotyping and marker-assisted backcross breeding to introgress water mining (root) and water use efficiency (WUE) traits into a popular high yielding cultivar, IR-64. Trait donor genotypes for root (AC-39020) and WUE (IET-16348) were crossed separately and the resultant F1s were inter-mated to generate double cross F1s (DCF1). Progenies of three generations of backcross followed by selfing were charatcerised for target phenotype and genome integration. A set of 260 trait introgressed lines were identified. Root weight and root length of TILs were 53% and 23.5% higher, while Δ13C was 2.85‰ lower indicating a significant increase in WUE over IR-64. Five best TILs selected from BC3F3 generation showed 52% and 63% increase in yield over IR-64 under 100% and 60% FC, respectively. The trait introgressed lines resembled IR64 with more than 97% of genome recovered with a significant yield advantage under semi-irrigated aerobic conditions The study validated markers identified earlier by association mapping. CONCLUSION: Introgression of root and WUE into IR64, resulted in an excellent yield advantage even when cultivated under semi-irrigated aerobic condition. The study provided a proof-of-concept that maintaining leaf turgor and carbon metabolism results in improved adaptation to water limited conditions and sustains productivity. A marker based multi-parent backcross breeding is an appropriate approach for trait introgression. The trait introgressed lines developed can be effectively used in future crop improvement programs as donor lines for both root and WUE.

Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry study of repaglinide and its forced degradation products.

RATIONALE: Stress stability studies of drugs have been recognized as an essential part of the drug development process. These studies are used to investigate the intrinsic stability of the drugs and for the development of a selective stability indicating assay method (SIAM). Stress testing is also useful for the formulation and packaging development, shelf-life determination and designing of manufacturing processes. As per regulatory guidelines, stress degradation studies and structural characterization should be carried out to establish degradation pathways of the drug, which is essential from both the efficacy and safety point of view. As the stress stability studies of repaglinide have not been reported in the literature, the present study has been undertaken. METHODS: Repaglinide (RP), an oral anti-diabetic drug, was subjected to hydrolysis (acidic, alkaline and neutral), oxidation, photolysis and thermal stress conditions as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines Q1A (R2). The chromatographic separation of the drug and its degradation products (DPs) was achieved on an Agilent XDB C-18 column using the gradient elution method with a mobile phase consisting of 20 mM ammonium acetate and acetonitrile at flow rate of 1.0 mL min-1 . The DPs were characterized using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) in combination with accurate mass measurements. RESULTS: The drug degraded under hydrolytic and oxidative stress, while it was stable under thermal and photolytic stress conditions. In total, six DPs were formed and the LC/MS method described here can resolve all DPs from the parent as well as from each other under various stress conditions. To elucidate the structures of DPs, fragmentation of the [M + H]+ ions of RP and its DPs was studied by using LC/ESI-MS/MS combined with accurate mass measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The forced degradation of RP carried out as per ICH guidelines results in the formation of six degradation products which have been characterized using LC/MS/MS in combination with accurate mass measurements.

Graphene Quantum Dots for Cell Proliferation, Nucleus Imaging, and Photoluminescent Sensing Applications.

We report a simple one-pot microwave assisted "green synthesis" of Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) using grape seed extract as a green therapeutic carbon source. These GQDs readily self-assemble, hereafter referred to as "self-assembled" GQDs (sGQDs) in the aqueous medium. The sGQDs enter via caveolae and clathrin-mediated endocytosis and target themselves into cell nucleus within 6-8 h without additional assistance of external capping/targeting agent. The tendency to self-localize themselves into cell nucleus also remains consistent in different cell lines such as L929, HT-1080, MIA PaCa-2, HeLa, and MG-63 cells, thereby serving as a nucleus labelling agent. Furthermore, the sGQDs are highly biocompatible and act as an enhancer in cell proliferation in mouse fibroblasts as confirmed by in vitro wound scratch assay and cell cycle analysis. Also, photoluminescence property of sGQDs (lifetime circa (ca.) 10 ns) was used for optical pH sensing application. The sGQDs show linear, cyclic and reversible trend in its fluorescence intensity between pH 3 and pH 10 (response time: ~1 min, sensitivity -49.96 ± 3.5 mV/pH) thereby serving as a good pH sensing agent. A simple, cost-effective, scalable and green synthetic approach based sGQDs can be used to develop selective organelle labelling, nucleus targeting in theranostics, and optical sensing probes.

Lasing transition at 1.06 µm emission in Nd3+ -doped borate-based tellurium calcium zinc niobium oxide glasses for high-power solid-state lasers.

The spectroscopic properties of Tellurium Calcium Zinc Niobium oxide Borate (TCZNB) glasses of composition (in mol%) 10TeO2  + 15CaO + 5ZnO + 10 Nb2 O5  + (60 - x)B2 O3  + Nd2 O3 (x = 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mol%) have been investigated experimentally. The three phenomenological intensity parameters Ω2 , Ω4, Ω6 have been calculated using the Judd-Ofelt theory and in turn radiative properties such as radiative transition probabilities, emission cross-sections, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes have been estimated. The trend found in the JO intensity parameter is Ω2  > Ω6  > Ω4 If Ω6  > Ω4 , the glass system is favourable for the laser emission 4 F3/2  â†’ 4 I11/2 in the infrared (IR) wavelength. The experimental values of branching ratio of 4 F3/2  â†’ 4 I11/2 transition indicate favourable lasing action with low threshold power. The evaluated total radiative transition probabilities (AT ), stimulated emission cross-section (σe ) and gain bandwidth parameters (σe  × Δλp ) were compared with earlier reports. An energy level analysis has been carried out considering the experimental energy positions of the absorption and emission bands.

Fluorescent probes based on side-chain chlorinated benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides: Studies of interaction with DNA.

The interaction of DNA with six water soluble benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides mono- or di-substituted with 3-chloropropyl groups at the O and N of 2- and 9-positions, along with methyl, hydroxyl and amine terminal groups at 5-positions, was investigated by photophysical techniques. The results indicated that almost all compounds intercalated in DNA base pairs at phosphate to dye ratio higher than 5. At lower values of this ratio, electrostatic binding mode with DNA was observed. Groove binding was detected mainly for the benzo[a]phenoxazinium dye with NH2·HBr terminal. The set of six benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides proved successful to label the migrating DNA in agarose gel electrophoresis assays. These finding proves the ability of these benzo[a]phenoxazinium dyes to strongly interact with DNA.