Optimization of Manning's roughness coefficient using 1-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling in the perennial river system: A case of lower Narmada Basin, India.

This research bears significant implications for river management, flood forecasting, and ecosystem preservation in the Lower Narmada Basin. A more precise estimation of Manning's Roughness Coefficeint (n) will enhance the accuracy of hydraulic models and facilitate informed decision-making regarding flood risk management, water resource allocation, and environmental conservation efforts. Ultimately, this study aspires to contribute to the sustainable management of perennial river systems in India and beyond by offering a robust methodology for optimizing Manning's n tailored to the complex hydrological dynamics of the Lower Narmada Basin. Through a synthesis of empirical evidence and computational modelling, it seeks to empower stakeholders with actionable insights toward preserving and enhancing these invaluable natural resources. Using the new HEC-RAS v 6.0, a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model was developed to predict overbank discharge at different points along the basin. The study analyzes water levels, stream discharges, and river stage, optimizing Manning's n and required flood risk management. The model predicted a strong output agreement with R2, NSE, and RMSE for the 2020 event as 0.83, 0.81, and 0.36, respectively, with an optimum Manning's n of 0.03. The lower Narmada Basin part near the coastal zone (validation point) appears inundated frequently. The paper aims to provide insights into optimizing Manning's coefficient, which can ultimately lead to better water flow predictions and more efficient water management in the region.

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on Clinical Epidemiology of Different Types of Cancer in a Tertiary Care Centre: Insights From Eastern India.

Background and aim Cancer poses a significant burden in India, with a considerable number of people living with the disease and a substantial increase in new cases every year. Hence, considering the unique challenges faced by developing nations regarding the disease burden, this study has been designed. The aim of this work was to carry out a descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study on various types of cancer conducted in a tertiary care centre in India. Methods One thousand cancer patients who attended the outpatient department (OPD) from tertiary care cancer hospitals from July 2019 to December 2023 in Eastern India were enrolled. Patients included were of either gender, with their demographic details and the disease duration, who visited the OPD of hospitals meeting the eligibility criteria. Exclusion criteria were terminally ill cancer patients and patients who did not visit the outpatient department of the studied site. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were carried out using the SPSS statistical software, version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) for data analysis. Ethics committee approval was taken. Results Gastrointestinal tract cancer (31.3%, n=313) and breast cancer (19.8%, n=198) were found to be the most common types of cancer among all. Out of the total patients studied, 41.1% were males and 58.9% were females. Among regions, North Chotanagpur had the highest (40.5%) prevalence, followed by South Chotanagpur (26.0%). The majority of individuals belonged to 41 to 60 years (49.0%, n=490), followed by 21-40 years (28.9%, n=289). Gastrointestinal cancer was more prevalent among males (35.5%, n=146), while breast cancer was predominant among females (31.4%, n=185). Conclusion Cancer is more prevalent among rural females (58.9%), providing valuable insights into the prevalence of various cancers and highlighting differences between regions, age groups, and genders.

Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of novel PET probes for GSK-3 imaging.

Non-invasive imaging of GSK-3 expression in the brain will help to understand the role of GSK-3 in disease pathology and progression. Herein, we report the radiosynthesis and evaluation of two novel isonicotinamide based 18F labeled PET probes, [18F]2 and [18F]6 for noninvasive imaging of GSK3. Among the developed PET probes, the in vitro blood-brain permeability coefficient of 2 (38 ± 20 × 10-6 cm/s, n = 3) was found to be better than 6 (8.75 ± 3.90 × 10-6 cm/s, n = 5). The reference compounds 2 and 6 showed nanomolar affinity towards GSK-3α and GSK-3ß. PET probe [18F]2 showed higher stability (100%) in mouse and human serums compared to [18F]6 (67.01 ± 4.93%, n = 3) in mouse serum and 66.20 ± 6.38%, n = 3) in human serum at 120 min post incubation. The in vivo imaging and blocking studies were performed in wild-type mice only with [18F]2 due to its observed stability. [18F]2 showed a SUV of 0.92 ± 0.28 (n = 6) in mice brain as early as 5 min post-injection followed by gradual clearance over time.

Polymeric Micellar Nanoparticles Enable Image-guided Drug Delivery in Solid Tumors.

We report the development of a nanotechnology to co-deliver chemocoxib A with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-activatable and COX-2 targeted pro-fluorescent probe, fluorocoxib Q (FQ) enabling real time visualization of COX-2 and CA drug delivery into solid cancers, using a di-block PPS 135 - b -POEGA 17 copolymer, selected for its intrinsic responsiveness to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), a key trait of the tumor microenvironment. FQ and CA were synthesized independently, then co-encapsulated within micellar PPS 135 - b -POEGA 17 co-polymeric nanoparticles (FQ-CA-NPs), and were assessed for cargo concentration, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and ROS-dependent cargo release. The uptake of FQ-CA-NPs in mouse mammary cancer cells and cargo release was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Intravenous delivery of FQ-CA-NPs to mice harboring orthotopic mammary tumors, followed by vital optimal imaging, was used to assess delivery to tumors in vivo . The CA-FQ-NPs exhibited a hydrodynamic diameter of 109.2 ± 4.1 nm and a zeta potential (σ) of -1.59 ± 0.3 mV. Fluorescence microscopy showed ROS-dependent cargo release by FQ-CA-NPs in 4T1 cells, decreasing growth of 4T1 breast cancer cells, but not affecting growth of primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). NP-derived fluorescence was detected in mammary tumors, but not in healthy organs. Tumor LC-MS/MS analysis identified both CA (2.38 nmol/g tumor tissue) and FQ (0.115 nmol/g tumor tissue), confirming the FQ-mediated image guidance of CA delivery in solid tumors. Thus, co-encapsulation of FQ and CA into micellar nanoparticles (FQ-CA-NPs) enabled ROS-sensitive drug release and COX-2-targeted visualization of solid tumors.

FAK regulates tension transmission to the nucleus and endothelial transcriptome independent of kinase activity.

The mechanical environment generated through the adhesive interaction of endothelial cells (ECs) with the matrix controls nuclear tension, preventing aberrant gene synthesis and the transition from restrictive to leaky endothelium, a hallmark of acute lung injury (ALI). However, the mechanisms controlling tension transmission to the nucleus and EC-restrictive fate remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that, in a kinase-independent manner, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) safeguards tension transmission to the nucleus to maintain EC-restrictive fate. In FAK-depleted ECs, robust activation of the RhoA-Rho-kinase pathway increased EC tension and phosphorylation of the nuclear envelope protein, emerin, activating DNMT3a. Activated DNMT3a methylates the KLF2 promoter, impairing the synthesis of KLF2 and its target S1PR1 to induce the leaky EC transcriptome. Repleting FAK (wild type or kinase dead) or inhibiting RhoA-emerin-DNMT3a activities in damaged lung ECs restored KLF2 transcription of the restrictive EC transcriptome. Thus, FAK sensing and control of tension transmission to the nucleus govern restrictive endothelium to maintain lung homeostasis.

A highly efficient deep red-emitting Mn4+-powered oxyfluoride nanophosphor developed for plant growth and optical thermometric applications.

This research mainly highlighted an intense deep red-emitting and Mn4+-powered oxyfluoride nanophosphor, Mg14Ge4.99O16F8:0.01Mn4+ (MGOF:Mn), which was synthesized via adopting a scalable synthesis route for commercial temperature sensing and artificial plant growth applications. The electron microscopic analysis confirmed the formation of nanosized particles without any defined shape or size distribution. The obtained nanophosphor exhibited sharp emission peaks at 659 nm and 631 nm under UV (317 nm) and blue excitation (417 nm) owing to Mn4+:2Eg → 4A2g and Mn4+:2T1g → 4A2g transitions, respectively. The emission spectrum is situated in the deep red region of the CIE color diagram where the red color purity approached 100% under both the excitations. The absorption efficiency and the internal and external quantum efficiencies of this red-emitting system were calculated to be 53%, ∼77%, and ∼41%, respectively, under blue excitation of 417 nm, which indicated its potential for indoor plant cultivation. A prototype red LED was fabricated by pasting the red-emitting MGOF:Mn4+ nanophosphor powder on a 410 nm blue LED chip. The resulting electroluminescence spectrum overlapped with those of the important organic pigments of normal plants. Importantly, the thermometric properties of the nanophosphor were evaluated in detail for FIR and lifetime-based thermometry applications. The examined nanophosphor showed an extreme absolute sensitivity of 0.00326 K-1 at 373 K with excellent reproducibility and temperature resolution. Because of the small particle size and high luminescence efficiency, the nanophosphor could be implemented in various nano-devices where non-contact optical thermometry is necessary for high performance.

Lipid composition differs in diapause and nondiapause states of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus.

Spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus, undergoes larval diapause (hibernation and aestivation), and depends on the food reserve accumulated during feeding stage for its survival. Lipids are the primary source of energy during diapause, and essential for different cellular, biochemical and physiological functions. However, there is no information on lipid and lipophilic compound contents during different stages of hibernation, aestivation and nondiapause in C. partellus. Thus, we compared the concentration and composition of lipids in pre-diapause, diapause and post-diapause stages of hibernation and aestivation with nondiapause stages of C. partellus. The studies revealed significant differences in total lipids and various lipophilic compounds during different stages of diapause as compared to nondiapause C. partellus. The total lipids were significantly lower during diapause stage of aestivation and hibernation as compared to nondiapause larvae. Further, the linoleic acid, Methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, and l-(+)-Ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate were significantly lower, and oleic and palmitoleic acids greater during pre-diapause and diapause stages of hibernation and aestivation as compared to nondiapause larvae. The cholesterol content was significantly greater during pre-diapause stage of hibernation, and diapause and post-diapause stages of aestivation as compared to nondiapause stages. The unsaturation ratio was significantly higher in the pre-diapause and diapause stages and lower in post-diapause stage of aestivation than the hibernation and nondiapause states. This study provides insights on differential lipid profiles during different phases of diapause, which could be useful for further understanding biochemical and physiological cross-talk, and develop target-specific technologies for the management of C. partellus.

A molecularly engineered lectin destroys EGFR and inhibits the growth of non-small cell lung cancer.

Survival rates for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain low despite the advent of novel therapeutics. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in NSCLC have significantly improved mortality but are plagued with challenges--they can only be used in the small fraction of patients who have susceptible driver mutations, and resistance inevitably develops. Aberrant glycosylation on the surface of cancer cells is an attractive therapeutic target as these abnormal glycosylation patterns are typically specific to cancer cells and are not present on healthy cells. H84T BanLec (H84T), a lectin previously engineered by our group to separate its antiviral activity from its mitogenicity, exhibits precision binding of high mannose, an abnormal glycan present on the surface of many cancer cells, including NSCLC. Here, we show that H84T binds to and inhibits the growth of diverse NSCLC cell lines by inducing lysosomal degradation of EGFR and leading to cancer cell death through autophagy. This is a mechanism distinct from EGFR TKIs and is independent of EGFR mutation status; H84T inhibited proliferation of both cell lines expressing wild type EGFR and those expressing mutant EGFR that is resistant to all TKIs. Further, H84T binds strongly to multiple and diverse clinical samples of both pulmonary adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. H84T is thus a promising potential therapeutic in NSCLC, with the ability to circumvent the challenges currently faced by EGFR TKIs.

Synthesis, Reactivity, and Complexation with Fe(0) of a Tight-bite Bis(N-heterocyclic silylene).

The synthesis, reactivity, and complexation with Fe(0) precursor of a tight-bite bis(N-heterocyclic silylene) (bis(NHSi)) ligand 1 are reported. The reaction of 1 with p-toluidine led to the activation of both N-H bonds across Si(II) atoms to afford a four-membered heterocyclic cyclodisilazane 2, with hydride substituents attached to five-coordinate Si atoms. A 1 : 2 reaction of 1 with Fe(CO)5 led to an intriguing dinuclear complex 3 featuring a five-membered (N-Si-Fe-Fe-Si) ring with a Fe-Fe bond distance of 2.6892(13) Å. All compounds (1-3) were thoroughly characterized by various spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction studies conclusively established their molecular structures. DFT calculations were carried out to shed light on bonding and energetic aspects in 1-3.

CYP46A1-mediated cholesterol turnover induces sex-specific changes in cognition and counteracts memory loss in ovariectomized mice.

The brain-specific enzyme CYP46A1 controls cholesterol turnover by converting cholesterol into 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24OH). Dysregulation of brain cholesterol turnover and reduced CYP46A1 levels are observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we report that CYP46A1 overexpression in aged female mice leads to enhanced estrogen signaling in the hippocampus and improved cognitive functions. In contrast, age-matched CYP46A1 overexpressing males show anxiety-like behavior, worsened memory, and elevated levels of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in the hippocampus. We report that, in neurons, 24OH contributes to these divergent effects by activating sex hormone signaling, including estrogen receptors. CYP46A1 overexpression in female mice protects from memory impairments induced by ovariectomy while having no effects in gonadectomized males. Last, we measured cerebrospinal fluid levels of 24OH in a clinical cohort of patients with AD and found that 24OH negatively correlates with neurodegeneration markers only in women. We suggest that CYP46A1 activation is a valuable pharmacological target for enhancing estrogen signaling in women at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

Outer Membrane Vesicles Released from Garlic Exosome-like Nanoparticles (GaELNs) Train Gut Bacteria that Reverses Type 2 Diabetes via the Gut-Brain Axis.

Gut microbiota function has numerous effects on humans and the diet humans consume has emerged as a pivotal determinant of gut microbiota function. Here, a new concept that gut microbiota can be trained by diet-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) to release healthy outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) is introduced. Specifically, OMVs released from garlic ELN (GaELNs) trained human gut Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) can reverse high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in mice. Oral administration of OMVs released from GaELNs trained A. muciniphila can traffick to the brain where they are taken up by microglial cells, resulting in inhibition of high-fat diet-induced brain inflammation. GaELNs treatment increases the levels of OMV Amuc-1100, P9, and phosphatidylcholines. Increasing the levels of Amuc-1100 and P9 leads to increasing the GLP-1 plasma level. Increasing the levels of phosphatidylcholines is required for inhibition of cGas and STING-mediated inflammation and GLP-1R crosstalk with the insulin pathway that leads to increasing expression of Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS1 and IRS2) on OMV targeted cells. These findings reveal a molecular mechanism whereby OMVs from plant nanoparticle-trained gut bacteria regulate genes expressed in the brain, and have implications for the treatment of brain dysfunction caused by a metabolic syndrome.

"Prevalence, Predictors, and Impact of Hepatic Steatosis in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study".

Background and Aims: There are no prospective studies evaluating effect of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). This prospective observational study assessed the prevalence of NAFLD, its predictors, and its effect on long-term outcomes in UC. Methods: Consecutive UC patients underwent transient elastography, body composition analysis, bone densitometry, anthropometry, and baseline demographic and subjective global assessment. NAFLD was diagnosed by controlled attenuation parameter of >260 dB/m. To evaluate predictors and outcomes, patients of UC with NAFLD (n = 29) were compared with age- and sex-matched patients of UC without NAFLD (n = 27). Results: Among 107 patients of UC (mean age-29 ± 10.6 years; males = 56%, median disease duration-48 [interquartile range: 24-84] months, left sided/pancolitis = 84%), 27% (n = 29) had NAFLD. Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 23 kg/m2 had higher proportion of NAFLD than with normal or low BMI (54.7% [23/42] vs 10% [5/50] vs 6.7% [1/15]). Patients with NAFLD had high BMI (P < 0.001), waist circumference, and fat mass (P < 0.001) but similar fat-free mass (P = 0.798) compared to patients without NAFLD. There was no difference in immunosuppressant and cumulative steroid exposure between two groups. Dietary parameters including daily energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake were similar between the two groups. On multivariate analysis, high BMI was found to be predictive and low socioeconomic status as a protective factor of NAFLD. On long-term follow-up of three years, there was no difference in steroid, or biologic requirement, disease-related hospitalization, or composite of all three outcomes between two groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD was found in nearly a quarter of patients of UC and was affected by metabolic parameters rather than disease activity.

Stabilization of NH- Group Adjacent to Naked Silicon(II) Atom in Base Stabilized Aminosilylenes.

Aminosilylene, comprising reactive NH- and Si(II) sites next to each other, is an intriguing class of compounds due to its ability to show diverse reactivity. However, stabilizing the reactive NH- group next to the free Si(II) atom is challenging and has not yet been achieved. Herein, we report the first examples of base stabilized free aminosilylenes Ar*NHSi(PhC(Nt Bu)2 ) (1 a) and Mes*NHSi(PhC(Nt Bu)2 ) (1 b) (Ar*=2,6-dibenzhydryl-4-methylphenyl and Mes*=2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl), tolerating a NH- group next to the naked Si(II) atom. Remarkably, 1 a and 1 b exhibited interesting differences in their reactivity upon heating. With 1 a, an intramolecular C(sp3 )-H activation of one of the benzhydryl methine hydrogen atoms to the Si(II) atom produced the five-membered cyclic silazane 2. However, with 1 b, a rare 1,2-hydrogen shift to the Si(II) atom afforded a silanimine 3, with a hydride ligand attached to an unsaturated silicon atom. Further, the coordination capabilities of 1 a were also tested with Ru(II) and Fe(0) precursors. Treatments of 1 a with [Ru(η6 -p-cymene)Cl2 ]2 led to the isolation of a η6 -arene tethered complex [RuCl2 {Ar*NHSi(PhC(t BuN)2 )-κ1 -Si-η6 -arene}] (4), whereas with the Fe(CO)5 precursor a Fe(0) complex [Fe(CO)4 {Ar*NHSi(PhC(t BuN)2 )-κ1 -Si}] (5) was obtained. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to shed light on the structural, bonding, and energetic aspects in 1-5.

Diapause-induced shift in the content of major carbohydrates in Chilo partellus (Swinhoe).

Although several aspects like diapause determining factors, population structure, reproductive physiology, and genetics of diapause have been investigated, there is no clarity on carbohydrate energetics during larval diapause in Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). Present studies revealed significant variation between the nondiapausing and diapausing C. partellus for total carbohydrates, glycogen, sorbitol, and trehalose contents in different body parts, life stages, and for body parts × life stages interaction. Total carbohydrate content started declining, while sorbitol and trehalose increased in all the body parts as the C. partellus larvae progressed from prediapausing to diapausing state. However, glycogen content spiked in all the body parts at prediapausing stage, which then declined during diapause. Among the body parts, total carbohydrate content was significantly greater in the hemolymph as compared to other body parts of both larvae and pupae of C. partellus. Glycogen content was significantly greater in the larval fat bodies and pupal hemolymph as compared to their other body parts. In diapausing larvae, sorbitol and trehalose were greater in the integument than in other body parts. Furthermore, there was spike in trehalose and decrease in sorbitol in all the body parts of pupae from diapausing than those from nondiapausing larvae. These findings suggest that the diapause alterate and/or fluctuate major carbohydrates in different body parts of both larvae and pupae of C. partellus. This information will be helpful in better understanding the diapause energetics and overwintering metabolic cryoprotection in insects.

Modified SVPWM technique for CMV reduction in asymmetrical dual three phase induction machine drive.

Due to its advantages, the asymmetrical dual three-phase induction motor drive is a strong choice in high-power applications. However, the common-mode voltage produced by the voltage source inverters affects the winding insulation and damages the bearings. Common-mode voltage is also responsible for electromagnetic interference and leakage currents. This paper, therefore, analyses the common-mode voltage produced by the inverter supplying a dual three-phase induction motor drive and proposes a novel modified space vector decomposition-based Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique for common mode reduction. The vector space decomposition-based space vector modulation technique offers excellent flexibility as it reduces the common-mode voltage (CMV) by exploiting the additional degree of freedom in a dual three-phase system. The common-mode voltage (CMV) can be reduced to one-sixth of the DC link voltage compared to the highest CMV, i.e. half of the DC-link voltage produced in conventional space vector modulation. The proposed method is also validated experimentally to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in terms of the amplitude of CMV, pulsations, and total harmonic distortion(THD) in current.

Hybrid Shear-thinning Hydrogel Integrating Hyaluronic Acid with ROS-Responsive Nanoparticles.

Nanoparticle (NP) supra-assembly offers unique opportunities to tune macroscopic hydrogels' mechanical strength, material degradation, and drug delivery properties. Here, synthetic, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive NPs are physically crosslinked with hyaluronic acid (HA) through guest-host chemistry to create shear-thinning NP/HA hydrogels. A library of triblock copolymers composed of poly(propylene sulfide)-bl-poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-bl-poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-N-(1-adamantyl)acrylamide) are synthesized with varied triblock architectures and adamantane grafting densities and then self-assembled into NPs displaying adamantane on their corona. Self-assembled NPs are mixed with ß-cyclodextrin grafted HA to yield eighteen NP/HA hydrogel formulations. The NP/HA hydrogel platform demonstrates superior mechanical strength to HA-only hydrogels, susceptibility to oxidative/enzymatic degradation, and inherent cell-protective, antioxidant function. The performance of NP/HA hydrogels is shown to be affected by triblock architecture, guest/host grafting densities, and HA composition. In particular, the length of the hydrophilic second block and adamantane grafting density of self-assembled NPs significantly impacts hydrogel mechanical properties and shear-thinning behavior, while ROS-reactivity of poly(propylene sulfide) protects cells from cytotoxic ROS and reduces oxidative degradation of HA compared to HA-only hydrogels. This work provides insight into polymer structure-function considerations for designing hybrid NP/HA hydrogels and identifies antioxidant, shear-thinning hydrogels as promising injectable delivery platforms for small molecule drugs and therapeutic cells.

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Cell Trafficking: A Method of Cell Radiolabeling.

Stem cell and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies are emerging as promising therapeutics for organ regeneration and as immunotherapy for various cancers. Despite significant progress having been made in these areas, there is still more to be learned to better understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the administered therapeutic cells in the living system. For noninvasive, in vivo tracking of cells with positron emission tomography (PET), a novel [89Zr]Zr-p-isothiocyanatobenzyl-desferrioxamine ([89Zr]Zr-DBN)-mediated cell radiolabeling method has been developed utilizing 89Zr (t1/2 78.4 h). The present protocol describes a [89Zr]Zr-DBN-mediated, ready-to-use, radiolabeling synthon for direct radiolabeling of variety of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, lineage-guided cardiopoietic stem cells, liver regenerating hepatocytes, white blood cells, melanoma cells, and dendritic cells. The developed methodology enables noninvasive PET imaging of cell trafficking for up to 7 days post-administration without affecting the nature or the function of the radiolabeled cells. Additionally, this protocol describes a stepwise method for the radiosynthesis of [89Zr]Zr-DBN, biocompatible formulation of [89Zr]Zr-DBN, preparation of cells for radiolabeling, and finally the radiolabeling of cells with [89Zr]Zr-DBN, including all the intricate details needed for the successful radiolabeling of cells.

Effect of Arsenic on Fluoride Tolerance in Microbacterium paraoxydans Strain IR-1.

Fluoride (F) and arsenic (As) are two major contaminants of water and soil systems around the globe, causing potential toxicity to humans, plants, animals, and microbes. These contaminated soil systems can be restored by microorganisms that can tolerate toxic stress and provide rapid mineralization of soil, organic matter, and contaminants, using various tolerance mechanisms. Thus, the present study was undertaken with the arsenic hyper-tolerant bacterium Microbacterium paraoxydans strain IR-1 to determine its tolerance and toxicity to increasing doses of fluoride, either individually or in combination with arsenic, in terms of growth inhibition using a toxicity unit model. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for fluoride increased, from 9 g/L to 11 g/L and from 5.91 ± 0.1 g/L to 6.32 ± 0.028 g/L, respectively, in the combination (F + As) group. The statistical comparison of observed and expected additive toxicities, with respect to toxicity unit (TU difference), using Student's t-test, was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001). This suggests the antagonistic effect of arsenic on fluoride toxicity to the strain IR-1. The unique stress tolerance of IR-1 ensures its survival as well as preponderance in fluoride and arsenic co-contaminated sites, thus paving the way for its possible application in the natural or artificial remediation of toxicant-exposed degraded soil systems.

Energy transfer mechanisms and color-tunable luminescence of Tm3+/Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped Sr4Nb2O9 phosphors for high-quality white light-emitting diodes.

This paper investigates the synthesis and luminescence characteristics of Tm3+/Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped Sr4Nb2O9 (SNB) phosphors as potential candidates for white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs). The study explores the energy transfer mechanisms and color-tunable characteristics of these phosphors. The SNB phosphors were prepared using a solid-state reaction method, and their structural and morphological properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence (PL) and time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) properties were investigated, revealing efficient energy transfer processes from Tm3+ to Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions. The energy transfer mechanisms were determined through critical distance calculations and analysis of multipolar interactions. The co-doped phosphors exhibited tunable emission colors ranging from blue to white light, with controllable correlated color temperatures (CCTs) and high color rendering indices (CRIs). The CIE chromaticity coordinates were optimized to approach neutral white light. The PL intensity is maintained at 81.19% at 150 °C of that of room temperature which showcases the remarkable thermal stability of the as-prepared phosphors. The results highlight the potential of Tm3+/Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped SNB phosphors for generating high-quality, color-tunable white light for advanced lighting applications.

Radiometals in Imaging and Therapy: Highlighting Two Decades of Research.

The present article highlights the important progress made in the last two decades in the fields of molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy. Advancements in radiometal-based positron emission tomography, single photon emission computerized tomography, and radionuclide therapy are illustrated in terms of their production routes and ease of radiolabeling. Applications in clinical diagnostic and radionuclide therapy are considered, including human studies under clinical trials; their current stages of clinical translations and findings are summarized. Because the metalloid astatine is used for imaging and radionuclide therapy, it is included in this review. In regard to radionuclide therapy, both beta-minus (ß-) and alpha (α)-emitting radionuclides are discussed by highlighting their production routes, targeted radiopharmaceuticals, and current clinical translation stage.