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Light‐absorbing carbonaceous aerosols that dominate atmospheric aerosol warming over India remain poorly characterized. Here, we delve into UV‐visible‐IR spectral aerosol absorption properties at nine PAN‐India COALESCE network sites (Venkataraman et al., 2020, https://doi.org/10.1175/bams‐d‐19‐0030.1). Absorption properties were estimated from aerosol‐laden polytetrafluoroethylene filters using a well‐constrained technique incorporating filter‐to‐particle correction factors. The measurements revealed spatiotemporal heterogeneity in spectral intrinsic and extrinsic absorption properties. Absorption analysis at near‐UV wavelengths from carbonaceous aerosols at these regional sites revealed large near‐ultraviolet brown carbon absorption contributions from 21% to 68%—emphasizing the need to include these particles in climate models. Further, satellite‐retrieved column‐integrated absorption was dominated by surface absorption, which opens possibilities of using satellite measurements to model surface‐layer optical properties (limited to specific sites) at a higher spatial resolution. Both the satellite‐modeled and direct in‐situ absorption measurements can aid in validating and constraining climate modeling efforts that suffer from absorption underestimations and high uncertainties in radiative forcing estimates. Plain Language Summary: Particulate pollution in the atmosphere scatter and absorb incoming solar energy, thus cooling or warming Earth's atmosphere. In developing countries and especially in India, one of the most polluted regions of the world, the extent to which particles can absorb solar energy and warm the atmosphere is not well understood. Here, for the first time, we measure particle absorption simultaneously at nine ground sites across India, in diverse geographical regions with different levels and types of particulate pollution. We find that organic carbon particles exert large absorption at near‐ultraviolet wavelengths, which contain significant solar energy. These light absorbing organic carbon particles, called brown carbon, are emitted in large quantities from biomass burning (e.g., burning crop residue and cooking on wood‐fired stoves). Comparing ground measurements of absorption with satellite‐retrieved measurements that are representative of the entire atmospheric column, we find that near‐surface atmospheric particles can exert significant warming. This study highlights the need to improve climate model simulations of particulate pollution's impact on the climate by incorporating spatiotemporal surface‐level absorption measurements, including absorption by brown carbon particles. Key Points: Measurements at nine regional PAN‐India sites reveal several regions with large aerosol absorption strengthBrown carbon contributes significantly (21%–68%) to near‐ultraviolet absorption, indicating its importance in shortwave light absorptionStrong correlations observed between satellite data and surface absorption indicate future potential in modeling surface absorption [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the rapidly increasing e-waste, bioleaching of metals from e-waste is an economical and ecologically conscientious option to address the issue of its disposal and/or recycling. Bioleaching of heavy metals by using bacteria of the Bacillus genus has been reported in many studies; however, the bioleaching potential of the Lysinibacillus genus is unexplored. In the present study, Lysinibacillus sp. SDG4 was isolated, identified, analysed and used for leaching toxic metals from e-waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). The bioleaching of metals was deciphered and analysed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The presence of organic acids in the Lysinibacillus primary metabolites was established by FTIR analysis. The presence of functional groups like C-O and C-N in the transmittance band range of 1037.70 to 1658.78 cm-1 wavelength, C-H at 2746.63 and 2964.59 cm-1, O-H at 3412.08 cm-1 and RCO-OH at 582.50 cm-1 suggested the production of metal chelating functional groups by the bacterial strain. The heavy metal profile was determined using ICP-OES analysis. This revealed bioleaching of Al (99.74%), Zn (99.60 %), Cu (93.75%) and Fe (59.24%) in 30 days with a PCB concentration of 1 gm/ml by Lysinibacillus sp. SDG4. These findings confirmed the display of morphological changes by accumulation of metals by Lysinibacillus sp. SDG4 using SEM-EDX analysis. Thus, the study exhibited the potential of the Lysinibacillus genus in bioleaching metals from e-waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of adrenal lesions either incidentally, or in symptomatic cases and/or during staging/restaging of oncological cases, it is very crucial to know the adrenal lesion is benign or malignant. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) helps in this comprehensive evaluating process. Here, we present the most frequently facing adrenal lesions in routine oncological PET/CT scans. The aim of this presentation is to know the FDG uptake spectrum of various adrenal lesions on PET/CT scan so that increase the diagnostic accuracy and spectrum of differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innovations and progress in genome editing/new breeding technologies have revolutionized research in the field of functional genomics and crop improvement. This revolution has expanded the horizons of agricultural research, presenting fresh possibilities for creating novel plant varieties equipped with desired traits that can effectively combat the challenges posed by climate change. However, the regulation and social acceptance of genome-edited crops still remain as major barriers. Only a few countries considered the site-directed nuclease 1 (SDN1) approach-based genome-edited plants under less or no regulation. Hence, the present review aims to comprise information on the research work conducted using SDN1 in crops by various genome editing tools. It also elucidates the promising candidate genes that can be used for editing and has listed the studies on non-transgenic crops developed through SDN1 either by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or by ribo nucleoprotein (RNP) complex. The review also hoards the existing regulatory landscape of genome editing and provides an overview of globally commercialized genome-edited crops. These compilations will enable confidence in researchers and policymakers, across the globe, to recognize the full potential of this technology and reconsider the regulatory aspects associated with genome-edited crops. Furthermore, this compilation serves as a valuable resource for researchers embarking on the development of customized non-transgenic crops through the utilization of SDN1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrated the synthesis of Fe2MnO4 modified by citric acid, a biodegradable acid, using a simple co-precipitation method. Characterization was performed using qualitative analysis techniques such as Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, selected-area electron diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption, and zero-point charge. The prepared nanoparticles had a rough and porous surface, and contained oxygenous (-OH, -COOH, etc.) functional groups. The specific surface area and average pore size distribution were 83 m2/g and 5.17 nm, respectively. Net zero charge on the surface of the prepared nanoparticles was observed at pH 7.5. The prepared nanoparticles were used as an adsorbent to remove methylene blue dye from water under various conditions. Using small amounts of the adsorbent (2.0 g/L), even a high concentration of MB dye (60 mg/L) could be reduced by about ~58%. Exothermic, spontaneous, feasible, and monolayer adsorption was identified based on thermodynamics and isotherm analysis. Reusability testing verified the stability of the adsorbent and found that the reused adsorbent performed well for up to three thermal cycles. Comparative analysis revealed that the modified adsorbent outperformed previously reported adsorbents and unmodified Fe2MnO4 in terms of its partition coefficient and equilibrium adsorption capacity under different experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present problem investigates the two-dimensional disturbances in a homogeneous, isotropic, micropolar thermoelastic saturated porous medium under the purview of Green-Lindsay (GL) theory of thermoelasticity. The medium is assumed to be unstrained and unstressed initially and has uniform temperature. The formulation is subjected to a moving thermal shock. Normal mode technique is employed to obtain the exact expressions for the displacement components, stresses, pore pressure and temperature. Numerical computations have been carried out with the help of MATLAB software and the results are illustrated graphically. Comparisons are made to show the effects of time, velocity of the load, micropolar and porous parameters on the resulting quantities. The outcomes point out a strong impact of these parameters on the physical quantities and agree with the boundary conditions. Some particular cases of interest have been deducted from the current investigation to validate the results. The present work is useful and valuable for analysis of problems involving thermal shock, micropolar and poroelastic deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aaptamine (8,9-dimethoxy-1H-benzo[de][1,6]naphthyridine), an alkaloid obtained from marine sponges of the genus Aaptos (Demospongiae, Suberitida, Suberitidae), has attracted significant attention as a promising scaffold for the development of antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer agents. This review offers an extensive overview of updated research on aaptamine, focusing on its multifaceted pharmacological properties. The antioxidant potential of aaptamine reflects its potential ability for use in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, for suppressing ROS, and subsequently deactivating the MAPK and AP-1 signaling pathway. Moreover, it demonstrates notable antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, including mycobacterial active and dormant states, making it a potential candidate for combating bacterial infections. Additionally, aaptamine shows promising anticancer activity by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis induction, and suppressing tumor growth through various signaling pathways, including the regulation of PTEN/PI3K/Akt and CDK2/4, and the regulation of cyclin D1/E in cell cycle arrest. The unique chemical structure of aaptamine offers opportunities for structural modifications aimed at enhancing its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The exploration of aaptamine as a scaffold in the development of novel therapeutic agents offers great promise for addressing various challenges associated with oxidative stress, bacterial infections, and cancer. This article underscores the potential of aaptamine as a valuable marine-derived scaffold in the fields of antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the fluoride concentration in drinking water across 84 villages in the Rewari Block of Rewari District, Haryana, India, a region with significant agricultural activity and semi-arid climate. Fluoride, a persistent pollutant, is naturally present in the Earth's crust and can accumulate in groundwater, particularly in regions with fluoride-bearing minerals. The study utilized the ion-selective electrode (ISE) method to measure fluoride levels in groundwater samples, finding concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 1.3 mg/L, which is within the permissible limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, 21 villages reported levels exceeding the recommended 1.0 mg/L limit. The higher fluoride concentrations in some areas are attributed to geological factors, such as the presence of fluoride-rich rocks, deeper water tables, and specific climatic conditions. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions by government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to mitigate the health risks associated with fluoride contamination in drinking water, particularly in rural and semi-arid regions dependent on groundwater sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research identify the disturbances in a rotating two-dimensional nonhomogeneous, orthotropic thermoelastic solid half-space with gravity field in the context of Green and Lindsay (G-L) theory. A mechanical source is acting on the surface of the half-space. It is presumed that the mechanical and thermal properties are varying in the x-direction. With the application of normal mode analysis, different field variables are obtained in the physical domain. These field variables are also computed numerically with the help of MATLAB programming. Some collations are made to delineate the effects of anisotropy, non-homogeneity, gravity and rotation parameters on the physical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of postacute medical conditions and unexplained symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection [Long Covid (LC)] are incompletely understood. There is growing evidence that viral persistence, immune dysregulation, and T cell dysfunction may play major roles. We performed whole-body positron emission tomography imaging in a well-characterized cohort of 24 participants at time points ranging from 27 to 910 days after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection using the radiopharmaceutical agent [18F]F-AraG, a selective tracer that allows for anatomical quantitation of activated T lymphocytes. Tracer uptake in the postacute COVID-19 group, which included those with and without continuing symptoms, was higher compared with prepandemic controls in many regions, including the brain stem, spinal cord, bone marrow, nasopharyngeal and hilar lymphoid tissue, cardiopulmonary tissues, and gut wall. T cell activation in the spinal cord and gut wall was associated with the presence of LC symptoms. In addition, tracer uptake in lung tissue was higher in those with persistent pulmonary symptoms specifically. Increased T cell activation in these tissues was also observed in many individuals without LC. Given the high [18F]F-AraG uptake detected in the gut, we obtained colorectal tissue for in situ hybridization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and immunohistochemical studies in a subset of five participants with LC symptoms. We identified intracellular SARS-CoV-2 single-stranded spike protein–encoding RNA in rectosigmoid lamina propria tissue in all five participants and double-stranded spike protein–encoding RNA in three participants up to 676 days after initial COVID-19, suggesting that tissue viral persistence could be associated with long-term immunologic perturbations. Editor's summary: The term "Long Covid" covers a diverse array of symptoms that an individual might experience weeks to years after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many drivers of Long Covid have been proposed, with supporting data for each. Here, Peluso et al. provide compelling evidence for two potential contributors: persistent SARS-CoV-2 and aberrant T cell activation. The authors used whole-body positron emission tomography imaging with a tracer that selectively tags activated T cells to show that those with Long Covid had certain tissues that were enriched for activated T cells in comparison with those without Long Covid. Moreover, because the gut was one of the sites of activated T cell enrichment, the authors analyzed gut biopsies from a subset of individuals with Long Covid. In these samples, the authors were able to identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA; this feature was consistent across all five samples analyzed. These data suggest that viral persistence and sustained immune activation are linked to Long Covid. —Courtney Malo [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer, promoting growth and metastasis. Anti‐angiogenic treatment has limited efficacy due to therapy‐induced blood vessel alterations, often followed by local hypoxia, tumor adaptation, progression, and metastasis. It is therefore paramount to overcome therapy‐induced resistance. We show that Apelin inhibition potently remodels the tumor microenvironment, reducing angiogenesis, and effectively blunting tumor growth. Functionally, targeting Apelin improves vessel function and reduces polymorphonuclear myeloid‐derived suppressor cell infiltration. Importantly, in mammary and lung cancer, Apelin prevents resistance to anti‐angiogenic receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor therapy, reducing growth and angiogenesis in lung and breast cancer models without increased hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment. Apelin blockage also prevents RTK inhibitor‐induced metastases, and high Apelin levels correlate with poor prognosis of anti‐angiogenic therapy patients. These data identify a druggable anti‐angiogenic drug target that reduces tumor blood vessel densities and normalizes the tumor vasculature to decrease metastases.

In search of 1,2,4-triazole-based antidiabetic agents, new mixed-ligand chelates of the type, [M(L)(H2O)3] (where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)), were synthesized using 2-(((3-mercapto-5-(pyridin-3-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)imino)methyl)-4-nitrophenol (H2L1) ligand and the corresponding metal acetates in 1:1 molar ratio. FTIR, NMR, mass, UV–Vis, elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, ESR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and EDAX studies were used to determine the nature of bonding, coordination characteristics and the stability of compounds. Spectral and physico-analytical studies suggest that the ligand functioned in a binegative tridentate manner with phenolic-O, azomethine-N and thiol-S as the coordinating sites and an octahedral geometry was proposed for the metal complexes. The quantum computational calculations of the synthesized compounds were executed in the ground state using DFT/B3LYP level with 6-311++G as basis set. In vitro alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory assay revealed moderate to good results for the synthesized compounds and especially the complex 3 against alpha-amylase and complex 4 against alpha-glucosidase were found to be effective inhibitors. Additionally, the compounds were explored for molecular docking studies against the human pancreatic alpha-amylase (PDB id: 1BSI) and alpha-glucosidase (PDB id: 5ZCC). The molecular docking calculations of complex 3 into 1BSI revealed a binding energy of − 8.6 kcal/mol, whereas that of complex 4 against 5ZCC resulted in a binding energy of − 7.4 kcal/mol respectively, both of which exceeds that of the standard Acarbose. New Schiff base ligand and its transition metal chelates were synthesized. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds were examined for in vitro alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]