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Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans and livestock have identified genes associated with metabolic traits. However, the causality of many of these genes on metabolic homeostasis is largely unclear due to a lack of detailed functional analyses. Here we report ligand-dependent corepressor-like (LCoRL) as a metabolic regulator for body weight and glucose homeostasis. Although GWAS data show that LCoRL is strongly associated with body size, glucose homeostasis, and other metabolic traits in humans and livestock, functional investigations had not been performed. We generated Lcorl knockout mice (Lcorl-/-) and characterized the metabolic traits. We found that Lcorl-/- pups are born smaller than the wild-type (WT) littermates before reaching normal weight by 7 to 9 weeks of age. While aging, Lcorl-/- mice remain lean compared to WT mice, which is associated with a decrease in daily food intake. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity are improved in Lcorl-/- mice. Mechanistically, this stunted growth is linked to a reduction of circulating levels of IGF-1. The expression of the genes downstream of GH signaling and the genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism are altered in the liver of Lcorl-/- mice. Furthermore, Lcorl-/- mice are protected against a high-fat diet challenge and show reduced exercise capacity in an exercise stress test. Collectively, our results are congruent with many of the metabolic parameters linked to the Lcorl locus as reported in GWAS in humans and livestock., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com. See the journal About page for additional terms.)

We disclose the features of a category of reversible nucleophilic aromatic substitutions in view of their significance and generality in dynamic aromatic chemistry. Exchange of sulfur components surrounding arenes and heteroarenes may occur at 25 °C, in a process that one may call a "sulfur dance". These S N Ar systems present their own features, apart from common reversible reactions utilized in dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC). By varying conditions, covalent dynamics may operate to provide libraries of thiaarenes with some selectivity, or conversion of a hexa(thio)benzene asterisk into another one. The reversible nature of S N Ar is confirmed by three methods: a convergence of the products distribution in reversible S N Ar systems, a related product redistribution between two per(thio)benzenes by using a thiolate promoter, and from kinetic/thermodynamic data. A four-component dynamic covalent system further illustrates the thermodynamically-driven formation of a thiacalix[2]arene[2]pyrimidine by sulfur component exchanges. This work stimulates the implementation of reversible S N Ar in aromatic chemistry and in DCC., (© 2024 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

A new modular, easy-to-synthesize photocatalyst was prepared by assembling colloidal CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QD) and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) via their ligands thanks to copper-catalyzed azide to alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry. The resulting composite (QD-AuNP) photocatalyst was tested with a benchmark photoredox system previously reported by our group, for which QD alone acted as a photocatalyst but with a modest quantum yield (QY = 0.06%) and turnover number (TON = 350 in 3 h) due to poor charge separation. After optimization, the QD-AuNP composites exhibited much improved photocatalytic performances: up to five times higher TON (2600 in 3 h) and up to 24 times faster reaction in the first 10 min of visible irradiation. Such an improvement is attributed to an efficient electron transfer from QD to AuNP in the photoexcited QD-AuNP composites, which ensures a much better charge separation than that in QD alone. This was confirmed by studying both (i) the quenching of the QD photoluminescence during the synthesis of the QD-AuNP composites and (ii) the blue shift of the AuNP plasmon absorption band due to the accumulation of up to 7400 electrons per AuNP in QD-AuNP composites under visible light irradiation in the presence of electron donors.

A series of phenothiazine-C 60/70 dyads containing fulleropyrrolidine tethered to C-3 position (C 60 -PTZ and C 70 -PTZ) or to the heteroatom N-position via either phenyl (C 60 -Ph-PTZ and C 70 -Ph-PTZ) or phenoxyethyl linkers (C 60 -PhOEt-PTZ and C 70 -PhOEt-PTZ) of the phenothiazine were synthesized and light-induced electron transfer events were explored. Optimized studies suggested that the highest molecular orbital (HOMO) resides on donor phenothiazine moiety while lowest molecular orbital (LUMO) on the acceptor fulleropyrrolidine moiety of the dyads. Optical and electrochemical properties suggested no electronic communication between the donor and acceptor moieties in the ground state. However, steady-state emission studies in solvents of varied polarity, involving selective excitation of C 60 /C 70 , disclosed that the emission intensity of C 60 /C 70 was quenched in the dyads in the increasing order, C 60/70 -PTZ > C 60/70 -Ph-PTZ > C 60/70 -PhOEt-PTZ as a consequence of the donor-acceptor distance resulted due to spacer lengths. Also, the emission quenching is more pronounced in polar solvents such as DMF compared to a non-polar solvent, toluene. With the support of parallel electrochemical studies, the emission quenching is attributed to intramolecular photo-induced electron transfer occurring from PTZ to (C 60 /C 70 )* generating a radical ion pair, PTZ +⋅ -C 60 -⋅ /PTZ +⋅ -C 70 -⋅ . Finally, bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells devices inverted fashion prepared by employing the dyads as acceptors, and PTB7 as donor, suggested that the devices prepared from C 70 derivatives i.e., PTB7:C 70 -PTZ and PTB7:C 70 -PhOEt-PTZ exhibited better power conversion efficiency of 2.66% and 2.15%, respectively over C 60 derivatives i.e., PTB7:C 60 -PTZ and PTB7:C 60 -PhOEt-PTZ with the efficiencies of 1.80 and 1.72%, respectively. AFM studies revealed that the poor performance of PTB7:C 60 -PTZ- and PTB7:C 60 -PhOEt-PTZ-based devices can be ascribed to the lower solubility of the dyads in 1,2-DCB solvent leading to rough morphology., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to European Photochemistry Association, European Society for Photobiology.)

The synthesis of regioisomeric asterisks (5) and (6) incorporating a benzene core with six 1-naphthylthio or six 2-naphthylthio arms are reported in search for new materials with optoelectronic properties. The consequences on the extension of a π system surrounding a persulfurated benzene core provide a new avenue to study the structural, photophysical, and chemical properties of such family of all-organic phosphors. It also diverts the persulfuration mechanism after two radical cyclizations for making a [5]dithiohelicene by-product (7) and favors dynamic sulfur component exchange reactions surrounding the core. These exchanges convert asterisks (5) and (6), non-phosphorescent at 20 °C to the highly phosphorescent (4) (ϕ ∼100 %, solid state at 20 °C). For asterisks (5) and (6), the absence of the typical phosphorescence of the per(phenylthio)benzene core in the solid state at 20 °C and the presence of a weak naphthalene-based phosphorescence at 77 K is attributed to an energy transfer from the triplet state of the persulfurated benzene core to the outer naphthalene moieties, resulting in an antenna system., (© 2022 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

PCSK1 encodes an enzyme required for prohormone maturation into bioactive peptides. A striking number of SNPs and rare mutations in PCSK1 are associated with a range of clinical phenotypes. Infants bearing two copies of a catalytically inactivating mutation, such as G209R, exhibit life-threatening chronic diarrhea and subsequently develop systemic endocrinopathies. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we have engineered a mouse model bearing a G209R missense mutation in exon 6 of the murine Pcsk1 locus. Most pups homozygous for the G209R mutation succumbed by day 2, and surviving pups were severely dwarfed. In homozygous (but not heterozygous) pups, blood glucose levels were significantly lower, accompanied by elevated plasma insulin-like immunoreactivity and accumulation of large quantities of unprocessed proinsulin in the pancreas. Peptide hormone processing was also aberrant in G209R mouse pituitary, with mature ACTH levels markedly reduced in homozygotes, accompanied by a significant accumulation of POMC. We also observed a significant reduction in PC1/3 protein in the brains of G209R homozygous mice by Western blotting, while PC2 levels remained unaffected. Most likely due to the continued presence of PC2, pituitary and brain levels of α-MSH were not impaired. Analysis of intestinal cell types indicated a modest reduction of enteroendocrine cells in G209R homozygotes. We suggest that the G209R Pcsk1 mouse model recapitulates many of the dramatic neonatal deficiencies of human patients with this homozygous mutation., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Low-temperature solution phase synthesis of nanomaterials using designed molecular precursors enjoys tremendous advantages over traditional high-temperature solid-state synthesis. These include atomic-level control over stoichiometry, homogeneous elemental dispersion and uniformly distributed nanoparticles. For exploiting these advantages, however, rationally designed molecular complexes having certain properties are usually required. We report here the synthesis and complete characterization of new molecular precursors containing direct Sn-E bonds (E = S or Se), which undergo facile decomposition under different conditions (solid/solution phase, thermal/microwave heating, single/mixed solvents, varying temperatures, etc .) to afford phase-pure or mixed-phase tin chalcogenide nanoflakes with defined ratios.

Contents: Alterations in biochemical constituents of uterine fluid have been suggested for diagnosis of subclinical uterine infection in the bovine. This study was undertaken to investigate whether uterine fluid biomolecules could act as tool for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in the buffalo. Uterine fluid samples from normal (n = 22) and subclinical endometritis (n = 18; diagnosed based on uterine cytology)‐affected buffaloes were subjected to biochemical analysis. Among the different biochemical constituents estimated, urea, urea N, cholesterol, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in uterine fluid obtained from subclinical endometritis‐affected buffaloes. The extent of difference between normal and subclinical endometritis‐affected buffaloes was highest in ALP (69%) followed by cholesterol (55%), bilirubin (48%), urea (30%) and urea N (30%) concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that the likelihood ratio (LR) was 3.63 for urea, indicating that buffaloes having less than the threshold concentration (47.5 mg/dl) of urea in their uterine fluid were at 3.6 times more risk to be affected with SE. The LRs for urea N, cholesterol, ALP and bilirubin were 2.33, 2.54, 2.12 and 1.65, respectively. It was concluded that ALP, urea, urea N and cholesterol concentrations in uterine fluid may serve as an aid for diagnosing subclinical endometritis in the buffalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here the synthesis of [Cu 2 (TFA) 4 ( t Bu 2 S) 2 ] (1), [Ag 4 (TFA) 4 ( t Bu 2 S) 4 ] (2) and [AuCl( t Bu 2 S)] (3) (TFA=trifluoroacetate), which decompose in solution medium at ultra-low temperature (e. g., in boiling toluene) to afford phase-pure and highly crystalline Cu 9 S 5 , Ag 2 S and metallic Au nanoparticles, respectively. The low decomposition temperature of these precursors is attributed to the facile decomposition mechanism in the di-tertiary-butyl sulfide ligand. These results are a significant step in the direction of establishing a general low-temperature strategy spanning a range of systems including thermodynamically metastable materials and incorporate them in technologies that are sensitive to the harsh conditions., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons form an integral part of the central melanocortin system regulating food intake and energy expenditure. Genetic and pharmacological studies have revealed that defects in POMC synthesis, processing, and receptor signaling lead to obesity. It is well established that POMC is extensively processed by a series of enzymes, including prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2, and that genetic insufficiency of both PC1/3 and POMC is strongly associated with obesity risk. However, whether PC1/3-mediated POMC processing is absolutely tied to body weight regulation is not known. To investigate this question, we generated a Pomc-CreER  T2; Pcsk1  lox/lox mouse model in which Pcsk1 is specifically and temporally knocked out in POMC-expressing cells of adult mice by injecting tamoxifen at eight weeks of age. We then measured the impact of Pcsk1 deletion on POMC cleavage to ACTH and α-MSH, and on body weight. In whole pituitary, POMC cleavage was significantly impacted by the loss of Pcsk1, while hypothalamic POMC-derived peptide levels remained similar in all genotypes. However, intact POMC levels were greatly elevated in Pomc-CreER  T2; Pcsk1  lox/lox mice. Males expressed two-fold greater levels of pituitary PC1/3 protein than females, consistent with their increased POMC cleavage. Past studies show that mice with germline removal of PC1/3 do not develop obesity, while mice expressing mutant PC1/3 forms do develop obesity. We conclude that obesity pathways are not disrupted by PC1/3 loss solely in POMC-expressing cells, further disfavoring the idea that alterations in POMC processing underlie obesity in PCSK1 deficiency., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The identification of reactive intermediates during molecule-to-nanoparticle (NP) transformation has great significance in comprehending the mechanism of NP formation and, therefore, optimizing the synthetic conditions and properties of the formed products. We report here the room temperature (RT) synthesis of AgCuSe NPs from the reaction of di- tert -butyl selenide with trifluoroacetates (TFA) of silver(I) and copper(II). The isolation and characterization of a molecular species during the course of this reaction, [Ag 2 Cu(TFA) 4 ( t Bu 2 Se) 4 ] ( 1 ), which shows extraordinary reactivity and interesting thermochromic behavior (blue at 0 °C and green at RT), confirmed that ternary metal selenide NPs are formed via this intermediate species. Similar reactions with related dialkyl chalcogenide R 2 E resulted in the isolation of molecular species of similar composition, [Ag 2 Cu(TFA) 4 (R 2 E) 4 ] [R = t Bu, E = S ( 2 ); R = Me, E = Se ( 3 ); R = Me, E = S ( 4 )], which are stable at RT but can be converted to ternary metal chalcogenides at elevated temperature. Density functional theory calculations confirm the kinetic instability of 1 and throw light on its thermochromic properties.

Rational design and precise engineering are needed to optimize the structural and chemical parameters of functional materials. In this work, we demonstrate how pre-formed binary metal selenides can be an excellent synthetic choice for the synthesis of ternary coinage metal selenide nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled composition. The mild conditions required to obtain these ternary coinage metal selenide NPs offered an easy synthesis of n% CuAgSe-TiO2 (n = 0.01, 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mol%) nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications without compromising the structural and morphological characteristics of TiO2 and without having any organic ligands around the NPs. The use of ternary metal selenide nanocomposites CuAgSe-TiO2 results in a clear improvement in their photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of formic acid as compared to the well-known benchmark for photocatalysis, TiO2 (P25), and its binary metal selenide nanocomposites Cu2-xSe-TiO2. DFT calculations establish semi-metallic behavior of CuAgSe NPs and show that CuAgSe-TiO2 forms a semimetallic-semiconductor heterojunction allowing a better charge separation to enhance its photocatalytic activity.

Objective: The aim of this study is to know the relevance of initial imaging, Karnofsky performance status,age,location and cord edema for future score development for radiologists., Methods: The present study was carried out on total of 32 patients who visited SRN Hospital and Kriti scanning centre between August 2009 to February 2019. General and systemic examination was done. Finally KPS score was given to each patient in accordance with their clinical status. Magnetic resonance imaging was contemplated using scanner - Magnetom SP Vision; Siemens -Supercon 1.0 Tesla system., Results: The morphologic characterization and specific assessment of various tumors and tumor like masses of spine in view of MR imaging features and their relationship with clinical features have been analyzed with Chi square test which reveal: Age versus location - χ 2 = 4.32; df = 4; P > 0.36 (NS), age versus cord edema - χ 2 = 4.27; df = 3; P > 0.23 (NS), and location versus cord edema - χ 2 = 2.67; df = 2; P > 0.26 (NS). Chi Square test shows there is no any statistically significant association between age and location; age and spinal cord edema, and location and spinal cord edema. Correlation between clinical aggressiveness (change in follow-up KPS) and MR imaging features could not be assessed in our study because majority of patients could not be evaluated after one month because of loss of follow-up., Conclusion: Poor KPS itself lead to movement during MRI and movement related artifacts affecting initial imaging,which was managed by cotton padded neck strap. KPS depends only on general condition one of the factor for outcome so for future score development age,location and cord edema together may be useful., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

The direct synthesis of copper selenide nanoparticles from the reaction of ditertiarybutyl selenide tBu2Se with copper(ii) trifluoroacetate Cu(TFA)2 under mild conditions is reported. The isolation of a molecular species during the course of this reaction, established as [Cu2(TFA)2(tBu2Se)3], by spectroscopic studies and single crystal X-ray structure analysis, confirmed that metal selenide NPs are formed via this intermediate species containing a reduced copper center. Extending this reaction in the presence of commercial TiO2 (P25) offered an easy synthesis of copper selenide-titania nanocomposites with different Cu/Ti ratios. These nanocomposites, well-characterized by powder XRD, STEM, TEM, BET, XPS, EDX and UV-Vis studies, were examined as photocatalysts for the degradation of formic acid (FA). The nCu2-xSe-TiO2 nanocomposites with low mol% of copper selenide, i.e. n = 0.1 and 0.3 mol%, displayed a superior catalytic activity over P25, which is an established benchmark for photocatalysis under UV light.

Background: The aim here was to study acute effects of hemodialysis among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients., Design and Setting: Prospective study in tertiary-level care center., Methods: Fifty ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis were studied. Spirometric pulmonary function tests were performed before and after four-hour hemodialysis sessions., Results: The patients' average age was 45.8 ± 10.0 years; 64% were males and 64% had normal body mass index. Anemia (94%) and hypoalbuminemia (72%) were common. Diabetes mellitus (68%), hypertension (34%) and coronary artery disease (18%) were major comorbidities. Forty-five patients (90%) had been on hemodialysis for six months to three years. The patients' pre-dialysis mean forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were below normal: 45.8 ± 24.9% and 43.5 ± 25.9% of predicted, respectively. After hemodialysis, these increased significantly, to 51.1 ± 23.4% and 49.3 ± 25.5% of predicted, respectively (P < 0.01). The increase in mean FEV1/FVC, from 97.8 ± 20.8% to 99.3 ± 20.1% of predicted, was not significant (P > 0.05). The pre-dialysis mean forced expiratory flow 25-75% was 50.1 ± 31% and increased significantly, to 56.3 ± 31.6% of predicted (P < 0.05). The mean peak expiratory flow was below normal (43.8 ± 30.7%) and increased significantly, to 49.1 ± 29.9% of predicted (P < 0.05). Males and females showed similar directions of change after hemodialysis., Conclusions: Pulmonary function abnormalities are common among ESRD patients. Comparison of pre and post-hemodialysis parameters showed significant improvements, but normal predicted values were still not achieved.

Herein, we present the results of sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) and sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) composite polymer electrolyte membranes. The membranes are established for high-temperature proton conductivity and methanol permeability to render their applicability. Composite membranes have been prepared by modifying the SPES matrix with different concentrations of SPANI (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 wt %). Structural and thermomechanical characterizations have been performed using the transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analyzer techniques. Physicochemical and electrochemical properties have been evaluated by water uptake, ion-exchange capacity, dimensional stability, and proton conductivity. Methanol permeability experiment was carried out to analyze the compatibility of prepared membranes toward direct methanol fuel cell application and found the lowest methanol permeability for PAS-5. Also, the membranes reveal excellent thermal, mechanical, and physicochemical properties for their application toward high-temperature electromembrane processes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Introduction: Physiological cyclic variability in levels of sex hormones during a menstrual cycle may possibly have an impact on lipids, lipoprotein levels and therefore on cardiovascular health status of females., Aim: To ascertain the effect of menstrual cycle phases on the levels of cardiovascular risk predictors i.e., plasma lipids and lipoproteins in healthy menstruating women., Materials and Methods: In the present study, 111 healthy regularly menstruating females aged 15-45 years were examined at two points of a menstrual cycle i.e., in the follicular phase (10th day) and in the luteal phase (22nd day) to find out the plasma levels of lipids and lipoproteins. The data were statistically analysed using paired t-test., Results: A significant decrease in the mean levels of Total Cholesterol (TC) (p=0.006), Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) (p=0.004), TC/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.006), Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL)/HDL (p=0.01), and Triglyceride (TG)/HDL (p=0.02) was observed in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase while TG (p=0.18), HDL-C (p=0.16). VLDL-C (p=0.17) did not show a significant difference although lower levels were observed in the luteal phase of TG and VLDL-C and higher levels for HDL-C., Conclusion: The present findings reveal high levels of oestrogen in the luteal phase compared to follicular phase of menstrual cycle. Clinicians should take menstrual cycle phase in account when inferring a women biomarker measurement in the analysis of cardiovascular diseases, particularly females possessing marginal levels. Moreover research studies should take the menstrual cycle phase in consideration which may be a confounding factor in framing and concluding studies on reproductive age group women.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cause pneumonia and empyema thoraces. TLR9 activation provides protection against bacterial infections and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is known to enhance host innate immunity against bacterial infections. However, it is still unclear whether HO-1 regulates TLR-9 expression in the pleura and modulates the host innate defenses during MRSA empyema. In order to determine if HO-1 regulates host innate immune functions via modulating TLR expression, in MRSA empyema, HO-1+/+ and HO-1-/- mouse pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) were infected with MRSA (1:10, MOI) in the presence or absence of Cobalt Protoporphyrin (CoPP) and Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZnPP) or CORM-2 (a Carbon monoxide donor) and the expression of mTLR9 and mBD14 was assessed by RT-PCR. In vivo, HO-1+/+ and HO-1-/- mice were inoculated with MRSA (5x106 CFU) intra-pleurally and host bacterial load was measured by CFU, and TLR9 expression in the pleura was determined by histochemical-immunostaining. We noticed MRSA inducing differential expression of TLR9 in HO-1+/+ and HO-1 -/- PMCs. In MRSA infected HO-1+/+ PMCs, TLR1, TLR4, and TLR9 expression was several fold higher than MRSA infected HO-1-/- PMCs. Particularly TLR9 expression was very low in MRSA infected HO-1-/- PMCs both in vivo and in vitro. Bacterial clearance was significantly higher in HO-1+/+ PMCs than compared to HO-1-/- PMCs in vitro, and blocking TLR9 activation diminished MRSA clearance significantly. In addition, HO-1-/- mice were unable to clear the MRSA bacterial load in vivo. MRSA induced TLR9 and mBD14 expression was significantly high in HO-1+/+ PMCs and it was dependent on HO-1 activity. Our findings suggest that HO-1 by modulating TLR9 expression in PMCs promotes pleural innate immunity in MRSA empyema., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

The fabrication of highly responsive, rapid response/recovery and durable relative humidity (%RH) sensors that can precisely monitor humidity levels still remains a considerable challenge for realizing the next generation humidity sensing applications. Herein, we report a remarkably sensitive and rapid %RH sensor having a reversible response using a nanocasting route for synthesizing mesoporous g-CN (commonly known as g-C 3 N 4 ). The 3D replicated cubic mesostructure provides a high surface area thereby increasing the adsorption, transmission of charge carriers and desorption of water molecules across the sensor surfaces. Owing to its unique structure, the mesoporous g-CN functionalized with well dispersed catalytic Ag nanoparticles exhibits excellent sensitivity in the 11-98% RH range while retaining high stability, negligible hysteresis and superior real time %RH detection performances. Compared to conventional resistive sensors based on metal oxides, a rapid response time (3 s) and recovery time (1.4 s) were observed in the 11-98% RH range. Such impressive features originate from the planar morphology of g-CN as well as unique physical affinity and favourable electronic band positions of this material that facilitate water adsorption and charge transportation. Mesoporous g-CN with Ag nanoparticles is demonstrated to provide an effective strategy in designing high performance %RH sensors and show great promise for utilization of mesoporous 2D layered materials in the Internet of Things and next generation humidity sensing applications.

Piriformospora indica, a root endophytic fungus identified in the Indian Thar desert, colonizes the roots of plants and provides resistance towards biotic stress as well as tolerance to abiotic stress in the plants. Despite its positive impact on the host, little is known about the P. indica genes that are involved in salt stress tolerance. Therefore this study was conducted to identify and isolate high salinity-tolerance genes from P. indica. Thirty-six salinity-tolerance genes were obtained by functional screening, based on random over expression of a P. indica cDNA library in Escherichia coli grown on medium supplemented with 0.6 M NaCl. The salinity tolerance conferred by these 36 genes in bacteria was further confirmed by using another strain of E. coli (DH5α) transformants. However when the expression of these 36 genes was analysed in P. indica using quantitative RT-PCR, we found only six genes were up-regulated by salt stress. These six genes are involved in different cellular processes, such as metabolism, energy and biosynthetic processes, DNA repair, regulation of protein turnover, transport and salt stress tolerance. This work presents the basis for further molecular analyses of the mechanisms of salt tolerance in P. indica and for the use of this endophyte to confer salt tolerance to plants.

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) often develop various health complications, including pulmonary dysfunction. Hemodialysis (HD) is a common treatment for these patients, but its effects on pulmonary function remain an area of investigation. This study aimed to assess the impact of HD on spirometry parameters in ESRD patients. Patients and methods: This prospective study was carried out on 60 patients with ESRD on HD. Spirometry parameters, including vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF 25–75%), were measured 1 h before and after HD. Results: After HD, significant improvements were observed in several spirometry parameters. The median % change in VC was 9.92% (range, −27.05 to 47.66%), in FVC% was 11.68% (range, −16.5 to 47.37%), in FEV1% was 12.56% (range, −2 to 49.43%), in FEV1/FVC was 1.52% (range, −9.39 to 17.32%), in PEF% was 14.86% (range, −15.33 to 131.73%), and in FEF 25–75% was 13.89% (range, −14.29 to 97.56%). Conclusions: In ESRD patients, pulmonary abnormalities, primarily restrictive and mixed disorders, were common. Spirometry parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEF rate) were often below normal. However, HD led to notable improvements in VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF 25–75%, PEF rate, and arterial blood gases parameters (pH, CO2, HCO3, SO2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one-dimensional nanomaterials known as nanofibers have remarkable qualities, such as large surface areas, adjustable porosity, and superior mechanical strength. Ionomers, types of polymers, have ionic functional groups that give them special properties, including high mechanical strength, water absorption capacity, and ionic conductivity. Integrating ionomers and nanofibers with diverse materials and advanced methodologies has been shown to improve the mechanical strength, processing capacity, and multifunctional attributes of ionomeric nanofibers. One-dimensional ionomeric nanomaterials offer a versatile platform for developing functional materials with ionic functionalities. This mini review critically examines recent progress in the development of ionomeric nanofibers, highlighting innovative fabrication techniques and their expanding applications across energy storage, environmental remediation, healthcare, advanced textiles, and electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2 has broad prospects in reducing the safety risks posed by emerging pollutants in water environments. However, the high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers limits the activity and photon utilization efficiency of TiO2. In this study, mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2) and ultra-thin g-C3N4 nanosheets were composited using a hydrothermal method, with the m-TiO2 tightly and uniformly wrapped by g-C3N4. The chemical structure, elemental composition, and optical properties of the heterojunction were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS). The activity of the m-TiO2@g-C3N4 was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). Results showed that the heterojunction exhibited significantly enhanced reactivity compared to pure m-TiO2 and g-C3N4, with kinetic rates of TCH being 1.48 and 6.84 times that of pure m-TiO2 and g-C3N4, respectively. The TCH degradation kinetic rate varied from 0.194 min−1 to 0.026 min−1 and then decreased to 0.015 min−1 on the scale of the bandgap and the number of absorbed photons in m-TiO2@g-C3N4. Concurrently, a 10wt% doping amount of g-C3N4 significantly increased the reaction rate of photogenerated carriers in the system compared to the recombination rate, corresponding to excellent photon efficiency. Reproducibility was evaluated, and a possible degradation mechanism is proposed. This study opens new perspectives for the optimization of catalyst preparation processes aimed at enhancing photon efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric membranes have emerged as a versatile and efficient liquid separation technology, addressing the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance separation processes in various industrial sectors. This review offers an in-depth analysis of recent developments in polymeric membrane technology, focusing on materials' advancements, innovative fabrication methods, and strategies for improving performance. We discuss the underlying principles of membrane separation, selecting suitable polymers, and integrating novel materials, such as mixed-matrix and composite membranes, to enhance selectivity, permeability, and antifouling properties. The article also highlights the challenges and limitations associated with polymeric membranes, including stability, fouling, and scalability, and explores potential solutions to overcome these obstacles. This review aims to guide the development of next-generation polymeric membranes for efficient and sustainable liquid separation by offering a detailed analysis of current research and future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of green economics, taxes are imposed on emissions of pollutants that adversely impact the environment and public health to reward more innovative, environmentally sustainable, and low-carbon resource use. There are still many nation-states testing the concept of green taxation. Many environmental performance indicators place India low on the list of countries with the worst pollution. One of the main sources of pollution is vehicle exhaust. Green taxes will be imposed on older motor vehicles under guidelines released by the Indian government in 2021. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change received the Indian Nationally Determined Contribution Report in 2022. Taxonomies and low-carbon transport systems were prioritized in India, and incentives and tax breaks were offered to encourage the manufacture and use of vehicles that consume more ethanol. Academic discussions and literature on the subject are still lacking among the masses. Researchers intend to analyze the legal and economic measures taken by the Indian Government to curb vehicular pollution against this background. Due to its significant contribution to air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, the automobile industry has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. India and China, for instance, have implemented green tax policies to reduce the automotive sector's environmental footprint and promote environmental sustainability. These policies are effective, but not all of them address the disproportionate impact of environmental injustice on vulnerable populations. Specifically, this study examines the impact of Indian green tax policies on environmental justice in the automobile industry as compared to those in China. A key aim of this study is to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the green taxation policies adopted by each country in the automotive sector, as well as their implications for achieving environmental justice, by analyzing the scope, enforcement, impact on vulnerable communities, industry implications, and alignment with international commitments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Digital Twin technology has been expanding rapidly, and projections indicate that it will continue to proliferate across various applications, use cases, and industries, including healthcare. In recent years, the healthcare sector has seen an acceleration in digital transformation. This fast-paced change offers both opportunities and risks, especially with emerging technologies like digital twins, which are relatively untested and still in the early stages of adoption in medical care. This paper aims to conduct a literature review to explore how digital twins facilitate intelligent automation in healthcare. It defines the concept, traces the technology's evolution and development, reviews its key enabling technologies, and examines current trends and challenges. The paper also presents a range of application examples in personalized medicine and public health, concluding with a succinct discussion of the primary technical and ancillary challenges, as well as the ethical issues that arise when applying digital twin technology to human subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nanohybrid membranes of electrically aligned functionalized carbon nanotube f CNT with sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) have been successfully prepared by solution casting. Functionalization of CNTs was done through a carboxylation and sulfonation route. Further, a constant electric field (500 V·cm(-2)) has been applied to align CNTs in the same direction during the membrane drying process. All the membranes are characterized chemically, thermally, and mechanically by the means of FTIR, DSC, DMA, UTM, SEM, TEM, and AFM techniques. Intermolecular interactions between the components in hybrid membranes are established by FTIR. Physicochemical measurements were done to analyze membrane stability. Membranes are evaluated for proton conductivity (30-90 °C) and methanol crossover resistance to reveal their potential for direct methanol fuel cell application. Incorporation of f CNT reasonably increases the ion-exchange capacity, water retention, and proton conductivity while it reduces the methanol permeability. The maximum proton conductivity has been found in the S-sCNT-5 nanohybrid PEM with higher methanol crossover resistance. The prepared membranes can be also used for electrode material for fuel cells and batteries.

Proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) consisting of sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) with enhanced electrochemical properties have been successfully prepared by incorporating different amount of sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO). Composite membranes are tested for proton conductivity (30-90 °C) and methanol crossover resistance to expose their potential for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) application. Incorporation of SGO considerably increases the ion-exchange capacity (IEC), water retention and proton conductivity and reduces the methanol permeability. Membranes have been characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC, SEM, TEM, and AFM techniques. Intermolecular interactions between the components in composite membranes are established by FTIR. The distribution of SGO throughout the membrane matrix has been examined using SEM and TEM and found to be uniform. The maximum proton conductivity has been found in 5% SGO composite with higher methanol crossover resistance.

Background: Individuals with obesity and abdominal adiposity are at higher risk for hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes. This study was, therefore, designed to evaluate the association of both generalized and regional obesity with metabolic variables and biochemical indices., Methods: 200 confirmed patients of type-2diabetes of either gender were studied., Results: A statistically significant degree of dyslipidemia was depicted in obese class-II subjects; however, females had a lower degree of dyslipidemia as compared to male subjects with statistically significant results only for HDL-C. Further, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI is a stronger predictor of FPG and HbA1c as compared to WHR., Conclusions: Higher plasma glucose levels were depicted at a lower BMI, which turned out to be stronger predictor of glycemic control as compared to WHR. Moreover, BMI, WHR and male gender was significantly correlated with the metabolic parameters and even much more pronounced association with BMI.

This paper explores the transformative impact of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) on healthcare. By integrating medical equipment and sensors with the internet, IoMT enables real-time monitoring of patient health, remote patient care, and individualized treatment plans. IoMT significantly improves several healthcare domains, including managing chronic diseases, patient safety, and drug adherence, resulting in better patient outcomes and reduced expenses. Technologies like blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing further boost IoMT’s capabilities in healthcare. Blockchain enhances data security and interoperability, AI analyzes massive volumes of health data to find patterns and make predictions, and cloud computing offers scalable and cost-effective data processing and storage. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the Internet of Things (IoT) and IoMT-based edge-intelligent smart healthcare, focusing on publications published between 2018 and 2024. The review addresses numerous studies on IoT, IoMT, AI, edge and cloud computing, security, Deep Learning, and blockchain. The obstacles facing IoMT are also covered in this paper, including interoperability issues, regulatory compliance, and privacy and data security concerns. Finally, recommendations for further studies are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is known to exert its anticancer effect either by scavenging or by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we report that curcumin-mediated rapid generation of ROS induces apoptosis by modulating different cell survival and cell death pathways in HuT-78 cells. Curcumin induces the activation of caspase-8, -2, and -9, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-3 and concomitant PARP cleavage, but the addition of caspase inhibitors only partially blocked the curcumin-mediated apoptosis. Curcumin also downregulates the expression of antiapoptotic proteins c-FLIP, Bcl-xL, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein, and X-linked IAP in a ROS-dependent manner. Curcumin disrupts the integrity of IKK and beclin-1 by degrading Hsp90. Degradation of IKK leads to the inhibition of constitutive NF-κB. Degradation of beclin-1 by curcumin leads to the accumulation of autophagy-specific marker, microtubule-associated protein-I light chain 3 (LC3), LC3-I. Our findings indicate that HuT-78 cells are vulnerable to oxidative stress induced by curcumin and as a result eventually undergo cell death., (©2012 AACR.)

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) is a promising anticancer agent but cutaneous T lymphoma cells (CTCL) are less sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Here, we report that pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, augments TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in HuT-78 and MyLa cells through modulating extrinsic death receptors and intrinsic mitochondria dependent pathways. Our results clearly show that PTX augments TRAIL-mediated activation of caspase-8 and induces cleavage of Bid, although PTX alone cannot activate caspase-8. This is followed by cytochrome c release and subsequent, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and cleavage of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP). Combined treatment downregulates the expression of various antiapoptotic proteins including c-FLIP, Bcl-xl, cIAP-1, cIAP-2 and XIAP. PTX induces the expression of death receptors DR4 and DR5 on cell surface of both the cell types where c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway plays an important role. Moreover, combined silencing of DR4 and DR5 by small interfering RNA abrogates the ability of PTX to induce TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Thus, this is the first demonstration that PTX can potentiate TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through downregulation of cell survival gene products and upregulation of death receptors., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)