XMM-Newton view of a hard X-ray transient IGR J17497-2821

We present spectral and energy-dependent timing characteristics of the hard X-ray transient IGR J17497–2821 based on XMM–Newton observations performed five and nine days after its outburst on 2006 September 17. We find that the source spectra can be well described by a hard ( ∼ 1.50) power law and a weak multicolour disc blackbody with inner disc temperature kTin ∼ 0.2 keV. A broad iron Kα line with FWHM ∼ 27 000 km s−1, consistent with that arising from an accretion disc truncated at large radius, was also detected. The power density spectra of IGR J17497–2821, derived from the high-resolution (30 µs) timing-mode XMM–Newton observations, are characterized by broad-band noise components that are well modelled by three Lorentzians. The shallow power-law slope, low disc luminosity and the shape of the broad-band power density spectrum indicate that the source was in the hard state. The rms variability in the softer energy bands (0.3–2 keV) found to be ∼1.3 times that in 2–5 and 5–10 keV energy bands. We also present the energy-dependent timing analysis of the RXTE/PCA data, where we find that at higher energies, the rms variability increases with energy. Key words: methods: observational – X-rays: binaries – X-rays: individual: IGR J17497

Salivary Metabolomics for Oral Precancerous Lesions: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity, primarily associated with the consumption of areca nut products and other risk factors. Early and accurate diagnosis of OSMF is crucial to prevent its progression to oral cancer. In recent years, the field of metabolomics has gained momentum as a promising approach for disease detection and monitoring. Salivary metabolomics, a non-invasive and easily accessible diagnostic tool, has shown potential in identifying biomarkers associated with various oral diseases, including OSMF. This review synthesizes current literature on the application of salivary metabolomics in the context of OSMF detection. The review encompasses a comprehensive analysis of studies conducted over the past decade, highlighting advancements in analytical techniques, metabolomic profiling, and identified biomarkers linked to OSMF progression. The primary objective of this review is to provide a critical assessment of the feasibility and reliability of salivary metabolomics as a diagnostic tool for OSMF, along with its potential to differentiate OSMF from other oral disorders. In conclusion, salivary metabolomics holds great promise in revolutionizing OSMF detection through the identification of reliable biomarkers and the development of robust diagnostic models. However, challenges such as sample variability, validation of biomarkers, and standardization need to be addressed before its widespread clinical implementation. This review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the current status, challenges, and future directions of salivary metabolomics in the realm of OSMF detection, emphasizing its potential impact on early intervention and improved patient outcomes

Eating Bark to Survive

34-37Tree-bark is not very nutritious though a large number of animals, ranging from mites to elephants, rely on bark for their sustenance especially during periods of food scarcity. This article takes a look at some such animals that feed on bark

Synthesis, structural characterization and Hirshfeld surface analysis of copper(I) complexes containing hemilabile-ferrocenylbisphosphine [Fe{C5H4P(C6H4CH2NMe2-o)2}2]

1081-1090The reactions of ferrocenylbisphosphine, [Fe{C5H4P(C6H4CH2NMe2-o)2}2] (1) comprising dangling amine functionalities with CuX yielded dinuclear complexes [{Cu2(μ-X)2}{Fe(C5H4P(C6H4CH2NMe2-o)2)2}] (2, X = Cl; 3, X = Br; 4 X = I). The reaction of 4 with pyridine affords a binuclear complex, [{Cu2I2(py)2}{Fe(C5H4P(C6H4CH2NMe2-o)2)2}] (5) (py = pyridine) in which each copper atom is tetracoordinated. Similarly, treatment of 4 with 2,2'-bipyridine in 1:1 molar ratio afforded the binuclear complex, [{Cu2I2(2,2′-bipy)}{Fe-(C5H4P(C6H4CH2NMe2-o)2)2}] (6). The equimolar reaction of 3 and 4,4'-bipyridine affords [{Cu2Br2(4,4′-bipy)}2{Fe(C5H4P- (C6H4CH2NMe2-o)2)2}2] (7) in good yield. The complexes 2 and 4 have been structurally characterized; both crystallize in the monoclinic space group with C2/c. In the crystal packing of 2 and 4, the invention-related intermolecular C-HX (X = Cl and I) and C-H(ring) interactions are primarily responsible for the crystal packing. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most significant contributions to the crystal packing of 2 are from HH (81.7%), CH/HC (12.4%), ClH/HCl (4.3%) contacts, while those for 4 are from HH (80.9%), CH/HC (12.1%), IH/HI (5.4%) contacts