Second-order topological superconductor via noncollinear magnetic texture

We put forth a theoretical framework for engineering a two-dimensional (2D) second-order topological superconductor (SOTSC) by utilizing a heterostructure: incorporating noncollinear magnetic textures between an s-wave superconductor and a 2D quantum spin Hall insulator. It stabilizes the higher order topological superconducting phase, resulting in Majorana corner modes (MCMs) at four corners of a 2D domain. The calculated non-zero quadrupole moment characterizes the bulk topology. Subsequently, through a unitary transformation, an effective low-energy Hamiltonian reveals the effects of magnetic textures, resulting in an effective in-plane Zeeman field and spin-orbit coupling. This approach provides a qualitative depiction of the topological phase, substantiated by numerical validation within exact real-space model. Analytically calculated effective pairings in the bulk illuminate the microscopic behavior of the SOTSC. The comprehension of MCM emergence is aided by a low-energy edge theory, which is attributed to the interplay between effective pairings of (px + py )-type and (px + ipy )-type. Our extensive study paves the way for practically attaining the SOTSC phase by integrating noncollinear magnetic textures

Unusual Metastases to Diaphragm and Spleen from Adenocarcinoma of Lung Detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging: A Case Report

Globally, carcinoma of lung is the predominant cause of cancer deathamong both men and women. While hematogenous spread from primarylung cancer to multiple other organs is frequently reported, metastases ofmalignant tumors to diaphragm and spleen are rare. Nowadays, Positronemission tomography (PET) with 18 F- fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) hasemerged in such a way that it has become an effective imaging technology for the evaluation of different carcinomas, particularly for cancerstaging and follow up after therapy. PET scan is able to provide metabolicinformation. In this case, we present an attractive unified PET/CT scanimage in a patient with lung carcinoma having unusual diaphragm andsplenic metastases. So, PET/CT imaging could strongly identified rareand unusual metastatic sites of cancer and added more appropriate stagingin patient with carcinoma of lung

Tailored point-of-care biosensors for liquid biopsy in the field of oncology

In the field of cancer detection, technologies to analyze tumors using biomarkers circulating in fluids such as blood have developed rapidly based on liquid biopsy. A proactive approach to early cancer detection can lead to more effective treatments with minimal side effects and better long-term patient survival. However, early detection of cancer is hindered by the existing limitations of conventional cancer diagnostic methods. To enable early diagnosis and regular monitoring and improve automation, the development of integrated point-of-care (POC) and biosensors is needed. This is expected to fundamentally change the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of response to treatment of cancer. POC-based techniques will provide a way to avoid complications that occur after invasive tissue biopsy, such as bleeding, infection, and pain. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive view of biosensors and their clinical relevance in oncology for the detection of biomarkers with liquid biopsies of proteins, miRNA, ctDNA, exosomes, and cancer cells. The preceding discussion also illustrates the changing landscape of liquid biopsy-based cancer diagnosis through nanomaterials, machine learning, artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and sensors, many of which apply POC design principles. With the advent of sensitive, selective, and timely detection of cancer, we see the field of POC technology for cancer detection and treatment undergoing a positive paradigm shift in the foreseeable future

Evaluation of speed–flow characteristics on two-lane highways with mixed traffic

The HCM (Highway Capacity Manual 2010) classifies two-lane rural highway that passes through developed areas as ‘Class III’ and suggests using Percent Free-Flow Speed (PFFS) as performance measure to define Level Of Service (LOS). Apparently, this performance measure addresses the main limitation associated with using Average Travel Speed (ATS) as a measure of performance. However, larger speed differential under heterogeneous traffic causes error in estimating Free-Flow Speed (FFS) and thus affects PFFS. This implication was examined in the present study using field data collected on a national highway approaching a city. Speed–flow equations were developed and intercept values were compared to the FFS obtained according to HCM guidelines. Comparison confirms a very close agreement between average FFS value and those obtained for different types of vehicle separately except for car. This consequently causes an error in estimating PFFS since the traffic composition consists of significant proportion of car. The possible capacity of the highway section was observed to be around 2300 pc/h for mixed traffic situation. First published online: 28 Jan 201

Mangiferin Ameliorates Cisplatin Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Upregulating Nrf-2 via the Activation of PI3K and Exhibits Synergistic Anticancer Activity With Cisplatin

Occurrence of oxidative stress is the principal cause of acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin. Mangiferin, a naturally occurring antioxidant molecule, is found to ameliorate several oxidative stress mediated pathophysiological conditions including cancer. Cisplatin induced cytotoxicity was measured in NKE cells by MTT assay and microscopic analysis. Induction of oxidative stress and regulation of proapoptotic molecules were subsequently investigated by using different spectrophotometric analyses, FACS and immunocytochemistry. Induction of nephrotoxicity was determined by analyzing different serum biomarkers and histological parameters in vivo using swiss albino mice. Activation of NF-κB mediated pro-inflammatory and caspase dependent signaling cascades were investigated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Mangiferin was found to ameliorate cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo by attenuating the induction of oxidative stress and upregulating Nrf-2 mediated pro-survival signaling cascades via the activation of PI3K. Additionally, mangiferin showed synergistic anticancer activity with cisplatin in cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and SKRC-45) and EAC cell induced solid tumor bearing experimental mice. The ameliorative effect of mangiferin is primarily attributed to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts differentially in normal tissue cells and tumor cells by modulating different cell survival regulatory signaling molecules. For the first time, the study reveals a mechanistic basis of mangiferin action against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. Since Mangiferin shows synergistic anticancer activity with cisplatin, it can be considered as a promising drug candidate, to be used in combination with cisplatin

Genetic analysis of bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties in lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Leaves of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) are the store house of various phytonutrients which have protective properties. Being an important dietary leafy vegetable, it is primarily consumed fresh as salad and in sandwiches, burgers etc. Its beneficial effects are primarily due to the presence of different phytochemicals such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenols and fibre which helps in protecting key biological constituents such as lipoproteins, membranes and DNA. However, systematic biochemical nutrient analysis has not been carried out in this important salad vegetable so far. In the present investigation, 36 genotypes were analysed for phytochemicals such as total carotenoids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, Cupric ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). The CUPRAC ranged from 0.05 to 1.98 μmol trolox/g with the highest content in Stem lettuce Angustana, whereas FRAP ranged from 0.06 to 4.70 μmol trolox/g showing, thereby, a considerable variation amongst genotypes. Total phenolics ranged from 41.94 to 501.88 μg gallic acid/g fresh weight. Total carotenoids were found in appreciable amount in Wo Suen (46.13 mg/100g fresh weight), whereas lycopene in New Chicken (17.01 mg/100g fresh weight). Ascorbic content ranged from 1.14 to 3.75 mg/100g fresh weight, whereas per cent moisture ranged from 86.50 (NVRS 10:001818) to 97.32 (Sheetal). Positive correlation was observed between total carotenoids and lycopene, chlorophyll b with chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll with both chlorophyll a and b, FRAP with CUPRAC and phenols with total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b. Maximum phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variance were calculated for FRAP (165.98, 165.98) followed by CUPRAC (122.10,122.10) and lycopene content (83.33, 80.84), respectively. These genotypes can be further utilized for development of multinutrient rich varieties. Regular consumption of lettuce can go a long way in tackling osteoporosis, anemia, and cardiovascular related problems

The Impact of Weather Change on Honey Bee Populations and Disease

This review provides an overview of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) which is one of the most important pollinators for agriculture and ecosystems, considered a critical yet fragile contributor to world biodiversity and food security among the countless species facing unprecedented challenges due to uneven climate drivers. Scientists are concerned about the impact of climate change on honey bee habitats. This review study looks at the complicated relationship between climate change and honey bees’ health leading to their genetic and behavioural changes. Further, it also mentions how changes in temperature and weather patterns affect foraging, reproduction and colony survival. This study will focus on the different processes that highlight their susceptibility and emphasise the critical need for comprehensive approaches to mitigate the potential consequences through policy implementation. &nbsp

The Effects of Dual IQOS and Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Airway Epithelial Cells: Implications for Lung Health and Respiratory Disease Pathogenesis

Background Cigarette smoking remains a primary cause of chronic lung diseases. After a steady decline, smoking rates have recently increased especially with the introduction of newer electronic nicotine delivery devices, and it is also emerging that dual- or poly-product usage is on the rise. Additionally, with the introduction of IQOS (a heated tobacco product) globally, its impact on human health needs to be investigated. In this study we tested if dual exposure (cigarette smoke (CS)+IQOS) is detrimental to lung epithelial cells when compared with CS or IQOS exposure alone. Methods Human airway epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were exposed to either CS, IQOS or their dual combination (CS+IQOS) at concentrations of 0.1%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0%. Cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial homeostasis, mitophagy and effects on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) signalling were assessed. Results Both CS and IQOS alone significantly induced loss of cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner which was further enhanced by dual exposure compared with IQOS alone (p\u3c0.01). Dual exposure significantly increased oxidative stress and perturbed mitochondrial homeostasis when compared with CS or IQOS alone (p\u3c0.05). Additionally, dual exposure induced EMT signalling as shown by increased mesenchymal (α-smooth muscle actin and N-cadherin) and decreased epithelial (E-cadherin) markers when compared with CS or IQOS alone (p\u3c0.05). Conclusion Collectively, our study demonstrates that dual CS+IQOS exposure enhances pathogenic signalling mediated by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to EMT activation, which is an important regulator of small airway fibrosis in obstructive lung diseases

Environmental DNA analysis as an emerging non-destructive method for plant biodiversity monitoring: a review

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has recently transformed and modernized biodiversity monitoring. The accurate detection, and to some extent quantification, of organisms (individuals/populations/communities) in environmental samples is galvanizing eDNA as a successful cost and time-efficient biomonitoring technique. Currently, eDNA’s application to plants remains more limited in implementation and scope compared to animals and microorganisms. Thus, this review evaluates the development of eDNA-based methods for (vascular) plants, comparing its performance and power of detection with that of traditional methods, to critically evaluate and advise best practices needed for innovating plant biomonitoring. Recent advancements, standardization, and field applications of eDNA-based methods have provided enough scope to utilize it in conservation biology for numerous organisms. eDNA also has considerable potential for plants, where successful detection of invasive, endangered and rare species, and community-level interpretations have provided proof-of-concept. Monitoring methods using eDNA were found to be equal or more effective than traditional methods, however species detection increased when both the methods were coupled. Additionally, eDNA methods were found to be effective in studying species interactions, community dynamics, and even effects of anthropogenic pressure. Currently, elimination of potential obstacles (e.g., lack of relevant DNA reference libraries for plants) and the development of user-friendly protocols would greatly contribute to comprehensive eDNA-based plant monitoring programs. This is particularly needed in the data-depauperate tropics and for some less-concern plant groups. We further advocate it may be valuable to couple traditional methods with eDNA approaches, as the former is often cheaper and methodologically more straightforward, while the latter offers a non-destructive approach with the ability to identify plants in situations where morphological identification is difficult or impossible. Furthermore, in order to make a global platform for eDNA, governmental and academic-industrial collaborations are essential to make eDNA surveys a broadly adopted and implemented, rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive plant monitoring approach