Flexible nanosheets for plasmonic photocatalysis: microwave-assisted organic synthesis of Ni-NiO@Ni2CO3(OH)2 core-shell@sheet hybrid nanostructures

Visible light-active nickel-based plasmonic photocatalysts provide a cost-effective alternative to noble metals. However, their rarity, fragility, and limited understanding pose challenges. This work presents a microwave-assisted organic synthesis of a Ni-NiO@Ni2CO3(OH)2 core-shell@sheet plasmonic photocatalyst. By employing time and power dependent synthesis, this catalyst exhibits flexible Ni2CO3(OH)2 nanosheets enveloping the Ni-NiO structure, surpassing the pristine Ni@NiO/NiCO3 core-shell counterpart. Chemical reaction mechanisms suggest that irradiation of pristine Ni-NiO/NiCO3 nano structures leads to breakage of amorphous NiCO3 to Ni2+ and CO32-, which further, in the presence of water solvent, interacts with OH- ions leading to the formation of Ni(CO3)·Ni(OH)2. With enhanced light absorption and photocatalytic properties, the resulting core-shell@sheet photocatalyst demonstrates double the hydrogen evolution reaction yield (40 μmol g-1 h-1) compared to the pristine catalyst (20 μmol g-1 h-1). The enhanced H2 yield is attributed to the flexible sheets, cross-dimensional photocatalyst structure, increased surface area for surface reactions, and higher H2 activity of Ni2CO3(OH)2. This research showcases the potential of microwave-assisted synthesis in developing flexible nanosheets with superior solar water splitting performance.

Metaplastic breast carcinoma with mesenchymal differentiation: A case series

ABSTRACT

The metaplastic breast carcinoma is a rare malignancy with an incidence of 5% of all breast tumors. Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast with mesenchymal differentiation (MCMD), previously known as carcinosarcoma, is a very rare and aggressive tumor that has been recently classified as a subtype of metaplastic breast carcinoma. It accounts for 0.08%-0.2% of all breast cancers, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Metaplastic breast carcinoma most often affects women over 50 years of age, with an average age between 55 and 60 years. We report three cases of metaplastic breast carcinoma with mesenchymal differentiation presented at our hospital. Patients were in their 4th decade. All patients presented with a fast-growing large mass and were treated surgically (mastectomy), with the final histopathological diagnosis of MCMD.

Outlook of Gleason score in prostate carcinoma and correlation with PSA levels: A study in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction

In India, prostate carcinoma is the fifth most common cause of carcinoma in men, and the fourth in cancer mortality. Incidence of prostate malignancy is increasing in India by one percent every year. Prostate carcinoma is graded using the Gleason scoring system. The Gleason score is very useful for predicting the prognosis of prostate carcinoma. The collaborative use of clinical features, combined with the size of the prostate, prostate-specific antigen levels, and histopathological features helps in making an accurate and early diagnosis of the patients.

Material and Method

This present prospective study included all histologically proven cases of prostate carcinoma in the Department of Pathology, Guru Gobind Singh Medical Hospital over a period of one year. A detailed histopathological examination of the H and E stained sections is carried out under light microscope including histological typing, Gleason scoring and grading. The Gleason grade was correlated with serum PSA levels.

Results

Out of 80 cases, 28 (35%) were reported as Gleason grade group 3 with a Gleason score of 7 (4 + 3). 12 cases (15%) showed a Gleason grade group 2 with a Gleason score of 7 (3 + 4). Grade group 4 (Gleason score 8) and grade group 5 were observed in 22 cases (27.5%) and 18 cases (22.5%), respectively. Whereas, no case of Gleason grade group 1 with Gleason score of 6 (3 + 3) was seen.

Conclusion

Gleason's Group Grade 3 outnumbered all the group grades, contributing 35% (28 cases) of the total cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Serum PSA levels were raised (>10 ng/ml) in 100% of cases. Henceforth, it signifies the importance of serum PSA levels in prostate carcinoma. Lymphovascular invasion was associated with higher group grade of prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Impact of smallholder cattle farms on the environment: a study

With increasing evidence of global warming, the pressure is building to limit greenhouse gas emission from many human activities including dairy production systems. In this context, the present study was conducted to estimate the carbon footprint (CF) of cattle milk produced in the Hisar district of Haryana, India. The data about feeding practices, crops grown, manure management systems, etc. was collected through personal interviews with cattle-rearing rural male farmers chosen through multistep random sampling. The life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was adopted to estimate carbon footprint, with the system boundary being "Cradle to farm gate." The latest methodologies prescribed by the IPCC were used to estimate GHG emissions using the tier-2 approach. The current study has presented a detailed and recent GHG inventory from smallholder cattle farms at the village level. On the basis of the inventory analysis, a simplified life cycle-based analysis is used in order to quantify the carbon footprint of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). The carbon footprint of cattle milk was estimated at 2.13 kg CO₂-eq/kilogram FPCM. Enteric fermentation was the most potent contributor to GHG, contributing around 35.5% of the total emissions, followed by manure management (13.8%) and soil management (8.2%). Further studies to accurately estimate carbon footprint are advocated besides suggesting ways to reduce GHG emissions and using efficient production technologies.

Unveiling the correlation between structural and magnetic ordering in nano Co1-xNixTeO4

Nanomaterials with unique structures and exotic magnetic phenomena are always intriguing; however, the direct correlation of structural and magnetic ordering up to a few nanometers remains critical. We report structural and magnetic properties of sol-gel grown Co_1-xNi_xTeO₄ (x = 0, 0.5 and 1) nanoparticles. An increase in the calcination temperature leads to the enhancement of the particle size and structural ordering. This is accompanied by changes in the magnetic interactions as well. Calcination at lower temperatures retains the short-range non-crystalline structure and superparamagnetic behavior, while calcination at higher temperatures results in long-range ordering in both the crystal and magnetic structures. Superparamagnetic to antiferromagnetic ordering observed from temperature- and field-dependent magnetization is attributed to the changes in structural ordering. This study presents a new family of nanomaterials displaying stable magnetic order up to ∼6 nm, where the magnetic properties can be uniquely controlled by changing the structural ordering.

Unveiling Non-isothermal Crystallization of CaO-Al2O3-B2O3-Na2O-Li2O-SiO2 Glass via In Situ X-ray Scattering and Raman Spectroscopy

The crystallization in glasses is a paradoxical phenomenon and scarcely investigated. This work explores the non-isothermal crystallization of a multicomponent alumino-borosilicate glass via in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, atomic pair distribution function, and Raman spectroscopy. Results depict the crystallization sequence as Ca₃Al₂O₆ and CaSiO₄ followed by LiAlO₂ with the final compound formation of Ca₃B₂O₆. These precipitations occur in a narrow temperature range and overlap, resulting in a single exothermic peak in the differential scanning calorimetry thermogram. The concurrent nucleation of Ca₃Al₂O₆ and CaSiO₄ is intermediated by their corresponding hydrates, which have dominantly short-range order. Moreover, the crystallization of LiAlO₂ and Ca₃B₂O₆ is strongly linked with the changes of structural units during the incubation stage in non-isothermal heating. These findings clarify the crystallization of multicomponent glass, which have been inferred from ex situ reports but never evidenced via in situ studies.

This work explores the non-isothermal crystallization behaviors of multicomponent alumino-borosilicate glasses via in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, atomic pair distribution function, and Raman spectroscopy.

Discerning phase-matrices for individual nitride inclusions within ultra-high-strength steel: experiment driven DFT investigation

Non-metallic inclusions play a decisive role in the steel's performance. Therefore, their determination and control over their formation are crucial to engineer ultra-high-strength steel. Currently, bare experimental approaches are limited in the identification of non-metallic inclusions within microstructural phases of complex steel matrices. Herein, we performed a density functional theory study on the characteristics of different nitride inclusions as observed in spectro-microscopy studies. As per the simulations, TiN inclusions preferentially formed in the austenite matrix, while the ferrite matrix generally hosts BN inclusions. Furthermore, although the presence of both BN and TiN inclusions in the Fe₃C matrix is possible, their formation is impeded because of the strong inclusion-carbon interactions. The observed regularity in the formation of nitride inclusions in different phases of steel was also confirmed by the comparison of simulated and experimental K-edge XAS spectrum of nitride inclusions. Our work shed the light on the formation of nitride inclusions in different steel matrices and facilitates their further experimental identification.

Plexiform Fibrohistiocytic Tumour at a Rare Site: Frontal Region of Head with Underlying Frontal Bone Invasion

Plexiform Fibrohistiocytic Tumour (PFHT) is an intermediate malignant tumour of soft tissue. It is a rarely metastasising dermal subcutaneous neoplasm. It affects children and young adults. The age range of presentation is from birth to age 77 years. The tumour is most commonly located on the upper extremities, whereas the involvement of the frontal region is rare. The differential diagnosis includes benign fibrous histiocytoma, fibromatosis, giant cell tumour and neurofibroma. Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumour is a slow-growing mass and which is considered a low grade malignant tumour. Treatment is simple excision. It can exhibit aggressive behaviour and rate of local recurrence is 12-38%. A 45-year-old female was presented with a solid mass on the frontal region of the head which was diagnosed as a plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumour with underlying frontal bone invasion on histopathological examination of an excised mass in the Pathology Department. Plexiform Fibrohistiocytic Tumour (PFHT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm that shows a multinodular growth pattern and which is composed of fibroblasts, histiocyte-like cells and multinucleated osteoclast like giant cells. Clinically, it is usually a slow-growing mass with frequent local recurrence and rare regional lymphatic and systemic metastasis.

Surface plasmon-driven photocatalytic activity of Ni@NiO/NiCO3 core-shell nanostructures

Ni@NiO/NiCO3 core-shell nanostructures have been investigated for surface plasmon driven photocatalytic solar H2 generation without any co-catalyst. Huge variation in the photocatalytic activity has been observed in the pristine vs. post-vacuum annealed samples with the maximum H2 yield (∼110 μmol g-1 h-1) for the vacuum annealed sample (N70-100/2 h) compared to ∼92 μmol g-1 h-1 for the pristine (N70) photocatalyst. Thorough structural (X-ray diffraction) and spectroscopic (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled electron energy loss spectroscopy) investigations reveal the core Ni nanoparticle decorated with the shell, a composite of crystalline NiO and amorphous NiCO3. Significant visible light absorption at ∼475 nm in the UV-vis region along with the absence of a peak/edge corresponding to NiO suggest the role of surface plasmons in the observed catalytic activity. As per the proposed mechanism, amorphous NiCO3 in the shell has been suggested to serve as the dielectric medium/interface, which enhances the surface plasmon resonance and boosts the HER activity.

Harnessing photo/electro-catalytic activity via nano-junctions in ternary nanocomposites for clean energy

Though solar energy availability is predicted for centuries, the diurnal and asymmetrical nature of the sun across the globe presents significant challenges in terms of harvesting sunlight. Photo/electro-catalysis, currently believed to be the bottleneck, promises a potential solution to these challenges along with a green and sustainable environment. This review aims to provide the current highlights on the application of inorganic-semiconductor-based ternary nanocomposites for H2 production and pollutant removal. Various engineering strategies employing integration of 2D materials, 1D nanorods, and/or 0D nanoparticles with inorganic semiconductors to create multiple nano-junctions have been developed for the excellent photocatalytic activity. Following a succinct description of the latest progress in photocatalysts, a discussion on the importance of ternary electrocatalysts in the field of next-generation supercapacitors has been included. Finally, the authors' perspectives are considered briefly, including future developments and critical technical challenges in the ever-growing field of photo/electro-catalysis.

Synergistic effect of Ni–Ag–rutile TiO2 ternary nanocomposite for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

P25 comprising of mixed anatase and rutile phases is known to be highly photocatalytically active compared to the individual phases. Using a facile wet chemical method, we demonstrate a ternary nanocomposite consisting of Ni and Ag nanoparticles, decorated on the surface of XTiO₂ (X: P25, rutile (R)) as an efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst. Contrary to the current perspective, RTiO₂-based Ni–Ag–RTiO₂ shows the highest activity with the H₂ evolution rate of ∼86 μmol g⁻¹ W⁻¹ h⁻¹@535 nm. Together with quantitative assessment of active Ni, Ag and XTiO₂ in these ternary systems using high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy coupled energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping evidences the metal to semiconductor contact via Ag. The robust photocatalytic activity is attributed to the improved visible light absorption, as noted by the observed band edge of ∼2.67 eV corroborating well with the occurrence of Ti³⁺ in Ti 2p XPS. The effective charge separation due to intimate contact between Ni and RTiO₂via Ag is further evidenced by the plasmon loss peak in Ag 3d XPS. Moreover, density functional theory calculations revealed enhanced adsorption of H₂ on Ti₈O₁₆ clusters when both Ag and Ni are simultaneously present, owing to the hybridization of the metal atoms with d orbitals of Ti and p orbitals of O leading to enhanced bonding characteristics, as substantiated by the density of states. Additionally, the variation in the electronegativity in Bader charge analysis indicates the possibility of hydrogen evolution at the Ni sites, in agreement with the experimental observations.

Robust photocatalytic activity of Ni–Ag–RTiO₂ is attributed to the improved visible light absorption and effective charge separation due to intimate contact between Ni and RTiO₂via Ag, as evidenced by Ti³⁺ in Ti 2p XPS and energy dispersive mapping.

Polymer Pen Lithography-Fabricated DNA Arrays for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Unamplified Ganoderma Boninense DNA

There is an increasing demand for lithography methods to enable the fabrication of diagnostic devices for the biomedical and agri-food sectors. In this regard, scanning probe lithography methods have emerged as a possible approach for this purpose, as they are not only convenient, robust and accessible, but also enable the deposition of “soft” materials such as complex organic molecules and biomolecules. In this report, the use of polymer pen lithography for the fabrication of DNA oligonucleotide arrays is described, together with the application of the arrays for the sensitive and selective detection of Ganoderma boninense, a fungal pathogen of the oil palm. When used in a sandwich assay format with DNA-conjugated gold nanoparticles, this system is able to generate a visually observable result in the presence of the target DNA. This assay is able to detect as little as 30 ng of Ganoderma-derived DNA without any pre-amplification and without the need for specialist laboratory equipment or training.

Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy: A Current Update on Non-Conventional Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions

Uncontrolled seizure or epilepsy is intricately related with an increase risk of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The failure to achieve seizure control with the first or second drug trial of an anticonvulsant medication given at the appropriate daily dosage is termed as pharmacoresistance, despite the fact that these drugs possess different modes of action. It is one of the devastating neurological disorders act as major culprit of mortality in developed as well as developing countries with towering prevalence. Indeed, the presence of several anti-epileptic drug including carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproate, gabapentin etc. But no promising therapeutic remedies available to manage pharmacoresistance in the present clinical scenario. Hence, utility of alternative strategies in management of resistance epilepsy is increased which further possible by continuing developing of promising therapeutic interventions to manage this insidious condition adequately. Strategies include add on therapy with adenosine, verapamil etc or ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, focal cooling or standard drugs in combinations have shown some promising results. In this review we will shed light on the current pharmacological and non pharmacological mediator with their potential pleiotropic action on pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

A comparative study on microscopic agglutination test and counterimmunoelectrop- horesis for early detection of human leptospirosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease that mimics many diseases; therefore, laboratory confirmation is pivotal. Though microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is accepted as World Health Organisation (WHO) reference test, it has got many pitfalls such as being hazardous, tedious, cumbersome and expensive. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is popularly used for diagnosing many infectious diseases but rarely for Leptospirosis. The aim of this study is to find suitability of CIE for the routine laboratory diagnostic purposes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Repeat sampling (paired sera) was possible from 401 subjects of which 181 were in-patients of Salem Government General and Private Hospitals and the remaining 220 MAT negative healthy College students gave their consent for the study. All the 802 sera samples were collected from January 2009 to November 2012 and subjected to the present study. After carrying out MAT and CIE on the suspected and control samples, a comparative evaluation was conducted. McNemars test method was used to find out the significant difference between the two tests in the early diagnosis.

RESULT

The sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive value (PPV), Negative Predictive value (NPV) and Efficiency test for CIE were 96.80%, 89.28%, 95.23%, 92.59% and 94.47%, respectively. The corresponding values for MAT were 95.90%, 89.83%, 95.08%, 91.37% and 93.92%, respectively. There was no significant difference between MAT and CIE at 95% and 99% confidence intervals according to McNemars test. P value in the early stage of illness was greater for CIE than MAT when Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used as Gold Standard of diagnosis.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

It was concluded that the CIE could be advantageous over MAT due to its safety, rapidity, simplicity, economic and easy for large number of samples. It can answer little earlier than MAT and found as reliable as that of MAT. Since both the tests had shown similar efficacies in the later stage of the illness, the importance could be given to CIE due to early diagnosis.

Inter-conversion of free sugars and accumulation of galactomannan in response to supplied metabolic mediators during pod filling in guar

Detached inflorescences of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), each bearing 4 uniformly-developing pods at 42 days post anthesis (DPA), were cultured for 6 days in complete liquid medium manipulated with a fixed concentration of mannose and varying concentration of myo-inositol. Such inflorescences, but with 2 pods, were also maintained in the solutions of (i) glucose(U-14C) containing myo-inositol or phytohormones, and (ii) mannose(U-14C) containing galactose for 36 hr. Effect of such exogenously supplied metabolic mediators on interconversion of free sugars in pod wall, endosperm and cotyledons and galactomannan accumulation in endosperm was studied. Myo-inositol decreased, over control, the relative proportion of invert sugars in pod wall, endosperm and cotyledons and at lower concentration (27.75 mM) it decreased the level of free sugars in pod wall and galactomannan in endosperm. In all pod tissues, 14C from both glucose and mannose got incorporated into myo-inositol as well as various sugars and maximum incorporation occurred in sucrose. High concentration of total free sugars and their 14C activity in pod wall indicated that this pod tissue was a potent accumulator of free sugars. With myoinositol, the relative proportion of 14C from glucose into raffinose sugars of pod wall and endosperm increased with a simultaneous decrease in this incorporation into galactomannan of the latter. Accompanying this, relative proportion of 14C into hexoses and myo-inositol decreased in pod tissues. Galactose increased 14C incorporation from mannose into total free sugars, sucrose and galactomannan with a concomitant decline in the labelling of hexoses. IAA and ABA enhanced 14C incorporation from glucose into total free sugars and this enhancement was much higher with IAA than ABA. The latter inhibited 14C incorporation into galactomannan. Based on these results, it was suggested that myo-inositol at lower concentration was inadequate to mediate the metabolism of sugars and, thereby, galactomannan synthesis. Galactose and mannose exhibited a mutual beneficial effect on their transportation to pods. Phytohormones stimulated the accumulation of sucrose in pod wall for its obligatory unloading into the seed.