Unveiling the photocatalytic marvels: Recent advances in solar heterojunctions for environmental remediation and energy harvesting.

In the quest for effective solutions to address Environ. Pollut. and meet the escalating energy demands, heterojunction photocatalysts have emerged as a captivating and versatile technology. These photocatalysts have garnered significant interest due to their wide-ranging applications, including wastewater treatment, air purification, CO2 capture, and hydrogen generation via water splitting. This technique harnesses the power of semiconductors, which are activated under light illumination, providing the necessary energy for catalytic reactions. With visible light constituting a substantial portion (46%) of the solar spectrum, the development of visible-light-driven semiconductors has become imperative. Heterojunction photocatalysts offer a promising strategy to overcome the limitations associated with activating semiconductors under visible light. In this comprehensive review, we present the recent advancements in the field of photocatalytic degradation of contaminants across diverse media, as well as the remarkable progress made in renewable energy production. Moreover, we delve into the crucial role played by various operating parameters in influencing the photocatalytic performance of heterojunction systems. Finally, we address emerging challenges and propose novel perspectives to provide valuable insights for future advancements in this dynamic research domain. By unraveling the potential of heterojunction photocatalysts, this review contributes to the broader understanding of their applications and paves the way for exciting avenues of exploration and innovation.

A time-to-event modelling of sputum conversion within two months after antituberculosis initiation among drug-susceptible smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients: Implementation of internal and external validation.

Delayed sputum conversion has been associated with a higher risk of treatment failure or relapse among drug susceptible smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Several contributing factors have been identified in many studies, but the results varied across regions and countries. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop a predictive model that explained the factors affecting time to sputum conversion within two months after initiating antituberculosis agents among Malaysian with drug-susceptible smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Retrospective data of pulmonary tuberculosis patients followed up at a tertiary hospital in the Northern region of Malaysia from 2013 until 2018 were collected and analysed. Nonlinear mixed-effect modelling software (NONMEM 7.3.0) was used to develop parametric survival models. The final model was further validated using Kaplan-Meier-visual predictive check (KM-VPC) approach, kernel-based hazard rate estimation method and sampling-importance resampling (SIR) method. A total of 224 patients were included in the study, with 34.4 % (77/224) of the patients remained positive at the end of 2 months of the intensive phase. Gompertz hazard function best described the data. The hazard of sputum conversion decreased by 39 % and 33 % for moderate and advanced lesions as compared to minimal baseline of chest X-ray severity, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.61; 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI), (0.44-0.84) and 0.67, 95 % CI (0.53-0.84)). Meanwhile, the hazard also decreased by 59 % (aHR, 0.41; 95 % CI, (0.23-0.73)) and 48 % (aHR, 0.52; 95 % CI, (0.35-0.79)) between active and former drug abusers as compared to non-drug abuser, respectively. The successful development of the internally and externally validated final model allows a better estimation of the time to sputum conversion and provides a better understanding of the relationship with its predictors.

Ambient Synthesis of Vanadium-based Prussian Blue Analogues Nanocubes for High-performance and Durable Aqueous Zinc-ion Batteries with Eutectic Electrolytes.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been widely studied in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to the characteristics of large specific surface area, open aperture, and straightforward synthesis. In this work, vanadium-based PBA nanocubes were firstly prepared using a mild in-situ conversion strategy at room temperature without the protection of noble gas. Benefiting from the multiple-redox active sites of V3+/V4+, V4+/V5+ and Fe2+/Fe3+, the cathode exhibited an excellent discharge specific capacity of 200 mA h g-1 in AZIBs, which is much higher than those of other metal-based PBAs nanocubes. To further improve the long-term cycling stability of the V-PBA cathode, a high concentration water-in-salt electrolyte (4.5 M ZnSO4 + 3 M Zn(OTf)2), and a water-based eutectic electrolyte (5.55 M glucose + 3 M Zn(OTf)2) were designed to successfully inhibit the dissolution of vanadium and improve the deposition of Zn2+ onto the zinc anode. More importantly, the assembled AZIBs maintained 55% of their highest discharge specific capacity even after 10000 cycles at 10 A g-1 with superior rate capability. This study provides a new strategy for the preparation of pure PBA nanostructures and a new direction for enhancing the long-term cycling stability of PBA-based AZIBs at high current densities for industrialization prospects.

Oral Piwi-Interacting RNA Delivery Mediated by Green Tea-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles for the Treatment of Aortic Dissection.

Aortic dissection (AD) is a severe cardiovascular disease necessitating active therapeutic strategies for early intervention and prevention. Nucleic acid drugs, known for their potent molecule-targeting therapeutic properties, offer potential for genetic suppression of AD. Piwi-interacting RNAs, a class of small RNAs, hold promise for managing cardiovascular diseases. Limited research on these RNAs and AD exists. This study demonstrates that an antagomir targeting heart-apoptosis-associated piRNA (HAAPIR) effectively regulates vascular remodeling, mitigating AD occurrence and progression through the myocyte enhancer factor 2D (Mef2D) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) pathways. Green tea-derived plant exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs) are used for oral administration of antagomir. The antagomir-HAAPIR-nanovesicle complex, after purification and optimization, exhibits a high packing rate, while the antagomir is resistant to enzyme digestion. Administered to mice, the complex targets the aortic lesion, reducing AD incidence and improving survival. Moreover, MMP9 and Mef2D expression decrease significantly, inhibiting the phenotypic conversion of human aortic smooth muscle cells. PELNs encapsulate the antagomir-HAAPIR complex, maintaining stability, mediating transport into the bloodstream, and delivering Piwi-interacting RNAs to AD sites. Thus, HAAPIR is a potential target for persistent clinical AD prevention and treatment, and nanovesicle-encapsulated nucleic acids offer a promising cardiovascular disease treatment, providing insights for other therapeutic targets.

Visible Light-sensitized CO2 Methanation along a Relaxed Heat Available Route.

In photocatalysis, the resulted heat by the relaxation of most of incident light no longer acts as the industrially favorite driving force back to the target photo-reaction due to more or less the negative relation between photocatalytic efficiency and temperature. Here, we reported a visible light-sensitized protocol that completely reversed the negatively temperature-dependent efficiency in photo-driven CO2 methanation with saturated water vapor. Uniform Pt/N-TiO2/PDI self-assembly material decisively injects the excited electron of PDI sensitizer into N-TiO2 forming Ti-H hydride which is crucially temperature-dependent nucleophilic species to dominate CO2 methanation, rather than conventionally separated and trapped electrons on the conductor band. Meanwhile, the ternary composite lifts itself temperature from room temperature to 305.2 °C within 400s only by the failure excitation upon simulated sunlight of 2.5 W/cm2, and smoothly achieves CO2 methanation with a record number of 4.98 mmol g-1 h-1 rate, compared to less than 0.02 mmol g-1 h-1 at classic Pt/N-TiO2/UV photocatalysis without PDI sensitization. This approach can reuse ~53.9% of the relaxed heat energy from the incident light thereby allow high-intensity incident light as strong as possible within a flowing photo-reactor, opening the most likely gateways to industrialization.

Intrinsically Conductive and Cu-Functionalized Polymer-Composite Membranes as Gas Diffusion Electrodes for CO2 Electroreduction.

We introduced a new class of gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with adjustable pore morphology. We fabricated intrinsically conductive polymer-composite membranes containing carbon filler, enabling a pore structure variation through film casting cum phase separation protocols. We further selectively functionalized specific pore regions of the membranes with Cu by a NaBH4-facilitated coating strategy. The as-obtained GDEs can facilitate the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) at Cu active sites that are presented inside a defined and electrically conductive pore system. When employing them as free-standing cathodes in a CO2 flow electrolyzer, we achieved >70% Faradaic efficiencies for CO2RR products at up to 200 mA/cm2. We further demonstrated that deposition of a dense Cu layer on top of the membrane leads to obstruction of the underlying pore openings, inhibiting an excessive wetting of the pore pathways that transport gaseous CO2. However, the presentation of Cu inside the pore system of our novel membrane electrodes increased the C2H4/CO selectivity by a factor of up to 3 compared to Cu presented in the dense layer on top of the membrane. Additionally, we found that gaseous CO2 could still access Cu in macropores after wetting with electrolyte, while CO2RR was completely suppressed in wetted nm-scale pores.

Biosorption of Remazol Brilliant Blue R textile dye using Clostridium beijerinckii by biorefinery approach.

The current study proposes RBBR biosorption by Clostridium beijerinckii DSMZ 6422 biomass remaining after biobutanol production from pumpkin peel (PP) by a zero-waste approach. Efficient biobutanol production was achieved by investigating initial PP concentrations (5-20% without or with enzymatic hydrolysis) and fermentation time. According to this, the highest concentrations of biobutanol and total ABE were obtained as 4.87 g/L and 8.13 g/L in the presence of 10% PP without enzymatic hydrolysis at 96 h. Furthermore, based on the zero-waste approach, C. beijerinckii DSMZ 6422 biomass obtained after biofuel production was used as a biosorbent for the removal of RBBR dye. Response surface methodology (RSM), commonly utilized for the experimental design, was used to specify the optimized biosorption conditions of RBBR, including initial dye concentration (50-200 mg/L), initial pH (2-6), biosorbent concentration (1-3 g/L), and contact time (0-240 min). The highest biosorption under optimized conditions with RSM was 98% in the presence of 194.36 mg/L RBBR and 2.65 g/L biosorbent at pH 2 and 15 min. This is the first report in the literature about the biosorption of RBBR dye by anaerobic C. beijerinckii biomass after the biobutanol production process. This study also shows the efficient usage of agricultural and microbial wastes in different areas based on zero-waste applications.

High-Capacity and Ultra-Long-Life Mg-Metal Batteries Enabled by Intercalation-Conversion Hybrid Cathode Materials.

The advancement of rechargeable Mg-metal batteries (RMBs) is severely impeded by the lack of suitable cathode materials. Despite the good cyclic stability of intercalation-type compounds, their specific capacity is relatively low. Conversely, the conversion-type cathodes can deliver a higher capacity but often suffer from poor cycling reversibility and stability. Herein, a WSe2/Se intercalation-conversion hybrid material with elemental Se uniformly distributed into WSe2 nanosheets is fabricated via a simple solvothermal method for high-performance RMBs. The uniformly introduced Se confined in WSe2 nanosheets can not only efficiently improve the conductivity of the hybrid cathodes, facilitating the fast electron transport and ion diffusion, but also provide additional specific capacity. Besides, the WSe2 can effectively inhibit the detrimental Se dissolution and polyselenide shuttle, thereby activating the activity of Se and improving its utilization. Consequently, the synergy of intercalation and conversion mechanisms endows WSe2/Se hybrids with superior reversible capacity of 252 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and ultra-long cyclability of up to 5000 cycles at 2.0 A g-1 with capacity retention of 78.1%. This work demonstrates the feasibility of the strategy by integrating intercalation and conversion mechanisms for developing high-performance cathode materials for RMBs.

Sleep quality in cancer patients: a common metric for several instruments measuring sleep quality.

PURPOSE: Sleep problems are frequently observed in cancer patients. Multiple questionnaires for assessing sleep quality have been developed. The aim of this study was to present transfer rules that allow the conversion of the patients' scores from one questionnaire to another. In addition, we anchored this common metric to the general population. METHODS: A sample of 1,733 cancer patients completed the following questionnaires: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Sleep Index, Jenkins Sleep Scale, EORTC QLQ-C30, and the sleep scale of the EORTC QLQ-SURV100. The methods for establishing a common metric were based on Item Response Theory. RESULTS: The main result of the study is a figure that allows the conversion from one of the above-mentioned sleep scales into another. Furthermore, the scores of the questionnaires can be transferred to theta scores that indicate the position within the group of cancer patients and also to T scores that indicate the position in relation to the general population. The correlations between the sleep scales ranged between 0.70 and 0.85. CONCLUSIONS: The conversion rules presented in the study enable researchers and clinicians to directly compare single scores or mean scores across studies using different sleep scales, to assess the degree of sleep problems with regard to the general population, and to relate cutoff scores from one questionnaire to another.

Conversion of a Failed Hip Hemiarthroplasty to Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) are common treatments for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. Despite HA's advantages of shorter operative times, less blood loss, and lower initial costs compared to primary THA, it may lead to conversion THA (cTHA). Our objectives are to evaluate the impact of conversion from HA to THA on Harris hip scores (HHS), compare complication rates between cTHA, revision THA, and primary THA, and assess the rates and types of complications following cTHA. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed, evaluating studies published until 2023, with inclusion criteria entailing studies that explored outcomes and complications following cTHA of failed HA. Data extraction focused on variables such as postoperative HHS and complication rates, including periprosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, stem loosening, acetabular loosening, and overall revision. Results: This study included 28 retrospective studies (4699 hips), showing a mean increase in HHS by 39.1 points, indicating a significant improvement from preoperative levels. Complication rates were detailed, with a 6.4% rate of periprosthetic joint infection, 2.2% for periprosthetic fracture, 7.6% dislocation, 1.6% stem loosening, 1.9% acetabular loosening, and an overall re-revision rate of 8.7%. Conclusions: Conversion from HA to THA generally results in improved functional outcomes, as evidenced by HHS improvements. Despite the positive impact on HHS, cTHAs are associated with notable risks of complications and the need for further revision surgeries. Level of Evidence: IV.

Up-Conversion Luminescence and Optical Temperature Sensing Properties of NaLuF4:Yb3+/Ho3+ Micron-Sized Crystals at Low Temperature.

Non-contact temperature sensors utilising the fluorescence intensity ratio and the unique up-conversion (UC) luminescence of rare-earth ions have numerous benefits; however, their operational temperature range has remained limited. In this study, NaLuF4:Yb3+/Ho3+ samples were prepared by the hydrothermal method. The samples exhibited exceptional UC luminescence properties at low temperatures. The intensity of the green emission (with peak wavelengths of 540 and 546 nm) gradually decreased with increasing temperature, and the green emissions showed a unique change at low temperatures. In addition, we studied the dependence of the UC luminescence intensity on the excitation power and the variation in the decay lifetime with temperature. The experiments revealed excellent luminous performance and significantly enhanced sensitivity at low temperatures; the maximum absolute sensitivity Sa and relative sensitivity Sr of the 540 and 546 nm thermally coupled energy levels were 1.02% and 0.55% K-1, respectively. The potential temperature sensing properties of Yb3+/Ho3+-co-doped NaLuF4 makes it suitable for temperature sensing applications at temperatures as low as 30 K. This study offers a novel approach for the advancement of temperature sensing technology at low temperatures.

Defect and Heterostructure engineering assisted S-scheme Nb2O5 nanosystems-based solutions for environmental pollution and energy conversion.

This review explores the crystallographic versatility of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) at the nanoscale, showcasing enhanced catalytic efficiency for cutting-edge sustainable energy and environmental applications. The synthesis strategies explored encompass defect engineering, doping engineering, s-scheme formation, and heterojunction engineering to fine-tune the physicochemical attributes of diverse dimensional (0-D, 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D) Nb2O5 nanosystems as per targeted application. In addressing escalating environmental challenges, Nb2O5 emerges as a semiconductor photocatalyst with transformative potential, spanning applications from dye degradation to antibiotic and metal removal. Beyond its environmental impact, Nb2O5 is pivotal in sustainable energy applications, specifically in carbon dioxide and hydrogen conversion. However, challenges such as limited light absorption efficiency and scalability in production methods prompt the need for targeted research endeavors. The review details the state-of-the-art Nb2O5 nanosystems engineering, tuning their physicochemical properties employing material engineering, and their high catalytic performance in environment remediation and energy generation. It outlines challenges, potential mitigation strategies, and prospects, urging for developing greener synthesis routes, advanced charge transfer techniques, targeted optimization for specific pollutants, and application for micro/nano plastics photocatalytic reduction. As researchers and environmental stewards collaborate, Nb2O5 stands poised at the intersection of environmental remediation, energy harvesting, and nanomaterial advancements, offering a beacon of progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Photoreforming of Microplastics: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Environmental Remediation.

Plastics are widely used in daily lives, but unfortunately, their inadequate recycling practices have led to the accumulation of microplastics in the environment, posing a threat to public health. The existing methods for treating microplastics are energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. In this context, photoreforming has emerged as a sustainable solution to address the microplastic crisis by simultaneously recycling them into value-added chemicals. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the application of photoreforming for upcycling microplastic. The underlying mechanisms of photoreforming reaction are discussed, followed by the exploration of recent advancements and innovative strategies in photoreforming techniques with particular emphasis on their real-world applications and potential for large-scale implementation. Also, critical factors influencing the efficiency of microplastic photoreforming are identified, providing guidance for further research and optimization.

Comparison of degree of conversion performance of bulk-fill resin composites: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically compile data on the degree of conversion (DC) for bulk-fill composites using a network meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search for in vitro studies of DC of bulk-fill composites was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Open Grey. Risk of bias within studies and due to missing evidence was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute scoring system and ROB-MEN tool, respectively. The primary outcome was the DC of bulk-fill composites. Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to rank relative performance. Inconsistencies in the model were investigated to ensure its validity and the level of confidence in the network meta-analysis (CINeMA) was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 28 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. The average DC values (%) for 0-h/top, 0-h/bottom, 24-h/top, and 24-h/bottom were 59.09, 57.14, 66.73, and 63.87, respectively. According to their SUCRA ranking, the best-performing composites were: SonicFill, Venus Bulk Fill, and SDR (0-h/top), Reveal HD, i-Flow Bulk Fill, and Venus Bulk- Fill (0-h/bottom), Venus Bulk Fill, SDR, and QuiXfil (24-h/top), and Venus Bulk Fill, Aura Bulk Fill, and i-Flow Bulk Fill (24-h/bottom). Incoherence between direct and indirect evidence was identified as the most significant factor affecting confidence. CONCLUSIONS: DC values of bulk-fill composites were within the range commonly reported for previous generations of "conventional" composites, with flowable composites tending to perform better than sculptable composites. High variability in DC data was observed, which may be attributed to incompletely understood methodological differences. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: DC is a fundamental parameter that influences multiple mechanical and biological properties of resin composites and is particularly relevant for the group of bulk-fill composites that are designed for use in thick layers.

Ferulic acid-g-tamarind gum/guar gum based in situ gel-forming powders as wound dressings.

The current research endeavour aimed to synthesize ferulic acid grafted tamarind gum/guar gum (FA-g-TG/GG) based powders as wound dressings, which could form in situ gels upon contact with wound exudates. In this context, variable amounts of FA were initially grafted with TG via the Steglich esterification reaction protocol and the resulting conjugates were subsequently amalgamated with GG and lyophilized to produce dry powders (F-1 - -F-3) with average particle size within 5.10-5.54 µm and average angle of repose ∼30°. These powders were structurally characterized with 1H NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD and SEM analyses. Pristine TG, FA-g-TG and FA-g-TG/GG powders (F-2) revealed their distinct morphological structures and variable negative zeta potential values (-11.06 mV-25.50 mV). Among various formulation (F-1-F-3), F-2 demonstrated an acceptable powder-to-gel conversion time (within 20 min), suitable water vapour transmission rates (WVTR, 2564.94 ± 32.47 g/m2/day) and excellent water retention abilities and swelling profiles (4559.00 ± 41.57 %) in wound fluid. The powders were cytocompatible and conferred antioxidant activities. The powders also displayed fibroblast cell proliferation, migration and adhesion properties, implying their wound-healing potentials. Thus, the developed in situ gel-forming powders could be employed as promising dressings for wound management.

The development of resin-coating materials for enhancing elemental release of coated glass ionomer cements.

This study aimed to develop resin coatings containing monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM), Sr/F-doped bioactive glass (Sr/F-BAGs), and pre-reacted glass ionomer fillers (SPG) that enhance ion release without detrimentally affecting the mechanical properties of GIC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree of monomer conversion (DC), biaxial flexural strength, surface microhardness, and ion release of the GICs coated with experimental coating materials compared to a commercial product (EQUIA Coat, EC). Four experimental resin coating materials containing 10-20 wt% of MCPM with Sr/F-BAGs and 5-10 wt% SPG were prepared. The DC of the coating material was determined using ATR-FTIR. The flexural strength and surface microhardness of the coated GICs were assessed. Fluoride and elemental (Ca,P,Sr,Si,Al) release were measured using fluoride-specific electrodes and ICP-OES. The DC of the experimental coating material (60-69 %) was higher than that of EC (55 %). The strength of GICs coated with experimental materials (35-40 MPa) was comparable to EC (37 MPa). However, their surface microhardness (13-24 VHN) was lower than EC (44 VHN). The experimental coating materials reduced fluoride release by ∼43 %, similar to EC (∼40 %). However, experimental coating materials promoted higher P and Sr release than EC. In conclusion, GICs coated with the experimental resin coating containing ion-releasing additives exhibited mechanical properties similar to those of the commercial product. The new coating materials promoted a higher level of ion release for GICs. These properties could potentially enhance remineralizing actions for the coated GICs.

A high-efficiency poly-input boost DC-DC converter for energy storage and electric vehicle applications.

This research paper introduces an avant-garde poly-input DC-DC converter (PIDC) meticulously engineered for cutting-edge energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) applications. The pioneering converter synergizes two primary power sources-solar energy and fuel cells-with an auxiliary backup source, an energy storage device battery (ESDB). The PIDC showcases a remarkable enhancement in conversion efficiency, achieving up to 96% compared to the conventional 85-90% efficiency of traditional converters. This substantial improvement is attained through an advanced control strategy, rigorously validated via MATLAB/Simulink simulations and real-time experimentation on a 100 W test bench model. Simulation results reveal that the PIDC sustains stable operation and superior efficiency across diverse load conditions, with a peak efficiency of 96% when the ESDB is disengaged and an efficiency spectrum of 91-95% during battery charging and discharging phases. Additionally, the integration of solar power curtails dependence on fuel cells by up to 40%, thereby augmenting overall system efficiency and sustainability. The PIDC's adaptability and enhanced performance render it highly suitable for a wide array of applications, including poly-input DC-DC conversion, energy storage management, and EV power systems. This innovative paradigm in power conversion and management is poised to significantly elevate the efficiency and reliability of energy storage and utilization in contemporary electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructures.

Utilization of Polycyclic Aromatic Solid Additives for Morphology and Thermal Stability Enhancement in Photoactive Layers of Organic Solar Cells.

Volatile solid additives have emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing film morphology and promoting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, a series of novel polycyclic aromatic additives with analogous chemical structures, including fluorene (FL), dibenzothiophene (DBT), and dibenzofuran (DBF) derived from crude oils, are presented and incorporated into OSCs. All these additives exhibit strong interactions with the electron-deficient terminal groups of L8-BO within the bulk-heterojunction OSCs. Moreover, they demonstrate significant sublimation during thermal annealing, leading to increase free volumes for the rearrangement and recrystallization of L8-BO. This phenomenon leads to an improved film morphology and an elevated glass-transition temperature of the photoactive layers. Consequently, the PCE of the PM6:L8-BO blend has been boosted from 16.60% to 18.60% with 40 wt% DBF additives, with a champion PCE of 19.11% achieved for ternary PM6:L8-BO:BTP-eC9 OSCs. Furthermore, the prolonged shelf and thermal stability have been observed in OSCs with these additives. This study emphasizes the synergic effect of volatile solid additives on the performance and thermal stability of OSCs, highlighting their potential for advancing the field of photovoltaics.

In situ bioaccumulation of metals by Prosopis juliflora and its detoxification potential at the metal contaminated sites.

Heavy metals emanate from diverse anthropogenic activities and the top soil in the vicinity of these activities acts as an immediate sink and facilitates diffusion of heavy metals into the food chain. In the semi-arid plains of India, Prosopis juliflora is the most common and dominant weed along the motorways and barren lands including industrial environs. This investigation hypothesizes the adaptive nature of Prosopis juliflora in the metal enriched soils and attempts to understand its hyper-accumulating potential of metals besides bioconversion/detoxification capability. Prosopis juliflora samples (root, stem, leaves, and pods) from 100 sites in the environs of anthropogenic activities (vehicular emissions and industrial operations) were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Fe, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb). Prosopis juliflora accumulate metals at the rate of 0.138 mg/kg/day DW for Copper (Cu), Fe: 0.142 mg/kg/day DW, Cr: 0.114 mg/kg/day DW, Ni: 0.048 mg/kg/day DW, Pb: 0.052 mg/kg/day DW, Cd: 0.009 mg/kg/day DW. Furthermore, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) metal oxidation state analysis revealed that in the pods of Prosopis juliflora heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Pb) largely existed in non-toxic form (toxic:non-toxic - 3:6), while in the under canopy soil, metals predominantly existed in toxic form (toxic:non-toxic - 7:2); conclusively XPS results ascertains the heavy metal bioconversion/detoxification potential of the plant. These findings suggest that presence of Prosopis juliflora coppice in the barren landscapes across the transportation corridors and metal based industrial zones may ideally favor phyto-remediation of heavy metals.

Soma-germline communication drives sex maintenance in the Drosophila testis.

In adult gonads, disruption of somatic sexual identity leads to defective gametogenesis and infertility. However, the underlying mechanisms by which somatic signals regulate germline cells to achieve proper gametogenesis remain unclear. In our previous study, we introduced the chinmoSex Transformation (chinmoST ) mutant Drosophila testis phenotype as a valuable model for investigating the mechanisms underlying sex maintenance. In chinmoST testes, depletion of the Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription downstream effector Chinmo from somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) feminizes somatic cyst cells and arrests germline differentiation. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to uncover chinmoST -specific cell populations and their transcriptomic changes during sex transformation. Comparative analysis of intercellular communication networks between wild-type and chinmoST testes revealed disruptions in several soma-germline signaling pathways in chinmoST testes. Notably, the insulin signaling pathway exhibited significant enhancement in germline stem cells (GSCs). Chinmo cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) assay revealed that Chinmo directly regulates two male sex determination factors, doublesex (dsx) and fruitless (fru), as well as Ecdysone-inducible gene L2 (ImpL2), a negative regulator of the insulin signaling pathway. Further genetic manipulations confirmed that the impaired gametogenesis observed in chinmoST testes was partly contributed by dysregulation of the insulin signaling pathway. In summary, our study demonstrates that somatic sex maintenance promotes normal spermatogenesis through Chinmo-mediated conserved sex determination and the insulin signaling pathway. Our work offers new insights into the complex mechanisms of somatic stem cell sex maintenance and soma-germline communication at the single-cell level. Additionally, our discoveries highlight the potential significance of stem cell sex instability as a novel mechanism contributing to testicular tumorigenesis.