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Toxicological studies propose that exposure to carbon black nanoparticles induces organ injuries and inflammatory responses. Besides, current understanding of the molecular mechanisms implies that carbon black nanoparticles (CBNP) exposure induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction or disturbance in calcium homeostasis. However, the precise mechanisms whereby CBNP exert these effects in the lung are still not fully understood. To gain insight into the possible mechanism of CBNP exerted toxicity, human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) were exposed to different concentrations of CBNP and for different timepoints. The reaction of the cells was monitored by the systematic use of cell-based measurements of calcium and ROS, in the presence and absence of calcium (Ca2+) pump inhibitors/chelators and antioxidants. Followed by an in-depth PCR analysis of 84 oxidative stress-related genes. The measurements revealed, as compared to the control, that exposure to CBNP nanoparticles leads to the generation of high ROS levels, as well as a disturbance in calcium homeostasis, which remained primarily unchanged even after 24 h of exposure. Nevertheless, in presence of antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Trolox, ROS formation was considerably reduced without affecting the intracellular calcium concentration. On the other hand, Ca2+ pump inhibitors/chelators, BAPTA (1,2-bis(o-amino phenoxy)ethane-N, N, N′, N′-tetraacetic acid) and verapamil not only decreased the Ca2+ overload, but also further decreased the ROS formation, indicating its role in CBNP-induced oxidative stress. Further, a PCR array analysis of A549 cells in presence and absence of the calmodulin (CaM) antagonist W7, indicated toward nine altered oxidative stress-related genes which further confirmed our cytotoxicity results. Obtained data suggested that CBNP exposure elevates calcium ion concentration, which further contributes to oxidative stress, via the calcium-binding protein CaM. Its inhibition with W7 leads to downregulation in gene expression of nine oxidative stress-related genes, which otherwise, as compared to control, show increased gene expression. The results of the study thus confirm that exposure of lung epithelial cells to CBNP leads to oxidative stress; however, the oxidative stress itself is a result of a disturbance in both calcium and ROS homeostasis, and should be considered while searching for a new strategy for prevention of CBNP-induced lung toxicity.

Forensic entomology is a branch of science that uses insects as evidence in medicolegal investigations as they could provide valuable information regarding the cause and time since death specially in the case of buried bodies. The present study was the first attempt in India to compare the decomposition and associated insects on pig carcasses above the ground and those buried at two different depths (40 and 80 cm) during spring season over two consecutive years. Two pigs were buried at each depth and one pig carcass was placed above the ground. One of the buried carcasses was exhumed frequently and other one was kept undisturbed to investigate the decomposition rate and insect access to the carcass. The rate of decomposition was found to be faster above the ground as compared to the buried environment. Also, the carcass buried at 80 cm depth exhibited slower decomposition rates and had limited insect activity as compared to the one buried at 40 cm. Species within the Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae families were dominant on the surface-exposed carcass, whereas Phoridae were more prevalent on the buried carcasses even at a depth of 80 cm. The findings of the study highlights the significant influence of burial depth and exhumation on decomposition rate and insect arrival and colonization.

Uranium, a chemically toxic and radioactive element, poses significant environmental and health risks from both natural and anthropogenic sources such as mining, fertilizers, and nuclear activities. This study quantified uranium-238 (23⁸U) concentrations in PM₂.₅ across all seven cities under study in Bihar, India: Aurangabad, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Hajipur, Sonpur, and Patna. Samples were collected using a high-volume air sampler (Envirotech APM 550) at 1 m3/min over 24-h periods during summer and winter, followed by acid digestion and analysis via ICP-MS. The mean concentration of PM2.5 at all study sites was 120.72 ± 0.91 µg/m3 in the summer and 155.34 ± 1.04 µg/m3 in the winter season. The mean uranium concentration across all seven study cities was 5.38 ± 0.11 µg/m3 in the summer and 3.01 ± 0.07 µg/m3 in the winter. The global reference value for radioactivity concentration is 1.0 µBq/m3, whereas the measured airborne 23⁸U levels were below this threshold. The mean concentration was 0.01 ± 0.001 µBq/m3 in summer and 0.004 ± 0.0009 µBq/m3 in winter. Uranium in PM₂.₅ mainly originates from crustal dust and soil resuspension, influenced by meteorological conditions. Higher concentrations in hot, dry summers suggest enhanced resuspension and regional transport, while winter levels are reduced due to moisture and limited dust mobility. The estimated annual inhalation dose (0.62–4.40 nSv/year) remains far below the public exposure limit of 1 mSv/year. The total annual dose increases for the older age groups (from 3-month-old infants to 15-year-old adolescents and adults). The estimated lifetime cancer risks from uranium-containing PM₂.₅ were within safe exposure limits for all age groups, indicating no immediate radiological concern.HighlightsMean airborne Uranium-238 concentration in PM2.5 was higher in summer (5.38 μg/m3) as compared to that in winter season (3.01 μg/m3).Mean uranium concentrations were higher in summer (5.38 µg/m3) compared to winter (3.01 µg/m3).238U levels in PM2.5 across seven cities of Bihar remained well below the global reference radioactivity concentration of 1.0 µBq/m3.Radiological dose assessments across all age groups indicated uranium exposure from PM2.5 poses no significant lifetime cancer risk

Joubert syndrome, a recessive neurodevelopmental disorder associated with cortical malformations and autism-like features, has been linked to mutations in the gene encoding Arl13b, a cilia-enriched small GTPase. Here, Higginbotham and colleagues show that the early loss of function of Arl13b in mouse cortical progenitors leads to deficits in progenitors' ciliary signaling, apical–basal inversion of the radial glial scaffold and neuronal misplacement. The construction of cerebral cortex begins with the formation of radial glia. Once formed, polarized radial glial cells divide either symmetrically or asymmetrically to balance appropriate production of progenitor cells and neurons. Following birth, neurons use the processes of radial glia as scaffolding for oriented migration. Radial glia therefore provide an instructive structural matrix to coordinate the generation and placement of distinct groups of cortical neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. We found that Arl13b, a cilia-enriched small GTPase that is mutated in Joubert syndrome, was critical for the initial formation of the polarized radial progenitor scaffold. Using developmental stage–specific deletion of Arl13b in mouse cortical progenitors, we found that early neuroepithelial deletion of ciliary Arl13b led to a reversal of the apical–basal polarity of radial progenitors and aberrant neuronal placement. Arl13b modulated ciliary signaling necessary for radial glial polarity. Our findings indicate that Arl13b signaling in primary cilia is crucial for the initial formation of a polarized radial glial scaffold and suggest that disruption of this process may contribute to aberrant neurodevelopment and brain abnormalities in Joubert syndrome–related ciliopathies.

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a well-known polyaromatic hydrocarbon, is known for its lung carcinogenicity, however, its role in bladder cancer development is still discussed. Comparative two-dimensional blue native SDS-PAGE analysis of protein complexes isolated from subcellular fractions of 0.5 µM B[a]P-exposed cells indicated a differential regulation of proteins involved in carbohydrate, fatty acid, and nucleotide metabolism, suggesting a possible metabolic flux redistribution. It appeared that B[a]P exposure led to a repression of enzymes (fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, lactate dehydrogenase) involved in glycolysis, and an up-regulation of proteins (glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconolactonase) catalyzing the pentose phosphate pathway and one carbon metabolism (10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, bifunctional purine biosynthesis protein). Untargeted metabolomics further supported the proteomic data, a lower concentration of glycolytic metabolite was observed as compared to glutamine, xylulose and fatty acids. The analysis of the glutathione and NADPH/NADP + content of the cells revealed a significant increase of these cofactors. Concomitantly, we did not observe any detectable increase in the production of ROS. With the present work, we shed light on an early phase of the metabolic stress response in which the urothelial cells are capable of counteracting oxidative stress by redirecting the metabolic flux from glycolysis to pentose phosphate pathway.

Sperm mitochondrion is one of the major susceptible organelles that get damaged during cryopreservation. The study aimed to minimize mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress during sperm cryopreservation using mitochondria‐specific antioxidants. For this, semen was collected from five buffalo bulls (3 ejaculates/bull). The ejaculates were diluted in an low‐density lipoprotein‐based extender and divided into four equal aliquots. Mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant (MitoQ) was added at a final concentration of 0 (control), 0.02, 0.2 and 2 μM separately in each aliquotes and cryopreserved. The addition of MitoQ at a concentration of 0.02 μM improved post‐thaw sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and able to sustain sperm motility for a longer time. To investigate MitoQ's effects on mitochondrial function, we measured mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) using JC‐1 dye, superoxide production using Mitosox assay, and lipid peroxidation by TBARS assay. The supplementation of 0.02 μM MitoQ in the extender prevented the significant reduction of MMP and reduced superoxide production resulting in lower lipid peroxidation of sperm plasma membrane after cryopreservation. Further, we found that a higher concentration of MitoQ decreases MMP and increases mitochondrial superoxide production. In conclusion, MitoQ @ 0.02 μM can alleviate oxidative stress by regulating mitochondrial functionality in spermatozoa during cryopreservation.

This study revealed the effects of incorporating ionic liquid (IL) molecules: 1-ethyl, 1-butyl, and 1-octyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chlorides with different alkyl chain lengths, in interfacial polymerization (IP) on the structure and property (i.e., permeate-flux and salt rejection ratio) relationships of resulting RO membranes. The IL additive was added in the aqueous meta-phenylene diamine (MPD; 0.1% w/v) phase, which was subsequently reacted with trimesoyl chloride (TMC; 0.004% w/v) in the hexane phase to produce polyamide (PA) barrier layer. The structure of resulting free-standing PA thin films was characterized by grazing incidence wide-angle X-rays scattering (GIWAXS), which results were correlated with the performance of thin-film composite RO membranes having PA barrier layers prepared under the same IP conditions. Additionally, the membrane surface properties were characterized by zeta potential and water contact angle measurements. It was found that the membrane prepared by the longer chain IL molecule generally showed lower salt rejection ratio and higher permeation flux, possibly due to the inclusion of IL molecules in the PA scaffold. This hypothesis was supported by the GIWAXS results, where a self-assembled surfactant-like structure formed by IL with the longest aliphatic chain length was detected.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is traditionally characterised by recurrent infections and immune dysregulation, but growing evidence suggests an increased risk of endothelial dysfunction and premature atherosclerosis in this population. To evaluate cardiovascular risk in patients with CVID through integration of clinical risk factors, biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, and radiographic surrogates of subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 101 CVID patients and 56 matched household controls were recruited. Data collected included cardiovascular risk factors, blood biomarkers (D-dimer, von Willebrand factor [vWF], fibrinogen, ESR, CRP), and immunological profiles. Existing imaging was reviewed, including thoracic CT for assessment of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and FibroScan for controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores; aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) was measured in a subset of participants. Subgroup analysis compared infection-only versus inflammatory/complex phenotypes of CVID. CVID patients demonstrated high rates of hyperlipidaemia (38.6%), hypertension (23.8%), and diabetes/prediabetes (14.9%). CAC was present in 37%, with 82.4% having no known prior cardiovascular disease. Hepatic steatosis and elevated aPWV were observed in 30% and 6.5%, respectively. Patients with CAC were older and had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, chronic kidney disease, elevated median vWF (227.5 vs 167 IU/dL, p=0.001), D-dimer (370.5 vs 271 ng/mL, p=0.011), and aPWV (8.2 vs 6.0 m/s, p=0.006). Patients with an inflammatory phenotype had higher vWF (224 vs 163 IU/dL, p<0.001) and D-dimer (314 vs 205 ng/mL, p=0.043) levels than those with infection-only CVID. CVID is associated with a substantial burden of cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis, especially in the inflammatory phenotype.

In order to understand the influence of ductile metal interlayer on the overall deformation behavior of metal/nitride multilayer, different configurations of metal and nitride layers were deposited and tested under indentation loading. To provide insight into the trends in deformation with multilayer spacings, an FEM model with elastic-perfect plastic metal layers alternate with an elastic nitride on top of an elastic–plastic substrate. The strong strain mismatch between the metal and nitride layers significantly alters the stress field under contact loading leading to micro-cracking in the nitride, large tensile stresses immediately below the contact, and a transition from columnar sliding in thin metal films to a more uniform bending and microcracking in thicker coatings.

IntroductionRice cultivation is of significant importance to India’s agrarian economy; however, its prolonged dominance has led to serious sustainability concerns, viz., groundwater depletion, soil compaction, fertility loss, yield stagnation, waterlogging, greenhouse gas emissions and inefficient input use.MethodsTo assess the drivers of rice adoption and barriers to diversification, a perception-based survey was conducted during 2023–2024 across nine purposively selected rice-dominant yet low-productivity districts [Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Jhargram (West Bengal), Khammam (Telangana), Mahesana and Sabarkantha (Gujarat), Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) and West Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh)]. Using a multi-stage stratified random sampling design, 696 farmers were selected from the Pilot Project on Crop Diversification (PPCD) database of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The primary data were analysed using Chi-square tests, Standardized Residual Analysis (SRA) and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA).ResultsThe Chi-square test confirmed significant association between farmer responses and the reasons for rice adoption (Cramér’s V = 0.370, moderate association). SRA identified the availability of high-yielding varieties (R8, residual = 14.23*) as key motivators, while strong disagreement was observed for the notion that local soils are unsuitable for other crops (R4, residual = 19.66*). MCA revealed four dominant dimensions explaining 54.0% of inertia, i.e., (i) varietal access and market assurance, (ii) input responsiveness and mechanization, (iii) wildlife risk and fodder dependence, and (iv) household consumption and agroecological constraints.DiscussionDistrict-specific patterns indicated that Mahesana and Sabarkantha (Gujrat) are primarily driven by varietal access and market assurance; Tiruppur (Tamil nadu) and Bhilwara (Rajasthan) combine varietal access with mechanization benefits; Khammam (Telangana) and Udaipur (Rajasthan) are constrained by limited mechanization and weak input responsiveness; whereas Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir), West Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh), and Jhargram (West Bengal) reflect wildlife risk, fodder needs, household consumption, and agroecological constraints. These findings highlight the role of developing and access to seeds of improved varieties, suitable mechanization and assured markets in adopting diversified crops.