Krishna University

This study explores the structural, elastic, thermal, and radiation shielding properties of neodymium-doped lithium fluoro lanthanum oxy lead borate glass ceramics synthesized via the conventional melt-quenching method followed by controlled heat treatment.X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of well-defined crystalline phases, including Nd₂PbO₃ and LiB₃O₅, which enhanced the structural integrity and thermal stability of the host matrix.SEM (SEM), coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), revealed a dense microstructure with uniform elemental distribution.DTA (DTA) showed a gradual decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg) with increasing Nd₂O₃ content, indicating enhanced network flexibility and structural reorganization.The elastic moduli, including Young′s and shear modulus, increased with Nd3+ doping, reflecting improved mech. rigidity.FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analyses confirmed network depolymerization through the emergence of BO4 units and non-bridging oxygen species, further contributing to mech. enhancement.Notably, the incorporation of high at. number ions (Nd³⁺ and Pb²⁺) significantly improved gamma-ray attenuation, imparting superior radiation shielding efficiency.These combined properties make the synthesized glass ceramics promising candidates for high-temperature optical systems, photonic devices, and advanced shielding applications in nuclear and space environments.Novelty in Brief: This study presents a novel approach to developing neodymium-doped LiF-La₂O₃-PbO-B₂O₃ glass ceramics exhibiting outstanding structural integrity, mech. strength, and radiation shielding capabilities.By employing precise melt-quenching followed by controlled heat treatment, the incorporation of Nd₂O₃ facilitates the formation of stable crystalline phases such as Nd₂PbO₃ and LiB₃O₅.Simultaneously, it induces significant depolymerization of the borate network, characterized by an increase in BO4 units and non-bridging oxygen atoms.This structural transformation enhances elastic moduli, thermal stability, and gamma-ray attenuation.Technol., the combination of high optical transparency, mech. robustness, and efficient radiation shielding positions these materials as promising candidates for next-generation photonic devices, high-temperature optical systems, aerospace components, and advanced nuclear shielding applications-delivering multifunctional performance under demanding conditions.

Raf-kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) plays a significant role in maintaining cell homeostasis, and its downregulation is a hallmark of various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). It modulates several signals, including MAPK (Raf/MEK/ERK), NF-κB, STAT3, cell cycle, and GPCR signaling by modulating phosphorylation state. It's binding to Raf-1 inhibits phosphorylation and makes the signaling molecules inactive. In the case of NF-κB, which plays a central role in drug resistance, RKIP interacts with IκBα and inhibits IKKα, IKKβ, and NIK by preventing their phosphorylation, thereby maintaining NF-κB in an inactive state. A reduction in the expression level of RKIP increases the metastasis and promotes the signaling associated with cancer progression. This review examines the role of RKIP in the aggressiveness and metastasis of CRC. Several signal pathways influenced by changes in the expression level of RKIP are discussed in detail. Strategies like the use of inhibitors, understanding the role of miRNA, immunotherapy, and combined therapies have been discussed in detail, along with the clinical implications of RKIP in CRC.

The rationale of the study is to explore the bio functional industrial potential and optimized culture conditions of a Manno glucan heteropolysaccharide MF-1 (purified EPS fraction) produced by a newly discovered mangrove derived fungi Fusarium equiseti ANP2, isolated from the Krishna River delta mangrove sediments. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize fungal EPS and Biomass production, achieving a significant 1.4-fold increase to 6.94 g/L in EPS yield and a 2.1-fold increase in biomass production. RSM identified optimal levels of glucose, NH₄NO₃, NaCl, leucine, temperature, and pH, while minimizing the required glucose and nitrogen content compared to conventional methods. Notably, MF-1 exhibited promising emulsification potential (69.5% n-hexadecane emulsification), suggesting its prospective role as a novel emulsifier, particularly for n-hexadecane-based applications. Additionally, MF-1 also displayed a chelating activity for Fe²⁺ ions, suggesting its applicability as a natural chelating agent. The current study optimized the EPS production using RSM design and explored its potential for industrial applications as emulsification and chelating properties of the purified EPS fraction. Future research could explore the structural modifications of the fungal EPS to enhance its functionalities and delve deeper into the mechanisms governing EPS and biomass for large-scale, sustainable industrial production.