Be/X-ray binaries provide a unique opportunity to study the interaction between neutron stars and circumstellar discs. SXP 5.05 is a particularly rare system, exhibiting eclipse-like X-ray variability attributed to obscuration by the Be star disc rather than a simple stellar eclipse. Motivated by its unusual geometry and the well-studied 2013 outburst, we present a multiwavelength analysis of its 2024 outburst using NICER X-ray observations and long-term optical monitoring from OGLE. The X-ray light curve shows a declining outburst with lower peak intensity and shorter duration compared to 2013, indicating a reduced accretion episode. The spectral evolution, characterized through hardness ratios, reveals a transition from a soft, high-intensity state to a harder, low-intensity state. Coherent pulsations near 5.05 s are detected throughout the observations, with properties consistent with previous measurements. The optical light curves show a reduced variability amplitude relative to 2013, possibly from a less extended or less dense circumstellar disc. Orbital-phase-folded optical profiles reveal a persistent, phase-locked dip structure, indicating a stable non-axisymmetric disc component that evolves across outburst phases. Together, these results support a picture in which the observed variability is driven by changes in disc structure and viewing geometry. SXP 5.05 thus remains a key system for probing the time-dependent properties of Be star discs through combined X-ray and optical observations.
The inflammasome, a supramolecular complex, plays important role in the gut-brain axis (GBA), acting as a sensor of cellular stress and danger signals. It activates inflammatory responses, and its dysregulation has been implicated in neurological diseases. Various inflammasomes, such as NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2, contribute to disease progression by promoting inflammation, tissue damage, and oxidative stress. These inflammasomes recognize and get activated by different stimuli, such as ATP, fluctuations in ion fluxes, nucleic acids, and molecular signatures associated with pathogens, eventually releasing inflammatory cytokines, and triggering inflammatory responses. Although the inflammatory response is orchestrated, sometimes it might happen that its dysregulation causes excessive and sustained inflammation leading to cellular damage and tissue injuries. Inhibiting or modulating these inflammasomes can therefore, provide therapeutic benefits. Targeting NLRP3, like MCC950, has shown promise in reducing inflammation. Some natural compounds have also been found to inhibit NLRP3 and other inflammasomes. Interestingly, regulating the gut microbiome can impact inflammasome activation, and reduce unsolicited inflammation. This review explores the bidirectional communication network between the gut and brain, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of inflammasomes in the GBA which can lead to novel therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
Exosomes, a specialized group of extracellular vesicles (EVs) ranging from 30 to 150 nm in size, have emerged as important mediators of intercellular communication across both mammalian and plant kingdoms. By facilitating the transfer of bioactive cargo, these vesicles orchestrate complex signalling networks essential for physiological homeostasis and pathological progression. Extensive research into both plant and mammalian exosomes has established their inherent biocompatibility and potential as cell-free systems for the targeted delivery of therapeutic drugs in the management of various diseases, including cancer. Moreover, exosomes have unique molecular signatures that enable the identification of their cell of origin and serve as high-fidelity biomarkers for precise disease diagnosis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of exosomal biology, beginning with the critical importance of standardized isolation and enrichment protocols to ensure sample purity and yield. This review also evaluates contemporary detection and characterization methodologies, ranging from nanoparticle tracking analysis to super-resolution microscopy, which are essential for defining exosomal identity. Moreover, the dual role of exosomes in cancer and disease progression, emphasizing their ability to modulate the tumour microenvironment and serve as non-invasive biomarkers for liquid biopsies, has also been explored. Bioengineering strategies such as genetic manipulation of the host cell or chemical modification of the exosome surface, can enhance their targeting precision and therapeutic loading capacity. The review also discusses the capacity of these vesicles to be loaded with exogenous drugs, including small molecules and RNA-based therapeutics, transforming them into potent, site-specific delivery vehicles. Despite their immense potential as biocompatible, cell-free drug delivery vehicles, several translational hurdles, including large-scale manufacturing consistency and regulatory complexities, remain as significant challenges, which if addressed, can lead to a shift toward personalized exosome-based diagnosis and therapy that could revolutionize the management of cancer and other complex systemic disorders.
Here, we employed a Zr4N4 catalyst to investigate the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) via state-of-the-art density functional theory (DFT). The active site was identified at the hollow site for the horizontal adsorption of CO2. Furthermore, the electronic properties were analyzed through HOMO-LUMO energy gap calculations, projected density of states (PDOS), and total density of states (TDOS). Based on the adsorption energies of the key intermediates (OCHO and COOH), the results reveal that CO2 reduction proceeds toward the formation of CO and HCOOH. Our study further highlights the interaction of the Zr4N4 atomic cluster as a catalyst with different hydrocarbons through Gibbs free energy analysis. The results indicate that, among the two possible pathways, the most favorable route is the formation of HCOOH. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formic acid and carbon monoxide was also examined in terms of the required overpotential. The calculated limiting potentials for CO and HCOOH are -0.91 V and -0.44 V, respectively. Furthermore, direct dissociation of CO2 to CO was observed using the nudged elastic band (NEB) method.
Abstract This study investigates characteristics of ionospheric irregularities over the East–West Asian equatorial region using the Rate of TEC Index (ROTI) derived from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements. Data from four stations (GUAM, PIMO, CUSV, and IISC) were analyzed for 2008–2023, covering solar cycle (SC) 24 and the ascending phase of SC 25. While our findings are generally aligned with previous research, this work presents new insights into the complex behavior of ionospheric scintillation in this sector. A key finding is the significant spatial variability in irregularity occurrence, with stations at similar magnetic dip (11–13°) exhibiting varying activity levels. Notable longitudinal asymmetries were also identified, particularly at GUAM, which shows reduced autumnal activity, likely due to local differences in Pre‐Reversal Enhancement (PRE) and magnetic declination. Our study shows a clear daily pattern: scintillation begins after sunset (18:00–19:00 LT), peaks in the late evening (20:00–21:30 LT), and declines by early morning. A slight increase in ROTI is consistently observed just before sunrise at all locations. Temporally, results show dependence on the 11‐year SC and a distinct seasonal pattern, with activity concentrated in equinoctial months. The spring maximum is generally stronger than the autumn one across stations. Finally, although the long‐term trend follows the SC, the relationship is non‐linear. Outliers, such as anomalous activity in 2019, demonstrate that while the Sunspot Number (SSN) is a primary long‐term driver, scintillation is also modulated by short‐term geophysical phenomena.
