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The present work describes the formulation of a lyophilized Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor-4 (FAPI-4) kit for preparation of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-4 in high radiochemical yield (RCY) using either generator or cyclotron produced 68GaCl3, suitable for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) based diagnosis of cancers over-expressing Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP). Experimental parameters such as concentration of FAPI-4, buffer content, storage conditions and shelf-life were optimized to ensure > 95% RCY to utilize the kit for multi-patient dose formulations. A lyophilized FAPI-4 kit containing 50 µg of FAPI-4 ligand could be successfully optimized which consistently yielded [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-4 in > 95% RCY on labeling with ~ 1.11 GBq of 68GaCl3. [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-4 retained > 95% radiochemical purity (RCP) even after 2 h post labeling when stored at ambient temperature. The kits stored below − 20 °C reproduced the labeling profile up to a period of ~ 3 months (period of study). In the in vitro cell binding experiments performed in HT29 cells, [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-4 exhibited specific binding to FAP (16.1 ± 1.8%ID in 106 cells). In the biodistribution studies performed in female SCID mice bearing HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma, [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-4 exhibited tumor uptake of 3.8 ± 0.3% ID/g at 1 h post-injection. The above results demonstrate the utility of developed FAPI-4 kits for formulation of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-4 for PET imaging of FAP over-expressing cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic perturbations affect ecosystem functional attributes and, when coupled with species invasion, exacerbate the changes including soil properties and competitive interactions among species. Here, we investigated whether invasive plant species under metal stress condition eliminates seedbanks of soft carbon resources along a 518 km stretch of the Ganga River corridor. Soil samples with natural herbaceous cover (non-infested) showed significant difference (p<0.001) in terms of two carbon hydrolyzing enzymes - β-D-glucosidase and FDAase, as opposed with soils rich in C residues from Croton bonplandianus and Grangea maderaspatana. Such soil functional responses were associated with high C:N ratio and concentration of phenolics (180-240 μg g-1). Rising temperature and pulsed release of nutrients during summer favoured the growth of these species negating the potential effects of high concentrations of heavy metals present in soil. Understanding such indicators of ecosystem health in river corridors will allow prediction of shifts in carbon and nutrient biogeochemical cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For corrosive chloride solution, an excellent corrosion-resistant coating is required. In this view, introducing graphene oxide-modified Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , and MnO 2 in a nickel matrix is a novel strategy for achieving this goal. Electrodeposition is used for manufacturing these nanocomposite coatings. The microstructure, electrochemical corrosion resistance, composition, and contact angle are then thoroughly investigated. Electrochemical results revealed that Ni-GO-TiO 2 nanocomposite coating has a low corrosion current density of 10.86 μA/cm2 and a high charge transfer resistance of 2328 Ω cm2. Furthermore, the Ni-GO-TiO 2 nanocomposite coating outlasts pure nickel films. The mechanism of GO-TiO 2 -promoted nickel corrosion resistance turns out to be that GO-TiO 2 may impede the growth of nickel crystals and make them finer. Furthermore, this coating improves smoothness and reduces pores and cracks, resulting in less damage by chloride ions. Based on these findings, incorporating GO-TiO 2 into nickel coatings may provide insights into preventing corrosion of steel pipelines exposed to chloride ions. [Display omitted] • Nickel coating was reinforced with graphene oxide doped Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , and MnO 2. • Composition, crystal size, morphology, and hydrophobicity were compared. • Electrochemical and immersion tests were performed on all coatings. • Ni-GO-TiO 2 exhibited superior barrier performance due to improved properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]