When almost Cohen–Macaulay algebras map into big Cohen–Macaulay modules

In this article, we show that almost Cohen–Macaulay algebras are solid. Moreover, we seek for the conditions when (a) an almost Cohen–Macaulay algebra is a phantom extension and (b) when it maps into a balanced big Cohen–Macaulay module.     

Usage of Platinum Nanoparticles for Anticancer Therapy over Last Decade: A Review

The quest for new functional nanomaterials is one of the defining purposes of nanoscience and nanotechnology. A large number of metal nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively exploited for biomedical applications. Metal NPs, in particular platinum NPs (PtNPs), possess remarkable properties that make them a potential candidate as a diagnostic or therapeutic agent. Due to potential technological interest over the last decade, PtNPs have attracted much attention in the field of anticancer research. PtNPs, when conjugated with many functionalizing agents such as polymers, ligands, drugs, peptides, and surfactants, exhibit improved targeting and reduced cytotoxic effects in various cancers. The PtNPs conjugated with folic acid, graphene oxide, and iron NPs are gained more attention due to their stability, large surface area, and reduced toxicity. To achieve this goal, PtNPs are co-loaded with drugs or other modalities that offer an opportunity for multimodal activity in the frame of treating cancer types focusing on breast, blood, lung, ovarian, skin, liver, etc. However, a review of PtNPs’ function in diagnosis and treatment is still lacking. In this review, the effectiveness of PtNPs toward inducing and elevating death of the cancerous cells proving its delivery approaches and antitumor nature, concluding with future perspectives, are summarized.     

Arsenic calamity in the Indian subcontinent What lessons have been learned?

Groundwater arsenic (As) contamination in West Bengal (WB, India) was first reported in December 1983, when 63 people from three villages of two districts were identified by health officials as suffering from As toxicity. As of October 2001, the authors from the School of Environmental Studies (SOES) have analyzed >105 000 water samples, >25 000 urine/hair/nail/skin-scale samples, screened approximately 86 000 people in WB. The results show that more than 6 million people in 2700 villages from nine affected districts (total population approximately 42 million) of 18 total districts are drinking water containing >/=50 mug l(-1) As and >300 000 people may have visible arsenical skin lesions. The As content of the physiological samples indicates that many more may be sub-clinically affected. Children in As-affected villages may be in special danger. In 1995, we had found three villages in two districts of Bangladesh where groundwater contained >/=50 mug l(-1) As. The present situation is that in 2000 villages in 50 out of total 64 districts of Bangladesh, groundwater contains As above 50 mug l(-1) and more than 25 million people are drinking water above >/=50 mug l(-1) As. After years of research in WB and Bangladesh, additional affected villages are being identified on virtually every new survey. The present research may still reflect only the tip of iceberg in identifying the extent of As contamination. Although the WB As problem became public almost 20 years ago, there are still few concrete plans, much less achievements, to solve the problem. Villagers are probably in worse condition than 20 years ago. Even now, many who are drinking As-contaminated water are not even aware of that fact and its consequences. 20 years ago when the WB government was first informed, it was a casual matter, without the realization of the magnitude this problem was to assume. At least up to 1994, one committee after another was formed but no solution was forthcoming. None of the expert reports has suggested solutions that involve awareness campaigns, education of the villagers and participation of the people. Initially, international aid agencies working in the subcontinent simply did not consider that As could be present in groundwater. Even now, while As in drinking water is being highlighted, there have been almost no studies on how additional As is introduced through the food chain, as large amounts of As are present in the agricultural irrigation water. Past mistakes, notably the ceaseless exploitation of groundwater for irrigation, continue unabated today; at this time, more groundwater is being withdrawn than ever before. No efforts have been made to adopt effective watershed management to harness the extensive surface water and rainwater resources of this region. Proper watershed management and participation by villagers are needed for the proper utilization of water resources and to combat the As calamity. As in groundwater may just be nature's initial warning about more dangerous toxins yet to come. What lessons have we really learned?