In this work, we demonstrate how LaF 3 nanoparticles activated with large concentrations (up to 25%) of Nd 3þ ions can simultaneously operate as biologically compatible efficient nanoheaters and fluorescent nanothermometers under single beam (808 nm) infrared laser excitation. Nd 3þ :LaF 3 nanoparticles emerge as unique multifunctional agents that could constitute the first step towards the future development of advanced platforms capable of simultaneous deep tissue fluorescence bio-imaging and controlled photo-thermal therapies. V C 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

The spectroscopic properties of different infrared-emitting neodymium-doped nanoparticles (LaF 3 :Nd 3þ , SrF 2 :Nd 3þ , NaGdF 4 : Nd 3þ , NaYF 4 : Nd 3þ , KYF 4 : Nd 3þ , GdVO 4 : Nd 3þ , and Nd:YAG) have been systematically analyzed. A comparison of the spectral shapes of both emission and absorption spectra is presented, from which the relevant role played by the host matrix is evidenced. The lack of a "universal" optimum system for infrared bioimaging is discussed, as the specific bioimaging application and the experimental setup for infrared imaging determine the neodymiumdoped nanoparticle to be preferentially used in each case. V C 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Plants associate with communities of microbes (bacteria and fungi) that play critical roles in plant development, nutrient acquisition, and oxidative stress tolerance. The major share of plant microbiota is endophytes which inhabit plant tissues and help them in various capacities. In this article, we have reviewed what is presently known with regard to how endophytic microbes interact with plants to modulate root development, branching, root hair formation, and their implications in overall plant development. Endophytic microbes link the interactions of plants, rhizospheric microbes, and soil to promote nutrient solubilization and further vectoring these nutrients to the plant roots making the soil-plant-microbe continuum. Further, plant roots internalize microbes and oxidatively extract nutrients from microbes in the rhizophagy cycle. The oxidative interactions between endophytes and plants result in the acquisition of nutrients by Accepted ArticleThis article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved plants and are also instrumental in oxidative stress tolerance of plants. It is evident that plants actively cultivate microbes internally, on surfaces and in soils to acquire nutrients, modulate development and improve health. Understanding this continuum could be of greater significance in connecting endophytes with the hidden half of the plant that can also be harnessed in applied terms to enhance nutrient acquisition through the development of favorable root system architecture for sustainable production under stress conditions.

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Operative hysteroscopy has emerged as an effective alternative to hysterectomy and has become standard surgical treatment for varied gynaecological conditions like abnormal uterine bleeding and uterine myomas. This procedure requires distention of the uterine cavity for adequate visualization of the operative field. 1.5% glycine is a widely used distention medium because it has good optical properties and is non-conductive. However, the intraoperative absorption of this electrolyte-free fluid can cause hyponatraemia, hypoosmolality, hyperglycinaemia and volume overload, including pulmonary oedema. We report a case of operative hysteroscopy intravascular absorption (OHIA) syndrome, presenting abruptly during hysteroscopic myomectomy, employing 1.5% glycine as the fluid distention medium. Successful management of the case and prevention strategies are discussed.

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Borate oxyfluoride glasses are transparent in the infra-red, ultra violet and visible regions and represent an ideal host matrix for optically active dopants. Due to their lower phonon energies compared...