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Trans-rectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy is a well-established diagnosis technique for prostate cancer. To enhance the needle manoeuvring skills under ultrasound (US) guidance, it is preferable to train medical practitioners in needle biopsy on tissue-mimicking phantoms. This phantom should mimic the morphology as well as mechanical and acoustic properties of the human male pelvic region to provide a surgical experience and feedback. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used and evaluated for prostate phantom development, that is stiffness tunable, US-compatible and durable phantom material. Three samples, each with 5%, 10%, and 15% concentration of PVA material, were prepared, and their mechanical and shrinkage characteristics were investigated. The anatomy of male pelvic region was used to develop an anatomically correct phantom. Later US-guided needle biopsy was performed on the phantom. The range of elastic moduli of the PVA samples was 2∼146 kPa. Their elastic moduli and volumes were found to remain statistically close from seventh to eighth freeze-thaw cycle (p>0.05). Initial US scans of the phantom resulted in satisfactory B-mode images, with a clear distinction between the prostate and its surrounding organs. This study demonstrated the applicability of PVA hydrogel as a phantom material for training in US-guided needle biopsy.

The preparation of chitosan-aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) composite thin films for transparent resistive random access memory applications is reported. The variation in optical transmission, refractive index and optical bandgap of the composite films as a function of concentration of Al in ZnO and AZO weight percent in chitosan is investigated. Independent of composition, optical transmission is of the order of 87–89% at 550 nm. The refractive index at this wavelength is in the range of 1.71–1.86. The composite films exhibit reversible resistive switching behavior which is dependent on the Al concentration in ZnO as well as the weight percent of AZO in chitosan. There is a threshold Al concentration in ZnO, below and above which resistive switching is not observed. At the threshold concentration, resistive switching behavior is stable over several cycles. The co-existence of unipolar and bipolar switching controlled by Al concentration in ZnO is also observed. The current study establishes the potential of chitosan-AZO composite thin films for transparent resistive random access memory application.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of the relationship between perfusion CT (PCT) parameters and iodine concentration metrics derived from triple-bolus dual-energy CT (DECT) and to compare the radiation dose delivered. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. This single-center prospective study was conducted from October 2015 to September 2017. Twenty-three consenting adults (15 men and eight women; mean [± SD] age, 56 ± 13 years [range, 25-78 years]) with renal cell carcinomas underwent consecutive PCT and triple-bolus DECT examinations. Triple-bolus DECT consisted of synchronous corticomedullary, nephrographic, and delayed phase scans acquired using a dual-source DECT scanner. Two readers independently analyzed blood flow, blood volume, and permeability, as measured by PCT, and iodine density and iodine ratio, as measured by triple-bolus DECT. Size-specific dose estimates were calculated for both groups. RESULTS. Interreader agreement was good for permeability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] =.812) and blood flow (ICC = 0.849) and excellent for blood volume (ICC = 0.956), iodine density (ICC = 0.961), and iodine ratio (ICC = 0.956). Very strong positive correlations were found between blood volume and iodine density (p < 0.001) and between blood volume and iodine ratio (p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were found between blood flow and iodine density (p < 0.001) and between blood flow and iodine ratio (p < 0.001). The correlations between permeability and iodine density (p = 0.01) and between permeability and iodine ratio (p = 0.02) were moderate. The mean size-specific dose estimate of triple-bolus DECT was approximately 15 times lower than that of PCT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION. Quantitative iodine metrics derived from triple-bolus DECT showed significant correlation with CT parameters in renal cell carcinoma, with a significantly lower radiation dose.

To use an index based on blood biomarkers (serum creatinine and cystatin c) to screen sarcopenia in older adults. Lower value of Biochemical Total Body Muscle mass index (TBMM) (calculated from serum creatinine and cystatin C) was significantly associated with higher risk of sarcopenia. Biochemical Total Body Muscle Mass index based on serum creatinine and cystatin C can be used to screen sarcopenia in older people. Considering the clinical impact of sarcopenia, it would be interesting to get a rapid and sensible screening tool. We conducted a cross-sectional study with the motive to use an index based on serum creatinine and cystatin C to screen sarcopenia in older people in outpatient settings. 100 participants above the age of 65 years were recruited from the outpatient department of Geriatric medicine of a tertiary care hospital in India. Muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance were measured by DXA scan, hand-held dynamometer and 4 m gait speed, respectively. Sarcopenia was identified using Asian working group of sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria. Serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured for all participants. Serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio and biochemical total body muscle mass index (TBMM) were calculated and its association was checked with sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 53%. Mean serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio was 74.79 ± 24.91. It was not significantly associated with sarcopenia. Mean biochemical TBMM index of participants was 36.40 ± 7.88 (males—38.77 ± 7.72, females—31.22 ± 5.13). The lower value of biochemical TBMM index was significantly associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia (p

Lens homeostasis and transparency are dependent on the function and intercellular communication of its epithelia. While the lens epithelium is uniquely equipped with functional repair systems to withstand reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative insult, ROS are not necessarily detrimental to lens cells. Lens aging, and the onset of pathogenesis leading to cataract share an underlying theme; a progressive breakdown of oxidative stress repair systems driving a pro-oxidant shift in the intracellular environment, with cumulative ROS-induced damage to lens cell biomolecules leading to cellular dysfunction and pathology. Here we provide an overview of our current understanding of the sources and essential functions of lens ROS, antioxidative defenses, and changes in the major regulatory systems that serve to maintain the finely tuned balance of oxidative signaling vs. oxidative stress in lens cells. Age-related breakdown of these redox homeostasis systems in the lens leads to the onset of cataractogenesis. We propose eight candidate hallmarks that represent common denominators of aging and cataractogenesis in the mammalian lens: oxidative stress, altered cell signaling, loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulated ion homeostasis, cell senescence, genomic instability and intrinsic apoptotic cell death.

The target of radiation for the purpose of therapy is the DNA. DNA is made up of sugars phosphates and bases and will form superstructures with other proteins to form chromosomes, which can be viewed under a microscope in the M-phase. Within the chromosome are genes that may be transcribed into proteins. The function of these genes can be altered by mutations or by epigenetic changes in expression. The RNA expression of genes can be visualized and measured through gene expression profiling. Once translated, proteins may cause changes in the cell by undergoing structural changes or by participating in signaling pathways. Radiation may cause several different kinds of cell death, which combine with various mediators and pathways to display the clinically evident acute and late effects of radiation.

There are many types of lesions that may be induced in DNA by ionizing radiation. Radiation creates ion pairs in water. If clusters of ionization are formed near DNA, they can potentially damage the DNA. Normal well-oxygenated cells may utilize various pathways to repair different types of DNA damage. Single strand breaks are usually easy for a cell to repair while double strand breaks, which may be repaired by NHEJ or HRR repair pathways, are more difficult. Unrepaired or misrepaired double strand breaks can result in unstable chromosomal aberrations that can, in turn, lead to either death or senescence of the cell. The mechanisms of DNA repair are important to understand, not only in regard to radiation damage repair, but also because their absence or inhibition may play a role in the genetic predisposition to cancer or the response of tissues to DNA-damaging chemotherapy agents.

Post-irradiation cell survival as a function of radiation dose can be biophysically modeled in several different ways, using Poisson statistics as the basis for survival equations. The single-hit, multitarget model has parameters D0, the dose correlating with one hit per cell, and Dq, which is the width of the “shoulder,” and correlates with repair capacity. The linear-quadratic (LQ) model utilizes terms α (single-hit kill) and β (two-hit kill) which correlate with low-dose killing and high-dose killing, respectively. The LQ model can be used to determine biologically equivalent doses between various dose fractionation schemes. The various survival curve parameters can be altered if irradiated cells undergo either sublethal damage repair (which is modeled with split dose experiments), potentially lethal damage repair (which is modeled with plating delay experiments), or if cells are irradiated at low or ultrahigh dose rates. In addition to these two commonly used models, there are multiple other models that have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Oxygen is one of the most effective dose-modifying agents. Oxygen causes “fixation” of radiation-induced DNA damage. The oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) is equal to the ratio of doses of radiation (hypoxic over oxic) required to achieve the same biological effect. Similarly, effectiveness of different types of radiation can be assessed by determining the ratio of doses required to achieve the same effect. This number is called relative biological effectiveness (RBE). Linear energy transfer (LET) is the density of ionizations deposited by each radiation type along its track. As LET increases, OER decreases until it becomes 1 (e.g., there is no oxygen effect). As LET increases, RBE increases up to a point (100 KeV/μm), and then declines due to the “overkill effect.”

The linear-quadratic (LQ) model utilizes the terms α (single-hit kill) and β (two-hit kill) which correlate with low-dose killing and high-dose killing, respectively. Fractionation experiments with normal tissues (Chap. 23) for survival and functional tissue endpoints and tumor survival have allowed calculation of α/β ratios. These α/β ratios along with dose per fraction and total dose can be used to calculate biologically equivalent doses (BEDs) based on fraction size and total dose for various tissues and tumors compared to standard single fractions of no more than 2 Gy once a day, 5 days per week.

AIMS This study aimed to assess the use of doxycycline in adjunct to periodontal therapy on the glycemic levels for chronic periodontitis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-one diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis were selected and randomly assigned into 3 groups with 17 subjects each. Scaling and root planing (SRP) was done in group I, SRP and doxycycline was given in group II, and group III did not receive any periodontal treatment till 3 months. Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and metabolic parameters were evaluated at baseline (day 0) and after 3 months (day 90). The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 17.0 software with significance fixed at 95% CI (p < 0.05). RESULTS The mean difference between baseline and day 90 for all periodontal parameters was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in group I and group II compared to control (group III). The metabolic parameters such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%) level were reduced in groups I and II compared to group III; however, only HbA1c% values were found significantly reduced (p < 0.01) at day 90. Group II showed significantly better metabolic parameters than group I at day 90. CONCLUSION The adjunct of doxycycline to conventional periodontal therapy provides additional benefit in reducing glycemic level and improves periodontal health. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The prevalence of diabetes as well as periodontitis is increasing nowadays in the world. With treatment of periodontitis, it is found that there is reduction of glycemic level in diabetes. So it is an alert to health professionals about the relation of diabetes and periodontitis and so that they conduct a multidisciplinary treatment.

A mixture of two ionic liquids have been used for a green synthesis of 3,4,6-triarylpyridazine in high yield and at room temperature. The two ionic liquids acts in tandem. The advantage of this method is a room temperature synthesis of the target compounds using green methodology. Product recovery is simple and the mixture of ionic liquids can be recovered and recycled.

A series of three biphenyl-based Knoevenagel products (denoted 1a, 1b, 1c) with active methylene groups has been synthesized. Compounds 1a and 1b show strong solid-state fluorescence, whereas 1c displays low emission. Effects of substituent groups in condensed phase packing of the molecules have been investigated and correlated with their photophysical properties. Interestingly, compound 1a exhibits mechanofluorochromism with emission color changes from yellow to green (wavelength shift of 40 nm) after mechanical grinding. Furthermore, fluorescence of 1a and 1b is turned off under alkaline conditions, making them potential candidates for aggregation-enhanced emission-based pH sensors.

A novel nitrogen-rich amorphous porous organic polymer has been synthesized using a microwave-assisted process. Its high chemical stability, reusability and poor solubility enable the use of the porous polymer as a metal-free heterogeneous catalyst for C C bond formation at ambient temperature under environmentally benign conditions.

Traditional medicinal plants have gained attention as a potential therapeutic agent to combat cancer and inflammation. Diosgenin rich fresh extracts of Paris polyphylla rhizome from Indian Himalaya is traditionally used as wound healing, anti-bleeding, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent by the folk healers.Present study was aimed to prepare two types of extracts from Paris polyphylla rhizome of Indian Himalayan landraces - 1. ethanolic extract of Paris polyphylla rhizome (EEPPR) and 2. Diosgenin enriched Paris polyphylla rhizome extract (DPPE), quantification of diosgenin content, and to evaluate their in vitro anti-oxidant, in vivo anti-inflammatory and in vitro cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activities of the DPPE.Diosgenin content of EEPPR was quantified through GC-MS while diosgenin content of DPPE was quantified through HPTLC, and the diosgenin yield from EEPPR and DPPE were compared. In vitro antioxidant activities of DPPE were performed using DPPH, NOD, RP and SOD assay while in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of DPPE were evaluated in dextran induced hind paw edema in rats. In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activities of DPPE were evaluated in human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa) and Hep-2 cell lines.EEPPR obtained through cold extraction method using 70% ethanol showed maximum diosgenin content of 17.90% quantified through GC-MS while similar compounds pennogenin (3.29%), 7β-Dehydrodiosgenin (1.90%), 7-Ketodiosgenin acetate (1.14%), and 7 β-hydroxydiosgenin (0.55%) were detected in low concentration, and thus confirmed diosgenin as major and lead phytochemical. However, DPPE obtained through both cold and repeated hot extraction with the same solvent (70% ethanol) showed diosgenin content of 60.29% which is significantly higher (p 0.001) than the diosgenin content in EEPPR. DPPE demonstrated significant in vitro antioxidant activities by dose-dependently quenched (p 0.001) SOD free radicals by 76.66%, followed by DPPH (71.43%), NOD (67.35%), and RP (63.74%) at a max concentration of 2 μg/μl of ascorbic acid and test drugs with remarkable ICDPPE obtained through both cold and repeated hot extraction using ethanol showed significantly higher content of diosgenin than the diosgenin content detected in EEPPR. However, diosgenin yield of both the extracts (EEPPRDPPE) clearly confirmed diosgenin as major and lead phytochemical of Paris polyphylla rhizome of Indian Himalayan landraces. Further, DPPE also demonstrated potent in vitro anti-oxidative and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities and showed in vitro cytotoxicity and significant anti-cancer (apoptosis) effects in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

In the present communication, nanocrystalline nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) has been successfully synthesized by temperature and spin controlled coprecipitation techinique. The structural and surface morphological characterizations of the sample have been analyzed by means of Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The minimum crystalline size of prepared NZF sample calculated from Scherer’s formula and is found to be 25 nm. FESEM images exhibit the porous nature of the sensing material with a number of active sites. In a comparative study on the sensing characteristics of nanostructured NZF pellet towards three primary alcohols viz. ethanol, propanol and butanol, the maximum sensitivity is found to be nearly 90% for 1000 ppm of the ethanol vapour at room temperature. The sensing response followed the order of ethanol > propanol > butanol with respect to time. The experimental results show that nanostructured NZF is a promising material for alcohol sensor. The sensor responses are quite stable and highly reproducible even at room temperature.

We report on the non-resonant microwave absorption in the system of a nominal 2 wt % nano nickel particles added into YBCO powders (Ni–YBCO). With this dilute mixture of nano nickel particles, one is expected to have groups of normal Josephson junctions (JJs) and π JJs due to YBCO–nickel–YBCO interparticle weak links and as nickel is ferromagnetic. We experimentally show, for the first time multiple phase reversals in the non-resonant microwave absorption (NRMA) spectra from Ni–YBCO possibly due to the formation of π JJs. We also showed that these multiple phase reversals then depend on microwave power and temperature. We argue that microwave power induced coherence among some groups of JJs and breaking of some of the weaker JJs can then lead to the disappearance of multiple phase reversals at higher microwave power levels. Further, we also reported a role of pair breaking effects that shall give a linear field dependence of the derivative microwave absorption signal, essentially which is the NRMA signal. This pair breaking effect dominates at closer temperatures to T c which is expected thermodynamically.

The magnetic state of multiferroic Bi 1−x Dy x FeO 3 (where x = 0.0, 0.05) nanoparticles that synthesized by the sol-gel method has been probed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Systematic analysis of the obtained ESR spectra revealed that the strong signal with asymmetric line shape is due to the cycloidal spin structure in the bismuth ferrite (BFO) system. While the magnetic behaviour of BFO is intriguing with conflicting reports that attribute to its ‘spin glass’ and ‘domain pinning’ effects etc., our ESR data of line width temperature independence supports the spin glass scenario. Further, we have observed a dip or minimum with a narrow valley in the temperature dependence of Δg/g at 75 K for Bi 0.95Dy 0.05FeO 3 (BDFO), indicating an abrupt disruption and decrease of canting spin order at that particular temperature.

Purpose Transforming growth factor-β induces an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the lens, presented as an aberrant growth and differentiation of lens epithelial cells. Studies in other models of EMT have shown that TGF-β-driven EMT is dependent on the expression of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase-4 (Nox4). We investigate the role of this enzyme in TGF-β-induced lens EMT and determine whether it is required for this pathologic process. Methods Rat lens epithelial explants were used to investigate the role of Nox4 in TGF-β-driven lens EMT. Nox1-4 expression and localization was determined by immunolabeling and/or RT-PCR. NADPH-oxidase-produced ROS were visualized microscopically using the fluorescent probe, dihydroethidium (DHE). VAS2870, a pan-NADPH oxidase inhibitor, was used to determine the specificity of Nox4 expression and its role in ROS production, and subsequently TGF-β-driven EMT. Results We demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, in rat lens epithelial explants that TGF-β treatment induces Nox4 (but not Nox1-3) expression and activity. Increased Nox4 expression was first detected at 6 to 8 hours following TGF-β treatment and was maintained in explants up to 48 hours. At 8 hours after TGF-β treatment, Nox4 was observed in cell nuclei, while at later stages in the EMT process (at 48 hours), Nox4 was predominately colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin. The inhibition of Nox4 expression and activity using VAS2870 inhibited EMT progression. Conclusions Transforming growth factor-β drives the expression of the ROS-producing enzyme Nox4 in rat lens epithelial cells and Nox4 inhibition can impede the EMT process.

Linear gas stopping cells have been used successfully at NSCL to slow down ions produced by projectile fragmentation from the 100 MeV/u to the keV energy range. These ‘stopped beams’ have first been used for low-energy high precision experiments and more recently for NSCLs re-accelerator ReA. A gas-filled reverse cyclotron is currently under construction by the NSCL to complement the existing stopping cells: Due to its extended stopping length, efficient stopping and fast extraction is expected even for light and medium-mass ions, which are difficult to thermalize in linear gas cells. The device is based on a 2.6 T maximum-field cyclotron-type magnet to confine the injected beam while it is slowed down in ≈100 mbar of LN2-temperature helium gas. Once thermalized, the beam will be transported to the center of the device by a traveling-wave RF-carpet system, extracted along the symmetry axis with an ion conveyor and miniature RF-carpets, and accelerated to a few tens of keV of energy for delivery to the users. The superconducting magnet has been constructed on a 60 kV platform and energized to its nominal field strength. The magnet’s two cryostats use 3 cryo-refrigerators each and liquid-nitrogen cooled thermal shields to cool the coil pair to superconductivity. This concept, chosen not to have to rely on external liquid helium, has been working well. Measurements of axial and radial field profiles confirm the field calculations. The individual RF-ion guiding components for low-energy ion transport through the device have been tested successfully. The beam stopping chamber with its 0.9 m-diameter RF carpet system and the ion extraction system are being prepared for installation inside the magnet for low-energy ion transport tests.

The environmental remediation from polluting dyes has been one of the significant challenges that the researchers are facing across the globe. Scientist all over the world are not only focusing on environmentally benign method for synthesis of new materials but are also putting a lot of emphasis on developing newer efficient method of remediation of environmental pollution through green and clean technology. In this regard, it has been contemplated to design a novel material which can not only be prepared in an environment friendly manner but also can play an important role in making our environment cleaner through efficient removal of polluting dyes from the environment. Thus, the major focus of this paper has been given on the synthesis, characterization, and application of Sn(II) inserted on hydroxyapatite encapsulated nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4@HAp-Sn2+) novel nanocomposite. The composite was synthesized in three steps and well characterized by various characterization techniques such as powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD), fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) studies and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and ultraviolet diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) studies. The photocatalytic and adsorption efficiency of the composite was investigated in the degradation of Rhodamine B dye. The composite has been able to removed 62.5% of the dye by adsorption. However, the 84.4% degradation of the dye in presence of the photo-catalyst was achieved in 60 min without the assistance of any reductant or oxidant. Remarkably, in the presence of H2O2 the complete degradation (99.2%) of the dye was achieved just in 40 min only. This eco-friendly magnetically retrievable nanocomposite, proved to be a great material for removing the organic contaminant from the wastewater.

Many of the small molecule-based inhibitors of NADPH oxidase activity are largely inadequate to substantiate broad claims, often exhibiting a lack of Nox-isoform-specificity, and sometimes only acting as scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we use a newly developed highly selective Nox4 inhibitor, GLX7013114, to modulate TGFβ-induced lens epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Rat lens epithelial explants were pre-treated with 0.3 μM of GLX7013114, and then treated with 200 pg/ml of TGF-β2 to induce lens EMT. ROS production was visualized microscopically using the superoxide fluorogenic probe, dihydroethidium (DHE). The EMT process was documented using phase-contrast microscopy, and molecular EMT markers were immunolabeled. qPCR was also performed to observe changes in EMT-associated genes. TGFβ-induced ROS was evident at 8 h of culture and its intensity was found to be significantly reduced when GLX7013114 was applied, comparable to ROS levels measured in untreated explants. Using phase-contrast microscopy to follow TGFβ-induced EMT over 5 days in the presence of the inhibitor, lens epithelial cells in explants became myofibroblastic by day 2 and underwent progressive apoptosis to reveal a bare lens capsule by day 5. Explants treated with TGFβ and GLX7013114 had some increased cell survival; however, these differences were not significant. For the first time, Nox4 inhibition by GLX7013114 was shown to reduce the TGFβ-induced gene expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), collagen 1a and fibronectin. GLX7013114, given that it appears to block aspects of TGFβ-induced EMT, including ROS production, may be a new useful Nox4-selective inhibitor for further studies.

Yak, an economically important bovine species considered as lifeline of the Himalaya. Indeed, this gigantic bovine is neglected because of the scientific intervention for its conservation as well as research documentation for a long time. Amelogenin is an essential protein for tooth enamel which eutherian mammals contain two copies in both X and Y chromosome each. In bovine, the deletion of a fragment of the nucleotide sequence in Y chromosome copy of exon 6 made Amelogenin an excellent sex-specific marker. Thus, an attempt was made to use the gene as an advanced molecular marker of sexing of the yak to improve breeding strategies and reproduction. The present study confirmed that the polymerase chain reaction amplification of the Amelogenin gene with a unique primer is useful in sex identification of the yak. The test is further refined with qPCR validation by quantifying the DNA copy number of the Amelogenin gene in male and female. We observed a high level of sequence polymorphisms of AMELX and AMELY in yak considered as novel identification. These tests can be further extended into several other specialized fields including forensics, meat production and processing, and quality control.

The current study evaluates antidiabetic, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet activity of novel benzimidazole-containing quinolinyl oxadiazoles. These derivatives are synthesized and characterized using spectroscopy (FT-IR, 1H NMR, and mass spectroscopy) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The inhibitory effects of these compounds were evaluated by the α-glucosidase inhibitory assay and shows the activity in the range of IC50 = 0.66 ± 0.05 to 3.79 ± 0.46 μg/mL. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed that benzimidazole-containing quinolinyl oxadiazoles can correctly dock into the target receptor protein of the human intestinal α-glucosidase, while their bioavailability/drug-likeness was predicted to be acceptable but requires further optimization. On the other hand, compound 8a and 8d showed anticoagulant activity as they enhanced the clotting time from control 180–410 and 180–390 s, respectively, in platelet rich plasma and 230–460 and 230–545 s in platelet poor plasma. Furthermore, only 8a showed antiplatelet activity by inhibiting epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation, and the observed aggregation inhibition was found to be 93.4%. Compounds 8a–f show nontoxic properties because of the non-hydrolyzing properties in the RBC cells. In addition, 8a and 8d show anti-edema and anti-hemorrhagic properties in the experimental mice. These findings reveal that benzimidazole-containing quinolinyl oxadiazoles act as α-glucosidase inhibitors to develop novel therapeutics for treating type-II diabetes mellitus and can act as lead molecules in drug discovery as potential antidiabetic and antithrombotic agents.

INTRODUCTION We evaluated the role of gallium-68-labeled [1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid]-1-Nal3-octreotide (Ga-DOTA-NOC) PET/CT in assessing sarcoidosis disease activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis underwent Ga-DOTA-NOC-PET/CT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) at the pathological site and in the descending thoracic aorta (reference standard, SUVmed) were assessed. A SUVmax/SUVmed ratio (disease activity score) of more than one was considered a marker of active disease and was compared with the clinical symptoms and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme and computed tomography (CT) scan. The primary outcome was to assess the efficacy of the scan in estimating disease activity. RESULTS Of the 39 patients enrolled in the study, 27 patients were symptomatic and the rest were asymptomatic at enrollment. Increased disease activity was present in 25 (92%) of the 27 symptomatic patients and two (16%) of the 12 asymptomatic patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 92.5% (95% confidence interval=75.7-99.0) and 83.3% (95% confidence interval=51.5-97.9), respectively. Seven out of nine patients who became asymptomatic after treatment showed a significant decrease in the mean disease activity score in post-treatment scans (3.38±1.05 vs 1.20±0.82, P

Synthesis of pyridinium based ionic liquids were reported and applied as catalyst for the selective O-methylation of phenols and benzyl alcohols. The reactions were carried out by using dimethylcarbonate (DMC) as the methylating agent. High selectivity, high yield and recyclability of the ionic liquids are important features of the reactions.

A microwave mediated, ionic liquid catalyzed, VOC free and one pot synthesis of formazans was developed. In an alternative procedure, resin immobilized diazonium ions was used as a solid supported reaction for formazan synthesis. The efficiency of both the procedures was examined with respect to yield of product, reduction of reaction time and environmental impact. Products were obtained in a short reaction time and in moderate to high yield. This study was undertaken to find an alternative green protocol for the synthesis of formazans using ionic liquid as catalyst in aqueous media in the absence of corrosive mineral acids, buffered solutions and VOCs.

Ionic liquids (IL) prepared from dialkylamines and concentrated sulphuric acid were used in an operationally simple, cost effective, efficient and environmentally benign synthesis of xanthenes and benzoxanthenes. Three ILs were screened for their efficiency as promoter of the synthesis. Results indicate di-n-propylammoniumhydrogensulphate to be the most efficient IL. Product recovery is simple and the IL could be recovered for reuse.

The organochlorine pesticides aldrin (0.14 μg/L) and methoxychlor (0.23 μg/L) were both present in the Albasini Dam, Limpopo Province, South Africa, during a field survey in 2014. The use of aldrin has been banned in the USA since 1987 and restricted in South Africa since 1992. The use of methoxychlor, however, remains undefined with little information available about its registration in South Africa despite being banned in Europe (2002) and USA (2003). The aim of this study was to determine the potential effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of aldrin and methoxychlor on the reproductive system of male catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Males were exposed for 96 h to the two pesticides under controlled laboratory conditions. Following exposure, each fish was weighed and measured, and a necropsy performed to determine any macroscopic abnormalities and the general health of the fish. The fish were killed and dissected and the testes removed, weighed and measured to determine the gonadosomatic index (GSI). The right testis of each fish was sectioned for histopathological assessment and to calculate the testes index (IT). The left testis was used for computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The histopathological assessment of the testes showed histopathological changes such as of melano-macrophage centres (MMCs) and vacuolation of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. However, the classification of these changes indicated that the testes tissue structure was normal with slight histological changes. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the CASA parameters between exposure groups. The results of this study showed that the environmentally relevant concentrations of aldrin and methoxychlor did not have a negative effect on the motility of the mature sperm, but adverse effects were noted in the early stages of spermatogenesis, indicating possible effects over longer exposure periods.

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing enzyme, NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), is upregulated in response to TGFβ in lens epithelial cells in vitro, and its selective inhibition was shown to block aspects of TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present in situ study we validate the role(s) of Nox4 in TGFβ-induced lens EMT leading to anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) formation. Mice overexpressing TGFβ in the lens, that develop ASC, were crossed to Nox4-deficient mice. When comparing mice overexpressing TGFβ in lens, to mice that were also deficient for Nox4, we see the delayed onset of cataract, along with a delay in EMT protein markers normally associated with TGFβ-induced fibrotic cataracts. In the absence of Nox4, we also see elevated levels of ERK1/2 activity that was shown to be required for TGFβ/Smad2/3-signaling. qRT-PCR revealed upregulation of Nox2 and its regulatory subunit in TGFβ-overexpressing lens epithelial cells devoid of Nox4. Taken together, these findings provide an improved platform to delineate putative Nox4 (and ROS) interactions with Smad2/3 and/or ERK1/2, in particular in the development of fibrotic diseases, such as specific forms of cataract.

It is estimated that approximately 24% of the US population has at least one tattoo. However, tattoo ink ingredients include heavy metals (high atomic number Z) that are not regulated, which can cause skin reactions. This study investigates the dosimetric effects in surface dose due to high-Z elements in tattoo ink under electron beam irradiation. Four commercially available tattoo ink colors, black, red, yellow, and blue were chosen. The elemental composition of the tattoo ink samples was analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). An ultrathin-window parallel plate ion chamber was used to measure the surface dose perturbation (ratio of ionizations with and without tattoo ink) for 6 - 20 MeV electron beams. The elemental concentration in the tattoo ink samples showed high-Z elements, with Z ranging from 11 to 92. The dose perturbation ranged from 1.4% up to 6% for the yellow ink for the 6 MeV electron beam, with similar values across the rest of the electron energies, whereas the black, red, and blue inks presented up to 3% dose perturbation for the same range of energies. Based on this initial study, we conclude that commercially available tattoo inks contain large amounts of high-Z metals that may contribute to dose perturbation. Therefore treatment of superficial lesions with electron beams in a tattooed area should be monitored for signs of early skin reaction during radiation therapy treatments.

Low-cost GaN-on-Si-based transistors are targeted to function at high ambient temperatures. With this perspective, it is aimed to evaluate the high-temperature (HT) capabilities of GaN-on-Si double-heterostructure field-effect transistors. It is highlighted that HT device operation degrades both ON and OFF states that are directly related to the increase in the on-resistance and the decrease in device breakdown voltage; 2-DEG mobility drops with increasing temperature and is responsible for ON-state degradation. Regarding the OFF-state operation, it is observed that at low-voltage operation and with increasing temperature, there is an increase in the OFF-state leakage current because of thermal-assisted electrical conduction across the III-N layers and various interfaces. The main breakdown limiting mechanism at any temperature is, however, buffer leakage along the AlN/Si interface. Because this parasitic conduction, a negative temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage of approximately -1 V/°C is observed. For devices after Si removal, the leakage across the AlN/Si interface is interrupted and therefore HT OFF-state characteristics show high potential to be used at high operating voltage. A breakdown voltage as high as ~1800V is observed after Si removal compared with ~500 V with Si at 150°C.

Secondary amine based ionic liquid and defective Keggin type heteropoly acid (HPA) are separately used for efficient one-pot four-component synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles assisted by microwave (MW). Eco-friendly solvent free procedure, short reaction time, high yield of products and reusability of catalysts are important features of the synthesis. A comparative study on the efficiency of the two catalysts is reported. This work further demonstrates the alternate use of urea, instead of often used ammonium acetate, as source of nitrogen.

We demonstrate a smartphone based spectrometer design that is standalone and supported on a wireless platform. The device is inherently low-cost and the power consumption is minimal making it portable to carry out a range of studies in the field. All essential components of the device like the light source, spectrometer, filters, microcontroller and wireless circuits have been assembled in a housing of dimensions 88 mm × 37 mm × 22 mm and the entire device weighs 48 g. The resolution of the spectrometer is 15 nm, delivering accurate and repeatable measurements. The device has a dedicated app interface on the smartphone to communicate, receive, plot and analyze spectral data. The performance of the smartphone spectrometer is comparable to existing bench-top spectrometers in terms of stability and wavelength resolution. Validations of the device were carried out by demonstrating non-destructive ripeness testing in fruit samples. Ultra-Violet (UV) fluorescence from Chlorophyll present in the skin was measured across various apple varieties during the ripening process and correlated with destructive firmness tests. A satisfactory agreement was observed between ripeness and fluorescence signals. This demonstration is a step towards possible consumer, bio-sensing and diagnostic applications that can be carried out in a rapid manner., Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Tata Center for Technology and Design, Tata Trusts

The adsorption model developed by Kralchevsky and co-workers, the Kralchevsky–Danov–Broze–Mehreteab (KDBM) model, has been applied to fit the surface tension data in the submicellar region of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in water, water + 50 wt.% formamide (FA) and FA media. The KDBM model satisfactorily fits the surface tension data and from the fitting surface density of surfactant monomer ( Γ 1 ), surface density of counterion ( Γ 2 ) and electrostatic potential at the air–solution interface were evaluated. The value of Γ 1 decreases as the FA content in the medium increases due to decreasing solvophobicity, but the value of Γ 2 does not follow this trend. For both SDS and CPC the maximum value of the counterion binding constant ( Γ 2 / Γ 1 ) is almost same (about 0.8) in water and FA, but much low (about 0.3–0.5) in 50% FA. In all the three media, on increasing the concentration of SDS or CPC the surface potential passes through a maximum in the low concentration region.

This work focuses on the mechanisms of alkaline electroless Ni deposition on n-type Si substrates and silicide formation by rapid thermal treatment. The deposited Ni layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The results indicate that Ni deposition occurs in two steps; a nucleation step, dominated by electrochemical processes, followed by autocatalytic deposition of Ni involving the reducing agent NaH2PO2. The oxygen content was found to be uniform in the Ni layer and was higher close to the Si/metal interface. The silicide formation from alkaline Ni deposits was characterized by 4 point probe measurements, in-situ x-ray dispersion (XRD) measurements, and TEM measurements. Results were compared to silicides formed from ‘pure’ sputtered Ni layers. It was observed that the silicide-formation temperature is higher for an electroless Ni layer than that for a sputtered Ni layer. The results suggest that the temperature ramping rate influences crystallographic phase formation.

We demonstrate a novel field-effect saccharide sensor device using an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure functionalized with a chemical receptor, featuring a thiol group, alkane chain linker and a simple boronic acid. Fabricated devices were demonstrated to electronically detect buffered saccharide solutions (fructose, galactose and glucose) of varying concentrations. These results provide proof-of-concept for the development AlGaN/GaN-based sensor devices incorporating boronic acid receptor chemistry.

Purpose: Particle beam therapy is associated with significant startup and operational cost. Multileaf collimator (MLC) provides an attractive option to improve the efficiency and reduce the treatment cost. A direct transfer of the MLC technology from external beam radiation therapy is intuitively straightforward to proton therapy. However, activation, neutron production, and the associated secondary cancer risk in proton beam should be an important consideration which is evaluated. Methods: Monte Carlo simulation with FLUKA particle transport code was applied in this study for a number of treatment models. The authors have performed a detailed study of the neutron generation, ambient dose equivalent [H*(10)], and activation of a typical tungsten MLC and compared with those obtained from a brass aperture used in a typical proton therapy system. Brass aperture and tungsten MLC were modeled by absorber blocks in this study, representing worst-case scenario of a fully closed collimator. Results: With a tungsten MLC, the secondary neutron dose to the patient is at least 1.5 times higher than that from a brass aperture. The H*(10) from a tungsten MLC at 10 cm downstream is about 22.3 mSv/Gy delivered to water phantom by noncollimated 200 MeV beam of 20 cm diameter compared to 14more » mSv/Gy for the brass aperture. For a 30-fraction treatment course, the activity per unit volume in brass aperture reaches 5.3 x 10{sup 4} Bq cm{sup -3} at the end of the last treatment. The activity in brass decreases by a factor of 380 after 24 h, additional 6.2 times after 40 days of cooling, and is reduced to background level after 1 yr. Initial activity in tungsten after 30 days of treating 30 patients per day is about 3.4 times higher than in brass that decreases only by a factor of 2 after 40 days and accumulates to 1.2 x 10{sup 6} Bq cm{sup -3} after a full year of operation. The daily utilization of the MLC leads to buildup of activity with time. The overall activity continues to increase due to {sup 179}Ta with a half-life of 1.82 yr and thus require prolonged storage for activity cooling. The H*(10) near the patient side of the tungsten block is about 100 {mu}Sv/h and is 27 times higher at the upstream side of the block. This would lead to an accumulated dose for therapists in a year that may exceed occupational maximum permissible dose (50 mSv/yr). The value of H*(10) at the upstream surface of the tungsten block is about 220 times higher than that of the brass. Conclusions: MLC is an efficient way for beam shaping and overall cost reduction device in proton therapy. However, based on this study, tungsten seems to be not an optimal material for MLC in proton beam therapy. Usage of tungsten MLC in clinic may create unnecessary risks associated with the secondary neutrons and induced radioactivity for patients and staff depending on the patient load. A careful selection of material for manufacturing of an optimal MLC for proton therapy is thus desired.« less

Radiotherapy with proton beams requires accurate knowledge of the proton range. When materials with high atomic numbers ( Z ) and densities (e.g. prostheses or implants) are present in the patient, they give rise to pronounced uncertainties in computed tomography data and to large errors in proton range and dose calculations. A modified analytical expression is proposed for the observed range shift in water in the presence of a high-density material of known thickness and density. The expression was verified experimentally in a clinical beam with various thicknesses and materials in a water phantom, at several beam ranges and at different depths. Measurements were also made behind the medium-to-water interface to evaluate dose perturbation using a thin window parallel plate ion chamber. Primary particle fluence variations due to the range shift were studied in a separate experiment. The measured range shift was in good agreement (±0.3 mm) with the analytical expression for most of the materials studied. A small, but consistent dependence of range shift on the energy of impinging protons was found. Dose perturbation factor in water downstream of the material is less than +5% for thicknesses up to 8 g/cm 2 . The proposed analytical expression can be used in clinical situations to determine the range shift in patient caused by an implanted material. Dose perturbation in the presence of an implant is due to the changes in primary particle fluence resulting from several physical processes.

Laboratory experiment on vermicomposting of distillation waste of java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.) was carried out employing Eudrilus eugeniae, in two seasonal trials, covering summer and winter periods. Two vermicomposting treatments were conducted in earthen pots, one with citronella plant waste only (CW) and the other, a mixture of citronella waste and cowdung in the proportion 5:1 (CW+CD). Vermicomposting of citronella waste resulted reduction in C/N ratio (83.5-87.7%), enhancement of ash content and a number of macro and micronutrients. The FT-IR spectroscopy of the vermicompost revealed the reduction in aliphatic and aromatic compound as well as increase in amide group after the 105 days stabilization process. The vermicompost output was significantly enhanced in CW+CD treatment than CW treatment. Even, nutrient content of the vermicompost was also higher in CW+CD treatment than CW alone indicating the positive role of cowdung in improvement of quantity and quality.

Enhancement in room temperature ferromagnetism has been observed in Mn doped ZnO, when co-doped with Ni. In the co-doped system, Ni–O–Ni and Ni–O–Mn carrier mediated exchange interaction dominates the Mn–O–Mn exchange interaction which causes a fair increase in the value of saturation magnetization at room temperature. It is believed that the simultaneous doping of Ni and Mn onto ZnO increases the carrier concentration in form of clusters of oxygen vacancies and hence favors the carrier mediated exchange interaction for the enhancement of magnetic moments in the system.

Glutathione transferase-P1-1 (hGSTP1-1), which is associated with acquired drug resistance in some tumour cells, requires two identical subunits for full activity. Naturally occurring inhibitors for GSTP1-1 quaternary structure could be interesting therapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate potential binding sites for hGSTP1-1 interaction with ligands many of which occur naturally. Simulations were performed with commercial docking software and with GST monomer or dimer as template. Docking results using hGSTP1-1 dimer showed one binding site for most of the ligands tested. Lycopene, glutathione, ellagic acid, ethacrynic acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, porphyrin, curcumin, cinnamic acid, and also α-tocopherol bound at the enzyme dimer subunit-subunit interface. In contrast, investigations using hGSTP1-1 monomer revealed three additional sites for ligand binding. In conclusion, the docking simulations suggest that the enzyme subunit interface may be important for hGSTP1-1 interactions with ligands. These findings may provide valuable insights for further research to identify naturally occurring therapeutic agents.

Occurrence of room temperature ferromagnetism in nanocrystalline ZnO is confirmed through a series of studies conducted by calcining the samples at various temperatures. Magnetic measurements showed that room temperature ferromagnetic contribution decreases with the increase in calcination temperature up to 750 °C and again increases to a higher amount at 850 °C due to the change in stoichiometric ratio of Zn and O. Variation of defects in comparison to the wurtzite crystal structure has been observed from the micro-Raman studies. The broad shoulder peak appearing at 581 cm −1 becomes sharper for sample calcined up to 750 °C, indicating the decrease in oxygen vacancies and vacancy clusters.

We investigated the limitations of the field plate (FP) effect on breakdown voltage VBD that is due to the silicon substrate in AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN double heterostructures field-effect transistors. In our previous work, we showed that in devices with large gate-drain distance (LGD > 8 μm), the breakdown voltage does not linearly increase with LGD because of a double leakage path between the silicon substrate and the metal contacts, which makes the device break at the silicon interface. In this paper, we showed that the effect of the FP for such large LGD is not significant because the breakdown is still dominated by the silicon substrate. The increase in VBD due to the FP is significant only for devices with small gate-drain distances (LGD