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Summary: Fabrication of stimuli-responsive superstructure capable of delivering chemotherapeutics directly to the cancer cell by sparing healthy cells is crucial. Herein, we developed redox-responsive hollow spherical assemblies through self-assembly of disulfide-linked cysteine-diphenylalanine (SN). These fluorescent hollow spheres display intrinsic green fluorescence, are proteolytically stable and biocompatible, and allow for real-time monitoring of their intracellular entry. The disulfide bond facilitates selective degradation in the presence of high glutathione (GSH) concentrations, prevalent in cancer cells. We achieved efficient encapsulation (68.72%) of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) and demonstrated GSH-dependent, redox-responsive drug release within cancerous cells. SN-Dox exhibited a 20-fold lower effective concentration (2.5 μM) for compromising breast cancer cell viability compared to non-malignant cells (50 μM). The ability of SN-Dox to initiate DNA damage signaling and trigger apoptosis was comparable to that of the unencapsulated drug. Our findings highlight the potential of SN for creating site-specific drug delivery vehicles for sustained therapeutic release.

Dose limiting cardiotoxicity remains a major limiting factor in the clinical use of several cancer chemotherapeutics including anthracyclines and the antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Prior work has demonstrated that chemotherapeutics increase expression of R7 family regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) protein-binding partner Gβ5, which drives myocyte cytotoxicity. However, though several R7 family members are expressed in heart, the exact role of each protein in chemotherapy driven heart damage remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that RGS11, downregulated in the human heart following chemotherapy exposure, possesses potent anti-apoptotic actions, in direct opposition to the actions of fellow R7 family member RGS6. RGS11 forms a direct complex with the apoptotic kinase CaMKII and stress responsive transcription factor ATF3 and acts to counterbalance the ability of CaMKII and ATF3 to trigger oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death, and release of the cardiokine neuregulin-1 (NRG1), which mediates pathological intercommunication between myocytes and endothelial cells. Doxorubicin triggers RGS11 depletion in the murine myocardium, and cardiac-specific OE of RGS11 decreases doxorubicin-induced fibrosis, myocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and cell loss and aids in the maintenance of left ventricular function. Conversely, RGS11 knockdown in heart promotes cardiac fibrosis associated with CaMKII activation and ATF3/NRG1 induction. Indeed, inhibition of CaMKII largely prevents the fibrotic remodeling resulting from cardiac RGS11 depletion underscoring the functional importance of the RGS11-CaMKII interaction in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis. These data describe an entirely new role for RGS11 in heart and identify RGS11 as a potential new target for amelioration of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.

In any waste management process, the 3 R’s, i.e., Recycling, Reuse and Recover play a very important role. The present work focuses on collection, handling, and usage of waste flowers. A large volume of flower waste generated daily at Tumakuru is improperly disposed of in open places or in dust bins and finally reaches landfill along with the other municipal solid wastes. As a part of India’s Swachh Bharat programme, this paper gives an idea of reducing the flower waste quantity and converting them into incense sticks. The various types of flowers were analysed and compared based on the results obtained from physicochemical properties. SEM and EDS were used to determine the surface morphology and chemical compositions of crushed flowers, respectively. From the SEM study, it can be seen that filament type, cave type and stripelike textures were observed on the surfaces of crushed flowers, and the EDS analysis has shown that the rose flower powder has a rich amount of carbon (66.98 %) and yellow chrysanthemum flower contains less carbon (37.68 %) compared to other crushed flowers. Also, this paper demonstrates the practical aspects in making incense sticks from flower waste. It was suggested that dumping process must be managed with flexibility, following strict implementation of the applicable legislation, and awareness programs are needed to collect and reuse flower waste from different sources.

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health problem with diabetes being the leading cause. Renal resistive index derived by Duplex Doppler sonography, has been in use clinically to examine intrarenal hemodynamic abnormalities. However, renal biopsy remains the gold standard for the evaluation of intrarenal damage. In this study we correlated the renal resistive index in diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease patients with the established parameters of renal dysfunction i.e. histopathological changes. Results The conducted study was a cross-sectional comparative study on 114 patients (58 diabetic and 56 non-diabetic patients) over a period of 18 months. Evaluated histopathological indices and renal resistive index had a statistically significant positive correlation (glomerulosclerosis, arterial damage and tubulo-interstitial damage scores) in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The highest correlation was observed with tubulo-interstitial score in our study. Conclusions Renal resistive index could be considered a marker of histological damage in both diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease. Inclusion of resistive index in the routine diagnostic protocol of chronic kidney disease can help in the accurate assessment of intrarenal damage. Hence, it is of utmost importance as a radiologist to determine resistive index in chronic kidney disease patients and guide the clinicians for efficient management.

Abstract Background Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a potentially life-threatening disease with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the most common aetiology. Infection can involve the renal parenchyma, collecting system and perinephric tissues, and is commonly encountered in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. EPN complicated by suppurative thrombophlebitis of the inferior vena cava is a rare occurrence. Our case had thrombosis of the right common iliac vein as well, which is first of its kind reported with EPN. Case presentation We describe a case of a 59-year-old male patient, with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, who presented to the emergency department with a history of high-grade fever and left loin pain. Clinico-laboratory findings were diagnostic for diabetes mellitus, complicated by upper urinary tract infection with sepsis. A preliminary ultrasound of the abdomen was indicative of left hydronephrosis with features of emphysematous pyelonephritis. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was done to ascertain the cause of hydronephrosis. Left ureteric calculus complicated by emphysematous pyelonephritis (type 3a) with intraluminal air in the left renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC). Culture grew E. coli. Patient was started on insulin and intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and bilateral DJ stenting was done. Patient was symptomatically better and was discharged. A month later, he was readmitted with relapse of symptoms; repeat CT showed left perinephric abscess, with left renal vein, inferior vena cava and right common iliac vein thrombosis. Repeat culture grew E. coli, stent was replaced, and subsequently he underwent ultrasound-guided aspiration for left perinephric abscess. Haemodialysis along with IV antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy was started. Conclusion Suppurative thrombophlebitis of the inferior vena cava in association with EPN is rare; however, the same is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis, drainage procedure, antibiotics coupled with anticoagulants are the mainstay of treatment for deep venous thrombophlebitis.

Abstract Background Renal lymphangiectasia also referred to as renal lymphangiomatosis is a rare, but benign condition is characterized by the ectatic of lymphatic channels and is characterized by ectasia of peripelvic, perirenal and/or intrarenal lymphatic vessels. It can mimic the appearance of hydronephrosis or cystic renal lesions on imaging. As radiologists, to avoid therapeutic misadventure, it becomes critical to make an accurate diagnosis. Case presentation The clinical presentation of renal lymphangiectasia is typically asymptomatic, but it can be complicated by infection or bleeding. We report two cases, who presented with loin pain, diagnosed as hydronephrosis on ultrasound, one of whom had a nephrectomy done for a hydronephrotic and non-functioning right kidney. Conclusions Hence, this case series brings to light a short review of the literature on renal lymphangiectasia, including its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging findings, complications and differential diagnosis.

Abstract Background In India, two vaccines received emergent use authorization, namely Covishield (a brand of the Oxford—Astra Zeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum institute of India) and Covaxin (developed by Bharat Biotech) against COVID-19 disease. Chest CT is an objective way to assess the extent of pulmonary parenchymal involvement. This study aims to estimate the disease severity and outcome due to COVID-19 among vaccinated and non-vaccinated symptomatic patients and compare the same in Covishield versus Covaxin recipients using CT severity score. Results A total of 306 patients were retrospectively evaluated. The mean age was 62.56 ± 8.9 years, and males [n-208 (67.97%)] were commonly affected. Of 306 patients, 143 were non-vaccinated (47%), 124 were partially vaccinated (40%), and 39 were completely vaccinated (13%). CT severity scores were reduced in both Covishield and Covaxin recipients in comparison with the non-vaccinated group [χ 2 (2) = 16.32, p