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Biohybrid systems based on plants integrate plant structures and processes into technological components targeting more sustainable solutions. Plants' biocatalytic machinery, for example, has been leveraged for the organization of electronic materials directly in the vasculature and roots of living plants, resulting in biohybrid electrochemical devices. Among other applications, energy storage devices were demonstrated where the charge storage electrodes were seamlessly integrated into the plant tissue. However, the capacitance and the voltage output of a single biohybrid supercapacitor are limited. Here, we developed biohybrid circuits based on functionalized conducting roots, extending the performance of plant based biohybrid energy storage systems. We show that root-supercapacitors can be combined in series and in parallel configuration, achieving up to 1.5 V voltage output or up to 11 mF capacitance, respectively. We further demonstrate that the supercapacitors circuit can be charged with an organic photovoltaic cell, and that the stored charge can be used to power an electrochromic display or a bioelectronic device. Furthermore, the functionalized roots degrade in composting similarly to native roots. The proof-of-concept demonstrations illustrate the potential of this technology to achieve more sustainable solutions for powering low consumption devices such as bioelectronics for agriculture or IoT applications.

Land is a finite resource that must be managed wisely to ensure its sustainability. Consequently, land evaluation has become essential. Identifying and utilizing productive capacity of land efficiently and profitably is crucial; otherwise, resource degradation can severely impact natural ecosystems and food production. Over the years, various methodologies have been employed to assess land resources, and one such method is the Land Capability Classification (LCC). LCC is a widely used and fundamental approach to land-use planning, traditionally assessing land based on its intrinsic qualities and climate. This study aims to highlight new approaches and developments in land evaluation techniques. It provides a brief overview of recent technological and scientific advancements integrated into land evaluation. The findings suggest that LCC alone is inadequate for precise land assessment, emphasizing the need to integrate new technologies. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies are becoming increasingly significant. Integrating various software, decision-making systems, and mathematical models can also enhance the accuracy of land assessment results. The continuous advancement of GIS and remote sensing technologies is paving the way for new tools to facilitate natural resource mapping, appraisal, surveillance, and management. Utilizing these technologies for future projections will be highly beneficial in accurately assessing the long-term impacts of current land management practices., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Electrical signals in plants are mediators of long-distance signaling and correlate with plant movements and responses to stress. These signals are studied with single surface electrodes that cannot resolve signal propagation and integration, thus impeding their decoding and link to function. Here, we developed a conformable multielectrode array based on organic electronics for large-scale and high-resolution plant electrophysiology. We performed precise spatiotemporal mapping of the action potential (AP) in Venus flytrap and found that the AP actively propagates through the tissue with constant speed and without strong directionality. We also found that spontaneously generated APs can originate from unstimulated hairs and that they correlate with trap movement. Last, we demonstrate that the Venus flytrap circuitry can be activated by cells other than the sensory hairs. Our work reveals key properties of the AP and establishes the capacity of organic bioelectronics for resolving electrical signaling in plants contributing to the mechanistic understanding of long-distance responses in plants.

Water is an essential part of human life, and its pollution is a hotly debated topic on both national and international scales. Surface waterbodies in the beautiful Kashmir Himalayas are already deteriorating. In this study, fourteen physio-chemical parameters were tested in water samples taken during the spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons from twenty-six different sampling points. The findings showed a consistent decline in the water quality of river Jhelum and its adjoining tributaries. The upstream section of the river Jhelum had the least pollution, whereas the Nallah Sindh had the poorest water quality. The water quality of Jhelum and Wular Lake was strongly impacted by the water quality of all the adjoining tributaries. To examine the link between the selected water quality indicators, descriptive statistics and a correlation matrix were used. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis/factor analysis (PCA/FA) were used to identify the key variables that influenced seasonal and sectional water quality fluctuations. The ANOVA analysis revealed that there were significant differences in water quality characteristics among the twenty-six sampling locations throughout all four seasons. The PCA findings identified four principal components that accounted for 75.18% of the total variance and could be utilized to evaluate all data. The study revealed that chemical, conventional, organic, and organic pollutants were significant latent factors influencing the water quality of rivers in the region. The findings of this study could contribute to the vital management of surface water resources in Kashmir's ecology and environment., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Plant vasculature transports molecules that play a crucial role in plant signaling including systemic responses and acclimation to diverse environmental conditions. Targeted controlled delivery of molecules to the vascular tissue can be a biomimetic way to induce long distance responses, providing a new tool for the fundamental studies and engineering of stress-tolerant plants. Here, a flexible organic electronic ion pump, an electrophoretic delivery device, for controlled delivery of phytohormones directly in plant vascular tissue is developed. The c-OEIP is based on polyimide-coated glass capillaries that significantly enhance the mechanical robustness of these microscale devices while being minimally disruptive for the plant. The polyelectrolyte channel is based on low-cost and commercially available precursors that can be photocured with blue light, establishing much cheaper and safer system than the state-of-the-art. To trigger OEIP-induced plant response, the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) in the petiole of intact Arabidopsis plants is delivered. ABA is one of the main phytohormones involved in plant stress responses and induces stomata closure under drought conditions to reduce water loss and prevent wilting. The OEIP-mediated ABA delivery triggered fast and long-lasting stomata closure far away from the delivery point demonstrating systemic vascular transport of the delivered ABA, verified delivering deuterium-labeled ABA., (© 2023 The Authors. Advanced Science published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

(1) Background globe. The etiology of CHDs is complex and involves both genetic and non-genetic factors. Although, significant progress has been made in deciphering the genetic components involved in CHDs, recent reports have revealed that mutations in Nk2 homeobox5 (NKX2-5) and actin alpha cardiac muscle1 (ACTC1) genes play a key role in CHDs such as atrial and ventricular septum defects. Therefore, the present study evaluates the role of key hotspot mutations in NKX2-5 and ACTC1 genes of congenital cardiac septal defect (CCSD) in ethnic Kashmiri population. (2) Methods: A total of 112 confirmed CHD patients were included in the current study, of which 30 patients were evaluated for mutational analysis for hotspot mutations of NKX2-5 and ACTC1 genes. The total genomic DNA was extracted from the samples (cardiac tissue/blood) and were subjected to amplification for NKX2-5 (exon 1 and 2), and ACTC1 (exon 2) genes by using PCR specific primers to analyze the hotspot mutations in respective exons. The amplified products obtained were sent to Macrogen Korea for sequencing by Sanger’s method. (3) Results: Our results confirmed that not a single mutation was found in either hotspot exon 1 and 2 of NKX2-5 and exon 2 of ACTC1 in the patients included in the current study. Interestingly, a novel synonymous nucleotide variation leading to G > C transversion (GCG > GCC) was found in exon 2 of NKX2-5 gene of CCSD patient. (4) Conclusions: The current findings demonstrated the role of NKX2-5 and ACTC1 in cardiac development. The study will provide an insight in understanding the genetic etiology and highlights the role of newly identified mutations in patients with CDS’s in ethnic Kashmiri population. In silico findings revealed amino acid changes, splice site variation and the creation of new site. Furthermore, the study warrants complete screening of genes involved in CCSDs.

Plants are able to sense and respond to a myriad of external stimuli, using different signal transduction pathways, including electrical signaling. The ability to monitor plant responses is essential not only for fundamental plant science, but also to gain knowledge on how to interface plants with technology. Still, the field of plant electrophysiology remains rather unexplored when compared to its animal counterpart. Indeed, most studies continue to rely on invasive techniques or on bulky inorganic electrodes that oftentimes are not ideal for stable integration with plant tissues. On the other hand, few studies have proposed novel approaches to monitor plant signals, based on non-invasive conformable electrodes or even organic transistors. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are particularly promising for electrophysiology as they are inherently amplification devices, they operate at low voltages, can be miniaturized, and be fabricated in flexible and conformable substrates. Thus, in this study, we characterize OECTs as viable tools to measure plant electrical signals, comparing them to the performance of the current standard, Ag/AgCl electrodes. For that, we focused on two widely studied plant signals: the Venus flytrap (VFT) action potentials elicited by mechanical stimulation of its sensitive trigger hairs, and the wound response of Arabidopsis thaliana . We found that OECTs are able to record these signals without distortion and with the same resolution as Ag/AgCl electrodes and that they offer a major advantage in terms of signal noise, which allow them to be used in field conditions. This work establishes these organic bioelectronic devices as non-invasive tools to monitor plant signaling that can provide insight into plant processes in their natural environment., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Armada-Moreira, Diacci, Dar, Berggren, Simon and Stavrinidou.)

Future brain-machine interfaces, prosthetics, and intelligent soft robotics will require integrating artificial neuromorphic devices with biological systems. Due to their poor biocompatibility, circuit complexity, low energy efficiency, and operating principles fundamentally different from the ion signal modulation of biology, traditional Silicon-based neuromorphic implementations have limited bio-integration potential. Here, we report the first organic electrochemical neurons (OECNs) with ion-modulated spiking, based on all-printed complementary organic electrochemical transistors. We demonstrate facile bio-integration of OECNs with Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) to induce lobe closure upon input stimuli. The OECNs can also be integrated with all-printed organic electrochemical synapses (OECSs), exhibiting short-term plasticity with paired-pulse facilitation and long-term plasticity with retention >1000 s, facilitating Hebbian learning. These soft and flexible OECNs operate below 0.6 V and respond to multiple stimuli, defining a new vista for localized artificial neuronal systems possible to integrate with bio-signaling systems of plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Here in we report the number of strategies for the synthesis of differently substituted benzimidazole derivatives. The protocols involved in the syntheses of these derivatives were one-pot or multi-component. The characterization studies of these derivatives were carried by using different spectroscopic techniques (1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS) and elemental analyses. The biological screening studies revealed that these benzimidazole derivatives show potential antibacterial as well as antifungal behavior. These benzimidazole derivatives not only depicted potential antiulcer properties but also showed moderate to good anticancer/cytotoxic behavior against different cancer cell lines., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

New steroidal imidazolidinthione derivatives (4-6) were synthesized from steroidal thiosemicarbazones and dichloroethane. The synthesized compounds were characterized using spectral data analysis. Theoretical DFT involving B3LYP/6-31G∗∗ level of theory was employed to gain insights into the molecular structure of the target compounds. MEPS and FMO analysis were carried out. HOMO-LUMO energy gap was determined which helped to evaluate various global descriptors like hardness, chemical potential, electronegativity, nucleophilicity and electrophilicity index, etc. The calculated properties established that the synthesized products are more or less similar in their reactivity behaviour. To explore their biological potential, interaction studies of compounds (4-6) with DNA were carried out using various biophysical techniques. The compounds bind DNA preferentially through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with K b of 3.21 × 10 3 M -1 , 2.79 × 10 3 M -1 and 2.26 × 10 3 M -1 , respectively indicating the higher binding affinity of compound 4 towards DNA. Gel electrophoresis of compound 4 demonstrated strong interaction during the concentration dependent cleavage activity with pBR322 DNA. It was observed that these steroidal imidazolidinthiones are minor groove binders of DNA which was validated using molecular docking studies. An in vitro cytotoxicity screening using MTT assay revealed that the compounds (4-6) exhibit potential toxicity against different human cancer cells. Highest antiproliferative effect was observed on HeLa cells by compound 4. The results suggested that compounds 4-6 cause apoptotic cell death by cleaving apoptotic protein caspase-3 and suppress anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in HeLa cancer cells., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The new steroidal pyrimidine derivatives (4-6) were synthesized by the reaction of steroidal thiosemicarbazones with (2-methyl) diethyl malonate in absolute ethanol. After characterization by spectral and analytical data, the DNA interaction studies of compounds (4-6) were carried out by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, hydrodynamic measurements, molecular docking and gel electrophoresis. The compounds bind to DNA preferentially through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with K b ; 2.31×10 3 M -1 , 1.93×10 3 M -1 and 2.05×10 3 M -1 , respectively indicating the higher binding affinity of compound 4 towards DNA. Gel electrophoresis demonstrated that compound 4 showed a strong interaction during the concentration dependent cleavage activity with pBR322 DNA. The molecular docking study suggested the intercalation of steroidal pyrimidine moiety in the minor groove of DNA. During in vitro cytotoxicity, compounds (4-6) revealed potential toxicity against the different human cancer cells (MTT assay). During DAPI staining, the nuclear fragmentations on cells occurred after treatment with compounds 4 and 5. Western blotting analysis clearly indicates that compound 4 causes apoptosis in MCF-7 cancer cells. The results revealed that compound 4 has better prospectus to act as a cancer chemotherapeutic candidate, which warrants further in vivo anticancer investigations., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have become a severe threat to the community health due to a progressive rise in antibiotic resistance. Nanoparticle-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly been adopted as a potential antimicrobial option, yet the cytotoxicity associated with PDT is quite unspecific. Herein, we show Concanavalin-A (ConA) directed dextran capped gold nanoparticles (GNP DEX -ConA) enhanced the efficacy and selectivity of methylene blue (MB) induced killing of multidrug resistant clinical isolates. Here, we show that our complex MB@GNP DEX -ConA is effective against range of MDR clinical isolates, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae. In our treatment modality negligible dark toxicity suggests photochemically driven process with 97% killing of MDR bacteria. GNP DEX -ConA with monomeric form of MB departs maximum fluorescence decay time (τf: 1.7ns in HSA) and singlet oxygen (ΔΦ; 0.84) for improved activity in albumin rich infection sites. Further, the complex show least toxicity when tested against HEK293 mammalian cells. The principle component analysis (PCA) and confocal microscopy illustrates cytosolic 1 O 2 mediated type-II PDT as mechanism of action. Hence, MB@GNP DEX -ConA mediated PDT is potential therapeutic approach against MDR infections and can be tailored to fight other infectious diseases., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A series of new steroidal imidazolidine derivatives (4-6) were synthesized after reacting steroidal thiosemicarbazones with chloro ethylacetate in absolute ethanol. After characterization by spectral and analytical data, the interaction studies of compounds (4-6) with DNA were carried out by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, hydrodynamic measurements, molecular docking and gel electrophoresis. The compounds bind to DNA preferentially through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with Kb; 2.63 × 10(3) M(-1), 1.81 × 10(3) M(-1) and 2.06 × 10(3) M(-1), respectively indicating the higher binding affinity of compound 4 towards DNA. Gel electrophoresis demonstrated that compound 4 showed strong interaction during the concentration dependent cleavage activity with pBR322 DNA. The molecular docking study suggested the intercalation of imidazolidine moiety of steroid derivative in minor groove of DNA. During in vitro cytotoxicity, compounds (4-6) revealed potential toxicity against the different human cancer cells (MTT assay). The uptake of compound 4 by MCF-7 and HeLa cells was studied by confocal microscopy which determined cell shrinkage and hence leading to the apoptosis. The results revealed that compound 4 has better prospectus to act as cancer chemotherapeutic candidate which warrants further in vivo anticancer investigations.

A one-pot strategy for the catalytic synthesis of series of new 5α-cholestan-6-spiro-5'-phenylamino-2H-imidazo [1',2'-a] pyridines (4-14) has been investigated. The synthesized products were obtained in good yields (85-90%) and the protocol uses Multi-component Reaction (MCR) involving steroidal ketones, 2-aminopyridines, isocyanides and propylphosphonic anhydride (®T3P) as a catalyst. After characterization by spectral and analytical data, the interaction studies of compounds (4-6) with DNA were studied by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis and molecular docking. The compounds bind to DNA preferentially through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with Kb; 2.35×10(4), 3.71×10(4) and 3.24×10(4) M(-1), respectively, indicating the higher binding affinity of compound 5 towards DNA. Gel electrophoresis showed the concentration dependent cleavage activity of compounds 4-6 with DNA. Molecular docking studies suggested that compounds bind through minor groove to DNA. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay depicted promising anti-proliferative activity of compound 4-9 against different given cancer cells. In Western blotting, the expressions of relevant apoptotic markers depicted an apoptosis by steroidal imidazopyridines in A549 cells. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining data indicated that compounds could effectively induce apoptosis in A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. FACS analysis shows that the compound 6 bring about cell cycle arrest at 2.62 μM concentration., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

New steroidal imidazolidinone derivatives (7-9) were synthesized after reacting steroidal thiosemicarbazones with oxalyl chloride in absolute ethanol. After characterization by spectral and analytical data, the interaction studies of compounds (7-9) with DNA were carried out by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, molecular docking and gel electrophoresis. The compounds bind to DNA preferentially through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with Kb; 2.31 × 10(4) M(-1), 2.57 × 10(4) M(-1) and 2.16 × 10(4) M(-1), respectively indicating the higher binding affinity of compound 8 towards DNA. Gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the compounds 7-9 show strong interaction during the cleavage activity with pBR322 DNA. The docking study suggested the intercalation of imidazolidinone moiety of steroid derivative in minor groove of DNA. During in vitro cytotoxicity, compounds 7-9 revealed potential toxicity against the different human cancer cells (MTT assay). Apoptotic degradation of DNA in presence of compounds 7-9 was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized by ethidium bromide staining (comet assay). FACS analysis shows that the compound 8 bring about cell cycle arrest at 7 μM concentration.

Herein we report synthesis of new steroidal oxadiazinanones from steroidal ketones. After characterization by spectral and analytical data, the interaction studies of compounds (4-6) with DNA were carried out by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis. The compounds bind to DNA preferentially through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with Kb; 1.8×10(4) M(-1), 2.2×10(4) M(-1) and 2.6×10(4) M(-1), respectively, indicating the higher binding affinity of compound 6 towards DNA. Gel electrophoresis showed the concentration dependent cleavage activity of compound 6 alone or in presence of Cu (II) causes the nicking of supercoiled pBR322 and it seems to follow the mechanistic pathway involving generation of hydroxyl radicals that are responsible for initiating DNA strand scission. Molecular simulations suggest that compounds binds through minor groove of DNA. MTT assay depicted promising anticancer activity of compound 5 and 6 particularly against HL-60 and MCF-7. The apoptotic degradation of DNA was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized by ethidium bromide staining (comet assay). The results revealed that compound 6 has better prospectus to act as cancer chemotherapeutic candidate which warrants further in vivo anticancer investigations., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A new series of steroidal dihydrocarbothioic acid amido pyrazole analogues were synthesized, and after characterization, evaluation for cytotoxicity, comet assay and western blotting was carried out. The synthesis of these analogues is convenient and involves two steps, i.e. aldol condensation as first step followed by nucleophilic addition of thiosemicarbazide across α, β-unsaturated carbonyl as a later step. Quantitative yields of more than 80 % are obtained in both the steps. After characterization by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, MS and analytical data, all the compounds of both series were tested for cytotoxic activity against a panel of different human cancer cell lines by MTT assay, during which compound 3e, 3f, 4e, 4f and 4h are very potent especially against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Cell cycle analysis depicted the cell death in S-phase while as annexin V-FITC/PI analysis showed that compounds effectively induce apoptosis. Apoptotic degradation of DNA of MCF-7 cells in the presence of different steroidal derivatives was analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized by ethidium bromide staining (comet assay). In western blotting analysis, the relative expressions of relevant apoptotic markers depicted an apoptosis by steroidal dihydropyrazole in MCF-7 cancer cells.

Objective: To determine the risk factors, clinical characteristics, surgical management and outcome of pseudoaneurysm secondary to iatrogenic or traumatic vascular injury., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study being performed in department of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery skims soura during a 4-year period. We included all the patients referring to our center with primary diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed with angiography and color Doppler sonography. The clinical and demographic characteristics were recorded and the risk factors were identified accordingly. Patients with small swelling (less than 5-cm) and without any complication were managed conservatively. They were followed for progression and development of complications in relation to swelling. Others underwent surgical repair and excision. The outcome of the patients was also recorded., Results: Overall we included 20 patients with pseudoaneurysm. The mean age of the patients was 42.1±0.6 years. Among them there were 11 (55%) men and 9 (45%) women. Nine (45%) patients with end stage renal disease developed pseudoaneurysm after inadvertent femoral artery puncture for hemodialysis; two patients after interventional cardiology procedure; one after femoral embolectomy; one developed after fire arm splinter injury and one formed femoral artery related pseudoaneurysm after drainage of right inguinal abscess. The most common site of pseudoaneurysm was femoral artery followed by brachial artery. Overall surgical intervention was performed in 17 (85%) patients and 3 (15%) were managed conservatively., Conclusion: End stage renal disease is a major risk factor for pseudoaneurysm formation. Coagulopathy, either therapeutic or pathological is also an important risk factor. Patients with these risk factors need cannulation of venous structures for hemodialysis under ultrasound guide to prevent inadvertent arterial injury. Patients with end stage renal disease who sustain inadvertent arterial puncture during cannulation for hemodialysis should receive compression dressings for 5 to 7 days.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the trans-axillary surgical approach in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome., Methods: This retrospective study is comprised of data acquired from January 1998 until Oct 2008. Case histories of all the patients were reviewed from the Medical Records Department of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute. Relevant information and follow-up of the patients was carried out by examining the relevant clinical notes available by telephone interviews and personal contact whenever possible. All data was compiled and analyzed statistically., Results: There were a total of 139 patients. The female: male ratio was about 6:1. Pain was the most common presenting symptom followed by weakness and parasthesia. Nerve conduction velocity was abnormal in 111 patients. Twenty-eight patients had abnormal Doppler study of subclavian vessels. Preoperative symptoms persisted in 13 patients. Overall, 126 patients showed improvement in symptoms and no recurrence or persistence of symptoms on follow-up examination., Conclusion: Trans-axillary approach provides a good exposure and cosmesis in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. It should be considered as the gold standard in the management of thoracic outlet syndrome.

A young woman was admitted with respiratory failure. Prior to her admission, she had been treated for clinical bronchial asthma for about 2 years for recurrent wheezing. Endotracheal intubation was difficult. A fibroptic bronchoscopy, while the patient was ventilated, revealed a central tracheal tumour compromising >90% of the tracheal lumen. The tumour was cored out during rigid bronchoscopy while ventilating the patient through tracheostomy. Histopathology of the tumour was suggestive of adenoid cystic carcinoma.

A series of new steroidal 4H-pyrans (4-6) have been synthesized from steroidal α, β-unsaturated ketones (1-3). The products (4-6) were characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, MS and analytical data. The interaction studies of compounds (4-6) with DNA were carried out by employing gel electrophoresis, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The gel electrophoresis pattern revealed that compounds (4-6) bind to DNA and also demonstrated that the compound 6 alone or in presence of Cu (II) causes the nicking of supercoiled pBR322. The compounds 4 and 5 bind to DNA preferentially through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with Kb values found to be 5.3×10(3) and 3.7×10(3) M(-1), respectively, indicating the higher binding affinity of compound 4 towards DNA. The docking study suggested the intercalation of compounds in between the nucleotide base pairs. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the newly synthesized compounds were checked by MTT and comet assay, respectively during which compound 6 showed potential behaviour., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the leading fields of the science having tremendous application in diverse disciplines. As nanomaterials are increasingly becoming part of everyday consumer products, it is imperative to assess their impact on living organisms and on the environment. Physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles and engineered nanomaterials including size, shape, chemical composition, physiochemical stability, crystal structure, surface area, surface energy, and surface roughness generally influence the toxic manifestations of these nanomaterials. This compels the research fraternity to evaluate the role of these properties in determining associated toxicity issues. Reckoning with this fact, in this paper, issues pertaining to the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials as it relates to the toxicity of the nanomaterials are discussed.

Steroid based cancer chemotherapeutic agents of the type 2'-amino-3'-cyanocholest-6-eno[5,7-de]4H-pyrans (1c-3c) have been synthesized and characterized by the various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The DNA binding studies of compounds (1c-3c) with CT DNA were carried out by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis. The compounds (1c-3c) bind to DNA preferentially through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with Kb values found to be 5.4 × 10(3), 2.3 × 10(3)M(-1) and 1.97 × 10(3)M(-1), respectively indicating the higher binding affinity of compound (1c) towards DNA. The molecular docking study suggested that the electrostatic interaction of compounds (1c-3c) in between the nucleotide base pairs is due to the presence of pyran moiety in steroid molecule. All the compounds (1c-3c) cleave supercoiled pBR322 DNA via hydrolytic pathway, as validated by T4 DNA ligase assay. The compounds (1c-3c) were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against the cancer and non-cancer cells SW480, A549, HepG2, HeLa, MCF-7, HL-60, DU-145, NL-20, HPC and HPLF by MTT assay. The compounds (1c-3c) were tested for genotoxicity (comet assay) involving apoptotic degradation of DNA and was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized by ethidium bromide staining. The results revealed that compound (1c) has better prospectus to act as cancer chemotherapeutic candidate which warrants further in vivo anticancer investigations., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, presentation and management of Pardah pin inhalation in female teenagers of single center in northern India., Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study being performed in department of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery of Sher-i-Kashmir institute of medical sciences located in northern India from January 2009 to December 2012. We included 36 female patients with Pardah pin inhalation who were admitted to our center during the study period. All patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy under local or general anesthesia. We recorded the baseline characteristics including the demographic information, the site of the pin and clinical findings as well as the management strategies and the outcome of these patients., Results: All patients were female using scarf to wrap their head and neck as religious obligation. Mean age of the patients was 14.3 ± 3.6 years. The most common symptom was chocking followed by cough being reported in all (100%) and 31 (86.1%) patients respectively. Bronchoscopy was successful in removing the pin in 31 (86.1%) patients. Pins were located in right main bronchus in 20 (55.5%) patients, and in left main bronchus in 10 (27.7%) patients. There was no mortality in our series. Pin was removed in 31 (86.1%) patients with the help of bronchoscope, but 5 (13.9%) patients needed bronchotomy for removal of the pin. Average hospital stay was 12.43 ± 1.6 hours., Conclusion: Rigid bronchoscopy is an ideal approach in management of Pardah pin inhalation. However some patients may need bronchotomy to remove the Pardah pin.

Background: Rubber bullets and pellet guns are considered non-lethal low-velocity weapons. They are used to disperse a mob during street protests. The present study was undertaken to analyze the pattern, presentation and management of vascular injuries caused by these weapons., Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study of patients with features of vascular injuries due to pellets and rubber bullets from June 2010 to November 2010. All patients with features of vascular injuries due to these non-lethal weapons were included in the study. Vascular injuries caused by other causes were excluded from the study., Results: A total of 35 patients who presented with features of vascular injury during this period were studied. All of them were males. The mean age was 22 years. Fifteen patients were revascularized primarily, 19 patients needed reverse saphenous vein graft and, in one, patient lateral repair was done. There were two mortalities in our series. Wound infection was the most common complication. The amputation rate was around 6%., Conclusion: Pellet and rubber bullets can cause serious life-threatening injuries. Vascular injury caused by these weapons need no different approach than other vascular injuries. Early revascularization and prompt resuscitation prevents the loss of limb or life.

Objectives: THE AIM OF THE STUDY WAS: Is primary Arterio-venous fistula the vascular access of choice for adequate dialysis and better patient outcome in end stage renal disease., Materials and Methods: The present study was done in the department of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Sher-i-Kashmir institute of medical sciences, Soura, Srinagar Kashmir. Native Arterio-Venous (AV) fistulas were made in the patients with end stage renal disease for performing hemodialysis. They were followed for patency and adequacy of blood flow during hemodialysis. All the patients were operated under local anesthesia., Results: The results showed that 77% of the AV fistulas based on radial artery with side-to-side anastomosis and 80% of those with end-to-side anastomosis were functionally patent after one year. After two years, the patency rate in side-to-side and end-to-side anastomosis was 50% and 55%, respectively. In addition, the patency rate was 90% in brachial artery based AV fistula with end-to-side anastomosis, whether done primarily or secondarily, at the end of one year. However, a rapid decline was observed in the patency rate during the third year in both radial artery based and brachial artery based AV fistulas., Conclusions: We concluded that Arterialised arm superficial veins after primary AV fistula was the optimal and rational vascular access for hemodialysis providing adequate blood flow during this process. Besides, failure of primary AV fistula should be replaced by secondary AV fistula preferably based on brachial artery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of amiodarone and metaprolol in prevention of atrial fibrillation in patients, following open heart surgery., Methods: This prospective study was carried out between May 2008 to Nov. 2010, and comprised a total of 50 patients with normal preoperative sinus rhythm undergoing open heart surgery using cardio pulmonary bypass., Results: Mean age of patients was 47+2.7 years, of which 60% who developed atrial fibrillation aged from 51 to 60 years. Most patients (62%) were in NYHA Class III. Patients who received amiodarone showed significant improvement in LVEF compared to those treated with Metaprolol. Amiodarone treated group exhibited lesser incidence and short-lasting atrial fibrillation, lower ventricular rate, shorter hospitalization, and lesser cost of care than those in metaprolol group., Conclusions: The present study showed that amiodarone was more efficient in controlling post-operative atrial fibrillation as compared to metaprolol. However, a larger randomized controlled trial is needed to corroborate the result of this study.

Lung contusion is an entity involving injury to the alveolar capillaries, without any tear or cut in the lung tissue. This results in accumulation of blood and other fluids within the lung tissue. The excess fluid interferes with gas exchange leading to hypoxia. The pathophysiology of lung contusion includes ventilation/perfusion mismatching, increased intrapulmonary shunting, increased lung water, segmental lung damage, and a loss of compliance. Clinically, patient's presents with hypoxiemia, hypercarbia and increase in laboured breathing. Patients are treated with supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation whenever indicated. Treatment is primarily supportive. Computed tomography (CT) is very sensitive for diagnosing pulmonary contusion. Pulmonary contusion occurs in 25-35% of all blunt chest traumas.

Background: This study aimed at evaluating the outcome of surgery for bullous lung disease by comparing the preoperative and postoperative subjective dyspnea score, pulmonary function and clinical features., Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted from May 2009 to October 2011, on 54 patients operated for bullous lung disease. Follow-up at 3-6 months consisted of taking a comprehensive history, physical examination, radiological work-up, and evaluation of changes in subjective dyspnea score, arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), and pulmonary function test (PFT). After comparison with preoperative values, the student's paired t-test was used to calculate the statistical significance., Results: With approximately 21.6 cases per year, the most common underlying lung pathology was primary bullous lung disease, followed by COPD. The most common presenting complaint was spontaneous pneumothorax in tall young adults in their fourth decade of life with a history of smoking. Bullectomy, with or without decortication, was done for all cases. Improvement in mean PaO2 (arterial partial pressure of oxygen), SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) and PaCO2 (arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide) was seen in most cases but was statistically insignificant. Improvement in mean FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1st second), FVC (forced vital capacity) and FEV1 / FVC was statistically significant, with FEV1 being the most reliable indicator of postoperative progress. Improvement in subjective dyspnea score was statistically significant and showed an inverse correlation with FEV1. Those with diffuse pulmonary parenchymal involvement had poorer baseline values and less significant postoperative improvement. Complications occurred more commonly in those with diffuse disease. Mortality was seen exclusively in those with diffuse disease., Conclusion: We conclude that surgery is required for bullous lung disease more frequently in our community since we have a high number of young patients with primary bullous lung disease and localized parenchymal involvement and these patients have a good surgical outcome. Potentially fatal complications like pneumothorax and recurrent infections can therefore be prevented in them. Those with underlying diffuse disease and severely decreased FEV1 (especially below 1 L) also benefit from surgery but require careful patient selection.

Background: The present study was undertaken to analyze the pattern, presentation and management of peripheral vascular injuries due to road traffic accidents (RTA)., Methods: A prospective study of patients of peripheral vascular injuries due to road traffic accidents (RTA) between Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2011. A total of 192 patients presented with peripheral vascular injuries due to RTA during this period. All patients with vascular injury due to other causes were excluded from study., Results: Most of the patients were managed by reverse saphenous vein graft followed by end to end anastomosis. Most of the patients had associated long bone fractures. Delayed presentation and associated long bone fractures had bad effect on outcome. Wound infection and thrombosis of the graft were the most important complication. Amputation rate was 4.68%., Conclusion: Vascular injury due to RTA requires prompt recognition and referral to a vascular center. Immediate revascularization has excellent results and less morbidity. Proper clinical examination and hand held Doppler examination are enough to reach the diagnosis., (Copyright © 2012 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is a lot of controversy about the best surgical treatment for esophageal carcinoma., Methods: In this retrospective study, 382 patients with carcinoma of the mid-to-distal esophagus underwent transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy. Early morbidity and mortality were compared. Principal endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)., Results: A total of 177 patients underwent transthoracic esophagectomy, and 205 patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. Demographic characteristics and characteristics of the tumor were similar in the two groups. Perioperative and postoperative morbidity was higher after transhiatal esophagectomy. In-hospital mortality was also higher after transhiatal esophagectomy. The median follow-up was 4.3 years. Estimated 3-year DFS rates were 44.63 and 31.21%, whereas the 3-year OS rates were 57.06 and 41.46% for the transthoracic and transhiatal groups, respectively (statistically significant). Also, the estimated 5-year DFS rates were 26.55 and 21.46%, whereas the 5-year OS rates were 32.76 and 30.24% for the transthoracic and transhiatal groups, respectively (statistically not significant)., Conclusions: Transhiatal esophagectomy was associated with higher perioperative and postoperative morbidity and in-hospital mortality than transthoracic esophagectomy. The DFS and OS were higher in the transthoracic group and were statistically significant at 3 years but statistically insignificant at 5 years.

Background: Missile cardiovascular injuries have taken an epidemic proportion in Kashmir valley since the eruption of militancy in 1990. Present study was undertaken to analyse the pattern, presentation and management of missile cardiovascular injuries., Patients and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-six patients with missile cardiovascular injuries since Jan 1996 to Oct 2008 were studied retrospectively. All patients of cardiovascular injuries due to causes other than missiles were excluded from the study., Results: All patients of missile cardiac injuries were treated by primary cardiorrhaphy. Right ventricle was the most commonly affected chamber. Left anterior thoracotomy was most common approach used. Most of the patients of missile vascular group were treated by reverse saphenous vein graft or end-to-end anastomosis. Most common complication was wound infection (20.83%) followed by graft occlusion (1.94%) in missile vascular group. Amputation rate was 4.66%. Amputation rate was higher in patients with delay of >6 hours and associated fractures., Conclusion: Missile cardiac injuries should be operated early without wasting time for investigations. Clinical status at arrival, time interval till management, nature of injury and associated injuries, tell upon the mortality. Missile vascular injury needs prompt resuscitation and revascularization at the earliest. Time interval till revascularization and associated fractures has a bearing on mortality and morbidity.

Metastatic malignancies to the hand, although rare, usually develop from lung, breast, and kidney tumors. Very rarely the origin is the gastrointestinal system. Metastases to the bones of the hand can cause pain, swelling, soft tissue ulceration, and osteolytic destruction. We present a patient with metastatic tumors to all digits of both hands 2.5 years after being operated on for esophageal carcinoma. The patient underwent amputation of the left little finger followed by systemic chemotherapy. The histopathological diagnosis was consistent with that of the primary tumor. This case is being presented for being the rarest of its kind and may even be the first of its nature in the world's literature as an extensive search has not shown another of its kind to date.

Background: Tear gas shells are used to disperse the mob during any type of street protests. Vascular injuries due to tear gas shells have not been reported. The present study was undertaken to analyse the pattern, presentation, management and outcome of vascular injury due to tear gas shells., Methods: Eighteen patients with vascular injury caused by tear gas shells from 1(st) Jan. 2008 to 31(st) Dec 2009 were studied. Patients with vascular injuries caused by causes other than tear gas shells were excluded from the study., Results: All patients were treated with reverse saphenous vein graft as segmental loss was less than 2.5 cm. Wound infection was the most common complication, followed by graft occlusion. Amputation rate was 16.66%. Associated nerve injury occurred in 44.44% of the patients., Conclusion: Tear gas shell injuries should not be taken lightly. They can cause injuries as serious as vascular injuries. Vascular injuries cased by tear gas shells require prompt revascularisation to improve limb salvage. Despite proper revascularisation, patients have significant morbidity and need proper rehabilitation in the follow ups.

Background: Esophageal carcinoma is the fifth leading gastrointestinal malignancy and is one of the leading causes of cancer related death. Despite improvements in surgical technique over the last few decades, the outcome has been dismal, with overall 5 year survival not exceeding 15%-25%., Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the effect of preoperative chemotherapy on resectability, complication rate and overall survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma esophagus., Materials and Methods: 50 patients with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with localised or loco-regional disease (stage 4 excluded) were divided into 2 groups. Group A patients were subjected to 2-3 cycles of pre-operative chemotherapy (5FU-CDDP), whereas Group B patients were directly operated on., Observations: 3 (12%) patients in group A showed complete pathological response to chemotherapy and 18 (72%) showed a partial response, with four patients (16%) showing resistance to chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of response to chemotherapy with respect to degree of differentiation of tumor. There was no significant difference in the overall resectability rates between the two groups (p > 0.05), but R0 resection was achieved in 20 (80%) of group A and only 10 (40%) of group B, the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.05). The rate of overall complications was also much higher in the control group. Initially there was no significant difference in the survival between the two groups, but later (20 months) the study group showed a slight non-significant advantage., Conclusion: Preoperative chemotherapy significantly increases the rate of R0 resection without significantly increasing postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus. However, to assess the impact on survival the study period needs to be extended.

Background: The indications and the outcome of surgery for pulmonary aspergilloma remain highly controversial. This retrospective observational study was conducted to study the clinical profile, indications, post-operative complications and long term outcome of patients having pulmonary aspergilloma., Methods: From January 2000 to October 2008, 52 patients underwent surgery for pulmonary aspergilloma at our tertiary care institute., Results: The group consisted of 32 males and 20 females with a mean age of 39.3 ± 11.2 years. The most common indication for surgery was hemoptysis (96.15%). The underlying lung diseases were tuberculosis (75%), bronchiectasis (5.76%), and lung abscess (5.76%). In one patient (2%), concomitant ruptured lung hydatid cyst and an aspergilloma was present. The procedures performed were lobectomy (n = 43), bilobectomy (n = 3). pneumonectomy (n = 3), segmental resection (n = 3). The post-operative mortality was 1.92% (one patient). Overall complications occurred in 12 (23.07%) patients. The complications included prolonged air leak (n = 6), bleeding (n = 3), empyema (n = 1), repeated pneumothorax (n = 1), and wound dehiscence (n = 1). The mean follow-up period was 38 ± 18.6 months. There was no recurrence of disease or hemoptysis., Conclusion: Pulmonary aspergilloma is common in developing countries like India in which there is high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. Surgical resection of pulmonary aspergilloma is effective in preventing recurrence of symptoms including hemoptysis. We recommend early surgical resection of symptomatic aspergilloma with reasonable complications. Pre-operative preparation of the patients, meticulous surgical technique and post-operative chest physiotherapy reduces the rate of complications. Complications may still occur and are largely related to the underlying lung pathology; however, the long term outcome is good., (Copyright © 2011 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Bear mauling is rarely reported in medical literature due to its rare occurrence. Present study was undertaken to describe the pattern and management of bear maul vascular injuries in Kashmir., Patients and Methods: Study of patients with bear maul vascular injury from 1(st) Jan 2004 to 31(st) Dec. 2008. Fifteen patients with bear maul vascular injury were studied. All patients of bear maul without vascular injury were excluded from the study., Results: Most of the patients were treated by reverse saphenous vein graft or end to end anastomosis. Most common complication was wound infection (20%) followed by graft occlusion (13.33%). There was no operative death., Conclusion: Bear attacks are very common in Kashmir. Vascular injury due to bear maul needs prompt resuscitation and revascularization. Results are very good provided timely intervention for revascularization is done.

Background/aim: Precise evaluation of lymph node status is one of the most important factors in determining clinical outcome in treating gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping clearly has become highly feasible and accurate in staging GI cancer. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of detection of SLN using methylene blue dye in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and assess its potential role in determining the rational extent of lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer surgery., Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients of esophageal cancer diagnosed on endoscopic biopsy were enrolled in this prospective study. After laparotomy, patent methylene blue was injected into the subserosal layer adjacent to the tumor. SLNs were defined as blue stained nodes within a period of 5 min. Standard radical esophagogastrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed in all the patients. All the resected nodes were examined postoperatively by routine hematoxylin and eosin stain for elucidating the presence of metastasis, and the negative SLNs were examined further with cytokeratin immunohistochemical staining., Results: SLNs were detected in 26 (81.25%) patients out of 32 patients who were studied. The number of SLNs ranged from 1 to 4 with a mean value of 1.7 per case. The SLNs of esophageal cancer were only found in N1 area in 21 (80.77%) cases, and in N2 or N3 area in only 19.33%. The overall accuracy of the procedure was 75% in predicting nodal metastasis. SLN had a sensitivity of 85.71% in mid esophageal tumors and 93.33% in lower esophageal tumors. The SLN biopsy had sensitivity of 87.5% in the case of squamous cell carcinoma and 92.86% in the cases of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The accuracy of the procedure for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma was 60% and 76.47%, respectively., Conclusion: SLN mapping is an accurate diagnostic procedure for detecting lymph node metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer and may indicate rational extent of lymphadenectomy in these patients. SLN mapping provides "right nodes" to the pathologists for detailed analysis and appropriate staging, thereby helping in individualizing the multi-modal treatment for esophageal cancer.

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid cyst), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, has worldwide distribution and poses a health problem in endemic areas. Embolization of hydatid cysts into the vascular tree is an unusual manifestation of the disease. The hydatid embolism results from spontaneous or traumatic rupture of the cyst, and rare case reports of this kind are not well documented in the literature. We report a case of a hydatid embolism from a ruptured hydatid in a pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta. A 45-year-old woman presented with gangrenous changes of the toes of her right foot. After embolectomy, the histopathology of the embolus was doubtful about its being blood clots around hydatid membranes. Postoperatively, computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta. Definitive surgery for the pseudoaneurysm was done during a second operation. Numerous hydatid cysts were evacuated from the pseudoaneurysm. This report emphasizes the need for an early diagnosis and treatment of echinococcosis before disabling and life-threatening complications occur.

Background: Missile vascular injuries have reached an epidemic proportion in Kashmir valley since the eruption of militancy. The present study was undertaken to analyze the mode, pattern, presentation, and management of missile vascular injuries., Methods: A retrospective study of patients with missile vascular injury from January 1990 to October 2008 was undertaken. Five hundred eighty patients with missile vascular injury were studied. All patients with vascular injury due to causes other than missiles were excluded from the study., Results: Most of the patients were treated by interpositional saphenous vein graft or end-to-end anastomosis. The most common complication was wound infection (22.7%) followed by graft occlusion (3.8%). The amputation rate was 3.3% and was higher in patients with a delay of >6 hours to revascularization and associated fractures., Conclusion: Missile vascular injury requires prompt resuscitation and revascularization. Preoperative angiography is seldom necessary. Doppler study may sometimes be needed to aid in the diagnosis.