A Study of Lipid Profile in Non-Diabetic Ischemic Stroke in Young Patients.

Cerebrovascular accident is the most important non communicable disease resulting in 2nd leading cause of death and 3rd leading cause of disability worldwide. Lipoproteins are considered as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. The atherogenecity of diabetics and non-diabetics are different. To study fasting serum lipid profile in patient with non-diabetic stroke and to determine significant correlation between them. MATERIAL: The prospective observational study was done in the Department of Medicine M.R Medical College between 1st October 2019-31th March 2021. Fasting serum lipid profile was done on 50 patients of non-diabetic ischemic stroke in young patients. OBSERVATION: In this study 62 %of patients had HDL<40 mg/dl, 42% had total cholesterol >200 mg/dl, 70 % of them had LDL cholesterol > 100 mg/dl and 44 % of patients had VLDL >30 mg/dl. In this study total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were significantly associated with risk of stroke. CONCLUSION: This study showed significant association of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in non-diabetics with stroke. Dyslipidemia modifiable risk factor, routine screening with lipid profile and early initiation of treatment of lipid lowering drugs will reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke.

Sensing and sensitive visualization of latent fingerprints on various surfaces using a versatile fluorescent aggregation-induced emission-based coumarin derivative.

The marked rise in criminal activity in society has made a difficult task for forensic scientists who aim to track any crime scene effectively, therefore visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) plays an increasingly vital role in forensics. In the present report, a highly sensitive solvatochromism, aggregation-induced emission-based 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-3H-benzocoumarin fluorescent dye (CFD) was fabricated using an ultrasonication protocol. The fluorescence properties of the CFD were analyzed using fluorescence spectrophotometer. The CFD produced a greenish yellow emission in solid and fluid states. An in-depth visualization of LFPs showed detailed ridge patterns under normal and ultraviolet light sources (254 and 365 nm) due to the excellent chemisorption of CFD onto the ridge patterns on the finger. All three types of ridge details were visualized without any background interference when using a simple and quick powder dusting method. Results revealed that, the present fluorescent dye can be used successfully for detection of latent fingerprints (LFPs) on various nonporous substrates surfaces, in organic light-emitting diodes applications (OLEDs), and for electrochemical sensing.

Efficacy of whole system ayurveda management protocol in major depressive disorder- A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the common depressive disorder. MDD has high comorbidity and has greater implications on quality of life. Whole system Ayurveda management protocol (WSAP) is explored for it's possible role in management of MDD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Whole system Ayurveda management protocol on Major Depressive Disorder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study was a randomized controlled trial. Total 50 patients of MDD meeting the DSM V criteria, age group 20-70 years of either sex participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, control group received Escitalopram 10 mg twice a day and Ayurveda group was on WSAP. Interventions were for 60 days. Assessments were done through various clinical parameters like Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), WHO Quality of Life- BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), Clinical Global Improvement scale (CGI), UKU Side effect scale. Assessments during intervention was on every 15th day. RESULTS: Study showed that Ayurveda group produced significant outcome improvement compared to control group in HDRS (p = 0.01), HARS (p = 0.03), PSQI (p = 0.03), WHOQOL-Bref (p < 0.001) and UKU side effect scale (p = 0.02). Both the group showed improvements in all the parameters except in WHOQOL-Bref where Ayurveda group only showed improvements (p < 0.001). Effect size showed large effect in WHOQOL-Bref. Mild side effects were reported in control group and none in Ayurveda group. CONCLUSION: WSAP was effective in management of MDD and had better side effect profile. Further studies needed.

Efficacy of whole system ayurveda protocol in irritable bowel syndrome - A Randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the clinically challenging disorders. It has a significant effect on health, cost and quality of life. Ayurveda management through whole system approach in IBS is explored. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of whole system Ayurveda approach in IBS. METHODS: The present trial is a randomized controlled parallel group study. 48 patients diagnosed as IBS (Rome IV Criteria) between the age group of 20-60 yrs were recruited in the study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. KC group intervened with Kalingadi Churna 3 gm twice a day, before food with buttermilk. WS group intervened with whole system ayurveda protocol (WSAP). Duration of intervention was 60 days with follow up on every 15th day. Assessments were through various clinical measures like IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS), IBS Adequate Relief (IBS-AR), Gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), IBS-VAS, Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movements (CSBMs), Bristol Stool Form (BSF), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), IBS quality of life (IBS-QoL) at every follow up. Hemoglobin, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and stool examination was conducted at pre and post study. RESULTS: Study showed that WS group had significant improvement compared to KC group in IBS-SSS, IBS-AR, IBS-VAS, CSBM, BSF-Diarrhea and BSF-Constipation. Both groups were comparable in GSRS, HARS, HDRS and IBS-QOL. Blood and stool parameters assessments showed comparable improvements in both the groups. Within group significant improvements in all the clinical assessment scales were observed in both the groups. CONCLUSION: WSAP was effective in management of IBS (IBS constipation and IBS diarrhea). Improvements were observed in abdominal pain, stool frequency, consistency and adequate relief.

Evaluation of Her-2 protein in histologically tumor-free margins of oral squamous cell carcinoma: An immunohistochemical study.

Background: The status of the 5-year survival rate and loco-regional recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has remained unchanged over the decades. Recent advances in oral cancer research have revealed that the presence of molecular alterations in histologically tumor-free margins of OSCC has a prognostic significance and can aid in designing therapeutic strategies. However, the literature on molecular studies on histologically tumor-free margins is scant, especially in the Indian population. Considering the prognostic implications of Her-2 in malignancies of the breast, ovary, and OSCC, we aimed to assess the expression of Her-2 protein in histologically tumor-free margins of OSCC and to establish correlation with clinico-pathological parameters. Methods: 4 µ m thick sections from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 40 histologically tumor-free margins of OSCC affecting the buccal mucosa and/or lower gingiva-buccal sulcus and 40 normal oral mucosa samples were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for the Her-2 antibody. The obtained data were analyzed statistically. Results: The mean ages in study and control groups were 49.83 years (SD ± 10.43) and 37.28 years (SD ± 8.61), respectively, with male predominance. Local recurrence was seen in 52.5% of patients. Follow-up data revealed that a total of 71.4% of patients succumbed to mortality and all of them had reported local recurrence. Overall, the presence of local recurrence and the status of survival showed a statistically significant association (p = 0.0001). All the samples in the study and control groups were negative for Her-2 immuno-expression. Conclusion: The study indicated the lack of Her-2 immuno-expression in histologically tumor-free margins of OSCC with several speculated explanations. As it is a preliminary study, further studies employing both immunohistochemistry (IHC) and gene amplification in histologically tumor-free margins of OSCC affecting different anatomical sites are warranted. This will aid in identifying the subset of patients that may benefit from targeted therapy.

Development and validation of Ayurveda based assessment scale for anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety scale based on Ayurveda would help Ayurveda physicians to measure and initiate appropriate treatment strategies. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to develop a clinical assessment scale for anxiety based on Ayurveda science. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ayurveda assessment scale for anxiety (AAA) was developed and subjected to various psychometric evaluations. Patients of generalized anxiety disorder with social phobia (GAD with SP) (n = 31) meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria and age, sex-matched healthy subjects (n = 31) were enrolled from NIMHANS Psychiatry OPD. Two independent Ayurveda experts evaluated both patients and healthy subjects using AAA, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Reliability and validity assessments were carried out. The sensitivity to treatment-induced change was evaluated in a randomized controlled clinical trial. 72 patients of GAD with SP meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria, aged between 20 and 55 years, and either sex participated in the study. The duration of intervention was 30 days. The assessments were done through HARS, BAI, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), AAA and Clinical Global Impression scales (Severity, Improvement, and Efficacy). RESULTS: The Interrater reliability was between - good to very good score. Validity of AAA with HARS and BAI was significant (p < 0.001). Scales recorded significant differences when compared between patients and healthy subjects (p < 0.001). AAA also recorded the sensitivity to treatment-induced changes in a randomized controlled study and noted a large effect size (>0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties such as interrater reliability, validity (criteria, convergent, divergent, face) and sensitivity to change of AAA were promising.

Efficacy of Brahmi vati in generalised anxiety disorder - Randomized double blind comparative clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder. GAD has high comorbidities and it can affect social, professional and personal life. Ayurvedic medicine, Brahmi vati is explored for the possible role in management of GAD and is compared to Manasmitra vataka. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of B. vati on Generalized Anxiety Disorder. METHODS: A randomized double blind controlled trial, with total 56 patients meeting the DSM V criteria of GAD between 20-60 years of age and either sex participated in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, Brahmi group received capsule B. vati 500 mg and Manasmitra group received capsule M. vataka 500 mg thrice a day with water for 45 days. Assessments were conducted through various clinical parameters such as Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), GAD 7 scale (GAD 7), Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), WHO Quality of Life- BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), Clinical Global Improvement scale (CGI). Blood variables including Haemoglobin, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Liver Function Test (LFT) and serum creatinine were assessed before and after the study. Assessments during intervention were conducted on every 15th day. RESULTS: Study results indicate that both B. vati and M. vataka were comparable and each produced significant improvement (p < 0.001) in HARS, GAD-7, BDI, ESS, PSQI, WHOQOL-BREF and CGI. Brahmi vati also produced significant decrease in systolic (p = 0.002) and diastolic (p < 0.001) blood pressure. Both groups showed good safety profile evaluated through the assessment of serum creatinine levels and LFT. CONCLUSION: B. vati and M. vataka were effective, safe and comparable in the management of GAD. Warrants further studies.

Elastographic liver evaluation of Katukyadi churna in the management of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) - A single arm clinical trial.

Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most severe histological form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It progress to cirrhosis in 20% population and 40% will have death due to liver pathology. Still consensus on pharmacotherapy is yet to be evolved and till date there is no US FDA approved drug for NASH. Ayurveda formulation Katukyadi churna is explored in the possible management of NASH. Study is a single arm with pre and post test design. Sonologically diagnosed patients of fatty liver (n = 30) were screened. 11 patients meeting elastoghraphic criteria (6.4-11.7 kPa) were enrolled in the study. K. churna was administered in the dose of 6 g twice a day with water at the middle of the meal for a period of 6 months. Subjective parameters were Aruchi (Anorexia), Agnimandhya (loss of appetite), Ajeerna (indigestion), Gouravata. Follow up assessments were done on every 30th day. Study showed that K. churna produced significant improvement in various parameters. Significant decrease in weight, (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), Elastography (p = 0.001), total bilirubin (p = 0.02), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.001), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) (p = 0.001), Albumin (p = 0.04), Triglycerides (p = 0.005) were observed. Subjective symptoms like Ajeerna (p = 0.002), Agnimandhya (p = 0.004), Arochaka (p = 0.001), Gouvravata (p = 0.002) showed significant improvement. K. churna showed clinical significance in terms of improvement from pathological ranges to normative ranges in elastography, total bilirubin, AST, Albumin. K. churna reduced weight, BMI, hardness and stiffness of the liver, liver function derangements, triglycerides and improved other subjective clinical parameters. Drug has promising results in NASH and warrants further studies.

Ayurveda management of Major Depressive Disorder: A case study.

Major Depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, episodic disorder which manifests with disturbance in mood, interest, cognition and vegetative symptoms. It has major impact on the quality of life of the patients, by affecting their physical, mental, personal, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Vishada and avasada represents minor depressive episodes and MDD can be equated to Kaphaja Unmada. Current case presented with sadness, worthlessness, helplessness, death wishes, disturbed sleep and was diagnosed as MDD as per DSM V criteria. Ayurveda diagnosis was Kaphaja Unmada involving kapha-dominant vata and tama dosha. Mental examination revealed derangement of mana (mind), buddhi (intellect), smruti (memory), bhakti (desire), sheela (temperament), chesta (psychomotor activity) and achara (conduct) components. Patient was Avara Satwa. Management was planned with integrative treatment comprising of Yukti vypasharaya (pharmacological), Satwawajaya (counselling) and daiwivyapashraya (spiritual-based techniques). Management was with snehapana (internal oleation), virechana (gut cleansing), sarvanga abhyanga (massage of whole body with medicated oil) followed by bashpa sweda (steam therapy to whole body), shirodhara (dripping of medicated oil on fore head), shiropichu (transcranial drug administration by placing cotton pad dipped in medicated oil), katibasti (holding of medicated oil in well-prepared from dough), satwavajaya chikitsa, and daiwi vyapashraya chikitsa. Conventional psychopharmacological interventions taken since last year were tapered and discontinued. Treatment continued for 352 days which included 13 days of hospitalized treatment and follow-ups. Intervention outcome showed reduction in Hamilton depression Rating scores from 31 to 6. Patient's self-assessed worry reduced from 16 h/day to 2 h/day, self-assessed daily relaxed state improved from ½ hour/day to 14 h/day. Patient showed complete remission by 180th day of intervention. Improvements sustained even during the non-interventional observation period. Thus, the Ayurvedic integrative management showed efficacy in management of MDD.

Ayurveda management of Guillain-Barre syndrome: A case report.

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a severe acute paralytic neuropathy with rapid progression usually occurring post infections. Inspite of the active medications it is associated with severe weakness, incomplete recovery and pain. Long disease course can cause autonomic dysfunction or deterioration in general health and life threatening complications like respiratory failures. Current case was diagnosed as GBS with motor, sensory & sphincter disturbance. Ayurveda diagnosis of Sarvangavata was made and customized treatment strategy was planned. First part of Kapha pitta samrushtavata (Vatadosha associated with Kapha and Pitta dosha) and then vatahara chikitsa were followed. Treatments were Koshta shodhana (gut cleansing), Abhyanga (massage of whole body with medicated oil), Ksheera parisheka (dripping of medicated milk over body), Shastikashali panda sweda (Rubbing of medicated rice poultice over body), Anna lepa (application of medicated rice over the body), Shirotalam (trans cranial drug administration by applying medicines over scalp), Basti (trans rectal administration of medicines) and Oral medicaments. Panchakarma treatments were for 14 days followed by oral medications for next 151 days. Intervention period of 165 days showed complete recovery of all the motor, sensory & sphincter deficits however follow up of the patient was maintained for 437 days looking in to the sustainability of the outcomes.

Design of a Novel Theranostic Nanomedicine (III): Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Tumor-Targeting Cisplatin Conjugated to a Hydrophilic Polyphosphazene.

PURPOSE: A new theranostic nanomedicine involving anticancer-active cisplatin moiety was designed to study its tumor-targeting properties as well as its drug efficacy and toxicity. METHODS: A cisplatin carrier polymer was prepared by grafting equimolar polyethylene glycol of a molecular weight of 550 (PEG550) and aminoethanol to the poly(dichlorophosphazene) backbone. Cisplatin was conjugated to the carrier polymer using cis-aconitic acid as a linker. RESULTS: The cisplatin-loaded polyphosphazene, named "Polycisplatin" was found to be amphiphilic in aqueous solution and self-assembled into nanoparticles with an average particle size of 18.6 nm in diameter. The time-dependent organ distribution study of Cy5.5-labeled Polycisplatin in the A549-tumor-bearing mice exhibited a high tumor selectivity of Polycisplatin by EPR effect despite the relatively small particle size. In order to compare the in vivo efficacy of Polycisplatin and cisplatin, their xenograft trials were performed using nude mice against the human gastric cell line MKN-28. Polycisplatin exhibited slightly less tumor suppression effect compared with cisplatin at the same dose of 1.95 mg Pt/kg, which is the maximum tolerate dose of cisplatin, but at the higher double dose of 3.9 mg Pt/kg, Polycisplatin exhibited a little better efficacy than cisplatin. Furthermore, mice treated with cisplatin at the dose of 1.95 mg Pt/kg exhibited severe body weight decrease by about 25%, while mice treated with Polycisplatin did not show serious body weight decrease even at its double dose of 3.9 mg Pt/kg. Furthermore, kidney indicators including kidney index, BUN, and creatinine values measured displayed that Polycisplatin is much less nephrotoxic than cisplatin. CONCLUSION: Nanoparticular Polycisplatin was successfully prepared by conjugating cisplatin to a hydrophilic polyphosphazene carrier polymer using the acid-cleavable cis-aconitic acid. Polycisplatin nanoparticles exhibit excellent tumor-targeting properties by EPR effect. The xenograft trials exhibited excellent antitumor efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity of Polycisplatin.

Effect of Brahmi vati and Sarpagandha Ghana vati in management of essential hypertension - A randomized, double blind, clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Essential hypertension (EHTN) is emerging as one of the most prevalent disorder with high rate of complications, morbidity and mortality. Brahmi vati, an Ayurvedic medicine is explored for its efficacy in the management of EHTN. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Brahmi vati and sarpagandha Ghana vati in the management of EHTN. METHODS: Total 68 patients meeting the JNC 7 criteria of EHTN of age group 20 to 60 years of either sex participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, group A received capsule Brahmi vati 500 mg and group B capsule Sarpagandha Ghana vati 500 mg respectively twice a day for 30 days. Assessments were done through various variables like systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), lipid profiles, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, 2 weeks sleep diary, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, total leukocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Follow up visit was on every 15th day. RESULTS: Study showed that both Brahmi vati and Sarpagandha Ghanavati produced improvement in most of the variables and were comparable. Improvements were seen in various variables like SBP, DBP, MAP, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, subjective sleep profiles and total cholesterol. However Brahmi vati showed increase in weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). SarpagandhaGhanavati produced reduction in total cholesterol and LDL. Both groups showed good safety profile evaluated through the assessment of serum creatinine levels. CONCLUSION: Clinical efficacy of Sarpagandha Ghana vati and Brahmi vati on EHTN showed that both were effective, safe and comparable.

New design of highly sensitive AIE based fluorescent imidazole derivatives: Probing of sweat pores and anti-counterfeiting applications.

A novel aggregation induced emission based 2-(1-(3, 5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl) phenol (4) (IMD) fluorescent tags (FTs) was designed by simple acid catalyzed five-member N-heterocyclic ring forming reaction process. Powder X-ray diffraction results showed mechanofluorochromic properties of IMD FTs are easily reversible under external force due to the decrease in crystallinity. These IMD FTs also exhibits strong cyan-blue luminescence in solid state with high quantum efficiency. Detailed investigation of latent fingerprints (LFPs) showed permanent, immutable and unique pores that are distributed on the ridges. The visualization of such sweat pores opens new avenue in the field of forensic science. Hence, the prepared IMD FTs exhibit excellent Lipophicity (LP) properties, which endorse its possible applications for the visualization of sweat pores present in the LFPs. The LFPs visualized by IMD FTs exhibit excellent efficiency, sensitivity, selectivity, low background hindrance and less toxicity. The obtained result evident that the prepared FT and followed technique opens possible applications for the visualization of LFPs on various porous/semi-porous/non-porous surfaces under UV 365 nm light.

New design of highly sensitive and selective MoO3:Eu3+ micro-rods: Probing of latent fingerprints visualization and anti-counterfeiting applications.

Red colour light emitting Eu3+ ions activated MoO3 nanophosphors (NPs) were prepared through an ultrasound assisted sonochemical method using Aloe Vera (A.V.) gel as a bio-surfactant. Properties like crystal structure, morphology, optical band gap, luminescent properties, radiative parameters of prepared samples and their use in latent fingerprint (LFPs) visualization were reported. Powder X-ray diffraction results revealed the single orthorhombic crystal structure of the prepared samples, which specifies effective substitution of dopant ions. Morphology of NPs exhibits the hexagonal rod-like structures with size of ∼10 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibited sharp, intense peaks at ∼539 nm, 593 nm, 615 nm, 651 nm and 702 nm attributed to 5D0 → 7F0, 5D0 → 7F1, 5D0 → 7F2, 5D0 → 7F3 and 5D0 → 7F4 transitions of Eu3+ ions respectively. Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory was used to estimate the PL intensity parameters and Eu-O ligand behavior. The International Commission on Illumination coordinates of the prepared samples located in the pure red region. The optimized sample can be explored as a novel sensing material for the visualization of LFPs on various surfaces under 254 nm UV light. Clear level-3 patterns (sweat pores) were observed in the LFPs and their decay was very slow compared to the LFPs obtained from commercial powders. The photometric characterization of the prepared samples reveals the suitability of the MoO3:Eu3+ NPs for pure red emission in light-emitting diode, better visualization of LFPs and anti-counterfeiting applications.

SiO2@LaOF:Eu3+ core-shell functional nanomaterials for sensitive visualization of latent fingerprints and WLED applications.

For the first time, intense red color composite of SiO2@LaOF:Eu3+ core-shell nanostructures (NS) were fabricated via facile solvothermal method followed by thermal treatment. The obtained core-shell particles display better spherical shape and non-agglomeration with a narrow size distribution. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibits intense peaks at ∼593 nm, 611 nm, 650 nm corresponds to 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 0, 1 and 2) Eu3+ transitions respectively. The spectral intensity parameters and Eu-O ligand behaviors are estimated by means of Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory. CIE co-ordinates are found to be (x = 0.63, y = 0.36) which is very close to standard NTSC values (x = 0.67, y = 0.33). CCT value is ∼3475 K which is less than 5000 K, as a result this phosphor is suitable for warm light emitting diodes. The optimized core-shell SiO2 (coat III)@LaOF:Eu3+ (5 mol%) was used as a fluorescent labeling marker for the visualization of latent fingerprints on both porous and non-porous surfaces. Obtained fingerprints are highly sensitive and selective also no background hindrance which enables level-I to level-III fingerprint ridge characteristics. Observed results indicate that the significant improvement in luminescence of coreshell NS can be explored as a sensitive functional nanopowder for advanced forensic and solid state lightning applications.

Zinc silicates with tunable morphology by surfactant assisted sonochemical route suitable for NUV excitable white light emitting diodes.

The cationic surfactants assisted ultrasound route was used to prepare Dy3+ doped Zn2SiO4 nanophosphors. The final products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence. Orthorhombic phase of Zn2SiO4:Dy3+ (JCPDS card No. 35-1485) was confirmed from PXRD. It was evident that the morphology of spherical and broom like structures were obtained with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactants respectively. Further the size and agglomeration of the products were varied with surfactants concentration, sonication time, pH and sonication power. The probable formation mechanisms to obtain various micro/nano superstructures were discussed. The characteristic PL peaks were observed at 484, 574 and 666nm due to the electronic transitions 4F9/2→6Hj (j=15/2, 13/2, 11/2) of Dy3+ ions upon excited at NUV pumping wavelength of 350nm [6H15/2→6P7/2 (4M15/2)]. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters and radiative properties were estimated by using PL emission data. The photometric studies indicated that the obtained phosphors could be promising materials in white light emitting diodes (wLED's). The present synthesis route was rapid, environmentally benign, cost-effective and useful for industrial applications such as solid state lighting and display devices.

Blue light emitting Y2O3:Tm3+ nanophosphors with tunable morphology obtained by bio-surfactant assisted sonochemical route.

Modified sonochemical route was used to prepare Y2O3:Tm3+ (1-11mol%) nanophosphor using Mimosa pudica (M.P.) leaves extract as bio-surfactant. The prepared samples were exhibited high crystalline nature with various morphologies. This was due to sonochemical experimental reaction took place between cavitation bubbles and nearby solution. The average crystallite sizes of the prepared samples were about 15nm to 21nm as obtained from PXRD and TEM analysis. The ultraviolet visible absorption spectra showed prominent bands with an energy gap varied from 5.73eV to 5.84eV. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra shows the prominent blue light emission peak at ~456nm attributed to 1D2→3F4 transitions of Tm3+ ions. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters were estimated by using PL emission spectra. The photometric characteristics of the prepared compounds were very close to the blue color of NTSC standards. So the results were fruitful in making use of Y2O3:Tm3+ nanophosphor as an alternative material for effective blue component in WLED's.

Dual color emitting Eu doped strontium orthosilicate phosphors synthesized by bio-template assisted ultrasound for solid state lightning and display applications.

A novel Sr2SiO4:Eu (1-5mol %) superstructures (SS) were synthesized using bio-sacrificial A.V. gel assisted ultrasound method. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the presence of both α and ß phase formation. It was evident that the morphological growth was highly reliant on A.V. gel concentration, sonication time, pH and sonication power. The formation mechanisms for different hierarchical SS were proposed. From diffuse reflectance spectra, the energy band gap was estimated and found to be ∼4.70-5.11eV. The photoluminescence emission spectra for the excitation at 392nm, shows characteristic emission peaks at 593, 613, 654 and 702nm which were attributed to 5D0→7F0, 7F1,7F2 and 7F3 transitions of Eu3+ ions respectively. Conversely, when the samples were subjected to the heat treatment at 850°C for 3h under argon atmosphere, display an intense broad emission peak with two de-convoluted peaks at 490 and 550nm due to 4f65d1→4f1 (8S7/2) transitions of Eu2+ ions. The concentration quenching phenomenon was discussed which attributes to energy transfer, electron-phonon coupling and ion-ion interaction. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters and other radiative properties were estimated by using emission spectra. The CIE chromaticity coordinate values of Sr2SiO4:Eu2+ and Eu3+ nanophosphors were located in green and red regions respectively. The calculated CCT and CRI values specify that the present phosphor can be fairly useful for both green and red components of white LED's. Luminescence decay and quantum yield suggest the suitability of this phosphor as an efficient luminescent medium for light emitting diodes. Overall, the results elucidated a rapid, environmentally benign, cost-effective and convenient method for Sr2SiO4:Eu3+ synthesis and for the possible applications such as solid state lighting and display devices.

Annexin A2 and its downstream IL-6 and HB-EGF as secretory biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of Her-2 negative breast cancer.

Background AnnexinA2 (AnxA2) membrane deposition has a critical role in HB-EGF shedding as well as IL-6 secretion in breast cancer cells. This autocrine cycle has a major role in cancer cell proliferation, migration and metastasis. The objective of the study is to demonstrate annexinA2-mediated autocrine regulation via HB-EGF and IL-6 in Her-2 negative breast cancer progression. Methods Secretory annexinA2, HB-EGF and IL-6 were analysed in the peripheral blood sample of Her-2 negative ( n = 20) and positive breast cancer patients ( n = 16). Simultaneously, tissue expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry. The membrane deposition of these secretory ligands and their autocrine regulation was demonstrated using triple-negative breast cancer cell line model. Results Annexina2 and HB-EGF expression are inversely correlated with Her-2, whereas IL-6 expression is seen in both Her-2 negative and positive breast cancer cells. RNA interference studies and upregulation of annexinA2 proved that annexinA2 is the upstream of this autocrine pathway. Abundant soluble serum annexinA2 is secreted in Her-2 negative breast cancer (359.28 ± 63.73 ng/mL) compared with normal (286.10 ± 70.04 ng/mL, P < 0.01) and Her-2 positive cases (217.75 ± 60.59 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). In Her-2 negative cases, the HB-EGF concentrations (179.16 ± 118.81 pg/mL) were highly significant compared with normal (14.92 ± 17.33 pg/mL, P < 0.001). IL-6 concentrations were increased significantly in both the breast cancer phenotypes as compared with normal ( P < 0.001). Conclusion The specific expression pattern of annexinA2 and HB-EGF in triple-negative breast cancer tissues, increased secretion compared with normal cells, and their major role in the regulation of EGFR downstream signalling makes these molecules as a potential tissue and serum biomarker and an excellent therapeutic target in Her-2 negative breast cancer.