Mechanical and epigenetic regulation of cell plasticity and tumorigenicity

Nupr1 is a protein initially identified as a cancer cell marker, though its role in cancer cell metastasis and tumorigenesis is currently ambiguous. Here we identify Nupr1 as a mechanosensitive protein involved in the regulation of tumor cell plasticity and Sox2 expression. We monitored Nupr1 and Sox2 expression over time in cells cultured in soft 3D fibrin matrices. Using both untreated and Nupr1-siRNA treated cells, we find that high Nupr1 expression prevents increase in Sox2 levels. Further, we find that Nupr1 expression is sensitive to substrate stiffness and dependent on ligand type, as Nupr1 expression increased with substrate stiffness on polyacrylamide substrates coated with col-1 but not fibrinogen. Finally, we find that Nupr1 is sensitive to stiffness in 3D culture as well, and is downstream of Cdc42-mediated cytoskeletal softening. Together, our data shows that Nupr1 responds to the physical properties of its surroundings and can regulate tumor cell plasticity via delay of Sox2 expression in 3D

Multiattribute Attitude Measurement of Incredible India Campaign

The study makes an effort to evaluate Incredible India campaign in terms of its growth and expansion. For the purpose of this study descriptive research has been undertaken, in which a questionnaire was designed to measure the attitude of the foreign tourists towards India. For analyzing the attitude towards Incredible India campaign, Fishbein Multi-attribute model has been used quantitatively. The attitude has been measured by calculating and analyzing a mean overall attitude (Ao) in respect to the minimum and maximum value keeping the evaluation score constant. The attitude score has also been judged on a scale of ideal point score where the lowest value is 12 and the highest value is 300. The value has been calculated assuming strongest belief and evaluation and weakest belief and evaluation. The analysis of the elements of Incredible India campaign shows a mean overall attitude (Ao) of 184.29 with a minimum and maximum value of 47.03 and 235.16 respectively. Keywords: Incredible India, Indian Tourism, Attitude, Foreign Tourist

Polymerase Chain Reaction: An Emerging Tool for Research in Pharmacology

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that can amplify a specific DNA segment in vitro using two site specific primers that hybridise to opposite DNA strands. The method produces large amounts of specific DNA from a complex DNA template in a single enzymatic reaction within a matter of hours. Reaction mixture contains a double helix DNA, two target specific primers, dNTPs, a DNA polymerase and a Mg2+ containing buffer. PCR is carried out in three distinct steps i.e. denaturation step, annealing step and extension step, which are repeated many times. The efficiency of PCR is measured in terms of its specificity, yield and fidelity. Most of the disease pathologies are associated with an altered gene expression leading to a resultant increase or decrease in the activity of cellular proteins. PCR can be employed to quantify alterations in cellular mRNA encoding for such proteins. These proteins may serve as novel target sites for therapeutic intervention. This modified form of PCR is termed as reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). In situ PCR, another modified form of PCR, not only permits the quantification of mRNA but also the exact localisation of mRNA changes in a particular cell type in a given tissue. PCR has also been employed to amplify a family of related genes using degenerate oligo nucleotide primers (DOP). This strategy is known as homology screening or DOP-PCR and has successfully expanded several gene families such as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. Besides these application of PCR in pharmacology, it also serves as a useful diagnostic tool

Microbial Cellulases and Their Industrial Applications

Microbial cellulases have shown their potential application in various industries including pulp and paper, textile, laundry, biofuel production, food and feed industry, brewing, and agriculture. Due to the complexity of enzyme system and immense industrial potential, cellulases have been a potential candidate for research by both the academic and industrial research groups. Nowadays, significant attentions have been devoted to the current knowledge of cellulase production and the challenges in cellulase research especially in the direction of improving the process economics of various industries. Scientific and technological developments and the future prospects for application of cellulases in different industries are discussed in this paper

Robotic Management of Pheochromocytoma of the Vesicoureteric Junction

This study describes a case of urinary bladder pheochromocytoma that presented with paraneoplastic manifestation of bowel symptoms and thrombocytosis managed with laparoscopic techniques

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty with Stone Removal in an Ectopic Pelvic Kidney

The authors suggest that robotic technology may be used for pyeloplasty in difficult cases of ectopic position and concomitant stones