Multidrug resistance of non-adherent cancer cells

Metastases are the cause of 90% of human cancer deaths. Cancer in _situ_ can usually be effectively removed by surgery. Once cancer cells disseminate from the original site and start to circulate in blood, lymph, or other body fluids, the disease becomes almost incurable. Here we show that cancer cells in a non-adherent, 3-dimentional growth pattern are highly drug resistant compared to their adherent counterparts that grow in monolayer, attaching to the wall of tissue culture plates. The non-adherent cancer cells retain the adhering potential and can attach to an appropriate surface to reacquire adherent phenotype. Once the non-adherent cancer cells become attached, they regain drug response, similar to the original adherent cells. A significant increase in the expression of CD133, CD44, Nanog, survivin, and thymidylate synthase was observed in the non-adherent cancer cells compared to their adherent counterparts, which may underlie the mechanisms of multidrug resistance of the cells. Since the non-adherent cancer cells cultured in vitro resemble the circulating metastatic cells in vivo in that both cells exhibit suspended non-adherent phenotype, possess re-attaching potential, and are highly drug resistant, we suggest that circulating metastatic cells can attach to an appropriate surface to gain adherent phenotype and subsequently acquire drug sensitivity. We propose that devices coated with cell attachment materials or small particles of extracellular matrix and collagen that mimic the structural framework of real human tissues to which cells can attach and grow may be able to stabilize the circulating metastatic cells. Once the metastatic cells undergo attachment and become adherent, they gain drug sensitivity and can be killed by anticancer drugs that are either administered to the blood or conjugated to the devices

Efficiency and performance of some algorithms in mathematical programming

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1996.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-40).by Navneet Singh.M.Eng

Effect of Mesorhizobium, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and phosphorus on plant biometery and growth indices of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was conducted during 2015-16 to study the effect of biofetilizer inoculation [control, Mesorhizobium only, Mesorhizobium + RB-1 (Pseudomonas argentinensis) and Mesorhizobium + RB-2 (Bacillus aryabhattai)] and four levels of phosphorus (0, 15, 20 and 25 kg P2O5 ha-1) on chickpea growth. RB-1 and RB-2 were the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Biofertilizers could play a crucial role in reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers by fixing the atmospheric nitrogen for crop and/or by increasing the availability of phosphorus and phytohormones to the crop. The 16 treatment combinations were laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. In biofertilizer treatments, Mesorhizobium + RB-1 proved superior over control and sole inoculation of Mesorhizobium and at par with Mesorhizobium + RB-2 with respect to plant height (cm), number of branches (plant-1), shoot and root dry matter (kg ha-1) which were recorded at 30, 60 90, 120 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. Application of 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 gave the highest values of all the growth at-tributes viz. plant height (60 cm), number of primary (5.3) and secondary (27.2) branches per plant, shoot dry matter (4000 kg ha-1) and root dry matter (354 kg ha-1) which were significantly higher than that of 0 and 15 kg P2O5 ha-1 and at par with 20 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similar results were observed in case of crop growth rate (CGR) whereas relative growth rate (RGR) was not influenced significantly by various biofertilizer and phosphorus treatments. The dual inoc-ulation with PGPR strains along with phosphorus application have a supplementary effect on the growth of chickpea

Nodular Sarcoidosis Masquerading as Cancer.

Nodular lung disease is a rare pulmonary manifestation of sarcoidosis and resembles metastatic neoplasm disease. Nodular sarcoidosis is rare, varying from 1.6% to 4% of patients with sarcoidosis. Radiographic nodules measure from 1 to 5 cm in diameter that typically consist of coalescent granulomas. There is limited data on this form of sarcoidosis and its presentation can mimic primary or metastatic pulmonary neoplasms. Nodular sarcoidosis has a favorable prognosis, and resolution can be seen with oral corticosteroids. Herein, we present such a case of nodular pulmonary sarcoidosis with a lung nodule measured up to 6 cm

Economic analysis of application of phosphorus, single and dual inoculation of Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus)

This study investigates the economic returns of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) by the use of phosphorus and biofertilizers [Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)] in Indian Punjab. The field experiments were conducted during Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15 with combinations of four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 30 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) and two/four biofertilizer treatments [uninoculated control and Rhizobium (LLR 12) + PGPR (RB 2)] in 2013-14, and uninoculated control, Rhizobium, PGPR and Rhizobium + PGPR in 2014-15) by replicating thrice. The use of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest gross returns whereas net returns and B:C were highest at 30 kg P2O5 ha-1. The combination of Rhizobium + PGPR + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest gross returns (Rs. 45902) whereas Rhizobium + PGPR+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest net returns (Rs 20620). Furthermore, the integrated use of Rhizobium + PGPR + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided higher net returns (Rs 20620) and B:C (1.88) as compared to sole application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 (Rs 18792 and 1.72). Thus, there was a net saving of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 with the use of Rhizobium + PGPR inoculation without sacrificing the economics returns

Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity - A Frequently Missed Complication.

IntroductionAmiodarone is often used in the suppression of tachyarrhythmias. One of the more serious adverse effects includes amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT). Several pulmonary diseases can manifest including interstitial pneumonitis, organizing pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, pulmonary nodules or masses, and pleural effusion. Incidence of APT varies from 5-15% and is correlated to dosage, age of the patient, and preexisting lung disease.DescriptionA 56-year-old male with a past medical history of coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was admitted for a coronary artery bypass graft. Post-operatively, the patient was admitted to the ICU for ventilator management and continued to receive his home dose of amiodarone 400 mg orally twice daily, which he had been taking for the past 3 months. The patient was found to be hypoxemic with a PaO2 52 mmHg and bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray. Patient also complained of new onset dyspnea. Physical exam found bilateral rhonchi with bibasilar crackles and subcutaneous emphysema along the left anterior chest wall. Daily chest x-rays showed worsening of bilateral interstitial infiltrates and pleural effusions. A chest high-resolution computed tomography on post-operative day 3 showed extensive and severe bilateral ground glass opacities. APT was suspected and amiodarone was discontinued. A course of oral prednisone without antibiotics was initiated, and after one week of treatment the chest film cleared, the PaO2 value normalized and dyspnea resolved.DiscussionAPT occurs via cytotoxic T cells and indirectly by immunological reaction. Typically the lungs manifest a diffuse interstitial pneumonitis with varying degrees of fibrosis. Infiltrates with a 'ground-glass' appearance appreciated on HRCT are more definitive than chest x-ray. Pulmonary nodules can be seen, frequently in the upper lobes. These are postulated to be accumulations of amiodarone in areas of previous inflammation. Those undergoing major cardiothoracic surgery are known to be predisposed to APT. Some elements require consideration: a baseline pulmonary function test (PFT) did not exist prior. APT would manifest a restrictive pattern of PFTs. In APT diffusing capacity (DLCO) is generally >20 percent from baseline. A DLCO was not done in this patient. Therefore, not every type of interstitial lung disease could be ruled out. Key features support a clinical diagnosis: (1) new dyspnea, (2) exclusion of lung infection, (3) exclusion of heart failure, (4) new radiographic features, (5) improvement with withdrawal of amiodarone. Our case illustrates consideration of APT in patients who have extensive use of amiodarone and new onset dyspnea

Changes in behavioural and locomotory activities of freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) in response to sublethal exposure of Chlorpyrifos

The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of sub-lethal toxicity of chlorpyrifos, one of the largest market selling agrochemical on physiological parameters of teleost fish, Cirrhinus mrigala addressing the possible causative involvement in behavioural and locomotion responses. Primarily, the acute toxicity (96h LC50) test was carried out and the value calculated by probit analysis was found to be 0.44 mg L-1. Further, one-fifth, one-tenth and one-twentieth of 96 h LC50 were selected as sublethal concentrations for sub acute studies. The experiment was carried out for 21 days and the alternative behaviour was recorded in terms of Air Ingulping (AI), Operculum Beat Frequency (OBF), Surfacing Movement (SM), Vertical Hanging (VH) and Tail Beat Frequency (TBF) on duration day 2, 4, 7, 14 and 21. Significant effect of both the concentrations and duration was observed in fishes treated with selected doses of chlorpyrifos. It was found that AI, OBF, SM, VH, TBF was highest on day 7 at 0.08 mg L-1 concentration of Chlorpyrifos. The findings revealed that there is a need to control the use of chlorpyrifos because of its toxicity. All the fish avoidance tests proved to be an important predictive and sensitive biomarker in aquatic monitoring and pollution management

In vitro evaluation of glass fiber post

Statement of problem: Techniques and recommendations for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth have changed from the use of custom cast metal post and core system to glass fiber-reinforced (GFRC) post and composite core system. Has this latest prefabricated glass fiber reinforced post and composite core system increased the fracture resistance of teeth and reduced the incidence of unrestorable root fractures. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of root fracture and mode of failure of endodontically treated teeth restored with two different post and core systems. Material and methods: Forty maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into two groups. (n=20). All teeth received endodontic treatment. First group was restored with custom cast post and core system. Second group was restored with glass fiber post and composite core system. In Both the groups posts were cemented with adhesive resin cement. Compressive load was applied at an angle of 130 to the long axis of teeth at a cross head speed of 1 mm/min until fracture occurred. Data were analyzed with student 't' test P<.001. Results: The mean value for fracture resistance was (331.4025) N in Group -I Custom cast Ni-Cr post and core and (237.0625) N in Group -II Glass fiber reinforced post and composite core system. Students 't' test shows the significant difference in fracture resistance of two groups. Conclusion: This study showed that the incidence of root fracture was significantly higher in custom cast Ni-Cr post and core system than glass fiber post and composite core system. A more favourable mode of failure was observed in teeth restored with Group II glass fiber post system

Comparative evaluation of Doolittle, Cupkit and Karl Jenter techniques for rearing Apis mellifera Linnaeus queen bees during breeding season

Comparative evaluation of Doolittle, Karl Jenter and Cupkit techniques of Apis mellifera Linnaeus queen bee rearing was done during spring (mid February- mid April 2013) breeding season. The highest acceptance of cell cups (66.00 %), queen cells raising (64.00 %), their sealing (60.67 %) and emergence of gynes (54.67 %) was recorded in Cupkit apparatus. Maximum weight of newly emerged gyne was recorded in Doolittle method in plastic cell cups (212.36 mg), while the mean weight was 184.96 mg in case of Cupkit apparatus. Overall, Cupkit proved to be the best option for queen bee rearing because of its better performance in terms of acceptance of larvae (66.00 %) and the number of successfully produced gynes i.e. 16 queens/colony/cycle of 12 days