229 research outputs found
Plastic occurrence, sources, and impacts in Antarctic environment and biota
Several studies have documented that plastic pollution is affecting one of the most remote and pristine regions of our planet, Antarctica. Plastics of different size and polymeric composition have been retrieved in Antarctic sea ice, surface waters and sediments, with microplastics (mostly fibers) found both in terrestrial and marine organisms. Such evidence raises concerns about potential detrimental effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The present review aims to report the most up-to-date knowledge on occurrence and distribution of plastic pollution in the Antarctic environment and biota including interaction with microorganisms, potential sources, and its impact on Antarctic biota. Our understanding of plastic pollution in this polar region will help us define the human footprint in Antarctica and predict future ecological risks
Abstract 3336: Comparison of epithelial mesenchymal transition mediated TKI resistanc NSCLC cells containing wild type EGFR and mutant EGFR
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital process in development and of metastasis and occurs when epithelial cell lose their polarized structure, by reducing adherent junction proteins E-cadherin, Claudin and ZO-1 on the membrane. Cells with EMT are elongated spindle like structures due to upregulation of mesenchymal markers Vimentin and N-cadherin. EMT may be responsible for resistance to molecular targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) against EGFR which is used in patients with activated EGFR mutations. However, these patients acquire resistance to TKIs after prolonged use. This acquired resistance to TKIs may also be due to a secondary T790M mutation in the kinase domain which could be responsible for inducing EMT. EMT is regulated by p120-catenin which interacts with the Kaiso factor in the cell nucleus and inhibits the transcriptional repressor activity of Kaiso factor. Kaiso factor represses Wnt target genes such as ZEB-1. The binding of p120-catenin to Kaiso factor also increases Wnt signaling which results in loss of E-cadherin. Cells undergoing EMT can acquire cancer stem-cell like characteristics by expressing stem-cell marker ABCB1. Thus we investigated EMT characteristics in TKI-resistant NSCLC cells, H2170 ER (Erlotinib resistant), H358 ER and H1975. To determine modulation of EMT biomarkers in TKI-resistant cells, H1975 with L858R and T790M mutations was compared to TKI-sensitive cell line H3255 with L858R mutation, using immunoblotting, and qPCR. Expression of stem-cell markers ABCB1 and EMT biomarker E-cadherin are measured using flow cytometry. Key EMT-related proteins such as PRMT-1, Slug, Snail, Twist, p120-catenin, and Vimentin were upregulated by 3.2, 3.18, 6.2, 1.68, 4 and 6.5 fold, respectively, and E-cadherin, Claudin and ZO-1 were downregulated by 89%, 90% and 99% fold as compared to the H3255 TKI-sensitive cell line. We also observed upregulation of N-cadherin, ZEB-1 and Vimentin by 2.4, 2.6, and 12 fold and downregulation of E-cadherin by 50% in H1975 by qPCR. Immunofluorescence studies for Vimentin showed that H1975 cells were more elongated and stratified as compared to the H3255 that had polarized structures. 90% colocalization of p120-catenin and Kaiso factor was seen H1975 cells whereas 10% colocalization was seen in H3255 cells. Flow cytometry results indicated that there was significant increase in expression of stem cell marker ABCB1 in TKI resistant cells H2170 ER, H358 ER and H1975 in comparison to H2170 P(Parental), H358 P and H3255 TKI sensitive cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that EMT is mediated through PRMT-1, which methylates Twist, transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin along with Slug and Snail in H1975 cells with T790M mutation. Cancer stem-cell marker ABCB1 is specific for TKI resistant NSCLC cells which exhibit EMT.
Citation Format: Tsatsral Iderzorig, Sanjana Singh, Gagan Chhabra, Neelu Puri. Comparison of epithelial mesenchymal transition mediated TKI resistanc NSCLC cells containing wild type EGFR and mutant EGFR [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3336. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3336</jats:p
Genetic Diversity in Lens Species Revealed by EST and Genomic Simple Sequence Repeat Analysis
Low productivity of pilosae type lentils grown in South Asia is attributed to narrow genetic
base of the released cultivars which results in susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses.
For enhancement of productivity and production, broadening of genetic base is essentially
required. The genetic base of released cultivars can be broadened by using diverse types
including bold seeded and early maturing lentils from Mediterranean region and related wild
species. Genetic diversity in eighty six accessions of three species of genus Lens was
assessed based on twelve genomic and thirty one EST-SSR markers. The evaluated set of
genotypes included diverse lentil varieties and advanced breeding lines from Indian programme,
two early maturing ICARDA lines and five related wild subspecies/species
endemic to the Mediterranean region. Genomic SSRs exhibited higher polymorphism in
comparison to EST SSRs. GLLC 598 produced 5 alleles with highest gene diversity value
of 0.80. Among the studied subspecies/species 43 SSRs detected maximum number of
alleles in L. orientalis. Based on Nei’s genetic distance cultivated lentil L. culinaris subsp.
culinaris was found to be close to its wild progenitor L. culinaris subsp. orientalis. The Prichard’s
structure of 86 genotypes distinguished different subspecies/species. Higher variability
was recorded among individuals within population than among populations
Anti termite activity of Jatropha curcas Linn. biochemicals
Jatropha curcas oil and its toxic fraction were evaluated at
different dilutions i.e., 1%,5%,10%,20% against Microcerotermes beesoni
, the test termite. The maximum wood protection against termites of
both the treatments were obtained at their highest concentration i.e.
20%. The weight loss ranged from 18.77% to 48.80% at concentrations of
20% to 1% of Jatropha curcas oil formulation. The protection afforded
by toxic fraction was enhanced, with the % weight loss ranging from
10.48 to 35.19. However, all the treatments proved to be effective over
the control (50.84%)
Influencing Style: Exploring the Role of Social Media Influencers in Fashion Choices of Generation Z in Ireland
This research aims to evaluate the role of social media influencers in the fashion choices of Generation Z in Ireland. The objectives that have been met through this study is to evaluate the influence of social media influencers in shaping the fashion choices of Generation Z consumers in Ireland. Fashion choices undertaken by consumers are heavily influenced in the present times, owing to the vast access to information and several individuals influencing their decisions.
Social media influencers have a positive impact in targeting Gen Z customers only when they provide trustworthy and reliable content to them. Fake reviews led to dissatisfaction with customers. Therefore, the customers must be provided with credible sources of information which can encourage their purchasing intention. Different types of effects of cultural and religious differences within Ireland influence the responses of Gen Z to fashion influencer marketing.
In the context of the research methodology, it has been noticed that the process of information collection for the research has been identified here. In this study, the primary method of data collection and survey method of data analysis have been chosen. The research approach, philosophy and design have also been identified in this study and the simple random sampling method have also been noticed in this study.
Furthermore, in the findings and analysis section the hypotheses development has been carried out. In this section, the demographic and the contextual findings and their link with the research objective has been established as well. In the survey, researcher have maintained diversity in gender, age and geographic residence of the respondents. In conclusion the key findings of this research have been analysed that is the purchasing intention of Gen Z customers in Ireland is highly influenced by the trustworthiness, reliability and validity of the social media content. Moreover, suitable recommendation, future scope and limitation has been addressed
The Potential of Arecanut Husk Ash as Supplementary Cementitious Material
This paper reports the recycling of arecanut husk ash (ANA) as supplementary cementitious material in respect of cement mortars. The mixes are prepared with four percentages (0, 10, 15, 20, and 25) of ANA as partial replacement of portland cement. The properties investigated are; chemical composition, particle size, presence of crystalline matter, compressive strength, water absorption and sorption. Mortar cubes are tested for compressive strength up to the age of 56 days, whereas water absorption and sorption tests are carried out at the age of 28 days. Test results have shown that ANA is an effective pozzolan up to the optimal replacement ratio of 20% cement with better water absorption characteristics
Anti termite activity of Jatropha curcas Linn. biochemicals
Jatropha curcas oil and its toxic fraction were evaluated at
different dilutions i.e., 1%,5%,10%,20% against Microcerotermes beesoni
, the test termite. The maximum wood protection against termites of
both the treatments were obtained at their highest concentration i.e.
20%. The weight loss ranged from 18.77% to 48.80% at concentrations of
20% to 1% of Jatropha curcas oil formulation. The protection afforded
by toxic fraction was enhanced, with the % weight loss ranging from
10.48 to 35.19. However, all the treatments proved to be effective over
the control (50.84%)
EVALUATION OF WATER HYACINTH STEM ASH AS POZZOLANIC MATERIAL FOR USE IN BLENDED CEMENT
In this paper, the potential use of water hyacinth stem ash (WHA) in the partial replacement of cement is studied. WHA was used as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement at 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt. %. To evaluate the pozzolanic activity of WHA, the properties investigated were chemical composition, particle size, soundness, setting time, specific gravity, presence of crystalline matter, compressive strength, water absorption and sorption. Mortar cubes were tested for compressive strength up to the age of 56 days, whereas water absorption and sorption tests are carried out at the age of 28 days. Test results reveal that mortar cubes with 10% WHA substitution for Portland cement produced comparative compressive strength values to control mortar. It was also observed that the use of WHA in Portland cement has reduced water absorption characteristics
Understanding the Effect of BVDV on Innate Immune Response of Neutrophils
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the highly prevalent and economically important diseases of cattle industry worldwide. The two major consequences of this disease are persistent infection and immunosuppression. Several studies have been done to determine the underline mechanisms of BVDV-induced immunosuppression targeting antigen presenting cells, adaptive immune system cells and cytokine gene expression. However, very little research has been done to determine the effect of BVDV on neutrophils. Neutrophils are one of the most abundant while blood cells (WBC) in the peripheral blood, which play a critical role in the innate as well as adaptive immune response. The current study measured the effect of BVDV infection on viability of neutrophils, their surface marker expression and functional abilities including migration/chemoattraction, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production (oxidative burst) and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. These studies revealed that none of BVDV strains affected the viability of neutrophils in vitro. BVDV infection did affect surface marker expression. TGAC and TGAN reduced the expression of CD18 and Lselectin while increasing CD14 expression. All ncp BVDV strains used enhanced neutrophil migration while the cp BVDV strain reduced neutrophil migration as compared to mock-infected control treatment. Among the BVDV strains used in current study, highly virulent 1373 significantly enhanced neutrophil migration. The enhancement in neutrophil migration by 1373 was approximately 55% higher as compared to LPS-treated positive control macrophages. BVDV infection significantly enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis activity for 0.2 μm microsphere beads as compared to mock infection. Neutrophil phagocytic activity for rhodamine-labeled E. coli was reduced by BVDV infection as compared to LPS-control. TGAC, TGAN, 1373 or 28508 had 23%, 6%, 19% or 12% less phagocytic activity respectively as compared to mock-infected rhodamine-labeled E. coli-treated neutrophils. All BVDV strains used in the current study also reduced oxidative burst by approximately 50% as compared to positive control (
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