Dynamic change in optical properties of a nanoparticle embedded tumor phantom for plasmonic photothermal cancer therapeutics

In this study, the temporal dynamic changes in optical properties of gold nanorods (GNR) embedded tumor phantom, during photothermal interaction, are reported for plasmonic photothermal therapeutics. Tumor mimicking bilayer phantoms were prepared by using 1% agarose incorporated with 0.1% coffee powder, 0.3% intralipid solution as epidermis layer; 3% intralipid solution and 0.3% human hemoglobin (Hb) powder as dermis layer. On incorporating GNRs of concentrations 10, 20, and 40 μg/ml within the phantom, the absorption coefficients increases 4–8 times, while there is minimal change in the reduced scattering coefficients. Further the absorption coefficient increased by ~8% with the incorporation of GNRs of concentration 40 μg/ml, while no considerable dynamic change in the optical properties is observed for the phantom embedded with GNRs of concentrations 10, and 20 μg/ml. The discussed results are useful for the selection of GNRs dose for pre-treatment planning of plasmonic photothermal cancer therapeutics.     

Copper and mercury induced oxidative stresses and antioxidant responses of Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid

Duckweed is recognized as a phytoremediation aquatic plant due to the production of large biomass and a high level of tolerance in stressed conditions. A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate antioxidant response and mechanism of copper and mercury tolerance of S. polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. To understand the changes in chlorophyll content, MDA, proline, and activities of ROS-scavenging enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPOD) during the accumulation of Cu⁺² and Hg⁺², S. polyrhiza were exposed to various concentrations of Cu⁺² (0.0–40 μM) and Hg⁺² (0.0–0.4 μM). antioxidant activity initially indicated enhancing trend with application of 10 μM Cu⁺²; 0.2 μM Hg⁺² (SOD), of 20 μM Cu⁺²; 0.2 μM Hg⁺² (CAT) and of 10 μM Cu⁺²;0.2 μM Hg⁺² (GPOD) and then decreased consistently up to 40 μM Cu⁺² and 0.4 μM Hg⁺². In the experiment chlorophyll and frond multiplication initially showed increasing tendency and decreased gradually with the application of increased metal concentration. Application of heavy metal has constantly enhanced proline and MDA content while the maximum increase was observed with the application of 40 μM Cu; 0.4 μM Hg for proline and MDA respectively. The upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and proline reveals that S. polyrhiza has strong biochemical strategies to deal with the heavy metal toxicity induced by the accumulation of Cu⁺² and Hg⁺².     

ELECTRON PROBE MICROANALYSIS OF SILICON DEPOSITION IN THE INFLORESCENCE BRACTS OF THE RICE PLANT (ORYZA SATIVA)

The deposition of silicon in tissues of the inflorescence bracts of rice has been studied with the electron probe microanalyzer. Tissues for analysis were prepared by means of peels, frozen transverse and longitudinal sections, chromations and macerations. The microanalysis shows the heaviest deposition in a layer external to the abaxial (outer) epidermis. The cells of this epidermis are only sparsely silicified, but the’ imprints of these cells are left on the outer silica layer. In the inner tissues of the bracts, silicon deposition is mostly associated with the cell walls.     

Cloning, characterization ofPichia etchellsii β-glucosidase II and effect of media composition and feeding strategy on its production in a bioreactor

The cloning and expression of β-glucosidase II, encoded by the geneßglu2, from thermotolerant yeastPichia etchellsii intoEscherichia coli is described. Cloning of the 7.3 kbBamHI/SalI yeast insert containingßglu2 in pUC18, which allowed for reverse orientation of the insert, resulted in better enzyme expression. Transformation of this plasmid intoE. coli JM109 resulted in accumulation of the enzyme in periplasmic space. At 50°C, the highest hydrolytic activity of 1686 IU/g protein was obtained on sophorose. Batch and fed-batch techniques were employed for enzyme production in a 14 L bioreactor. Exponential feeding rates were determined from mass balance equations and these were employed to control specific growth rate and in turn maximize cell growth and enzyme production. Media optimization coupled with this strategy resulted in increased enzyme units of 1.2 kU/L at a stabilized growth rate of 0.14 h^?1. Increased enzyme production in bioreactor was accompanied by formation of inclusion bodies.     

Intraperitoneal toxicity of pea and lentil lectins in albino rats--effect on growth and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes

Lectins from peas and lentils when injected to rats apparently appeared to be non toxic but they caused growth depression. The organ weights were not affected except spleen enlargement. The lectins also caused increased osmotic fragility of erythrocytes without affecting other hematological parameters such as haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and RBC count.     

Optimization of physicochemical parameters for IndianDosa batter fermentation

Summary Dosa batter fermentation was optimized by employing a variable set of different physicochemical conditions for further raising the nutritional levels. The best combination of these parameters was incubation at 28°C, with initial pH 4.5 and supplementation of the batter with free sugar (sucrose, I-2%).