Effect of Microbial inoculation in combating the aluminium toxicity effect on growth of Zea mays

The present study is aimed at improving the aluminium tolerance in maize crop employing the potential of microbial inoculants in conferring resistance to these toxicities via production of certain chelating compounds like siderophores, exopolysachharides and organic acids. Acid soils have now-a-days become one of the key factors for limiting growth of many agriculturally important crops. Aluminium  is one of the major elements present in acid soils and is mainly responsible for toxicity in the soil. This aluminium is rapidly soluble in soil water and hence absorbed by plant roots under conditions where soil pH is below 5. This toxicity leads to severe root growth inhibition, thereby limiting the production of maize crops. It was observed that use of microbial inoculums can be helpful in elimination of these toxic compounds and prevent the inhibition of root growth . It was found that the soils contaminated with aluminium toxicity decreased the root length of maize plant significantly by 65% but Bacillus and Burkholderia inoculation increased this root length significantly by 1.4- folds and 2- folds respectively thereby combating the effect of aluminium toxicity. Aluminium concentration was found maximum in roots of plants which were grown under aluminium stress condition. But this aluminium accumulation decreased ̴ 2-folds when Burkholderia was used as seed inoculants under aluminium stress conditions. Also, at 60mM aluminium accumulation, phosphorus solubilisation in roots was found to be increased upto 30% on Burkholderia inoculation. However, Bacillus inoculation didn't show any significant difference in either of the case. Thus, the inoculation of seeds with Burkholderia isolates could prove to be a boon in sequestering aluminium toxicity in Zea mays.

The effect of surface roughness and viscoelasticity on rubber adhesion

Adhesion between silica glass or acrylic balls and silicone elastomers and various industrial rubbers is investigated. The work of adhesion during pull-off is found to strongly vary depending on the system, which we attribute to the two opposite effects: (1) viscoelastic energy dissipation close to an opening crack tip and (2) surface roughness. Introducing surface roughness on the glass ball is found to increase the work of adhesion for soft elastomers, while for the stiffer elastomers it results in a strong reduction in the work of adhesion. For the soft silicone elastomers a strong increase in the work of adhesion with increasing pull-off velocity is observed, which may result from the non-adiabatic processes associated with molecular chain pull-out. In general, the work of adhesion is decreased after repeated contacts due to the transfer of molecules from the elastomers to the glass ball. Thus, extracting the free chains (oligomers) from the silicone elastomers is shown to make the work of adhesion independent of the number of contacts. The viscoelastic properties (linear and nonlinear) of all of the rubber compounds are measured, and the velocity dependent crack opening propagation energy at the interface is calculated. Silicone elastomers show a good agreement between the measured work of adhesion and the predicted results, but carbon black filled hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber compounds reveal that strain softening at the crack tip may play an important role in determining the work of adhesion. Additionally, adhesion measurement under submerged conditions in distilled water and water + soap solutions are also performed: a strong reduction in the work of adhesion is measured for the silicone elastomers submerged in water, and a complete elimination of adhesion is found for the water + soap solution attributed to an osmotic repulsion between the negatively charged surface of the glass and the elastomer.

Thermoelectric and Structural Characterization of Al-Doped ZnO/Y₂O₃ Multilayers

The influence of Y2O3 nanolayers on thermoelectric performance and structure of 2% Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films has been studied. Multilayers based on five 50 nm thick AZO layers alternated with few nanometers thick Y2O3 layers were prepared by pulsed laser deposition on Al2O3 single crystals by alternate ablation of AZO target and Y2O3 target. The number of laser shots on Y2O3 target was maintained very low (5, 10 and 15 pulses in three separate experiments. The main phase (AZO) presents polycrystalline orientation and typical columnar growth not affected by the presence of Y2O3 nanolayers. The multilayer with 15 laser shots of Y2O3 showed best thermoelectric performance with electrical conductivity σ 48 S/cm and Seebeck coefficient S = −82 μV/K, which estimate power factor (S2·σ) about 0.03 × 10−3 W m−1 K−2 at 600 K. The value of thermal conductivity (κ) was found 10.03 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K, which is one third of typical value previously reported for bulk AZO. The figure of merit, ZT = S2·σ·T/κ, is calculated 9.6 × 10−4 at 600 K. These results demonstrated the feasibility of nanoengineered defects insertion for the depression of thermal conductivity.

The Global Relationship between Chromatin Physical Topology, Fractal Structure, and Gene Expression

Most of what we know about gene transcription comes from the view of cells as molecular machines: focusing on the role of molecular modifications to the proteins carrying out transcriptional reactions at a loci-by-loci basis. This view ignores a critical reality: biological reactions do not happen in an empty space, but in a highly complex, interrelated, and dense nanoenvironment that profoundly influences chemical interactions. We explored the relationship between the physical nanoenvironment of chromatin and gene transcription in vitro. We analytically show that changes in the fractal dimension, D, of chromatin correspond to simultaneous increases in chromatin accessibility and compaction heterogeneity. Using these predictions, we demonstrate experimentally that nanoscopic changes to chromatin D within thirty minutes correlate with concomitant enhancement and suppression of transcription. Further, we show that the increased heterogeneity of physical structure of chromatin due to increase in fractal dimension correlates with increased heterogeneity of gene networks. These findings indicate that the higher order folding of chromatin topology may act as a molecular-pathway independent code regulating global patterns of gene expression. Since physical organization of chromatin is frequently altered in oncogenesis, this work provides evidence pairing molecular function to physical structure for processes frequently altered during tumorigenesis.

Three-dimensional printing and patient-specific pre-contoured plate: future of acetabulum fracture fixation?

PURPOSE

Due to the complexity of acetabulum, achieving anatomical contouring intra-operatively is difficult for surgeon. A 3D (dimensional) real model can facilitate us both in contouring the plate pre-operatively and in better pre-operative planning. Patient-specific pre-contoured plate in acetabular fracture has been studied by few researchers but randomized case-control study was lacking. Hence, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the accuracy of patient-specific pre-contoured plate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective randomized case control study was conducted. 21 patients were included. 10 patients were distributed in "case" group and remaining 11 in "control" group.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Displaced acetabulum fractures with displacement of ≥3 mm in adults who reported within 3 weeks of injury. Exclusion criteria were: Open fractures, associated Morel-Lavallée lesion and patients with >3 weeks old fracture. In case group, patient-specific real 3D model of fractured acetabulum was generated using rapid prototyping technology and plates were contoured pre-operatively. Control group was treated using intra-operative contoured plates. Both the groups were compared using parameters: Blood loss, Surgery time, post-operative reduction on X-ray, post-surgical residual displacement and reduction achieved as evaluated by CT scan.

RESULTS

Reduced blood loss (100 ml less in case group) and surgical time (12 min less in case group) and better post-operative reduction were observed in case than control. In control group, 4 patients even had step of 2-3 mm, which was not seen in case group. All the pre-contoured plates fitted well to the pelvis intra-operatively. Reduction achieved as evaluated by CT was more in "case" group with statistically significant outcomes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patient-specific pre-contoured plate made using 3D model is a better implant than intra-operatively contoured plate. Real-time 3D pelvis model is an accurate technique for pre-operative planning in acetabular fractures.

Three-dimensional printing and patient-specific pre-contoured plate: future of acetabulum fracture fixation?

PURPOSE

Due to the complexity of acetabulum, achieving anatomical contouring intra-operatively is difficult for surgeon. A 3D (dimensional) real model can facilitate us both in contouring the plate pre-operatively and in better pre-operative planning. Patient-specific pre-contoured plate in acetabular fracture has been studied by few researchers but randomized case-control study was lacking. Hence, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the accuracy of patient-specific pre-contoured plate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective randomized case control study was conducted. 21 patients were included. 10 patients were distributed in "case" group and remaining 11 in "control" group.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Displaced acetabulum fractures with displacement of ≥3 mm in adults who reported within 3 weeks of injury. Exclusion criteria were: Open fractures, associated Morel-Lavallée lesion and patients with >3 weeks old fracture. In case group, patient-specific real 3D model of fractured acetabulum was generated using rapid prototyping technology and plates were contoured pre-operatively. Control group was treated using intra-operative contoured plates. Both the groups were compared using parameters: Blood loss, Surgery time, post-operative reduction on X-ray, post-surgical residual displacement and reduction achieved as evaluated by CT scan.

RESULTS

Reduced blood loss (100 ml less in case group) and surgical time (12 min less in case group) and better post-operative reduction were observed in case than control. In control group, 4 patients even had step of 2-3 mm, which was not seen in case group. All the pre-contoured plates fitted well to the pelvis intra-operatively. Reduction achieved as evaluated by CT was more in "case" group with statistically significant outcomes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patient-specific pre-contoured plate made using 3D model is a better implant than intra-operatively contoured plate. Real-time 3D pelvis model is an accurate technique for pre-operative planning in acetabular fractures.

Assessing the Impact of Tissue Target Concentration Data on Uncertainty in In Vivo Target Coverage Predictions

Understanding pharmacological target coverage is fundamental in drug discovery and development as it helps establish a sequence of research activities, from laboratory objectives to clinical doses. To this end, we evaluated the impact of tissue target concentration data on the level of confidence in tissue coverage predictions using a site of action (SoA) model for antibodies. By fitting the model to increasing amounts of synthetic tissue data and comparing the uncertainty in SoA coverage predictions, we confirmed that, in general, uncertainty decreases with longitudinal tissue data. Furthermore, a global sensitivity analysis showed that coverage is sensitive to experimentally identifiable parameters, such as baseline target concentration in plasma and target turnover half‐life and fixing them reduces uncertainty in coverage predictions. Overall, our computational analysis indicates that measurement of baseline tissue target concentration reduces the uncertainty in coverage predictions and identifies target‐related parameters that greatly impact the confidence in coverage predictions.

MP2: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND METABOLIC PHENOTYPE OF LOW BODY MASS INDEX DIABETES

Purpose of Study

Millions of individuals with low body mass index (BMI) globally have diabetes of unclear etiology. These include patients with Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes (FCPD) and Lean Diabetes (LD), defined by the presence or absence of pancreatic calcifications on ultrasound. We present the first studies using gold-standard methodologies to assess their metabolic phenotype.

Methods Used

Stepped euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic (∼30 and 80 mU/m2/min) clamp studies were performed in n=8 Indian males with LD (age 38±3 y, BMI 18.4±0.1 kg/m2, HbA1c 11.0±0.8%) and n=22 with FCPD (age 30±1 y, BMI 19.7±0.6 kg/m2, HbA1c 10.2±0.6%), compared with n=12 type 2 diabetes subjects (T2DM, BMI 25.7±0.3 kg/m2, HbA1c 9.7±0.6%) and n=12 age and BMI matched non-diabetic (ND) subjects and n=16 with type 1 diabetes (T1DM, HbA1c 9.1±0.3%). Therapeutic regimens were intensified for two weeks to correct glucose toxicity in all groups. Lean body mass was determined for all subjects from percentage of total body fat as assessed by DXA.

Summary of Results

Peripheral insulin sensitivity (Rd, mg/kg lean body weight/min), was markedly impaired in T2DM (2.3±0.6; p<0.01) compared to LD (9.2±1.6) and FCPD (5.8±0.7). Rd did not differ between T1DM (5.8±0.7), LD and FCPD groups (figure 1).

Conclusions

Thus, these comprehensive studies suggest patients with LD and FCPD are only mildly insulin resistant once hyperglycemia is corrected. This promotes a paradigm shift in our understanding of low body mass index diabetes and could have profound therapeutic implications for millions of people.

Abstract MP2 Figure 1

13: LOW BODY MASS INDEX DIABETES IS CHARACTERIZED BY IMPAIRED INSULIN SECRETION

Purpose of Study

Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes (FCPD) and Lean Diabetes (LD) are unique forms of diabetes affecting millions of people in developing countries, characterized by the presence or absence of pancreatic calcifications on ultrasound and insulin-requiring but ketosis-resistant diabetes. To optimize therapeutic strategies for FCPD and lean diabetes patients, it is imperative to conclusively assess their insulin secretion using gold-standard methodologies.

Methods Used

Comprehensive tests were undertaken in n=22 Indian males with FCPD (age 30±2 y, BMI 19.7±0.6 kg/m2, HbA1c 9.0±0.3%) and n=6 with LD (age 36±4 y, BMI 18.3±0.1 kg/m2, HbA1c 11.6±1.3%), and compared with n=12 age, BMI matched ND, n=16 T1D (HbA1c 9.1±0.3%) and n=12 T2D subjects (age 36±2 y, BMI 26.0±0.3 kg/m2, HbA1c 9.7±0.6%). Following correction of hyperglycemia for over two weeks, mixed-meal tolerance tests (MMTT) and C-peptide deconvolution analysis was performed to assess beta-cell function.

Summary of Results

Glucose and C-peptide responses to MMTT suggest subjects with FCPD (14.5±2.2 pmol/kg/min) and LD (15.0±2.9 pmol/kg/min) have markedly impaired insulin secretion relative to both ND and T2D (p<0.001), and not statistically different from T1D (figure 1).

Conclusions

Thus, we report the first studies showing that patients with low BMI diabetes have impaired insulin secretion despite correction of hyperglycemia, consistent with nutritional effects on beta cell development or function.

Abstract 13 Figure 1

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) for Proximal and Distal Fractures of The Tibia: A Biological Approach

Introduction: The treatment of fractures of proximal and distal tibia is challenging, because of the limited soft tissue envelope and poor vascularity. The best treatment remains controversial and it depends on the fracture morphology, displacement and comminution. Treatment options vary from closed reduction and cast to open reduction and internal fixation with plate. Open reduction and internal fixation with plate can result in extensive dissection and tissue devitalization. We conducted a study on management of these fractures by biological osteosynthesis using Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique with preservation of osseous and soft tissue vascularity. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on closed reduction and percutaneous plating in 30 cases (mean age 42.7 years; 22 males and 8 females) of closed fractures of tibia. Among them 24 had proximal tibial fractures and 6 had distal tibial fractures. The mean time from injury to surgery was seven days. Results: The mean operative time was 72.6 minutes ( range: 55-90 minutes). Mean time for radiological union was 17 weeks (range: 14-22 weeks). There was one superficial wound infection which resolved with daily dressings and one week of oral antibiotics. One patient developed a nonunion which required a bone grafting procedure. Conclusions: The satisfactory functional results and lack of soft tissue complications suggest that this method should be considered in periarticular fractures. Biological fixation of complex fractures gives stable as well as optimal internal fixation and complete recovery of limb function at an early stage with minimal risk of complications.

19: RESVERATROL IMPROVES INSULIN RESISTANCE WITH ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND “BROWNING” EFFECTS IN ADIPOSE TISSUE OF OVERWEIGHT HUMANS

Purpose of Study

Resveratrol is a plant-derived polyphenol whose beneficial metabolic effects in rodents include improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and increased muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. We set out to confirm these findings in insulin resistant human subjects, by examining the effects of resveratrol on insulin sensitivity, muscle mitochondria, and adipose inflammation.

Methods Used

Specifically, resveratrol 2 gm/day (RV) or placebo (PL) were administered for 28 days in a randomized, double-blinded fashion to n=21 non-diabetic subjects (17 M; Age=52±2; BMI=31.9±0.9 kg/m2; HOMA-IR=3.9±0.2). All subjects participated in 6-hour, stepped euglycemic hyperinsulinemic (30 and 80 mU/m2.min) ‘pancreatic clamp’ studies to assess hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity, with biopsies of vastus lateralis muscle and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, before and after RV and PL. Muscle mitochondria were analyzed for quantity, size, area in a field, and the % area covered, using electron microscopy with Volocity image analysis.

Summary of Results

RV induced a 22% (p=0.035) increase in glucose uptake, but did not affect glucose production. There were no changes in quantity (p=0.829) or percent area (p=0.897) of muscle mitochondria. There were no changes in basal or resting energy expenditure (Kcal/day) or respiratory quotient, as assessed by indirect calorimetry (Deltatrac), or in muscle strength in these healthy middle-aged subjects. However, RV reduced adipose tissue inflammation, with decreased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL6 in whole fat (by 68% and 52%, p<0.05), and of IL6 and PAI-1 in adipose macrophages (by 50% and 40%, p<0.05). Adiponectin expression in whole fat increased by 53% with RV. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of genes associated with ‘browning’ of adipose tissue, including UCP1 and PGC-1α (46.6% and 34.9% increases, respectively).

Conclusions

Thus, while improved insulin sensitivity was not accompanied by changes in size or number of muscle mitochondria, anti-inflammatory and ‘browning’ effects in adipose tissue could contribute to resveratrol's favorable metabolic effects in insulin resistant humans.

Histological evaluation of 400 cholecystectomy specimens

Background: A majority of gallbladder specimens show changes associated with chronic cholecystitis; however few harbour a highly lethal carcinoma. This study was conducted to review the significant histopathological findings encountered in gallbladder specimens received in our laboratory.Materials and Methods: Four hundred cholecystectomy specimens were studied over a period of five years (May, 2002 to April, 2007) received at department of pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Results: Gallstones and associated diseases were more common in women in the 4th to 5th decade as compared to men with M: F ratio of 1:1.33. Maximum number of patients (28.25%) being 41 to 50 years old. Histopathologically, the most common diagnosis was chronic cholecystitis (66.75%), followed by chronic active cholecystitis (20.25%), acute cholecystitis (6%), gangrenous cholecystitis (2.25%),xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (0.50%), empyema (1%), mucocele (0.25%), choledochal cyst (0.25%), adenocarcinoma gallbladder (1.25%) and  normal  gallbladders (1%).Conclusion: All lesions were found more frequently in women except chronic active cholecystitis. Gallstones were present in (80.25%) cases, and significantly associated with various lesions (P value 0.009). Pigment stones were most common, followed by cholesterol stones and mixed stones. Adequate  sectioning  is  mandatory  in  all  cases  to  assess  epithelial changes arising from cholelithiasis and chronic cholecystitis as it has been known to progress to malignancy in some cases.

Stenting as a bail-out option after failed percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in infrainguinal vein bypass grafts

OBJECTIVES

To study the safety and efficacy of bare and covered stents in infrainguinal vein grafts after failure of PTA for treating graft stenoses.

METHODS

An analysis of a prospective database of all patients who underwent stenting of infrainguinal vein bypass grafts at this institution between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 was carried out. The main outcome considered was primary patency, which was reported at 1, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients with a mean age of 73 years (range: 56 to 86) were included. The indications for stent placement were significant recoil (7, 39%), graft rupture (6, 33%), residual vein cusps (3, 17%) and aneurysmal degeneration (2, 11%). There was a high overall technical success rate of 94% (17/18) and arrest of haemorrhage was achieved in all cases of graft rupture. The primary patency at 1, 6 and 12 months was 89%, 71% and 59%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The use of bare and covered stents in infrainguinal vein grafts appears safe and effective. They are an excellent bail-out option for the treatment of graft rupture and give acceptable short-term results.