Tumor associated mast cells: biological roles and therapeutic applications

Shikha Saxena,Anil Singh,Priyanka Singh 대한해부학회 2020 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.53 No.3

Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells of the myeloid lineage and are present in connective tissues throughout the body. The activation and degranulation of MCs significantly modulates many aspects of physiological and pathological conditions in various settings. Recent data have expanded the concept that inflammation is a critical component for tumor progression. Interestingly, three of the most aggressive human cancers, malignant melanoma, breast carcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma, are commonly associated with a marked host response comprising of various inflammatory cells, but especially MCs around the tumor periphery. A systematic review of the literature was performed based on the English titles listed in the PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, Science Direct, ISI web Science, and SciELO databases using the keywords. Abstracts and full-text articles were assessed. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of MCs in tumor progression.

The Global Crisis and the Impact on Remittances to Developing Asia

SHIKHA JHA,GUNTUR SUGIYARTO,CARLOS VARGAS-SILVA 연세대학교 동서문제연구원 2010 Global economic review Vol.39 No.1

Remittances to Asia plunged during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, but the drop was temporary as the flows were increasing once again after just one year. The current crisis, however, is fundamentally different in that even the main remittance-sending countries have been adversely affected. The global nature of this crisis raises several questions such as whether the remittances slowdown will also last for a short time or developing Asia should prepare for a long period of remittance stagnation. This study examines remittances data of several Asian countries to shed light on such questions. The results suggest that while remittance flows to key recipients in the region have slowed down, there has not been a sharp drop. Furthermore, there is no indication that the remittance flows will slow down further, suggesting that the flows should be back on a higher growth path in a few years. It is unlikely, however, to see the same growth rates of the past, given that an important share of that growth during the last two decades was due to better recording of remittances and an increased use of wire transfers on the part of migrants. The study also provides policy options to deal with the future outlook of remittances.

Reproductive performance of genetically engineered mice housed in different housing systems

Shikha Yadav,Inderjeet Yadav,Kunal Pratap,Pradeep Kumar Tiwari,Vijay Pal Singh 한국실험동물학회 2017 Laboratory Animal Research Vol.33 No.2

The genetically engineered mice require special husbandry care and are mainly housed in Individually Ventilated Cage (IVC) systems and Static Micro Isolator Cages (SMIC) to minimize the risk for spreading undesirable microorganisms. However, the static micro isolation cage housing like SMIC are being replaced with IVC systems in many facilities due to a number of benefits like a higher density housing in limited space, better protection from biohazards and allergens and decreased work load due to decreased frequency of cage changing required in this system. The purpose of this study was to examine the reproductive performance of genetically engineered mice housed in individually ventilated cages (IVC) and Static Micro Isolator Cages (SMIC). When the B6C3-Tg (APPswe, PSEN1dE9) 85Dbo/Mmjax transgenic mice were housed in these two housing systems, the number of litters per dam, number of pups born per dam and number of pups weaned per dam were found to be slightly higher in the IVC as compared to the SMIC but the difference was not significant (P<0.05). In case of Growth Associated Protein 43 (GAP-43) knockout mice, the number of litters born per dam and the number of pups born per dam were marginally higher in the IVC as compared to those housed in SMIC but the difference was not significant (P<0.05). Only the number of pups weaned per dam were found to be significantly higher as compared to those housed in the SMIC system at P<0.05.

Safety of Workers in Indian Mines: Study, Analysis, and Prediction

Shikha Verma,Sharad Chaudhari 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2017 Safety and health at work Vol.8 No.3

Background: The mining industry is known worldwide for its highly risky and hazardous working environment. Technological advancement in ore extraction techniques for proliferation of production levels has caused further concern for safety in this industry. Research so far in the area of safety has revealed that the majority of incidents in hazardous industry take place because of human error, the control of which would enhance safety levels in working sites to a considerable extent. Methods: The present work focuses upon the analysis of human factors such as unsafe acts, preconditions for unsafe acts, unsafe leadership, and organizational influences. A modified human factor analysis and classification system (HFACS) was adopted and an accident predictive fuzzy reasoning approach (FRA)-based system was developed to predict the likelihood of accidents for manganese mines in India, using analysis of factors such as age, experience of worker, shift of work, etc. Results: The outcome of the analysis indicated that skill-based errors are most critical and require immediate attention for mitigation. The FRA-based accident prediction system developed gives an outcome as an indicative risk score associated with the identified accident-prone situation, based upon which a suitable plan for mitigation can be developed. Conclusion: Unsafe acts of the worker are the most critical human factors identified to be controlled on priority basis. A significant association of factors (namely age, experience of the worker, and shift of work) with unsafe acts performed by the operator is identified based upon which the FRA-based accident prediction model is proposed.

In-vitro Studies on Copper Nanoparticles and Nano-hydroxyapatite Infused Biopolymeric Composite Scaffolds for Bone Bioengineering Applications

Shikha Kumari,Abha Mishra,Divakar Singh,Chenzhong Li,Pradeep Srivastava 한국생물공학회 2023 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.28 No.1

This research study deals with the development of copper nanoparticles (CN) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) infused chitosan (C) and gelatin (G) based nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. Human-origin osteoblast cells (MG-63) were seeded over the scaffolds to investigate the novel biomimetic extracellular matrix system. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an average pore size between 100-146 μm for all the C-G-nHAP-CN based scaffolds. The in-vitro degradation study showed 74-83% degradation for CN-based scaffolds. For 0.03% CN based scaffold degradation rate (84%) was very close to the control scaffold. Swelling ratio was highest for the chitosan scaffold and it was in the range between 5.25-5.93 mg/mL for other scaffolds. Compressive moduli were highest for 0.03% CN scaffold (3.32 MPa) which was relatively very high in comparison to C-G-nHAP scaffold with 2.4 MPa strength in a wet state. Stress-strain graphs also show the maximum displacement by 0.03% CN scaffold. The functional and structural analysis for the scaffolds showed the presence of nHAP in the scaffold and CN peaks within the composite structure. Differential scanning colorimetry testing showed reduced crystallinity in CN-based scaffolds with a melting temperature of 320ºC. Their 2D cell behaviour in the Electrical Cell Impedance System (ECIS) study showed maximum cell spreading and growth in 0.02% CN-based scaffold. The cell-seeded composite was tested for 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), 4,6-diamidino-2- phenylindole (DAPI), and acridine orange and propidium iodide (AOPI) assay for testing its cytocompatibility for MG-63 cell line. Cell proliferation and cell spreading was observed by SEM in all the CN-based scaffolds. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was highest in 0.03% CN scaffold with 2.0 optical density (OD) value. Alizarin Red Stain (ARS) staining was performed to support this study. It can be statistically depicted that nHAP and 0.03% CNbased scaffold could be potential biomaterial for minor to severe bone-related tissue regeneration applications.

Purification and Characterization of Metalloprotease from Serratia marcescens PPB-26 and Its Application for Detergent Additive

Shikha Thakur,Nirmal Kant Sharma,Neerja Thakur,Tek Chand Bhalla* 한국미생물·생명공학회 2019 한국미생물·생명공학회지 Vol.47 No.2

In this study, the extracellular metalloprotease from Serratia marcescens PPB-26 was purified to homogeneity via ethanol fractionation and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. Thus, a 3.8-fold purification was achieved with a 20% yield and specific activity of 76.2 U/mg. The purified protease was a 50-kDa monomer whose optimum pH and temperature for activity were 7.5 and 30℃ respectively; however, it was found to remain active in the 5−9 pH range and up to 40℃ for 6 h. The protease had a half-life of 15 days at 4℃, an optimum reaction time of 10 min, and an optimum substrate (casein) concentration of 0.25%. Furthermore, the Michaelis constant (Km) and reaction velocity (Vmax) of the protease were calculated to be 0.28% and 111.11 μmoles/(min·mg)-1, respectively. The protease was stable when subjected to metal ions (2 mM), showing increased activity with most (especially CoCl2 and MgSO4 (30.54% increase)). It was also stable when exposed to oxidizing agents, bleaching agents, and detergents (5% v/v for 60 min). It retained 93% of its activity in non-ionic detergents (Tween-20, Tween-80, and Triton X-100). Moreover, wash performance analysis in commercial detergents (Ariel and Tide) showed that not only was the protease capable of protein stain removal, but also reduced cleaning time by 80% when added to detergents. Thus, the Serratia marcescens PPB-26 metalloprotease appears to be a promising new candidate as a laundry additive in the detergent industry.

Synthesis and in Vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation of Benzothiazole Incorporated Thiazolidin-4-ones Derivatives

Agarwal, Shikha,Agarwal, Dinesh Kumar,Gautam, Naveen,Agarwal, Kshamta,Gautam, Dinesh Chandra Korean Chemical Society 2014 대한화학회지 Vol.58 No.1

In the course of work on new pharmacologically active antimicrobial agents, we have reported the synthesis of a new class of structurally novel derivatives, incorporating two bioactive structures, a benzothiazole and thiazolidin-4-one, to yield a class of compounds having interesting antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized compounds were investigated against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherchia coli) and fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) using serial plate dilution method. The structure of the synthesized compounds have been established by elemental analysis and spectroscopic data.

Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes as In Vitro Model to Evaluate Genomic Instability Caused by Low Dose Radiation

Tewari, Shikha,Khan, Kainat,Husain, Nuzhat,Rastogi, Madhup,Mishra, Surendra P,Srivastav, Anoop K Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.4

Diagnostic and therapeutic radiation fields are planned so as to reduce side-effects while maximising the dose to site but effects on healthy tissues are inevitable. Radiation causes strand breaks in DNA of exposed cells which can lead to chromosomal aberrations and cause malfunction and cell death. Several researchers have highlighted the damaging effects of high dose radiation but still there is a lacuna in identifying damage due to low dose radiation used for diagnostic purposes. Blood is an easy resource to study genotoxicity and to estimate the effects of radiation. The micronucleus assay and chromosomal aberration can indicate genetic damage and our present aim was to establish these with lymphocytes in an in vitro model to predict the immediate effects low dose radiation. Blood was collected from healthy individuals and divided into 6 groups with increasing radiation dose i.e., 0Gy, 0.10Gy, 0.25Gy, 0.50Gy, 1Gy and 2Gy. The samples were irradiated in duplicates using a LINAC in the radiation oncology department. Standard protocols were applied for chromosomal aberration and micronucleus assays. Metaphases were stained in Giemsa and 200 were scored per sample for the detection of dicentric or acentric forms. For micronuclei detection, 200 metaphases. Giemsa stained binucleate cells per sample were analysed for any abnormality. The micronuclei (MN) frequency was increased in cells exposed to the entire range of doses (0.1-2Gy) delivered. Controls showed minimal MN formation ($2.0%{\pm}0.05$) with triple MN ($5.6%{\pm}2.0$) frequency at the lowest dose. MN formation increased exponentially with the radiation dose thereafter with a maximum at 2Gy. Significantly elevated numbers of dicentric chromosomes were also observed, even at doses of 0.1-0.5Gy, compared to controls, and acentric chromosomes were apparent at 2Gy. In conclusion we can state that lymphocytes can be effectively used to study direct effect of low dose radiation.

Safety of Workers in Indian Mines: Study, Analysis, and Prediction

Verma, Shikha,Chaudhari, Sharad Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2017 Safety and health at work Vol.8 No.3

Background: The mining industry is known worldwide for its highly risky and hazardous working environment. Technological advancement in ore extraction techniques for proliferation of production levels has caused further concern for safety in this industry. Research so far in the area of safety has revealed that the majority of incidents in hazardous industry take place because of human error, the control of which would enhance safety levels in working sites to a considerable extent. Methods: The present work focuses upon the analysis of human factors such as unsafe acts, preconditions for unsafe acts, unsafe leadership, and organizational influences. A modified human factor analysis and classification system (HFACS) was adopted and an accident predictive fuzzy reasoning approach (FRA)-based system was developed to predict the likelihood of accidents for manganese mines in India, using analysis of factors such as age, experience of worker, shift of work, etc. Results: The outcome of the analysis indicated that skill-based errors are most critical and require immediate attention for mitigation. The FRA-based accident prediction system developed gives an outcome as an indicative risk score associated with the identified accident-prone situation, based upon which a suitable plan for mitigation can be developed. Conclusion: Unsafe acts of the worker are the most critical human factors identified to be controlled on priority basis. A significant association of factors (namely age, experience of the worker, and shift of work) with unsafe acts performed by the operator is identified based upon which the FRA-based accident prediction model is proposed.

Enhanced antibacterial profile of nanoparticle impregnated cellulose foam filter paper for drinking water filtration

Jain, Shikha,Bhanjana, Gaurav,Heydarifard, Solmaz,Dilbaghi, Neeraj,Nazhad, Mousa M.,Kumar, Vanish,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Kumar, Sandeep Elsevier 2018 Carbohydrate Polymers Vol.202 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Filtration is a promising water treatment method to purify drinking water. To develop highly efficient drinking water filter paper, water-resistant cellulose foam paper with a high wet strength property was fabricated using diverse metal oxide (e.g., copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silver oxide (Ag<SUB>2</SUB>O)) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal reaction method. Their morphological structures were studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The presence of coated nanoparticles on the cellulose foam filter was verified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) methods. The antibacterial performance of different types of modified cellulose foam filters was studied against <I>E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis,</I> and <I>B. cereus</I> strains using the zone of inhibition test. The antibacterial profile of the cellulose foam filter impregnated with Ag<SUB>2</SUB>O nanoparticles, when tested against different types of bacteria, exhibited higher antibacterial activity than the cellulose foam filter impregnated with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Facile synthesis of nanoparticles using hydrothermal method. </LI> <LI> Impregnation of nanoparticles in water-resistant cellulose foam paper. </LI> <LI> Morphological, structural, and elemental characterization using SEM and EDX. </LI> <LI> Antibacterial evaluation of impregnated paper against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. </LI> <LI> Enhanced antibacterial profile of nanoparticle modified filter paper compared to unmodified paper. </LI> </UL> </P>