Lapatinib-loaded nanocolloidal polymeric micelles for the efficient treatment of breast cancer

This study aims at preparing and evaluating lapatinib-loaded polymeric micelles for the better treatment of breastcancer (BC). LP-loaded polymeric micelles (LP-PMs) were prepared as per our previous studies by using Soluplus®as the polymer. Therefore, we employed the lyophilization technique using mannitol as a cryoprotectant and furtherconducted in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy studies, in addition to our previously reported works. We found thatthe lyophilized LP-PMs were sufficiently stable and retained encapsulated drugs. Furthermore, their smooth surfacewas visualized on the atomic force microscopy. The X-ray powder diffractogram of LP-PMs showed successfulencapsulation of Lapatinib; however, the presence of few drug molecules on the surface was evidenced by energydispersive X-ray analysis. Furthermore, LP-PMs showed sustained release of drugs, with selective drug release in anacidic environment, resembling that of a tumor. The LP-PMs exhibited higher cytotoxicity against SKBr3 BC cellsand also induced effective inhibition of the growth of the tumor in vivo when compared to that of lapatinib solutionand marketed formulation. The results of this study indicate the greater potential of LP-PMs for the efficient treatmentfor BC

α-L- rhamnosidases Produced under Solid State Fermentation by Few Aspergillus Strains

The production of α-L-rhamnosidase from Aspergillus ochraceous MTCC -1810, A. wentii MTCC- 1901, A. sydowii MTCC- 635, A. foetidus MTCC-508 under solid- state fermentation using easily available agro- industrial residues such as corn cob, rice bran, sugarcane bagasse, wheat bran and citrus peel as substrate. Among these, sugarcane bagasse in combination with naringin and sucrose were found to be the best substrate. The α-L-rhamnosidase production was highest after the 4th day of incubation at 30ºC and a substrate to moisture ratio of 1:1 w/v. Supplementation of the medium with 10% naringin caused the maximum production of the enzyme. The temperature optima and pH optima of α-L-rhamnosidases were determined in the range of 50-60ºC and 4.0-5.0 respectively. The α-L-rhamnosidases secreted from the above fungal strains is suitable for the debittering of orange fruit juice.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Breast in a 21 Years Old Female - A Rare Case Report.

Squamous cell carcinoma of breast is a very aggressive, treatment-refractory tumor, with a poor prognosis. The case is being presented in view of the age of the patient for this extremely rare tumor of which histogenesis is unclear and biologic studies are urgently needed to find out relevant treatment targets. To the best of our knowledge no case of SCC of breast has been reported in 21 years of age.

Extremely Rare Concomitance Of Tubercular Lymphadenitis With T Cell Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – A Diagnostic Challenge For Clinician.

Tuberculosis (TB) presenting with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma is an extremely rare clinical presentation and is quite difficult to diagnose because of similar signs & symptoms including lymphadenopathy, weight loss, anorexia and generalised weakness. Herein we report a case of 40 year old male who presented with enlarged cervical and axillary lymph nodes, diagnosed and initiated on therapy for TB based on the axillary node FNAC that showed granulomatous lymphadenitis suggestive of TB but was later confirmed to be a case of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma by excisional biopsy followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry . [Anand A NJIRM 2016; 7(5):95-97]

Resistance Pattern of Escherichia coli Isolates from Surgical Wound Infections.

Background: Surgical wound infections, are common post-operative complications, that cause significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. Aim of the study: To isolate, identify and study the antimicrobial sensitivity of E. coli isolates from surgical wounds. Methodology: A total of 1088 pus samples were received over a period of one year from post-operative wounds. 313 isolates of E. coli were recovered and identified and antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST) including extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) detection was performed according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: E. coli accounted for 37.5% . ESBL production was detected in 22.0% of E. coli isolates. Conclusion: Our study shows that there is increased isolation rate of E. coli from post-operative wound infections. Hospital disinfection and treatment protocols should be practiced thoroughly and regularly monitored to control the incidence of wound infections.

Biofilms: microbes and disease: [review]

Bacteria that attach to surface aggregate in a hydrated polymeric matrix of their own synthesis to form biofilms. These represent microbial societies with their own defense and communication system. Transitioning from acute to chronic infection is frequently associated with biofilm formation.Bacteria in biofilms are innately more resistant to antimicrobial agents. The presence of indwelling medical devices increases the risk for biofilm formation and subsequent infection. The current antibiotic therapies are of limited effectiveness in resolving biofilms infection.This review attempts to discuss the stages in biofilm formation, their pathogenic mechanisms, effect of antimicrobial agents, detection and eradication of the biofilms.

Fatal 2,4-D (ethyl ester) ingestion.

2,4-D (2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid) is widely used in agriculture and forestry to destroy broad leaved weeds (herbicide). It has a moderate mammalian toxicity and human poisoning has rarely been reported except following ingestion with suicidal intent. We report two young adults who ingested it with suicidal intent, developed neurological, cardiac, hepatic and renal toxicity and died.