Inhibition of the CmeABC efflux pump by antisense peptide nucleic acids reduces the emergence of spontaneous fluoroquinolone resistant mutants in Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter is a major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans and is commonly transmitted via undercooked poultry meat, unpasteurized milk and contaminated water. Over the years, Campylobacter has developed resistance to clinically important antibiotics including fluoroquinolones. Because of its significance in public health, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization has listed antibiotic resistant Campylobacter as a serious threat. Fluoroquinolone resistant mutants in Campylobacter occurs spontaneously and the resistance is mediated by the synergistic effect of the CmeABC multi-drug efflux pump and point mutations in the gyrA gene. Thus, antisense inhibition of cmeABC expression is a promising approach to combat fluoroquinolone resistance in Campylobacter. Previous studies have shown the specific inhibition of cmeABC expression by an antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA) targeting the translational start of CmeA, but whether the PNA can be used as an adjuvant to potentiate fluoroquinolone antibiotics remains to be determined. Toward this end, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to examine the efficacy of the PNA in reducing the emergence of spontaneous fluoroquinolone resistant mutants during treatment with a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. When fluoroquinolone-susceptible Campylobacter was treated with ciprofloxacin in culture media, resistant mutants emerged quickly and eventually replaced the susceptible population. However, addition of the PNA to the ciprofloxacin treatment prevented the emergence of resistant mutants completely, indicating the potentiating effect of the PNA on ciprofloxacin. Based on the in vitro results, the efficacy of the PNA was further evaluated in vivo using a Campylobacter infected chicken model. When given by oral gavage, the PNA was able to reduce, but unable to completely eliminate the emergence of fluoroquinolone resistant mutants in Campylobacter in the intestinal tract of chickens treated with enrofloxacin. These results demonstrate the potentiating effect of the PNA on fluoroquinolone antibiotics and warrant additional studies to further optimize the anti-CmeABC approach as an adjunct therapy for antibiotic treatment of campylobacteriosis

Interplay of Data in Digital Economy and Merger Control Regime: A Conundrum without Solutions

[Purpose] The paper is an attempt by the authors to evaluate the feasibility of applicability of existing competition law framework to the growing platform economies and the resultant implications of personal data being collected by such entities. [Methodology/approach/design] The present research is doctrinal in nature and the authors have adopted a comparative-analytical research methodology for evaluating the research questions. For the purpose of brevity, the authors have identified three research questions which shall form the basis of the research. Firstly, what is the inter-relation between the growing platform economy and merger control regime of a country. Secondly, what the possible avenues of concerns that may arise due to collection of personal data. Lastly, what are the possible enforcement challenges that would hampering the applicability of existing competition regimes to the digital platforms. The authors have considered the jurisdictions of EU and India as the geographical scope for the research, whereas, the subject-matter scope of the present research is limited only to the facets of interaction between the merger control regime and the abusive conduct of a dominant enterprise in the arena of digital markets. [Findings] The authors have made the following observations upon the conclusion of the study. First of all, the use and access of this data after the merger with companies with low turnover confer the acquiring enterprise a market power by which it can have an edge over its competitors in the market which will ultimately harm the competition in the market. Second, the digital market is data-driven, hence, collection of copious amounts of data, places the big-tech players in a position of control, allowing them indulge in exclusionary and exploitative conduct. Third, the assessment basis of combinations, more specifically in cases of data-driven mergers within the competition law needs a serious re-assessment, so as to include monetary value of data within the scope of assessment, as it is primary asset in such cases. [Practical implications] The importance of this research lies in the acknowledgement accorded the issue and the existing loopholes with the current merger control framework concerning data-driven mergers. Hence, the assessment criteria provided within the paper for the data-driven mergers would effectively serve as a foundational study for the further evolution and development of a specific and concrete framework for regulating data-driven mergers.[Purpose] The paper is an attempt by the authors to evaluate the feasibility of applicability of existing competition law framework to the growing platform economies and the resultant implications of personal data being collected by such entities. [Methodology/approach/design] The present research is doctrinal in nature and the authors have adopted a comparative-analytical research methodology for evaluating the research questions. For the purpose of brevity, the authors have identified three research questions which shall form the basis of the research. Firstly, what is the inter-relation between the growing platform economy and merger control regime of a country. Secondly, what the possible avenues of concerns that may arise due to collection of personal data. Lastly, what are the possible enforcement challenges that would hampering the applicability of existing competition regimes to the digital platforms. The authors have considered the jurisdictions of EU and India as the geographical scope for the research, whereas, the subject-matter scope of the present research is limited only to the facets of interaction between the merger control regime and the abusive conduct of a dominant enterprise in the arena of digital markets. [Findings] The authors have made the following observations upon the conclusion of the study. First of all, the use and access of this data after the merger with companies with low turnover confer the acquiring enterprise a market power by which it can have an edge over its competitors in the market which will ultimately harm the competition in the market. Second, the digital market is data-driven, hence, collection of copious amounts of data, places the big-tech players in a position of control, allowing them indulge in exclusionary and exploitative conduct. Third, the assessment basis of combinations, more specifically in cases of data-driven mergers within the competition law needs a serious re-assessment, so as to include monetary value of data within the scope of assessment, as it is primary asset in such cases. [Practical implications] The importance of this research lies in the acknowledgement accorded the issue and the existing loopholes with the current merger control framework concerning data-driven mergers. Hence, the assessment criteria provided within the paper for the data-driven mergers would effectively serve as a foundational study for the further evolution and development of a specific and concrete framework for regulating data-driven mergers.[Purpose] The paper is an attempt by the authors to evaluate the feasibility of applicability of existing competition law framework to the growing platform economies and the resultant implications of personal data being collected by such entities. [Methodology/approach/design] The present research is doctrinal in nature and the authors have adopted a comparative-analytical research methodology for evaluating the research questions. For the purpose of brevity, the authors have identified three research questions which shall form the basis of the research. Firstly, what is the inter-relation between the growing platform economy and merger control regime of a country. Secondly, what the possible avenues of concerns that may arise due to collection of personal data. Lastly, what are the possible enforcement challenges that would hampering the applicability of existing competition regimes to the digital platforms. The authors have considered the jurisdictions of EU and India as the geographical scope for the research, whereas, the subject-matter scope of the present research is limited only to the facets of interaction between the merger control regime and the abusive conduct of a dominant enterprise in the arena of digital markets. [Findings] The authors have made the following observations upon the conclusion of the study. First of all, the use and access of this data after the merger with companies with low turnover confer the acquiring enterprise a market power by which it can have an edge over its competitors in the market which will ultimately harm the competition in the market. Second, the digital market is data-driven, hence, collection of copious amounts of data, places the big-tech players in a position of control, allowing them indulge in exclusionary and exploitative conduct. Third, the assessment basis of combinations, more specifically in cases of data-driven mergers within the competition law needs a serious re-assessment, so as to include monetary value of data within the scope of assessment, as it is primary asset in such cases. [Practical implications] The importance of this research lies in the acknowledgement accorded the issue and the existing loopholes with the current merger control framework concerning data-driven mergers. Hence, the assessment criteria provided within the paper for the data-driven mergers would effectively serve as a foundational study for the further evolution and development of a specific and concrete framework for regulating data-driven mergers.[Purpose] The paper is an attempt by the authors to evaluate the feasibility of applicability of existing competition law framework to the growing platform economies and the resultant implications of personal data being collected by such entities. [Methodology/approach/design] The present research is doctrinal in nature and the authors have adopted a comparative-analytical research methodology for evaluating the research questions. For the purpose of brevity, the authors have identified three research questions which shall form the basis of the research. Firstly, what is the inter-relation between the growing platform economy and merger control regime of a country. Secondly, what the possible avenues of concerns that may arise due to collection of personal data. Lastly, what are the possible enforcement challenges that would hampering the applicability of existing competition regimes to the digital platforms. The authors have considered the jurisdictions of EU and India as the geographical scope for the research, whereas, the subject-matter scope of the present research is limited only to the facets of interaction between the merger control regime and the abusive conduct of a dominant enterprise in the arena of digital markets. [Findings] The authors have made the following observations upon the conclusion of the study. First of all, the use and access of this data after the merger with companies with low turnover confer the acquiring enterprise a market power by which it can have an edge over its competitors in the market which will ultimately harm the competition in the market. Second, the digital market is data-driven, hence, collection of copious amounts of data, places the big-tech players in a position of control, allowing them indulge in exclusionary and exploitative conduct. Third, the assessment basis of combinations, more specifically in cases of data-driven mergers within the competition law needs a serious re-assessment, so as to include monetary value of data within the scope of assessment, as it is primary asset in such cases. [Practical implications] The importance of this research lies in the acknowledgement accorded the issue and the existing loopholes with the current merger control framework concerning data-driven mergers. Hence, the assessment criteria provided within the paper for the data-driven mergers would effectively serve as a foundational study for the further evolution and development of a specific and concrete framework for regulating data-driven mergers

Influence of wheel speed and ageing on nanostructure and magnetic properties of Cr-doped MnBi magnetic material

In the present work, Mn47Bi50Cr3 ribbons were synthesised employing melt spinning at different wheel speeds ranging from 16 to 28 m/s, to study the effect of quenching rate on the microstructure, morphology and magnetic properties of rapidly solidified alloy. X-ray diffraction studies indicate that the FWHM of diffraction peaks for MnBi increases with the increase in wheel speed, leading to a concurrent decrease in the mean grain size. This could be attributed to the high cooling rate causing homogeneous nucleation leading to refined grain size. The maximum value of coercivity of 11.9 kOe and saturation magnetisation of 54.2 emu/g was obtained for the alloy melt spun at 20 m/s, indicating dependence of coercivity on the grain size, and its orientation, which is largely controlled by the wheel speed. Also, XRD pattern confirms that the MnBi phase fraction is found to be maximum at this wheel speed. Therefore, high-performance nanocrystalline Mn47Bi50Cr3 magnetic material has been synthesised by adjusting the wheel speed and thereby tuning the quench rate. In addition, the phase transformation and variation with respect to temperature and time were studied using thermal analysis technique. Stability of magnetic properties of the alloy with respect to time was also studied after the ageing process

Influence of cooling rate on the magnetic properties of Hf-Co-Fe-B melt-spun alloy

In the present work, Hf2Co9.5Fe1.5B melt-spun (MS) alloy is synthesized by employing melt spinning at different wheel speeds viz. 16, 20, 24 and 28 m/s to study the effect of quenching on the thermal, structural, microstructural and magnetic properties. The phase purity and the magnetic behaviour of the MS ribbons are highly dependent on the cooling rate that is controlled by altering the tangential wheel speed during melt spinning. Cooling rates are found to increase with increase in wheel speed with a concurrent decrease in the ribbon thickness owing to the increase in the heat transfer coefficient at the thermal contact. The best phase purity and the magnetic properties are found for the ribbons melt-spun at 28 m/s. This could be attributed to the high cooling rate 2.3 x 10(7) K/s causing crystallization of hard magnetic Hf2Co11B phase leading to refined grain size. A maximum coercivity (H-C) similar to 2.18 kOe, remanence ratio (M-r/M-s) similar to 0.61, an appreciable magnetic energy product (BH)(max) similar to 3 MGOe observed in the MS ribbons at 28 m/s illustrates the critical role of wheel speed in the enhancement of permanent magnetic properties in a single-step without annealing. XRD patterns reveal that the alloy was found to crystallize in orthorhombic Hf2Co11B in addition to cubic Co and Hf6Co23 phases. FE-SEM analysis is carried out to realize the grain morphology and phase identification. The current work exhibits the efficacy of rapid quenching by melt spinning as an effective technique in the development of high-performance Hf2Co9.5Fe1.5B rare-earth-free permanent magnet alloy for future energy applications in the high-temperature regime

HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF SWERTIA CHIRATA AND SWERTIA CORDATA ATTENUATES HYPOXIA-MEDIATED MEMORY DYSFUNCTION BY IMPROVING NEURONAL SURVIVAL IN WISTAR RATS

Objective: Swertia chirata and Swertia cordata have been used in traditional and folk medicines to treat several mental disorders. However, the mechanistic and experimental justification to its traditional use is lacking. The present study was aimed to investigate the neuromodulatory potential of S. chirata and S. cordata during hypoxia-induced neuronal damage in Wistar rats and to determine the underlying mechanism. Methods: Animals were divided into six groups (n=5). Hypoxia was inflicted by subjecting animals to the atmosphere having 10% O2 for 3 days. Animals were administered 100 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of S. chirata and S. cordata orally once daily for 7 days, after which motor coordination (Rotarod test) and memory functions (active avoidance test and passive avoidance test) were evaluated. Animals were sacrificed and biochemical investigations for oxidative stress and histopathology were performed. Results: Subjecting animals to hypoxia resulted in marked memory dysfunction, and extract treatments improved memory functions in active avoidance and passive avoidance task. Hypoxiainduced the marked oxidative stress as indicated by the significantly elevated reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and depleted catalase and glutathione levels in the hippocampus. S. chirata and S. cordata treatment alleviated oxidative stress in the hippocampus region of the brain. Brain histopathology confirmed that hypoxia resulted in significant neuronal damage and extract treatment efficiently rescued neurons from hypoxic damage. Overall, S. chirata extract treatment was observed to have better neuromodulatory effect than S. cordata during hypoxia. Conclusion: Hypoxia induced memory dysfunction by inflicting neuronal damage and oxidative stress in the hippocampus region of the brain. The hydroalcoholic extract of S. chirata and S. cordata improved memory functions in hypoxic animals by alleviating hippocampal oxidative stress and by improving neuronal morphology and survival

Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in health workers of Jabalpur and Dindori: a brief study

Background: Hypertension and Diabetes comprises a major part as precursor of crucial diseases like cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are cause of death of around 17 million people per year globally, which includes 30% of total deaths. Methods: The present study was conducted to observe the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among health care worker groups, in different health care centres at Bajag block of Dindori district & Indian council of Medical Research- National Institute for research in Tribal Health (ICMR-NIRTH) Jabalpur during the study period from January 2022 to June 2022. The participants were subjected to anthropometric measurements, Blood pressure & blood glucose level measurements and they also responded to the detailed questionnaire. Results: The 95 health care workers including nurses, technicians, ASHA workers, ANMs, which were assessed in the present study have shown 14.7% diabetes and 38% hypertension. Conclusions: The present study is important step towards the wellbeing of health workers as very few efforts were made to observe the prevalence of NCDs in health workers of rural areas.

ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SWERTIA CHIRATA ON HYPOXIA-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN WISTAR RATS

Objective: Swertia chirata has been used in traditional and folklore medicine to treat several ailments such as hepatic disorders. However, the mechanistic and experimental justification to its traditional use is lacking. The present study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of S. chirata during hypoxia (HYP)-induced hepatic damage in Wistar rats and to determine the underlying mechanism.Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of S. chirata was prepared using Soxhlet extraction. Animals were divided into six groups (n=5). Animals in the HYP groups were subjected to HYP for 3 days (10% O2) to induce oxidative stress and hepatic damage. 50 and 100 mg/kg extract treatments were provided orally once daily for 7 days after which animals were sacrificed, and biochemical investigations for oxidative stress, liver function tests, and hepatic histopathology were performed.Results: HYP-induced marked oxidative stress as indicated by the significantly elevated mitochondrial ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and depleted catalase levels. Liver function test indicated hepatic damage as the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and aspartate transaminase were significantly elevated in HYP animals. S. chirata treatment alleviated oxidative stress and improved liver functions in a dose-dependent manner. Liver histopathology confirmed the marked hepatic damage induced by HYP and revealed that S. chirata efficiently rescued liver from hypoxic damage.Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of S. chirata is a potent hepatoprotective intervention which was associated with its potential to alleviate oxidative stress and improve liver functions. Moreover, it could find clinical application as a safer and alternative remedy for liver ailments

Rhizosphere biology of aquatic microbes in order to access their bioremediation potential along with different aquatic macrophytes

Background: Contamination of the aquatic environment by toxic metal ions is a serious pollution problem. Aim: This study reviews the role of different Rhizospheric bacteria in bioremediation along with aquatic macrophytes. Methods and Materials: Literature searches were done to identify relevant studies in the concerned area. Results: Natural resources including plants and microorganisms are extensively explored to combat metal ion pollution. Certain compounds produced by bacteria have been shown to promote plant growth. Rhizospheric micro-organisms are well known for their coexistence with plants and for providing nutrition to plants. It was recently reported that these organisms facilitate the uptake of essential elements, such as iron, copper and zinc. Eichhornia crassipes showed increased removal efficiency of heavy metals through the activity of its Rhizospheric bacteria. The highly versatile metabolic capabilities of fungi and bacteria can be applied to reclaim polluted ecosystems and minimize the potential adverse effects of hazardous chemicals released to the environment. However, sufficient consortia of microorganisms, capable of degrading the contaminant(s), must be present, and environmental conditions conducive to degradation must be maintained. Conclusion: Moreover, the information presented, herein illustrates the potential for Rhizosphere microbial communities to remediate systems through biotransformation of hazardous organic compounds in the root zone. Future research in this area should include investigations of the possible role and characterization of the microorganisms associated with different plant species and different histories of toxicant exposure

A huge mesenteric teratoma in reproductive age woman: a case report

The incidence of dermoid ovarian cyst is 15-20% of all ovarian neoplasm, which is a common entity. Mesenteric cyst are one of the very rare entities with incidence of 1 in 2, 50, 000. Dermoid cysts rarely present as mesenteric cysts. Mesenteric dermoid cyst have good prognosis. Here, we report a rare abdominal tumor which was initially diagnosed clinically as an ovarian dermoid cyst but operative and histology revealed it to be mesenteric dermoid cyst. A 36 year-old, multiparous presented with abdominal mass, gradually increasing in size since 1 year with recent onset of abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed abdominal mass of 22×20 cm size, globular, non-tender, mobile, and cystic to solid in consistency. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed 23×21×14.4 cm heterogeneous enhancing mass lesion with areas of fat density and calcifications within, suggestive of neoplastic mass lesion, likely teratoma. Tumor markers were within normal limit. Patient was managed surgically. Laparotomy findings revealed a huge solid mesenteric mass (22×20 cm) weighing 6.5 kgs. Histopathology showed mature cartilage, osteoid formation, fibro-adipose connective tissue, focal lymphoid aggregates, congested blood vessels and focal mature neuronal component and no immature elements seen, confirming dermoid cyst. Mesenteric cyst are rare intra-abdominal tumor found most commonly in ileum (60%) next is ascending colon (40%). However, if a mesenteric cyst locates within the pelvic cavity, as in this case, it may be misdiagnosed as an ovarian cyst

Deacidification of Camelina sativa L. seed oil by Physisorption method and characterization of produced biodiesel

According to India's National Biofuel Policy, only non-edible oilseed crops can be used for the biofuel feedstock. In this context, Camelina sativa is one such plant that fulfils all the criteria defined by the Biofuel policies of India. So, the present investigation was aimed to examine C. sativa seed oil capabilities as a biodiesel feedstock. Oil was deacidified via adsorption method applying Silica Gel as an adsorbent. The highest efficacy was obtained when 1:9 (Silica gel: oil) ratio was applied and the acid value was reduced from 6.45 to 2.78 mg KOH/g. Furthermore, oil was transesterified using methanol in the ratio of 1:6 (oil: methanol molar ratio) and 0.8 % (w/w of oil) of KOH as a catalyst at 70 ?C. The produced biodiesel was analyzed in terms of fuel-specific parameters and results were compared with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The results were very much satisfactory and under the limits specified by the ASTM standards. The results revealed that oil to biodiesel conversion was 92.28 % with an acid value of 0.37 mg KOH/g. The measured Iodine value was 152 gI2/100g indicated the high unsaturation. Still, Camelina biodiesel showed oxidation stability of 6 h., which was a decent value compared to this much unsaturation. The sulphur content was also higher (24 ppm) than the specified limit (15 ppm). Besides, the fuel-specific parameters like sulphur content and iodine value were under the ASTM limits