Enterococci in river Ganga surface waters: Propensity of species distribution, dissemination of antimicrobial-resistance and virulence-markers among species along landscape

Abstract Background Surface waters quality has declined in developing countries due to rapid industrialization and population growth. The microbiological quality of river Ganga, a life-sustaining surface water resource for large population of northern India, is adversely affected by several point and non-point sources of pollution. Further, untreated surface waters are consumed for drinking and various household tasks in India making the public vulnerable to water-borne diseases and outbreaks. Enterococci, the 'indicator' of water quality, correlates best with the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases as well as prevalence of other pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, this study aims to determine the distribution of species diversity, dissemination of antimicrobial-resistance and virulence-markers in enterococci with respect to rural-urban landscape along river Ganga in northern India. Results Enterococci density (χ2: 1900, df: 1; p 2: 100.4, df: 20; p E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. durans and E. hirae down the gradient. Statistically discernible (p: 0.0156 – Enterococcus spp. recovered from five sites in the up-to-down gradient landscape. A significant correlation was observed in the distribution of multiple-antimicrobial-resistance (viz., erythromycin-rifampicin-gentamicin-methicillin and vancomycin-gentamicin-streptomycin; rs: 0.9747; p: 0.0083) and multiple-virulence-markers (viz., gelE+esp+; rs: 0.9747; p: 0.0083; gelE+efaA+; rs: 0.8944; p: 0.0417) among different Enterococcus spp. Conclusion Our observations show prevalence of multiple-antimicrobial-resistance as well as multiple-virulence traits among different Enterococcus spp. The observed high background pool of resistance and virulence in enterococci in river waters of populous countries has the potential to disseminate more alarming antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic bacteria of same or other lineage in the environment. Therefore, the presence of elevated levels of virulent enterococci with emerging vancomycin resistance in surface waters poses serious health risk in developing countries like India.</p

Effect of nanosilica on the properties of PEI/silicone rubber blend based nanocomposites

The aim of the present study is to prepare nanocomposites based on binary blends of poly ether imide (PEI)/silicone rubber reinforced with varied loadings of modified nanosilica particles. Nanocomposites have been prepared by melt blending process using twin screw extruder. Thermal behaviour of the developed nanocomposites has been studied with the help of TGA and DMA. Morphological properties have been visualized by SEM. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites have been determined by universal testing machine. It has been observed that almost all the properties have been found to increase upto 25% with the incorporation of modified nanosilica particles in polymer matrices. Enhancement in various properties may be attributed to better interfacial adhesion and fairly good polymer filler interactions

Comparative Study of AFB Detection in Concentrated and Unconcentrated Sputum Sample by Ziehl-Neelsen Staining and Auramine-O Staining of Patients Attending the Microscopic Centre of RNTCP at Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital, Laheriasarai

Ziehl-Neelsen is a common bacteriological staining method used from a long time to stain acid-fast bacilli, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis which causes mainly pulmonary tuberculosis. In recent technologies, fluorescent-staining is considered to be a more reliable method due to more intensive binding of mycolic acids of the bacilli to phenol auramine-O, so the tubercle bacilli is seen more clearly against black background.Objective: This study was done to compare the efficacy of conventional Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) and Auramine-O (AO) fluorescent microscopy in detecting acid-fast bacilli in direct and concentrated sputum samples of patients attending the microscopic centre of RNTCP at Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital, Laheriasarai.Method: One thousand and fifty patients suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis referred to the RNTCP centre of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital was included in this study. Spot sputum sample was collected as the clinical sample. Direct smears were prepared from the mucopurulent part of the sputum with a sterile loop. Samples were then concentrated using modified Petroff’s method and smear prepared from the concentrated sediment. Both smears were then stained by ZN and AO staining method respectively.Result: Out of 1050 samples, 165 samples were positive by AO method in direct method and 166 samples were positive by AO method in concentrated method, 147 were positive by ZN staining in direct method and 156 samples were positive by ZN in concentrated method.Conclusion: FM definitely improves the diagnostic value of the sputum smear especially in patients with low density of bacilli that are likely to be missed on ZN-stained smears, concentrated method on both AO and ZN stain were more sensitive than direct method

An efficient protocol for in vitro organogenesis and antioxidant studies in Melia dubia Cav

Melia dubia Cav. (Meliaceae) is a multipurpose tree of tropical and subtropical regions mainly cultivated for its medicinal and industrial importance. Due to its versatile properties, it has been depleted in its natural environment. Moreover due to sluggish and poor seed germination, there is a threat of its gene pool exclusion from the natural habitat. The alternative method for conservation and efficient mass propagation is thus need of the hour. As per the extensive literature survey there is no report on efficient protocol for mass propagation of M. dubia through callus organogenesis. Therefore, the present work was aimed to develop in vitro organogenesis protocol for rapid and large scale production of planting material. From our results, maximum callus percentage, callus weight and fragile callus was observed on 1.0 mg/l benzylaminopurine (BAP) in combination with 0.5 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The callus differentiation was achieved at different concentrations of BAP and indole acetic acid (IAA). Multiple Shoot number per callus propagule 5.30 was observed on 0.5 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l IAA concentration. The maximum rooting percentage (78.5%), root number per explant (4.33) and root length per explant (4.41 cm) was observed at 0.5 mg/l indol butyric acid (IBA) after 30 days of inoculation. Further the total flavonoid content, phenolic content and antioxidant properties of leaves of in-vitro regenerated plants where studied. Total flavonoids and phenolic content in leaves of in vitro Melia dubia was 0.56 ± 0.8 mg quercitin equivalent (QE) and 2.97 ± 0.17 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) respectively. The antioxidant property was further assed through measurement of DPPH radical scavenging activity. The in-vitro regeneration protocol can be exploited for commercial cultivation and fulfilling the growing demand for fresh explant material through mass propagation of M. dubia an economically important plant species.Key words: Melia dubia, antioxidant, indole-3-butyric acid, flavonoids and phenolics

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PALMAROSA CULTIVATION IN INDIA

ABSTRACT Cymbopogon martinii, commonly known as palmarosa, is an essential oil-bearing crop cultivated by the farmers for production of oil used in perfumery, cosmetics and flavour industries. The study on the economics of palmarosa cultivation has shown that the major portion of operational cost was shared by human labour, distillation charges and preparation of nursery. Total variable cost was found to be 47926 per hectare per year. The gross returns were found to be 124000 per hectare e per year. The net returns over variable cost were 76074 per hectare. The benefit-cost ratio was found to be 2.59 indicating a higher profit to the farmers. The independent variables like human labour, planting material and distillation charges were positive indicating significant impact on the returns from the crop. There is need for effective market intelligence system to ensure remunerative price of the produce to the farmers

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain management in sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD), one of the most common inherited disorders, is associated with vaso-occlusive pain episodes and haemolysis leading to recurrent morbidity, hospital admissions and work or school absenteeism. The crises are conventionally treated with opioids, non-opioids and other adjuvants with the risk of developing complications, addictions and drug-seeking behaviour. Different non-pharmacological treatments, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have been used for managing pain in other painful conditions. Hence, the efficacy of TENS for managing pain in SCD needs to be reviewed. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of TENS for managing pain in people with SCD who experience pain crises or chronic pain (or both). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Register, comprising of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched online trial registries and the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. Date of the last search: 26 Febraury 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, where TENS was evaluated for managing pain in people with SCD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of the trials identified by the literature searches according to the inclusion criteria. Two review authors then independently extracted data, assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane standard tool and rated the quality of evidence using the GRADE guidelines. MAIN RESULTS: One double-blind cross-over RCT with 22 participants with SCD (aged 12 to 27 years) was eligible for inclusion. Following stratification into four pain crises severity grades, participants were then randomised to receive TENS or placebo (sham TENS). The trial was concluded after 60 treatment episodes (30 treatment episodes of each treatment group). There is a lack of clarity regarding the trial design and the analysis of the cross-over data. If a participant was allocated to TENS treatment for an episode of pain and subsequently returned with a further episode of a similar degree of pain, they would then receive the sham TENS treatment (cross-over design). For those experiencing a pain episode of a different severity, it is not clear whether they were re-randomised or given the alternate treatment. Reporting and analysis was based on the total number pain events and not on the number of participants. It is unclear how many participants were crossed over from the TENS group to the sham TENS group and vice versa. The trial had a high risk of bias regarding random sequence generation and allocation concealment; an unclear risk regarding the blinding of participants and personnel; and a low risk regarding the blinding of the outcome assessors and selective outcome reporting. The trial was small and of very low quality; furthermore, given the issue with trial design we were unable to quantitatively analyse the data. Therefore, we present only a narrative summary and caution is advised in interpreting the results. In relation to our pre-defined primary outcomes, the included trial did not report pain relief at two to four weeks post intervention. The trial authors reported that no difference was found in the changes in pain ratings (recorded at one hour and four hours post intervention) between the TENS and the placebo groups. In relation to our secondary outcomes, the analgesic usage during the trial also did not show any difference between groups. Given the quality of the evidence, we are uncertain whether TENS improves overall satisfaction as compared to sham TENS. The ability to cope with activities of daily living was not evaluated. Regarding adverse events, although one case of itching was reported in the TENS group, the site and nature of itching was not clearly stated; hence it cannot be clearly attributed to TENS. Also, two participants receiving \u27sham\u27 TENS reported a worsening of pain with the intervention. AUTHORS\u27 CONCLUSIONS: Since we have only included one small and very low-quality trial, with a high risk of bias across several domains, we are unable to conclude whether TENS is harmful or beneficial for managing pain in people with SCD. There is a need for a well-designed, adequately-powered, RCT to evaluate the role of TENS in managing pain in people with SCD

Inflammation-Induced Oxidative Stress Mediates Gene Fusion Formation in Prostate Cancer.

Approximately 50% of prostate cancers are associated with gene fusions of the androgen-regulated gene TMPRSS2 to the oncogenic erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor ERG. The three-dimensional proximity of TMPRSS2 and ERG genes, in combination with DNA breaks, facilitates the formation of TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusions. However, the origins of DNA breaks that underlie gene fusion formation in prostate cancers are far from clear. We demonstrate a role for inflammation-induced oxidative stress in the formation of DNA breaks leading to recurrent TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusions. The transcriptional status and epigenetic features of the target genes influence this effect. Importantly, inflammation-induced de novo genomic rearrangements are blocked by homologous recombination (HR) and promoted by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathways. In conjunction with the association of proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) with human prostate cancer, our results support a working model in which recurrent genomic rearrangements induced by inflammatory stimuli lead to the development of prostate cancer