Colistin and Tigecycline susceptibility among carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae at a tertiary care hospital of South India

Background: Carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae is a serious clinical problem and the global spread of such resistant strains has hampered the treatment effort leaving with few choices of antibiotics like tigecycline and colistin. Methods: Therefore, we looked for the susceptibility pattern of tigecycline and colistin among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) by Epsilometer (E) test at Sri Ramachandra University Hospital, Porur, Chennai, India. This study used the combined disc test with phenylboronic acid and EDTA; and modified Hodge test (MHT) to differentiate the carbapenemases. The minimum inhibitory concentration of tigecycline and colistin susceptibility was determined for CRE isolates by using the E-test strips ranging from 0.016-256 μg /ml. Results: A total of 238 extended spectrum beta lactamase producers from Family Enterobacteriaceae were included in the study. Among those, 37 isolates were MHT positive. On combined disc test, 14 were metallo beta lactamase positive, 4 were Klebseillae pneumoniae carbapenemase positive and only one isolate was found to be positive for both. Out of 51 CRE isolates, the number of tigecycline and colistin resistant were found to be in 30 and 3 respectively according to EUCAST criteria. Conclusion: Tigecycline may be effective but it needs to be monitored routinely. Colistin remains a reliable option for CRE infections. The increasing resistance of CRE to the available antibiotics like tigecycline and colistin is a threat to the therapeutic management of such patients

Ecotoxicological impacts of landfill sites: Towards risk assessment, mitigation policies and the role of artificial intelligence.

Waste disposal in landfills remains a global concern. Despite technological developments, landfill leachate poses a hazard to ecosystems and human health since it acts as a secondary reservoir for legacy and emerging pollutants. This study provides a systematic and scientometric review of the nature and toxicity of pollutants generated by landfills and means of assessing their potential risks. Regarding human health, unregulated waste disposal and pathogens in leachate are the leading causes of diseases reported in local populations. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches have been employed in the ecotoxicological risk assessment of landfill leachate, with model organisms ranging from bacteria to birds. These studies demonstrate a wide range of toxic effects that reflect the complex composition of leachate and geographical variations in climate, resource availability and management practices. Based on bioassay (and other) evidence, categories of persistent chemicals of most concern include brominated flame retardants, per- and polyfluorinated chemicals, pharmaceuticals and alkyl phenol ethoxylates. However, the emerging and more general literature on microplastic toxicity suggests that these particles might also be problematic in leachate. Various mitigation strategies have been identified, with most focussing on improving landfill design or leachate treatment, developing alternative disposal methods and reducing waste volume through recycling or using more sustainable materials. The success of these efforts will rely on policies and practices and their enforcement, which is seen as a particular challenge in developing nations and at the international (and transboundary) level. Artificial intelligence and machine learning afford a wide range of options for evaluating and reducing the risks associated with leachates and gaseous emissions from landfills, and various approaches tested or having potential are discussed. However, addressing the limitations in data collection, model accuracy, real-time monitoring and our understanding of environmental impacts will be critical for realising this potential

Understanding How Microplastics Affect Marine Biota on the Cellular Level Is Important for Assessing Ecosystem Function: A Review

Plastic has become indispensable for human life. When plastic debris is discarded into waterways, these items can interact with organisms. Of particular concern are microscopic plastic particles (microplastics) which are subject to ingestion by several taxa. This review summarizes the results of cutting-edge research about the interactions between a range of aquatic species and microplastics, including effects on biota physiology and secondary ingestion. Uptake pathways via digestive or ventilatory systems are discussed, including (1) the physical penetration of microplastic particles into cellular structures, (2) leaching of chemical additives or adsorbed persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and (3) consequences of bacterial or viral microbiota contamination associated with microplastic ingestion. Following uptake, a number of individual-level effects have been observed, including reduction of feeding activities, reduced growth and reproduction through cellular modifications, and oxidative stress. Microplastic-associated effects on marine biota have become increasingly investigated with growing concerns regarding human health through trophic transfer. We argue that research on the cellular interactions with microplastics provide an understanding of their impact to the organisms’ fitness and, therefore, its ability to sustain their functional role in the ecosystem. The review summarizes information from 236 scientific publications. Of those, only 4.6% extrapolate their research of microplastic intake on individual species to the impact on ecosystem functioning. We emphasize the need for risk evaluation from organismal effects to an ecosystem level to effectively evaluate the effect of microplastic pollution on marine environments. Further studies are encouraged to investigate sublethal effects in the context of environmentally relevant microplastic pollution conditions

Influence of material and process parameters on the inter-fibre cohesion in ring-spun yarns

The inter-fibre cohesion phenomenon is an important aspect to be considered, as it directly affects the yarn strength/tenacity and indirectly affects the productivity in ring spinning. Also, inter-fibre cohesive forces influence the individual fibre mobility in yarn structure and the yarn mobility in fabric structure. This paper critically reviews the past and recent research works on the inter-fibre cohesion and provides scope for further research in this area

An investigation on the minimum twist of cohesion of ring and compact spun yarns

340-343An instrument has been designed to determine the minimum twist of cohesion in yarns. The mechanical twist tester (based on untwist- retwist principle) has been used for finding out the initial twist per inch in the yarn. The number of turns that must be removed to break the yarn has been observed using the designed instrument. As it is useful in deciding the twist factor to be given to yarns, tests have been carried out on various types of treated and untreated yarns. It is observed that the treated yarns give better cohesion than untreated ones, Comparative studies on ring and compact yarns show that the compact yarn gives better cohesion

Influence of material and process parameters on the inter- fibre cohesion in ring-spun yarns

203-212The inter-fibre cohesion phenomenon is an important aspect to be considered, as it directly affects the yarn strength/tenacity and indirectly affects the productivity in ring spinning. Also, inter-fibre cohesive forces influence the individual fibre mobility in yarn structure and the yarn mobility in fabric structure. This paper critically reviews the past and recent research works on the inter-fibre cohesion and provides scope for further research in this area

Effect of sonication on bioscouring of organic cotton through mixed enzymatic system – Neural network approach

44-56An attempt has been made to use the enzyme technology for bioscouring of organic cotton textiles using sonication techniques to improve the enzyme activity and scouring performance. The process optimization of bioscouring of 100% organic cotton fabric with ultrasonic treatment have been done with selective specific mixed enzymatic system using the enzymes such as alkaline pectinase, protease, lipase and cellulase. The process variables such as enzyme concentration, temperature and reaction time are optimized to achieve the required water absorbency and pectin removal during bioscouring process by pectinolytic and proteolytic activity on the organic cotton fabrics. These process variables are selected based on the artificial neural network using MATLAB 7.0 software with and without ultrasonic effect and the output results in fabric physical properties such as fabric weight loss, water absorbency, wetting area, whiteness index, yellowness index, and brightness index. The best optimum bioscouring for organic cotton is achieved in terms of water absorbency (0.856s), whiteness index (54.36%), yellowness index (14.02) and brightness index (69.35%) using 8% alkaline pectinase, 3% protease, 0.8% lipase, 0.8% cellulase mixed enzyme, 55°C temperature, 60 min reaction time and 9.5 pH with 1.0% desirability. </span

Elastane fabrics – A tool for stretch applications in sports

300-307Elastane fibres show rubber like behavior and are highly stretchable. Basically these fibres contain polyurethane bonds. Elastic fabrics are an important route to achieve comfort by freedom of movement for body fitted with sports and outdoor wear. Elastic garments used in athletics and sports may improve the athlete’s performance in cycling, swimming and so on. A great deal of research is reported on elastane structure, yarn formation and fabric production. Testing of elastane and its fabric has given new dimensions in terms of results. New attempts are being made to produce the yarn with blends and subsequent conversion into woven and knits, in order to improve garment elastic bahaviour and productivity. This paper reports the elastane fibre characteristics, elastane yarn production method, new attempts in yarn production, commercial ways of fabric manufacturing techniques, fabric properties, new testing methods to test the elastic products and its application

Influence of critical ring frame parameters on the minimum twist of cohesion in yarns

342-345An instrument has been designed to measure the minimum twist of cohesion (MTC) of ring-spun yarn. The influence of spindle speed, traveller mass, and twist multiplier on the MTC has been studied using three-factor Box and Behnken factorial design. A very high coefficient of determination between the experimental values and the calculated values is obtained from the response-surface equation. The selected factors have significant contribution in determining the fibre cohesion in yarn. The optimum value of MTC is observed at higher level of spindle speed, traveller mass, and twist multiplier within the experimental zone explored. Spindle speed has the greatest influence on MTC, followed by twist multiplier and the traveller mass with the current experimental set-up