Comparison of hemodynamic consequences of hand ventilation versus machine ventilation for transportation of post-operative pediatric cardiac patients.

Learning Objective: Hemodynamic monitoring during in-hospital transport of intubated patients is vital; however, no prospective randomized trials have evaluated the hemodynamic consequences of hand versus machine ventilation during transport among pediatric patients' post-cardiac surgery. The authors hypothesized that manual ventilation after pediatric cardiac surgery would alter hemodynamic and arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters during transport compared to mechanical ventilation. Design: A prospective randomized trial. Setting: Tertiary cardiac care hospital. Participants: Pediatric cardiac surgery patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred intubated pediatric patients were randomized to hand or machine ventilation immediately post-cardiac surgery during transport from the operating room to the pediatric post-operative intensive care unit (PICU). Hemodynamic variables, including end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), oxygen saturation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), and mean airway pressure (Pmean), were measured at origin, during transport, and at the destination. ABG was measured before and upon arrival in the PICU, and adverse events were recorded. The Chi-square test and independent t-test were used for comparison of categorical and continuous parameters, respectively. Results and Discussion: The mean transport time was comparable between hand-ventilated (5.77 ± 1.46 min) and machine-ventilated (5.96 ± 1.19 min) groups (P = 0.47). ETCO2 consistently dropped during transport and after shifting in the hand-ventilated group, with significantly higher ETCO2 excursion than in machine-ventilated patients (P < 0.05). SBP and DBP significantly decreased during transport (at 5 and 6 min intervals) and after shifting in hand-ventilated patients than in the other group (P < 0.05). Additionally, after shifting, a significant increase in Ppeak (P < 0.001), Pmean (P < 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001), and a decrease in pCO2 (P = 0.0072) was observed in hand-ventilated patients than machine-ventilated patients. No adverse event was noted during either mode of ventilation. Conclusion: Hand ventilation leads to more significant variation in ABG and hemodynamic parameters than machine ventilation in pediatric patients during transport post-cardiac surgery. Therefore, using a mechanical ventilator is the preferred method for transporting post-operative pediatric cardiac patients.

The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Indian Healthcare System.

The emergence and rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pose a grave threat to public health globally, and particularly so in India. With its unique combination of a dense population, a significant disease burden, and diverse healthcare practices, India stands at a critical juncture in the global battle against AMR. The implications of this escalating crisis are far-reaching, threatening decades of medical progress, undermining healthcare delivery, and posing potential roadblocks to the realization of several Sustainable Development Goals. AMR is a crisis within the Indian healthcare system as it severely hampers the effective treatment of infectious diseases, leading to higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Its rise could mark the return of the pre-antibiotic era, where common infections and minor surgeries could once again become life-threatening. Addressing the challenge of AMR in India requires a comprehensive, multifaceted, and well-coordinated response. From creating strong regulatory frameworks for antibiotic usage and improving diagnostic capabilities to fostering greater public awareness and promoting research into new antimicrobials, the strategies need to be as diverse and interconnected as the problem itself. This editorial will delve into the specificities of the AMR challenge within the Indian healthcare system, discuss potential strategies for mitigating the crisis, and evaluate the broader implications for public health and national policy. It will also highlight why India's response to this global health threat is crucial not only for the country but for the world at large.

Changing Trend in the Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Klebsiella Pneumonia Isolated From Endotracheal Aspirate Samples of ICU Patients of a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India.

Introduction Klebsiella pneumonia is one of the most prevalent bacteria that cause nosocomial infections, particularly in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKP) has become an urgent risk to public health as its prevalence has sharply surged around the globe in recent decades. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate shifts over a four-year period in drug susceptibility patterns among Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients. Materials and methods This is a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care multi-specialty hospital and teaching institute in North India and was approved by the institutional ethics committee. The research comprised Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from endotracheal aspirates (ETA) of patients on mechanical ventilation admitted to the general intensive care unit (ICU) of our tertiary care facility. The data from January to June 2018 and January to June 2022 were collected. According to the antimicrobial resistance profile of the strains, they were categorized as susceptible, resistant to one or two antimicrobial categories, multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), or pan-drug-resistant (PDR). The criteria for MDR, XDR, and PDR were proposed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, Version 24.0, Armonk, NY, IBM Corp., was used for data input and analysis. Results A total of 82 cases of Klebsiella pneumonia were included in the study. Of these 82 isolates, 40 were isolated over a period of six months from January to June 2018, and the remaining 42 were isolated from January to June 2022. Among the 2018 group, five strains (12.5%) were classified as susceptible, three (7.5%) as resistant, seven (17.5%) as MDR, and 25 (62.5%) as XDR. The highest percentages of antimicrobial resistance in the 2018 group were observed with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (90%), ciprofloxacin (100%), piperacillin/tazobactam (92.5%), and cefoperazone/sulbactam (95%). In comparison, the 2022 group showed no strain as susceptible; nine strains (21.4%) were classified as resistant; three strains (7%) as MDR; and 30 strains (93%) were classified as XDR. There was a significant increase in resistance to amoxicillin, from 10% in 2018 to nil in 2022. Overall, the rate of resistant Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) increased from 7.5% (3/40) in 2018 to 21.4% (9/42) in 2022, while XDR Klebsiella pneumonia among the mechanically ventilated ICU patients significantly increased from 62.5% (25/40) in 2018 to 71% (30/42) in 2022. Conclusion  K. pneumoniae antibiotic resistance is a real threat in Asia and requires close monitoring to be controlled. More careful attempts should be made to create a new generation of antimicrobials since the prevalence of resistance to existing medications is rising. Antibiotic resistance should be monitored and reported by healthcare institutions regularly.

Step-Index (Semi-Immersed) Model for Photonic Nanojet and Experimental Characterization via Near-Field Optical Microscopy with Microcylinder.

Experimental limitations such as design complexity and low optical throughput have prevented photonic nanojet (PNJ) and photonic hook (PH) measurements from demonstrating and characterizing the implementation of narrow intense electromagnetic beams generated from dielectric microelements with circular symmetry. Near-fields optical microscopy can mitigate these limitations and still present a capability of detecting a highly localized electromagnetic beam for applications in step-index media. Here we model a localized PNJ and PH formation in step-index media. We show that despite negligible refractive index contrast between the water (nwater=1.33) and silica microcylinder (∼1.1), a formation of PNJ and PH is observed with equivalent performance compared to that of silica microcylinder embedded in air (nair=1). This model features a practical fiber source and silica microcylinder as an auxiliary structure. Simultaneously, we performed experimental characterization of a photonic nanojet generated from an optical fiber and studied the resulting near-fields. Our electromagnetic simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental ones, demonstrating a full width at half maximum (FHWM) with a relative error of 0.64%. This system will make fiber-based nanojet realization and characterization accessible and practical for optics and laser engineering applications, super-resolution imaging, and nanolithography.

Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy: A Critical Review.

Many females have psychological well-being issues during pregnancy or after giving birth. It can happen to anybody. Depression and anxiety are the most widely recognized psychological well-being issues during pregnancy. These affect a significant number of pregnant females. Especially helpless are those females with histories of mental ailment who stop psychotropic drugs during pregnancy. Mental health issues can also be associated with abortions, broken homes, problems between the couple, unhealthy work-life balance, undue stress, physiological disorders, and other associated comorbidities. Pregnancy is traditionally considered a good time with good feelings, but it is not so. Until a few years ago, the only importance given to mental health was after childbirth (preference was given to disorders such as postpartum depression {PPD}). Nowadays, mental health is given its due attention right from conception, to antenatal care, to labor, to the postpartum period. Patients are educated on the importance of mental health and its short-term and long-term effects on the mother and the baby. The baby's father is educated because he can play a crucial role. Various researches show that children born to mothers who suffer from mental health ailments such as depression are low-birth-weight babies. Societal problems such as poverty, overpopulation, overcrowding, and poor hygiene can also adversely affect the mother's mental health. Some valuable solutions can be medication such as antidepressants, talking to a therapist, exercising, talking to close friends and family, couple counseling, and de-stressing. A phenomenon called postpartum depression is also prevalent and is given its due importance.

Effect of Different Itraconazole Dosing Regimens on Cure Rates, Treatment Duration, Safety, and Relapse Rates in Adult Patients With Tinea Corporis/Cruris: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: With worldwide emergence of recalcitrant and resistant dermatophytosis, itraconazole is increasingly being used as the first-line drug for treatment of tinea corporis/cruris (TCC). Apparent inadequacy with low doses has led to empirical use of higher doses and antifungal combinations. Objective: To compare cure rates, treatment durations, safety profiles, and relapse rates of itraconazole 100, 200, and 400 mg/d for the treatment of TCC. Design, Setting, and Participants: This double-blind randomized clinical trial included adult patients with treatment-naive TCC involving at least 5% body surface area. Patients were recruited from the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021. Interventions: Patients were randomized to 1 of the 3 treatment groups. Biweekly blinded assessments were performed until cure or treatment failure. Posttreatment follow-up of at least 8 weeks was conducted to detect relapses. Main Outcome and Measures: Cure rates, treatment durations, safety profiles, and relapse rates were assessed. Secondary outcomes included comparison of rapidity of clinical response and cost-effectiveness between groups. Results: Of the 149 patients assessed, the mean (SD) age was 34.3 (12.2) years, 69 patients (46.4%) were women, and 80 patients (53.6%) were men. The difference in cure rate between the 100- and 200-mg groups was statistically nonsignificant (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% CI, 0.91-2.30; P = .12), while the difference between the 100- and 400-mg groups (HR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.78-4.62; P < .001) and between the 200- and 400-mg groups (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.28-3.09; P = .002) was statistically significant. Mean (SD) treatment durations were statistically significantly different between the 100- and 400-mg groups (7.7 [4.7] weeks vs 5.2 [2.6] weeks; P = .03) and between the 200- and 400-mg groups (7.2 [3.8] weeks vs 5.2 [2.6] weeks; P = .004), but the difference between the 100- and 200-mg groups was not statistically significant. A total of 55 patients (47.4%) relapsed after treatment. Relapse rates were comparable across groups. No patient discontinued treatment due to adverse effects. Treatment with the 200-mg dose incurred a 63% higher cost and 400 mg a 120% higher cost over 100 mg in achieving cure. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, high overall efficacy was observed among the 3 itraconazole doses for treatment of TCC, but with prolonged treatment durations and considerable relapse rates. Treatment with the 200- and 100-mg doses did not differ significantly in efficacy or treatment durations, while 400 mg scored over the other 2 on these outcomes. Considerable additional cost is incurred in achieving cure with the 200- and 400-mg doses. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry of India Identifier: CTRI/2020/03/024326.

A new approach towards the Debye length challenge for specific and label-free biological sensing based on field-effect transistors.

Biologically-modified field-effect transistors (BioFETs) are promising platforms for specific and label-free biosensing due to their sub-micron footprint suitable for multiplexing in ultra-small samples, low noise levels, inherent amplification, etc. Debye screening length is a well-recognized challenge for any BioFET-based technology. The screening length is the smallest at the double layer, where the solution ion population is higher than the bulk population. One way to address the small double layer screening length is to electrostatically modify the potential drop across the solution such as to minimize the potential drop over the double layer. This will decrease the population of the double layer ions and increase the screening length. However, this is not possible with BioFETs as voltage application to the reference electrode simultaneously affects both the double layer and the BioFET conducting channel. The current study addresses the screening length challenge with the novel Meta-Nano-Channel (MNC) BioFET. The MNC BioFET, which is fabricated in a complementary-metal-oxide-silicon (CMOS) process, allows decoupling of the electrostatics of the double layer from the electrodynamics of the conducting channel. The study explores the mechanism of sensing with the MNC BioFET, and demonstrates how the double layer can be electrostatically tuned in order to optimize the screening length without affecting the conducting channel. Finally, specific and label-free sensing of 10 ng ml-1 prostate specific antigen (PSA) is demonstrated. It is shown that by electrostatically increasing the double layer screening length, the sensing signal increases from 70 mV to 133 mV.

Diagnostic value of galactomannan antigen test in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample from suspected patients of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species. Galactomannan (GM) is a polysaccharide antigen that exists primarily in the cell walls of Aspergillus species. GM may be released into the blood and other body fluids even in the early stages of Aspergillus invasion; therefore, detection of the GM antigen level can be useful in making an early diagnosis of IPA.

Outcome of Surgical Management of Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus Disease with Rotation Flap in 52 Patients-A Retrospective Study.

Background Surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (SPSD) consists of radical excision of the entire tract and treatment of the resultant raw area. Here, the authors have reviewed the results of the rotation flap for closure of the SPSD. Aim This study aims to evaluate the outcomes following SPSD excision and rotation flap closure. Materials and Methods All patients were treated for SPSD with excision and closure using a rotation flap from January 2010 to September 2018. Cases having a follow-up of at least 6 months post surgery were evaluated. Result A total of 52 patients were included in the study; 42 cases were of primary disease while 10 were of recurrent disease. The patients' follow-up records on the 3rd day, 10th day, 1 month, and 6 months were evaluated. None of the patients showed any signs of recurrence on follow-ups. One patient developed a hematoma on the third day post surgery which was treated conservatively. One patient developed a seroma in the perianal region on the fifth postoperative day which required aspiration. Both these patients healed well subsequently. Conclusion Rotation flap is a (simple and reliable) treatment option for closure of postexcision SPSD defect. It not only takes the tension away from suture line, but also pushes the gluteal fat from the sides into the midline, obliterating the deep crevice of the natal cleft which is believed to be one of the important factors in the causation of SPSD, thus minimizing recurrence.

Sphingosine kinase inhibitor, SKI-II confers protection against the ionizing radiation by maintaining redox homeostasis most likely through Nrf2 signaling.

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) set a series of deleterious events causing acute radiation syndrome and mortality, posing the need for a potent and safe radio-protective drug. IR induces cell death predominantly by causing oxidative stress and macromolecular damage. The pre-existing antioxidant defence machinery of the cellular system plays a crucial role in protecting the cells against oxidative stress by activation of Nrf2. The current study was undertaken to investigate the radio-protective potential of sphingosine kinase inhibitor (SKI-II), which was demonstrated to activate Nrf2 signaling. The safety and efficacy of SKI-II were evaluated with cell cytotoxicity, proliferation index, and clonogenic survival assays in different cell lines, namely Raw 264.7, INT-407, IEC-6 and NIH/3T3 cell lines. A safe dose of SKI-II was found radio-protective in all the cell lines linked with the activated antioxidant defence system, thereby resulting in the amelioration of IR induced oxidative stress. SKI-II pretreatment also significantly reduced DNA damage, micronuclei expression, and accelerated DNA repair kinetics as compared to IR exposed cells. Reduced oxidative stress and enhanced DNA repair significantly reduced apoptosis and suppressed the pro-death signaling associated with IR exposure. Furthermore, the in-vitro observation was verified in the in-vivo model (C57 BL/6). The Intra-peritoneal (IP) administration of SKI-II, 2 h before a lethal dose of IR exposure (7.5 Gy) resulted in 75% survival. These results imply that SKI-II ameliorates IR-induced oxidative stress and cell death by inducing anti-oxidant defence system and DNA repair pathways, thus strengthening its potential to be used as radiation countermeasure.

Comparative study of intranasal dexmedetomidine v/s midazolam for sedation of pediatric patients during transthoracic echocardiography.

Background: Procedural sedation required to improve the quality of Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) in infants and children. The ideal drug and route for sedation in children should have a rapid and reliable onset, atraumatic, palatable with minimal side effects, and rapid recovery. So, the aim of our study to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of intranasal midazolam and intranasal dexmedetomidine in pediatric patients for sedation during TTE. Materials and Method: Hundred children under three year of age, belonging to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists class-I and II, scheduled for TTE were divided into two groups by standard randomization technique. Patients in group-M received intranasal midazolam 0.2 mg/kg, whereas patients in group-D received intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 µg/kg prior to TTE under an adequately monitored anesthesia care. Onset and duration of sedation, heart rate, oxygen saturation, sonographer's, and parent's satisfaction scores were recorded. Results: All patients were successfully sedated for TTE. The average onset time, sedation time, awakening time and total time for Group-M were 7.3, 18.8, 29.51, 51 min and group-D were 10.1, 14.2, 24.9, 46.3 min, respectively and all were statistically significant (P < 0.001). TTE scan time of Group-M is 8.84 min and Group-D is 9.18 min and was statistically significant. Sonographer's and Parent's average satisfaction score for Group-M was 9.88, 10 and for Group-D was 7.64, 8.76, respectively, which were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Intranasal midazolam and dexmedetomidine are safe and effective for sedation in TTE. Intranasal midazolam was found to be comparatively more effective in view of onset of action, sonographers, and parental satisfaction score, while sedation time, awakening time and total duration was significantly higher as compared to intranasal dexmedetomidine.

Insights of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic: a current review.

COVID-19, a pandemic of the 21st century caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was originated from China and shallowed world economy and human resource. The medical cures via herbal treatments, antiviral drugs, and vaccines still in progress, and studying rigorously. SARS-CoV-2 is more virulent than its ancestors due to evolution in the spike protein(s), mediates viral attachment to the host's membranes. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding spike domain associates itself with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors. It causes respiratory ailments with irregularities in the hepatic, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems, as reported in humans suffering from COVID-19 and reviewed in the present article. There are several approaches, have been put forward by many countries under the world health organization (WHO) recommendations and some trial drugs were introduced for possible treatment of COVID-19, such as Lopinavir or Ritonavir, Arbidol, Chloroquine (CQ), Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and most important Remdesivir including other like Tocilizumab, Oritavancin, Chlorpromazine, Azithromycin, Baricitinib, etc. RT-PCR is the only and early detection test available besides the rapid test kit (serodiagnosis) used by a few countries due to unreasonable causes. Development of vaccine by several leader of pharmaceutical groups still under trial or waiting for approval for mass inoculation. Management strategies have been evolved by the recommendations of WHO, specifically important to control COVID-19 situations, in the pandemic era. This review will provide a comprehensive collection of studies to support future research and enhancement in our wisdom to combat COVID-19 pandemic and to serve humanity.

PTEN inhibitor bpV(HOpic) confers protection against ionizing radiation.

Exposure to Ionizing radiation (IR) poses a severe threat to human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop potent and safe radioprotective agents for radio-nuclear emergencies. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) mediates its cytoprotective signaling against IR by phosphorylating membrane phospholipids to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5 triphosphate, PIP3, that serve as a docking site for AKT. Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog on chromosome 10 (PTEN) antagonizes PI3K activity by dephosphorylating PIP3, thus suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling that could prevent IR induced cytotoxicity. The current study was undertaken to investigate the radioprotective potential of PTEN inhibitor (PTENi), bpV(HOpic). The cell cytotoxicity, proliferation index, and clonogenic survival assays were performed for assessing the radioprotective potential of bpV(HOpic). A safe dose of bpV(HOpic) was shown to be radioprotective in three radiosensitive tissue origin cells. Further, bpV(HOpic) significantly reduced the IR-induced apoptosis and associated pro-death signaling. A faster and better DNA repair kinetics was also observed in bpV(HOpic) pretreated cells exposed to IR. Additionally, bpV(HOpic) decreased the IR-induced oxidative stress and significantly enhanced the antioxidant defense mechanism in cells. The radioprotective effect of bpV(HOpic) was found to be AKT dependant and primarily regulated by the enhanced glycolysis and associated signaling. Furthermore, this in-vitro observation was verified in-vivo, where administration of bpV(HOpic) in C57BL/6 mice resulted in AKT activation and conferred survival advantage against IR-induced mortality. These results imply that bpV(HOpic) ameliorates IR-induced oxidative stress and cell death by inducing AKT signaling mediated antioxidant defense system and DNA repair pathways, thus strengthening its potential to be used as a radiation countermeasure.

Broadband solar absorption with silicon metamaterials driven by strong proximity effects.

Absorption of the solar radiation over a wide spectral range is of utmost importance to applications related to the harvesting of solar energy. We numerically demonstrate broadband solar absorption enhancement employing a metamaterial in the form of arrays composed of subwavelength silicon truncated inverted cones, henceforth referred to as light funnel (LF) arrays. We show that the broadband absorption efficiency of an unoptimized LF array is 36% greater compared with an optically-maximized NP array. We show that photon trapping in LF arrays is motivated by proximity effects related to the optical overlap between LFs. We make the distinction between two types of optical overlap: weak overlap in which the coupling between the sparse array modes and the impinging illumination increases with array densification, and strong overlap where the array densification introduces new highly absorbing modes. We show that in nanopillar (NP) arrays the optical intensity inside the NPs decreases upon densification and the overall increase in absorptivity is due to increase in filling ratio (as was also shown by others), while the densification of LF arrays increases the optical intensity inside the individual LF and with the concurrent increase in filling ratio concludes light trapping much superior to that of NP arrays. Light trapping governed by strong proximity effects was not reported to date, and we believe it is an important paradigm for miniaturized lab-on-chip technologies.

Approaching the Yablonovitch limit with free-floating arrays of subwavelength trumpet non-imaging light concentrators driven by extraordinary low transmission.

Metamaterials based on arrays of subwavelength dielectric structures have recently proved to be a viable research tool towards the realization of various photonic devices. In the current study we introduce a new approach towards efficient light trapping and broadband absorption of solar radiation based on silicon surface arrays composed of subwavelength trumpet non-imaging light concentrators (henceforth, trumpet arrays). In geometrical optics, a three-dimensional trumpet non-imaging light concentrator is a hyperboloid of revolution with an ideal light concentration ratio. We use finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic calculations to examine the optical response of an infinite cubic-tiled substrate-less silicon trumpet array under normal illumination. The absorptivity spectra of trumpet arrays are characterized by strong absorption peaks, some of which are just below the Yablonovitch limit. The enhanced light trapping is attributed solely to the efficient occupation of the array Mie modes, and we show absorption enhancement at near infrared that is an order of magnitude higher than that of the optimized nanopillar (NP) arrays. We show superior broadband absorption of solar radiation in trumpet arrays (with unoptimized geometry) compared with that of the optimized NP arrays (∼26% enhancement). The higher optical absorption in the trumpet array is governed by low transmissivity, in contrast to the NP array in which the absorption is governed by low reflectivity. Finally, we show that low reflectivity in trumpet arrays is governed by modal excitation at the upper part of the trumpets (which is also supported by the weak dependency of the reflectivity on the array height), whereas the transmissivity is governed by modal excitation at the lower part of the trumpets.

Isolation and preliminary characterization of a bacteriocin-producer Bacillus strain inhibiting methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

In a multivalent approach to discover new antimicrobial substance, a total of 160 Bacilli were isolated from termitarium soil, characterized on the basis of their morphological and physiological characters and screened for their antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method against certain drug resistant pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and common food contaminating bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. After preliminary screening, sixteen isolates showed inhibitory activity against test pathogens. Among them Bacillus isolate TSH58 exhibited maximum inhibitory activity against MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16S rDNA characteristics isolate TSH58 was identified as a member of the Bacillus cereus species group. Various nutrient sources and culture conditions were optimized, the partially purified antimicrobial metabolite was subjected to various treatments such as heat, pH and proteolytic enzymes. Complete loss in the activity observed when the crude metabolite was treated with proteolytic enzymes suggesting its proteinaceous nature and termed as bacteriocin like inhibitory substance (BLIS). Minimal inhibitory concentration of the partially purified bacteriocin determined by microtiter plate assay was 80 µg/ml for MRSA and 40 µg/ml for L. monocytogenes. Tricine SDS PAGE analysis revealed that the partially purified bacteriocin produced by the Bacillus strain TSH58 had an apparent molecular weight of about 4.0 KDa.

Termitarium-Inhabiting Bacillus spp. Enhanced Plant Growth and Bioactive Component in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.).

Curcumin (diferuloyl methane) is the main bioactive component of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) having remarkable multipotent medicinal and therapeutic applications. Two Bacilli isolated from termitarium soil and identified as Bacillus endophyticus TSH42 and Bacillus cereus TSH77 were used for bacterization of rhizome for raising C. longa ver. suguna for growth and enhancement. Both the strains showed remarkable PGP activities and also chemotactic in nature with high chemotactic index. Turmeric plants bacterized with strains B. endophyticus TSH42 and B. cereus TSH77 individually and in combination increased plant growth and turmeric production up to 18% in field trial in comparison to non-bacterized plants. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed to determine the content of curcumin, which showed concentration of curcumin in un-inoculated turmeric as 3.66 g which increased by 13.6% (4.16 g) when combination of TSH42 and TSH77 was used.

Termitarium-inhabiting Bacillus endophyticus TSH42 and Bacillus cereus TSH77 colonizing Curcuma longa L.: isolation, characterization, and evaluation of their biocontrol and plant-growth-promoting activities.

Bacillus strains were isolated from termitarium soil and screened for their antifungal activity through the production of diffusible and volatile metabolites. Further, the bacterial strains that showed antifungal activity were evaluated for their biocontrol potential on the basis of their plant-growth-promoting attributes. Termitarium-inhabiting Bacillus strains TSH42 and TSH77 significantly reduced the growth of pathogenic fungus Fusarium solani, controlled the symptoms of rhizome rot in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), and demonstrated various plant-growth-promoting traits in different in vitro assays. On the basis of morphological, physiological, biochemical, and 16S rDNA characteristics, isolates TSH42 and TSH77 were identified as Bacillus endophyticus (KT379993) and Bacillus cereus (KT379994), respectively. Through liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry analysis, acidified cell-free culture filtrate (CFCF) of B. cereus TSH77 was shown to contain surfactin and fengycin, while CFCF of B. endophyticus TSH42 contained iturin in addition to surfactin and fengycin. Treatment of the turmeric (C. longa L.) plants with TSH42 and TSH77 significantly reduced the percentage incidence of rhizome rot disease caused by F. solani. The same treatment also increased the fresh rhizome biomass and plant growth in greenhouse conditions.

Transient elevation of glycolysis confers radio-resistance by facilitating DNA repair in cells.

BACKGROUND: Cancer cells exhibit increased glycolysis for ATP production (the Warburg effect) and macromolecular biosynthesis; it is also linked with therapeutic resistance that is generally associated with compromised respiratory metabolism. Molecular mechanisms underlying radio-resistance linked to elevated glycolysis remain incompletely understood. METHODS: We stimulated glycolysis using mitochondrial respiratory modifiers (MRMs viz. di-nitro phenol, DNP; Photosan-3, PS3; Methylene blue, MB) in established human cell lines (HEK293, BMG-1 and OCT-1). Glucose utilization and lactate production, levels of glucose transporters and glycolytic enzymes were investigated as indices of glycolysis. Clonogenic survival, DNA repair and cytogenetic damage were studied as parameters of radiation response. RESULTS: MRMs induced the glycolysis by enhancing the levels of two important regulators of glucose metabolism GLUT-1 and HK-II and resulted in 2 fold increase in glucose consumption and lactate production. This increase in glycolysis resulted in resistance against radiation-induced cell death (clonogenic survival) in different cell lines at an absorbed dose of 5 Gy. Inhibition of glucose uptake and glycolysis (using fasentin, 2-deoxy-D-glucose and 3-bromopyruvate) in DNP treated cells failed to increase the clonogenic survival of irradiated cells, suggesting that radio-resistance linked to inhibition of mitochondrial respiration is glycolysis dependent. Elevated glycolysis also facilitated rejoining of radiation-induced DNA strand breaks by activating both non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) pathways of DNA double strand break repair leading to a reduction in radiation-induced cytogenetic damage (micronuclei formation) in these cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that enhanced glycolysis generally observed in cancer cells may be responsible for the radio-resistance, partly by enhancing the repair of DNA damage.

Nasal rhinosporiodiosis from uttar pradesh (India): a non-endemic zone: first case report

Rhinosporiodiosis is a cosmopolitan disease of man and animals, endemic in India and Sri Lanka with main focus of infection in Southern Tamil Nadu. Uttar Pradesh (UP) is not known to be an endemic zone for this disease .We present here the first case of nasal Rhinosporiodiosis from this non-endemic zone.