Analysis of CRISPR-Cas system and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus coagulans isolates.

CRISPR-Cas system contributes adaptive immunity to protect the bacterial and archaeal genome against invading mobile genetic elements. In this study, an attempt was made to characterize the CRISPR-Cas system in Staphylococcus coagulans, the second most prevalent coagulase positive staphylococci causing skin infections in dogs. Out of 45 S. coagulans isolates, 42/45 (93·33%) strains contained CRISPR-Cas system and 45 confirmed CRISPR system was identified in 42 S. coagulans isolates. The length of CRISPR loci ranged from 167 to 2477 bp, and the number of spacers in each CRISPR was varied from two spacers to as high as 37 numbers. Direct repeat (DR) sequences were between 30 and 37, but most (35/45) of the DRs contained 36 sequences. The predominant S. coagulans strains 29/45 did not possess any antimicrobial resistant genes (ARG); 26/29 strains contained Type IIC CRISPR-Cas system. Three isolates from Antarctica seals neither contain CRISPR-Cas system nor ARG. Only 15/45 S. coagulans strains (33·33%) harboured at least one ARG and 13/15 of them were having mecA gene. All the methicillin susceptible S. coagulans isolates contained Type IIC CRISPR-Cas system. In contrast, many (10/13) S. coagulans isolates which were methicillin resistant had Type IIIA CRISPR-Cas system, and this Type IIIA CRISPR-Cas system was present within the SCCmec mobile genetic element. Hence, this study suggests that Type II CRISPR-Cas in S. coagulans isolates might have played a possible role in preventing acquisition of plasmid/phage invasion and Type IIIA CRISPR-Cas system may have an insignificant role in the prevention of horizontal gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes in S. coagulans species.

Effects of effluent from electoplating industry on the immune response in the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio.

The present study was designed to assess the effect of sublethal concentrations of electoplating industry effluent (EIE) on the non-specific and specific immune responses in the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio. Sublethal concentrations of electroplating industry effluent such as 0.004, 0.007, 0.010 and 0.013% were chosen based on the LC50 values. Experimental fish were exposed to these sublethal concentrations of EIE for 28 days. After 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of treatment, non-specific immune response by serum lysozyme activity, myeloperoxidase activity and antiprotease activity and specific immune response by antibody response to Aeromonas hydrophila using bacterial agglutination assay and ELISA were assessed. The results showed that chronic exposure of fish to 0.004, 0.007, 0.010 and 0.013% EIE, dose-dependently decreased the non-specific and specific immune responses on all the days tested compared to control fish whereas statistically significant suppressive effects were observed in fish exposed to 0.013% of EIE on all activities tested.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Pterocarpus marsupium on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Pterocarpus marsupium (PM) on acetic acid (AA)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. The rats were divided into five groups, each having six rats. PM extract 100 mg and 200 mg/kg was given orally to groups four and five, respectively, and standard drug sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o) to group three. Group two served as UC control animals, and group one control animals received vehicle for 7 days. UC was induced by administering AA (3 % v/v of 2 ml) to all the animals except group one. After 72 h, the animals were killed and the colon was dissected out for microscopic, clinical evaluation, histopathological study and biochemical estimation. PM (100 and 200 mg/kg)-treated group had significantly reduced colon inflammation and mucosal damage. The treatment also normalized the altered antioxidant enzyme levels (LPO, SOD and GSH). Histopathological studies support the effect. The protective effect of PM may be due to antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Does Early Fortification of Human Milk Decrease Time to Regain Birth Weight as Compared to Late Fortification Among Preterm Infants? - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the duration required to regain birth weight following early fortification of human milk vs. late fortification among preterm infants. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included hemodynamically stable 120 preterm infants (≤32 wk of gestation). The intervention and comparator groups received standard fortification with human milk fortifier when enteral feeds reached 30 ml/kg/d (early fortification) and 80 ml/kg/d (late fortification) respectively. Neonates in both the groups received feed increments as per standard NICU protocol. Anthropometric measurements (weight, length, and head circumference) at birth and during postnatal follow-up were done following standard precautions and plotted on the sex-specific Fenton growth charts. Primary outcome was the mean duration required to regain birth weight. Secondary outcomes included weight gain velocity, linear growth, increase in head circumference and occurrence of sepsis, feed intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis. RESULTS: Preterm neonates who received early fortification regained birth weight earlier compared to those in the late fortification group (10.13 ± 2.90 vs. 11.26 ± 3.06, p <0.05). The weight gain velocity, linear growth and increase in head circumference were better in the early fortification group. There was no increased risk of culture proven sepsis, feed intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis in the early fortification group compared to late fortification. CONCLUSIONS: Standard fortification with human milk fortifier when enteral feeds reach 30 ml/kg/d helps preterm neonates regain birth weight earlier. Early fortification is well tolerated and safe for the population studied.

Haematotoxicity of integrated textile mill effluent to an air-breathing fish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

The effect of integrated textile mill effluent on the haematological characteristic of the fish Heteropneustes fossilis was studied. LC50 values were found to be 34%-38% on 96-24 h duration. Four sub-lethal concentrations were selected for this study. Exposure to effluent caused an increase in large lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and basiphil granulocytes and decrease in small lymphocytes in H.fossilis.

Polyhydroxy butyrate biosynthesis by Azotobacter chroococcum MTCC 3858 through groundnut shell as lignocellulosic feedstock using resource surface methodology.

This work appraises the prospect of utilising groundnut shell hydrolysate as a feedstock used for PHB biosynthesis by Azotobacter chroococcum MTCC 3853 under SMF conditions. Sugar reduction: untreated and pretreated 20% H2SO4 (39.46 g/l and 62.96 g/l, respectively), untreated and enzymatic hydrolysis (142.35 mg/g and 568.94 mg/g). The RSM-CCD optimization method was used to generate augment PHB biosynthesis from groundnut shell hydrolysate (30 g/l), ammonium sulphate (1.5 g/l), ammonium chloride (1.5 g/l), peptone (1.5 g/l), pH 7, 30 °C, and a 48 h incubation time. The most convincing factors (p < 0.0001), coefficient R2 values of biomass 0.9110 and PHB yield 0.9261, PHB production, highest biomass (17.23 g/l), PHB Yield(11.46 g/l), and 66.51 (wt% DCW) values were recorded. The control (untreated GN) PHB yield value of 2.86 g/l increased up to fourfold in pretreated GN. TGA results in a melting range in the peak perceived at 270.55 °C and a DSC peak range of 172.17 °C, correspondingly. According to the results, it furnishes an efficient agricultural waste executive approach by diminishing the production expenditure. It reinforces the production of PHB, thereby shrinking our reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics.

Effect of Electronic Infrared Tap With Voice Reinforcement on Hand Hygiene Compliance of Healthcare Personnel.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of an electronic infrared tap with voice reinforcement to improve hand hygiene compliance among health care workers. METHOD: This pre-post intervention study used an automated electronic infrared tap with voice reinforcement as intervention in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Hand hygiene adherence rates of health care workers were monitored using a video camera. RESULTS: A total of 2718 hand hygiene events were observed. Baseline rates of hand hygiene (complete or partial adherence rates) were 86.9% in NICU and 81.2% in PICU, that improved to 94.9% for NICU and 92.9% for PICU post-intervention (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Use of an electronic infrared (EIR) tap with voice reinforcement in handwashing stations of NICU and PICU improved hand hygiene compliance among health care workers.

Immunotoxicity of tannery effluent to the freshwater fish Cyprinous carpio.

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of chronic exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of tannery effluent (TE) on the humoral antibody response and the cell-mediated immune response of the fish Cyprinous carpio. The LC(50) value of the TE for C. carpio was determined by bioassay to be 3.8%. Sub-lethal concentrations of TE (0.6% and 0.3%) significantly suppressed the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Exposure of C. carpio to the TE had a significant effect on mean acceptance time (MAT) for transplanted scales. MAT was found to be 5-8 days for autografts and 4-7 days for allografts. The somatic indices of the kidney and spleen were reduced compared with controls.

Effective adsorption of crystal violet onto aromatic polyimides: Kinetics and isotherm studies.

The motive of this work is to synthesis aromatic polyimides by a two-step poly condensation process and the prepared aromatic polyamides (APIs) is been used as an effective functionalized adsorbent for the removal of carcinogenic crystal violet (CV) from aqueous medium. The adsorption efficiency of the APIs was enhanced by incorporation different functional moieties (varying aromatic dianhydrides with -O-, -(CF3)2-, -(CH3)2-) in the polymer structure. The initial and final concentration of CV was measured using UV-Vis spectrometer. The adsorption process was optimized by varying the parameters such as the effect of solution pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dosage. Kinetics and isotherms of the adsorption system were appraised using data obtained from effect of contact time and initial dye concentration with corresponding empirical modelling techniques respectively. The evaluated results of the adsorption kinetic studies confirmed that the adsorption of API onto CV is followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption behaviour and their interactions between APIs and CV are well established. The experimental results of this research output could be confirmed that APIs is a very effective adsorbent for the removal of cationic dye from aqueous.

Optimization of artificial fertilization in the stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

Determination of optimum sperm requirement in artificial breeding helps to improve the fertilization efficiency, sperm economy and minimize the sacrificing of males for milt. Quantification of sperm cells was done by spectrophotometer at 420 nm followed by haemocytometer counting. Best correlation (r2 = 0.97) was recorded. The minimum number of sperm required for optimal fertilization success in Heteropneustes fossilis was determined. An average fertilization success of 78-93% was recorded at 8 × 103 to 8 × 107 sperm per egg. The optimum contact duration of gametes was 5 minutes. The highest fertilization rate of 98.18% was recorded at 8 × 107 spermatozoa.egg-1.

Biosorption of As(III) ions from aqueous solution using dry, heat-treated and NaOH-treated Aspergillus nidulans.

The biosorption of As(III) ions on dry, heat-treated and NaOH-treated Aspergillus nidulans in aqueous solutions was studied. The effect ofpH (2-6), temperature (25, 30, 35, 45 degrees C), and initial concentration (250-700 mg L(-1)) of As(III) ions were investigated in a batch system. The maximum biosorption rate of As(III) ions on the tested biosorbent were obtained at pH 4 and 35 degrees C in about 240 min. The maximum biosorption capacities of dry, heat-treated and NaOH-treated fungal biomass were 127, 178 and 166 mg g(-1) of dry biomass, respectively. The As(III) adsorption data were analyzed using the first- and the second-order kinetic models. The experimental results suggest that the second-order equation is the most appropriate equation to predict the biosorption capacity by dry, heat-treated and NaOH-treated Aspergillus nidulans. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to evaluate the data, and the regression constants were derived. Biosorption equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm model followed by the Freundlich model.

Co-cultivation of Streptomyces and microalgal cells as an efficient system for biodiesel production and bioflocculation formation.

The phytohormone producing Streptomyces rosealbus MTTC 12,951 (S.R) and green microalga Chlorella vulgaris MSU-AGM 14 (C.V) were cultivated in co-culture system to evaluate exogenous hormonal activity. Biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and their precursors were quantitatively evaluated by employing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The concentration of IAA (0.72 ± 0.02 µg mL-1) was observed to be elevated in co-cultivation system due to symbiotic interaction between Streptomyces and microalgae. In exchange, microalgae produced adequate volume of tryptophan (Trp) to induce IAA biosynthesis. The Trp stress in late exponential phase encouraged lipid accumulation (175 ± 10 mg g-1). The bioflocculation property of microalgae ensures potential and economic viable harvesting process by reducing 148% input energy compared to conventional method. The overall results evidenced that C.V co-cultivation with S.R exhibits promotional behavior and serves as a promising cultivation process for microalgae in terms of cost efficiency and energy conservation.

Remediation of arsenic in soil by Aspergillus nidulans isolated from an arsenic-contaminated site.

High concentrations of heavy metals, such as arsenic, in soils have potential long-term environmental and health consequences due to their persistence in the environment and their associated toxicity to biological organisms. Aspergillus nidulans isolated from arsenic-contaminated soil has the potential to remove arsenic from soil. The isolated resistant strain showed resistance up to 500 ppm and the mean weight was found to be 1.309 g. The main objective of this research was to study the improvement to the remediation of arsenic-contaminated soil by the addition of nutrient sources such as carbon (0.15-0.85 g L(-1)), nitrogen (0.25-1.05 g L(-1)) and phosphate (0.10-0.30 g L(-1)) to the medium. The effect of ionic strength on Aspergillus nidulans was optimized by NaCl at 0.12-0.30%. The biomass concentration and growth profile of Aspergillus nidulans in arsenic-contaminated soil was found to be 0.709 g after 11 days. The arsenic adsorption potential of Aspergillus nidulans from the contaminated soil was found to be 84.35% after 11 days at pH 4 and a temperature of 35 degrees C. This investigation indicated that the isolated resistant strain had an important role in adsorption of arsenic from the contaminated soil.

Ethanolic leaves extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. ameliorates aflatoxin B(1) induced hepatic damage in rats.

Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic agents. Reactive oxygen species and consequent peroxidative damage caused by aflatoxin are considered to be the main mechanisms leading to hepatotoxicity. The present investigation aims at assessing the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic leaves extract of Trianthema portulacastrum on aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1))-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model. The hepatoprotection of T. portulacastrum is compared with silymarin, a well known standard hepatoprotectant. Lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were found to be significantly increased in the serum and decreased in the liver of AFB(1) administered (1 mg/kg bw, orally) rats, suggesting hepatic damage. Marked increase in the lipid peroxide levels and a concomitant decrease in the enzymic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase) and nonenzymic (reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E) antioxidants in the hepatic tissue were observed in AFB1 administered rats. Pretreatment with T. portulacastrum (100 mg/kg/p.o) and silymarin (100 mg/kg /p.o) for 7 days reverted the condition to near normal. The results of this study indicate that the ethanolic leaves extract of T. portulacastrum is a potent hepatoprotectant as silymarin.

Effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. On aflatoxin induced hepatic damage in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the ethanolic leaf extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Family: Aizoaceae) on aflatoxin induced hepatic damage in rats. Aflatoxin intoxication in rats significantly (p < 0.001) elevated the levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, which indicated acute hepatocellular damage and biliary obstruction. Ethanolic leaf extract of T. portulacastrum showed dose dependent decrease in the levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP and total bilirubin. Minimum effective dose of extract was found to be 100 mg/kg body weight. Results obtained from histopathological studies also supported hepatoprotective activity against aflatoxin-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus the study demonstrates that T. portulacastrum possess antihepatotoxic effect against aflatoxin.

Hypolipidaemic activity of Helicteres isora L. bark extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

In this study, the hypolipidaemic effect of an aqueous extract of the bark of Helicteres isora was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Administration of the bark extract of Helicteres isora (100 and 200 mg/kgb.w.) for 21 days resulted in significant reduction in serum and tissue cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids and triglycerides in STZ diabetic rats. In addition to that, significant (p<0.05) decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) whereas significant increase (p<0.05) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were observed in STZ diabetic rats, which were normalized after 21 days of bark extract treatment. The bark extract at a dose of 200 mg/kgb.w. showed much significant hypolipidaemic effect than at the dose of 100 mg/kgb.w.

Comparison of Four Days Versus Seven Days Duration of Antibiotic Therapy for Neonatal Pneumonia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of 4 day course (study group) with 7 day course (control group) of antibiotic treatment in neonatal pneumonia, on treatment success rate. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. Seventy, term and near-term neonates with pneumonia who had clinical remission by 48 h of antibiotic therapy were included. The neonates were randomized to receive a total of 4 d of antibiotics (Group 1) or 7 d of antibiotics (Group 2). The outcome measure was treatment failure in each group within 3 d of discharge. RESULTS: The treatment success rate of both the groups was 100%. There was a significant reduction in the duration of hospital stay (p < 0.001), antibiotic usage (p < 0.001), and cost (p < 0.001) in the 4 d group. On follow up till 28 d of enrollment, no infective morbidity was found in either group. CONCLUSIONS: For term and near-term neonates who become clinically asymptomatic within 48 h of antibiotic therapy, 4 d of antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as 7 d of antibiotic therapy, with significant reduction in hospital stay, antibiotic usage and cost.

Chemometric analysis of cow dung ash as an adsorbent for purifying biodiesel from waste cooking oil.

Taraditionally, the water-soluble contaminants of biodiesel are treated by water wash method. However, water wash method ends up in an aqueous effluent, which might then cause a harmful environmental impact. As a consequence, waterless purification of biodiesel has triggered primary interest in biodiesel manufacturing process. To address this issue, an endeavour has been made in this work to investigate the waterless purification of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using cow dung ash at different concentration of 1, 2, 3 and 4 wt/wt %. The optimum concentration of cow dung ash for biodiesel purification was found through chemometric analysis by comparing the Fourier transform infrared transmission (FTIR) spectral characteristics of cow dung ash with the water treated FTIR. It was observed from the experimental study that 1 wt/wt % of cow dung ash exhibited similar structural characteristics as that of traditional water treated method of biodiesel purification. Therefore, bio-waste cow dung ash is an effective adsorbent in purifying biodiesel analogous to traditional water washing technology.

Hypoglycaemic effect of Helicteres isora bark extract in rats.

The hypoglycaemic effect of the aqueous extract of the bark of Helicteres isora L. (Sterculiaceae) was investigated in normal, glucose load conditions and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In normal rats, the aqueous extract of the bark of Helicteres isora L. (100 and 200 mg/kg/p.o.) significantly (P<0.001) reduced the blood glucose levels from 64.5-48.5 and 67-47 mg% 2h after oral administration of bark extract and also significantly lowered the blood glucose in STZ diabetic rats from 68-105 and 66-85.5 mg% 21 days after daily oral administration of the extract (P<0.001). The results suggested that the aqueous extract of bark of Helicteres isora L. possesses a potential hypoglycaemic effect in diabetic rats.

Effect of Helicteres isora bark extract on blood glucose and hepatic enzymes in experimental diabetes.

The effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract of the bark of Helicteres isora was investigated on blood glucose and plasma antioxidant status in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The study was also undertaken to evaluate the role of hepatic enzymes in experimental diabetes. Oral administration of a bark extract of Helicteres isora (100, 200 mg/kg) in STZ diabetic rats caused a significant increase in body weight, hepatic hexokinase activity and significant decrease in hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase, serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Based on these findings, we suggest that Helicteres isora possesses hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity and is able to ameliorate biochemical damage in STZ induced diabetic rats.