Efficacy of High-Altitude Biofilm-Forming Novel Bacillus subtilis Species as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Zea mays L.

With the global population explosion, the need for increasing crop productivity is reaching its peak. The significance of organic means of cultivation including biofertilizers and biopesticides is undeniable in this context. Over the last few decades, the use of rhizobacteria to induce crop productivity has gained particular interest of researchers. Of these, several Bacillus spp. have been known for their potential plant growth-promoting and phyto-pathogenic actions. Keeping this background in mind, this study was formulated with an aim to unravel the PGPR and phyto-pathogenic potency of Bacillus sp. isolated from extreme environmental conditions, viz. high-altitude waters of Ganges at Gangotri (Basin Extent Longitude Latitude-73° 2' to 89° 5' E 21° 6' to 31° 21' N). Based on recent studies showing the impact of biofilm on bacterial PGPR potency, three novel strains of Bacillus subtilis were isolated on basis of their extremely high biofilm-producing abilities (BRAM_G1: Accession Number MW006633; BRAM_G2: Accession Numbers MT998278-MT998280; BRAM_G3: Accession Number MT998617), and were tested for their PGPR properties like nutrient sequestration, growth hormone production (IAA, GA3), stress-responsive enzyme production (ACC deaminase) and lignocellulolytic and agriculturally important enzyme productions. The strains were further tested for the plethora of metabolites (liquid and VOCs) exuded by them. Finally, the strains both in individually and in an association, i.e. consortium was tested on a test crop, viz. Zea mays L., and the data were collected at regular intervals and the results were statistically analysed. In the present study, the role of high-altitude novel Bacillus subtilis strains as potent PGPR has been analysed statistically.

Myocardial infarction associated with sibutramine use: case report and discussion.

We present the case of a young woman presenting to a military field hospital in Afghanistan with a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) associated with the diet drug sibutramine. We also provide a brief literature review on the association between sibutramine and myocardial infarction.

Pierre Robin sequence and double aortic arch: a case report.

We present an 8-day-old female with two admissions for respiratory failure. On the first admission, the diagnosis of Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) and laryngomalacia was made after assessment with chest radiography, echocardiography, and flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Four days after discharge, the child presented with stridor and respiratory distress, and a new cardiac murmur was noted after admission. Repeat echocardiography, with confirmatory direct laryngobronchoscopy, revealed a double aortic arch (DAA) with distal tracheal compression. This case illustrates the necessity of a complete otolaryngic evaluation, including direct laryngobronchoscopy, to search for a synchronous airway lesion in any neonate with severe respiratory distress associated with stridor.

Myocardial ischemia as a result of severe benzodiazepine and opioid withdrawal.

UNLABELLED: Long-term infusion of benzodiazepines and opioids is strongly associated with dependence and withdrawal syndromes. We report the first case of severe benzodiazepine and opioid withdrawal resulting in transient myocardial ischemia. CASE REPORT: A 6-month-old female born at 25 weeks gestation with severe opioid and benzodiazepine dependence resulting from multiple operative procedures and chronic ventilatory support was receiving continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl and midazolam after trials of enteral methadone and diazepam had been unsuccessful due to gastric intolerance. On postoperative day 5 following Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy tube placement, she acutely developed tachycardia, hypertension, agitation, loose stools, and yawning. Attempts to provide boluses of benzodiazepines and opioids revealed a very sluggish port in her subclavian central venous catheter. Prompt replacement of the catheter occurred without complication. After resuming infusions and providing additional sedatives and opioids, the loose stools, yawning, and agitation resolved. However, the tachycardia persisted. A 12-lead ECG was notable for significant ST depression in anterior leads. Laboratory studies revealed significantly elevated cardiac enzymes. The patient was transfused with packed red blood cells to optimize oxygen-carrying capacity. Echocardiography demonstrated a small region of dyskinetic apical endocardium. Cardiac enzymes normalized within 48 h. The ECG and echocardiographic findings fully resolved after approximately 70 h. DISCUSSION: We believe that the sluggish central venous catheter port limited delivery of the midazolam and fentanyl to our patient. The resultant tachycardia and hypertension limited diastolic filling of the coronary arteries, resulting in myocardial ischemia. As the withdrawal was treated, heart rate and blood pressure returned to baseline, myocardial perfusion normalized, and the ST depression and the cardiac enzyme values normalized. This report underscores the significant morbidity associated with withdrawal syndromes and the need to recognize withdrawal early and to treat it aggressively.

Hemolytic anemia as a result of piperacillin/tazobactam administration: a case report and discussion of pathophysiology.

We report a case of a 19-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis who presented with hemolytic anemia during a course of piperacillin/tazobactam. The patient was initially managed with the replacement of blood products; however, she continued to show signs of hemolysis. Laboratories were obtained confirming antibody formation to piperacillin/tazobactam, and she was given a single infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin. Following the infusion, the patient did not require administration of any further blood products and achieved stable red blood cell counts. Early recognition of hemolytic anemia secondary to piperacillin/tazobactam with the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin may shorten the duration of hospitalization and quantity of blood products required for the stabilization of red blood cell counts.

Cardiotoxicity associated with intentional ziprasidone and bupropion overdose.

BACKGROUND: Ziprasidone (Geodon) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) are medications prescribed for mood and behavior disorders. They have apparently safe cardiac safety profiles in both therapeutic and supra-therapeutic doses. CASE REPORT: A 17-year-old male developed a widened QRS and a prolonged QTc interval following an overdose of ziprasidone and bupropion. He required hospital admission for aggressive cardiac monitoring and antidysrhythmic therapy, stabilizing to baseline by 80 hours post-ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: We present a case that underscores the potential cardiotoxicities of these medications. Ziprasidone and bupropion ingestion can be associated with cardiotoxicities that may require several days of aggressive cardiac monitoring and treatment.

Cardiotoxicity associated with intentional ziprasidone and bupropion overdose.

BACKGROUND: Ziprasidone and bupropion are medications prescribed for mood and behavior disorders. They have apparently safe cardiac safety profiles in both therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses, but recently the Federal Drug Administration has issued a caution regarding ziprasidone use in combination with other drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval. CASE REPORT: A 17-year-old male developed a widened QRS and a prolonged QTc interval following an overdose of ziprasidone and bupropion. He required hospital admission for aggressive cardiac monitoring and antidysrhythmic therapy, stabilizing to baseline by 80 hours postingestion. CONCLUSIONS: We present a case that underscores the potential cardiotoxicities of these medications. Ziprasidone and bupropion ingestion can be associated with cardiotoxicities that may require several days of aggressive cardiac monitoring and treatment.