Identification and functional characterization of putative ligand binding domain(s) of JlpA protein of Campylobacter jejuni.

Among the major Surface Exposed Colonization Proteins (SECPs) of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), Jejuni lipoprotein A (JlpA) plays a crucial role in host cell adhesion specifically by binding to the N-terminal domain of the human heat shock protein 90α (Hsp90α-NTD). Although the JlpA binding to Hsp90α activates NF-κB and p38 MAP kinase pathways, the underlying mechanism of JlpA association with the cellular receptor remains unclear. To this end, we predicted two potential receptor binding sites within the C-terminal domain of JlpA: one spanning from amino acid residues Q332-A354 and the other from S258-T295; however, the latter exhibited weaker binding. To assess the functional attributes of these predicted sequences, we generated two JlpA mutants (JlpAΔ1: S258-T295; JlpAΔ2: Q332-A354) and assessed the Hsp90α-binding affinity-kinetics by in vitro and ex vivo experiments. Our findings confirmed that the residues Q332-A354 are of greater importance in host cell adhesion with a measurable impact on cellular responses. Further, thermal denaturation by circular dichroism (CD) confirmed that the reduced binding affinity of the JlpAΔ2 to Hsp90α is not associated with protein folding or stability. Together, this study provides a possible framework for determining the molecular function of designing rational inhibitors efficiently targeting JlpA.

Diel variation of plankton in the highly impacted freshwater zone of Hooghly estuary in relation to ecological alteration.

Plankton are promising ecological monitoring tool that responds quickly to any sort of aquatic ecological alteration, of which many of them are much susceptible to ecological variations. Therefore, monitoring shifts in plankton composition can indicate changes in water quality and aid to identify potential pollution sources. In the present study, the variation in plankton dynamics in relation to ecological variables were monitored in the freshwater zone of the Hooghly estuary from May 2020 to April 2021. The study was conducted in the interval of every six hours. i.e., at 6 A.M., 12 P.M., 6 P.M., and 12 A.M. The present finding revealed the occurrence of 54 phytoplankton and 20 zooplankton taxa/species. Diel variation revealed that among different time intervals, the highest abundance of phytoplankton was recorded 28,307 cells l-1 at 12 P.M, while the lowest was recorded 10,632 cells l-1 at 6 A.M. However, the highest zooplankton abundance was observed 804 ind l-1 at 6 A.M., and the lowest was recorded 156 ind l-1 at 6 P.M. The ANOVA (p < 0.05) analysis indicated significant diel variation for many planktonic genera. The CCA exhibited that most of the phytoplankton were influenced by multiple water quality variables such as temperature, turbidity, calcium, pH, salinity, DO, and nutrients. However, the majority of the zooplankton were affected by turbidity, total phosphorus, sulphate, calcium and available nitrogen. Significant seasonal variation in plankton composition has also been observed. The present study will help to determine the varying diel pattern of planktons in retort to alterations in the water quality parameters and varying ecological niches.

Environmental bisphenol A disrupts methylation of steroidogenic genes in the ovary of Paradise threadfin Polynemus paradiseus via abnormal DNA methylation: Implications for human exposure and health risk assessment.

Bisphenol A, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impacting disease development via epigenetic modifications, is crucial in transcriptional regulation. However, ecotoxicology's limited exploration of epigenetics prompted our study's objective: examining the extended exposure of riverine Bisphenol A (BPA), a potent EDC, on DNA methylation during female paradise threadfin (Polynemus paradiseus) reproductive maturation. Assessing BPA contamination in riverine water, we collected fish samples from two locations with distinct contamination levels. In the highly contaminated region (Hc), we observed elevated DNA methylation in aromatase (7.5-fold), 20ß-HSD (3-fold), and FSHR (2-fold) genes. Hormone receptor investigation highlighted an escalating connection between transcriptional hyper-methylation and contamination levels. Additionally, our study revealed a positive correlation between oocyte growth and global DNA methylation, suggesting BPA's potential to modify DNA methylation in female paradise threadfins. This effect likely occurs through changes in hormone receptor expression, persisting throughout oocyte maturation. Notably, our research, the first of its kind in estuarine areas, confirmed BPA contamination in paradise threadfins, raising concerns about potential health risks for humans.

Tuning the Organelle-Specific Imaging and Photodynamic Therapeutic Efficacy of Theranostic Mono- and Trinuclear Organometallic Iridium(III) Complexes.

The organelle-specific localization of mononuclear and trinuclear iridium(III) complexes and their photodynamic behavior within the cells are described herein, emphasizing their structure-activity relationship. Both the IrA2 and IrB2 complexes possess a pair of phenyl-benzothiazole derived from the -CHO moieties of mononuclear organometallic iridium(III) complexes IrA1 and IrB1, which chelates IrCp*Cl (Cp* = 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadiene) to afford trinuclear complexes IrA3 and IrB3. Insights into the photophysical and electrochemical parameters of the complexes were obtained by a time-dependent density functional theory study. The synthesized complexes IrA2, IrA3, IrB2, and IrB3 were found to be nontoxic to human MCF7 breast carcinoma cells. However, the photoexcitation of complexes using LED light could effectively trigger intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to cell death. Furthermore, to check the organelle-specific localization of IrA2 and IrB2, we observed that both complexes could selectively localize in the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, trinuclear IrA3 and IrB3 accumulate in the nuclei. The photoexcitation of complexes using LED light could effectively trigger intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to cell death.

Receptor model-based source apportionment and ecological risk assessment of metals in sediment of river Ganga, India.

Ganga river surface sediment was sampled from 11 locations, which revealed average concentrations (mg/kg) of metals in the order Mn (296.93) > Zn (61.94) > Cr (54.82) > Cu (30.19) > Pb (24.42) > Cd (0.36). Sediment quality guidelines showed metals rarely to occasionally exhibit adverse biological effects. Indices like potential ecological risk, contamination security index, hazard quotients, multiple probable effect concentrations quality, mean probable effects level quotients, mean effects range median quotient suggest nil to a very low level of pollution with low ecological risk. Contamination factor, geo accumulation index, enrichment factor, quantification of contamination revealed that Pb and Cd originated from anthropogenic activities. APCS-MLR model revealed that metals contributed from natural sources (Zn, Mn, Cr; 20.18 %), industrial-agricultural (Cd; 21.35 %); and discharge of paints, Pb batteries, fossil fuel (Pb; 8.49 %). Present findings will serve as an effective guideline for managing and ameliorating pollution in the river system.

Spectrum of Posterior Cerebral Artery Dissection: A Retrospective Observational Study and a Critical Review.

Background and Aims: Intracranial arterial dissections commonly involve the vertebrobasilar system leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or cerebral infarction attributable to a dissecting aneurysm of the vessel or occlusion of the lumen depending on the depth of dissection. However, isolated posterior cerebral artery dissections (PCADs) are rare and sparsely reported in the literature. Methodology: A retrospective multicentric observational study was carried out after collecting data from 14 patients admitted with PCAD in three hospitals of Kolkata, Jaipur, and Patna within the period of July 2021 to June 2022. Results: The median age of the population was 48.5 years, and 64.28% were females. SAH was the most common presentation with dissecting aneurysms in all patients barring one, who presented with a left occipital infarct consequent to ipsilateral PCAD. Among the 14 patients, three patients denied endovascular intervention and were lost to follow-up; one patient with an occipital infarct and another patient with a dissecting left P3 aneurysm, which underwent spontaneous thrombosis, were managed conservatively. Among the nine patients scheduled for endovascular coiling, one patient succumbed before intervention and one patient succumbed to sepsis in the postoperative period. A complete recovery was noted in six patients, whereas residual neurodeficits were present in three patients. Among the six patients who had an uneventful recovery at the end of 3 months, five patients had an endovascular intervention. Conclusion: PCAD may present with large-scale neurodeficits and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, hence necessitating prompt management. Conservative management is preferable for consequent infarcts, whereas endovascular management is desirable in cases of dissecting aneurysms, which usually tend to have a favorable outcome if intervened early.

Multimodal Biofilm Inactivation Using a Photocatalytic Bismuth Perovskite-TiO2-Ru(II)polypyridyl-Based Multisite Heterojunction.

Infectious bacterial biofilms are recalcitrant to most antibiotics compared to their planktonic version, and the lack of appropriate therapeutic strategies for mitigating them poses a serious threat to clinical treatment. A ternary heterojunction material derived from a Bi-based perovskite-TiO2 hybrid and a [Ru(2,2'-bpy)2(4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bpy)]2+ (2,2'-bpy, 2,2'-bipyridyl) as a photosensitizer (RuPS) is developed. This hybrid material is found to be capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) upon solar light irradiation. The aligned band edges and effective exciton dynamics between multisite heterojunctions are established by steady-state/time-resolved optical and other spectroscopic studies. Proposed mechanistic pathways for the photocatalytic generation of ROS/RNS are rationalized based on a cascade-redox processes arising from three catalytic centers. These ROS/RNS are utilized to demonstrate a proof-of-concept in treating two elusive bacterial biofilms while maintaining a high level of biocompatibility (IC50 > 1 mg/mL). The in situ generation of radical species (ROS/RNS) upon photoirradiation is established with EPR spectroscopic measurements and colorimetric assays. Experimental results showed improved efficacy toward biofilm inactivation of the ternary heterojunction material as compared to their individual/binary counterparts under solar light irradiation. The multisite heterojunction formation helped with better exciton delocalization for an efficient catalytic biofilm inactivation. This was rationalized based on the favorable exciton dissociation followed by the onset of multiple oxidation and reduction sites in the ternary heterojunction. This together with exceptional photoelectric features of lead-free halide perovskites outlines a proof-of-principle demonstration in biomedical optoelectronics addressing multimodal antibiofilm/antimicrobial modality.

Low-level laser therapy in the management of muscle fatigue caused after long Endodontic procedure.

Background: The masticatory muscles may undergo fatigue due to prolonged mouth opening during the endodontic procedures. Low-level laser can be used to treat muscle fatigue due its capacity to produce reactive oxygen species and improve function of mitochondria. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in the management of masticatory muscle fatigue caused after long endodontic procedure under Local anesthesia. Material and Methods: 44 patients complaining of reduced mouth opening and pain while mouth opening, after long endodontic therapy were considered for the study and were randomly allocated into study and control group. In the study group, low-level laser was applied while patients of control group didn't receive any therapy. In the study group, Visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain was taken after endodontic therapy, immediately after laser therapy and 4 hours after endodontic therapy. Mouth opening of the patients was measured, before and after endodontic procedure and immediately after laser therapy. In the control group, VAS score of pain was recorded immediately after endodontic therapy and 4 hours after endodontic therapy. Statistical analysis used: ANOVA test and un-paired t-test was used for the data analysis. Results: When both groups were compared, a statistically significant (P=0.0000) reduction with fatigue was found. Conclusions: The low-level laser can be a useful procedure immediately post long endodontic procedure causing masticatory muscle fatigue. Hence, this therapy can be considered as an add-on therapeutic procedure along with prolonged endodontic appointments to relieve the patient from the discomfort. Key words:Muscle fatigue, Masticatory muscles, Low-level laser therapy.

Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake 1 (MICU1) Gene-Related Myopathy with Extrapyramidal Signs: A Clinico-Radiological Case Report from India.

Myopathy with extrapyramidal signs (MPXPS) is a rarely reported entity worldwide, manifesting as a muscular dystrophy with movement disorders. It results from mutations in the mitochondrial calcium uptake 1 (MICU1) gene. We hereby describe a 17-year-old boy who presented with proximal myopathy, calf muscle hypertrophy, and skeletal deformities along with choreiform movements of his upper extremities. Muscle MRI revealed a distinctively early involvement of adductors with sparing of antero-lateral compartment of thigh. This report expands the clinico-radiological presentation and to the best of our knowledge, is the first report of MICU-related MPXPS from India.

Hemato-biochemical alteration in the bronze featherback Notopterus notopterus (Pallas, 1769) as a biomonitoring tool to assess riverine pollution and ecology: a case study from the middle and lower stretch of river Ganga.

Fishes are poikilothermic animals and are rapid responders to any sort of ecological alteration. The responses in the fish can be easily assessed from their hematological and biochemical responses. To study the variation in the hemato-biochemical parameters in retort to ecological alteration and ecological regime, a study was conducted at six different sampling stations of the middle and lower stretches of river Ganga. Various hematological and biochemical responses of fishes were also monitored in response to multiple ecological alterations. For the assessment of ecological alteration, various indices were calculated such as the water pollution index (WPI), National Sanitation Foundation-water quality index (NSF-WQI), and Nemerow's pollution index (NPI) has been calculated based on various water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), electrical conductivity (EC), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chlorinity (CL), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP). The hematological parameters such as WBC, RBC, platelet, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were monitored. The serum biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP, amylase, bilirubin, glucose, triglyceride (TRIG), and cholesterol (CHOL) were investigated. The study revealed that NSF-WQI varied from 45.08 at Buxar to 110.63 at Rejinagar and showed a significantly positive correlation with SGPT, SGOT, ALP, TRIG, CHOL, and WBC, whereas a significantly negative correlation was observed between TRIG and RBC. WPI varied from 19 to 23 and showed a significant positive correlation with SGOT and a negative correlation was observed with total nitrogen. The PCA analysis illustrated the significance of both natural as well as anthropogenic factors on riverine ecology. Strong positive loading was observed with SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and platelet. The study signified the need for monitoring the hemato-biochemical responses of fishes in response to alterations in the ecological regime.

Modulating Resonance Energy Transfer with Supramolecular Control in a Layered Hybrid Perovskite and Chromium Photosensitizer Assembly.

Recently, the low-dimensional organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHP) have been exploited heavily for their favorable exciton dynamics, broad-band emission, remarkable stability, and tunable band-edge excited-state energy compared to their 3D counterparts for potential optoelectronic applications. Low-dimensional perovskites are generally good candidates for utilization as room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) materials. Further, doping divalent transition metals like Mn2+ into OIHP is expected to introduce a 4T1-6A1-based low-energy luminescence emission around 600 nm; an optical property that is favorable for biomedical optoelectronics. Doping Mn2+ in the perovskite lattice is also expected to induce the generation of cytotoxic singlet oxygen species (1O2), a ROS that is being exploited for various therapeutic applications. To integrate these optical and therapeutic properties of a 2D (PEA)2PbBr4 (Pb PeV; PEA = phenylethylammonium cation) perovskite alloyed with Mn2+ ions (Mn:PbPeV) and the option for a photoinduced energy transfer process involving a Cr(III)-based 1O2 generating photosensitizer (CrPS), we designed a unique purpose-built nanoassembly (Mn:PbPeV@PCD) using the encapsulation properties of a water-soluble polymer derived from ß-cyclodextrin (PCD). Here the PCD is observed to modulate the classical internal energy transfer of Pb2+ exciton to alloyed Mn2+ orange emission, resulting in the emergence of a new blue emission. The addition of CrPS into the Mn:PbPeV@PCD to generate the CrPS@Mn:PbPeV@PCD assembly results in restoring perovskite luminescence followed by the external energy transfer to CrPS. We have elucidated the mechanism of these cascade energy transfer processes between multiple components using steady-state and time-resolved luminescence techniques. Efficient ROS generation and its potential to induce an oxidation reaction of a biomolecule are realized using guanine as the target molecule. Further photoinduced cleavage studies with biomolecules confirmed the efficacy of the nanoassembly in inducing the cleavage of guanine-rich DNA. The study opens up a new direction in the field of perovskite for biomedical applications.

Post-Varicella Neurological Complications: A Preliminary Observation from a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyse detailed clinical presentations, imaging findings, and outcome in a series of 17 cases (n = 17) with neurological complications following acute varicella infection. Methods: It is an observational study on the patients who presented to the neurology outpatient department of our institute with neurological abnormalities following acute varicella infection within the last 3 months. Results: Neuroimaging, either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electroencephalography and nerve conduction studies were performed in all the patients along with other specialized investigations as per clinical context. The age of presentation varied from childhood to middle age (median age was 23 years) and range of clinical spectrum was also wide. Peripheral nervous system involvement was more common in the form of Guillain-Barré syndrome (29.4%) and isolated lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy (23.5%) compared to central nervous system (CNS) involvement. CNS involvement was documented in the form of ataxia (11.76%), myelopathy (17.6%), stroke (5.88%) and encephalitis (5.88%). Conclusion: Chickenpox is a common viral disease and most patients recover without any complication. Although rare, neurological complications following acute varicella infection may have myriad presentations ranging from lower motor neuron facial palsy to life-threatening encephalitis. Compared to other studies, varicella encephalitis and ataxia were not so common in our study group. Response to therapy was uniformly good except in the patients presenting with ataxia. Response was particularly good to central and peripheral demyelinating disorders.

Water quality assessment in the ecologically stressed lower and estuarine stretches of river Ganga using multivariate statistical tool.

Water quality of the Ganga River system is changing day by day due to multifold increase in population, especially near the banks of river Ganga, and associated exponential amplification of anthropogenic activities also played a remarkable role in it. The ecologically important lower and estuarine stretch of river Ganga comprising 7 different sampling stations, i.e., Jangipur, Berhampore, Balagarh, Tribeni, Godakhali, Diamond Harbour and Fraserganj, were selected for the study as the stretch is enriched with the vast number of floral and faunal diversity. The study was conducted for a period of 5 years, i.e., from 2016 to 2020. In the study, various analytical tools and techniques were used for the assessment of riverine water quality, i.e., for calculation of water quality index (WQI); The National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI) and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) were used for the assessment. Along with WQI various statistical univariate as well as multivariate analytical tools like principal component analysis, correlation, ANOVA, and cluster analysis were also used to achieve the desired outputs. In the study, it has been observed that NSF-WQI varied from 61 to 2552, in which the higher value of NSF-WQI denoted the unsuitability of the water quality concerning the drinking water standards and vice versa. The CCME-WQI represented a similar trend as that of NSF-WQI, as it varied from 18 to 92 in which the lower value denoted degradation in the drinking water quality and vice versa. The study revealed that the Diamond Harbour-Fraserganj stretch is having an undesired level of water quality which were analyzed based on the drinking water guideline values of the Bureau of Indian Standards and that of NSF-WQI and CCME-WQI.

A combined protocol for isolation of T6SS-positive Campylobacter jejuni and assessment of interspecies interaction.

The bacterial Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) functions as a nanomachine used by many gut pathogens. In the present protocol, we outlined how such molecular activities during interspecies interaction can be demonstrated at a population level. To this end, we first present a comprehensive protocol for isolation, identification, and functional characterization of T6SS-positive Campylobacter jejuni. Further, we developed straightforward techniques for unraveling how the T6SS targets prey populations and host cells when growing with or without environmental stressors. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Gupta et al. (2021).

Spectrum of Neurological Illnesses in Pregnancy - An Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India.

INTRODUCTION: Neurological disorders in pregnancy may be observed in patients with a pre-existing neurological disorder; patients developing a primary neurological disorder during the course of pregnancy or puerperium; and in patients with primary medical disorders presenting with neurological manifestations. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to find out the magnitude of neurological disorders in pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital along with assessment of proportion of women with particular disorders among total number of neurological disorders during the course of pregnancy or puerperium (6 weeks after child birth) and also to elicit the effect of neurological disorders on pregnancy outcome, if any. METHODS: A prospective observational longitudinal study was carried out in a tertiary care centre of Eastern India from July 2018 to June 2020 including all pregnant women attending the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. We screened 886 pregnant women, out of which 91 cases were identified and investigated. For the purpose of comparison of fetal and maternal outcome, 91 control subjects were chosen from the screened patients in a randomized fashion, so that the baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable Results: In our study, 10.3% population had neurological disorders, among which 30.8% had primary headache, 3.2% had secondary headache, 8.5% had neurological low back pain, 19.1% had epilepsy, 6.4% had cerebrovascular disorders, 27.6% had peripheral neuropathy, 4.2% had other disorders such as neuropsychiatric Wilson's disease, myasthenia gravis and compressive myelopathy. Moreover, 10.2% of the total study population was hypertensive and 2.9% were diabetic. CONCLUSION: 10.3% mothers did have some neurological disorder, the commonest of which was migraine (primary headache) followed by carpal tunnel syndrome (peripheral neuropathy) and neurological low back pain. Overall fetomaternal outcomes were favorable barring cerebro-vascular disorder and Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). We recommend screening for neurological disorder from early pregnancy for early detection and appropriate management of that condition.

Successful closure of trigemino-cavernous fistula with minimally invasive approach.

A male in his early teens presented with redness of the right eye following a fall. This redness was progressive and increased suddenly over the week prior to presentation. Fundus evaluation revealed an exudative retinal detachment, and a bruit was audible over the right eye. A digital subtraction angiogram revealed the cause to be a ruptured persistent trigeminal artery aneurysm causing a carotid-cavernous fistula like haemodynamic situation with a massively dilated superior ophthalmic vein. Curative embolisation was done using both vertebrobasilar and carotid approach, and the aneurysm as well as the fistula was occluded using detachable coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue. Patient made a complete recovery in his proptosis and chemosis over 8 weeks, with significant improvement of his visual acuity. The key to successful outcome in this case was a complete occlusion with thrombosis of the fistula bed that can only be achieved using a combination of coils and liquid embolic agents.

Variation of Aulacoseira granulata as an eco-pollution indicator in subtropical large river Ganga in India: a multivariate analytical approach.

Aulacoseira granulata (Ehrenberg) Simonsen 1979 are considered as the eco-variable species which varies in density and diversity along with their morphological traits with the interference of environmental changes, so it is considered as one of the major ecological indicators of the water quality of lotic as well as lentic aquatic ecosystems. To assess major environmental factors which contribute to A. granulata bloom in the riverine system, a study was carried out from 2018 to 2019 comprising four different seasons at 11 sampling sites of river Ganga in the middle and lower stretch of river Ganga comprising freshwater and estuarine zones. For the analysis, different univariate, as well as multivariate, analytical tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) and water pollution index (WPI) were used. In the finding, it was observed that the average abundance of A. granulata was found maximum during the winter season. Among all the studied sites, the maximum average abundance was at Balagarh (71,576 cell l-1) and minimum at Diamond Harbour (68 cell l-1). The environmental factors such as dissolved oxygen, depth, and altitude showed a significant influence on the growth of A. granulata, while the water temperature negatively influenced the growth rate of A. granulata. The WPI showed a significantly negative correlation with cell length. Finally, the study concludes that the blooming of A. granulata is highly influenced by varied environmental conditions along the river Ganga, suggesting possible eutrophication. Therefore, a certain minimum flow and depth especially during the lean season have to be maintained for the sustenance of planktonic biota in the river Ganga.