Strongly emitting, centrosymmetric, ladder-type bis-coumarins with crankshaft architecture.

Quadrupolar bis-coumarins bearing dialkylamino groups, prepared by a double Pechmann reaction and subsequent oxidation, strongly emit yellow-orange light. Comparison with non-substituted analogs reveals that, the photophysical properties of the conjugated bis-coumarins are controlled both by the dialkylamino substituents and by the π-system. Analogous but non-conjugated bis-coumarins emit blue light both in solution and in crystalline state. Unusually fast oxidation process in the crystalline state is responsible for the presence of two bands in their solid-state emission. Two-center, charge-transfer transition from an orbital delocalized on the entire molecule to the central benzene ring is responsible for photophysical properties.

Unraveling the impact of human perturbation on nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems of lower Himalaya, Pakistan.

Terrestrial ecosystems are under the enormous pressure of land use management regimes through human disturbances, resulting in the disruption of biogeochemical cycles and associated ecosystem services. Nitrogen (N) in soil ecosystems is of vital importance for primary productivity, hence estimating the extent of these human interventions on N-cycling processes becomes imperative from economic and environmental perspectives. This work investigated the impacts of variable anthropogenic activities on N cycling in three different terrestrial ecosystems (arable, grassland, and forest) in three regions of lower Himalaya, Pakistan. Potential nitrification (PNA) and denitrification (DEA) enzyme activities, relative distribution of inorganic N species (NH4, NO3), and the role of inherent edaphic factors were assessed. Results revealed high nitrification potentials and increased nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the incubated soil microcosms, in the order as arable > grassland > forest ecosystems. Notably, higher rates of both studied processes (~ 30-50%) and elevated soil mineral nitrogen pool were observed in arable ecosystems. Forest soils, assumed as pristine ecosystems relying mainly on natural N fixation, produced (de)nitrification rates relatively lower than grasslands, followed by arable soils which were moderately disturbed through long-term fertilization and intensive land-use regimes. Linear regression modeling revealed that the inorganic N species (particularly NO3), and inherent edaphic factors were the key determinants of high (de)nitrification rates, hence warn of accelerated N losses in these ecosystems. The study highlights that elevated PNA and DEA being proxies for the altered N cycling in the studied terrestrial ecosystems are of great ecological relevance in view of predicted N2O budget in the lower Himalaya.

A Cleavable Crosslinking Strategy for Commodity Polymer Functionalization and Generation of Reprocessable Thermosets.

Covalently crosslinked polymeric materials, known as thermosets, possess enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability relative to the corresponding uncrosslinked thermoplastics. However, the presence of covalent inter-chain crosslinks that makes thermosets so attractive is precisely what makes them so difficult to reprocess and recycle. Here, we demonstrate the introduction of chemically cleavable groups into a bis-diazirine crosslinker. Application of this cleavable crosslinker reagent to commercial low-functionality polyolefins (or to a small-molecule model) results in the rapid, efficient introduction of molecular crosslinks that can be uncoupled by specific chemical inputs. These proof-of-concept findings provide one potential strategy for circularization of the thermoplastic/thermoset plastics economy, and may allow crosslinked polyolefins to be manufactured, used, reprocessed, and re-used without losing value. As an added benefit, the method allows the ready introduction of functionality into non-functionalized commodity polymers.

Removal of Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Class 1 Integrase Gene and Escherichia coli Indicator Gene in a Microalgae-Based Wastewater Treatment System.

Microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems (AWWTS) have recently shown promise in the mitigation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from municipal wastewater (MWW). However, due to the large number of ARGs that exist in MWW, the use of indirect conventional water quality parameters to monitor ARGs reduction in wastewater would make the process less burdensome and economically affordable. In order to establish a robust relationship between the ARGs and water quality parameters, the current study employed different microalgae strains in monoculture (CM2, KL10) and multi-species combinations (CK and WW) for the MWW treatment under outdoor environmental conditions. The studied genes were quantified in the MWW influents and effluents using real-time PCR. All the cultures substantially improved the physicochemical qualities of the MWW. Out of the 14 genes analyzed in this study, tetO, tetW, tetX and ermB were decreased beyond detection within the first 4 days of treatment in all the cultures. Other genes, including blaCTX, sul1, cmlA, aadA, int1 and uidA were also decreased beyond a 2 log reduction value (LRV). The mobile genetic element, int1, correlated positively with most of the ARGs, especially sul1 (r ≤ 0.99, p < 0.01) and aadA (r ≤ 0.97, p < 0.01). Similarly, the Escherichia coli indicator gene, uidA, correlated positively with the studied genes, especially with aadA, blaCTX, blaTEM and cmlA (r ≤ 0.99 for each, p < 0.01). Some of the studied genes also correlated positively with total dissolved solids (TDS) (r ≤ 0.98, p < 0.01), and/or negatively with total suspended solids (TSS) (r ≤ −0.98, p < 0.01) and pH (r ≤ −0.98, p < 0.01). Among the tested cultures, both monocultures, i.e., KL10 and CM2 were found to be more consistent in gene suppression than their multi-species counterparts. The findings revealed water quality parameters such as TDS, TSS and E. coli as reliable proxies for ARGs mitigation in AWWTS and further highlight the superiority of monocultures over multi-species cultures in terms of gene suppression from the MWW stream.

Novel microalgae strains from selected lower Himalayan aquatic habitats as potential sources of green products.

Microalgal biomass provides a renewable source of biofuels and other green products. However, in order to realize economically viable microalgal biorefinery, strategic identification and utilization of suitable microalgal feedstock is fundamental. Here, a multi-step suboptimal screening strategy was used to target promising microalgae strains from selected freshwaters of the study area. The resulting strains were found to be affiliated to seven closely-related genera of the family Scenedesmaceae, as revealed by both morphologic and molecular characterization. Following initial screening under upper psychrophilic to optimum mesophilic (irregular temperature of 14.1 to 35.9°C) cultivation conditions, superior strains were chosen for further studies. Further cultivation of the selected strains under moderate to extreme mesophilic cultivation conditions (irregular temperature of 25.7 to 42.2°C), yielded up to 74.12 mgL-1day-1, 19.96 mgL-1day-1, 48.56%, 3.34 µg/mL and 1.20 µg/mL, for biomass productivity, lipid productivity, carbohydrate content, pigments content and carotenoids content respectively. These performances were deemed promising compared with some previous, optimum conditions-based reports. Interestingly, the fatty acids profile and the high carotenoids content of the studied strains revealed possible tolerance to the stress caused by the changing suboptimal cultivation conditions. Overall, strains AY1, CM6, LY2 and KL10 were exceptional and may present sustainable, promising feedstock for utilization in large-scale generation of green products, including biodiesel, bioethanol, pigments and dietary supplements. The findings of this study, which exposed promising, eurythermal strains, would expand the current knowledge on the search for promising microalgae strains capable of performing under the largely uncontrolled large-scale cultivation settings.

Fabrication of Cellulase Catalysts Immobilized on a Nanoscale Hybrid Polyaniline/Cationic Hydrogel Support for the Highly Efficient Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose.

A novel conductive nanohydrogel hybrid support was prepared by in situ polymerization of polyaniline nanorods on an electrospun cationic hydrogel of poly(ε-caprolactone) and a cationic phosphine oxide macromolecule. Subsequently, the cellulase enzyme was immobilized on the hybrid support. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyses confirmed a mesoporous, rod-like structure with a slit-like pore geometry for the immobilized support and exhibiting a high immobilization capacity and reduced diffusion resistance of the substrate. For comparison, the catalytic activity, storage stability, and reusability of the immobilized and free enzymes were evaluated. The results showed that the immobilized enzymes have higher thermal stability without changes in the optimal pH (5.5) and temperature (55 °C) for enzyme activity. A high immobilization efficiency (96%) was observed for the immobilized cellulose catalysts after optimization of parameters such as the pH, temperature, incubation time, and protein concentration. The immobilized enzyme retained almost 90% of its original activity after 4 weeks of storage and 73% of its original activity after the ninth reuse cycle. These results strongly suggest that the prepared hybrid support has the potential to be used as a support for protein immobilization.

Smart hydrogel-microsphere embedded silver nanoparticle catalyst with high activity and selectivity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and azo dyes.

A simple method is reported for the preparation of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) embedded pH-responsive hydrogel microparticle catalyst via Michael addition gelation and in-situ silver nitrate (AgNO3) reduction. The AgNP-hydrogel microsphere exhibited an efficient reduction of pollutants like 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) and Congo red (CR) under acidic medium with turn over frequency (TOF) of ~170 h-1 and ~124 h-1 respectively. Interestingly, the activity of the catalysts was turned-OFF under a basic medium (≥ pH 12) due to the deswelling pH-responsive matrix surrounding the AgNPs. On the contrary, turning-OFF the hydrogenation of a cationic pollutant like methylene blue (MB) using high pH (≥ 12) was not possible, due to ionic interaction of MB molecules with the negatively charged catalyst at this pH. This feature was used to demonstrate selective hydrogenation of only MB from a mixture of 4-NP and MB. Finally, five recycling steps confirmed the reusability and practical application potential of the catalyst.

Eco-Environmental Aspects of COVID-19 Pandemic and Potential Control Strategies.

A new coronavirus-strain from a zoonotic reservoir (probably bat)-termed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-has recently claimed more than two million deaths worldwide. Consequently, a burst of scientific reports on epidemiology, symptoms, and diagnosis came out. However, a comprehensive understanding of eco-environmental aspects that may contribute to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread is still missing, and we therefore aim to focus here on these aspects. In addition to human-human direct SARS-CoV-2 transmission, eco-environmental sources, such as air aerosols, different public use objects, hospital wastes, livestock/pet animals, municipal wastes, ventilation facilities, soil and groundwater potentially contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Further, high temperature and humidity were found to limit the spread of COVID-19. Although the COVID-19 pandemic led to decrease air and noise pollution during the period of lockdown, increased use of masks and gloves is threatening the environment by water and soil pollutions. COVID-19 badly impacted all the socio-economic groups in different capacities, where women, slum dwellers, and the people lacking social protections are the most vulnerable. Finally, sustainable strategies, waste management, biodiversity reclaim, eco-friendly lifestyle, improved health infrastructure and public awareness, were proposed to minimize the COVID-19 impact on our society and environment. These strategies will seemingly be equally effective against any future outbreak.

The Interplay between Toxic and Essential Metals for Their Uptake and Translocation Is Likely Governed by DNA Methylation and Histone Deacetylation in Maize.

The persistent nature of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the environment severely affects plant growth and yield. Conversely, plants acquire zinc (Zn) from the soil for their vital physiological and biochemical functions. However, the interplay and coordination between essential and toxic metals for their uptake and translocation and the putative underlying epigenetic mechanisms have not yet been investigated in maize. Here, we report that the presence of Zn facilitates the accumulation and transport of Pb and Cd in the aerial parts of the maize plants. Moreover, the Zn, Pb, and Cd interplay specifically interferes with the uptake and translocation of other divalent metals, such as calcium and magnesium. Zn, Pb, and Cd, individually and in combinations, differentially regulate the expression of DNA methyltransferases, thus alter the DNA methylation levels at the promoter of Zinc-regulated transporters, Iron-regulated transporter-like Protein (ZIP) genes to regulate their expression. Furthermore, the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) varies greatly in response to individual and combined metals, and HDACs expression showed a negative correlation with ZIP transporters. Our study highlights the implication of DNA methylation and histone acetylation in regulating the metal stress tolerance dynamics through Zn transporters and warns against the excessive use of Zn fertilizers in metal contaminated soils.

Prevalence of diversified antibiotic resistant bacteria within sanitation related facilities of human populated workplaces in Abbottabad.

Antibiotics discovery was a significant breakthrough in the field of therapeutic medicines, but the over (mis)use of such antibiotics (in parallel) caused the increasing number of resistant bacterial species at an ever-higher rate. This study was thus devised to assess the multi-drug resistant bacteria present in sanitation-related facilities in human workplaces. In this regard, samples were collected from different gender, location, and source-based facilities, and subsequent antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on isolated bacterial strains. Four classes of the most commonly used antibiotics i.e., ß-lactam, Aminoglycosides, Macrolides, and Sulphonamides, were evaluated against the isolated bacteria. The antibiotic resistance profile of different (70) bacterial strains showed that the antibiotic resistance-based clusters also followed the grouping based on their isolation sources, mainly the gender. Twenty-three bacterial strains were further selected for their 16s rRNA gene based molecular identification and for phylogenetic analysis to evaluate the taxonomic evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB). Moreover, the bacterial resistance to Sulphonamides and beta lactam was observed to be the most and to Aminoglycosides and macrolides as the least. Plasmid curing was also performed for multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, which significantly abolished the resistance potential of bacterial strains for different antibiotics. These curing results suggested that the antibiotic resistance determinants in these purified bacterial strains are present on respective plasmids. Altogether, the data suggested that the human workplaces are the hotspot for the prevalence of MDR bacteria and thus may serve as the source of horizontal gene transfer and further transmission to other environments.

Structurally Tunable pH-responsive Phosphine Oxide Based Gels by Facile Synthesis Strategy.

Design and synthesis of nanostructured responsive gels have attracted increasing attention, particularly in the biomedical domain. Polymer chain configurations and nanodomain sizes within the network can be used to steer their functions as drug carriers. Here, a catalyst-free facile one-step synthesis strategy is reported for the design of pH-responsive gels and controlled structures in nanoscale. Transparent and impurity free gels were directly synthesized from trivinylphosphine oxide (TVPO) and cyclic secondary diamine monomers via Michael addition polymerization under mild conditions. NMR analysis confirmed the consumption of all TVPO and the absence of side products, thereby eliminating post purification steps. The small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) elucidates the nanoscale structural features in gels, that is, it demonstrates the presence of collapsed nanodomains within gel networks and it was possible to tune the size of these domains by varying the amine monomers and the nature of the solvent. The fabricated gels demonstrate structure tunability via solvent-polymer interactions and pH specific drug release behavior. Three different anionic dyes (acid blue 80, acid blue 90, and fluorescein) of varying size and chemistry were incorporated into the hydrogel as model drugs and their release behavior was studied. Compared to acidic pH, a higher and faster release of acid blue 80 and fluorescein was observed at pH 10, possibly because of their increased solubility in alkaline pH. In addition, their release in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and simulated body fluid (SBF) matrix was positively influenced by the ionic interaction with positively charged metal ions. In the case of hydrogel containing acid blue 90 a very low drug release (<1%) was observed, which is due to the reaction of its accessible free amino group with the vinyl groups of the TVPO. In vitro evaluation of the prepared hydrogel using human dermal fibroblasts indicates no cytotoxic effects, warranting further research for biomedical applications. Our strategy of such gel synthesis lays the basis for the design of other gel-based functional materials.

Synthesis of ß-Ketosulfone Derivatives As New Non-Cytotoxic Urease Inhibitors In Vitro.

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer and urolithiasis are largely due to infection caused by ureaseproducing bacteria. Therefore, the discovery of urease inhibitors is an important area of medicinal chemistry research. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the work was to identify novel urease inhibitors with no cytotoxicity. METHODS: During the current study, a series of ß-ketosulfones 1-26 was synthesized in two steps and evaluated for their in vitro urease inhibition potential. RESULTS: Out of twenty-six compounds, seventeen have shown good to significant urease inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging between 49.93-351.46 µM, in comparison to standard thiourea (IC50 = 21 ± 0.11 µM). Moreover, all compounds found to be non-cytotoxic against normal 3T3 cell line. CONCLUSION: This study has identified ß-ketosulfones as novel and non-cytotoxic urease inhibitors.

High-speed two-photon polymerization 3D printing with a microchip laser at its fundamental wavelength.

High-resolution, high-speed 3D printing by two-photon polymerization (2PP) with a Nd:YVO4 Q-switched microchip laser at its fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm is demonstrated. Polymerization scan speeds of up to 20 mm/s and feature sizes of 250 nm are achieved using a high repetition rate Q-switched microchip laser with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) and photoresist with a new photo-initiator bearing 6-dialkylaminobenzufuran as electron donor and indene-1,3-dione moiety as electron acceptor. The obtained results demonstrate the high potential of Q-switched microchip lasers for applications in 2PP 3D printing.

Lead, Cadmium and Zinc Phytotoxicity Alter DNA Methylation Levels to Confer Heavy Metal Tolerance in Wheat.

Being a staple food, wheat (Triticum aestivum) nutritionally fulfills all requirements of human health and also serves as a significant link in the food chain for the ingestion of pollutants by humans and animals. Therefore, the presence of the heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in soil is not only responsible for the reduction of wheat crop yield but also the potential threat for human and animal health. However, the link between DNA methylation and heavy metal stress tolerance in wheat has not been investigated yet. In this study, eight high yielding wheat varieties were screened based on their phenotype in response to Pb stress. Out of these, Pirsabak 2004 and Fakhar-e-sarhad were identified as Pb resistant and sensitive varieties, respectively. In addition, Pirsabak 2004 and Fakhar-e-sarhad varieties were also found resistant and sensitive to Cd and Zinc (Zn) stress, respectively. Antioxidant activity was decreased in Fakhar-e-sarhad compared with control in response to Pb/Cd/Zn stresses, but Fakhar-e-sarhad and Pirsabak 2004 accumulated similar levels of Pb, Cd and Zn in their roots. The expression of Heavy Metal ATPase 2 (TaHMA2) and ATP-Binding Cassette (TaABCC2/3/4) metal detoxification transporters are significantly upregulated in Pirsabak 2004 compared with Fakhar-e-sarhad and non-treated controls in response to Pb, Cd and Zn metal stresses. Consistent with upregulation of metal detoxification transporters, CG DNA hypomethylation was also found at the promoter region of these transporters in Pirsabak 2004 compared with Fakhar-e-sarhad and non-treated control, which indicates that DNA methylation regulates the expression of metal detoxification transporters to confer resistance against metal toxicity in wheat. This study recommends the farmers to cultivate Pirsabak 2004 variety in metal contaminated soils and also highlights that DNA methylation is associated with metal stress tolerance in wheat.

Assessment of flood-induced changes in soil heavy metal and nutrient status in Rajanpur, Pakistan.

Flood events around the globe have severely impaired the soil functioning resulting in compromised food security in several parts of the world. The current study was aimed to explore the impacts of floods on soil heavy metals and nutrients status at three locations; Tibbi Solgi (TS), Vinri Khosa (VK), and Noshehra West (NW-control) in the district Rajanpur of Punjab, Pakistan. TS and VK sites were under regular influence of flooding over the last many years, but no flood event was reported on NW site during the same tenure; hence, it served as control. Sampling was carried out before and after flooding on the experimental sites. Vegetation cover was monitored through remote sensing techniques. Results revealed varying effects of floods on soil heavy metals; Cd, Cr, Pb, and soil phosphorous and nitrates. Flood events increased the Cd while lowered Pb concentration at VK site; however, flooding did not influence the status of Cr in soil. Similar to the trend observed in case of Cd, soil phosphorous and nitrates were reduced after flood events. Correlation analyses of soil physicochemical properties with soil heavy metals and nutrients indicated that after flood events, soil texture and organic carbon content seem to be the major factors driving the shift in soil heavy metals and nutrient concentrations. Although pollution indices indicated a marginally low contamination levels, but as projected in empirical studies, regular flood events in the studied sites may contaminate the whole ecosystem rendering it unfit for agricultural productivity.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles alter the wheat physiological response and reduce the cadmium uptake by plants.

An experiment was performed to explore the interactive impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and cadmium (Cd) on growth, yield, antioxidant enzymes, Cd and zinc (Zn) concentrations in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The ZnO NPs were applied both in Cd-contaminated soil and foliar spray (in separate studies) on wheat at different intervals and plants were harvested after physiological maturity. Results depicted that ZnO NPs enhanced the growth, photosynthesis, and grain yield, whereas Cd and Zn concentrations decreased and increased respectively in wheat shoots, roots and grains. The Cd concentrations in the grains were decreased by 30-77%, and 16-78% with foliar and soil application of NPs as compared to the control, respectively. The ZnO NPs reduced the electrolyte leakage while increased SOD and POD activities in leaves of wheat. It can be concluded that ZnO NPs (levels used in the study) could effectively reduce the toxicity and concentration of Cd in wheat whereas increase the Zn concentration in wheat. Thus, ZnO NPs might be helpful in decreasing Cd and increasing Zn biofortification in cereals which might be effective to reduce the hidden hunger in humans owing the deficiency of Zn in cereals.

Provincial differences in levels, trends, and determinants of childhood immunization in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to improve immunization rates are urgently needed in Pakistan but national statistics mask important local differences in immunization levels and determinants. AIM: In this study we aimed to determine how similar or different are recent trends and levels of immunization coverage in Pakistan's 4 main provinces [Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan], and what factors are associated with complete childhood immunization in each province. METHOD: We analysed data from the 2006-07 and 2012-13 Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys. Trends in immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months were calculated for each province. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with complete immunization. RESULTS: The proportion of children completely immunized had risen significantly in Punjab but had fallen significantly in Balochistan. Complete coverage ranged from 16.4% in Balochistan to 65.8% in Punjab (2012-13). Tetanus toxoid injection during pregnancy was a significant predictor of complete immunization everywhere. Other predictors in specific provinces were: urban residence in Balochistan, wealth in Sindh and KPK, mother's education in Punjab and KPK, and distance to the facility in Punjab. CONCLUSIONS: Although some strategies to increase immunization coverage are relevant nationwide, programme managers need to seek solutions specific to provincial trends and predictors. This analysis demonstrates that viewing childhood immunization in Pakistan through a provincial lens can help achieve a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential strategies to boost coverage.

Draft genome sequences of three fungal-interactive Paraburkholderia terrae strains, BS007, BS110 and BS437.

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three fungal-interactive 10.1601/nm.27008 strains, denoted BS110, BS007 and BS437. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the three strains belong to clade II of the genus 10.1601/nm.1619, which was recently renamed 10.1601/nm.26956. This novel genus primarily contains environmental species, encompassing non-pathogenic plant- as well as fungal-interactive species. The genome of strain BS007 consists of 11,025,273 bp, whereas those of strains BS110 and BS437 have 11,178,081 and 11,303,071 bp, respectively. Analyses of the three annotated genomes revealed the presence of (1) a large suite of substrate capture systems, and (2) a suite of genetic systems required for adaptation to microenvironments in soil and the mycosphere. Thus, genes encoding traits that potentially  confer fungal interactivity were found, such as type 4 pili, type 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 secretion systems, and biofilm formation (PGA, alginate and pel) and glycerol uptake systems. Furthermore, the three genomes also revealed the presence of a highly conserved five-gene cluster that had previously been shown to be upregulated upon contact with fungal hyphae. Moreover, a considerable number of prophage-like and CRISPR spacer sequences was found, next to genetic systems responsible for secondary metabolite production. Overall, the three 10.1601/nm.27008 strains possess the genetic repertoire necessary for adaptation to diverse soil niches, including those influenced by soil fungi.

Fungal networks serve as novel ecological routes for enrichment and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes as exhibited by microcosm experiments.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment and their subsequent acquisition by clinically important microorganisms are a serious concern. However, the spread of environmental ARGs remain largely unknown. We report, for the first time, the involvement of soil fungi in the distribution of bacteria with ARGs via soil microcosms. qPCR assay detected unique ARGs specifically found in the mycosphere of different fungi. Interestingly, the taxonomically and ecologically different fungi exerted different selection pressures on ARGs originating from the same source. Test fungi supported different antibiotic resistance bacteria enriched in the mycosphere and even transported to distant places. The relative abundance of the tnpA gene decreased, for manure, along mycelial networks of all fungi. While the fungal strain NFC-5 enriched the intI1 gene more, opposite to two other fungi at the migration front compared with the inoculation point for both sources. Such data indicate the differential effect of different fungi to facilitate horizontal gene transfer potential under fungal selection pressure. Our study provides the evidence that fungi can contribute ARGs, host bacterial diversity and abundance, and such interactive microbial consortia have the potential to disseminate the resistance determinants from one place to another, thus increasing the ARGs exposure risk to humans.

Dot-in-Circle Sign - A Diagnostic MRI Sign for "Madura Foot".

Mycetoma is a slowly progressive localised, granulomatous, subcutaneous tissue infection common among adult males aged 20 - 50 years. The causing agents include both bacteria (actinomycetoma) and fungi (eumycetoma). This chronic infection was described in literature as Madura foot and eventually mycetoma, due to its etiology. Early clinical diagnosis before the appearance of sinuses and grains (aggregates of organism surrounded by granulation tissue, which are discharged from the draining sinuses) is difficult. Early diagnosis is important due to the therapeutic implications. Although biopsy and microbiological cultures provide definitive diagnosis. Delay in diagnosis may lead to amputation of the affected part. The recently described "dot-in-circle" sign on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is easy to recognise and highly specific. We present a case of histologically proven mycetoma with characteristic MRI features.