Enhanced anti-biofilm and biocompatibility of Zn and Mg substituted ß-tricalcium phosphate/functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube composites towards A. baumannii and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and MG-63 cells.

In this work, Zn and Mg substituted ß-tricalcium phosphate/functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The structural, vibrational, morphological and biological properties of the prepared nanocomposites were studied. The structural study revealed that the increase of Zn concentration shifts the ß-tricalcium phosphate planes towards higher angle. Morphological analysis confirmed the formation of hexagonal-shaped particles after substitution of Zn. The particle size of the nanoparticles decreased with the increase of Zn concentration. XPS analysis clearly showed the presence of Zn, Mg, P, Ca, O and C. The Zn (5%) rich nanocomposites have better antibiofilm activity compared to 2% of zinc substituted composite. Also, it has been proven that the prepared nanocomposites have the ability to enhance the bioactivity of commercial antibiotics by means of a decrease in drug resistance. Finally, this study acted as a pioneer to improve drug efficiency and reduced the biofilm formation of certain medically important bacteria. The in-vitro cell viability and anti-biofilm results of zinc (5%) rich nanocomposite confirmed that prepared nanocomposite has biocompatible and enhanced anti-biofilm property, which will be beneficial candidate for biomedical applications.

Avian feathers as a biomonitoring tool to assess heavy metal pollution in a wildlife and bird sanctuary from a tropical coastal ecosystem.

In this study, we have assessed the concentrations of four heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in the feathers of 11 species of birds from the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, a protected environment. Concentrations of copper and zinc were detected in all the bird species, cadmium was observed only in two bird species, and lead was below the detection limits for all birds. The order of concentration of metals in the feathers is Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb. Using the multivariate statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), the metal origins were traced to natural, dietary, and manmade sources. In addition, sediment samples were also collected from the sanctuary, to assess the bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The BAF values follow the order Cd < Cu < Zn < Pb. In comparison with worldwide heavy metal reports in bird feathers, lower concentrations of metals are observed in our study area. The tropical marine ecosystem at Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary can be considered as pristine regarding heavy metal pollution. Continuous monitoring of the ecosystem is crucial to sustain the pristine nature of the sanctuary and to attract many more birds.

Health risk assessment and bioaccumulation of metals in brown and red seaweeds collected from a tropical marine biosphere reserve.

In the present study, we have assessed the degree of contamination of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in ten species of red and brown seaweeds, the seasonal variations in the concentration of metals, and the health risk due to the seaweeds. Overall metal concentrations for red and brown seaweeds followed the order Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd and Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd, respectively. Cd and Pb levels were found to be elevated in both the red and brown seaweeds. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the sources of Cd and Pb are mainly anthropogenic. Despite the high concentrations of the non-essential metals (Cd and Pb) in the seaweeds, the health risk assessment revealed that they have a lower hazard index. Hence, consumption of edible red and brown seaweeds from the Tuticorin coast may not pose health hazards in humans for the time being.

Callophycin A loaded chitosan and spicules based nanocomposites as an alternative strategy to overcome vaginal candidiasis.

The present study aimed to understand the killing effects of seaweed derived metabolite Callophycin A (Cal A). In vitro studies confirmed that the beneficial effects of Cal A on the viability of C. albicans. To enhance the biological activity, we used to demonstrated that chitosan and spicules as a drug carrier. The Callophycin A loading was confirmed by spectral variation of FT-IR and morphological variation by SEM. Moreover, around 65% and 38% of Cal A was successfully loaded in chitosan and spicules respectively. Further, VVC induced animal model experiments confirmed that the candidicidal activity of 1% clotrimazole, Cal A, Cal@Chi and Cal@Spi. After 6 days of treatment Cal@Chi produces a significant reduction in the fungal burden of vaginal lavage. The histo-morphological alterations also evidenced that the protective role of Cal@Chi in VVC model. The present investigations are known to be the first and foremost study to discriminate the potentiality of Cal A composites. Cal A loaded chitosan nanoparticles could be used as an alternative strategy for the development of the novel marine natural product based topical applications.

Cardiovascular dysfunction and oxidative stress following human contamination by fluoride along with environmental xenobiotics (Cd & Pb) in the phosphate treatment area of Togo, West Africa.

In Togo, the phosphate ore mill discharges waste containing xenobiotics like cadmium, lead and fluoride. If the role of heavy metals in the appearance of pathologies is known, the role of fluoride remains to be studied alongside xenobiotics. This study tested the hypothesis that the toxicity of fluoride contributes, along with heavy metals, to physiological dysfunction. In this process, we have studied the variation in the parameters of cardiovascular functioning, depending on the level of human contamination by fluoride and xenobiotics. The concentration of Cd and Pb in blood samples were determined by AAS and fluoride by titanium-chloride method. Lipid peroxidation, the total antioxidant potential of collected blood samples and the parameters of cardiovascular dysfunction were also measured. Cd, Pb and F contents and lipid peroxidation were found to be significantly elevated in polluted areas than control zone as well as total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride. HDL and antioxidant potential of blood decreased in the polluted areas. Correlation tests showed that fluoride levels are related to variations in the bio-indicators of high blood pressure and oxidative stress (R varied from 0.354 to 0.907). Togo phosphate treatment leads to human contamination with fluoride, along with Cd and Pb, increasing the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction and oxidative stress.

FOXG1 Regulates PRKAR2B Transcriptionally and Posttranscriptionally via miR200 in the Adult Hippocampus.

Rett syndrome is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is mainly caused by mutations in MECP2. However, mutations in FOXG1 cause a less frequent form of atypical Rett syndrome, called FOXG1 syndrome. FOXG1 is a key transcription factor crucial for forebrain development, where it maintains the balance between progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Using genome-wide small RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics, we identified that FOXG1 affects the biogenesis of miR200b/a/429 and interacts with the ATP-dependent RNA helicase, DDX5/p68. Both FOXG1 and DDX5 associate with the microprocessor complex, whereby DDX5 recruits FOXG1 to DROSHA. RNA-Seq analyses of Foxg1cre/+ hippocampi and N2a cells overexpressing miR200 family members identified cAMP-dependent protein kinase type II-beta regulatory subunit (PRKAR2B) as a target of miR200 in neural cells. PRKAR2B inhibits postsynaptic functions by attenuating protein kinase A (PKA) activity; thus, increased PRKAR2B levels may contribute to neuronal dysfunctions in FOXG1 syndrome. Our data suggest that FOXG1 regulates PRKAR2B expression both on transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels.

First report on distribution of heavy metals and proximate analysis in marine edible puffer fishes collected from Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, South India.

In the present study, the heavy metal concentration in different organs (skin, tissue, liver, kidney, gill, intestine, and ovary) and muscle proximate composition were studied in marine edible puffer fishes Takifugu oblongus, Lagocephalus guentheri, Arothron hispidus, Chelonodon patoca and Arothron immaculatus collected from Mandapam fish landing centre, South east coast of India. Heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb & Zn) were analyzed in different organs for the above mentioned species. The heavy metals concentration ranges in fish organs of all the five species were Cu (0.42 -6.31 mg/kg), Cd (0.01-0.79 mg/kg), Pb (5.80-19.87 mg/kg), and Zn (6.75-65.08 mg/kg). Zn was detected higher in all the samples followed by Pb, Cu and Cd. The proximate composition was determined in edible muscle tissues of all the five species. The highest and lowest protein contents were observed in T. oblongus (20.6 ± 0.6%) and C. patoca (17.9 ± 0.3%). In the present study, heavy metal concentrations were found very high in all the internal organs when compared to muscle tissues. Further, this is the first report on distribution of heavy metals and proximate compositions of commercialized important edible puffer fishes from Mandapam coast of Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India.

Molecular Characterisation of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Isolated from Typhoidial Humans

Aims: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is the major causative agent for typhoidial fever around the globe among human population reported till date. Present research work was carried out for detection and molecular characterisation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolated from humans with Typhoidial fever by biochemical, phenotypical and virulence gene based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The isolated strains were also investigated for antibiotic susceptibility patterns as a control measure. Methodology and Results: A total of 16 clinical samples were collected from the same numbers of patients (7 males and 9 females) from Coimbatore, Erode and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu and were processed via broth enrichment methods for isolation and identification of the causative agent S. enterica serovar Typhi. Microbiological and biochemical investigations revealed the presence of S. Typhi from 16 samples. The biotyping of the isolates showed that all the isolates belonged to biotype IV. The PCR analysis confirmed the presence of invA (Invasion gene, 244bp), tyv (Tyvelose epimerase gene, 615 bp), fliC-d (Phage-1 flagellin gene for d-antigen, 750 bp) and viaB (Vi antigen gene, 439bp) in all 16 clinical samples. The antibiotic susceptibility test that was carried out among the isolates against 12 antimicrobial agents, showed 100 % resistance to only ampicillin and 100 % sensitivity to carbenicillin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, gentamycin, kanamycin and tetracycline. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study confirmed the association of virulent strains of S. enterica serovar Typhi from Typhoidial fever among human population and suggested that PCR based diagnostic could be very useful for the rapid detection of S. Typhi isolates. Present study emphasized the use of antibiotic like chloramphenicol or in combination with other antibiotics for the effective control of S. Typhi.