Nano fibrous carbon produced from chromium bearing tannery solid waste as the bitumen modifier.

Bitumen binders play a major role in reducing the aging and oxidation property of bitumen. Carbon nanomaterials act as an effective bitumen modifier due to its stiffness and strength. Thus, nano fibrous carbon (NFC) was prepared from Chrome Tanned Buffing Dust (a solidwaste generated from leather industries) with proper care of avoiding oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) through pulse pyrolysis system. Morphology analysis using TEM confirmed the nano fibrous structure of NFC. XRD pattern of NFC depicts the graphitic phases of carbon along with the Cr2O3. Prepared NFC has been used as bitumen modifier and the blending of NFC with bitumen were done using both conventional and microwave heating methods to study the proper blending methods to enhance the bitumen properties. Thermogram of the modified bitumen showed that the decomposition temperature increases by increasing the percentage of NFC (5-25%) in both the heating methods, but comparatively the thermal stability is more in microwave mixing than in conventional mixing. The morphology analysis of the modified bitumen showed that non-uniform blending in conventional type of heating and homogeneously blended mixture in microwave type of heating. The penetration value and ductility decreases while softening point and kinematic viscosity increases by increasing the quantity of NFC from 5 to 25% in modified bitumen. Microwave heat mixing method yielded better modified bitumen with NFC than conventional heating method in terms of stability, uniform blending and physical properties. The non-leachability of the Cr(III) in the NFC modified bitumen was confirmed through total chromium analysis in the leachate. But, chromium analysis in leachate of NFC immersed in acetate buffer for one month showed leaching of Cr(III) 5.5 µg/L in the 25% NFC modified bitumen block mixed using conventional heating method.

Solid-State Synthesis of POPD@AgNPs Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Sensors.

In the present work, Poly(o-phenylenediamine) (POPD) stabilized silver nanoparticles (POPD@AgNPs) nanocomposites was synthesized by solid state oxidative polymerization method using o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (oPD-HCl) as monomer and silver nitrate (AgNO3) used as metal precursor as well as oxidizing agent no other external oxidizing agent was used. POPD@AgNPs nanocomposites were characterized by various instrumental techniques to confirm their size, shape and its composition. The electrocatalytic activity of POPD and POPD@AgNPs modified electrode was investigated over the oxidation of hydrazine (N2H4) and reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) and Chronoamperometry techniques. POPD and POPD@AgNPs were characterized using HR-TEM, FE-SEM, XRD, UV-Visible, FT-IR, Micro Raman spectroscopy and those results were confirmed their chemical purity, particle size, shape and its elemental compositions. Moreover, the DPV and chronoamperometry reveals that POPD@AgNPs is a good sensor for the electrochemical gas detection of N2H4 and H2O2 because it has good stability, easy-operation, excellent reproducibility, high sensitivity and good limit of detection when compared to with pure POPD. This system shows good stability, excellent sensitivity, response and the detection limit was obtained for the detection of N2H4 and H2O2 in trace level gases, which was lower than some of the modified electrodes.

Hybrid Filtering Approach for Retrieval of MRI Image.

The quality of Magnetic Resonance Images(MRI) are degraded by the various types of noises. In this paper, a Hybrid Multi-resolution filter for denoising the MRI images degraded by the Salt and Pepper noise is proposed and the wavelet transform is used to improve the resolution of the denoised image.. The Hybrid filter consist of three value weighted filter and similarity based filter. In three value weighted filter, a variable local window is applied to find the noisy pixels. By using the noise free pixels in that window, the noisy pixels are reconstructed using three value method. In similarity based filter, a variable local window is applied to reconstruct the noisy pixels. In that window, based on the similarity between the noisy pixel sequence and noise free pixels sequence are used to reconstruct the noisy pixel. At last wavelet transform is used to increase the resolution of the reconstructed image. The experimental results shows that the proposed filter denoises the image and improves the resolution when compared to the existing methods and produces the efficiency of about 98%.

Therapeutic effects of gold nanoparticles synthesized using Musa paradisiaca peel extract against multiple antibiotic resistant Enterococcus faecalis biofilms and human lung cancer cells (A549).

Botanical-mediated synthesis of nanomaterials is currently emerging as a cheap and eco-friendly nanotechnology, since it does not involve the use of toxic chemicals. In the present study, we focused on the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using the aqueous peel extract of Musa paradisiaca (MPPE-AuNPs) following a facile and cheap fabrication process. The green synthesized MPPE-AuNPs were bio-physically characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TEM, Zeta potential analysis and EDX. MPPE-AuNPs were crystalline in nature, spherical to triangular in shape, with particle size ranging within 50 nm. The biofilm inhibition activity of MPPE-AuNPs was higher against multiple antibiotic resistant (MARS) Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis. Light and confocal laser scanning microscopic observations evidenced that the MPPE-AuNPs effectively inhibited the biofilm of E. faecalis when tested at 100 µg mL-1. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that MPPE-AuNPs were effective in inhibiting the viability of human A549 lung cancer cells at higher concentrations of 100 µg mL-1. The morphological changes in the MPPE-AuNPs treated A549 lung cancer cells were visualized under phase-contrast microscopy. Furthermore, the ecotoxicity of MPPE-AuNPs on the freshwater micro crustacean Ceriodaphnia cornuta were evaluated. Notably, no mortality was recorded in MPPE-AuNPs treated C. cornuta at 250 µg mL-1. This study concludes that MPPE-AuNPs are non-toxic, eco-friendly and act as a multipurpose potential biomaterial for biomedical applications.

Sensitive fluorescence detection of mercury(ii) in aqueous solution by the fluorescence quenching effect of MoS2 with DNA functionalized carbon dots.

A rapid and sensitive fluorescent sensor based on the MoS2 nanosheet/DNA/carbon dot nanoassembly has been developed towards the detection of mercury(ii) present in environmental samples. Bio-carbon dots (CDs) having strong fluorescence maxima at 451 nm were synthesized via one-step treatment with honey under low temperature carbonization. These CDs were nearly spherical with good size distribution and excellent monodispersity, and the average sizes of CD were around 2-4 nm as evidenced from transmission electron microscopy. The conjugation of DNA strands on the surface of the carbon dots provided an efficient fluorescent probe. The fluorescence of the MoS2 nanosheet/DNA/carbon dot nanoassembly enhanced gradually with the increase in the concentration of Hg2+ ions and the detection limit was found to be 1.02 nM. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity was found to be linear with the concentration of Hg2+ ions in the range from 0 to 10 nM and their respective coefficient of determination was found to be 0.93676 and 0.98178. The present MoS2 nanosheet/DNA/carbon dot nanoassembly is highly selective toward Hg2+ ions over a wide range of metal ions tested.

Rifampicin resistance among multi-resistant MRSA clinical isolates from Chennai, India, and their molecular characterization.

High-level methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates show rapid evolution of rifampicin resistance, forcing reliance upon expensive and often inferior antibiotics to manage these infections. Accordingly, this study was conducted to: 1) evaluate the level of multidrug resistance among hospital-associated MRSA isolates from Chennai, India; 2) determine their rifampicin resistance and molecular characterization; and 3) analyze the identified rpoB gene mutations for predominant high-level rifampicin resistance-associated nucleotide changes. Conventional laboratory techniques and antibiogram evaluation by disc diffusion were utilized for isolate phenotypic identification. Among the 54 isolates obtained, 74% (42) were found to be MRSA. All the isolates exhibited complete susceptibility to linezolid and vancomycin, and variable resistance to conventional antibiotics; the MAR index value calculated was 0.64. Genotypic identification of the high-level rifampicin-resistant isolate S. aureus KM05 was established through rpoB amplification and sequencing. The evolutionary relationship of KM05 to other isolates and its rpoB gene mutation status was determined to understand the genetic basis of its high rifampicin resistance. The S. aureus KM05 rpoB gene yielded ≥ 98% sequence similarity and a close phylogenetic relationship with other known reference database organisms. It also showed mutational changes in three rpoB codon positions encoding amino acids at positions 455, 481, and 529. These results have established the prevalence of rifampicin resistance among Chennai hospital MRSA isolates, and suggest that the predominant high-level resistance nucleotide changes would serve to form a basis for their diagnosis and control of rifampicin-resistant MRSA.

Bioefficacy of plant-mediated gold nanoparticles and Anthocepholus cadamba on filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae).

Mosquito-borne diseases in India, e.g., malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis cause thousands of deaths per year. Mosquito control is to enhance the health and quality of life of county residents and visitors through the reduction of mosquito populations. Mosquito control is of serious concern in developing countries like India due to the lack of general awareness, development of resistance, and socioeconomic reasons. Noble metal nanoparticles have been used because of their unique optical properties; especially gold and silver have a broad absorption band in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Cymbopogan citratus is an ecofriendly approach for safer environment. C. citratus leaf broth was a good reducing agent that converted chloroauric acid (HAuCl(4)) to metal gold and further heating converted it into nanoparticles. Characterization using UV spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the particles are gold nanoparticles ranging between 10 and 110 nm with an average particles size of 20 nm. Further biosynthesized gold nanoparticles and Anthocephalus cadamba were experimented for the larvicidal effect on the filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. Results showed that the gold nanoparticles are much toxic than the plant extract. Observed lethal concentrations (LC(50) and LC(90)) were 1.08 and 2.76 ppm for gold nanoparticles and 21.82 and 79.52 ppm for the third instar of C. quinquefasciatus.

Integration of botanicals and microbials for management of crop and human pests.

Insect pests inflict damage to humans, farm animals, and crops. Human and animal pests put more than 100 million people and 80 million cattle at risk worldwide. Plant pests are the main reason for destroying one fifth of the world's total crop production annually. Anopheles stephensi is the major vector of human malaria in Middle East and South Asian regions. Spodoptera litura is a polyphagous pest of vegetables and field crops. Because of its broad host range, this insect is also known as cluster caterpillar, common cutworm, cotton leafworm, tobacco cutworm, tobacco caterpillar, and tropical armyworm. The toxic effects of methanolic extract of Senna alata and microbial insecticide, Bacillus sphericus, were tested against the polyphagous crop pest, S. litura (Fab.), and the malarial vector, A. stephensi. Results from the present study states that B. sphericus is more toxic than S. alata to both the crop pest and mosquito. The malarial vector, A. stephensi, was found to be susceptible than the crop pest, S. litura. Both the botanical and microbial insecticide showed excellent larvicidal, pupicidal, longevity, fecundity, and growth regulatory activities. Median lethal concentrations of B. sphericus and methanolic extract of S. alata observed to kill the third instar of S. litura were 0.52 and 193.09 ppm and A. stephensi were 0.40 and 174.64 ppm, respectively.

Ultrastructural changes and oxidative stress markers in wild and cultivar Sesamum orientale L. following Alternaria sesami (Kawamura) Mohanty and Behera. inoculation.

Alternaria sesami causes leaf spot disease in Sesamum orientale. Conidium germination, inoculation, penetration and colonization of the pathogen on the plant surfaces were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Electron microscopy analysis revealed multiple germ tubes from conidium that spread in all direction across the leaf surfaces. Penetration in the plant surface occured, directly through the epidermis or via stomata with or without the appressoria formation. Hyphal penetration continued through the substomata cavity and some of hyphal branches grew in the intercellular space of mesophyll tissue. Hyphal toxin, caused cell and cell wall damages. Changes in different biochemical parameters in the diseased sesame plants (both in wild and cultivar) were compared to control. Transmission electron microscopy showed structural changes in the chloroplast of diseased plants. Isozyme pattern and assays of different enzymes, namely catalase, acid phosphatase and peroxidase expressed varied level of activities. Meanwhile, esterase, polyphenol oxidase and superoxide dismutase in diseased plants showed remarkable levels compared to control. Due to the infection, chlorophyll content, carbohydrates and total soluble protein decreased whereas free amino acid, proline, phenols and disease-related proteins increased in the host plants. Differential SDS-PAGE band profiling of total soluble proteins were also observed in plants due to the infection.

Antibiofilm and quorum sensing inhibitory activity of Achyranthes aspera on cariogenic Streptococcus mutans: an in vitro and in silico study.

CONTEXT: Traditionally, many cultures use chewing sticks for oral hygiene maintenance. When properly used, these chewing sticks are found to be efficient due to the combined effect of mechanical cleaning, enhanced salivation and the antimicrobial action of leached out plant compounds. OBJECTIVE: Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae), an ethanomedicinal herb was evaluated for its potential to inhibit growth and biofilm formation by cariogenic isolate Streptococcus mutans as an alternative means of caries management by quorum quenching (QQ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biofilm forming cariogenic isolates were isolated and their susceptibility to the petroleum ether, benzene, methanol, aqueous extracts of A. aspera was evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), phytochemical analyses and structure-based virtual screening for their quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory activities, drug-likeness and bioavailability were also carried out. RESULTS: The biofilm inhibition percentage obtained for methanol, benzene, petroleum ether and aqueous extracts (125 µg/mL) were ≤94%, ≤74%, ≤62% ≤42%, respectively. GC-MS analyses indicated 61 compounds, of which betulin recorded efficient interaction exhibiting comparable binding energy of -8.72 with S. mutans glycosyltransferase (GTF-SI) whereas 3,12-oleandione exhibited binding energy -5.92 with OmpR subfamily QS regulatory DNA-binding response regulator. Computer-assisted molecular descriptor and Lipinski's rule violation calculation uncovered the presence of more drug-like compounds. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Anticaries bioactive compounds of A. aspera with higher QS response regulator binding energy, low toxicity and optimal pharmacokinetic properties were revealed. These compounds with possible QQ ability hold the potential for use as anticaries drug leads and antibiofilm preventative medicine.

Efficacy of rBm86 against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (IVRI-I line) and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (IVRI-II line) infestations on bovine calves.

With an aim to evaluate the protective potentiality of rBm86 against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-I line and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum IVRI-II line infestations on crossbred (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) calves, 20 animals of 3 months of age were randomly divided in to four equal groups and maintained in tick-proof conditions. Animals of groups 1 and 2 were immunized with 2 ml of rBm86 (100 µg)-based vaccine (procured from Revetmex S.A. de C.V, Mexico City, Mexico) thrice at 30 days interval. Animals of groups 3 and 4 were kept as negative control and inoculated with PBS only. Each animal of group 1 and 3 was challenged with 7-day-old 50 unfed adults of H. anatolicum anatolicum (1:1, male and female), and each animal of groups 2 and 4 was challenged with 6-8-day-old R. (B.) microplus larvae obtained from 50 mg of eggs, on 17th day of the last immunization. The efficacy of rBm86 against tick infestations was determined as percentage reduction in number of adults dropped (DT%), engorged body weight (DR%), egg masses (DO%), and immunogen efficacy (E%). The calculated data were 11.8, 10.8, 15.0, and 25.1 %, respectively, for DT, DR, DO, and E% against H. anatolicum anatolicum infestation, while in the case of R. (B.) microplus infestation, the corresponding data were 6.4, 11.24, 40.7, and 44.5 %, respectively. The results indicated partial effectiveness of rBm86 antigen(s) in imparting protection against homologous and heterologous challenge infestations of Indian ticks. The results indicated identification of more effective antigen(s) for the development of vaccine against economically important tick species in India.

Wound healing activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Plagiochila beddomei Steph. thallus in rat model.

Wound healing occurs as a fundamental response to tissue injury. Polyphenols are considered to be principle constituent to promote wound healing. Plagiochila beddomei was applied clinically by Paliyar tribes of Madurai district to treat intractable wounds. To validate the ethnotherapeutic claims of the plant in skin diseases, the effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts from P. beddomei on wound healing as well as angiogenesis was studied. 7th day and 10th day after excision wounds creation, the percent wound contraction of the extracts group was higher than that of Madecassol (reference drug) group. On 3rd, 7th and 10th day after wounds creation, the wound healing quality of the extracts group was better than that of Madecassol group on terms of granulation formation and collagen organization. On 3rd day after wounds creation, the micro vessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor expression of methanolic extracts group was higher than that of Madecassol group. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenols. The results show that P. beddomei extract has potent wound healing property probably resulting from the remarkable angiogenic activity.

Effect of methanolic and water extract of Leucobryum bowringii Mitt. on growth, migration and invasion of MCF 7 human breast cancer cells in vitro.

Inhibitory effects of methanol and water extract of L. bowringii. on the adhesion, migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities of MCF 7 human breast cancer cell line are reported. Cells were cultured with 10, 25, 50 microg/mL methanolic or water extract of L. bowringii. Culture medium containing 0.1% DMSO was used as a solvent control. Ultra structural analysis by electron microscopy revealed typical features of apoptosis. A remarkable dose-response parallelism was observed between methanolic extract with growth, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Fractionation of methanolic extract by RP-HPLC revealed a pool of phenolic acids. Hoechst 33342 staining assay reveals massive chromatin condensation and subsequent cleavage of structural components of nucleus. The results indicate that methanol extracts inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells partially through the inhibition of metallo proteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. Methanolic extract has more anti-metastatic effects in cell based assay than water extract. Clinical application of L. bowringii extract as a bioactive chemopreventive compound may be helpful in limiting breast carcinoma invasion and metastasis.

Migraine headaches in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): comparison of two prospective cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: Headaches are more frequent in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) than healthy control (HC) subjects. The 2004 International Headache Society (IHS) criteria were used to define CFS headache phenotypes. METHODS: Subjects in Cohort 1 (HC = 368; CFS = 203) completed questionnaires about many diverse symptoms by giving nominal (yes/no) answers. Cohort 2 (HC = 21; CFS = 67) had more focused evaluations. They scored symptom severities on 0 to 4 anchored ordinal scales, and had structured headache evaluations. All subjects had history and physical examinations; assessments for exclusion criteria; questionnaires about CFS related symptoms (0 to 4 scale), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) and Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36). RESULTS: Demographics, trends for the number of diffuse "functional" symptoms present, and severity of CFS case designation criteria symptoms were equivalent between CFS subjects in Cohorts 1 and 2. HC had significantly fewer symptoms, lower MFI and higher SF-36 domain scores than CFS in both cohorts. Migraine headaches were found in 84%, and tension-type headaches in 81% of Cohort 2 CFS. This compared to 5% and 45%, respectively, in HC. The CFS group had migraine without aura (60%; MO; CFS+MO), with aura (24%; CFS+MA), tension headaches only (12%), or no headaches (4%). Co-morbid tension and migraine headaches were found in 67% of CFS. CFS+MA had higher severity scores than CFS+MO for the sum of scores for poor memory, dizziness, balance, and numbness ("Neuro-construct", p = 0.002) and perceived heart rhythm disturbances, palpitations and noncardiac chest pain ("Cardio-construct"; p = 0.045, t-tests after Bonferroni corrections). CFS+MO subjects had lower pressure-induced pain thresholds (2.36 kg [1.95-2.78; 95% C.I.] n = 40) and a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia (47%; 1990 criteria) compared to HC (5.23 kg [3.95-6.52] n = 20; and 0%, respectively). Sumatriptan was beneficial for 13 out of 14 newly diagnosed CFS migraine subjects. CONCLUSIONS: CFS subjects had higher prevalences of MO and MA than HC, suggesting that mechanisms of migraine pathogenesis such as central sensitization may contribute to CFS pathophysiology. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Georgetown University IRB # 2006-481

Oxidative stress indices in natural populations of Avicennia alba Blume. as biomarker of environmental pollution.

Effects of multiple pollutants including heavy metal on oxidative stress indices were measured in leaves and roots of Avicennia alba Blume. collected from three coastal locations in Kerala-Cochin, Kollam and Chetua. We observed significant activities in lipid peroxidation, root oxidizability, electrolyte leakage and antioxidant enzymes. Conversely, ascorbate and reduced glutathione showed low levels suggesting that these may be serving as a biomarker of heavy metals for monitoring pollution.

Antimicrobial activity of protease inhibitor from leaves of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt.

Antimicrobial activity of protease inhibitor isolated from Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt. has been reported. A 14.3 kDa protease inhibitor (PI) was isolated and purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation (20-85% saturation), sephadex G-75, DEAE sepharose column and trypsin-sepharose affinity chromatography from the leaves of C. grandis. The purity was checked by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. PI exhibited marked growth inhibitory effects on colon cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. PI was thermostable and showed antimicrobial activity without hemolytic activity. PI strongly inhibited pathogenic microbial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Eschershia coli, Bacillus subtilis and pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, Mucor indicus, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus and Cryptococcus neoformans. Examination by bright field microscopy showed inhibition of mycelial growth and sporulation. Morphologically, PI treated fungus showed a significant shrinkage of hyphal tips. Reduced PI completely lost its activity indicating that disulfide bridge is essential for its protease inhibitory and antifungal activity. Results reported in this study suggested that PI may be an excellent candidate for development of novel oral or other anti-infective agents.

Assessment of Extra-Cortical Bone Bridge Interface in Cemented Mega Endoprosthesis for Limb Salvage Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Mega endoprosthesis replacement for resection of primary malignant bone tumour requires immediate and long-term stability, particularly in the young and active patient. Extracortical bone bridge interface (EBBI) is a technique whereby autograft is wrapped around the interface junction of bone and porous-coated implant to induce and enhance bone formation for biological incorporation. This procedure increases the mean torsional stiffness and the mean maximum torque, which eventually improves the implant's long-term survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The extracortical bone bridge interface's radiological parameter was evaluated at the prosthesis bone junction two years after surgery utilising a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). The radiograph's anteroposterior and lateral view was analysed for both thickness and length in all four cortices. The analysis was done in SPSS Version 24 using One-Way ANOVA and independent T-Test. Results were presented as mean and standard deviation and considered significant when the p-value was < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean average thickness was 2.2293mm (SD 1.829), and the mean average length was 31.95% (SD 24.55). We observed that the thickness and length of EBBI were superior in the young patient or patients with giant cell tumour that did not receive chemotherapy, compared to patients treated for osteosarcoma. The distal femur also had better EBBI compared to the proximal tibia. However, the final multivariable statistical analysis showed no significant difference in all variables. EBBI thickness was significantly and positively correlated with EBBI Length (p<0.001). We conclude that, for each 1mm increase in EBBI thickness, the length will increase by 0.06% on average. About 17.2% of patients out of the 29 showed no radiological evidence of EBBI. CONCLUSION: From our study, there were no factors that significantly contributed to the formation and incorporation of EBBI.

Biofilm forming multi drug resistant Staphylococcus spp. among patients with conjunctivitis.

Biofilm forming multidrug resistant Staphylococcus spp. are major reservoirs for transmission of ophthalmic infections. They were isolated from ocular patients suffering from conjunctivitis. In this study we analyzed biofilm forming ability, antibiotic resistance profile of the Staphylococcus spp. isolated from clinical ocular patients, and their phylogenetic relationship with other community MRSA. Sixty Staphylococcus spp. strains isolated from clinical subjects were evaluated for their ability to form biofilm and express biofilm encoding ica gene. Among them 93% were slime producers and 87% were slime positive. Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis were dominant strains among the isolates obtained from ocular patients. The strains also exhibited a differential biofilm formation quantitatively. Antibiotic susceptibility of the strains tested with Penicillin G, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Methicillin, Amikacin, and Gentamicin indicated that they were resistant to more than one antibiotic. The amplicon of ica gene of strong biofilm producing S. aureus strains, obtained by polymerase chain reaction, was sequenced and their close genetic relationship with community acquired MRSA was analyzed based on phylogenetic tree. Our results indicate that they are genetically close to other community acquired MRSA.

Hypersensitive response of Sesamum prostratum Retz. elicitated by Fusarium oxysporum f. sesame (Schelt) Jacz Butler.

Aim of this study was to investigate the intensity and timing of the ROS formation, lipid peroxidation and expression of antioxidant enzymes as initial responses of calli of Sesamum prostratum (SP) against Fusarium oxysporum f. sesame crude toxin metabolite of varying concentrations. 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) / coconut milk combinations were found to be more efficient among different hormonal regimes (2,4 -D, 2,4-D/casein hydrosylate and 2,4-D/ coconut milk). The concentration of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation were higher (13.2 and 5.7-folds, respectively) after 6 h in the treated callus confirmed the oxidative stress. An increase in total phenolics was also detected in inoculated callus. Increased activity of antioxidative enzymes viz., NADPH oxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) corroborate with the high level of ROSs, such as O2*- and H2O2. The poor activity of catalase confirmed the oxidative burst in the callus leading to necrosis. Activity of peroxidase was at par with total phenolics. Similarly, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) also showed high activity revealing the active phase in the synthesis of secondary metabolites in the plant. The oxidative burst generated in the interaction between Sesamum and F. oxysporum f. sesame toxin might be the first line of defense by the host mounted against the invading necrotrophic pathogen. The results suggested that the rapid production of reactive oxygen species in the callus in response to fungal toxin had been proposed to orchestrate the establishment of different defensive barriers against the pathogens.

Antimicrobial potential of Streptomyces sp. to the Gram positive and Gram negative pathogens.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of drug resistant infectious disease causing microbial pathogens was highly spreaded because of the wide level application of the commercially available antimicrobial agents. However, the eradication of the microbial pathogens was of huge demand. Although, many antimicrobial compounds were commercially available in the market however the spreading of the pathogens were hugely increased. Actinomycetes produce various secondary metabolites against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The present investigation aimed to study the antimicrobial potential of the Streptomyces sp. towards infectious diseases causing pathogens. METHODS: Culture dependable isolation techniques were followed for the isolation of the active actinomycetes isolates and the antimicrobial properties of the actinomcyetes were detected by primary screening techniques using modified starch casein agar medium. The active isolate was confirmed by various biochemical and morphological techniques. RESULTS: In this study, 10 actinomycetes were isolated and later five were selected for secondary screening and noted significant activity against Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus mirabilis. Among the selected Streptomyces sp., ES2 showed potent activity against selected microbes and was identified as Streptomyces sp. The studied isolates were resisitant towards streptomycin (10µg), ampicillin (50µg) and ciprofloxacin (5µg). The organic solvent extracts of the promising isolate ES2 prononunced comparatively better inhibitory properties towards the studied pathogenic bacteria. CONCLUSION: Overall, the present study evidenced that the actinomycetes were promising candidate for the eradication of the pathogenic strains.