A systematic review on antimicrobial activities of green synthesised Selaginella silver nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Metallic nanoparticles from different natural sources exhibit superior therapeutic options as compared to the conventional methods. Selaginella species have attracted special attention of researchers worldwide due to the presence of bioactive molecules such as flavonoids, biflavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, saponins, tannins and other secondary metabolites that exhibit antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Environment friendly green synthesised silver nanoparticles from Selaginella species provide viable, safe and efficient treatment against different fungal pathogens. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to summarise the literature pertaining to superior antifungal ability of green synthesised silver nanoparticles using plant extracts of Selaginella spp. in comparison to both aqueous and ethanolic raw plant extracts by electronically collecting articles from databases. METHODS: The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis were taken into consideration while preparing this review. The titles and abstracts of the collected data were stored in Endnote20 based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search strategy included literature from established sources like PubMed, Google Scholar and Retrieval System Online using subject descriptors. RESULTS: The search yielded 60 articles with unique hits. After removal of duplications, 46 articles were identified, 40 were assessed and only seven articles were chosen and included in this review based on our eligibility criteria. CONCLUSION: The physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical investigations of Selaginella suggest higher drug potency of nanoparticles synthesised from plant extract against different diseases as compared to aqueous and ethanolic plant extracts. The study holds great promise as the synthesis of nanoparticles involves low energy consumption, minimal technology and least toxic effects.

Novel aadA5 and dfrA17 variants of class 1 integron in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli causing bovine mastitis.

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are associated with the emergence of multidrug resistance in extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. This study explores the role of class 1 integrons and IS26 elements in breaching taxonomic barriers. A total of 110 E. coli bacteria were isolated from 300 clinical mastitis milk samples. The 98% E. coli isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- producers. About 83% of these isolates carried co-resistance for fluoroquinolones. The co-existence of (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase + quinolone resistance determining region mutations) and (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase + plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes) was found in 76% and 44% of isolates, respectively. The MGEs were detected in 88% of isolates with IS26 in 82% and class 1 integrase in 40% of isolates. The types of class 1 integron gene cassettes detected includes dfrA7, (dfrA17 + aadA5), and (dfrA1 + aadA1). We discovered 2 and 4 novel variants of the dfrA17 and aadA5 genes, respectively. We report a variant of aadA5 with mutation E235G in the Indian subcontinent earlier reported only in a human clinical isolate from Belgium. About 19 isolates carried IS26 linked to integrase gene intI1 with an internal deletion of 265 bp in the 5`CS of integrase gene intI1, earlier reported only in E. coli ST131 isolates from human clinical, wastewater samples. This study suggests intercontinental dissemination of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) across different microbiomes via mobile genetic elements. KEY POINTS: • The role of mobile genetic elements in the emergence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in bovine mastitis. • Novel variants of the aadA5 (aminoglycoside adenyl transferase) and dfrA17 (dihydrofolate reductase) genes were identified in pathogenic E. coli isolated from bovine mastitis in class 1 integron gene cassette. • Sequence analysis of mobile genetic components revealed the physical connection between IS26 and intI1 genes with an internal deletion in 5'CS of class 1 integrase.

Current management of appendicular mas - a narrative review.

Appendicular mass is considered as one of the complications of acute appendicitis but there is no consensus on the optimal management of this condition. The management of this condition has always been conservative management with interval appendectomy as popularized by Oschner and Sheerin. The need for interval appendectomy has now been questioned, and an emerging trend has been early appendectomy by laparoscopic method. There are no guidelines on the management of appendicular mass and treatment is decided by the surgeon. We have conducted a narrative review to investigate what is the current practice in the management of appendicular mass.

Multimodal signalling in estrildid finches: song, dance and colour are associated with different ecological and life-history traits.

Sexual traits (e.g. visual ornaments, acoustic signals, courtship behaviour) are often displayed together as multimodal signals. Some hypotheses predict joint evolution of different sexual signals (e.g. to increase the efficiency of communication) or that different signals trade off with each other (e.g. due to limited resources). Alternatively, multiple signals may evolve independently for different functions, or to communicate different information (multiple message hypothesis). We evaluated these hypotheses with a comparative study in the family Estrildidae, one of the largest songbird radiations, and one that includes many model species for research in sexual selection and communication. We found little evidence for either joint evolution or trade-offs between song and colour ornamentation. Some negative correlations between dance repertoire and song traits may suggest a functional compromise, but generally courtship dance also evolved independently from other signals. Instead of correlated evolution, we found that song, dance and colour are each related to different socio-ecological traits. Song complexity evolved together with ecological generalism, song performance with investment in reproduction, dance with commonness and habitat type, whereas colour ornamentation was shown previously to correlate mostly with gregariousness. We conclude that multimodal signals evolve in response to various socio-ecological traits, suggesting the accumulation of distinct signalling functions.

Relationship between the changes in blood flow and volume in the finger during a Braille character discrimination task.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that skin blood flow (SBF) of fingers are modulated during concentrated finger perception and that the changes in SBF reflect fluctuations in finger volume (FV). The aim of this study, therefore, was examine the relationship between the changes in SBF and FV during Braille reading. METHODS: We measured SBF of the finger, cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC), FV, and arterial blood pressure during Braille reading performed under blind conditions in thirty healthy subjects. The subjects were instructed to read a flat plate with raised letters (Braille reading) for 15 seconds using their forefinger, and to touch a blank plate as a control for the Braille discrimination procedure. RESULTS: Arterial blood pressure slightly increased during Braille reading but remained unchanged during the touching of the blank plate. SBF, CVC, and FV were reduced during Braille reading (decreased by -26%, -29%, and -0.3 mL/100 mL respectively). Furthermore, a significant relationship was observed between the changes in SBF and FV (r=.613) during Braille reading. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that SBF of fingers is modulated during concentrated finger perception, and that the variability of blood flow reflects the response in FV.

Expression and characterization of novel chimeric endolysin CHAPk-SH3bk against biofilm-forming methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The continuous evolution of antibiotic resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) due to the misuse of antibiotics lays out the need for the development of new antimicrobials with higher activity and lower resistance. In this study, we have expressed novel chimeric endolysin CHAPk-SH3bk derived from LysK to investigate its antibacterial activity against planktonic and biofilm-forming MRSA. The molecular docking and MD simulation results identified critical amino acids (ASP47, ASP56, ARG71, and Gly74) of CHAPk domain responsible for its catalytic activity. Chimeric endolysin CHAPk-SH3bk showed an effective binding to peptidoglycan fragment using 14 hydrogen bonds. The in-vitro antibacterial assays displayed higher activity of CHAPk against planktonic MRSA with 2-log10 reduction in 2 h. Both CHAPk and CHAPk-SH3bk displayed bactericidal activity against MRSA with ∼4log10 and ∼3.5log10 reduction in 24 h. Biofilm reduction activity displayed CHAPk-SH3bk reduced 33 % and 60 % of hospital-associated ATCC®BAA-44™ and bovine origin SA1 respectively. The CHAPk treatment reduced 47 % of the preformed biofilm formed by bovine-origin MRSA SA1. This study indicates an effective reduction of preformed MRSA biofilms of human and animal origin using novel chimeric construct CHAPk-SH3bk. Stating that the combination and shuffling of different domains of phage endolysin potentially increase its bacteriolytic effectiveness against MRSA.

A research landscape bibliometric analysis on climate change for last decades: Evidence from applications of machine learning.

Climate change (CC) is one of the greatest threats to human health, safety, and the environment. Given its current and future impacts, numerous studies have employed computational tools (e.g., machine learning, ML) to understand, mitigate, and adapt to CC. Therefore, this paper seeks to comprehensively analyze the research/publications landscape on the MLCC research based on published documents from Scopus. The high productivity and research impact of MLCC has produced highly cited works categorized as science, technology, and engineering to the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The most prolific author is Shamsuddin Shahid (based at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia), whereas the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the most productive affiliation on MLCC research. The most influential countries are the United States and China, which is attributed to the funding activities of the National Science Foundation and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), respectively. Collaboration through co-authorship in high-impact journals such as Remote Sensing was also identified as an important factor in the high rate of productivity among the most active stakeholders researching MLCC topics worldwide. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified four major research hotspots/themes on MLCC research that describe the ML techniques, potential risky sectors, remote sensing, and sustainable development dynamics of CC. In conclusion, the paper finds that MLCC research has a significant socio-economic, environmental, and research impact, which points to increased discoveries, publications, and citations in the near future.

Emergency management plan for paediatric patients with tracheostomies during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: Paediatric patients with tracheostomies are a vulnerable group. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, healthcare workers can be anxious about viral transmission from secretions and aerosols emerging from the open airway. This paper aims to share a systematic approach to decrease staff exposure and optimise care of these patients. METHODS: Three documents were developed: a generic tracheostomy management plan detailing troubleshooting; a personalised management plan with customised recommendations; and a guide for tracheostomy tube change to minimise aerosol production. RESULTS: The plan was distributed to 31 patients (age range, 11 months to 17 years) including 23 (74.2 per cent) with uncuffed tubes and 9 (29 per cent) on long-term ventilation. There have been 10 occasions in which the plan was utilised and influenced management. CONCLUSION: A structured approach to emergency presentations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic may safeguard paediatric patients from unnecessary manipulation of their tracheostomy tube, minimise viral exposure and allow provision of expeditious care.

Global epidemiology of CTX-M-type ß-lactam resistance in human and animal.

CTX-M ESBL are widely found in animal and human infections. For better understanding of CTX-M variations and epidemiology, a total of 2210 CTX-M sequences were retrieved from NCBI as at 20 December 2020. The maximum incidences of CTX-M were reported in China (n = 508), USA (n = 354) and Japan (n = 180). Single amino acid substitution in the domain region of CTX-M ESBL lead to survival benefits to the bacteria. A total of 31 different variations were found of which D240G was the most common followed by A77V and V103I substitutions. The variations in CTX-M enzymes were explained continent-wise revealing the maximum variation reported in America followed by Asia and Europe of which D240G substitution was the most prevalent. India contained only three variations (E166A, P167S D240G) found in New Delhi, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The P167 and D240 were under strong positive selection with dN/dS calculation.

Relationship between insulin resistance and erythropoietin responsiveness in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Inflammation plays an important role in insulin resistance, and adipocytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leptin, can induce insulin resistance. However, data on insulin resistance and erythropoietin responsiveness in HD patients are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study to clarify the relationship between insulin resistance and erythropoietin responsiveness in HD patients. Insulin resistance as assessed by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), levels of adiponectin and inflammatory cytokines, required erythropoietin (EPO) dose, and other metabolic parameters were measured in patients with (n = 52) and without diabetes (n = 55) over the course of 12 months. RESULTS: The diabetes group had significantly higher serum leptin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 concentrations but lower serum adiponectin concentration. Average hemoglobin (Hb) levels during the 12-month study period were significantly lower in the diabetes group than in the non-diabetes group, and a higher dose of EPO was required in the diabetes group. There was a significant negative correlation between adiponectin and HOMA-IR, a significant positive correlation between EPO dose and HOMA-IR, and a significant negative correlation between EPO dose and adiponectin in the two groups. Insulin resistance as established by HOMA-IR and adiponectin was associated with EPO responsiveness in HD patients. HOMA-IR, Hb, and adiponectin levels were found to be independent predictors of EPO dose in HD patients with diabetes. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance is associated with EPO responsiveness in HD patients. Patients in the diabetes group had a lower response to EPO than those in the non-diabetes group. For improvement in EPO response, insulin resistance may be a new target for treating HD patients.

Disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia in a non-diabetic hemodialysis patient: a case report and review of the literature.

Disopyramide, an antiarrhythmic drug, has been reported to cause hypoglycemia; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Pre-existing factors that increase the concentration of the drug in the blood increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Furthermore, other factors can also increase the risk of hypoglycemia even when disopyramide levels are in the therapeutic range. It has been proposed that disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia is caused by stimulation of insulin secretion due to the inhibition of the pancreatic beta-cell ATP-sensitive K+ channels. We report a case of severe disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia in a nondiabetic 72-year-old woman on hemodialysis. Concentrations of counter-regulatory hormones, serum insulin, and C-peptide were measured. From these data, it appears that disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia results from sustained endogenous insulin secretion, with a concomitant inadequate counter-regulatory response. Although hypoglycemia occurs infrequently in patients treated with disopyramide, this adverse effect is clinically important and potentially life-threatening. Evidence suggests that disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia results from endogenous insulin secretion and can occur in patients with therapeutic blood concentrations of the drug. Patients at risk include those with renal impairment, advanced age, and malnutrition, and blood glucose levels should be monitored carefully in such patients.

ß-Endorphin inhibits phagocytic activity of lizard splenic phagocytes through µ receptor-coupled adenylate cyclase-protein kinase A signaling pathway.

The receptor-coupled intracellular signaling mechanism of endogenous opioid peptide ß-endorphin (ß-end) is explored for the first time in ectothermic vertebrates using wall lizard as a model. ß-End inhibited the percentage phagocytosis and phagocytic index of lizard splenic phagocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of ß-end on phagocytosis was completely antagonized by non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone and also by selective µ-receptor antagonist CTAP. However, selective antagonists for other opioid receptors like NTI for δ-receptor and NorBNI for κ-receptor did not alter the effect of ß-end on phagocytosis. This suggests that ß-end mediated its inhibitory effect on phagocytic activity of splenic phagocytes exclusively through µ opioid receptors. The µ opioid receptor-coupled downstream signaling cascade was subsequently explored using inhibitors of adenylate cyclase (SQ 22536) and protein kinase A (H-89). Both SQ 22536 and H-89 abolished the inhibitory effect of ß-end on phagocytosis in a concentration-related manner. Implication of cAMP as second messenger was corroborated by cAMP assay where an increase in intracellular cAMP level was observed in response to ß-end treatment. It can be concluded that ß-end downregulated the phagocytic activity of lizard splenic phagocytes through µ opioid receptor-coupled adenylate cyclase-cAMP-protein kinase A pathway.

Simultaneous estimation of ZY-19489 and its active metabolite ZY-20486 in human plasma using LC-MS/MS, a novel antimalarial compound.

Aim: ZY-19489 is a new antimalarial drug candidate and selective LC-MS/MS method was established for estimation of ZY-19489 and its metabolite in human plasma. Materials & methods: LLE was employed for extraction, mass spectrometric quantification performed using positive ionization mode and DCP-IMP was used as an internal standard. The chromatographic separation was achieved using mobile phase 5 mM ammonium formate in water and 0.1% v/v ammonia solution in methanol:acetonitrile (90:10% v/v) and column Agilent Zorbex Extended C18, 3.5 µm, 100 × 4.6 mm with a 6-min run time. Results: The calibration curve of ZY-19489 was linear over range 1-500 ng/ml and 2-200 ng/ml for metabolite. Assay was reproducible, selective and devoid of matrix effect. Conclusion: The validated assay was implemented for clinical sample analysis derived from healthy human subjects and parasitemia-induced subjects.

Novel use of high-flow nasal cannula therapy in the management of pyriform aperture stenosis: case report.

BACKGROUND: Pyriform aperture stenosis is a rare form of congenital nasal obstruction; it poses a management dilemma for otolaryngologists and physicians alike. It can result in poor weight gain and potentially life-threatening airflow obstruction. The challenge lies in the difficulty to predict which patients will require invasive operative management versus conservative therapy alone. CASE REPORT: This case demonstrates the successful use of high-flow nasal cannula therapy in a young child with pyriform aperture stenosis.

Rapid nongenomic modulation by neurosteroids of dendritic spines in the hippocampus: Androgen, oestrogen and corticosteroid.

Memories are stored in synapses that consist of axon terminals and dendritic spines. Dendritic spines are postsynaptic structures of synapses and are essential for synaptic plasticity and cognition. Therefore, extensive investigations concerning the functions and structures of spines have been performed. Sex steroids and stress steroids have been shown to modulate hippocampal synapses. Although the rapid modulatory action of sex steroids on synapses has been studied in hippocampal neurones over several decades, the essential molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood. Here, a description of kinase-dependent signalling mechanisms is provided that can explain the rapid nongenomic modulation of dendritic spinogenesis in rat and mouse hippocampal slices by the application of sex steroids, including dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone. We also indicate the role of synaptic (classic) sex steroid receptors that trigger these rapid synaptic modulations. Moreover, we describe rapid nongenomic spine modulation by applying corticosterone, which is an acute stress model of the hippocampus. The explanations for the results obtained are mainly based on the optical imaging of dendritic spines. Comparisons are also performed with results obtained from other types of imaging, including electron microscopic imaging. Relationships between spine modulation and modulation of cognition are discussed. We recognise that most of rapid effects of exogenously applied oestrogen and androgen were observed in steroid-depleted conditions, including acute slices of the hippocampus, castrated male animals and ovariectomised female animals. Therefore, the previously observed effects can be considered as a type of recovery event, which may be essentially similar to hormone replacement therapy under hormone-decreased conditions. On the other hand, in gonadally intact young animals with high levels of endogenous sex hormones, further supplementation of sex hormones might not be effective, whereas the infusion of blockers for steroid receptors or kinases may be effective, with respect to suppressing sex hormone functions, thus providing useful information regarding molecular mechanisms.

Haplotype-based, case-control study of the receptor (calcitonin) activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 1 gene in essential hypertension.

The adrenomedullin receptor is a complex molecule that comprises the calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and the receptor-activity-modifying protein (RAMP). RAMP1 is a vasodilation factor, and RAMP1-deficient mice (RAMP1(-/-)) exhibit inflammatory responses with a significant transient increase in serum calcitonin-gene-related peptide levels and proinflammatory cytokines when compared with RAMP1(+/+) mice. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationships between essential hypertension (EH) and RAMP1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or haplotypes in a Japanese population via a case-control study. Based on a database search of the National Center of Biotechnology Information website and the HapMap project, we chose six RAMP1 gene SNPs and performed an association study involving 263 patients with EH and 267 age-matched normotensive (NT) subjects. There was no significant difference between the EH and NT groups with regard to overall distribution of genotypes or SNP alleles. However, the haplotype-based case-control analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between the EH and NT groups with regard to overall distribution of the allele combinations at three SNPs-rs3754701-rs3769048-rs10199956-(P=0.002). The T-A-T haplotype was significantly more common in the EH group (10.3%) than in the NT control group (6.1%) (P=0.047). These results suggested that this T-A-T RAMP1 gene haplotype might have utility as a genetic marker for EH and that the RAMP1 gene or a neighbouring gene may be associated with increased susceptibility to EH.

Establishment of HUOCA-II, a human ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma cell line, and its angiogenic activity.

A cell line designated "HUOCA-II" was established from a human ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma. The HUOCA-II cells, which were oval, spindle, or polygonal and had neoplastic and pleomorphic features, grew in multiple layers without contact inhibition. The cell line grew fast (population doubling time, 24 hr), and 55 serial passages were carried out within 11 months. The chromosomal number ranged around 46, and no karyological abnormality was found in G-band karyotyping. When heterotransplanted into the subcutis of BALB/c nude mice, HUOCA-II cells produced a poorly differentiated clear cell adenocarcinoma. The tumor angiogenesis factor (TAF) of a molecular weight of about 14,000 was purified from the conditioned medium of HUOCA-II cells, and neovascularization was detected by bioassay with the use of the chorioallantoic membrane of a chick embryo. This TAF also stimulated the growth of endothelial cells in an in vitro culture system.

Establishment and characterization of HUOT, a human ovarian malignant teratoma cell line producing alpha-fetoprotein.

A cell line designated HUOT was established from a recurrent tumor of human ovarian malignant teratoma. The cell line grew slowly and stably and serial passages were performed 50 times within 35 months. The cells, polygonal or spindle, with neoplastic and pleomorphic features grew in multiple layers and without contact inhibition. Population doubling time was 98 hours and the plating efficiency was less than 6%. The chromosome number varied from 43 to over 256, and the modal number was stable at the hyperdiploid range (52-56). The cultured cells produced anaplastic carcinomas by heterotransplantation into the subcutis of nude mice and were characterized as producing large amounts of alpha-fetoprotein, in vitro, at the stationary growth phase and as forming cystlike structures. Dibutyl cAMP suppressed the cellular proliferation and increased the production of alpha-fetoprotein. Therefore, this HUOT line is expected to have a wide application for various laboratory studies.

Establishment and characterization of an estrogen-producing human ovarian granulosa tumor cell line.

Cells designated HTOG and HTOT were established by long-term culture from a human ovarian granulosa cell and a theca cell tumor, respectively. The HTOG line grew well forming colonies and multilayered rapidly without contact inhibition; serial passages of HTOG were performed over 100 times successively within 25 months. HTOG were spindle cells, polygonal or spherical in shape, revealed neoplastic and pleomorphic features, and produced estrone (E1) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2). The chromosome number varied considerably and showed hyperploidy; the modal chromosome number was in the hypertriploid-tetraploid range. When HTOG cells were heterotransplanted into the subcutis of BALB/c nude mice, they produced a sarcomatous diffuse type of granulosa cell tumors. In contrast, HTOT cells grew slowly while forming monolayers and underwent five successive passages in about 100 days, but a theca cell tumor line could not be established. HTOT cells were fibroblastic in shape and also produced E1 and E2. The majority of the cells showed diploidy and karyologic normality.

Establishment and characterization of two human mixed mesodermal tumor cell lines from the same patient.

A cell line designated HIRS -BM was established from fluid aspirated from the sternal bone marrow of a 16-year-old female. Another cell line ( HIRS -PB) was derived from the peripheral blood of the same patient. Both lines grew well, multilayering rapidly without contact inhibition, and 62 serial passages were successively done within 28 months. Both cultures contained spindle- or fibrous-shaped cells that revealed neoplastic and pleomorphic features, and these cells were characterized as possessing cross-striations in the cytoplasm. The cross-striations were detected by phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin stain. Some elongated cells were stained positively with anti-myoglobin by use of periodic acid-Schiff methods. The primary tumor in the uterus was diagnosed as a mixed mesodermal tumor composed of adenocarcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cells. The karyotype exhibited hyperploidy and large submetacentric marker chromosomes, and the modal chromosome number was 84. No difference was found between the 2 cell lines except for growth behavior and heterotransplantability . HIRS -BM cells grew more rapidly and were highly transplantable. The HIRS -BM cells were transplanted into the subcutis of BALB/c nude mice and produced mixed mesodermal tumors resembling the uterine tumor, while the HIRS -PB cells could not be transplanted. Due to the histogenesis of the mixed mesodermal tumor being's obscure with histologic observations only, this study was performed to obtain data by tissue culture of the tumor and resulted in support of the combination theory reported in the literature in regard to tumor.