Antibiotic resistance in wastewater: Indian scenario.

The surge of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB) in the environment is poised to be the next health threat. World Health Organisation's (WHO's) Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) report indicates that developing countries may be at a greater risk. Among various factors, the major driver here could be untreated wastewater and poor sanitation. Bacteria are extremely adaptable to their surroundings and develop Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) when exposed to antibiotics and other pollutants that cause microbial stress. Thus, untreated domestic wastewater drains could easily become hotspots for the occurrence of ARBs. This study reports surveillance of sewage-carrying drains across four urban cities in India and demonstrated the presence of ARBs in the bacterial community against 7 classes of antibiotics, namely, ß-Lactams, Chloramphenicol, Glycopeptides, Macrolides, Tetracycline, Third Generation Cephalosporin, and Quinolones. Untreated domestic wastewater flowing in target drains was collected twice a month, for a period of six months and the microbial community was subjected to Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) by plate assays. The zone of inhibition was recorded and interpreted as per the interpretive chart of The Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) & The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The total number of samples showing resistance against antibiotics was used to define an Antibiotic Resistance Index (ARI), calculated for all 20 sampling sites (drains). Results demonstrated that the highest ARI was observed in Delhi and Mumbai, ranging from 0.81 to 0.92 in Delhi and 0.49-0.56 in Mumbai. This surveillance study reveals the antibiotic resistance pattern of the representative bacterial community in the drains and goes beyond few targeted bacterial species. The alarming presence of antibiotic resistant bacterial community highlights the concern of ARBs being the next looming health threat. This report aims to demonstrates the importance of considering sewage surveillance on routine basis by state authorities.

Comparative assessment of soil microbial community in crude oil contaminated sites.

Petroleum refineries generate oily sludge that contains hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and hence, its proper disposal is of foremost concern. Analysis of the physicochemical properties and functions of indigenous microbes of the contaminated sites are essential in deciding the strategy for bioremediation. This study analyses both parameters at two geographically distant sites, with different crude oil sources, and compares the metabolic capability of soil bacteria with reference to different contamination sources and the age of the contaminated site. The results indicate that organic carbon and total nitrogen derived from petroleum hydrocarbon negatively affect microbial diversity. Contamination levels vary widely on site, with levels of PAHs ranging from 5.04 to 1.66 × 103 µg kg-1 and 6.20 to 5.64 × 103 µg kg-1 in Assam and Gujarat sites respectively, covering a higher proportion of low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (fluorene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and anthracene). Functional diversity values were observed to be positively correlated (p < 0.05) with acenaphthylene, fluorene, anthracene, and phenanthrene. Microbial diversity was the highest in fresh oily sludge which decreased upon storage, indicating that immediate bioremediation, soon after its generation, would be beneficial. Improvement in the bio-accessibility of hydrocarbon compounds by the treatment of biosurfactant produced by a (soil isolate/isolate) was demonstrated., with respect to substrate utilization.

Heat transfer of generalized second grade fluid with MHD, radiation and exponential heating using Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivatives approach.

The aim of the present work is to apply the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative to the heat transformation of unsteady incompressible second grade fluid. The effects of magneto hydro dynamic and radiation are analyzed. In governing equation of heat transfer nonlinear radiative heat is examined. Exponential heating phenomena is considered at boundary. Firstly, the dimensional governing equations with the initial & boundary conditions are converted into non-dimensional form. Exact analytical solutions are obtained for dimensionless fractional governing equations which consist of momentum and energy equations by using Laplace transform method. Special cases are investigated of the obtained solutions and it is noticed that some well-known results are achieved published in literature from these special cases. At the end, for graphical illustration the influences of different physical parameters like radiation, Prandtl, fractional parameter, Grashof numbers and Magneto hydro dynamic are checked graphically.

FGF signalling facilitates cervical cancer progression.

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women worldwide. While cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), not all females infected with HPV develop the disease, suggesting that other factors might facilitate its progression. Growing evidence supports the involvement of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) axis in several cancers, including gynecological. However, for cervical cancer, the molecular mechanisms that underpin the disease remain poorly understood, including the role of FGFR signaling. The aim of this study was to investigate FGF(R) signaling in cervical cancer through bioinformatic analysis of cell line and patient data and through detailed expression profiling, manipulation of the FGFR axis, and downstream phenotypic analysis in cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, and CaSki). Expression (protein and mRNA) analysis demonstrated that FGFR1b/c, FGFR2b/c, FGFR4, FGF2, FGF4, and FGF7 were expressed in all three lines. Interestingly, FGFR1 and 2 localized to the nucleus, supporting that nuclear FGFRs could act as transcription factors. Importantly, 2D and 3D cell cultures demonstrated that FGFR activation can facilitate cell functions correlated with invasive disease. Collectively, this study supports an association between FGFR signaling and cervical cancer progression, laying the foundations for the development of therapeutic approaches targeting FGFR in this disease.

Can disseminated intravascular coagulation scores predict mortality in COVID-19 patients?

OBJECTIVES: Complications related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which has been reported to be among the known causes of mortality in such patients. This study aims to analyse the incidence of DIC in COVID-19 non-survivors and to assess the association between DIC and its comorbidities. METHODS: The medical records of 154 non-survivors of COVID-19, hospitalised between April 2020 and July 2020, were retrospectively analysed. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) criteria for DIC were applied to identify the occurrence of coagulopathy. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the association between DIC and its comorbidities. RESULTS: Out of 154 non-survivors, non-overt DIC was observed in 94.8% of the patients, whereas only 5.2% fulfilled the overt criteria of DIC with a mean age 64.6 years. The mortality rate was 4.5 times higher among men than women. The D-dimer level was >250 ng/ml in 68.8% of the patients including 88.9% of the non-overt and 100% of the overt DIC patients. Prothrombin time (PT) in non-overt and overt DIC cases was 17.3 s and 24.4 s, respectively. Thrombotic event and chronic kidney disease were found to be the main predictors of DIC (p < 0.0001 and 0.03, respectively) followed by diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (statistically insignificant). CONCLUSIONS: Our study concludes that the ISTH DIC score cannot predict mortality as the COVID-19 related DIC differs from the sepsis-induced DIC. Among the seriously ill, older patients with comorbidities, increased levels of D-dimer and prolonged PT are more reliable parameters among COVID-19 non-survivors.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, derived Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio as risk factors in critically ill COVID-19 patients, a single centered study.

BACKGROUND: A lot remains anonymous about the characteristics and laboratory findings that may evaluate poor outcomes in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019.The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of change in the peripheral blood factors of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, derived-Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio, and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and its severity. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study was performed at Department of Haematology in Pak Emirates Military Hospital affiliated with Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from March-July 2020. We included 735 patients confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction test for subacute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 of all ages, irrespective of gender and were classified in groups of severe and non-severe groups. RESULTS: Data of blood and baseline characteristics were compared in between the two groups and found to be significant (p-value <0.001). The median age was 46.3 years, and 82 cases were only females. Receiver operator curve demonstrated larger area under the curve of NLR, d-NLR, and PLR and showed them as independent diagnostic biomarkers which were significantly associated with the severity of illness. Binary logistic regression performed in the form of forest plot also showed these factors were significantly linked with the severity (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION: NLR, d-NLR, and PLR along with pre-existing co morbidities can be used as an independent biomarker for the poor clinical outcome of COVID-19 illness.

Distribution of HLA-B*27 Subtypes in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Local Population.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the distribution of HLA-B*27 subtypes in healthy controls and in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients of different ethnic groups from Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from April 2016 to October 2017. METHODOLOGY: Forty-nine HLA-B*27 positive, unrelated AS patients and 18 HLA-B*27 positive healthy BMT/renal transplant donors were selected for this study. Typing of the HLA-B27 alleles was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP). RESULTS: There was a wide number of HLA-B*27 subtypes and an elevated frequency of the B*2707 allele in the AS patients. The allele B*2706 seems to have a protective role in the population studied because it was found only in the healthy controls. HLA-B*27:03 and 07 were found predominant subtypes in Punjabis and Pathans, respectively. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences for the distribution of B*27 subtypes between patients and controls (p >0.05).

Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor with Granulomatous Reaction Resembling Tuberculosis - A Unique Presentation.

Yolk sac tumors (endodermal sinus tumors) are an important subgroup of germ cell tumors of the ovary. They are seen in young females and are highly aggressive, but respond well to treatment. Although different morphological patterns can be seen on light microscopy, granulomatous reaction and giant cells are a very rare occurrence. We report the case of a young female with ovarian yolk-sac tumor in which a widespread granulomatous reaction was seen, causing a diagnostic dilemma.

Gossypiboma mimicking as dermoid cyst of ovary: a case report.

Gossypiboma is a rare condition caused by retained postoperative foreign bodies. The condition is under reported because of diagnostic difficulties and medicolegal implications associated with it. It may mimic a benign or malignant soft-tissue tumour in the abdomen and pelvis. A 22-year-old woman presented with non specific symptoms and was referred to us with radiological diagnosis of dermoid cyst. On laparotomy the mass was proved to be a gossypiboma resulted from gauze which was retained in caesarean section done two years back. Although gossypiboma is rarely seen in daily clinical practice, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative patients presenting with non specific complains and lump abdomen. Despite thorough history, physical examination, laboratory, and radiographical findings, usually gossypibomas are not suspected and remain an accidental finding. Employment of all preventive measures during surgical procedures and high index of suspicion in post operative patients are the key stones in its management.

Ethyl 7-methyl-3-oxo-5-phenyl-2-(2,4,6-trimeth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-2,3-dihydro-5H-thia-zolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C(26)H(26)N(2)O(6)S, the benzene ring is positioned axially to the thia-zolopyrimidine ring and bis-ects it with a dihedral angle of 80.94 (7)°. The pyrimidine ring adopts a flattened boat conformation. In the crystal, pairs of bifurcated C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along the c axis.

Ethyl 2-(4-carb-oxy-benzyl-idene)-7-methyl-3-oxo-5-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-5H-thia-zolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxyl-ate-N,N-dimethyl-formamide (1/1).

In the title compound, C(24)H(20)N(2)O(5)S·C(3)H(7)NO, a benzene ring is positioned axially to the pyrimidine ring, which adopts a twist-boat conformation, and is inclined to its mean plane by 85.36 (7)°. In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H⋯O inter-actions result in centrosymmetric head-to-head dimers with an R(2) (2)(14) graph-set motif along the b axis. Pairs of C-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds form centrosymmetric head-to-head dimers about inversion centres, corresponding to an R(2) (2)(7) graph-set motif along the a axis.

Two antifungal active triterpenoid saponins from the seeds of Lathyrus plants.

Two novel triterpenoid glycosides have been isolated from butanolic seeds extract of two varieties of Lathyrus plants, i.e. Lathyrus ratan and Lathyrus aphaca. Their structures were elucidated as 3-O-[ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-olean-11,13(18)-dien-28-oic acid (1) and 3-O-{ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-D-glcopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-xylopyranosyl}-2,16α-dihydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl urs-12-en-28-oic acid (2) on the basis of spectral evidences, i.e. FTIR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, ESI-MS and FAB-MS data. The isolated saponins were tested for their antifungal activity. Compound 1 showed maximum inhibition against Colletotrichum dematium (77.8%), whereas compound 2 showed maximum inhibition against Alternaria alternata (53.9%).

Antifungal activity of bioactive triterpenoid saponin from the seeds of Cassia angustifolia.

A novel oleanen type triterpenoid glycoside has been isolated from butanolic seed extracts of Cassia angustifolia. Its structure was elucidated as 3-O-{beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl}-2, 16alpha-dihydroxy-4, 20-hydroxy methyl olean-12-ene-28-oic acid on the basis of spectral evidence (i.e. FTIR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and FAB-MS data). The isolated saponin was tested for its antifungal activity, where the maximum inhibition was found in Colletotrichium dematium.

Specific 50'CpG island methylation signatures of FHIT and p16 genes and their potential diagnostic relevance in Indian breast cancer patients.

Even after tremendous molecular studies, early detection,more accurate and sensitive diagnosis, and prognosis of breast cancer appear to be a riddle so far. To stab the enigma, this study is designed to envisage DNA methylation signatures as cancer-specific and stage-specific biomarkers in Indian patients. Rigorous review of scattered scientific reports on aberrant DNA methylation helped us to select and analyze a potential tumor suppressor gene pair (FHIT and p16 genes) in breast cancer patients. Methylation signatures from 232 primary sporadic breast cancer patients were pinpointed by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). To increase the sensitivity, we combined both MSP and expression studies (RT-PCR and Northern blotting) in a reproducible manner. Statistical analysis illustrated that hypermethylation of FHIT gene ( p < 0.0001) and p16 gene ( p=0.04) may be used as a potential diagnostic marker to diagnose the early and locally advanced stages of breast cancer. Additionally, the study authenticates the dependency of methylation and expressional loss of p16 gene on FHIT gene silencing. This observation not only describes the severity of disease when both genes are silenced but also drives to speculate the molecular cross talk between two genes or genetic pathways dictated by them separately.

Iniencephaly.

Iniencephaly is a rare congenital anomaly which is a type of neural tube defect. Babies with iniencephaly are almost always still born but exceptionally live born cases are reported. This article reports a case of a live born iniencephalic baby who died about 15 minutes after birth.

Different cellular localization, translocation, and insulin-induced phosphorylation of PKBalpha in HepG2 cells and hepatocytes.

Protein kinase B (PKB), a serine/threonine protein kinase, prevents apoptosis and promotes cellular transformation. PKB activity is stimulated by insulin. In this report, we examined the relative amounts of expression, location, and translocation upon insulin stimulation of PKBalpha in normal primary hepatocytes and carcinoma cells, HepG2 cells. Non-phosphorylated PKBalpha was present in both types of unstimulated cells. The phosphorylated form of the enzyme was present in the nucleus of unstimulated HepG2 cells but not in normal hepatocytes. In the cytoplasm, PKBalpha was found in greater abundance in the hepatocytes as compared in HepG2 cells. Insulin induced the translocation of phosphorylated PKBalpha from the nucleus to the nuclear membrane in HepG2 cells. In contrast, insulin caused translocation and phosphorylation of PKBalpha from the cytosol to the plasma membrane in normal hepatocytes. In addition, there is a higher expression of PKBalpha in the HepG2 cells as compared to normal primary hepatocytes. These findings provide an important distinction between hepatocellular HepG2 cells and normal liver cells and suggest that the presence of constitutively active nuclear PKB in the transformed cells might be an important contributor in cell transformation and immortality of hepatoma cells.