Virulence Characteristics and Genetic Affinities of Multiple Drug Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli from a Semi Urban Locality in India

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are of significant health concern. The emergence of drug resistant E. coli with high virulence potential is alarming. Lack of sufficient data on transmission dynamics, virulence spectrum and antimicrobial resistance of certain pathogens such as the uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) from countries with high infection burden, such as India, hinders the infection control and management efforts. In this study, we extensively genotyped and phenotyped a collection of 150 UPEC obtained from patients belonging to a semi-urban, industrialized setting near Pune, India. The isolates representing different clinical categories were analyzed in comparison with 50 commensal E. coli isolates from India as well as 50 ExPEC strains from Germany. Virulent strains were identified based on hemolysis, haemagglutination, cell surface hydrophobicity, serum bactericidal activity as well as with the help of O serotyping. We generated antimicrobial resistance profiles for all the clinical isolates and carried out phylogenetic analysis based on repetitive extragenic palindromic (rep)-PCR. E. coli from urinary tract infection cases expressed higher percentages of type I (45%) and P fimbriae (40%) when compared to fecal isolates (25% and 8% respectively). Hemolytic group comprised of 60% of UPEC and only 2% of E. coli from feces. Additionally, we found that serum resistance and cell surface hydrophobicity were not significantly (p = 0.16/p = 0.51) associated with UPEC from clinical cases. Moreover, clinical isolates exhibited highest resistance against amoxicillin (67.3%) and least against nitrofurantoin (57.3%). We also observed that 31.3% of UPEC were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers belonging to serotype O25, of which four were also positive for O25b subgroup that is linked to B2-O25b-ST131-CTX-M-15 virulent/multiresistant type. Furthermore, isolates from India and Germany (as well as global sources) were found to be genetically distinct with no evidence to espouse expansion of E. coli from India to the west or vice-versa

Bub1-Mediated Adaptation of the Spindle Checkpoint

During cell division, the spindle checkpoint ensures accurate chromosome segregation by monitoring the kinetochore–microtubule interaction and delaying the onset of anaphase until each pair of sister chromosomes is properly attached to microtubules. The spindle checkpoint is deactivated as chromosomes start moving toward the spindles in anaphase, but the mechanisms by which this deactivation and adaptation to prolonged mitotic arrest occur remain obscure. Our results strongly suggest that Cdc28-mediated phosphorylation of Bub1 at T566 plays an important role for the degradation of Bub1 in anaphase, and the phosphorylation is required for adaptation of the spindle checkpoint to prolonged mitotic arrest

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer: Underlying Pathophysiology and New Therapeutic Modalities

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are major lung diseases affecting millions worldwide. Both diseases have links to cigarette smoking and exert a considerable societal burden. People suffering from COPD are at higher risk of developing lung cancer than those without, and are more susceptible to poor outcomes after diagnosis and treatment. Lung cancer and COPD are closely associated, possibly sharing common traits such as an underlying genetic predisposition, epithelial and endothelial cell plasticity, dysfunctional inflammatory mechanisms including the deposition of excessive extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, susceptibility to DNA damage and cellular mutagenesis. In fact, COPD could be the driving factor for lung cancer, providing a conducive environment that propagates its evolution. In the early stages of smoking, body defences provide a combative immune/oxidative response and DNA repair mechanisms are likely to subdue these changes to a certain extent; however, in patients with COPD with lung cancer the consequences could be devastating, potentially contributing to slower postoperative recovery after lung resection and increased resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Vital to the development of new-targeted therapies is an in-depth understanding of various molecular mechanisms that are associated with both pathologies. In this comprehensive review, we provide a detailed overview of possible underlying factors that link COPD and lung cancer, and current therapeutic advances from both human and preclinical animal models that can effectively mitigate this unholy relationship

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Not AvailableIn order to investigate spatial and temporal variation of soil moisture under zero tillage (ZT) and raised bed (RB) method of wheat crop establishment with respect to conventional tillage (CT) method, a field experiment was conducted at Sabajpura farm of ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna on salty clay loam soil having sand, silt and clay of 20.8, 66.3 and 12.9%, respectively. Four depths of irrigation i.e. 3, 5, 7, and 9 cm with three replications were applied to each tillage method. The results revealed that the moisture content in the root zone for 3 cm depth of irrigation was low and there was not much variation in moisture content for 5, 7 and 9 cm depths of irrigation. In the top 0-15 cm depth of soil layer the moisture content in ZT (varying from 37.6 - 29.4%) and in the furrows of RB (varying from 37.8-30.3%) were highest followed by CT (varying from 36.5 - 25.2%) and it was found lowest on the beds of RB (varying from 30.2- 23.8%) for 5 cm depth of irrigation. In lower layers also similar trend was observed, but there was not much difference in the moisture contents among all the methods. The rate of decrease in moisture contents between first and second irrigations was lowest and between third and fourth irrigation it was found highest in all the tillage methods.Not Availabl

To Study the Clinical Profile of Poisoning in Female Patients of Age above 18 Years with Special Reference to Psychological Status of the Patient

Background: Poisoning is a major problem all over the world, although its type and the associated morbidity and mortality vary from country to country. According to the legal system of our country, all poisoning death cases are recorded as unnatural death and a medico-legal autopsy is routine. Aim: to study effect of Employment, marriage, education, stressor at initial attempt including debts. Material and methods: The present study was a retrospective study conducted during 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2022 in a tertiary care hospital. The study included 51 cases of adults, with acute poisoning due to drugs and chemicals. Results: the cases were young adults females from the age group of 18–30 years (86.27%) and other were belongs to 31-45 years(13.73). The commonest agents involved in the poisoning was rodenticial powder (23.53%) followed by oraganophosphorous (21.57%). More number of previous suicidal attempts were observe in the married females as compared to the unmarried females having psychological disorders. Conclusion: For prevention of these emergencies strict rules and regulations must be enforced using pesticides or over-the-counter drugs. Young adult should be aware of the dangers of using these chemicals. Counseling centers will be set up in all hospitals.</jats:p