Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shigella</Emphasis> spp. with reference to its virulence genes and antibiogram analysis from river Narmada

Water samples of the river Narmada from the source to the mouth were analyzed for the presence of shigellae and the Shigella isolates from 180 water samples were characterized by biotyping, serotyping and molecular typing. Out of all the 40 isolates, 23 were identified as S. flexneri, 10 as S. sonnei and 7 as S. dysenteriae. Serotyping was found to be the better identification method than biotyping. In the present investigation, amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) with a probe complementary to 16S rRNA was performed. Repeated ARDRA analysis established the similarities between the isolates and thus suggested ARDRA as authentic and precise detection protocol. The isolates were also analyzed for the presence of virulence genes including ipaBCD, ipaH and stx1. All the 40 isolates of Shigella were found to be positive for the ipaH gene. The plasmid encoded invasion-associated genes ipaBCD were present only in S. flexneri and the stx1 gene was found only in S. dysenteriae. This study demonstrated the existence of Shigella in the river Narmada and the dispersion of different virulence genes among the isolates, which appear to constitute an environmental reservoir of Shigella-specific virulence genes.     

Phytoremediation of metals using lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf.) grown under different levels of red mud in soil amended with biowastes

Due to hostile condition of red mud (RM), its utilization for vegetation is restricted. Therefore, RM with biowastes as soil amendment may offer suitable combination to support plant growth with reduced risk of metal toxicity. To evaluate the effects of RM on soil properties, plant growth performance, and metal accumulation in lemongrass, a study was conducted using different RM concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15% w/w) in soil amended with biowastes [cow dung manure (CD) or sewage-sludge (SS)]. Application of RM in soil with biowastes improved organic matter and nutrient contents and caused reduction in phytoavailable metal contents. Total plant biomass was increased under all treatments, maximally at 5% RM in soil with SS (91.4%) and CD (51.7%) compared to that in control (no RM and biowastes). Lemongrass acted as a potential metal-tolerant plant as its metal tolerance index is >100%. Based on translocation and bioconcentration factors, lemongrass acted as a potential phytostabilizer of Fe, Mn, and Cu in roots and was found efficient in translocation of Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, As, and Ni from roots to shoot. The study suggests that 5% RM with biowastes preferably SS may be used to enhance phytoremediation potential of lemongrass.     

The association between adverse childhood experiences and epigenetic age acceleration in the Canadian longitudinal study on aging (CLSA)

Research examining the association between exposure to a wide range of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and accelerated biological aging in older adults is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of ACEs, both as a cumulative score and individual forms of adversity, with epigenetic age acceleration assessed using the DNA methylation (DNAm) GrimAge and DNAm PhenoAge epigenetic clocks in middle and older-aged adults. This cross-sectional study analyzed baseline and first follow-up data on 1445 participants aged 45–85 years from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) who provided blood samples for DNAm analysis. ACEs were assessed using a validated self-reported questionnaire. Epigenetic age acceleration was estimated by regressing each epigenetic clock estimate on chronological age. Cumulative ACEs score was associated with higher DNAm GrimAge acceleration (β: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.11) after adjusting for covariates. Childhood exposure to parental separation or divorce (β: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.11) and emotional abuse (β: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.12) were associated with higher DNAm GrimAge acceleration after adjusting for other adversities and covariates. There was no statistical association between ACEs and DNAm PhenoAge acceleration. Early life adversity may become biologically embedded and lead to premature biological aging, in relation to DNAm GrimAge, which estimates risk of mortality. Strategies that increase awareness of ACEs and promote healthy child development are needed to prevent ACEs.     

Tec1 and Ste12 transcription factors play a role in adaptation to low pH stress and biofilm formation in the human opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata

International Microbiology - Eukaryotic cells respond to environmental cues through mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Each MAPK cascade is specific to particular stimuli...     

Epigallocatechin gallate protects BEAS-2B cells from lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis through upregulation of gastrin-releasing peptide

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) plays a major role in the development and maintenance of lung epithelial cells by promoting cell division, whereas its suppression causes growth arrest and apoptosis. The present study shows that human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin from gram-negative bacteria, downregulated GRP expression and induced apoptosis via upregulation of p53 and active caspase-3, signifying the importance of GRP in lung epithelial cell survival. However, in the presence of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol in green tea, BEAS-2B cells resisted LPS-induced apoptosis and restored the expression of GRP and its downstream effectors such as epidermal growth factor receptor and NF-κB, as analysed by immunoblotting and qPCR. Based on our findings, we objectify that cytoprotective functions of EGCG, via upregulation of GRP in cells challenged with LPS, are novel and can be further explored in a therapeutic point of view for diseases such as septic shock.     

Design and development of opto-electrochemical biosensing devices for diagnosing chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is emerging as one of the major causes of the increase in mortality rate and is expected to become 5th major cause by 2050. Many studies have shown that it is majorly related to various risk factors, and thus becoming one of the major health issues around the globe. Early detection of renal disease lowers the overall burden of disease by preventing individuals from developing kidney impairment. Therefore, diagnosis and prevention of CKD are becoming the major challenges, and in this situation, biosensors have emerged as one of the best possible solutions. Biosensors are becoming one of the preferred choices for various diseases diagnosis as they provide simpler, cost-effective and precise methods for onsite detection. In this review, we have tried to discuss the globally developed biosensors for the detection of CKD, focusing on their design, pattern, and applicability in real samples. Two major classifications of biosensors based on transduction systems, that is, optical and electrochemical, for kidney disease have been discussed in detail. Also, the major focus is given to clinical biomarkers such as albumin, creatinine, and others related to kidney dysfunction. Furthermore, the globally developed sensors for the detection of CKD are discussed in tabulated form comparing their analytical performance, response time, specificity as well as performance in biological fluids.