Metabolism of aceclofenac to diclofenac in the domestic water buffalo Bubalus bubalis confirms it as a threat to Critically Endangered Gyps vultures in South Asia

Vulture declines in South Asia were caused by accidental poisoning by the veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Although veterinary use of diclofenac has been banned, other vulture-toxic NSAIDs are legally available, including aceclofenac, which has been shown to metabolise into diclofenac in domestic cattle. We gave nine domestic water buffalo the recommended dose of aceclofenac (2 mg kg^-1 body weight), collected blood at intervals up to 48 h, and carried out a pharmacokinetic analysis of aceclofenac and its metabolite diclofenac in plasma. Aceclofenac was rapidly converted to diclofenac, and was barely detectable in plasma at any sampling time. Diclofenac was present within 20 min, and peaked 4-8 h after dosing. Aceclofenac is a prodrug of diclofenac, and behaves similarly in domestic water buffalo as it did in domestic cattle, posing the same risk to vultures. We recommend an immediate ban on the veterinary use of aceclofenac across vulture-range countries.

SITE-SPECIFIC DRY AND WET DEPOSITION VELOCITIES USING 7BE AND MASS INTERCEPTION FACTOR FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF PLANT LEAVES AT NARORA SITE, INDIA

Comprehensive studies were carried out during the period 2016-19 on the estimation of site-specific wet and dry deposition velocities and the mass interception factor for Narora site based on the concentrations of 7Be in air, air deposits, rain water and vegetation samples. Mean wet and dry deposition velocities for Narora site were found to be 1.64E-2 and 1.58E-3 m s-1, respectively. Mass interception factors for vegetation found to be 0.34-2.51 m2 kg-1 dry weight with a mean of 0.97 m2 kg-1 dry weight. The obtained parameters shall be used for estimation of impact due to radionuclide related to Narora Atomic Power station.

Tuberculosis in free-ranging and captive wild animals: Pathological and molecular diagnosis with histomorphological differentiation of granulomatous lesions

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious zoonotic threat, impacting the human-livestock-wildlife interface globally. Here, we evaluated the status and histomorphological differentiation of TB lesions in 89 morbid cases of wild animals (bovids, cervids, carnivores, non-human primates, and pachyderms) in India. Histomorphological and molecular studies were done using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas cultural isolation was performed on selected samples. A total of 32 (35.95%) cases were confirmed as TB, comprising of 12 carnivores, 09 bovids, 06 cervids, 04 non-human primates, and a pachyderm. The TB lesions in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes varied from the large-sized caseous nodules filled with dry cheesy material in bovids and cervids to variable-sized cavitations containing liquefied caseum in carnivores' lungs. The lungs, livers, and spleens of non-human primates exhibited small to medium-sized nodules. Histologically, lesions were divided into four categories (Types I, II, III, and IV) based on the extent of necrosis, the presence of mineralization, giant cells, and fibrous encapsulation. Extensive caseous necrosis with calcification, abundant giant cells, and thick fibroblastic encapsulation were consistent findings in the lungs, livers, and lymph nodes of bovids and cervids, whereas airway impaction with cellular exudate containing a teeming number of acid-fast bacilli and, at times, alveolar rupture leading to cavity formation was present in the lungs of carnivores. Absence of calcification and fibrous encapsulation was recorded in lungs of non-human primates. Immunohistochemical labelling with anti-early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) antibodies showed mild, moderate, and intense positive reactions in type II and III, type I, and type IV granulomatous lesions, respectively. Molecular detection by PCR revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (12 carnivores, 02 non-human primates and 01 pachyderm), M. bovis (02 cervids and 01 bovid) and M. orygis (02 cervids and 01 bovid). Cultural isolation confirmed M. tuberculosis in 03 carnivores and M. orygis in 02 cervids and 01 bovid. Our findings imply that TB is quite prevalent in the wildlife of India and there are considerable differences in the histomorphological lesions induced by distinct Mycobacterium species in different wild animals. The circulation of TB organisms in wild animals warrants a strict surveillance programme to identify the carrier status of these animals so that effective TB control strategies can be formulated to prevent spillover and spillback incidences at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

Crystal structure and molecular characterization of NADP+-farnesol dehydrogenase from cotton bollworm, Helicoverpaarmigera

Farnesol dehydrogenase (FDL) orchestrates the oxidation reaction catalyzing farnesol to farnesal, a key step in the juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis pathway of insects and hence, represents a lucrative target for developing insect growth regulators (IGRs). However, information on the structural and functional characterization of JH-specific farnesol dehydrogenase in insects remains elusive. Herein, we identified a transcript that encodes farnesol dehydrogenase (HaFDL) from Helicoverpa armigera, a major pest of cotton. The investigations of molecular assembly, biochemical analysis and spatio-temporal expression profiling showed that HaFDL exists as a soluble homo-tetrameric form, exhibits a broad substrate affinity and is involved in the JH-specific farnesol oxidation in H. armigera. Additionally, the study presents the first crystal structure of the HaFDL-NADP enzyme complex determined at 1.6 Å resolution. Structural analysis revealed that HaFDL belongs to the NADP-specific cP2 subfamily of the classical short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family and exhibits typical structural features of those enzymes including the conserved nucleotide-binding Rossman-fold. The isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed a high binding affinity (dissociation constant, Kd, 3.43 μM) of NADP to the enzyme. Comparative structural analysis showed a distinct substrate-binding pocket (SBP) loop with a spacious and hydrophobic substrate-binding pocket in HaFDL, consistent with the biochemically observed promiscuous substrate specificity. Finally, based on the crystal structure, substrate modeling and structural comparison with homologs, a two-step reaction mechanism is proposed. Overall, the findings significantly impact and contribute to our understanding of farnesol dehydrogenase functional properties in JH biosynthesis in H. armigera.

Epigenetic Modification: A Key Tool for Secondary Metabolite Production in Microorganisms

Microorganisms are stupendous source of secondary metabolites, having significant pharmaceutical and industrial importance. Genome mining has led to the detection of several cryptic metabolic pathways in the natural producer of secondary metabolites (SMs) such as actinobacteria and fungi. Production of these bioactive compounds in considerable amount is, however, somewhat challenging. This led to the search of using epigenetics as a key mechanism to alter the expression of genes that encode the SMs toward higher production in microorganisms. Epigenetics is defined as any heritable change without involving the changes in the underlying DNA sequences. Epigenetic modifications include chromatin remodeling by histone posttranslational modifications, DNA methylation, and RNA interference. Biosynthetic gene cluster for SMs remains in heterochromatin state in which the transcription of constitutive gene is regulated by epigenetic modification. Therefore, small-molecule epigenetic modifiers, which promote changes in the structure of chromatin, could control the expression of silent genes and may be rationally employed for discovery of novel bioactive compounds. This review article focuses on the types of epigenetic modifications and their impact on gene expression for enhancement of SM production in microorganisms.

Characterization of a cytoplasmic 2-Cys peroxiredoxin from Citrus sinensis and its potential role in protection from oxidative damage and wound healing

In present work, the recombinant cytoplasmic 2-Cys peroxiredoxin from Citrus sinensis (CsPrx) was purified and characterized. The peroxidase activity was examined with different substrates using DTT, a non-physiological electron donor. The conformational studies, in oxidized and reduced states, were performed using circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence measurement. The CD analysis showed higher α-helical content for reduced state of the protein. The thermal stability studies of CsPrx by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed that oxidized state is more stable as compared to the reduced state of CsPrx. In vitro studies showed that the CsPrx provides a protective shield against ROS and free radicals that participate in the degradation of plasmid DNA. The pre-treatment of 10 μM CsPrx provide almost 100% protection against peroxide-mediated cell killing in the Vero cells. CsPrx showed significant cell proliferation and wound healing properties. The superior morphology of viable cells and wound closure was found at 20 μM CsPrx treated for 12 h. The results demonstrated that CsPrx is a multifaceted protein with a significant role in cell proliferation, wound healing and protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular damage. This could be the first report of a plant peroxiredoxin being characterized for biomedical applications.

Experimental safety testing shows that the NSAID tolfenamic acid is not toxic to Gyps vultures in India at concentrations likely to be encountered in cattle carcasses

Population declines of Gyps vultures across the Indian subcontinent were caused by unintentional poisoning by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Subsequently, a number of other NSAIDs have been identified as toxic to vultures, while one, meloxicam, is safe at concentrations likely to be encountered by vultures in the wild. Other vulture-safe drugs need to be identified to reduce the use of those toxic to vultures. We report on safety-testing experiments on the NSAID tolfenamic acid on captive vultures of three Gyps species, all of which are susceptible to diclofenac poisoning. Firstly, we estimated the maximum level of exposure (MLE) of wild vultures and gave this dose to 40 Near Threatened Himalayan Griffons G. himalayensis by oral gavage, with 15 control birds dosed with benzyl alcohol (the carrier solution for tolfenamic acid). Two birds given tolfenamic acid died with elevated uric acid levels and severe visceral gout, while the remainder showed no adverse clinical or biochemical signs. Secondly, four G. himalayensis were fed tissues from water buffaloes which had been treated with double the recommended veterinary dose of tolfenamic acid prior to death and compared to two birds fed uncontaminated tissue; none suffered any clinical effects. Finally, two captive Critically Endangered vultures, one G. bengalensis and one G. indicus, were given the MLE dose by gavage and compared to two control birds; again, none suffered any clinical effects. The death of two G. himalayensis may have been an anomaly due to i) the high dose level used and ii) the high ambient temperatures at the time of the experiment. Tolfenamic acid is likely to be safe to Gyps vultures at concentrations encountered by wild birds and could therefore be promoted as a safe alternative to toxic NSAIDs. It is manufactured in the region, and is increasingly being used to treat livestock.

Optical coherence tomography versus angiography to guide percutaneous intervention: a real-world single center propensity-matched analysis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) with its superior resolution has several benefits over coronary angiography (CA) to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).  Despite the benefits of OCT in comparison with angiography, it is not widely used in developing countries like India data is limited in India specifically in all comer population to meet unmet need.

Objective

Here we aim to determine the clinical efficacy and safety outcomes of OCT versus CA alone in guiding PCI in all-comer patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective study which included 434 all comer patients which were propensity matched. These patients underwent PCI at our center between December 2018 and June 2020.  The primary endpoint was MACE, a composite of cardiovascular death, repeat revascularization, stent thrombosis, recurrent ischemia and target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI) at 6 months. Secondary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), composite of stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis. Safety endpoints were post-PCI s. creatinine and hospital stay and other outcome includes post PCI rise in CK-MB.

Results

A total of 217 patients were included in each group: the OCT group and conventional angiography guided PCI (angio group) after propensity matching. Compared to angio group, patients presenting with unstable angina, NSTEMI were significantly higher in the OCT group (55.7% vs 43.3%, p = 0.0095; 17.5% vs 10%, p = 0.02, respectively) while patients with STEMI were significantly low in the OCT (23.5% vs 41.5%, p = 0.00005). Number of balloons, maximum balloon size and left main interventions and contrast volume were more in OCT group than angio group (4.21 ± 1.67 vs 3.86 ± 1.76, P= 0.0034; 3.77 ± 0.63 mm vs 3.51 ± 0.52 mm,P < 0.0001; 24.52% vs 13.36 %,P = 0.003 and 202.53 ± 73.15 ml vs 161.91 ± 69.23 ml, P< 0.0001 respectively). The incidence of MACE at 6 months was numerically lower in the OCT group vs angio group but the difference was not statistically significant (15 [6.9%] vs 21 [9.7%]; p = 0.2964). No cases of TV-MI, TLF (stent thrombosis or in-stent restenosis) is observed in both the groups. Post procedure rise in CKMB was more in Angio group in comparison to OCT group (6.16 ± 31.28 ng/ml vs 39.5 ± 108.71 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Optimal stent expansion (>80%) was seen in 71.5% patients in post OCT-guided PCI. In OCT guided PCI group, OCT identified stent underexpansion in 28.5%, stent malapposition in 3.7%, stent edge dissection in 4.1%, and tissue prolapse in 10% of the patients.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective study, OCT guided PCI is feasible and OCT-guided PCI has tendency to improve clinical outcomes at six months follow up compared to conventional angiography guided PCI in all comer patients. Abstract Figure. central illustration  Abstract Figure. Identification of PCI complications

Socio-demographic features and quality of life post burn injury

Introduction:

Burn injury is a highly devastating injury accounting for the major cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost mostly in developing countries. Physical trauma, body disfigurement, the social stigma associated with injury completely shatter an individual’s life.

Aim:

To study the quality of life among burn injury patients.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional hospital-based descriptive study was done on 150 burn injury patients. During the initial recruitment from Burns and Plastic Surgery Ward, socio-demographic profile and burn incident-related data were collected, whereas the WHO QoL-BREF tool was applied after 3 months of discharge during a follow-up visit in the outpatient department of Burns and Plastic Surgery to assess the quality of life among subjects. Data were compiled in MS Excel and statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 version.

Results:

The study revealed poor quality of life among four domains of QoL; it was most inferior in the psychological domain followed by the physical health domain, environment domain, and social relationship domain.

Conclusion:

Advancement in the medical field has improved the survival rate in victims although the patients recover from the acute painful phase of physical trauma. However, the psychological and social impacts of injury remain unaddressed leading to a poor QoL. There is a need for an integrated approach for prevention and enhancement of the quality of care for the victims in all four domains of life. More emphasis is needed on rehabilitative care for long-term improvement in the QoL of the affected person.

Structure of dye-decolorizing peroxidase from Bacillus subtilis in complex with veratryl alcohol

Dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) are heme-containing peroxidases, which have promising application in biodegradation of phenolic lignin compounds and in detoxification of dyes. In this study, the crystal structure of BsDyP- veratryl alcohol (VA) complex delves deep into the binding of small substrate molecules within the DyP heme cavity. The biochemical analysis shows that BsDyP oxidizes the VA with a turnover number of 0.065 s^-1, followed by the oxidation of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP) and guaiacol with a comparable turnover number (k_cat) of 0.07 s^-1 and 0.07 s^-1, respectively. Moreover, biophysical and computational studies reveal the comparable binding affinity of substrates to BsDyP and produce lower-energy stable BsDyP-ligand(s) complexes. All together with our previous findings, we are providing a complete structural description of substrate-binding sites in DyP. The structural insight of BsDyP helps to modulate its engineering to enhance the activity towards the oxidation of a wide range of substrates.

Deciphering the enigma of missing DNA binding domain of LacI family transcription factors

Catabolite repressor activator (Cra) is a member of the LacI family transcriptional regulator distributed across a wide range of bacteria and regulates the carbon metabolism and virulence gene expression. In numerous studies to crystallize the apo form of the LacI family transcription factor, the N-terminal domain (NTD), which functions as a DNA-binding domain, has been enigmatically missing from the final resolved structures. It was speculated that the NTD is disordered or unstable and gets cleaved during crystallization. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of Cra from Escherichia coli (EcCra). The structure revealed a well-defined electron density for the C-terminal domain (CTD). However, electron density was missing for the first 56 amino acids (NTD). Our data reveal for the first time that EcCra undergoes a spontaneous cleavage at the conserved Asn 50 (N50) site, which separates the N-terminal DNA binding domain from the C-terminal effector molecule binding domain. With the site-directed mutagenesis, we confirm the involvement of residue N50 in the spontaneous cleavage phenomenon. Furthermore, the Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay of the EcCra-NTD with DNA showed EcCra-NTD is in a functional conformation state and retains its DNA binding activity.

Characterization of recombinant pumpkin 2S albumin and mutation studies to unravel potential DNA/RNA binding site

The native pumpkin 2S albumin, a multifunctional protein, possess a variety of potential biotechnologically exploitable properties. The present study reports the characterization of recombinant pumpkin 2S albumin (rP2SA) and unraveling of its potential DNA/RNA binding site. The purification and characterization of the rP2SA established that it retains the characteristic α-helical structure and exhibited comparable DNase, RNase, antifungal and anti-proliferative activities as native protein. In vitro studies revealed that rP2SA exhibits potent antiviral activity against chikungunya virus (CHIKV) at a non-toxic concentration with an IC₅₀ of 114.5 μg/mL. In silico studies and site-directed mutagenesis were employed to unravel the potential DNA/RNA binding site. A strong positive charge distribution due to presence of many arginine residues in proximity of helix 5 was identified as a potential site. The two of the arginine residues, conserved in some 2S albumins, were selected for the mutation studies. The mutated forms of recombinant protein (R84A and R91A) showed a drastic reduction in DNase and RNase activities suggesting their presence at binding site and involvement in the nuclease activity. A metal binding site was also identified adjacent to DNA/RNA binding site. The present study demonstrated the structural and functional integrity of the rP2SA and reports potential antiviral activity against CHIKV. Further, potential DNA/RNA binding site was unraveled through mutation studies and bioinformatics analysis.

Molecular insights into substrate recognition and catalysis by phthalate dioxygenase from Comamonas testosteroni

Phthalate, a plasticizer, endocrine disruptor, and potential carcinogen, is degraded by a variety of bacteria. This degradation is initiated by phthalate dioxygenase (PDO), a Rieske oxygenase (RO) that catalyzes the dihydroxylation of phthalate to a dihydrodiol. PDO has long served as a model for understanding ROs despite a lack of structural data. Here we purified PDO_KF1 from Comamonas testosteroni KF1 and found that it had an apparent k_cat/K_m for phthalate of 0.58 ± 0.09 μM^-1s^-1, over 25-fold greater than for terephthalate. The crystal structure of the enzyme at 2.1 Å resolution revealed that it is a hexamer comprising two stacked α₃ trimers, a configuration not previously observed in RO crystal structures. We show that within each trimer, the protomers adopt a head-to-tail configuration typical of ROs. The stacking of the trimers is stabilized by two extended helices, which make the catalytic domain of PDO_KF1 larger than that of other characterized ROs. Complexes of PDO_KF1 with phthalate and terephthalate revealed that Arg207 and Arg244, two residues on one face of the active site, position these substrates for regiospecific hydroxylation. Consistent with their roles as determinants of substrate specificity, substitution of either residue with alanine yielded variants that did not detectably turnover phthalate. Together, these results provide critical insights into a pollutant-degrading enzyme that has served as a paradigm for ROs and facilitate the engineering of this enzyme for bioremediation and biocatalytic applications.

Betaine attenuates sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction in rats

Exposure to higher levels of arsenic is a serious threat affecting human health worldwide. We investigated the protective role of betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) against sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction in rats. Sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg, oral) was given to rats for 4 weeks to induce nephrotoxicity. Betaine (125 and 250 mg/kg, oral) was administered in rats for 4 weeks along with sodium-arsenite feeding. Arsenic-induced renal dysfunction was demonstrated by measuring serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urea, uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium, and microproteinuria. Oxidative stress in rat kidneys was determined by assaying thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide anion generation, and reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, hydroxyproline assay was done to assess renal fibrosis in arsenic intoxicated rats. Hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red staining revealed pathological alterations in rat kidneys. Renal endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was determined by immuno-histochemistry. Concurrent administration of betaine abrogated arsenic-induced renal biochemical and histological changes in rats. Betaine treatment significantly attenuated arsenic-induced decrease in renal eNOS expression. In conclusion, betaine is protective against sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction, which may be attributed to its anti-oxidant activity and modulation of renal eNOS expression in rat kidneys.

Tight Binding of Plasmid DNA With Self-Assembled Tetramethylguanidinium Conjugated Polyethylenimine Suppresses Transfection Efficiency

Here, we have demonstrated that on modification of linear polyethylenimine (lPEI, LP) with amphiphilic 3-bromopropyltetramethylguanidinium (PTMG) linker, the transfection efficiency exhibited by the modified polymers decreased while cell viability improved. A series of LP-PTMG polymers was synthesized by the reaction of varying amounts of 3-bromopropyl tetramethylguanidinium linker with lPEI (25 kDa). These modified polymers interacted efficiently with pDNA and formed nanosized complexes as shown by dynamic light scattering analysis. The size of the complexes in the series LP-PTMG/pDNA was observed in the range of ∼178–205 nm. The interaction of modified polymers with plasmid DNA was stronger than linear PEI as evidenced by heparin release assay which showed ∼83% pDNA release from LP-PTMG-3/pDNA complexes in comparison to ∼95% in lPEI/pDNA complexes on treatment with same amount of heparin suggesting the formation of self-assembled structures in modified polymers. The transfection studies in HeLa and Chinese hamster ovary cells showed a decrease in transfection efficiency of LP-PTMG polymers, the reason for this may be strong binding of modified polymers with pDNA due to accumulation of charge on the surface. This finding showed the significance of optimum binding of polymer and DNA to form polyplexes as well as release of DNA from the polyplexes.

Ameliorative Role of Diallyl Disulfide Against Glycerol-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Introduction:

This study investigated the role of diallyl disulfide (DADS) against glycerol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Moreover, the role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in DADS-mediated renoprotection has been explored.

Materials and Methods:

Male Wistar albino rats were challenged with glycerol (50% w/v, 8 mL/kg intramuscular) to induce nephrotoxicity. Kidney injury was quantified by measuring serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urea, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium, and microproteinuria in rats. Renal oxidative stress was measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide anion generation, and reduced glutathione levels. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and periodic acid Schiff staining of renal samples was done to show histological changes. Glycerol-induced muscle damage was quantified by assaying creatine kinase (CK) levels in rat serum.

Results:

Administration of glycerol resulted in muscle damage as reflected by significant rise in CK levels in rats. Glycerol intoxication led kidney damage was reflected by significant change in renal biochemical parameters, renal oxidative stress and histological changes in rat kidneys. Administration of DADS attenuated glycerol-induced renal damage. Notably, pretreatment with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, a PPAR-γ antagonist, abolished DADS renoprotection in rats.

Conclusion:

We conclude that DADS affords protection against glycerol-induced renal damage in rats. Moreover, PPAR-γ plays a key role in DADS-mediated renoprotective effect.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli in rescued Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), India

The study reports the multi-drug resistant (MDR), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli (CRE) isolated from rescued sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), India. Non-duplicate faecal samples from 21 adult rescued sloth bears were collected at once during 2015-2016 and processed for isolation of E. coli and antibacterial susceptibility pattern. From 21 samples, 45 E. coli were isolated and on phenotypic screening, 23 were MDR, 17 were ESBL producers, and five were carbapenem-resistant (CR). Three E. coli isolates (6.67%, 3/45) showed no resistance, however 42 isolates (93.33%, 42/45) exhibited resistant to at least one antibiotics. The MDR isolates carried beta-lactamase, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, fluroquinolone, and sulphadimidine resistance genes. All the phenotypic ESBL producing isolates harbored blaCTX-M genes. On genotypic screening, three CRE (60.0%, 3/5) were positive for blaNDM carbapenemase gene and efflux pump-mediated carbapenem resistance was detected in two CRE isolates (40.0%, 2/5) which were negative for carbapenemase genes. The CRE isolates (n = 5) also co-harbored AMR genes like blaTEM-1, blaAmpC, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, tetA, tetB and sulI. Virulence screening of the resistant isolates detected the presence of Stx1(n = 1), Stx2 (n = 3), eaeA (n = 4) and hlyA (n = 3) genes. Plasmid incompatibility (Inc) typing revealed that two isolates harboured blaNDM-5 gene on Incl1 and one isolate on IncF plasmid. Apart from the NDM gene, the plasmids also carried tetracycline, beta-lactamase and quinolone resistance genes. The plasmid multilocus sequence typing (pMLST) of the E. coli Incl1 plasmid showed the Sequence Type (ST) 297. This appears to be the first report of MDR, ESBL producing and blaNDM-5 genes on Incl1 and IncF plasmids from rescued sloth bear.

Ameliorative role of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors against sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats

Arsenic exposure causes immense health distress by increasing risk of cardiovascular abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, neurotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. The present study explored the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors against sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to arsenic toxicity by administering sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg/day, oral) for 4 weeks. The iNOS inhibitors, S-methylisothiourea (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) were given one hour before sodium arsenite administration in rats for 4 weeks. Sodium arsenite led rise in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, electrolytes (potassium, fractional excretion of sodium), microproteinuria, and decreased creatinine clearance (p < 0.001) indicated renal dysfunction in rats. Arsenic-intoxication resulted in significant oxidative stress in rat kidneys, which was measured in terms of increase in lipid peroxides, superoxide anion generation and decrease in reduced glutathione (p < 0.001) levels. A threefold increase in renal hydroxyproline level in arsenic intoxicated rats indicated fibrosis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated tubular damage, whereas picrosirius red staining highlighted collagen deposition in rat kidneys. S-methylisothiourea and aminoguanidine improved renal function and attenuated arsenic led renal oxidative stress, fibrosis, and decreased the kidney injury score. Additionally, arsenite-intoxication resulted in significant rise in hepatic parameters (serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin (p < 0.001) along with multi-fold increase in oxidative stress, fibrosis and liver injury score in rats, which was significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated by concurrent administration of iNOS inhibitors). Hence, it is concluded that iNOS inhibitors attenuate sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats.