Distribution of Diverse Escherichia coli between Cattle and Pasture

Escherichia coli is widely considered to not survive for extended periods outside the intestines of warm-blooded animals; however, recent studies demonstrated that E. coli strains maintain populations in soil and water without any known fecal contamination. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the niche partitioning of E. coli occurs between cattle and their pasture. We attempted to clarify whether E. coli from bovine feces differs phenotypically and genotypically from isolates maintaining a population in pasture soil over winter. Soil, bovine fecal, and run-off samples were collected before and after the introduction of cattle to the pasture. Isolates (363) were genotyped by uidA and mutS sequences and phylogrouping, and evaluated for curli formation (Rough, Dry, And Red, or RDAR). Three types of clusters emerged, viz. bovine-associated, clusters devoid of cattle isolates and representing isolates endemic to the pasture environment, and clusters with both. All isolates clustered with strains of E. coli sensu stricto, distinct from the cryptic species Clades I, III, IV, and V. Pasture soil endemic and bovine fecal populations had very different phylogroup distributions, indicating niche partitioning. The soil endemic population was largely comprised of phylogroup B1 and had a higher average RDAR score than other isolates. These results indicate the existence of environmental E. coli strains that are phylogenetically distinct from bovine fecal isolates, and that have the ability to maintain populations in the soil environment.

Takotsubo disease

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy, a novel heart syndrome with peculiar variant of left ventricular dysfunction, characterized by preferential apical dyskinesis and basal hyper contractility has been described on numerous occasions especially in persons without obstructive coronary artery disease. It is considered of reversible etiology and seems to have increased predisposition in elderly, stress-ridden females. Although Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy was described initially in patients of Japanese origin, its existence in white populations in both Europe and the US have recently been documented. Simultaneous multivessel coronary spasm of the epicardial coronary microvessels is believed to be a major contributor. However, this pathophysiologic basis for this phenomenon has not been validated universally throughout literature. Another potential mechanism of events that seems to be responsible for this phenomenon is the transient myocardial stunning associated with hypersensitivity to catecholamine. The clinical presentation usually simulates that of an acute ST- elevated myocardial infarction but the coronary angiography by definition shows no critical lesions. Patients surviving acute episode usually recover fully in few weeks. Acute onset of cardiogenic shock in a person without coronary risk factors should raise the possibility of this rare type of entity but should not withhold the acute treatment. Prognosis generally varies and has largely been good. Takotsubo though largely benign may be fatal sometimes.