Unleashing Bacillus species as versatile antagonists: Harnessing the biocontrol potentials of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to combat Macrophomina phaseolina infection in Gloriosa superba

Charcoal rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is one of the most devastating diseases that cause severe yield loss in Gloriosa superba cultivation. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are extensively harnessed as biocontrol agents due to their effectiveness in combating a wide array of plant pathogens through a multifaceted approach. The present study delved into the mechanisms underlying its ability to inhibit root rot pathogen and its capacity to promote plant growth in G. superba, commonly known as glory lily. PGPR isolated from the rhizosphere of glory lily were subjected to in vitro assessments using the dual plate technique. The isolated Bacillus subtilis BGS-10 and B. velezensis BGS-21 showed higher mycelial inhibition (61%) against M. phaseolina. These strains also promote plant growth by producing indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore, ammonia, amylase, cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, and lipase chemicals. Genome screening of BGS-10 and BGS-21 revealed the presence of antimicrobial peptide genes such as Iturin (ituD gene), surfactin (srfA and sfp genes) along with the mycolytic enzyme β-1,3-glucanase. Further, the presence of secondary metabolites in the bacterial secretome was identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Notably, pyrrolo[1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl), 9 H-pyrido[3,4-b] indole and L-leucyl-D-leucine exhibited the highest docking score against enzymes responsible for pathogen growth and plant cell wall degradation. Under glasshouse conditions, tuber treatment and soil application of talc-based formulation of B. subtilis BGS-10 and B. velezensis BGS-21 suppress the root rot incidence with a minimal disease incidence of 27.78% over untreated control. Concurrently, there was a notable induction of defense-related enzymes, including peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), in glory lily. Therefore, it can be concluded that plant growth-promoting Bacillus strains play a significant role in fortifying the plant's defense mechanisms against the root rot pathogen.

Targeting bone cancer with 4-Allylbenzene-1,2-diol purified from Piper betle L.: an in silico and cytotoxicity scrutiny

Piper betle L., a well-known medicinal plant with rich source of bioactive compounds, is widely used in several therapeutics. The present study was performed to scrutinize the anti-cancer potential of compounds P. betle petiole by means of in silico studies, purification of 4-Allylbenzene-1,2-diol from petioles and assessing its cytotoxicity on bone cancer metastasis. Subsequent to SwissADME screening, 4-Allylbenzene-1,2-diol and Alpha terpineol were chosen for molecular docking together with eighteen approved drugs against fifteen important bone cancer targets accompanied with molecular dynamics simulation studies. 4-Allylbenzene-1,2-diol was found to be multi-targeting, interacted effectively with all targets, particularly exhibited good stability with MMP9 and MMP2 during molecular dynamics simulations and Molecular Mechanics- Generalized Born and Surface Area (MM-GBSA) analysis using Schrodinger. Later, the compound was isolated, purified and the cytotoxicity studies on MG63 bone cancer cell lines confirmed the cytotoxicity nature (75.98% at 100 µg/ml concentration). The results demonstrated the compound as a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, and therefore 4-Allylbenzene-1,2-diol may possibly be prescribed in targeted therapy for alleviating the bone cancer metastasis upon further wet lab experimental validations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Outcomes of traumatic brain injury in the patient of 60 years and above: a single centre retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

The elderly is at risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI), but local data on their morbidity and mortality outcomes was lacking. This study aims to assess the outcome in mortality and functional outcome, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with TBI more than 60 years old.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single centre retrospective cohort study was carried out involving patients age 60 years old and above with TBI between June 2018 to May 2021. The mortality and GOS at hospital discharge, 30th day, and 90th day of trauma were analysed. The simple logistic regression (SLR) and multiple logistic regression (MLR) were performed to determine factors associated with poor outcomes and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 248 patients were analysed. The mean age was 67.5 ± 6.31 years. 156 (62.9%), 26 (10.5%), and 66 (26.6%) had mild, moderate, and severe TBI, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 9.7% and the median(IQR) GOS score were 4(2); p<0.001 at hospital discharge, 30th day and 90th day. There was significant difference in GOS outcomes after 90 days χ2(2) = 136.76 p<0.001. Upon MLR, there was a significant association of polytrauma, Adj. OR 11.04 (2.503-48.711); p < 0.002 and TBI severity: moderate TBI, Adj. OR 71.44(13.028-391.782); p < 0.001 and severe TBI, Adj OR 2533.51 (213.050-30127.644); p<0.001 towards poor outcome. However, only severity of TBI: moderate TBI, Adj. OR 19.48 (1.899-199.094); p=0.012 and severe TBI, Adj OR 26.42 (2.864-243.722); p=0.004 is associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Polytrauma and moderate-severe head injury are associated with poor outcomes and moderate-severe head injury is associated with high mortality.

Biomodeling for Controlling the Spread of Coronavirus 2019

Wuhan has informed an outbreak of a typical lungs infection created by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in December 2019. Infections have been consigned to other cities, along with internationally which aggressing to trigger a global epidemic. In the past four years, coronavirus infections have become the most dangerous infections since of the event of some fresh deaths caused by corona infections in Saudi Arabia. Coronavirus infections may be planted in and spread out of Saudi Arabia by inbound and outbound Umrah visitors and non-Umrah visitors. The impact of fundamental reproductive number and zoonotic strength of infectivity on susceptible, exposed and infected peoples rate was assessed using Runge–Kutta–Felhberg strategy with shooting method. In this investigation, the vulnerable people's rate is significantly climbing in the brief interval of period owing to overwhelming and mean inactive period. Our examination shows the transmissibility of coronavirus is more grounded as contrasted and the Asia continent countries respiratory confusion. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus is already spread in creature and human pools in Ethiopia. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 growth in the Saudi Arabia may have a solemn crash on genetic assortment, interspecies circulation of these infections mostly with the reference to the alteration and recombination expectation of coronaviruses. Researches of the molecular mechanisms and genetics of this infection are provided in the component can act an important part of this project to follow tactics to prevent subsequent coronavirus outbreak.

Mathematical Modeling: Zoonotic Strength of Infectivity on COVID-19

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging contagious disease that has led to the global epidemic and is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome, Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Zoonotic is an infection that is transmitted from animals to humans. Significantly changing animal infection is the best amplifying mask of pathogens. The power of animal infection is a contagious virus that usually spreads from vertebrate animals to humans and vice versa. The physical health of an animal depends on the normal vulnerability of its population and the change in actual animal health against infection over time, and is assessed based on previous circumstances in the population. After compiling the effect of virulence of the animal infection on the size of the susceptible, exposed and infected subjects, an investigation was made using MAPLE 18 with RK Fehlberg technique. This study discusses the stimulation of animal influences on the novel coronavirus infection that is reliable to be infectious. It analyzes all incoming and outgoing air passengers worldwide and in the country is keen on spreading the abnormally degenerate coronavirus. The zoonotic strength was applied to coronavirus infection and the rates of SEIR individuals terminated by secondary coronavirus infection were estimated. The transmission ability of coronavirus infection is associated with a lack of the perceived respiratory system in conservative people and global warming.

#3105 How does self-report of mood symptoms compare with observer assessments after acquired brain injury

Objectives

Post acquired brain injury (ABI) depression has been implicated in different patient outcomes such as prospective cognition, cognitive impairment, rehabilitation outcome, and quality of life. However, there have been no studies identified in the literature, investigating post ABI insight into depression across varied cognitive abilities. Here we looked at ABI patient insight into their depression across a range of cognitive abilities and compared this to an observed or an objective measure of depression.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 24 individuals with ABI (depressed and non-depressed) seen in a neuropsychiatry outpatient clinic between 2019 and 2020 completed a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), self-reported depression scale and had a Neuropsychiatry Inventory Questionnaire(NPI-Q), an observer assessment with a depression domain. The patients also underwent a formal cognitive examination using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Results

Non-depressed ABI and depressed ABI individuals with a wide range of cognitive abilities demonstrated good insight into their depression when matched to the observer rating. Chi-Square Test showed little variation between the PHQ-9 and NPI-Q Depression data sets; Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test: Z Test -4.08, p<0.001, Effect Size 0.87 and Spearman’s rho showed positive correlation between the two data sets (Correlation Coefficient 0.527, P<0.008). Therefore, there was a statistically significant agreement between the subjective measure (PHQ-9) and the observed (objective) measure NPIQD and that there was a positive correlation between the two measurement scales for patients with ABI regardless of cognition (as measured by MoCAz score; range -6 to 2.21, mean: -1.17)

Conclusions

These findings indicate (1) self-reported measures of depression in ABI are consistent with observed (objective measures) thus can be used to assess depression in this cohort and (2) ABI patients with a wide range of cognitive abilities would appear to have good insight into their depression.

The use of magnetic resonance phase-contrast cine in Chiari malformation with syringomyelia

INTRODUCTION

Chiari malformation (CM) is a disorder of mesodermal origin and is commonly associated with syringomyelia. Foramen magnum decompression is the first-line of standard treatment in symptomatic patients with a confirmed radiographic diagnosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) cine allows accurate evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) physiology at the craniovertebral junction but often this is under-utilised in Malaysia.

METHODS

In this series, we looked into nine cases of CM with syringomyelia from clinical and radiological perspective before and after surgery. The radiological parameters were herniated tonsillar length, syrinx: cord ratio, syrinx length and diameter. Flow velocity and morphologic changes in Chiari were illustrated.

RESULTS

Seven patients showed either reduction in syrinx length, syrinx: cord ratio or both postoperatively. Clinical recovery somewhat varied in motor and sensory symptoms. Four patients gained better functional grade in modified Rankin scale (MRS) while the rest remained similar. The study highlighted the advantage of CSF flow dynamics information over MR anatomical radiographic improvement in addressing the neurologic and functional recovery. We also discussed the practicality of cine sequence in preoperative patient selection, syrinx analysis and postoperative flow evaluation in anticipation of clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Phase-contrast cine MRI is a useful tool dictated by resource availability. We recommend its routine use in preoperative analysis and subsequent observational follow-up after surgery.

Bilateral subtentorial empyema complicated with nosocomial acinectobacter ventriculitis: a case report

Subtentorial subdural empyema is a rare and life threatening intracranial suppuration. It is usually an intracranial complication of otogenic infections. Early diagnosis and surgical drainage are the most important factors determining prognosis. The high mortality reported in the literature reflects the severity of subtentorial subdural empyema if proper management is delayed. Intracranial infections usually require between 4 to 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics therapy. However, the prolonged duration of hospitalization as well as requirement for neurosurgically inserted indwelling devices may predispose these patients to new nosocomial infections.

Isatin down-regulates expression of atrial natriuretic peptide receptor A and inhibits airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma

Isatin, an endogenous indole compound, prevents atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from signaling through its cell-surface receptor, NPRA. Allergic airway inflammation has been linked to natriuretic peptide signaling and blocking this signaling axis in the lung prevents allergen-induced pathology. In this study we encapsulated isatin in chitosan nanoparticles and tested them in a mouse model of allergic asthma by intranasal delivery to the lung. Isatin nanocapsules reduced lung pathology by blocking ANP signaling, but surprisingly also by reducing the expression of NPRA. Ovalbumin-allergic mice were treated intranasally with isatin-containing chitosan nanocapsules either before or after allergen challenge, and lung function, cytokine levels, histopathology and cellular infiltration were determined. ANP activity was quantitated by measuring changes in intracellular cyclic GMP and changes in NPRA levels were determined. For comparison with isatin's effects, the expression of the receptor was inhibited with small interfering RNA against NPRA mRNA. Isatin nanocapsules administered locally to the lung reduced cGMP production and NPRA expression and protected allergic mice from airway hyperreactivity and lung inflammation when given either before or after allergen challenge. Leukocyte infiltration was reduced and lung cytokine profiles showed a repolarization from a Th2-like to a Th1-like phenotype. Isatin nanocapsules administered locally to the lung inhibit NPRA signaling but also are capable of lowering the expression of NPRA, thus effectively reducing inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Pharmacological intervention to reduce NPRA activity through the inflammatory natriuretic peptide axis in the lung may be a useful adjunct therapy for treating lung disease.

Psoas abscess: diagnosis and treatment

Psoas abscess is an uncommon presentation on the acute medical take. However recognition and appropriate treatment is essential. This review is designed to highlight the clinical features, microbiology, diagnostic tests and treatment for this condition. In order to illustrate some of the pitfalls and complexities in the management of psoas abscess we have included a case history of a patient who was recently treated in our department.

Tracheal intubation without muscle relaxant--a technique using sevoflurane vital capacity induction and alfentanil

This randomized controlled study examined intubating conditions and haemodynamic changes following sevoflurane nitrous oxide induction in four groups: three different doses of alfentanil compared with low-dose alfentanil and suxamethonium. All patients received atropine 0.3 mg i.v. before induction of anaesthesia with vital capacity breaths of sevoflurane 8% (more than 7% in the inspiratory gas) in 60% nitrous oxide and oxygen. Patients were allocated randomly to four groups of intravenous supplements: group SA20, alfentanil 20 microg x kg(-1); group SA25, alfentanil 25 microg x kg(-1); group SA30, alfentanil 30 microg x kg(-1); group SSA, alfentanil 10 microg x kg(-1) and suxamethonium 1 mg x kg(-1). Orotracheal intubation and assessment of intubating conditions was performed by one of the investigators who was blinded to the subject's group. Intubating conditions were satisfactory or excellent in 83%, 80%, 92% and 96% of patients in groups SA20, SA25, SA30 and SSA respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. The increase in heart rate associated with laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was effectively attenuated in all groups. Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly and similarly after induction in all groups. Two minutes after intubation the mean arterial pressure was increased significantly (P<0.05) compared to the post-induction value in group SSA. The intubating conditions obtained with sevoflurane plus alfentanil 30 microg x kg(-1) were comparable to those provided by the sevoflurane, suxamethonium and alfentanil 10 microg x kg(-1) combination.

Anaesthesia for caesarean section in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome

Eisenmenger's syndrome was originally described in 1897 and redefined by Wood in 1958. This syndrome includes pulmonary hypertension with reversed or bi-directional shunt associated with septal defects or a patent ductus arteriosus. A 27-year-old G2 PO with Eisenmenger's syndrome presented to the hospital for management at 17 weeks of pregnancy. She was advised termination of pregnancy but she refused. An elective caesarean section was performed successfully under general anaesthesia uneventfully at 29 weeks due to severe intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Patient's postoperative complications like pulmonary thromboembolism, the advantages and disadvantages of anticoagulation are discussed. Pregnancy carries substantial maternal and fetal risk for patients with pulmonary hypertension and Eisenmenger's syndrome. Although pregnancy should be discouraged in women with Eisenmenger's syndrome it can be successful.

Use of sevoflurane in difficult airways

Inhalational induction is one of the recognized methods for the management of difficult airway. Halothane is the usual choice of agent for this purpose. The relatively new agent sevoflurane, which is the least irritant of all the available agents, is emerging as a choice of inhalational agent for both adult and pediatric populations. There are various reports for and against the use of sevoflurane for the management of difficult airway. We describe the use of sevoflurane for the management of difficult airway in four patients presenting with airway problems.

Conditions for laryngeal mask insertion. A comparison of propofol versus sevoflurane with or without alfentanil

One hundred unpremedicated ASA 1 or 2 patients scheduled for elective surgery were divided equally into four groups and recruited into this prospective, randomised parallel groups study. Induction was with propofol 2.5 mg.kg-1 or vital-capacity breath induction with sevoflurane (> 7% in the inspiratory gas) in 65% nitrous oxide and oxygen, or gaseous induction with sevoflurane plus alfentanil 5 micrograms.kg-1 or propofol 2.5 mg.kg-1 and alfentanil 5 micrograms.kg-1. The conditions for laryngeal mask insertion were assessed and graded on a three-point scale using six variables. The overall condition for laryngeal mask insertion was assessed as excellent, satisfactory or poor on the basis of total score in each group. Excellent or satisfactory conditions were observed in 25 (100%) patients in the sevoflurane-alfentanil group, 22 (88%) in the propofol-alfentanil group and 16 (64%) patients each in the propofol and sevoflurane groups (p < 0.001). A sevoflurane-alfentanil combination provides better conditions for laryngeal mask insertion when compared with sevoflurane alone, or a propofol-alfentanil combination.

Hybrid (COPP/ABV) therapy in childhood Hodgkin's disease: a study of 53 cases during 1989-1993 at the Cancer Institute, Madras

The optimal therapy for children with Hodgkin's disease is controversial. Between 1989 and 1993, 53 children under 14 years of age with Hodgkin's disease were treated with COPP/ABV (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisolone/adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine) hybrid chemotherapy. The results were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier product limit method for survival and the Logrank test for predicting statistical significance. Ten patients (18.87%) had early-stage disease (I to IIA) and 43 (81.13%) had advanced disease. Lymphocyte-predominant histology was seen in 20 (37.5%) patients, nodular sclerosis in 8 (15%), mixed cellularity in 21 (39.6%), and lymphocyte depletion in 4 (7.56%). The male:female ratio was 3.82:1. Complete responses were seen in 51 (96.22%) patients, with 47 (92.15%) of them in sustained first remission. The event-free survival rate is 90.3% to date. COPP/ABV hybrid chemotherapy is an effective primary therapy for all stages of Hodgkin's disease in children.

Functional characterization of three isoforms of the Na+/H+ exchanger stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. ATP dependence, osmotic sensitivity, and role in cell proliferation

Four distinct isoforms of the mammalian Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) have been identified by molecular cloning. Three of these (NHE-1, NHE-2, and NHE-3) have been shown to be functionally active by heterologous expression. Their kinetic and pharmacological properties are well documented, yet comparatively little is known about their regulation. In this report, rat NHE-1, NHE-2, and NHE-3 were stably transfected into antiporter-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells to study their role in cellular proliferation and their regulation by nucleotides and cell volume. Their ability to influence cell proliferation was assessed by measuring the growth of antiporter-deficient cells and of the different transfectants in media of varying pH. While antiporter-deficient cells were unable to grow at acidic pH levels, all three isoforms supported proliferation under these conditions. Therefore, while the epithelia-specific isoforms (NHE-2 and NHE-3) are thought to play primarily a role in transcellular ion transport, they can also contribute to intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis and have a permissive role in cell growth. The activity of the three isoforms was markedly inhibited by depletion of cellular ATP. In the pHi 6.0-7.2 range, decreases in the affinity for internal H+ and/or the maximal rate of transport accounted for the inhibitory effect, depending on the isoform. The osmotic responsiveness of the three isoforms was also compared. As reported earlier, NHE-1 was stimulated by hypertonicity. Under similar conditions, NHE-2 was also stimulated to a comparable extent. Conversely, both isoforms were inhibited in hypotonic media. In contrast, NHE-3 was markedly inhibited by hypertonic cell shrinking but was unaffected by hypotonicity. Osmotic inhibition of NHE-3 was rapid, reversible, and apparent throughout the pH range studied. Osmotic inhibition of NHE-3 may play a role in the physiology and pathophysiology of epithelia.