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Global dissemination of carbapenem resistant-Gram negative bacteria (CR-GNB) is supposed to be clinically alarming because it extremely delimits the treatment options against serious infections. 4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid (pCMB) is an efficient metallo-enzyme inhibitor, and quercetin is known for antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. These two compounds could be considered as potential candidates for the treatment of CR-GNB mediated infections. Hence, in this study, antibacterial activity of pCMB and quercetin was evaluated against CR-GNB through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. Toxicity of pCMB and quercetin was evaluated by LC50 calculation through brine shrimp test (BST) and by investigating hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters in Swiss-albino mice. Moreover, aggressive–depressive–cognitive behavioral effects of pCMB and quercetin on murine model were evaluated. All the carbapenem resistant isolates (CR-GNB) exhibited MIC values in the range of 4–256 μg/ml, 16–256 μg/ml, and 64–1024 μg/ml for pCMB, quercetin, and meropenem, respectively. BST determined LC50 of pCMB and quercetin at 91.57 ± 0.35 mg/L and 448.45 ± 0.46 mg/L, respectively. Oral administration of low dose of pCMB and quercetin did not induce any significant changes in morphological, behavioral, hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters among Swiss-albino mice. But, a high dose of pCMB and quercetin exhibited slight toxicity. However, no death was reported for any dosage of pCMB and quercetin. Therefore, pCMB and quercetin might be considered for further investigations on alternative therapeutics to combat against CR-GNB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased occupation of primate habitats by humans has forced primates into close contact with their settlements and crops. We conducted a survey with the island settlers on Great Nicobar Island to investigate the conflict between farmers and Nicobar long-tailed macaques. The conflict may have increased following the 2004 tsunami due to the co-dependency of people and macaques on coconuts and cultivated crops. Farmers considered the macaques to be the major cause of crop loss. Macaques foraged on crops more during the rainy season, and more at dawn and dusk. Indirect market-related reasons added to the economic hardship on the part of the settlers. Farmers with small landholdings perceived the loss to be greater than did the owners of larger holdings. Farmers with small landholdings and large families were more intolerant of the macaques. The farmers did not, however, suggest killing the macaques as a way to mitigate crop loss and overcome the conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]