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Organophosphate insecticide spray poses potential threat of contamination of environmental components their accumulation in aquatic organisms. Although various physiological deficits associated with their exposure in fishes are documented, yet their retention in their edible muscle tissues has been poorly studied. In this context, the study was undertaken to ascertain the bioaccumulation of two organophosphate insecticide compounds (dimethoate and chlorpyrifos) in the muscles of juvenile Cyprinus carpio. The study could provide insight into the risks to human health associated with consuming contaminated fish flesh. The fishes exposed to various concentrations of dimethoate and chlorpyrifos in-vivo for 96 to ascertain the uptake and retention of these insecticides in the muscle. Results indicated that fish muscles accumulated the residues at all the concentrations with the recovery of 2.99% (0.032 ppm) of dimethoate exposed to LC50 concentrations. In contrast, the chlorpyrifos residues were found Below the Detection Level (BDL) in the fishes exposed to LC50 concentrations. The percentage bioaccumulation of dimethoate in fish muscle was 88.10%, and that of chlorpyrifos was BDL. The bio-concentration factor was dose-dependent and increased with increasing doses of both insecticides. The study invites attention to human health risk assessment in the regions where contaminated fish are consumed without scientific supervision.

Introduction: COVID-19 is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that has appeared as a global pandemic in recent times. Currently, the transmission rate has slowed down significantly, but the definite pathological reason behind this is still unknown. Therefore, the prevalence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody must be studied to establish the relation between the rate of transmission and antibody presence. Materials and Methods: A clinical assessment was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among 299 healthy volunteers in the period of February to May 2021. Serum samples were analyzed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) technology to detect the presence of IgG antibodies. Result: It was observed that 21% of the participants were seropositive, and 78% of the population was seronegative across the different genders. This confirmed that the generation of antibodies is independent of gender. Simultaneously, a t-test was performed that further suggested no statistical correlation between gender and seroprevalence. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis was performed to establish the relation between age and blood group with the seroprevalence. However, there was no statistical relationship found among these parameters. Conclusion: This study assisted in examining the underlying causes of high or low seroprevalence among healthy volunteers.

Background and objectives: Several patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection presents with bacterial co-infection. The aim of the present study was to determine the bacteria responsible for co-infection in Covid-19 infected patients visiting a tertiary care hospital of Maharashtra, India. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for 3 months at tertiary care center. Covid-19 patients attending the hospital were included in the study. All the specimens were collected either at the time of admission at outdoor or within 24-48 hours of admission. All the specimens were processed for culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing as per institutional policy and standard methods. Results: Total 200 samples were collected out of which 98 (49%) patients were diagnosed with bacterial co-infection. Majority of cases with bacterial co-infection were above 21 years of age. Culture was positive in 80%, 66.7%, 49.2% and 38.8% of tracheal aspirate, pus, blood and urine samples respectively. Out of 98 cases of bacterial co-infection, 62.2% and 37.8% had infection with Gram negative and positive bacteria respectively. Most common organism isolated was Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.4%) followed by Enterococcus species (14.3%). Over 70% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, fluroquinolones and carbapenems while 100% Acinetobacter was resistant to all antimicrobials tested. Among 57 Of the Gram negative isolates, 5 and 24 isolates were positive for ESBL carbapenemase respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that bacterial co-infection was present in considerable proportion of Covid-19 patients and the organisms responsible were resistant to several antimicrobial agents. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(2):006. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.016 *Correspondence: Sahjid Mukhida, Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India-411018. E-mail: drssmukhida@rediffmail.com

Background and objectives: Enterococci are significant human pathogens that are capable of causing various nosocomial infections. This study determined the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of enterococcal species isolated from various clinical specimens with special reference to vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Material and methods: The study was carried out for 6 months on enterococci isolated from various clinical specimens at a tertiary care hospital. Organisms were identified by standard procedures, and subjected to antimicrobial testing as per the standard guidelines. Results: Total 116 enterococci were isolated from various clinical samples. Of the total isolates, 56.9%, 30.2% and 12.9% were isolated from indoor, intensive care unit and non-hosptalized (outdoor) patients respectively.The most common Enterococcus species from blood was E. faecium (72%) followed by E. faecalis (12%) and E. galinarrium (9.4%). Out of 116 enterococci isolates, 31 (26.7%) were resistant to vancomycin and only 1 (0.9%) was resistant to linezolid. Conclusion:The study demonstrated high prevalence of multidrug-resistant enterococci in our hospital setting, thus posing a serious therapeutic challenge. The result would be useful in monitoring the future trends of antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococci in this region. *Correspondence: Dr. Nikunja Kumar Das, Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India-411018. E-mail: nikunjdas3085@gmail.com IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(2):004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.014

Background and objective: Urinary tract infection(UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections encountered in clinical practice. UTIs caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) AmpC and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) are difficult to treat. Fosfomycin is an old antibiotic that has excellent bactericidal activity against a wide range of bacteria. This study aimed to determine the fosfomycin susceptibility of E. coli causing UTI in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra, India. Material and methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Pune, a city of Western Maharashtra, India. Urine samples from UTI cases yielding significant (> 1x 105 cfu/ml) growth of E. coli were included in study. E. coli isolates were tested for susceptibility to fosfomycin and a panel of antimicrobial agents by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. All the isolates were tested for production of ESBL, AmpC and MBL. Result: A total of 88 E. coli were isolated of which, 47 (53.40%) and 41 (46.59%) were from male and female patients respectively. Of the total E. coli isolates, 58 (65.9%) were from in-patient cases. Multi-drug resistance was found in 69 (78.40%) isolates and remaining 19 (21.6%) were resistant to different antimicrobials tested. All (100%) the MDR and non-MDR isolates were sensitive to fosfomycin. Highest resistance was present against nalidixic acid (93.8%) while resistance was least against nitrofurantoin (15.91%), piperacillin/tazobactam (17.1%) and meropenem (18.18%). Of the total, 35 (50.72%) isolates were both AmpC and ESBL producers while 11 (15.94%) and 8 (11.59%) were only AmpC and ESBL producers respectively. MBL was positive in 15 (21.73%) of E. coli isolates. All those isolates tested sensitive to fosfomycin. Conclusion: The study revealed that fosfomycin had excellent activity against MDR E. coli causing UTI in our area. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(1): 008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.008 *Correspondence: Dr. Sameena Khan, Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India. E-mail: sameenak27@gmail.com

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Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health concern globally. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for around 20% of the total (EPTB) cases which are difficult to diagnose due to the lack of availability of diagnostic tools. Although pulmonary TB is most common presentation, EPTB is also an important problem clinically. Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification (CBNAAT) test has a well-documented role in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. The potency of CBNAAT in the diagnosis of EPTB cases is still debated. Aim: To establish the importance and role of diagnosing EPTB by CBNAAT. Settings: Conducted in Dr. D Y Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune-411018. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study of suspected EPTB patients in a tertiary care center area from April 2020 to September 2020. Materials and Methods: Data of suspected EPTB patients were retrieved. Potency of CBNAAT in diagnosing EPTB was assessed. Statistical Analysis: All the statistical analyses were carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: Samples collected from 556 suspected EPTB patients were subjected to CBNAAT. The collected samples included pus, pleural fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, gastric aspirate, peritoneal fluid, tissue biopsy, pericardial fluid, ascitic fluid, synovial fluid, drain fluid, para-spinal fluid. In CBNAAT results, 67 cases were positive for TB bacilli, rifampicin resistance detected in 4 samples. Conclusion: Xpert®MTB/RIF assay is a rapid and effective method for early detection of EPTB and can be used in conjunction with routine culture methods for detection of the same.

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) of lymph node (TB lymphadenitis) is one of the most common forms of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) whose diagnosis is critically challenging. Although new diagnostic methods have been developed, especially in patients without a history of TB, the cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis diagnosis is still elusive. This study assessed the applicability of GeneXpert in early diagnosis of EPTB, especially cervical lymphadenopathy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 at the department of microbiology. All the samples of cervical lymph node tissue and lymph node aspirate were followed as per the routine protocol for mycobacterial identification. The sample was divided into two parts: one was used for the new molecular-based GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and the second one was tested by direct and concentrated acid-fast bacilli microscopy by Z-N staining and culture for the detection of MTB. Results: Among the 145 samples tested, the GeneXpert detected the DNA of MTB in 89 samples (61.37%), whereas the culture test was positive in 42 (28.93%) specimens. GeneXpert also detected 7 rifampicin resistance cases. GeneXpert sensitivity and specificity results were assessed according to culture results. The sensitivity and specificity of the GeneXpert assay were 85.71% and 48.54%, respectively. Conclusion: GeneXpert MTB/RIF should be used in conjunction with clinical presentation and other molecular investigation in nonrespiratory specimens.

Recently we passed through the covid-19 pandemic. We were eagerly wait for the covid-19 vaccine but after development of vaccine, what benefits we get? In the era of vaccine we want to give our inputs. During the covid-19 pandemic, every person was waiting for the vaccine. They were alert for each step of vaccine trial updates. They were hopping that once vaccine comes, it will make magic and the world will be free from the covid-19 virus which did not happen. If vaccine is powerful why second or third wave occurred? There are various cases of reinfection of the covid-19 to humans even after successful vaccination completion. One of the leading covid vaccine production company chief executive officer Was infected with Covid-19 even after successful vaccination. we conclude that vaccines solely are not effective and contact precautions and herd immunity is also important. We conclude that vaccines solely are not effective and contact precautions and herd immunity is also important. We are not against the vaccines; we are against to mentality which think that vaccine end the covid-19 pandemic. Keep one thing in our mind, that virus will never be dead, somewhere they are alive. When they get chance to mutate them self, they will make their new variants and come again.

For the ever increasing human population, the necessity to produce the food in large quantities has become the main goal internationally which has led to increase the practice of pesticides globally. Presence of pesticides in aquatic water bodies is largely due to the runoff from agricultural fields causing to deteriorate the healthy characteristics of an aquatic environment system leading to the toxic impact on non-target aquatic organism such as fish. Approach: In fish, there are various portal of entry through which the contaminants enter. Via various routes, the contaminants reach into the blood and subsequently to different organs or systems. Since Pesticides are known to modify the behavior of animals when exposed to toxic levels. The behavioral changes may be caused by the changes in the nervous system triggered directly or through metabolic or physiological activities. However, the effects have been found to be multifarious and known to differ at different concentrations. Also, Blood is the most accessible component of the vertebrate body fluid system and consequences of direct and indirect damage to blood cells and their precursors are predictable and potentially life threatening. Therefore, behavioural and genotoxicological studies have been considered and used as diagnostic tool in order to investigate behavioural and genotoxicological alterations. This study was undertaken to investigate behavioural changes in Cyprinus carpio exposed to two organophosphate compounds, chlorpyrifos (cpf) and dimethoate (dim). Fishes weighing 10 ± 2 g were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of cpf (0.76 ppb, 1.52 ppb, 2.28 ppb, 3.04 ppb and 3.8 ppb) and dimethoate (0.22 ppm, 0.44 ppm, 0.66 ppm, 0.88 ppm and 1.1 ppm) for the period of 96 h and various behavioural indices were evaluated during that period. Both the pesticides were found to induce behavioral toxicity in fishes such as drop in swimming velocity, reduced swimming activity and retarded opercular movements. Cpf was found more detrimental as compared to dimethoate in all cases. Fishes also elicited a genotoxic response which was evaluated by calculating the frequency of micronuclei formation in their hematocytes after 21 days of exposure. Chlorpyrifos induced more genotoxicity than dimethoate which was found dose and time dependent. Conclusion: It was concluded that the behavioural and genotoxic alterations in common carp could be applied as possible biomarkers in risk assessment and monitoring programs for pesticide contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Contribution: This study is one of its kind and will help to form baseline data.

Pentatrichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoan parasite that resides in the digestive tract of humans and is generally nonpathogenic. Although parasites of diarrheal etiology are widespread, neonatal infection with P. hominis is an uncommon incident. This case report depicts an instance of active P. hominis in an 8-month-old child with complaints of fever, vomiting, and loose stools. Stool examination was done with saline and iodine wet mount that showed motile trophozoites of P. hominis with a jerky movement. Treatment with metronidazole was effective as no parasite was found on repeated stool examinations. Pentatrichomonas hominis should be recognized as a cause of diarrhea in neonates, despite being rare.

Introduction: It has been observed that there is inadequate retention of microbiology and its inappropriate application to clinical science among medical graduates. To address this problem and facilitate student's learning, we need to adopt active, student centric teaching learning methods. Case-based learning (CBL) is one such method .The present study was planned to introduce Case Based Learning (CBL) in Microbiology and assess its advantages in understanding the topic in comparison to traditional didactic lecture and to observe perception regarding CBL among faculty and students. Material and Methods: 96 MBBS second Prof Students were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed consent and Institutional Ethics Committee approval. Theory lectures and CBL sessions were taken on the selected topics. At the end of both, the lectures and CBL sessions, a post test (MCQ) was conducted. A repeat test was taken after 4 weeks from the first post-test (MCQ) for each topic to see the retention of topic. Feedback of students and faculty were taken on a pre-validated questionnaire and analysed using a 5 point Likert scale. Results: A total of 96/100 (96%) students participated in the study. The CBL scores were significantly higher than DL session scores (P < 0.001). The difference in scores was significant even after four weeks of session (P < 0.001). Student reported satisfaction in being taught by CBL method in 5-point Likert scale feedback form (mean score >4) and recommended it for future batches. Conclusions: The study concludes that Case Based Learning is an active method of student centric learning resulting in better understanding, critical analysis, communication and retention of subject topics among students. The faculty also approved of the method in spite of being demanding and lack of adequate resources opining that the method is of special use in discussing clinically relevant topics.

A hydatid cyst is a larval cyst in human tissues caused by a tape worm Echinococcus granulosus. It is a zoonotic disease. Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is included in the list of Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Two such cases are presented. First, a 65-year-old man, admitted for cataract surgery gave a history of abnormal bowel habits from past one year. Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, Re-Aspiration (PAIR) procedure was performed and pigtail catheter was placed. Irrigation with hypertonic saline and betadine was performed followed by metronidazole and betadine for 12 days. Characteristic hooklet of Echinococcus spp. was seen and a definitive diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made. Second, a patient of 35-year-old female came to surgery Outpatient Department with the complaint of sudden onset of pain in right hypochondrium for 10 days over an operated scar. The patient was posted for PAIR and a pigtail catheterisation was done. Fluid was sent for microscopical examination, which showed protoscolices with internalised hooklets suggestive of Echinococcal infection. The hydatid cyst is a NTD. It is fairly common in agriculture based countries and may masquerade with a variety of symptoms or remain asymptomatic. Treatment can be difficult as well as challenging and can reoccur even after treatment and therefore patient should be followed up even after months of treatment.

TRIM family of E3 ubiquitin ligases have an amino-terminal conserved tripartite motif consisting of RING, B-Box, coiled-coil domain and different C-terminal domain leading it to classification into 11 subclasses. TRIM72 is an E3 ligase of class IV and subclass 1 with its role in a multitude of cellular processes. Despite being crucial in multiple cellular processes, TRIM72 still hasn't been biochemically characterized. In the present study, we have characterized the oligomeric status of TRIM72 and found that it forms both monomers, dimers, and tetramers. We have screened a set of 12 E2s and identified two novel E2 enzymes (Ubch5c and Ubch10) that work in cooperation with TRIM72. Nevertheless, E3 ligase activity is minimal and we propose that additional regulation is required to enhance its E3 ligase activity. We have also used surface plasmon resonance to study interaction with one of its substrate proteins, IRS1, and identified the PH domain of IRS1 is mediating interaction with the TRIM72 E3 ligase while the PTB domain of IRS1, does not show any interaction. Keywords: Ubiquitination, E3 ubiquitin ligases, TRIM72, IRS1

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays an imperative role in many critical cellular processes, frequently by mediating the selective degradation of misfolded and damaged proteins and also by playing a non-degradative role especially important as in many signaling pathways. Over the last three decades, accumulated evidence indicated that UPS proteins are primal modulators of cell cycle progression, DNA replication, and repair, transcription, immune responses, and apoptosis. Comparatively, latest studies have demonstrated a substantial complexity by the UPS regulation in the heart. In addition, various UPS proteins especially ubiquitin ligases and proteasome have been identified to play a significant role in the cardiac development and dynamic physiology of cardiac pathologies such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertrophy, and heart failure. However, our understanding of the contribution of UPS dysfunction in the plausible development of cardiac pathophysiology and the complete list of UPS proteins regulating these afflictions is still in infancy. The recent emergence of the roles of TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAFs) and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) superfamily in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has enhanced our knowledge. In this review, we have mainly compiled the TRAF superfamily of E3 ligases and few DUBs proteins with other well-documented E3 ligases such as MDM2, MuRF-1, Atrogin-I, and TRIM 32 that are specific to myocardial hypertrophy. In this review, we also aim to highlight their expression profile following physiological and pathological stimulation leading to the onset of hypertrophic phenotype in the heart that can serve as biomarkers and the opportunity for the development of novel therapies.

Regulatory functions of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) are exercised mainly by the ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes. Degradation of apoptotic proteins by UPS is central to the maintenance of cell health, and deregulation of this process is associated with several diseases including tumors, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and inflammation. Therefore, it is the view that interrogating protein turnover in cells can offer a strategy for delineating disease-causing mechanistic perturbations and facilitate identification of drug targets. In this review, we are summarizing an overview to elucidate the updated knowledge on the molecular interplay between the apoptosis and UPS pathways. We have condensed around 100 enzymes of UPS machinery from the literature that ubiquitinates or deubiquitinates the apoptotic proteins and regulates the cell fate. We have also provided a detailed insight into how the UPS proteins are able to fine-tune the intrinsic, extrinsic, and p53-mediated apoptotic pathways to regulate cell survival or cell death. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of UPS players as a drug target for cancer and other human disorders.

Specific activation of amino acids by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) is essential for maintaining fidelity during protein translation. Here, we present crystal structure of malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (Pf-WRS) catalytic domain (AAD) at 2.6 Å resolution in complex with L-tryptophan. Confocal microscopy-based localization data suggest cytoplasmic residency of this protein. Pf-WRS has an unusual N-terminal extension of AlaX-like domain (AXD) along with linker regions which together seem vital for enzymatic activity and tRNA binding. Pf-WRS is not proteolytically processed in the parasites and therefore AXD likely provides tRNA binding capability rather than editing activity. The N-terminal domain containing AXD and linker region is monomeric and would result in an unusual overall architecture for Pf-WRS where the dimeric catalytic domains have monomeric AXDs on either side. Our PDB-wide comparative analyses of 47 WRS crystal structures also provide new mechanistic insights into this enzyme family in context conserved KMSKS loop conformations.