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Hypophysitis is classified into primary and secondary. Xanthomatous hypophysitis is one of the rare types of primary hypophysitis. A 55-year-old female presented with headache, vomiting, and blurring of vision. She also had endocrine dysfunction in the form of low serum T3, T4, and low cortisol levels. MRI scan showed a sellar expansile lesion suggestive of pituitary macroadenoma. Microscopy showed pituitary tissue replaced by inflammatory infiltrate made up of foamy histiocytes arranged in sheets along with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Interspersed areas of fibrosis, hyalinization, few congested and sclerosed blood vessels were seen. Compressed residual pituitary tissue was identified at the periphery. Xanthomatous hypophysitis is a rare entity which can mimic as pituitary adenoma both clinically and radiologically. Accurate diagnosis at an early stage with postsurgical steroid therapy may help to prevent permanent pituitary damage.

COVID-19 detection via lateral flow antigen assays (LFA) are rapid and economically acquiescent to infrastructure facile healthcare settings. Early, prompt identification of cases to facilitate patient isolation and supportive management is the essence of rapid diagnostic tests. Given the backdrop of post COVID-19 pandemic-molecular testing still remains a costly affair. Additionally, molecular assays are incapable of distinguishing remnant RNA from replication competent viruses. In this scenario, we explore the diagnostic consonance of SARS-CoV-2 LFAs with RT-PCR cycle threshold, in a likelihood that it could be used as a surrogate marker for infection transmissibility. Rapid COVID-19 LFA results were compared with Real-time PCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs. Two hundred rapid antigen positive nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from COVID-19 suspects/contacts/preoperative/screening patients were subjected to RT-PCR to study the correlation with cycle threshold (CT) values obtained for all the antigen positive cases. 200 Rapid COVID-19 LFA positive samples were analyzed in the present study. Amidst the LFA positive samples included in the study 187 (93.5%) were found to have concordant results when subjected to the gold standard Real-time PCR. Discordant results were documented in 13 (6.5%) COVID-19 LFA positive samples which were found to be negative by RT-PCR. The average Cycle threshold values were found to be 23.75 for E gene, 25.36 for N gene and 24.07 for RdRp gene. The average PCR Cycle threshold of LFA positive cases remained significantly undeterred (p

IntroductionEndophytes refer to microorganisms residing within the endosphere of plants, particularly perennials, without inflicting noticeable injury or inducing obvious morphological variations to their host plant or host organism. Endophytic fungi, although often overlooked microorganisms, have garnered interest due to their significant biological diversity and ability to produce novel pharmacological substances.MethodsIn this study, fourteen endophytic fungi retrieved were from the stem of the perennial plant Polianthes tuberosa of the Asparagaceae family. These fungal crude metabolites were tested for antagonistic susceptibility to Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) pathogens using agar well diffusion, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays. The chequerboard test was used to assess the synergistic impact of active extract.Results and discussionIn early antibacterial screening using the Agar plug diffusion test, three of fourteen endophytes demonstrated antagonism against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Three isolates were grown in liquid medium and their secondary metabolites were recovered using various organic solvents. Eight extracts from three endophytic fungi displayed antagonism against one or more human pathogens with diameters ranging from 11 to 24 mm. The highest antagonistic effect was obtained in ethyl acetate extract for PTS8 isolate against two MRSA (ATCC 43300, 700699) with 20 ± 0.27 and 22 ± 0.47 mm zones of inhibition, respectively, among different solvent extracts. The extract had MICs of 3.12 ± 0.05 and 1.56 ± 0.05 μg/mL, and MBCs of 50 ± 0.01 and 12.5 ± 0.04 μg/mL, respectively. Antagonism against VRE was 18 ± 0.23 mm Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) with MIC and MBC of 6.25 ± 0.25 and 25 ± 0.01 μg/mL. When ethyl acetate extract was coupled with antibiotics, the chequerboard assay demonstrated a synergistic impact against MDR bacteria. In an antioxidant test, it had an inhibitory impact of 87 ± 0.5% and 88.5 ± 0.5% in 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl and reducing power assay, respectively, at 150 μg/mL concentration. PTS8 was identified as a Xenomyrothecium tongaense strain by 18S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. To our insight, it is the foremost study to demonstrate the presence of an X. tongaense endophyte in the stem of P. tuberosa and the first report to study the antibacterial efficacy of X. tongaense which might serve as a powerful antibacterial source against antibiotic-resistant human infections.

Fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) is an integral transmembrane protein that is involved in facilitating the translocation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) across the plasma membrane, thereby orchestrating the importation of LCFA into the cell. FATP1 also functions as an acyl-CoA ligase, catalyzing the ATP-dependent formation of fatty acyl-CoA using LCFA and VLCFA (very-long-chain fatty acids) as substrates. It is expressed in various types of tissues and is involved in the regulation of crucial signalling pathways, thus playing a vital role in numerous physiological and pathological conditions. Structural insight about FATP1 is, thus, extremely important for understanding the mechanism of action of this protein and developing efficient treatments against its anomalous expression and dysregulation, which are often associated with pathological conditions such as breast cancer. As of now, there has been no prior prediction or evaluation of the 3D configuration of the human FATP1 protein, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the distinct functional roles of its individual domains. In our pursuit to unravel the structure of the most commonly expressed isoforms of FATP1, we employed the cutting-edge ALPHAFOLD 2 model for an initial prediction of the entire protein’s structure. This prediction was complemented by molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on the most promising model. We predicted the structure of FATP1 in silico and thoroughly refined and validated it using coarse and molecular dynamics in the absence of the complete crystal structure. Their relative dynamics revealed the different properties of the characteristic FATP1.

Dengue fever is one of the common viral illnesses linked with significant morbidity and mortality. Of late, there is rapid increase in dengue cases in India. The present study aimed to known dengue seropositivity in different seasons of a year, other laboratory parameters and its geographical distribution. During the study period of 15 months 4172 patients hospitalized with probable dengue fever were included. Dengue serology was done for all cases by ELISA(J. Mitra & Co). Demographic details were taken to create geographical maps of the disease. Of the 4172 suspected dengue cases, 817 had confirmed dengue illness. Of these 817 cases, 584 showed Ns1 antigen (71.4%), 150 IgM antibody (18.3%), and 38 had both Ns1 and Ig M (4.6%). Platelet count less than 1,00,000 were seen in 566 (69.27%) patients. Dengue was noticeably more during monsoon time (June to September) of a year. Through geographical maps major clusters were noticed urban areas of Mysuru and Krishnaraja Nagara , while few clusters were also observed in Periyapatna and T Narsipura taluks of Mysuru district. To minimize the load of dengue cases and its death rate better community awareness and vector control measures need to be strengthened during monsoon especially in areas where burden of the disease is more. This study helps in early preparedness of the authorities concerned in controlling possible epidemics in future.

Background and Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major organism accounting for hospital acquired infections particularly in intensive care units. Due to production of different kinds of beta lactamases these bacteria have developed drug resistance rendering the treatment of such infections very difficult and expensive. Rapid identification of A. baumannii producing such beta-lactamases is the need of the hour in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with A. baumannii infections. Materials and Methods: A. baumannii was isolated from clinical samples like endotracheal aspirates, sputum, urine, exudates using standard culture techniques. Identification and drug sensitivity was done using Vitek 2 system. All the isolates were subjected to detection of ESBLs using phenotypic confirmatory test, plasmid mediated AmpC beta- lactamase by AmpC disc test, Carbapenemase production by CarbAcineto NP Test and Modified hodge method. Results: 149 A. baumannii isolates were analysed for antimicrobial susceptibility and various beta-lactamase production. Results were evaluated for statistical significance using Chi-Square and P value. 81.8% of isolates were from male patients with majority of them above 50 years of age. 88.5% of samples were from ventilator associated pneumonia patients. 83.8% of isolates were sensitive to tigecycline. Only 10% to 12% of isolates were sensitive to carbapenems. 23.4% of isolates were ESBL producers and 46.9% of them were AmpC producers. Modified Hodge test method identified 63.7% of A. baumannii as carbapenemase producers where as CarbAcineto NP test identified 63% and exibiting 94.74% sensitivity, 93.22% specificity when compared to Modified Hodge test. Conclusion: Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter spp. is on the rise. Present study showed that high percentage of drug resistance in A. baumannii could be due to production of ESBLs, AmpC and carbapenemases. Among all beta lactamases carbapenemase producers are more and quickly raising in A. baumannii. Rapid, cost effective assay which can be adopted in all clinical laboratories is critical to prevent their further transmission particularly in hospital environment.

Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and coagulase negative Staphylococci (CONS) are the commonest pathogens that lead to severe bacterial infections. It is a bacterium with consistent resistance development against commonly used antibiotics, with emergence of Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causing several infections in patients following hospitalization. Glycopeptides like vancomycin is used as primary drug for treating infectious diseases caused by MRSA. Due to indiscriminate use of vancomycin to treat MRSA, several strains with variable susceptibility to the same have emerged. Evaluation of Vancomycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) in the MRSA isolates obtained from clinical samples received in the diagnostic microbiology laboratory. About 120 Staphylococci obtained from different clinical samples in the diagnostic Microbiology laboratory, at tertiary health care center, South India, were included in the study. The isolates were identified and susceptibility to the relevant antibiotics was done by Vitek 2 an automated system. Vancomycin MIC was detected by Vitek 2 and E-test strip technique. Out of 120 Staphylococcal strains, 79(65.8%) S. aureus and 41(34.1%) CONS were isolated. Methicillin resistance was observed in 38 (48.1%) strains of S. aureus. Almost all 38 MRSA isolates were vancomycin sensitive with MIC range of 0.5 - 2µg/ml. Maximum isolates had MIC of 1 µg/ml i.e. 65.78% and 71% by E-Test and Vitek 2 respectively. The reported increased MIC of Vancomycin, though within the susceptible range, might experience poor clinical outcomes. Emergence and spread of resistance to glycopeptides like vancomycin needs to be kept in check by rapidly detecting the strains for resistance and strictly obeying the infection control practices.

Beta Hemolytic Streptococci are the most causative agents of pharyngitis, tonsillitis and pyogenic skin infections, to severe invasive conditions like necrotizing fasciitis and meningitis. Though Group A is more predominant streptococci causing disease, Group B, Group C Streptococcus (GCS) and group G Streptococcus (GGS) Group F Streptococci are emerging pathogens. Development of antibiotic resistance among them is a major concern now. This study aimed to know serogroup of beta hemolytic Streptococci causing infection and to know antibiotic resistance pattern. Based on standard biochemical tests, beta hemolytic Streptococci were identified and serogrouping was done using commercial latex test kit. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed as per CLSI guidelines. Among 120 beta hemolytic Streptococci isolated, 63 consecutive Beta hemolytic Streptococci were subjected for serogrouping. Group A were 35(55.6%), 4 Group B, 9 Group C and F, 5 group G Streptococci. Among the 63 isolates majority of isolates were from throat swab 21(33.3%) followed by pus 18 (28.5%). BHS from sputum were 8 and 7 from endotracheal aspirates. All the isolates were sensitive to penicillin, 27% of the BHS were resistance to erythromycin. Information regarding the prevalent Streptococci in local geographical area is of great importance as non GAS groups are associated with severe skin and soft tissue infections. Another major concern is antimicrobial resistance among these serogroups. Knowing antibiotic susceptibility patterns helps in selecting appropriate antibiotic for effective management of these clinical conditions.

Early onset Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is usually less severe, associated with a better prognosis, and is more likely caused by antibiotic- sensitive bacteria. Late-onset VAP, is usually caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the local microbial flora causing VAP needs to be studied and appropriate therapy based on the early endotracheal (ET) aspirate culture report can help managing this group of patients. The present study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, JSS Hospital, Mysore from January 2017 to December 2017. Bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance pattern of isolates from ET aspirates of patients on mechanical ventilation in Intensive care units were source of data. A total number of 1432 samples were received in the lab for ET aspirate culture. Among these 1432 samples, 1055 showed growth ranging from 10 2 to 106 colony forming units/ml (CFU/ml), 124 had no growth at all and 253 had no significant growth (

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen causing bacterial infection of skin lesions, such as burns, traumatic lesions, diabetic ulcers and post operative infections. The most common organism isolated from wound infections in our hospital is Staphylococcus and there have been several reports of MRSA isolates from pus samples during previous years. The aim of the present work is to study the rate of Staphylococcal wound infection and also to know the Antibiogram of Methicillin Sensitive and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus isolated from pus samples were identified based on colony morphology, Gram stain, Catalase and Coagulase test. Antibiotic susceptibility testing by disc diffusion was performed by Kirby Bauer method as per CLSI guidelines. Out of 595 samples collected, 534 [89.7 %] yielded growth of one or more bacterial species. Among 534 culture positive samples, 152 yielded pure growth of only staphylococcal species. 40.3% of the wound infections were caused by Staphylococcus species and among them 81.7% were caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The overall rate of MRSA infection in the present study was 29.6%. Significant difference was observed in the susceptibility pattern of Methicillin Sensitive and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA continues to be a major threat in the health care setting. The increased level resistance pattern of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus observed in our study may be due to the fact that ours is a tertiary care hospital with extensive usage of broad spectrum antibiotics leading to survival advantage and persistence of drug resistant pathogens.

A highly efficient and reproducible tissue culture regeneration system is an important prerequisite for achieving successful transformation. However, most indica rice varieties remain recalcitrant to genetic transformation and require refinement of the tissue culture protocol for the generation of embryogenic calli or regeneration of fertile plants from transformed cells. In this study, standardized regeneration system for indica rice cultivars was carried out. Further the expression of miR164c was investigated in the different rice genotypes. The expression of miR164c was proportional to the percentage of regeneration of the rice genotypes. These results provide interesting insights that will significantly improve our understanding of direct regeneration of rice from callus tissue.

The study was taken up to identify the various bacterial agents causing intertrigo of feet and to determine the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of the isolated bacterial agents. A total of 75 pus samples were collected from infected toe, web space infection by using sterile swabs.Samples were inoculated into Blood agar and MacConkey agar for the bacterial isolation and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed as per CLSI Guidelines. Out of 75 samples examined 38 were from male patients and 37 were collected from female patients. 101 different types of bacteria were grown in the present study. Among them38 Gram-PositiveCocci (GPC) and 63 Gram-Negative Bacilli (GNB). Of 38 Gram positive cocci isolated, Staphylococcus aureuswere19 (18.81%), followed by Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS) 12 (11.88%) and Streptococcus spp7 (6.93%). Of 63 Gram negative bacilli isolated Pseudomonas were19 (18.81%), followed by Proteus 16 (15.84%) and Klebsiella13 (12.87%). 25.8% Staphylococcus sppare Methecillin Resistant (MR) strains. Among the Gram negative bacteria 9.25% of the strains were showing resistance to Colistin or Tigecycline. It is known fact that different microbes and factors play very important role in lesions of toe web space. In the present study 25.8% of Staphylococcus species and 9.25% of Gram negative bacteria were multi drug resistant.Therefore, clinical and microbiologic studies are needed to help in the selection of appropriate treatment, prevention of important complications and emergence of drug resistance pathogens.