Chromate detoxification potential of Staphylococcus sp. isolates from an estuary

Chromium (Cr) pollution is an emerging environmental problem. The present study was carried out to isolate Cr-resistant bacteria and characterize their Cr detoxification and resistance ability. Bacteria screened by exposure to chromate (Cr⁶⁺) were isolated from Mandovi estuary Goa, India. Two isolates expressed high resistance to Cr⁶⁺ (MIC ≥ 300 µg mL⁻¹), Cr³⁺ (MIC ≥ 900 µg mL⁻¹), other toxic heavy metals and displayed a pattern of resistance to cephalosporins and ß-lactams. Biochemical and 16 S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that both isolates tested belonged to the Staphylococcus genus and were closely related to S. saprophyticus and S. arlettae. Designated as strains NIOER176 and NIOER324, batch experiments demonstrated that both removed 100% of 20 and 50 µg mL⁻¹ Cr⁶⁺ within 4 and 10 days, respectively. The rate of reduction in both peaked at 0.260 µg mL⁻¹ h⁻¹. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene involved in transport of a variety of substrates including efflux of toxicants was present in strain NIOER176. Through SDS-PAGE analysis, whole-cell proteins extracted from both strains indicated chromium-induced specific induction and up-regulation of 24 and 40 kDa proteins. Since bacterial ability to ameliorate Cr⁶⁺ is of practical significance, these findings demonstrate strong potential of some estuarine bacteria to detoxify Cr⁶⁺ even when its concentrations far exceed the concentrations reported from many hazardous effluents and chromium contaminated natural habitats. Such potential of salt tolerant bacteria would help in Cr⁶⁺ bioremediation efforts.

     

Clinical,hematological, and imaging observations in a 25-year-old woman with abetalipoproteinemia

Abetalipoproteinemia is an uncommon cause of ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Most of the neurological and ocular manifestations occur secondary to deficiency syndromes that is consequent to fat malabsorption from the small intestine. In this report, we have described the phenotype of a young adult female who manifested with recurrent diarrheal illness in her first decade, followed by anemia, RP, and neurological involvement with progressive deafness, cerebellar and sensory ataxia, and subclinical neuropathy in her second decade of life. While RP and sensory ataxia due to vitamin E deficiency are well-recognized features of abetalipoproteinemia, deafness is rarely described. In addition, we have highlighted the abnormal posterior column signal changes in the cervical cord in this patient. Early recognition avoids unnecessary investigations and has a potential to retard the disease progression by replacing some of the deficient vitamins.     

PMP22 Gene–Associated Neuropathies: Phenotypic Spectrum in a Cohort from India

Journal of Molecular Neuroscience - Reports of spectrum of clinical manifestations in PMP22 gene–associated neuropathies (duplication/mutations) are scarce. To identify the frequency of PMP22...     

Bilateral vocal cord palsy following endotracheal intubation: a case report

The trachea of a 50 year-old woman was intubated for management of respiratory failure following neurotoxic snake bite. She developed bilateral vocal cord palsy following intubation and was managed with tracheostomy and other supportive measures. Vocal cord palsy is a rare complication of intubation, which, in most situations, is preventable.     

Study of sleep microstructure in patients of migraine without aura

Sleep and Breathing - Although the relationship between sleep and migraine has been widely reported, studies on sleep microstructure are few. The aim was to study and compare microstructural...     

Lack of heart rate variability during sleep-related apnea in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)—an indirect marker of SUDEP?

Sleep and Breathing - Apneas occurring during sleep may precipitate autonomic instability in epilepsy patients making them susceptible to sudden death (SUDEP). Literature on heart rate variability...