Browsing by Author "Rajinder Kaur"

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Antimicrobials and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Water Bodies: Pollution, Risk, and Control
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Ashish Kumar Singh; Rajinder Kaur; Shashikala Verma; Samer Singh
The manuscript endeavors to provide a perspective on the role of water bodies in the spread of antimicrobial (antibiotic) resistance (AMR), antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARB), and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) among pathogens, animals, and humans. We briefly indicate how the AMR problem is globally affecting public health, along with strategies and mechanisms to combat the dissemination of ARB and ARGs. A brief systematic survey of the literature (2015-onwards) for the presence of antimicrobial residues and the occurrence of ARGs and antimicrobial resistant microorganisms in different water bodies/sources indicates the gravity of the situation and suggests their important role in the occurrence and spread of AMR, ARB, and ARGs. The prevalent water treatment methods which tend to reduce ARB and ARGs from water resources are unable to remove them completely, allowing the problem of AMR to continue and spread to organisms of concern. In this opinion article, we attempt to underline the key role of controlling the release/discharge of antimicrobial contaminants in water bodies and their buildup in checking the development and spread of AMR. The reduction in the release of antibiotic residues in the environment, especially water bodies, combined with the development of improved surveillance means and efficacious treatment/removal/decomposition methods could help curb the menace of AMR effectively. We suggest the expansion of the ambit of ‘One Health Approach to AMR crises proposed by the World Bank, 2021 to include the ‘reduction of antimicrobial contamination of the environment’ as the ‘seventh domain’ of activity to effectively achieve its objective. Copyright © 2022 Singh, Kaur, Verma and Singh.
Common garlic (Allium sativum L.) has potent Anti-Bacillus anthracis activity
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2021) Rajinder Kaur; Atul Tiwari; Manish Manish; Indresh K. Maurya; Rakesh Bhatnagar; Samer Singh
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Gastrointestinal anthrax, a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, remains an important but relatively neglected endemic disease of animals and humans in remote areas of the Indian subcontinent and some parts of Africa. Its initial symptoms include diarrhea and stomachache. In the current study, several common plants indicated for diarrhea, dysentery, stomachache or as stomachic as per traditional knowledge in the Indian subcontinent, i.e., Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael), Allium cepa L. (Onion), Allium sativum L. (Garlic), Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem), Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex DC. (Daruharidra), Coriandrum sativum L. (Coriander), Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric), Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (Bermuda grass), Mangifera indica L. (Mango), Morus indica L. (Black mulberry), Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Ocimum sanctum L., Holy Basil), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Ram Tulsi), Psidium guajava L. (Guava), Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger), were evaluated for their anti-Bacillus anthracis property. The usage of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. and Curcuma longa L. by Santals (India), and Allium sp. by biblical people to alleviate anthrax-like symptoms is well documented, but the usage of other plants is traditionally only indicated for different gastrointestinal disturbances/conditions. Aim of the study: Evaluate the above listed commonly available edible plants from the Indian subcontinent that are used in the traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases including those also indicated for anthrax-like symptoms for the presence of potent anti-B. anthracis activity in a form amenable to use by the general population in the endemic areas. Materials and methods: Aqueous extracts made from fourteen plants indicated above were screened for their anti-B. anthracis activity using agar-well diffusion assay (AWDA) and broth microdilution methods. The Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) that displayed most potent anti-B. anthracis activity was assessed for its thermostability, stability under pH extremes encountered in the gastrointestinal tract, and potential antagonistic interaction with bile salts as well as the FDA-approved antibiotics used for anthrax control. The bioactive fractions from the AGE were isolated by TLC coupled bioautography followed by their characterization using GC-MS. Results: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract was identified as the most promising candidate with bactericidal activity against B. anthracis. It consistently inhibited the growth of B. anthracis in AWDA and decreased the viable colony-forming unit counts in liquid-broth cultures by 6-logs within 6–12 h. The AGE displayed acceptable thermostability (>80% anti-B. anthracis activity retained on incubation at 50 °C for 12 h) and stability in gastric pH range (2–8). It did not antagonize the activity of FDA-approved antibiotics used for anthrax control. GC-MS analysis of the TLC separated bioactive fractions of AGE indicated the presence of previously unreported constituents such as phthalic acid derivatives, acid esters, phenyl group-containing compounds, steroids etc. Conclusion: The Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) displayed potent anti-B. anthracis activity. It was better than that displayed by Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem) and Mangifera indica L., while Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) did not show any activity under the assay conditions used. Further work should be undertaken to explore the possible application of AGE in preventing anthrax incidences in endemic areas. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.
Cu-BTC metal organic framework (MOF) derived Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles and their use as visible light active photocatalyst for the decomposition of ofloxacin (OFX) antibiotic and antibacterial activity
(Elsevier B.V., 2021) Ramanpreet Kaur; Amandeep Kaur; Rajinder Kaur; Samer Singh; Manpreet Singh Bhatti; Ahmad Umar; S. Baskoutas; Sushil Kumar Kansal
Herein, we report the ultrasonic-assisted precipitation technique for the fabrication of Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles. The prepared sample showed high crystallinity, purity and nanoparticles like structure with the diameter in the range of 10–22 nm. The bandgap for Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles was estimated to be 2.91 eV using Tauc plot, which is considerable for improving the light-harvesting capacity. Further, the prepared Cu-doped TiO2 was used as photocatalyst for the eradication of ofloxacin (OFX), an antibiotic from an aqueous phase under visible illuminations. About 72% degradation of OFX (10 mg/L, pH 7) was achieved with Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles after 180 min of visible illumination. The probable photocatalytic mechanism for the decomposition of OFX has been proposed based on reactive species trapping study. Moreover, the antibiotic efficiency of OFX was investigated against Escherichia coli and it was observed that its antimicrobial activity was significantly diminished after the photocatalytic decomposition of the OFX solution with synthesized nanoparticles. © 2021 The Society of Powder Technology Japan
Epidemiology of Human and Animal Anthrax in India, 1990–2022: A Comprehensive Analysis of Literature and National Surveillance Data
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025) Suresh Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa; Jessica A. Radzio-Basu; Hindol Maity; Ramya K. Rao; Robab Katani; Divakar Hemadri; Sharanagouda N. Patil; Jayashree Anand; Samer Singh; Divya Kandari; Rajinder Kaur; Rani Prameela; Shivaraj Murag; Niranjana R. Sahoo; Vivek Kapur; Shah S. Hossain; Mohan Kumar Papanna
Background: Anthrax, a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, exerts considerable health consequences in resource-limited regions and is notably prevalent in India, causing persistent outbreaks that pose major animal and public health challenges. This study reviews the spatiotemporal patterns of human and animal anthrax outbreaks in India to identify high-risk areas and assess the correlation with environmental factors. Methods: A comprehensive literature search covering the period from 1990 to 2022 was conducted across various databases including CAB Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, alongside Indian government databases like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Animal Disease Referral Expert System (NADRES). We extracted data from studies published in English, using predefined keywords, and evaluated them using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Data analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel and EpiInfo, with spatial mapping in ArcGIS Pro. Results: Out of the 423 studies reviewed, 44 fulfilled our inclusion criteria, providing data on 174 human outbreaks (1778 cases, 130 fatalities) and 1775 animal outbreaks (7818 deaths). We identified key hotspots for human anthrax in West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, and significant hotspots for animal anthrax in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Majority of human outbreaks were reported between March and June, whereas the majority of animal outbreaks were reported between June and September. A strong correlation was observed between rainfall and animal outbreaks in the eastern region (correlation coefficient of 0.94). Conclusion: The study highlights key hotspots for human and animal anthrax and discrepancies in human and animal anthrax reporting and gaps in surveillance. There is a critical need for enhanced One Health surveillance and animal anthrax vaccination programs for effective management and mitigate the disease. These strategies are essential not only for public health and livestock welfare in India but also for global health security. © © 2025 Suresh K. Puttahonnappa et al. BioMed Research International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Insight into the possible association between gene polymorphism of IFN-γ and IL-22 with psoriasis in Punjab, India
(Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2018) Arun Kumar Rawat; Wani Aadil Islam; Tahseena Akhtar; Parneet Kaur; Tarun Narang; Dimple Chopra; Tej Bali Singh; Rajinder Kaur
Introduction: IFN-γ and IL-22 are Th1/Th17 cytokine which have been shown to play important role in the development of autoimmune disorder like psoriasis. Aim: To identify the possible association of IFN-γ and IL-22 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with psoriasis as well as to find correlation between serum level of IL-22 and IFN-γ with severity of psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A total of 168 psoriasis patients and 152 healthy controls were included in the study. A 3 ml of blood sample was collected from each psoriasis patients and healthy control for further analysis of serum level of cytokine. A part of blood sample was used for isolation of DNA for gene polymorphism study in psoriasis patients. Gene polymorphism of IL-22 (rs1179251 and rs2227513) and IFN-γ (rs2430561, rs2069709) were studied by ARMS PCR method whereas serum level of IL-22 and IFN-γ was analysed using commercially available ELISA kits. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) was calculated to assess the relative risk of psoriasis for various genetic variants. Results: Serum level of IL-22 and IFN-γ was found to be (74.4±24.1 and 96.7±31.7 pg/ml respectively) significantly high (p<0.001), and associated with PASI score in psoriasis patients. In genotype analysis, a significant association was found between gene polymorphism of IFN-γ (rs2430561 and rs2069709) and IL-22 (rs1179251 and rs2227513) with psoriasis. Conclusion: These results suggest that polymorphism of IFN-γ and IL-22 genes can be responsible for elevated serum level of IFN-γ and IL-22 cytokines. As these cytokines play key role in pathogenesis of psoriasis thus in conclusion gene polymorphism of IFN-γ and IL-22 may be responsible factor for increased susceptibility to psoriasis in north Indian population. © 2018, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.
Modern Tools of Genome Engineering and Their Applications
(Springer Nature, 2023) Rajinder Kaur; Ashish Kumar Singh; Dinesh Kumar Singh; Samer Singh
Genome editing systems have emerged as an advanced bioengineering tool capable of targeting and editing the genomes of almost all organisms in a sequence-specific manner. This chapter presents an overview of the leading developments in the modern tool armory for genome editing that meet the high standards of efficiency, safety, and accessibility in genome engineering, i.e., ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR. These novel tools, primarily based on engineered nucleases, have proved to be one of the most effective and reliable tools for genome engineering. The engineered nucleases have enabled the alteration of targeted DNA sequences in a wide range of organisms and cell types. We will cover the mechanism and application of these methods for genome editing in current biology, functional genome screening, healthcare, agriculture, gene therapy, biological sciences, drug development, etc. General strategies used for designing specific ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9 systems and analyzing their activity have been indicated. The therapeutic applications of these tools in controlling disease and their potential usage in the development of agricultural and industrial products, environmental protection, food development, immunotherapy, and treatment of genetic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer are also briefly touched upon. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.
Portrayal of the complex molecular landscape of multidrug resistance in gastric cancer: Unveiling the potential targets
(Elsevier Inc., 2025) Siddhant Biswas; Riya Kanodia; Suman Seervi; Rajinder Kaur; Sakshi Shukla; Samer Singh; Juni Banerjee; Shuvomoy Banerjee
Gastric cancer (GC) is an aggressive malignancy among all Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) types. Worldwide, among all cancer types, gastric cancer incidence and related mortality remain in fifth position. Multidrug resistance (MDR) in GC presents a major challenge to chemotherapy, and it significantly affects patient survival. A better understanding of the dynamic interaction of cellular factors contributing to MDR phenotype, e.g., the presence and expression of variants of MDR-related genes, including various drug-detoxifying and drug-efflux transporters, and expression of regulatory ncRNAs affecting the expression of MDR-related genes, is required to comprehend the molecular mechanisms for MDR development in GCs. This review article provides a holistic discussion of the cellular factors involved in the MDR development in GC cells, i.e., their roles and cross-talk between specific molecules that give rise to drug-sensitive and drug-resistant phenotypes. Moreover, the pharmacological perspective of drug resistance and the underlying biological processes that allow the escape of GC cells from the cytotoxic effects of drugs have also been discussed. Additionally, this review article provides an in-depth discussion on most potential candidates that can serve as MDR biomarkers in GIC cancer and the growing research interest in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in GC. Notably, the miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs are not only emerging as crucial prognostic biomarkers of MDR in gastric cancers but also as potential targets for personalized medicine to combat the MDR challenge in GC patients. © 2025 Elsevier Inc.
Revisiting the role of vitamin D levels in the prevention of COVID-19 infection and mortality in European countries post infections peak
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2020) Samer Singh; Rajinder Kaur; Rakesh Kumar Singh
Various studies are underway to identify protective variables for the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that if indeed the vitamin D levels would be protective in the European population, as recently proposed, the correlation would become more robust when the countries had passed the infection peak as on May 12 2020, compared to April 8 2020, when the majority had not. Comparative analysis of data from the mentioned stages indicated a significant increase in negative correlation of vitamin D levels with COVID-19 cases per million population in later stage (r(20): −0.5504; R2 = 0.3029; p value: 0.0119 vs r(20): −0.4435; R2 = 0.1967; p value: 0.0501), whereas the correlation with deaths per million population became insignificant (r(20): −0.3935; R2 = 0.1549; p value: 0.0860 vs r(20): −0.4378; R2 = 0.1917; p value: 0.0535). Considering divergence of vitamin D levels from the mean in subgroups, e.g. children, women, aged, dedicated exploratory studies with carefully chosen matched target groups is advisable. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.