Background: Escherichia coli is well known as noninvasive commensal and has been established as etiological agent of various human infections. E. coli also contributes to high rate of resistance to several antibiotics due to multiresistant antibiotic plasmid genes e.g., extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL). Material and Methods: To analyse the situation of antibiotic resistance, a total of 77 E.coli isolates from urine, pus, sputum and endotracheal aspirate were screened for their antibiograms for antibiotic resistance, multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index for evaluating the spread of resistance and plasmid profiles for the presence and characterization of plasmids. Results: Very high resistance level (> 90%) was detected against ampicillin, amoxycillin, ceftazidime, norfloxacin, tetracycline while imipenem and amikacin recorded the least resistance levels of 2.3% and 13.9%, respectively, among the isolates. An increased resistance to amoxycillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole and norfloxacin were observed in this geographical area which however displayed a lower resistance in other countries. The MAR index varied considerably, the lowest was 0.18 and the highest was 0.89. Plasmids of 10 size ranges were detected in the isolates. Some isolates possessed single-sized plasmid while other possessed multiple plasmids. Isolates with high MAR profiles were found to possess multiple plasmids. Conclusion: Regular antimicrobial sensitivity surveillance is necessary and acquisition of plasmid could greatly contribute in the antibiotic resistance and poses a significant risk of the spread of microbial resistance in this community. Also, it was observed that route of administration of antibiotics perhaps reduced its misuse and hence led to the reduction in the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.

In vivo competition between histones H1 and H5 for chromatin has been studied in rat sarcoma XC10 cells transfected with a glucocorticoid responsive MMTV‐H5 gene. Activation of H5 expression results in accumulation of H5 in the nuclei where it partially replaces H1. H5 displaces H1 from its primary binding sites presumably during chromatin replication and also binds with high affinity to secondary chromatin sites normally not occupied by H1. Replacement of H1 by H5 to levels similar to those of mature chicken erythrocytes does not alter the nucleosome repeat length of chromatin. This indicates that H5 is not solely responsible for the increase in nucleosome spacing of maturing erythroid cells. Exchange of H1 by H5 in vivo or in vitro results in a higher compaction/stability of chromatin.

The production of free radicals can cause renal injury and play an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Markers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated in 48 patients with active nephrotic syndrome (ANS) and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy children. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, nitrite, copper, zinc, selenium, ascorbic acid, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were estimated in patients with ANS and controls. Measurements were repeated in 39 cases after achievement of remission, and in 10 other children who were in remission of >6 months' duration. Plasma MDA and nitrite levels were significantly higher and selenium was lower in ANS patients compared with controls. Plasma protein carbonyl, copper ascorbic acid, zinc, and superoxide dismutase levels were comparable in ANS patients and controls. Plasma copper level was significantly higher in active cases than in the remission and long-term remission groups. Selenium value showed a rise and then normalized in long-term remission. Among different sub-groups of ANS, no significant differences were found in the levels of various parameters, except plasma selenium, which was significantly lower in first-attack nephrotic syndrome (FANS) in comparison to infrequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (IRNS) and frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) patients. Thus, we observed evidence of oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense during acute nephrotic syndrome. Antioxidant status recovered completely only during long-term remission.