In-vitro assessment of antibacterial activity of methanol extract of brassica oleracae against selected bacterias

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in- vitro antibacterial activity of methanol extract of Brassica Oleracae study against selected bacterias

DESIGN: The study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Pakistan

METHOD: The agar diffusion method was used to measure zones of inhibition in millimeter [mm] against organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli and Proteus. Values of growth inhibitory zones are expressed as mean + SD [standard deviation] of three triplicates i.e n=3

RESULTS: The methanol extract of Brassica oleracae exhibited distinct zones of inhibition at all the concentrations i.e 10mg/ml, 20mg/ml, 40mg/ml, and 100mg/ml towards all bacterial strains under study i.e staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, streptococcus, Escherichia coli and proteus against the methanol control which did not show any growth inhibitory zone. Methanol extract of Brassica oleracae showed widest inhibitory zone toward E.coli [16.98+0.00] followed by proteus [13.10+0.55], streptococcus [12.00+0.00], staph epidermidis [11.10+1.3] and staph aureus [11.02+0.67] at the concentration of 100mg/ml of extract, in comparison to methanol control which did not manifest any growth inhibitory zone [0.00]. The diameters of zones of inhibition were found to increase in size with increase in concentration of extract. However, the antibacterial activity against streptococci was almost same at 20mg/ml and 40mg/ml of concentration of extract [9.33+0.17 and 9.10+0.00 respectively]. Results were also compared with the standard antibacterial agent against chloramphenicol at a concentration of 100 microg /ml

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that of Brassica Oleracae may be use as anti-bacterial agent, thus providing ailing mankind a wonderful gift from nature

Frequency of helicobacter pylori among hepatic encephalopathic patients in liver cirrhosis

Objective: to determine the frequency of H. pylori in cases of hepatic encephalopathy with liver cirrhosis

Study design and place: cross-sectional study to observe the role of H. pylori in HE patients of liver cirrhosis, conducted in Department of Medicine with collaboration to Intensive Care Unit [ICU] from January 2009 to December 2009 at Liquate University of Hospital Jamshoro/ Hyderabad

Results: out of 66 patients of HE, 44[66.7%] were male and 22[33.3%] were female, between 20 and 80 years of age. Based on Child-Pough's criteria, severity of hepatic decompensation Grading was as; in grade 1= 07 [10.6%], in grade 2= 21 [31.8%], in grade 3= 20 [30.3%] and in grade 4= 18 [27.3%]. Based on Child-Pough's criteria in class A= 01 [1.5%], in class B= 27 [40.9%] and in class C= 38 [57.6%]. Etiological factors for HE were as; HCV antibodies were positive in 32 [48.48%], HBsAg was positive among 18 [27.27%], HBsAg and HCV antibodies both were positive in 09 [13.64%], Alcoholics were 07 [10.6%] and Frequency of H. pylori was found in 47 [71.2%]

Conclusion: in our study we found that before and after 10 days H. pylori eradication therapy, there was no significant improvement in HE grade and other parameters. While the finding of high frequency of H. pylori in HE patients may be either co-incidence or co-relation that needs further vast studies

Effect of methanol extract of ajwain [trachyspermum ammi L] on blood coagulation in rats

Objective: to assess the effect of methanol extract of Ajwain on coagulation parameters PT and aPTT and to determine usefulness

Design: this comparative study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Pakistan

Methods: antithrombotic tests PT and aPTT were conducted after multiple dosing of Ajwain on rats using standard kits and reagents, which were performed on Humaclot duo Germany. The data was subjected to analysis by taking mean and standard error to the mean using student T- test

Results: the results revealed that Ajwain extract did not show any significant effect on aPTT whereas increase in PT was highly significant [P < 0.001]

Conclusion: the results suggested that the methanol extract of Ajwain prolonged PT, similar to that of Warfarin suggesting its possible effects on the extrinsic pathway, while aPTT was not altered suggesting that it may have no effects on the intrinsic pathway

C-reactive protein [CRP] and other risk factors in acute ischemic stroke patients

Introduction: Stroke is a common cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries; stroke is second leading cause of death after cardiac disease worldwide. Apart from established major risk factors for Ischemic Stroke [IS] i.e.; Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Smoking and Hyperlipidemia, a burning but still debatable issue is raised serum C - reactive protein [CRP], that is also thought to be the major risk factor for acute IS due to participation in formation of Atherosclerosis in the cerebral vessels in genetically prone patients

Objective of study: To find out significance of serum levels of CRP among CT scan proved acute ischemic stroke patients

Study Design and Place: This is a prospective observational study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro/Hyderabad from July 2009 to June 2010

Data Collection: Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study after obtaining informed consent, and were evaluated thoroughly for c reactive protein and other risk factors. All the selected cases were investigated for; Complete blood count, Urine detail report, CT scan brain plain, Serum C-Reactive Protein [CRP] Level, Fasting and Random Blood Sugar, Fasting Lipid Profile ECG and X-Ray chest PA View. The data was collected on a predesigned proforma designed for this study

Results: Out of 150 selected adult cases of CT scan proved Ischemic Stroke, male were 120 [80 %] and female were 30 [20 %]. Male to female ratio was 4:1. Their ages were between 20-80 years. Among these patients high level of CRP [> 10mg / L] was found in 132 [88 %]. Out of these Male were 110 [73.3 %] and that of Female were 22 [14.7%] respectively. Frequency of other major risk factors in male and female IS patients was also observed

Conclusion: A close relationship between high level of CRP and acute IS was found, because in acute IS patients high levels of CRP was observed but again it needs further studies high sample size to establish the c reactive protein as a independent risk factor for acute ischemic stroke

Frequency of helicobacter pylori in ischemic stroke

Objective: To find out the frequency of helicobacter pylori antibodies [IgG] among cases of ischemic stroke

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration: Medical Unit-II, Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro/Hyderabad, from July 2009 to June 2010

Methodology:Helicobacter pylori [H.pylori] antibodies [IgG] on ELISA and color doppler ultrasound of carotid arteries were performed in CT Scan confirmed cases of ischemic stroke along with other routine investigations. A pre-designed proforma was used to record the data

Results: Among 150 CT scan confirmed ischemic stroke cases, 110 [73.3%] were males and 40 [26.7%] were females [2.7:1]. The H.pylori antibodies [IgG] were present in 121 [80.7%] cases among which males were 99 [66%] and females were [14.7%]

Conclusion: H.pylori antibodies [IgG] were present in very high proportion [80.7%] among cases of ischemic stroke

Use of single layer extra mucosal interrupted suture intestinal anastomosis: three year experience

Objective: to see the outcome of single layer extramucosal interrupted suture gut Anastomosis

Study design: prospective analytical

Setting and methods: this study was carried out in the Department of Surgery Unit-I Muhammad Medical College Mirpurkhas, from August 2004 to July 2007. A total of 72 patients were included in this study in which gut anastomosis was performed with single layer extramucosal interrupted suture. Patients of all ages and sex groups were included in whom end-to-end anastomosis was required in small and large intestine. Polyglactin [Vicryl 2/0 and 3/0] material was chosen on round body needle

Results: end-to-end anstomosis in 72 patients was done in cases of ileal perforation 37 / 72 [51.38%] and right hemicolectomy 09/72 [12.50%]. Intussusception was the cause in 11/72 [15.27%] cases, mass at recto-sigmoid junction was found in 02/72 [02.77%] strangulated inguinal hernia in 07/72 [09.72%] patients, jejunal diverticulosis in 01/72 [01.38%], caecal volvulous in 02/72 [02.77%] and sigmoid volvulous in 02/72 [02.77%] cases. Anastomosis leakage occurred in only 02/72 cases. Mortality remained 1/72 [01.38%]

Conclusion: single-layer extramucosal interrupted suture gut anastomosis is safe method of hand sewing technique. It is suitable for all anastomosis in the gastrointestinal tract

Transurethral resection of prostate versus Transvesical approach: frequency of postoperative urinary incontinence: two year study

Objective: to compare the results of transvesical prostatectomy with transurethral resection of prostate in respect to the presentation and severity of postoperative urinary incontinence

Design: comparative study

Place and duration of study: this study was carried out in two tertiary care centers Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro from where all cases of TRUP were collected and Muhammad Medical College Mirpurkhas where all transvesical prostatectomies were performed. It was a two years study from April 2004 to March 2006

Patients and methods: two groups were made and 50 cases were kept in each group by adopting non-probability convenient sampling technique. Patient underwent TURP were kept in group A and transvesical prostatectomy group was titled as group B. Patients having associated stricture urethra, urinary bladder stones or bladder diverticulum and later on proved as carcinoma of prostate were excluded from the study. Urinary incontinence in patients after both procedures was compared

Results: from group A 07 [14%] patients developed incontinence postoperatively and all had stress type of incontinence. While in group B 11 [22%] patients developed urinary incontinence; among them 05 [45.45%] had stress incontinence and 06 [54.55%] developed continuous urinary leakage. Rate of recovery after conservative measures remained rapid with group A as compared to group B

Conclusion: frequency and severity of postoperative urinary incontinence is more with transvesical approach. But the facility of TURP is not freely available. Therefore improvement in the technique of open prostatectomy is mandatory

Submucosal lipomas: an infrequent cause of intussusception

A 35 years old female, presented with acute abdominal pain, distension of abdomen, vomiting and absolute constipation. At laparotomy, ileoileal intussusception was found. Resection and anastomosis was done. Both gross examination of resected segment and histopathology report confirmed the submucosal lipomas as causative factor

Management of fournier's gangrene: experience of two tertiary care hospitals in Sindh, Pakistan

Objective: Health negligence is common in our society. Minor injuries and infections of genitalias can lead to life threatening disorders. The aim of this study was to draw attention towards early diagnosis and appropriate management of Fournier's gangrene. Design: Descriptive study. Setting: Departments of Surgery, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad [from June 2000 to May 2001] and Mohammad Medical College Hospital Mirpurkhas [from April 2002 to March 2003]

Patients and Methods: Total 18 patients were admitted and treated for Fournier's gangrene. Surgical procedures adopted were early wide debridment and later reconstruction

Results: Male remained dominant victim of the disease [88.8%]. Average age of patients was 43 years. Urinary tract infection was the commonest etiological factor [44.4%]. Mortality was 5.27%. Wide surgical debridment was the first option used for the management. Thirty three percent cases required one stage closure of wound after healthy granulation. More advanced procedures were adopted in others

Conclusion: Fournier's gangrene is a notorious disorder which requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Minor infection should be given due attention as negligence may lead to this life threatening condition