Anthropometric Study of Proximal Femur Geometry and Its Clinical Application

The implants for fixation of proximal femur fractures and joint replacements have been designed taking into consideration of the anthropometry of the western population which vary from other ethnic groups. The present study aimed to study the morphology of the upper end of femur in relation to its various diameters and angles and compare the external and internal geometry of proximal femur as obtained from radiographs, with actual measurements on cadaveric specimens in Indian population. Seventy five pairs (150 bones) of cadaveric femora were studied morphologically and radiologically using standardized techniques to obtain various anthropometrics measurements. These values were compared with those reported in the literature for Hong Kong Chinese, Caucasian, Chinese and Western populations. Data were found to be quite different from them. It is proposed that implants designed for Western populations should be used judiciously and future implants be designed to match the morphology of the Indian bones.

Isolated cutaneous involvement in a child with nodal anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a common childhood T-cell and B-cell neoplasm that originates primarily from lymphoid tissue. Cutaneous involvement can be in the form of a primary extranodal lymphoma, or secondary to metastasis from a non-cutaneous location. The latter is uncommon, and isolated cutaneous involvement is rarely reported. We report a case of isolated secondary cutaneous involvement from nodal anaplastic large cell lymphoma (CD30 + and ALK +) in a 7-year-old boy who was on chemotherapy. This case is reported for its unusual clinical presentation as an acute febrile, generalized papulonodular eruption that mimicked deep fungal infection, with the absence of other foci of systemic metastasis.

Bioremediation of Slaughter House Waste Water by Rhodobacter Sp. Gskrlmbku-02.

Biological treatment of waste waters is a sustainable alternative for waste treatment to existing treatment methods. Microbial metabolism effects pH, BOD, COD, DO and concentration of suspended solids present in slaughter house waste water. Rhodobacter sp. GSKRLMBKU-02 from paper mill waste water was used in the present study to remediate slaughter house waste water. Treatment with this bacterium caused a significant decrease in some of the parameters tested for waste water. Remediation of slaughter house waste water of Warangal by Rhodobacter sp. GSKRLMBKU-02 showed a 28% decrease in DO, 52% decrease in BOD, 76% decrease in COD and organic matter decreased to the extent of 55%. Further a reduction in the levels of Chloride (68%), sulphates (69%) and bicarbonates (34%) were also noticed due to the growth of this bacterium.

Bioremediation of Sewage Waste Waters by the Phototrophic Bacterial Consortium Isolated from Sewage Water.

Microbial based treatments are more economical, ecofriendly and sustainable alternative for waste treatment to existing chemical or physical treatment methods. The metabolic rate of microorganisms effect pH, BOD, COD, DO, concentration of suspended solids present in waste waters. Phototrophic consortium from sewage water was used in the present study to remediate sewage water. Treatment with bacteria caused a significant decrease in some of the parameters tested for waste water. Remediation of sewage water of Panagal by photosynthetic bacteria showed a 23% decrease in DO and 64% decrease in BOD was observed which was significant. COD and organic matter decreased to the extent of 32% and 75% respectively. Chloride levels (6%), bicarbonates (32%) and sulphates (19%) were also decreased. Remediation of sewage water of Prakasam bazaar by photosynthetic bacteria showed a decrease in DO by 22%. Chemical oxygen demand and Biological oxygen demand decreases were significant and were to the extent of 60% and 38% respectively. Bicarbonates (45%), chlorides (35%), sulphates (16%) and organic matter (28%) also decreased significantly.

Phosphate Solubilization by Allochromatium Sp. GSKRLMBKU-01 Isolated from Marine Water of Visakhapatnam.

Mineral phosphate solubilization activities by Allochromatium sp. GSKRLMBKU-01 on dicalcium and tricalcium phosphate was investigated. The biomass, di- and tricalcium phosphate solubilization increased with the progress of incubation period upto 8th day and decreased with further incremental incubation period. The highest solubility of dicalcium phosphate (558.0 ± 9.2 μg P/ml) and tricalcium phosphate (568.0 ± 8.0 μg P/ml) was recorded on 8th day of incubation period. The maximum optical density of biomass of the bacterium on dicalcium and tricalcium phosphate was 1.389 ± 0.110 and 1.206 ± 0.108 respectively on 8th day of incubation period. A positive correlation coefficient (r) was recorded between growth, dicalcium phosphate(r=0.965) and tricalcium phosphate (r=0.786) solubilization.

A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Levels in Farmers (Smokers and Nonsmokers) Exposed to Monocrotophos.

Despite extensive research in understanding toxic effects of monocrotophos, some uncertainty exists. The results showed a decrease in SOD activity both in smoker and non-smoker exposed groups when compared to the control group in the present study. The mean SOD activity in non-smoker control group was 1263±7.22 and the same has decreased to 496.0±9.123 in the non-smoker exposed group. Similarly a decrease in SOD activity was observed in smoker exposed group. While SOD activity in control group is 1258.3±12.79 it has decreased to 496.0±9.12 in the smokers exposed to monocrotophos pesticide. The results showed a decrease in GPX activity both in smoker and nonsmoker exposed groups when compared to the control group. The mean GPX activity in non-smoker control group was 20.62±4.14 and the same has decreased to10.75 ±2.87 in the non-smoker exposed group.

Antioxidants Levels in Farmers Occupationally Exposed to Pesticides: A Case Study.

Occupationally exposed monocrotophos pesticide sprayers revealed various health complications like hyper tension, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular problems, headache, eye irritation, cold, sinus problems, asthma, backache, fatigue, skin allergy, joint pains and acidity. There was a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity in exposed group when compared to control group. Significant increase was seen in the activity of Glutathione-Stransferase in long term exposure to monocrotophos pesticide sprayers. Present study is an attempt to explore the status of usage of monocrotophos in Ramayanpet Village of Medak district in Andhra Pradesh State of India.

Purification and characterization of riboflavin carrier protein from egg white of South Indian spotted owlet (athene brama).

Riboflavin carrier protein has been isolated and purified from the Indian spotted owlet. The protein was purified to its homogeneity. Purification was achieved successfully by DEAE_ Sepharose column chromatography and gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G-100. The protein content was estimated with Lowry method. The purity of the proteins was judged by SDS-PAGE technique. The molecular weight of the protein was found to be 29 Kd. The protein was characterized using absorption, fluorescence and CD spectral analysis. Significance of the above results are discussed in the present communication.

Biotechnological applications of purple non sulphur phototrophic bacteria: A minireview.

Bacteria play in vital role in the production of variety of products, including certain plastics and enzymes used in detergents, textiles and pharmaceutical industries. Production of chemicals using bacteria and other microorganisms is not only economical sustainable but also ecofriendly. Modern biotechnology entails the use of cell fusion, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, structure based molecular design and hybridoma technology. The presence of photosynthetic bacteria along with the heterotrophic bacteria have been reported in various aquatic environments like Indian tropical waters (Vasavi et al., 2007), salt marshes (Bergstein et al., 1993), industrial effluents (Ramasamy et al., 1990; Merugu et al., 2008), sea water (Kobayashi,1982), sewage (Kobayashi et al., 1995), waste water (Sunita and Mitra, 1993 and Vasavi et al., 2007), hot water springs (Demchick et al., 1990), earthworm casts (Vasavi et al., 2007), paddy fields (Sasikala et al., 2004), ocean waters and aquaculture (Kappler et al.,2005), brackish lagoon (Anthony et al., 2006), and black sea (Overmann and Manske, 2006). Blankenship et al. (1995) studied taxonomy of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria. These bacteria preferably grow by a photoheterotrophic metabolism with organic substances as electron donors during their photosynthetic activity. Most species are also capable of growing photoautotrophically with molecular hydrogen as donor. They have high protein content with good amount of essential amino acids, vitamins, biological co-factors and fewer amounts of nucleic acids (Sasikala and Ramana, 1995, Merugu et al.,2008). Many workers have recommended purple non sulphur bacteria as a source of SCP for pisciculture and poultry industry (Salma et al., 2007), vitamin B12 (Sasikala and Ramana,1995), Ubiquinone Q10 used in clinical medicine (Sasaki et al., 2002) and therapeutically used compounds (Nagumo et al., 1991). Mitsui (1985), while discussing multiple utilisation of tropical and subtropical marine photosynthetic organisms, suggested that some photosynthetic bacterial strains may prove to be an economical source of carbohydrate material for bacterial mediated methane production. Carotenoids produced by Rb.sphaeroides are used as natural dyes and food dyes (Qian et al., 1991). The profile of essential amino acids of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria is comparable to those of soyabean and egg proteins (Ponsanio et al., 2002) and higher than those of other single cell protein (Azad et al., 2001). Mass production of Rhodopseudomonas palustris as diet for aquaculture was studied by Kim and Lee (2000). Many of phototrophic bacteria are reported to leach out ammonia during their growth as amino acids. Ammonia leaching was observed in resting cells of Rhodobacter sphaeroides O.U.001 in the absence of MSX under various gas phases (Sasikala and Ramana, 1990). Hiroo (2004) used a mixed culture of photosynthetic bacteria for ammonia leaching.

Effect of bioinoculation of rhodobacter capsulatus KU002 on two rice varieties of India.

In our continuing studies on the potential application of phototrophic bacteria we have tried to investigate the effects of inoculation of phototrophic bacteria on the growth and nitrogen levels in two varieties of rice namely Mashuri and Erramallelu. Mashuri variety was comparatively more responsive to the inoculation of phototrophic bacteria. Increase in shoot length of both the varieties of rice could be recorded. Nitrogen percentage showed a marked increase in both the rice varieties tested. Potential of phototrophic bacteria as a biofertiliser is discussed in this communication.

Hypocholesterolemic effect of the anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium rhopseudomonas palustris MGU001 in hen laying eggs.

The study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary Rhodopseudomonas palustris on the laying hen. The values were recorded after about a period of 60 days. Dietary supplementation of four day old cultures of R.palustris at 0.08% reduced cholesterol and triglycerides concentration in serum by 15.34% and 6.19% respectively. The hen egg-yolk recorded a reduction of about 17.18% in cholesterol concentration. Also, supplementation of R.palustris in diets increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and decreased atherogenic index in serum. Reduction in the levels of cholesterol was also observed in liver, breast and thigh muscles. Diets fed with R.palustris may lead to the development of chicken and eggs containing less cholesterol. Significance of the above results with respect to the existing literature are discussed in this communication.

Morphometric Measurements of Cadaveric Thoracic Spine in Indian Population and Its Clinical Applications

STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of morphometric data obtained from direct measurements of 100 cadaveric thoracic spines in Indian population. PURPOSE: To collect a base line morphometric data and analyze it in reference to the musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics of the spine; implants and instrumentations; and to suggest the requisite modification in spinal surgery instrumentations. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Most of the previous studies in the world literature have focused primarily on the parameters of the pedicle and to the authors' knowledge; no study has been published from the Indian subcontinent reporting a detailed morphometry of the thoracic spine. METHODS: One thousand and two hundred thoracic vertebrae were studied by direct measurements for linear and angular dimensions of the vertebral body, spinal canal, pedicle, and spinous and transverse processes in 100 human cadavers. RESULTS: Thirty-five point five percent of all the pedicles; 71% of T5 pedicles; 54.6% of all the female pedicles; and 94.4% of the T5 pedicles in females were smaller than 5 mm in mid-pedicle width dimension. Transverse pedicle angle was more at all levels and pedicles were sagittaly angulated in cephalad direction in comparison to other studies. Minimum value of interpedicular distance was at T5 (15.48 +/- 1.24). Vertebral body width showed slight decrease from T1 to T4. The transverse process length was relatively constant between T2 to T10. The spinous process angle showed increasing trend from T1 to T6 and then gradually decreased to T12. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the trends in changes of the parameters from T1 to T12 can be explained on the basis of local musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanical stresses. The smallest diameter screw and shortest available screw for adults may not be safe in majority of the Indian population in mid-thoracic region. The results of the present study can help in designing implants and instrumentations; understanding spine pathologies; and management of spinal disorders in this part of the world.

Production of PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) by rhodopseudomonas palustris KU003 and rhodobacter capsulatus KU002 under phosphate limitation.

Nine bacterial species of purple non sulphur bacteria were isolated from Warangal district of South India from leather industry effluents which included Rhodopseudomonas palustris, R.rutila, R.acdiophila, Rhodopila globiformis, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rsp.photometricum, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rb.capsulatus, Rhodobacter sp and Rhodocyclus gelatinosus were isolated. Among these Rhodopseudomonas palustris KU003 and Rhodobacter capsulatus KU002 were selected for the production of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The extracted PHB was characterized by IR and NMR spectral analysis. Effect of nutrient limitation in the form of phosphate KH2PO4 was tested to enhance the production of the polymer. Maximum yield of PHB was recorded at a concentration of 280 mg/L of KH2PO4 in Rps.palustris while no significant increase in the production of the polymer was observed in Rb.capsulatus.

Production of PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) by rhodopseudomonas palustris KU003 under nitrogen limitation.

A survey of various tannery effluents for the presence of purple non-sulphur bacteria was undertaken in Warangal district of South India. In all the nine bacterial species, which included Rhodopseudomonas palustris, R.rutila, R.acdiophila, Rhodopila globiformis, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rsp.photometricum, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rb.capsulatus, Rhodobacter sp and Rhodocyclus gelatinosus were isolated. Among these Rhodopseudomonas palustris KU003 was selected for the production of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Effect of nitrogen limitation on the production of PHB was tested. PHB accumulation was more at a nitrogen limitation of 78 mg/L of ammonium chloride. The maximum PHB produced was 180 mg/L of BP medium containing glucose as carbon source. Significance of the above in the light of existing literature is discussed in this communication.

Intra-operative migration of dynamic hip screw into the pelvis

The authors report a rare per-operative compilation of intra-pelvic migration of dynamic hip screw, during osteosynthesis of an inter-trochanteric fracture. Possible reasons of migration are analyzed along with the importance of careful execution of the surgical technique to avoid such iatrogenic and medico-legal implications

Study of families of nonsyndromic hearing impairment segregating with mutations in Cx26 gene.

Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment (ARNSHI) is the most common form with profound hereditary hearing impairment linked to DFNB1 locus (connexin26 gene) at 13q12. Mutations in connexin26 (Cx26) gene are known to be frequently associated with ARNSHI. Here, we report results on 13 families with NSHI screened for entire coding region of Cx26 using ARMS-PCR, restriction digestion analysis, SSCP and sequencing. Cx26 mutations were found in seven of the 13 families with inheritance of W24X (G to A at 71bp) in six and R127H (G to A at 380bp) in one of them. The observations imply that the G to A transition at position 71 in exon2 of Cx26 gene could play a major role in the phenotypic expression of recessive hearing impairment while R127H could be an associated polymorphism in Indian population.

Drug utilisation pattern in sexually transmitted diseases and its economic considerations--a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: WHO regularly revises guidelines for the treatment of these. There are very few studies reported on the drug utilization pattern of STD's in India. METHODS: In the present study, 325 patients attending the STD clinic of Lok Nayak Hospital were analysed over a period of six months. RESULTS: The demographic pattern of the patients was similar to those of studies reported earlier. Syphilis was the commonest of the STD's encountered; followed by viral STD's (c. acuminata and herpes progenitalis); gonorrhoea; chancroid and genital candidiasis. Out of a total of 409 drugs prescribed, the average number of drugs per prescription was 1.25. Sixty seven percent of the drugs were available in essential drug list of the hospital and 60% were prescribed in generic name. Ninety seven percent of the prescriptions were in accordance with WHO treatment guidelines. The cost of the drug treatment was comparable for c.acuminata, syphilis and chancroid while it was less for herpes progenitalis (HPG) due to acyclovir not being prescribed. However, it was more for gonorrhoea and candidiasis because of additional drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows a trend towards rational prescribing. It would be interesting to compare the results with a non teaching hospital.

Eikenella corrodens brain abscess in a child with congenital heart disease

We reported the isolation of Eikenella corrodens from a brain abscess in a child with cuanotic congenital heart disease in Trinidad

Omental cyst masquerading as ascites

This report describes a three-year-old girl with an omental cyst masquerading as ascites. A review of the literature has shown that large omental cysts are frequently misdiagnosed as ascites. Ultrasonography is a valuable aid in the diagnosis