Anti-Biofilm Activity of Monolaurin on Staphylococcus aureus: An in-silico Study

Background: Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-negative bacterium that can build strong biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces, quickly acquire drug resistance mechanisms, and cause major issues with the treatment of hospital infections. The creation of new therapeutic options has become important due to the limited supply of new antibacterial medications. One of the main sources of bioactive molecules is medicinal plants, and monolaurin is a naturally occurring substance with a variety of biological functions. In light of this, the goal of this study was to assess monolaurin's antibiofilm activity against S. aureus. Methods: Using the AutoDock programme, a docking study of monolaurin against Clf A (clumping factor A) was carried out, and Pymol software was used to evaluate the generated hydrogen bonds in the docked complex. This study demonstrates the positive potential of monolaurin as an antibacterial product and lends support to upcoming pharmacological research on this molecule with an eye toward its therapeutic use. Results: Research was done to support the theoretical absorption of monolaurin in this work and in silico. It was feasible to forecast if the monolaurin molecule may be produced as a medication based on the values of the physical-chemical parameters evaluated using the online tool Swiss ADME. Conclusion: The compound monolaurin demonstrated good receptor ClfA binding affinity with an estimated binding energy of kcal/mol. Natural anti-staphylococcal chemical monolaurin was used as a possible medicine for treating staphylococcal infections in humans by carrying out drug design studies for S. aureus.

Strike Omicron before you Captures It !

Omicron is currently shaking the world to its core. The disease is mainly transmitted via the respiratory route when people inhale droplets and small airborne particles (that form an aerosol) that infected people exhale as they breathe, talk, cough, sneeze, or sing. “UK becomes first country in Europe to pass 1,50,000 COVID deaths Omicron clouds forecasts for Covid end game.Omicron is a variant of nSARS-CoV-2 that has been identified initially in COVID19 patients in Botswana and South Africa. The chief of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said that the combination of Delta and Omicron variants of coronavirus is driving a tsunami of COVID-19 cases. The statement came as record new cases were reported from the United States and countries across Europe. France recorded the highest ever daily numbers in Europe for the second consecutive day, at 208,000 new cases.Vaccines offer strong protection from serious illness.

Ultrasound Guided Interscalene Block & Shoulder Block for Postoperative Analgesia for Shoulder Surgeries

Shoulder arthroscopic surgeries can produce intense postoperative pain. Interscalene block provides good analgesia after shoulder surgery, but concerns over its associated risks have prompted the search for alternatives. Suprascapular block along with axillary nerve block was recently proposed as an alternative to interscalene block, but evidence of its comparative efficacy is conflicting. The aim of our study was to compare suprascapular and axillary nerve blocks with interscalene block in shoulder surgery for postoperative analgesia. Methods: A total of 76 patients scheduled for shoulder arthroscopic surgery were equally divided into two groups of 38patients each: Interscalene (ISB) group and suprascapular with axillary nerve (SHB) group. Both the nerve block was achieved by both ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance. Visual analogue scale score was evaluated at 1, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. The time to first analgesia request, total analgesic requirement for 24 hr postoperatively, patient satisfaction, and any complications were recorded. Results: SHB provided equivalent analgesia to ISB in terms of post operative VAS scores.Time to 1st analgesia request was 7.2±1.3 hr in ISB group and 5.9±1.2 hr in SHB group which was not statistically significant.Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in SHB group compared to ISB group. Complication like subjective dyspnea and weakness of arm was significantly higher in ISB group compared to SHB group. Conclusions: SHB was as effective as ISB for postoperative pain relief but with fewer complications due to selective blockade of suprascapular and axillary nerve.

Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Block: A Comparison between Levobupivacaine with Dexamethasone and Levobupivacaine Alone

Dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block prolongs motor and sensory blockade. However, the effect of dexamethasone when added to levobupivacaine has not been well studied. This study was conducted to find out analgesic efficacy of dexamethasone as adjuvant to levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Methods: Ultrasound guided SCBP block was given to sixty patients, randomly assigned into two groups. Group S (thirty patients) received 2 mL normal saline with 25 mL levobupivacaine (0.5%) and Group D (thirty patients) received 2 mL of dexamethasone (8 mg) with 25 mL of levobupivacaine (0.5%), respectively. Time for the first rescue analgesia, number of rescue analgesics required in 24 h and different block characteristics was assessed. Chi square test and Student’s t test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Time for request of the first rescue analgesia was 396.13 ± 109.42 min in Group S and 705.80 ± 121.46 min in Group D (P < 0.001). The requirement for rescue analgesics was more in Group S when compared to Group D. The onset of sensory and motor block was faster in Group D when compared to Group S. The mean duration of sensory and motor block was significantly longer in Group D than Group S. Conclusions: The addition of dexamethasone to levobupivacaine in SCBP blockade prolonged time for first rescue analgesia and reduced the requirement of rescue analgesics with faster onset and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block.

Ultrasonography of Median Nerve in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients with Hypothyroidism

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral entrapment neuropathy in patients with hypothyroid. The diagnosis of CTS is usually clinical and confirmed by electrodiagnostic procedures. This study aimed to describe the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution ultrasonography (US) as an alternative method to nerve conduction study for the diagnosis of subclinical CTS in patients with hypothyroidism before and after hormone replacement therapy. Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism were included in this study. Electrodiagnostic workup and ultrasonographic assessment of both right and left median nerves were done at the initial time of diagnosis and 3 months of euthyroid state after hormone replacement. Results: The comparison between right and left median nerves motor and sensory functions before and after treatment showed a significant change (P < 0.001). Right median nerve distal and proximal CSA were 13.5±1.4 mm2 and 10.6±1.5 mm2 respectively. On the left side CSA values were 13.1±2.1 mm2 and 9.9±0.5 mm2 respectively. After hormone replacement, values changed to 11.0±1.4 mm2 (distal) and 0.086±.003 mm2 (proximal) on the right side and 11.0±1.6 mm2 (distal) and 8.2±.0.4 mm2 (proximal) on the left side. 40 patients showed significant electrophysiological and radiological improvement with hormonal control. Conclusions: The US for median nerve cross sectional area can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic method which may be used for prognostication of CTS.

Role of Computed Tomography in detecting the cause of Headache in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Odisha

To determine the etiology of headache in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scan of brain both with or without neurologic abnormality in South Odisha. Methods: A prospective study of six months duration was carried out at the M. K. C. G Medical College & hospital. It included 200 patients who underwent a brain CT for headache. CT findings of patients were analyzed. Results: The total number of our patients was 200. These etiologies were stroke (15%), followed by tumor(11%),sinusitis(7.5%),trauma (7.5%), abscesses(5%) and encephalitis (4%). Conclusions: CT of brain has revealed in 62.5% of cases as normal and detected the various causes in rest of cases.

Audiological Analysis of 62 Patients with Otosclerosis Undergoing Stapedotomy with Slow-speed Microdrill

Background: Otosclerosis is not an uncommon condition in Telangana. Various methods such as perforator and laser are usedin performing stapedotomy during its surgical management. Stapedotomy performed with slow-speed microdrill technique forotosclerosis, and difficulties encountered during surgery, complications, and auditory gain in the post-operative period wereanalyzed in this study.Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to use low-speed microdrill technique in stapedotomy and to analyze the difficulties,complications, and audiological evaluation in the post-operative period of 18 months.Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 62 patients undergoing stapedotomy for otosclerosis over a period of 2 yearswas reviewed. Stapedotomy with skeeter microdrill was evaluated using audiometric results (air conduction thresholds, boneconduction thresholds, air-bone gap closure, and pure tone average) and the incidence of complications during post-operativeperiod. Teflon prosthesis was used in all the patients.Observations and Results: Among the 62 patients, there were 37 females (59.67%) and 25 males (40.32%) with a male-tofemale ratio of 1:1.48. The patients belonged to the age group of 25–55 years with a mean age of 32.65 ± 4.15 years.Conclusions: Stapedotomy performed with microdrill technique for otosclerosis was a safe surgical technique to perforate thestapes footplate. The microdrill (skeeter) has low noise intensity and low torque. For duration of a few seconds, it seems to bea safe tool in creating a perforation in the footplate of the stapes, without causing acoustic trauma.

Effectiveness of Benson’s Relaxation Therapy on Reduction of Stress among Primigravid Mothers.

Objectives: The study attempt to assess the effectiveness of Benson’s relaxation therapy on reduction of stress among primigravid mothers attending the outpatient department in a selected hospital at Kannur, with the objectives of evaluating the stress among the primigravid mothers before and after the Benson’s relaxation therapy and to associate the level of stress with selected demographic variables. Methods: A total of 30 primigravid mothers after third month of gestation were selected for the study. The information regarding background data were collected from the primigravid mothers by self-administered rating scale and the level of hemoglobin status was noted from the health records. Selected primigravid mothers were given pretest questionnaire and Benson’s relaxation therapy was administered to all group members for 20 minutes and instructed to continue this for a period of 15 days. Post-test using rating scale was conducted 15 days after the administration of Benson’s relaxation therapy. Result: The result of the study shows that the post-test mean stress score was less than the pre-test mean stress score. The obtained mean difference between the pre-test and post-test regarding stress score was statistically significant. Hence research hypothesis “there will be a significant difference in the stress scores before and after Benson’s relaxation therapy among the primigravid mothers” has been retained. Conclusions: It was inferred that primigravid mothers who practiced Benson’s relaxation therapy had significant decrease in post-test stress score. Also there was significant association with the level of stress and some demographic variables.

Our experience of management of sub trochanteric fractures of femur by proximal femoral nail.

Background: Sub trochanteric fractures of the femur remain some of the most challenging fractures. Most of the fractures result from trivial fall in the elderly; while in the younger age group, it's mainly due to road traffic accidents. Operative management is the preferred treatment. This study is intended to assess the outcome of the intramedullary fixation of sub trochanteric fractures with Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN). Methods: This study is a prospective, uncontrolled study of 40 cases of sub trochanteric fracture of femur admitted to a tertiary level hospital between August 2011 and November 2013; and treated with proximal femoral nails. Adults with recent sub trochanteric fracture of femur were included in this study; while patients less than eighteen years of age, pathologic fractures, periprosthetic fractures, and old neglected fractures were excluded from the study. Results: In our study of 40 cases, there were 28 male and 12 female patients with mean age of 51.43 years (range 22-87 years). Based on Seinsheimer’s classification, type IIIA fractures accounted for majority (32.5%) of the cases. majority of patients, i.e. 35% (n=14) showed union at 20 weeks after surgery. Cases were followed up and assessed according to the Harris hip scoring system (Modified). The outcome was good to excellent in 82.9% cases. Conclusions: From our study we conclude that PFN is a reliable minimally invasive implant for sub trochanteric fractures, with good to excellent functional outcome in the majority of cases.

Character Association Between Seedyield and its Components in Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek).

An experiment to know the nature and magnitude of association among 11 characters and their contribution towards seed yield was carried with sixty genotypes of greengram during kharif – 2012. The seed yield per plant showed positive and significant with plant height, numbers of pods per cluster and number of seeds per pod at genotypic and phonotypical level. Path coefficient analysis revealed that maximum direct positive effects exerted by number of pods per cluster, number of seeds per pod, pod length, plant height and 100-seed weight towards seed yield per plant. Based on correlation and path analysis, plant height, numbers of pods per cluster, number of seeds per pod, pod length and 100-seed weight were identified as the most important components of seed yield. It was noticeable from the path analysis that maximum direct positive effects were exerted by number of pods per cluster, number of seeds per pod, pod length, plant height and 100-seed weight towards seed yield per plant. This suggested that prominence should be given to these traits in selection programme for improvement of seed yield in green gram.

Role of Non Timber Forest Products in the Livelihood of Malayali tribe of Chitteri hills of Southern Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India.

The forest of Chitteri hills, Southern Eastern Ghats support rich diversity of timber as well as non timber yielding species. Malayali tribes living close to forest are depend on the forest products possesses imperative part of the traditional life style in Chitteri hills. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) such as wild edible fruits, vegetables, fuel wood, fodder plants, house construction materials, household uses, agricultural implements and medicinal plants are mostly collected from natural habitats. Economically important 80 species and 216 medicinal species have been recorded by the Malayali tribes. The importance of NTFP collection by tribal community has shown decreasing trend due to exotic cultural invading in the study region.

Synthesis of quinolines and their In vitro antioxidant activities under solvent free conditions by using the SiO2-Zn-MgO as a novel and reusable catalyst.

The present study was aimed to determine a novel route of synthesis of quinolines and their in vitro antioxidant activities. Synthesis of quinolines is simple, economic, effective and an easy way process has been developed by using the SiO2–Zn-MgO as a novel catalyst. The quinolines antioxidative potential was evaluated using 1,1-Diphenyi-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide radical assay by in vitro methods. Quinolines exhibited highest level of antioxidant activities, and therefore it could be used as antioxidant that may have potential benefits in health and disease management.

Periodontal Microsurgery.

Over the past decade, the field of periodontics has seen increasing surgical refinement of many procedures. Consistent successful periodontal treatment procedures demand clinical expertise that challenges the technical skills of periodontists to the limit of and beyond the range of visual acuity. Periodontal microsurgery is the refinement of basic surgical techniques made possible by the improved visual acuity gained with the use of surgical microscope. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of periodontal microsurgery, the role of magnification systems and the advantages of microsurgery over conventional surgery..

Ortho - Perio Symbiosis- A Case Report.

Although benefits of orthodontic treatment for adult patients were demonstrated as early as the turn of the century, the published statements regarding adult orthodontic treatment were mostly negative. Significant caution and even avoidance of adult orthodontic therapy often were recommended. This article emphasizes the importance of comprehensive treatment of the adult patient with underlying periodontal problems could stop deterioration of the dental general health and helps in the maintenance of success rate in adult orthodontic treatment.

Calclum Sodium Phosphosilicate : A Promising Desensitizing Agent.

Dentinal hypersensitivity is a common and chronic condition affecting the teeth in a stable percentage of population. Success with treatment of this condition has been limited at best. A new dentifrice containing Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate material has been developed that results in a significant amount of tubule occlusion reducing tooth hypersensitivity. In this article, Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate containing dentifrice, which is showing promise is analyzed, based on evidences.

Vitiligo: a part of a systemic autoimmune process.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical and animal experimental studies postulate that the pathogenetic mechanisms of vitiligo could be of systemic origin as vitiligo is associated with ocular and auditory abnormalities as well as other autoimmune disorders.Hence, we studied genetic factors, systemic associations, ocular and auditory abnormalities of vitiligo. METHODS: The study group included 150 new cases of various types of vitiligo. One hundred age- and sex-matched nonvitiligo cases were included as controls in the study. A complete family history was taken for all patients. Examination was carried out taking note of the type of vitiligo and approximate percentage of body surface involved. All relevant laboratory investigations, a thorough audiological examination including pure tone audiometry and a complete ophthalmologic examination were carried out in all patients and controls. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi square test. RESULTS: Fifty-four vitiligo patients (36%) had a family history of vitiligo. Anemia was present in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients but only in five (5%) controls, a difference that was statistically significant (c2 = 15.8, P < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was present in 24 (16%) vitiligo patients and only 2 (2%) of controls (Chi square, c2 = 12.4, P < 0.001). Hypothyroidism and alopecia areata were present in 18 (12%) and 11 (7.4%) vitiligo patients respectively and none of the controls. Hypoacusis was seen in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients and two (2%) controls (c2 = 8.19, P < 0.005). Twenty-four vitiligo patients (16%) and five controls (5%) had specific ocular abnormalities like uveitis, iris and retinal pigmentary abnormalities (c2 = 7.39, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates statistically significant clinical evidence confirming that vitiligo is a part of systemic autoimmune process.

Biochemical studies of embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus of Cardiospermum halicacabum L.

Some physiological and biochemical changes were measured between embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus obtained from Cardiospermum halicacabum. Combination of auxin with cytokinin was more favourable for high amount of callus formation. 2,4-D played a key role in triggering somatic embryo formation. Embryogenic callus had more total carbohydrate and starch contents, total free amino acids, nucleic acids, phenols and ascorbic acid. Non-embryogenic callus exhibited high chlorophyll content, total soluble sugar, protein, ammonia and enzymes like peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Thus, the present study indicated that the process of somatic embryogenesis was characterized by some biochemical and physiological changes induced by plant growth regulators.

Arsenic induced free radical toxicity in brain of mice.

The present study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of oral administration of arsenic trioxide (As2O3; 0.5 and 1 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days) on cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum in male mice, Mus musculus. Arsenic reduced the concentration of glutathione (GSH) in cerebral hemisphere and cerebellum at both the dose levels; while increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) in cerebral hemisphere and cerebellum regions. Further, the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase and catalase also declined in these two regions with dose indicating oxidative stress. This effect is caused by the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by arsenic exposure.

Symptomatic human rotavirus subgroups, serotypes & electropherotypes in Hyderabad, India.

A total of 352 stool specimens obtained from children under 2 yr of age with acute diarrhoea, between January 1998 and March 1999, were screened for the presence of rotavirus by RNA-PAGE. Symptomatic human rotaviruses were detected in 57 of 352 (16.19%) specimens by RNA-PAGE. These 57 samples were tested for rotavirus double stranded RNA pattern and among these, 46 samples were tested for subgroup and serotype specificities. Among the 46 strains tested, 29 strains were found to be subgroup II and remaining 17 strains were subgroup I, indicating that subgroup II strains are more predominant than subgroup I strains. Subgroup I and II strains were circulating concurrently throughout the study period. Seventeen strains with 'short' RNA pattern and subgroup I specificity could not be assigned as serotype 2 strains as they exhibited cross-reactivity to MAbs specific for more than one serotype. Of the 29 subgroup II strains with 'long' RNA pattern, 16 (55.17%) were serotype 1, 8 (27.58%) were serotype 4. Five (17.24%) showed dual reactivity to serotypes 1 and 3. Our results indicated that serotype 1 and G2-like strains are predominant in Hyderabad. None of the virus strains showed an unusual RNA pattern.

Impact of mid day meal program on educational and nutritional status of school children in Karnataka.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the Mid Day Meal (MDM) Program on enrollment, attendance, dropout rate and retention rate in the schools and its impact on nutritional status as well as on school performance. DESIGN: Comparison by multistage random sampling. SUBJECTS: Primary school children, who are attending the school in the MDM and non-MDM areas. RESULTS: A total of 2,694 children (MDM: 1361; Non-MDM : 1333) from 60 schools were covered in the study. Results of the study indicated better enrollment (p<0.05) and attendance (p<0.001), higher retention rate with reduced dropout rate (p<0.001) a marginally higher scholastic performance and marginally higher growth performance of MDM children. CONCLUSION: MDM program is associated with a better educational and nutritional status of school children in Karnataka.