Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of antibacterial activity of copper oxide nanoparticles against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Bacterial resistance is spreading globally due to excessive use of antibiotics, making it one of our times biggest challenges. To address this issue present study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity of copper oxide nanoparticles against methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]. Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical precipitation method and were characterized by UV-Visible, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction [XRD] and Scanning Electron Microscopy. These nanoparticles of 27nm were assessed for antibacterial activity using disc diffusion method. Our results showed superb inhibitory effects of CuO nanoparticles with increase in concentration and complete inhibition was recorded against tested strains of S. aureus at 100Mul/ml and 125Mul/ml concentration. The study concludes that the drugs which do not show any inhibitory effects against resistant bugs could be augmented with CuO nanoparticles to achieve the treatment goal

Evaluation of antibiotic resistant bacteria in underground drinking water and transfer of their resistant character to normal flora of the body

The untreated surface water for drinking and domestic use is an alarming situation to public health especially in prevalence of antibiotics resistant bacteria. This investigation aimed to isolate and identify the antibiotic resistance bacteria in underground water samples in district Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. The underground water samples were collected from four different places using hand pumps [Khyber town, riverside, Gomal University and united town]. Cultured on nutrient agar media, identified by Gam staining and biochemical tests. There after antibiotic resistance assay were performed by measuring zone of inhibition of different antibiotics by disc diffusion method. Six different bacterial colonies were isolated and identified as Enterobacteriaceae, Serriata specie, Proteues, Pseudomonas, all these bacterial colonies were 33% resistant to chloramphenicol with and 100% resistant to amoxicillin. Some colonies were also considered as resistant, according to the criteria of National Committee for Clinical Records [NCCL] that less than 10mm zone of inhibition are considered as resistant. Subsequently, the chloramphenicol resistance bacteria were analyzed for their ability to transfer resistant gene to sensitive bacteria. In in-vitro method, an isolate M1b [resistant] was found capable to transfer resistance gene to M1a isolate [sensitive] in nutrient rich environment. It was concluded that antibiotics resistance bacteria found in underground water, moreover capable of transferring the antibiotic resistant character to suitable recipient i.e. normal flora of the body or to other pathogens by conjugation

Brachdactyly instigated as a result of mutation in GDF5 and NOG genes in Pakistani population

Objectives: Brachdactyly a genetic disorder associated with the abnormal development of metacarpals, phalanges or both which results in the shortening of hands and feet. Mutations in the contributing genes has been recognized with the majority of the investigated syndromic form of brachdactyly. The current study was proposed to examine mutation in NOG and GDF5 genes in a Pakistani family

Methods: Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for the genomic screening and linkage analysis to observe the mutation in genes. The samples were collected from Luckki Marwat district, KPK, while the research study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry, Quaid-IAzam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Results: After survey, family was identified with brachdactyly type A2 and investigated a heterozygous arginine to glutamine exchange in the growth demarcation factor 5 in all the victim persons. Different types of skeletal dysplasia resulted due to mutation in the GDF5 genes. Novel GDF5 genes mutations were reported with distinct limb malformation and sequencing of coding region revealed that the mildly affected individuals were heterozygous while the harshly affected individuals were homozygous

Conclusion: The current study reported the genetic variability and concluded that the Brachdacytyly type A2 and type B2 resulted due to mutation in GDF5 and NOG genes respectively. A new subtype of brachydactyly [BDB2] was instigated as a result of novel mutations in NOG. The mutation has been reported for the first time in Pakistani population and especially in Pushtoon ethnic population

Isolation and characterization of antibiotic producing bacterial strains from red soil of Himalayan region of Pakistan

The emergence of multi drug resistant microbial pathogens has become a global health challenge and set a dire requirement of searching new effective antimicrobials. Soil is an ultimate reservoir of biologically active micro flora, which harbors trillions of microbial strains producing compounds of commercial interest. Hence aim of the present study was an attempt to isolate and identify the antibiotic producing microbial strains from the red soil of Himalayan an unexplored region of Pakistan. In this study from 10 different soil samples only one bacterial strain was isolated capable of antimicrobial activity. Strain was identified by biochemical characteristics and final identification was done by API 20 NE kit which showed 99% homology with P. aeruginosa. Hence the strain was identified as P. aeruginosa S2. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of the P. aeruginosa S2 showed that Staphylococcus aureus was extremely sensitive to it with a zone of inhibition of 42mm. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans were also inhibited by the isolated strain. Effect of Glycerol, Copper sulphate [CuSo4], Sodium sulphate [Na[2]SO[4]] and Glycerol on antibiotic production was also evaluated by supplementing growth media with these chemicals. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was grown in bulk quantity using solid state fermentation and crude extract was prepared using organic solvents and subjected to silica gel column chromatography for purification of active compound. Purified compound showed antibacterial against human pathogens. The unexplored Kashmir Himalayas are of great significance because of its richness in biodiversity and need to be explored for isolation and characterization of native microbes for biologically active secondary metabolites. This un touched region may be considered as hub of new antimicrobials and may have applications in natural product-based drug discovery

Microbial and chemical analysis of illicit drugs samples confiscated from different areas of Pakistan

The microbial and chemical analysis of illicit drug samples from different areas of Pakistan i.e. Quetta, Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad was conducted in a cross-sectional study at National Institute of Health, Islamabad. The drug samples were confiscated by Anti Narcotics Force [ANF], Pakistan. Microbial analysis was done by estimating bioburden which revealed the presence of gram negative and positive bacteria's, fungus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus species. Trypton soya agar was used for total aerobic count, MacConkey agar for gram-negative bacteria, Sabouraud dextrose agar for fungus and Vogel-Johnson agar for Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. Colour tests were applied to identify the drug samples. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of suspected samples of Heroin, morphine, cocaine and acetic anhydride was made by employing different chromatographic techniques i.e. Thin-layer chromatography [TLC] and High-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. The samples were found to be adulterated with paracetamol, diazepam and Dextromethorphen. Acetic anhydride was adulterated with hydrochloric acid [HCl]. There is lack of information providing structured advice on responses to the consequences of illicit drug adulteration. Robust and rehearsed interventions and communication strategies would provide a basis for response for a wide variety of organisations. Research into the usefulness of media warnings about adulteration of illicit drugs is required

profile of 60 patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis visiting dermatology departments of Hayatabad medical complex and lady reading hospital, Peshawar

To document the profile of patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] visiting Dermatology departments of Hayatabad Medical Complex and Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Irrespective of age and sex, a total of 60 patients with a clinical diagnosis of CL were enrolled for the study. A total of 38 male and 22 female patients were enrolled for this study. Age range of the patients was 15 months to 50 years. A sizeable number of patients presented with nodular presentation. CL is usually seen in males on exposed areas as noduloulcerative lesions.

Study of tooth wear in canine guidance versus group function occlusion

The objective of this study was to determine tooth wear in canine guidance and group function occlusion in both genders. A cross sectional descriptive study with sample size of 84 having 42 in each gender was conducted at OPD of Sardar Begum Dental College Peshawar from February 2013 to March 2014. Patients of both genders having all permanent teeth present except third molar were included in the study. Patient's age, gender and occlusion type [canine guidance or group function] were recorded. All posterior teeth wear were graded according to Eccles and Jenkins index. Mean age of patients was 23.9 +/- 3.27 years. Twenty seven [32.1%] patients were reported with no wear and 57[67.9%] were observed with tooth wear. Patients having canine guidance occlusion were 53[63.1%] and group function were observed in 31[36.9%]. Tooth wear in group function was reported in 53% and 15% in canine guidance. Canine guided occlusion was common in both males and females as compared to group function. This study revealed that group function occlusion is more prone to tooth wear and the observed population has more frequency of canine guidance occlusion

Comparison of risk factors profile in patients below and above forty years of age presenting with acute myocardial infarction

To compare the frequency of conventional risk factors in patients below and above forty years of age presenting with acute myocardial infarction. It was a three years retrospective comparative descriptive study conducted in Cardiology Department, PGMI, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Computerized data of patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction [AMI] from 1st September 2006 to 31st August 2009 was reviewed. Patients with age <40 years were assigned Group-I while those with >/= 40 years as Group-II. Conventional risk factors were age, sex, pertinent family history, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Using SPSS version 16, data was analyzed. A total of 4935 patients were admitted with AMI over the study period. Mean age was 58.4 +/- 12.37 [20 to 99] years. Group-I had 252 patients [79.4% males], while Group-II had 4683[65.9% males].Positive family history in Group-I vs. Group-II was 43[17.1%] vs. 426[9.1%], [p<0.001], respectively. Hypertension in Group-I vs. Group-II was 57[22.6%] vs. 1666[35.6%], [p<0.001], respectively. Diabetes mellitus in Group-I vs. Group-II was 29/252[1.5%] vs. 1059[22.6%], [p<0.001], respectively. Hypercholesterolemia in Group-I vs. Group-II was 63[25%] and 583[12.4%], [p<0.001], respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia in Group-I vs. Group-II was 68[27%] vs.1188 [25.4%], [p<0.001], respectively. Smokers in Group-I vs. Group-II were reported in 24[9.5%] vs. 76[1.6%], [p<0.001], respectively. Positive family history, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and smoking were more frequent in younger age group while hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the predominant risk factors in older age group

Short term effects of rosuvastatin on plasma concentration of high sensitivity c-reactive protein in patients with chronic stable angina

To determine the short term effects of rosuvastatin on elevated base line high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] in patients with chronic stable angina. This Quasi-experimental comparative study was conducted in Cardiology department, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, between March 2010 and February, 2011. We selected 44 consecutive patients age 40 years or above, of any gender having hs-CRP levels >/= 1.2mg/l with chronic stable angina. Base line levels of hs-CRP, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatine phosphokinase [CPK] were measured in fasting status. These patients were treated with rosuvastatin 20 mg once daily at night and followed up for one month. Using SPSS version 16 data was analyzed. Mean age was 53 +/- 7.2 and 50% were females. Following treatment with rosuvastatin 20mg for one month the mean hs-CRP levels reduced from 4.08 +/- 2.56 to 2.72 +/- 2.40 [95%CI, 0.41 to 2.29, p=0.006]. Similarly mean total cholesterol levels decreased from 185.88 +/- 37.62 to 147.45 +/- 38.35, [p=0.0001]. LDL cholesterol decreased from 118.34 +/- 31.31 to 86.63 +/- 35.72 [p= 0.0001]. But mean HDL cholesterol had no significant increase from baseline levels i.e. from 32.18 +/- 9.93 to 33.95 +/- 7.65 [p=0.174]. TGs levels reduced from 240.11 +/- 123.66 to 197.43 +/- 88.24 [p=0.008]. Mean CPK levels did not differ significantly from base line at follow up, from 101.43 +/- 58.63 to 96.22 +/- 55.10 [p=0.646]. Short term treatment with rosuvastatin significantly decreases elevated hs-CRP levels in patients with chronic stable angina

comparative analysis of frequency of in-hospital arrhythmias in patients with successful versus failed thrombolysis following acute myocardial infarction

To compare frequency of in-hospital arrhythmias in patients with successful and failed thrombolysis using streptokinase in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction [AMI]. This was a comparative study conducted at department of Cardiology, Lady Reading Hospital,Peshawar from October 2006 to October 2007 .Two hundred patients with first AMI were divided into two groups: group A [successful thrombolysis] and group B [failed thrombolysis] using ECG criteria. A total of 200 patients were studied. Group A included 136 [68%] patients while group B included 64 [32%] patients. Among these 24 [12.0%] patients developed arrhythmias. Of these 8 patients were in group A and 16 patients were in group B [5.9% vs. 25.0%, p=0.003].Ventricular tachycardia was the most common arrhythmia. It was documented in 9 [4.5%] patients, with 2 patients in group A and 7 patients in group B [1.5% vs. 10.9%, p=0.003]. The other arrhythmias which included atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia were statistically insignificant between the two groups [p=0.174]. In hospital mortality was more common in patients with failed thrombolysis [6 [9.4%] vs. 3 [2.2%] [p=0.023]]. Failed thrombolysis is associated with complex arrhythmias and high in- hospital mortality

Comparision of in-hospital complications between diabetic hypertensive and diabetic normotensive patients with acute myocardial infarction

To compare the frequency of in-hospital complications between diabetic hypertensive and diabetic normotensive patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction [MI]. This observational cohort study was carried out in the department of Cardiology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. A total of 444 diabetic patients with acute MI were studied from December 2009 to September 2011. Among these half of patients were hypertensive while rests were normotensive. After enrolment in the study, patients were monitored for in- hospital complications of acute MI. Most of the baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups of patients. However patients in diabetic hyper tensive group had a long history of diabetes, high heart rate and blood pressure on presentation. Complication rates were not different statistically between the two groups. Complication rates between diabetic hypertensive and diabetic normotensive groups were; atrial fibrillation [AF] 15.3% vs. 12.12% p=0.204 respectively while ventricular tachycardia [VT] 14% vs. 12.6% p=0.390, ventricular fibrillation [VF] 4.5% vs. 3.8% p=0.405, type 1 second degree heart block 8.6% vs. 6.8% p=0.296, type 2 second degree heart block 2.3% vs. 1.4% p=0.362, complete heart block[CHB] 11.7% vs. 9.9% p=0.323, acute congestive heart failure [CHF] 13.1% vs. 9.5% p=0.269, left ventricular failure [LVF] 19.9% Vs 16.7% p=0.147, cardiogenic shock[CS] 14% vs. 10.4% p=0.080, recurrent MI [Re-MI] 14% vs. 10.8% p=0.194 and death rate 14% vs. 12.2% p=0.336 respectively. Hypertension in diabetic patients is not associated with an increase risk of in-hospital complications after acute MI

Pattern of anterolateral cervical lymph nodes involvement in papillary thyroid carcinoma

To determine the pattern of metastatic involvement of anterolateral cervical lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Retrospective, descriptive study. Department of Surgery, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from July 1998 to July 2005. The clinical and pathological record of 38 patients who underwent neck surgery for cervical metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma was reviewed. Neck dissections were done and 85 lymph nodes were taken. Forty lymph nodes were histologically positive and were classified in 3 groups based on dissection procedure. The neck level [levels I-V] of the positive nodes of all the 3 groups was identified. The mean age of patients was 32+2.5 years. The positive nodes in neck level III were the most involved followed by level II, IV, V and then I. Modified neck dissection should be adopted for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Papillary thyroid carcinoma usually involves the neck level II, III and IV with the level III being the most frequently involved