Optimization and partial characterization of bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus bulgaricus -TLBFT06 isolated from Dahi

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is one of the predominant lactic acid bacteria of dahi, conferring technological and functional attributes. In the present study thirty dahi samples were investigated for bacteriocin producing L. bulgaricus. Fourteen different isolates were obtained and five were scrutinized for antibacterial activities against food born pathogens. Amongst, a strain TLB06FT was found to have a wide array of antibacterial activities against Gram positive and negative bacteria was selected for further characterization. Growth media optimization for this strain revealed maximum bacteriocin production on MRS media supplemented with glucose [2%], sodium chloride [1%], Tween-80 [0.5%] and yeast extract [1%]. In addition, optimization of growth conditions revealed maximum bacteriocin production at pH 5.5 and temperature of 30-37[degree]C. Bacteriocin showed thermo stability at 90[degree]C and remained highly active in the pH range of 3.5-7.5, inactive by protein catalyzing enzymes and showed no change in activity [800AUmL[-1]] when treated with organic solvents and surfactants. The obtained bacteriocin was purified to 1600AU mL[-1] by ammonium sulfate precipitation [80%] by using dialyzing tubing. In the same way, a single peak was obtained by RP-HPLC having antibacterial activity of 6400AU mL[-1]. Thus, wild strains of L. bulgaricus have great potential for the production new and novel type of bacteriocins

Complexation of beta-sitosterol with tris [dibenzylideneacetone] dipalladium and its anti-microbial activity

Beta-sitosterol is a naturally occurring plant sterol [phytosterol] present in many fruits and vegetables. Scientific research has proven that beta-sitosterol is helpful in maintaining the proper functioning of our body. Previously we described the complexation of beta-sitosterol with trace metals [Mahmood et al., 2013]. Trace metals after the formation of complex unable to absorb in the body and hence eliminated out from the body thus reducing metal toxicity [Marsha, 1996]. The present article describes the complexation of beta-sitosterol with Palladium [Pd] metal. Palladium is a toxic metal and due to polluted and hazardous environment traces of this metal can be transferred into the body, which is harmful for human health. Our aim is to make Pd-sterol complex so that this toxic metal [Pd] does not absorb in the body and hence excreted out from the body in the complex form. In order to form this complex beta-sitosterol [Ib] is reacted with Tris [dibenzylideneacetone] dipalladium or [Pd[2] [DBA][3]] [Ia] in 2:1 ratio in an inert atmosphere and dimethylformamid [DMF] added as a solvent. The resulting complex [Pd[2] [DBA][3].[beta-sitosterol] [Ic] was identified by various spectroscopic techniques such as IR, Mass and [1]H-NMR. This new organo metallic complex [Ic] also showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activity. The present work revealed that Pd-sterol complex does not only reduce metal toxicity but also helpful in minimizing bacterial and fungal infections present in the body. Our research also concluded that we must take plenty of fruits and vegetables in our diet so that natural plant sterol such as beta-sitosterol can enhance our defense mechanism and maintain other functions of our body

Correlation between traffic noise induced hearing loss [NIHL] and occupation

To examine the subjects who are more prone to traffic noise exposure such as auto rickshaw drivers, traffic constables and shop keepers in central business area in Karachi [Pakistan]. This was hospital based prospective study comprising of 200 subjects. The results were obtained by testing the subjects which were investigated on the basis of interviews by [a] completing performa [b] Pure tone audiometry [PTA]. Correlation between traffic NIHL and occupation was found statistically significant with P<0.001 distributed as 15 [34.1%] in auto rickshaw drivers, 34 [40%] in shopkeepers and 29 [34.1%] in traffic constables. The fact that road traffic is the most significant source of noise pollution in Karachi was established by investigating our subjects. They had significant degree of hearing impairment i.e. 42%

Repair of fistula in ANO: is primary closure worth?

To determine the efficacy of primary closure of wound after fistulectomy in anal fis-tulae patients as a method of successful treatment to reduce the time of healing and hospital stay with special reference to recurrence and continence. Descriptive, retrospective study from 1995 to 2005. Sindh Government Qatar Hospital Orangi Town Karachi and author's private clinic, Medlyn Hospital Block H North Nazimabad Karachi. 300 patients who presented with low anal fistula [Park's classification I and II] during the above-mentioned period. The data of all 300 patients were analyzed as regards to presentation, treatment, and the outcome. A total of 300 patients with low fistula in ano were treated by primary closure. The postoperative complications were minimal and managed conservatively. The mean length of follow-up was 3 years. Recurrence took place in 3% patients. The average recovery time was 12 days. Similarly return to work is also early 14 days. Three patients were incontinent to flatus while 1 was incontinent to faeces and flatus for the first six months. It is observed that following fistulectomy and primary closure of low fistula in ano, sound healing can be achieved in over 97% of cases with amazingly early return to work

Quilting of mucoperichondrial flaps following septoplasty, an alternative to nasal packing

To find out a simple and effective method to stop haemorrhage and prevent haematoma formation after nasal septal surgery. DESIGN: prospective clinical trial. SETTING: Bahawal Victoria Hospital ENT department. PERIOD: Two years during 1993 - 1994 inclusive. SUBJECTS: 80 patients with deflected nasal septam admitted for surgery [70 males and 10 females] Male: female ratio 7:1. METHOD: Quilting of the mucoperichondrial flaps. None of the patients had either haemorrhage or haematoma. The surgical technique is simple, safe and effective

Role of reparil in controlling post-tonsillectomy pain

OBJECTIVE: Prospective controlled double blind study. SETTING: Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. PERIOD: Mar 1995 to Dec 1995. SUBJECTS: 48 patients [21 male and 27 Female] admitted for tonsillectomy. Age ranged from 14 years to 21 years. METHODS: Group A [24 patients] was given Reparil 5 mg intravenously before operation and 12 hours after operation. Group B [24 patients] was given 5 ml of normal saline at the same timings. All patients in both the groups received 400 mg. Brufen orally 8 hourly. The rescue analgesia was given in the form of intramuscular pethidine. The pain was assessed by visual analogue scale at 6,12, 18 and 24 hours after the operation. Food intake was also assessed at similarly timings. The rescue analgesia consumed in 24 hours was noted. The number of patients experiencing moderate to severe pain is significantly less in group A as compared to group B [P<0.05]. Similarly food intake was also better in group A [P<0.001]. The amount of Pethidine consumed as rescue analgesia in first 24 hours was more than double in group B as compared to group A patients. Reparil has helped to reduce post-tonsillectomy pain

Epidemiology and management of Epistaxis in the Punjab

640 patients suffering from epistaxis has been analysed. Of thee patients 60% were male and 40% female. 86% were aged between 11-40 years. The occurrence of epistaxis was greatest during the summer and winter months. Accidental trauma turned out to be the commonest [28%] cause of nose bleeding, followed by inflammatory causes [17% and idiopathic [14.5%]. In active nose bleeding anterior nasal packing was effective in 261 cases; chemical cautery in 78 cases and electrocoagulation in 65 cases; post nasal packing [Foley's catheter] in 48 cases and nosepinching in 56 cases. Arterial ligation had to be undertaken only in 2 cases. The aetiological factors and management are discussed

Oesophageal foreign bodies: a clinical study of 240 patients

An analysis of 240 clinical patients of oesophageal foreign bodies was carried out. Majority of patients [57.40%] were children up to 10 years of age. Coins, Bone pieces, meat bolus, dentures and glass balls were the commonest foreign bodies, present in 84.66% of the cases. Upper 1/3 of the oesophagus [crico pharyngeus] was the commonest site [84%] of impaction of foreign bodies. "Mouthing" inedibles was the commonest [68.33%] predisposing factor associated with accident of ingestion. Rigid endoscopic extraction of foreign bodies under general anaesthesia was found quite safe and effective procedure in dealing with all sort of foreign bodies. In this series only 2 cases required open surgery. All patients had uneventful recovery after the procedure

Plastic whistle as foreign body in pediatric airway

Fifteen Children were admitted with aspiration of Plastic whistle over period of sixteen months. Of these patients 12 were male and 3 were female. History of aspiration of whistle was available in all the cases. Cough [66.6%], wheeze [53.3%] and whistling on cough [46.6%] were major presenting symptoms. The whistle was visible on chest X-Ray in 2 cases. The other radiological findings include obstructive emphysema [14.3%]. Pneumonia [14.3%] and atelectasis [7.1%] while in 50% of cases chest x- ray were normal. Eleven whistles lodged in right bronchus, 3 in left bronchus and one in trachea. These were removed by Bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Postoperatively laryngeal edema was encountered in two patients. Parent education and ban on such toys will help to reduce these episodes