Morphological Study of Supratrochlear Foramen of Humerus and its Clinical Implications

Background: The supratrochlear foramen (STF), alternatively termed septal aperture of humerus is a deficit of the bony septum in the distal end of humerus that separates the coronoid fossa from the olecranon fossa. The study is focused on the STF owing to its significance in the preoperative planning of supracondylar fractures of humerus. The humerus with STF has narrow medullary canal so ante grade route is advised for nailing supracondylar fractures in humerus with STF. Materials: This study was conducted on 355 dry human humeri belonging to south Indian race. Results: The supratrochlear foramen was present in 76 bones (21.4%). The incidence of STF was more on the left side (23.3%) than the right side (19.6%). The transverse and vertical diameters of STF were measured using digital Vernier caliper. The mean transverse diameter on right side was 5.67 ± 1.71 mm and 5.39 ± 1.57 mm on left side. The mean vertical diameter was 3.9 ± 1.32 mm on right side and 3.84 ± 1.20 mm on left side. Various shapes of STF were noted among which oval shape was maximum. The translucent septum was frequently found more on the right side (56.3%). Conclusions: The STF may be mistakenly interpreted as a cyst or tumors in X rays. Besides its anthropological interest, the knowledge of STF will be helpful for orthopedic surgeons and radiologists.

Antimicrobial Activity of Bacteria Associated with Seaweeds against Plant Pathogens on Par with Bacteria Found in Seawater and Sediments.

Aim: We report antimicrobial activities of bacteria associated with 10 native and one invasive species of seaweeds on par with bacteria found in the seawater and sediment. Bacteria exhibiting antimicrobial activity were phylogenetically analysed using 16S rRNA gene. Place and Duration of Study: Samples of seaweeds, seawater and sediments collected at 6 localities of south east coast of India between December 2009 and January 2010 during monsoon season. Methodology: Culturable bacteria in seaweeds (epibiotics and endobiotics), seawater and sediments were isolated through serial dilutions using 1.5% ZoBell marine agar (HiMedia, India). Bacterial isolates producing antibiotics were identified by screening against commercial antibiotics and they were subjected to morphological, Gram’s staining and biochemical studies. Chemical property and stability of antimicrobial substances obtained from the promising bacteria active against plant pathogens were studied. Phylogenetic analysis of antibiotics-producing marine bacteria was made using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique. Results: A number of673 isolates obtained through the isolation process were found to be the member of 27 bacterial genera, with species of Bacillus recording a maximum of 40.2%. Generally species of bacterial isolates in the association (seaweeds: epibiotics, 39.54% and endobiotics, 40.74%, seawater 8.61% and sediments 11.11%) produced antibiotics and active against plant pathogens (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, X. oryzaepv. oryzae and Ustilaginoidea virens) were associated with seaweeds (epibiotics 33.46% and endobiotics 43.11%) and sediments (23.43%). Extracellular components of active bacteria are proteins and retaining bioactivity at pH 7.0, up to 40°C and antifungal property up to 60°C. Extracts obtained from the active bacteria are nonpolar lipophilic substances exhibited only antifungal activity. Conclusion: Bacterial population were considerably higher in seaweeds as compared to seawater and sediments, and at the same time higher bacterial population was recorded in Gulf samples than the open coast samples. Most of the bacterial isolates associated with seaweeds were found to produce antibiotics.

Bioremediation of chromium contaminated environments.

Bioremediation is the most promising and cost effective technology widely used nowadays to clean up both soils and wastewaters containing organic or inorganic contaminants. Discharge of chromium containing wastes has led to destruction of many agricultural lands and water bodies. Utilisation of chromium(Cr) reducing microbes and their products has enhanced the efficiency of the process of detoxification of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). This review focuses mainly on the current technologies prevalent for remediation like natural attenuation, anaerobic packed bed bioreactors (using live cells, Cr(VI) reductases or their byproducts) and use of engineered microorganisms. Treatment of wastewaters by biosorption or using biofilms and immobilized microbial cells are also discussed.