In vitro Salmonella typhi biofilm formation on gallstones and its disruption by Manuka honey

Biofilm is a complex community of single or different types of microorganisms [bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa] attached to a surface and stick to each other through production of extracellular matrix. Salmonella typhi forms biofilm on cholesterol gallstones resulting in carrier state. Once formed, biofilm is difficult to treat. To date cholecystectomy is the only cure for this condition. Manuka honey is known to have tremendous antibiofilm activity against various organisms. S. typhi biofilm was grown in vitro on clinical samples of human cholesterol gallstones by Gallstone tube assay method for 12 days. Biofilm mass was quantified on day 1, 5, 7, 9 and 12 by crystal violet assay and was also examined by scanning electron microscope. Three concentrations w/v of Manuka honey [40%, 60% and 80%] were used, each one at 24, 48 and 72 hours. The most effective concentration [80% w/v] was repeated on two sets of gallstones. Biofilm mass was re quantified by crystal violet assay and was examined by scanning electron microscope. S. typhi formed uniform biofilm on cholesterol gallstone surface. The optical density measurements exhibited a rising pattern with time thereby indicating an increase in biofilm mass. It was 0.2 on day 1 and 0.9 on day 12. With 80% w/v Manuka honey, biofilm mass decreased most effectively with 0.5 OD after 72 hours. Biofilm formation by S, typhi on gallstones is surface specific and bile dependant. Either increasing the duration [beyond 72 hours] of the effective concentration [80% w/v] of honey or increasing the concentration [above 80%] of honey for a specific duration [72 hour] may cause complete disruption of the S. typhi biofilm on gallstone. S. typhi forms biofilm on cholesterol gallstones surface in vitro and it can be visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm mass can be quantified using crystal violet assay. Among various concentrations 80% Manuka honey for 72 hours is most effective in disrupting S. typhi biofilm on gallstones in vitro as evident from crystal violet assay

Self esteem and psychosocial factors associated with juvenile delinquency

Objectives: The study was designed to assess the level of self Esteem of juvenile delinquents and to find the psychosocial factors associated with delinquency

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted in Borstal jail of Faisalabad, Pakistan during a period of three months from February, 2008 to April, 2008

Subjects and Methods: A sample of 100 male juvenile delinquents was drawn from Borstal jail Faisalabad through Purposive Convenient Sampling technique. Data were collected from participants by using informed consent with the permission of the jail authorities

Result: In the over all picture of the data 56 [56%] of the total sample reported low self esteem. Mean of delinquents labeled as having low self esteem could only reach 13.46 on Rosenberg self esteem scale. High frequency of delinquent behavior was related to feeling of revenge with the mean of 6.00 and high frequency was also associated with love affairs with the mean of 2.80 in delinquents with low self esteem

Conclusion: Research findings concluded that low self-esteem, revenge and lack of supportive relationships are associated with delinquency

Dermatological disorders; psychiatric co-morbidity

The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Depression and Anxiety in indoor Patients of Dermatology Department. cross sectional study. The study was conducted at in door Department of Dermatology, D.H.Q Hospital Faisalabad from August 2006 to October 2006. A total of 77 diagnosed dermatological patients, [21 males and 56 females] were selected by using non-probability convenient sampling. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and DSM -IV-TR criteria for depression and anxiety were used to evaluate the patients. QOL-BREF was administered. Results were also correlated with patient's demographics. Out of 77 Patients who were enrolled in a study, 52% of subjects reported psychiatric co-morbidity regarding anxiety and depression according to DSM-IV-TR, HADS, anxiety and depression score was 12.75 [ +/- 4.33] and 11.18 [ +/- 4.51] respectively. A strong co-relation of HADS anxiety and HADS depression was found with the DSM-IV- TR diagnosis respectively. The strong negative association was found with the education, monthly income and socio-economic status respectively. The study shows high Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Patients having dermatological disorder. The findings also highlight the importance of recognizing dermatological disease related psychiatric problems. Through training, dermatologists can identify psychiatry morbidity and play their role in early detection, management and referrals of complicated cases of these co- morbid conditions. In this way better quality of care can be assured