Partial purification, characterization and application of thermoalkaliphilic proteases from Priestia endophytica, Lysinibacillus cresolivorans and Bacillus subtilis isolated from desert soil

Aims@#Thermophilic proteases are important industrial enzymes because they can be used at high temperatures in various bioprocessing schemes. The bacterial population of the Cholistan desert was explored for thermophilic proteases and their industrial applications.@*Methodology and results@#Three bacterial isolates K1, K5 and K7 were found promising protease producers. These isolates were preliminary identified as Bacillus based on morphological characteristics and biochemical tests (positive for catalase, oxidase and citrate tests, and negative for indole and urease tests). The isolates K1, K5 and K7 were further identified as Priestia endophytica, Lysinibacillus cresolivorans and Bacillus subtilis, respectively by phylogenetic analysis. The isolates grew best at 50 °C and P. endophytica (K1), L. cresolivorans (K5) and B. subtilis (K7) produced larger zones of hydrolysis at 37 °C, 45 °C and 50 °C at pH 7, respectively. The optimum temperature where protease activity was maximum was 65 °C for P. endophytica and L. cresolivorans and 55 °C for B. subtilis, and the optimum pH was 9.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The proteases produced by these isolates were found active at high temperatures (45 °C to 85 °C) and high pH (9-12), which make them industrially important thermoalkaliphilic proteases. These proteases successfully de-haired cow’s skin and de-stained blood from cotton cloth pieces, which are rarely tested applications of these proteases.

Phenotypic manifestation of congenital transverse amputation of autopod in Pakistani subjects

Terminal transverse deficiency of forearm is a very rare limb malformation. Most of the cases have traumatic etiology and congenital presentation is less common. A series of six individuals with transverse deficiency through the hands is presented in this communication. The cases were congenital, morphologically similar and showed loss of four fingers, most often postaxial. The affected arm was reduced in size compared to the contralateral limb and there was distortion of palmer creases. All cases were sporadic and nonsyndromic in nature. The characteristics of these cases were concordant with the symbrachydactyly type III or monodactylous type, when classified according to the scheme proposed by Blauth and Gekeler [1973]. The malformation resulted in permanent quality-of-life impairment in these subjects and warrant prosthetic management. Detailed physical and phenotypic features of the patients have been presented

Congenital limb deficiency associated with intellectual disability: unusual presentation in two subjects

Congenital constriction ring [CCR] and symbrachydactyly are two distinct, rare, and heterogeneous limb deficiency conditions which affect the digits. Here, we report on two different individuals with an unusual presentation of limb deficiency accompanying intellectual disability [ID] and certain other malformations. In the first index female, CCR occurred with mild ID, squint eyes, obesity, and metatarsus adductus. The second index male was presented with symbrachydactyly, profound ID, and speech/hearing impairments. The association of limb deficiency conditions with these anomalies is very rare. Differential diagnosis and literature survey have been offered to establish the rarity of these entities

Impacted third molar extractions-are we following any recommended guidelines?

Among the minor oral surgeries done by an oral surgeon and surgeries carried out in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery all over the world third molar removal is one of the most frequent procedures done. The procedure is accompanied by significant risks, with possible damage to the inferior alveolar and/or lingual nerve being of special concern. Considering these risks of mor-bidity, it is essential to establish the need of removal. National Institute of Clinical Excellence [NICE] in the United Kingdom introduced guidelines for removal of third molars in 2000, advocating that only pathological third molars should be removed. The following article makes reference to a study carried out in Ireland where third molars are extracted in accordance with NICE guidelines. This study was carried out to assess the compliance of general dental practitioners and oral surgeons to the NICE guidelines. It was noted that 90% of the patients referred for third molars extraction fulfilled the criteria set forth by NICE.A few modification were carried out in the guidelines provided which were done under scientific evidence based knowledge i.e. Prophylactic extraction of impacted third molars. These guidelines cut down lot of unnecessary referrals and allowed for organization of the patient load by the secondary referral center, as well as limiting unnecessary surgeries and postoperative complications. It is suggestive that the governing authorities in Pakistan should also implement such guidelines for extractions of impacted third molars

Comparison of paralleling and bisecting angle techniques endodontic working length radiography

This cross sectional comparative study was carried out to compare paralleling technique [PT] and bisecting angle technique [BAT] for working length radiography in endodontics. A sample of 120 patients was selected through purposive sampling. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the arch to be radiographed namely Group A for maxillary arch and group B for patients with mandibular teeth requiring endodontic radiography. Each patient underwent two radiographs, one with each paralleling and bisecting angle techniques respectively giving a total of 240 radiographs. Endo Ray II film holder [Dentsply] was used for PT while a hemostat was utilized for BAT. The results showed a higher accuracy in terms of decreased procedural errors with paralleling technique as compared to bisecting angle technique for teeth in maxillary arch [p<0.05], whereas for mandibular arch there was insignificant difference [p>0.05] between the two techniques. Overall paralleling technique was found to have better results than bisecting angle technique, during endodontic working length radiography

Wall thickness of major coronary arteries in Pakistani population

To measure the wall thickness of major coronary arteries in Pakistani population, through micrometry. An observational study. Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Khyber Medical College Peshawar and District Headquarter Hospital, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with Departments of Anatomy and Pathology, Army Medical College Rawalpindi. The duration of study was six months with effect from September 2009 to March 2010. After incising pericardium, 1mm long segments of major coronary arteries i.e. right coronary artery [RCA], left anterior descending artery [LAD] and left circumflex artery [LCX] were taken 1cm distal to their origin, from adult male cadavers of up to 40 years age. After processing for paraffin embedding, 5microm thick sections were prepared, mounted on glass slides and subsequently stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin [H and E] for routine histological study. Verhoeff's elastic stain was used to make the elastic lamina more prominent. Wall thickness for each section was measured through micrometry, circumferentially at eight different places along the planes at 45§ to each other and then their mean taken as a reading for the respective artery. The total wall thickness of major coronary arteries and of the individual tunicae was less in Pakistani population. The mean thickness of RCA was 0.61 +/- 0.05 mm; LAD had mean thickness of 0.55 +/- 0.06 mm whereas that of LCX was 0.66 +/- 0.13 mm. The mean thickness of tunica intima of RCA was noted to be 0.230 +/- 0.044 mm; tunica media measured 0.205 +/- 0.031 mm whereas tunica adventitia was 0.172 +/- 0.023 mm thick. The mean thickness of tunica intima of LAD measured 0.156 +/- 0.032 mm; tunica media was observed to be 0.224 +/- 0.026 mm thick whereas the tunica adventitia was 0.170 +/- 0.032 mm thick. The mean thickness of tunica intima of LCX was observed to be 0.203 +/- 0.059 mm; tunica media to be 0.282 +/- 0.097 mm whereas that of tunica adventitia was noted to be 0.179 +/- 0.037 mm. The normal mean values of total wall thickness and of each of the individual tunica of coronary arterial wall in Pakistani population are lower than those reported in international literature. This might be due to geographic and / or ethnic variations in the histological structure of coronary arterial wall

Orthodontic record keeping: a study

The Miller-Keane Encyclopedia of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, 5[th] Edition, describes records as "a permanent or long-lasting account of something". The importance of comprehensive orthodontic records cannot be overemphasized. Orthodontic records should not only include the initial data, but all information related to the patient's treatment, throughout treatment. Records must be permanent, lasting, durable and remain unaltered. The production, retention and archiving of clear and accurate patient records is an essential part of the orthodontists professional responsibility. The objective of this study was to determine the trend of orthodontic record keeping amongst dentists in the twin cities. Data revealed high percentage of dentists keeping good pre-treatment records, however failing to keep good progress and post treatment records

Effect of low vision on quality of life

To determine the [1] restriction in daily life due to low vision in terms of self-care and mobility [2] changes in behavior and attitude due to low vision and [3] to propose/formulate recommendations, if required, to make amends to the situation. Descriptive cross-sectional survey using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods Sixty patients above fifteen years of age having low vision [VA = > 6/18] for more than 3 years visiting the Eye OPD of DHQ Hospital Abbottabad were included. Purposive sampling was carried out. The tools used for collecting information from the patients included individual interviews using structured questionnaire, informal discussions with family members, informal discussions with key informants and triangulation. Quality of Life assessment instruments were tested for validity, reliability and responsiveness. It was apparent that utility index decreased as vision became worse. Ocular diseases diminish substantially the quality of life of an affected patient. A strong relationship between low vision and quality of life was observed in the data. The participants had nihilistic feelings due to their low vision. Lower the vision, worse were the feelings. Loss of hope apparently, complaints from powers, society and relatives and friends were common. Low vision certainly disrupts social life and family life to such an extent that no other disability barring comatose state is able to do

Risk factors for dental caries in Pakistani children

The present study was carried out to determine any possible association of caries with oral hygiene and food habits. This was prospective descriptive study. Total [n= 543] patients with dental caries between 6-9 years were selected from dental OPD of Children's Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad. Questions regarding brushing habits and food habits were asked by interviewing the accompanied adults and caries status of teeth after intra oral examination were recorded in questionnaire. X-ray was not taken to diagnose the caries. The frequency of caries was higher in age group of eight and nine. Children who ate candies daily had statistically [p<0.05] high caries. Negative correlation was found between mother's education, father's education and caries- Significantly high frequency of caries [P<0.05] was found in children who ate bread in their breakfast with sugar sweetened tea and patients used fluoride containing toothpaste had less caries. Surprisingly, in comparison of food habits between male and female subjects no significant difference was found