ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate and assess the index of bacterial contamination in different wards of the Public Sector Hospital of Sukkur [Teaching] Pakistan; whether or not the air contamination was statistically different from the acceptable level using active and passive sampling. In addition to this main hypothesis, other investigations included: occurrence of the most common bacteria, whether or not the bacterial contamination in the wards was a persistent problem and identification of the effective antibiotics against the identified bacteria. The evidence sought based on the One Sample T test suggests that there is a [statistically] significant difference between the observed [higher] than the acceptance level [p<0.01], the result based on One-Way ANOVA suggests that the contamination problem was persistent as there was no significant difference among observed contamination of all three visits at [p>0.01] and the result of antibiotic susceptibility test highlights sensitivity and resistance level of antibiotics for the identified bacteria
ABSTRACT
To compare the frequency of E.faecalis in the saliva and root canals of teeth associated with apical periodontitis due to endodontic treatment failure. Cross-sectional comparative. Samples were collected from Operative Dentistry department, AFID, while laboratory processing was done at AFIP, Rawalpindi. Duration of this study was one year. Fifty patients, both males and females with failed endodontic treatment were selected. Saliva and root canal samples were collected from each patient, inoculated on MacKonkey agar plate and incubated at 35-37°C for 48 hours. E.faecalis colonies were identified by colony morphology, Gram stain, catalase, bile asculin test, arabinose fermentation and growth in 6% NaCl nutrient broth. The frequency of E. faecalis in saliva was 34% and 58% in root canal samples. Frequency of the presence of E.faecalis in root canals and saliva was found to be statistically different [p=0.000]. The presence of E.faecalis in root canal was not associated with their presence in saliva
ABSTRACT
Benzalkonium chloride [BAC] is a commonly used preservative in topical ophthalmic preparations. It is a cytotoxic compound. The mechanism of action involves dissociation of bilaminar plasma membrane and its tendency to dissolve cholesterol, phospholipids and the proteins in the cell membrane. The indiscriminate use of eye drops containing BAC, quackery and self-medication may increase the incidence of corneal disorders particularly in those having a pre-existing corneal pathology
Objective: The present in vivo study was carried out to investigate the effects of BAC ons corneal stroma
Methods: Two different concentrations [0.02% and 0.0075%] of BAC solution comparable to those present in the commercially available eye drops were prepared in isotonic saline. Right eye of each animal was treated with BAC solution while left eye of the same animal served as a control treated with normal saline alone
Results: The analysis of the results revealed significant [p<0.05] histological changes in the corneal stroma
Conclusion: This study has provided the convincing evidence that BAC is toxic to the corneal stroma and is a factor contributing towards visual impairment
ABSTRACT
Inter-vertebral disc is the largest avascular structure in human body, which is primarily a load bearing and stabilizing unit of the human spine. Degenerative disorders and disc herniation causes proliferation or in growth of new blood vessels in this structure. Lumbar disc herniated tissues were studied microscopically in comparison with the cadaveric lumbar disc tissue, to evaluate the changes particularly the formation of new blood vessels. It was a case control study in which 45 lumbar herniated disc tissues [L[4] - L[5] and L[5] - S[1]] and 45 dissected, fresh cadaveric disc tissues of same level and almost of same age groups were collected and in reference to age were divided into groups. Both sets of tissues were processed, sectioned and stained with Hemotoxyllin / Eosin, to observe the architecture of annuli fibrosis and nuclei pulposus parts of disc and the micro-vessels under light microscope. Cadaveric discs, group A, B and C compared with herniated discs A[1], B[1] and C[1], Annuli fibrosi in herniated discs [A[1], B[1], and C[1]] showed significant reduction of cells, disorganized lamellar pattern of collagen, formation of cysts, clefts and numerous new micro-vessels as compared to fresh cadaveric disc tissues [A, B and C]. Disc degeneration and herniation results in the formation of micro-vessels which may not only serve as source of nutrients but also contribute in the healing process of discal tears
ABSTRACT
The study was aimed to investigate microencapsulation of theophylline using different ratios of eudragit S 100 as wall material by the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The release profiles, effect of stirring speed and different pH of dissolution medium on release profiles and stability were also studied. Various formulations of microcapsules were compressed in to tablets. In vitro dissolution studies indicated that the rate of drug release was reduced with an increase in the amount of Eudragit S 100. Moreover, the release data of various formulations were fitted to Zero order, First order, Higuchi, Hixson Crowell and Korsmeyer Peppas kinetic models. It was observed that the release of drug from all the formulations followed Higuchi's kinetic model as its value of coefficient of determination is greater than that of others. The release profiles of the test formulation in distilled water and various pH media were compared and decreased release rate was seen at lower pH i.e. pH 1.0. Slight or no change was apparent in the release rate at higher stirring speed compared to lower stirring speed. No significant changes were also observed in the drug release profiles of test tablets stored at different temperatures. Test tablet [F2] was found to produce similar and sustainable release rate compared to commercial product, Quibron-T/SR tablet on the basis of their T[70%]. Similarly, f[2] values of reference versus F2 is 66.98 which show less difference between these two as compared to the comparison of reference with F1 and F3
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To determine astrogliosis in optic nerve of rabbit induced by ethambutol
Materials and Methods: Ten, New Zealand white, albino rabbits of either sex, 6-12 months old; weighing 1- 2 kg were randomly divided into two group comprising five animals in each. Group A served as control, while Group B was given ethambutol 100 mg/kg/day for four weeks. At the end of experimental period, each animal was sacrificed by using chloroform and both optic nerves were dissected out, preserved and processed; in this way, twenty optic nerve specimens Maximum stone size included in our study was 3 cm. All patients included in our study were treated by rigid URS and stone fragmentation with Pneumatic Lithoclast. [ten for each group] were collected from ten albino rabbits
Results: Mean number of astrocytes, calculated in group B was 27.94 +/- 2.94, that was significantly increased from those in group A, showing mean number of astrocytes as 09.66 +/- 2.16 [p value = 0.001]
Conclusion: Ethambutol, in toxic doses, induces the proliferation of astrocytes in optic nerve, a part of astrogliosis, indicating the repair process in damaged optic nerve
ABSTRACT
Scytalidium dimidiatum is mainly responsible for human skin and nail infections but the mould has also been reported for invasive infections in immunocompromised individuals. We report a young immunocompetent individual diagnosed with invasive non-traumatic Scytalidium dimidiatum infection involving the left orbital cavity and maxillary sinus