Screening and characterization of high lipid accumulating microalga Ankistrodesmus sp. from freshwater environment

Microalgae based biofuel is an attractive alternative energy source due to its rapid growth rate and high lipid accumulation efficiency. In this study, we screened high lipid content microalga with the favourable fatty acid composition suitable for biodiesel production. Totally twelve different microalgal species were isolated from freshwater habitats. The isolates were identified as Micractinium sp., Chlorella sorokiniana, Scenedesmus bajacalifornicus, Desmodesmus sp., Scenedesmus obliquus, Coelastrum proboscideum, Chlamydomonas moewusii, Chlamydomonas debaryana, Chlamydomonas dorsoventralis, Coelastrum sp., and Ankistrodesmus sp. based on morphological features and ITS region similarity. Among the isolates, highest lipid content (33±0.07%) and lipid productivity (0.27±0.06 g L-1) were obtained from Ankistrodesmus sp. Intracellular lipid droplets of Ankistrodesmus sp. were observed through Nile red staining. The lipid content was enhanced up to 45% under the nitrogen deficient (5 mg L-1) BG-11 medium. Ankistrodesmus sp. fatty acid profile shows the presence of palmitic (16.39%), stearic (15.67%), oleic (25.66%), linolenic (21.62%), and alpha-linoleic acids (14.34%). The oleic acid was the dominant fatty acid 25.66% in the nitrogen deficient condition.

Towards elimination of parent-to-child transmission of syphilis in India: a rapid situation review to inform national strategy.

In February 2015, India’s National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, launched a national strategy towards elimination of parentto- child transmission (E-PTCT) of syphilis, with a goal to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis to 0.3 cases per 1000 live births by 2017. As part of the development of the national strategy, a rapid situation analysis was undertaken to ascertain the current practices, challenges and barriers for E-PTCT of syphilis in India. The analysis was conducted during February and March 2014 in five states selected from five different regions of India. Key informant interviews were conducted with key stakeholders at facility, state and district level. Content analysis was used to identify the themes. Key barriers identified for E-PTCT of syphilis were: low priority for antenatal syphilis testing among providers, limited access to testing, untrained human resources, shortage of test kits and benzathine penicillin, nonadherence to the national protocol for syphilis testing, and poor recording and reporting of antenatal syphilis data. The analysis also identified opportunities for functional integration of E-PTCT within existing maternal and child health programmes. Health-care providers and programme managers expressed a need for training in the programme for E-PTCT of syphilis. The situation analysis identified that, for successful implementation of E-PTCT of syphilis, it is essential that state and district programme managers adopt this initiative; coordinate the programme; plan for an adequate budget in their programme implementation plan; ensure an uninterrupted supply of standardized diagnostics kits and drugs at all levels of health care; and adhere to E-PTCT guidelines when implementing the programme.

Primary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of appendix.

Primary lymphomas of appendix are extremely rare tumors. The first case of primary lymphoma of appendix was reported by Warren in the year 1898. Incidence of primary lymphoma of appendix is 0.015% of all gastrointestinal lymphomas. This is a report of primary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of appendix which presented as appendicular mass. As some cases are incidentally discovered, this case emphasizes that histological examination of all appendicectomy specimens is mandatory.

Honey as a natural preservative of milk.

The anti-bacterial property and preservative nature of honey has been studied by evaluating the role of hydrogen peroxide in these properties, against bacterial strains isolated and identified from pasteurized milk samples. The antibacterial property of honey examined by agar incorporation assay and turbidometry, indicated a concentration dependent inhibition of bacterial growth in all catalase negative strains in comparison with catalase positive strains, highlighting a probable role of hydrogen peroxide. Samples of commercial milk stored at 40C in presence of honey were shown to inhibit opportunistic bacterial growth better compared to samples stored without honey. Due to the bactericidal property of hydrogen peroxide and its preservative nature, honey which is chiefly a combination of various sugars and hydrogen peroxide, can be used a preservative of milk samples.

Paratesticular malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour: a case report.

Primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) of intrascrotal extra testicular site are extremely rare with only few cases reported in literature. These are highly malignant tumours most often associated with neurofibromatosis. The incidence in general population is 0.001%. A 35-year-old male presented with swelling of the scrotal sac of three months duration. There were no features of neurofibromatosis. The lesion was excised and was diagnosed as MPNST. The patient developed recurrence within two months.

A case of herniated gravid uterus through a laparotomy scar.

A 36-year-old manual worker presented in her second pregnancy at 34 weeks of gestation with an unusual bulge of her abdomen. The lower abdominal bulge turned out to be her gravid uterus herniated through an anterior abdominal wall incisional hernia which is a rare but serious obstetric situation with complications such as premature labour, intrauterine growth retardation, strangulation, intrauterine death and rupture of the lower uterine segment been reported. We had a successful outcome by conservative treatment till 38 weeks of gestation followed by an elective lower segment Caesarean section with hernia repair. Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal wall closure and the management of pregnancy with a large incisional hernia with gravid uterus in its sac is challenging.