Production and characterization of biosurfactant from Halomonas sp. BRI3

In this report, the halotolerant bacterium Halomonas sp. BRI3 was studied for its biosurfactant (BS) producing ability. Effect of carbon source, nitrogen source, temperature, inoculum concentration and incubation on the production of BS was studied and maximum production (14 g/L) was obtained in modified medium containing 1% glucose, yeast extract and ammonium chloride (0.25% each) with 5% inoculum concentration at 30°C after 48 h, which was 2.8 fold higher as compared to original medium (5 g/L). Highest emulsification index (72%) of crude BS was obtained with kerosene followed by n-hexane > crude oil > n-heptane > soybean oil > hexadecane > mustard oil > olive oil > sesame oil. Our hydrocarbon degradation experiments using crude oil and soybean oil revealed 40% decrease in crude oil and 60% decrease in soybean oil concentration after 50 days in presence of glucose, whereas, it was 20% and 50% in the absence of glucose, respectively. Based on TLC and FTIR analysis, the BS is chemically a glycolipo protein, demonstrated an significant antimicrobial and antiadhesive activity. We observed significant stability of BS over wide range of temperature (40 to 120°C) and pH (5.0 to 11.0), suggesting its potential for application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in a case of mycosis fungoides: An unusual association

Mycosis fungoides is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with a high risk for developing secondary malignancies, especially B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. About 40 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with mycosis fungoides have been reported in literature till date. We report a case of a 35-year-old gentleman who presented with intensely itchy reddish lesions all over the body. Multiple skin biopsies taken from the lesions on scalp and back confirmed the clinical diagnosis of mycosis fungoides. While on treatment, he presented with multiple bilateral cervical, axillary and inguinal lymphadenopathy 9 years after the primary diagnosis of mycosis fungoides. Excision biopsy of a cervical lymph node revealed partial effacement of architecture by a tumor comprising polymorphous background. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma - nodular sclerosis subtype. The patient was started on chemotherapy for stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma. Our case emphasizes the importance of keeping secondary Hodgkin's lymphoma in mind while dealing with a patient of mycosis fungoides. Our case immunohistochemically supports the distinct etiopathogenesis of Epstein–Barr virus-negative Hodgkin's lymphoma vis-à-vis cutaneous mycosis fungoides.

One-step apexification using platelet rich fibrin matrix and mineral trioxide aggregate apical barrier.

The absence of a natural apical constriction in a nonvital young permanent tooth makes endodontic treatment a challenge. There is a need to induce or create an apical barrier against, which the obturating material can be condensed. Traditionally, calcium hydroxide is the material of choice to induce apexification. Due to certain drawbacks such as prolonged treatment duration and unpredictable apical barrier formation, it is being replaced by materials, which have a more predictable outcome like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). One‑step apexification with MTA reduces the treatment time when compared with traditional calcium hydroxide apexification, which requires an average time of 12–19 months. In one‑step apexification using MTA, the technical problem encountered is controlling the overfill or underfill of MTA. The use of a matrix material helps to overcome this shortcoming. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is an immune platelet concentrate, which can be used as a matrix, it also promotes wound healing and repair. This case report presents a case of one step apexification using MTA as an apical barrier and autologous PRF as an internal matrix.

Comparative analysis of protein structure of common Hb Q variants.

Context: Hemoglobin (Hb) Q variant is a group of hemoglobinopathies prevalent in south, south-east and western Asia. The primary structure of all of these molecules is well known. However, very little is known about the secondary and tertiary structures of these molecules. Therefore, a study of their secondary and tertiary structures is needed. Aim: The study was aimed at investigating the secondary and tertiary structures of common Hb Q variants using bioinformatics tool. Settings and Design: The secondary and tertiary structures of common Hb Q variants were evaluated using NNPREDICT server and CPHmodels 2.0 server, respectively. Materials and Methods: Amino acid sequence of alpha globin chain was searched using ExPASY and was used for further mutation to Hb Q variants. The derived sequences were further analyzed using NNPREDICT server and CPHmodels 2.0 server to calculate their secondary and tertiary structures, respectively. These were then compared and any differences noted. Results: It was observed that there is no difference between the predicted secondary structures of normal alpha globin and Hb Q-India. Hb Q-Iran carries an extra helix while Hb Q-Thailand carries two extra helices. The results of tertiary structure prediction also support these findings. Conclusions: Differences in secondary and tertiary structure of various Hb Q variants have been observed in the present study. The study provides valuable data for better understanding of these uncommon hemoglobinopathies.