MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION LEVELS OF MUPIROCIN BY E-TEST AMONG STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATES AND THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to mupirocin and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus among various clinical isolates.Methods: All the consecutive, non-duplicative Staphylococcus aureus isolates collected during the year 2020 were subjected to the disk diffusion method to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and were stocked. Mupirocin susceptibility for all stocked Staphylococcus aureus was detected by Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination by Epsilometer test (E-test).Results: The total number of Staphylococcus aureus was 52. The maximum number of Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from pus sample 40 (76.9%). Among the 52 isolates, 26 (50%) were found to be methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). All the isolates were susceptible to tetracycline (100%), vancomycin (100%), teicoplanin (100%), and linezolid (100%). By E-test, the overall prevalence of mupirocin resistance was 63.5%. Low-level Mupirocin resistance (MupRL) of 8-256 µg/ml was 59.6% and high-level mupirocin resistance (MupRH) of ?512 µg/ml was 3.9%.Conclusion: The present study shows a high prevalence of mupirocin resistance (63.5%) which is a serious concern. Therefore, indiscriminate use of topical mupirocin in carriers is not advisable. It may be recommended only in case of an outbreak of skin and soft tissue infection attributed to Staphylococcus aureus.

Effect Of Formalin On C Reactive Protein And Pulmonary Function Tests In Undergraduate Medical Students In Anatomy Dissection Laboratory

Introduction: Formalin is the commonest fixative chemical used for preserving cadavers by embalming andother biological specimens which is commonly used in Medical colleges in Anatomy Dissection hall. C reactiveProtein is an annular pentameric protein found in blood plasma. CRP is synthesised by the liver and itsconcentration increases rapidly during inflammatory processes. The aim of the present study is to reveal thecorrelation between exposure to formalin and changes in pulmonary function tests in undergraduate medicalstudents and to find out the correlation between exposure to formalin and C reactive protein.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on eighty (40 girls and 40 boys) first year undergraduatemedical students of both the gender between 18-22 years of age in Department of Anatomy and Physiology, ACSMedical college, Chennai. Pulmonary function tests was carried out by Computerised Spirometer before andafter two hours exposure to formalin in the Anatomy dissection hall. Blood sample for serum CRP level estimationwas also taken.Results: There is decrease in values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF25-75 after 2 hours exposure to formalin.There is decrease in values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF25-75 in the male participants after 2 hoursexposure to formalin and the only parameter which is statistically significant is PEFR in the female participantsafter exposure to formalin. The values of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC are statistically significant in male and femaleparticipants before exposure to formalin. The values of FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF25-75 are statistically significantin male and female participants after exposure to formalin. About 64 students have CRP range of 10.1-40.0mg/l (80%). About 4 students have more increased levels of CRP within the range of 40.1-80.0 mg/l (5%).Conclusion: There is great impact of formalin on CRP and Pulmonary function tests in first year undergraduatemedical students who are constantly exposed to formalin in Anatomy dissection laboratory. To avoid this, eitherprotective measures or alternative measures should be taken.

A Morphometric Study On Foramen Ovale

Introduction: Variation of Skull base foramina always found to be associated with nervous and vascularmalformations manifested by various clinical symptoms. The foramen ovale is an opening present in the posteriorpart of greater wing of sphenoid which transmits mandibular nerve, accessory meningeal artery, lesser petrosalnerve and emissary vein. The aim of the present study is to do morphometric measurements of the foramen ovaleand also to study any variation in shape, number and find out the presence of pterygoalar bar.Materials and Method: The study was conducted on 111 adult dry skulls(222 sides) in Department of Anatomy,ACS Medical college, Chennai. Variations in size , shape and number were noted.Results: The most frequent shape observed was oval (68.46%) followed by D- shaped (15.31%) , round (8.55%) ,almond(5.85%) and slit (0.9%). The mean length of foramen ovale found to be 7.57 mm on the right side and 7.39mm on the left side. The mean width of foramen ovale observed to be 4.28 mm on the right side and 4.57 mm onthe left side.Variations such as absent and duplicated foramen ovale, spine projecting from the margin offoramen and pterygoalar bar medial to foramen ovale were also observed.Conclusion: The present study on morphometric measurements of foramen ovale has immense anatomical,clinical, diagnostic and surgical importance in case of fine needle aspiration technique in perineural spread oftumour and in trigeminal neuralgia.

An Unusual Occurrence Of Two Palatal Canals In Maxillary First Molar - A Case Report.

The endodontist should have a detailed and thorough knowledge of root canal anatomy to effectively perform endodontic treatment, negligence to which might lead to endodontic failures. Maxillary first molars show considerable variation in root canal anatomy with respect to number of roots and number of canals. Literature states that canal variations can reach up to 33% in maxillary first molars. There is an overall low prevalence (<2%) of anatomic variations in the palatal canal of maxillary molars among different populations. This case report deals with one such palatal canal variations in maxillary first molar with 4 canals: 2 separate palatal canals, mesiobuccal and distobuccal canal and its management.. Clinician awareness on careful assessment of extra palatal canal in maxillary molar teeth using conventional radiograph has been reinforced in this case report to achieve long term success in endodontic treatment.

Potential action of Rumex vesicarius [L.] against potassium dichromate and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in experimental rats

To determine the ameliorative potential of the active fraction from different extracts of Rumex vesicarius against potassium dichromate and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in experimental rats and its possible mechanism of action. Both sex wistar rats were divided into 6 groups [n=6/group] were fed with a control, potassium dichromate and gentamicin supplemented with different extracts at the doses of 200 and 400mg/kg respectively. Oral administration of EERV offered a significant [p<0.01 and p<0.001] dose dependent protection against PD and GN induced nephrotoxicity. Potassium dichromate and gentamicin nephrotoxicity assessed in terms of body weight, kidney weight, creatinine, urea, uric acid, BUN, albumin and total protein. Thus the present study revealed that EERV phytochemical constituents play an important role in protection against kidney damage

Bacteriophage Typing of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Changing Trend in their Antibiotic Profile.

Background: Increasing prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a major pathogen in both health care facilities and community, is an escalating public health concern. Knowledge of prevalence of MRSA and their current antimicrobial profile becomes necessary in the selection of appropriate empirical treatment of these infections. Aims & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of MRSA & to evaluate its antibiotic sensitivity pattern and to determine Bacteriophage typing for epidemiological purposes. Methods: A total of 182 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, collected over a period of two years, were screened by various phenotypic assays. Randomly selected 50 MRSA isolates were sent to Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, for Bacteriophage typing. Antibiotic sensitivity test was done by Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Results: Among the 182 isolates, 120(65.93 %) were identified as MRSA & 62(34.07 %) were identified as MSSA by various phenotypic methods. 50 isolates was sent for PhageTyping. 42(84%) strains were typable. 35(70%) strains belonged to phage III, 1(2%) to phage group II, 6(12%) to more than one phage groups. More than70% strains were resistant to Co-Trimoxazole, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin, but were highly sensitive to Chloramphenicol and Clindamycin. 100% sensitivity was observed with Vancomycin, Teicoplanin and Linezolid. Conclusion: It is alarming that the present study reports a high prevalence (65.94%) of MRSA infection. In our study, 70% of the MRSA isolates belong to group III Phage, especially phage no.47. Despite the glycopeptides, Chloramphenicol, and preferably Clindamycin can be used to treat Staphylococcus infections.

Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase and cysteine cathepsin activity in dentin hybrid layer by gelatin zymography.

Aim: The aim of this study was to comparatively assess the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) and Cysteine Cathepsins (CCs) in the adhesive interface using etch and rinse adhesive at different time intervals using zymographic technique. Methodology: Twenty freshly extracted non-carious human third molars were used in this study. Occlusal surfaces were ground flat and 1mm thick horizontal dentin slabs were obtained from each tooth using a diamond disc. The dentin surface was polished with 600-grit silicon-carbide paper. Five out of 20 samples were directly pulverized. In the remaining fifteen samples, the dentin was etched and adhesive was applied and light cured according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A 1mm thick flowable composite was build up and light cured. Bonded specimens were cut vertically into 3 to 4 dentin slabs by means of diamond disc to expose the adhesive/ dentin interfaces. These were then ground down to 500 μm thick resin-dentin interface using a hard tissue microtome. These sections were then pulverised into powder. Following this, every five samples were subjected to zymographic analysis after 1 day, 7 days and 21 days. Results: Zymograms showed clear, thicker bands on all three isoforms in the etched samples compared to control samples at 1st and 7th day intervals and became inactive at 21st day for all three isoforms. MMP 9 activity was relatively higher when compared to CCs and MMP 2. Conclusion: Etch and rinse adhesive activated MMPs and CCs within the hybrid layer that remained active till 7th day and no gelatinolytic activity was found on 21st day and MMPs are more active compared to CCs and MMP-2.

Phenotypic speciation of enterococci with special reference to prevalence, virulence and antimicrobial resistance.

Background: Now considered as one of the most important Nosocomial pathogen, enterococci have been found to possess virulence factors like biofilm formation and are increasingly exhibiting antimicrobial resistance in India. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of enterococci from various clinical samples simultaneously correlating their virulence property and antimicrobial resistance, in addition to speciation. Methods: A total of 126 enterococcal isolates from various clinical samples were included and processed according to standard protocols and speciation was based on Facklam and Collins conventional method. Virulence determinants like hemolysin, gelatinase and biofilm formation were assessed by phenotypic tests. Antibacterial susceptibility pattern was determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method with recommended drugs including high level aminoglycoside resistance. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for vancomycin was done by E-test. Results: Out of 1746 clinical samples, enterococci accounted for 7.22%. They consisted of E. faecium 52.38%, E. faecalis 32.54%, and E. avium 15.08% isolated from urine 8.26%, pus 8.44%, blood 0.56% and body fluids 1.28%. Study on virulence factors revealed that 19.84% strains produced gelatinase, 18.25% produced hemolysin and 73.81% produced biofilm. High level resistance to gentamycin and streptomycin were 4.76% and 5.56% respectively. Vancomycin resistance was 3.17%. Conclusions: This study indicates the change in epidemiology of enterococcal infections from E. faecalis to E. faecium and low prevalence of vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE) in our region. To maintain the low level of resistance, improvement of antibiotic policies and hospital infection control is essential.

A new spectrophotometric method for the determination of fluvoxamine maleate in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulation.

A simple, accurate and highly sensitive spectrophotometric methods are proposed for the rapid and accurate determination of fluvoxamine maleate (FXA) using bromocressol green (BCG), methyl orange (MO) and bromothymol blue (BTB). The developed methods involve formation of stable yellow colored chloroform extractable ion-associate complexes of the amino derivative (basic nitrogen) of the FXA with three sulphonphthalein acid dyes, namely; BCG, MO and BTB, in potassium hydrogen phthalate buffer pH 3.3, 3.6 and 3.4 respectively. The ion-associates exhibit absorption maxima at 420, 420 and 410 nm for BCG, MO and BTB, respectively. FXA can be determined up to 2.0–16, 2.0–15 and 2.0–20 μgmL−1 for BCG, MO and BTB, respectively. The effect of optimum conditions via pH on the ion pair formation, reagent concentration, time and temperature, and solvent was studied. The composition of the ion pairs was found 1:1 by Job’s method. The low relative standard deviation values indicate good precision and high recovery values. These methods have been successfully applied for the assay of FXA in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulations and the results are in good agreement with those obtained by the official method.

Isolation and Screening of Bacterial Isolates in UTI Patients in Different age and Gender Groups in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu.

Approximately 1 in 3 women will require antimicrobial treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Forty to fifty percentage of the woman will have a UTI before the age of twenty four during their life time. UTI’S in male patients are rare but once infected considered to be complicated. Infection of urinary tract is amongst the most common bacterial infections that prompt patient’s to seek medical advice second only to infection of respiratory tract In the present study, the isolation of urinary tract infecting pathogens from patients of different gender and age group revealed that Escherichia coli was the dominant isolate followed by Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Acinetobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus.

In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of Cassia auriculata Linn.

This study was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aerial parts of chloroform extract of Cassia auriculata L. The chloroform extract of C. auriculata were shown to possess an antimicrobial activity against two gram positive and two gram negative human pathogenic bacteria and fungi, viz. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and fungus cultures Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by using disc diffusion method. The extract showed antibacterial activity at all concentrations selected, but only the extract with the concentration of 300μg/ml showed maximum antibacterial activity against all the organisms except Pseudomonas aeruginosa which are comparable with the standard control, amikacin. The anti fungal activity of chloroform extract of C. auriculata revealed significant effect against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger with the net inhibition zone of 14 and 14 mm, respectively at 300μg/ml concentration, which is almost comparable with standard control, ketokonazole used as an antifungal agent. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, fixed oils, fats, tannins, gum & mucilage, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, lignin and sterols. It is concluded that the antimicrobial activity showed by the plant was due to the presence of these phytochemicals. Further studies are highly needed for future drug development.

In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of Cassia auriculata Linn.

This study was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aerial parts of chloroform extract of Cassia auriculata L. The chloroform extract of C. auriculata were shown to possess an antimicrobial activity against two gram positive and two gram negative human pathogenic bacteria and fungi, viz. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and fungus cultures Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by using disc diffusion method. The extract showed antibacterial activity at all concentrations selected, but only the extract with the concentration of 300μg/ml showed maximum antibacterial activity against all the organisms except Pseudomonas aeruginosa which are comparable with the standard control, amikacin. The anti fungal activity of chloroform extract of C. auriculata revealed significant effect against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger with the net inhibition zone of 14 and 14 mm, respectively at 300μg/ml concentration, which is almost comparable with standard control, ketokonazole used as an antifungal agent. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, fixed oils, fats, tannins, gum & mucilage, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, lignin and sterols. It is concluded that the antimicrobial activity showed by the plant was due to the presence of these phytochemicals. Further studies are highly needed for future drug development.

Brain site-specific proteome changes in aging-related dementia

This study is aimed at gaining insights into the brain site-specific proteomic senescence signature while comparing physiologically aged brains with aging-related dementia brains (for example, Alzheimer's disease (AD)). Our study of proteomic differences within the hippocampus (Hp), parietal cortex (pCx) and cerebellum (Cb) could provide conceptual insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in aging-related neurodegeneration. Using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS) brain site-specific proteomic strategy, we identified 950 proteins in the Hp, pCx and Cb of AD brains. Of these proteins, 31 were significantly altered. Most of the differentially regulated proteins are involved in molecular transport, nervous system development, synaptic plasticity and apoptosis. Particularly, proteins such as Gelsolin (GSN), Tenascin-R (TNR) and AHNAK could potentially act as novel biomarkers of aging-related neurodegeneration. Importantly, our Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA)-based network analysis further revealed ubiquitin C (UBC) as a pivotal protein to interact with diverse AD-associated pathophysiological molecular factors and suggests the reduced ubiquitin proteasome degradation system (UPS) as one of the causative factors of AD.

Role of clinical pharmacist in rational therapy of pediatric seizures.

Seizures are more common in children than in any other age group, except the elderly. In fact, there are several kinds of seizures that affect only children. Sometimes children outgrow their seizures but many need to be treated for their seizures for their entire life. The main objectives of this study are to study the physician prescribing pattern in pediatric seizures and to educate the patient care taker about the disease and the use of drugs in order to control seizures and improve the quality of life. A non invasive prospective observational study was done with 86 pediatric patients from 01.11.2010 to 30.04.2011. Females were found to be more prone to seizures; prevalence of seizure was more in children aged 1-5 years old. Febrile seizures (46.5%) are the most commonly observed type of seizure in children followed by tonic – clonic seizures (21%) and complex partial seizures (14%). The other types of seizures observed are simple partial seizures (7%), status epilepticus (2.3%) and others (9.3%). We observed that Clobazam is the most commonly prescribed drug for prophylaxis of febrile seizures. Phenytoin, Clobazam and Sodium valproate were commonly used drug in children. We infer that monotherapy for seizure is effective choice of treatment.

Role of clinical pharmacist in rational therapy of pediatric seizures.

Seizures are more common in children than in any other age group, except the elderly. In fact, there are several kinds of seizures that affect only children. Sometimes children outgrow their seizures but many need to be treated for their seizures for their entire life. The main objectives of this study are to study the physician prescribing pattern in pediatric seizures and to educate the patient care taker about the disease and the use of drugs in order to control seizures and improve the quality of life. A non invasive prospective observational study was done with 86 pediatric patients from 01.11.2010 to 30.04.2011. Females were found to be more prone to seizures; prevalence of seizure was more in children aged 1-5 years old. Febrile seizures (46.5%) are the most commonly observed type of seizure in children followed by tonic – clonic seizures (21%) and complex partial seizures (14%). The other types of seizures observed are simple partial seizures (7%), status epilepticus (2.3%) and others (9.3%). We observed that Clobazam is the most commonly prescribed drug for prophylaxis of febrile seizures. Phenytoin, Clobazam and Sodium valproate were commonly used drug in children. We infer that monotherapy for seizure is effective choice of treatment.

Beneficial health effects of rutin supplementation in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Flavonoids, dietary antioxidant compounds may offer some protection against earlystage diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of rutin on overall health of patients with diabetes mellitus. The effects of rutin were tested by using it as a supplement with their regular medications. The total trial period was of 120 days conducted with a gap of 30 days each. It consisted of 30 patients aging between 40-50 years, having diabetes mellitus since last 5 years. These patients were given Rutin Tablets for 60 days. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressures, lipid profile, serum urea and creatinine, electrolytes, SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured at baseline and then after every 30 days. Rutin tablets were stopped for next 60 days. All of above parameters were again measured on 90th and 120th day. The results showed that rutin decreased the levels of FBS, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HDL, Serum Urea and creatinine significantly (P<0.05), whereas significant increase (P<0.05) in TGL, HDL, VLDL were seen. Decrease in the level of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and BMI is not significant.

Nanoparticle: An overview of preparation and characterization (2000-2010).

In recent years, there has been an exponential interest in the development of novel drug delivery systems using nanoparticles. Nanoparticles can offer significant advantages over the conventional drug delivery in terms of high stability, high specificity, high drug carrying capacity, ability for controlled release, possibility to use in different route of administration and the capability to deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drug molecules. This review focuses on classification, methods of preparation, characterisation, application, advantages of nanoparticles and health perspectives.

Per oral extended release products -An overview.

The use of extended-release products offers some potential advantages in patient convenience, compliance and therapeutic outcomes. However, the range of drugs for which clinically significant advantages have been shown is limited. Prescribers and pharmacists should be aware of these products and have knowledge of their clinical use in selected patient groups. In some instances, the formulation is probably serving a marketing objective rather than a clinical objective.

In vivo antioxidant and lipid peroxidation effect of methanolic extract of tuberous root of Ipomoea digitata (Linn) in rat fed with high fat diet.

The study was carried out to determine the in vivo antioxidant and lipid peroxidation effect of methanolic extract of tuberous root of Ipomoea digitata (Linn). High fat diet rats showed significantly (P<0.001) reduced the levels of tissues enzymatic antioxidant and enhanced the level of non enzymatic antioxidant (Glutathione). The level of TBARS are elevated in HFD rats (group II) when compared with control group. High fat diet induces the oxidative stress in cell by producing reactive oxygen species. Administration of methanolic extract of Ipomoea digitata in high fat diet rats were showed increased the levels of antioxidant Enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GR) and reduced the level of non enzymatic antioxidant Glutathione (GSH) when compared with HFD rats (Group II). The methanolic extract Ipomoea digitata in high fat diet rats were found lowered the concentration of TBARS when compared with HFD rats. Based on the results, we concluded that the methanolic extract of Ipomoea digitata is a significant source of natural antioxidant, which might be helpful in preventing the progress of various oxidative stresses.

Anti-inflammatory activity of commiphora caudata [Wight and Arn]

Ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of Commiphora caudata syn: Protium caudatum were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in rats by carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema method. Both ethyl acetate extract and methanolic extract of Commiphora caudata [200 mg/kg of body weight] exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity when compared with control. Indomethacin was used as a reference anti-inflammatory drug