Isolation, Molecular Characterisation of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Producing Novel Bacillus sp., skm7T from a Polluted Pond Water.

Bio-plastics are natural biopolymers that are synthesized and catabolised by various organisms and these materials do not cause toxic effects in the host and have certain advantages over petroleumderived plastics. The current emphasis on sustainability, eco-efficiency and green chemistry has led to intensive search for renewable and environmentally friendly resources. Thus, sustainable development is recognized to be essential for the growth of the economy and industrial productivity. A polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producing Gram-positive, rod-shaped, motile bacterium was isolated from the polluted pond water. Strain SKM7T grew at 15–40ºC and pH 5.0–8.5 and in the presence of 0–1.5% (w/v) NaCl. The strain was catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. Antimicrobial activities were studied. The DNA G+C content was 53 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain is a member of the genus Bacillus and is most closely related to B. aryabhattai B8W22(T) (99.01%), B. megaterium IAM 13418(T) (98.86%), B. flexus IFO 15715(T) (97.80%). The sequence of the 16S rDNA gene of strain SKM-7 was determined as 1554 bp and deposited in the EMBL under accession no. LM655314. The major isoprenoid quinine was MK-7 and an unidentified glycolipid was identified. The major fatty acid are dominated by saturated iso and anteiso (anteisoC14:0, iso-C15:0, anteisoC15:0, anteisoC16::0). The phenotypic and genotypic properties clearly indicate that strain represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus. The strain produced PHA in mineral medium consisting of glucose and nitrogenous substances. The type strain is SKM7T (=KCTC 33686T).

Multiple Pseudoaneurysms of the Brachiocephalic Artery Following Penetrating Arrow Injury in the Neck.

Arrow injury in the neck with subsequent pseudoaneurysm formation of the brachiocephalic artery is an uncommon type of injury in our country. Initially it was a punctured wound in the neck which was simply repaired. About 13 days after the initial injury patient came back to hospital with severe respiratory distress and backache for which emergency tracheostomy was needed. This simple puncture wound subsequently developed haematoma in the neck and two pseudoaneurysms at distal brachiocephalic artery. CT angiogram was very helpful to confirm the diagnosis. Correct referral to tertiary hospital like National Institute Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) ,prompt diagnosis, definitive treatment of the injury and subsequent aggressive postoperative management saved the life of this young tailor.

Prediction of Stature from Hand Anthropometry: A Comparative Study in the Three Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria.

Aims: The study was carried out to establish standard anthropometric values for stature estimation by using hand length in the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria between January - April 2010. Methodology: A total of 407 right hand dominant students (210 males and 197 females) aged 18 – 35 years who were purely of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba origin by both parents and grandparents, are included in this study. Each person has been studied for measurements of stature, hand length and handbreadth. Results: No significant difference was observed in stature and hand dimensions between the Igbos and Hausas. However the Yorubas are significantly shorter and have shorter hands than the Igbos and the Hausas. The males are significantly taller than the females in all the three tribes and have longer hands than the females in the Hausas and Igbos. Both the sexes of Yorubas are significantly shorter than the Hausas and have significantly shorter hands than the Hausas and Igbos when comparison was made between same sexes. The Yoruba females have shorter but wider hands than the Hausa females. No significant difference was observed in stature and hand dimensions between the Hausas and Igbos when compared between same sexes. Regression equations for estimation of stature were formulated for each ethnic group and both sexes. Conclusion: The study supports the fact that variations are present not only between races but also among ethnic groups, thus formulae derived for one ethnic group and both sexes may not be applicable to other ethnic group and sex. This study therefore provides standard anthropometric values and regression equations for the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Role of prescribers in the level of patient satisfaction: A study in public health care settings.

Aims: To assess the level of patient satisfaction with the various aspects of interaction of the health provider with the patient such as communication, examination and information regarding prescription in the allopathic public health facilities of Lucknow district. Settings and Design: Public health facilities of Lucknow district, India. Introduction: Satisfaction in service provision is increasingly being used as a measure of health system performance. The satisfaction with the service provider i.e., the prescriber is a vital component of the whole process of consultation and largely determines the compliance of the patient to the treatment prescribed. Apart from this, satisfaction also varies according to the sociodemographic characteristics of the beneficiaries. We have therefore tried to study these factors in the present study. Materials and Methods: Multistage stratified random sampling was used to select the health facilities while the patients were selected by systematic random sampling for the interview. Statistical Analysis: Number and percentages, mean and c2 test. Results: The overall satisfaction regarding the doctor patient communication and certain aspects of examination was highest for the residents (75.4%) followed by the super specialists (71.5%) and specialists (69.1%). Conclusions: The findings of the study will help us educate the prescribers about the various neglected areas of the consultation which will go a long way to develop a consistent relationship between the providers and the beneficiaries for the attainment of the "Health for All".

Psychological Disorders and Quality of Life among Sudanese Dialysis Patients and Renal Transplant Recipients

Introduction: Psychiatric illness is common among patients with chronic disorders; particularly in those with end-stage renal disease on renal replacement therapy (RRT). Patients with a functioning renal allograft have an improved quality of life (QOL) compared to patients on dialysis. Objective: to evaluate the psychological disorders and QOL among dialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study that included 168 patients on RRT. Their psychological health status was assessed through clinical examination and relevant designed questionnaires .The data obtained were fed to the SPSS for analysis. Significance was assumed at P 0.05. Results: Out of 168 ESRD Sudanese patients; 43 (25.6) received renal allograft. The frequency of depression was 90 (72) and nine (25.6) of patients on dialysis; and kidney transplant recipients respectively. Anxiety was reported with significant difference (p 0.001) in the dialyzed patients compared to kidney transplant recipients. Sleep disorders were experienced by 81 (64.8) of dialyzed; and nine (20.9) of kidney transplant recipients (P0.001). Conclusion: Psychological disorders in dialyzed ESRD patients have significant effect on the quality of life and may have a tremendous impact on mortality and morbidity. For this reason; supportive management by psychologist and or psychiatrist is recommended for early detection and alleviation of symptoms of mood and mind disturbances. For most patients with ESRD kidney transplantation offers the greatest potential for restoring healthy productive life

role of herbal drugs in psychiatry

The therapeutic uses of various herbal drugs for psychiatric disorders have a long tradition in India, China and other Asian cultures. The unwanted side effects of synthetic psychotropics have contributed to the increasing interest in phytotherapeutic agents. Improved understanding of appropriate and safe uses of naturally occurring substances as psychotropic agents will greatly contribute to global mental care. An important objective of this paper is to stress the scientific evidence, supporting the use of natural products in psychiatry. Traditional Ayurvedic drugs used in psychiatry is briefly discussed. Knowledge of the properties of these therapies supported by clinical evidence, efficacy and safety profile can improve the care of psychiatric patients

Nd: YAG laser photoblation and palliation for peri-ampullary tumour

The current analysis was undertaken to determine the effect of Nd: YAG laser in treatment of different stages of periampullary tumours, whether benign or malignant. Patients, In a retrospective study of 26 patients with a histological diagnosis of primary periampullary adenocarcinoma [8 patients], metastatic adenocrcinoma into periampullary region [8 patients] and adenoma with or without dysplasia [10 patients] which were classified into 3 groups A, B and C respectively. All patients treated in two main hospitals in Glasgow between 1988 and 1998, with Nd: YAG laser with different number of sessions [1-8], without any major complications. Group A, treatment was successful in ablating and relieving symptoms in 5 patients but failed in 3 patients. Group B, Nd: YAG laser succeeded to relieve symptoms but not increase survival, [median survival time was 5 months]. Group C, Nd: YAG Laser succeeded in relieving symptoms in all ten patients and completely ablated the tumour in most of them 9/10, median survival time 60 months. Nd: YAG laser appears to be an effective treatment for benign and early malignant primary periampullary tumours as well as for the palliation of advanced malignant tumours with the main advantages it can be used in patients unfit for surgery and it is associated with less complications than other surgical procedures. Although these results are encouraging, the sample is relatively small and further follow up is required in order to recommend Nd: YAG laser photoablation as additive modalities for these patients

A comparative study of effects of cigarette and bidi smoking on respiratory function tests.

The effects of cigarette and bidi smoking on pulmonary function tests have been studied in 90 healthy males from North India Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV) were determined in 30 nonsmokers (as control group), 30 cigarette smokers and 30 bidi smokers. All the above pulmonary function parameters were found to be lower among smokers as compared to nonsmokers. Moreover, the decrease in the pulmonary function tests was greater in cigarette smokers as compared to bidi smokers.