Bacterial mediated silver nanoparticles and their efficacy against MRSA

@#Bacterial mediated Silver nanoparticles is considered as an emerging Ecofriendly approach to eradicate human pathogens. This paper aims to provide the biological approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from indigenously isolated bacteria. This study will be beneficial to control the nosocomial infections triggered by MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The current study is the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using the cell free filtrate of bacterial strains isolated from the soil. The optimization study was also carried out to obtain the maximum production of silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were confirmed and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) having the plasmon resonance peak between 420-450nm with 10-60nm in size range and most were spherical in shape. Synthesized silver nanoparticles showed a potential antibacterial activity against MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in-vitro study. This is the green approach for the production of AgNPs, as there was no previous work done on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by bacteria in this region of Southern Punjab, Pakistan and these nanoparticles can be used to treat nosocomial infection. These silver nanoparticles can be used in effective disease management as antimicrobial agent.

Association Between Vasoactive-Inotropic Score and Mortality in Pediatric Septic Shock.

Objective: To assess the association between Vasoactive Inotrope Score (VIS) and mortality in children with fluid-refractory septic shock. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 71 children (age 1 mo-16y) admitted with fluid-refractory septic shock in pediatric intensive care unit during a two year period was done. We divided our cohort into two groups viz Highvasoactive inotrope score (Group-H) and ‘Low-vasoactive inotrope score’ (Group-L) based on a cut-off value of 20. Results: 73% of the children were in Group-L. The mortality rate was 44% and 100% in Group L and Group H, respectively. Conclusion: High inotropic score in children with septic shock is associated with high mortality rate.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on body weight and metabolic profile

Fasting during the Ramadan month is a religious duty and it is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fasting during Ramadan in different times and place on body weight, blood sugar, serum lipids and blood pressure. Fifty three healthy adult fasting volunteers were included in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken three days before Ramadan, at the end of the first week, and at the end of the fourth week of fasting. The last blood sample was taken one week after the end of Ramadan. Serum total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, triglycerides and glucose were measured. Vital signs and body mass index were taken by one of the researchers. Thirty three [62.3%] volunteers were males, 93.4% were below 40 years of age. Weight changed significantly during Ramadan. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased by 11 mmHg while diastolic blood pressure decreased by 9 mmHg [P <0.001]. Fasting blood sugar decreased by 14.96 mg/dl [P <0.001]. Plasma lipids; cholesterol decreased by 19.3 mg/dl [P <0.027], LDL by 23 mg/dl [P <0.001], triglyceride by 44 mg/dl [P <0.003] but the HDL increased by 5.4 mg/dl [P <0,002] during Ramadan fasting. Before Ramadan, 19% of participants had abnormal serum cholesterol and 37% had abnormal LDL level, while after Ramadan all had normal lipid levels [P <0.001]. The proportion of participants with abnormal HDL decreased from 94% before Ramadan to 50% after Ramadan [P <0.001]. Ramadan affects the body physiology and lowers the weight, serum lipids, blood pressure and blood glucose levels

Sodium and potassium excretion in normotensive and hypertensive population in Kashmir.

One hundred thirty five hypertensive patients and equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls were taken up for studying the relationship of 24 hour urinary sodium and potassium excretion, sodium-potassium molar ratio and body mass index (BMI) with blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive population in Kashmir. There was statistically significant elevated 24 hour urinary sodium excretion (p < .001), increased Na+-K+ molar ratio, significantly higher BMI in hypertensive population as compared to controls whereas there was a lower 24 hour urinary excretion of potassium (p > .20) in patients with hypertension. Thus sodium and potassium excretion, Na+-K+ molar ratio and body mass index has direct bearing in perpetuation or causation of hypertension in Kashmir which may be related to intake of salt tea.

Alkaline phosphatase in pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion (PF) is a common clinical presentation in several diseases. Various parameters from pleural fluid have been studied to identify the cause. The diagnostic value of these parameters varies. The present study was carried out to evaluate the value of alkaline phosphatase concentration in the pleural effusions as a diagnostic tool. METHODS: One hundred and one patients with pleural effusion admitted over a period of two years were studied. The diagnosis was confirmed by pleural biopsy and cytology for malignant cells. RESULTS: Pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase levels of more than 75 mg/dl was found in exudative effusions and less than 75 mg/dl in transudative ones. But it did not differentiate tubercular pleural effusions from other exudative ones. CONCLUSION: Pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase of >75 mg/dl is a useful biochemical marker to suggest exudative effusions.

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis and lower cranial nerve palsies.

A 55 years post menopausal lady presented with puffiness of face, and a pruritic urticarial rash over face and upper trunk of one week duration with accompanying dysphagia. Clinical examination revealed an urticarial rash over face and upper trunk, two small ulcers over floor of mouth and evidence of bilateral VIII, IX and Xth cranial nerve palsies. Hypocomplementemia, negative immune profile and evidence of vasculitis on skin biopsy suggested a diagnosis of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. The patient responded to a course of steroids.