Enhanced production of Lovastatin by filamentous fungi through solid state fermentation

Lovastatin is a natural competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme-A [HMG-CoA] reductase and inhibits specifically rate limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Further, lovastatin in comparison with synthetic drugs has no well-reported side effects. Four pure isolated filamentous fungal strains including Aspergillus niger IBL, Aspergillus terreus FFCBP-1053, Aspergillus flavus PML and Aspergillus nidulans FFCBP-014 have been cultured by solid state fermentation [SSF] using rice straw as substrate for the synthesis of lovastatin. After selecting Aspergillus terreus FFCBP-1053 as the best producer of lovastatin, various selected physical parameters including pH, temperature, inoculums size and moisture content were optimized through response surface methodology [RSM] under center composite design [CCD] for lovastatin hyper production. Maximum lovastatin production of 2070+/-91.5 was predicted by the quadratic model in the medium having moisture content 70% and pH 4.5 at 35 degree C which was verified experimentally to be 2140+/-93.25Mug/g DW of FM [microgram/gram dry weight of fermentation medium], significantly [P<0.05] high as compared to un-optimized conditions while it was noted that lovastatin production is independent on inoculum size [P>0.05] measured by spectrophotometer at 245 nm against standard. It was determined that optimized conditions for the hyper-production of lovastatin from fungal sources have a significant effect

Protection of DNA during oxidative stress and cytotoxic potential of Artemisia absinthium

Medicinal plants are rich in secondary metabolites [alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, flavonides, steroids, etc.] and considered to be more effective and a safer alternative source to manage a variety of diseases related to liver, heart and kidney disordered. This study determines in vitro antioxidant and in vivo toxicological profile including hemolytic, brine shrimp lethality and mutagenicity of aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium. DNA protection assay was performed on pUC19 plasmid vector using H2O2 as oxidative agent. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using colorimetric methods. Toxicity of the plant was evaluated by brine shrimp lethality, hemolytic and mutagenic activity. DNA protection assay of the plant showed concentration dependent protective effect and at concentration 10microL/mL revealed complete protective effect against H2O2 induced DNA damage. Highest phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be 167.3 [mg GAE 100g DW-1] and 14 [mg CE 100g DW-1] respectively. Results showed that A. absinthium is potent against standard toxicological procedures, that indicates the presence of bioactive components in the plant and possess antioxidant activity that protects DNA against H2O2 induced oxidative damage. Thus the results showed/support that A. absinthium provides significant health benefits

Antiurease and anti-oxidant activity of Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit

The objective of present study was to evaluate the antiurease and anti-oxidant activity of Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit. The parent extract was ethanolic extract while its sub fractions were prepared in n-hexane, chloroform and n-butanol. The method based on scavenging activity and reduction capability of 1, 1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl radical [DPPH]. N-butanol fraction was the most effective antioxidant with 87.0 +/- 1.15 activity but the activity was less than ascorbic acid i.e. 93.74 +/- 0.12. Highly significant urease inhibition was shown by crude ethanolic extract [71.00 +/- 0.2a] with IC[50] [392.66 +/- 2.1] followed by aqueous fraction [68.00 +/- 0.5e] with IC[50] [159.83 +/- 2.8]. The results of crude ethanolic extract and aqueous extracts were highly significant [p<0.05] than standard Thiourea. Present study showed that Vaccinium macrocarpon exhibits potent antiurease and antioxidant activities

Medicinal plants and management of diabetes mellitus: a review

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and associated with dysfunction and failure of various body organs. Alarming increase in prevalence rate has made this disorder a major health problem globally. The available treatment modalities are not sufficient to combat diabetes and associated complications. A number of medicinal plants have a significant antidiabetic potential against diabetes mellitus. We have listed the use of important medicinal herbs for the treatment and management of diabetes in this review

Protective effects of activated protein C on neurovascular unit in a rat model of intrauterine infection-induced neonatal white matter injury / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Activated protein C (APC), a natural anticoagulant, has been reported to exert direct vasculoprotective, neural protective, anti-inflammatory, and proneurogenic activities in the central nervous system. This study was aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects and potential mechanisms of APC on the neurovascular unit of neonatal rats with intrauterine infection-induced white matter injury. Intraperitoneal injection of 300 μg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered consecutively to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at embryonic days 19 and 20 to establish the rat model of intrauterine infection- induced white matter injury. Control rats were injected with an equivalent amount of sterile saline on the same time. APC at the dosage of 0.2 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected to neonatal rats immediately after birth. Brain tissues were collected at postnatal day 7 and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate myelin basic protein (MBP) expression in the periventricular white matter region. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and brain water content were measured using Evens Blue dye and wet/dry weight method. Double immunofluorescence staining and real-time quantitative PCR were performed to detect microglial activation and the expression of protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1). Typical pathological changes of white matter injury were observed in rat brains exposed to LPS, and MBP expression in the periventricular region was significantly decreased. BBB was disrupted and the brain water content was increased. Microglia were largely activated and the mRNA and protein levels of PAR1 were elevated. APC administration ameliorated the pathological lesions of the white matter and increased MBP expression. BBB permeability and brain water content were reduced. Microglia activation was inhibited and the PAR1 mRNA and protein expression levels were both down-regulated. Our results suggested that APC exerted neuroprotective effects on multiple components of the neurovascular unit in neonatal rats with intrauterine infection- induced white matter injury, and the underlying mechanisms might involve decreased expression of PAR1.

Comparison of excision and primary closure [primary closure] versus modified Limberg flap [modified limberg flap] repair in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease [sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease]

Objective: To compare excision with primary closure and excision with modified limberg flap repair in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease

Design: Quasi experimental study. Setting and duration of study: Surgical Unit-I at Allied Hospital, PMC, Faisalabad, from April 2011 to July 2012

Methods: A total of 60 patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease, 30 underwent Excision with primary closure, and 30 had Excision of sinus with modified limberg flap repair

Results: Though modified limberg flap group was associated with comparatively longer operative time [48.57 vs 32.57 minutes] and longer hospital stay [5.90 vs 4.17 days]. However, post op analgesic requirement in either groups was comparable [33.3% vs 40%]. There was a significant difference in recurrence rate in both groups [20% vs 3.3%]

Conclusion: For the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease, modified limberg flap repair is a better technique due to less chances of recurrences, in maiaging sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease

Comparison between role of honey dressing and oxoferin [tetrachlorodecaoxide] dressing in the management of infected wounds in diabetic amputated limbs

Introduction: Diabetic ulcer is a very common entity encountered in the general surgical practice. The problem needs keen interest and meticulous wound care for its management to prevent serious complications of these infected and gangrenous ulcers

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of honey dressing and oxoferin [tetrachlorodecaoxide] dressing in the management of infected wounds in diabetic amputated limbs

Study design: Randomized clinical trial

Setting: Surgical Unit-IV of Districted head quarter hospital Faisalabad

Subjects and Methods: The total sample size comprises of 98 patients were divided into two groups A and B. Group A was treated with honey dressing while group B was treated With oxoferin [tetrachlorodecaoxide] dressing. Area of the wounds to be dressed was measured in two largest dimensions and noted in cm. Sterile gauzes soaked in commercially available tube packed honey and oxoferin [tetrachlorodecaoxide] solution were applied over the wounds. Outcome of the both methods were assessed by measuring of the size of the wound at presentation and then after one week

Results: Significant decrease in wound size in oxoferin group was in 24 patients [49%] and in honey group was in 11 patients [22.4%]

Conclusion: Although the clinical experience detailed in this study showed better results to oxoferin as compare to honey dressing, more quality randomised controlled trials are needed to provide evidence to encourage the use of honey in wound care

Hemorrhoidectomy VS rubber band; comparison of post operative complications

To compare open hemorrhoidectomy and Rubber Band Ligation [RBL] in the management of 2nd and 3rd degree hemorrhoids in terms post operative and hospital stay. Experiential Randomized Control Trial. Department of surgery, Allied Hospital and Independent University Hospital Faisalabad. Dec 2008 to May 2009. 100 consecutive patients with second and third degree hemorrhoids were randomly divided into two groups. Group A [50 patients] were operated by open hemorrhoidectomy [Milligan morgan technique] while in group B [50 patients] rubber band ligations was performed. Open hemorrhoidectomy was performed under spinal anesthesia while rubber bands were applied with local xylocaine gel using Barron's rubber band ligator. All the three hemorrhoids were ligated in single session. Average hospital stay was 24 hours in patient operated by open hemorrhoidectomy as compared to one hour in rubber band ligation. 60% patients in group A developed moderate to severe pain requiring I/V morphine derivatives while 40% developed mild pain and treated with NSAIDS. In group B only 20% patients developed moderate pain and were dealt with I/M diclofenac sodium. Eightyeight percent patients in group A and 60% patients in group B developed mild to moderate bleeding in first postoperative week, which was self limiting. 6 patients developed severe bleeding after hemorrhoidectomy requiring blood transfusion. During six month follow up, two patients [4%] of open hemorrhoidectomy and 3 patients [6%] of RBL presented with recurrence and respective procedures were repeated. Rubber band ligation is safe, quick, economical and effective method for the treatment of 2nd and 3rd degree hemorrhoids

Optimal timing for surgery in acute gall stone disease

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for patients presenting with acute gall stone disease necessitating hospital admission. To assess the impact of timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on conversion rate, hospital stay and morbidity. Jan 2008-2010. Department of Surgery, Independent University Hospital, Faisalabad. Experimental study. The subjects were included by consecutive sampling technique. 81 cases were divided into 3 groups. Group A [Surgery within 72 hrs of onset symptoms]. Group B [surgery between 72hrs to 96 hours of onset of symptoms]. Group C [surgery after 96 hours of onset of symptoms]. The mean age was 41-95 years. Female to male ratio was 4.5:1. The overall complication rate was 12.69%. Mean hospital stay was 2.85 days. The open conversion rate was 8.64%. In group A the complication rate was 6%, group B 11.5% and group C 12.8 and. The mean hospital stay and conversion rate had no significant difference. The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has no significant impact on the conversion rate and length of hospital stay in cases with acute cholecystitis. However the complication rate was higher when surgery performed after 72 hours of onset of symptoms

Supracondylar humerus fractures outcome of open reduction and percutaneous crossed pin fixation

Displaced Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children are common injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. To evaluate the role of open reduction and percutaneous crossed pin fixation in displayed supracondylar fractures and to design a simple and effective protocol for the treatment of these fractures. Prospective. Independent Medical College Independent University Hospital Faisalabad. From January 2009 to June 2010. Fifty six cases with grade II and grade III Gartland Supracondylar humeral fractures were treated with open reduction through postereomedial approach and percutaneous crossed pin fixation with Kirschner wire and followed up for a minimum period of 1 year. Patients were assessed on the basis of Flynn's criteria there were 41 Excellent and12 good results It is concluded that open reduction and percutaneous crossed pin fixation is a sound and effective treatment for displayed supracondylar fractures with several advantages but requires careful judgment on the part of surgeon to avoid complications

Hydrocele; surgery vs. sclerotherapy

A hydrocele is an abnormal collection of serous fluid within the tunica or processes vaginalis. It is treated by surgery and sclerotherapy. To compare the results of surgery and sclerotherapy in the treatment of scrotal hydrocele. Randomized control trial. Department of Surgery, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad; Period: April 2001 to March 2002. 50 consecutive male patients with provisional diagnosis of hydrocele. Patients stratified into three age groups and each stratum equally and randomly divided into two groups for sclerotherapy [A] or surgery [B]. 1% Sodium tetradecyle sulphate [STD] was used as sclerosant after aspiration of hydrocele. Surgical procedures used were Jaboulay's, Lord's and subtotal excision. Follow up done for three months. Age range was from 15 to 75 years. Hydrocele was right, left and bilateral in 56%, 42% and 2% patients. Postoperative complications included pain [24% and 20%], hematoma [8% and 12%], infection [8% and 12%], recurrence [40% and 12%] and complications related to anesthesia [0% and 36%] in group A and B respectively. Results of sclerotherapy and surgery for hydrocele are comparable with advantage of economy and convenience for sclerotherapy. However, larger study is recommended with comparison between different sclerosants to find the best one with high success rate and minimum complications

Otitis media with effusion

This study was conducted to analyze the variety of pathological processes leading to OME and to assess the results of different treatment modalities. Patients aged between two years and fifty years with hearing difficulty were included in the study. Study showed that males were 1.72 times more affected than females. Nasal obstruction was an associated symptom in 24[20%] patients. All the patients were subjected to detailed history, thorough clinical otolaryngological examination. Every patient was investigated by pure tone audiometery and tympanometry. A total number of 120 patients were studied. 76[63.3%]were male and 44[36.6%]were females. The mean age was 26 years

Spread and distribution of cholesteatoma in middle ear cleft

This study comprises fifty cases of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma who underwent exploratory mastoidectomy. The main emphasis was to find out the extent and spread of cholesteatoma in and beyond the middle ear cleft. Most of the patients were those with far advanced cholesteatoma involving all parts of middle ear cleft [32 percent] and those with transgression of cleft confines [20 percent]. Cases with cholesteatoma limited to attic area were few [08 percent]

Tracheostomy - a life saving procedure

We analyzed 50 patients requiring tracheostomy over a two year period. Stridor and respiratory distress were the most common presentation in these patients. The indications of tracheostomy were varied and consisted of carcinoma of larynx in 16 patients, laryngo-tracheobronchitis and diphtheria in 8 patients each, tetanus in 6 patients, epiglottises and respiratory papillomatosis in 4 patients each. Three patients had neck trauma and one patient had bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Complications of the procedure included dislodgement of the tube, crusting, wound infection, surgical emphysema and minor haemorrhage. Serious complications like cardiac arrest and pneumothorax were seen in one patient each. Tracheostomy is a common procedure and saves many lives