Pulmonary Embolism in cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A unique entity.

Pulmonary tuberculosis is very prevalent in developing countries but its thrombogenic potential is a new entity. There are reports stating the relation of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) with severe forms of tuberculosis but no literature is available for correlation of pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary embolism. We are presenting series of five patients with different forms of tuberculosis presenting with pulmonary embolism having no risk factor for hypercoagulability. Also, serum protein C, protein S, antithrombin and factor V levels were normal in all. We are highlighting an unreported phenomenon so that high suspicion, adequate prophylaxis and prompt management of pulmonary embolism can play a vital role in the survival of this subset of patients.

Purification and characterization of an extreme halothermophilic protease from a halophilic bacterium Chromohalobacter sp. TVSP101

An extreme halophilic bacterium was isolated from solar saltern samples and identified based on biochemical tests and 16S r RNA sequencing as Chromohalobacter sp. strain TVSP101. The halophilic protease was purified using ultrafiltration, ethanol precipitation, hydrophobic interaction column chromatography and gel permeation chromatography to 180 fold with 22% yield. The molecular mass of the protease determined by SDS PAGE was 66 kDa. The purified enzyme was salt dependent for its activity and stability with an optimum of 4.5 M NaCl. The optimum temperature for maximum protease activity was 75ºC. The protease was optimally active at pH 8 and retained more than 80% of its activity in the range of pH 7-10. Sucrose and glycine at 10% (w/v) were the most effective osmolytes, retained 100% activity in the absence of NaCl. The activity was completely inhibited by ZnCl2 (2 mM), 0.1% SDS and PMSF (1mM). The enzyme was not inhibited by 1mM of pepstatin, EDTA and PCMB. The protease was active and retained 100% it activity in 10% (v/v) DMSO, DMF, ethanol and acetone.

Bilateral chylothorax in a child after mild trauma.

Chylothorax is a life-threatening form of pleural effusion with a varied aetiology. In this report, we describe the case of a child who developed bilateral chylothorax following minor trauma which responded well to conservative management.