Comparative analysis of PHAs production by Bacillus megaterium OUAT 016 under submerged and solid-state fermentation.

In view of risk coupled with synthetic polymer waste, there is an imperative need to explore biodegradable polymer. On account of that, six PHAs producing bacteria were isolated from mangrove forest and affilated to the genera Bacillus & Pseudomonas from morpho-physiological characterizations. Among which the potent PHAs producer was identified as Bacillus megaterium OUAT 016 by 16S rDNA sequencing and in-silico analysis. This research addressed a comparative account on PHAs production by submerged and solid-state fermentation pertaining to different downstream processing. Here, we established higher PHAs production by solid-state fermentation through sonication and mono-solvent extraction. Using modified MSM media under optimized conditions, 49.5% & 57.7% of PHAs were produced in submerged and 34.1% & 62.0% in solid-state fermentation process. Extracted PHAs was identified as a valuable polymer PHB-co-PHV and its crystallinity & thermostability nature was validated by FTIR, 1H NMR and XRD. The melting (Tm) and thermal degradation temperature (Td) of PHB-co-PHV was 166 °C and 273 °C as depicted from DTA. Moreover, FE-SEM and SPM surface imaging indicated biodegradable nature, while FACS assay confirmed cytocompatibility of PHB-co-PHV.

Design of dispersant for highly concentrated one-dimensional Nb2Se9 inorganic molecular chains from bulk crystal.

We determined the optimum dispersant to separate bulk Nb2Se9 material into 1D chain units. The Nb2Se9, which had a negative zeta potential (-43.3 mV), showed acidic characteristics and strongly bonded with the amine head of octadecyl amine through a charge transfer (from the amine to Se atoms) reaction. The steric hindrance of the octadecyl tail resulted in excellent dispersion of Nb2Se9 (down to nanometre-sized mono-chains).

Design of dispersant structures for preparing highly concentrated one-dimensional inorganic molecular chains from V2Se9 crystals.

We studied dispersants for exfoliating bulk V2Se9 into one dimensional chain units. V2Se9, with a negative zeta potential of -30.1 mV, was acidic and strongly anchored with the amine head of octadecylamine by charge transfer reaction. The steric hindrance by the octadecyl tail promoted the dispersion of V2Se9 to the nano level.

Isolation of Nb2Se9 Molecular Chain from Bulk One-Dimensional Crystal by Liquid Exfoliation.

The optimum solvent for Nb2Se9 dispersion, which is a new type of one dimensional (1D) material, is investigated. Among several solvents (16 solvents in total), strong dispersion was observed in benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, and diacetone alcohol, which have medium dielectric constants in the range of 10 to 30 and surface tension in the range of 25 to 35 mJ m-2. 1D Nb2Se9 chains, whose size is less than 10 nm, are well dispersed and it is possible to disperse mono-chains of 1 nm or less in a specific dispersion region. The 1D unit chain with dangling bond free surface and high volume to area ratio is expected to be used in applications that utilize the surface of the material. Such dispersion is an important first step towards various potential applications and is an indispensable scientific goal for the practical applications of Nb2Se9.

Highly concentrated single-chain atomic crystal LiMo3Se3 solution using ion-exchange chromatography.

Ion-exchange chromatography can be used to effectively replace the lithium ion of LiMo3Se3 with a proton. The enlargement of the Stern layer distance caused by this ion exchange improves the dispersibility of (Mo3Se3-)∞ chains and also prevents the re-bundling and aggregation of nanowires in aqueous solutions, even at high concentrations (1 mg mL-1).

Effects of household bleach on sputum smear microscopy to concentrate acid fast bacilli for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health problem among contagious diseases in Pakistan. TB diagnosis mainly depends on sputum smear microscopy. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of household bleach on sputum smear microscopy to concentrate acid fast bacilli for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum specimens of 200 suspected TB patients were collected for the study. Smears were prepared from the purulent part of sputum sample before and after bleach treatment, heat fixed and stained with the ZN technique. The obtained data were analyzed by chi-squared test using SPSS software. Out of 200 isolates, 22 (11%) patients had positive smears for acid fast bacilli (AFB) by direct ZN staining. After treatment with household bleach (NaOCL) and centrifugation, the number of AFB positive patients were increased from 22 (11%) to 37 (18.5%). The bleach-concentration method for sputum samples significantly increased the TB detection rate as compared to direct sputum smear microscopy. Thus, a shift from direct sputum microscopy to bleach-concentration technique should be considered a better method for detection of AFB in sputum through smear microscopy.

Isolation of inorganic molecular chains from rod-like bulk V2Se9 crystal by liquid exfoliation.

We studied the optimum dispersion solvent for bulk V2Se9 material, which can be used as a new one-dimensional (1D) material, to separate into 1D chain units. Selected twelve solvents, which have different dielectric constants and surface tensions, were tested to exfoliate bulk V2Se9 into nano-scale chains. The atomic level (∼1 nm, mono-chain) exfoliation of V2Se9 was performed using acetone as the solvent. The dispersion concentration was high in solvents having medium dielectric constants ranging from 20 to 40 with surface tensions ranging from 25 to 35 mJ m-2. This result is similar to the dispersion results of previous transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) such as MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, MoTe2, TaSe2, NbSe2, and NiTe2, indicating that the V2Se9 material and its dispersion to 1D units can be expected to play an important role in opening opportunities for new low-dimensional material studies.

Oman: a case for a sink of begomoviruses of geographically diverse origins.

Oman is a trading nation and intensive agriculture is only a recent phenomenon. Exotic geminiviruses have recently emerged as a constraint to horticultural crops, and can be traced to trade and human migration. Greater phytosanitary precautions need to be implemented to limit future problems and prevent their outward spread.

Identification of a disease complex involving a novel monopartite begomovirus with beta- and alphasatellites associated with okra leaf curl disease in Oman.

Okra leaf curl disease (OLCD) is an important viral disease of okra in tropical and subtropical areas. The disease is caused by begomovirus-satellite complexes. A begomovirus and associated betasatellite and alphasatellite were identified in symptomatic okra plants from Barka, in the Al-Batinah region of Oman. Analysis of the begomovirus sequences showed them to represent a new begomovirus most closely related to cotton leaf curl Gezira virus (CLCuGeV), a begomovirus of African origin. The sequences showed less than 85 % nucleotide sequence identity to CLCuGeV isolates. The name okra leaf curl Oman virus (OLCOMV) is proposed for the new virus. Further analysis revealed that the OLCOMV is a recombinant begomovirus that evolved by the recombination of CLCuGeV isolates with tomato yellow leaf curl virus-Oman (TYLCV-OM). An alpha- and a betasatellite were also identified from the same plant sample, which were also unique when compared to sequences available in the databases. However, although the betasatellite appeared to be of African origin, the alphasatellite was most closely related to alphasatellites originating from South Asia. This is the first report of a begomovirus-satellite complex infecting okra in Oman.

Recent evolution of a novel begomovirus causing tomato leaf curl disease in the Al-Batinah region of Oman.

For last two decades, begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) have been a major constraint for tomato production in Oman, particularly in the Al-Batinah region, the major agricultural area of Oman. Farms in the Al-Batinah region were surveyed during January-March and November-December in 2012 and January-February in 2013. Leaf samples of tomato plants showing typical leaf curl disease symptoms were collected and analyzed for begomoviruses. Out of fifteen begomovirus clones sequenced, seven were shown to be tomato yellow leaf curl virus strain Oman (TYLCV-OM); three, chili leaf curl virus strain Oman (ChLCV-OM); and one, tomato leaf curl Oman virus (ToLCOMV) - viruses that have previously been shown to occur in Oman. Four sequences were shown to have relatively low percent identity values to known begomoviruses, with the highest (86 %) to isolates of pepper leaf curl Lahore virus, indicating that these should be included in a new species, for which the name "Tomato leaf curl Al Batinah virus" (ToLCABV) is proposed. Although the betasatellite tomato leaf curl betasatellite (ToLCB; 7 full-length sequences isolated) was identified with some isolates of ChLCV-OM, TYLCV-OM and ToLCOMV, it was not identified in association with any of the ToLCABV isolates. Analysis of the sequences of the TYLCV-OM and ToLCOMV isolates characterized here did not show them to differ significantly from previously characterized isolates of these viruses. The three isolates of ChLCV-OM characterized were shown to have a recombination pattern distinct from earlier characterized isolates. ToLCABV was shown to have resulted from recombination between ChLCV-OM and ToLCOMV. A clone of ToLCABV was infectious by Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation to Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato, inducing symptoms typical of those seen in tomato in the field. Additionally, ToLCABV was shown to be able to interact in planta with ToLCB, resulting in a change in symptom phenotype, although the betasatellite did not appear to affect viral DNA levels.

Genetic diversity and distribution of a distinct strain of Chili leaf curl virus and associated betasatellite infecting tomato and pepper in Oman.

Tomato and pepper are widely grown in Oman for local consumption. A countrywide survey was conducted during 2010-2011 to collect samples and assess the diversity of begomoviruses associated with leaf curl disease of tomato and pepper. A virus previously only identified on the Indian subcontinent, chili leaf curl virus (ChLCV), was found associated with tomato and pepper diseases in all vegetable grown areas of Oman. Some of the infected plant samples were also found to contain a betasatellite. A total of 19 potentially full-length begomovirus and eight betasatellite clones were sequenced. The begomovirus clones showed >96% nucleotide sequence identity, showing them to represent a single species. Comparisons to sequences available in the databases showed the highest levels of nucleotide sequence identity (88.0-91.1%) to isolates of the "Pakistan" strain of ChLCV (ChLCV-PK), indicating the virus from Oman to be a distinct strain, for which the name Oman strain (ChLCV-OM) is proposed. An analysis for recombination showed ChLCV-OM likely to have originated by recombination between ChLCV-PK (the major parent), pepper leaf curl Lahore virus and a third strain of ChLCV. The betasatellite sequences obtained were shown to have high levels of identity to isolates of tomato leaf curl betasatellite (ToLCB) previous shown to be present in Oman. For the disease in tomato Koch's postulates were satisfied by Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation of virus and betasatellites clones. This showed the symptoms induced by the virus in the presence of the betasatellite to be enhanced, although viral DNA levels were not affected. ChLCV-OM is the fourth begomovirus identified in tomato in Oman and the first in Capsicum. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Introduction of East African cassava mosaic Zanzibar virus to Oman harks back to "Zanzibar, the capital of Oman".

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is the most devastating disease of the subsistence crop cassava (Manihot esculenta) across Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The disease is caused by viruses of the genus Begomovirus (family Geminiviridae)-seven species have been identified so far. The Sultanate of Oman is unusual among countries in Arabia in growing cassava on a small scale for local consumption. During a recent survey in A'Seeb wilayat of Muscat governorate, Oman, cassava plants were identified with symptoms typical of CMD. A begomovirus, East African cassava mosaic Zanzibar virus (EACMZV), was isolated from symptomatic plants. This virus was previously only known to occur in Zanzibar and Kenya. During the 19th Century, Zanzibar was governed by Oman and was so important that the Sultan of Oman moved his capital there from Muscat. After a period of colonial rule, the governing Arab elite was overthrown, following independence in the 1960s, and many expatriate Omanis returned to their homeland. Having gained a liking for the local Zanzibar cuisine, it appears that returning Omanis did not wish to do without dishes made from one particular favorite, cassava. Consequently, they carried planting material back to Oman for cultivation in their kitchen gardens. The evidence suggests that this material harbored EACMZV. Recently, Oman has been shown to be a nexus for geminiviruses and their associated satellites from diverse geographic origins. With their propensity to recombine, a major mechanism for evolution of geminiviruses, and the fact that Oman (and several other Arabian countries) is a major hub for trade and travel by air and sea, the possibility of onward spread is worrying.

Complete nucleotide sequence of watermelon chlorotic stunt virus originating from Oman.

Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV) is a bipartite begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) that causes economic losses to cucurbits, particularly watermelon, across the Middle East and North Africa. Recently squash (Cucurbita moschata) grown in an experimental field in Oman was found to display symptoms such as leaf curling, yellowing and stunting, typical of a begomovirus infection. Sequence analysis of the virus isolated from squash showed 97.6-99.9% nucleotide sequence identity to previously described WmCSV isolates for the DNA A component and 93-98% identity for the DNA B component. Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation to Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in the development of symptoms fifteen days post inoculation. This is the first bipartite begomovirus identified in Oman. Overall the Oman isolate showed the highest levels of sequence identity to a WmCSV isolate originating from Iran, which was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. This suggests that WmCSV present in Oman has been introduced from Iran. The significance of this finding is discussed.

Malignant melanoma presenting as an isolated pleural effusion.

Isolated pleural effusion is a very rare presentation of malignant melanoma. A 46 year-old male patient presented to us with complaints of shortness of breath during the previous month. A contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) imaging scan of his thorax showed right-sided pleural effusion with the absence of any mass lesion or mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Cytology of his pleural fluid showed pigmented cells suggestive of malignant melanoma. Staining of the pleural fluid cells with immunohistological markers for melanoma (HMB 45 and S 100) were positive. An examination of his skin did not reveal any pigmented lesion, nor was there a past history of malignant melanoma for this patient. The patient responded well to therapy for malignant melanoma and has remained asymptomatic for the last year. This patient was diagnosed with a rare case of primary malignant melanoma of the pleura presenting as isolated pleural effusion.

Study on restrain stress induced changes in serum lipid profile and haemoconcentration and effect of sympathetic blocker on it.

In the present work, restrain stress induced changes in serum lipid profile and haemoconcentration and effects of sympathetic blocker on it were observed. For this purpose, 24 male rats (Long Evans Norwegian Strain) were taken and were divided into four groups, consisting of 6 rats in each group. Group I was control, group II was stressed but non treated, group III was stressed and treated (treated with carvedilol an adrenoceptor blocker), and group IV was stressed and treated (treated with distilled water). The serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured in all groups of animals. Haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit values were measured as indirect indices of haemoconcentration. Serum levels of total cholesterol, TG and HDL were significantly higher in stressed group than that of control group, but LDL cholesterol levels were same in both groups. Concurrently, there were haemoconcentration in stressed group compared to control group. In group III, there were decrease in total cholesterol, TG and HDL cholesterol levels compared to group II and TG level was mostly affected. But LDL level was significantly higher than that of control group (group I). Again, in group III, there were still haemoconcentration. The present data indicate that restrain stress induced elevations of serum lipid and lipoproteins were partly result from direct metabolic activation of sympathetic nervous system and also partly from haemoconcentration.

Mass sociogenic illness--real and imaginary.

Mass sociogenic illness is the occurrence of a group of nonspecific physical symptoms for which no organic cause can be determined and is often transmitted by 'line of sight'. The fear of bioterrorism can also lead to panic and produce cases of mass sociogenic illness, in which people develop symptoms in response to an imaginary threat. Poison centers are faced with resolving the dilemma of sociogenic vs poison related symptoms. We report 2 situations of mass sociogenic illnesses involving school age children where multiple victims exhibited similar symptoms prompted by the presence or suggestion of fumes. Symptoms resolved spontaneously. When clusters of unexplained illness occur, a sociogenic etiology should be considered in the differential diagnosis. As fears about bioterrorism increase, the frequency of such incidents and the anxiety generated may increase.

Acute hepatitis induced by kava kava.

BACKGROUND: Herbal preparations are available widely and regarded generally by the public as harmless remedies for a variety of medical ailments. We report a case of acute hepatitis associated with the use of kava kava, derived from the root of the pepper plant, Piper methysticum. It is used in the United States as an antianxiety and sedative agent. CASE REPORT: A previously healthy 14-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with hepatic failure. Initial therapy, including plasmapheresis, was unsuccessful and she deteriorated. She ultimately required a liver transplant and now remains well. The liver biopsy showed hepatocellular necrosis consistent with chemical hepatitis. A work-up for alternative causes of liver failure was negative. The patient gave a history of taking a kava kava-containing product for four months. The use of kava kava and liver failure, is supported by kava kava use, a negative work-up for alternative causes of liver failure, and histological changes in the liver. CONCLUSIONS: Health care professionals need to be aware of the possibility of kava kava-induced hepatotoxicity. The toxicity of these alternative remedies emphasizes the importance of surveillance programs and quality control in the manufacture of these products. Clinicians must remain aware of the toxic potential of herbal products and always inquire about their intake in cases of unexplained liver injury.

Retropharyngeal lipoma causing dysphagia.

Lipomas of the retropharyngeal region are rare, slow-growing tumours that attain a large size before producing symptoms such as dysphagia and dyspnoea. Clinical diagnosis may be difficult. However computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice and helps in definitive diagnosis preoperatively, although final histological confirmation is essential. Surgery is the treatment of choice. In the following paper we report a case of retropharyngeal lipoma presenting with dysphagia which was managed surgically with complete amelioration of symptoms.