Plant growth promoting bacteria associated with corm of Crocus sativus during three growth stages.

Corm, being a unit of reproduction and storage, plays an indispensable role in the life cycle of Crocus sativus (saffron). This study deals with the screening of bacteria isolated from cormosphere (area surrounding the corm sheath) of C. sativus during three growth stages for biofertilizer and biocontrol property. Out of 1000 protease producing bacteria isolated from the cormosphere (soil adhering corm sheath in analogy to rhizosphere), three plant growth promoting (PGP) Bacilli namely Bacillus thuringiensis DC1, B. megaterium VC3 and B. amyloliquefaciens DC8 were selected based on multiple and maximum PGP traits along with corm rot pathogen antagonism. To evaluate in vivo efficacy of the consortia, pot trials were conducted and a significant increase in number and length of both, shoot and root were observed. Further, the disease incidence in test corms was reduced by threefold as compared to control and the number of daughter corms produced in pot trials was also increased. Since corm is a unit of reproduction/propagation, increase in its number is of major significance. This is the first report on isolation and characterization of Plant growth promoting bacteria from any cormosphere.

Acute Neurological Illness in a Kidney Transplant Recipient Following Infection With Enterovirus-D68: An Emerging Infection?

We report the first case of enterovirus-D68 infection in an adult living-donor kidney transplant recipient who developed rapidly progressive bulbar weakness and acute flaccid limb paralysis following an upper respiratory infection. We present a 45-year-old gentleman who underwent pre-emptive living-donor kidney transplantation for IgA nephropathy. Eight weeks following transplantation, he developed an acute respiratory illness from enterovirus/rhinovirus that was detectable in nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs. Within 24 h of onset of respiratory symptoms, the patient developed binocular diplopia which rapidly progressed to multiple cranial nerve dysfunctions (acute bulbar syndrome) over the next 24 h. Within the next 48 h, asymmetric flaccid paralysis of the left arm and urinary retention developed. While his neurological symptoms were evolving, the Centers for Disease Control reported that the enterovirus strain from the NP swabs was, in fact, Enterovirus-D68 (EV-D68). Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated unique gray matter and anterior horn cell changes in the midbrain and spinal cord, respectively. Constellation of these neurological symptoms and signs was suggestive for postinfectious encephalomyelitis (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis [ADEM]) from EV-D68. Treatment based on the principles of ADEM included intensive physical therapy and other supportive measures, which resulted in a steady albeit slow improvement in his left arm and bulbar weakness, while maintaining stable allograft function.

Abdominal wall dimensions and umbilical position vary widely with BMI and should be taken into account when choosing port locations.

BACKGROUND: Many surgeons rely on the umbilicus when determining the location of ports for laparoscopic procedures and falsely assume that it is located in the vertical midline. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of variation in umbilical position and abdominal dimensions in the general population. METHODS: Torso length, abdominal girth, weight, and height were recorded for 259 patients over a 9-month period. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and used to classify patients into four groups: underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. RESULTS: Average umbilical position for all BMI groups was below the true vertical midpoint and dropped further caudally as BMI increased. In addition, average abdominal dimensions increased with increasing BMI. There was no statistical difference between males and females in each BMI group regarding umbilical position or abdominal dimensions. CONCLUSION: There is a clear relationship between increasing BMI and a drop in umbilical position as well as an increase in abdominal dimensions. We recommend determining umbilical position and abdominal dimensions prior to placing ports and shifting port positions toward target quadrants.

A preliminary prospective study of the usefulness of a magnetic endoscope locating device during colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Although magnetic endoscope imaging of the colonoscope via the Endoscope Positioning Detecting Unit (EPDU) has been studied to some extent in Europe, its application in the United States has been limited. The purposes of this study were to determine whether the technique enabled for accurate localization of the lesion and to determine if and how the device facilitated scope insertion and completion of the colonoscopic exam. METHODS: Outpatient colonoscopies using the EPDU were performed by three experienced surgical endoscopists over a 5-month period. A specialized scope with electromagnetic coils or a regular scope with a magnetic probe insert in the instrument channel was used for the duration of the examination to identify loops and localize pathology. RESULTS: A total of 80 colonoscopies were performed with the device. In two patients, the probe insert was removed prior to completion of the procedure; thus, the total number of examinations included in the study was 78. The EPDU was used in conjunction with transillumination to estimate the location of polyps or cancers in the 33 patients (42%) in whom such lesions were found. In the four patients who subsequently underwent operation, the lesion's location as estimated by EPDU was verified. In regard to the usefulness of the device during insertion, the EPDU led to the discovery of loops and to the application of pressure that resulted in prompt completion of the examination in 28% of cases (deemed most useful). In 33% of cases, the device identified loops and led to the application of abdominal wall pressure and early position changes, thus facilitating the examination; however it did not lead to its immediate or rapid completion. In 39% of cases, the device was not required or used for insertion due to the simple nature of the examination. CONCLUSIONS: The EPDU was accurate in estimating lesion location. The device also holds promise as an aid in the completion of difficult exams (about 30% of cases in this study).