Extracted Compounds from Neem Leaves as Antimicrobial Agent on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Seaweed-Based Biopolymer Films.

Neem leaves extract was incorporated into the matrix of seaweed biopolymer, and the seaweed-neem biocomposite films were irradiated with various doses of gamma irradiation (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 kGy). The physical, barrier, antimicrobial, and mechanical properties of the films were studied. The incorporation of 5% w/w neem leaves extract into a seaweed-based film, and gamma irradiation dose of 2.5 kGy was most effective for improved properties of the film. The results showed that the interfacial interaction of the seaweed-neem improved with physical changes in colour and opacity. The water solubility, moisture content, and water vapour permeability and biodegradability rate of the film reduced. The contact angle values increased, which was interpreted as improved hydrophobicity. The tensile strength and modulus of the films increased, while the elongation of the composite films decreased compared to the control film. The film's antimicrobial activities against bacteria were improved. Thus, neem leaves extract in combination with the application of gamma irradiation enhanced the performance properties of the film that has potential as packaging material.

Pain during rigid cystoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled study comparing the benefit of cooled and room temperature lignocaine gel.

Lignocaine gel is an established topical anesthetic agent for cystoscopy in awake patients. We performed a prospective randomized study to evaluate whether cooling the lignocaine gel to 4 degrees C decreases the pain perception during cystoscopy in male patients. Sixty consecutive male patients undergoing rigid cystoscopy were randomized into two groups. Group I received 15 ml of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride gel at 4 degrees C and group II received the same agent at room temperature (20 degrees C). Cystoscopy was performed and pain perceived during the procedure was assessed by independent evaluator using Wong-Baker FACES pain scale rating chart. The mean pain score in group I was lower (4.32 +/- 1.70) than that in group II (5.28 +/- 1.99), but this difference was statistically not significant (p=0.191). However significantly greater percentage (84% Vs 52%) of patients with cooled lignocaine wished to have same anesthetic in future for similar procedure (p=0.032). In conclusion, cooling the lignocaine gel to 4 degrees C does not decrease the pain perception during rigid cystoscopy in male patients.

Clinical spectrum of patients presenting with bronchiectasis in Nepal: evidence of linkage between tuberculosis, tobacco smoking and toxic exposure to biomass smoke.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe the clinical spectrum of the patients presenting with bronchiectasis at the referral clinic for the respiratory diseases in eastern Nepal. An attempt would also be made to provide an overview of factors responsible for poor lung health in the community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study conducted at the Adult chest clinic of the department of internal medicine at the B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan Nepal. The medical records of all the consecutive patients presenting with the diagnosis of bronchiectasis in the adult chest clinic of department of medicine from January 2003 to December 2004 (two years) were reviewed for patient characteristics (age, gender, place of residence, occupation, smoking history, exposure to indoor air pollution due to use of biomass smoke, past and family history related to tuberculosis, and clinical characteristics such as clinical features and duration of symptoms. RESULTS: During the study period of two years, 100 patients presented with the diagnosis of bronchiectasis, 80 (80%) patients were smokers and 50 (50%) patients had history of significant exposure to indoor air pollution. Abnormal Chest X-ray was seen in 85(85%) patients. Post tubercular bronchiectasis was the most common etiological diagnosis Smoking status and exposure to indoor air pollution were important determinant for hospitalisation in patients with post tubercular bronchiectasis. CONCLUSIONS: In Nepal bronchiectasis remains one of the important chronic respiratory diseases, post tubercular variety being the commonest type. Tuberculosis, tobacco smoking and exposure to indoor air pollution contributes towards higher morbidity of this diseases.