Isolation and Evaluation of Mucilage of Adansonia digitata Linn as a Suspending Agent.

Natural excipients can serve as alternative to synthetic products because of local accessibility, biodegradability, eco-friendly nature and cost effectiveness as compared to synthetic products. Therefore, it is a current need to explore natural excipients that can be used as an effective alternative excipient for the formulation of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Adansonia digitata (Malvaceae) has been traditionally used as febrifuge, antiasthmatic and also in the treatment of dysentery, smallpox, and measles. Reports have indicated that mucilage of the leaves of the plant is edible and nontoxic; hence, the present study is an attempt of isolation and evaluation of mucilage obtained from leaves of Adansonia digitata as suspending agent. Various physicochemical as well as suspending agent properties of mucilage were studied. Mucilage obtained from leaves has shown comparable results with sodium carboxy methyl cellulose.

Light-induced conformational changes in photosynthetic reaction centers: impact of detergents and lipids on the electronic structure of the primary electron donor.

Light-induced hypsochromic shifts of the Q(y) absorption band of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer (P) from 865 to 850 nm were identified using continuous illumination of dark-adapted reaction centers (RCs) from Rhodobacter capsulatus when dispersed in the most commonly used detergent, the zwitterionic lauryl N-dimethylamine-N-oxide. Such a shift is known to be the consequence of the decreased degree of delocalization of P. A 2-fold acceleration of the recovery kinetics of P(+) was found in RCs that underwent light-induced structural changes compared to those where the P-band position did not change. The light-induced shift was irreversible except in the presence of a secondary electron donor. Prolonged (15 min) illumination resulted in a shift in the position of the P-band even in neutral or negatively charged detergents. In contrast, RCs reconstituted into liposomes made from lipids with different headgroup charges showed light-induced shifts only if shorter fatty acid chains were used. The light-induced conformational changes caused a prominent decrease of the redox potential of P ranging from 120 to 160 mV depending on the detergent compared to the potential of P in dark-adapted reaction centers. The measured light-induced potential decreases were 55 to 85 mV larger than those reported for reaction centers where the P-band position remained at 865 nm. The influence of structural factors, such as the delocalization of the electron hole on P(+), the involvement of Tyr M210, and the hydrophobic mismatch between the thickness of the hydrophobic belt of the detergent micelles or the lipid bilayer and the RC protein, on the spectral features and electron transfer kinetics is discussed.

Determination of water quality index by fuzzy logic approach: a case of ground water in an Indian town.

The paper proposes fuzzy logic model that deals with the physico-chemical water analysis of ground water of Chikhli town for determination of Water Quality Index (WQI). The study was carried by collection of ground water samples from about eleven hand pumps located in this town. Ground water quality is studied by systematic collection and analysis of samples. The fuzzy logic is used for the deciding the water quality index on the basis of which, water quality rankings are given to determine the quality of water. The Water Quality Index presented here is a unitless number ranging from 1 to 10. A higher number is indicative of better water quality. Around 81% of samples were found suitable for drinking purpose. It is also observed that all the parameters fall within the permissible limits laid by WHO, ISI, and ICMR, except Total Hardness, Calcium and Magnesium. The quality parameters were compared with standards laid by the World Health Organization (WHO), Indian Standards Institute (ISI) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for drinking water quality.

Nuclease Stn alpha from Streptomyces thermonitrificans: characterization of the associated adenylic acid preferential ribonuclease activity.

Nuclease Stn alpha from Streptomyces thermonitrificans hydrolyses DNA and RNA at the rate of approximately 10:1. The optimum pH and temperature for RNA hydrolysis were 7.0 and 45 degrees C. The RNase activity of nuclease Stn alpha had neither an obligate requirement of metal ions nor was it activated in the presence of metal ions. The enzyme was inhibited by Zn2+, Mg2+, Co2+, and Ca2+; inorganic phosphate; pyrophosphate; NaCl; KCl; and metal chelators. It was stable at high concentrations of urea but susceptible to low concentrations of Sodium dodecyl sulfate and guanidine hydrochloride. The rates by which nuclease Stn alpha hydrolysed polyribonucleotides occurs in the order of poly A >> RNA >> poly U > poly G > poly C. The enzyme cleaved RNA to 3' mononucleotides with preferential liberation of 3'AMP, indicating it to be an adenylic acid preferential endonuclease.

Spontaneous expulsion of unusual tracheobronchial foreign body.

An extremely rare case of long, thin and sharp pin in a young boy which was inhaled initially and defied removal at branchoscopy was eventually recovered in stool after a long and variable course through alimentary tract has been reported.

Extracellular deoxyribonuclease production by a thermophile, Streptomyces thermonitrificans.

A thermophilic bacterial strain, Streptomyces thermonitrificans, produced high levels of extracellular deoxyribonuclease (DNase) when grown on NBG medium (containing 1% peptone, 0.3% beef extract, 1% glucose and 0.5% NaCl). Maximum DNase activity (140 U x ml(-1)) was obtained, in 24 h, when the culture was grown on modified NBG medium (containing 1.3% beef extract, 1% glucose, 0.5% NaCl and 50 microM Mn2+ at 45 degrees C. The crude enzyme showed higher activity on native DNA than on sonicated and heat denatured DNA. Moreover, addition of Mn2+ in the assay mixture resulted in a significant stimulation (10-15 fold) of the enzyme activity.

Gastric volvulus in childhood.

Gastric volvulus is an uncommon condition more so in the paediatric age group. The cause of gastric volvulus may be idiopathic or secondary to various congenital or acquired conditions. In this short series of three patients, one had volvulus which was due to ligamentous laxity and mobile spleen, second had congenital postero-lateral diaphragmatic defect and the third had hiatus hernia.

Spina bifida.

Spina bifida is the most common central nervous system birth defect encountered by the pediatric neurosurgeon. It is defined by characteristic development abnormalities of the vertebrae and spinal cord and associated changes in the cerebrum, brainstem and peripheral nerves. The expression of spina bifida encompasses the entire central nervous system, ranging in severity from merely an absent spinous process with normal intraspinal structures to the other extreme of myelomeningocoele, Chiari malformation, hydrocephalus, and cortical cytoarchitectural changes. Most children with myelomeningocoele have some degree of weakness of their lower extremities and many have significant orthopaedic problems. As a result of denervation, muscle imbalance ensues and can result in abnormalities at the hip, knee and foot. Anesthesia of various portions of the skin can lead to pressure sores, particularly later in life. Anorectal neuropathy may cause a variety of defecatory dysfunctions. Urologic abnormalities are also common. These multisystem abnormalities associated with spina bifida contribute to its widely accepted identity as the most complex development defect compatible with long life.

Cystic mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver--a rare condition.

Cystic Mesenchymal Hamartoma of the liver is a rare benign tumour of infancy. Congenital cysts of the liver are of two main types: mesenchymal hamartoma and non parasitic cysts. The latter are encountered frequently while liver hamartomas are rare. The first reported case of mesenchymal hamartoma was that of Maresch in 1903. In 1956 Edmondson reviewed the literature and proposed the term "Mesenchymal Hamartoma" as a new clinical entity. In this paper we are discussing a rare case of cystic mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver, its clinical presentation, pathological characteristics, options of management and reviewing the relevant literature.

Blastopathies--symmetrical conjoined twins.

Conjoined twins are one of the rarest blastopathies, challenging the medical profession. The incidence in India is reported to be 1:60,000 pregnancies. This report records two cases of female conjoined twins. The sharing of various organs and complex cardiac anomalies encountered were very fascinating. Omphalopagus conjoined twins had only three lower extremeties, a common gastro-intestinal tract beyond the terminal ileum, crossed ectopia, hypoplastic kidneys and bicornuate uterus. The heart showed dextrocardia, A.S.D. and V.S.D. No attempt was made for surgical separation in this case. The second case was a thoracopagus, with the heart showing V.S.D., cor triatrium dexter with a posterior venous chamber. Surgical separation was attempted, but was unsuccessful. Both cases showed a single fused liver. The need for antenatal diagnosis and successful separation with good pre- and post-operative management is stressed.

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma of infancy with congestive cardiac failure--report of a case.

A case of infantile hemangioendothelioma of the liver is reported in a 18 day-old male neonate. The neonate presented with CHF. He had hepatomegaly, but lacked the third component of the classical triad i.e. cutaneous hemangiomas. The S.A.F.P levels were raised to 920 ng/ml, though rise is rare in infantile hemangioendothelioma and led to the clinical diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. A left hepatic resection was performed, the histology showed a type I pattern of the tumor. This is known to be associated with a good prognosis. The baby is well post resection for a follow up period of six months.

The 3-loop technique: a reliable technique for anterior pubic fixation in bladder exstrophy.

PURPOSE: In exstrophic anomalies the ultimate urological outcome largely depends on successful initial closure of the lower urinary tract and soft tissues. We believe that secure anterior pubic fixation is crucial for ensuring successful closure. After being dissatisfied with other methods of anterior pubic fixation we introduced the 3-loop method. The 3-loop technique and our experience with it are described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2 years 7 consecutive cases of bladder exstrophy were closed using the 3-loop technique. Patient age at closure ranged from newborn to 9 years. RESULTS: In all 7 patients closure was successful and there was no cutting through of the wires, bony erosion, or erosion into the reconstructed bladder neck or urethra. The duration of postoperative traction was only 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-loop method is useful and reliable for secure anterior pubic fixation of the pubes in bladder exstrophy patients and it contributes positively to the ultimate urological outcome.

Rectal duplication.

Duplications of the alimentary tract are of a great rarity, particularly so in the rectum. Because of its rarity, the difficulty of making a correct diagnosis and of selection of proper approach for treatment, this entity bears a special significance. The present case report deals with a female newborn who presented with imperforate anus and a rectovestibular fistula and a mass prolapsing at the introitus. Complete excision of the mass was carried out through the perineal approach and the child then underwent, a PSARP for the correction of the rectal anomaly. Histology confirmed the mass to be a rectal duplication.

Medium optimization for the production of glucose isomerase from thermophilic Streptomyces thermonitrificans.

A thermophilic strain of Streptomyces thermonitrificans produced a high activity of intracellular glucose isomerase (12 U/ml) when grown in a medium containing 1% (w/v) xylose, supplemented with 2% (w/v) sorbitol as the second carbon source, at 50°C for 16 h. Addition of Mg(2+) enhanced enzyme production but the organism could grow and produce the enzyme in the absence of Co(2+).