Production of beta-carotene by a mutant of Rhodotorula glutinis.

Wild strains of Rhodotorula glutinis and R. rubra were investigated concerning their carotenoid production, proportion of beta-carotene and cell mass yield. R. glutinis NCIM 3353 produced 2.2 mg carotenoid/l in 72 h; and the amount of beta-carotene was 14% (w/w) of the total carotenoid content (17 microg/g cell dry weight). It was subjected to mutagenesis using UV radiation for strain improvement. Out of 2,051 isolates screened, the yellow coloured mutant 32 produced 120-fold more beta-carotene (2,048 microg/g cell dry weight) than the parent culture in 36 h, which was 82% (w/w) of the total carotenoid content. Mutant 32 was grown on different carbon and nitrogen sources. The best yield of beta-carotene (33+/-3 mg/l) was obtained when glucose and yeast extract were supplied as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Divalent cation salts further increased the total carotenoid content (66+/-2 mg/l) with beta-carotene as the major component (55+/-2%, w/w).

Ossifying lipoma of the thigh (a case report).

The term ossifying lipoma is used to describe a rare case of lipoma when its mature adipose tissue shows foci of chondrification and ossification. We are presenting here, a case report of a large sized ossifying lipoma in the anteromedial compartment of the left thigh of a 55 year old farmer.

Distal fibular giant cell tumour.

A patient who reported with a slowly growing swelling ovr thee lateral aspect of the left ankle, was investigated and diagnosed to have a giant cell tumour which was confirmed on FNAC. The tumour was managed with excision biopsy and reconstruction. The case is being reported for its rare site of occurrence.

Total hip arthroplasty in healed tuberculous hip.

Total hip arthroplasty was performed in a patient who had tuberculous hip, quiescent for the last 15 years, without pre or postoperative anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. At a 27 month follow up, there has been no evidence of reactivation. A brief review of relevant literature is also presented.

An unusual case of hip disability--(a case report).

An unusual case of postero-superior periarticular irritation of the hip joint of six months' duration due to an extension of a pre-sacral foreign body granuloma in an 18 year old unmarried girl is presented. Two wooden sticks which probably were inserted pervaginally by a village midwife to induce an abortion for an unwanted pregnancy had found its way to presacral region. The scanning of the vaginal fornix indicated a possible route through which the sticks might have been migrated.

Total hip arthroplasty for giant cell tumour.

A 32 month follow up of an uncommon case of a Giant Cell Tumour affecting the proximal end of femur is presented. Following a wide excision, the hip was reconstructed using Charnley type of low friction total hip arthroplasty. At a 32 month review, there was no recurrence and the function was good.

Giant cell tumour of talar body.

Giant cell tumour (osteoclastoma) of talar bone is a rare entity and is seen more commonly in the third decade of life. We report this disease entity in a 17-years-old girl. The patient presented with painful swelling of the left ankle with an osteolytic lesion in the talus on conventional radiographs. Intralesional curettage and autologous bone grafting was performed following which patient's pain and swelling disappeared. Complete range of movement at the ankle joint was regained with minimal restriction at the subtalar joint. There is no evidence of relapse at six months follow up.

Hydatid cyst of the tibia.

A case of hydatid cyst of the tibia, which manifested as a pathologic fracture is being reported. Pain and swelling of left lower limb with inability to bear the weight were the main features. Tender swelling was also noted at the upper and middle third of tibia. Open biopsy revealed the hydatid cyst wall and scolices of Echinococcus granulosus. Albendazole treatment was followed by curettage and bone grafting.

Solitary synovial osteochondroma of the knee.

A very rare case of solitary osteochondroma of the knee is reported. The patient presented with a slowly growing retropatellar bony tumour of 4 years duration following a minor trauma. An excisional biopsy with a total patellectomy was performed as the patellar articular surface was unsalvageable. A 20 month follow up revealed no recurrence and a functional knee. A brief review of literature is also presented.

The role of skeletal sonography in limb lengthening procedures.

Eleven patients (8 males, 3 females) undergoing limb-lengthening procedures were subjected to weekly conventional radiography along with fortnightly skeletal sonography of the distraction site, to assess the rate of new bone production and complications. The radiographs were assessed for: (i) distance between the distracted bone ends, (ii) presence of new bone formation at the distraction site, (iii) regeneration of the cortical outline and (iv) overlaying soft tissue abnormality. The sonographs were assessed for: (i) distance between the distracted bone ends, (ii) rate of new bone formation, (iii) density of the new bone produced, (iv) integrity and continuity of the cortical outline and (v) overlaying soft tissue abnormality. Our results indicate the superiority of sonography over conventional radiographs in: (i) detecting early new bone formation, (ii) establishing cortical and medullary canal remodelling, (iii) detecting soft tissue complications at the distraction site and (iv) determining the presence of fluid collection at the distraction site, in patients with delayed consolidation. Conventional radiographs were more accurate in determining the distance between the two distracted bone ends, and thus the degree of distraction achieved. Ideal assessments of events at the distraction site can be achieved by a combined assessment of conventional radiotherapy and skeletal sonography.