Isolation and Characteristics of Biotechnologically Important Antagonistic Thermophilic Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Haloxylon salicornicum.

Rhizobacteria are an active part of microbial population in the rhizosphere of plants. In this study, twenty rhizobacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of a perennial grass, Haloxylon salicornicum, found in Cholistan desert, an arid landmass near Bahawalpur Pakistan, in one set of experimental conditions. Colony characteristics, biochemical and molecular analyses of these isolates were performed. All isolates were bacilli, gram positive with off-white colonies and exhibited typical bacilli colony morphology. None of the isolates was gelatinase, urease, indole, H2S and catalase producer. Eleven isolates were amylase producers and 8 isolates were acid producers. All isolates fermented glucose, 3 fermented lactose and 19 fermented fructose. Molecular data revealed that out of twenty isolates, 14 isolates showed 91-99% identity with Brevibacillus borstelensis, 4 with Bacillus subtilis (97-98%) and 2 with Bacillus licheniformis (94-99%) through BLAST analysis. All identified bacterial isolates cladded with their respective groups in the phylogenetic tree. Many (11-15 out of 20) of the isolates were more effective in inhibiting growth of the tested bacterial strains as compared to the positive control (Ampicillin 50 µg/disc). We conclude that bacilli are the predominant form populating rhizosphere of this desert grass. Among the isolated bacteria Brevibacillus borstelensis, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis are the most predominant species.

Synthesis, in vitro and in silico studies of S-alkylated 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols as cholinesterase inhibitors.

The research was aimed to unravel the enzymatic potential of sequentially transformed new triazoles by chemically converting 4-methoxybenzoic acid via Fischer's esterification to 4-methoxybenzoate which underwent hydrazinolysis and the corresponding hydrazide (1) was cyclized with phenyl isothiocyanate (2) via 2-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (3); an intermediate to 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiol (4). The electrophiles; alkyl halides 5(a-g) were further reacted with nucleophilic S-atom to attain a series of S-alkylated 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols 6(a-g). Characterization of synthesized compounds was accomplished by contemporary spectral techniques such as FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and EI-MS. Excellent cholinesterase inhibitory potential was portrayed by 3-(n-heptylthio)-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole; 6g against AChE (IC50; 38.35±0.62µM) and BChE (IC50; 147.75±0.67µM) enzymes. Eserine (IC50; 0.04±0.01µM) was used as reference standard. Anti-proliferative activity results ascertained that derivative encompassing long straight chain substituted at S-atom of the moiety was the most potent with 4.96 % cell viability (6g) at 25µM and with 2.41% cell viability at 50µMamong library of synthesized derivatives. In silico analysis also substantiated the bioactivity statistics.

A National Evaluation of the Conservative Management of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis: How Common Is This and What Are the Issues.

INTRODUCTION: The management approach for acute appendicitis has been challenged in recent years, with numerous randomized controlled trials demonstrating that antibiotics/conservative management is an efficacious treatment, with lower complication rates. METHODS: A national survey of all consultant general surgeons evaluating their practices was performed. Reasons for changed practices, choice of antibiotics and follow-up investigations were evaluated. In addition, the role of interval appendicectomy and conservative management in the pediatric population was also assessed. RESULTS: The response rate for this survey was 74.7% (n = 74/99). Over one-fifth (n = 17, 22.9%) routinely treat acute appendicitis conservatively, while another 14.8% (n = 11) consider this approach in selected cases. Main reasons for modified practices included the presence of inflammatory phlegmon (75%), delayed presentation (64%), and recent evidence-based medicine developments (46%). Co-amoxiclav/clavulanic acid was the most popular antibiotic for conservative management (53%). Alternatively, combinations of antibiotics were also utilized. One-third felt interval appendicectomy was warranted, while one-fifth supported conservative management in the paediatric setting. The overwhelming majority (>95%) advocate follow-up colonoscopy ± computed tomography in any patient aged >40 years managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Considerable variation in management of uncomplicated appendicitis remains in Ireland despite growing evidence suggesting that the non-operative approach is safe. Reasons for adopting a conservative management practice have been identified and reflect the expanding literature on this subject.

A percutaneous subcostal approach for intercostal stones.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous upper pole access may be obtained via the supracostal or subcostal approach. The more cranial the location of the percutaneous nephrostomy tract, the greater the risk of incurring intrathoracic complications. We describe a technique for safely accessing the upper pole calix via a subcostal approach, even when the stone is located well above the 12th rib. In our patient the stone was located between the 11th and 12th ribs, and the upper pole extended to above the 10th rib. METHODS: A 78-year-old man with multiple medical problems had a symptomatic upper right pole stone located between 11th and 12th ribs. Due to its size (3 x 2.2 cm), neither a ureteroscopic nor shockwave approach was thought feasible. We elected to angle the access tract both laterally and cranially in order to course below the 12th rib, but still enter the upper pole calix. RESULTS: Although this tract entered the calix obliquely, instruments were readily passed after sheath placement and the stone was completely removed. An ultrasonic lithotripsy device and suction was used to fragment and evacuate the stone. Postoperatively there were no intrathoracic or pulmonary complications. CONCLUSIONS: The direct percutaneous approach to the upper pole of the kidney requires careful methodology based on a clear understanding of the anatomy of the kidney and surrounding structures. For upper-pole renal calculi located above the 12th rib that are not amenable to shockwave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy, a subcostal angled percutaneous approach can be safely made in selected cases. With this method, the risk of intrathoracic complications may be reduced.