Transorbital neuroendoscopy-assisted resection of a giant optic pathway glioma in a neonate.

Congenital giant orbital tumors in infancy are relatively rare, especially when the tumors are associated with significant intracranial extension. We describe the use of a transorbital neuroendoscopy-assisted resection of such a lesion. While this approach is increasingly gaining popularity for certain anterior and middle skullbase lesions in adults, this report represents the youngest patient reported on where this minimally invasive approach has been successfully used to resect the intracranial tumor. This surgical approach obviated the need for a separate craniotomy, with the additional benefit of minimizing blood loss.

Rare cause of a neck mass: successful balloon embolisation of a congenital external carotid artery-internal jugular vein fistula.

Congenital arteriovenous fistulas are a rare cause of neck mass in children, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of paediatric patients presenting with pulsatile neck masses even when there is no history of trauma. Balloon embolisation is the treatment of choice because of the high risk of surgical complications in this region.

Bacteriocin production by indigenous marine catfish associated Vibrio spp.

Fifty strains of genus Vibrio were isolated (identified) from healthy and diseased marine catfish(es). The isolates were screened for bacteriocin (vibriocin) production. About 32% isolates were found bacteriocin producers. The best producer was identified as Vibrio anguillarum AVP10. The maximum production of vibriocin AVP10 was manifested at 29 degrees C at pH 7, after 18-20 h of incubation. Vibriocin activity was enhanced in the presence of citrate-phosphate buffer. The vibriocin AVP10 withstands autoclaving temperature and showed activity even after prolonged chloroform treatment. Proteolytic enzymes inhibited its activity, while lipolytic enzyme had no effect. It was found bioactive only against intrageneric bacterial strains. Mode of action of vibriocin AVP10 varies with the indicator (sensitive) culture used i.e. bactericidal effects was exerted against V. anguillarum AVS9 while bacteriostatic effect was shown against entero-toxigenic E. coli.

Comparative study of two bacteriocins produced by representative indigenous soil bacteria.

The aim of this research work was to identify and characterized the bacteriocins produced by soil-associated bacteria. Bacillocin from Bacillus brevis Bb and pyocin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pa were found bioactive only against gram-positive bacteria tested. Maximum production of both the bacteriocins was observed at 32 degrees C in BHI medium. Production of both the bacteriocins started in the early exponential growth phase while the maximum production was observed during the stationary phase. Bacillocin Bb remained stable during 1-9 pH while pyocin Pa remained stable at pH 1-11. Both of the bacterocins were found resistant to high temperature (100 degrees C for 30 min), detergents (1% solutions of EDTA, Tween 20, Tween 80 and SDS) and organic solvents (1% solutions of Ethanol, Butanol, Methanol, Propanol, Chloroform, and Acetone). Activity of both was completely lost after proteinase K treatment suggesting their protein nature. Titre of bacillocin Bb was estimated to be 5280 AU/mL while the titre for pyocin Pa was calculated as 640 AU/mL. Both of the bacteriocins showed bacteriolytic mode of action against the indicator Bacillus strain BC31 and were found <10 KDa in their molecular mass.

Coil Embolization of the Internal Carotid Artery in Patient with Retained Transcranial Knife.

BACKGROUND: We describe endovascular coil embolization of the internal carotid artery before removing a retained knife blade partially occluding the lacerum segment of the internal carotid artery. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 21-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a retained transcranial knife after sustaining a stab to the left temporal scalp. He was hemodynamically stable and neurologically intact on presentation. Computed tomography angiography followed by digital subtraction angiography revealed narrowing of the lacerum segment of the left internal carotid artery by the tip of the knife blade with adequate blood flow from the contralateral internal carotid artery. Embolization and occlusion of the internal carotid artery proximal and distal to the knife tip were performed. The patient was transferred to the neurosurgical operating room for extraction of the knife. A repeat left carotid artery angiogram post knife extraction showed no displacement of the coils and no extravasation of contrast. Follow-up imaging confirmed a good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A staged approach of digital subtraction angiography and endovascular therapy followed by surgical treatment is a safe and effective management strategy for patients presenting with a retained transcranial knife and suspected vascular injury.

Outcomes of prostate artery embolisation for benign prostatic hyperplasia in 10 cases at Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) remains a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in ageing men in South Africa and can impact significantly on the quality of life (QOL) of these patients. The Urology Department at Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) can generally only offer men with LUTS the following treatment options: watchful waiting, medical treatment and surgical management. In men with symptomatic BPH, who are refractory to medical treatment, where anaesthesia is contra-indicated because of co-morbidities or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is contra-indicated because of the prostate size, the Urology and Radiology departments at SBAH recently introduced prostate artery embolisation (PAE). AIM: To assess the outcome of PAE in 10 men with LUTS, secondary to BPH, by comparing their urinary symptoms, QOL and prostate volume before and 3 months after they underwent PAE in the Radiology Department at SBAH. METHOD: The review included the first 10 men who had undergone therapeutic PAE for symptomatic BPH from May 2016 to September 2016. The subjective symptomatic feedback was assessed according to the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Global Quality of Life questionnaire, created by the American Urological Association (AUA). The reduction in the size of the prostate was measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Embolisation was technically achieved in all 10 patients. Bilateral embolisation was performed on nine patients. One patient received unilateral embolisation secondary to unilateral tortuous and atherosclerotic changes of the iliac arteries. Within the 3-month follow-up, the mean IPSS score improved by 15.7 points (p < 0.0039), the mean QOL improved by 4.1 points (p < 0.0039) and the mean prostate volume reduction was 21.8 mL (p < 0.0039). Despite improvements observed, there was one clinical failure. No major complications were reported that increased hospital stay, required hospital readmission or required surgery. CONCLUSION: The study on the first 10 PAE performed in SBAH concludes that PAE is a safe and effective procedure with favourable short-term follow-up results. This indicates that PAE can safely be offered to patients, who are refractory to medical treatment and not suitable candidates for surgery, in urology departments such as in SBAH.

Identification of plasmid encoded osmoregulatory genes from halophilic bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of halophytes.

Bacterial plasmids carry genes that code for additional traits such as osmoregulation, CO2 fixation, antibiotic and heavy metal resistance, root nodulation and nitrogen fixation. The main objective of the current study was to identify plasmid-conferring osmoregulatory genes in bacteria isolated from rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils of halophytes (Salsola stocksii and Atriplex amnicola). More than 55% of halophilic bacteria from the rhizosphere and 70% from non-rhizospheric soils were able to grow at 3 M salt concentrations. All the strains showed optimum growth at 1.5-3.0 M NaCl. Bacterial strains from the Salsola rhizosphere showed maximum (31%) plasmid elimination during curing experiments as compared to bacterial strains from the Atriplex rhizosphere and non-rhizospheric soils. Two plasmid cured strains Bacillus HL2HP6 and Oceanobacillus HL2RP7 lost their ability to grow in halophilic medium, but they grew well on LB medium. The plasmid cured strains also showed a change in sensitivity to specific antibiotics. These plasmids were isolated and transformed into E. coli strains and growth response of wild-type and transformed E. coli strains was compared at 1.5-4 M NaCl concentrations. Chromosomal DNA and plasmids from Bacillus filamentosus HL2HP6 were sequenced by using high throughput sequencing approach. Results of functional analysis of plasmid sequences showed different proteins and enzymes involved in osmoregulation of bacteria, such as trehalose, ectoine synthetase, porins, proline, alanine, inorganic ion transporters, dehydrogenases and peptidases. Our results suggested that plasmid conferring osmoregulatory genes play a vital role to maintain internal osmotic balance of bacterial cells and these genes can be used to develop salt tolerant transgenic crops.

Antibacterial activity directed isolation of compounds from Onosma hispidum.

The chemical investigation of the ethanolic extract of the root bark of Onosma hispidum following antibacterial activity directed isolation led to the isolation of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid (ferulic acid) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid (vanillic acid) which have been reported for the first time in this species. In addition to these compounds, the crude ethanolic extract and methanol fraction exhibited substantial bioactivity against species of corynebacteria, enterococci, staphylococci and streptococci. Ferulic acid was found more bioactive (being relatively more hydrophobic) compared to vanillic acid.

Patent ductus venosus presenting with cholestatic jaundice in an infant with successful trans-catheter closure using a vascular plug device.

Persistent ductus venosus as a cause of cholestatic jaundice is very rare. Treatment varies, but is usually reserved for infants in whom complications develop. We report a 5-week-old female infant with cholestatic jaundice caused by a patent ductus venosus and subsequent successful treatment via a transcatheter occlusion using a vascular plug device.

Isolation and biochemical characterization of mutacin VSM43 isolated from human oral Streptococcus mutans VSM43.

Bacteriocins produced by mutans streptococci are known as mutacins. Streptococcus mutans VSM43 isolated from human clinical oral cavity was screened for the production of mutacin. It can inhibit the growth of other mutans streptococci, many other gram-positives and some gram-negative bacteria. Average size of the inhibitory zone ranged between 12-20mm. The inhibitory activity could not be related to organic acids, bacteriophages and hydrogen peroxide. Mutacin VSM43 was protease sensitive, remained active within a pH range of 2-8, and lost activity after heating at 100 degrees C for 30 min. Mutacin VSM43 was dialyzable through dialysis membrane (pore size 12,000 Da). A titre of 1280 arbitrary/activity units per ml (AU/mL) was shown against Staphylococcus aureus AB211. Lacuna frequency percentage (LF%) against Streptococcus mutans VSMD and Staphylococcus aureus AB211 was 37% and 49% respectively. We are convinced mutacin VSM43 may be a parallel candidate for use against dental caries.

Antimicrobial spectrum, production and mode of action of staphylococcin 188 produced by Staphylococcus aureus 188.

Staphylococcus aureus 188 has been shown to produce bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance known as staphylococcin 188. It has a broad-activity spectrum against Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus viridans, Corynebacterium diphtheriae and several staphylococcus species. The arbitrary unit of staphylococcin 188 against Micrococcus luteus was 1280 AU/mL. Its production with simultaneous measurement of activity was monitored and was found to produce maximum amount of staphylococcin after 7 hours of incubation. Mode of action of the staphylococcin 188 on the sensitive cells was bactericidal rather than bacterioloytic.