Family 3 CBM improves the biochemical properties, substrate hydrolysis and coconut oil extraction by hemicellulolytic and holocellulolytic chimeras.

To understand the influence of family 3 Carbohydrate Binding Module (hereafter CBM3), single (GH5 cellulase; CelB, CelBΔCBM), bi-chimeric [GH26 endo-mannanase (ManB-1601) and GH11 endo-xylanase (XynB); ManB-XynB [1], ManB-XynB-CBM] and tri-chimeric [ManB-XynB-CelB [1], ManB-XynB-CelBΔCBM] enzyme variants (fused or deleted of CBM) were produced and purified to homogeneity. CBM3 did not alter the pH and temperature optima of bi- and tri-chimeric enzymes but improved the pH and temperature stability of ManB in CBM variants of bi-/tri-chimeric enzymes. Truncation of CBM in CelB shifted the pH optimum and increased the melting temperature (Tm 65 â„ƒ). CBM3 improved both substrate affinity (Km) and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of fused enzymes in tri-chimera and CelB but only Km for bi-chimera. Far-UV CD of CelB and bi- and tri-chimeric enzymes suggested that CBM3 improved the α-helical content and compactness in the native state but did not prevent disintegration of secondary structural contents at acidic pH. Steady-state fluorescence studies suggested that under acidic conditions CBM3 prevented the exposure of hydrophobic patches in bi-chimeric protein but could not avert the opening up of chimeric enzyme structure. Aqueous enzyme assisted treatment of mature coconut kernel using single, bi- and tri-chimeric enzymes led to cracks, peeling and fracturing of the matrix and improved the oil yield by up to 22%.

Community Acquired Burkholderia cepacia Bacteraemia Presenting as MODS in an Immunocompetent Individual: An Unusual Case.

Burkholderia cepacia has been recognized as a group of highly virulent organisms known as Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). Bcc are ubiquitous in nature and most commonly found in moist environment, on plant roots and soil. Because of its high intrinsic antibiotic resistance, Bcc is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. It is reported most commonly in immunocompromised patients especially in patients with cystic fibrosis. Here, we report a rare case report of bacteraemia by Burkholderia cepacia in an immunocompetent male, who presented with fever and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS). Burkholderia cepacia was isolated from his blood culture, which he acquired from his work place. He was treated successfully and discharged after negative blood culture.

A rare case of Shewanella putrefaciens bacteremia in a patient of road traffic accident.

Shewanella putrefaciens rarely causes human infection. These are mostly found in environment and food stuffs. Shewanella are often found in mixed culture. It has been implicated in cellulitis, otitis media, and septicemia. It may be found in respiratory tract, urine, feces, and pleural fluid. There is no definite guideline for therapeutic option. In general, these are susceptible to various antimicrobial agents but are often resistant to penicillin and cephalothin. We report a rare case of bacteremia by S. putrefaciens in a patient of head injury with polytrauma after a road traffic accident.

Sphingomonas paucimobilis septicemia in a neonate: A rare case report.

Sphingomonas paucimobilis , a yellow-pigmented, aerobic, glucose nonfermenting, Gram-negative bacilli is a rare cause of human infection. It was first discovered as an infective agent in humans in 1977 and named Pseudomonas paucimobilis. It was renamed as S. paucimobilis in 1990 in accordance with phylogenetic data. S. paucimobilis is an aerobic bacterium found in soil and water; it is a rare cause of healthcare associated infections. S. paucimobilis can cause infections in healthy as well as immunocompromised individuals. At first, its colony looks like Gram-positive bacilli colony, so by mistake it is discarded as contaminants. S. paucimobilis is an emerging pathogen and it should not be discarded as contaminants. Here, we report a case of S. paucimobilis bacteremia in a neonate who presented with respiratory distress.

Recurrent hydatid cyst of liver with asymptomatic concomitant hydatid cyst of lung: an unusual presentation-case report.

A 40-year-old male patient presented to us with complaints of pain in abdomen for the past 2 weeks and fever for 3 days. The patient gave history of being previously operated for hydatid cyst of liver 15 years back. His chest radiograph and computed tomography scan revealed a cystic lesion in the right lobe of liver and a cyst in left lung. The patient was managed surgically. Aspirate from the cyst fluid showed plenty of hooklets and scolices of Echinococcus granulosus. An intact brood capsule was also seen. Diagnosis of hydatidosis was further confirmed by histopathological examination. Post-operative the patient had a good recovery.

Closure of large meningomyelocele wound defects with subcutaneous based pedicle flap with bilateral V-Y advancement: our experience and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Meningomyelocele is a defect of the spinal cord, vertebrae, and the overlying skin and is the most common form of open spinal dysraphism. Rapid closure of the back defect in the early postnatal period is mandatory to reduce the frequency of infection-related complications of the central nervous system. Majority of the cases present with small defects, which can be closed primarily, with or without subcutaneous dissection. However, direct closure is not possible in 25% of the cases. Different types of local flaps (skin or muscle flaps) are widely used for covering the skin defects; and with varying results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized study was conducted in the department of pediatric surgery at a tertiary hospital, from September 2007 to October 2011. Overall 35 patients with large meningomyelocele defects that could not be closed primarily were included in the study. All patients were treated using subcutaneous tissue based pedicle flap with bilateral V-Y advancement. RESULTS: There were 27 neonates, 7 infants, and 1 child, with a male:female ratio of 1.19:1. There were 3 thoracolumbar, 14 lumbar, 14 lumbosacral, 3 sacral, and 1 multiple meningomyelocele defects with an average size of 8.5 cm (range 6.5-11 cm). Average intraoperative blood loss was 8 mL (range 6-10.5 mL). Average operative time which included flap reconstruction time, after closure of dura, was 38.6 min. Total seven patients had wound complications viz. fat necrosis (n = 2), flap necrosis (n = 2), hematoma (n = 1), cerebrospinal fluid leak followed by wound dehiscence (n = 1), wound infection which led to meningitis (n = 1). Average healing time for flap repair was 7.52 days. Overall 80% (n = 28) of the patients had good flap texture and contour with satisfactory cosmesis. CONCLUSION: Closure of large meningomyelocele wound defects with subcutaneous based pedicle flap with bilateral V-Y advancement is an effective technique. The main advantages of this technique are its simplicity, short operative time, good tolerance, early healing, and good cosmetic outcome with an excellent flap texture and contour match with minimal complications.

Solitary crossed renal ectopia with vesicoureteric reflux presenting with impaired renal function in a neonate.

Solitary crossed renal ectopia (SCRE) is an exceedingly rare anomaly of the urinary tract. So far, only 34 cases have been reported in the literature. It usually presents after infancy. Most of these cases are diagnosed incidentally while patients are undergoing evaluation for associated genitourinary, cardiovascular, hematological or vertebral abnormalities. We report the first case of SCRE presenting in neonatal age with impaired renal function and vesico-ureteric reflux.

Gluteal flap for omphalocele repair in a case of epigastric heteropagus: A novel approach for surgical management.

Epigastric heteropagus is an extremely rare congenital anomaly, in which there is asymmetrical conjoined twinning, with the parasitic twin attached to the epigastrium. A 2-day-old male, with epigastric heteropagus and omphalocele, was operated in our institution. After excision of the parasitic twin, omphalocele was covered with a gluteal skin flap available from the parasitic twin. Post-operative course was uneventful, except for infection along the edges of the skin flaps, which was managed conservatively. Only 44 cases of epigastric heteropagus twins have been reported previously in world literature. We present a novel surgical approach for the repair of the omphalocele in a case of epigastric heteropagus twins, probably the 45(th) case to be reported in the world literature.

Alteration in haematological and biochemical parameters of Catla catla exposed to sub-lethal concentration of cypermethrin.

A 60-day experiment was carried out to study the effect of sub-lethal concentration of cypermethrin (1/10th of LC(50)) exposure on haematological and biochemical parameters of the Indian major carp, Catla catla fingerlings. Under exposure, the total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, haemoglobin content and haematocrit were decreased. All the studied serum parameters viz. total serum protein, albumin, globulin contents and albumin-globulin ratio were significantly decreased in cypermethrin-exposed fishes. A marked increase was recorded in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in liver, whereas lactate dehydrogenase activity of muscle and acetylcholine esterase activity in brain were inhibited in cypermethrin-exposed fish. The membrane transport enzymes (total adenosine triphosphatase, sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase and magnesium adenosine triphosphatase) activities were decreased significantly in the gills of C. catla exposed to sub-lethal concentration of cypermethrin. The present study indicates that sub-lethal exposure of C. catla fingerlings to cypermethrin alters the haematological and biochemical parameters.

Post meningocele repair urinary ascites in a neonate--a rare presentation.

A full-term female neonate with a large lumbosacral meningocele developed sudden abdominal distension and urinary retention after meningocele repair. An erect abdominal radiograph showed homogeneously opacified areas with a paucity of intestinal gas. Abdominal ultrasound revealed ascites with multiple internal echoes. With a provisional diagnosis of hollow viscus perforation, an emergency laparotomy was performed, which failed to reveal any leak from the urinary tract. However, fluid analysis confirmed the diagnosis of urinary ascites. The patient developed repeated episodes of urinary retention after catheter removal. She was started on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to ensure adequate bladder drainage. At 6 months of follow-up, ultrasound of the urinary tract, voiding cystourethrogram, and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine were all within normal limits. The CIC was discontinued, and the patient was observed. At present, she is voiding normally with a good stream. Failure to establish normal micturition after meningocele repair and CIC requirements suggested a neurogenic cause. Bladder rupture, secondary to spinal shock resulting in bladder atonia, could not be ruled out. The perforation (leading to urinary ascites) could be owing to bladder atonia and spinal shock rather than detrusor sphincter dyssynergia.

Single-stage Modified Duhamel procedure for Hirschsprung's disease : our experience.

INTRODUCTION: Primary single-stage pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) has been reported to give comparable surgical outcomes to staged operations with less morbidity. Herein, we present our experience with single-stage Modified Duhamel procedure for management of HD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a review of 48 cases of HD who underwent single-stage Modified Duhamel procedure without a protective colostomy. RESULTS: The age at surgery ranged from 6 months to 10 years (median - 9 months, mean - 2.3 years). The average weight of the child was 7.2 kg (range, 4.9-22 kg). 38 (79.2%) patients had classical rectosigmoid HD, the rest being long segment HD (the proximal most level being the splenic flexure). The average duration of surgery was 175 minutes (range, 130-245 minutes). The average blood loss was 45 ml. The average hospital stay was 7.2 days (range: 6-10 days). The major postoperative complications (n=3) included postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction, anastomotic leak and persistent constipation due to residual aganglionosis. Each required a re-exploration. Minor complications included surgical site infection (n=3) and post-operative enterocolitis (n=3), which were managed conservatively. Six patients had constipation for a limited period post-operatively. All patients have a satisfactory functional outcome and normal development and growth. CONCLUSIONS: For HD, we recommend that single-stage Modified Duhamel procedure should be the preferred approach in view of its low morbidity, satisfactory functional outcome and avoidance of stoma, multiple surgeries and economic benefit in view of decreased hospital stay.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis causing gall bladder perforation in children.

We report two cases of children who presented with acute abdomen due to gall bladder perforation and biliary peritonitis. Cholecystectomy with peritoneal lavage proved curative.

Enhanced innate immune parameters in Labeo rohita (Ham.) following oral administration of Bacillus subtilis.

The present study assessed the use of Bacillus subtilis in fish as a probiotic. The bacterium was administered orally at three different doses 0.5 x 10(7) (T(2)), 1 x 10(7) (T(3)), 1.5 x 10(7) (T(4)) cfu/g feed to Labeo rohita for two weeks. The positive control group (T(1)) and negative control group (T(5,)) were fed feed without B. subtilis for the same period. On the 15th day blood and serum were sampled to determine respiratory burst activity (NBT assay), differential leukocyte counts (DLC) and serum bactericidal activity. Fishes were challenged intraperitoneally with Aeromonas hydrophila O:18 after two weeks in the treatment groups (T(2), T(3) and T(4)) and also in the positive control group(T(1)), while the negative control group (T(5)) was challenged with phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) only. The respiratory burst activity and DLC were assessed on the 3rd day post-challenge. B. subtilis treated fish showed significantly higher (P<0.05) respiratory burst activity and bactericidal activity during the pre-challenge compared with the control groups. The highest respiratory burst activity (0.37+/-0.03) and serum bactericidal activity were recorded in the group (T(4)) fed feed containing B. subtilis at 1.5 x 10(7)cfu/g feed. Granulocyte numbers were significantly higher (P<0.05) in treatment groups in comparison to the control in both the pre- and post-challenge periods. The result suggests that B. subtilis can enhance certain innate immune responses in rohu.