Systematic Review of the Clinical Characteristics and Management of Isaac Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Isaac syndrome (IS) is a condition characterized by peripheral nerve hyperexcitability caused by voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies. Muscle twitching, stiffness, hypertrophy, and dysautonomic characteristics, such as hyperhidrosis, are common manifestations. The syndrome can be autoimmune or paraneoplastic, with thymoma being a common cause of paraneoplastic IS. Furthermore, this condition could be handed down from one generation to another. However, there is limited information regarding outcomes, relapses, associated syndromes, associated malignancies (other than thymoma), and treatment options. Despite its rarity, there remains a need for effective management strategies for patients with IS. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the most common and effective treatments of IS in immunomodulatory agents and symptomatic medications, as well as to describe outcomes, relapses, and associated malignancies. Altogether, this review serves to guide clinical practice recommendations for IS and highlight areas for further research. METHODS: We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol to conduct a systematic review of cases reposted through the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The terms "Isaac Syndrome" and "Acquired Neuromyotonia" were used. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. RESULTS: We identified 61 case reports and 4 case series, comprising a total of 70 patients with IS (mean age at onset: 42.5 ± 18 years, and 69% were males). Fourteen cases reported relapses. Thymoma was the most common malignancy associated with IS, followed by lymphoma. Among various serum antibodies, voltage-gated potassium channel-complex antibodies were the most reported antibodies elevated in IS (reported in 38 patients and elevated in 21 patients [55.2%]), followed by acetylcholine ganglionic receptor antibodies, which were reported in 30% of patients (n = 21) and were elevated in 5 cases. The most common electromyography findings were myokymic discharges (n = 22), followed by fasciculations (n = 21) and neuromyotonia (n = 19). For treatment, combining anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine with immunotherapy therapy showed the best results in controlling the symptoms. Among immunotherapy therapies, the combination of plasma exchange plus intravenous high-dose steroids achieved the best results in the acute treatment of IS ([n = 6], with improvement noted in 83.3% [n = 5] of cases). Among the symptomatic treatments with anticonvulsants, carbamazepine was the most efficacious anticonvulsant in treatment of IS, with an average effective dosing of 480 mg/day (carbamazepine was used in 32.3% of acute treatment strategies [n = 23], with improvement noted in 73.9% [n = 17] of cases). CONCLUSIONS: IS a rare neuromuscular syndrome that tends to affect middle-aged men. These patients should be screened for thymoma and other malignancies such as lymphomas. The management of IS symptoms can be challenging, but based on our review, the combination of multiple immunosuppressives such as IV steroids and plasmapheresis with anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine seems to achieve the best results.

Lance-Adams Syndrome: Case series and literature review.

Background: Lance-Adams Syndrome (LAS) is a rare complication of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is a form of posthypoxic myoclonus characterized by action or intention myoclonus developing days to months after an hypoxic insult to the brain. LAS, especially early in a patient's clinical course, can be challenging to diagnose. Electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern of midline spike-wave discharge associated with favorable prognosis. There is no consensus in treatment of LAS but use of various anti-epileptic medications has been documented in literature. Case Presentation: In this case series, all of the patients presented after achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and subsequently developed myoclonus. EEG findings beyond the initial hospitalization continued to show later showed changes consistent with LAS in three of the four patients. Different combinations of AEDs were used in the management of LAS with variable success and adverse effects. Conclusion: Our cases highlight that the characteristic EEG pattern can be useful in the diagnosis of LAS and allow for better prognostication and management in patients with posthypoxic myoclonus. We reviewed the available literature to better understand the prevalence, mechanism, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of LAS.

Transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis syndrome: A comprehensive systematic review of 93 patients from 57 studies.

BACKGROUND: Headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis, previously also termed pseudomigraine with temporary neurologic symptoms and lymphocytic pleocytosis, is a self-limiting syndrome characterized by moderate to severe headache associated with focal neurological deficits occurring in the context of lymphocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid. As a consequence of its rarity, data regarding headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis is sparse. Therefore, we conducted this review to analyze data related to 93 patients of headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis, to characterize their demographics, clinical manifestations, investigations and treatment options. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of cases reported through PubMed and Google scholar database, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. Keywords used were 'Headache with Neurologic Deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis', 'Headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis syndrome'. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 93 cases of headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis with a mean age of 28.8 years at onset. Seventy patients (75.2%) were adults, while 23 (24.7%) belonged to the pediatric age group. Comparing these groups, mean age at onset was 32.5 years and 14.3 years, respectively. The average duration of follow-up was 11.08 months. Thirty percent of patients experienced relapsing episodes of headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis symptoms. The most common type of headache reported was unilateral severe throbbing episodic headache. Other associated symptoms included sensory deficit (60%) and motor deficits (54.8%). The least common symptoms were nystagmus and agraphia, which were reported in one patient each. Antiviral agents were a common treatment option in the acute phase (n = 23 patients [23.6%]), while Flunarizine was the most commonly used agent in the chronic setting (n = 3 patients [3.2%]). While most of the patients had normal brain magnetic resonance imaging, 20 patients had magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, including (but not limited to) non-specific white matter lesions (eight patients) and meningeal enhancement (six patients). The most common electroencephalographic findings included diffuse and focal slowing. The mean cerebrospinal fluid opening-pressure was 240.5 mmH2O. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was elevated in 59 (63.4%) patients, with a mean value of 114 mg/dL. Two patients in our cohort were found to have cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands. CONCLUSION: Headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis tends to affect young individuals with a slight male predominance. Unilateral severe throbbing episodic headache with associated hemi-paresthesia and hemiparesis were the most common symptoms based on our review. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid opening-pressure can be seen in headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis syndrome. Early recognition of the syndrome is paramount. Antivirals were found to be among the most widely used treatments in the acute setting. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is mostly normal. Diffuse and focal slowing were among the most common electroencephalographic findings. Cerebral flow abnormalities on perfusion scans are not uncommon in headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis. Prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to validate our findings and guide the clinical care of these patients.

Spinal epidural venous engorgement-Potential imaging confounder after diagnostic lumbar puncture.

Intracranial hypotension is a result of low Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure caused by either spontaneous or postoperative leakage. The classic presentation of spontaneous intracranial hypotension is acute orthostatic headache, but the diagnosis can sometimes be challenging as some patients may present with atypical initial presentations including cervical pain as well as cervical radiculopathy secondary to cervical spine venous engorgement. We described a 42-year-old female patient who presented initially with neuropathic pain symptoms as well as weakness involving both lower extremities for which she underwent diagnostic lumbar puncture with concern regarding demyelinating neuropathy. However, subsequently she developed postural headache as well as severe cervical pain which was attributed to cervical epidural venous engorgement in setting of intracranial hypotension based on cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. She was managed conservatively, and repeated cervical spine MRI 3 days later showed prominent improvement in the imaging findings. Spinal epidural venous engorgement can occur secondary to intracranial hypotension (mainly post lumbar puncture), and can present clinically with neck pain or even symptoms of radiculopathy. Since the findings can mimic more serious conditions, it is extremely important to consider this condition in the differential diagnosis of an enhancing epidural collection in the cervical spine, particularly when intracranial hypotension is suspected.

Clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of CLIPPERS: A comprehensive systematic review of 140 patients from 100 studies.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by symptoms referable to the brainstem and cerebellum such as, diplopia, gait ataxia and cerebellar dysarthria. The features and outcomes of CLIPPERS remains uncertain. we conducted this comprehensive systematic review to summarize all the existing studies that described CLIPPERS in the literature and to provide a quantitative assessment on the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of this rare syndrome. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception until January 15, 2022, was conducted. We only included the cases that clearly reported probable or definite diagnosis of CLIPPERS based on Taieb et al.'s criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze the studies. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. RESULTS: We identified 100 case reports and series including a total of 140 patients with CLIPPERS (mean age: 46±18 years and males were 60%). The average follow-up duration was 32.27±57.8 months. Ataxia was the most common presenting symptom. Sixteen percent of the cases were associated with malignancy, mostly hematologic malignancies. The overall relapse rate was 59.2%, and the duration of steroid therapy was considerably shorter in the relapsed cases than in the non-relapsed (mean 6.19±7.9 vs. 10.14±12.1 days, respectively, P = 0.04). The overall mortality rate was 10%, but mortality in patients with malignancy was 30% and it was 12% in patients with relapses. In the case of steroid dosing (less than 20 mg/d versus greater than 20 mg/d) there was no significant modification in the risk of relapse. CONCLUSION: CLIPPERS is a rare clinical syndrome that affects mainly middle-aged males. Diagnosis of CLIPPERS is often challenging, and delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, neurologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for CLIPPERS in any patient presenting with symptoms and signs referrable to the brainstem. These patients should be screened for associated malignancies, especially hematological malignancies. The cases associated with malignancy tend to have worse outcomes. The relapse rate is relatively high. The relapse rate may be associated with worse mortality. Based on our findings, we recommend that CLIPPERS be treated with high-dose steroid therapy for at least ten days during the acute phase with a very slow taper. Prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to validate our findings and guide the clinical care of these patients.

Rare pitfall in the magnetic resonance imaging of status epilepticus.

Brain MRI in Status Epilepticus (SE) is often helpful in diagnosis, lateralization and localization of the seizure focus. MRI changes in SE include predominantly ipsilateral diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) changes in the hippocampus and pulvinar or similar changes involving basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum, brain stem and external capsule (Chatzikonstantinou et al., 2011 [1]). These changes are thought to be due to transient vasogenic and cytotoxic edema due to either transient damage or breakdown of blood brain barrier, proportional to the frequency and duration of the epileptic activity (Amato et al., 2001 [2]). Such changes may also be reflected on T2- weighted and T2-Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) sequences of MRI. Herein, we present a case of a transient FLAIR cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hyperintensity on the second MRI brain in a patient with focal status epilepticus. This imaging finding led to diagnostic confusion and was initially thought to represent subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, lumbar puncture, brain computed tomography (CT), and a follow-up brain MRI ruled out that possibility and other CSF pathologies. We concluded that the transient FLAIR changes in the second brain MRI were related to a rare imaging pitfall caused by Gadolinium enhancement of CSF on the FLAIR sequence, popularly referred to as hyperintense acute reperfusion marker (HARM).

Unusual Movement Disorders and Atypical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Patients with West Nile Encephalitis: Case Reports of 2 Patients with Evidence of Clinical and Imaging Resolution with IVIG.

BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNv) is the leading cause of epidemic arbovirus encephalitis in the continental United States. Movement disorders (MDs) have been reported in 20% to 40% of patients with WNv and about 37% of patients with WNv encephalitis have changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report 2 unusual cases of neuroinvasive WNv in patients with unusual MDs and unreported MRI findings. CASE REPORT In the first case, a 34-year-old man presented with a 1-week history of disinhibition, agitation, opsoclonus-myoclonus and ataxia syndrome (OMAS), tremor, and facial agnosia. Evaluation of his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed elevated immunoglobulin (Ig)M against WNv, a high level of protein (98 mg/dL), and an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count (134, 37% lymphocytes). An MRI of the brain showed an area of diffusion restriction in the splenium of the corpus callosum. The patient's MRI findings and OMA improved significantly after 2 treatments with i.v. IG (IVIG). In the second case, a 57-year-old woman presented with fever, headaches, psychosis, and ataxia; she was subsequently intubated for airway protection. Analysis of her CSF showed elevated IgM against WNv, a high level of protein (79 mg/dL), and elevated WBC count (106, 90% lymphocytes). One week after the onset of symptoms, the patient experienced facial dyskinesia. Later, she developed proximal bilateral lower extremity weakness. An MRI of her lumbar spine showed evidence of myeloradiculitis with contrast enhancement of the conus medullaris and ventral nerve roots. After a single treatment with IVIG, she had partial improvement in weakness. CONCLUSIONS MDs and changes on MRI have been reported in patients with neuroinvasive WNv disease. Our patient with OMAS also had transient splenial diffusion restriction on imaging, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported with WNv infection. In both patients, treatment with IVIG resulted in improvement in symptoms.

A presumed case of new-onset focal seizures as a delayed complication of COVID-19 infection.

Previously seizures have been reported as presenting neurological manifestation with COVID-19 infection. There is a growing literature on the delayed neurologic effects of COVID-19 infection. Here, we report a case with insidious onset of focal impaired awareness seizures associated with left temporal epileptiform interictal and ictal discharges consistent with focal epilepsy; occurring within a short time frame of the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. This may be possibly a post COVID-19 inflammatory syndrome manifesting as new onset focal epilepsy with focal non-motor seizures with impaired awareness. As implicated by presentation with seizure as in our case, longterm follow-up studies are warranted to further investigate if the patients who acquire COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing epilepsy as a delayed manifestation.

IgLON 5 Antibody Syndrome: Isolated Case of a Patient With Indolent Disease Progression and Unusual MRI Findings.

IgLON-5 antibody syndrome has a myriad of clinical presentations, including gait instability, movement disorders, abnormal eye movements, bulbar symptoms, sleep disorders, neuropsychiatric symptoms, dysautonomia, and peripheral neuropathy. Abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have also been reported such as leukoariotic changes and cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. We present a case of IgLON-5 antibody syndrome with a unique MRI finding of persistent leptomeningeal enhancement. A close follow-up would be warranted as the progression of the disease may be indolent.

A Rare, Unreported Cognitive Side Effect of Topiramate: Do We Know It All Yet?

This report describes a unique, dose dependent side effect of a commonly used drug, topiramate. Although cognitive side effects of this drug have previously been reported in literature, we present a case of drug-induced amnesia, with support from Naranjo Nomogram, as a hitherto unreported side effect of topiramate. Here, we highlight the importance of being cognizant of such rare cognitive side effects, with the aim of improving patient outcome by timely recognition, and discontinuation of the offending drug, as the side effect was fortunately found to be reversible.

Neurological Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19.

Introduction: Multiple risk factors of mortality have been identified in patients with COVID-19. Here, we sought to determine the effect of a history of neurological disorder and development of neurological manifestations on mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: From March 20 to May 20, 2020, hospitalized patients with laboratory confirmed or highly suspected COVID-19 were identified at four hospitals in Ohio. Previous history of neurological disease was classified by severity (major or minor). Neurological manifestations during disease course were also grouped into major and minor manifestations. Encephalopathy, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and seizures were defined as major manifestations, whereas minor neurological manifestations included headache, anosmia, dysgeusia, dizziness or vertigo, and myalgias. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine significant predictors of mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection. Results: 574/626 hospitalized patients were eligible for inclusion. Mean age of the 574 patients included in the analysis was 62.8 (SD 17.6), with 298 (51.9%) women. Of the cohort, 240(41.8%) patients had a prior history of neurological disease (HND), of which 204 (35.5%) had a major history of neurological disease (HND). Mortality rates were higher in patients with a major HND (30.9 vs. 15.4%; p = 0.00002), although this was not a significant predictor of death. Major neurological manifestations were recorded in 203/574 (35.4%) patients during disease course. The mortality rate in patients who had major neurological manifestations was 37.4% compared to 11.9% (p = 2 × 10-12) in those who did not. In multivariate analysis, major neurological manifestation (OR 2.1, CI 1.3-3.4; p = 0.002) was a predictor of death. Conclusions: In this retrospective study, history of pre-existing neurological disease in hospitalized COVID-19 patients did not impact mortality; however, development of major neurological manifestations during disease course was found to be an independent predictor of death. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings.

Risk Factors Associated With Hyperammonemia Following Unprovoked Convulsive Seizures.

This report describes a unique case of recurrent transient hyperammonemia (THA) following a first-time occurrence of generalized tonic-clonic seizure in a young adult, who went on to develop post-stroke epilepsy. Although this phenomenon has been described in recent literature, we report not only the highest initial ammonia level to date, 549 µmol/L, but we also document serial trends of the ammonia levels at multiple admissions for the same patient for the management of breakthrough seizures. Interestingly enough, persistence of the elevation of the ammonia levels was accompanied by no other significant metabolic derangements, unlike reported in similar cases. Of prior studies, high ammonia levels have been reported in the context of alcohol-induced seizures, with resolution of ammonia levels within eight hours. Here, we highlight the importance of medication compliance, as well as the need for serial ammonia levels for improving patient outcomes, with the knowledge that ammonia accumulation leads to potential irreversible neurotoxicity. Additionally, we completed a systematic literature review on data pertaining to the risk factors associated with hyperammonemia following unprovoked convulsive seizures in an effort to analyze our case in the context of the existing literature. Our objective is to ultimately understand the utility of serial ammonia levels for unprovoked convulsive seizures in the context of the patient's initial presentation, and whether treatment of these episodes of hyperammonemia can significantly alter outcomes.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Gram negative bacilli associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Karachi, Pakistan.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Gram negative bacilli (GNB) responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urine specimens were cultured on Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient Agar (CLED) medium and pathogenic GNB were identified by conventional biochemical methods and automated profile index (API) system and further subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing by disk diffusion method. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were encountered as most frequent GNB in sequence. Among them E. coli (71%) was the most prevalent GNB. About 77% E. coli isolates of indoor patients and 59% of outdoor patients were found resistant to Cefotaxime. Kleb. pneumoniae were 100% resistant to Ampicillin. Higher resistance in Ps. aeruginosa was noticed in isolates of indoor patients i.e. Ciprofloxacin (76%), Cefoperazone-sulbactam (60%), Ceftazidime (59%), Piperacillin-tazobactam (53%), Imipenem (49%) and Amikacin (39%) in contrast to that of outdoor patients. Slightly lower resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii against Ampicillin (86%), Nitrofurantoin (81%) and Fosfomycin (12%) was witnessed in indoor patients' urine specimens compared to outdoor patients' urine. Polymyxin B, Imipenem, Fosfomycin, Piperacillin-tazobactam, Cefoperazone-sulbactam, Amikacin and Nitrofurantoin were most effective in GNB induced UTIs. This study revealed elevated resistance profiles in GNB against Ampicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Cefotaxime, Aztreonam, Ciprofloxacin, Nalidixic acid and Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Emergence of antibiotic resistant GNB was due to the frequent use and misuse of antibiotics in our region.

Ischemic Stroke After Plasmapheresis.

Plasmapheresis involves the separation of all cellular elements of blood with the help of an extracorporeal semipermeable membrane. Even though plasmapheresis is generally considered safe, there have been anecdotal reports of thrombosis related to this exchange. We present 2 cases of healthy young males developing ischemic strokes within 24 hours of plasmapheresis. Patient A was a 24-year-old man with a family history of Factor V Leiden mutation presented with right-sided weakness 1 hour after donating plasma. A hypercoagulable work-up revealed elevations in Factor II. Patient B was a 42-year-old man who presented with a right facial droop, expressive aphasia and right arm weakness. He had donated plasma 18 hours before his presentation. A hypercoagulable work-up revealed elevated levels of von Willebrand factor antigen and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. A procoagulant state induced by plasmapheresis likely increases the risk for symptomatic thrombosis when an underlying thrombophilic state is present in the donor.

Industrially important hydrolytic enzyme diversity explored in stove ash bacterial isolates.

Extreme environments merit special attention and significance because of the possible existence of thermophilic microorganisms in such ecological niches. Keeping this in mind indigenous stove ash samples were explored for extremophilic bacteria in term of their biodiversity. Accordingly, this study reports 37 bacterial isolates from the local wood run oven (Tandoor) ash samples. All the isolated strains belong to genus Bacillus on the bases of morpho-cultural and biochemical considerations. The average temperature tolerance profile was >45°C thereby, indicating towards the thermophilic nature of the isolated strains. The Bacillus isolates were screened for 10 different hydrolytic enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, amylase, pectinase, caseinase, keratinase, lipase, esterase, dextranase and ß-galactosidase) by plate screening method using the medium incorporated with specific substrate(s). It was found that keratinase was produced by all the isolates while, 36 (97.2%) isolates showed caseinase and esterase production. Amylase was produced by 35(94.6%) isolates and 34 (91.8%) isolates were able to degrade Tween-80 and xylan as substrate for lipase and xylanase respectively. The enzyme, ß-galactosidase was produced by 31 (89.1%) of the isolates. Cellulase and dextranase were produced by 26 (70.2%) and 22 (59.4%) isolates respectively. None of the isolates could (under the existing conditions) produce pectin-hydrolyzing enzyme. According to the Tukey's post hoc test, significant difference was found between the mean enzyme index of all the (screened) enzymes. Thus, the isolated bacterial strains with diverse hydrolytic potential may be of great value and relevance for the existing (national) industrial setups.

Biophysicochemical characterization of Pyocin SA189 produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa SA189.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in spite of being a ubiquitous organism (as it is found in soil, water, and humans), is also an opportunistic pathogen. In order to maintain its diversity in the community, it produces various toxic proteins, known as, bacteriocins. In the present study, pyocin SA189, which is a bacteriocin produced by P. aeruginosa SA189 (isolated from a clinical sample) was characterized. P. aeruginosa SA189, as identified by the conventional and 16S rRNA gene amplification, produced pyocin SA189 of molecular weight of 66 k Da. The pyocin showed antimicrobial activity against several clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and was substantially stable for wide ranges of temperature and pH. Furthermore, the pyocin also retained its biological activity upon treatment with metal ions, organic solvents, and various proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes. The data from the growth kinetics indicated that the maximum bacteriocin production occurred in the late log phase. Overall, our results signify the potential of pyocin SA189 as a bio-control agent.

Biophysicochemical characterization of Pyocin SA189 produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa SA189

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in spite of being a ubiquitous organism (as it is found in soil, water, and humans), is also an opportunistic pathogen. In order to maintain its diversity in the community, it produces various toxic proteins, known as, bacteriocins. In the present study, pyocin SA189, which is a bacteriocin produced by P. aeruginosa SA189 (isolated from a clinical sample) was characterized. P. aeruginosa SA189, as identified by the conventional and 16S rRNA gene amplification, produced pyocin SA189 of molecular weight of 66 k Da. The pyocin showed antimicrobial activity against several clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and was substantially stable for wide ranges of temperature and pH. Furthermore, the pyocin also retained its biological activity upon treatment with metal ions, organic solvents, and various proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes. The data from the growth kinetics indicated that the maximum bacteriocin production occurred in the late log phase. Overall, our results signify the potential of pyocin SA189 as a bio-control agent.

Socio-demographic and Clinical Profile of Substance Abusers Attending a Regional Drug De-addiction Centre in Chronic Conflict Area: Kashmir, India.

BACKGROUND: The menace of substance abuse is not only a socially unacceptable reality, but in its entirety is a disease and emerging as a major public health challenge. OBJECTIVE: To study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients attending the drug de-addiction centre. METHODS: A descriptive study was undertaken in a drug de-addiction centre at the Police Hospital in Srinagar, and all patients (198) who were admitted during this period were interviewed. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of patients was 26.8 years (SD 7.37), and over half (56%) belonged to the lower-middle social class. Poly-substance abuse was seen in 91.9%; medicinal opioids and cannabis were the most common substances abused. Most common age of initiation was 11-20 years (76.8%), with peer pressure and relief from a negative mood state being the most common reasons given for starting the drug(s). Prevalence of a co-morbid psychiatric disorder was high, on the order of 49.5%. A high rate of volatile substance use was observed among adolescents (54.5%). CONCLUSION: A pattern of poly-substance abuse was found to be quite common in patients, and use of volatile substances at a very young age emerged as a new trend. The dreadful repercussions of substance abuse justify the urgency to evolve a comprehensive strategy.