Determination of pesticide residues in blood samples of villagers involved in pesticide application at District Vehari (Punjab), Pakistan

Blood samples were collected from field workers involved in pesticide spraying activities at three different farms in Tahsil Mailsi, District Vehari (Punjab), Pakistan. Twenty seven villagers (including three controls), ranging from 16 to 50 years of age and one to nine years of pesticide application experience were tested. The blood samples were analyzed for 383 different pesticides using Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) multi residue analytical technique. Only chlorpyrifos (0.009 mg/l) and pyributicarb (0.001 mg/l) were detected in the blood samples.Key words: Multi-pesticide residues, blood sample, GC-MS

Nitric oxide mediated effect of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors

Objectives: Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have long been used as anti-inflammatory agents, yet their mode of action is not entirely clear. The inhibitory effects of NSAIDS on prostaglandin production can only partly explain their anti-inflammatory actions. This study was aimed at defining the role of cycl-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors on nitric oxide (NO) production in murine macrophages in vitro.Methods: Murine macrophages were obtained from the peritoneum and after exposure, in vitro to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced nitrite, measured after 24 hours by Griess reaction. The macrophages were pre-incubated with aspirin or indomethacin before activation with LPS.Results: Treatment with aspirin resulted in an increase in nitric oxide production. A similar response was obtained with indomethacin treatment.Conclusion: This study shows that COX inhibitors significantly increase NO production in murine macrophages in vitro and this may be one of the mechanisms by which they exert their anti-inflammatory effects

Therapeutic implications of ofloxacin in the treatment of typhoid fever caused by multiply resistant Salmonella typhi

The antibiotic of choice for the treatment of typhoid fever in most parts of the world is still chloramphenicol. Ampicillin and cotrimoxazole have been used in recent years. Selection of antimicrobials for therapy has been complicated by the emergence of Salmonella typhi strains resistant to the above mentioned antibiotics. Blood and/or bone marrow cultures of 30 adult patients grew S. typhi that was resistant to chloramphenicol, ampicillin and cotrimoxazole. However, these strains were sensitive to cefotaxime, ceftrioxone, aztreonam and ofloxacin. Ofloxacin 400 mg twice a day was given orally to these patients for 14 days. All patients recovered with no untoward side effect. We concluded that ofloxacin can be used as a drug of choice for typhoid fever, in those adult patients who are infected with S. typhi resistant to chloramphenicol, ampicillin and cotrimoxazole

Efficacy assessment of diatomaceous earth against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on gram at different temperature and relative humidity regimes

The efficacy of diatomaceous earth against Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) was evaluated on stored gram under laboratory conditions. The bioassay was conducted at 25 and 30°C in combination with 50 and 60% r.h. Diatomaceous earth (DE) formulation (Diafil 610), at the dose rates of 200, 400, 600 and 800 ppm was admixed with gram grains. Fifty unsexed adults of C. maculatus were released in each jar and treatments replicated thrice. Mortality data was recorded after 2, 3 and 5 days of exposure intervals and after every count the dead individuals were removed, and the commodity was maintained for an additional period of 25 d, in order to record the emergence of F1 adults. The results showed that all treatments were highly effective against the bruchids; however, the highest mortality (100%) was observed at 30°C and 50% relative humidity at 800 ppm of DE with minimal progeny production.Keywords: Diatomaceous earth, Callosobruchus maculatus, Temperature, relative humidity, Gra

Near-Field Scanning Microwave Microscopy: Measuring Local Microwave Properties and Electric Field Distributions

We describe the near-field microwave microscopy of microwave devices on a length scale much smaller than the wavelength used for imaging. Our microscope can be operated in two possible configurations, allowing a quantitative study of either material properties or local electric fields.Comment: 4 pages, 8 figures, minor corrections to text and 2 figure

Frequency Following Imaging of Electric Fields from Resonant Superconducting Devices using a Scanning Near-Field Microwave Microscope

We have developed a scanning near-field microwave microscope that operates at cryogenic temperatures. Our system uses an open-ended coaxial probe with a 200 mm inner conductor diameter and operates from 77 to 300 K in the 0.01-20 GHz frequency range. In this paper, we present microwave images of the electric field distribution above a Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 microstrip resonator at 77 K, measured at several heights. In addition, we describe the use of a frequency-following circuit to study the influence of the probe on the resonant frequency of the device.Comment: 4 pages, postscript file with 6 figures conference proceeding for the Applied Superconductivity Conference 199

Changing pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms causing community acquired urinary tract infections

Objective: To assess common organisms causing Urinary Treat Infection (UTI) in this community and to see antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of these isolates. Design: Prospective study on urine samples. Setting: Tertiary care hospital in Karachi.Methods: Over a period of 8 years (1990-97) 9,892 urine samples grew significant bacteriuria for various organisms. All Gram negative rods and entercocci was identified by using API 20E and API 32 strips respectively. Staphylococci were identified by catalase, coagulase and D\u27Nase tests. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing of all isolates was performed on Diagnostic Sensitivity Test plates by Kerby Bauer method. The discs used were ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, aztreonam, ofloxacin, carbenicillin, amikacin, gentamicin, penicillin, clindamycin, methicillin, vancomycin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, Nalidixic acid, pipemedic acid and Nitrofurantoin. Results: Our results indicate that E. coli and Klebsiella aerogenes are the most common organisms causing UTI in this community. Other organisms involved are Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Enterobacter species, Enterococcus, Proteus mirabillus, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Organisms resistant to various antimicrobial agents such as gentamicin, Amikacin, Ofloxacin, Cefotaxime and Ceftazidime are increasing. Conclusion: In conclusion, E. coli and Klebsiella aerogenes are the most common organisms causing UTI in this community. Pattern of antibiotic susceptibility to first line antibiotics is changing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of all isolates is crucial for the treatment of UTI