Emergence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs) producing Proteus in raw milk of Doon Valley

The present study deals with the determination of extended spectrum of ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing Proteus in raw milk of Doon Valley. ESBL producing isolates were screened by double disc approximation test using commercially available ß-lactam (Piperacillin) and ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitor combination (Piperacillin/ Tazobactam). All isolates of Proteus sp. were reported to resistant against Methicillin and were sensitive to Piperacillin, Cephotaxime, Ceftazidime, and Cefoperazone. This indicates that all the isolates were able to produce ß-lactamase in low and higher amount. This amount of ß-lactamase is inactivated by Tazobactam (ß-lactamase inhibitor) and the zone of inhibition with Piperacillin/Tazobactam combination was greater as compared to Piperacillin alone. There was a significant difference (>4 mm) in zone of inhibition was reported with Piperacillin and in combination of Piperacillin and Tazobactam. Hence, the overall emergence of ß-lactamase producing Proteus sp. in raw milk of Dehradun city was 100%, which is an alarming situation for public health and needs serious concern

Quantification of Pollen Viability in Lantana camara By Digital Holographic Microscopy

Pollen grains represent the male gametes of seed plants and their viability is critical for efficient sexual reproduction in the plant life cycle. Pollen analysis is used in diverse research thematics to address a range of botanical, ecological and geological questions. More recently it has been recognized that pollen may also be a vector for transgene escape from genetically modified crops, and the importance of pollen viability in invasion biology has also been emphasized. In this work, we analyse and report an efficient visual method for assessing the viability of pollen using digital holographic microscopy (DHM). We test this method on pollen grains of the invasive Lantana camara, a well known plant invader known to most of the tropical world. We image pollen grains and show that the quantitative phase information provided by the DHM technique can be readily related to the chromatin content of the individual cells and thereby to pollen viability. Our results offer a new technique for pollen viability assessment that does not require staining, and can be applied to a number of emerging areas in plant science.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figure

Education in plastic surgery: Are we headed in the right direction?

Introduction: Plastic surgery in India is in an era of transition. The speciality faces many challenges as it grows. The present study attempts to identify these challenges and the prevalent mood among the teachers and the trainees. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from September 2011 to June 2012. In an E-mail based survey a questionnaire was mailed to professionals actively involved in teaching and training of residents in plastic surgery in many institutes running MCh courses in plastic surgery (Group I) [Appendix 1]. Another questionnaire was mailed to residents undergoing training in plastic surgery and those who had completed their training within past 2 years (Group II) [Appendix 2]. Chi-square test was applied to test for statistical significance. Observations: 29 Group I and 33 Group II subjects responded to the questionnaire. While 72.4% teachers believed that the current system is producing plastic surgeons with enough skill level, only 9.1% of the respondents in Group II thought the same (Chi-square = 28.1; df = 2; P < 0.001). Whereas 58.6% Group I respondents thought that their student is sufficiently equipped to compete in today’s scenario [Figure 1], only 18.2% Group II respondents thought that their training is enough [Figure 2]. (Chi-square = 16.4; df = 2; P < 0.001). Nearly 28% respondents in Group I and only 3% in Group II thought that scientific research and publications should be made mandatory for successful completion of plastic surgery training (Chi-square = 9.4; df = 2; P = 0.009). Adequate exposure was thought to be available in general plastic surgery (Group I: 92% Group II: 81%), maxillofacial surgery (Group I: 72% Group II: 68%) and hand surgery (Group I: 84% Group II: 69%). Both groups agreed that exposure is lacking in craniofacial surgery, aesthetic surgery and microvascular surgery. Aesthetic surgery (38.7%) and microvascular surgery (32.6%) were the most frequent response when the Group II respondents were enquired about the subspeciality they would like to focus on in their practice. Inter-departmental exchange of students for limited period of time was favoured by 86.2% of Group I respondents and 93.9% Group II respondents (Chi-square = 1.3; df = 2; P = 0.49). Conclusion: The current training programme is differently perceived by teachers and the trainees. We recommend that constant deliberations at national and regional forums should take place regarding our education and training programmes

Acute gastrointestinal emergencies requiring surgery in children

<b>Background:</b> Although abdominal pain is common in the paediatric age group, problems of misdiagnosis and serious consequences are more particular in an emergency setting. This study examined the aetiologies of acute abdominal emergencies in children. <b> Materials and Methods:</b> This was a retrospective study of 100 children below the age of 12 years presenting with acute abdominal emergencies (gastrointestinal) requiring operative interventions. All patients were operated on an emergency basis and the intraoperative findings were correlated with the clinical findings. <b> Results: </b> Acute abdominal emergencies in the paediatric age group were heterogenous, with a myriad of aetiological factors. Overall, 73&#x0025; of patients were greater than 3 years of age. Early neonatal period formed the second most common group (12&#x0025;). Acute appendicitis was the most common cause except in the infancy period where congenital abnormalities predominated. <b> Conclusion:</b> The correct diagnosis of acute abdomen in children requires attention to clinical details and a high degree of suspicion. Early surgical intervention in doubtful cases may be necessary to solve diagnostic problems

Trophic ulcers-Practical management guidelines

The management of patients with trophic ulcers and their consequences is difficult not only because it is a recurrent and recalcitrant problem but also because the pathogenesis of the ulcer maybe different in each case. Methodically and systematically evaluating and ruling out concomitant pathologies helps to address each patient′s specific needs and hence bring down devastating complications like amputation. With incidence of diabetes being high in our country, and leprosy being endemic too the consequences of neuropathy and angiopathy are faced by most wound care specialists. This article presents a review of current English literature available on this subject. The search words were entered in PubMed central and appropriate abstracts reviewed. Relevant full text articles were retrieved and perused. Cross references from these articles were also reviewed. Based on these articles and the authors′ experiences algorithms for management have been presented to facilitate easier understanding. It is hoped that the information presented in this article will help in management of this recalcitrant problem

Facial Scar Management by Hair Transplant: A Case Report

Facial scars in hair-bearing areas are a difficult problem to deal with owing to the nature of the scar tissue and the poor survivability of the grafts. A 26-year-old male presented with a scar on the right cheek area. The patient complained of recurrence and widening of scar and resultant facial asymmetry after serial excision in another hospital. The scar was the result of a burn injury sustained 15 years back. The scar was managed by using 2,642 hair grafts harvested from the scalp area. The patient had excellent hair growth at the end of 1 year with a high satisfaction level. There was a visible improvement in the lip deviation. Restoration of hair in the hair-bearing region of the face may be considered a permanent single-stage solution in such patients