A prospective, randomized controlled study to compare the intubating conditions achieved with suxamethonium and rocuronium bromide.

Endotracheal intubation is required for giving general anaesthesia for which adequate muscle relaxation is necessary. Suxamethonium is still used as a relaxant for endotracheal intubation . Rocuronium ,a non depolarising muscle relaxant was compared here for tracheal intubating conditions. METHODS: 100 patients of ASA I and II were divided randomly into 2 groups undergoing elective surgeries: Group I - Suxamethonium Group II - Rocuronium. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATIONS: The intubating conditions were excellent in group I Suxamethonium as against Group II Rocuronium in 60 secs. CONCLUSION: Rocuronium can be used as alternative when suxamethonium is contraindicated for rapid intubation but not if anticipated difficult airway is present

BIOACTIVE POTENTIAL OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS (SS03) AGAINST CLINICAL ISOLATES

Objective: This study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera Lam. collected from the Omalur region, Salem district.Methods: The endophytic fungi were isolated from stem, leaves, flowers and calyx of Moringa oleifera by surface sterilization method. The samples were surface sterilized by immersing it in 70% ethanol for 5 seconds followed by 4% sodium hypochlorite for 90 seconds and then a final rinsing in sterile distilled water. Then fungal biomass was extracted for intracellular metabolites by using ethyl acetate as solvent. The crude extract was filtered, and the filtrate was dried under vacuum at 40 °C. The filtrate was analyzed for antimicrobial activity. The fungi which showed the maximum activity was identified and the metabolite present in the ethyl acetate extract was characterized and identified by GC-MS and NMR analysis.Results: The predominant endophytic fungi isolated belongs to the genera of Aspergillus spp, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus terreus and dematiaceous fungi namely Bipolaris spp. From this Aspergillus flavus showed the highest zone of inhibition was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus 22 mm and strain of Candida tropicalis 19 mm. The efficiency of the bioactive compound was identified by GC-MS and NMR analysis and found to be Fenaclon, (R)(-) 14 methyl-8-hexadecyn-1-ol, Trans-β-farnesene (E)-β-farnesene, 9-Octcadecene,1,1, DimethoxyConclusion: This study results indicate that the bioactive metabolites produce the endophytic fungi Aspergillus flavus could be promising source as antimicrobial agents

Investigation of the dielectric properties and mechanical stability of lignocellulosic biomass based electrical insulation material for high voltage applications

The laminated insulation pressboards are used in electrical transformers and they are made from pure wood cellulose fibre. It is used in high-voltage transformers for electrical insulation due to its superior electrical and mechanical properties. Many researchers are searching for alternatives to wood raw materials to reduce deforestation. The banana is one of the lignocellulose-based raw materials; the banana fibre contains 48% cellulose. In this work, different frequencies and temperatures are used to investigate the electrical characteristics of epoxy resin composites reinforced with banana leaf fibres, including their dielectric constant, dissipation factor, and loss factor. At frequencies ranging from 1 to 10 kHz and temperatures ranging from 30 to 150 °C, the dielectric properties of several composites containing banana leaf fibre are studied. The composite’s dielectric properties gradually increased with temperature and decreased with frequency. Correspondingly, the mechanical tests involving a banana leaf fibre epoxy composite are conducted for tensile, bending, impact, and water absorption. The banana leaf fibre has been treated with a 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to increase its dielectric and mechanical strength. According to this study, the mechanical strength of biocomposites containing up to 60% treated banana leaf fibre epoxy (TBLFE) composites is greater than that of pure epoxy. A thermogravimetric investigation of composites reinforced with banana fibres has revealed remarkable thermal stability up to 220 °C. In a composite made from chemically treated banana fibre pressboard, there is a good bond between the fibres and the matrix. The FESEM surface analysis shows that treated banana leaf fibril insulation boards have a better texture than composites that have not been treated. The testing results depict that banana leaf fibre is one of the good alternatives to wood cellulose for electrical insulation on pressboard for high-voltage applications

ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY AND DETECTION METHODS FOR THE EXTENDED‑SPECTRUM β-LACTAMASES PRODUCING ENTEROBACTERIACEAE FROM CLINICAL SAMPLES

Objectives: Detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) is crucial for the infection control and antibiotic choice in healthcare settings. The aim of this study is to develop a standardized, inexpensive, and simple approach that is able to detect ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates.Methods: Isolates those were resistant to at least one of the three indicator cephalosporins (cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, and ceftazidime) were tested for ESBL production using the double disc synergy test (DDST), combined disc synergy test (CDST) test and genotypic detection of the responsible gene for the ESBL.Result: From 64 isolates, 28 were resistant to cephalosporins. In 28 isolates, 23 were positive in CDST but in the DDST 18 were showing ESBL positive. 10 were positive in both CDST and DDST.Conclusion: Resistance to cephalosporins, which are the drug choice to treat mixed bacterial infections by the Enterobacteriaceae of which disseminate rapidly being plasmid mediated. Hence, it is necessary that rapid detection of ESBL should be done and immediate infection control measures should be implemented to prevent their dissemination

Investigation of dielectric and mechanical properties of Lignocellulosic Rice Husk Fibril for high and medium voltage electrical insulation applications

The insulating material is made from rice husk and epoxy resin which are ecologically friendly and incredibly durable. When coarse Rice husk is mechanically disintegrated, fibrils are formed. By weaving together fibrillated threads, and robust biodegradables, lightweight dielectric fibers are created. Then the Composites are examined utilizing a blend of agave Rice husk fibers (10–35%) and an epoxy resin solution. The Chemical treatment of the Rice husk fibers increases the composites’ mechanical strength and electrical insulating properties. The tensile strength of Rice husk in epoxy composites is increased from 37.84 MPa to 48.32 MPa. The experimental results are compared using well-known prediction models such as the rule of mixture (ROM), Halpin–Tsai, and Nielson–Chen using regression analysis with other insulting materials used in state of the art. The Nielson-Chan model predicts experimental data effectively with an average relative error of 14.64%. The proposed composite material has excellent insulating properties because of its conductivity and high dissipation factor. The composite material exhibits high stability when the frequency is in the range of 1–10 kHz than at lower frequencies