Resumo O presente trabalho é fundamentado na análise da atividade inibitória do inibidor da alfa-amilase em cultivares selecionadas de Phaseolus vulgaris, de Uttarakhand. Quinze amostras foram avaliadas quanto à atividade inibitória do inibidor da alfa-amilase. Variações significativas foram encontradas em diferentes cultivares. O extrato bruto do inibidor da alfa-amilase da amostra PUR (Purola) apresentou atividade inibitória máxima (70,2 ± 0,84). O extrato bruto de todas as cultivares apresentou variações consideráveis na atividade inibitória na temperatura de 20ºC a 100ºC. Com base na atividade inibitória e no perfil de estabilidade ao calor, o inibidor da alfa-amilase foi purificado do cultivar PUR. O inibidor purificado mostrou-se estável mesmo a 90ºC, com uma atividade inibitória de 97,20 ± 0,09. O peso molecular do inibidor purificado em Native PAGE (eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida) foi de 31kd, consistindo em duas subunidades de 17kd e 14kd em SDS-PAGE.

Abstract The present work is based on analysis of inhibitory activity of alpha-amylase inhibitor in selected cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris of Uttarakhand. Fifteen samples were assessed for inhibitory activity of alpha-amylase inhibitor. Significant variations were found in different cultivars. Crude extract of alpha-amylase inhibitor from sample PUR (Purola) have shown maximum inhibitory activity (70.2 ± 0.84). Crude extract of all the cultivars have shown considerable variations in inhibitory activity in the temperature ranging from 20ºC to 100ºC. Based on inhibitory activity and heat stability profile, the alpha amylase inhibitor was purified from PUR cultivar. The purified inhibitor was found to be stable even at 90ºC with an inhibitory activity of 97.20 ±0.09. The molecular weight of purified inhibitor on Native PAGE (Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was found to be 31kd, consisting of two subunits of 17kd and 14kd on SDS-PAGE.

BACKGROUND: South Africa (SA) has a high prevalence of HIV infection, which has been shown to affect the prevalence and severity of other infections and of sepsis, particularly in gallbladder (GB) disease. Empirical antimicrobial (EA) therapy for acute cholecystitis is based largely on bacterial colonisation of bile (bacteriobilia) and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns (antibiograms) obtained from the developed world, where the prevalence of HIV infection is very low. In an era of ever-increasing antimicrobial resistance, it is of vital importance to monitor and update local antibiograms OBJECTIVES: Owing to the paucity of data available locally to guide treatment, our objectives were to examine GB bile for bacteriobilia and to assess antibiograms in a setting with a high prevalence of HIV infection, in order to determine the need for review of our local antimicrobial policies for both EA therapy for GB infections and preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAP) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC METHODS: A retrospective observational descriptive study was undertaken at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, SA. Hospital records were reviewed for all patients undergoing LC over a 3-year period. GB bacteriobilia and antibiograms were assessed and compared between people living with HIV (PLWH) and people who were HIV uninfected (HIV-U). The preoperative parameters of age, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were assessed as predictors for bacteriobilia. Statistical analyses were performed using R for statistical computing, andp-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant RESULTS: There were no differences in bacteriobilia or antibiograms between PLWH and HIV-U. There was >30% resistance to amoxicillin/ clavulanate and cephalosporins. Aminoglycoside-based therapy had good susceptibility patterns, while carbapenem-based therapy demonstrated the lowest resistance levels. ERCP and age were predictors of bacteriobilia (p<0.001 and p<0.002, respectively), but PCT, CRP and NLR were not CONCLUSION: PLWH should follow the same PAP and EA therapy recommendations as HIV-U. For EA therapy, we recommend a combination of amoxicillin/clavulanate with aminoglycoside-based therapy (amikacin or gentamicin), or piperacillin/tazobactam as monotherapy. Carbapenem-based therapy should be reserved for drug-resistant species. For elective LC, elderly patients or patients who have previously undergone ERCP, we recommend selective use of cefazolin for PAP

BACKGROUND: The routine use of empiric antibiotics in neonates born to mothers with prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM) is controversial OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of probable and proven sepsis in such neonates and identify risk factors for sepsis and their outcomes METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review conducted at King Edward VIII Hospital over two years. Study participants included 200 neonates and 181 mothers. Data were captured onto Microsoft Excel, collated and analysed using descriptive statistics and comparative data utilising the R Core Team's R Statistical Computing Software, 2020 RESULTS: Seven neonates (3.5%) had proven sepsis, 58 (29%) had probable sepsis, and 135 (67.5%) were without sepsis. Two (1.0%) neonates died and 188 (94.0%) received antibiotics. White cell count was normal in all cases without sepsis and abnormal in 65.5% and 28.6% of cases with probable and proven sepsis, respectively. A raised C-reactive protein was observed in only 22.4% and 14.3% of neonates with probable and proven sepsis, respectively. One hundred and sixty-seven (83.5%) mothers had no Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening. Of those screened, three had GBS infection, but two did not receive antibiotics CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of sepsis following PROM is low. Identifying neonates at risk is challenging, but the absence of clinical features and normal rapidly obtained supportive laboratory markers of sepsis provides reassurance that antibiotics could be temporarily withheld. Better GBS screening programmes and appropriate antibiotic responses for pregnant women should be implemented rigorously

BACKGROUND. Congenital HIV infection has declined in South Africa with an expanded programme to decrease perinatal HIV transmission. Understanding the challenges within this programme can identify opportunities for improvements. There is an opportunity with birth HIV DNA polymerase chain reaction testing to expedite very early treatment of neonates born with HIV in referral hospitals. OBJECTIVES. This study was aimed at describing the characteristics of mothers of neonates born with HIV as well as the evaluation of the access and availability of birth HIV DNA PCR results within a referral hospital. METHOD. This study was a retrospective chart review of all documented neonates born with HIV delivered between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2019 at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The birth HIV DNA PCR results provided through institutional programmes were analysed, and the clinical characteristics of mothers of neonates born with HIV were described. RESULTS. Review of hospital-based records, during the 30-month study period, identified 6 902 (40.02% of17 243 total live births) birth HIV DNA PCR tests having been done. During the sample period, documented positive, rejected or indeterminate results were analysed. These results indicated only 37 (0.54%) of known HIV-exposed neonates who were tested, to have a documented positive birth HIV DNA PCR result. Fifty-nine neonates had either indeterminate or rejected results. Negative HIV DNA PCR results could not be verified. Analysis of the mothers of neonates with documented HIV-positive results indicated high mean viral loads of these mothers (52 343 copies/mL) and most were diagnosed in the current pregnancy or at delivery. CONCLUSION. Review of the characteristics of mothers of neonates born with HIV within a public referral hospital reiterates that late HIV diagnosis is common in this high-risk group. Birth HIV DNA PCR results may fail to adequately identify all positive neonates timeously for very early initiation of antiretroviral treatment.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), a three-dimensional imaging modality, is considered a groundbreaking advance in the field of dental imaging. This case report illustrates how the use of CBCT enabled the correct diagnosis of the cause of the impaction of a central incisor in an orthodontic patient. A 10-year-old male patient presented with the chief complaint of a clinically missing permanent upper right central incisor. After clinical examination and history taking, diagnostic radiographs such as orthopantomo-graphs, lateral cephalograms and periapical radiographs were taken. On examination, the panoramic radiograph and lateral cephalogram demonstrated that the central incisor was impacted. The clinical signs, symptoms, and radiographic features indicated that an odontoma was causing the impaction. However, the presentation on the periapical radiographic presentation was suggestive of gemination, a developmental anomaly. A CBCT scan was requested to confirm whether there were two structures (odontoma and impacted central) or one single structure (gemination). The CBCT scans helped in determining the correct etiology for the clinically missing central incisor and aided the clinician to arrive at the definitive diagnosis that a supernumerary tooth was responsible for the impaction. The scan also helped in identifying the optimal path for surgical removal of the supernumerary tooth.

ABSTRACT Objective: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with soft tissue infections in surgical patients. In severe cases, it may result in pneumonia, septicaemia and osteomyelitis. Limited data are available with regard to its prevalence and associations in the Caribbean. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MRSA in patients hospitalized in the surgical wards of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (POSGH), Trinidad and Tobago, and determine associated risk factors. Methods: Over the period of April 1 to August 1, 2013, all patients from the surgical wards of the POSGH who had had wound swabs taken were identified. Demographic data included duration of hospital stay, surgical and medical history, antibiotic use and type of wound swab. Microbiological reports were then retrieved and analyses done. Results: A total of 153 patients had wound swabs taken. There were 38 patients (24%) infected with Staphylococcus aureus, with 15 (39.5%) growing MRSA. Increased susceptibility to MRSA was associated with age, gender, ethnicity, duration of hospital stay, co-morbidities, previous antibiotic use, previous surgery and the type of wound (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA in the surgical wards of the POSGH was 39.5% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Risk factors included the age range of 60-69 years, patients with co-morbidities, hospital stays of longer than one week, previous surgery and prior use of antibiotics. We recommend more awareness of this problem in the practice of Caribbean medicine to improve infection rates.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El estafilococo dorado resistente a la meticilina (EDRM) se asocia con infecciones de tejidos blandos en pacientes quirúrgicos. En casos severos, puede dar lugar a pulmonía, septicemia y osteomielitis. Los datos disponibles con respecto a su prevalencia y asociaciones en el Caribe son limitados. Este estudio persigue evaluar la prevalencia de EDRM en pacientes hospitalizados en las salas quirúrgicas del Hospital General de Puerto de España (POSGH, siglas en inglés) en Trinidad y Tobago, y determinar los factores de riesgo asociados. Métodos: Durante el período del 1 de abril al 1 de agosto de 2013, fueron identificados todos los pacientes de las salas quirúrgicas del Hospital POSGH a quienes se les había practicado frotis de las heridas. Los datos demográficos incluyeron la duración de la estadía hospitalaria, las historias clínicas y quirúrgicas, el uso de antibióticos, y el tipo de frotis de la herida. Luego se obtuvieron los informes microbiológicos y se realizaron los análisis. Resultados: A un total de 153 pacientes se le tomaron frotis de heridas. Hubo 38 pacientes (24%) infectados con estafilococos dorados, de los cuales 15 (3.5%) presentaban EDRM creciente. El aumento de la susceptibilidad a EDRM se asoció con la edad, el género, la etnicidad, la duración de la estadía hospitalaria, las co-morbilidades, el uso previo de antibióticos, las cirugías previas, y el tipo de herida (p < 0.05). Conclusión: La prevalencia de EDRM en las salas quirúrgicas del Hospital POSGH fue 39.5% de aislados de estafilococos dorados. Los factores de riesgo incluyeron un rango de edad de 60-69 años, pacientes con co-morbilidades, estancia hospitalaria de más de una semana, cirugía previa, y uso previo de antibióticos. Recomendamos tomar más conciencia de este problema en la práctica médica en el Caribe a fin de mejorar las tasas de infección.

This paper reviews some challenges faced by humanitarian logistics and supply chain organisations in the transportation of resources, evacuees, and emergency supplies for disaster relief operations in the SADC region. To identify the appropriate transportation to assist in the region, three models were reviewed and proposed: A typical transportation problem, a genetic algorithm based on a spanning tree, and a linear optimisation using Excel Solver. Reviewing the literature revealed that both man-made and natural disasters have caused over ninety thousand fatalities and affected millions just over the past three decades. A further review shows that most disaster deaths are the result of poor infrastructure, especially in populated areas. This presents a challenge to relief organisations in their efforts to provide on-time relief to victims in pre- and post-disaster periods. Although each proposed transportation problem has particular complexities, each of them could assist the region to decrease the relief operation response time and cost. This paper provides the reader with a greater understanding of the challenges faced by the humanitarian supply chain in the SADC region. This paper proposes a conceptual model based on an actual empirical case.

Hierdie artikel hersien sommige van die uitdagings wat deur humanitêre logistieke- en voorsieningskettingmaatskappye ervaar word met betrekking tot die vervoer van hulpbronne, ontruiming van vlugtelinge en noodgevalvoorrade vir rampverligting in die Suider-Afrikaanse ontwikkelingsgemeenskap. Om die gepaste vervoertegniek te identifiseer, word drie modelle ondersoek en voorgestel, naamlik 'n tipiese vervoerprobleem, 'n genetiese algoritme gebaseer op 'n uitstrekkende boom en 'n lineêre optimisering. 'n Literatuurstudie het gevind dat beide mensgemaakte- en natuurrampe meer as negentigduisend sterftes veroorsaak het, terwyl dit miljoene geaffekteer het in die afgelope drie dekades. 'n Verdere ondersoek toon ook dat die meeste rampsterftes as gevolg van swak infrastruktuur is, veral in bevolkte areas. Dit skep 'n uitdaging vir rampverligtingorganisasies in hul poging om betyds verligting aan slagoffers te bring. Alhoewel die voorgestelde vervoerprobleme spesifieke kompleksiteite bevat, kon elkeen gebruik word om die streek by te staan om verligtingsaksies se reaksietyd en koste te verminder. 'n Konspetuele model gebaseer op empiriese data word voorgestel.

Preliminary investigations into the energy efficiency of manufacturing firms operating in South Africa have shown that no previous study of the barriers to energy efficiency has been conducted. This paper sets out to investigate whether there is an energy efficiency gap in medium to large manufacturing firms operating in the eThekwini municipal area. It goes on further to analyse the barriers to energy efficiency in such firms. These barriers are analysed by firm characteristics and across manufacturing sectors. The findings of this research indicate that more can be done to improve the energy efficiency profile within South African manufacturing subsectors. Policy-makers should take these findings into consideration when drafting new policy on energy efficiency.

Voorlopige ondersoeke oor energiedoeltreffendheid in vervaar-digingsaktiwiteite van maatskappye in Suid-Afrika toon dat daar geen vorige studies bestaan wat fokus op die struikelblokke van toepassing op bestaande energiedoeltreffendheid nie. Hierdie artikel ondersoek 'n energiedoeltreffendheidsgaping wat bestaan binne medium tot groot vervaardigingsmaatskappye binne die eThekwini munisipale gebied. Die ondersoek identifiseer en analiseer gepaardgaande beperkinge wat bestuurders binne sulke maatskappye verhinder om energie doeltreffendheid te implementeer. Die ondersoek en analise strek oor 'n aantal vervaardigingsektore. Die bevindinge van hierdie navorsing dui daarop dat heelwat meer bereik kan word in terme van energie-doeltreffendheid binne die verskeie vervaardigingsubsektore in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie gevolgtrekkings behoort in ag geneem te word deur beleidmakers tydens die opstel van 'n nuwe beleid oor energie-doeltreffendheid.

ABSTRACT Objective: Death due to burn occurs frequently. This study investigated time-dependent alterations in cardiac troponin T (CTnT) associated with fatal burns. Methods: Cardiac tissue samples were collected from 10 medico-legal autopsies after informed consent from the relatives and post-mortem degradation by incubation of the cardiac tissue was studied at room temperature for different time periods. The cases included in this study were the subjects of burns without any prior history of disease who died in the hospital and their exact time of death was known. An efficient extraction protocol to analyse the banding pattern of cTnT in post-mortem tissue was developed. Results: The data show a distinct time-dependent profile corresponding to the degradation of cTnT by proteases found in cardiac muscle. Both post-mortem interval and cardiac tissue of burned corpse had a statistically significant effect where the greatest amount of protein breakdown was observed within the first 41.20 hours, after which intact protein slowly disappears. The average molecular weight of all fragments showed intact cTnT to be rapidly degraded into smaller fragments. Conclusion: In cases of burns, such knowledge will assist in knowing if there were previous scars that might have mimicked a burn and also help to properly evaluate the real cause of death.

RESUMEN Objetivo: La muerte debido a quemaduras ocurre con frecuencia. Este estudio investigó las alteraciones dependientes del tiempo en la troponina T cardíaca asociada con quemaduras mortales. Métodos: Se obtuvieron muestras de tejido cardíaco de 10 autopsias forenses después del consentimiento de los parientes, y se estudió la degradación post-mortem por incubación del tejido cardíaco a temperatura ambiente durante períodos de tiempo diferentes. Los casos incluidos en este estudio fueron objeto de quemaduras, no tenían ninguna historia previa de enfermedad, murieron en el hospital, y se conocía la hora exacta de la muerte. Se desarrolló un protocolo de extracción eficiente para analizar el patrón de bandas de cTnT en el tejido post-mortem. Resultados: Los datos muestran un claro perfil dependiente del tiempo, correspondiente a la degradación de la troponina cardiaca T (cTnT) por las proteasas que se encuentran en el músculo cardiaco. Tanto el intervalo post mortem (IPM) como el tejido cardíaco de los cadáveres quemados tuvieron un efecto estadísticamente significativo, en el que se observó la mayor cantidad de descomposición de proteína en las primeras 41.20 horas, tras lo cual la proteína intacta desapareció lentamente. El peso molecular promedio de todos los fragmentos mostró que el cTnT intacto se degrada rápidamente en fragmentos más pequeños. Conclusión: En los casos de quemaduras, este conocimiento servirá para saber si hubo cicatrices anteriores que podrían haber tomado la apariencia de una quemadura, y también ayudará a evaluar adecuadamente la verdadera causa de la muerte.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), one of the most common causes of preventable blindness in preterm neonates, is emerging as a 'third epidemic' in middle-income countries including South Africa. This is due to the increasing survival of preterm neonates, insufficient monitoring of oxygen saturation (SaO2) in most centres, and lack of an ROP screening guideline in most neonatal units. OBJECTIVE: To guide the standard of care for SaO2 and ROP screening in preterm neonates weighing <1 500 g. VALIDATION: This guideline, endorsed by the United South African Neonatal Association (USANA), the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA), and the South African Vitreoretinal Society, was developed by the ROP Working Group of South Africa, comprised of neonatologists, ophthalmologists and paediatricians. RECOMMENDATIONS: All healthcare professionals involved in the care of preterm neonates should be aware of SaO2 and ROP screening guidelines. Mothers should be counselled about the possible complications of prematurity.

Thermal degradation of waste plastics in an inert atmosphere has been regarded as a productive method, because this process can convert waste plastics into hydrocarbons that can be used either as fuels or as a source of chemicals. In this work, waste high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic was chosen as the material for pyrolysis. A simple pyrolysis reactor system has been used to pyrolyse waste HDPE with the objective of optimizing the liquid product yield at a temperature range of 400ºC to 550ºC. Results of pyrolysis experiments showed that, at a temperature of 450ºC and below, the major product of the pyrolysis was oily liquid which became a viscous liquid or waxy solid at temperatures above 475ºC. The yield of the liquid fraction obtained increased with the residence time for waste HDPE. The liquid fractions obtained were analyzed for composition using FTIR and GC-MS. The physical properties of the pyrolytic oil show the presence of a mixture of different fuel fractions such as gasoline, kerosene and diesel in the oil.

A zona árida de Rajasthan, Índia, é importante pela grande diversidade e especificidade de plantas endêmicas de importância econômica e medicinal. Destas, três plantas de zonas áridas, Gisekia pharnaceoides L., Gisekiaceae, Sericostoma pauciflorum Stocks ex Wight, Boraginaceae, e Trianthema decandra L., Aizoaceae, que são tradicionalmente utilizados para diversas doenças (hepatite, asma, icterícia, infecções da pele etc.), foram selecionados para o estudo. Neste trabalho trabalho, a avaliação farmacognóstica detalhada destas espécies, através de estudo morfoanatômico, determinações físico-químicas e parâmetros fitoquímicos, foram realizados. As características morfológicas podem ser utilizados para rápida identificação das drogas, particularmente no caso de materiais em pó, e possivelmente ajudar a diferenciar a droga de outras espécies.

Arid zone of Rajasthan, India, has its own importance, great diversity and specific characteristic with respect to endemic and large number of plants of economic importance and medicinal use. Out of these, three arid zone plants Gisekia pharnaceoides L., Gisekiaceae, Sericostoma pauciflorum Stocks ex Wight, Boraginaceae, and Trianthema decandra L., Aizoaceae, which are traditionally used for different ailments (hepatitis, asthma, jaundice, skin-infections etc.) have been selected for the study. In the present paper, detailed pharmacognostical evaluation of these plant species using microscopy, standard physicochemical determinations and authentic phytochemical parameters has been carried out. Later, these morphological characteristics could be used for rapid identification of the drugs, particularly in case of powdered materials, and may possibly help to differentiate the drug from its other species.

The effect of a small uniform axial magnetic field on separation of a binary mixture of incompressible viscous thermally and electrically conducting fluids sheared between two parallel discs of which one is stationary and the other is rotating with a constant angular velocity, is examined. It is assumed that one of the components, which is rarer and lighter, is present in the mixture in a very small quantity. Neglecting the induced electric field the equations governing the motion, temperature distribution and concentration distribution are solved in cylindrical polar coordinate by expanding the flow parameters as well as the temperature and the concentration in powers of Reynolds number. The solution obtained for concentration distribution is plotted against the width of the channel for various values of non-dimensional parameters. It is found that the pressure gradient and the temperature gradient favour the separation of the components of binary fluid mixture but the axial magnetic field retards the same. Near the rotating disc the rarer and lighter component of the binary mixture increases with the increase in the value of the Reynolds number but reverse effect is found in the central part as well as near the stationary discs.

Sixteen to eighteen membered tetraamide macrocyclic ligands N4L¹ and N4L² have been prepared by the condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane or 1,3-diaminopropane with phthalic acid in the presence of condensing reagents dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4- dimethylaminopyridine. On reduction, these macrocyclic ligands give new tetraazamacrocycles N4L³ and N4L4 which form complexes with tin(II) chloride. The macrocyclic ligands and their complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determinations, conductance, IR and ¹H NMR spectral studies. The spectral data suggested hexacoordinated state for tin in these complexes. Conductivity data suggested that they behave as non-electrolytes. An octahedral geometry for these complexes has been proposed as the binding sites are the nitrogen atoms of the macrocycles. The formulation of the complexes of the type [Sn(N4Ln)Cl2] has been established on the basis of chemical composition. The ligands and their complexes have been screened in vitro against a number of pathogenic fungi and bacteria to assess their growth inhibiting potential

Se han preparado ligandos tetraaza macrociclicos de entre 16 a 18 minbros, por condensación de 1,2-diaminoethane o 1,3-diaminopropano con acido ftalico in presencia de de los reactivos condensantes diciclohexilcarbodimida y 4-dimetilaminopiridina. Reducción de estos macrociclos dio nuevos tetraaza macrociclos N4L3 y N4L4 los cuales forman complejos con cloruro de Sn(II). Estos macrociclos y sus complejos han sido caracterizados por análisis elemental, determinaciones de pesois moleculares, conductividad y espectros IR y ¹ H NMR. La data espectroscopica sugiere que una hexacoordinación para el estaño en estos complejos. Los datos de conductividad indican que ellos se comportan como no electrolitos. Se propone una geometría octahedrica ya que los sitios de coordinación son los nitrógenos de los macrociclos. La formulación de los complejos como [Sn(N4Ln)Cl2] se ha establecido a partir de los datos de la composición química. Los ligandos y sus complejos han sido usados, in vitro, para determinar su potencial inhibidor de crecimiento de hongos y bacterias