Mathematical model for evaluation of mass transfer limitations in phenol biodegradation by immobilized Pseudomonas putida.

A mathematical model is proposed to analyze the mass transfer limitations in phenol biodegradation using Pseudomonas putida immobilized in calcium alginate. The model takes into account internal and external mass transfer limitations, substrate inhibition kinetics and the dependence of the effective diffusivity of phenol in alginate gel on cell concentration. The model is validated with the experimental data from batch fermentation.

Clinical profile of myasthenia gravis.

Seventy three patients with myasthenia gravis were studied over 9 years period (1987-1995) in departments of neuromedicine, respiratory care unit, cardiothoracic unit of Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research and Bangur Institute of Neurology, Calcutta, with reference to their clinical presentations, laboratory findings and various modes of treatment. Commonest age of presentation was 5th decade in men and 3rd decade in women. Fifty five percent of patients belong to type 2A myasthenia gravis (Osserman classification).

Protective effect of leaf extract of Ficus hispida Linn. against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The methanol extract of the leaves of Ficus hispida Linn. (Moraceae) was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in rats by inducing acute liver damage by paracetamol (750 mg/kg, p.o.

Osteoblastoma of dorsal spine: a case report.

A case of benign osteoblastoma affecting posterior element of spine with pain and paraplegia in a female is being presented with brief review of literature. Early diagnosis and surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment.

Solid matrix characterization of immobilized Pseudomonas putida MTCC 1194 used for phenol degradation.

Characterization studies of calcium alginate beads with encapsulated Pseudomonas putida MTCC 1194, used for the biodegradation of phenol, were carried out to investigate the reactivity, reusability and structural strength of the solid matrix. Various techniques were employed to improve the structural stability of the immobilized solid necessary for its use in commercial reactors like packed bed flow reactor, fluidized bed and CSTR systems. Experiments were performed to establish the optimum conditions for durability, strength and steady biochemical reactivity.

Determination of boron by flow injection analysis using a conductivity detector.

A flow injection method for the determination of boron using a conductivity detector has been described. Boric acid injected into the flow system reacts with mannitol (0.3 M) in the mobile phase and an equivalent amount of H(+) is liberated in the stream.

Effects of gonadotropins and prolactin on ovarian activity of a wild avian species, the tree pie Dendrocitta vagabunda.

Ovine FSH (40: g per bird daily for 10 days) increased ovarian weight, follicular size, phosphatase activities, and RNA and protein levels in tree pie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), but exogenous ovine LH (40 micrograms per bird daily for 10 days) with the same dose and duration caused depletion of ovarian cholesterol and ascorbic acid concentrations with a rise in sialic acid and glycogen levels of the ovary. In contrast, prolactin (LTH: 5 I.U.

Pattern of motor neurone disease in eastern India.

A clinical study about the pattern of motor neurone disease in eastern India was carried out from July 1993 to June 1995 at Bangur Institute of Neurology, Calcutta and SSKM Hospital, Calcutta. A total of 110 cases were studied and they constituted 0.11% of all neurological cases seen in the general OPD.

Hepatoprotective effect of Swertia chirata on rat.

Present work was undertaken to ascertain the hepatoprotective effect of Swertia chirata in albino rats. Intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (1 ml/kg body wt on every 72 hr. for 16 days) significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and bilirubin level in rat, but liver glycogen and serum cholesterol levels were decreased.

Changes in thyroid activity during the annual sexual cycle of a wild avian species, the tree pie Dendrocitta vagabunda.

Thyroid activity was studied during the annual gonadal cycle in both sexes of the tree pie (Dendrocitta vagabunda). The study was conducted once a month throughout the year by evaluating thyroid weight, epithelial height and peroxidase activity. The values of these parameters moderately increased during the progressive phase, maximally increased during breeding, decreased in the regression phase and decreased further during the non-breeding phase in both sexes of birds.

Non Wegener's midline granuloma with bilateral thalamic involvement.

A rare case of non Wegener's midline granuloma with bilateral thalamic involvement is presented. A 53 year old male presented with a nonhealing midline granuloma of nose for one year and right hemiparesis for five months with bilateral pyramidal signs. Biopsy from the nasal lesion revealed picture of malignant midline reticulosis with angiocentric cellular infiltrate.

Photothermal effects on ovarian growth and function in the soft-shelled turtle Lissemys punctata punctata.

Investigations were carried out to find out the role of higher and lower ambient temperatures together with short and long photoperiods on ovarian growth and secretion of steroids (estradiol-17 beta and progesterone) in the adult female soft-shelled turtle Lissemys punctata punctata during the preparatory, recrudescent, and quiescent phases of its seasonal reproductive cycle. In each phase, females were treated with 3 degrees C higher and 3 degrees C lower than the mean highest and lowest ambient temperatures in association with short and long photoperiods for short-term (4 week) and long-term (8 weeks or more) durations. Short-term high-temperature treatment significantly stimulated ovarian growth and secretion of estradiol-17 beta during the preparatory phase.

Studies on plasmid stability and LTB production by recombinant Vibrio cholerae in batch and chemostat cultures: a lesson for optimizing conditions for chemical induction.

Plasmid content, its stability and the expression of B-subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB) in Vibrio cholerae/r-pMMB68 system have been studied in batch as well as in chemostat cultures. Upon induction with isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), cultures secreted LTB into the extracellular milieu. Highest specific LTB production rate of 7.

Histological and functional changes of oviductal endometrium during seasonal reproductive cycle of the soft-shelled turtle, Lissemys punctata punctata.

Scanning electron and light microscopic studies reveal significant changes in the endometrial histophysiology of the soft-shelled turtle Lissemys punctata punctata during its seasonal reproductive cycle. Scanning electron microscopy shows the entire oviductal mucosa to be only slightly folded throughout the non-breeding period (regressive, quiescent, preparatory and recrudescent phases). With the onset of the breeding phase, the mucosa shows extensive foldings and convolutions.

Non Wegener's midline granuloma with bilateral thalamic involvement.

A rare case of non Wegener's midline granuloma with bilateral thalamic involvement is presented. A 53 year old male presented with a nonhealing midline granuloma of nose for one year and right hemiparesis for five months with bilateral pyramidal signs. Biopsy from the nasal lesion picture of malignant midline reticulosis with angiocentric cellular infiltrate.