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Antimicrobial activity of extracts of certain herbs including Acacia modesta (leaf and stem), Artimisia absinthium (leaf and stem), Nigella sativa (seeds) and i (root) was evaluated against three Gram positive and two Gram negative microorganisms. The Gram positive organisms included Bacillus subtalis (ATCC 6633), Entereococcus faecalis (ATCC 14506) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and the Gram negative organisms included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028). Methanolic, hot water and cold water extracts of these plants were taken for antibacterial assay through Discs agar diffusion technique using commercial filter paper discs applied on inoculated Muellar Hinton agar plates. The objective of this study was to explore the curative powers of these herbs that exist in nature as a tool to counter disease causing agents. The maximum zone of inhibition of 18 mm of methanolic extract of N. sativa was observed against B. subtalis and S. aureus. Similarly, the maximum zone of inhibition of 18 mm of cold water extract of N. sativa against S. aureus and methanolic extract of Saussurea lappa against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also observed. The antibacterial action was compared with the effect of ceftriaxone, ceftriaxone sodium, cefuroxine, ciprofloxacin, gentamycine, levofloxacin, metronidazole and tranexamic acid that were used as standered drugs. Based on the results obtained in this study, it may be concluded that plant extracts of A. modesta, A. absinthium, N. sativa and Saussurea lappa have a stronger and broader spectrum of antimicrobial activity against a number of food borne bacteria.Key words: Herbs, methanolic extract, Acacia modesta, Bacillus subtalis, gentamycine, gram negative, gram positive.

Bacterial meningitis is a relatively common infection of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and leptomeninges. The clinical picture evolves rapidly and, if treatment is delayed, can result in a variety of long-term sequelae, including death. Acute kidney injury in the setting of bacterial meningitis usually results from hypotension and volume depletion and resolves with appropriate treatment. Meningococcaemia with profound hypotension, and/or disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) may very rarely lead to bilateral renal cortical necrosis. In this context, renal recovery is extremely unlikely. We present two cases of meningococcaemia complicated by bilateral renal cortical necrosis and, ultimately, end stage kidney disease. We also present a review of the literature on the subject. The cases outline the importance of early aggressive intervention by a multidisciplinary team.

The anchored hydrophyte, Hydrocotyle umbellata L., was employed for the removal of toxic metals from tannery sludge concentrations (w/v) from a tanneries wastewater treatment plant. Differentconcentrations of wet tannery sludge were prepared and plants of H. umbellata showed a good tolerance for all the prepared concentrations. Plants were retrieved after 30, 60 and 90 days and thesludge concentrations showed reduction in sodium chloride, chlorides and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The accumulation of toxic metals in the plants was significantly increased, with increasing exposure time of plants. A higher amount was accumulated in the roots than in the shoots. The bioconcentration factor of Cr was higher than that of Zn and Cu at the same exposure time, indicating a higher accumulation potential of Cr by H. umbellata. The order of uptake efficiency was Cr > Zn > Na > Cu and the maximum metal uptake was observed after 90 days of exposure of H. umbellata, being 18,200 mg kg -1 for chromium, 15,560 mg kg -1 for zinc 7,692 mg kg -1 for sodium and 6,660 mg kg -1 for copper in the roots. These plants not only tolerated up to 60% concentration of tannery sludge but also reduced chromium content of sludge to a considerable extent.

The metal bioaccumulation capability of a common anchored hydrophyte, Typha angustifolia L. was studied in a green house trial. The plants could absorb significant amounts of the heavy metals likechromium, copper and zinc from tannery sludge. Different concentrations of tannery sludge were prepared in water and plants of T. angustifolia were exposed to the sludge for 30, 60 and 90 days. Asignificant reduction in sodium chloride percentage, chlorides and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was observed. The percentage reduction in all metals was significant. Cadmium and lead were found to be totally absent. A greater reduction of metals was observed in 30% concentration of sludge. A maximum reduction of 62% for Na, 42% for Cr, 38% for Cu and 36% for Zn was observed in 30% sludge after 90days exposure of T. angustifolia. The bioaccumulation potential of T. angustifolia was greater for the heavy metals especially for Cr. The maximum metal uptake, observed after 90 days exposure of T.angustifolia, was 6,698 mg kg-1 for sodium, 20,210 mg kg -1 for chromium, 16,325 mg kg -1 for zinc and 7,022 mg kg -1 for copper in the roots. In shoots, the uptake was 3,745 mg kg-1 for sodium, 10,150 mg kg- 1 for chromium, 3,509 mg kg-1.for copper and 7,025 mg kg -1 for zinc. Aerial parts of T. angustifolia accumulated less heavy metal than the corresponding roots. T. angustifolia is suitable for thedecontamination of most of the harmful metals from tannery sludge.