Engineering of insecticidal hybrid gene into potato chloroplast genome exhibits promising control of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The potato chloroplast was transformed with codon optimized synthetic hybrid cry gene (SN19) to mitigate crop losses by Colorado potato beetle (CPB). The bombarded explants (leaves and internode) were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg/l), NAA (0.2 mg/l), TDZ (2.0 mg/l) and GA3 (0.1 mg/l); spectinomycin 50 mg/l was used as a selection agent in the medium. Leaf explants of cultivar Kuroda induced highest percentage (92%) of callus where cultivar Santae produced the highest percentage (85.7%) of transplastomic shoots. Sante and Challenger showed 9.6% shoot regeneration efficiency followed by cultivar Simply Red (8.8%). PCR amplification yielded 16 postive transplastomic plantlets out of 21 spectinomycin resistant ones. Target gene integration was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot, whereas RT-qPCR was used to assess the expression level of transgene. The localization of visual marker gene gfp was tracked by laser scanning confocal microscopy which confirmed its expression in chloroplasts of leaf cells. The transplastomic plants ensured high mortality to both larvae and adult CPB. Foliage consumption and weight gain of CPB fed on transplastomic leaves were lower compared to the control plants. Sucessful implementation of current research findings can lead to a viable solution to CPB mediated potato losses globally.

Flubendazole inhibits PD-1 and suppresses melanoma growth in immunocompetent mice

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has revolutionized the clinical management of a diverse range of cancer types, including advanced cutaneous melanoma. While immunotherapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 system has become standard of care, overall response rates remain unsatisfactory for most patients and there are no approved small molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 system. Flubendazole (FLU) is an anthelmintic that has been used to treat worm infections in humans and animals for decades.

METHODS

Here we tested the anti-cancer activity of systemically delivered FLU with suppression of PD-1 in immunocompetent mice.

RESULTS

In C57BL/6J mice bearing subcutaneous B16F10 melanoma, FLU reduced both tumor growth and PD-1 protein levels without affecting levels of PD-L1. FLU's suppression of PD-1 was accompanied by increased CD3+ T cell infiltration. Western blotting with extracts from human Jurkat T cells showed that FLU inhibited PD-1 protein expression, findings confirmed by flow cytometry. To gain mechanistic insights on FLU's ability to suppress PD-1 protein levels, we performed bulk RNA sequencing on extracts of Jurkat T cells exposed to the benzimidazole for 4 h. From a pool of 14,475 genes there were 1218 differentially-expressed genes; 687 with increased expression and 531 with decreased expression. Among the genes induced by FLU was the AP-1 family member, JUN and surprisingly, pdcd1. KEGG pathway analysis showed FLU up-regulated genes over-represented in multiple pathways (p < 0.01), the top hit being amoebiasis. FLU also affected the expression of genes in cancer-associated pathways, both through down-regulation and up-regulation. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a large number of immunological signature gene sets correlated with FLU treatment, including gene sets associated with T cell differentiation, proliferation and function. The AP-1 inhibitor T5224 rescued PD-1 protein expression from inhibition by FLU.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to show that FLU can inhibit melanoma growth with PD-1 suppression in immunocompetent mice.

Correction: SARS-CoV-2 suppression depending on the pH of graphene oxide nanosheets

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D3NA00084B.].

SARS-CoV-2 suppression depending on the pH of graphene oxide nanosheets

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) inactivation of pH-dependent graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets is presented. The observed virus inactivation using an authentic virus (Delta variant) and different GO dispersions at pH 3, 7, and 11 suggests that the higher pH of the GO dispersion yields a better performance compared to that of GO at neutral or lower pH. The current findings can be ascribed to the pH-driven functional group change and the overall charge of GO, favorable for the attachment between GO nanosheets and virus particles.

A Modified Approach for Harvesting Non Vascularized Fibular Graft for Pediatric Age Group

The conventional technique of harvesting free non-vascularized fibular grafting is associated with different scale of morbidity and usually a long scar. We follow a technique that causes minimum interference to the surrounding soft tissues to harvest the desired length of fibula. This prospective study was performed at Department of Orthopaedics, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2018 to December 2018. Thirty patients of average age 10.5 years (range 8 to 14 years) were taken up for the study. The fibula was harvested by two separate incisions, 1 cm each at proximal and distal extent of proposed length of graft after elevating the periosteum circumferentially using a periosteum elevator. Compression bandage and above knee plaster immobilization was applied that help to reduce hematoma formation. The mean follow up is 12 months. The patients were evaluated clinically and by radiology. Twenty nine patients showed good results. One patient had delayed wound healing resulting in fair result. This modified approach of harvesting fibula reduces donor site morbidity and is safer and easier than conventional approach.

Validity of serum neurofilament light chain as a prognostic biomarker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating and neuroinflammatory disease of the human central nervous system with complex pathoetiology, heterogeneous presentations and an unpredictable course of disease progression. There remains an urgent need to identify and validate a biomarker that can reliably predict the initiation and progression of MS as well as identify patient responses to disease-modifying treatments/therapies (DMTs). Studies exploring biomarkers in MS and other neurodegenerative diseases currently focus mainly on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses, which are invasive and impractical to perform on a repeated basis. Recent studies, replacing CSF with peripheral blood samples, have revealed that the elevation of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) in the clinical stages of MS is, potentially, an ideal prognostic biomarker for predicting disease progression and for possibly guiding treatment decisions. However, there are unresolved factors (the definition of abnormal values of sNfL concentration, the standardisation of measurement and the amount of change in sNfL concentration that is significant) that are preventing its use as a biomarker in routine clinical practice for MS. This updated review critiques these recent findings and highlights areas for focussed work to facilitate the use of sNfL as a prognostic biomarker in MS management.

Molecular detection of Babesia and Theileria from crossbred cattle in Sirajganj and Rangpur districts of Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Babesia and Theileria are potential threats to the livestock industry, causing considerable economic losses. These tick-borne blood parasites are more prevalent in crossbred cattle than local cattle in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES

To confirm the species of Babesia and Theileria in crossbred cattle from the northern part of Bangladesh using conventional and molecular tools.

METHODS

A total of 385 crossbred cattle blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR. For molecular detection, B. bigemina rhoptry-associated protein 1a, B. bovis spherical body protein-4, and Theileria spp. 18S rRNA were used as the marker genes.

RESULTS

Using PCR, only 72 (18.7%) samples were found piroplasm positive, of which 12.2% Theileria, 4.7% Babesia, and 1.8% mixed infections. Both Babesia (7.3%), Theileria (7.7%) and mixed (2.8%) infections were detected in Sirajganj, and only Theileria (20.4%) was detected in Rangpur district. By PCR and nPCR we detected B. bigemina and T. annulata in Sirajganj district, and Theileria sp. in Rangpur district. The target gene sequences of isolated pathogens confirmed B. bigemina and T. annulata, and Theileria sp from these samples. Blood smears of all samples were also examined microscopically for Babesia and/or Theileria spp. and 14.3% of samples were found positive, of which 5.9% Babesia and 8.3% Theileria. Generally, the pathogens detected in Sirajgang and Rangpur were genetically related to South Asia, particularly South East Asian isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide information for a better understanding of the epidemiology of Babesia and Theileria as well as to improve the approaches for diagnosis and control of tick-borne diseases in Bangladesh.

Fiber types and fabric structures influence on weft knitted fabrics

The physical properties of weft knitted fabrics can be modified according to the fabric structure and the raw material used to manufacture the final fabric. This research demonstrates the influence of fiber types and fabric structure on some specific physical properties such as bursting strength, wicking behavior, pilling effect, and abrasion resistance of weft knitted fabrics. For this purpose, in this research study, one natural fiber cotton, one regenerated fiber viscose, and one synthetic fiber polyester were used. At the same time, to avoid any conflicts of the other fabric production factors, the number of feeders, machine diameter, needle gauge, stitch length was kept constant during the production of the weft-knitted fabrics. Moreover, three different structures of single jersey fabric like plain single jersey, single lacoste, and double lacoste were used to produce nine single jerseys of weft knitted fabric, while in each knit structure, three fabrics were produced using 100% cotton, 100% viscose, and 100% polyester fiber. Statistical analysis has been performed along with factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by simple main effect and simple comparison analysis. The finding illustrates that both fiber types and fabric structure regulate the physical properties of weft knitted fabrics. The polyester fiber seems to possess excellent mechanical properties such as bursting strength, abrasion, and pilling resistance without any influence of fabric structures studied in this research. However, both the fiber types and fabric structure combinedly influence the wicking of weft knitted fabrics. Additionally, it has been assumed that the influence of fiber types and fabric structure on strength, pilling, abrasion-resistant, and wicking properties of fabrics also combined with the areal density and extensibility of weft knitted fabrics.

Peripheral Neuropathy Phenotyping in Rat Models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Evaluating Uptake of the Neurodiab Guidelines and Identifying Future Directions

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affects over half of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, with an urgent need for effective pharmacotherapies. While many rat and mouse models of T2DM exist, the phenotyping of DPN has been challenging with inconsistencies across laboratories. To better characterize DPN in rodents, a consensus guideline was published in 2014 to accelerate the translation of preclinical findings. Here we review DPN phenotyping in rat models of T2DM against the 'Neurodiab' criteria to identify uptake of the guidelines and discuss how DPN phenotypes differ between models and according to diabetes duration and sex. A search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases identified 125 studies, categorised as either diet and/or chemically induced models or transgenic/spontaneous models of T2DM. The use of diet and chemically induced T2DM models has exceeded that of transgenic models in recent years, and the introduction of the Neurodiab guidelines has not appreciably increased the number of studies assessing all key DPN endpoints. Combined high-fat diet and low dose streptozotocin rat models are the most frequently used and well characterised. Overall, we recommend adherence to Neurodiab guidelines for creating better animal models of DPN to accelerate translation and drug development.

Delta variant and black fungal invasion: A bidirectional assault might worsen the massive second/third stream of COVID-19 outbreak in South-Asia

BACKGROUND

Here, we have shortly reported the recent updates on the disastrous progressions of the deadly delta variant and a virulent coinfection or post-COVID-19 infection of black fungus in India and its neighbouring countries.

METHODOLOGY

We searched by utilizing appropriate keywords in Google Scholar, PubMed and other scholarly databases alongside several national and international newspapers to collect the latest data regarding the targeted topic.

RESULTS

Recently, the delta variant is wreaking havoc in India, UK, and other countries around the globe and has also exhibited successful infections in around 20 to 55% of the people who have already recovered from COVID-19 originating from the different strains. Besides, a significant catch is the prevalence of 85.5% and 64.11% of Mucormycosis infections being co-morbid with COVID-19 and diabetes, respectively in South-Asian regions.

CONCLUSIONS

To avert the emergence of an epidemic amid the pandemic, prompt actions from concerned authorities are warranted. Proper education on black fungus infection and associated risks from the COVID-19 and diabetes, adequate public awareness, and sufficient healthcare assistance to battle such fungal infections effectively should be ensured as quickly as possible.

Recommendation and Roadmap of Mass Vaccination against Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Bangladesh as a Lower-Middle-Income Country

Low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) are still deprived of the optimum doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines for their population, equal access and distribution, as well as mass immunization roadmaps to be implemented for achieving herd immunity and protection from the ongoing pandemic. In this short report, we are interacting with the world public health experts, as well as national and global leaders for warranting the mass vaccination drive to be more progressive against COVID-19 with equitable access of vaccines to LICs or LMICs to save the lives of the poorest country people and refugees. From several scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, as well as national and international news websites, the data were collected data by utilizing appropriate keywords regarding the topic. Bangladesh might be exemplified in this brief communication as the representative of LMIC. As of October 14, 2021, 48% of the world's people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast, only 2.5% of people from LICs have come in under COVID-19 vaccination for at least a single shot. Both LICs and LMICs need far more vision and ambition, including political, administrative, and diplomatic progress along with enhancing the vaccination drive for their population to be immunized through simultaneous mass vaccination progress of other countries with implementing public health safety measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immunoinformatic identification of the epitope-based vaccine candidates from Maltoporin, FepA and OmpW of Shigella Spp, with molecular docking confirmation

Shigella is a bacterial pathogen that causes shigellosis, fatal bacillary dysentery, responsible for a higher level of mortality worldwide. We adopted a number of computational approaches to predict potential epitope-based vaccine candidates of immunogenic proteins of Shigella spp. We selected three cell surface proteins of the bacterium according to their antigenicity using the VaxiJen server, including, FepA, Maltoporin, and OmpW. The sequence analyses by the IEDB server resulted in three 15-mer peptides of the core epitope, FTAEHTQSV, FLVNQTLTL, and MRAGSATVR from FepA, Maltoporin, and OmpW, respectively, as the most potential epitopes that have an affinity with both cytotoxic and helper T-cells. Moreover, the epitopes showed 73.76%, 99.0%, and 93.07% world population coverage, along with 100% conservancy among the Shigella subspecies. The molecular docking simulation studies were performed to verify the interactions between the peptides and the respective HLAs. Docking analyses showed that the Epitope-MHC complexes had a higher level of global energy score dictating strong binding. We have also predicted B-cell epitopes from the sequences of these three proteins. In vivo study of the proposed epitope might contribute to the development of a functional and efficient vaccine, which might be an effective way to elude dysentery from the world.

Vaccination against COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Perception and Attitude of Healthcare Workers in COVID-dedicated Hospitals

Healthcare professionals are the crucial and influencing source of information for vaccines and their communication among patients and communities that can accelerate successful vaccination in a country. This cross-sectional study was one of the first and foremost ones in Bangladesh to observe the basic perception and attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19 among the healthcare workers (HCWs) - doctors, interns, nurses, ward boys, cleaners, and medical technologists of major COVID-dedicated hospitals. The cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in February 2021 among 550 HCWs to assess the perception and attitude towards vaccination against COVID-19. The study participants were targeted as the priority group for COVID-19 vaccination, working in two major COVID-dedicated hospitals, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital (HF-center), and Sheikh Russel National Gastro-liver Institute and Hospital (SR-center) in Dhaka, Bangladesh during the pandemic. The questionnaire was structured with a three-point scale of responses from 'true', 'false', and 'do not know'. The responses were calculated on point-score as +1 for the correct response, -1 for the wrong response, and 0 for 'do not know' with an overall highest and the lowest possible score of +5 to -5. Absolute (n) and relative frequencies (%) were presented for qualitative variables, while quantitative variables were presented as mean (± standard deviation). Chi-square test was done for univariate analysis of qualitative variables and Student's t-test for quantitative variables. With the 95.27% response rate, including 204 males and 320 were female and the male: female ratio was 1: 1.56. The majority of the participants were doctors (45.8%) followed by nurses (27.9%), and MLSS (26.3%) respectively. The respondents were between 18 to 64 years of age with a mean of 36.17±10.94 years. Most of the respondents (95.99%) responded correctly about the cost-free availability of a vaccine against COVID-19 in the country, 87.40% preferred vaccination as safe and effective. Again 29.77% HCWs think the vaccine might not be safe or effective due to emergency authorization. Only 38.93% of respondents could respond correctly about the necessity of vaccines for children, 31.10% think the vaccination was not required instead of natural immunity. The positive perception and attitude of the frontline HCWs in COVID-dedicated hospitals in Bangladesh are crucial which will positively influence motivation and wide acceptance among the general population for the attainment of the nationwide vaccination program, and adopt effective strategic modification to minimize the gaps for a low-middle income country like Bangladesh with its resource constrain.

Machine learning and network-based models to identify genetic risk factors to the progression and survival of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and lethal malignant lesions. Determining how the identified risk factors drive the formation and development of CRC could be an essential means for effective therapeutic development. Aiming this, we investigated how the altered gene expression resulting from exposure to putative CRC risk factors contribute to prognostic biomarker identification. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were first identified for CRC and other eight risk factors. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) through the molecular pathway and gene ontology (GO), as well as protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, were then conducted to predict the functions of these DEGs. Our identified genes were explored through the dbGaP and OMIM databases to compare with the already identified and known prognostic CRC biomarkers. The survival time of CRC patients was also examined using a Cox Proportional Hazard regression-based prognostic model by integrating transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). In this study, PPI analysis identified 4 sub-networks and 8 hub genes that may be potential therapeutic targets, including CXCL8, ICAM1, SOD2, CXCL2, CCL20, OIP5, BUB1, ASPM and IL1RN. We also identified seven signature genes (PRR5.ARHGAP8, CA7, NEDD4L, GFR2, ARHGAP8, SMTN, OIP5) in independent analysis and among which PRR5. ARHGAP8 was found in both multivariate analyses and in analyses that combined gene expression and clinical information. This approach provides both mechanistic information and, when combined with predictive clinical information, good evidence that the identified genes are significant biomarkers of processes involved in CRC progression and survival.

Evidence of Altered Peripheral Nerve Function in a Rodent Model of Diet-Induced Prediabetes

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a debilitating complication of diabetes that affects >50% of patients. Recent evidence suggests that obesity and metabolic disease, which often precede diabetes diagnosis, may influence PN onset and severity. We examined this in a translationally relevant model of prediabetes induced by a cafeteria (CAF) diet in Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 15 CAF versus n = 15 control). Neuropathy phenotyping included nerve conduction, tactile sensitivity, intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and nerve excitability testing, an in vivo measure of ion channel function and membrane potential. Metabolic phenotyping included body composition, blood glucose and lipids, plasma hormones and inflammatory cytokines. After 13 weeks diet, CAF-fed rats demonstrated prediabetes with significantly elevated fasting blood glucose, insulin and impaired glucose tolerance as well as obesity and dyslipidemia. Nerve conduction, tactile sensitivity and IENFD did not differ; however, superexcitability was significantly increased in CAF-fed rats. Mathematical modeling demonstrated this was consistent with a reduction in sodium–potassium pump current. Moreover, superexcitability correlated positively with insulin resistance and adiposity, and negatively with fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In conclusion, prediabetic rats over-consuming processed, palatable foods demonstrated altered nerve function that preceded overt PN. This work provides a relevant model for pathophysiological investigation of diabetic complications.

P1034EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY AMONG NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETIC SUBJECTS

Background and Aims

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in developed as well as in developing countries, principally resulting from the increasing prevalence of type 2 DM (T2DM). Patients with T2DM pass through pre-diabetic stages and half of the T2DM patients remain undiagnosed. During diagnosis, one-third to half of the T2DM patients may have different macro- and micro-vascular complications including diabetic nephropathy. This study was designed to evaluate risk factors for diabetic nephropathy among newly detected T2DM subjects.

Method

A case-control study was done at out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2016 to June 2017. Newly detected (&lt;3 months) adult (≥18 years) T2DM patients of either sex, who underwent test for urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) at least twice, at least 6 weeks apart, within a 6-month period, were included in this study. Patients with diagnosed kidney diseases, features of glomerulonephritis, systemic diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis, history of recent fever and exercise, urinary tract infection and pregnancy were excluded. Patients with UACR ≥30 mg/g in at least two (of three, if done) samples were cases and those with UACR &lt;30 mg/g were controls.

Results

Total patients were 100, including 35 cases [moderately increased proteinuria (previously, microalbuminuria) (UACR 30-299 mg/g) = 33 and severely increased proteinuria (previously, overt proteinuria) (UACR ≥300 mg/g) = 2] and 65 controls. Mean age was 46.6±12.3 years and there was female predominance (male:female ratio was 1:2). Twenty four percent patients were smokers, 50% were hypertensive and 46% had dyslipidaemia. Seventy five percent of the study participants had positive family history of DM and 39% had family history of diabetic nephropathy. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.3±2.9 kg/m2. Mean fasting blood glucose (mmol/L), 2-h post glucose value (mmol/L) and mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (%) were 9.2±2.9, 14.5±4.1 and 7.9±1.3 respectively. Eighty percent of the patients were asymptomatic regarding DM. Besides nephropathy, other chronic complications of DM were diabetic retinopathy (17%), neuropathy (11%), coronary artery disease (11%) and cerebrovascular disease (4%). Regarding risk factors for diabetic nephropathy, family history of DM (OR 1.62, p 0.0001) and diabetic nephropathy (OR 25.13, p 0.003), presence of hypertension (OR 4.93, p 0.001) and coexisting diabetic retinopathy (OR 14.18, p 0.046) were significant. On multivariate logistic regression, family history of DM (OR 1.77, p 0.001) and diabetic nephropathy (OR 24.31, p 0.001), higher BMI (&gt;25 kg/m2) (OR 2.11, p 0.013), hypertension (OR 4.31, p 0.003) and diabetic retinopathy (OR 14.09, p 0.021) were significant.

Conclusion

One-third of the newly detected type 2 diabetic subjects had diabetic nephropathy in this study. Family history of DM and diabetic nephropathy, higher BMI, presence of hypertension and diabetic retinopathy were significant risk factors for diabetic nephropathy.

Effect of Intravenous Paracetamol with Bupivacaine Scalp Nerve Block on Haemodynamics Response as Well as Anaesthetic Requirements during Supratentorial Craniotomies

Noxious stimuli during craniotomy may encourage hypertension and tachycardia, which may rise to morbidity in patients with intracranial hypertension. After craniotomy a moderate level of postoperative pain observed. The objective of this study was to observe the effect of intravenous paracetamol with bupivacaine scalp nerve block (SNB) on haemodynamics response as well as anaesthetic & analgesic requirements during supratentorial craniotomies. This is a single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial carried out in the Neurosurgery operation theatre from August 2015 to July 2017 under supervision of Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 40 patients aged 18-60 years with supratentorial space occupying lesion undergoing craniotomy under general anaesthesia who were attended in the department of Neurosurgery, BSMMU were enrolled in this study and they were divided randomly into two groups, 20 patients in each. The Group A received 100ml normal saline infusion and 0.25% bupivacaine (20ml) in scalp block, while the Group B received intravenous injection paracetamol (1gm) and 0.25% bupivacaine (total 20ml) in scalp block. Statistical analyses were obtained Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-22). The mean systolic blood pressure varied within the normal range in both groups. The mean DBP of Group B remained significantly lower than that of Group A in different follow up except at 30 minutes and 60 minutes after dura incision. However, mean MAP of Group B remained significantly lower than that of Group A in different time interval. The mean heart rate of Group B remained significantly lower than that of Group A. The mean intraoperative propofol as well as fentanyl requirements were significantly decreased in Group B in comparison to Group A. The combination of intravenous paracetamol with bupivacaine scalp nerve block provides better intra-operative haemodynamic stability and neurosurgical compliances for the patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomies under general anaesthesia.

Polymer brush based fluorescent immunosensor for direct monitoring of interleukin-1β in rat blood

A sandwich immunosensor was successfully developed for monitoring of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rat whole blood. The substrate stainless steel (SS) was first coated with a polydopamine layer and subsequently grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate brushes, onto which a sandwich immunosensor was modified for detection of IL-1β. The device has been successfully applied for monitoring of IL-1β with a limit of detection of 4.7 pg mL^-1, and a linear detection range of 12.5-200 pg mL^-1. Good specificity and selectivity for monitoring of IL-1β in rat macrophage secretion were achieved. Furthermore, this device was validated by detection of IL-1β in rat whole blood samples with greater concentrations observed in obese rats compared to control, and strong positive correlation between concentrations of IL-1β and blood glucose. These results suggest this device is feasible for direct detection of target analytes in biological samples.

Patient features and survival of pediatric aplastic anemia in the USA: a large institution experience

BACKGROUND

We performed the first epidemiologic investigation to examine association of demographics and clinical characteristics at diagnosis, as well as health care expense coverage, with survival of US children with aplastic anemia (AA).

METHODS

We obtained electronic medical record data of 1140 children aged 0-19 years diagnosed with AA followed at a pediatric health system between 2004 and 2014. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards regressions were used.

RESULTS

Self-pay patients had a mortality risk five times higher than that of those insured by publicly funded insurance (hazards ratio, 95% CI: 6.0, 3.7-9.8). Other features associated with higher mortality risk include pancytopenia (hazards ratio, referent: 4.2, constitutional AA); underweight (2.0, normal-weight); platelet count <50 × 109/l (1.3, ≥50 × 109/l); male sex (1.3, female); and ages at diagnosis 6-11, 11-16 and 16-19 years (1.6, 1.9, 2.3, 1-3 years), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-pay was the strongest prognostic factor for pediatric AA mortality. Older age, pancytopenia, underweight, male sex and lower platelet count were also associated with increased risk of mortality. These findings may be useful for providers, researchers and policymakers to ensure effective health care delivery to this population and to motivate future etiologic research and establishment of a surveillance registry.

Bt Eggplant Project in Bangladesh: History, Present Status, and Future Direction

The purpose of this article is to provide information on the history, accomplishments, and future direction of the Bt brinjal (eggplant) program in Bangladesh, formerly under the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II, now the South Asia Eggplant Improvement Partnership (SAEIP). The India-based Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (Mahyco) developed an eggplant expressing Cry1Ac (EE-1) for control of the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). In a partnership among Mahyco, USAID, Sathguru Management Consultants and Cornell University EE-1 was provided to the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) who bred it into local varieties. After regulatory approval, four varieties were distributed to 20 farmers who harvested Bt brinjal in 2014. Adoption in subsequent years has increased rapidly so that, in 2018, 27,012 farmers used this technology. This article provides background information on the process leading up to current adoption levels, the level of control of EFSB achieved and the economic benefits of Bt brinjal. Efforts on stewardship, farmer training and communication are discussed. In order to ensure the long-term future of the partnership, we discuss the need to enhance involvement of the private sector in the production and stewardship of Bt eggplant. Bt brinjal is the first genetically engineered crop to be commercially released in Bangladesh, and other GE crops are in the pipeline. Hence, success of the Bt brinjal partnership is likely to affect the future of other GE crops in Bangladesh, as well as other parts of the world where biotechnology is needed for food security and environmental safety.

The Soluble Form of Toll-Like Receptor 2 Is Elevated in Serum of Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Novel Potential Disease Biomarker

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It was previously shown that toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 signaling plays a key role in the murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, and that TLR2-stimulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) promotes their conversion to T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Here, we sought potential sources of TLR2 stimulation and evidence of TLR2 activity in MS patient clinical samples. Soluble TLR2 (sTLR2) was found to be significantly elevated in sera of MS patients (n = 21), in both relapse and remission, compared to healthy controls (HC) (n = 24). This was not associated with the acute phase reaction (APR) as measured by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, which was similarly increased in MS patients compared to controls. An independent validation cohort from a different ethnic background showed a similar upward trend in mean sTLR2 values in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients, and significant differences in sTLR2 values between patients and HC were preserved when the data from the two cohorts were pooled together (n = 41 RRMS and 44 HC, P = 0.0006). TLR2-stimulants, measured using a human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells transfectant reporter assay, were significantly higher in urine of MS patients than HC. A screen of several common urinary tract infections (UTI)-related organisms showed strong induction of TLR2-signaling in the same assay. Taken together, these results indicate that two different markers of TLR2-activity—urinary TLR2-stimulants and serum sTLR2 levels—are significantly elevated in MS patients compared to HC.

Distal Common Bile Duct Tuberculosis with Obstructive Jaundice: A Case Report

Tuberculosis (TB) isolated in Common Bile Duct (CBD) is very rare and its treatment is somewhat controversial. We report a case of distal CBD tuberculosis diagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma. A 40 year old man presented with obstructive jaundice without abdominal pain, fever or weight loss. Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP) indicated a mass lesion in the Distal CBD, which caused structure of the distal common bile duct. As Cholangiocarcinoma was suspected, he underwent Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy). Histological examination of resected specimen revealed typical features of tuberculosis in the distal CBD, pancreatic head and lymph nodes. The rest of the abdominal cavity was unremarkable. Anti-microbial therapy for tuberculosis is started for 12 month course and he is well.

Innate immune regulation of autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis: Focus on the role of Toll-like receptor 2

Innate immunity relies on a set of germline-encoded receptors including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that enable the host to discriminate between self and non-self. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Infections are thought to play an important role in disease susceptibility. The role of innate immunity in MS has been recently appreciated. TLR2, a member of the TLR family, forms heterodimers with either TLR1 or TLR6 and detects a wide range of microbial as well as self-derived molecular structures. It may thus be important both in fighting infection and in activating autoimmunity. In this review, we discuss innate regulation of autoimmunity in MS with a focus on the role of TLR2 signaling.

'Aeromonas intestinalis' and 'Aeromonas enterica' isolated from human faeces, 'Aeromonas crassostreae' from oyster and 'Aeromonas aquatilis' isolated from lake water represent novel species

Four Aeromonas strains from clinical and environmental samples differed from known species on the basis of rpoD gene sequence. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization confirmed them as four new species even though their 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with their closest relatives was >98.7%, as occurred for other Aeromonas spp.

Bat Hunting and Bat-Human Interactions in Bangladeshi Villages: Implications for Zoonotic Disease Transmission and Bat Conservation

Bats are an important reservoir for emerging zoonotic pathogens. Close human–bat interactions, including the sharing of living spaces and hunting and butchering of bats for food and medicines, may lead to spillover of zoonotic disease into human populations. We used bat exposure and environmental data gathered from 207 Bangladeshi villages to characterize bat exposures and hunting in Bangladesh. Eleven percent of households reported having a bat roost near their homes, 65% reported seeing bats flying over their households at dusk, and 31% reported seeing bats inside their compounds or courtyard areas. Twenty percent of households reported that members had at least daily exposure to bats. Bat hunting occurred in 49% of the villages surveyed and was more likely to occur in households that reported nearby bat roosts (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.9) and villages located in north‐west (aPR 7.5, 95% CI 2.5–23.0) and south‐west (aPR 6.8, 95% CI 2.1–21.6) regions. Our results suggest high exposure to bats and widespread hunting throughout Bangladesh. This has implications for both zoonotic disease spillover and bat conservation.

Towards finding the linkage between metabolic and age-related disorders using semantic gene data network analysis

A metabolic disorder (MD) occurs when the metabolic process is disturbed. This process is carried out by thousands of enzymes participating in numerous inter-dependent metabolic pathways. Critical biochemical reactions that involve the processing and transportation of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids are affected in metabolic diseases. Therefore, it is of interest to identify the common pathways of metabolic disorders by building protein-protein interactions (PPI) for network analysis. The molecular network linkages between MD and age related diseases (ARD) are intriguing. Hence, we created networks of protein-protein interactions that are related with MD and ARD using relevant known data in the public domain. The network analysis identified known MD associated proteins and predicted genes and or its products of ARD in common pathways. The genes in the common pathways were isolated from the network and further analyzed for their co-localization and shared domains. Thus, a model hypothesis is proposed using interaction networks that are linked between MD and ARD. This data even if less conclusive finds application in understanding the molecular mechanism of known diseases in relation to observed molecular events

Delineating the Role of Toll-Like Receptors in the Neuro-inflammation Model EAE

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most relevant and commonly used animal model to study autoimmune demyelinating diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In EAE, the activation of CD4+ T-cells is considered to be the main trigger leading to inflammation and central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most important and first class of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in innate immune system and play critical roles in initiating inflammatory responses and promoting adaptive immune responses due to their ability to recognize a wide range of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and being expressed in a wide range of cell types both in the innate and adaptive immune systems. Upon TLR stimulation by appropriate ligand, innate immune cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and can serve as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to prime naïve T cells to recognize antigens. Thus, TLRs play an important role in linking the innate to the adaptive immune response. To date, large numbers of studies have been done to investigate the role of adaptive immunity in both EAE and MS but delineating the role of innate immunity in EAE received very little focus and appreciation taking into account that it might contribute to both the initiation and progression of the disease. Moreover, EAE is not only a model to study inflammatory demyelination in the CNS; it is in general a model to study cell-mediated organ-specific autoimmune conditions. Roles of different TLRs were studied in relation to EAE and MS. More recently, some studies demonstrated the immune adjuvant properties of certain TLR ligands including TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 in EAE. This chapter outlines different methods employed in our labs to investigate the role of TLRs in EAE model.

Pigtail Catheter in the Management of Liver Abscess

Amoebic liver abscess is a common condition in Bangladesh. Though conservative treatment plays a major role, refractory patients can be successfully treated with minimally invasive approach. This prospective study was carried out to evaluate the prospect of sono-guided percutaneous catheter drainage for liver abscess patients not responding to conservative treatment. This study was done at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2005 to June 2006 among patients with liver abscess that were treated conservatively outside and got admitted in different surgery and medicine units. Included 35 patients were evaluated clinically and through relevant investigations. Sono-guided percutaneous pigtail catheter was introduced for drainage and patients were followed up for two weeks on average at hospital indoor by amount of drainage, clinical improvement and serial follow up USG. After discharge from the hospital, all patients were followed up monthly and assessed clinically and ultrasonographically up to two months on outdoor basis. Thirty five patients underwent pigtail catheter drainage that was refractory to conservative treatment or needle aspiration. Following insertion of catheter patients who were pyrexic, fever subsided in two to three days and never back during the postoperative period and follow up. Antimicrobials were changed according to the report of the culture and sensitivity of the aspirate that was done routinely. Maximum total (4300 ml) amount of pus was drained in a patient. Average duration of catheter drainage in this study was 8 days. With a very low morbidity and zero mortality rates, minimum treatment costs and early return to regular life style proved this minimally invasive procedure to be a rational treatment option for amoebic liver abscess in selective cases.

Primary malignant melanoma of the penis with secondary to adrenal

Primary malignant melanoma of penis with secondaries to the adrenal gland is rare. Here we report a case of malignant melanoma of penis in a 60 years old man who presented with intermittent gross, episodic haematuria of 11 months duration and a hard indurated pigmented fungating lesion over the glans penis. Following an initial tissue biopsy from the penile growth which revealed malignant melanoma the patient underwent partial Panectomy. Few days after recovery the patient underwent laparotomy and incisional biopsy from adrenal mass revealed metastatic malignant melanoma histopathologically.

Epidemiology of electrical injury: findings from a community based national survey in Bangladesh

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to explore the magnitude and pattern of electrical injury in Bangladesh.

METHOD

A national survey was conducted between January and December 2003 in Bangladesh. Nationally representative data were collected from 171,366 rural and urban households comprising a 819,429 population. The survey was conducted at a household level with a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

The incidence of fatal and non-fatal injury was found to be 1.6 and 73.7 per 100,000 population year respectively. Compared to females, males were found at a higher risk (RR 1.62; 95% CI 1.37-1.91) and rural people found more vulnerable compared to urban people (RR 5.97; 95% CI 4.71-7.57). The home was found as the most common place for electrical injury, with more than 50% of injury taking place at home. The household source of electricity was found as the most common source of electrical injury. Lightning was also found as major source for electrical injury which constituted more than 25% of the injuries cause by electrical current. More than 80% of electrical injuries occurred between 6a.m. and 6p.m.

CONCLUSION

Electrical injury is an emerging cause of mortality and morbidity in both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. Males and rural people were the more vulnerable group for electrical injury compared to women and the urban population. The home is the most common place for injury occurrence.

Impaired microglial activation in the brain of IL-18-gene-disrupted mice after neurovirulent influenza A virus infection

Knockout of the interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene predisposed mice to impaired clearance of neurovirulent influenza A virus-infected neurons from the brain. In wild-type mice, IL-18 molecule-producing microglia/macrophages emerged in virally attacked regions as early as day 3 after infection. Microglial transformation into macrophages culminated at day 7 to 9, with upregulated expression of Iba1, a novel calcium-binding protein that controls phagocytic functions of microglia/macrophages. In IL-18-/- mice, microglial transformation was interrupted with reduced Iba1 expression. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-immunopositive neurons appeared in and around virally invaded regions in wild-type mice, peaking in number at day 7, whereas such cells were barely detected in IL-18-/- mice. Stereotaxic microinjection of recombinant IFN-gamma triggered microglial transformation in IL-18-/- mice and upregulated Iba1 expression, leading to effective eradication of virally infected neurons. Collectively, these results suggest that IL-18 plays a key role in activating microglial functions directed against the influenza virus infection by inducing neuronal IFN-gamma in the brain parenchyma.

The senescence-accelerated mouse shows aging-related defects in cellular but not humoral immunity against influenza virus infection

The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) strain P1, which has a short life span, was adopted as a murine model for an investigation of the pathogenesis of viral infection in elderly adults. After intranasal inoculation with influenza A virus, the SAM-P1 mice showed a higher rate of mortality, with prolonged virus growth in the lungs. The increased susceptibility was associated with impaired activity of both NK cells and virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 was significantly restrained, which suggests a partial deficiency of the T helper (Th) 1 cells. In contrast, the immunologic activity of the Th2 cells appeared to be functionally normal, judging from the release of large amounts of interleukin-4 followed by production of appropriate amounts of influenza virus-specific antibody. It is suggested that the elicitation of cellular immunity is an important and effective procedure for protecting the elderly from influenza virus infection.

Egg-adapted replication-restricted virus protects mice against lethal influenza

Infection of mice with the egg-adapted (EA) strain of influenza virus was studied as a murine model of human live attenuated virus vaccine. The growth and spread of the EA virus in the mouse lungs were restricted, and only small inflammatory changes were detected in the respiratory tracts. Deletion and substitutions of amino acids were found in the hemagglutinin molecule of the EA virus, which were attributable to the reduced envelope fusion activity in virus multiplication cycles. Intranasal inoculation of mice with the EA virus induced specific IgG and IgA antibody production together with a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response. Immunized mice showed a distinct resistance to subsequent lethal challenge with the virulent influenza virus. These results indicate that the mutant virus loaded with a growth restriction in the respiratory tract is an appropriate candidate for a live attenuated vaccine.

Increased childhood morbidity after measles is short-term in urban Bangladesh

In a 1995-1996 cohort study in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, morbidity in 117 hospitalized and 137 acute measles cases compared with age-matched children without measles (unexposed) was determined by weekly interview for 6 months. Compared with unexposed children, there were higher incidences of hospitalization (adjusted rate ratio (RR) = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3, 7.6) and bloody diarrhea (adjusted RR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.1) in hospital measles cases during the 6 weeks after recruitment. Among community cohorts, there were higher incidences of bloody diarrhea (adjusted RR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 14.6), watery diarrhea (adjusted RR = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.9, 2.7), fast breathing (adjusted RR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.1, 6.9), and the weekly point prevalence of pneumonia (adjusted prevalence ratio = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.0, 9.8) in measles cases during the same period. All measles cases regained lost weight within about 6 weeks. The prevalence of anergy to seven recall antigens 6 weeks after recruitment was higher in both hospital (adjusted odds ratio = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.4) and community (adjusted odds ratio = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 8.9) measles cases. Morbidity increased during the first 6-8 weeks after measles, but the authors found no consistent evidence of longer-term morbidity or wasting. The results support recent findings that measles is not associated with increased delayed mortality.