Microbiological assessment and detection of drug resistant bacterial isolates in some vended fresh fruit juice samples in Dhaka city, Bangladesh

The consumption of fruit juices may affect both positively and negatively the health status of the consumers. When processed under a hygienic condition it could improve consumers' health by preventing various types of diseases. On the contrary, in absence of good manufacturing practices considering the nutritional affluence of fruit juices makes the product good middling for microbial growth and vehicle of foodborne pathogens. The current study was undertaken to determine the microbiological traits of the vended fruit juices collected from different areas of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. A total of twenty juice samples particularly of four categories such as lemon, sugarcane, malta and watermelon were analyzed for the detection of total viable bacterial load, coliforms, and some other pathogenic bacteria. In these samples, total viable bacteria were within the array between 104 -107CFU/mL. Total coliforms (both Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.) were found in 50% of the samples, alarmingly all exceeding the standard bacteriological limits (1.0×104 CFU/mL) recommended for fruit juices. Among the pathogenic bacteria Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. were detected. All these bacterial isolates were detected through standard cultural, microscopic and biochemical tests. A varying degree of drug resistance among the isolates was observed against Amoxycillin, Ampicillin, Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Imipenem and Vancomycin. Overall, the study indicated that the quality of vendor fresh juices was not up to the mark. That’s why there is a continuous need for the microbiological assessment of these popular ready-to-drink products otherwise they may create potential health hazards.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

An Autopsy Based Study on Socio-economical Pattern of Organophosphorus Poisoning Cases Recorded from Sir Salimullah Medical College Morgue

Poisoning is one of the commonest methods employed for committing suicide, especially in Developing countries like Bangladesh. In this retrospective study, a total of 114 organophosphorus poisoningcases autopsied at Sir Salimullah Medical College morgue, Dhaka, Bangladesh, were analyzed during the period from January 2016 to December 2017. Male predominance was noted accounting for 75% of total cases compared to females 25% cases. Most common age group involved was 21-30 years 31% followed by 31-40 years 22% belonging to lower socioeconomic status. Suicide was the commonest manner of death in majority of cases. The reason may be the increasing stress in the family and economic constraints. Accidental deaths due to occupational exposure or inhalation of OPC compounds are reported but in these cases mortality rate is less than that suicidal poisoning. To reduce poisoning cases proper emphasis should be given for safe use of pesticides and consciousness should becreated among the population about poisonous compounds.

A Study to find out the Correlation between Handgrip Strength and Hand Breadth of Bangladeshi Male Cricket Batsman

This cross sectional analytical type of study was conducted at department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2015 to June 2016 on 50 adult Bangladeshi male sprinters (Group A) and 50 adult Bangladeshi male cricket batsman (Group B). Sample collection was done by convenient purposive sampling technique. History of any injury of hand during playing was excluded to construct standard measurement. Hand breadth was measured with the help of slide calipers. Hand grip strength Dynamometer was used to measure the hand grip strength. Paired Student's 't' test, unpaired student's 't' test and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were done for statistical analysis of the result. The aim of the present study was to determine hand breadth and average hand grip strength of Bangladeshi male cricket batsman to find out correlation between them that may be used as a baseline for other professions as well for future research in our country. The mean right and left hand grip strength was significantly higher in the cricket batsman than in the sprinters. The mean right and left hand breadth was found to be significantly higher in the cricket batsman than in the sprinters. Right and left hand grip strength showed significant positive correlation with hand breadth in both hand. The study findings suggest that regular physical exercise and training increase hand grip strength.

Promising performance of chemically exfoliated Zr-doped MoS2 nanosheets for catalytic and antibacterial applications

Nanostructured materials incorporated with biological reducing agents have shown significant potential for use in bactericidal applications. Such materials have also demonstrated considerable efficacy to counter effects of chemical toxicity. In this study, nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) was doped with various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 wt%) of zirconium (Zr) using a hydrothermal route in order to assess its antimicrobial and catalytic potential. Doped and control samples were characterized with various techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of the hexagonal phase of MoS₂ and identification of various functional groups and characteristic peaks (Mo bonding) was carried out using FTIR spectra. Micrographs obtained from FESEM and HR-TEM showed a sheet-like surface morphology, while agglomeration of nanosheets was observed upon doping with nanoparticles. To seek further clarity regarding the layered features of S–Mo–S planes, the defect densities and electronic band structure of pure MoS₂ and doped MoS₂ samples were investigated through Raman analysis. Optical properties of Zr-doped MoS₂ nanosheets were assessed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer and the results indicated a red-shift, i.e., movement of peaks towards longer wavelengths, of the material. Dynamics of migration and recombination of excited electron–hole pairs were investigated using PL spectroscopy, which was also used to confirm the presence of exfoliated nanosheets. In addition, the synthetic dye degradation potential of pure and doped samples was investigated in the presence of a reducing agent (NaBH₄). It was noted that doped MoS₂ showed superior catalytic activity compared to undoped MoS₂. The nanocatalyst synthesized in this study exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus at high concentrations (0.5, 1.0 mg/50 μl). The present study suggests a cost-effective and environmentally friendly material that can be used to remove toxins such as synthetic dyes and tannery pollutants from industrial wastewater.

Nanostructured materials incorporated with biological reducing agents have shown significant potential for use in bactericidal applications.

Comparative Study between Conventional Method and Endonasal Endoscopic Resection of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) is an uncommon, benign and extremely vascular tumour which accounts for 0.05-0.5% of all head and neck tumours. Now a day, endoscopic excision is a preferred surgery for early cases. This study was done with the aim to compare the outcomes and complications between endoscopic and conventional surgery of JNA. This cross sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology & Head-Neck Surgery at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from 8 March 2014 to 7 March, 2015. A total number of 20 cases were purposively selected and patient with intracranial extension were excluded from the study. Data was analyzed with SPSS software. Among the 20 patients, maximum 18(90%) were in 2nd decade, age was ranging from 11-33 years, mean 16.17 years. Maximum patients 13(65%) came with nasal obstruction and epistaxis and majority 13(65%) of them were in stage II. Endoscopic excision was done in 12(60%) cases and conventional surgery was done in 7(35%) cases. Mean hospital stay of endoscopic and conventional group was 4.62 vs. 10.23 days. Mean blood loss and mean operative time were 528.12ml vs. 1050ml and 2 hours 17 minutes vs. 3 hours 28 minutes respectively. Per-operative and postoperative complication were more (53.85%) in conventional surgery group. Endoscopic excision of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is more preferable due to less operative time, less hospital stay, less per-operative blood loss and less complications. But in advanced cases conventional surgery and combined surgery is preferred.

Serum Zinc Status among Acute Myocardial Infarction Male Patients in Bangladesh

This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2015 to December 2015. The aim of the study was to explore the serum zinc status among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in this study. Among them 60 were diagnosed AMI patients denoted as case group and 60 were normal healthy individuals denoted as control group. Serum zinc was determined by colorimetric method from each sample. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS windows package, version 20. Among the study groups the Mean±SD values of serum zinc were 64.98±18.86μmol/L and 97.14±7.97μmol/L in case and control group respectively. Analysis showed that the mean serum zinc level was significantly (p<0.01) decreased in AMI patients in comparison to that of control group.

C-reactive Protein Level in Type-2 Diabetic Patients Attending Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive physiological biomarker of sub-clinical inflammation associated with hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetic patients. A cross sectional study of 120 subjects attending outpatient department of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh was done with an aim to evaluate serum C-reactive protein in type 2 diabetic patients and compare with age matched non-diabetic persons from July 2014 to June 2015. Of the total cases, 60 were Type 2 diabetic patients and 60 were apparently healthy non-diabetic persons recruited for the study. These diabetic and non-diabetic subjects were classified as male (50%) and female (50%). Fasting blood glucose and CRP were measured by following the standard laboratory methods. The mean CRP level was 16.48±12.69mg/L and <6.00±0.00mg/L in diabetic patients and non-diabetics respectively. The study revealed that fasting blood glucose and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with age matched non-diabetic subjects. There was no significant difference in CRP between diabetic males and diabetic females. It was concluded from the results of this study that, CRP level was elevated in both male and female diabetic patients. These data can support a possible role of inflammatory biomarker in diabetogenesis.

Histomorphological Study on Number of Acini of the Prostate Gland of Bangladeshi Cadaver

The prostate is made up of 30 to 50 compound tubuloalveolar glands that are embedded in a framework of fibromuscular tissue and arranged in three concentric groups (mucosal, submucosal and main prostatic gland). The prostate consists of peripheral, central and transitional zone accounting for approximately 70%, 20% and 5% of the glandular substances. Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects the transitional zone and carcinoma of the prostate affects the peripheral zone. The glandular tissue consists of numerous acini with frequent internal papillae. Follicular epithelium is variable but predominantly columnar and either single-layered or pseudostratified. This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh to find out the difference in number of acini of the prostate gland of Bangladeshi people in relation to age. The present study was performed on 67 postmortem human prostate gland collected from the morgue in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College by non random purposive sampling technique. The specimens were collected from Bangladeshi cadaver of age ranging from 10 to 80 years. All the specimens were grouped into three categories: Group A (up to 18 years), Group B (19 to 45 years) and Group C (above 45 years) according to age. Dissection was performed following standard autopsy techniques. In the present study, total 60 slides were made for histological study from both central and peripheral zone of the prostate which were examined under low power objectives. The number of the acini of the prostate gland were counted and recorded. The mean number of the acini of the prostate gland was 16.45, 43.54 and 42.45 in Group A, B and C respectively in central zone and 30.08, 51.35 and 44.16 in Group A, B and C respectively in peripheral zone of the prostate. Variance analysis shows that mean differences were highly significant between Group A & B and Group C & A and non significant between Group B & C in central zone of the prostate. Mean differences were non significant among all three groups in peripheral zone of the prostate. The number of the acini of prostate gland was increased up to certain age limit but decreased in extreme age. In statistical analysis, differences between age groups were analyzed by using students unpaired 't' test. The present study will help to increase the information pool on the number of the acini of the prostate gland of Bangladeshi people at different age group.

DNA binding mode of transition metal complexes, a relationship to tumor cell toxicity

Transition metal-based compounds constitute a distinct class of chemotherapeutics extensively used in the clinic as antitumor and antiviral agents. However, drug resistance and side effects of established antitumor metallodrugs such as cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)] and its analogues, carboplatin and oxaliplatin, have limited their clinical utility. These limitations have prompted a search for more effective and less toxic metal-based antitumor agents. The unique properties of metal ions, such as redox transfer/electron shuttling, and versatile coordination geometries arising from various oxidation states, result in metal ions and complexes that have potential medicinal applications that could be complementary to organic compounds and which are widely sought in drug discovery efforts. This review summarizes the results that show that transition metal complexes exhibit antitumor effects that differ from cisplatin or its analogues.

Nutrient homeostasis, metabolism of reserves, and seedling vigor as affected by seed priming in coarse rice

The influence of seed priming on germination, seedling vigor, ion homeostasis, and starch metabolism in coarse rice was studied. Priming treatments included pregermination (a traditional soaking method being used for rice nursery preparation), hydropriming for 48 h, osmohardening with KCl or CaCl2 (ψs –1.25 MPa solution) for 24 h, ascorbate priming (10 mg·L–1) for 48 h, and hardening for 24 h. Compared with controls, all priming treatments (except pregermination) reduced the time to start germination, improved the rate of germination and synchronization, and the length of shoot and root, seedling fresh and dry mass, number of secondary roots, the concentration of reducing sugars, and α-amylase activity, although the extent of these changes was different in seeds subjected to different treatments. These seed treatments resulted in higher germination that might be due to overcoming dormancy. Osmohardening with KCl was more effective than CaCl2 for these parameters. Nitrogen concentration remained unaffected in seedlings; however, Ca2+ concentrations in both seeds and seedlings were greater in seeds osmohardenerd with CaCl2 than with all other treatments, including the control. Seed priming enhanced K+ concentration in both seeds and seedlings, leading to improved α-amylase activity. There were positive correlations between seed K+ concentration and amylase activity, and the concentration of reducing sugars with amylase activity, seedling dry mass, or number of secondary roots. Osmohardening with KCl performed better than all other treatments including control. Priming improved the K+ balance that activates α-amylase, a basis for seed invigoration.

Attitudes towards mental health in an urban Pakistani community in the United Kingdom

The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Pakistani families living in an urban area of the United Kingdom, towards mental health issues, to identify the emic models used and compare them with the etic model, predominant in Western medicine. This would allow the exploration of some of the inconsistencies in the research literature relating to the incidence of mental illness in this cultural group. The second aim was to explore the needs of this community, particularly women, in relation to mental health services. Due to problems gaining access to females on their own, interviews were held with family groups. Findings suggested that there were differences in the models of mental illness being employed with greater somatisation of symptoms in the Pakistani group and an emphasis on aggressive behaviour as a significant symptom. Treatment expectations also varied with some emphasis on traditional Pakistani treatments such as Faith healers and Hakims as well as General Practitioners and hospital treatments. Language difficulties, religious and cultural practices were also identified as barriers to female treatment in particular. Recommendations were made for improved training for interpreters and more emphasis on cultural factors and emic models of mental illness as part of medical training.

HMt, a histone-related protein from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum delta H

HMt, a histone-related protein, has been isolated and characterized from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum delta H. HMt preparations contain two polypeptides designated HMt1 and HMt2, encoded by the hmtA and hmtB genes, respectively, that have been cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. HMt1 and HMt2 are predicted to contain 68 and 67 amino acid residues, respectively, and have calculated molecular masses of 7,275 and 7,141 Da, respectively. Aligning the amino acid sequences of HMt1 and HMt2 with the sequences of HMf1 and HMf2, the subunit polypeptides of HMf, a histone-related protein from the hyperthermophile Methanothermus fervidus, revealed that 40 amino acid residues (approximately 60%) are conserved in all four polypeptides. In pairwise comparisons, these four polypeptides are 66 to 84% identical. The sequences and locations of the TATA box promoter elements and ribosome binding sites are very similar upstream of the hmtA and hmtB genes in M. thermoautotrophicum and upstream of the hmfA and hmfB genes in M. fervidus. HMt binding compacted linear pUC19 DNA molecules in vitro and therefore increased their electrophoretic mobilities through agarose gels. At protein/DNA mass ratios of < 0.2:1, HMt binding caused an increase in the overall negative superhelicity of relaxed, circular DNA molecules, but at HMt/DNA mass ratios of > 0.2:1, positive supercoils were introduced into these molecules. HMt and HMf are indistinguishable in terms of their abilities to compact and constrain DNA molecules in positive toroidal supercoils in vitro. Histone-related proteins with these properties are therefore not limited to reverse gyrase-containing hyperthermophilic species.

Determination of toxicity of danitol, methoprene and neem formulation against stored grain pest, sitophilus oryzae L

Toxicity of a synthetic pyrethroid (Danitol 10 E.C.), methoprene (J.H.A.) and crude neem extract formulation (RB-b +PBO +Tx) in synergestic form was determined in laboratory by contact method against adults of Sitophilus oryzae. Observations after 24 hours of treatment showed that 50% of the adults died at 0.39 mu/cm(2) of Danitol, 6.28 mug/cm(2) of neem formulation and 18.85 mug/cm(2) of methoprene, the three products used in this experiment. Danitol was found more effective as compared to neem formulation and methoprene. It was found that the plant product formulation and a synthetic product are more effective than methoprene.

Disposition kinetics, renal clearance and excretion of ampicillin after oral administration in goats

Disposition kinetics, renal clearance and urinary excretion of ampicillin were determined after oral administration of 10 mg/kg in 8 goats. Peak plasma concentration 1.86 +/- 0.14 mumol/l was attained at 117 +/- 11 min after oral administration. Half-time of absorption was 28.7 +/- 5.8 minutes and that of elimination was 135 +/- 15 minutes. Total area under plasma concentration versus time curve was 9.16 +/- 0.97 mumol.h/l. Total body clearance of ampicillin was 52.1 +/- 4.2 and renal clearance was 0.07 +/- 0.008 ml/min.kg. The renal handling of ampicillin involved glomerular filtration and back diffusion.