The relationship between extreme inter-individual variation in macrophage gene expression and genetic susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease

The differentiation of resident intestinal macrophages from blood monocytes depends upon signals from the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (CSF1R). Analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) indicates that dysregulation of macrophage differentiation and response to microorganisms contributes to susceptibility to chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we analyzed transcriptomic variation in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from affected and unaffected sib pairs/trios from 22 IBD families and 6 healthy controls. Transcriptional network analysis of the data revealed no overall or inter-sib distinction between affected and unaffected individuals in basal gene expression or the temporal response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the basal or LPS-inducible expression of individual genes varied independently by as much as 100-fold between subjects. Extreme independent variation in the expression of pairs of HLA-associated transcripts (HLA-B/C, HLA-A/F and HLA-DRB1/DRB5) in macrophages was associated with HLA genotype. Correlation analysis indicated the downstream impacts of variation in the immediate early response to LPS. For example, variation in early expression of IL1B was significantly associated with local SNV genotype and with subsequent peak expression of target genes including IL23A, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL8 and NLRP3. Similarly, variation in early IFNB1 expression was correlated with subsequent expression of IFN target genes. Our results support the view that gene-specific dysregulation in macrophage adaptation to the intestinal milieu is associated with genetic susceptibility to IBD.

Comparative genomics and phenotypic studies to determine site-specificity of Escherichia coli in the lower gastrointestinal tract of humans

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an important commensal in the human gut; however, it is unknown whether strains show site-specificity in the lower gut. To investigate this, we assessed genotypic and phenotypic differences in 37 clone pairs (two strains with very similar multiple locus variable-number-tandem-repeat analysis [MLVA] profiles) of E. coli isolated from mucosal biopsies of two different gut locations (terminal ileum and rectum). The clone pairs varied at the genomic level; single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were common, multiple nucleotide polymorphisms (MNPs) were observed but less common, and few indels (insertions and deletions) were detected. The variation was higher in clone pairs that are associated with non-human-associated sequence types (ST) compared to human-associated STs, such as ST95, ST131, and ST73. No gene(s) with non-synonymous mutations were found to be commonly associated with either the terminal ileum or the rectal strains. At the phenotypic level, we identified the metabolic signatures for some STs. Rectum strains of some STs showed consistently higher metabolic activity with particular carbon sources. Clone pairs belonging to specific STs showed distinct growth patterns under different pH conditions. Overall, this study showed that E. coli may exhibit genomic and phenotypic variability at different locations in the gut. Although genomics did not reveal significant information suggesting the site-specificity of strains, some phenotypic studies have suggested that strains may display site-specificity in the lower gut. These results provide insights into the nature and adaptation of E. coli in the lower gut of humans. To the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated or demonstrated the site-specificity of commensal E. coli in the human gut.

Scedosporium apiospermum isolated from a skin wound in a dog and in vitro activity of eleven antifungal drugs

Scedosporium apiospermum, an emerging opportunistic fungus, is increasingly implicated with serious invasive mycoses in immunocompromised patients. Rare occurrence and difficulty in identification of this species complicate the management of infection in dogs. In the present report, the characterization of a Scedosporium apiospermum isolate obtained from a dog’s skin wound is described. Identification was obtained through macroscopic and microscopic examination of the cultured isolate and by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene of the rRNA region. Numerous hyaline septate hyphae along with conidia were observed histologically. The isolate exhibited low MIC values for voriconazole, itraconazole and isavuconazole while high MIC/MEC values were recorded for the remaining antifungals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of isolation of S. apiospermum from a skin wound in a dog.

Novel practice to produce safe and healthy dry fish using irradiated chitosan coating

In Bangladesh, dry fishes are mostly produced by drying in an open environment under sunlight, and so the producers are forced to use insecticides and fungicides to prevent microbial and blowfly infestation. That is why dry fishes are often contaminated with residual insecticides and fungicides, which cause a severe threat to human health. In this experiment, gamma radiation treated chitosan solution was used while drying the fishes, and the effect was evaluated. Experimental results suggested that chitosan coating did not hinder the drying process but improved the quality of the produces. Chitosan coating was found as a repellant of blowflies as well. Besides, it also prevented microbial contamination. The nutritional value of the produced dry fishes was examined and found very satisfactory. Overall results suggested that the application of irradiated chitosan can be a very suitable and cost-effective way to produce safe and healthy dry fishes.

Validation of a low field Rheo-NMR instrument and application to shear-induced migration of suspended non-colloidal particles in Couette flow

Nuclear magnetic resonance rheology (Rheo-NMR) is a valuable tool for studying the transport of suspended non-colloidal particles, important in many commercial processes. The Rheo-NMR imaging technique directly and quantitatively measures fluid displacement as a function of radial position. However, the high field magnets typically used in these experiments are unsuitable for the industrial environment and significantly hinder the measurement of shear stress. We introduce a low field Rheo-NMR instrument (¹H resonance frequency of 10.7MHz), which is portable and suitable as a process monitoring tool. This system is applied to the measurement of steady-state velocity profiles of a Newtonian carrier fluid suspending neutrally-buoyant non-colloidal particles at a range of concentrations. The large particle size (diameter >200μm) in the system studied requires a wide-gap Couette geometry and the local rheology was expected to be controlled by shear-induced particle migration. The low-field results are validated against high field Rheo-NMR measurements of consistent samples at matched shear rates. Additionally, it is demonstrated that existing models for particle migration fail to adequately describe the solid volume fractions measured in these systems, highlighting the need for improvement. The low field implementation of Rheo-NMR is complementary to shear stress rheology, such that the two techniques could be combined in a single instrument.

Comparative efficacy and safety of trimebutine versus mebeverine in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort with bowel disturbances. This prospective, randomized clinical trial has been conducted on IBS patients, using trimebutine and Mebeverine in separate group in parallel design to compare the efficacy and safety of Trimebutine 100mg twice daily with mebeverine 135mg twice daily. Patients of 15 to 60 years old and both sexes were included from the out patient department (OPD) of gastroenterology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from June 2010 to December 2011. A validated IBS-QOL instrument consisted of 34 questions used to assess improvement of quality of life before and after treatment. A total of 140 patients were enrolled in this study. Eighteen patients dropped out. One hundred twenty two patients completed the trial. In this study at the end of 6 weeks therapy, improvement of symptoms was statistically significant. However, differences of improvement between the two groups in relieving various symptoms were not statistically significant. Mean QOL score before treatment was 103 in Trimebutine group and 106 in Mebeverine group. After 6 weeks of treatment mean QOL score was 82 in Trimebutine group and 95 in Mebeverine group indicating improvement in both groups was statistically significant. The difference between the two groups was also significant. No worsening of symptoms and no side effects of the therapeutic agents was observed in any patient during the trial.

Sustained virological response after treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection--a five year follow up

Peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin combination therapy achieves a sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Little is know about long-term durability of hepatitis C virus--Ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) negativity in patient treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Aim of this study was to evaluate the durability of virologic response in patients with SVR to anti-viral therapy treated at our centre. A total of 52 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who had obtained SVR after Peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin combination therapy were followed up to 5 years with annual HCV-RNA testing. During this follow up period, 4 of 52 patients with initial SVR developed late relapse of hepatitis C virus infection. Relapse was more common in patients who has cirrhosis (3/6 [50%]) vs (1/46 [2.17%]) without cirrhosis. In conclusion, SVR is durable in most patients, but some patients do have late relapse; long-term follow up may be particularly important in a subset of patients with hepatitis C virus infection who have liver cirrhosis.

Comparative efficacy of subcutaneous versus oral methotrexate in active rheumatoid arthritis

This prospective study was conducted in rheumatology clinic under the department of medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from December 2004 to December 2005 to asses the efficacy, safety and compliance of subcutaneous methotrexate (MTX) in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A total of 92 active rheumatoid arthritis patients according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were recruited for the trial for six months. Among them 46 cases belonged to injectable MTX group and 46 cases belonged to oral MTX group. Mean±SD age of patients was 45.54±12.42 vs. 44.63±13.99 years in subcutaneous group and oral group respectively. In the subcutaneous group 41 were female and 5 male; in the oral group 34 were female and 12 male. Mean duration of the disease was 49.74 months in subcutaneous group and 49 months in oral group. RA test was positive in 35 cases in both groups whereas Rose Waaler test was positive in 19 patients in subcutaneous group and 14 patients in oral group. At 24 week, response rate of ACR 20 was significantly higher in subcutaneous MTX than oral MTX group (93% vs. 80%, p=0.02). Similarly ACR 50 response was significantly higher in subcutaneous MTX than in oral group (89% vs. 72%, p=0.03). ACR 70 response was not significantly higher in SCMTX group then oral group (11% vs. 9 %, p=0.72). Adverse effects were relatively less in subcutaneous MTX and most common side effects were nausea (37% vs. 63%), vomiting (11% vs. 30%), dyspepsia (29% vs. 48%), dizziness (4l% vs. 52%) and alopecia (72% vs. 85%). The results of the study demonstrated that subcutaneous MTX was significantly more effective than oral MTX at the same dosage in active Rheumatoid arthritis patients with no increase in side effects.

Cough in systemic lupus erythematosus

This observational study was conducted in the lupus clinic of Department of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2007 to July 2007. Thirty-six consecutive SLE patients fulfilled American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria and having cough for any duration was enrolled. Equal number of age and sex matched controls (The patient attending in the out patient department in the Medicine having cough without SLE) was taken after having informed consent. Severely disabled cases and cases unwilling to participate with a cough were excluded. Mean age of study population was 29.1±8.7 years and 29.8±9.9 years in controls. Duration of cough was less than 3 weeks in 17% of SLE patients and 8% of control group and was more than three weeks in 83% and 92% respectively. In SLE patient commonest causes of cough was bronchial asthma 47% and was 33% in controls. Post nasal drip syndrome was the next common causes and frequently due to sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Its frequency was 14% and 16% in SLE and control groups respectively. Other causes were pneumonia (11%, 14%), Diffuse Parenchymal Disease lung (DPLD) (5.6% & 2.8%), and tuberculosis (5.6% & 8%) in SLE & control groups respectively. Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) was 2.6% in SLE group but was not found in control group. Cough is common in SLE patients. Frequency distribution though similar to that of causes of cough in community but warns the possibility of serious underlying diseases in SLE cases and attentive evaluation.

Demographic and clinical evaluation of secondaries to liver

Liver is one of the common sites of metastasis from primary malignancies from different sources. The study was undertaken to know the demographic profile, clinical presentation, investigation findings and primary sources of metastatic lesions in liver among Bangladeshi patients. The study was done on patients with secondary lesion in liver who were admitted into the department of Gastroenterology and department of Hepatology in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University over the period of one year from July 2009 to June 2010. Total 75 patients were included. Mean age of 49.6±6.92 years and the peak incidence was between 41 to 50 years. Seventy six percent (76%) were male and 24% were female and male to female ratio was 3.17:1. Only 5.3% had family history of cancer. More than half of patients had Hb level ≤11gm/dl and two third had raised ESR. All patients showed raised alkaline phosphatase and prolonged prothrombin time found in one forth of patients. Carcinoma stomach was the most common primary source of liver metastasis followed by carcinoma gallbladder, carcinoma pancreas, carcinoma of unknown primary and carcinoma colon.

Microscopy and microanalysis of hematological parameters in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, inhabiting a polluted lake in North East India

Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of red blood cells (RBCs) of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, inhabiting a polluted lake in Northeast India revealed a number of abnormalities. About 7% of the RBC showed the presence of a micronucleus, besides the presence of some bi-nucleated and abnormally shaped nuclei. RBCs, white blood cells, and hemoglobin content were found to be reduced significantly as compared to the control. SEM showed the presence of spherocytes, early stages of echinocytes, cytoplasmic blebbing, erythrocytes with contraction from one side, abnormal shape of erythrocytes (hexagonal/pentagonal/tetragonal), development of lobopodial projections, cell rupture, membrane internalization, and formation of ring-shaped RBC. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the presence of a considerable percentage of silicon and lead in erythrocytes of the fish collected from the polluted lake, in contrast to a negligible concentration of the two elements in control fish. Significance of the study in relation to fish health in a polluted body of water and the importance of SEM, EDS, and light microscopy in utilizing hematological parameters as pollution indicators are discussed.

Management of vascular trauma in a provincial hospital

Three cases of major vessel injuries referred to Mendi Hospital during 1993-1994 are reported. All three vessels were repaired successfully. The surgical management of these cases is described.

Histopathological analysis of mice born following single cell embryo biopsy

Single cell embryo biopsy is a useful but invasive technique for preimplantation diagnosis. Biopsy may be performed by physical (direct zona puncture) or chemical methods (zona drilling with acid solution). This study has analysed the safety of a physical method of embryo biopsy in the mouse. Six adult mice (male and female), three from biopsied embryos and three from a control group (non-biopsied) were subjected to histopathological analyses. Macroscopically, the anatomy and morphology of the internal organs in both groups were normal. Microscopic analyses of 15 major organs, which included the brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, stomach, intestine, voluntary muscle, spleen, pancreas, adrenal, thymus, skin, testis (male) and ovary (female), in both groups were all normal. These results showed that careful single cell embryo biopsy by direct zona puncture performed at the 8-cell embryo stage had no adverse influence on the macroscopic and microscopic structure of the organs. The remaining pluripotential cells of biopsied embryos developed normal microstructure according to the hereditary messages. Ideally, the safety of embryo biopsy requires observation of three stages after embryo biopsy, namely embryonic and fetal development before birth, neonatal assessment and long-term monitoring after birth.

Post-cone biopsy traumatic neuroma of the uterine cervix

Traumatic neuroma rarely occurs in the female genital tract and is probably the rarest complication of cone biopsy. A traumatic neuroma of the cervix found incidentally in the hysterectomy specimen of a 40-year-old woman who had previous conization for cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 is presented. Significance of the finding is described.

Trophoblastic differentiation in a malignant mixed mesodermal tumor of the ovary

Trophoblastic differentiation in an extragonadal carcinoma is a rare and unusual phenomenon which has been observed in the carcinomas of stomach, bronchus, esophagus, ovary, liver, urinary bladder, endometrium, and, rarely, in the sarcomas. To our knowledge, this phenomenon has not been observed previously in a mixed mesodermal sarcoma (MMS), and the present communication is to record such a case of MMS of ovary with this phenomenon.

Glomus tumor of the colon. First reported case

An adventitial glomus tumor found incidentally in a specimen of colon removed for a recurrent adenocarcinoma is reported. According to the author's knowledge, this is the first case of colonic glomus reported in the English medical literature.

Verrucous carcinoma of the uterine cervix. A case report

The cytohistopathologic features of a verrucous cervical carcinoma are reported. The presence in a cervical smear of two distinct types of dyskaryotic cells, with regularity of size and shape, and of occasional vacuolated cells set in a bright, eosinophilic background should suggest the lesion. With the cytologic suggestion and the typical warty clinical appearance of the tumor, an accurate preoperative diagnosis may be established.

Intravascular angiomatosis in female urethral mass. Masson intravascular hemangioendothelioma

A case of Masson intravascular hemangioendothelioma hitherto undescribed in the female urethra is reported. The condition has bizarre histopathologic appearances which sometimes pose a problem in differentiating it from angiosarcoma. Recognition of the condition, particularly in a female urethra which is not an infrequent site of vascular lesions such as caruncles and varices, is therefore emphasized to avoid unnecessary drastic treatment.

Xanthogranulomatous endometritis: case report

A case of chronic endometritis with unusual histological features due to the presence of abundant foam cells and lipid material is described. The presence of foam cells, abundant intra- and extracellular lipid together with other inflammatory cells in the absence of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma warrants the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous endometritis.

Physico-chemical and Genetic Analysis of Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm

For selection of aromatic rice lines, twenty six (26) rice genotypes were evaluated for agronomic characteristics and aroma detection through sensory test and genotypic analysis using SSR markers. Grain quality and yield attributes were analyzed after harvesting the grain. Aroma was detected by 1.7% KOH as a sensory test. Based on sensory test, six genotypes were detected for having strong aroma; 7 for moderate aroma; 10 for slight aroma and 3 for no aroma. Aroma had significant and positive association with grain length-width ratio; significant and negative association with grain width, significant and negative association with gelatinization temperature, and no significant association with grain length. Three SSR primers viz; RM223, RM515 and RM342 were used for identifying fgr gene locus in 26 rice genotypes. The primer RM223 identified the fgr locus as homozygous condition for 6 as strong aromatic, 7 moderate aromatic, 10 slight aromatic and the rest 3 as non aromatic. The primer RM515 detected 4 as strong aromatic, 6 as moderate aromatic, and 16 as slight to non aromatic. The primer RM342 detected 3 as strong aromatic and four as moderate aromatic, 19 as slight to non aromatic. Compared among the three markers, RM223 detected the highest number of fgr locus in aromatic rice genotypes. Among the three primers, RM223 responded best in all the 26 rice genotypes, because RM223 primer could be able to identify aromatic and nonaromatic genes having higher yield with good agronomic performance and other grain quality traits. These elite lines could be readily used in breeding programme for release aromatic rice variety with considerable yield. Keywords: Microsatellite markers; aromatic rice DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9482 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 82-88