2D Materials by Design: Intercalation of Cr or Mn between two VSe2 van der Waals Layers

Insertion of metal layers between layered transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) enables the design of new pseudo-2D nanomaterials. The general premise is that various metal atoms may adopt energetically favorable intercalation sites between two TMD sheets. These covalently bound metals arrange in metastable configurations and thus enable the controlled synthesis of nanomaterials in a bottom-up approach. Here, this method is demonstrated by the insertion of Cr or Mn between VSe2 layers. Vacuum-deposited transition metals diffuse between VSe2 layers with increasing concentration, arranging in ordered phases. The Cr3+ or Mn2+ ions are in octahedral coordination and thus in a high-spin state. Measured and computed magnetic moments are high for dilute Cr atoms, but with increasing Cr concentration the average magnetic moment decreases, suggesting antiferromagnetic ordering between Cr ions. The many possible combinations of transition metals with TMDs form a library for exploring quantum phenomena in these nanomaterials.

Correlation of Vascular Changes in Skin Tissue of Diabetic Patients with Glycosylated Hb and duration of Disease

Skin is the largest organ and outer covering of human body. It plays a great role in our visible appearance. Humans are more conscious about skin disease because it has a cosmetic priority. The cases that fulfil the selection criteria will be enrolled as study samples with a view to see correlation with glycosylated Hb, vascular changes and duration of DM. This cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Skin and VD and the Department of Pathology of BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2017 to February 2019. Study population was all diabetic patients with skin diseases attending dermatology department of BIRDEM hospital. Among them 90 patients were selected who will do skin biopsy with diabetes mellitus. Skin biopsy tissue and blood sample were taken as materials to determine the type of skin lesion in patients with satisfactory and unsatisfactory glycaemic control; the relationship of diabetic skin lesions with duration of diabetes; and assessing the cutaneous or dermal capillary vascular changes was in Diabetes Mellitus and its correlation with HbA1c level and duration of Diabetes Mellitus. Among 90 cases age ranged from 31 to 85 years with mean age of the patients 55.06 ± 12.10 years. Maximum patients were in age group 41-50 years (32.2%). Skin disorders in Diabetes mellitus are more common in female in this study. Almost three fourth of the patients glycemic status was unsatisfactory. Satisfactory glycemic patients were 17 cases (18.9%) and unsatisfactory glycemic patients were 73 cases (81.1%). Mean HbA1c shows unsatisfactory glycemic status among 90 cases in this study. Mean HbA1c is more unsatisfactory in female patients in this study. Most common group of lesion was 37.7 % belong to miscellaneous group followed by skin diseases with strong to weak association with DM. There were no significant differences in different types of skin lesions between satisfactory and unsatisfactory blood glucose patients. Majority of the cases (37.8%) occurred after 10 years of diagnosis of DM. Mean duration of DM was highest among the patients with skin reaction to diabetic treatment (10.04±6.19). There is marked variation in thickness of dermal capillary basement membrane with duration of diabetes. There was a significant inverse correlation between perivascular infiltration and capillary basement membrane thickness.

Fluoride Contamination, Toxicity and its Potential Therapeutic Agents

Fluoride is the thirteenth most abundant element in the earth’s crust. It is highly electronegative and distributed ubiquitously in nature. During weathering of rocks and soil, fluoride can leach out and dissolve in the groundwater. Both plants and animals are exposed to several compounds of fluoride through contaminated soil and water. Fluoride contamination in groundwater is a major global concern as groundwater is frequently used for drinking in various parts of the world, especially in developing countries. Fluoride compounds have been reported to impose acute and chronic health hazards. Millions of global populations are suffering from dental and skeletal fluorosis due to high fluoride intake through drinking water. In green vegetation, fluoride accumulation causes necrosis in the tip and marginal portions of leaves. Diverse detrimental effects of fluoride on health have insisted researchers globally to identify compounds having protective potential against fluoride toxicity. Several plant extracts, vitamins, polyphenols, melatonin, hypophyseal proteins, and lycopene have been demonstrated to enhance the antioxidant status and subvert fluoride-induced health hazards in model organisms. However, more studies are required to forward conclusive opinions in terms of the real-life efficacy of these antioxidants against fluoride toxicity.

Use of Drugs Considering Route of Administration on Drug Prescription Pattern for Bronchial Asthma in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Bronchial asthma is one of the much known long-term respiratory conditions. Incidence is increasing, in developing countries like Bangladesh. Cross-sectional type of observational study was carried out over one year (July 2017 to June 2018) in the department of Pharmacology with collaboration of the department of Respiratory Medicine and Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 160 patients were selected non-randomly for the study. Inhalation route (52.35%) was the most preferred one over oral route (47.65%). In total 245 drugs, 131 FDC drugs (Salmeterol + Fluticasone) were prescribed with inhalation therapy which is 53.46%, another 9 FDC drugs that is (Ipratropium bromide + Salbutamol) were prescribed with inhalation therapy which is 3.67%, 101 drugs (Salbutamol) were prescribed with inhalation therapy that is 41.23%, 4 drugs (Beclomethasone) were prescribed with inhalation therapy that is 1.64%. Majority of patient were taking inhalation form of anti-asthmatic drugs.

Formation of In-Plane Semiconductor-Metal Contacts in 2D Platinum Telluride by Converting PtTe2 to Pt2Te2

Monolayer PtTe₂ is a narrow gap semiconductor while Pt₂Te₂ is a metal. Here we show that the former can be transformed into the latter by reaction with vapor-deposited Pt atoms. The transformation occurs by nucleating the Pt₂Te₂ phase within PtTe₂ islands, so that a metal-semiconductor junction is formed. A flat band structure is found with the Fermi level of the metal aligning with that of the intrinsically p-doped PtTe₂. This is achieved by an interface dipole that accommodates the ∼0.2 eV shift in the work functions of the two materials. First-principles calculations indicate that the origin of the interface dipole is the atomic scale charge redistributions at the heterojunction. The demonstrated compositional phase transformation of a 2D semiconductor into a 2D metal is a promising approach for making in-plane metal contacts that are required for efficient charge injection and is of particular interest for semiconductors with large spin-orbit coupling, like PtTe₂.

Synergistic action of organophosphates and COVID-19 on inflammation, oxidative stress, and renin-angiotensin system can amplify the risk of cardiovascular maladies

Organophosphates (OPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, widely used as pesticides in agricultural fields. In addition, they serve as flame-retardants, plasticizers, antifoaming or antiwear agents in lacquers, hydraulic fluids, and floor polishing agents. Therefore, world-wide and massive application of these compounds have increased the risk of unintentional exposure to non-targets including the human beings. OPs are neurotoxic agents as they inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase at synaptic cleft. Moreover, they can fuel cardiovascular issues in the form of myocardities, cardiac oedema, arrhythmia, systolic malfunction, infarction, and altered electrophysiology. Such pathological outcomes might increase the severity of cardiovascular diseases which are the leading cause of mortality in the developing world. Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is the ongoing global health emergency caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similar to OPs, SARS-CoV-2 disrupts cytokine homeostasis, redox-balance, and angiotensin-II/AT₁R axis to promote cardiovascular injuries. Therefore, during the current pandemic milieu, unintentional exposure to OPs through several environmental sources could escalate cardiac maladies in patients with COVID-19.

Understanding the cross-talk between mediators of infertility and COVID-19

COVID-19 is the ongoing health emergency affecting individuals of all ages around the globe. Initially, the infection was reported to affect pulmonary structures. However, recent studies have delineated the impacts of COVID-19 on the reproductive system of both men and women. Hence, the present review aims to shed light on the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors in various reproductive organs. In addition, impacts of COVID-19 mediators like disrupted renin angiotensin system, oxidative stress, cytokine storm, fever, and the mental stress on reproductive physiology have also been discussed. For the present study, various keywords were used to search literature on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Articles were screened for relevancy and were studied in detail for qualitative synthesis of the review. Through our literature review, we found a multitude of effects of COVID-19 mediators on reproductive systems. Studies reported expression of receptors like ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and CD147 in the testes, epididymis, prostrate, seminal vesicles, and ovarian follicles. These proteins are known to serve as major SARS-CoV-2 entry factors. The expression of lysosomal cathepsins (CTSB/CTSL) and/ neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) are also evident in the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, fallopian tube, cervix, and endometrium. The binding of viral spike protein with ACE-2 was found to alter the renin-angiotensin cascade, which could invite additional infertility problems. Furthermore, COVID-19 mediated cytokine storm, oxidative stress, and elevated body temperature could be detrimental to gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, and reproductive cycles in patients. Finally, social isolation, confinement, and job insecurities have fueled mental stress and frustration that might promote glucocorticoid-mediated subnormal sperm quality in men and higher risk of miscarriage in women. Hence, the influence of COVID-19 on the alteration of reproductive health and fertility is quite apparent.

Helicobacter pylori infection in diabetes mellitus patients with peptic ulcer disease

Background and objectives: Helicobacter pylori infection is suspected to be associated with extra-gastrointestinal disorders such as diabetes mellitus (DM). It is still a subject of investigation whether H. pylori has a pathogenic role on DM or diabetic patients have an increased susceptibility to H. pylori infection. The aim of the present study was to find out the rate of H. pylori infection in individuals with and without DM. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 72 diabetic and 19 non-diabetic adult individuals with dyspeptic symptoms attending the BIRDEM General Hospital for diagnostic endoscopy. All cases were tested for H. pylori stool antigen by rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT), urease production in biopsy samples by rapid urease test (RUT), and serum anti-H. pylori IgA and anti-CagA IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Any case that had peptic ulcer/erosion and was positive for H. pylori stool antigen or rapid urease test (RUT) was defined as H. pylori positive case. Results: There was no significant (p=0.095) difference in H. pylori infection between diabetics and non-diabetics (68.1% vs 47.4%). Presence of ulcer and erosion were not significantly different among diabetics and non-diabetics. Anti-H. pylori IgA positivity rate in H. pylori positive diabetic and non-diabetic cases were 65.3% and 55.6% (p=0.575) respectively while anti-CagA IgG rate in those cases were 46.9% and 66.7% (p=0.276) respectively. Conclusion: The present study did not reveal any significant difference in H. pylori infection between individuals with and without DM having peptic ulcer/erosion. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2020; 14(2): 27-32

Immunotoxic role of organophosphates: An unseen risk escalating SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity

Consistent gathering of immunotoxic substances on earth is a serious global issue affecting people under pathogenic stress. Organophosphates are among such hazardous compounds that are ubiquitous in nature. They fuel oxidative stress to impair antiviral immune response in living entities. Aside, organophosphates promote cytokine burst and pyroptosis in broncho-alveolar chambers leading to severe respiratory ailments. At present, we witness COVID-19 outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2. Infection triggers cytokine storm coupled with inflammatory manifestations and pulmonary disorders in patients. Since organophosphate-exposure promotes necroinflammation and respiratory troubles hence during current pandemic situation, additional exposure to such chemicals can exacerbate inflammatory outcome and pulmonary maladies in patients, or pre-exposure to organophosphates might turn-out to be a risk factor for compromised immunity. Fortunately, antioxidants alleviate organophosphate-induced immunosuppression and hence under co-exposure circumstances, dietary intake of antioxidants would be beneficial to boost immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Measurement of Placental Index in Different Gestational Age Groups in Bangladeshi Women

Placenta is the mirror of maternal and fetal status; it reflects the changes due to complications in pregnancy of mother. The growth and survival of the fetus in utero is directly related to formation, development and maturation of the placenta. Placental index was correlated to poor pregnancy outcomes. Placental index can help to identify fetal growth restriction which is result of placental insufficiency and is characterized by insufficient trasnsplacental transport of nutrients and oxygen. This cross sectional descriptive study would provide information about the ratio of placental index in different gestational age group in Bangladeshi women. To achieve this aim the study was performed on 60 human placenta and corresponding fetuses and gestational age (in weeks) categorized as Group A (28-32), Group B (33-37), Group C (38-40). These sample and information were collected from normal pregnancy in Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2009 to June 2010. After preservation in 10% formal saline, study was done in Department of Anatomy in Mymensingh Medical College. In this study, the mean±SD placental index was in Group A (0.187±0.113), Group B (0.153±0.025) and Group C (0.166±0.025) and also observed that mean placental index decreased with age up to certain level then increase in Group C. The mean placental index was maximum in Group A (0.187±0.113) and was minimum in Group B (0.153±0.025). The mean difference of placental index between Groups A&B, A&C and B&C was statistically not significant. Observed findings of this study were compared with those of Western and Bangladeshi researches.

Gold Standard Cholera Diagnostics Are Tarnished by Lytic Bacteriophage and Antibiotics

A fundamental, clinical, and scientific concern is how lytic bacteriophage, as well as antibiotics, impact diagnostic positivity. Cholera was chosen as a model disease to investigate this important question, because cholera outbreaks enable large enrollment, field methods are well established, and the predatory relationship between lytic bacteriophage and the etiologic agent Vibrio cholerae share commonalities across bacterial taxa. Patients with diarrheal disease were enrolled at two remote hospitals in Bangladesh. Diagnostic performance was assessed as a function of lytic bacteriophage detection and exposure to the first-line antibiotic azithromycin, detected in stool samples by mass spectrometry. Among diarrheal samples positive by nanoliter quantitative PCR (qPCR) for V. cholerae (n = 78/849), the odds that a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) or qPCR was positive was reduced by 89% (odds ratio [OR], 0.108; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002 to 0.872) and 87% (OR, 0.130; 95% CI, 0.022 to 0.649), respectively, when lytic bacteriophage were detected. The odds that an RDT or qPCR was positive was reduced by more than 99% (OR, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.28) and 89% (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.44), respectively, when azithromycin was detected. Analysis of additional samples from South Sudan found similar phage effects on RDTs; antibiotics were not assayed. Cholera burden estimates may improve by accommodating for the negative effects of lytic bacteriophage and antibiotic exposure on diagnostic positivity. One accommodation is using bacteriophage detection as a proxy for pathogen detection. These findings have relevance for other diagnostic settings where bacterial pathogens are vulnerable to lytic bacteriophage predation.

Multi-stage feature selection (MSFS) algorithm for UWB-based early breast cancer size prediction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and it is one of the main causes of death for women worldwide. To attain an optimum medical treatment for breast cancer, an early breast cancer detection is crucial. This paper proposes a multi- stage feature selection method that extracts statistically significant features for breast cancer size detection using proposed data normalization techniques. Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, controlled using microcontroller are transmitted via an antenna from one end of the breast phantom and are received on the other end. These ultra-wideband analogue signals are represented in both time and frequency domain. The preprocessed digital data is passed to the proposed multi- stage feature selection algorithm. This algorithm has four selection stages. It comprises of data normalization methods, feature extraction, data dimensional reduction and feature fusion. The output data is fused together to form the proposed datasets, namely, 8-HybridFeature, 9-HybridFeature and 10-HybridFeature datasets. The classification performance of these datasets is tested using the Support Vector Machine, Probabilistic Neural Network and Naïve Bayes classifiers for breast cancer size classification. The research findings indicate that the 8-HybridFeature dataset performs better in comparison to the other two datasets. For the 8-HybridFeature dataset, the Naïve Bayes classifier (91.98%) outperformed the Support Vector Machine (90.44%) and Probabilistic Neural Network (80.05%) classifiers in terms of classification accuracy. The finalized method is tested and visualized in the MATLAB based 2D and 3D environment.

Pulse Oximetry is Essential in Home Management of Elderly COVID-19 Patients

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is in Pandemic form and has affected people of 215 countries. It produces symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, loss of taste, smell or appetite and many other rare symptoms. But the most important symptom is shortness of breath due to hypoxia. In a normal individual oxygen saturation (SpO2) is at least 95% and patient feels shortness of breath when SpO2 falls below 90% with some exception. SARS-CoV-2, a newly emergent coronavirus has the peculiarity to produce silent hypoxia, meaning SpO2< 90% or less like 80%, 70%, 60% without shortness of breath. Silent hypoxia can be diagnosed by monitoring SpO2 with pulse oximeter. For management of COVID-19, early symptoms like fever & cough, SpO2 should be monitored by pulse oximeter, followed by immediate correction of hypoxia by O2 supplementation and prophylactic oral or injectable anticoagulant to prevent thromboembolism and thus death rate can be reduced. Case summary: A 72-year-old man presented with the complaints of fever and headache followed by cough, fatigue, anorexia, loss of taste and appetite in next few days but no shortness of breath. The patient was clinically diagnosed as a case of COVID-19 & positive result of Real time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test confirmed the diagnosis. From the first day, SpO2 was regularly monitored with pulse oximeter and SpO2 on day 1, it was 96-98%. On day 8, SpO2 fell to 89-93%, pulse 96/min, respiratory rate>30/min, temperature 101o F, taste sensation was reduced. According to sign and symptoms, the patient was diagnosed as COVID-19 with severe pneumonia. Management was started at home with continuous monitoring, lying in prone position for 5-6 hours/day, supplemental oxygenation to maintain level of SpO2 between 94-96%, injectable anticoagulant enoxaparin to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was given. Prophylactic antibiotics and symptomatic treatment were also given. Results: According to this case report, patient’s SpO2 was monitored by pulse oximeter on first day; on day 08, SpO2 fell to 89-93% & on day 10, further dropped to 85-88% which indicated severe pneumonia but there was no complaint of breathlessness as it was silent hypoxia. Sometimes the patient spent 30 minutes or more in toilet and SpO2 used to fall to 82-83% without any subjective shortness of breath but with only mild heaviness of chest and cough. Therefore SpO2 monitoring by pulse oximeter is essential in early diagnosis of silent hypoxia. Correction of hypoxia by supplemental oxygenation and prevention of VTE and DIC by using anticoagulant was the mainstay of treatment and patient had significant improvement on day 14. The patient was managed completely at home except X-ray being done in a hospital. Conclusion: Fall of SpO2 in COVID-19 i.e. hypoxia (usually present as shortness of breath) or silent hypoxia can be diagnosed early by pulse oximeter or smart phone pulse oximetry apps. Early management by isolation, supplemental oxygenation and oral/injectable anticoagulation can prevent further events like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), respiratory failure followed by multiple organ failure (that may cause death). The authors advocate further clinical trial and research. Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2020; 26(1): 55-67

Replacement of Sodium Bicarbonate and Micronutrients in Kosaric Medium With Banana Leaf Ash Extract for Culture of Spirulina Platensis

Spirulina platensis is one of the most promising microalgae for culture due to its high nutritional values. The main constraint to its production is the high cost of culture media. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of S. platensis with the aim of replacing sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and mineral nutrients in Kosaric medium (KM) with banana leaf ash extract. KM was used as control medium in treatment T1. In treatments T2 to T5, 50% of NaHCO3 in KM was replaced with banana leaf ash extract (BLAE). In addition, micronutrients in KM were reduced to 75%, 50% and 25% in treatments T3 to T5, respectively. The values of different physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and light intensity) of the culture media were within the suitable range for S. platensis culture. Optical density in treatments T2 and T3 were similar to that was in treatment T1. Maximum cell dry weight (0.65 gL-1) was observed in treatment T1 and it was similar to the treatments T2 and T3 where 50% of NaHCO3 in KM was replaced with banana leaf ash extract with 100% and 75% micronutrients supply, respectively. The similar trend was found in chlorophyll a content. It was evident that 50% of NaHCO3 in KM can be replaced with BLAE for the culture of S. platensis, in addition micronutrients in KM can be reduced to 75%. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2019) 23(1) : 37-47

Helicobacter pylori CagA seropositivity in adult Bangladeshi patients with peptic ulcer and erosion

Background: CagA IgG antibody in sera might indicate presence of virulent Helicobacter pylori in patients with peptic ulcer disease. Present study was performed to find out the prevalence of CagA IgG antibody in patients with peptic ulcer/erosion. Methods: Any case that had peptic ulcer/erosion, plus positive for rapid urease test (RUT) or H. pylori stool antigen (HpSAg) or serum anti-H. pylori IgG/IgA were included in the study and named as H. pylori positive case. H. pylori positive cases were tested for CagA IgG antibody. Anti-H. pylori IgG, IgA and CagA IgG antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and stool antigen by rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT). Urease production in biopsy sample was detected by RUT. Results: Total 86 H. pylori positive patients were included in the study. Out of 86 patients, CagA IgG was positive in 34 (39.5%; 95% CI: 0.30,0.50) cases. CagA seropositivity rate in ulcer and erosion cases were 58.8% (95% CI: 0.36,0.78) and 34.8% (95% CI: 0.25,0.47) respectively. H. pylori stool antigen and IgA antibodies were positive in all (100%) CagA antibody positive ulcer cases while the rates were significantly less among the CagA antibody negative cases (42.8% and 28.6%; p<0.05). However, in CagA antibody positive erosion cases, the rates were not significantly different from CagA antibody negative cases. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated that the CagA positive strain is less prevalent in erosion than ulcer cases. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2020; 14(1): 36-40

Potential risk of organophosphate exposure in male reproductive system of a non-target insect model Drosophila melanogaster

Based on several adverse reports of pesticides on reproductive efficiency of various organisms, studies on "reproductive toxicity" have gained importance. Fecundity, reflecting reproductive success of any organism, is governed by several factors from female and male reproductive systems. This present study explored morphological and biochemical alterations in the male reproductive system of a non-target model organism, Drosophila melanogaster following chronic sub-lethal exposure (1^st instar larvae differentially exposed to 1-6 μg/mL until adulthood) to the organophosphate (OP) pesticide, acephate (chronic LC₅₀ 8.71 μg/mL). This study demonstrates altered testis structure, decreased germ cell viability and gross body weight, increased activities of oxidative stress marker lipid peroxidase (LPO), and the endogenous antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT)in addition with altered expression of reproductive marker proteins like vitellogenin and mitoferrin in acephate-exposed flies when compared to control counterparts. Altered reproductive behavior, indicated by a significant decline in the number of mating pairs, validates the adverse effect of chronic acephate exposure on male reproduction in the non-target insect model D. melanogaster.

Rashba Band Splitting in CH3NH3PbI3: An Insight from Spin-Polarized Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy

We report an experimental observation of Rashba splitting in methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃). Because of a large spin-orbit coupling parameter in the noncentrosymmetric material, both of the bands were predicted to split having two different spin-textures leading to two different Z-components of total angular momentum (J_Z). We use spin-polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy to probe only one-type of J_Z-matched bands throughout the film; dI/dV spectra recorded at many different points of a film however allowed us to spot both the Rashba split-levels and also deliberate on their spin-textures. We observe that the bands split in such a manner that the conduction and valence bands closer to the Fermi energy have the same type of spin-textures (a spin-allowed transition model). Still a low recombination rate of photogenerated carriers in MAPbI₃ has been analyzed by considering Wannier-type excitons, a molecular nature of spin-domains from dI/dV images, and therefore a spin-forbidden nature of interdomain transition.

Dirac States of 2D Topological Insulators: Effect of Heterovalent Dopant-Content

We have studied Bi2Se3 at its 2D-limit using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Bulk Bi2Se3 is a well-known topological insulator having gapless surface states. In the 2D limit, the interior of the material exhibits a band gap, whereas the periphery shows a gapless metallic state having a Dirac point. We demonstrate a method to tune the Fermi energy and hence the Dirac point of Bi2Se3 nanoplates through doping at the anionic site. For this purpose, STS measurements were carried out on the Bi2Se3 system. We have used bromide as a dopant, which turns the material to n-type in nature. As a result, STS studies infer that the Fermi energy (EF) shifted toward the conduction band and consequently the Dirac point could be found to move away from Fermi energy. Through STS measurements, we have demonstrated a correlation between the shift of Dirac point position and the dopant content. The size, shape, and compositions of Bi2Se3 nanoflakes and concentration of bromine in the doped nanostructures were determined using transmission electron microscopy, associated energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, and X-ray diffraction.

Brachial Plexus Schwannoma: A Case Report with Emphasis on Imaging

Brachial plexus tumors are rare. Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors and only about 5% arise from brachial plexus. Diagnosis of these tumors are challenging for radiologists as well as clinicians as they are rare and the anatomy of the neck is complex. We report a case of a middle aged woman who was admitted in Mymensingh Medical College in Neurosurgery Department on 15th December 2017 with right supraclavicular swelling; based on the clinical findings was provisionally diagnosed as supraclavicular lymphadenopathy; Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging suggested schwannoma. Complete excision of the mass through supraclavicular approach showed the origin of it from the brachial plexus, which subsequently was confirmed to be a schwannoma with histopathology.

Nonlayered tellurene as an elemental 2D topological insulator: experimental evidence from scanning tunneling spectroscopy

We report the formation of a nonlayered tellurene monolayer in its alpha-phase through an anisotropic ultrasonication method. The nonlayered tellurene has so far been predicted to exhibit a topologically insulating state of matter in two-dimensional (2D) form with an insulating interior and metallic edge states propagating along the perimeter of the 2D objects. In this work, we report direct evidence of elemental topological insulator behavior in the material through a localized mode of measurement, that is, scanning tunneling spectroscopic studies. We moreover deliberate on the length scale the time-reversal symmetry-protected edge states extend towards the interior. The metallic edge, which has been found to span over a 3 nm region, opens and widens monotonically into gapped states. The appearance of the elemental 2D topological insulator phase has been explained in terms of built-in strains in the systems as viewed through a shift in the Raman modes.

Molecular Diagnosis of Human Papilloma Virus by PCR

Cervical cancer is a major world health problem and the fourth most leading cause of death in women around the world. High risk HPV DNA has been shown to be present in 99.7% of cervical cancers worldwide. So detection of HPV DNA by PCR may help in early detection and management of cervical cancer. This cross sectional observational study was done to detect L1 antigen gene of HPV from cervical swab by nested PCR. Following universal safety precautions a total of 141 endocervical swabs were collected from Colposcopy clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of MMCH from January 2015 to December 2015. Laboratory work was done in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College (MMC), Mymensingh, Bangladesh HPV DNA was tested among 141 VIA positive women aged between 20-70 years by nested PCR method. DNA was extracted by phenol-chloroform extraction method. Two pairs of consensus primers MY09-MY11 and GP5-GP6 were used in a nested PCR assay. Histopathological examination was done on 66 samples in the Department of Pathology, MMC, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 36.9% (52/141) cases were positive for HPV DNA by nested PCR. On Histopathological diagnosis PCR was positive in 42.9% chronic cervicitis, 21.2% CIN cases and 90.9% cervical carcinoma cases. Based on the findings of the study, it may be concluded that the HPV DNA testing has opened the door for an alternative surveillance mechanism to routine cytological screening. Detection of HPV may play an important role in diagnosis and clinical prognosis of precancerous lesions. So PCR may be done for all VIA positive cases for screening of cervical cancer.

Interplay of ROS and behavioral pattern in fluoride exposed Drosophila melanogaster

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to be associated with the process of aging and other health hazards. Organisms are compelled to compromise with body homeostasis when exposed to toxic substances. In the present study sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure (10-100 μgmL^-1) to Drosophila melanogaster in the parental (P) generation leads to increase in adult mortality and alteration in male-female ratio in the P and F1 (1st Filial) generation. Post-treatment alterations in selected behavioral traits (crawling, embedding and climbing) were observed in larvae and adults. Altered behavioral pattern was found to be associated with reduced mitochondrial activity and decreased number of viable brain cells in treated individuals. Interestingly, higher cholinesterase activities in treated males in comparison to females demonstrate a definite sex bias in NaF-induced response. Hyper-activation of antioxidant enzyme like catalase and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activity indicate a shift in the oxidative status after fluoride exposure. Additionally, increase in lipid peroxidation suggests enhancement in ROS which is further validated through increment in protein carbonyl content. Hence, the observations of the present study propose behavioral alterations resulting from increased ROS after chronic exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of NaF in D. melanogaster.

Chronic exposure to acephate triggers ROS-mediated injuries at organismal and sub-organismal levels of Drosophila melanogaster

The present study demonstrates ROS-mediated organismal and sub-organismal injuries in Drosophila melanogaster following chronic acephate exposure. Larvae and adults of Drosophila were reared on food supplemented with sub-lethal concentrations (1-6 μg mL-1) of acephate (LC50 8.71 μg mL-1). The longevity of the treated adults was reduced to half at 6 μg mL-1 exposure along with declined neuromuscular coordination and physical activities. Apparent developmental defects in the compound eyes were confirmed through the detection of apoptotic lesions in larval eye imaginal discs. The larval gut manifested tissue damage at various sites. Neural and fat cell viability was reduced by ∼1.89- and ∼3.38-fold at 6 μg mL-1 acephate treatment, respectively. A significant reduction in hemocyte viability confirmed the immunotoxic potential of acephate. Nearly 1-3-fold enhancement in the expression of OS markers (MDA, protein carbonyl contents, SOD, catalase and HSP70) in the treated larvae served as evidence of ROS production. The post-treatment increase in CYP450 and GST activities reflects the 'switch-on' states of the phase-I and phase-II detoxification mechanism. The genotoxic potential of acephate was confirmed through alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis. Thus, the findings of the present study validate the fact that besides traditional cholinesterase inhibition, chronic sub-lethal exposure to acephate potentially induces ROS-mediated toxic responses in Drosophila.

Bi2Se3 topological insulator at the 2D-limit: role of halide-doping on Dirac point

2D topological insulators exhibit insulating bulk and conducting edge states with a Dirac point, which at times is within the energy gap and could be on either side of the Fermi energy. In this study, we demonstrate a method to tune the energy of the Dirac edge state by introducing halides as dopants in Bi₂Se₃. We chose halides to substitute the anion, so that due to higher atomic number (of iodine, for example) with respect to selenium, the spin-orbit coupling parameter could be enhanced, leading to the significant separation of the Dirac point from the Fermi energy. With different halogens having different atomic numbers on either side of selenium, the Dirac point could hence be tuned towards both directions. The dopants, due to their heterovalent nature with respect to selenide, introduce carriers in the lattice and consequently, also shift the Fermi energy. We show that the Dirac point with respect to Fermi energy could be correlated to the dopant's atomic number and thus the atomic-number-induced spin-orbit coupling parameter. Strains developed in the lattice due to a mismatch in the effective ionic radii of the dopants and the host anion affected distribution of band energies, leaving the (distribution of) Dirac point unaffected due to its topologically protected nature.

Trans-generational transmission of altered phenotype resulting from flubendiamide-induced changes in apoptosis in larval imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster

The eye and wing morphology of Drosophila melanogaster maintain unique, stable pattern of genesis from larval eye and wing imaginal discs. Increased apoptosis in cells of eye and wing discs was found to be associated with flubendiamide (fluoride containing insecticide) exposure (at the range 0.25-10μg/mL) in D. melanogaster larvae. The chemical fed larvae on attaining adulthood revealed alterations in morphology and symmetry of their compound eyes and wings through scanning electron microscopy. Nearly 40% and 30% of flies (P generation) demonstrated alterations in eyes and wings respectively. Transmission electron microscopic study (at the range 1-20μg/mL) also established variation in the rhabdomere and pigment cell orientation as well as in the shape of the ommatidium. Subsequent SEM study with F₁ and F₂ generation flies also revealed structural variation in eye and wing. Decrease in percentage of altered eye and wing phenotype was noted in subsequent generations (P> F₁>F₂). Thus, the diamide insecticide, flubendiamide, expected to be environmentally safe at sub-lethal concentrations was found to increase apoptosis in larvae and thereby cause morphological alteration in the adult D. melanogaster. This study further demonstrated trans-generational transmission of altered phenotype in three subsequent generations of a non-target insect model, D. melanogaster.

Sodium fluoride adversely affects ovarian development and reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster

The study demonstrates the effects of chronic sub-lethal exposure of sodium fluoride (NaF) on reproductive structure and function of female Drosophila melanogaster. As a part of treatment, flies were maintained in food supplemented with sub-lethal concentrations of NaF (10-100 μg/mL). Fecundity, ovarian morphology, presence and profusion of viable cells from ovary and fat body were taken into consideration for evaluating changes in reproductive homeostasis. Wing length (a factor demonstrating body size and reproductive fitness) was also monitored after NaF exposure. Significant reduction in fecundity, alteration in ovarian morphology along with an increase in apoptosis was observed in treated females. Simultaneous decline in viable cell number and larval weight validates the result of MTT assay. Furthermore, altered ovarian Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and catalase activities together with increased rate of lipid peroxidation after 20 and 40 μg/mL NaF exposure confirmed the changes in reproduction related metabolism. Enhanced lipid peroxidation known for ROS generation might have induced genotoxicity which is confirmed through Comet assay. The enzyme activities were not dose dependent, rather manifested a bimodal response, which suggests a well-knit interaction among the players inducing stress and the ones that help establish physiological homeostasis.

OncoE6 Positivity among VIA Positive Suspected Cases from Colposcopy Clinic of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh

Cervical cancer is a major world health problem for women. It is the fourth most leading cause of death in women around the world. High risk HPV DNA has been shown to be present in 99.7% of cervical cancers worldwide. Oncoprotein E6 and E7 play an important role in the development of cervical cancer which can be detected by OncoE6 cervical test. This Cross sectional observational study was performed to detect E6 Oncoprotein from cervical swab by OncoE6 cervical test. Following universal safety precautions a total of 47 endocervical swabs were collected from Colposcopy clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2015 to December 2015. Laboratory work was done in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh medical college. E6 strip test is an immunochromatographic test based on the detection of HPV-E6 oncoprotein in cervical swab samples. The swab specimen was treated with lysis solution and conditioning solution. Then the specimen solution was clarified by centrifugation. After that the sample solution was transferred into Detector mAb vial, wash solution vial and finally into developing solution vial. The test unit was then placed on a reading guide. Positive result was indicated by the appearance of purple colored test line. Out of 47 specimens 21(44.68%) were OncoE6 positive by OncoE6 cervical test. Among 21 positive cases 19(90.48%) were HPV-16 and 2 were (9.52%) HPV-18. Histopathologically out of 22 cervical carcinoma cases 20(90.90%) were positive by this test. Based on the findings of the present study, it may be concluded that screening with HPV E6 may minimize the overtreatment as well as the colposcopy referral. So it can be used as primary screening to aid colposcopy and to identify real disease. HPV based screening may help to control cervical cancer in Bangladesh. As HPV is a sexually transmitted infection; so, male screening method should be established.

Current Trend of Using Anti-Hypertensives in Pregnancy and Postpartum Period in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Hypertensive disorders are one of the most common disorders in pregnancy. They are amongst the major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Incidence is increasing in developing countries like Bangladesh. This cross sectional descriptive study has done to observe the utilization of antihypertensive drugs in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and conducted from January 2016 to December 2016 in the department of Pharmacology in collaboration with department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Non random purposive sampling technique was used. Total of 300 patients participated in the study, 281 anti partum and 19 postpartum. Age distribution showed 42% patients were in 21-25 years age group. Majority of the participants (91%) were housewife and majority (79%) came from poor socioeconomic status with below SSC education (68%). About 82% patients lived in rural area. Trimester and gravida wise distribution showed most of the participants were 3rd trimester (61%) and primigravida (57%) and only 6% patients belong to postpartum period. In this study preeclampsia was highest (63.8%) among all other types of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy. Majority of the patient were preferred for dual therapy (53%), mono therapy was used in 29% of cases. Most frequently given drug in pregnancy associated hypertension was methyldopa that is 88.33% (single 22.3%, combination 66%). Second most commonly used drug was nifidipine consisting of 47.6% but used in combination in all cases. Average number of anti hypertensive drugs prescribed per prescription was 1.87 and majorities (92%) were from essential drug list but used as trade name. Preeclampsia and eclampsia were more common among the hypertensive disorders in tertiary level hospital cases. Methyldopa was found to be the commonest prescribed antihypertensive in monotherapy and in combination.

Evaluation of Pelvic Lymphadenectomy during Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in developing countries comprising 20-30% of female cancer. More than 70% of cervical cancer patients of Bangladesh attend in hospital in inoperable stages (IIB, III & IV). Only 30% cases can be treated by primary surgery. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted by Gynaecologic Oncology Division of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh from November 2011 to May 2012. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the number of pelvic lymph nodes removed, to determine the rate of pelvic lymph node involvement & also to evaluate the relationship between parametrial invasion and pelvic lymph node metastasis. During this period 105 cases underwent type III radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph nodes dissection. Majority of the patients (60%) were in the age group of 31-50 years. Regarding histological type, most of the cases were invasive squamous cell carcinoma (85%), followed by adenocarcinoma (9%) and adenosquamous type (2%). According to grading of the tumours, grade I, II, III were 45%, 43%, 8% respectively and in 3% cases grading could not be identified.

Adherence Pattern of Lipid Lowering Drugs in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Worldwide, dyslipidemia is estimated to cause about 2.6 million deaths annually. Low drug adherence has been found to be a significant problem leading to poor health outcome. Medication non-adherence in chronic conditions is a recognized, but understudied public health problem. The present study was conducted to observe pattern of adherence to lipid lowering drugs, to find out the causes of non-adherence to medication and see the medication adherence in relation to various factor. The study was performed among 125 cardiovascular disease patients (both indoor and outdoor) of Cardiology department in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) who received lipid lowering drugs at least 6 months.Among them 21.6% patients were highly adherent, 34.4% patient showed medium adherent and 44% patients were low adherence to their treatment plan. Most important cause of non-adherence was financial problem (52.04%). Among them 46-55 years age group were highly adherent, male were more adherent to medication than female. Rich patient were highly adherent. Patient with above higher secondary level of education were highly adherent than others. Patients lived in urban area were more adherent than rural patients. Immediate efforts are required to tackle this situation. Multiple kinds of processes are required to improve the drug adherence such as to provide proper health education focusing on preventive aspect as well as financial support for the care. Such acts might prevent future complication thereby reducing costs of health care and eventually turns out to be reducing morbidity and mortality in the long run.

Evaluation of Rapid stool antigen test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia

Background and objectives: Several diagnostic assays are used for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in suspected peptic ulcer cases. H. pylori stool antigen test is a non-invasive method for the detection of active infection. The present study has evaluated the efficacy of rapid stool antigen test to diagnose H. pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia.Materials and methods: Adult patients with complains of dyspepsia attending the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases (GHPD) of BIRDEM hospital for endoscopy were included. Gastric biopsy, blood and stool samples were obtained from each participant after informed written consent. Rapid urease test (RUT), serum H. pylori immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG and rapid H. pylori stool antigen (HpSAg) tests were performed. Only stool samples were obtained from 31 neonates aged 1 to 30 days as negative control for HpSAg test.Results: A total of 91 adult patients with complain of dyspepsia were included in the study. Out of 91 cases, 17 (18.7%) and 74 (81.3%) had peptic ulcer and erosion respectively. HpSAg was positive in 63.7% cases compared to 42.9% and 62.6% respectively by RUT and IgA. The rate of HpSAg positivity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in ulcer compared to erosion cases. HpSAg test was positive in all (100%) RUT positive cases. Combination of HpSAg test and IgA yielded highest positive result in both ulcer (82.4%) and erosion (84%) cases. H. pylori IgG was positive in all cases.Conclusion: The study has demonstrated that HpSAg test is an effective and non-invasive diagnostic tool to detect active H. pylori infection in suspected dyspeptic patients.IMC J Med Sci 2016; 10(2): 39-44

Exploring hazards of acute exposure of Acephate in Drosophila melanogaster and search for l-ascorbic acid mediated defense in it

This study reveals protective role of l-ascorbic acid (25, 50 and 100μg/mL) against toxic impacts of acute sub-lethal exposure of Acephate (5μg/mL) in a non-target organism Drosophila melanogaster. Organismal effect was evident from increased impairment in climbing activities (9 folds) of treated individuals who also manifested altered ocular architecture. These anomalies were reduced with l-ascorbic acid (l-AA) supplementation. Acephate induced apoptotic lesions in eye imaginal discs and gut confirmed tissue damage that also reduced with l-AA co-treatment. Reduction in viability of fat body cells (∼41%), neural cells (∼42%) and hemocytes (3 folds) indicates cytotoxic and immunotoxic potential of Acephate, which were significantly mitigated with l-AA co-administration. The sub-cellular toxic impacts of Acephate treatment became obvious from enhancement in activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT by ∼1.63 folds, SOD by ∼1.32 folds), detoxifying enzymes (Cyp450 by ∼1.99 folds and GST by ∼1.34 folds), 2.1 times boost in HSP 70 expression, and inhibition of cholinesterase activity (by ∼0.66 folds). DNA breaks evident through comet assay confirmed Acephate triggered genotoxicity which could also be prevented through co-administration of. L-AA Furthermore, the study proposes the use of Drosophila as a model to screen chemicals for their protective potential against pesticide toxicity.

Pattern of Anti-hypertensives Usage in Hypertension with or without Comorbidities in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Hypertension is a chronic illness associated with high morbidity & mortality. A large number of antihypertensive drugs alone or in various combinations are available and physicians need to choose the most appropriate drug for a particular patient. The standard treatment guidelines and drug utilization studies at regular intervals help physicians to prescribe drugs rationally. The present study was conducted to evaluate the use of antihypertensive in hypertension with or without ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus at Department of Cardiology in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh from July 2015 to October 2015. It was an observational type of descriptive cross sectional study. The study was performed among 400 hypertensive patients in Cardiology department in MMCH who received antihypertensive drug. Out of 400 hypertensive patients 67% were male and 33% were female. Maximum patients (54%) found in 40 - <60 years age group and ≤60 years age group (37.5%). Mean age of the patients was 55.02±12.47 years. Mean systolic BP was 146.74±28.28 and diastolic BP was 90.60±14.27mmHg. In overall prescription combination therapy (63.25%) was prescribed more frequently than mono-therapy (36.75%). In monotherapy ramipril was the most commonly prescribed (27.89%) antihypertensive drug and ARB was the most commonly prescribed group (37.41%). In our study 5 groups of antihypertensive were found (ARB, ACEI, BB, Diuretics, and CCB). In combination therapy 2-drugs combination were found most frequently (37.50%) and ACEI + Diuretics (23.72%) was the most common combination followed by ARB + Diuretics (12.25%), ACEI + BB (11.86%). Average number of antihypertensive drug per prescription was 1.9.

Comparison of Molecular Detection Method (Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction) with Blood Culture and Paired Widal test for the Rapid Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a major health problem in developing countries in spite of the use of antibiotics and the development of newer antibacterial drugs. Blood culture & serological tests (specially Widal test) which are invariably done in Bangladesh for typhoid fever diagnosis give unacceptable levels of false negative & false positive results respectively. This cross sectional study was done at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from March 2013 to February 2014. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction-based technique (which has 100% specificity for Salmonella Typhi) was compared with blood culture and widal test among 80 clinically suspected cases of typhoid fever. PCR showed maximum positivity rate (70%) followed by widal test (43.75%) and blood culture (16.25%). PCR showed positive results for 17(48.6%) of 35 typhoid patients with negative results with blood culture and widal test. The results of the study revealed that PCR is rapid and reliable diagnostic technique for detection of S. Typhi in clinically suspected typhoid fever cases, as compared to most commonly done methods such as conventional blood culture, widal test applied.

Toxicity assessment of sodium fluoride in Drosophila melanogaster after chronic sub-lethal exposure

Sodium fluoride (NaF), one of the most frequently used fluoride compound is composed of Na⁺ and F^-. Apart from its use in water fluoridation, NaF also acts as a major component for different dental products like toothpastes, gels and mouth rinses etc. The present study was carried out to explore the toxic impact of chronic NaF exposure on a non-target organism, Drosophila melanogaster. The larvae exposed to different concentrations of NaF through food showed a significant increase in HSP70 expression both qualitatively and quantitatively. The altered tail length and tail intensity in Comet assay validate the increased DNA damage in treated larvae. The activity of AChE, oxidative stress marker enzymes, phase I and phase II detoxifying enzymes were found to be significantly inhibited in the treated larvae when compared to control though there was no evidence of dose dependent change in each case. The alterations in the mentioned parameters can be due to increased body Fluoride ion (F^-) concentration since the analysis with ion electrode analyzer revealed that F^- concentration increased significantly with NaF treatment. Hence, the results suggest that D. melanogaster manifest prominent toxic response when subjected to chronic exposure to sub-lethal NaF concentrations.

Effectiveness of Topical Corticosteroid, Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors and Combination of Them in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder which is disfiguring and difficult to treat. Cure and response rates for vitiligo are significantly lower. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of topical corticosteroid, topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus) and combination of them in the treatment of vitilligo in two tertiary care Hospital, in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology OPD (out patient department) in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and Jahurul Islam Medical College Hospital, Bajitpur, Kishoregonj from January 2015 to December 2015. Newly diagnosed 112 vitiligo patients, aged more than 1 year to 70 years were assigned for therapy and to observe the response. This study indicates that, in case of vitiligo treatment topical tacrolimus was the most effective drug. Topical tacrolimus, topical corticosteroid and combination of them are to be effective in the treatment of vitiligo with reduction in the number of vitiliginous spots by increased repigmentation. But topical tacrolimus was the most effective drug, as it caused highest percentage of repigmentation of vitiliginous spot.

Variation of Length of Trachea in Different Age & Sex Group of Bangladeshi Cadaver

A cross sectional descriptive study was performed on 70 post mortem human trachea (44 of male and 35 of female) to find out the difference in length of the trachea of Bangladeshi people in relation to age and sex. The specimens were collected from the morgue in the department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh by purposive sampling technique. All specimens were grouped into three categories, Group A (upto 20 years), Group B (21-40 years) and Group C (41-60 years) according to age. Dissection was performed according to standard autopsy techniques. The length of the trachea was measured with the help of a metallic tape and data was analyzed by using one way ANOVA test. A general trend of increasing tracheal length was observed as age advanced. The mean±SD length of the trachea was 7.88±1.01cm in Group A, 8.81±0.81cm in Group B and 8.94±1.04cm in Group C. The mean length of the trachea in male were 8.1±0.81cm, 8.95±0.69cm and 8.92±1.1cm in Group A, Group B and in Group C respectively and in female the length were 7.57±1.24cm, 8.61±0.96cm and 9±1cm in Group A, Group B and Group C respectively. Variance analysis shows significant difference in mean length of the trachea between the age Group A & B and Group A & C but no significant difference was shown between Group B & C. No significant difference of length of trachea between male and female was observed. The study would help to increase the information pool on the length of the trachea of Bangladeshi people.

Current Trends of Using Antimicrobial Drugs in the ICU at a Tertiary Level Teaching Hospital in Mymensingh

The aim of the present study was to investigate the current trends of using antimicrobial drugs in the ICU at a tertiary level teaching hospital in Mymensingh. The study of prescribing patterns seeks to monitor, evaluate and suggest modifications in clinicians prescribing habits so as to make medical care rational. It was an observational type of descriptive study, conducted in the Mymensingh medical college hospital, Mymensingh, during the study period of June 2016 to September 2016.The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee. Most patients in the ICU belonged to the older age group >60 years. Male patients were more than the female patients in ICU. Average duration of stay in ICU was 4.35 days. Admissions in ICU were common due to respiratory system related diseases and the present study showed that 31.68% of the reported cases belong to the respiratory system. Average number of drugs per prescription was 6.46. Average number of anti-microbial drugs per prescription was 1.38. Cephalosporin group and individually ceftriaxone was the most frequently prescribed antimicrobial group and agent respectively in the ICU. Most commonly used antimicrobial combination was Cephalosporin and Metronidazole (43.33%) followed by Carbapenem (Meropenem) and Metronidazole (13.33%). Most antimicrobial agents were prescribed without bacteriological culture and sensivity testing evidence. There is a need for motivating the physicians to prescribe antimicrobial agents with supportive bacteriological evidences.

In Vitro Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Aqueous Garlic Extract and Imipenem against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

An interventional study was performed to determine and compare the MICs of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) and Imipenem against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 & Eschericha coli ATCC 25922. The study was conducted in Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2014 to January 2015. The MIC of AGE and antibiotic Imipenem were determined with the help of broth dilution method. The MIC of AGE was determined as 400μg/ml and 700μg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli respectively and the MIC of Imipenem was 1μg/ml against Staphylococus aureus and 1.5μg/ml against Escherichia coli. The MICs of Imipenem was much lower in comparison to MICs of AGE for the test organisms. The subculture study showed the same results with that of the primary isolates. From the study it was clearly observed that AGE have anti bacterial effect but is not potent like antibiotic Imipenem. In this regard active ingredient present in garlic needs to be separated & purified for further study.

Iron Polymaltose Complex in the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy

Iron deficiency anaemia is a major public health problem in pregnancy. About 58% of pregnant women in developed countries are anaemic mainly due to iron deficiency resulting a serious negative consequences on children, mothers and eventually on the nation. This quasi-experimental multi centered study (Before after study) was done to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Iron Polymaltose Complex (IPC) in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia and it was performed at the OPD of Bangladesh Medical College and two other clinics of Dhaka city from August 2011 to September 2013. A total of 80 (eighty) subjects were selected by purposive sampling as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were treated by Iron Polymaltose-IPC [47mg elemental iron + Folic Acid 0.5mg + Zinc 22.5mg - Once daily orally for 12 weeks]. At the beginning and after 12 weeks of intervention by Iron Polymaltose Complex (IPC) Hb%, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Serum iron, and Serum ferritin were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13.0. Paired and unpaired 't' test was used to analyze differences within groups and between groups. Chi-square test was done to analyze primary efficacy parameters and adverse drug reactions (ADR). Most of the respondents were within the age group of 18-23 and 30-35 years (32.6% each). Significant differences were found by treatment with IPC for 12 weeks in Hb%, PCV, MCV, MCH, Serum iron, and Serum ferritin level. In iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy IPC may be used as a safe and cost-effective therapeutic management.

Surgical Management of Desmoid Tumor of the Female Pelvis: A Case Report

A 25 years married women having one child delivered vaginaly presented in the department of Obs & Gynae, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh on April 2013 with pelvic pain and discomfort. No history of previous pelvic trauma was present. Patient examination showed a isolated mass in the right lower abdomen, right adnexa, extending to the pelvic wall upto lower end of ureter. Tumor markers were within normal limit. Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) showed mild right hydroureter and hydronephrosis with obstruction at the lower end of ureter. She was diagnosed as a case of adnexal mass with mild hydroureter & mild hydronephrosis and it was decided to operate on the patient. The surgical approach was transabdominal. On laparotomy a pseudocystic lesion 12×10cm in size was found over the right paracolic gutter and extending down into the pelvis involving the right parametrium. No abnormality was found in the uterus or tubes. The histological examination revealed a desmoid tumor of the pelvis. The patient's recovery was uneventful.

Bartter Syndrome with Normal Aldosterone Level: An Unusual Presentation

Bartter syndrome (BS) is a hereditary disease, with an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant mode of transmission. It is characterized by salt wasting hypochloraemic, hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis and hyperreninaemia with normal blood pressure. The primary defect is in the thick ascending limb of loop of Henle (TAL). Herein, we report a case that had typical features of BS like severe dehydration, severe hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis and failure to thrive but had normal aldosterone level which is very uncommon.

Enhanced detection rate of typhoid fever among clinically suspected patients in a tertiary referral hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh using nested polymerase chain reaction technology

A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for Salmonella enterica subspecies enteric serovar Typhi was used for the detection of the pathogen, in blood. This study was done during the period of March 2013 to February 2014. A total of 80 clinically suspected cases of typhoid fever were included in the study. Blood was collected from all participating individuals. Nested PCR targeting the flagellin gene (fliC) of Salmonella Typhi & blood culture were done for each of the cases. The positivity rate of PCR & blood culture was 70%& 20% respectively. The positivity rate of PCR was significantly higher than blood culture (P< 0.05). With the nested PCR, S. Typhi DNAs were detected from blood specimens of 67.2% (43/64) patients among the suspected typhoid fever cases on the basis of clinical features but with negative cultures. We conclude that the PCR technique could be used as a novel diagnostic method of typhoid fever, particularly in culture-negative cases in an endemic country like Bangladesh.

Serum LDH and CA-125: Markers for Diagnosis of Ovarian Malignancy

This prospective multi-centre study was carried out in the Department of obstetrics and gynaecology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Bangladesh Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of January 2008 to December 2009, to establish the raised level of serum LDH and serum CA-125 in pre-operative discrimination of benign and malignant ovarian cancer to be used as a diagnostic marker and its validity by determining sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPP). A total number of 141 consecutive suspected subjects of ovarian tumour admitted in the above mentioned hospitals and enrolled for surgical management were included in this study. Serum LDH was done in all these subjects and they were followed up from the admission upto the postoperative tissue diagnosis of live tumor in respective pathology departments for histopathological correlation. The patients who were diagnosed as malignant placed in Group I and diagnosed benign ovarian tumor placed in Group II. Serous cystadenoma and mucinous cyst adenoma were more common in benign tumors, which were 38.9% and 20.4% respectively. However, more than a half (57.1%) had serous cyst adenocarcinoma in malignant tumors. In LDH for evaluation of malignancy, true positive 16 and false positive 18, false negative 12 and true negative 95 cases. LDH and serum CA-125 level (combined, i.e. both positive) for evaluation of malignancy, true positive 14 and false positive 0, false negative 14 and true negative 113 cases. LDH/serum CA-125 level (anyone positive) for evaluation of malignancy, true positive 25 and false positive 37, false negative 3 and true negative 76 cases. The validity of LDH were sensitivity 57.1%, specificity 84.1%, accuracy 78.7%, positive predictive values 47.1% and negative predictive values 88.8% for malignancy of ovarian tumour. The validity of CA-125 were sensitivity 78.6%, specificity 82.3%, accuracy 81.6%, positive predictive values 52.4% and negative predictive values 93.9% for malignancy of ovarian tumour. The validity of LDH and serum CA-125 level (combined, i.e. both positive) for malignant ovarian tumour it was found that sensitivity 50.0%, specificity 100.0%, accuracy 90.1%, positive predictive values 100.0% and negative predictive values 89.0%.

Treatment of a recurrent parotid fistula and sialocele by controlled internal fistula: a case report

A 17 years old male patient presented with continuous flow of clear watery discharge from his right cheek for 14 years following trauma. He had previous history of two surgical interventions but result was not satisfactory. The diagnosis was parotid fistula & sialocele based on clinical examination & investigation. To repair this fistula we entered the sialocele cavity where saliva was accumulated between the superficial fascia & parotid fascia, then one end of feeding tube (5Fr) was placed at the bottom of the cavity and another end was fixed intra-orally to create a controlled fistula. After four weeks the feeding tube removed and a channel was made through which the salivary flow comes out, up to one year follow up resulting a satisfactory outcome.

Purification and Characterization of Peroxidase From Anthracnose Disease Infected Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Peroxidase enzyme was isolated and purified from the pulp of disease infected ripen papaya of local variety by 90% ammonium sulphate precipitation, chromatography on DEAEcellulose followed by hydrophobic chromatography on Phenyl Sepharose CL-4B and the purifications achieved was about 7.2 fold with 2.5% recovery. The purified enzyme was homogeneous as judged by polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis. The purified enzyme had a Mr of about 55,000 and 50 000 as determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 and SDS-PAGE, respectively. The molecular mass of the enzyme was found to be very similar under both reducing and non-reducing conditions indicating that the enzyme contains no subunit. The enzyme has the following characteristics: pH optima at 6.0, temperature optima around 38°C, enzyme activity was found to be strongly inhibited in the presence of potassium cyanide and Fe+2 while the activity was found to be remarkably increased in the presence of ammonium sulphate. The Km value for the peroxidase obtained with pyrogallol as substrate was 0.027 mM. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v6i2.17643 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2013; 6(2): 49-57

Present scenario of landing and distribution of fish in Bangladesh

The present study was designed to know the landing and distribution pathways of fish and types and nature of stakeholders involved in fish distribution chain in Bangladesh. A total of 237 fish landing centers and 5440 markets were detected. The number of landing center and market were highest in Chittagong and Dhaka division respectively. Stakeholders in fish distribution, viz., arotdars, paikers and retailers were found to be 6219, 39506 and 122922, respectively. A 84.71% of the landing centers were found to be operated year round while 15.29% were seasonal. The major fish production zones and major gateways of the country where inland capture and culture and marine capture fish landed were identified. In any locality 62.83% of the landed fish were transported within 100 km area and 5.73% of fish were transported beyond 500 km. The quantity of fish harvested from river, beel, Kaptai lake floodplain, pond, baor, coastal area/sea and shrimp/prawn farm were 5.25, 4.41, 0.13, 35.03, 38.22, 0.23, 10.93 and 5.80%, respectively. The common constraints identified were lack of adequate infrastructure facilities in the landing center and market, unhygienic environment, influence of middlemen, money lending at high rate etc. For the betterment of fish landing and distribution, appropriate authority should pay proper attention so that both quality and fair price are ensured.

Isolation and identification of Newcastle disease viruses from field outbreaks in chickens and pigeons

Eleven dead or sick birds submitted from farms in the year 2010 with a history of sudden death with respiratory and/or diarrhoeal signs were used for isolation and identification of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). All samples were subjected to routine necropsy. Pooled respiratory tissues were inoculated in embryonated chicken eggs and chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell culture. The growth of NDV was confirmed by embryo mortality, cytopathic effects (CPE) in cell culture, haemagglutination (HA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The presence of NDV was confirmed by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). At necropsy seven cases were tentatively diagnosed as Newcastle disease (ND). Out of seven ND-suspected samples, four yielded virus in both embryos and cell culture, while one was positive only in embryos, one only in cell culture and one sample was negative in both embryos and cell culture. RT-PCR successfully amplified a 766 bp fragment covering parts of Matrix and Fusion protein genes of NDV from the samples that were positive either in embryos or in cell culture. It is suggested that RT-PCR could be a rapid and sensitive tool for the detection of NDV. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v29i2.14341 Bangl. vet. 2012. Vol. 29, No. 2, 41-48