Outcome of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Posterior Wall Fracture of Acetabulum

Acetabular fracture usually occurs as a result of high velocity injury and often affects the young and economically productive population. Previously, treatment of acetabular fracture was grossly inadequate and many patients were left with incapacitating pain, limitation of movement. Proper management should be given in our set-up to save lives and to minimize long term complications and related disabilities. This study was done to evaluate the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of posterior wall fracture of acetabulum. This prospective observational study was carried out in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2018. Total twenty five cases were selected. Radiological and functional outcome were evaluated six months after surgery according to Matta radiographic criteria and Merle d Aubigne and Postel criteria respectively. Effect of age, gender, hip dislocation, displacement of fracture fragment, associated injury, reduction quality, trauma to surgery time, complication of operation on the functional outcome was evaluated. Age range was 18-60 years. The mean age was 38±11 years. Male 23 and female 2, male and female ratio was 11.5:1. Mean follow up 8.5±1.7 months, range 6-12 months. According to Matta radiographic criteria, 6 months after surgery, 10 patients had excellent, 10 patients had good, 3 patients had fair and 2 patients had poor radiological outcome. According to Merle d Aubigne and Postel criteria, 6 months after surgery, 11 patients had excellent, 10 patients had good, 3 patients had fair and 1 patient had poor functional outcome. Overall functional outcome of the study population revealed that 21 patients (84%) belonged to satisfactory (Excellent + Good) and 4 patients (16%) belonged to unsatisfactory (Fair + Poor) outcome. AVN (avascular necrosis) of femoral head had been occurred in two patients, post-operative wound infection had been occurred in two patients and myositis ossificans around hip joint had been occurred in two patients. Twenty (20) patients were achieved anatomic (0, 1mm) reduction, 3 patients were achieved imperfect (2, 3mm) reduction and 2 patients were achieved poor (>3mm) reduction. This study concludes that open reduction and internal fixation of posterior wall fracture of acetabulum is a satisfactory method of treatment.

Sonochemical synthesis of novel thermo-responsive polymer and tungsten dioxide composite for the temperature-controlled reversible "on-off" electrochemical detection of β-Blocker metoprolol

Thermo-responsive polymer nanocomposite based on poly (styrene-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) hybrid tungsten dioxide (WO₂@PS-co-PNIPAM) was synthesized by a facile ultrasonic irradiation (Frequency; 20 kHz, power; 180 W, calorimetrically determined power; 5.73 W in the bath, and Type; probe) method in the presence of water as inisolv. The as-synthesized WO₂@PS-co-PNIPAM modified glassy carbon electrode (WO₂@PS-co-PNIPAM/GCE) was acting as a reversibly switched detection for the electrooxidation of metoprolol (MTP), with the thermal stimuli response of the PNIPAM. In below lower critical solution temperature (LCST), the PS-co-PNIPAM expanded to embed the electroactive sites of WO₂, and the MTP could not proceed via the polymer to attain electronic transfer, indicating the "off" state. Rather, in above LCST, the PS-co-PNIPAM shrank to reveal electroactive sites and expand cyclic voltammetric background peak currents, the MTP was capable to undergo electro-oxidation reaction usually and produce the response current, indicating "on" state. Additionally, the proposed sensor had excellent sensitivity (2.21 µA µM^-1 cm^-2), wide dynamic range (0.05-306 µM), and a low limit of detection of 0.03 µM for MTP. Intriguingly, the fabricated sensor demonstrates the good selectivity towards the detection of MTP among the possible interfering compounds. Eventually, the WO₂@PS-co-PNIPAM/GCE has been utilized in the analysis of MTP in human blood serum samples.

Sonochemical synthesis of graphitic carbon nitrides-wrapped bimetal oxide nanoparticles hybrid materials and their electrocatalytic activity for xanthine electro-oxidation

A novel network-like magnetic nanoparticle was fabricated on a graphitic carbon nitride through a facile sonochemical route at frequency 20 kHz and power 70 W. To enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the modified materials, the graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C₃N₄) was prepared from melamine. Monitoring of xanthine concentration level in biological fluids is more important for clinical diagnosis and medical applications. As modified CuFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite exhibits better electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of xanthine with higher anodic current compared to other modified and unmodified electrode for the detection of xanthine with larger linear range (0.03-695 µM) and lower limit of detection (13.2 nM). To compare with these methods, the electrochemical techniques may be an alternative high sensitive method due to their simplicity and rapid detection time. In addition, the practical feasibility of the sensor was inspected with biological samples, reveals the acceptable recovery of the sensor in real samples.

PADI4 (rs2240340), PDCD1 (rs10204525), and CTLA4 (231775) gene polymorphisms and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes such as PADI4 (coding for peptidyl arginine deiminase 4), PDCD1 (coding for programmed cell death 1), and CTLA4 (coding for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) are linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, links between SNPs rs2240340, rs10204525 and rs231775 in PADI4, PDCD1 and CTLA4 respectively, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the commonest type of childhood arthritis, are unclear. We aimed to determine whether any of these SNPs are associated with JIA, and to clinical indices disease activity score (JADAS 71) and functional disability score (CHAQ).

METHODS

We genotyped the three SNPs in 150 children with polyarticular JIA and 160 healthy children, recording standard health questionnaires, clinical features and laboratory markers.

RESULTS

The TT genotype of PADI4 rs2240340 (aOR/95%CI 2.64: 1.31-5.30, P = 0.006) and CT genotype of PDCD1 rs10204525 (aOR/95%CI 4.99: 2.98-8.36, P < 0.0001) were associated with JIA. The AG+GG genotype of CTLA4 rs231175 was modestly linked to disease activity (aOR/95%CI 2.44 (1.19-5.04), p = 0.015). PADI4 rs2240340 was linked to CHAQ score (genotypes p = 0.013, alleles p = 0.006), whilst PDCD1 rs10204525 was linked to anti-CCP antibodies (genotypes p = 0.004), RF (genotypes p = 0.01), and the CHAQ score (genotypes p = 0.005, alleles p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

There are various roles for these SNPs in PADI4, CTLA4 and PDCD1 in the diagnosis and, potentially, in the management of JIA.

Facile synthesis of copper ferrite nanoparticles with chitosan composite for high-performance electrochemical sensor

Herein, the synthesis of copper ferrite nanoparticles (CuFe₂O₄ NPs)/chitosan have been prepared by sonochemical route under ultrasonic irradiation bath at 40 kHz and 50 W. A high sensitive and stable modified electrochemical sensor was developed using a composition of copper ferrite nanoparticles coordinated with biopolymer through a facile ultrasound approach. Besides, power and frequency parameters are highly important for sonochemical synthesis and specifically structure, and size of the nanomaterials development during the ultrasonic irradiation time. In this work, ultrasonic bath was used to synthesis of CuFe₂O₄ nanomaterial at 40 kHz with 1 h. CuFe₂O₄/chitosan was characterized by FESEM, EDX, XRD and electrochemical methods. Furthermore, 8-hydroxyguanine is one of biomarker by oxidative stress. The concentrations of 8-hydroxyguanine within a cell are a measurement of oxidative stress in human body. Consequently, the measurement of 8-hydroxyguanine in blood serum samples with high specificity is of greatest importance. The CuFe₂O₄/chitosan modified electrode is displayed a low detection limit of 8.6 nM and long linear range (0.025-697.175 µM).

A feasible sonochemical approach to synthesize CuO@CeO2 nanomaterial and their enhanced non-enzymatic sensor performance towards neurotransmitter

A nanostructured and high conductive cupric oxide (CuO NPs) with hierarchical CeO₂ sheets-like structure was synthesized by a facile sonochemical approach. Furthermore, CuO/CeO₂ nanostructure is synthesized by high-intensity ultrasonic probe (Ti-horn, 50 kHz and 100 W) at ambient air. Moreover, the synthesized CuO/CeO₂ material was characterized by various analytical techniques including FESEM, EDX, XRD and electrochemical methods. Then, the synthesized CuO/CeO₂ composite was applied for the electrocatalytic detection of dopamine using CV and DPV techniques. In addition, the CuO/CeO₂ modified electrode has good electrocatalytic performance with high linear range from 0.025 to 98.5 µM towards the determination of dopamine drug and high sensitivity of the CuO/CeO₂ modified drug sensor was calculated as 16.34 nM and 4.823 μA·µM^-1·cm^-2, respectively. Moreover, a repeatability, reproducibility and stability of the CuO@CeO₂ mixture modified electrode were analyzed towards the determination of dopamine biomolecule. Interestingly, the real time application of CuO@CeO₂ modified electrode was established in different serum and drug samples.

Complete chloroplast genome of medicinally important poisonous shrub Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. (Apocynaceae)

The complete chloroplast genome of medicinally important plant Adenium obseum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. (Apocynaceae) was sequenced. A total of 5,028,192,488 paired-end reads were obtained. One-hundred-and-twenty-seven unique coding genes including 96 protein-coding, 28 tRNA, and 3 rRNA genes were annotated. The length and GC content of the plastome were 154,437 bp (GenBank accession number MN765097) and 38.1%, respectively.

Influence of the Interval between Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy and Delivery on the Incidence of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonate

In spite of the recommendation for rescue antenatal corticosteroids (ACS), the optimal time interval between primary and rescue courses has not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effects of the interval between a single ACS (Dexamethasone) course and delivery on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in neonates at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital Center from 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2017. Injection Dexamethasone 2 doses (12.5mg IM 12 hourly for 2 doses) or 4 doses (6mg IM every 12 hours for 4 doses) use to arrest preterm labor as well as to prevent RDS delivered beyond 48 hours after ACS administration between 24 and 34 weeks gestation. The risk of RDS was compared between patients who delivered within seven days (Group I) and 7-14 days (Group II) after ACS administration. We included 140 and 60 patients in Group I and Group II respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the ACS delivery interval was significantly associated with RDS in Group II (adjusted odds ratio 12.8, 95% confidence interval 1.31-164.7). A longer ACS delivery interval is associated with a higher risk of RDS. Thus, the use of a rescue course could be expected to reduce the incidence of RDS in patients beyond seven days after ACS administration who remain at risk for preterm delivery within seven days, especially in cases of placenta previa and/or women bearing a male fetus.

Clinical Profile and Immediate Outcome of Children Admitted With Acute Glomerulonephritis in Pediatrics Department of A Tertiary Level Hospital

Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is the commonest cause of acute glomerulonephritis (AGN), which usually present with gross hematuria, mild edema, oliguria, hypertension and varying degree of renal insufficiency. It is more common among the population of school going age where poverty, overcrowding and poor hygienic conditions are prevailing. This cross sectional observational study was aimed to know the socio-demographic variables, clinical profile and immediate outcome of AGN in hospitalized children and was conducted in the Pediatric department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from November 2014 to April 2015. A detailed history was taken from the parents in each case with a written questionnaire. A written consent was also taken from the guardian of the including patients and also permission was taken from the ethical committee of MMCH. Thorough clinical examination and available relevant investigations were done in all patients. Progresses of the patient were monitored by daily clinical examinations and also by investigations. Data were analyzed by statistical package for social science (SPSS) windows version 18. Results were verified by doing standard test for significance. Among total 60 cases male was 58.3% & female was 41.7%. The common age group of presentation was between 7-12 years (73%), peak age of incidence was 7-9 years. Most of them came from low socioeconomic status (83.3%), 63.3% from rural area with average 5-6 member's family size. Most of the parents were illiterate. History of (H/O) skin infection was present in 35(58.3%) patients, 15(25%) had H/O sore throat, 15% did not give any H/O infection before presentation. Average duration of gap between infection and appearance of clinical feature was 7-14 days in 73.40%and 15-21 days was in 45.7% in case of sore throat & skin infection respectively. Almost all (95%) patients presented with puffiness of face, others presented with scanty micturition, gross hematuria, respiratory distress, fever, convulsion and altered sensorium. Edema (75%), hypertension (88.3%), pallor (38%), tachypnea (25%), tachycardia (26.7%) were the important clinical findings. Microscopic hematuria was present among 96.66% patients; low complement level was found in 85% cases. There is significant association between low socioeconomic statuses with more hospital stay. Only one patient died due to heart failure and 98.3% patient had complete recovery. Results of this study conclude that most of the patients came from rural illiterate family with low socioeconomic background. Skin infection is the commonest cause of acute glomerulonephritis. Edema, scanty micturation, hematuria and hypertension are the common mode of presentation. Heart failure and hypertensive encephalopathy are the common complication of AGN. Immediate prognosis of AGN was excellent.

Knowledge and Practice of Nurses on Pediatric Pain Management in Bangladesh

Among nurses due to inadequate pain management knowledge and practice skills, children's pain is often under treated. This study aimed to examine the level of knowledge and practice on pediatric pain management among nurses in Bangladesh. This was a descriptive survey study involving total 150 clinical pediatric nurses from two Medical College Hospital and a University hospital in Bangladesh. The data collection tool consisted of demographic data form, 32-items nurses' knowledge. There were 32 true and false questions related to nurses' knowledge on pediatric pain management in Bangladesh. The response formats to each item for correct answer was 1 and incorrect answer 0. The total scores were categorized into three levels including low (0-20), moderate (21-23) and high (24 and above). The data collection tool consisted of demographic data form, 19-item practice related questionnaire on pediatric pain management. Nurses' practice on pediatric pain management contained 19 items with 5-points Likert's scale ranging from 1=Never practice to 5=constantly practice. For each item, a score of 5 was accorded for constantly and 1 for never. The score ranged from 19-95. The total scores were categorized into three levels including low (19-38), moderate (39-76) and high (77-95). The results demonstrated that most of the nurses' knowledge score on pediatric pain management was at moderate level (mean=21.50, SD=2.35). Nurses' practice on pediatric pain management was also at moderate level (mean=75.45, SD=8.24). The relationship between nurses' knowledge and practice was not significant. In addition, nurses' knowledge and practice with demographic variables; there was significant relationship between nurse's knowledge and existence of pain management protocol, nurses' practice and their current position in unit and with reading nursing journal. This study showed moderate level of knowledge and practice indicating that they need to be enhanced the knowledge and practice skills in pediatric pain management.

Comparison of Ultrasonogram of Brain Findings of Asphyxiated and Non-Asphyxiated Baby Admitted in Neonatal Ward in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Perinatal asphyxia is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in developing countries. A significant portion of patient with perinatal asphyxia is admitted with complications. Cerebral complications are the most devastating and the child may be left with lifelong neurological impairment. Therefore, the high index of suspicion, prompt recognition and thorough understanding of common sonographic abnormalities are necessary to ensure timely intervention, management and counseling. A hospital based case control study was conducted in the neonatal unit of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Study period was six months (June 2012 to December 2012). This study was done to compare the ultra sonogram of brain findings of admitted asphyxiated babies with admitted non-asphyxiated babies. A total of 30 asphyxiated (case) and another 30 non-asphyxiated (control) neonate of this department were enrolled in the study. Necessary information was collected by taking detailed history, clinical examination and also close follow up of the neonates according to pre-designed questionnaire. The main outcome variable was abnormality in cranial ultrasound. Among case group (30 neonates), ultrasonogram of brain findings were abnormal in 9(30.0%) cases. Among them most common was ventricular dilatation 5(16.6%), followed by Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) 1(3.0%), intracranial hemorrhage 1(3.0%), HIE 1(3.0%) and cerebral edema in 1(3.0%) cases. On the contrarary, among asphyxiated control group all 30 cases had normal ultra sonogram of brain. In case group 22 babies had normal birth weight and 08 had low birth weight. Among the 22 normal birth weight neonates in case group total 6(27.2%) cases had abnormal ultra sonogram findings. Among normal birth weight cases 3(13.6%) had ventricular dilatation, 1(4.5%) Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), 1(4.5%) HIE, 1(4.5%) cerebral edema. Among 08 low birth weight neonates in case group total 3(37.5%) cases had abnormal ultrasonogram of brain finding. Among low birth weight cases 2(25%) had ventricular dilatation, 1(12.5%) IVH. Ultrasonogram brain findings difference between two groups was statistically significant. Abnormal findings were also common in low birth weight babies than normal birth weight babies. So, early detection of abnormal brain changes can help us for proper management and counseling.

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Leishmania major in stray dogs in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia

Dogs can act as a reservoir of canine leishmaniasis disease, which is caused by Leishmania species. The study aimed to identify and document the genotype of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the stray dogs in Riyadh Province using kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) as a target gene by using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). This cross-sectional investigation was conducted over the course of two years, from March 2016 to July 2018, in different districts of Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. A total of 237 dogs were examined, only 18 of the dogs were suspected clinically of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to the presence of cutaneous nodules and cutaneous lesion. Biopsy tissue collections were performed and DNA was extracted. CSB2XF and CSB1XR primers were used to amplify the Leishmania kDNA regions. The Leishmania species were detected by specific 13Z and LIR primers by applying nested PCR assay. Nine dogs were found to be positive for Leishmania major. The examined dogs were negative for other Leishmania spp. The phylogenetic analysis and blast results of kDNA showed that the 9 isolates L. major is closely related (99.9%) to the L. major isolate CMG_irfan5, accession number HQ727556.1 from human, Pakistan. This is the first molecular study on dog leishmaniasis from Saudi Arabia confirmed that dogs have a L. major infection. Further epidemiological and molecular investigations are required to study domestic and wild canine infections with L. major and other Leishmania spp in endemic and nonendemic areas of Saudi Arabia as part of leishmaniasis control.

Sonochemical synthesis of bismuth(III) oxide decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for detection of hormone (epinephrine) in human and rat serum

Herein, we report an efficient electrochemical sensor strategy for determination of epinephrine based on Bi₂O₃ nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Bi₂O₃@RGO). The Bi₂O₃@RGO was prepared by simple ultrasonic method and then it's morphological and crystal structure aspects were well characterized by physiological instruments. The electrode-electrolyte interfacial properties were examined to ensure the catalytic ability of composite sensing towards EP. The composite was deposited on the multi-conventional screen-printed electrode and was found to be desirable performance toward EP oxidation. The amperometric EP sensing exhibited good reproducible and sensitive which able to detect as low as concentration of 2.14 nM. Furthermore, good reproducibility, long-term stability and repeatability were obtained from the electrode in experiment. Moreover, the EP sensing method was successfully applied in human and rat blood serum, the recoveries were validated by HPLC method. It indicates the reliability of the method in practical analysis.

Short Term Outcome of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Functional Recovery of Patients with Congestive Heart Failure in Bangladeshi Population

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces symptoms and improves left ventricular function in patients with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiac dyssynchrony. We analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic outcome of CRT in heart failure patients. Thirty five (35) heart failure patients were included in this prospective observational study, conducted from February 2015 to February 2016 in the Department of cardiology, National Institute of Cardiology & Vascular Disease (NICVD) hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Patients underwent CRT-P (BiV pacemaker) or CRT-D (defibrillator) implantation and were followed up. Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic study were performed before and 3 months after CRT implantation. After 3 months of BiV pacing, New York Heart Association functional class has improved from 3.3±0.44 to 1.7±0.60; (p<0.001). Left ventricular end diastolic diameter was reduced from 67.9±5.20 to 61.9±5.90mm; (p<0.001) and left ventricular end systolic diameter was reduced from 56.4±6.50 to 50.5±7.20mm; (p<0.001). Ejection fraction was significantly increased from 27.5±4.3% to 38.8±6.7%; (p<0.001). The average grade of mitral regurgitation was decreased from 1.49±0.65 to 0.43±0.61; (p<0.001). The number of hospitalization was also significantly reduced from 2.51±1.44 to 0.11±0.32; (p<0.001). Among the study patients, 71.4% patient was responders, 17.1% super responders and 11.4% non-responders. Although the study was performed on a small number of patients, it can be considered that CRT had favorable hemodynamic and clinical results and reduced the need for hospitalization in our heart failure patients.

Sonochemically recovered silver oxide nanoparticles from the wastewater of photo film processing units as an electrode material for supercapacitor and sensing of 2, 4, 6-trichlorophenol in agricultural soil samples

The present work describes the sensing application and supercapacitive behavior of silver oxide nanoparticles recovered from wastewater of photo film processing units via one-pot green sonochemical recovery process. The recovered silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag₂O NPs) were characterized by spectral techniques such as FT-IR, Raman, UV-Vis and analytical tools such as XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS and BET. In view of Ag₂O NPs as electrode material with wide technological applications, the recovered Ag₂O NPs were examined for their sensing and supercapacitive behavior. The developed sensor was explored to detect 2, 4, 6-trichlorophenol, and as expected it shows moral parameters which are required of an effective sensor. Therefore, it was exploited for the quantification of 2, 4, 6-trichlorophenol in soil samples from the agricultural area. Cyclic voltammetric (CV), Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic (EIS) studies on the recovered Ag₂O NPs coated Ni foam electrode depicted the pronounced capacitive behavior. The GCD studies revealed an enhanced electrochemical performance, particularly with the large specific capacitance of 530 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. The cyclic stability of the electrode material was identified with 88% retention in specific capacitance even after 5000 GCD cycles. These results strongly proved that the recovered Ag₂O NPs are potential candidates for sensing and supercapacitor applications.

Cytogenotoxic effects of Adenium obesum seeds extracts on breast cancer cells

The extracts prepared from various areal parts of the Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. (Family: Apocynaceae) including leaves, fruit and seeds ethanolic extracts and seed aqueous extract were evaluated against MCF-7 cells in order to investigate its potential of cytogenotoxicity and induction of apoptosis. The ethanolic seeds extract had comparatively higher cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ ∼ 337 µg/ml). Further, apoptosis and DNA damaging potential of seeds ethanolic extract was analyzed by applying multiple sub-lethal concentrations and durations. Flow cytometry results revealed that maximum percentage of early apoptosis (37%) and late apoptosis (35%) were observed after 12 h exposure in concentrations 200 µg/ml and 300 µg/ml, respectively. Similarly, the higher effect of extract in terms of DNA damage by alkaline comet assay was registered after 12 h treatment at concentrations 200 and 300 µg/mL. The calculated total damage score (TDS) for these concentrations were 614 and 617, respectively. The above findings indicate that A. obesum ethanolic seeds extracts has cytogenotoxic properties that could be further explored for the potential source of chemotherapeutic lead against cancer.

Species-specific molecular signature of Commiphora species of Saudi Arabia inferred from internal transcribed spacer sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA

The deciduous habit and tendency to produce flowers prior to developing leaves, and a predominantly dioecious system of breeding in the genus Commiphora leads to difficulties in its taxonomic identification at species level. The characteristics of easy amplification by universal primer, shorter length and higher discrimination power at the species level makes the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) to a smart gene for generating species-specific phylogenetic inferences in most of the plants groups. The present study deals the ITS sequence of nrDNA based molecular genotyping of seven species of the genus Commiphora of Saudi Arabia. The molecular phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences of nrDNA of Commiphora species distributed in Saudi Arabia reveals the the occurrence of C. madagascariens in Saudi Arabia.

Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Children Aged 2 Months to 5 Years with Severe Pneumonia According to WHO Guideline

Pneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children less than 5 years of age in developing countries like Bangladesh. Although WHO guideline classified severe pneumonia by symptoms and signs of the patients, radiological and laboratory investigations were not studied well. There was increasing number of cases of bronchiolitis which meet the criteria of WHO classified severe pneumonia are reported. The objective of the study was to assess the clinical and radiological parameters of severe pneumonia in 2 months to 59 months hospitalized children according to WHO guideline. This cross sectional study was conducted in pediatrics department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July, 2015 to December 2015. Total 150 patients were included in this cross sectional study according to their clinical symptoms. Firstly, the chest x-ray was done in all the patients and radiographs were reviewed by an expert radiologist who was blind about the cases. Then the patients were classified as pneumonia and bronchiolitis according to the clinical features and radiology findings. Majority of the patients 83(55.3%) were between 2-6 months of age and mean age was 7.52±8.87. Maximum 105(70%) patients were male and 45(30%) were female. Most of them 70(47%) came from low middle class family. Regarding clinical features, all patients 150 had cough and chest indrawing. Ronchi found in 135(90%) patients, difficult breathing and fast breathing found in 130(87%) patients, crepitation in 122(81%) patients, wheeze in 93(62%) patients, dull on percussion in 36(21%) patients, bronchial breath sound in 25(17%) patients. Regarding radiological features, lobar consolidation was found in 18(12%) patients, patchy opacities in 42(28%) patients, which were radiological findings of pneumonia, while hyperinflation of lung present in 90(60%) patients, increased translucency in 82(54.6%), increased interstitial marking in 88(58.6%) patients, which were radiological findings of bronchiolitis. A total of 60(40%) admitted cases were diagnosed as pneumonia and 90(60%) cases diagnosed as bronchiolitis radiologically, which were predominant in WHO classified severe pneumonia (p<0.05). Wheeze was present in case of hyperinflation of lung in 78(83.8%), increased translucency in 67(72%) and increased interstitial marking in 70(75.2%) patients among radiological bronchiolitis (n=90). From above results we can concluded that Bronchiolitis was predominant among WHO guideline classified severe pneumonia.

Comparison of Serum Electrolytes Abnormality and Renal Function Status in Asphyxiated and Normal Baby in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Complication of perinatal asphyxia is a major cause of neonatal mortality & morbidity in developing countries. This comparative cross sectional study was conducted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from May 2012 to September 2012 to determine electrolytes & renal function status in perinatal asphyxia & their impact on outcome. Thirty term normal birth weight babies with perinatal asphyxia in neonatal ward were included as a case group and thirty term normal birth weight neonates of same gestational age, without perinatal asphyxia in the department of Gynae & Obs were enrolled as a control group. Necessary information was collected by clinical examination; investigation and close follow up according to predetermined plan. There was no significant different in sex distribution, number of Antenatal care (ANC), number of gravidum of mother and mode of delivery between two groups. Among perinatal Asphyxia group most common risk factor was prolonged labor. Electrolyte abnormalities were documented (16) 53.3% cases. Among 16 electrolyte abnormalities isolated hyponatremia was found in 6(37.5%) cases, hyponatremia with hyperkalaemia 1(6.25%) case, hyponatremia with hypokalaemia in 1(6.25%) case, isolated hypokalaemia in 3(18.75%) cases and isolated hyperkalaemia in 5(31.25%) cases. None case had hypernatremia. On the other hand in control group Hypokalaemia was 3(10%) cases Hyperkalaemia 1(33.33%) case and none had Hyponatraemia. Among total cases 6 (20%) had renal impairment. Serum creatinine level was higher in case group. Twenty percent (20%) case initial value >1.5mg/dl, 20% 1.2-1.5mg/dl and17% had 0.3-0.8mg/dl. On the other hand in control group 83 % had 0.3-0.8 mg/dl & none hade above 1.1 mg/dl. Among case group 8 were died (27%). There was no death in control group. Among 8 neonatal death cases 3(37.5%) had normal electrolytes, isolated hyponatraemia were in 2(25%) cases, hyponatraemia with Hyperkalaemia in 1(6.25%) case and Isolated Hyperkalaemia in 2(25%) cases. Among those death 3(37.5%) had renal impairment. Case fatality was significantly associated with renal failure 50%, isolated Hyponatraemia 33.33%, Isolated hyperkalaemia 40%, Hyperkalaemia with Hyponatremia 100%. Hospital stay was also prolonged among alive case with abnormal electrolytes. So, we can conclude that electrolyte & renal impairments are significantly associated with morbidity & mortality of perinatal Asphyxia.

Steroid therapy in children with fulminant hepatitis A

Fulminant hepatic failure is a life-threatening disease. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) can cause fulminant hepatic failure and death in about 0.2% of cases. Extensive destruction of infected hepatocytes by immune-mediated lysis is thought to be the cause. We aimed to evaluate the use of steroid therapy in children with fulminant HAV. This study included 33 children with fulminant HAV in two groups. Steroid group: comprised of 18 children who received prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d) or its equivalent dose of methylprednisolone, and the nonsteroid group: comprised another 15 children who did not receive steroid therapy. Age and sex were matched for both groups (P > .05), and they were comparable regarding baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics. Of the steroid group, 15 patients survived and 3 died, while in the nonsteroid group, 4 patients survived and 11 died (P = .001). Of the living patients, 15 of 19 (78.9%) received steroids while only 3 of 14 (21.4%) of the dead patients received steroids (P = .001). Stepwise regression analysis showed that steroid therapy was the only independent variable associated with recovery (P = .001). Steroid therapy in children with fulminant HAV associated significantly with improved outcome and survival. Future studies on a larger population size are strongly recommended.

Serum AFP, hCG and CEA in the Management of Patients with Testicular, Ovarian and Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors

Serum levels of AFP, hCG and CEA were initially and serially measured in 59 patients with testicular germ cell tumors, and serially in 37 with ovarian and 3 with extragonadal germ cell tumors. Patients with seminoma/dysgerminoma or mature teratoma had normal serum AFP and sporadically slightly elevated hCG. Some patients with embryonal carcinoma, pure or with admixture of seminoma, had serum AFP elevated to maximum 100 U/ml, yet its use for monitoring therapy was limited. Patients with yolk sac tumors had elevated AFP and sometimes CEA levels, those with choriocarcinoma had elevated hCG, and those with compound tumors had one or more of the markers highly elevated. High AFP and/or hCG levels indicated the presence of the relevant tumor cells both in the primary and in residual tumor and/or metastases, also those missed in histological material, and thus were useful in restaging. Unfortunately, their absence in serum did not exclude the presence of marker-negative subpopulations of tumor cells. Changes in marker values paralleled the effects of treatment: the level increasing from any nadir heralded recurrence in patients in remission; elevated or increasing levels during therapy implied resistance to the therapy; decreasing levels indicated regression even though a return to the normal range did not mean eradication of all tumor cells.

Pharmacological credence of the folklore use of Bauhinia malabarica in the management of jaundice

The information on the hepatoprotective effect of Bauhinia malabarica Roxb. (Family Leguminosae) used in the folkloric medical practice in Malabar coast and Walayar valley of southern India for the treatment of liver related disorders is completely unknown. Hence, the efficacy of the aqueous methanolic extract of stem bark of B. malabarica (AqMeOH-Ba) was evaluated for liver function serum biochemical markers along with the antioxidant markers in liver tissues of Wistar albino rats. The biochemical observations as well as the histopathological examination of liver sections manifested considerable hepatoprotective activity of B. malabarica stem bark, and thus validated the folkloric claim.

Determination of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine oxidative stress biomarker using dysprosium oxide nanoparticles@reduced graphene oxide

Electrochemical detection of 8-OHdG biomarker using Dy₂O₃@RGO/SPCE.

Risk Factors and Immediate Neonatal Outcome of Multiple Pregnancies in a SCANU of A Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh

Multiple pregnancies are a significant risk factor for maternal and perinatal morbidity due to inherent biological risks. The present study was aimed to determine the risk factors and to evaluate the immediate neonatal outcome of multiple pregnancies. This descriptive observational study was conducted in the newly established Special Care Neonatal Unit (SCANU) of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Bangladesh from January 2015 to March 2015. Total 86 newborns of multiple pregnancies who were admitted during the study period were included in the study. Among them 34 pairs were twin, and 6 sets of triplets were present. Among all infants in the study 79.1% were twin and 20.9% were triplet. According to our observation most of the mother aged between 20-29 years (67.5%) and majorities of them were multi-para (62.5%). Preterm delivery occurred in 70.0% cases. 75% newborns were delivered by caesarian section and remaining by vaginal route. The most common risk factors in present study are use of ovulation induction drugs (52.5%) for sub fertility followed by family history of multiple gestations. In 35.0% cases we did not find any cause. Common morbidities of the infants were preterm low birth weight (95.3%), neonatal jaundice (81.3%), RDS (34.8%), perinatal asphyxia (PNA) (17.4%), neonatal sepsis (25.0%) and congenital anomalies (23.2%). Mortality rate of twin was 30% and for triplets it was 50%. Among total study population mortality rate was 30.2%. Main causes of mortality was preterm low birth weight (76%), RDS (57.6%), septicaemia (26%), PNA (19.0%). Morbidities and mortalities in infants of multiple pregnancies are observed much higher than singleton pregnancy. We hope that in light of our findings regarding risk factors like assisted reproduction and their consequences over mother and newborn, periodic reviews will be done in future to reduce the incidence and the unfavourable outcome of multiple pregnancy.

A. AH, Elshikh MS, Farah MA. Hierarchically structured CuFe2O4 ND@RGO composite for the detection of oxidative stress biomarker in biological fluids

In this work, stable and catalytically active copper ferrite nanodots (CuFe₂O₄) entrapped by porous RGO nanosheets were prepared via a facile condensation process using a green reducing agent.

Synthesis and application of bismuth ferrite nanosheets supported functionalized carbon nanofiber for enhanced electrochemical detection of toxic organic compound in water samples

Recently, the multiferroic material has fabulous attention in numerous applications owing to its excellent electronic conductivity, unique mechanical property, and higher electrocatalytic activity, etc. In this paper, we reported that the synthesis of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃) nanosheets integrated functionalized carbon nanofiber (BiFeO₃ NS/F-CNF) nanocomposite using a simple hydrothermal technique. Herein, the structural changes and crystalline property of prepared BiFeO₃ NS/F-CNF nanocomposite were characterized using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). From this detailed structural evolution, the formation of nanosheets like BiFeO₃ and its nanocomposite with F-CNF were scrutinized and reported. Furthermore, the as-prepared BiFeO₃ NS/F-CNF nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was applied for electrochemical detection of catechol (CC). As expected, BiFeO₃ NS/F-CNF/GCE shows excellent electrocatalytic activity as well as 3.44 (F-CNF/GCE) and 7.92 (BiFeO₃ NS/GCE) fold higher electrochemical redox response for CC sensing. Moreover, the proposed sensor displays a wide linear range from 0.003 to 78.02 µM with a very low detection limit of 0.0015 µM. In addition, we have validated the real-time application of our developed CC sensor in different water samples.

Risk Factors and Immediate Outcome of Very Low Birth Weight Babies (Appropriate For Gestational Age) In Newly Established SCANU, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

Low birth weight (LBW) is the most important preventable cause in the neonatal period leading to very high neonatal mortality and morbidity in developing countries like Bangladesh. A cross sectional study was conducted in the neonatology ward, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh from July 2014 to December 2014 to identify the risk factors and immediate hospital outcome of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) babies in context of present neonatal hospital care standard. Total 100 preterm very low birth weight babies were enrolled and selected by weight, intra uterine growth chart and new ballad score. There is slight preponderance of male babies (64%) over female babies (36%). The overall survival and mortality rate was 50% and 50% respectively in the present study. Mortality is highest (76.47%) in babies whose gestational age 28 weeks and the mortality rate gradually decrease as gestational age increases. Correlation co-efficient (r) between gestational age and number of died is -0.85. It indicates highly opposite relation between the variables, p value (<0.069) which is strong opposite relation. Mortality is highest (66.66%) in babies whose birth weight below1100gm, in comparison to those whose birth weight above 1100gm and correlation co-efficient (CC) r = -0.433 (p<0.466) which is not significant. That means not only birth weight but also other factors are responsible for mortality of very low birth weight baby. Neonatal mortality bears inverse relationship with birth weight and gestational age. This emphasized the need for large scale study which will provide the guideline for appropriate measures to be taken to combat the situation.

Generic relationships among Molluginaceae inferred from a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the matK gene

The family Molluginaceae (order Caryophyllales) is considered polyphyletic based on the photosynthetic pathway, C₄ evolution, and phylogeny of the family. This inference was made based on photosynthetic, anatomical, and molecular datasets. The generic circumscription of this family has greatly been changed owing to the placement of several of its genera into the Caryophyllaceae, Microteaceae, Lophiocarpaceae, and Limeaceae families. However, the generic relationships are largely unknown. By virtue of high substitution rates within the species and the ability to resolve the phylogenetic position of morphologically very closely related species and species complexes, the matK gene has emerged as one of the potential chloroplast DNA molecular markers in plant molecular phylogenetics and DNA barcoding studies. We herein used molecular phylogenetic analyses of matK gene sequences using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses to infer the generic relationships among currently recognized genera circumscribed under the family Molluginaceae. The resulting phylogenetic tree confirmed the polyphyly of the family Molluginaceae. The genus Hypertelis was found at the base of the Molluginaceae clade. The genus Glinus was close to Glischrothamnus and Mollugo, Suessenguthiella was close to Coelanthum and Pharnaceum, whereas Polpoda grouped with Adenogramma and Psammotropha. The present study constitutes a robust investigation of the molecular phylogenetic relationships among members of the family Molluginaceae. Future study should combine by combined analyses of morphological characters and multiple nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences with a more comprehensive taxon sampling of the family Molluginaceae.

Active surveillance of avian influenza viruses in Egyptian poultry, 2015

Surveillance for avian influenza viruses in Egyptian poultry has been conducted since 2009. Up to 2011, all the detected viruses were H5N1, and the overall prevalence was 5%. In 2011, H9N2 viruses were observed to be co-circulating and co-infecting the same hosts as H5N1 viruses. Since then, the detection rate has increased to around 10%. In the 2014-2015 winter season, H5N1 was circulating heavily in poultry flocks and caused an unprecedented number of human infections. In contrast, surveillance in the last quarter of 2015 indicated a near absence of H5N1 in Egyptian poultry. Surveillance for avian influenza viruses must continue in Egypt to monitor further developments in H5N1 circulation in poultry.

Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome: A Case Report

Klippel Trenaunay syndrome refers to a rare congenital anomaly which is characterized by capillary malformation, venous malformation and sometimes lymphatic malformation associated with overgrowth of a limb, with soft tissue hypertrophy and/or bony hypertrophy. The anomaly, if present, is present at birth and usually involves the lower limbs as well as portion of trunk, face, uppper limb or head. Our reporting case is a preterm male neonate having port wine stain, varicose veins and excessive growth of soft tissue of left lower limb clinically consistent with Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome.

Serum Zinc, Copper, Magnesium & Phosphorus Level in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)

Malnutrition is widely prevalent among hospitalized children in most developing countries including Bangladesh. Though malnutrition accounts for the high rate of under 5 mortality sometimes it is overlooked. Keeping in this in mind A comparative cross sectional study was done in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2011. Children aged 1-5 years with presence of one or more criteria WHM <70%, WHZ-score <-3SD, Bipedal edema & Mid upper arm circumference <110mm were taken as study group and children aged 1-5 years with normal growth allowable normal range of variation is between 3rd and 97th centile curve or median (50th centile) ±2SD of weight for age growth chart (CDC growth chart, USA, 2000) were taken as reference group. Persistent diarrhea, Patients taking medications containing zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorus & calcium, PEM with shock were excluded from study group. Nutritional assessment was done according to WHO criteria of SAM. Serum Zinc, Copper Magnesium and Phosphorus level were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry using UNICAM - AA Spectrometer, model no. 969, Spain. Total 120 study populations were taken. Ninety Out of 120 were taken as a study group (SAM) & 30 were reference group. In reference group serum Zn, Cu, Mg, P value was 103.80±8.86μg/dl, 135.92±13.57μg/dl, 2.31±0.18mg/dl, 3.96±0.22mg/dl respectively. In study group serum Zn, Cu, Mg, P value was 60.33±11.08μg/dl, 80.60±15.46μg/dl, 1.47±0.22mg/dl, 2.00±0.52mg/dl respectively. All these results show that there is significant difference between study group & reference group. Considering the decreased level of these parameters, close biochemical monitoring and follow up should be emphasized for the children with SAM.

Diversity and Distribution of Rice Blast (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara) Races in Bangladesh

The pathogenicity of 331 blast isolates (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara) collected from different regions and ecosystems for rice cultivation in Bangladesh was evaluated by compatibility on 23 differential varieties (DV), each harboring a single blast resistance gene, and susceptible 'Lijiangxintuanheigu' (LTH). A wide variation in virulence was found among the isolates, and 267 races were classified using a new designation system. Virulence of blast isolates against DV carrying the resistance genes Pia, Pib, Pit, Pik-s, Piz-t, Pi12(t), Pi19(t), and Pi20(t), as well as avirulence against those carrying Pish, Pi9, Pita-2, and Pita, was distributed widely in Bangladesh. Cluster analysis of the compatibility data on the DV initially classified the isolates into groups I and II. The virulence spectra of the two groups differed mainly according to the reactions of the DV to Pii, Pi3, Pi5(t), Pik-m, Pi1, Pik-h, Pik, Pik-p, and Pi7(t). Group I isolates were distributed mainly in rainfed lowlands, whereas group II isolates were found mainly in irrigated lowlands; however, there were no critical differences in geographic distribution of the blast isolates. In total, 26 isolates, which could be used to identify the 23 resistance genes of the DV on the basis of their reaction patterns, were selected as a set of standard differential blast isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first clear demonstration of the diversity and differentiation of blast races in Bangladesh. This information will be used to develop a durable blast protection system in that country.

Status of Low Birth Weight Babies in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

Low birth weight (LBW) is the major neonatal health problem in Bangladesh like other developing countries with limited resource. But only a few studies had done about status of LBW at hospital setting in this country. The objective of the study that to evaluate the status and immediate outcome of the LBW This cross sectional retrospective study was done in neonatal ward of Mymensingh medical college hospital. In this 1000 bedded tertiary care level teaching hospital only 40 cots and 10 open incubators are sanctioned but daily average admission in neonatal ward more than 30. On an average about 100 patients are remaining in the ward. Three or four patients are nursed in each cot. It covers the vast catchment's area of Bangladesh having more than two cores of population. With limited resources and manpower, this neonatal ward has to bear the burden of 100 neonates and daily admission of 30 neonates. Study period was one year (October 2013 to September 2014). Total admitted neonates were 8359. All admitted neonates were considered as study population and all LBW babies were considered as sample. Among total population 41% (3423) were LBW. Among total LBW babies maximum (80.7%) had birth weight 1500-2499gm followed by Very Low birth weight (VLBW) 1000 - 1499gm 14.7%, Extreme Low birth weight (ELBW) 1000-750gm 1.6% and Incredible low birth weight <750gm 1.7%. Term LBW (IUGR) babies were 52% and preterm LBW were 48%. Death rate among LBW babies group were higher (18.5%) than death rate (15.8%) among all admitted neonate. By comparison of mortality rate among different subgroup of LBW shows highest mortality (65.5%) was in incredible low birth weight babies group followed by ELBW group (58.8%) and among VLBW group 26.4% and lowest mortality (15.3%) was among birth weight 1500-2499gm group babies. Death rate was inversely related to birth weight. Death rate among preterm LBW babies (21.5%) was higher than Term LBW (IUGR) babies (15.7%). So, death rate was also inversely related to the maturity. Death rate among LBW babies is still higher in our institute than other developed institute of home and abroad. Death rate specially higher among incredible birth weight group and ELBW group in our institute. Further improvement in neonatal care is needed to decrease the mortality among LBW babies.

Rice Vision for Bangladesh: 2050 and Beyond

CORRECTION: Due to a number of formatting and layout issues, the PDF of this paper was replaced on 10th October 2016.Combined efforts of farmers, rice scientists, extension personnel and Government of Bangladesh have yielded clean rice growth rate of 0.34 million ton (MT) year-1 during 2009-10 to 2013-14 in the country. In 2014-15, the country acquired a rice surplus of about 2 MT. However, maintaining the current surplus of rice in the coming decades is a great challenge. Authentic estimation of future rice requirement and future resource availability would guide to way forward. This paper presents rice vision for Bangladesh leading to 2050 and beyond. In this study, secondary data from different government-owned statistics and research institutes were collected, analyzed and synthesized to develop models and/or model parameters to generate outputs such as future population, rice production and rice requirement. Population of Bangladesh will reach 215.4 million in 2050, when 44.6 MT of clean rice will be required. With the pace of rice-production-increase in the last five years, production can reach 47.2 MT, having a surplus of 2.6 MT in 2050. The study sets 2.6 MT as the target for clean rice surplus every year leading to 2050 and beyond. Several hurdles, such as increasing population, decreasing resources and increasing climate vulnerability, can hinder achieving the target. Three major interventions?accelerating genetic gain, minimizing yield gap and curtailing adoption lag?are proposed to break the barriers to achieve the target. Major challenges to implement the interventions include shrinking net cropped area, decreasing availability of irrigation water and increasing pressure on soil fertility. Smart technology such as, location specific variety, profitable cropping sequences, innovative cultural management, and mechanization coupled with smart dissemination using multiple means would ease production barriers. We recommend a number of measures, such as, guaranteeing a minimum cropped area, accelerating the rate of genetic gain in varietal development and intensifying collaboration among the stakeholders to reduce adoption lag of newly released promising rice varieties, to achieve the rice vision of Bangladesh leading to 2050 and beyond.Bangladesh Rice j. 2015, 19(2): 1-18

Molecular docking of the anticancer bioactive compound proceraside with macromolecules involved in the cell cycle and DNA replication

The bioactive compounds proceraside A, frugoside and calotropin, which were extracted from the root bark of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (family Asclepiadaceae), were recently reported to inhibit the growth of inhibition against various human cancer cell lines in vitro. However, their modes of action have not been clearly defined. Therefore, we attempted an in silico approach to gain insights into their binding modes against the following selected molecular targets: CDK-2, CDK-6, topoisomerase I, BCL-2, VEGFR-2, telomere: G-quadruplex, and topoisomerase II. These targets were selected based on their key roles in cancer progression via the regulation of the cell cycle and DNA replication. Molecular-docking analyses revealed that proceraside A was the best docked ligand against all the targets, with the exception of telomere-G: quadruplex. Furthermore, it displayed the lowest binding energies and inhibition constants, and critical hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the targets were also revealed. The present study may aid in the identification of possible targets for proceraside A, and might provide a plausible explanation for its proven anti-tumor activities. Moreover, the result of this study may further guide structure-activity relationship studies used to generate more potent target-specific inhibitors.

A simple electrochemical platform based on pectin stabilized gold nanoparticles for picomolar detection of biologically toxic amitrole

Amitrole is a biologically toxic nonselective herbicide which contaminates surface and ground waters at unprecedented rates. All reported modified electrodes that detect amitrole within sub-micromolar to nanomolar levels were based on the electro-oxidation of amitrole. Herein, we developed a new conceptual idea to detect picomolar concentrations of amitrole based on calcium cross linked pectin stabilized gold nanoparticle (CCLP-GNP) film modified electrode which was prepared by electrodeposition. When the electrochemical behavior of amitrole was investigated at the CCLP-GNP film, the reduction peak current of the GNPs linearly decreased as the concentration of amitrole increases. We have designed a determination platform based on the amitrole dependent decrease of the GNP cathodic peak. The described concept and high sensitivity of square wave voltammetry together facilitate the great sensing ability; as a result the described approach is able to reach a low detection limit of 36 pM which surpassed the detection limits of existing protocols. The sensor presents a good ability to determine amitrole in two linear concentration ranges: (1) 100 pM-1500 pM with a detection limit of 36 pM; (2) 100 nM-1500 nM with a detection limit of 20 nM. The preparation of CCLP-GNPs is simple, rapid and does not require any reducing agents.

Assessment of biological activity and UPLC-MS based chromatographic profiling of ethanolic extract of Ochradenus arabicus

Natural products from wild and medicinal plants, either in the form of crude extracts or pure compounds provide unlimited opportunities for new drug leads owing to the unmatched availability of chemical diversity. In the present study, the cytotoxic potential of crude ethanolic extract of Ochradenus arabicus was analyzed by MTT cell viability assay in MCF-7 adenocarcinoma breast cancer cells. We further investigated its effect against oxidative stress induced by anticancer drug doxorubicin. In addition, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (UPLC–MS) based chromatographic profiling of crude extract of O. arabicus was performed. The MTT assay data showed that the extract is moderately toxic to the MCF-7 cells. However, its treatment alone does not induce oxidative stress while doxorubicin increases the level of oxidative stress in MCF-7 cells. Whereas, simultaneous treatment of plant extract and doxorubicin significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation while an increase in the reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in time and dose dependent manner. Hence, our finding confirmed cytotoxic and antioxidant potential of crude extract of O. arabicus in MCF-7 cells. However, further investigations on O. arabicus as a potential chemotherapeutic agent are needed. The analysis of bioactive compounds present in the plant extracts involving the applications of common phytochemical screening assays such as chromatographic techniques is discussed.

Binding of small molecules at interface of protein-protein complex - A newer approach to rational drug design

Protein–protein interaction is a vital process which drives many important physiological processes in the cell and has also been implicated in several diseases. Though the protein–protein interaction network is quite complex but understanding its interacting partners using both in silico as well as molecular biology techniques can provide better insights for targeting such interactions. Targeting protein–protein interaction with small molecules is a challenging task because of druggability issues. Nevertheless, several studies on the kinetics as well as thermodynamic properties of protein–protein interactions have immensely contributed toward better understanding of the affinity of these complexes. But, more recent studies on hot spots and interface residues have opened up new avenues in the drug discovery process. This approach has been used in the design of hot spot based modulators targeting protein–protein interaction with the objective of normalizing such interactions.

Incomplete Pentalogy of Cantrell--A Case Report

Cantrell's Pentalogy is a rare congenital malformation consists of supraumbilical abdominal wall defect, defect in the lower part of sternum, agenesis of anterior portion of diaphragm, an absence of the diaphragmatic part of the pericardium and intracardiac malformation. This case report presents a female neonate, who was born at 40 weeks of gestation weighing 2400 gm and was admitted 4 hours after delivery with the complaints of something coming out from chest. On physical examination her vital signs were within normal limit, she had a systolic murmur on heart at lower left sternal area and there was a vascular structure present on the upper part of abdomen which was pulsatile and pulsation was synchronized with cardiac pulsation. On investigation chest X-ray lateral view showed absence of lower part of sternum, echocardiography findings were different in different institutes. Echocardiography findings at Mymensingh medical college hospital (MMCH) were large VSD (Ventriculo septal defect), ASD (Atrial septal defect) and rotated heart. On colour Doppler ultrasonogram at MMCH showed there were VSD, ASD, and a small epigastric swelling which was vascular and appears to be attached to the apex of the heart. On the other hand echocardiography findings of LAB AID hospital in Dhaka were Dextrocardia, complete AV (atrio ventricular) canal defect, almost common atrium, almost single ventricle, common AV valve, double outlet right ventricle (DORV), Cortriatriatum, mild A-V valve regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension (PAH). Echocardiography was also done at national heart foundation hospital in Dhaka. Findings were situs solitus, mesocardia to dextrocardia, DORV, large VSD, mild mitral inflow, mild TR (triuspid regurgitation), good LV (left ventricle) and RV (right ventricle) systolic function. Cardiologists at Dhaka in Bangladesh were suggested for surgery. Then the patient was consulted at Naryan Institute of Cardiac Science, Chennai in India. Here echocardiography findings were dextroversion/dextrocardia, DILV (Double inlet left ventricle), large inlet VSD with bidirectional shunt, mild TR, severe PAH with good ventricular function. Cardiologists in India were given comment about this patient. This patient was highly risky for surgery. They advised medical treatment and requested to review after one year. By taking medical treatment patient condition is well except failure to thrive and cyanosis develops during feeding and crying according to the statement of guardian of the patient. This case has 3 criterias among the five criteria of Cantrell's Pentalogy. So, it is incomplete Pentalogy of Cantrell.

Flame synthesis of nitrogen doped carbon for the oxygen reduction reaction and non-enzymatic methyl parathion sensor

We report nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles from a one-step flame synthesis by directly burning pyrrole at room temperature and in an air atmosphere.

Simultaneous determination of dopamine and uric acid in the presence of high ascorbic acid concentration using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide–polyaniline/activated charcoal composite

Simultaneous determination of dopamine and uric acid is described using CTAB–PANI/AC composite and attained detection limits of 0.06 and 0.20 μM, respectively. Practicality is demonstrated in rat brain, injection, serum and urine samples.

A non-covalent interaction of Schiff base copper alanine complex with green synthesized reduced graphene oxide for highly selective electrochemical detection of nitrite

A novel and selective nitrite sensor based on non-covalent interaction of Schiff base copper complex [Cu(sal-ala)(phen)] with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was developed by simple eco-friendly approach.

Molecular versus exciton diffusion in fluorescence-based explosive vapour sensors

The diffusion of p-nitrotoluene vapours into polymer or dendrimer sensing films follows Super Case II dynamics in which the quenching efficiency is strongly correlated to an accelerating analyte front propagating through the neat film rather than being reliant on exciton diffusion.

Selection, characterisation and evaluation of potential probiotic Lactobacillus spp. isolated from poultry droppings

Aim of the present study was to characterise and evaluate probiotic potential of lactobacilli isolated from indigenous poultry. Lactobacilli were isolated from poultry droppings and identified by genus specific polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolates were characterised in vitro by their ability to tolerate low pH and bile salts, phytase activity, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and autoaggregation and coaggregation with poultry gut pathogens. In vivo evaluation of selected isolates was done by their effect on the body weight gain and immune response of broiler chicks. Total of 90, one-day old chicks, were randomly divided in 9 groups and given selected lactobacilli alone and in combinations (10⁸ cfu/bird, daily) from day 7 to day 35. Body weight gain and humoral immune response to New Castle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine were determined weekly. Three lactobacilli isolates (SMP52, SMP64 and SMP70) were selected as potentially probiotic bacteria on the basis of in vitro characterisation and identified as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus casei and L. crispatus, respectively. Chicks supplemented with 'SMP52', 'SMP64', 'SMP70' and 'SMP64+SMP70' and a commercial probiotic product (Protexin) showed significantly higher mean weight gain per bird (1,584±35.2, 1,629±30.6, 1,668±34.7, 1,619±29.5 and 1,576±31.7 g/bird, respectively) as compared to negative control group (1,394±26.7 g/bird), on day 35. SMP 70 also showed significantly higher geometric mean titre against NDV vaccine at day 21 as compared to negative control. It is concluded that L. crispatus SMP52, L. casei SMP64 and L. crispatus SMP70 are potential probiotic candidates which alone or in different combinations may increase body weight of broilers.