Evidence for TRPA1 involvement in central neural mechanisms in a rat model of dry eye

Dry eye (DE) disease is commonly associated with ocular surface inflammation, an unstable tear film and symptoms of irritation. However, little is known about the role of central neural mechanisms in DE. This study used a model for persistent aqueous tear deficiency, exorbital gland removal, to assess the effects of mustard oil (MO), a transient receptor potential ankyrin (TRPA1) agonist, on eyeblink and eyewipe behavior and Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) in the trigeminal brainstem of male rats. Spontaneous tear secretion was reduced by about 50% and spontaneous eyeblinks were increased more than 100% in DE rats compared to sham rats. MO (0.02-0.2%) caused dose-related increases in eyeblink and forelimb eyewipe behavior in DE and sham rats. Exorbital gland removal alone was sufficient to increase Fos-LI at the ventrolateral pole of trigeminal interpolaris/caudalis (Vi/Vc) transition region, but not at more caudal regions of the trigeminal brainstem. Under barbiturate anesthesia ocular surface application of MO (2-20%) produced Fos-LI in the Vi/Vc transition, in the mid-portions of Vc and in the trigeminal caudalis/upper cervical spinal cord (Vc/C1) region that was significantly greater in DE rats than in sham controls. MO caused an increase in Fos-LI ipsilaterally in superficial laminae at the mid-Vc and Vc/C1 regions in a dose-dependent manner. Smaller, but significant, increases in Fos-LI also were seen in the contralateral Vc/C1 region in DE rats. TRPA1 protein levels in trigeminal ganglia from DE rats ipsilateral and contralateral to gland removal were similar. Persistent tear reduction enhanced the behavioral and trigeminal brainstem neural responses to ocular surface stimulation by MO. These results suggested that TRPA1 mechanisms play a significant role in the sensitization of ocular-responsive trigeminal brainstem neurons in this model for tear deficient DE.

Characterization of putative multidrug resistance transporters of the major facilitator-superfamily expressed in Salmonella Typhi

Multidrug resistance mediated by efflux pumps is a well-known phenomenon in infectious bacteria. Although much work has been carried out to characterize multidrug efflux pumps in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, such information is still lacking for many deadly pathogens. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the substrate specificity of previously uncharacterized transporters of Salmonella Typhi to identify their role in the development of multidrug resistance. S. Typhi genes encoding putative members of the major facilitator superfamily were cloned and expressed in the drug-hypersensitive Escherichia coli strain KAM42, and tested for transport of 25 antibacterial compounds, including representative antibiotics of various classes, antiseptics, dyes and detergents. Of the 15 tested putative transporters, STY0901, STY2458 and STY4874 exhibited a drug-resistance phenotype. Among these, STY4874 conferred resistance to at least ten of the tested antimicrobials: ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, kanamycin, streptomycin, gentamycin, nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, ethidium bromide, and acriflavine, including fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which were drugs of choice to treat S. Typhi infections. Cell-based functional studies using ethidium bromide and acriflavine showed that STY4874 functions as a H(+)-dependent exporter. These results suggest that STY4874 may be an important drug target, which can now be tested by studying the susceptibility of a STY4874-deficient S. Typhi strain to antimicrobials.

Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Tumor Profiles of Breast Cancer in Bangladeshi underprivileged women

Similar to cancer statistics in developed countries, breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related death in the women population of Bangladesh particularly the poor and underprivileged. The objective of this study was to study the socio-demography, tumor patterns and risk factors that affect these women from Dhaka and Bangladesh in general.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study involved 250 patients who presented to NICRH, Dhaka for treatment. These patients were interviewed, physically examined and vital information were gathered using approved questionnaires. Various personal, social, reproductive and tumor related factors were recorded and analyzed.

RESULT

The mean age of the study group was 44.7 years, standard deviation (SD) was 9.82 (range: 21-67), 87% have children, 57.2% were postmenopausal, 92% were housewives, 51.4% were illiterate, 62% attended 6 months after initiation of symptoms, 72% of the patients' yearly family income were less than US$1000/year. Almost 100% of the patients gave history of cooking from wooden fire source in the rural areas. In our study group, 79.7 percent women were within the group of BMI 20 kg/m2or more. Locally advanced breast cancer patients (T3 and T4) were 52.6%, axillary lymph node involvement was present in 80% of cases, 61.6 % patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In the elderly group (above 40 years) Estrogen receptor was positive in 53.2% cases, 26.6% were Triple negative breast cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Women with poor socio-economic status and have none or low educational level are often victims of late presentation and tend to have a higher stage at diagnosis. Poverty, literacy and assorted risk factors have influenced the outcome of breast cancer cases among Bangladeshi women.

Poultry Salmonella Specific Bacteriophage Isolation and Characterization

Bacteriophage named as SAL-PG (Salmonella bacteriophage), specific to Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella gallinarum was isolated by an enrichment method directly from waste water near to poultry farm. For the isolation of phage 4.5 ml water sample, 0.5 ml of 10X Nutrient Broth and 0.5 ml of log phage bacteria were mixed well and incubated at 37° C for overnight followed by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The presence of bacteriophage was observed by spot test over the bacterial lawn of and plaque assay. The host range of the isolated bacteriophage was determined by spot test using 12 different bacterial isolates. The phages were found to infect Salmonella pullorum, Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella typhimurium and produced clear plaque on these Salmonella serovars. The bacteriophage was able to survive in wide range of pH between 2 to 9 and resistant at 60° C for 1 hour. More than 50% phages were readily adsorbed to the host bacteria. The restriction enzyme analysis showed that the phage DNA possess restriction site for Taq?I, HindIII and BstYI; but no restriction site for XhoI and BstEII as these two enzymes failed to digest the phage DNA. The characterizations of the bacteriophage would be helpful in establishing a basis for adopting the application of the most effective bacteriophage treatment to control these poultry bacteria.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21264 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 107-114 

Prediction equations for spirometry in adults from northern India

BACKGROUND

Most of the Indian studies on prediction equations for spirometry in adults are several decades old and may have lost their utility as these were carried out with equipment and standardisation protocols that have since changed. Their validity is further questionable as the lung health of the population is likely to have changed over time.

OBJECTIVE

To develop prediction equations for spirometry in adults of north Indian origin using the 2005 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) recommendations on standardisation.

METHODS

Normal healthy non-smoker subjects, both males and females, aged 18 years and above underwent spirometry using a non-heated Fleisch Pneumotach spirometer calibrated daily. The dataset was randomly divided into training (70%) and test (30%) sets and the former was used to develop the equations. These were validated on the test data set. Prediction equations were developed separately for males and females for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and instantaneous expiratory flow rates using multiple linear regression procedure with different transformations of dependent and/or independent variables to achieve the best-fitting models for the data. The equations were compared with the previous ones developed in the same population in the 1960s.

RESULTS

In all, 685 (489 males, 196 females) subjects performed spirometry that was technically acceptable and repeatable. All the spirometry parameters were significantly higher among males except the FEV1/FVC ratio that was significantly higher in females. Overall, age had a negative relationship with the spirometry parameters while height was positively correlated with each, except for the FEV1/FVC ratio that was related only to age. Weight was included in the models for FVC, forced expiratory flow (FEF75) and FEV1/FVC ratio in males, but its contribution was very small. Standard errors of estimate were provided to enable calculation of the lower limits of normal and standardised residuals for these parameters. The equations were found to be valid on the test dataset, and therefore, may be extended to general population. Comparison with the 1960s equations revealed lack of good agreement, and substantially higher predicted FVC with the current equations, especially in the forty-years-plus age group, in both males and females. Even in the age group upto 40 years, the level of agreement was clinically not acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

Validated prediction equations have been developed for spirometry variables in adults of north Indian origin using the current ATS/ERS spirometry standardisation recommendations. The equations suggest an improvement in the lung health of the population over time in the middle-aged and the elderly. These equations should address a long-felt unmet need and enable a more appropriate evaluation of spirometry data in different chest diseases in Indian subjects.

Comparative molecular dynamics simulation of Hepatitis C Virus NS3/4A protease (Genotypes 1b, 3a and 4b) predicts conformational instability of the catalytic triad in drug resistant strains

The protease domain of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) has been targeted for inhibition by several direct-acting antiviral drugs. This approach has had marked success to treat infections caused by HCV genotype 1 predominant in the USA, Europe, and Japan. However, genotypes 3 and 4, dominant in developing countries, are resistant to a number of these drugs and little progress has been made towards understanding the structural basis of their drug resistivity. We have previously developed a 4D computational methodology, based on 3D structure modeling and molecular dynamics simulation, to analyze the active sites of the NS3 proteases of HCV-1b and 4a in relation to their catalytic activity and drug susceptibility. Here, we improved the methodology, extended the analysis to include genotype 3a (predominant in South Asia including Pakistan), and compared the results of the three genotypes (1b, 3a and 4a). The 4D analyses of the interactions between the catalytic triad residues (His57, Asp81, and Ser139) indicate conformational instability of the catalytic site in HCV-3a and 4a compared to that of HCV-1b NS3 protease. The divergence is gradual and genotype-dependent, with HCV-1b being the most stable, HCV-4a being the most unstable and HCV-3a representing an intermediate state. These results suggest that the structural dynamics behavior, more than the rigid structure, could be related to the altered catalytic activity and drug susceptibility seen in NS3 proteases of HCV-3a and 4a.

Trigeminal pathways for hypertonic saline- and light-evoked corneal reflexes

Cornea-evoked eyeblinks maintain tear film integrity on the ocular surface in response to dryness and protect the eye from real or potential damage. Eyelid movement following electrical stimulation has been well studied in humans and animals; however, the central neural pathways that mediate protective eyeblinks following natural nociceptive signals are less certain. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the trigeminal subnucleus interpolaris/caudalis (Vi/Vc) transition and subnucleus caudalis/upper cervical cord (Vc/C1) junction regions on orbicularis oculi electromyographic (OOemg) activity evoked by ocular surface application of hypertonic saline or exposure to bright light in urethane anesthetized male rats. The Vi/Vc and Vc/C1 regions are the main sites of termination for trigeminal afferent nerves that supply the ocular surface, while hypertonic saline (saline=0.15-5M) and bright light (light=5k-20klux) selectively activate ocular surface and intraocular trigeminal nerves, respectively, and excite second-order neurons at the Vi/Vc and Vc/C1 regions. Integrated OOemg activity, ipsilateral to the applied stimulus, increased with greater stimulus intensities for both modalities. Lidocaine applied to the ocular surface inhibited OOemg responses to hypertonic saline, but did not alter the response to light. Lidocaine injected into the trigeminal ganglion blocked completely the OOemg responses to hypertonic saline and light indicating a trigeminal afferent origin. Synaptic blockade by cobalt chloride of the Vi/Vc or Vc/C1 region greatly reduced OOemg responses to hypertonic saline and bright light. These data indicate that OOemg activity evoked by natural stimuli known to cause irritation or discomfort in humans depends on a relay in both the Vi/Vc transition and Vc/C1 junction regions.

Promoter hypermethylation of Wnt pathway inhibitors in hepatitis C virus - induced multistep hepatocarcinogenesis

Background

Aberrant DNA methylation profiles are a characteristic feature of almost all types of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and play an important role in carcinogenesis. In spite of the accumulating evidence that suggests appearance of such aberrations at precancerous stages, very little effort has been invested to investigate such possible methylation events in patients at risk of developing HCC i.e. those suffering from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and liver cirrhosis (LC). We reasoned that such an analysis could lead to the identification of novel predictive biomarkers as well as potential drug targets.

Methods

Promoter methylation status of two Wnt inhibitors SFRP2 and DKK1 was quantitatively analyzed by bisulfite pyrosequencing in a series of liver biopsy samples. These biopsies were collected from HCV-infected individuals suffering from chronic hepatitis (CH; n = 15), liver cirrhosis (LC; n = 13) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 41). DNA isolated from infection free normal livers (N; n =10) was used as control.

Results

Our analysis revealed that both of the genomic loci were significantly hypermethylated in CH patients’ livers as compared to normal controls (p = 0.0136 & 0.0084 for SFRP2 and DKK1, respectively; Mann–Whitney U test). DNA methylation levels for both loci were also significantly higher in all the diseased cohorts as compared to normal controls (p < 0.0001 and = 0.0011 for SFRP2 and DKK1, respectively; Kruskal-Wallis test). However, a comparison between three disease cohorts (CH, LC & HCC) revealed no significant difference in levels of DNA methylation at DKK1 promoter. In contrast, a progressive increase in DNA methylation levels was observed at the SFRP2 promoter (i.e. N < CH & LC < HCC).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that in HCV infected liver tissues hypermethylation at promoter regions of key cancer related genes SFRP2 and DKK1, appears early at CH and LC stages, long before the appearance of HCC.

Isolation and identification of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli causing colibacillosis in calf in selective areas of Bangladesh

This study was carried out to isolate, identify and characterize Escherichia coli from diarrheic calves, their prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity pattern during the period from November 2011 to December 2012. For this purpose 100 diarrheic fecal samples were collected from four different areas of Bangladesh. The samples were aseptically collected and brought to the laboratory of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The organisms were identified as E. coli on the basis of cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Further the isolated bacteria were confirmed by amplification of E. coli specific 16sRNA gene. The antibiotic resistant pattern of the isolates was also performed. Out of 100 samples 49 (49%) were found to be positive for E. coli. The highest prevalence was found in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj (53.33%) while lowest was in BAU, Mymensingh (40%). The antibiogram study revealed that all isolates were resistant against ampicillin, erythromycin, azithromycin and streptomycin where erythromycin was 100% resistant, whereas 100% sensitivity was found to tetracycline and gentamicin which might be the best choice of drug for the treatment of diarrheagenic E. coli causing colibacillosis in calves.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v11i2.19139Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2013).11(2): 145-149

Endodontic management of symptomatic pulpal pathosis by single -visit root canal therapy

Single-visit root canal therapy is one of the reality in modern endodontics globally, both for vital and non-vital teeth, despite many research efforts and much controversy, specially when post-operative pain is concerned. There are increased post-operative complications as pain, swelling, discomfort in managing teeth having symptomatic pulpal pathosis. To clinically verify the possibility to treat symptomatic vital and non-vital teeth in one visit technique, 126 patiens were selected and advised to undergone single visit endodontic treatment at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Endodontically involved symptomatic vital and symptomatic non-vital teeth were enrolled in two groups and advised to undergone single visit endodontic treatment. Both groups were assessed at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and long term post operative evaluation up to 10 months. The main outcome measure was post operative pain. The result of our study indicates that single visit root canal treatment is a safe, effective and practical method of treatment of an endodontically involved tooth both in vital and non vital cases when applied in appropriate situation. Significantly fewer patients of symptomatic vital cases reported pain in immediate follow up i.e. 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours in comparison to non vital cases (12.69% vs. 22.2%, 4.16% vs. 11.11%, 1.58% vs. 7.93%). At 10 months of long term follow up the recall rate was 74.35% and 90(71%) of patients were comfortable after receiving treatment. Post operative pain incidence in single visit was equivalent to that of multi visit endodontics, provided one had an accurate diagnosis, proper case selection and skilled technique.

Cardiovascular complications in patients with end stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis

This cross-sectional study was carried out at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), National Institute of Kidney Diseases & Urology (NIKDU) and Kidney Foundation from July 2005 to June 2007 to find the cardiovascular complications in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance haemodialysis. Patients of both sexes with age ranging from 18-59 years and getting at least 8 hours of haemodialysis per week for the last 3 months were enrolled in the study. A total of 126 such patients were included in the study. Among 126 patients 77(61.1%) developed some types of cardiovascular complications. In terms of type of complications 63.6% of the patients had LVH, 23.4% had ischemic heart disease (IHD) and 10.4% had congestive heart failure (CCF) and 2.6% cardiomyopathy. Over 96% patients were hypertensive, followed by 46.8% diabetics and 42.1% smokers. Presence of hypertension, diabetes, family history of diabetes and hypertension were observed to be significantly higher in patients who developed cardiovascular complications (p<0.05). It is deserved that cardiovascular complications (CVC) are very common in ESRD patients on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). Poor control of blood pressure, low Haemoglobin level and poor glycaemic control are higher in ESRD patients on MHD and are possibly related to the development of cardiovascular complications.

A Study of Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS) in Patients with Type1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) Followed Up at a Teritiary Care Hospital

BACKGROUND

Type1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from auto- immune destruction of insulin-producing β cells and is characterized by the presence of insulitis and β-cell autoantibodies. Up to one third of patients develop an autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS). Presence of other autoimmune disorders in patients with T1DM has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Hypoglycemia resulting from concurrent hypothyroidism or adrenal crisis can be dangerous; starting replacement therapy for hypothyroidism may result in adrenal crisis if background hypocortisolism is not recognized. Early detection of antibodies and latent organ-specific dysfunction is advocated to alert physicians to take appropriate action in order to prevent full-blown disease.

AIMS

The objectives of this study were to assess the concurrence of various autoimmune disorders in patients with T1DM, to review the concept and detect the overt forms of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (AITD), Addison's Disease (AD), Vitamin B 12, vitiligo in T1DM and to find their correlation according to age and sex of the patients.

METHODS

It is a retrospective study where medical records between January 2007-June 2010 of all the patients diagnosed with T1DM, followed up at Department of Endocrinology were reviewed to find out the presence of (AD), AITD, vitiligo, Vitamin B12 deficiency and Primary Gonadal Failure, which were diagnosed clinically with available investigational procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 100 cases of T1DM were evaluated during the present study. The age group of patients ranged from 8 to 40 years, with the average being 21.56 years. 64% of the patients were males and the rest were females. 29 % of T1DM subjects had AITD (Hashimoto's or Graves'disease), 5% were diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency, 4% had AD, and 6% showed Vitiligo. 28 % had family history of autoimmune endocrinopathy.

CONCLUSION

The commonest autoimmune disorder associated with T1DM found in our study was AITD. Because genetic/ autoantibodies testing is not a feasible option, it is important to screen them with best available laboratory facilities and clinical assessment in view of high prevalence of associated autoimmune conditions.

Chlamydia trachomatis IgM seropositivity during pregnancy and assessment of its risk factors

The study was undertaken to determine socio-demographic and reproductive risk factors associated with Chlamydia trachomaties IgM seropositivity during pregnancy. This cross sectional comparative study was carried out in the obstetrics outdoor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh in collaboration with the department of Virology between the periods from July 2007 to December 2008. Pregnant women at their first visit to the hospital were approached consecutively and asked to complete a questionnaire and 2cc blood was collected from each subject for Chlamydia trachomatis IgM antibody testing using ELISA method. The study population was divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of serum Chlamydia trachomatis IgM antibody. Finally socio-demographic and reproductive risk factors were compared between the groups. Among 172 women the sero-prevalence of Chlamydia IgM was 41%. The multiple logistic regression model (step wise) finally extracted for characteristics correlated with seropositivity. Ten years or less (≤SSC) education (OR 2.6 95% CI 1.1to 5.9), history of adverse pregnancy outcome (OR 2.8 95% CI 1.2 to 6.5) and multiple sex partner of husband (OR 4.1 95% CI 1.2 to 14.8) were associated with chlamydia infection. The use of condom (OR 0.28 95% CI 0.12 to 0.63) was associated with decreased risk of infection. Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy is associated with risk factors on the basis of which selective screening can be done.

Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia following chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) and radiation therapy in ovarian cancer: a case report

In recent years, the incidence of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) and therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) that occur during chemotherapy for ovarian cancer has increased. While alkylating agents and topoisomerase II inhibitors are particularly mutagenic and have strong leukemogenic potential, paclitaxel and combination chemotherapy/radiation therapy also appear to induce t-MDS. The present authors report a case of t-MDS that developed during chemotherapy and radiation therapy for ovarian cancer. The patient was a 75-year-old woman who received six courses of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/cisplatin (CAP) therapy after initial surgery for Stage IIIc grade ovarian cancer in 1995. Beginning in February 2005, the patient experienced multiple recurrences due to sternal metastasis. Chemotherapy, including paclitaxel and carboplatin (TC), was administered intermittently and was combined with radiation therapy to a sternal metastatic lesion. Pancytopenia was observed in December 2008, and she was diagnosed with t-MDS (WHO subtype, refractory cytopenias with multilineage dysplasia [RCMD]): the time from first chemotherapy to t-MDS onset was 106 months. Without evidence of blast crisis, the recurrent lesions continued to grow and caused multiple cerebral infarctions, from which she eventually died. The cumulative doses of paclitaxel and carboplatin administered to this patient were 1,968 mg and 6,480 mg, respectively.

Prevalence of active hepatitis C virus infections among general public of Lahore, Pakistan

Background

To find out the prevalence of active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among general public in Lahore city, since data concerning the prevalence of active HCV in this city is currently unavailable.

Methods

Blood samples were collected randomly from individuals visiting different clinical laboratories in Lahore. Serum was separated and processed by nested PCR qualitative assay for the detection of HCV RNA. The samples were categorized into different age groups on the basis of pre-test questionnaires in order to record the age-wise differences regarding the prevalence of active HCV. Data were analyzed statistically using Chi-Square test.

Results

Out of the 4246 blood samples analyzed in this study, 210 were confirmed to be positive for active HCV infection. Gender-wise active HCV prevalence revealed no significant difference [OR = 1.10 CI = (0.83-1.46), p > 0.05]. However, among the age groups the highest prevalence was observed in the age groups 20–29 (7.7%) and 30–39 years (6.4%) with odds of prevalence of 14.8% (OR = 2.48, CI = (1.40-4.38), p < 0.05) and 10.3% (OR = 2.03, CI = (1.10-3.71), respectively. In age groups above 40 years (40–49, 50–59 and >59 years), a decrease in levels of active HCV prevalence was observed.

Conclusions

Among tested samples, 4.9% of the subjects were confirmed to harbour active HCV infections and the “middle aged” population in Lahore was found to be at a higher risk of the HCV ailments compared to both their younger and older peers.

Auto-analyzer based screening of microcytic hypochromic ratio to differentiate thalassaemia and non thalassemic microcytosis

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i3.20317 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 146-147

Role of the p63-FoxN1 regulatory axis in thymic epithelial cell homeostasis during aging

The p63 gene regulates thymic epithelial cell (TEC) proliferation, whereas FoxN1 regulates their differentiation. However, their collaborative role in the regulation of TEC homeostasis during thymic aging is largely unknown. In murine models, the proportion of TAp63(+), but not ΔNp63(+), TECs was increased with age, which was associated with an age-related increase in senescent cell clusters, characterized by SA-β-Gal(+) and p21(+) cells. Intrathymic infusion of exogenous TAp63 cDNA into young wild-type (WT) mice led to an increase in senescent cell clusters. Blockade of TEC differentiation via conditional FoxN1 gene knockout accelerated the appearance of this phenotype to early middle age, whereas intrathymic infusion of exogenous FoxN1 cDNA into aged WT mice brought only a modest reduction in the proportion of TAp63(+) TECs, but an increase in ΔNp63(+) TECs in the partially rejuvenated thymus. Meanwhile, we found that the increased TAp63(+) population contained a high proportion of phosphorylated-p53 TECs, which may be involved in the induction of cellular senescence. Thus, TAp63 levels are positively correlated with TEC senescence but inversely correlated with expression of FoxN1 and FoxN1-regulated TEC differentiation. Thereby, the p63-FoxN1 regulatory axis in regulation of postnatal TEC homeostasis has been revealed.

Over-expression and characterization of NS3 and NS5A of Hepatitis C virus genotype 3a

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common and leading cause for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current therapies to treat HCV infection are shown to be partially effective and poorly tolerated. Therefore, ample efforts are underway to rationally design therapies targeting the HCV non-structural proteins. Most of the work carried out in this direction has been focusing mainly on HCV genotype 1. Two direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) Telaprevir and Boceprevir are being used against genotype 1a infection in combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin. Unfortunately these DAAs are not effective against genotype 3a. Considering the wide spread infection by HCV genotype 3a in developing countries especially South Asia, we have focused on the recombinant production of antiviral drug targets NS3 and NS5A from HCV genotype 3a. These protein targets are to be used for screening of inhibitors.

Results

High-level expression of NS3 and NS5A was achieved at 25°C, using ~1 and 0.5 mM Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), respectively. Yields of the purified NS3 and NS5A were 4 and 1 mg per liter culture volume, respectively. Although similar amounts of purified NS3 were obtained at 25 and 14°C, specificity constant (K_cat/K_m) was somewhat higher at expression temperature of 25°C. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed that both NS3 and NS5A contain a mixture of alpha-helix and beta-sheet secondary structures. For NS3 protein, percentages of secondary structures were similar to the values predicted from homology modeling.

Conclusions

NS3 and NS5A were over-expressed and using Nickel-affinity method both proteins were purified to ~ 95% purity. Yield of the purified NS3 obtained is four fold higher than previous reports. CD spectroscopy revealed that difference in activity of NS3 expressed at various temperatures is not related to changes in global structural features of the protein. Moreover, CD and FT-IR analysis showed that NS3 and NS5A contain both alpha-helical and beta-sheet structures and for NS5A, the proportion is almost equal. The production of NS3 and NS5A in milligram quantities will allow their characterization by biophysical and biochemical means that will help in designing new strategies to fight against HCV infection.

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.

Micropropagation of Centella asiatica L. An Important Medicinal Herb

High frequencies of multiple shoot regeneration were achieved from shoot tip explants cultured on MS media fortified with 4.0 mgl-1 BAP + 0.1 mgl-1 NAA. On an average 10.2?0.38 shoots per explant were obtained. The regenerated shoots were rooted in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl-1 IBA. The in vitro grown plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transferred to natural condition with 80% survival. A reproducible protocol was established for in vitro propagation through multiple shoot induction of Centella asiatica L. an important medicinal herb having high medicinal value.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16928 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 51 - 56, 2008

Antimicrobial activity of the bioactive components of essential oils from Pakistani spices against Salmonella and other multi-drug resistant bacteria

Background

The main objective of this study was the phytochemical characterization of four indigenous essential oils obtained from spices and their antibacterial activities against the multidrug resistant clinical and soil isolates prevalent in Pakistan, and ATCC reference strains.

Methods

Chemical composition of essential oils from four Pakistani spices cumin (Cuminum cyminum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), cardamom (Amomum subulatum) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) were analyzed on GC/MS. Their antibacterial activities were investigated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Thin-Layer Chromatography-Bioautographic (TLC-Bioautographic) assays against pathogenic strains Salmonella typhi (D1 Vi-positive), Salmonella typhi (G7 Vi-negative), Salmonella paratyphi A, Escherichia coli (SS1), Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus licheniformis (ATCC 14580). The data were statistically analyzed by using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) method to find out significant relationship of essential oils biological activities at p <0.05.

Results

Among all the tested essential oils, oil from the bark of C. verum showed best antibacterial activities against all selected bacterial strains in the MIC assay, especially with 2.9 mg/ml concentration against S. typhi G7 Vi-negative and P. fluorescens strains. TLC-bioautography confirmed the presence of biologically active anti-microbial components in all tested essential oils. P. fluorescens was found susceptible to C. verum essential oil while E. coli SS1 and S. aureus were resistant to C. verum and A. subulatum essential oils, respectively, as determined in bioautography assay. The GC/MS analysis revealed that essential oils of C. cyminum, C. verum, A. subulatum, and S. aromaticum contain 17.2% cuminaldehyde, 4.3% t-cinnamaldehyde, 5.2% eucalyptol and 0.73% eugenol, respectively.

Conclusions

Most of the essential oils included in this study possessed good antibacterial activities against selected multi drug resistant clinical and soil bacterial strains. Cinnamaldehyde was identified as the most active antimicrobial component present in the cinnamon essential oil which acted as a strong inhibitory agent in MIC assay against the tested bacteria. The results indicate that essential oils from Pakistani spices can be pursued against multidrug resistant bacteria.

Evaluation of the results of operative management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis

Lumber spinal canal stenosis is an important cause of low back pain and it frequently presents with low backache with neurogenic claudication. Operative management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis by decompression surgery is an effective method. This prospective interventional (quasi experimental) study was performed in patient having history of characteristic clinical features like low backache with radicular pain, neurogenic claudication, signs of root compression, positive MRI findings attending in the department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and NITOR. Dhaka, from July 2008 to June 2010. Thirty patients were evaluated among those 18(60%) were 50 years and above. Male to female ratio was roughly 9:1. About 87% of the patients had sensory deficit and 50% had neurogenic claudication. Majority (83.3%) of the patients at presentation had a suffering of 12 or >12 months. Diagnosis shows that 3.5% of patients had L4 lesion, 60% L5, 6.5% patients had L4 & L5 and 30% S1. Laminectomy was done in 43.3% of patients, laminectomy and disectomy in 30% and laminectomy, discectomy & foraminal decompression in 26.7% of patients. Relief of symptoms occurred in 25(83.5%) of patients. Over three-quarter (76.7%) of patients exhibited minimal disability and 23.3% moderate disability based on Oswestry Disability Index, while by MacNab criteria, most (80%) of patients was excellent, 10% good and another 10% fair. Repeated measure ANOVA statistics showed that mean Oswestry score decreased significantly from 54.5% at baseline to 22% at the end of 1 year (p<0.001).

A comparison of GFR by modified gates method with measured creatinine clearance rate (CCR) & MDRD formula based estimation in type 2 diabetic subjects with nephropathy

Accurate estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is essential for the evaluation of patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study was a comparison between modified gates GFR with laboratory measured CCR & MDRD formula based estimated GFR method. Pre-diagnosed 180 diabetic nephropathy patients were selected. All the time of evaluation the blood glucose of the patients were controlled and serum creatinine was stable. Then CCR was done and GFR was estimated by Modified Gates method & MDRD method. All the patients were categorized in 5 stages of CKD. They were matched for age, BMI, blood pressure, duration of diabetes, the blood sugar and HbA1C levels. The Gates GFR in stage-2 (70±13) & stage-3 (48±12) was closer with MDRD in stage-2 (77±8) and stage 3 (43±7). The CCR is closer in stage-1 (110±52) & stage-4 (30±10) with MDRD in stage-1 (112±13) and stage-4 (21±4). Association study showed MDRD GFR had highest correlation with Gates GFR (r=0.86; p<0.05). The estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in different methods varied significantly between each other at different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetic nephropathy subjects.

Factors responsible for increased percent recirculation in arterio-venous fistula among the haemodialysis patients

Recirculation is an important issue in haemodialysis (HD) patients as increased percent recirculation causes decreased dialysis delivery of the patients. The purpose of the study was to determine the amount and factors of recirculation in those patients. The study was a cross sectional one carried in the Department of Nephrology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital during October 2010 to September 2011. A total of 118 end stage renal disease patients with arterio-venous fistula who were on HD for more than 3 months were purposively selected. The degree of recirculation was measured with urea based two needle technique method. For each patient distances between arterial and venous and distances of needles from fistula and its directions were recorded. Echocardiography and A-V fistula Colour Doppler Ultrasound were also performed. The mean A-V fistula recirculation was 8.1 +/- 5.5% with a range 0-66%. The most common factors were close proximity and improper arterial and venous needles placement. No difference was observed between diabetic and non diabetic also between hypertensive and normotensive. A-V fistula recirculation is common occurrence in HD patients and the most common factors of recirculation are misplacement and close proximity of needles therefore emphasis should be given on education and training of HD staffs.

Platelet shedding of CD40L is regulated by matrix metalloproteinase-9 in abdominal sepsis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Platelet-derived CD40L is known to regulate neutrophil recruitment and lung damage in sepsis. However, the mechanism regulating shedding of CD40L from activated platelets is not known. We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 might cleave surface-expressed CD40L and regulate pulmonary accumulation of neutrophils in sepsis.

METHODS

Abdominal sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in wild-type and MMP-9-deficient mice. Edema formation, CXC chemokine levels, myeloperoxidase levels, neutrophils in the lung and plasma levels of CD40L and MMP-9 were quantified.

RESULTS

CLP increased plasma levels of MMP-9 but not MMP-2. The CLP-induced decrease in platelet surface CD40L and increase in soluble CD40L levels were significantly attenuated in MMP-9 gene-deficient mice. Moreover, pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and neutrophil infiltration in the alveolar space, as well as edema formation and lung injury, were markedly decreased in septic mice lacking MMP-9. In vitro studies revealed that inhibition of MMP-9 decreased platelet shedding of CD40L. Moreover, recombinant MMP-9 was capable of cleaving surface-expressed CD40L on activated platelets. In human studies, plasma levels of MMP-9 were significantly increased in patients with septic shock as compared with healthy controls, although MMP-9 levels did not correlate with organ injury score.

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel data propose a role of MMP-9 in regulating platelet-dependent infiltration of neutrophils and tissue damage in septic lung injury by controlling CD40L shedding from platelets. We conclude that targeting MMP-9 may be a useful strategy to limit acute lung injury in abdominal sepsis.

Heterologous expression, characterization and evaluation of the matrix protein from Newcastle disease virus as a target for antiviral therapies

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an infectious agent of a large variety of birds, including chicken, which poses a real threat to the agriculture industry. Matrix (M) proteins of NDV and many other viruses perform critical functions during viral assembly and budding from the host cell. M-proteins are well conserved and therefore are potential targets for antiviral therapies. To validate this, we expressed the NDV M-protein in its native form in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. Proper refolding of the recombinant protein produced in E. coli was verified using circular dichroism and infrared spectroscopies and electron microscopy. Immunization of chickens with the NDV M-protein elicited significant serum antibody titers. However, the antibodies conferred little protection against the ND following lethal viral challenges. We conclude that the M-protein is not exposed on the surface of the host cell or the virus at any stage during its life cycle. We discuss how the conserved M-protein can further be exploited as an antiviral drug target.

HbA(1c) as a diagnostic tool for diabetes and pre-diabetes: the Bangladesh experience

AIMS

To evaluate HbA(1c) as a tool for the diagnosis of diabetes and pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose) and to identify the optimal cut-off values suitable for a Bangladeshi population.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional survey in a rural community, 2293 randomly selected individuals aged ≥ 20 years without prior history of diabetes were included. HbA(1c) and other clinical covariates necessary for the diagnosis of diabetes were recorded. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were defined according to the World Health Organization 1999 criteria. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the performance of HbA(1c).

RESULTS

The prevalences of diabetes and pre-diabetes were 7.9 and 8.6%, respectively. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, an HbA(1c) cut-off value of ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) gave an optimal sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 93.3%, with an area under the curve of 0.949 to predict diabetes using the oral glucose tolerance test as the gold standard; a cut-off value of ≥ 38 mmol/mol (≥ 5.6%) gave an optimal sensitivity of 68.0% and specificity of 66.4%, with an area under the curve of 0.714 to predict pre-diabetes. In subjects at high risk of diabetes, HbA(1c) ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) showed higher sensitivity than fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/l, 2-h plasma glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l and HbA(1c) ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥ 6.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

An HbA(1c) cut-off value of ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) was highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing diabetes mellitus. This optimal cut-off level may be suitable as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes in a Bangladeshi population.

Testing urine samples with rK39 strip as the simplest non-invasive field diagnosis for visceral leishmaniasis: an early report from eastern India

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major obstacle in the control of this disease. The rK39 strip-test using patient's blood is a breakthrough; however, it still requires a blood sample, which is a concern for safety in the field. We tried to simplify the test using the patient's urine instead of blood.

AIMS

To observe the sensitivity and specificity of the urine test in comparison with the blood test.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We tested active and post-treatment VL patients, Post Kala azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), VL/HIV and control subjects (healthy, disease suspects and diseased other than VL) with the rK39 strip-test using blood and urine samples.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The level of agreement between the urine and blood testing was calculated by inter-rater agreement (kappa) statistics.

RESULTS

Forty-two active VL, 40 treated VL, six PKDL, three VL/HIV and 139 controls (54 healthy, 21 disease suspects and 64 diseased other than VL) were tested. All VL-related cases showed positive results with urine as well as blood samples (100%). The urine testing was found to have 100% sensitivity and 86.33% specificity for the diagnosis of VL. Kappa statistic between the two methods was 0.916 (P<0.001). Urine testing had more false-positive results in comparison with blood testing (13.67% vs. 9.45%), but the test subjects were from VL-endemic areas and they might be exposed to Leishmania donovani infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study has the potentiality of providing a new, yet simplest non-invasive screening tool for VL in remote rural areas.

Post-transfusion increment of platelet count in thrombocytopenic patients treated with platelet concentrates

The Platelet (PLT) Transfusion Therapy plays an important role in the support of surgical, haematological, oncological and transplant patients. The present study was assigned to find out the post transfusion increment of platelet count among the thrombocytopenic patients in Bangladeshi population. This descriptive study was conducted at the Departments of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka. Total 42 thrmbocytopenic patients were randomly assigned to receive a transfusion when their platelet counts below 10000 per cubic millimeter or with active bleeding. Pre transfusion and post transfusion platelet count were measured in all patients. Out of 42 patients, 26(61.90%) were male and 16(38.10%) were female. Leukemia was the most common cause of thrombocytopenia (47.62%). Most of the patients (71.34%) required transfusion of multiple units of platelet and 12(28.57%) patients required double units. Before transfusion of platelet concentrate <30×10⁸/L, 30-80×10⁸/L and >80×10⁸/L platelet count were found in 30(71.43%), 08(19.05%) and 04(09.52%) patients respectively. After transfusion of platelet concentrate <50×10⁸/L, 50-100×10⁸/L and >100×10⁸/L platelet count were found in 30(71.43%), 08(19.05%) and 04(09.52%) patients respectively. In all patients post transfusion platelet count increases but 2 or multiple units of transfusion were needed.

Sexually transmitted infections and sexual behaviour among youth clients of hotel-based female sex workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A cross-sectional study was conducted among youth clients of hotel-based female sex workers (YCHBFSWs) in nine randomly selected hotels in Bangladesh to examine sexual-risk behaviour, condom use and determinants of condom use in last sex, knowledge of HIV, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and STI care-seeking behaviour. A prestructured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, behavioural, clinical information; urine specimens (before sex) and blood were collected for diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, syphilis and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) infection. One thousand and thirteen participants were enroled in the study. Approximately half of them reported visiting female sex workers (FSWs) at least once a month and 25% visited FSWs at least once a week. Only 12% of participants reported regular condom use. The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, T. vaginalis, syphilis and HSV2 was 2.2%, 3.9%, 7.2%, 2.6% and 12.9%, respectively. Only 15.3% of the YCHBFSW sought STI care in the past year. Negotiation of condom use with FSWs was the main determinant (odds ratio = 17.95) for condom use at last sex. Male clients of FSWs, including YCHBFSW, are an important bridge population for HIV transmission in Bangladesh and HIV interventions should be designed and implemented for them.

Probing the putative active site of YjdL: an unusual proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter from E. coli

YjdL from E. coli is an unusual proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter (POT). Unlike prototypical POTs, dipeptides are preferred over tripeptides, in particular dipeptides with a positively charged C-terminal residue. To further understand this difference in peptide specificity, the sequences of YjdL and YdgR, a prototypical E. coli POT, were compared in light of the crystal structure of a POT from Shewanella oneidensis. Several residues found in the putative active site were mutated and the activities of the mutated variants were assessed in terms of substrate uptake assays, and changes in specificity in terms of uptake inhibition. Most strikingly, changing the YjdL specific Asp392 to the conserved Ser in YjdL obliterated the preference for a positively charged C-terminal residue. Based on this unique finding and previously published results indicating that the dipeptide N-terminus may interact with Glu388, a preliminary orientation model of a dipeptide in the YjdL cavity is presented. Single site mutations of particularly Ala281 and Trp278 support the presented orientation. A dipeptide bound in the cavity of YjdL appears to be oriented such that the N-terminal side chain protrudes into a sub pocket that opens towards the extracellular space. The C-terminal side chain faces in the opposite direction into a sub pocket that faces the cytoplasm. These data indicated a stabilizing effect on a bulky N-terminal residue by an Ala281Phe variant and on the dipeptide backbone by Trp278. In the presented orientation model, Tyr25 and Tyr58 both appear to be in proximity of the dipeptide backbone while Lys117 appears to be in proximity of the peptide C-terminus. Mutational studies of these conserved residues highlight their functional importance.

A subunit vaccine against hydropericardium syndrome using adenovirus penton capsid protein

Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) is a disease of poultry that is caused by fowl adenovirus-4. Inactivated liver homogenate from diseased birds is still the choice of vaccine in some countries which disseminates numerous pathogens along with inactivated virus. Moreover incomplete attenuation or inactivation, reversion to virulence and the oncogenic potential/genetic instability of the adenoviruses have prevented their use in routine vaccines. To address this problem an effort is made to develop a subunit vaccine. For this purpose penton base protein of HPS virus was expressed in Escherichia coli and used as subunit vaccine in broilers. Immunogenicity of the recombinant penton base protein and challenge protection test against pathogenic virus demonstrated the ability of recombinant penton base protein to confer (90%) protection. Results suggest that the recombinant penton base protein is a candidate for subunit vaccine against HPS.

Design, synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of some 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives

A series of substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives 19-34 were synthesized as antiinflammatory agents. The target compounds were obtained by cyclodesulfurization of the corresponding thiosemicarbazides 3-18 using either dicyclohexylcarbodiimide DCC, or I(2)/NaOH. Intermediates 3-18 are readily accessible through conversion of the carboxylic acids 1a-d to the respective hydrazides 2a-d followed by treatment with appropriate isothiocyanate derivatives. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental as well as spectroscopic analyses. The antiinflammatory activity was investigated by determination of the inhibitory effects of the oxadiazole derivatives 19-34 on histamine-induced edema in rat abdomen. Compounds 19a, 21a, 23b, 28c and 32d proved to be more potent antiinflammatory agents at 200 mg/kg po than ibuprofen, the standard reference drug. Other compounds such as 20a, 25b, 27c, 29c, and 33d showed significant antiinflammatory activity but less than ibuprofen at the same dose level. The low toxicity of the most potent compounds was reflected by their higher LD(50) value, ranging from ~1000 to 1500 mg/kg, as well as the lower ulcerogenic liability at 200 mg/kg po. Furthermore, some of the newly synthesized derivatives were better analgesics than the reference drug as observed from the percentage writhing inhibition in the p-benzoquinone (PBQ)-induced writhing test in mice.

Functional investigation of conserved membrane-embedded glutamate residues in the proton-coupled peptide transporter YjdL

Proton-dependent oligopeptide transporters (POTs) are secondary active symporters that utilize the proton gradient to drive the inward translocation of di- and tripeptides. We have mutated two highly conserved membraneembedded glutamate residues (Glu20 and Glu388) in the E. coli POT YjdL to probe their possible functional roles, in particular if they were involved/implicated in recognition of the substrate N-terminus. The mutants (Glu20Asp, Glu20Gln, Glu388Asp, and Glu388Gln) were tested for substrate uptake, which indicated that both the negative charge and the side chain length were important for function. The IC50 values of dipeptides with lack of or varying N-terminus (Ac-Lys, Gly- Lys, β-Ala-Lys, and 4-GABA-Lys), showed that Gly-Lys and β-Ala-Lys ranged between ~0.1 to ~1.0 mM for wild type and Glu20 mutants. However, for Glu388Gln the IC50 increased to ~2.0 and > 10 mM for Gly-Lys and β-Ala-Lys, respectively, suggesting that Glu388, and not Glu20, is able to sense the position of the N-terminus and important for the interaction. Furthermore, uptake as a function of pH showed that the optimum at around pH 6.5 for wild type YjdL shifted to 7.0-7.5 for the Glu388Asp/Gln mutants while the Glu20Asp retained the wild type optimum. Uptake by the Glu20Gln on the other hand was completely unaffected by the bulk pH in the range tested, which indicated a possible role of Glu20 in proton translocation.

Depression and its association with socio-demographic characteristics among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of Bangladesh

Diabetes mellitus is being increasingly recognized as a serious global health problem and is frequently associated with co-morbid depression. A cross sectional study was conducted among 178 adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka, Bangladesh to find out influence of socio-demographic characteristics for occurrence of depression among them. Data were collected through face-to-face interview. Depressive symptoms were measured using Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Proportion of depression was found 34.8% which included 20.2% with severe depression and 14.6% with mild to moderate depression. Both mild to moderate and severe depression were significantly more common in female, odds ratios were 2.72 (95% CI=1.13-6.53) and 5.94 (95% CI=2.49-14.20), respectively. Currently not married respondents were also suffered from higher depressive symptoms. For mild to moderate depression odds ratio was 4.38 (95% CI=1.46-13.18) and for severe depression odds ratio was 9.51 (95% CI=3.69-24.50). Among socio-demographic characteristics marital status was identified as the best predictor of depression, which was followed by education upto secondary level, female sex and primary education. Depression was identified as a significant health problem among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Its association with socio-demographic characteristics should be considered while planning therapeutic approaches for diabetic patients.