Epstein-Barr Virus BBLF1 Mediates Secretory Vesicle Transport to Facilitate Mature Virion Release

Enveloped viruses undergo a complex multistep process of assembly, maturation, and release into the extracellular space utilizing host secretory machinery. Several studies of the herpesvirus subfamily have shown that secretory vesicles derived from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) or endosomes transport virions into the extracellular space. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying the release of Epstein-Barr virus, a human oncovirus, remains unclear. We demonstrate that disruption of BBLF1, a tegument component, suppressed viral release and resulted in the accumulation of viral particles on the inner side of the vesicular membrane. Organelle separation revealed the accumulation of infectious viruses in fractions containing vesicles derived from the TGN and late endosomes. Deficiency of an acidic amino acid cluster in BBLF1 reduced viral secretion. Moreover, truncational deletion of the C-terminal region of BBLF1 increased infectious virus production. These findings suggest that BBLF1 regulates the viral release pathway and reveal a new aspect of tegument protein function. IMPORTANCE Several viruses have been linked to the development of cancer in humans. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the first identified human oncovirus, causes a wide range of cancers. Accumulating literature has demonstrated the role of viral reactivation in tumorigenesis. Elucidating the functions of viral lytic genes induced by reactivation, and the mechanisms of lytic infection, is essential to understanding pathogenesis. Progeny viral particles synthesized during lytic infection are released outside the cell after the assembly, maturation, and release steps, leading to further infection. Through functional analysis using BBLF1-knockout viruses, we demonstrated that BBLF1 promotes viral release. The acidic amino acid cluster in BBLF1 was also important for viral release. Conversely, mutants lacking the C terminus exhibited more efficient virus production, suggesting that BBLF1 is involved in the fine-tuning of progeny release during the EBV life cycle.

Person Re-Identification with RGB-D and RGB-IR Sensors: A Comprehensive Survey

Learning about appearance embedding is of great importance for a variety of different computer-vision applications, which has prompted a surge in person re-identification (Re-ID) papers. The aim of these papers has been to identify an individual over a set of non-overlapping cameras. Despite recent advances in RGB-RGB Re-ID approaches with deep-learning architectures, the approach fails to consistently work well when there are low resolutions in dark conditions. The introduction of different sensors (i.e., RGB-D and infrared (IR)) enables the capture of appearances even in dark conditions. Recently, a lot of research has been dedicated to addressing the issue of finding appearance embedding in dark conditions using different advanced camera sensors. In this paper, we give a comprehensive overview of existing Re-ID approaches that utilize the additional information from different sensor-based methods to address the constraints faced by RGB camera-based person Re-ID systems. Although there are a number of survey papers that consider either the RGB-RGB or Visible-IR scenarios, there are none that consider both RGB-D and RGB-IR. In this paper, we present a detailed taxonomy of the existing approaches along with the existing RGB-D and RGB-IR person Re-ID datasets. Then, we summarize the performance of state-of-the-art methods on several representative RGB-D and RGB-IR datasets. Finally, future directions and current issues are considered for improving the different sensor-based person Re-ID systems.

Bowel Habit Pattern of Patients with Self-Reported Constipation at Out Patient Department in North East Part of Bangladesh

The aim of this study was to observe the symptoms and bowel habit pattern experienced by patients presenting with self reporting constipation at Out Patient Department in a tertiary care hospital. It was a cross-sectional study which was conducted in Out Patient Department of gastroenterology in North East Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2018. Total 228 consecutive patients with self reported constipation were enrolled in this study. Patients with history of abdominal surgery, known chronic disease, age below 18 years, pregnant women, patients using drugs like anti-depressant, anti-psychotic and patients unwilling to take part in the study were excluded. Demographic data, symptoms, bowel habit pattern and character of stool were recorded at enrollment in a pre-designed data sheet. Total 228 patients, male 130(57.0%) and female 98(43.0%), age varying from 18-81 years (mean age 38.7±15.10 years) were included. Among them 127 patients (55.7%) was experienced daily bowel motion with frequency varying from one to seven and 99 patients (44.3%) had infrequent stools. Sixteen (16) patients (7.0%), 182 patients (79.8%) and 30 patients (13.2%) had feeling of complete bowel evacuation all time, few days in a week and almost never respectively. Among the patients 127(55.7%), 29(12.7%), 06(2.6%), 02(0.9%) and 64(28.1%) complained of hard, soft, semi liquid, liquid and stool of variable consistency respectively. In this study 159(63.73%), 21(9.21%) and 43(18.85%) patients were regularly taking Proton pump inhibitor (PPI), anti- diabetic drugs and anti-hypertensive drugs respectively. The finding suggests that there was a wide variation of self perception of constipation among the patient. The study concludes that patient's perception regarding constipation does not always match the traditional medical definition. Overall findings signify that symptoms like stool consistency, volume, and feeling of incomplete evacuation are more important rather than frequency of bowel per week in patients' perception regarding constipation. However, further study with large sample size in different hospitals in different areas could explain this observation more precisely.

A STING inhibitor suppresses EBV-induced B cell transformation and lymphomagenesis

Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated lymphoproliferative disease (EBV‐LPD) is frequently fatal. Innate immunity plays a key role in protecting against pathogens and cancers. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is regarded as a key adaptor protein allowing DNA sensors recognizing exogenous cytosolic DNA to activate the type I interferon signaling cascade. In terms of EBV tumorigenicity, the role of STING remains elusive. Here we showed that treatment with the STING inhibitor, C‐176, suppressed EBV‐induced transformation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In an EBV‐LPD mouse model, C‐176 treatment also inhibited tumor formation and prolonged survival. Treatment with B cells alone did not affect EBV transformation, but suppression of EBV‐induced transformation was observed in the presence of T cells. Even without direct B cell‐T cell contact in a transwell system, the inhibitor reduced the transformation activity, indicating that intercellular communication by humoral factors was critical to prevent EBV‐induced transformation. These findings suggest that inhibition of STING signaling pathway with C‐176 could be a new therapeutic target of EBV‐LPD.

Design, Operation and Optimization of Constructed Wetland for Removal of Pollutant

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are affordable and reliable green technologies for the treatment of various types of wastewater. Compared to conventional treatment systems, CWs offer an environmentally friendly approach, are low cost, have fewer operational and maintenance requirements, and have a high potential for being applied in developing countries, particularly in small rural communities. However, the sustainable management and successful application of these systems remain a challenge. Therefore, after briefly providing basic information on wetlands and summarizing the classification and use of current CWs, this study aims to provide and inspire sustainable solutions for the performance and application of CWs by giving a comprehensive review of CWs' application and the recent development of their sustainable design, operation, and optimization for wastewater treatment. To accomplish this objective, thee design and management parameters of CWs, including macrophyte species, media types, water level, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and hydraulic loading rate (HLR), are discussed. Besides these, future research on improving the stability and sustainability of CWs are highlighted. This article provides a tool for researchers and decision-makers for using CWs to treat wastewater in a particular area. This paper presents an aid for informed analysis, decision-making, and communication. The review indicates that major advances in the design, operation, and optimization of CWs have greatly increased contaminant removal efficiencies, and the sustainable application of this treatment system has also been improved.

Study on Headache in ENT Practice

Headache is perhaps one of the commonest symptoms in all level of medical practice. Though most of the time it is very benevolent in nature. Yet, it may be the presenting symptom of a serious or/and life threatening disorder like meningitis, subarachnoid haemorrhage, stroke or brain tumor. It is this dual significance the one benign, the other potentially malignant that keeps the physician on the alert. This is a random prospective study of 120 cases of headache truly reflecting the sufferings of the victims of headache approaching the ENT specialists for the purpose to determine the exact cause of headache and get a satisfactory treatment. Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2017; 23(1): 19-26

Comparative genomics of two jute species and insight into fibre biogenesis

Jute (Corchorus sp.) is one of the most important sources of natural fibre, covering ∼80% of global bast fibre production¹. Only Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis are commercially cultivated, though there are more than 100 Corchorus species² in the Malvaceae family. Here we describe high-quality draft genomes of these two species and their comparisons at the functional genomics level to support tailor-designed breeding. The assemblies cover 91.6% and 82.2% of the estimated genome sizes for C. olitorius and C. capsularis, respectively. In total, 37,031 C. olitorius and 30,096 C. capsularis genes are identified, and most of the genes are validated by cDNA and RNA-seq data. Analyses of clustered gene families and gene collinearity show that jute underwent shared whole-genome duplication ∼18.66 million years (Myr) ago prior to speciation. RNA expression analysis from isolated fibre cells reveals the key regulatory and structural genes involved in fibre formation. This work expands our understanding of the molecular basis of fibre formation laying the foundation for the genetic improvement of jute.

Circadian rhythm of onset of stroke - in 50 cases of ischemic stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. While the immediate consequence of stroke include permanent cognitive deficits, paralysis, visual impairment and sensory disturbances; stroke also results in long term dysregulation of sleep and mood, which may be equally disabling. The influence of ischemic stroke on circadian rhythm regulation, which is strongly linked to sleep and mood, may thus potentially influence long term recovery in stroke patients. Stroke induces immediate changes in the timing of pineal melatonin secretion, indicating that cortical and basal ganglia infarction impacts the timing of melatonin rhythms. This study was done to find out the time of onset of most of the ischemic stroke attack and to determine the outcome of ischemic stroke during hospital stay. All ischemic stroke patients admitted in Medicine wards in Comilla Medical College Hospital during the period of 1st November 2010 to 30th April 2011 included in this study. After admission, a careful history and a thorough clinical examination was carried out. Data collection was done on a preset questionnaire which involved to identify the risk factors, the time of onset of ischemic stroke, and outcome during hospital stay. All the cases were investigated. Among the 50 ischemic stroke patients, 68% were male and 32% female. Maximum age groups were 61-70 years (50%). By occupational category, maximum were retired persons (46%); 68% were hypertensive, 38% smoker and 16% had diabetes. Dyslipidemia was present in 44% patients. Most of the ischemic stroke (44%) occurred in the morning to late morning (6:01AM-12:00PM) and majority (80%) of the patients was discharged with residual neurological dysfunction. This study supports the presence of a circadian pattern in the onset of ischemic stroke, with higher risk in the morning to late morning. Most of the patients were discharged with residual neurological dysfunction.

Common presentation of amebic liver abscess - a study in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh

Amebic liver abscess is a tropical disease. It is not uncommon in Bangladesh. Given the often nonspecific nature of complains related to amebic liver abscess, this study was carried out to identify the most common presentation. This hospital based cross sectional study was carried out in 30 cases of amebic liver abscess in the Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comilla Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Clinical and laboratory informations were recorded including symptoms, signs, location and number of abscess. Among 30 patients, 27 were male (90%) and 3 female (10%), mean age of male and female were 42±11 and 52±8 respectively. Common clinical symptoms were fever (93%) and abdominal pain (93%). Common signs were right upper quadrant tenderness (60%), hepatomegaly (67%). Most of the patient had single abscess (80%) and location of abscess was predominantly in the right lobe (77%). Radiological abnormality on x-ray chest was present in 30% cases. Common clinical presentation of amebic liver abscess patients were fever and right upper abdominal pain. Duration of symptoms was more than two weeks in most cases.

Genetic improvement of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and its future prospects

Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), also known as pigweed, fatweed, pusle, and little hogweed, is an annual succulent herb in the family Portulacaceae that is found in most corners of the globe. From the ancient ages purslane has been treated as a major weed of vegetables as well as other crops. However, worldwide researchers and nutritionists have studied this plant as a potential vegetable crop for humans as well as animals. Purslane is a nutritious vegetable with high antioxidant properties and recently has been recognized as the richest source of α-linolenic acid, essential omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, glutathione, α-tocopherol and β-carotene. The lack of vegetable sources of ω-3 fatty acids has resulted in a growing level of attention to introduce purslane as a new cultivated vegetable. In the rapid-revolutionizing worldwide atmosphere, the ability to produce improved planting material appropriate to diverse and varying rising conditions is a supreme precedence. Though various published reports on morphological, physiological, nutritional and medicinal aspects of purslane are available, research on the genetic improvement of this promising vegetable crop are scant. Now it is necessary to conduct research for the genetic improvement of this plant. Genetic improvement of purslane is also a real scientific challenge. Scientific modernization of conventional breeding with the advent of advance biotechnological and molecular approaches such as tissue culture, protoplast fusion, genetic transformation, somatic hybridization, marker-assisted selection, qualitative trait locus mapping, genomics, informatics and various statistical representation have opened up new opportunities of revising the relationship between genetic diversity, agronomic performance and response to breeding for varietal improvement. This review is an attempt to amalgamate the assorted scientific information on purslane propagation, cultivation, varietal improvement, nutrient analyses, medicinal uses and to describe prospective research especially for genetic improvement of this crop.

Serum-ascites albumin gradient in differential diagnosis of ascites

The present study was aimed to find out causes of ascites based on serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the serum-ascites albumin gradient, proposed as a new biochemical criterion for the differential diagnosis of ascites and to evaluate the value of serum-ascites albumin gradient in differential diagnosis of ascites. This study includes 50 patients with ascites admitted in Medicine wards of Comilla Medical College Hospital, Comilla during the period of July 2010 to June 2011. Blood was drawn from the antecubital vein and ascetic fluid was obtained by paracentesis at the same time. Determination of the concentrations of albumin in both the serum and the ascitic fluid was carried out simultaneously. Considering SAAG value of ≥1.1g/dl is high SAAG and a SAAG value <1.1g/dl is low SAAG. Out of 50 patients, male patients were 36 and female patients were 14. Male and female ratio was 2.5:1. Age range was 21 years to 70 years. Most of the patients fall in age group of 41-50(28%).Among the 50 patients with ascites, cirrhosis of liver accounted for 68%, followed by tubercular peritonitis 12%, nephrotic syndrome 8%, congestive cardiac failure 6%, hepatocellular carcinoma 4% and malignancy related 2%. In this study serum ascites albumin gradient accurately identified the cause of ascites in 97% cases. In contrast the exudate-transudate concept identified only 83% correctly. Serum ascites albumin gradient was found superior to the exudate-transudate concept. So, differential diagnosis of ascites should be based on the serum ascites albumin gradient which is a better distinguishing marker.

Isolation, characterization, and identification of biological control agent for potato soft rot in Bangladesh

A total of 91 isolates of probable antagonistic bacteria of potato soft rot bacterium Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora (Ecc) were extracted from rhizospheres and endophytes of various crop plants, different soil varieties, and atmospheres in the potato farming areas of Bangladesh. Antibacterial activity of the isolated probable antagonistic bacteria was tested in vitro against the previously identified most common and most virulent soft rot causing bacterial strain Ecc P-138. Only two isolates E-45 and E-65 significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of Ecc P-138. Physiological, biochemical, and carbon source utilization tests identified isolate E-65 as a member of the genus Bacillus and the isolate E-45 as Lactobacillus sp. The stronger antagonistic activity against Ecc P-138 was found in E-65 in vitro screening and storage potatoes. E-65 reduced the soft rot infection to 22-week storage potatoes of different varieties by 32.5–62.5% in model experiment, demonstrating its strong potential to be used as an effective biological control agent for the major pectolytic bacteria Ecc. The highest (62.5%) antagonistic effect of E-65 was observed in the Granola and the lowest (32.7%) of that was found in the Cardinal varieties of the Bangladeshi potatoes. The findings suggest that isolate E-65 could be exploited as a biocontrol agent for potato tubers.

Comparative Efficacy of Dried Fruits of Carica Papaya Linn. and Vitamin-E on Preventing Hepatotoxicity in Rats

In the absence of an effective treatment in modern medicine, efforts are being made to find suitable herbal remedies for hepatitis. This prospective experimental study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2006 to June 2007 to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Carica papaya against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity and compared it with that of vitamin-E. Total 36 adult rats were used and they were divided into six equal groups namely A, B, C, D, E and F. All the rats were fed with normal diet and 2ml distilled water orally for 7 days. In addition, Group D received Carica papaya extract, Group E received olive oil and Group F received vitamin E orally per day for 7 days. On the seventh day CCl4) was administered to all the rats except Group A and was sacrificed on 8th day of experiment. Serum bilirubin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and hepatic histopathology were done thereafter. Carica papaya and vitamin E showed significant hepatoprotection against CCL4) induced hepatotoxicity but Carica papaya showed more significant changes in ALP level than vitamin E. Prevention of hepatic necrosis and fatty degeneration were also observed in Carica papaya and vitamin E pretreated rats but there is no significant difference.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v7i1.10295Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2012;7(1): 29-32

Endometriosis association research center

Endometriosis, the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, is a progressive, estrogen-dependent disease and occurs nearly exclusively in menstruating women of reproductive age. Pain syndrome, however, represents the major clinical problem of this disease, manifested as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, lower abdominal pain, and dyspareunia. About 32 literatures are reviewed in recent advancement for diagnosis of endometriosis. The magnifications of its managements are understood. In outdoor, the management is only depending on clinical findings and on some non invasive procedures without any definitive diagnosis. So, research activities should be done on the basis of recent advancement of endometriosis.

Vibration does not improve results of the canalith repositioning procedure

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether, in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the canalith repositioning procedure performed with vibration applied over the mastoid bone of the affected ear is more effective in resolving the symptoms and preventing recurrence of BPPV than the procedure performed without vibration.

DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Ninety-four patients diagnosed as having BPPV involving the posterior semicircular canal.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were assigned to one of 2 treatment groups: the canalith repositioning procedure with vibration (n=44) and with no vibration (n=50).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Effectiveness of treatment was determined through clinical reevaluation or reported through a telephone interview 1 week after treatment. Intensity of symptoms was quantified on a scale of 1 to 3 (mild, moderate, or severe); effectiveness of treatment was categorized on a scale of 1 to 4 (cure, much better, better, or no change). Rate of recurrence was determined through later clinical reevaluation or a telephone interview.

RESULTS

At 1 week, 57 of the 94 patients were cured and 16 were much better, providing a 78% overall success rate. There was no significant difference in effectiveness of the treatment or the frequency of reoccurrence of BPPV between the vibration and no-vibration groups as determined from the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and log-rank test. Rate of recurrence was 47% at a maximum follow-up of 5.25 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that, while the canalith repositioning procedure is effective in the treatment of BPPV, vibration applied during the maneuver does not significantly affect short-term or long-term outcomes.

Hydrophobic property of handmade jute paper treated by sizing material 'rosin'

To produce hydrophobic handmade paper internal material rosin along with external additive (MCC suspension), internal additive (wax emulsion) and reinforcement were used. Optimum result was obtained when rosin along with alum was used as internal additive during pulp preparation and MCC in the form of suspension was applied as external additive. The hydrophobicity was increased by 92.46% due to rosin-alum treatment and application of MCC suspension as external additive. It was also observed that application of wax along with rosin hampered/hindered the hydrophobicity. Keyword: Handmade, Jute, Paper, Hydrophobic, Sizing material DOI: 10.3329/diujst.v5i1.4381 Daffodil International University Journal of Science and Technology Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.48-52

Climate of Bangladesh: An Analysis of Northwestern and Southwestern Part Using High Resolution Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model (AOGCM)

The past, present and future climatic pattern (temperature and rainfall) of northwestern and southwestern part of Bangladesh was assessed based on the High Resolution Atmospheric-Ocean General Circulation Model (AOGCM) using the present rainfall and temperature data of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Climatology in Bangladesh is derived from 20 km mesh MRI-AGCM (Atmospheric General Circulation Model) calibrated with reference to the observed data for the period of 1979-2006. Then, projections for rainfall and temperature are made for near future (2015-2034) and future (2075-99). Two disaster prone areas (i) northwestern part (Shapahar & Porsha) and (ii) southwestern part (Kalapara & Amtoli) were selected as the study areas. AOGCM model was run for Bangladesh and also for study areas separately. The present mean temperature for Bangladesh was found to rise from the past, rises slightly, but in near future and future the rate of mean temperature rise is projected to be much more than the present rate (increase up to 4.34 °C/100 years), the rate is projected to be 5.39 °C/100 years in case of Shapahar and Porsha a while 4.37 °C/100 years in case of Kalapara and Amtoli. The present, near future and future average rainfall of Bangladesh appeared to fluctuate, but have shown a decreasing trend (decreases up to 1.96 mm/100 years). The mean average rainfall of Shapahar and Porsha presently decreases very slowly (not significant), but in near future and future will decrease slowly (0.66mm/100 years). In case of Kalapara, the average rainfall appears to decrease presently, near future and future will decrease up to 3.62 mm/100 years. The average rainfall of Amtoli appears to decrease @ 1.92mm/100 years but in near future appears to increase slightly and again decrease @ 3.27mm/100years in future. Keywords: Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model (AOGCM); climatology; simulation; temperature; rainfall DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9489 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 143-154