Inset Fed Rectangular Patch Antenna Design for ISM Band Applications

Wireless communication systems rely on efficient and compact antennas to transmit and receive signals. Microstrip patch antennas have gained popularity due to their small size, low profile, and ease of fabrication. In this study, an inset fed microstrip rectangular patch antenna using a partial ground plane is designed for ISM band applications in the frequency range of 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz. The antenna is made on a low-cost FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.3 and a thickness of 1.6 mm. The dimensions of the antenna is 28.35 × 37.58  mm2. The antenna is fed by an inset feedline, which provides a compact and efficient feeding mechanism. The design of the antenna is carried out using CST Microwave Studio software. The performance of the antenna is evaluated based on various parameters such as return loss, bandwidth, VSWR, directivity, gain, and radiation pattern. The simulation results indicate that the proposed antenna achieves a return loss (S11) of -27.339 dB, a bandwidth of 0.01478 GHz (147.8 MHz), and a VSWR of 1.09. Additionally, the antenna provides a gain of 2.97 dBi, a directivity of 4.7 dBi, and an efficiency of -1.726 dB (67.20%). Overall, this design meets the requirements of decreased antenna size, lightweight, low profile, cost-effectiveness, simple manufacturing, and good performance for ISM band applications

Variability for agromorphological traits, genetic parameters, correlation and path coefficient analyses in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Understanding phenotypic and genotypic variability of Bangladeshi lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) in relation to exotic lentil is important in attempting to widen the genetic base of the germplasm in the country. An experiment was conducted using 30 diverse lentil genotypes to study the agromorphological and genetic variability, heritability, expected genetic advance and inter-relationship of ten yield attributing traits. The genotypes showed highly significant (p<0.01) variations for all of the studied traits. These characters also had higher phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) than those of the corresponding genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV). High heritability (ranged from 66-98%) was found among the traits. Seed yield plant-1 and number of seeds plant-1 showed high heritability accompanied with high genetic advance (as percent mean). Correlation coefficient studies revealed that number of pods plant-1, number of seeds plant-1 and 100-seed weight contributed to highly significant (p<0.01) positive correlation with seed yield plant-1. Days to 50% flowering and days to maturity were showed highly significant negative correlation with seed yield plant-1. Path analysis showed the highest positive direct effects of 100-seed weight followed by the number of secondary branches plant-1 and number of seeds plant-1 on seed yield plant-1. Days to 50% flowering via 100-seed weight contributed the highest negative indirect effect on seed yield plant-1. Maximum negative direct effect of plant height and days to 50% flowering was observed on seed yield plant-1. Results indicated that the exotic accessions could be effective for the improvement of the yield of lentil.&nbsp

Distribution of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase producing Acinetobacter baumannii in patients with ventilator associated respiratory tract infection

Background and objectives: Ventilator-associated respiratory tract infection (VARTI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the critically ill patients of intensive care units (ICU). Acinetobacter baumannii, an important offending pathogen in VARTI, has been found to be resistant to several antibiotics including carbapenems. The present study was conducted to determine the rate of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) producing A. baumannii causing VARTI among the patients admitted in an ICU of a large tertiary care hospital. Methods: The study was conducted from July 2013 to June 2014. Endotracheal aspirates (ETA) were collected from patients with clinically suspected VARTI. Samples were collected from patients who were on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. ETA samples were cultured aerobically and isolated A. baumannii were tested for susceptibility to carbapenem. Presence of NDM-1 encoded by the blaNDM-1 gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: A total of 138 VARTI cases were included in the study. Total 107 (77.5%) bacteria were isolated from 138 ETA samples of which 38 were A. baumannii. Out of 38 isolated A. baumannii, 35 (92.1%) were resistant to imipenem/meropenem and 33 (86.8%) were positive for blaNDM-1 gene by PCR. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that high proportion of A. baumannii isolated from VARTI cases in ICU were carbapenem resistant and blaNDM-1 positive. Careful infection control program should be considered to contain the spread of this multi-resistant organism to other hospital and community. IMC J Med Sci 2018; 12(1): 37-4

Molecular detection of atypical microorganisms in patients with ventilator associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among the critically ill patients of intensive care units (ICU). The present cross sectional study was conducted to isolate and identify bacterial causes of VAP among the patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The study was conducted between July, 2013 to June 2014. A total of 65 endotracheal aspirate (ETA) and blood samples were collected from patients with clinically suspected ventilator associated peumonia(VAP). Samples were collected from patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. ETA and blood samples were cultured aerobically. Multiplex PCR was performed with ETA to detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Among the atypical bacteria, M. pneumoniae were detected in 5 (7.69%), L. pneumophila in 4 (6.15%) cases by multiplex PCR in ETA from VAP cases. No C. pneumoniae was detected. The study revealed that in VAP cases atypical bacteria should be considered as a possible bacterial agents. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2015; 9(1): 22-2

Drug seller provision practices and knowledge of misoprostol in Bangladesh

Context: In Bangladesh, prior to the availability of the approved combination regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol for menstrual regulation (MR), drug seller provision of misoprostol-only regimens for MR without a prescription was widespread but service quality was poor. Examining provider practices relating to misoprostol-only provision in Bangladesh may increase understanding of misoprostol use and provision in other low-resource, legally restrictive settings. Methods: In 2013–2014, a countrywide cross-sectional knowledge, attitudes and practice survey was conducted among 777 randomly selected drug sellers; data were analyzed descriptively. Logistic regression was used to test the associations between exposure to three interventions designed to improve drug seller practice (nongovernmental organization [NGO]–led training, a call center and in-shop training from pharmaceutical company representatives) and correct knowledge of the misoprostol-only MR regimen. Results: Almost all (97%) of the drug sellers reported providing medications intended for MR; misoprostol-only was more commonly sold than the combination regimen (96% vs. 26%). Nine percent had received NGO–led training, 62% had received in-shop training from a pharmaceutical company representative and 27% had used the call center. Overall, 19% of drug sellers knew the correct misoprostol-only MR regimen, and 74% wanted more information about this regimen. Correct regimen knowledge was positively associated with receipt of NGO training and call center utilization (odds ratios, 2.0 and 1.9, respectively). Conclusions: NGO–led training and call centers should be considered in other settings in which misoprostol alone is provided off-label for pregnancy termination

Stem Cell Therapy in Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Recent Advancements and Future Directions

Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is the most frequent, although neglected, complication of long-term diabetes. Nearly 30% of hospitalized and 20% of community-dwelling patients with diabetes suffer from DPN; the incidence rate is approximately 2% annually. To date, there has been no curable therapy for DPN. Under these circumstances, cell therapy may be a vital candidate for the treatment of DPN. The epidemiology, classification, and treatment options for DPN are disclosed in the current review. Cell-based therapies using bone marrow-derived cells, embryonic stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, or dental pulp stem cells are our primary concern, which may be a useful treatment option to ease or to stop the progression of DPN. The importance of cryotherapies for treating DPN has been observed in several studies. These findings may help for the future researchers to establish more focused, accurate, effective, alternative, and safe therapy to reduce DPN. Cell-based therapy might be a permanent solution in the treatment and management of diabetes-induced neuropathy

Antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. fruit in alloxan-induced Swiss albino diabetic mice

The majority of natural diabetic medications come from fruits and vegetables. These natural medications help protect humans from negative impacts of chemical antidiabetics by scavenging free radicals. The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of methanolic extract of fruits of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (MEHSF) in alloxan-induced Swiss albino diabetic mice. The dried coarse powder of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. fruits was subjected to methanol extraction. The antidiabetic activity was determined by using alloxan-induced (80 mg/kg body weight) diabetic mice. Following a 15-day treatment period, serum biochemical parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TAG), LDL-cholesterol (LDL), HDL-cholesterol (HDL), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) enzymes were estimated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through a DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assay. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were assessed using established methods. MESHF, containing polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds, exhibited antioxidant properties. A 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the blood glucose levels and improved biochemical parameters such as TC, TAG, LDL, and HDL in diabetic mice. Further, MESHF significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the activity of the SGPT and SGOT in diabetic mice compared to untreated diabetic mice. These results suggest that MEHSF with promising antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials can be considered to be a probable new resource of the antidiabetic agent

The Effect of COVID-19 on Gut Microbiota: Exploring the Complex Interplay and Implications for Human Health

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to significant global health implications. Although the respiratory manifestations of COVID-19 are widely recognized, emerging evidence suggests that the disease may also significantly affect the gut microbiota, the intricate community of bacteria that lives within the gastrointestinal system. This extensive article intends to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the gut microbiota, examining the underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential therapeutic interventions. Understanding the complex interactions between COVID-19 and the gut microbiota will help us to gain valuable insights into the broader consequences of this viral infection on human health

Biomolecular changes that occur in the antennal gland of the giant freshwater prawn (Machrobrachium rosenbergii)

In decapod crustaceans, the antennal gland (AnG) is a major primary source of externally secreted biomolecules, and some may act as pheromones that play a major role in aquatic animal communication. In aquatic crustaceans, sex pheromones regulate reproductive behaviours, yet they remain largely unidentified besides the N-acetylglucosamine-1,5-lactone (NAGL) that stimulates male to female attraction. In this study, we used an AnG transcriptome of the female giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) to predict the secretion of 226 proteins, including the most abundantly expressed transcripts encoding the Spaetzle protein, a serine protease inhibitor, and an arthropodial cuticle protein AMP 8.1. A quantitative proteome analysis of the female AnG at intermolt, premolt and postmolt, identified numerous proteins of different abundances, such as the hemocyanin subunit 1 that is most abundant at intermolt. We also show that hemocyanin subunit 1 is present within water surrounding females. Of those metabolites identified, we demonstrate that the NAGL and Nacetylglucosamine (NAG) can bind with high affinity to hemocyanin subunit 1. In summary, this study has revealed components of the female giant freshwater prawn AnG that are released and contribute to further research towards understanding crustacean conspecific signalling