Glass for Diamond Processing: A tale of two Outstanding Materials

This article aims to give a brief introduction on diamond, its important properties and processing techniques starting from a rough diamond, primarily for the readers from the non-diamond professionals. A sincere effort has been made to describe how chalcogenide glasses can play an important role for diamond processing, especially at the rough diamond inspection stage to help the diamond professionals for making a perfect process planning to realize an augmented profitability. Chalcogenide glass being a non-oxide and non-conventional glass, a brief overview on this glass, its important properties and specialized fabrication technique has been presented. Finally, diamond processing technique using chalcogenide glass and its advantages has been elucidated

Antibacterial and antifungal properties of the methanol extract from the stem of Argyreia argentea

Antibacterial properties of methanol extract of Argyreia argentea stem was studied on three Gram positive and seven Gram negative bacteria by disc diffusion method. The extract showed zone of inhibition against Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis and B. megaterium) and Gram negative bacteria (Streptococcus aureus, E. Coli, Salmonella typhae, S. paratyphae, Pseudomonous sp (I), Pseudomonous sp (II) and Shigella sonnei). In addition, the extract was found effective against some fungi like Aspergillus flavous, Fusarium equiseti, Altenaria alternate, A. niger, Colletotrichum corphori

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Crinum asiaticum leaf alcoholic extract in animal models

This study investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Crinum asiaticum (Amaryllidaceae) leaf ethanolic extract. Analgesic effect was investigated in acetic acid induced writhing model and formalin induced licking model in swiss albino mice. Anti-inflammatory effect was conducted in carrageenan-induced paw edema model of albino rat. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc multiple comparison test. In analgesic study, C. asiaticum extract inhibited 42.34±3.20% of acetic acid induced pain at higher dose of 2.0 g/kg body weight. The effect was statistically significant (p<0.001) compared to the positive control, diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg). The extract reduced the formalin induced pain 22.60±1.39% in early phase and 27.11±0.87% in late phase at the same dose of 2.0 g/kg and the reductions were significant (p<0.01) compared to the positive control morphine (0.5 mg/kg). In a time-dependent inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema model, the extract promoted the inhibitions of paw edema 51.60±2.50% at the 1st h and 40.80±0.52% at the 4th h of administration. These inhibitions were also significant (p<0.01) in comparison to those promoted by diclofenac sodium. No mortality was observed in acute toxicity test. The study concludes that C. asiaticum leaf extract has potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects to be recorded as plant-derived complementary medicine.Keywords: Crinum asiaticum, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, Carrageenan, formalinAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(2

Prevalence of Rhesus & Kell phenotypes among blood donors of Bangladesh

The Rhesus blood group system is one of the most polymorphic and highly immunogenic systems in humans. Because of its high and strong immunogenicity Rh D antigen testing is mandatory before issuing a compatible blood. There are five major antigens i.e. DCEce in the Rhesus (Rh) blood group system. On the other hand from the immunogenicity point of view Kell antigen is next to the Rh system. Both of them may cause severe hemolytic transfusion reaction and hemolytic disease of fetus and new born. Exposure of Rhesus negative individuals to Rhesus positive blood through transfusion or pregnancy is most likely to stimulate production of Rhesus antibodies. These antibodies may cause Hemolytic Disease of Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) and Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (DHTR). Like Rhesus antibodies, Kell antibodies may also cause HDFN and DHTR. So far we know, there is not enough study regarding antigens C, c, E & e of Rh or K, k antigen of Kell blood group system regarding these antigens in the donors in Bangladesh, thereby exposing transfused patients to these antigens negative patients. To determine the phenotype prevalence of the Rh and Kell blood group systems in the blood donors in Bangladesh, a descriptive cross sectional study was done in the laboratory of Department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, during the period of 1st January 2020 to 31 December 2020. Rhesus Phenotype CCDee is highest (48.4%) & CCDEe & ccDEE both are lowest (0.4%). Most probable Rhesus Genotype CDe/CDe (R1R1) is highest (48.4%) and CDe/CDE (R1Rz) & cDE/cDE (R2R2) both are lowest (0.4%). Kell Genotype kk is highest (99.2%) and Kk is lowest (0.8%). BSMMU J 2021; 14(3): 38-4

In Vivo Antidiarrheal and Cytotoxic Potential of Different Fractions of Pandanus Foetidus Leaves

Abstract This study investigated the antidiarrheal and cytotoxic effects of methanol, petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous fractions of Pandanus foetidus leaf extract. Antidiarrheal effect was measured in castor oil induced-diarrhea, -enteropooling and -gastrointestinal motility (GI) test models in albino mice. Cytotoxicity was investigated in brine shrimp lethality bioassay. All data were analyzed by the software, statistical package for social science (SPSS), Version 18.0. The extracts (200 mg/kg) showed a remarkable antidiarrheal activity by reducing the number of defecation and maintaining the consistency of feces. The petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous fraction of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the diarrheal incidence at the dose of 200 mg/kg. Castor oil induced enteropooling and fluid accumulation was significantly reduced by methanol and chloroform fraction, whereas gastrointestinal motility was shrunk by the aqueous fraction only. Loperamide was used as a reference drug in the above mentioned models. In cytotoxicity test, the lowest LC 50 was found to be 106.97 μg/ml by the chloroform fraction of the extract. The results demonstrated that Pandanus foetidus extract could be used as pharmaceutical preparation of antidiarrheal and cytotoxic agent obtained from appropriate solvent system

External beam radiotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy is an acceptable treatment for locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Background: Cervical carcinoma is the second most common neoplasm in women worldwide and is the most frequent cancer among women in Bangladesh. In recent years, High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy in combination with External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) has been popular in the management of cancers of uterine cervix.Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and acute toxicity of four fractions high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy following pelvic external beam radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced cervical carcinoma. Methods: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medi­cal University & NICRH chosen as a research place for EBRT and HOR brachytherapy. A typical radiotherapy treatment involves daily inadiation for several weeks. Whole pelvis was treated with total dose of SO Gy in 5 weeks. Patients were treated once a day, 5 days a week with a daily fraction size of 2.0 Gy. EBRT: Pelvic radiotherapy dose is 50 Gy in 25 fractions (2.0 Gy per fraction) over 5 weeks. HDR brachytberapy dose is 7 Gy per fraction, total 4 fractions, each in a week over 4 weeks. Results: Ninety-eight patients were entered in the study. Three patients were excluded due to active non-malignant diseases. One patient had active tuberculosis, two patients had severe skin reactions and two patients withdrew following the first HDR application. The remaining Ninety patients were analyzed. Ninety patients completed the prescribed treatment and were evaluated. Eighty had complete response with relief of symptoms, negative Pap-smear and no clinical signs of persistence disease at 3 months. Ten patients had a positive Pap-smear with clinical signs of persis­tence disease. Patients were evaluated before statting treatment with EBRT and before starting treatment with HDR ICBT. Conclusion: It can be easily concluded that 4 fractions of HDR ICBT, 7 Gy each weekly and pelvic EBRT can effectively and safely control locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix. So that EBRT and HDR ICBT is an acceptable treatment for locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Careful attention to normal tissue doses such as the rectum, bladder, and small bowel is important in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer

The Incidence of Vaso-vagal Reactions Among Whole Blood Donors During or Immediately After Donation

Background: The incidence of vaso vagal reaction among the whole blood donors are common. Few percent of these reaction may progress to syncope. Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of vaso-vagal reaction (VVR) among whole blood donors. Methods: This prospective, observational study was done in the department of transfusion medicine in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from 01-04-2008 to 31-03-2009. Total 19553 blood donors were observed for vaso-vagal reaction. Results: The incidence of vaso-vagal reaction was 0.37%, in male 0.33% and in female it was 0.67%. Female donors were significantly more prone to develop vasovagal reaction (p=0.001). 78.8% of donors were first time donor and 28.8% were repeat donor. The clinical character of the symptoms according to frequency was- Sweating (86.3%), Nausea/ Vomiting (80.8%), Pallor (67.1%), Dizziness (39.7%), Loss of consciousness and fainting, increased rate of respiration (30.1%), anxiety presented (16.4%) and vertigo (1.4%). Conclusion: Although the incidence of vasovagal reactions in our study is lower than other studies, it is important to follow strict donor selection criteria and ensure careful monitoring during and immediate after the donation process to avoid the fatal consequences. Key words: Vaso-vagal reaction; donor reaction; blood donation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v4i2.8640 BSMMU J 2011; 4(2):106-10

Comparison of radiation therapy alone and concurrent chemoradiation therapy for in operable cervical cancer

Objectives: Concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for inoperable cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of CCRT with cisplatin and radiotherapy (RT) for inoperable cervical cancer. Methods: From January 2O12 to June 2012, 60 female patients with FIGO stage IIB to IVA were enrolled in this randomized phase III trial to compare radiotherapy (RT) alone with chemo radiotherapy (RT 5 Fraction in a week and Cinplatin 40 mg weekly). External beam radiation therapy was delivered using a telecobalt-60 unit. This was followed by 21 Gy of intracavitary brachytherapy. Results: In total, 30 patients were recruited: RT alone (30) and CCRT (30). The age of patients ranged from 26-65 years. There was statistically significant (p value < 0.037) complete response (70.00%) CCRT group vs 43.30% RT group) in CCRT group. Conclusion: CCRT was seen to have better efficacy for patients with inoperable cervical cancer than RT alone.