EASY AND EFFICIENT SPLIT-ROOT METHOD TO STUDY MORPHOLOGY AND ANATOMY OF RICE (Oryza sativa L.)

ABSTRACT: Objective: This study was intended to investigate the efficacy of PVC pipe method for split-root experiment in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using soil medium at all the growth stages of rice.Methods: Rice seeds were sown in small PVC pipes and allowed to grow for one month, which were then transferred to split-root setup by equally splitting the roots of these seedlings into two halves and were allowed to grow for different time periods of their growth stages to analyze their health and stability.Results: We report an easy split-root study for rice grown in soil. Unlike the field grown plants, the efficient PVC tube method enables simple and systematic growth and harvesting for proper analysis of the plant samples without damaging the tissue. In our experiments, although the rice plants were transferred to the split-root setup by splitting their roots, they were healthy and stable after 7days, 15 days, 70 days and even at 120 days (maturity) of growth in split-root condition.Conclusion: Morphology and anatomy of plants can be easily and efficiently studied at any growth stage using PVC tube method as opposed to field method where sample harvesting requires inconvenient process of uprooting the plant while losing and damaging the tissue

Probiotics as Alternative Therapy for Psychometric Disorders in Hepatic Encephalopathy

Aim: To identify whether probiotics have the same effectiveness as lactulose in improving the results of psychometric testing in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.Method: Literature Searching were performed on Pubmed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to obtain an randomized controlled trial (RCT) or a systematic review. Searches were made with the keywords "hepatic encephalopathy", "probiotic", "lactulose" and number connection test  ("NCT").  Search is continued by excluding the literature through abstract and full text.Results: Two studies were found to be relevant according to the criteria. The study by Mittal showed that probiotics were better than lactulose in improving NCT-B with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.54-1.44; p = 0.62) but not better for improving NCT- A with RR 1.43 (95% CI: 0.62-3.24; p = 0.40). In the Sharma study, lactulose was better in improving NCT score with the mean difference (MD) 6.7 (95% CI: 0.58-12.82) and in the Li study, there was no significant significance between MD 3.93 (95% CI: -0,72-8,58)Conclusion: In conclusion, Probiotics cannot replace lactulose as a standard therapy for hepatic encephalopathy. There is not enough evidence that proves probiotics are better than lactulose

Association between Glycemic Control and Serum Lipid Profile in type 2 Diabetic Patients: Experience in a Medical College Hospital

Impaired lipid metabolism in diabetic patients can lead to cardiovascular complications. Poor glycaemic control is associated with a significant increase in the risk of both patient’s morbidity and mortality. An early intervention to regulate circulating lipids has been found to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a reliable indicator of rising blood sugar levels. This hospital based observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal from October 2014 to March 2015 over a period of 6 month to determine the correlation of glycemic control and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 110 type 2 diabe- tes mellitus(DM) patients of both sexes admitted to the Deapartment of Medicine of Sher-E- Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal, were recruited for this study. Following standard procedures and protocols, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood sugar two hours after breakfast, Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting lipid profile were measured. The age of respondents ranged from 34 to 70 years with the mean age of 54.35}8.02 years. Among the patients male were 70 (63.6%) and female were 40 (36.4%). Mean age at diagnosis of DM and duration of DM was 47.07}6.03 years and 7.27}3.41 years, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI), FBS and HbA1c were 25.02}5.22 kg/m2, 8.06}2.01 mmol/L and 8.34}1.9 % respectively. Significant positive correlation of HbA1c and FBS with BMI, total cholester- ol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein(LDL-C) and negative correlation with high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) was found. Significantly higher TC, TG and LDL-C and lower HDL-C were found in poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7) group than good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7 ) group. The results of this study showed that , higher levels of glycemic parame- ters are significantly associated with dyslipidemia. These findings also indicate that HbA1c can be utilized for screening of high risk diabetic patients for early diagnosis of dyslipidemia and timely intervention with lipid lowering drugs. BSMMU J 2021; 14(4): 138-14

The human liver microenvironment shapes the homing and function of CD4+ T-cell populations.

OBJECTIVE: Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) are vital immune sentinels that provide protective immunity. While hepatic CD8+ TRM have been well described, little is known about the location, phenotype and function of CD4+ TRM. DESIGN: We used multiparametric flow cytometry, histological assessment and novel human tissue coculture systems to interrogate the ex vivo phenotype, function and generation of the intrahepatic CD4+ T-cell compartment. We also used leukocytes isolated from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-disparate liver allografts to assess long-term retention. RESULTS: Hepatic CD4+ T cells were delineated into three distinct populations based on CD69 expression: CD69-, CD69INT and CD69HI. CD69HICD4+ cells were identified as tissue-resident CD4+ T cells on the basis of their exclusion from the circulation, phenotypical profile (CXCR6+CD49a+S1PR1-PD-1+) and long-term persistence within the pool of donor-derived leukcoocytes in HLA-disparate liver allografts. CD69HICD4+ T cells produced robust type 1 polyfunctional cytokine responses on stimulation. Conversely, CD69INTCD4+ T cells represented a more heterogenous population containing cells with a more activated phenotype, a distinct chemokine receptor profile (CX3CR1+CXCR3+CXCR1+) and a bias towards interleukin-4 production. While CD69INTCD4+ T cells could be found in the circulation and lymph nodes, these cells also formed part of the long-term resident pool, persisting in HLA-mismatched allografts. Notably, frequencies of CD69INTCD4+ T cells correlated with necroinflammatory scores in chronic hepatitis B infection. Finally, we demonstrated that interaction with hepatic epithelia was sufficient to generate CD69INTCD4+ T cells, while additional signals from the liver microenvironment were required to generate liver-resident CD69HICD4+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: High and intermediate CD69 expressions mark human hepatic CD4+ TRM and a novel functionally distinct recirculating population, respectively, both shaped by the liver microenvironment to achieve diverse immunosurveillance

The human liver microenvironment shapes the homing and function of CD4+ T-cell populations

OBJECTIVE: Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) are vital immune sentinels that provide protective immunity. While hepatic CD8+ TRM have been well described, little is known about the location, phenotype and function of CD4+ TRM. DESIGN: We used multiparametric flow cytometry, histological assessment and novel human tissue coculture systems to interrogate the ex vivo phenotype, function and generation of the intrahepatic CD4+ T-cell compartment. We also used leukocytes isolated from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-disparate liver allografts to assess long-term retention. RESULTS: Hepatic CD4+ T cells were delineated into three distinct populations based on CD69 expression: CD69−, CD69INT and CD69HI. CD69HICD4+ cells were identified as tissue-resident CD4+ T cells on the basis of their exclusion from the circulation, phenotypical profile (CXCR6+CD49a+S1PR1−PD-1+) and long-term persistence within the pool of donor-derived leukcoocytes in HLA-disparate liver allografts. CD69HICD4+ T cells produced robust type 1 polyfunctional cytokine responses on stimulation. Conversely, CD69INTCD4+ T cells represented a more heterogenous population containing cells with a more activated phenotype, a distinct chemokine receptor profile (CX3CR1+CXCR3+CXCR1+) and a bias towards interleukin-4 production. While CD69INTCD4+ T cells could be found in the circulation and lymph nodes, these cells also formed part of the long-term resident pool, persisting in HLA-mismatched allografts. Notably, frequencies of CD69INTCD4+ T cells correlated with necroinflammatory scores in chronic hepatitis B infection. Finally, we demonstrated that interaction with hepatic epithelia was sufficient to generate CD69INTCD4+ T cells, while additional signals from the liver microenvironment were required to generate liver-resident CD69HICD4+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: High and intermediate CD69 expressions mark human hepatic CD4+ TRM and a novel functionally distinct recirculating population, respectively, both shaped by the liver microenvironment to achieve diverse immunosurveillance

Reviewing the literature on access to prompt and effective malaria treatment in Kenya: implications for meeting the Abuja targets

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Effective case management is central to reducing malaria mortality and morbidity worldwide, but only a minority of those affected by malaria, have access to prompt effective treatment.</p> <p>In Kenya, the Division of Malaria Control is committed to ensuring that 80 percent of childhood fevers are treated with effective anti-malarial medicines within 24 hours of fever onset, but this target is largely unmet. This review aimed to document evidence on access to effective malaria treatment in Kenya, identify factors that influence access, and make recommendations on how to improve prompt access to effective malaria treatment. Since treatment-seeking patterns for malaria are similar in many settings in sub-Saharan Africa, the findings presented in this review have important lessons for other malaria endemic countries.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Internet searches were conducted in PUBMED (MEDLINE) and HINARI databases using specific search terms and strategies. Grey literature was obtained by soliciting reports from individual researchers working in the treatment-seeking field, from websites of major organizations involved in malaria control and from international reports.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The review indicated that malaria treatment-seeking occurs mostly in the informal sector; that most fevers are treated, but treatment is often ineffective. Irrational drug use was identified as a problem in most studies, but determinants of this behaviour were not documented. Availability of non-recommended medicines over-the-counter and the presence of substandard anti-malarials in the market are well documented. Demand side determinants of access include perception of illness causes, severity and timing of treatment, perceptions of treatment efficacy, simplicity of regimens and ability to pay. Supply side determinants include distance to health facilities, availability of medicines, prescribing and dispensing practices and quality of medicines. Policy level factors are around the complexity and unclear messages regarding drug policy changes.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Kenya, like many other African countries, is still far from achieving the Abuja targets. The government, with support from donors, should invest adequately in mechanisms that promote access to effective treatment. Such approaches should focus on factors influencing multiple dimensions of access and will require the cooperation of all stakeholders working in malaria control.</p

The C-Terminal Domain of the Arabinosyltransferase Mycobacterium tuberculosis EmbC Is a Lectin-Like Carbohydrate Binding Module

The D-arabinan-containing polymers arabinogalactan (AG) and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) are essential components of the unique cell envelope of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Biosynthesis of AG and LAM involves a series of membrane-embedded arabinofuranosyl (Araf) transferases whose structures are largely uncharacterised, despite the fact that several of them are pharmacological targets of ethambutol, a frontline drug in tuberculosis therapy. Herein, we present the crystal structure of the C-terminal hydrophilic domain of the ethambutol-sensitive Araf transferase M. tuberculosis EmbC, which is essential for LAM synthesis. The structure of the C-terminal domain of EmbC (EmbCCT) encompasses two sub-domains of different folds, of which subdomain II shows distinct similarity to lectin-like carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM). Co-crystallisation with a cell wall-derived di-arabinoside acceptor analogue and structural comparison with ligand-bound CBMs suggest that EmbCCT contains two separate carbohydrate binding sites, associated with subdomains I and II, respectively. Single-residue substitution of conserved tryptophan residues (Trp868, Trp985) at these respective sites inhibited EmbC-catalysed extension of LAM. The same substitutions differentially abrogated binding of di- and penta-arabinofuranoside acceptor analogues to EmbCCT, linking the loss of activity to compromised acceptor substrate binding, indicating the presence of two separate carbohydrate binding sites, and demonstrating that subdomain II indeed functions as a carbohydrate-binding module. This work provides the first step towards unravelling the structure and function of a GT-C-type glycosyltransferase that is essential in M. tuberculosis. Author Summary Top Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, burdens large swaths of the world population. Treatment of active TB typically requires administration of an antibiotic cocktail over several months that includes the drug ethambutol. This front line compound inhibits a set of arabinosyltransferase enzymes, called EmbA, EmbB and EmbC, which are critical for the synthesis of arabinan, a vital polysaccharide in the pathogen's unique cell envelope. How precisely ethambutol inhibits arabinosyltransferase activity is not clear, in part because structural information of its pharmacological targets has been elusive. Here, we report the high-resolution structure of the C-terminal domain of the ethambutol-target EmbC, a 390-amino acid fragment responsible for acceptor substrate recognition. Combining the X-ray crystallographic analysis with structural comparisons, site-directed mutagenesis, activity and ligand binding assays, we identified two regions in the C-terminal domain of EmbC that are capable of binding acceptor substrate mimics and are critical for activity of the full-length enzyme. Our results begin to define structure-function relationships in a family of structurally uncharacterised membrane-embedded glycosyltransferases, which are an important target for tuberculosis therapy

Biotransformation of lanthanum by Aspergillus niger

Lanthanum is an important rare earth element and has many applications in modern electronics and catalyst manufacturing. However, there exist several obstacles in the recovery and cycling of this element due to a low average grade in exploitable deposits and low recovery rates by energy-intensive extraction procedures. In this work, a novel method to transform and recover La has been proposed using the geoactive properties of Aspergillus niger. La-containing crystals were formed and collected after A. niger was grown on Czapek-Dox agar medium amended with LaCl 3. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) showed the crystals contained C, O, and La; scanning electron microscopy revealed that the crystals were of a tabular structure with terraced surfaces. X-ray diffraction identified the mineral phase of the sample as La 2(C 2O 4) 3·10H 2O. Thermogravimetric analysis transformed the oxalate crystals into La 2O 3 with the kinetics of thermal decomposition corresponding well with theoretical calculations. Geochemical modelling further confirmed that the crystals were lanthanum decahydrate and identified optimal conditions for their precipitation. To quantify crystal production, biomass-free fungal culture supernatants were used to precipitate La. The results showed that the precipitated lanthanum decahydrate achieved optimal yields when the concentration of La was above 15 mM and that 100% La was removed from the system at 5 mM La. Our findings provide a new aspect in the biotransformation and biorecovery of rare earth elements from solution using biomass-free fungal culture systems. </p