Conjugation of enrofloxacin with amine functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticle enhances antibacterial activity in vitro

233-240Increased resistance to a large number of antibacterial drugs poses a serious challenge in chemotheraphy of infectious diseases. Here, we have made and attempt to redesign the existing chemotherapeutic agent enrofloxacin (EN) to treat resistant bacteria. Precisely, we synthezied EN conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles (EN-ZNP) and explored enhancing the antibacterial activity of enrofloxacin. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNP) were synthesized by microwave irradiation and amine functionalization by co-condensation with APTES and then by utilizing EPC/NHS chemistry, enrofoxacin was conjugated. Conjugation and their stability were confirmed by FT-IR spectra and Zeta potential. EN fraction in EN-ZNP was determined indirectly using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The MIC values obtained for EN-ZNP against MTCC cultures and clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus were significantly (P <0.05) lower than ZNP and, when compared to native EN it is significantly higher. However, the concentration of conjugated EN in EN-ZNP was significantly lower than the MIC of native EN. The results suggest that enrofloxacin can be successfully conjugated with amine functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles. The antibacterial efficacy was significantly improved when ZNP conjugated with EN against standard MTCC cultures and clinical isolates

Evaluation of the effect of aromatase inhibitor in reducing the size of endometrioma

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive estrogen-dependent disorder that can result in substantial morbidity, including pelvic pain, multiple operations, and infertility. Endometriosis can be ovarian, peritoneal or deep infiltrative. Blocking estrogen production by inhibiting aromatization, aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) has been shown to reduce the size of endometrioma and endometriosis associated pain. Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aromatase inhibitor in reducing the size of endometrioma.Methods: A prospective non comparative observational study was conducted in the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility of BSMMU on 30 women with ovarian endometrioma during the period of April 2019 to March 2020. Women were treated with aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) 2.5 mg, norethisterone 5 mg, calcium 1200 mg, and vitamin D 800 IU daily for 6 months. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months after treatment to assess the mean diameter and volume of endometriomas. Statistical analyses were carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0.Results: More than 50% reduction in volume occurred in 90% of endometrioma. In one (3.3%) case endometrioma disappeared completely after 6 months. There was statistically significant reduction of size of endometrioma (estimated by mean diameter and volume) and pain. Volume decrease was linearly related to baseline endometrioma volume and inversely related to baseline body mass index (BMI). The side effects were mild and well tolerated by the patients.Conclusions: Treatment of ovarian endometrioma with aromatase inhibitor combined with progestin add-back for 6 months cause substantial reduction in size of endometrioma and associated pain

Comparison of vitamin D (25OHD) status between fertile and infertile men

Background: Vitamin D (25OHD) deficiency has become a modern-day epidemic, being the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Many infertile men are experiencing low total sperm count or different semen abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare serum vitamin D (25OHD) status among fertile and infertile men.Methods: This was an observational (cross sectional comparative) study and was conducted in the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from April 2019 to March 2020. The sample size was 112 men where 56 participants were in fertile men group and 56 participants were infertile men group. Statistical analyses were carried out by using Windows based Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 23.0).Results: The predictability of vitamin D insufficiency was significant. Holding the effects of vitamin D deficiency constant, males with vitamin D insufficiency were 3.28 times more likely to be infertile than males with vitamin D sufficiency. Subgroup analysis of infertile men was done regarding semen parameters in different vitamin D status categories. There was statistically significant difference in semen volume and sperm concentration between infertile men of different vitamin D status but no significant difference in case of motility and morphology.Conclusions: There was no significant different of serum vitamin D (25OHD) between fertile and infertile men. Men with vitamin D insufficiency (≥20 ng/ml to <30 ng/ml) are more likely to be infertile than men with vitamin D sufficiency.

The Anti- Inflammatory Effects of Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract on Carrageenan Induced Inflammation in Rats

Context: Use of herbal medicine throughout the world is increasing. Plants still remaining the primary source of supply of many important drugs used in modem medicine. Spinacia Oleracea i,e spinach leaves contain more number of anti-inflammatory phytochemcicals such as carbohydratie, tanins and phenolic compounds, saponins, flavinoids and steroid. Better collagenation seen under the influence of the flavinoids, phenolic compound and saponins which is responsible for the free radical scavenging activity and are believed to be some of the most important component for wound healing and antioxident activity. Spinacia Oleracea scavenges free oxygen redicals and increases the catalase level in granulation tissue. Plants still remaining the primary source of supply of many important drugs used in modem medicine. Considering its medicinal value and availability in our country this study was undertaken to evaluate the antiinflammatory effect of the Spinacia Oleracea leaf extract in rat models. Material and Methods: The experiments were carried out on 30 (thirty) Swiss male albino rats. They were collected from the ICDDRB, Dhaka. The rats were of male weighing between 150- 200gm which were divided randomly into 5 groups each having 6 rats. Groups were labeled as group-I, group-II, group-III, group-IV and group-V. The anti inflammatory effect of Spinacia Oleracea leaf extract in experiment rat were evaluated and compared with the anti inflammatory effects of aspirin and hydrocortisone. The study was prospective experimental type and was conducted in the department of Pharmacology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2011 to June 2012. Result : Administration of mathanolic extract and water extract of Spinacia Oleracea leaf at a dose of 200mg/kg body weight orally produced a significant (P<0.05) anti-inflammatory effect, and the percentage of inhibition of oedema formation was 28.75% and 40.79% respectively. There were highly significant (P<0.05) percentage of inhibition of oedema formation was observed in aspirin (40.52%) and in hydrocortisone (47.71%). Conclusion: Spinacia Oleracea leaf extract, possess significant anti-inflammatory activity in rats. J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.1, April, 2018, Page 88-9

Socioeconomic inequalities in low birth weight in South Asia: A comparative analysis using Demographic and Health Surveys

Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) continues to be a prominent universal cause of various short- and long-term health hazards throughout infancy and adulthood. However, no study has revealed the socioeconomic inequalities in LBW among South Asian countries. This study assesses the socioeconomic inequalities among under-five South Asian children with LBW. Methods: Secondary data were derived from six (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan) nationally representative South Asian Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2015 and 2021, and included 170,547 under-five years of age children. The study employed the concentration curve and concentration index to assess the socioeconomic inequalities of those with LBW. Additionally, mixed-effect logistic regression was applied to determine the factors associated with LBW. Results: A significant negative concentration index indicates the wealth-related and education-related inequalities of LBW among under-five South Asian children. LBW is highly concentrated in the socio-economically poor section of the society. Our study found statistically significant negative concentration index in all South Asian countries: Afghanistan (Education: -0.108), Bangladesh (wealth: -0.070 & education: -0.083), India (wealth: -0.059 & education: -0.052), Nepal (by wealth: -0.064 & by education: -0.080), and Pakistan (by wealth: -0.080 & by education: -0.095). Findings from the mixed-effects logistic regression model also show that children from the poorest quintiles (AOR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.41–1.67) and illiterate mothers (AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.29–1.51) had higher odds of being afflicted with LBW compared to the wealthiest quintiles and educated mothers respectively. Women’s pregnancy assessments, such as antenatal care utilisation, iron supplementation intake, and normal delivery mode, are significantly correlated with decreased odds of children’s LBW. Conclusion: There exists a strong association between LBW cases and socioeconomic inequalities among South-Asian children below five years of age. This indicates the urgent need for health education and prenatal care services for women from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, especially those with lower socioeconomic status

Degree of fibrosis and its association with angiogenesis in the myelofibrotic bone marrow

Background: Primary and secondary myelofibrosis has become a global burden due to its increased mortality and morbidity. Angiogenesis is a significant driving force in the development of fibrogenesis in the bone marrow, which leads to myelofibrosis. The microvascular density (MVD) with immunomarker CD34 can be used to assess the degree of angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the association between degree of myelofibrosis and angiogenesis in hematological malignancies. Methods: Forty-six trephine biopsy specimens of various hematological malignancies with myelofibrosis were studied at the Department of Pathology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Extent of myelofibrosis in each case was assessed by examining the reticulin and Masson’s trichrome stained sections using a semiquantitative grading system of bone marrow fibrosis (MF) within a scale of MF-0 to MF-3. Angiogenesis was measured by counting MVD in the ‘hotspots’ after immunostaining with CD34 antibody. Results: The trephine biopsy cases were grouped into early fibrotic (MF-1) and advanced fibrotic (MF-2,3) consisting of 16 (34.8%) and 30 (65.2%) patients, respectively. Angiogenesis was estimated as mean MVD count which revealed 16.7 ± 5.4 and 32.0 ± 11.5 in these groups, respectively.  Significant difference of mean MVD values     (P&lt;0.001) between the early and advanced fibrotic groups revealed the association of angiogenesis and degree of myelofibrosis. Conclusion: MVD may be used to measure angiogenesis in myelofibrotic marrow along with other clinical and laboratory indices as a marker of disease activity in hematological malignancies, thus aiding disease prognosis.

Risk stratification of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients

Background: Multiple Myeloma is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells, associated with an M (monoclonal) protein in serum and/or urine and evidence of organ damage. Despite advances in treatment, the disease remains heterogeneous, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its risk stratification. Risk-adapted initial therapy, maintenance therapy, refractory disease management and prognosis varies according to risk group. The aim of our study is to categorize the newly diagnosed MM patients according to their risk groups. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Haematology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from August 2019 to July 2020. A total of 31 newly diagnosed MM patients were enrolled based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Risk stratification was performed using ISS, R-ISS, mSMART criteria and Avets risk group categorization. Result: The majority of the patients were male (64.52%) and aged between 55-64 years (45.16%). Clinical features predominantly included low back pain (74.19%) and general weakness (38.71%). Cytogenetic abnormalities were noted in 38.7% of the patients, with del (13q) being the most common (32.30%). Most patients were in ISS Stage III (70.97%) and R-ISS Stage II (48.39%). According to mSMART criteria, 80.65% were at standard risk while Avet's risk stratification identifies 58.06% were at intermediate risk. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of patients in advanced ISS stages and intermediate to high-risk categories, emphasizing the need for early and personalized intervention strategies

Degree of fibrosis and its association with angiogenesis in the myelofibrotic bone marrow

Background: Primary and secondary myelofibrosis has become a global burden due to its increased mortality and morbidity. Angiogenesis is a significant driving force in the development of fibrogenesis in the bone marrow, which leads to myelofibrosis. The microvascular density (MVD) with immunomarker CD34 can be used to assess the degree of angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the association between degree of myelofibrosis and angiogenesis in hematological malignancies. Methods: Forty-six trephine biopsy specimens of various hematological malignancies with myelofibrosis were studied at the Department of Pathology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Extent of myelofibrosis in each case was assessed by examining the reticulin and Masson’s trichrome stained sections using a semiquantitative grading system of bone marrow fibrosis (MF) within a scale of MF-0 to MF-3. Angiogenesis was measured by counting MVD in the ‘hotspots’ after immunostaining with CD34 antibody. Results: The trephine biopsy cases were grouped into early fibrotic (MF-1) and advanced fibrotic (MF-2,3) consisting of 16 (34.8%) and 30 (65.2%) patients, respectively. Angiogenesis was estimated as mean MVD count which revealed 16.7 ± 5.4 and 32.0 ± 11.5 in these groups, respectively.  Significant difference of mean MVD values     (P<0.001) between the early and advanced fibrotic groups revealed the association of angiogenesis and degree of myelofibrosis. Conclusion: MVD may be used to measure angiogenesis in myelofibrotic marrow along with other clinical and laboratory indices as a marker of disease activity in hematological malignancies, thus aiding disease prognosis. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(1): 26-34

Degree of fibrosis and its association with angiogenesis in the myelofibrotic bone marrow

Background: Primary and secondary myelofibrosis has become a global burden due to its increased mortality and morbidity. Angiogenesis is a significant driving force in the development of fibrogenesis in the bone marrow, which leads to myelofibrosis. The microvascular density (MVD) with immunomarker CD34 can be used to assess the degree of angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the association between degree of myelofibrosis and angiogenesis in hematological malignancies. Methods: Forty-six trephine biopsy specimens of various hematological malignancies with myelofibrosis were studied at the Department of Pathology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Extent of myelofibrosis in each case was assessed by examining the reticulin and Masson’s trichrome stained sections using a semiquantitative grading system of bone marrow fibrosis (MF) within a scale of MF-0 to MF-3. Angiogenesis was measured by counting MVD in the ‘hotspots’ after immunostaining with CD34 antibody. Results: The trephine biopsy cases were grouped into early fibrotic (MF-1) and advanced fibrotic (MF-2,3) consisting of 16 (34.8%) and 30 (65.2%) patients, respectively. Angiogenesis was estimated as mean MVD count which revealed 16.7 ± 5.4 and 32.0 ± 11.5 in these groups, respectively.  Significant difference of mean MVD values     (P<0.001) between the early and advanced fibrotic groups revealed the association of angiogenesis and degree of myelofibrosis. Conclusion: MVD may be used to measure angiogenesis in myelofibrotic marrow along with other clinical and laboratory indices as a marker of disease activity in hematological malignancies, thus aiding disease prognosis. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(1): 26-34

Multi–antibiotic resistant bacteria in frozen food (ready to cook food) of animal origin sold in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Objective: To investigate the bacterial load and antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial isolates obtained from (ready to cook) frozen food samples of animal origin in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 20 samples of frozen ready to cook food of animal origin were purchased from different separate grocery stores in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bacteria were isolated and identified based on the basis of biochemical properties. Results: A total of 57 isolates has been isolated from 20 samples, of them 35.08% were Gram positive and 64.92% were Gram negative organisms. Highest percentages of isolated organisms were Staphylococcocus spp. (24.56%), Alcaligene spp. (17.54%), Klebshiella spp. (12.28%) and the lowest percentages of organisms were Enterococcus spp., Actinobacillus spp. and Proteus spp. Antibiogram results clearly showed that levofloxacin and imipenem were the most effective drug against the isolates. The less effective antibiotics were chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid and resistance was highest against ciprofloxacin. The most contaminated food was chicken nuggets. Conclusions: This type of frozen food contaminated with multi-antibiotic resistant microorganisms can be potential vehicles for transmitting food-borne diseases