Effect of D-chiro-inositol on hormonal parameters and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance. D-chiro-inositol, a naturally occurring inositol isomer, has been suggested as a potential treatment option for PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of D-chiro-inositol supplementation on hormonal parameters, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted among 60 women of PCOS with insulin resistance, who were assigned to either Group A (D-chiro-inositol) or Group B (placebo) for 12 weeks. S. FSH, LH, S. total testosterone, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23.0 for Windows. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, significant reductions in serum luteinizing hormone, serum total testosterone, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were observed in the D-chiro-inositol group compared to the placebo group. However, no significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose levels. D-chiro-inositol was well-tolerated, with no significant differences in side effects between the two groups. Conclusions: D-chiro-inositol supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved hormonal parameters, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. The treatment was well-tolerated, suggesting that D-chiro-inositol can be an effective therapeutic option for patients with PCOS

Effect of guava leaf and lemon extracts on postharvest quality and shelf life of banana cv. Sabri (Musa sapientum L.)

Banana is a common and popular subtropical fruit worldwide. Its postharvest life is very short which causes difficulties in marketing and preserving banana at good condition. To find out a better solution of this problem, the current study was conducted during 2017 in the Horticulture Laboratory, Khulna University, Bangladesh, by following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) of experiment. Harvested banana fruits, sabri (Musa sapientum L) were treated with guava leaf and lemon extracts at different concentrations. Non-treated fruits were considered as control. Both treated and non-treated bananas were stored in covered paper carton at ambient condition. Postharvest performances of the stored fruits during storage were observed for two weeks. After two weeks of storage, lower changes in color (score 6.77), firmness (score 4.43), less TSS content (8.21%), minimum infection (48.89%) and disease severity (score 3.33) and maximum shelf life (8.75 days) were observed in banana fruit with treatment of T3 (guava leaf extract 20% + lemon extract 15%) followed by treatment of T5 (guava leaf extract 40% + lemon extract 15%) treated fruits. However, the T4 treated banana fruit showed maximum vitamin C (1.83 mg/100 g), titratable acidity (0.11%) and reduced sugar (7.13%) after two weeks of storage. In conclusion, combination of guava leaf extract (20% or 40%) + lemon extract (15%) could be suggested for long term storage and maintenance of postharvest qualities at ambient conditions

Application of toluidine blue stain and neuron specific enolase immunohistochemical stain in the diagnosis of hirschsprung disease

Hirschsprung disease is one of the most common and problematic infancy and childhood maladies. Early and accurate diagnosis is a fundamental step in proper management and prevention of complications. The most reliable method for diagnosis is the histopathological analysis of colorectal biopsies and the typical finding of Hirschsprung disease is the absence of ganglion cells. Toluidine blue stain can act as a double check along with conventional H&E stain for ganglion cell detection. Neuron-specific enolase is an immune-histochemical marker that can also aid in better identifying ganglion cells, especially for small and immature ones. This study aimed to evaluate Toluidine blue stain and Neuron specific enolase immunostain along with conventional H&E stain as a panel for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to August 2021, involving 55 clinically suspected Hirschsprung disease cases. Paraffin blocks of colorectal biopsy samples were collected from the Department of Pathology, BSMMU. Hematoxylin & Eosin, Toluidine blue stain, and Neuron specific enolase immunohistochemical stain for Hirschsprung disease detection were performed on the sections from the paraffin blocks. Then the sections were examined and an evaluation of the stains was done. Statistical analysis was performed on the tabulated data by chi-square test. Among 55 cases, conventional H&E stain detected ganglion cells in 31 cases, that is 56.4%. Later, Toluidine blue stain and Neuron specific enolase immu- nohistochemical stain detected ganglion cells in 35 cases, that is 63.6%. So, these two addition- al stains were able to detect ganglion cells in four more cases compared to conventional H&E stain. In conclusion, conventional H&E stain, Toluidine blue stain, and NSE immunohisto- chemical stain can improve the diagnostic accuracy of Hirschsprung disease. BSMMU J 2022; 15(2): 102-10

Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of mini watermelon genotypes in Bangladesh

Given the present rising trends in changing lifestyle and consumption patterns, watermelon production has shifted from big to small-sized fruits having desirable quality attributes. Hence, analyses of fruit quality traits of mini watermelon are crucial to develop improved cultivars with enhanced nutritional compositions, consumer-preferred traits and extended storage life. In this context, fruit morphological and nutritional attributes of five mini watermelon genotypes namely BARI watermelon 1 (W1), BARI watermelon 2 (W2), L-32468 (W3), L-32236 (W4) and L-32394 (W5) were evaluated to appraise promising genotypes with better fruit quality. The evaluated genotypes expressed different levels of diversity for fruit physical qualitative traits including differences in shape, rind and flesh color and texture. The study also revealed significant variability among the genotypes regarding all observed fruit morphological and nutritional aspects as well as bioactive compounds. Among the studied genotypes, W1 stood out with the highest TSS as well as rind vitamin C and total phenolic content accompanied by higher fruit weight and thick rind. On the other hand, W3 genotype was featured with higher amount of \b{eta} carotene, total phenolic and flavonoid content in its flesh along with rind enriched with \b{eta} carotene and minerals. However, comparatively higher amount of sugar and total flavonoid content was recorded in the rind of W5 genotype. Therefore, W1 and W3 could be exploited for table purpose and using in breeding program to develop mini watermelon cultivars with more attractive fruits in terms of quality acceptance and nutritional value in Bangladesh. Furthermore, rind of BARI watermelon 1 and L-32394 could be considered as the potential cheap source of bioactive compounds to be used for dietary and industrial purpose which would decrease the solid waste in the environment.Comment: 22 pages, 6 tables, 3 figure

Analysis of prescription pattern of antibiotic drugs on patients suffering from ENT infection within Dhaka Metropolis, Bangladesh

Background: This survey was designed to assess and evaluate the prescription pattern of antibiotic drugs on patients suffering from ENT infection within Dhaka Metropolis, Bangladesh.Methods: A cross sectional, observational and prospective study was conducted from January to June 2015 in the out-patients (OPD) and in-patients (IPD) of ENT department at different general and specialized government and private hospitals (Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Sir Solimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka Community Medical College and Hospital) within Dhaka city.300 prescriptions were collected and randomly evaluated for this present study.Results: Out of 300 patients, 220 (73.33%) were male and 80 (26.67%) were female (including children and adults) where most of the patients were outpatients 262 (87.33%). In the patients information section it was observed that approximately 93.33%  prescription contained antibiotic drugs and almost all prescription (100%) contained antibiotic drugs along with other drugs such as 80.67% PPI (proton pump inhibitors), 76.67% analgesic and 51.33% vitamin/ iron supplements. From this analysis we found that 19.33% prescription contained single antibiotic drug, 80.67% contained two antibiotic drugs and no prescription contained more than two antibiotic drugs. Most of the prescribed drugs were administered orally (12% capsule, 80% tablet form). Out of 473 prescribed antibiotic drugs majority of them lie underβ-Lactam (54%) class followed by cephalosporin (46.33%) class in which maximum drugs (92%) were prescribed by their brand names.Conclusions: Prescribing more than one antibiotics was commonly encountered in this study indicating the occurrence of polypharmacy. Interventions to rectify over prescription of antibiotics, use of brand names, inadequate labelling of drugs is necessary to improve rational drug use. Standard treatment guidelines, hospital formulary, and educational intervention become essential to modify this behaviour to benefit the patient

Application of toluidine blue stain and neuron specific enolase immunohistochemical stain in the diagnosis of hirschsprung disease

Hirschsprung disease is one of the most common and problematic infancy and childhood maladies. Early and accurate diagnosis is a fundamental step in proper management and prevention of complications. The most reliable method for diagnosis is the histopathological analysis of colorectal biopsies and the typical finding of Hirschsprung disease is the absence of ganglion cells. Toluidine blue stain can act as a double check along with conventional H&E stain for ganglion cell detection. Neuron-specific enolase is an immune-histochemical marker that can also aid in better identifying ganglion cells, especially for small and immature ones. This study aimed to evaluate Toluidine blue stain and Neuron specific enolase immunostain along with conventional H&E stain as a panel for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to August 2021, involving 55 clinically suspected Hirschsprung disease cases. Paraffin blocks of colorectal biopsy samples were collected from the Department of Pathology, BSMMU. Hematoxylin & Eosin, Toluidine blue stain, and Neuron specific enolase immunohistochemical stain for Hirschsprung disease detection were performed on the sections from the paraffin blocks. Then the sections were examined and an evaluation of the stains was done. Statistical analysis was performed on the tabulated data by chi-square test. Among 55 cases, conventional H&E stain detected ganglion cells in 31 cases, that is 56.4%. Later, Toluidine blue stain and Neuron specific enolase immu- nohistochemical stain detected ganglion cells in 35 cases, that is 63.6%. So, these two addition- al stains were able to detect ganglion cells in four more cases compared to conventional H&E stain. In conclusion, conventional H&E stain, Toluidine blue stain, and NSE immunohisto- chemical stain can improve the diagnostic accuracy of Hirschsprung disease. BSMMU J 2022; 15(2): 102-10

Vaccination following the expanded programme on immunization schedule could help to reduce deaths in children under five hospitalized for pneumonia and severe pneumonia in a developing country

BackgroundWorldwide, pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in children under the age of five. An expanded program on immunization (EPI) is one kind of evidence-based tool for controlling and even eradicating infectious diseases.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the impact of EPI vaccination, including BCG, DPT-Hib-Hep B, OPV, IPV, and PCV-10, among children from the age of 4 to 59 months hospitalized for pneumonia and severe pneumonia. Additionally, we evaluated the role of 10 valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines alone on clinical outcomes in such children.MethodsIn this retrospective chart review, children from the age of 4 to 59 months with WHO-defined pneumonia and severe pneumonia admitted to the Dhaka Hospital of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) between August 2013 and December 2017 who had the information on immunization as per EPI schedule by 4 months of age were included in the analysis. A comparison was made between the children who were fully immunized (immunization with BCG, DPT-Hib-Hep B, OPV, and IPV from 2013 to 2015 and PCV-10 from 2015 to 2017) and who were not immunized (consisting of partial immunization and no immunization) during the study period.ResultsA total of 4,625 children had pneumonia and severe pneumonia during the study period. Among them, 2,605 (56.3%) had received the information on immunization; 2,195 (84.3%) were fully immunized by 4 months of age according to the EPI schedule and 410 were not immunized. In the log-linear binomial regression analysis, immunization of children from 4 to 59 months of age was found to be associated with a lower risk of diarrhea (p = 0.033), severe pneumonia (p = 0.001), anemia (p = 0.026), and deaths (p = 0.035). Importantly, the risk of developing severe pneumonia (1054/1,570 [67%] vs. 202/257 [79%], p < 0.001) and case-fatality rate (57/1,570 [3.6%] vs. 19/257 [7.4%], p = 0.005) was still significantly lower among those who were immunized with PCV-10 than those who were not.ConclusionChildren immunized as per the EPI schedule were at a lower risk of diarrhea, severe pneumonia, anemia, and death, compared to unvaccinated children. In addition, PCV-10 was found to be protective against severe pneumonia and deaths in vaccinated children. The overall results underscored the importance of the continuation of immunization, scrupulously adhering to the EPI schedule to reduce the risk of morbidities and mortalities in children, especially in resource-limited settings

The Secreted Lipoprotein, MPT83, of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Is Recognized during Human Tuberculosis and Stimulates Protective Immunity in Mice

The long-term control of tuberculosis (TB) will require the development of more effective anti-TB vaccines, as the only licensed vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), has limited protective efficacy against infectious pulmonary TB. Subunit vaccines have an improved safety profile over live, attenuated vaccines, such as BCG, and may be used in immuno-compromised individuals. MPT83 (Rv2873) is a secreted mycobacterial lipoprotein expressed on the surface of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, we examined whether recombinant MPT83 is recognized during human and murine M. tuberculosis infection. We assessed the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of MPT83 as a protein vaccine, with monophosphyl lipid A (MPLA) in dimethyl-dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA) as adjuvant, or as a DNA vaccine in C57BL/6 mice and mapped the T cell epitopes with peptide scanning. We demonstrated that rMPT83 was recognised by strong proliferative and Interferon (IFN)-γ-secreting T cell responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with active TB, but not from healthy, tuberculin skin test-negative control subjects. MPT83 also stimulated strong IFN-γ T cell responses during experimental murine M. tuberculosis infection. Immunization with either rMPT83 in MPLA/DDA or DNA-MPT83 stimulated antigen-specific T cell responses, and we identified MPT83127–135 (PTNAAFDKL) as the dominant H-2b-restricted CD8+ T cell epitope within MPT83. Further, immunization of C57BL/6 mice with rMPT83/MPLA/DDA or DNA-MPT83 stimulated significant levels of protection in the lungs and spleens against aerosol challenge with M. tuberculosis. Interestingly, immunization with rMPT83 in MPLA/DDA primed for stronger IFN-γ T cell responses to the whole protein following challenge, while DNA-MPT83 primed for stronger CD8+ T cell responses to MPT83127–135. Therefore MPT83 is a protective T cell antigen commonly recognized during human M. tuberculosis infection and should be considered for inclusion in future TB subunit vaccines

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education of medical, dental and non-medical healthcare professionals in Bangladesh : findings and connotation

Lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had an appreciable impact on the education of all medical, dental, and non-medical healthcare professional (HCP) students. These included the closure of universities necessitating a rapid move to e-learning and new approaches to practical’s. However initially, there was a lack of knowledge and expertise regarding e-learning approaches and the affordability of internet bundles and equipment. We initially con-ducted two pilot studies to assess such current challenges, replaced by a two-stage approach including a full investigation involving 32 private and public universities during the early stages of the pandemic followed by a later study assessing the current environment brought about by the forced changes. Top challenges at the start of the pandemic included a lack of familiarity with e-learning approaches, cost of the internet, lack of IT equipment and the quality of the classes. Universities offered support to staff and students to a varying degree to address identified challenges. Since then, e-learning approaches have widened the possibilities for teaching and learning at convenient times. However, challenges remain. In conclusion, there were considerable challenges at the start of them pandemic. Several key issues have been addressed with hybrid learning here to stay. Remaining challenges include a lack of ICT equipment. However, new innovations will continue

1. Housing Hardship and Mental Stress among Races During Covid’19 Pandemic: Based on US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey

Mahmuda Sultana is a State Data Researcher in the Center for Population Studies