Higher accuracy protein Multiple Sequence Alignment by Stochastic Algorithm

Multiple Sequence Alignment gives insight into evolutionary, structural and functional relationships among the proteins. Here, a novel Protein Alignment by Stochastic Algorithm (PASA) is developed. Evolutionary operators of a genetic algorithm, namely, mutation and selection are utilized in combining the output of two most important sequence alignment programs and then developing an optimized new algorithm. Efficiency of protein alignments is evaluated in terms of Total Column score which is equal to the number of correctly aligned columns between a test alignment and the reference alignment divided by the total number of columns in the reference alignment. The PASA optimizer achieves, on an average, significant better alignment over the well known individual bioinformatics tools. This PASA is statistically the most accurate protein alignment method today. It can have potential applications in drug discovery processes in the biotechnology industry

Online learning experiences among the post-graduate learners during the COVID-19 pandemic in a higher medical educational institution in Bangladesh

The COVID-19 pandemic had substantial effects on education. As a result, online education has gained popularity among postgraduate medical students. The aim of this study was to explore postgraduate learners’ experiences regarding online classes. This study was carried out in the Department of Neonatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2020 to September 2020. A questionnaire was sent to neonatology and pediatrics allied residents and students of FCPS paediatrics. Qualitative data were collected and using likert scales to assess satisfaction regarding online learning experience. The study included 79 participants. Of them, 71 (89.9%) responded, 12 (16.9%) attended online classes before the COVID-19 situation. Thirty-four (47.9%) residents opined that online classes provided the right amount of theory. Eighteen (25.4%) disagreed that high-quality learning can be accomplished without face-to-face contact. Twenty-four respondents (33.8%) disagreed that studying online was more motivating than attending a regular classes. Fortytwo (59.2%) concluded that online class was really beneficial, and 50 (70.4%) were satisfied with online education. More than half of them (57.7%) preferred online theoretical classes compelling situation. Though students prefer online education as an alternative to classroom education, both face-to -face and online teachings are necessary. BSMMU J 2022; 15(3): 151-15

Efficacy of expressed breast milk alone or in combination with paracetamol in reducing pain during retinopathy of prematurity screening: A randomized controlled trial

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of expressed breast milk (EBM) alone or in combination with oral paracetamol for pain reduction during retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening.  Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted in two departments of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. A total of 60 preterm neonates who underwent ROP screening were randomized into three equal groups. Group A got nesting and swaddling as per institutional protocol (control). Group B received 2 ml EBM two minutes prior to the ROP screening and Group C received 15 mg/kg syrup paracetamol 30 minutes prior to the ROP screening and EBM like Group B. Premature infant pain profile (PIPP) scores was used prior, during and 2 minutes after ROP screening procedure. Results: The three groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics. The mean (standard deviation) PIPP scores during the procedure were 16.4 (1.1), 15.0 (1.8) and 13.4 (1.8) in control, EBM, and EBM with paracetamol groups respectively. The PIPP scores were significantly lower in the EBM and EBM with paracetamol groups during the procedure compared to control group. In the EBM and EBM with paracetamol groups, the mean difference in PIPP scores (between before and during the procedure) was also substantially lower. Conclusion: Breast milk alone or in combination with paracetamol can reduce significant pain during ROP screening than control group. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(2): 106-11

Reliable fluorescence technique to detect the antibiotic colistin, a possible environmental threat due to its overuse

Colistin, considered a drug of last resort as it is effective towards multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. Oral administration of colistin in the poultry industry is a common practice, not only to prevent and reduce bacterial infections, but also as a rapid-growth promoter. Long-term exposure to any antibiotic will eventually lead to the development of bacterial resistance towards all antibiotics through various mechanisms in the physiological system and environment. Chicken is the most consumed source of animal protein for humans throughout the world. In addition, the manure of poultry, containing traces of the used antibiotics, is being used in farming. Exposure to excess amounts of colistin causes a great concern not only to the humans but to the environment as a whole. In the present contribution, colistin has been detected in chicken hepatocyte cells through in vivo confocal microscopy. In addition, the amount of colistin in the chicken excrements has been estimated. A simple chemosensor NAF, a dye-based on napthaldehyde furfural, was developed for the detection of colistin, supplemented with experimental evidence and theoretical calculations.peerReviewe