Effect of Nystatin with and without DMAHDM on Antifungal and Mechanical Properties of Acrylic Resins.

PURPOSE: To investigate antifungal and mechanical properties after the impregnation of Dimethyl Amino-ethyl Hexa-decyl Di-methacrylate (DMAHDM) alone or in combination with Nystatin in polymethylmethacrylate. METHODOLOGY: The control group was fabricated by mixing powder and liquid of PMMA at the ratio of 2.5:1 g/mL. The DMAHDM was added to PMMA liquid and were mixed with PMMA powder. The Nystatin (500,000 International Units (IU)) was mixed with PMMA powder, whereby the composite powder was mixed with the DMAHDM-based liquid. The prepared specimens were tested for fungal adhesion testing (at days 1 and 30), impact strength and flexural strength. Oneway ANOVA post-hoc Tukey's test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis for the adhesion assay revealed that the antifungal activities of unaged and aged specimens in experimental groups were statistically significant as compared to control group A. The groups containing DMAHDM with Nystatin have shown statistically reduced flexural strength. The impact strength test revealed that groups containing 20% DMAHDM alone and DMAHDM with Nystatin showed statistically reduced impact strength compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Antifungal activities of experimental PMMA resin was increased. The addition of DMAHDM alone in PMMA resin has no deleterious effects on impact and flexural strength, however, at higher concentration values were reduced.

Pyrazinamide-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and rpsA mutations.

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a key first-line antibiotic used for the short-course treatment of drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates of tuberculosis. PZA exhibits potent action against semi-dormant bacilli in acidic environments. However, mutations that occur in target genes may cause technical difficulties in the diagnosis of PZA resistance during drug susceptibility testing. The objective of the current study is to identify mutations in pncAWT rpsA and rpsAWT panD genes among PZA-resistant isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) circulating in the Pashtun dominant region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. We selected 18 PZA-resistant pncAWT strains from the Provincial Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (PTRL) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to investigate mutations in the coding region of rpsA and panD genes. The experiments were repeated for drug susceptibility testing using MGIT 960 automated system. In addition, eighteen PZA-resistant rpsA genes along with 5 susceptible strains and one H37Rv strain were sequenced. All 18 isolates were PZA-resistant. The majority of these isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) (13/18). We identified 14 non-synonymous and one synonymous mutation in the coding region of rpsA in 11 strains. All mutations were scattered throughout the gene and not reported previously. Further, we did not identify any mutation in 7 rpsAWT panD genes. Mutations in rpsA but not in panD occur in PZA-resistant pncAWT MTB isolates circulating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Multifaceted role of hair follicle dermal cells in bioengineered skins.

BACKGROUND: The method of generating bioengineered skin constructs was pioneered several decades ago; nowadays these constructs are used regularly for the treatment of severe burns and nonhealing wounds. Commonly, these constructs are comprised of skin fibroblasts within a collagen scaffold, forming the skin dermis, and stratified keratinocytes overlying this, forming the skin epidermis. In the past decade there has been a surge of interest in bioengineered skins, with researchers seeking alternative cell sources, or scaffolds, from which constructs can be established, and for more biomimetic equivalents with skin appendages. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether human hair follicle dermal cells can act as an alternative cell source for engineering the dermal component of engineered skin constructs. METHODS: We established in vitro skin constructs by incorporating into the collagenous dermal compartment: (i) primary interfollicular dermal fibroblasts, (ii) hair follicle dermal papilla cells or (iii) hair follicle dermal sheath cells. In vivo skins were established by mixing dermal cells and keratinocytes in chambers on top of immunologically compromised mice. RESULTS: All fibroblast subtypes were capable of supporting growth of overlying epithelial cells, both in vitro and in vivo. However, we found hair follicle dermal sheath cells to be superior to fibroblasts in their capacity to influence the establishment of a basal lamina. CONCLUSIONS: Human hair follicle dermal cells can be readily interchanged with interfollicular fibroblasts and used as an alternative cell source for establishing the dermal component of engineered skin both in vitro and in vivo.

Morbidity and Mortality after Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Five Year Experience in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.

Mortality and morbidity was assessed after adoption of a systematic care for patient with pancreatoduodenectomy starting from patient selection and preparation, operative technique, and postoperative care. In this prospective study seventy patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary carcinoma with curative intent between January 2010 and December 2014 were carefully analyzed prospectively. Patients were selected those who had ampullary carcinoma, lower bile duct carcinoma and small size carcinoma head of pancreas without local invasion and distant metastasis, and the patient who did not have any major disabling comorbid diseases. All patients were assessed uniformly before surgery and deficiency were corrected up to normal level before operation. Pancreatoduodenectomy and standard lymphadenectomy was performed meticulously with minimum blood loss. The pancreatojejunal reconstruction was performed using duct-to-mucosa method mostly. A nasojejunal feeding tube was placed in most patients for starting postoperative early oral feeding. Broad spectrum antibiotics and the epidural analgesia were mostly prescribed for good control infection and pain. Proper nutrition was maintained in calculative way through central venous line and nasojejunal feeding tube in the early postoperative period. General care, early mobilization and chest physiotherapy were given routinely in each patient. Seventy-seven percent (n=54) patients did not have any postoperative complications and they were discharged from hospital within 12-14 postoperative days. The morbidity occurred in 16 patients (23%) and most common complication was wound infection (18%, n=9). The rest complications were pancreatojejunal anastomotic leakage - 2, hepaticojejunal anastomosis leakage - 1, melaena - 1, intra-abdominal abscess - 1, intra-abdominal hemorrhage - 1, and renal dysfunction - 1. The mortality rate was 5.7% (n=4), causes of death were massive myocardial infarction; 1, failure of reversal from anesthesia; 1, massive intraabdominal bleeding; 1 and CV catheter related severe sepsis; 1. Review of recent published literature revealed that mortality and morbidity our series is better than low volume center and almost similar with high volume center of pancreatoduodenectomy surgery. Our systematic management policy of careful patient selection, planned approach in the form of proper work up, meticulous conduction of the procedure, appropriate postoperative care provides an acceptable morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Determination of Insulin Secretory Defect and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects in Bangladesh.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. This study was undertaken to explore the basic defect in type 2 diabetes patients in Bangladesh. This was an observational study with case control design, was conducted in the Biomedical Research Group, Research Division, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of July 2008 to June 2009. A total of 153 subjects were included in study of which 63 belonged to type 2 diabetes mellitus group and 90 were healthy controls. Fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin, HOMA%B, HOMA%S, QuickI, Glucose /insulin ratio, TG were measured and age, BMI, WHR were recorded. Waist-hip ratio (WHR), was significantly higher in T2DM as compared to control subjects [WHR, mean±SD, 0.94±0.12 vs. 0.88±0.06, p<0.001]; Glucose and insulin ratio of T2DM was significantly higher as compared to control subject [Glu: Ins, Median (range) of 0.54 (0.17-2.33) vs. 0.37(0.06-1.52)]. Insulin secretion (HOMA%B) was significantly lower in diabetic as compared to control subjects [HOMA%B, median (range), 71(4.90-391) vs. 180(59-634) p<0.001]; The quantitative insulin sensitivity check Index (QUICKI) of diabetic subjects were significantly higher as compared to control [QUICKI median (range) 39.90(4.80-138.10) vs. 0.55(0.36-0.85), <0.001]. Triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (Chol) were significantly higher [(mg/dl), (mean±SD), TG (142±80.14) vs. (142±80.14); Chol (189±50.76) vs. (172±45), p=0.029] in T2DM as compared to control subjects. Those with diabetes showed significant association with insulin secretory defect (HOMA%B, p=0.006) and insulin resistance as assessed by GINR (p<0.001) and QuickI (p<0.001) but not by HOMA%S (p=0.127). The present data suggest that both insulin secretory defect and insulin sensitivity are present in T2 diabetic subjects of Bangladesh.

IDENTIFICATION OF QTLs ON CHROMOSOME 1B FOR GRAIN QUALITY TRAITS IN BREAD WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.).

The present study was designed considering the importance of grain quality traits, genetic diversity and marker-trait association analysis in wheat. A significant amount of genetic diversity was found for various seed traits though the genotypes included in the study were found structured. The extent of polymorphism was high with a range of 2-13 alleles and average of 6.5 alleles per locus. Population structure was detected with 30 unlinked SSRs that divided the population of 92 genotypes in three sub-populations. Extensive LD extent was found on chromosome 1B with 42 SSRs specific for 1B chromosome. Marker-trait associations were determined using mixed linear model, where, population structure and kinship calculated on the basis of unlinked markers were covariated with 1B specific markers and traits data. Eight QTLs for five traits including protein, gluten contents, test weight bread and chapati making quality. Protein content, test weight, bread quality and Glu-B1 were found significantly associated with primers WMC419 (32 cM); WMC128 (30 cM), WMC419 (32 cM); WMC818 (17 cM) and WMC416 (44 cM), respectively.

Protein kinetics in human endotoxaemia and their temporal relation to metabolic, endocrine and proinflammatory cytokine responses.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is associated with profound alterations in protein metabolism. The unpredictable time course of sepsis and the multiplicity of confounding factors prevent studies of temporal relations between the onset of endocrine and proinflammatory cytokine responses and the onset of protein catabolism. This study aimed to determine the time course of whole-body protein catabolism, and relate it to the endocrine, metabolic and cytokine responses in a human endotoxaemia model of early sepsis. METHODS: Six healthy male volunteers were studied twice in random order, before and for 600 min after administration of either an intravenous bolus of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or sterile saline. Whole-body protein synthesis, breakdown and net protein breakdown were measured by amino acid tracer infusion, and related to changes in plasma levels of growth hormone, glucagon, cortisol, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α and interleukin (IL) 6. RESULTS: Protein synthesis, breakdown and net protein breakdown increased and peaked 120 min after LPS administration (P < 0·001), the alterations persisting for up to 480 min. These peaks coincided with peaks in plasma growth hormone, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations (P = 0·049, P < 0·001 and P < 0·001 for LPS versus saline), whereas plasma cortisol concentration peaked later. No alterations in plasma insulin or glucagon concentrations, or in the IGF axis were observed during the period of abnormalities of protein metabolism. CONCLUSION: LPS administration induced an early protein catabolic response in young men and this coincided with changes in plasma growth hormone, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations, rather than changes in cortisol, glucagon, insulin or the IGF axis. Surgical relevance Sepsis in surgical patients is common and remains associated with substantial mortality. Although sepsis is a heterogeneous condition and its pathophysiology therefore difficult to study, a universal and profound clinical problem is protein catabolism not responsive to nutritional support. Human experimental endotoxaemia is a promising model of clinical sepsis that can be used to elucidate underlying pathophysiology and explore novel therapeutic approaches. This study demonstrates that human experimental endotoxaemia replicates the changes in whole-body protein turnover seen in clinical sepsis. Frequent measurements allowed identification of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL) 6 and growth hormone as putative mediators. Human experimental endotoxaemia is a valid model for further study of mechanisms and putative therapies of catabolism associated with sepsis. In particular, effects of TNF-α and IL-6 blockade should be evaluated.

Delayed primary suture prevents wound infection in patients with obstructive jaundice and septic abdomen.

This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of delayed primary closure in prevention of postoperative wound infection in patients with obstructive jaundice and septic abdomen. Here analyzed 93 patients retrospectively who underwent surgery in hepato-biliary-pancreatic unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2011 to June 2011. Primary closure of the abdominal wound was applied in all patients. There was no mortality, but 21 patients had postoperative morbidity (wound infection in 17, intra-abdominal abscess in 1, melaena in 1, biliary leakage in 1, burst abdomen in 1). Seventy-two patients had uneventful postoperative recovery were included in Group 1. Patients who developed postoperative wound infection (n=17) were included in Group 2. Rest 4 patients who developed other complications were excluded from the study. Pre-, per and postoperative parameters were compared between two groups for identifying the risk factors for SSI. Delayed primary closure of the wound was applied prospectively in 21 patients (Group 3) on the basis of retrospective results and the outcome was assessed. Retrospective analysis revealed that the patient who developed wound infections (Group 2) after primary closure; significantly greater number of patients had obstructive jaundice or intra-abdominal septic condition preoperatively. Prospective results revealed that there was no wound infection in 21 patients with in obstructive jaundice or intra-abdominal sepsis in which delayed primary closure was applied. Hospital stay was significantly reduced in Group 3 in compare to Group 2. In subsequent follow up, it has been found that 2 patients developed incisional hernia in Group 2 patients but none in Group 3 patients. Delayed primary closure of the wound is a good option in patient with obstructive jaundice and intra-abdominal septic condition for preventing postoperative wound infection.

Early Outcome of On-pump Versus Off-pump Elective Surgical Revascularization in Patients with Prior ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a proven treatment for coronary artery disease. History of a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is considered an independent risk factor for CABG irrespective of timing for an emergency or elective surgery. Patients with STEMI are candidates for both On-pump and Off-pump CABG procedures. This paper discusses the possible best option for elective surgical revascularization in patients with prior STEMI. This prospective clinical trial of 60 eligible patients with prior STEMI was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital from April 2018 to March 2019. Among them, 30 patients underwent off-pump (Group A) and 30 patients underwent on-pump (Group B) CABG procedures. Outcomes between both groups were observed from surgery to 1 month postoperatively. Data was analysed by the software statistical program for social science (SPSS 25.0 Inc). The surgery was successful in both groups of patients. Differences were observed by mean number of grafts per patient (2.77±0.43 vs. 3.10±0.71) and duration of operation (4.41±0.35 hours vs. 5.71±0.48 hours). An improvement in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF %) was observed in both groups postoperatively (17.98% vs. 10.98%) and the postoperative LVEF% at different time points were found statistically significant (p<0.05) over preoperative LVEF%. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis correlated on-pump CABG with prolonged need for ionotropic support, need for blood transfusion, longer hospital stay and less improvement in LVEF%. The study supports the Off-pump CABG as a better surgical option over on-pump CABG in patients with prior STEMI.

Inducing humoral and cellular responses to multiple sporozoite and liver-stage malaria antigens using exogenous plasmid DNA.

A vaccine candidate that elicits humoral and cellular responses to multiple sporozoite and liver-stage antigens may be able to confer protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria; however, a technology for formulating and delivering such a vaccine has remained elusive. Here, we report the preclinical assessment of an optimized DNA vaccine approach that targets four P. falciparum antigens: circumsporozoite protein (CSP), liver stage antigen 1 (LSA1), thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP), and cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS). Synthetic DNA sequences were designed for each antigen with modifications to improve expression and were delivered using in vivo electroporation (EP). Immunogenicity was evaluated in mice and nonhuman primates (NHPs) and assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assay, and flow cytometry. In mice, DNA with EP delivery induced antigen-specific IFN-γ production, as measured by ELISpot assay and IgG seroconversion against all antigens. Sustained production of IFN-γ, interleukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha was elicited in both the CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell compartments. Furthermore, hepatic CD8(+) lymphocytes produced LSA1-specific IFN-γ. The immune responses conferred to mice by this approach translated to the NHP model, which showed cellular responses by ELISpot assay and intracellular cytokine staining. Notably, antigen-specific CD8(+) granzyme B(+) T cells were observed in NHPs. Collectively, the data demonstrate that delivery of gene sequences by DNA/EP encoding malaria parasite antigens is immunogenic in animal models and can harness both the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome induced by pazopanib for renal cell carcinoma.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can be the result of acute hypertension, eclampsia, renal failure and the use of immunosuppressive or cytotoxic agents. We report a case of PRES as a result of the use of pazopanib, a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor used for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). CASE SUMMARY: A 76-year-old man treated with RCC develops PRES shortly after the initiation of pazopanib. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: There are no known reports of the association between PRES and pazopanib. We postulate that pazopanib can disrupt the normal endothelial function of the brain leading to the development of PRES.

Single pass sequencing and physical and genetic mapping of human brain cDNAs.

We have performed single pass sequencing of 1,024 human brain cDNAs, over 900 of which seem to represent new human genes. Library prescreening with total brain cDNA significantly reduced repeated sequencing of highly represented cDNAs. A subset of sequenced cDNAs were physically mapped to their chromosomal locations using gene-specific STS primers derived from 3' untranslated regions. We have also determined that human brain cDNAs represent a rich source of gene-associated polymorphic markers. Microsatellite-containing cDNAs can be physically mapped and converted to highly informative genetic markers, thus facilitating integration of the human physical, expression and genetic maps.

Comparison of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury during Thyroidectomy with and Without Routine Identification of the Nerve Peroperatively.

Thyroidectomy is one of the commonest operative procedures performed in the neck and injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is not uncommon. It results in hoarseness to serious respiratory distress depending on the extent of the injury. The incidence of RLN injury varies widely and is multifactorial depending on the extent of surgical procedures, experience and expertise of the surgeons, nature of the thyroid diseases and a wide range of anatomical variations. Peroperative routine identification of the nerve during thyroidectomy can be a way to prevent injury. Despite recommendation for identification of the RLN peroperatively in thyroid surgery, a debate still exists whether the nerve to be identified peroperatively or not, to avoid its inadvertent injury. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of RLN injury between two groups where RLN was identified peroperatively in one group and the nerve was not attempted for identification in the other group in thyroid surgery. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of surgery and otolaryngology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2018 to November 2019, on patients who underwent elective thyroid surgery. Patients were included in RLN identified group and in RLN not identified group, by individual surgeons' preference to identify or not to identify the RLN peroperatively. Peroperative identification of the nerve was done by direct visualization. All cases were evaluated for vocal cord palsy preoperatively, during extubation and postoperatively. Patient's particulars, other parameters and perioperative data were recorded. A total of 80 cases were included in this study, 40 cases (50.0%) in the peroperative RLN identified group and 40 cases (50.0%) in the RLN not identified group. Unilateral RLN palsy was encountered in 2.5% (2 cases) in the RLN identified group and 6.3% (5 cases) in the nerve not identified group (p value 0.192). Transient unilateral RLN palsy was seen in 7.5% (6 cases) of patients; 2.5% (2 cases) in the RLN identified group and 5.0% (4 cases) in the RLN not identified group. And 1.3% (1 case) of permanent unilateral RLN palsy was encountered in this study, which was in the RLN not identified group; there was no permanent palsy in the RLN identified group. We did not encounter any bilateral RLN palsy. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of RLN injury between the peroperatively RLN identified group and no attempt to identify the nerve group despite recommendation for peroperative RLN identification in thyroid surgery to avoid its inadvertent injury. However, from this study, we recommend peroperative RLN identification in thyroid surgery to enhance surgical skill.

Demographic Characteristics of Patients with Breast Cancer in Bangladesh: A Single-Centre Study.

We performed this study to investigate the socio-demographic factors of breast cancer patients of Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2018 to September 2019 for a period of one (1) year. All consecutive cases of breast carcinoma admitted in hospital and attended at outpatient department during the study period were selected as study population. Total 50 patients were selected. The mean age of the study patients was 51.1. Maximum number (70.0% cases) of breast cancer was belonged in 4th to 5th decade aged group. 70.0% breast cancer patients were housewives. The most of the breast carcinoma was reported in the urban people which were 78.0% cases. The percentage of educated study population was 80.0%. On religious background, 86.0% cases of breast cancer patients were Muslim. Most of breast cancer patients were sporadic in origin 94.0% cases, had no family history of breast cancer. Breast cancer was mostly distributed in pre-menopausal aged group with 82.0% cases. Ninety percent (90.0%) of the study population was come from middle class socio-economic group. In western countries, incidence of breast cancer is more in elderly aged menopause women with high socio-economic class. In this study the breast carcinoma was most prevalent among educated urban Muslim pre-menopausal housewives of age group 4th to 5th decade and most of them belonged to middle socio-economic class. The socio-demographic factors of breast cancer patients in Bangladesh are disparate from western countries in age standard, social class group and menstrual status.

Clinico-epidemiological Characteristics of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic COVID-19-Positive Patients in Bangladesh.

As of August 15, 2020, Bangladesh lost 3591 lives since the first Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case announced on March 8. The objective of the study was to report the clinical manifestation of both symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19-positive patients. An online-based cross-sectional survey was conducted for initial recruitment of participants with subsequent telephone interview by the three trained physicians in 237 adults with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Bangladesh. The study period was 27 April to 26th May 2020. Consent was ensured before commencing the interview. Collected data were entered in a pre-designed case record form and subsequently analyzed by SPSS 20.0. The mean±SD age at presentation was 41.59±13.73 years and most of the cases were male (73.0%). A total of 90.29% of patients reside in urban areas. Among the positive cases, 13.1% (n=31) were asymptomatic. Asymptomatic cases were significantly more common in households with 2 to 4 members (p=0.008). Both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients shared similar ages of presentation (p=0.23), gender differences (p=0.30) and co-morbidities (p=0.11). Only 5.3% of patients received ICU care during their treatment. The most frequent presentation was fever (88.3%), followed by cough (69.9%), chest pain (34.5%), body ache (31.1%), and sore throat (30.1%). Thirty-nine percent (n=92) of the patients had co-morbidities, with diabetes and hypertension being the most frequently observed. There has been an upsurge in COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh. Patients were mostly middle-aged and male. Typical presentations were fever and cough. Maintenance of social distancing and increased testing are required to meet the current public health challenge.

Genetic diversity in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm as revealed by microsatellite (SSR) markers.

Genetic diversity among rice genotypes, including 15 indica basmati advance lines and 5 basmati improved varieties were investigated by 28 SSR markets including one indel marker. The SSRs covered all the 12 chromosomes that distributed across the rice genomes. The mean number of alleles per locus was 3.60, showing average number of polymorphism information content was 0.48. A total of 101 alleles were also identified from the microsatellite marker loci. A number of SSR markers were also identified that could be utilized to differentiate between rice genotypes. Pair wise Nei,s genetic distance between rice genotypes ranged from 0.07 to 0.95. The dendrogram based on cluster analysis by using SSR polymorphism that grouped the 20 genotypes of rice in to five clusters based on their genetic similarity. The result could be useful for the identification and selection of the diverse genotypes for the future cross breeding program and development of new rice varieties.

National TB Control Program of Bangladesh: System Failure and Loss of Effectiveness.

The National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) is one of the largest programs run by the state with many successes. However, underreporting is considered a real flaw of the current program. To report the characteristics and outcomes of TB patients registered in an upazila health complex in Kazipur, Sirajganj district, Bangladesh between September 2018 and February 2019 under the control of NTP was the objective of the study. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using routinely collected program data from the aforementioned site. Data retrieved from the hospital record form. Formal permission was obtained from the local authority. Consent statements and ethical aspects were waived due to the retrospective nature of the study. Analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. A total of 207 tuberculosis cases were included with an average age of presentation of 43 years. Approximately 82.0% had pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and the rest had extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). PTB was more common in males, whereas EPTB was common in females (p=0.01). Of all cases, 84.0% were diagnosed by a positive sputum smear and 16.0% were diagnosed clinically with a negative sputum smear. Attendance at follow-up was 82.12%, 70.04% and 68.59% at months 2, 5 and 6 following index admission respectively. Overall, the cure rate was higher in PTB than EPTB [146 (85.9%) vs. 5 (13.5%), p<0.001). The rate of treatment completion was 25.1% (n=52) and the death count was 1.4% (n=3) [PTB-1.2 (n=2) vs. EPTB-2.7% (n=1)]. A gradual decline in reporting or completion of treatment was observed in this setting. However, a nationwide study is warranted to explore this issue in detail.

Prototype development and preclinical immunogenicity analysis of a novel minimally invasive electroporation device.

The magnitude of the immune response to a DNA vaccine depends on three criteria--the optimized vector design, the use of a suitable adjuvant and the successful delivery and subsequent expression of the plasmid in the target tissue. In vivo electroporation (EP) has proved to be particularly effective in efficiently delivering DNA immunogens to the muscle and the skin, and indeed several devices have entered into human clinical trials. Here, we report on a novel concept of DNA delivery to the dermal tissue using a minimally invasive EP device, which is powered using low-voltage parameters. We show that this prototype device containing a novel 4 × 4-electrode array results in robust and reproducible transfection of dermal tissue and subsequent antigen expression at the injection site. Using DNA encoding for NP and M2e influenza antigens, we further show induction of potent cellular responses in a mouse model as measured by antigen-specific T-cell ELISpot assays. Importantly, 100% of the immunized animals were protected when challenged with VN/1203/04 (H5N1) strain of influenza. We have also extended our findings to a guinea-pig model and demonstrated induction of HI titers greater than 1:40 against a pandemic novel H1N1 virus showing proof of concept efficacy for DNA delivery with the prototype device in a broad spectrum of species and using multiple antigens. Finally, we were able to generate protective HI titers in macaques against the same novel H1N1 strain. Our results suggest that the minimally invasive dermal device may offer a safe, tolerable and efficient method to administer DNA vaccinations in a prophylactic setting, and thus potentially represents an important new option for improved DNA vaccine delivery in vivo.

Identification of a human population infected with simian foamy viruses.

Studying the transmission of simian retroviruses to humans can help define the importance of these infections to public health. We identified a substantial prevalence (4/231, 1.8%) of infection with simian foamy viruses (SFV) among humans occupationally exposed to nonhuman primates. Evidence of SFV infection included seropositivity, proviral DNA detection and isolation of foamy virus. The infecting SFV originated from an African green monkey (one person) and baboons (three people). These infections have not as yet resulted in either disease or sexual transmission, and may represent benign endpoint infections.