The acoustical absorption by air-saturated aerogel powders.

The acoustical behavior of air-saturated aerogel powders in the audible frequency range is not well understood. It is not clear, for example, which physical processes control the acoustic absorption and/or attenuation in a very light, loose granular mix in which the grain diameter is on the order of a micron. The originality of this work is the use of a Biot-type poro-elastic model to fit accurately the measured absorption coefficients of two aerogel powders with particle diameters in the range 1-40 µm. It is shown that these materials behave like a viscoelastic layer and their absorption coefficient depends strongly on the root mean square sound pressure in the incident wave. Furthermore, it was found that the loss factor controlling the energy dissipation due to the vibration of the elastic frame is a key model parameter. The value of this parameter decreased progressively with the frequency and sound pressure. In contrast, other fitted parameters in the Biot-type poro-elastic model, e.g., the stiffness of the elastic frame and pore size, were found to be relatively independent of the frequency and amplitude of the incident wave. It is shown that these materials absorb acoustic waves very efficiently around the frequencies of the frame resonance.

The acoustical properties of tetraethyl orthosilicate based granular silica aerogels.

Available data suggests that granulated aerogels can be of interest in terms of their sound absorption performance in the audio frequency range. However, there is still no thorough understanding of the complex physical phenomena which are responsible for their observed acoustical properties. This work is an attempt to address this gap through advanced material characterization methods and mathematical modelling. Aerogel samples are produced through a two-step, acid-base sol-gel process, with sol silica concentration and density being the main variables. Their pore structure is carefully characterized by nitrogen sorption analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The acoustical properties of hard-backed granular silica aerogels are measured in an impedance tube and the results predicted accurately with the adopted theoretical model. Although silica aerogels have over 90% of open interconnected pores, this was neither reflected in the measured acoustical properties nor the parameter values predicted with the model. Novel results show that only a proportion of the micro and mesopores in the direct vicinity of the grain surface influenced the acoustical properties of aerogels. Further work in the hierarchical pore structure of aerogels is required to better understand the roles of different pore scales on the measured acoustical properties of a granulated aerogel.

Diagnosis of Dermatophytosis by Conventional Methods and Comparatative analysis of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Dermatophyte Test Medium for Isolation of Dermatophytes.

Dermatophytosis is a fungal disease which ranked as one of the most common cutaneous condition in all over the world. The aim of this cross sectional observational study is to identify the etiological agent of dermatophytosis and comparison of Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte test medium (DTM) for the primary isolation of dermatophytes among the clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis from the outpatient Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2013 to December 2015. Two hundred thirty clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis were subjected in this study. Sixty three cases (27.4%) were positive for fungus in direct microscopy while 53(23%) were culture positive. Trichophyton rubrum (83%) was found common etiological dermatophyte species followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes 5(9.4%) and Epidermophyton floccosum 4(7.5%). There was no statistically significant difference between the SDA and DTM (p<0.01) in primary isolation of dermatophytes.

Detection of Human Papilloma virus by Molecular method from Patients Attending at Colposcopy Clinic of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered as the main cause of invasive cervical cancer and cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia. High risk HPV DNA has been shown to be present in 99.7% of cervical cancers. So HPV DNA testing for screening of cervical cancers may play a potential role in early detection and management of cervical cancer. With above background a cross sectional study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and to identify the associated risk factors of human Papillomavirus infection among Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA) positive women attending at colposcopy clinic of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2013 to December 2014. One hundred and forty three cervical swabs for nested PCR were collected from the patients attending colposcopy clinic of MMCH, for detecting target gene of L1 region of the HPV genome. Among the 143 VIA positive patient nested PCR showed 49.6% (71/143) positive. Biopsy of 54 colposcopy positive women revealed that 16 (29.6%) cases were chronic cervicitis, 33 (61.1%) cases were mild dysplasia (C1NI), 01 (1.9%) were having moderate dysplasia (C1NII) and 04(7.4%) patients were diagnosed as invasive squamous cell carcinoma. So, high grade cervical lesions were 100% positive by nested PCR for HPV.

Genome-wide prediction models that incorporate de novo GWAS are a powerful new tool for tropical rice improvement.

To address the multiple challenges to food security posed by global climate change, population growth and rising incomes, plant breeders are developing new crop varieties that can enhance both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Current breeding practices, however, are unable to keep pace with demand. Genomic selection (GS) is a new technique that helps accelerate the rate of genetic gain in breeding by using whole-genome data to predict the breeding value of offspring. Here, we describe a new GS model that combines RR-BLUP with markers fit as fixed effects selected from the results of a genome-wide-association study (GWAS) on the RR-BLUP training data. We term this model GS + de novo GWAS. In a breeding population of tropical rice, GS + de novo GWAS outperformed six other models for a variety of traits and in multiple environments. On the basis of these results, we propose an extended, two-part breeding design that can be used to efficiently integrate novel variation into elite breeding populations, thus expanding genetic diversity and enhancing the potential for sustainable productivity gains.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Methicillin-Resistance Staphylococcus aureus from Different Tertiary Care Hospitals Including Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

The aim of this study was to detect antimicrobial susceptibilities and the presence of drug resistance genes of MRSA from tertiary care hospitals. This study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College during the period from Jan, 2015 to Dec, 2015. Clinical samples, including wound swab, pus, exudates from diabetic ulcer and burn ulcer, aural swab, blood and urine were collected. Standard microbiological procedure & biochemical tests were carried out to detect S. aureus. Oxacillin disk diffusion test was done by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Total 69 isolates of S. aureus were selected for the study. The isolates were collected from three different tertiary care hospitals, of which 33, 27 and 9 were from Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), BIRDEM hospital and Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital (SSMCH) respectively. Among the 69 isolates, 17(24.6%) and 52(75.3%) were distinguished as MRSA and MSSA respectively by ODDM (Oxacillin disk diffusion method). In contrast, detection of presence and absence of mecA gene by PCR identified 20 (28.9%) and 49 (71.01%) isolates as MRSA and MSSA respectively. All of the S. aureus (MRSA and MSSA) isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and gentamicin. All MRSA isolates (100%) showed resistance to Penicillin and Oxacillin. Among the MRSA isolates about 88.2% were resistance to Ceftazidime, 64.7% were resistance to Erythromycin and Ciprofloxacin, 11.7% were resistance to Tetracycline. Among the MSSA isolates about 94.2% were resistance to Penicillin and 9.6% resistance to Ciprofloxacin. The MSSA were less resistance for non-beta lactam drugs than MRSA. Regarding drug resistance genes, the blaZ genes were present in 47 out of 49(95.8%) MSSA and in 18 out of 18 (100%) MRSA. The erythromycin resistance gene ermB was found in 8.69% isolates, of which highest 20% in MRSA and 4.08% in MSSA. The ermA was not found in any isolates. Among tetracycline resistance genes, tetK were detected in 10.1% and tetL were found in 2.8% of MRSA. The highest tetK genes were found in 20% of MRSA and in 6.1% of MSSA. Regarding, the gentamicin drug resistance, the aac(6')-Iaph(2'')-Ia gene was not found in any isolates. The relatively high proportion of MRSA and the associated antibiotic resistance seen in this study emphasizes the need for country based surveillance to characterize and monitor MRSA and to develop strategies that will improve MRSA treatment and control.

Comparative Study of Clinical and Sonographic Estimation of Foetal Weight at Term.

A cross sectional comparative study was conducted at Dhaka National Medical College, Dhaka from January to June 2012, to observe the accuracy of clinical and ultrasonographic estimation of foetal weight at term in our environment. Seventy five pregnant women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria had their foetal weight estimated independently using clinical and ultrasonographic methods. Accuracy was determined by percentage error, absolute percentage error and proportion of estimates within 10% of actual birth weight (birth weight fetus of +10%). Statistical analysis was done using the paired t-test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the chi-square test. The study sample had an actual average birth weight of 2989.60 ± 408.76 (range 2310-4000 gm). Overall, the clinical method overestimated birth-weight, while ultrasound underestimated it. The mean absolute percentage error of the clinical method was more than that of the sonographic method, and the number of estimates within 10% of actual birth weight for the clinical method (41.3%) was less than for the sonographic method (57.3%); the difference was not statistically significant. In the low birth-weight (<2,500 gm) group, the mean absolute percentage error of sonographic estimates were significantly smaller. Significantly more sonographic estimates (75%) were within 10% of actual birth-weight than those of the clinical method (0%). No statistically significant difference was observed in all the measures of accuracy for the normal birth-weight range of 2,500-<4,000 gm and in the macrosomic group (≥ 4,000 gm). Clinical estimation of birth-weight is as accurate as routine ultrasonographic estimation, except in low-birth-weight babies.

Pattern of Dermatophytes in Patients Attend in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Dermatophytosis is a common fungal disease which involves the keratinized tissue. This is an attempt to observe the spectrum of dermatophytes among the clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis attending the outpatient department of Dermatology and Venereology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh during the period of July 2013 to December 2014. Two hundred thirty (230) clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis were subjected in this study. Sixty three cases (27.39%) were positive for fungus in direct microscopy while 53(23.04%) were culture positive. Among the clinical types tinea unguium was the most common followed by tinea corporis. Dermatophytosis was more common in the age group of 21-30 years. The male to female ratio was 1.53:1. Trichophyton rubrum 44(83.04%) was found common etiological dermatophyte species followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes 5(9.43%) and Epidermophyton floccosum 4(7.55%).

Estrogen-induced upregulation and 3'-UTR shortening of CDC6.

3'-Untranslated region (UTR) shortening of mRNAs via alternative polyadenylation (APA) has important ramifications for gene expression. By using proximal APA sites and switching to shorter 3'-UTRs, proliferating cells avoid miRNA-mediated repression. Such APA and 3'-UTR shortening events may explain the basis of some of the proto-oncogene activation cases observed in cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether 17 ß-estradiol (E2), a potent proliferation signal, induces APA and 3'-UTR shortening to activate proto-oncogenes in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancers. Our initial probe based screen of independent expression arrays suggested upregulation and 3'-UTR shortening of an essential regulator of DNA replication, CDC6 (cell division cycle 6), upon E2 treatment. We further confirmed the E2- and ER-dependent upregulation and 3'UTR shortening of CDC6, which lead to increased CDC6 protein levels and higher BrdU incorporation. Consequently, miRNA binding predictions and dual luciferase assays suggested that 3'-UTR shortening of CDC6 was a mechanism to avoid 3'-UTR-dependent negative regulations. Hence, we demonstrated CDC6 APA induction by the proliferative effect of E2 in ER+ cells and provided new insights into the complex regulation of APA. E2-induced APA is likely to be an important but previously overlooked mechanism of E2-responsive gene expression.

Carbon savings associated with changing surgical trends in total knee arthroplasty in England: a retrospective observational study using administrative data.

BACKGROUND: Best practice pathways for common surgical procedures, including total knee arthroplasty (TKA), have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce carbon emissions. We aimed to estimate the reduction in carbon emissions due to changing trends in the care of patients undergoing TKA in England. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics data from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2022 on adults undergoing elective primary TKA in England. The carbon footprint for each patient was calculated using carbon factors for multiple steps in the pathway, including ipsilateral knee arthroscopies in the year preceding the TKA, outpatient attendances, the index TKA, revisions of the TKA performed within 180 days of the index procedure, length of hospital stay and emergency readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 648,861 TKA operations were identified. Over the study period, the median length of stay reduced from four to three days, the proportion of patients undergoing ipsilateral knee arthroscopies performed within a year before TKA surgery fell from 5.9% to 0.5% and the number of early revisions and emergency readmissions also fell. The per-patient carbon footprint reduced from 378.8kgCO2e to 295.2kgCO2e over this time. If all the study patients had the same carbon footprint as the average patient in 2021/2022, 32.4kilotons CO2e would have been saved, enough to power 29,509 UK homes for one year. CONCLUSIONS: Practices that were introduced primarily to improve patient outcomes can contribute to a reduction in the carbon footprint.

A Comparative Study of Iron Status in Subclinical Hypothyroid and Euthyroid Subjects in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The physiological equilibrium of the entire human body's metabolism is significantly influenced by thyroid hormones. Subclinical hypothyroidism, which is often concealed, is connected to iron deficiency anemia and various other hematological disorders. We in the current study tried to determine the prevalence and severity of iron deficiency anemia and investigate the correlation of subclinical hypothyroidism with iron deficiency. METHODS: A total of 100 subjects included in the study were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 50 cases with subclinical hypothyroidism, and Group 2 included 50 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured within 24 hours of sample collection using a Sysmex automated cell counter (Kobe, Hyogo, Japan). Thyroid hormones (free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) were measured. RESULTS: Out of 50 cases, 48 (96%) have iron deficiency anemia, and 52 (104%) have subclinical hypothyroidism. Among the cases with iron deficiency anemia, 43 (86%) also have subclinical hypothyroidism. There was a negative correlation between thyrotropin (TSH) and Hb levels. Pearson's correlation coefficient "r" values were -0.86408. The serum ferritin levels of cases were decreased as compared to the healthy controls, and the difference in means for cases and controls in terms of serum ferritin is also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia in subclinical hypothyroidism is significantly elevated, and considering the absence of significant clinical manifestations in the early stages, it is recommended to routinely conduct investigations for early detection, facilitating prompt management. Consequently, our study emphasizes that both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism should be recognized as risk factors for the development of iron deficiency anemia.

Psychometric Measurement of Fertility-related Quality of Life across Gender in Primary Infertile Couples.

Background: Infertility is a crucial global public health issue that affects millions of people of reproductive age. Fertility-related stress can negatively impact infertile couples' quality of life (QoL). Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare the psychometric properties of fertility QoL between primary infertile couples' male and female partners. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study included 114 primary infertile couples visiting the Andrology Laboratory referred from the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, AIIMS, Patna. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using the Fertility QoL (FertiQoL) tool, an internationally validated questionnaire to measure the reproductive QoL, demographic information and medical history. The FertiQoL questionnaire responses were recorded and analysed. Statistical Analyses Used: Statistical analyses used were performed using the SPSS 20.0 version. Descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Cronbach's alpha and Student's independent t-tests were used. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: In our study, the overall estimated Cronbach's α was 0.83, and males had a significantly better fertility-related QoL in all domains of the FertiQoL, such as emotional (P < 0.000), mind-body (P < 0.000), social (P < 0.004) and tolerability (P < 0.000), except relational and environmental domains, which were lower in them. However, between the groups, the relational domain was significant (0.000) and the environmental domain was non-significant (0.592). Overall, males had a significantly better total core score, total treatment score and overall total FertiQoL score, while females had lower scores. Conclusion: Amongst infertile couples, the reproductive QoL was poorer in females than in males. Our study suggests psychological counselling and mental support for females during infertility management.

Effect of COVID-19 on Stress and Biomarkers: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Anxiety and stress in COVID-19 lead to continual pro-inflammatory cytokine activity resulting in excessive inflammation. Levels of different bio indices of COVID-19 may predict clinical outcomes and the severity of COVID-19 disease and may correlate with anxiety and stress levels. Objectives To measure the level of anxiety in COVID-19 patients using the coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS) as an assessment of psychological stress. To measure the levels of blood biomarkers and biochemical and hematological markers of inflammation in COVID-19. To record and measure the indices of short-term HRV in COVID-19 patients to assess their physiological and psychological stress levels. To determine the relationship between anxiety scores, levels of laboratory indices (blood biomarkers), and HRV parameters across mild, moderate and severe cases of COVID-19. Material and method A total of 300 COVID-19 patients aged between 18 and 55 years were included. A questionnaire-based CAS was used to assess anxiety levels. Short-term HRV was recorded to measure stress. Blood biomarkers: Biochemical and hemato-cytological markers of inflammation were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software version 20.0. Results Anxiety and stress increased with the severity of COVID-19. A positive correlation was detected between anxiety and serum ferritin, IL-6, MCV, and MCH levels, and a negative correlation between the corona anxiety score and RBC count. The increase in the severity of COVID-19 showed elevated levels of WBC count, neutrophil%, platelet count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, serum ferritin, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, and lactate dehydrogenase, and decreased lymphocyte and monocyte percentages. The increase in the severity of COVID-19 decreased lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. Conclusion The Corona Anxiety Scale and heart rate variability can be used as complementary tools to index COVID-19-related anxiety and stress. An association exists between immune dysregulation and heart rate variability, which can be used to predict the inflammatory response and prognosis of COVID-19.

Manual or auto-mode: Does this affect radiation dose in digital mammography without compromising image quality?

INTRODUCTION: In current practice, auto-filter exposure mode is used for most screening mammography examinations. However, with better understanding of the side effects of radiation, it is important to examine exposure parameters and practises to minimise radiation dose to patients. The purpose of this phantom study is to investigate the impact that different exposure modes (manual, auto-time and auto-filter) have on radiation dose, while maintaining images of diagnostic quality. METHODS: This study was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, 125 images were taken using a Gammex 156 phantom with polymethyl methacrylate blocks to reflect varying thicknesses (4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 cm). In the second stage, three mammographers independently assessed image quality and assigned scores based on the number of distinct fibers, masses and speck groups visible. Images with acceptable quality were further investigated in the third stage by comparing their average glandular dose (AGD) using the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Dunn's post-hoc pairwise analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences in AGD were shown between the auto-filter mode and manual mode techniques for 6.0 cm, and between auto-time mode and manual mode techniques for 6.5 cm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 cm phantoms, as AGD was not significantly different among the different modes, the auto-filter may remain the most practical option. However, significant reductions in AGD were obtained for the 6.0 and 6.5 cm phantoms when manual mode techniques were used. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Manual mode techniques can potentially provide dose-saving opportunity in 6.0 and 6.5 cm breast thickness though future work on human breast should be done to confirm this. Results from this study will support future research based on patient data.

Semen Quality in Males Suffering From COVID-19: A Pilot Study.

Background It is well known that some viral infections may affect male fertility. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can lead to multiorgan damage through the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor, abundant in testicular tissue. However, little information is available regarding the shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in semen and its impact on spermatogenesis and fertility potential. We planned to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of COVID-19 males and to study the effect of COVID-19 on semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation index. Material and method Thirty COVID-19 male patients aged 19-45 registered to AIIMS Patna hospital participated in the survey between October 2020 and April 2021. We conducted a real-time reverse transcriptase test on all the semen samples. Detailed semen analysis, including the sperm DNA Fragmentation Index, was done at first sampling that is during COVID-19. After 74 days of the first sampling, we obtained the second sampling and repeated all the above tests. Results All semen samples collected in the first and second sampling tested with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were negative for SARS-CoV-2. In the first sampling, semen volume, vitality, total motility, sperm concentration, total sperm count, % normal morphology, % cytoplasmic droplet, and fructose were significantly lower. In contrast, semen agglutination, % head defect, DNA Fragmentation Index, liquefaction time, semen viscosity, and leukocytes were increased. These findings were reversed at the second sampling but not to the optimum level. All these findings were statistically significant (p < 0.05 for all). Thus, COVID-19 negatively affects semen parameters, including sperm DNA fragmentation index. Conclusion Although we could not find SARS-CoV-2 in the semen, the semen quality remained poor until the second sampling. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics and sperm banking facilities should consider assessing the semen of COVID-19 males and exclude men with a positive history of SARS-CoV-2 until their semen quality returns to normal.

A comparative survival analysis of high viscosity glass ionomer restorations using conventional cavity preparation and atraumatic restorative treatment technique in primary molars: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) aimed to compare the 3-year survival rates of high viscosity glass ionomer restorations (HVGIC) using conventional cavity preparation and atraumatic restorative technique (ART) in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this RCT, 139 schoolchildren aged 6-9 years with dentinal caries in primary molars were randomly allocated to groups, i.e. the ART group and the conventional group, utilizing a random number generator. Adequate allocation concealment was done. Intervention was delivered using standard procedure and GC Fuji IX ART HVGIC was used as restorations in both the groups. Analysis was carried in 92 participants, and survival rates in both the groups were compared at 12, 24, and 36-month intervals. IBM SPSS software was utilized to analyze the time taken for the procedure and the Kaplan-Meier estimate was used to assess the survival rates. P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The ART took longer to complete (16.48 ± 2.02 min) versus conventional rotary instrumentation (13.15 ± 1.32 min). The conventional method was slightly superior as compared to ART; excellent survival rates (i.e. >90%) were achieved in both groups at the end of 12-month follow-up with no significant differences at the end of 24 and 36 months as evident from Kaplan-Meier estimate (P = 0.255). CONCLUSION: Three-year follow-up showed that GIC restorations with ART and conventional method carried out using GC Fuji IX ART HVGIC were acceptably successful, substantiating the use of ART for the primary dentition in areas with high caries prevalence and limited access to dental care.

Evaluation of Spirometric Measures and Quality of Sleep in Tuberculosis Patients and Their Non-Tuberculosis Family Caregivers.

Background and Aim Tuberculosis (TB) patients may present with depression and poor sleep as co-morbidities. This presents great challenges including the stigma of increased risk of developing TB while taking care of such patients. This study aims to determine the lung functions, quality of sleep in tuberculosis patients in comparison with non-tuberculosis (non-TB) family caregivers. Methods TB patients and their family caregivers (60 each) visiting the Directly Observed Therapy Short-course (DOTS) clinic at a tertiary care hospital were assessed for spirometric parameters and quality of sleep. Spirometry measurements were performed using a portable, computerized, pre-calibrated, electronic, dry type of machine. Pulmonary function impairment pattern and severity were assessed from spirometry results using a percentage of the predicted values of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). Descriptive statistics and t-tests were applied using SPSS version 19.0. p≤0.05 was considered significant. Results TB patients had a significantly more (p=0.000) sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction, and higher mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (9.56±3.97) compared to their non-TB family caregivers (4.36±2.07). The spirometric measures were reduced in TB patients and showed significant differences in actual measures of all parameters except FVC (actual). The % predicted measures of FEV1, FEF 25%-75%, PEFR, and MVV showed significant differences in comparison to their non-TB family caregivers. Conclusions The present study shows that TB patients have a poor quality of sleep and pulmonary functions compared to their non-TB family caregivers. Health care workers need to develop systematic strategies to screen the symptoms of mental disorders in tuberculosis patients and their family caregivers to enable better management of this population.

Vaccination against COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Perception and Attitude of Healthcare Workers in COVID-dedicated Hospitals.

Healthcare professionals are the crucial and influencing source of information for vaccines and their communication among patients and communities that can accelerate successful vaccination in a country. This cross-sectional study was one of the first and foremost ones in Bangladesh to observe the basic perception and attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19 among the healthcare workers (HCWs) - doctors, interns, nurses, ward boys, cleaners, and medical technologists of major COVID-dedicated hospitals. The cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in February 2021 among 550 HCWs to assess the perception and attitude towards vaccination against COVID-19. The study participants were targeted as the priority group for COVID-19 vaccination, working in two major COVID-dedicated hospitals, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital (HF-center), and Sheikh Russel National Gastro-liver Institute and Hospital (SR-center) in Dhaka, Bangladesh during the pandemic. The questionnaire was structured with a three-point scale of responses from 'true', 'false', and 'do not know'. The responses were calculated on point-score as +1 for the correct response, -1 for the wrong response, and 0 for 'do not know' with an overall highest and the lowest possible score of +5 to -5. Absolute (n) and relative frequencies (%) were presented for qualitative variables, while quantitative variables were presented as mean (± standard deviation). Chi-square test was done for univariate analysis of qualitative variables and Student's t-test for quantitative variables. With the 95.27% response rate, including 204 males and 320 were female and the male: female ratio was 1: 1.56. The majority of the participants were doctors (45.8%) followed by nurses (27.9%), and MLSS (26.3%) respectively. The respondents were between 18 to 64 years of age with a mean of 36.17±10.94 years. Most of the respondents (95.99%) responded correctly about the cost-free availability of a vaccine against COVID-19 in the country, 87.40% preferred vaccination as safe and effective. Again 29.77% HCWs think the vaccine might not be safe or effective due to emergency authorization. Only 38.93% of respondents could respond correctly about the necessity of vaccines for children, 31.10% think the vaccination was not required instead of natural immunity. The positive perception and attitude of the frontline HCWs in COVID-dedicated hospitals in Bangladesh are crucial which will positively influence motivation and wide acceptance among the general population for the attainment of the nationwide vaccination program, and adopt effective strategic modification to minimize the gaps for a low-middle income country like Bangladesh with its resource constrain.

Invitro Activity of Four Commonly Available Antifungal Drugs against Dermatophytes Species Isolated From Clinical Samples Using Disk Diffusion Method in Mymensingh.

Dermatophytosis is an infection with fungi related to the skin, hair and/or nails. Fungal infections' treatment orally in dermatology has become a superior modality for the management of these conditions. In spite of increasing the number of antifungal drugs, treatment failure has been noticed against some cases as well as some relapse cases. To eradicate dermatophyte it is necessary to perform in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of dermatophyte. Simple disk diffusion method in vitro assay may be used to assess antifungal propensity in dermatophytes. This cross sectional study was aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of four antifungal drugs against several fresh clinical dermatophyte isolates by disk diffusion method at the out patient department with the collaboration of Microbiology department, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2013 to September 2014. Fifty three clinical dermatophytes species were isolated from patients suspected of having active dermatophytosis. Terbinafine, griseofulvin, fluconazole and itraconazole containing paper disks were used in disk diffusion method for evaluation in vitro activity of antifungal agents by measuring the mean diameter of inhibition around the disks. The isolates belong to three genera and three species as: Trichophyton Rubrum 44(83.04%), T. mentagrophytes 5(9.43%), Epidermophyton floccosum 4(7.55%). All isolates were significant to terbinafine. Terbinafine, itraconazole and griseofulvin were exposed in this study as the most ideal antifungal drugs for the treatment of dermatophytosis. For the detection of antifungal susceptibility of dermatophytes disk diffusion method is not only a simple but also a valuable method.

PAM3 protects against DSS-induced colitis by altering the M2:M1 ratio.

Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract contributes to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Human IBD is modeled by administering dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to mice. In humans and mice, inflammatory M1 macrophages contribute to the progression of IBD whereas immunosuppressive M2 macrophages protect against colitis. The TLR2/1 agonist PAM3CSK4 (PAM3) induces human and murine monocytes to differentiate into immunosuppressive M2 macrophages, suggesting that PAM3 might be of benefit in the prevention/treatment of colitis. PAM3 was therefore administered to mice treated with DSS. As hypothesized, the number of M2 macrophages rose and disease severity decreased. The critical role of M2 macrophages in this process was established by transferring purified M2 macrophages from PAM3 treated control donors into DSS recipients and reducing colitis. These findings suggest that PAM3 may represent a novel approach to the treatment of human IBD.