Axial compression tests on CFRP strengthened CFS plain angle short columns.

A comprehensive test program was performed to experimentally investigate the effect of CFRP strengthening on the axial strength and stability of CFS plain angle short columns subjected to monotonic axial compression. A total of 28 specimens were tested by varying the CFRP strengthening configurations for different column heights. Both uni-directional (CF_UD) and bi-directional (CF_BD) CFRP were considered. The influence of various parameters such as the type of CFRP, fiber orientation, and number of CFRP layers was investigated and discussed in detail. For single layer (ply) of CFRP, CF_UD-0° strengthening configuration resulted in maximum increase of axial capacity by 58.33% and 45.72% (in comparison to bare steel specimens), corresponding to 0.5 m and 1.0 m column lengths respectively. All the bare steel and skin-strengthened specimens failed predominantly due to torsional-flexural buckling mode. Additional layer of CFRP wrapping was found to enhance the axial capacity further and CF_UD-0°/BD was found to possess greater capacity in the case of double layer of CFRP. Adopting cardboard in-fill in addition to CF_UD-0° wrap has prevented the torsional mode of buckling and resulted in a peak increase of axial capacity by 192.55% and 240.61% corresponding to 500 mm and 100 mm long specimens, respectively.

Endoscopic Transnasal Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage: Experience in BSMMU.

Endoscopic transnasal repair of CSF rhinorrhoea is gaining popularity around the world because of its tremendous success rate but it depends on defect site, size, technique of repair, experiences of surgeon and also patient's profile. Aim of this study was to analysis of surgical outcome of endoscopic transnasal repair of CSF rhinorrhoea. A retrospective study carried out in the department of ENT and Head neck surgery at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from January 2018 to December 2019. Of the total of 24 patients 16(66.0%) were female and 8(33.0%) males. The commonest site of the leak was in the cribriform plate in 18(75.3%) followed by 5(20.8%) in the fovea ethmoidalis, and 1(4.0%) in the sphenoid sinus, the overall success rate of this series with first surgical procedure was 95.83% and 100.0% with a second procedure. Meticulous pre-operative evaluation, proper identification of leakage site, choice of graft materials and surgical technique are keys to attaining excellent results.

Traumatic right atrial rupture bridge to definitive repair with extra-corporeal life support.

Cardiac injury secondary to non-penetrating trauma is more common than thought, albeit, the injury is usually minor and goes undiagnosed without significant sequelae in most cases. Blunt cardiac rupture is much rarer accounting for <0.05% of all trauma cases but lethal in most circumstances. We present a case report of a young trauma victim who presented with both right atrial rupture and traumatic atrial septal disruption (ASD) requiring extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) and surgical repair. Blunt cardiac trauma with chamber rupture and septal disruption is a devastating injury. Stopping the hemorrhage and using ECLS gave our patient time to stabilize before definitive management of her traumatic ASD.

CXCL-10/CXCR3 in macrophages regulates tissue repair by controlling the expression of Arg1, VEGFa and TNFα.

Macrophages have been reported to participate in inflammation, tissue homeostasis and tissue repair. The detailed mechanism of macrophage-mediated tissue repair is not clear. CXCL-10, secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts, mediates immune response and angiogenesis by binding to CXCR3. In this study, the expression of CXCL-10 and CXCR3 in porcine lung injury induced by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection was firstly examined. The results showed that the expression of both CXCL-10 and CXCR3 increased in the infected pig lungs. In addition, the increased expression of CXCL-10 and CXCR3 in macrophage treated by poly (I:C) was also observed, suggesting the autocrine system existed in macrophages. Furthermore, CXCL-10 treatment induced upregulation of Arg1 and VEGFa, and downregulation of TNFα in macrophage, and CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 treatment presented the contrary effects on the expression of Arg1, VEGFa, and TNFα. CXCL- 10-stimulated effects were dependent on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Wound-healing assay showed that CXCL-10 treatment macrophage conditioned medium promoted the healing process of endothelial cells. Our results suggested that CXCL-10/CXCR3 in macrophage may mediate tissue repair by regulating the macrophage expression of Arg1, VEGFa and TNFα. Modulation of CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis in macrophage may be a potential therapeutic strategy for tissue injury and repair.

A Modified Technique in Submandubular Salivary Gland Excision: Preservation of Facial Artery.

Cutting and ligation of facial artery is the conventional practice for excision of submandibular gland. Facial artery is the main arterial supply to the lower face. Its preservation results in preservation of large proportion of vascularity to the lower face, preserves vascularity of platysma myocutaneous flap, allows repair of lower lip using Bernard's technique; facial artery is one of the most important recipient artery for microvascular free flap in modern reconstructive surgery in head and neck oncology. This prospective study was carried out in Department of Otolaryngology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2005 to October 2012 on 31 cases. Chronic submandibular sialoadenitis, benign submandibular gland tumours and cases of neck dissection where level I cervical lymph nodes were not involved by metastasis were included in this study. The facial artery was identified proximal to the gland and was dissected free from the gland by ligating or cauterizing its glandular branches to mobilize the gland. Appropriate anatomical aspects were noted and the time required for separation of the artery from the gland was recorded. Thirty-one consecutive cases were studied. The indications were chronic sialoadenitis (67.7%), pleomorphic adenoma (12.9%) and as a part of neck dissection for oncologic clearance of neck (19.4%). The mean duration of time for separation of the artery from the gland was 10.26 minutes. In two cases the facial artery could not be safely separated due to excessive adhesion from chronic inflammation. No significant complications were noted. Preservation of facial artery in submandibular gland excision is a simple procedure. So it should not be routinely sacrificed during this surgery.

Differential expression of toll-like receptor 13 and ribosomal protein L29 in inflammatory lung and brain.

Viral dsRNA acts as the paramount pathogen-associated molecular pattern on infection and orchestrates inflammation or immune cascades of the host's tissues. The comparative effects or mechanisms of inflammation or immunity in different organs on viral infections are critical in immunology or virology. To outline the organ-based molecular mechanisms of inflammation or immunity on viral infection, we challenged mice with the viral mimic poly(I:C) and quantified inflammatory cytokines Il-1b and TNF-α in the brain and lung tissues. As cytokines showed differential expression, transcriptome screenings of mouse lung and brain tissues were analyzed. We identified 629 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in lung and 137 DEGs in brain tissues with a few overlapping genes. Most of those DEGs were interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that are involved in the anti-viral defense mechanisms. The expression patterns of viral dsRNA stimulated genes, and consequently, their association with different molecular mechanisms of inflammation and immunity were specific to the organs. The effects of viral mimic were higher in the lung than in the brain in terms of the number of DEGs and ISGs. Interestingly ribosomal protein L29 (Rpl29), a cell surface heparin-binding protein, was upregulated in the brain and downregulated in the lung. The contrasting expression of Rpl29 gene might be responsible for tissue-specific inflammatory responses in lung and brain tissue on virus infection. In addition, the upregulation of Tlr13, a dsRNA and bacterial 23s rRNA receptor, in the poly(I:C)-stimulated mouse lungs suggests its important role in lung inflammatory responses. It is likely that the combined effects of these genes orchestrate the organ-specific inflammatory or immune responses. Our findings would be beneficial to explore new insights in inflammation and immunity against many critical viral diseases.

Views of Medical Teachers Regarding the Need of Training or Course on Medical Education.

Medical education in Bangladesh is poorly assessed and there is a general lack of documented knowledge about the challenges facing this field and the needs for its development. It was Cross-sectional descriptive type of study carried out among the teachers of two public (Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka and Sher-E-Bangla Medical College, Barisal) and two non-government Medical Colleges (Northern Medical College, Dhaka and IBN Sina Medical College, Dhaka) during the period of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 to explore their views regarding the training or course in medical education. The sample size was 204 who were selected purposively. The data were collected by a semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire. From the study it was revealed that majority 201(98.5%) of respondents showed their interest for training or course on medical education. Among them 123(61.2%) preferred a regular course, 58(28.8%) desired for training program and 20(9.9%) for refresher training on medical education. Most 83(67.4%) of the respondents agreed that there are barriers to participate in a training or course on medical education. Thirty four (43.6%) expressed their opinion that the duration of the training should be at least three months.

Study of Commonest Variety of Sinonasal Malignancy and Its Sex Wise Distribution.

This study was done to find the commonest variety of sinonasal malignancy and its association with sex.This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department, Dhaka Medical College & Hospital and in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between January 2009 and December 2009. A total of 146 cases of sinonasal malignancy were consecutively included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. The mean age was 47.8 years (range: 22-75 years). Over three-quarters (77%) of the patients were male with male to female ratio being 3:1. Nearly one-third (30.8%) of the patients was farmer and over one-third (36.3%) was illiterate. The right sinonasal region was involved in 48.6% cases, left sinonasal region in 39% and both sinonasal region in 12.4% cases. Histopathological diagnosis of sinonasal malignancy revealed that squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 82.9% of sinonasal malignancies, 9.6% adenocarcinoma and the rest were olfactory neuroblastoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. About 96.6% of the tumours involved nasal cavity, 97.9% maxillary sinuses, 17.8% frontal sinuses, 48.6% ethmoidal sinuses and 13% sphenoid sinuses. Over 80% of patients were smoker. Exposure to wood dust was found in 26% of cases. Lather tanning in 4.8% of cases and welding in 4.1% of cases. T staging shows that nearly half (48.6%) of the patients lesion was T2, 29.5% T3, 19.9% T4 and 2.1% T1. None of the patients exhibited lymph node involvement or distant metastasis. Males tend to develop squamous cell carcinoma significantly more than the females with risk of acquiring squamous cell carcinoma being nearly 3(1.1-7.1) times higher in male than that in female (p=0.022). The study concludes that the most common histopathological variety of sinonasal malignancy is squamous cell carcinoma and males are prone to develop this malignancy more frequently than the females.

Otitis media with effusion in children admitted for adenoidectomy.

This cross-sectional prospective study was done in the Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka during the period of January 2008 to December 2009 with the aim to find out the frequency of otitis media with effusion in patients with enlarged adenoid admitted for Adenoidectomy, To see the frequency of otitis media with effusion in different age group, To find out the degree of hearing loss in enlarged Adenoid patients. A total number of 60 patients who were admitted for adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy were purposively collected. Male female ratio was 1.6:1. Majority of patients (61.67%) came from lower socioeconomic group. Amongst the patients with enlarged adenoids, OME was found in 32(53.33%) cases. Out of 25 grossly enlarged adenoid cases, OME was found in 19(76%) cases. In 35 cases of moderately enlarge adenoid, OME was found in 13(37.14%) cases. Out of 28 enlarged adenoid cases in age group 0-5 years, OME was present in 19(67.86%) cases and out of 32 enlarge adenoid cases in age group 6-15 years; OME was present in 13(40.62%) cases. Most of the patients presented with multiple clinical features, the commonest was mouth breathing (80%), other features were snoring (58.33%), nasal discharge (56.67%) and hearing impairment (53.33%). In tympanometry, flat curve without peak was found in 25 cases and negative middle ear pressure was seen in 7 cases. Regarding hearing status of patients, 25 cases had a mild to moderate degree of hearing loss and PTA was not done in 7 cases due to lower age group (below 4 years).

Relationship between physical work load and lumbar disc herniation.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a disabling problem. This retrospective case control study was done to evaluate the possible relevance of physical work load with Lumbar Disc Herniation. We have performed this study in the Spinal Surgery Unit of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at BSMMU, Dhaka from July 2007 to June 2010 where 200 cases with Lumbar Disc Herniation and 200 control subjects matched by age, gender and area of residence were taken and analyzed. Chi-square test was computed for sex, area of residence, type of physical work and effort at work, whereas Odds ratio was computed for physical work load, stress at work and daily working period. The highest odds ratio (OR) was with the physical work load (OR: 03.48, CI: 01.84-06.59), hard work (OR: 03.14, CI: 01.74-05.65) and working period of >8 hours (OR: 01.34, CI: 0.75-02.38). Odds ratio for heavy load carrying at work was 03.48 and less job satisfaction or stress at work was 02.45. There was a statistically significant positive association between cumulative exposure of physical work load and lumbar disc herniation indicating an increased occurrence of herniation in heavy physical work load and occupation requiring harder efforts.

Susceptibility of Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Vip3A insecticidal protein expressed in VipCot™ cotton.

Susceptibility of laboratory and field colonies of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and Heliothis virescens F. to Vip3A insecticidal protein was studied in diet incorporation and diet overlay assays from 2004 to 2008. Responses of field populations were compared to paired responses of University of Arkansas laboratory susceptible H. zea (LabZA) and H. virescens (LabVR) colonies. After 7d of exposure, observations were made on number of dead larvae (M) and the number of larvae alive but remaining as first instars (L1). Regression estimates using M (LC(50)) and M plus L1 (MIC(50)) data were developed for laboratory and field populations. Susceptibility of laboratory and field populations exposed to Vip3A varied among different batches of protein used over the study period. Within the same batch of Vip3A protein, susceptibilities of laboratory colonies of both species (LabZA and LabVR) were similar. Field colonies were significantly more susceptible to Vip3A than the respective reference colonies of both species. Within field populations, susceptibility to Vip3A varied up to 75-fold in H. zea and 132-fold in H. virescens in LC(50) estimates. Variabilities in MIC(50)s were up to 59- and 11-fold for H. zea and H. virescens, respectively.

Response estimates for assessing heliothine susceptibility to Bt toxins.

Field and laboratory colonies of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and Heliothis virescens (F.) were exposed to CrylAc and Cry2Ab2 toxins to compare different mortality and mortality + stunting responses. Lethal concentrations for mortality (LC(50S)), molt inhibitory concentrations for mortality + surviving L1 larvae (MIC(50S)), and inhibitory concentrations for mortality + surviving L1 and L2 larvae (IC(50S) were established to describe the different responses across a range of test concentrations. MIC(50S) and IC(60(50S) at 7 d significantly correlated to LCsos at 7 d, but MIC(50S) were more closely correlated with LC(50S) than IC(50S). Experiments conducted to determine the fate of survivors (larval stage L1, L2, or L3 larvae) after 7 d of exposure of Bt toxin and transfer to untreated or Bt-treated diet revealed that significant numbers of stunted larvae recovered and survived to pupation. Percentage of survival was significantly higher for larvae fed untreated diet after 7 d on Bt-treated diet, but a few survivors also were found when larvae were fed only Bt diet. Survival to pupation of larvae classified as L1 at 7 d was significantly lower than those for L2 or L3 larvae at 7 d, indicating that many stunted larvae suffer chronic effects of the initial exposure to Bt and fail to reach the next life stage. Pupation of larvae classified as L1 at 7d was reduced and delayed in comparison with those for L2 and L3 larvae at 7d. Collectively, these data suggest that MIC50 estimates at 7 d more accurately project total larval mortality from Bt exposure than do LC50 or IC50 at 7 d.

Treatment of cervical disc prolapse by anterior cervical discectomy fusion and stabilization with plating.

Different types of surgical techniques are used for effective treatment of cervical disc prolapse. Techniques with fusion without stabilization have some disadvantages like collapse of the graft, extrusion of graft, nonunion and recurrence of symptoms. We have carried out this prospective interventional study between March 2001 to November 2007 on 129 cases of cervical disc prolapse treated with anterior cervical discectomy, fusion & stabilization with plating at IBN SINA Hospital, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Al-Manar Hospital, Lalmatia and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka. There were 106(82.17%) male and 23(17.82%) female patients. The commonest age group of the patients was 4th decade. The commonest level of disc prolapse was found in C5/6 level and in each case, diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical findings, plain X-ray and MRI of cervical spine. We performed anterior cervical discectomy, fusion and stabilization with plating in all cases. A per-operative marking film was taken in each case to identify proper level. Per-operative undue hemorrhage from donor site occurred in 1 case, 27 patients complained of dysphagia temporarily, 64 patients complained of donor site pain significantly which was relieved within 3-6 months of follow-up period. Donor site infection was found in 1 patient. The post operative follow-up period was 3 months to 6 years. The functional out come obtained excellent in 71.43%, good in 19.64%, fair in 8.93%, poor in 2.32% in this series.

Susceptibility of bollworm and tobacco budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry2Ab2 insecticidal protein.

Susceptibilities of 82 bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and 44 tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), populations to Cry2Ab2 protein were measured in diet incorporated assays at the University of Arkansas from 2002 to 2005. Resulting data were used to calculate overall (pooled data) estimates of species susceptibility for future benchmarks of resistance. Variabilities among populations also were studied by comparing regressions for individual populations and calculating mean susceptibilities for different subgroups of the colonies studied. Individual lethal concentration (LC50) estimates for nine laboratory, seven laboratory-cross, and 28 field populations of H. virescens varied up to 48-fold when adjusted for the response of the most susceptible laboratory colony studied. Mean susceptibilities of all laboratory, laboratory-cross, or field colonies varied only two-fold. When grouped by host plants, populations collected on tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum (L.), seemed to be less susceptible than those collected on other host plants. Individual LC50 values for 82 laboratory, laboratory-cross and field populations of H. zea varied up to 37-fold. Mean LC50 values of all laboratory, laboratory-cross, or field populations varied only three-fold. Susceptibilities of populations from Bollgard cotton were up to four-fold less than those from Bacillus thuringiensis corn, Zea mays L. Field populations collected during late season were generally less susceptible than those collected early in the season. Across the two species, H. zea was less sensitive to Cry2Ab2 than H. virescens. Both species seem to be less sensitive to Cry2Ab2 than to CrylAc.

Evaluation of total hip replacement.

This prospective study was made to asses the results of total hip replacement done primarily at Dhaka Medical College Hospital by the surgical team from its orthopaedic department. Eight patients were selected randomly from April/2005 to December/2005. Six patients were male and two females. Age of the patients was ranging from 22 to 67 years with average of 37.4+/-5.12 (mean+/-SE) years. Majority of the patients (75%) were diagnosed as Aseptic necrosis of femoral head with secondary osteoarthritis. The femoral head was replaced by metallic component with C-stem and the acetabular cup made up of Ultra-High density Polyethylene. Both the components were cemented (methylmethacrylate) by hand-packing. The patients were followed-up for 7.75+/-6.1 months (mean+/-SE) ranging from 4 months to 1 year. The results were evaluated on the basis of Harris Hip Score(2). 75 % had good to excellent and 12.5% had fair results. One patient complicated with dislocation and ultimately had poor result. The quality of life in seven patients (87.5%) improved much for which they were grateful.

Flat amplitude multiwavelength Brillouin-Raman comb fiber laser in Rayleigh-scattering-enhanced linear cavity.

We investigate the amplitude flatness of Rayleigh-assisted Brillouin-Raman comb laser in a linear cavity in which feedbacks are formed by high-reflectivity mirror. The optimization of Brillouin pump power and wavelength is very crucial in order to obtain a uniform power level between Stokes lines. The Brillouin pump must have a relatively large power and its wavelength must be located closer to the Raman peak gain region. The flat-amplitude bandwidth is also determined by the choice of Raman pump wavelengths. A flat-amplitude bandwidth of 30.7 nm from 1527.32 to 1558.02 nm is measured when Raman pump wavelengths are set to 1435 and 1450 nm. 357 uniform Brillouin Stokes lines with 0.086 nm spacing are generated across the wavelength range. The average signal-to-noise ratio of 17 dB is obtained for all the Brillouin Stokes lines.

Susceptibilities of Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations to Cry1Ac insecticidal protein.

Susceptibilities of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) to Cry1Ac were measured via a diet-incorporated assay with MPV II at the University of Arkansas during 2002-2004. Lethal concentration-mortality (LC50) estimates of five laboratory, seven laboratory-cross, and 10 field populations of H. virescens varied 12-fold. Pooled susceptibilities of H. virescens across all laboratory and field populations varied five-fold. The LC50 estimates for H. virescens were higher than those reported by previous research before the introduction of transgenic crops. However, the ratio of susceptibility of laboratory and field populations was similar, suggesting no change in overall species susceptibility. Individual LC50 estimates of five laboratory, nine laboratory-cross, and 57 field populations of H. zea varied over 130-fold. Pooled susceptibilities across laboratory and field populations varied widely. Among the field populations, colonies from non-Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops were generally more susceptible than those from Bt crops. Across the Bt crops expressing Cry protein, colonies from Bollgard (Monsanto Company) cotton had lower susceptibility to CrylAc than those from Bt corn and those from non-Bt crops.

Brillouin-Raman comb fiber laser with cooperative Rayleigh scattering in a linear cavity.

We demonstrate a multiple-wavelength Brillouin comb laser with cooperative Rayleigh scattering that uses Raman amplification in dispersion-compensating fiber. The laser resonator is a linear cavity formed by reflector at each end of the dispersion-compensating fiber to improve the reflectivity of the Brillouin Stokes comb. Multiple Brillouin Stokes generation has been improved in terms of optical signal-to-noise ratio and power-level fluctuation between neighboring channels. Furthermore, the linewidth of the Brillouin Stokes is uniform within the laser output bandwidth.

Failed intubation secondary to complete tracheal rings: a case report and literature review.

Unanticipated difficult intubation in asymptomatic infants is a rare event. Most infants with congenital tracheal anomalies will present with airway problems. We present a case of failed intubation in an asymptomatic 8-day-old infant with complete tracheal rings. The infant could be ventilated with an LMA and surgery for placement of a ventricular-peritoneum shunt was completed. This is a report of the case and review of the literature.

Antifungal effects of different plant extracts and their major components of selected aloe species.

Different extracts of both fresh and dry leaves of Aloe eru A. Berger, A. vera L. Webb & Berth and A. arborescens Mill. were screened for their antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium herbarum and Fusarium moniliforme. The toxicity of the isolated pure components were evaluated on the tested fungi. A comparative chromatographic study was performed to differentiate between natural components existing in various fractions and extracts of Aloe species and specific spray reagents were used for the detection of anthraquinones in the isolated components.