Exploring the potential of Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus PMC203 in inducing autophagy to reduce the burden of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a lethal pathogen in human history, causes millions of deaths annually, which demands the development of new concepts of drugs. Considering this fact, earlier research has explored the anti-tuberculosis potential of a probiotic strain, Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus PMC203, leading to a subsequent focus on the molecular mechanism involved in its effect, particularly on autophagy. In this current study, immunoblotting-based assay exhibited a remarkable expression of autophagy marker LC3-II in the PMC203 treated group compared to an untreated group. A remarkable degradation of p62 was also noticed within treated cells compared to control. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence-based assay showed significant fold change in fluorescence intensity for alexa-647-LC3 and alexa-488-LC3, whereas p62 was degraded noticeably. Moreover, lysosomal biogenesis generation was elevated significantly in terms of LAMP1 and acidic vesicular organelles. As a result, PMC203-induced autophagy played a vital role in reducing M. tuberculosis burden within the macrophages in treated groups compared to untreated group. A colony -forming unit assay also revealed a significant reduction in M. tuberculosis in the treated cells over time. Additionally, the candidate strain significantly upregulated the expression of autophagy induction and lysosomal biogenesis genes. Together, these results could enrich our current knowledge of probiotics-mediated autophagy in tuberculosis and suggest its implications for innovatively managing tuberculosis.

Biochemical Recurrence in Prostate Cancer Is Associated with the Composition of Lactobacillus: Microbiome Analysis of Prostatic Tissue.

Many human pathologies, such as malignancy, are linked with specific bacteria and changes in the constituents of the microbiome. In order to examine the association between an imbalance of bacteria and prostate carcinoma, a comparison of the microbiomes present in patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) or NO BCR (NBCR) was performed. Additionally, 16S rRNA-based next-generation sequencing was applied to identify the bacterial profiles within these tumors in terms of the bacteria and operational genes present. The percentage average taxonomic composition between the taxa indicated no difference between BCR and NBCR. In addition, alpha and beta diversity indices presented no distinction between the cohorts in any statistical method. However, taxonomic biomarker discovery indicated a relatively higher population of Lactobacillus in the NBCR group, and this finding was supported by PCR data. Along with that, differences in the operational activity of the bacterial genes were also determined. It is proposed that the biochemical recurrence was linked to the quantity of Lactobacillus present. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiome involved in prostate carcinoma and the potential association between them.

Optimization of Anthocyanin Production in Tobacco Cells.

Plant cell cultures have emerged as a promising tool for producing active molecules due to their numerous advantages over traditional agricultural methods. Flavonols, and anthocyanin pigments in particular, together with other phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, are known for their beneficial health properties, mainly due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. The synthesis of these molecules is finely regulated in plant cells and controlled at the transcriptional level by specific MYB and bHLH transcription factors that coordinate the transcription of structural biosynthetic genes. The co-expression of peach PpMYB10.1 and PpbHLH3 in tobacco was used to develop tobacco cell lines showing high expression of both the peach transgenes and the native flavonol structural genes. These cell lines were further selected for fast growth. High production levels of chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin 3-rutinoside), and other phenolics were also achieved in pre-industrial scale-up trials. A single-column-based purification protocol was developed to produce a lyophile called ANT-CA, which was stable over time, showed beneficial effects on cell viability, and had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing activities. This lyophile could be a valuable ingredient for food or cosmetic applications.

Molecular analysis of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes reveal BoTT8 associated with purple hypocotyl of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.).

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) is a highly nutritious vegetable that typically forms pure green or purple florets. However, green broccoli florets sometimes accumulate slight purplish pigmentation in response environmental factors, decreasing their market value. In the present study, we aimed to develop molecular markers to distinguish broccoli genotypes as pure green or purplish floret color at the early seedling stage. Anthocyanins are known to be involved in the purple pigmentation in plants. The purplish broccoli lines were shown to accumulate purple pigmentation in the hypocotyls of very young seedlings; therefore, the expression profiles of the structural and regulatory genes of anthocyanin biosynthesis were analyzed in the hypocotyls using qRT-PCR. BoPAL, BoDFR, BoMYB114, BoTT8, BoMYC1.1, BoMYC1.2, and BoTTG1 were identified as putative candidate genes responsible for the purple hypocotyl color. BoTT8 was much more highly expressed in the purple than green hypocotyls; therefore, it was cloned and sequenced from various broccoli lines, revealing SNP and InDel variations between these genotypes. We tested four SNPs (G > A; A > T; G > C; T > G) in the first three exons and a 14-bp InDel (ATATTTATATATAT) in the BoTT8 promoter in 51 broccoli genotypes, and we found these genetic variations could distinguish the green lines, purple lines, and F1 hybrids. These novel molecular markers could be useful in broccoli breeding programs to develop a true green or purple broccoli cultivar.

Abscisic acid and ethylene biosynthesis-related genes are associated with anthocyanin accumulation in purple ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala).

Purple ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a popular decorative plant, cultivated for its colorful leaf rosettes that persist in cool weather. It is characterized by green outer leaves and purple inner leaves, whose purple pigmentation is due to the accumulation of anthocyanin pigments. Phytohormones play important roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis in other species. Here, we identified 14 and 19 candidate genes putatively involved in abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (ET) biosynthesis, respectively, in B. oleracea. We determined the expression patterns of these candidate genes by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Among candidate ABA biosynthesis-related genes, the expressions of BoNCED2.1, BoNCED2.2, BoNCED6, BoNCED9.1, and BoAAO3.2 were significantly higher in purple compared to green leaves. Likewise, most of the ET biosynthetic genes (BoACS6, BoACS9.1, BoACS11, BoACO1.1, BoACO1.2, BoACO3.1, BoACO4, and BoACO5) had significantly higher expression in purple compared to green leaves. Among these genes, BoNCED2.1, BoNCED2.2, BoACS11, and BoACO4 showed particularly strong associations with total anthocyanin content of the purple inner leaves. Our results suggest that ABA and ET might promote the intense purple pigmentation of the inner leaves of purple ornamental cabbage.

Genome-Wide Characterization of NBS-Encoding Genes in Watermelon and Their Potential Association with Gummy Stem Blight Resistance.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a nutritionally rich and economically important horticultural crop of the Cucurbitaceae family. Gummy stem blight (GSB) is a major disease of watermelon, which is caused by the fungus Didymella bryoniae, and results in substantial economic losses in terms of yield and quality. However, only a few molecular studies have focused on GSB resistance in watermelon. Nucleotide binding site (NBS)-encoding resistance (R) genes play important roles in plant defense responses to several pathogens, but little is known about the role of NBS-encoding genes in disease resistance in watermelon. The analyzed NBS-encoding R genes comprises several domains, including Toll/interleukin-1 receptor(TIR), NBS, leucine-rich repeat (LRR), resistance to powdery mildew8(RPW8) and coiled coil (CC), which are known to be involved in disease resistance. We determined the expression patterns of these R genes in resistant and susceptible watermelon lines at different time points after D. bryoniae infection by quantitative RT-PCR. The R genes exhibited various expression patterns in the resistant watermelon compared to the susceptible watermelon. Only six R genes exhibited consistent expression patterns (Cla001821, Cla019863, Cla020705, Cla012430, Cla012433 and Cla012439), which were higher in the resistant line compared to the susceptible line. Our study provides fundamental insights into the NBS-LRR gene family in watermelon in response to D. bryoniae infection. Further functional studies of these six candidate resistance genes should help to advance breeding programs aimed at improving disease resistance in watermelons.

Transcriptome profiling of two contrasting ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) lines provides insights into purple and white inner leaf pigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is an attractive landscape plant that remains colorful at low temperatures during winter. Its key feature is its inner leaf coloration, which can include red, pink, lavender, blue, violet and white. Some ornamental cabbages exhibit variation in leaf color pattern linked to leaf developmental stage. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying changes in leaf pigmentation pattern between developmental stages. RESULTS: The transcriptomes of six ornamental cabbage leaf samples were obtained using Illumina sequencing technology. A total of 339.75 million high-quality clean reads were assembled into 46,744 transcripts and 46,744 unigenes. Furthermore, 12,771 genes differentially expressed across the different lines and stages were identified by pairwise comparison. We identified 74 and 13 unigenes as differentially expressed genes related to the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway and chlorophyll metabolism, respectively. Among them, three unigenes (BoC4H2, BoUGT9, and BoGST21) and six unigenes (BoHEMA1, BoCRD1, BoPORC1, BoPORC2, BoCAO, and BoCLH1) were found as candidates for the genes encoding enzymes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway and chlorophyll metabolism, respectively. In addition, two unigenes (BoRAX3 and BoTRB1) as MYB candidates, two unigenes (BoMUTE1, and BHLH168-like) as bHLH candidates were identified for purple pigmentation in ornamental cabbage. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the purple inner leaves of purple ornamental cabbage result from a high level of anthocyanin biosynthesis, a high level of chlorophyll degradation and an extremely low level of chlorophyll biosynthesis, whereas the bicolor (purple/green) outer leaves are due to a moderate level of anthocyanin biosynthesis, a high level of chlorophyll degradation and a very low level of chlorophyll biosynthesis. In white ornamental cabbage, the white inner leaves are due to an extremely low level or absence of anthocyanin biosynthesis, a high level of chlorophyll degradation and a very low level of chlorophyll biosynthesis, whereas the bicolor (white/green) leaves are due to a high level of chlorophyll degradation and a low level of chlorophyll biosynthesis and absence of anthocyanin biosynthesis. These results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying inner and bicolor leaf pigmentation in ornamental cabbage and offer a platform for assessing related ornamental species.

Molecular analysis of anthocyanin-related genes in ornamental cabbage.

Ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a winter-grown and important decorative plant of the family Brassicaceae, which displays an exceptional coloration in the central leaves of the rosette. Anthocyanins are the key determinant of the red, purple, and blue colors of vegetative and reproductive parts of many plant species including ornamental cabbage. Total anthocyanin content was measured spectrophotometrically, and the highest anthocyanin content was detected in the red followed by light-red and white ornamental cabbage lines. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is controlled by members of three different transcription factor (TF) families, such as MYB, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), and WD40 repeats (WDR), which function as a MBW complex. We identified three MYB, six bHLH, and one WDR TFs that regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in ornamental cabbage. The expression of the regulatory and biosynthetic genes for anthocyanin synthesis was determined by qPCR. The tested structural genes of the anthocyanin pathway were shown to be up-regulated in the red followed by light-red ornamental cabbage lines; however, the expression levels of the late biosynthetic genes were barely detected in the white ornamental cabbage lines. Among the regulatory genes, BoPAP2 (MYB), BoTT8, BoEGL3.1, and BoMYC1.2 (bHLH), and BoTTG1 (WDR) were identified as candidates for the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. This work could be useful for the breeding of novel colorful ornamental cabbage cultivars.

Identification of NBS-encoding genes linked to black rot resistance in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata).

Heading cabbage is a nutritionally rich and economically important cruciferous vegetable. Black rot disease, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, reduces both the yield and quality of the cabbage head. Nucleotide binding site (NBS)-encoding resistance (R) genes play a vital role in the plant immune response to various pathogens. In this study, we analyzed the expression and DNA sequence variation of 31 NBS-encoding genes in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). These genes encoded TIR, NBS, LRR and RPW8 protein domains, all of which are known to be involved in disease resistance. RNA-seq revealed that these 31 genes were differentially expressed in leaf, root, silique, and stem tissues. Furthermore, qPCR analyses revealed that several of these genes were more highly expressed in resistant compared to susceptible cabbage lines, including Bol003711, Bol010135, Bol010559, Bol022784, Bol029866, Bol042121, Bol031422, Bol040045 and Bol042095. Further analysis of these genes promises to yield both practical benefits, such as molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding, and fundamental insights to the mechanisms of resistance to black rot in cabbage.

Experience Managing Adult Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis in Bangladesh.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is becoming increasingly known to the patients of Bangladesh, and patient numbers are increasing. Here, we report our experience and clinical outcomes in this field.Our analysis included all CAPD patients managed in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh between 2003 and 2015. All patients received a Tenckhoff double-cuff catheter by mini-laparotomy, and twin bags were used in most patients. In acute cases, regular exchanges were started manually with small-volume dwells the same or the next day.During the study period, 500 patients (mean age: 62 ± 18 years; 62% men; 86% percent with diabetes) were managed. Selection of CAPD was made by choice (47%) or for hemodynamic instability (32%), remote residence (17%), or poor vascular access (4%). Total duration of follow-up was 9364 patient-months (range: 1 - 78 months). The peritonitis rate was 1 episode in 30 patient-months. Fewer than 5% of patients required catheter removal. Similarly, the percentages of catheter tip migration and fluid leak were at the lower end. Patient survival was 68%, 48%, 38%, 22%, and 8% at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years. Deaths were mostly attributable to vascular events.In a population with predominantly diabetic patients, CAPD was shown to be a viable mode of renal replacement therapy. The rates of peritonitis and catheter-related complications were low. Survival in the initial years can be considered acceptable.

Gummy Stem Blight Resistance in Melon: Inheritance Pattern and Development of Molecular Markers.

Gummy stem blight (GSB) causes enormous losses to melon (Cucumis melo L.) production worldwide. We aimed to develop useful molecular markers linked to GSB resistance. In this study, 168 F2 plants were obtained from the F1 population of a cross between the GSB-susceptible 'Cornell ZPPM 339' and the GSB-resistant 'PI482399' lines. A 3:1 ratio of susceptible and resistant genotypes was observed in the F2 population, indicating control by a single recessive gene. Nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) genes confer resistance against insects and diseases in cucurbits including melon. We cloned and sequenced the TIR-NBS-LRR-type resistance gene MELO3C022157, located on melon chromosome 9, from resistant and susceptible lines. Sequence analysis revealed deletions in the first intron, a 2-bp frameshift deletion from the second exon and a 7-bp insertion in the 4th exon of the resistant line. We developed two insertion/deletion (InDel) markers, GSB9-kh-1 and GSB9-kh-2, which were found in the first intron of MELO3C022157 linked to GSB resistance. We validated these markers with the F2 population and inbred lines. These InDels may be used to facilitate marker-assisted selection of GSB resistance in melon. However, functional analysis of overexpressing and/or knock-down mutants is needed to confirm the frameshift mutation.

Fleshy seeds form in the basal Angiosperm Magnolia grandiflora and several MADS-box genes are expressed as fleshy seed tissues develop.

One successful mechanism of seed dispersal in plants involves production of edible fleshy structures which attract frugivorous animals and transfer this task to them. Not only Angiosperms but also Gymnosperms may use the fleshy fruit habit for seed dispersal, and a similar suite of MADS-box genes may be expressed as these structures form. Magnolia grandiflora produces dry follicles which, at maturity, open to reveal brightly colored fleshy seeds. This species thus also employs endozoochory for seed dispersal, although it produces dry fruits. Molecular analysis reveals that genes involved in softening and color changes are expressed at late stages of seed development, when the fleshy seed sarcotesta softens and accumulates carotenoids. Several MADS-box genes have also been studied and results highlight the existence of a basic genetic toolkit which may be common to all fleshy fruit-like structures, independently of their anatomic origin. According to their expression patterns, one of two AGAMOUS genes and the three SEPALLATA genes known so far in Magnolia are of particular interest. Duplication of AGAMOUS already occurs in both Nymphaeales and Magnoliids, although the lack of functional gene analysis prevents comparisons with known duplications in the AGAMOUS lineage of core Eudicots.

Regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in peach fruits.

MAIN CONCLUSION: MYB10.1 and MYB10.3, with bHLH3, are the likely regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis in peach fruit. MYB10.1/2/3 forms a cluster on the same genomic fragment where the Anther color ( Ag ) trait is located. Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds responsible for the pigmentation of many plant parts such as leaves, flowers, fruits and roots, and have potential benefits to human health. In peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], peel color is a key determinant for fruit quality and is regulated by flavonoids including anthocyanins. The R2R3 MYB transcription factors (TFs) control the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes with the help of co-activators belonging to the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and WD40 repeat families. In the peach genome six MYB10-like and three bHLH-like TFs were identified as candidates to be the regulators of the anthocyanin accumulation, which, in yellow flesh fruits, is highest in the peel, abundant in the part of the mesocarp surrounding the stone and lowest in the mesocarp. The expression of MYB10.1 and MYB10.3 correlates with anthocyanin levels of different peach parts. They also have positive correlation with the expression of key structural genes of the anthocyanin pathway, such as CHS, F3H, and UFGT. Functions of peach MYB10s were tested in tobacco and shown to activate key genes in the anthocyanin pathway when bHLHs were co-expressed as partners. Overexpression of MYB10.1/bHLH3 and MYB10.3/bHLH3 activated anthocyanin production by up-regulating NtCHS, NtDFR and NtUFGT while other combinations were not, or much less, effective. As three MYB10 genes are localized in a genomic region where the Ag trait, responsible for anther pigmentation, is localized, it is proposed they are key determinant to introduce new peach cultivars with higher antioxidant level and pigmented fruit.

Anti-tuberculosis effect of microbiome therapeutic PMC205 in extensively drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the increase in antibiotic resistance threatens humankind. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new anti-tuberculosis drugs that can overcome the limitations of existing drugs. Here, we report the anti-tuberculosis effect of microbiome therapeutic PMC205, a strain of Bacillus subtilis. METHODS: The anti-tuberculosis activity of probiotics was evaluated in mouse models of lethal and latent pulmonary tuberculosis induced by high or low-dose infection of the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strain. Probiotics were administered by inhalation, and the burden of M. tuberculosis in the lungs, along with mortality and clinical observations, were monitored for 12 weeks and 8 months, respectively. For an in-depth understanding, analysis of the microbiome and inflammatory profile of the lung microenvironment and induction of autophagy in vitro were explored. RESULTS: After inhalation administration of PMC205 for 3 months, the survival rate was 100%, unlike all deaths in the saline-treated group, and the burden of M. tuberculosis in the lungs was reduced by log 1.3 in the 8-month latent tuberculosis model. Moreover, PMC205 induced recovery of disrupted lung microflora, increased butyric acid, and suppressed excessive inflammation. It also promoted autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm PMC205's anti-tuberculosis effect, suggesting that it can be developed as an adjuvant to current antibiotic therapy to solve the drug-resistant tuberculosis problem.

Clinical effect of Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 on hyperpigmented skin.

BACKGROUND: The excessive production and accumulation of melanin in the epidermal skin layer can result in skin hyperpigmentation and darkening. Current technologies for regulating melanin are based on inhibiting melanin biosynthesis. They have low effectiveness and safety issues. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 as a probiotic strain in medicines and cosmetics for skin treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Meanwhile, our research team has reported that P. acidilactici PMC48 strain isolated from sesame leaf kimchi can directly decompose the already synthesized melanin. It can also inhibit melanin biosynthesis. In the present study, we investigated the skin-whitening effect of this strain by arranging an 8-week clinical trial with 22 participants. PMC48 was applied to each participant's artificially UV-induced tanned skin in the clinical trial. Its whitening effect was investigated based on visual evaluation, skin brightness, and melanin index. RESULTS: PMC48 showed a significant effect on the artificially induced pigmented skin. The color intensity of the tanned skin was decreased by 47.647%, and skin brightness was increased by 8.098% after the treatment period. PMC48 also significantly decreased the melanin index by 11.818%, indicating its tyrosinase inhibition capacity. Also, PMC48 improved skin moisture content level by 20.943%. Additionally, 16S rRNA-based amplicon sequencing analysis showed a distinct increase in Lactobacillaceae in the skin by up to 11.2% at the family level without affecting other skin microbiota. Furthermore, it showed no toxicity in in vitro or in vivo analyses. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that P. acidilactici PMC48 is a promising probiotic strain that can be used to develop medicines and cosmetic products to solve skin-related problems. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that P. acidilactici PMC48 can be a potential probiotic for the cosmetic industry against different skin disorders.

Low-bagging (growth) stretch denim yarn production by spinning optimization of cotton-wrapped dual-core elastane and T400 multifilament.

Cotton-wrapped elastane core yarns have been widely used in producing stretch denim fabrics due to their comfortable stretching and recovery, but they suffer from undesirable fabric growth under prolonged or repeated stress. To reduce that problem, an additional semi-elastic multifilament has been incorporated with the elastane core, called dual-core yarn. Herein, it was intended to produce well-engineered dual-core yarns possessing high elasticity with low bagging. Twenty types of cotton-wrapped elastane/T400 multifilament dual-core yarns with different combinations of elastane and T400 tension draft were produced on industrial scale in a spinning mill. Structural parameters, tensile properties and elastic recovery behavior under cyclic loading of the yarns were thoroughly studied. For an optimum combination of elastane/T400 draft, the dual-core yarn attained excellent tenacity and elongation with significantly low evenness, imperfections and hairiness values. More importantly, the results of the cyclic loading study explicitly revealed a remarkable reduction in plastic deformation and stress decay indicating low growth and high resilience of yarn after deformation. The dual-core yarn containing high strength, high elongation and low growth obtained here can have durable stretch jeans with high body movement comfort and long-lasting shape retention.

Para Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis: A Case Report.

Rarely, post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) may coexist with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The concomitant PKDL and VL are referred to as Para-kala-azar dermal Leishmaniasis. We report a case of Para kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in a chronic Hepatitis-B virus-infected patient who presented with an abdominal lump and multiple maculopapular skin lesions and is resistant to sodium stibogluconate but successfully treated with liposomal Amphotericin-B.

Modification of Bulk Density, Flow Property and Crystallinity of Microcrystalline Cellulose Prepared from Waste Cotton.

The most affordable type of tablet is the immediately compressible tablet, which uses microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a popular pharmaceutical excipient, as a filler or binder. To make it compatible with different active drugs and excipients, we tried to change some physical properties of the MCC. In the current study, we used a chelating agent to pretreat the waste cotton before pulping, bleaching, and finally, hydrochloric acid degradation with a concentration of 2N at 100 °C temperature for 20 min to prepare MCC. The prepared MCC was treated with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide at room temperature or at -20 °C followed by precipitation with hydrochloric acid or ethanol with complete washing with distilled water till neutralization. Evaluation of the degree of polymerization (DP) and FT-IR spectrum confirm the identity of the microcrystalline cellulose. The DP was found to be 216. The bulk density of the unmodified MCC was 0.21 while that of modified MCC varied from 0.253 to 0.594. The modified MCC powder showed good flow properties compared to the unmodified MCC as evaluated by the Hausner index, Carr's index and the angle of repose. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the MCC revealed that the rod shape has been changed to an oval shape due to treatment with sodium hydroxide at -20 °C. The X-ray crystallographic (XRD) analysis indicated that the unmodified MCC and standard MCC showed the crystallinity index (CrI) value of 86.82% and 87.63%, respectively, while the value ranges from 80.18% to 60.7% among the modified MCC powder. The differences in properties of the MCC might be due to the variation of rearrangement of the cellulose chain among the MCC particles due to treatment with different concentrations of a base at different temperatures and precipitation environments. This has enabled us to prepare MCC with different properties which might be compatible with different drugs.

Depression among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Cross-sectional Study in a Tertiary Hospital of Bangladesh.

Background: Patients with chronic hepatitis B suffer not only from physical illness. Rather, they often present with the mental health consequences of this chronic disease. Objective: The major objective was to assess the level of depression among patients having chronic hepatitis B. Method: The Department of Hepatology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University directed this study which was a comparative cross-sectional study during time duration from September 2021 to September 2022. Incidence and grading of depression between patients with chronic hepatitis B and HBsAg negative healthy volunteers were assessed and compared through this study. The association of different variables with depression among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients was also measured. Results: Out of 90 patients having chronic hepatitis B, 52 (57.8%) were found to have some degree of depression; whereas among 90 HBsAg-negative healthy controls, 32 (35.6%) were found to have various degrees of depression. The dissimilarity between the two groups was significantly determined (p-value < 0.05). The majority of the depressed population from both groups had mild degrees of depression, however, the variance was not top the notch (p-value > 0.05). But the prevalence of moderate depression and moderately severe depression was statistically significant among CHB patients compared to their counterpart controls. Depression among CHB patients was found to be female-predominant. Conclusion: The study has shown a higher prevalence of depression among patients with chronic hepatitis B compared to HBsAg-negative healthy controls. How to cite this article: Rahman M, Noor-E-Alam SM, Rahim MA, et al. Depression among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Cross-sectional Study in a Tertiary Hospital of Bangladesh. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2023;13(2):79-83.

Colletotrichum truncatum Causing Anthracnose of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Malaysia.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a popular nutritious vegetable crop grown in Malaysia and other parts of the world. However, fungal diseases such as anthracnose pose significant threats to tomato production by reducing the fruit quality and food value of tomato, resulting in lower market prices of the crop globally. In the present study, the etiology of tomato anthracnose was investigated in commercial tomato farms in Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 22 fungal isolates were obtained from anthracnosed tomato fruits and identified as Colletotrichum species, using morphological characteristics. The phylogenetic relationships of multiple gene sequence alignments such as internal transcribed spacer (ITS), ß-tubulin (tub2), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), actin (act), and calmodulin (cal), were adopted to accurately identify the Colletotrichum species as C. truncatum. The results of pathogenicity tests revealed that all C. truncatum isolates caused anthracnose disease symptoms on inoculated tomato fruits. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of tomato anthracnose caused by C. truncatum in Malaysia. The findings of this study will be helpful in disease monitoring, and the development of strategies for effective control of anthracnose on tomato fruits.