Microplastics pollution in the Surma River, Bangladesh: A rising hazard to upstream water quality and aquatic life.

The ecological health of freshwater rivers is deteriorating globally due to careless human activities, for instance, the emission of plastic garbage into the river. The current research was the first assessment of microplastics (MPs) pollution in water, sediment, and representative organisms (fish, crustacean, and bivalve) from the Surma River. Water, sediment, and organisms were sampled from six river sites (Site 1: Charkhai; Site 2: Golapganj; Site 3: Alampur; Site 4: Kazir Bazar; Site 5: Kanishail and Site 6: Lamakazi), and major water quality parameters were recorded during sampling. Thereafter, MPs in water, sediment, and organism samples were extracted, and then microscopically examined to categorize selected MPs types. The abundance of MPs, as well as size, and color distribution, were estimated. Polymer types were analyzed by ATR-FTIR, the color loss of MPs was recorded, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) was calculated, and the relationship between MPs and water quality parameters was analyzed. Sites 4 and 5 had comparatively poorer water quality than other sites. Microplastic fibers, fragments, and microbeads were consistently observed in water, sediment, and organisms. A substantial range of MPs in water, sediment, and organisms (37.33-686.67 items/L, 0.89-15.12 items/g, and 0.66-48.93 items/g, respectively) was recorded. There was a diverse color range, and MPs of <200 µm were prevalent in sampling areas. Six polymer types were identified by ATR-FTIR, namely Polyethylene (PE), Polyamide (PA), Polypropylene (PP), Cellulose acetate (CA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Polystyrene (PS), where PE (41%) was recognized as highly abundant. The highest PLI was documented in Site 4 followed by Site 5 both in water and sediment. Likewise, Sites 4 and 5 were substantially different from other study areas according to PCA. Overall, the pervasiveness of MPs was evident in the Surma River, which requires further attention and prompt actions.

Comprehensive Analysis of Penicillium Sclerotiorum: Biology, Secondary Metabolites, and Bioactive Compound Potential─A Review.

The filamentous fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum is significant in ecological and industrial domains due to its vast supply of secondary metabolites that have a diverse array of biological functions. We have gathered the metabolic potential and biological activities associated with P. sclerotiorum metabolites of various structures, based on extensive research of the latest literature. The review incorporated literature spanning from 2000 to 2023, drawing from reputable databases including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed, among others. Ranging from azaphilones, meroterpenoids, polyketides, and peptides group exhibits fascinating potential pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects, holding promise in pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. Additionally, P. sclerotiorum showcases biotechnological potential through the production of enzymes like ß-xylosidases, ß-d-glucosidase, and xylanases, pivotal in various industrial processes. This review underscores the need for further exploration into its genetic foundations and cultivation conditions to optimize the yield of valuable compounds and enzymes, highlighting the unexplored potential of P. sclerotiorum in diverse applications across industries.

SPAK inhibitor ZT-1a attenuates reactive astrogliosis and oligodendrocyte degeneration in a mouse model of vascular dementia.

BACKGROUND: Astrogliosis and white matter lesions (WML) are key characteristics of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying VCID remain poorly understood. Stimulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport 1 (NKCC1) and its upstream kinases WNK (with no lysine) and SPAK (the STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase) play a role in astrocytic intracellular Na+ overload, hypertrophy, and swelling. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the effect of SPAK inhibitor ZT-1a on pathogenesis and cognitive function in a mouse model of VCID induced by bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS). METHODS: Following sham or BCAS surgery, mice were randomly assigned to receive either vehicle (DMSO) or SPAK inhibitor ZT-1a treatment regimen (days 14-35 post-surgery). Mice were then evaluated for cognitive functions by Morris water maze, WML by ex vivo MRI-DTI analysis, and astrogliosis/demyelination by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. RESULTS: Compared to sham control mice, BCAS-Veh mice exhibited chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and memory impairments, accompanied by significant MRI DTI-detected WML and oligodendrocyte (OL) death. Increased activation of WNK-SPAK-NKCC1-signaling proteins was detected in white matter tissues and in C3d+ GFAP+ cytotoxic astrocytes but not in S100A10+ GFAP+ homeostatic astrocytes in BCAS-Veh mice. In contrast, ZT-1a-treated BCAS mice displayed reduced expression and phosphorylation of NKCC1, decreased astrogliosis, OL death, and WML, along with improved memory functions. CONCLUSION: BCAS-induced upregulation of WNK-SPAK-NKCC1 signaling contributes to white matter-reactive astrogliosis, OL death, and memory impairment. Pharmacological inhibition of the SPAK activity has therapeutic potential for alleviating pathogenesis and memory impairment in VCID.

Assessment of dietary polyvinylchloride, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate exposure in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Bioaccumulation, and effects on behaviour, growth, hematology and histology.

Microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as emerging aquatic pollutants receiving major concern due to their detrimental effects on aquatic life. Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus is a model species considered in toxicological studies to address the effects of pollutants in freshwater animals. However, comprehensive knowledge comparing the impacts on fish across various MPs polymers is scarce. Therefore, the overarching aim of the current study was to examine the bioconcentration of MPs polymers: polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and their toxic effects on growth, and behavioral responses, hematology, and histology of gills, liver, and intestine in O. niloticus. Fishes were subjected to a 21-day dietary exposure to MPs by assigning them into six treatment groups: T1 (4% of PVC), T2 (4% of PP), T3 (4% of PET), T4 (8% of PVC), T5 (8% of PP), T6 (8% of PET), and control (0% of MPs), to assess the effects on fish across the polymers and dosage. Results showed several abnormalities in anatomical and behavioral parameters, lower growth, and high mortality in MPs-exposed fish, indicating a dose-dependent relationship. The elevated dosage of polymers raised the bioavailability of PVC, PP, and PET in gills and gut tissues. Noteworthy erythrocyte degeneration referred to cytotoxicity and stress imposed by MPs, whereas the alterations in hematological parameters were possibly due to blood cell damage, also indicating mechanisms of defense against MPs toxicity. Histopathological changes in the gills, liver, and intestine confirmed the degree of toxicity and associated dysfunctions in fish. A higher sensitivity of O. niloticus to PET-MPs compared to other polymers is likely due to its chemical properties and species-specific morphological and physiological characteristics. Overall, the present study reveals valuable insights into the emerging threat of MPs toxicity in freshwater species, which could be supportive of future toxicological research.

Total Knee Replacement in a Young Patient with Valgus Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report.

Introduction: Valgus deformity is characterized by an outward angulation of the knee joint. The most common cause of valgus deformity is osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent progressive joint disease that causes chronic pain and functional limitations. Total knee replacement (TKR) is rarely done in patients with grade-I valgus deformity and young age. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of its kind. Case Report: A 34-year-old man presented to us with 15 years of persistent, progressively worsening right knee pain that was interfering with his daily activities. No non-operative treatment could alleviate his severe pain. Physical examination revealed a positive valgus stress test, limited knee extension, and an asymmetrical gait. He was diagnosed with a grade-I valgus deformity of the right osteoarthritic knee. History, physical examination, and radiological findings confirmed the diagnosis. In consideration of severe pain and impaired quality of life, we opted to perform TKR using a medial parapatellar approach. Regular follow-ups were done after the procedure. He experienced no pain or recurrence of deformity. He was very satisfied with the result. His Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index score at 12 months following surgery was 5, indicating a favorable outcome. Conclusion: This case exhibits the effectiveness of TKR in treating grade-I valgus deformity of the osteoarthritic knee with severe pain in a young adult, resulting in improved pain alleviation, mobility, joint alignment, and overall quality of life.

Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials for Micro/Nanodevices: A New Era in Biomedical Applications.

Exploring bio-inspired nanomaterials (BINMs) and incorporating them into micro/nanodevices represent a significant development in biomedical applications. Nanomaterials, engineered to imitate biological structures and processes, exhibit distinctive attributes such as exceptional biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and unparalleled versatility. The utilization of BINMs demonstrates significant potential in diverse domains of biomedical micro/nanodevices, encompassing biosensors, targeted drug delivery systems, and advanced tissue engineering constructs. This article thoroughly examines the development and distinctive attributes of various BINMs, including those originating from proteins, DNA, and biomimetic polymers. Significant attention is directed toward incorporating these entities into micro/nanodevices and the subsequent biomedical ramifications that arise. This review explores biomimicry's structure-function correlations. Synthesis mosaics include bioprocesses, biomolecules, and natural structures. These nanomaterials' interfaces use biomimetic functionalization and geometric adaptations, transforming drug delivery, nanobiosensing, bio-inspired organ-on-chip systems, cancer-on-chip models, wound healing dressing mats, and antimicrobial surfaces. It provides an in-depth analysis of the existing challenges and proposes prospective strategies to improve the efficiency, performance, and reliability of these devices. Furthermore, this study offers a forward-thinking viewpoint highlighting potential avenues for future exploration and advancement. The objective is to effectively utilize and maximize the application of BINMs in the progression of biomedical micro/nanodevices, thereby propelling this rapidly developing field toward its promising future.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of water lily extracts and their effects on the quality of frozen Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets.

This study was investigated to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of water lily extracts and their effects on the quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets during frozen storage (-18 ± 1°C). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of water lily extracts, and chemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities of fish fillets were assessed. Results showed that the highest total phenolic content (34.07 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (32.67 mg QE/g extract) were found in the ethanolic extract and the lowest in water extract of water lily. The ethanolic extracts of water lily also exhibited the highest antioxidant capacities and antimicrobial activities than other hydroethanolic and water extracts. The water lily extracts-treated fish fillets showed the highest potentiality in lowering the pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances than the untreated fillets throughout the storage period. Moreover, ethanolic extracts of water lily exhibited comparatively higher efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth in fish fillets than other extracts-treated fillets. The ethanolic extracts-treated fillets also showed better sensory attributes than hydroethanolic and control fillets. Therefore, ethanolic extract of water lily can be used as a natural preservative in enhancing the quality and prolonging the shelf life of Nile tilapia fillets during frozen storage.

Analysis of bioactive compounds using LC-ESI-MS/MS, cytotoxic, antimicrobial effects, and enzyme activities from Cyclotrichium origanifolium.

Cyclotrichium origanifolium is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. In this study, phenolic content analysis, antimicrobial effects, and cytotoxic effects of extracts of C. origanifolium were investigated. In the extracts, phenolic compound analysis by the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method, antimicrobial effect by the minimum inhibition concentration method, and cytotoxic effect on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), glioblastoma cell (U87), ovarian adenocarcinoma cell (Skov-3), and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell (CaCo-2) cancer cell lines were investigated. Cytotoxicity analyses were performed by the MTT method. In addition, the GST and AChE enzyme activities of the extracts were also measured. Around 18 compounds were detected in both the methanol and ethanol extract. It was found that the best antimicrobial effect on Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa was on methanol extract, while the ethanol extract was on Candida albicans fungus (respectively, 2.50 mg/ml, 5.0 µg/ml). A 500 µg/ml of methanol extract has been shown to have cytotoxic activity high effect on HDF cells. GST and AChE activity were found to decrease in a concentration-dependent manner.

An International Perspective on Preceding Infections in Guillain-Barré Syndrome: The IGOS-1000 Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Infections play a key role in the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and have been associated with specific clinical features and disease severity. The clinical variation of GBS across geographical regions has been suggested to be related to differences in the distribution of preceding infections, but this has not been studied on a large scale. METHODS: We analyzed the first 1,000 patients included in the International GBS Outcome Study with available biosamples (n = 768) for the presence of a recent infection with Campylobacter jejuni, hepatitis E virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. RESULTS: Serologic evidence of a recent infection with C. jejuni was found in 228 (30%), M. pneumoniae in 77 (10%), hepatitis E virus in 23 (3%), cytomegalovirus in 30 (4%), and Epstein-Barr virus in 7 (1%) patients. Evidence of more than 1 recent infection was found in 49 (6%) of these patients. Symptoms of antecedent infections were reported in 556 patients (72%), and this proportion did not significantly differ between those testing positive or negative for a recent infection. The proportions of infections were similar across continents. The sensorimotor variant and the demyelinating electrophysiologic subtype were most frequent across all infection groups, although proportions were significantly higher in patients with a cytomegalovirus and significantly lower in those with a C. jejuni infection. C. jejuni-positive patients were more severely affected, indicated by a lower Medical Research Council sum score at nadir (p = 0.004) and a longer time to regain the ability to walk independently (p = 0.005). The pure motor variant and axonal electrophysiologic subtype were more frequent in Asian compared with American or European C. jejuni-positive patients (p < 0.001, resp. p = 0.001). Time to nadir was longer in the cytomegalovirus-positive patients (p = 0.004). DISCUSSION: Across geographical regions, the distribution of infections was similar, but the association between infection and clinical phenotype differed. A mismatch between symptom reporting and serologic results and the high frequency of coinfections demonstrate the importance of broad serologic testing in identifying the most likely infectious trigger. The association between infections and outcome indicates their value for future prognostic models.

Arsenic, iron, and manganese in groundwater and its associated human health risk assessment in the rural area of Jashore, Bangladesh.

This study investigated groundwater pollution and potential human health risks from arsenic, iron, and manganese in the rural area of Jashore, Bangladesh. Study results show that the mean value of groundwater pH is 7.25 ± 0.31, with a mean conductivity of 633.94 ± 327.41 µs/cm, while about 73, 97, and 91% of groundwater samples exceeded the Bangladesh drinking water standard limits for As, Fe, and Mn, respectively. Groundwater pollution evaluation indices, including the heavy metal pollution index, the heavy metal evaluation index, the degree of contamination, and the Nemerow pollution index, show that approximately 97, 82, 100, and 100% of samples are in the high degree of pollution category, respectively. Spatial distribution exhibited that the study area is highly exposed to As (73%), Fe (82%), and Mn (46%). In the case of non-carcinogenic health risk via oral exposure, about 94% of samples suggest a high category of risk for infants, and 97% of samples are found to be at high risk for children and adults. The carcinogenic risk of arsenic via an oral exposure pathway suggests that approximately 97% of the samples are found to be at high risk for infants, and all of the samples are at high risk for both adults and children.

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety.

Mounting evidence support the potential benefits of functional foods or nutraceuticals for human health and diseases. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), a highly valued nutraceutical herb with a wide array of health benefits, has attracted growing interest from health-conscious individuals, the scientific community, and pharmaceutical industries. The pleiotropic pharmacological effects of black cumin, and its main bioactive component thymoquinone (TQ), have been manifested by their ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation, and to promote immunity, cell survival, and energy metabolism, which underlie diverse health benefits, including protection against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders, cancer, and so on. Furthermore, black cumin acts as an antidote, mitigating various toxicities and drug-induced side effects. Despite significant advances in pharmacological benefits, this miracle herb and its active components are still far from their clinical application. This review begins with highlighting the research trends in black cumin and revisiting phytochemical profiles. Subsequently, pharmacological attributes and health benefits of black cumin and TQ are critically reviewed. We overview molecular pharmacology to gain insight into the underlying mechanism of health benefits. Issues related to pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions, drug delivery, and safety are also addressed. Identifying knowledge gaps, our current effort will direct future research to advance potential applications of black cumin and TQ in health and diseases.

Pretreatment of Blumea lacera leaves ameliorate acute ulcer and oxidative stress in ethanol-induced Long-Evan rat: A combined experimental and chemico-biological interaction.

Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC. is described as a valuable medicinal plant in various popular systems of medicine. The aim of the experiment reports the in vivo antiulcer activity of methanol extract of Blumea lacera (MEBLL) and in silico studies of bioactive constituents of MEBLL. In this study, fasted Long-Evans rat treated with 80 % ethanol (0.5 mL) to induce gastric ulcer, were pretreated orally with MEBLL at different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o., b.w) and omeprazole (20 mg/kg, p.o.) and distilled water were used as a reference drug and normal control respectively. In silico activity against gastric H+-K+ATPase enzyme was also studied. The findings demonstrated that the treatment with MEBLL attenuated markedly ulcer and protected the integrity of the gastric mucosa by preventing the mucosal ulceration altered biochemical parameters of gastric juice such total carbohydrate, total protein and pepsin activity. Additionally, the experimental groups significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited gastric lesions and malondealdehyde (MDA) levels and upregulated antioxidant enzymes level. Furthermore, nine compounds were documented as bioactive, displayed good binding affinities to against gastric H+-K+ATPase enzyme while these compounds illustrated inhibitory effect. From these studies, it is established MEBLL has ulcer healing property as unveiled by in vivo and in silico studies.

The Mechanistic Role of Thymoquinone in Parkinson's Disease: Focus on Neuroprotection in Pre-Clinical Studies.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the leading phytochemicals, which is abundantly found in Nigella sativa L. seeds. TQ exhibited various biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-tumoral in several pre-clinical studies. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a long-term neurodegenerative disease with movement difficulties, and the common feature of neurodegeneration in PD patients is caused by dopaminergic neural damage in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The neuroprotective activity of TQ has been studied in various neurological disorders. TQ-mediated neuroprotection against PD is yet to be reported in a single frame; therefore, this review is intended to narrate the potentiality of TQ in the therapy of PD. TQ has been shown to protect against neurotoxins via amelioration of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, thereby protecting neurodegeneration in PD models. TQ could be an emerging therapeutic intervention in PD management, but mechanistic studies remain to be investigated to clarify its neuroprotective role.

Computational SNP Analysis and Molecular Simulation Revealed the Most Deleterious Missense Variants in the NBD1 Domain of Human ABCA1 Transporter.

The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a membrane-bound exporter protein involved in regulating serum HDL level by exporting cholesterol and phospholipids to load up in lipid-poor ApoA-I and ApoE, which allows the formation of nascent HDL. Mutations in the ABCA1 gene, when presents in both alleles, disrupt the canonical function of ABCA1, which associates with many disorders related to lipid transport. Although many studies have reported the phenotypic effects of a large number of ABCA1 variants, the pathological effect of non-synonymous polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in ABCA1 remains elusive. Therefore, aiming at exploring the structural and functional consequences of nsSNPs in ABCA1, in this study, we employed an integrated computational approach consisting of nine well-known in silico tools to identify damaging SNPs and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to get insights into the magnitudes of the damaging effects. In silico tools revealed four nsSNPs as being most deleterious, where the two SNPs (G1050V and S1067C) are identified as the highly conserved and functional disrupting mutations located in the NBD1 domain. MD simulation suggested that both SNPs, G1050V and S1067C, changed the overall structural flexibility and dynamics of NBD1, and induced substantial alteration in the structural organization of ATP binding site. Taken together, these findings direct future studies to get more insights into the role of these variants in the loss of the ABCA1 function.

Fatty acid methyl ester analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from fruit pulps for biodiesel production using GC-MS spectrometry.

In this study, a total of six fungal samples were isolated from apple, strawberry and orange pulp. DNA sequence analysis was used as molecular identification method. ITS region was aligned in DNA sequence analysis, and an algorithm sequence similarity was done using BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) program to identify these isolates. All the six isolates were identified as Aspergillus fumigates. The total lipid content was varied in the isolates which were ranged from 29.4 to 21.0 mg/100 ml. Moreover, the obtained lipid form mycelium biomass of the isolates was transesterified by a base catalyst. The methyl esters were analyzed by using GC-MS. GC-MS Spectrometry revealed the presence of different fatty acids with long chain (C11:0, C15:0, C17:1, C18:2, C16:1). High efficiency biodiesel can be obtained using long-chain fatty acids. Fatty acid profiles of A. fumigatus isolated from different fruit pulps have confirmed its potentiality as well as showed the beneficial utilization of these fatty acids for biodiesel production.

A Rapid Spectrofluorometric Method for the Determination of Aluminum at Nano-trace Levels in Some Real, Environmental, Biological, Hemodialysis, Food, Pharmaceutical, and Soil Samples Using 2',3,4',5,7-Pentahydroxyflavone.

A very simple and non-extractive spectrofluorometric method for the swift determination of aluminum at nano-trace levels using 2',3,4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone (morin) has been developed. Morin reacts in a slightly acidic (0.005 - 0.025 M H2SO4) solution with aluminum in 20% ethanol to produce a highly fluorescent complex in aqueous solution, which has excitation and emission wavelengths of λex = 270 and λem = 565 nm, respectively. Linear calibration graphs were obtained for 0.01 - 800 µg L-1 of Al, providing a detection limit of 1 ng L-1. The limit of quantification of the reaction system was 10 ng L-1. The stoichiometric composition of chelate is 3:2 (Al:morin). The developed method was successfully used in the determination of aluminum in several Standard Reference Materials (SRM) as well as in some water, biological, hemodialysis solutions, food, pharmaceutical, soil sample, and complex synthetic mixtures. The results of the proposed method for biological and food analysis were found to be in excellent agreement with those obtained by AAS. The results of the proposed method for hemodialysis solutions were analogous with those obtained using the method described in British Pharmacopoeia within 95% confidence limits.

Considerable Synteny and Sequence Similarity of Primate Chromosomal Region VIIq31.

Human chromosome 7 has been the focus of many behavioral, genetic, and medical studies because it carries genes related to cancer and neurodevelopment. We examined the evolution of the chromosome 7 homologs, and the 7q31 region in particular, using chromosome painting analyses and 3 paint probes derived from (i) the whole of chimpanzee chromosome VII (wcVII), (ii) human 7q31 (h7q31), and (iii) the chimpanzee homolog VIIq31 (cVIIq31). The wcVII probe was used instead of the whole human chromosome 7 because the chimpanzee contains additional C-bands and revealed large areas of synteny conservation as well as fragmentation across 20 primate species. Analyses focusing specifically on the 7q31 homolog and vicinity revealed considerable conservation across lineages with 2 exceptions. First, the probes verified an insertion of repetitive sequence at VIIq22 in chimpanzees and bonobos and also detected the sequence in most subtelomeres of the African apes. Second, a paracentric inversion with a breakpoint in the cVIIq31 block was found in the common marmoset, confirming earlier studies. Subsequent in silico comparative genome analysis of 17 primate species revealed that VIIq31.1 is more significantly conserved at the sequence level than other regions of chromosome VII, which indicates that its components are likely responsible for critical shared traits across the order, including conditions necessary for proper human development and wellbeing.

FAS promoter polymorphisms and serum sFas level are associated with increased risk of nerve damage in Bangladeshi patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder of the peripheral nervous system triggered by molecular mimicry between pathogen lipopolysaccharides and host nerve gangliosides. Polymorphisms in the Fas receptor (FAS) and Fas ligand (FASL) genes may potentially alter the elimination of autoreactive immune cells and affect disease susceptibility or disease severity in GBS. We detected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FAS (-1377G/A and -670A/G) and FASL (-843C/T) in a prospective cohort of 300 patients with GBS and 300 healthy controls from the Bangladeshi population. Genotype distributions were not significantly different between patients with GBS and healthy controls. The FAS -670 AG heterozygous (P = 0.0005, OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.5-4.2) and GG homozygous (P = 0.0048, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.3-5.0) genotypes were more common in patients with anti-GM1 antibodies than patients without anti-GM1 antibodies. The FAS -670 G allele was more prevalent in anti-GM1 antibody-positive than -negative patients (P = 0.0002, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4-2.7) and also in patients with the axonal subtype than demyelinating subtype (P < 0.0001, OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 2.3-10.1). The 1377G/-670G GG haplotype was significantly associated with the axonal subtype (P < 0.0001) and anti-ganglioside antibody-positivity (P = 0.0008) in GBS. Serum sFas (237.5 pg/mL vs. 159.5 pg/mL; P < 0.0001) and sFasL (225.1 pg/mL vs. 183.4 pg/mL; P = 0.0069) were elevated in patients with GBS compared to healthy controls, and among patients with high serum sFas was associated with severe GBS (P = 0.0406). In conclusion, this study indicates FAS-FASL promoter SNPs may promote the production of cross-reactive anti-ganglioside antibodies in GBS.

Wallet Neuritis - An Example of Peripheral Sensitization.

BACKGROUND: Wallet neuritis is an example of extra-spinal tunnel neuropathy concerning sciatic nerve. Its clinical appearance often gets confused with sciatica of lumbar spine origin. Wallet- induced chronic sciatic nerve constriction produces gluteal and ipsilateral lower extremity pain, tingling, and burning sensation. It was Lutz, first describing credit-card wallet sciatica in an Attorney, surfaced on Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), 1978; however, the condition has not been well-studied in various other occupations. CASE SUMMARY: In this write-up, we take the privilege of demonstrating wallet neuritis as an example of peripheral sensitization in three different professionals' namely specialist doctor, driver, and banker first time in Bangladesh. All the three patients' demonstrated aggravated gluteal pain with radiation on the homo-lateral lower extremity while remained seated on heavy wallet for a while, fortunately improved discontinuing such stuff with. Alongside radical wallectomy, piriformis stretching exercise on the affected side had also been recommended and found worthy in terms of pain relief. CONCLUSION: long-standing use of rear pocket wallet may compress and sensitize ipsilateral sciatic nerve, generating features resembling lumbago sciatica; thereby, remains a source of patients' misery and diagnostic illusion for pain physicians as well.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha -863C/A polymorphism is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome in Bangladesh.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a post-infectious autoimmune polyneuropathy regulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines; TNFA polymorphisms may exert immune pathogenic roles in GBS. We assessed TNFA promoter region polymorphisms (-238G/A, -308G/A, -857C/T, -863C/A) in Bangladeshi patients with GBS (n=300) and healthy controls (n=300) by PCR-RFLP and ASO-PCR. TNFA -863CA was significantly associated with GBS disease susceptibility (P=0.0154) and disease severity (P=0.0492). TNFA -238A allele was more frequent among anti-ganglioside (GM1) antibody-positive patients (P=0.0092) and -863AA associated with AMAN subtype of GBS (P=0.0398). TNFA -863C/A may contribute to GBS severity and pathogenesis in Bangladeshi patients.