Prevalence of Abnormal Semen Parameters among the Infertile Couples Seeking Infertility Treatment.

Infertility, affecting 60 to 80 million couples globally, is clinically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual contact. Male factors contribute significantly, comprising 40.0% to 50.0% of infertility cases. While the prevalence ranges from 5.0% to 30.0% in developing countries, the exact global prevalence remains unknown. The study, conducted at CMH and Ibn Sina Hospital, Jashore from October 2020 to September 2023, utilized a cross-sectional approach; examining 4173 samples aged 21 to 41. Exclusion criteria considered known female reproductive abnormalities or medications impacting male fertility. Standardized procedures, in-depth questionnaires and SPSS software version 15.0 were employed, adhering to World Health Organization Guidelines. In a study of 4173 seeking infertility treatment, 63.0% had abnormal semen parameters, with 45.0% aged 31-40 years. Addiction patterns: 76.0% used tobacco, 14.0% reported alcohol and tobacco. Occupations: 43.0% government workers, 41.0% private workers. Marriage duration: 44.0% married 5-10 years, infertility duration: 64.0% less than 6 years. Semen analysis showed 40% with sperm count above 65 million, 46.0% with 60.0-90.0% motile sperm, and 78.0% with sperm morphology below 15.0%. The most prevalent abnormality is asthenozoospermia 59%, with oligozoospermia and azoospermia observed in 31% and 3% of cases, respectively. This study highlights the global complexity of male infertility, emphasizing genetic factors in infertile couples. Addressing sample bias and the lack of national epidemiological data underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive research to advance global infertility diagnosis and treatment.

Animal, human, and environmental perspectives on anthrax in Bangladesh.

Background: In Bangladesh, the zoonotic transmission of anthrax from animals to humans poses substantial challenges for prevention and control programs, especially in resource-constrained settings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on anthrax infections in animals, humans, and the environment to enable better design of prevention and control strategies. Materials and methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines to collect data on anthrax infection in animals and humans from reports between 1980 and January 2023. We used a standardized data extraction template to collect data on study location, year, hosts, deaths and risk factors responsible for anthrax occurrences at the animal, human and environmental sectors. Subsequently, we conducted a thorough analysis of the data gathered to identify the factors responsible for anthrax occurrences and to propose updated strategies for anthrax prevention and control. Results: Of the 27 articles analyzed, 20 focused on animal or human anthrax, while seven addressed environmental contaminations. A total of 6354 cases of anthrax infection in animals were recorded, with 998 fatalities and an overall case fatality of 15.7 %. In humans, inadequate knowledge about anthrax and its transmission was a significant factor. Risk factors for human cutaneous anthrax included activities such as slaughtering diseased animals and contact with contaminated raw meat or blood. Risky practices such as disposal of animal carcasses in floodwaters or water bodies were observed in some areas, contributing to the persistence of the anthrax pathogen in the environment. Conclusions: Our study highlights the necessity of a multisectoral One Health approach to effectively control and prevent anthrax outbreaks in both animals and humans. This approach should include comprehensive vaccination programs, social and behavioral change activities, environmental management, and the establishment of surveillance systems. Implementing these recommendations will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by anthrax in low-resource settings.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with human Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) in rural and urban areas of Quetta, Pakistan.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are endemic worldwide and more prevalent in countries with unhygienic conditions. The objective of the research was to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas of Quetta, Balochistan and to check their associated risk factors including; age, gender, educational status, sanitary system and any other immunodeficiency. For this instance 204 stool samples were collected from the urban and rural population of Quetta, Balochistan. The participants with positive results for Intestinal Parasitic Infections were interviewed using close-ended questionnaire. From the findings of this study, it has been revealed that prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas was 21%. Males were found more prevalent (66%) as compared to females (34%) due to higher risk of contacting to outer environment. The prevalence was higher in rural areas (23%). The most prevalent intestinal parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (48%). Other prevailing parasites were Hymenolepis nana (26%), Giardia Intestinalis (17%), Trichomonas hominis (5%) and Trichuris trichiura (5%). The majority of patients were having lower socio-economic (52%) and educational status (48%). Educational status of 48% patients was primary or below primary. Most of the participants with positive results did not have hand washing habit (62%) and didn't have the closed sanitary system (71%). The intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent among children aged from 1-10 (33%). This may be a result of poor hygiene in children. The study will contribute to lower down the prevalence in the studied areas by the application of different preventive measures in future.

Antioxidant associated chemoprophylaxis effect of natural spice and green vegetable on hepatotoxicity.

This is a case control and cohort study, conducted at Department of Biochemistry in FUAST, compressing 24 number of albino Wistar rats. Illicium verum (star anise) natural spice and green vegetable broccoli are used for chemo-preventive herbal treatment in relation with vitamin C antioxidant activity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in liver of model rats by giving interperitoneally single injection of 200 mg/kg bod weight (B.W) of N-nitrosodiethylamine and orally giving 1 mg/kg BW phenobarbital for 14 days during disease prorogation period. The vitamin C analysis from Illicium verum (star anise), green broccoli, orange juice, orange peel and orange pulp was done by iodometric quantitative and qualitative titration method. Rats were given compound according to their bodyweight as 1 mg/kg B.W. After 14 days (Disease Promotion and Propagation Period) and 28 days (Disease cure period) of treatment behavioral activity was monitored by locomotors activity in open field experiment, stimulatory activity in home cage and anxiolytic effects observed in light and dark apparatus and also in T maze. Behavioral activity were significantly increased in Illicium verum and green broccoli treated rats. Hematological study including hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW) and Platelets was done by abbot laboratory analyzer cell. The value of Hb and RBC was also significantly increased in star anise and broccoli treated rats, showed proper function of RBC in microcirculation. WBC was also in normal range revealed that no disease regards to bone marrow and leukemia's. The biochemical activity of rats including urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, amylase and calcium in blood serum were analyzed while, liver health or performance was also determined by LFT (liver function test). Behavioral and laboratorial variables were analyzed by using SPSS v. 20 and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study report noticeable significant effect of Illicium verum and broccoli on hepatotoxicity of experimental model. Recent experimental study statistical outcomes show reciprocal relationship between the consumption of vegetable diet and natural spice with the risk of Hepatotoxicity. Thus, the aim of the study is to enhance the function of star anise or illicium verum natural spice and green vegetable broccoli as an anticancer or chemoprophylaxis agent.

Rhus coriaria extracts inhibit quorum sensing-related virulence and biofilm production in drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from burn wounds.

Objectives: Numerous studies have confirmed sumac's ability to inhibit pathogens and even eradicate chronic drug-resistant infections. Current research was conducted to demonstrate the action of various sumac extracts at sub-inhibitory concentrations in modulating pathogen-related characteristics instead of killing them. Materials and Methods: The influence of sumac extracts on the quorum sensing dependent virulence of multidrug-resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from burn wounds was considered by detecting the effect on biofilm development, various virulence factors, and expression of bacterial exotoxin A and quorum sensing related genes. Results: Experiments to characterize and measure sumac extract's impact on the P. aeruginosa growth, biofilm, exoproteases, pyocyanin, motility, and the quorum sensing networks revealed that all studied characteristics were reduced by concentrations below inhibition without affecting bacterial growth. Furthermore, the expression of exotoxin A, rhl, and las glucons was declined or even inhibited by lower levels of sumac fruit fractions. Conclusion: The findings revealed that sumac fights infections either by its inhibitory effect on the bacterial cells or by reducing bacterial signaling and virulence by disruption of the bacterial signal system.

An Edge-Supported Blockchain-Based Secure Authentication Method and a Cryptocurrency-Based Billing System for P2P Charging of Electric Vehicles.

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is constantly increasing, as they use relatively greener, sustainable energy. However, it is a fact that the charging stations for EVs are yet to meet the demand. It could be a great solution if a peer-to-peer (P2P) charging system could be initiated by anyone who wants to make their garage's charge points publicly available for commercial purposes, named a home charging station (HCS). In this work, our idea is to bring interested charging stations under a network of nodes and a blockchain-based management system, where the blockchain is responsible for ensuring the authenticity of both the charging stations and charge receiver. A cryptocurrency-based payment system has also been proposed to ensure transactions' security, integrity, transparency, and immutability. A reputation management system is applied to maintain the quality of service. Miners with high processing power are used to alleviate lagging during block creation, supported by edge servers. The proposed system has been implemented by using virtual machines. A theoretical analysis is presented to assess the compatibility and possible cost requirements to implement the system in a real-world scenario.

Assessment of aquatic macro-invertebrates communities and water quality parameters of River Zhob, Balochistan, Pakistan.

Environmental stress caused by pollution is often assessed by diversity of macro-invertebrate species in specific aquatic habitat. To find out seasonal fluctuations in various macro-invertebrates communities and different water quality parameters of River Zhob, a research trial was conducted on River Zhob, Balochistan. Samples of macro-invertebrates and water were taken from four different stations of River Zhob. A total 18 taxa of various macro-invertebrates were identified from the area. Phylum Arthropoda constitute 94.8% of the total population followed by Mollusca (3.6%) and Annelida (1.4%). A large number of arthropods were belonged to order Diptera (1148), while the order Trichoptera was stood second with respect to macro-invertebrate´s number (441). The maximum numbers of macro-invertebrates were observed in the month of January. All physico-chemical parameters of River Zhob such as air temperature, water temp, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were within the range, suitable for the healthy growth of macro-invertebrates. Diversified populations of various macro-invertebrates confirm good ecological condition of environment and water in the studied site especially ample concentration of DO in River. The documented data on macro-invertebrates in studied site will provide a baseline for future research.

The challenging airway: Tracheal agenesis in the newborn.

A preterm female presented with severe respiratory distress in the delivery room and was found to have tracheal agenesis with a tracheoesophageal fistula and a congenital heart defect. Tracheal agenesis is uncommon and is often associated with other congenital abnormalities. Although there are surgical options for repair, mortality remains high.

Effect of glutathione on pre and post-freezing sperm quality of Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi).

During cryopreservation sperm encounter oxidative stress due to higher production of ROS molecules and insufficient natural antioxidant defence system. Therefore, present study was designed to identify the effects of various glutathione (GSH) concentrations on Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) sperm quality and fertility pre-freezing and post-thaw incubation hours. Semen was collected from eight cocks and qualified semen ejaculates having motility >65% were pooled after initial evaluation. Semen was divided in four aliquots, diluted with red fowl extender (1:5) at 37 °C having GSH 0 mM (control), 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM, cryopreserved and stored at (-196 °C) in liquid nitrogen. Semen quality was assessed at post dilution, cooling, equilibration, and freeze-thawing at 0, 2 and 4 h of incubation at 37 °C. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial function were recorded highest (P < 0.05) with 0.5 mM GSH in extender at post-dilution, cooling, equilibration, freeze-thawing and 0, 2 and 4 h of incubation. Lipid peroxidation in sperm and seminal plasma were recorded lowest (P < 0.05) with 0.5 mM GSH during cryopreservation stages and post-thawing incubation. Moreover, antioxidant activities (total antioxidant potential and free radical scavenging capacity) were recorded highest (P < 0.05) in extender having 0.5 mM GSH. Fertility rates were recorded higher (P < 0.05) with 0.5 mM GSH compared to control. It is concluded that 0.5 mM GSH in extender improves sperm structural (sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity), functional integrity (motility, mitochondrial function) and fertility parameters of Indian red jungle fowl through enriching antioxidant potential and ameliorating the oxidative stress.

A Blockchain-Based Authentication Protocol for Cooperative Vehicular Ad Hoc Network.

The efficiency of cooperative communication protocols to increase the reliability and range of transmission for Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET) is proven, but identity verification and communication security are required to be ensured. Though it is difficult to maintain strong network connections between vehicles because of there high mobility, with the help of cooperative communication, it is possible to increase the communication efficiency, minimise delay, packet loss, and Packet Dropping Rate (PDR). However, cooperating with unknown or unauthorized vehicles could result in information theft, privacy leakage, vulnerable to different security attacks, etc. In this paper, a blockchain based secure and privacy preserving authentication protocol is proposed for the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). Blockchain is utilized to store and manage the authentication information in a distributed and decentralized environment and developed on the Ethereum platform that uses a digital signature algorithm to ensure confidentiality, non-repudiation, integrity, and preserving the privacy of the IoVs. For optimized communication, transmitted services are categorized into emergency and optional services. Similarly, to optimize the performance of the authentication process, IoVs are categorized as emergency and general IoVs. The proposed cooperative protocol is validated by numerical analyses which show that the protocol successfully increases the system throughput and decreases PDR and delay. On the other hand, the authentication protocol requires minimum storage as well as generates low computational overhead that is suitable for the IoVs with limited computer resources.

Intravaginal insemination depth influences fertility outcomes in Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi).

The depth of intravaginal insemination to achieve optimum fertility with frozen-thawed semen is highly species specific in birds and differ even in breed and/or strains of a species. Therefore, study was designed to evaluate the influence of intravaginal insemination depths (2 and 4 cm) on fertility outcome in Indian red jungle fowl. Semen collected from eight mature cocks was pooled, diluted in extender and cooled to 4 °C. Glycerol (20%) was added to chilled semen, equilibrated for 10 min and cryopreserved. After 3 days of storage, frozen semen was thawed in water bath at 37 °C for 30 s. After glycerol removal, intravaginal Inseminations were performed at the depth of 2 and 4 cm. The no. of fertilized eggs (31.4 ± 1.6 vs. 27.7 ± 1.8), fertility rate (65.7 ± 3.6 vs. 58.8 ± 4.0), no. of hatched chicks (27.8 ± 1.9 vs. 23.5 ± 1.6), hatchability of set eggs (58.8 ± 4.3 vs. 49.7 ± 3.2) and hatchability of fertilized eggs (88.4 ± 2.8 vs. 84.3 ± 2.2) were recorded higher with intravaginal depth of 4 cm compared to 2 cm. It is concluded that intravaginal insemination at the depth of 4 cm enhances the fertility outcomes of the frozen-thawed Indian red jungle fowl semen.

Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in Selected Small Scale Commercial Broiler Farms of Bangladesh Related to Good Farm Practices.

Poultry origin Campylobacter is considered as one of the leading causal agents of human foodborne illness. This study was conducted to estimate the occurrence, molecular identification, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Campylobacter species from the broiler farms in Bangladesh. Samples (352) were collected from 32 farms and comprised of 128 cloacal swab, 64 feed, 64 drinking water, 64 attendants' hand rinsed water, and 32 whole carcasses. All samples were tested for the presence of Campylobacter via cultural, biochemical, and PCR. The AMR was determined via the disc diffusion method. An overall occurrence of Campylobacter spp. was estimated as 26.4%. The level of Campylobacter contamination was found to be higher in conventional farms (36.4%) than the good practice farms (16.5%) including all sample categories (p = 0.000). Of 93 isolates, 67.74% and 32.26% were confirmed as C. jejuni and C. coli respectively, of which 34.92% C. jejuni, and 30% C. coli were shown to be multidrug-resistant. A significant occurrence of Campylobacter contamination in broiler farms with multidrug resistant patterns might be cogitated as serious food safety and public health concern linking to poultry food chain. A risk reduction approach through good farming practices targeting the prudent use of antimicrobials for broiler production is thus necessitated.

Risk of multi-drug resistant Campylobacter spp. and residual antimicrobials at poultry farms and live bird markets in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Understanding potential risks of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens from the booming poultry sector is a crucial public health concern. Campylobacter spp. are among the most important zoonotic pathogens associated with MDR infections in poultry and human. This study systematically examined potential risks and associated socio-environmental factors of MDR Campylobacter spp. in poultry farms and live bird markets (LBMs) of Bangladesh. METHODS: Microbial culture and PCR-based methods were applied to examine the occurrence and MDR patterns of Campylobacter spp. in potential sources (n = 224) at 7 hatcheries, 9 broiler farms and 4 LBMs in three sub-districts. Antimicrobial residues in broiler meat and liver samples (n = 50) were detected by advanced chromatographic techniques. A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted on socio-environmental factors. RESULTS: Overall, 32% (71/ 224) samples were found contaminated with Campylobacter spp. In poultry farms, Campylobacter spp. was primarily found in cloacal swab (21/49, 43%), followed by drinking water (8/24, 33%), and meat (8/28, 29%) samples of broilers. Remarkably, at LBMs, Campylobacter spp. was detected in higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in broiler meat (14/26, 54%), which could be related (p < 0.01) to bacterial contamination of drinking water (11/21, 52%) and floor (9/21, 43%). Campylobacter isolates, one from each of 71 positive samples, were differentiated into Campylobacter jejuni (66%) and Campylobacter coli (34%). Alarmingly, 49 and 42% strains of C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively, were observed as MDR, i.e., resistant to three or more antimicrobials, including, tetracycline, amoxicillin, streptomycin, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides. Residual antimicrobials (oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin) were detected in majority of broiler liver (79%) and meat (62%) samples, among which 33 and 19%, respectively, had concentration above acceptable limit. Inadequate personal and environmental hygiene, unscrupulously use of antimicrobials, improper waste disposal, and lack of health surveillance were distinguishable risk factors, with local diversity and compound influences on MDR pathogens. CONCLUSION: Potential contamination sources and anthropogenic factors associated with the alarming occurrence of MDR Campylobacter, noted in this study, would aid in developing interventions to minimize the increasing risks of poultry-associated MDR pathogens under 'One Health' banner that includes poultry, human and environment perspectives.

Effect of dimethylformamide on sperm quality and fertilizing ability of Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi).

The present study investigates the efficacy of dimehtlyformamide (DMF) as a permeable cryoprotectant and its effect on quality and fertility of Indian red jungle fowl sperm. Semen was collected from eight mature roosters, pooled, divided into five aliquots and diluted with red fowl extender having DMF (0%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%). Diluted semen samples were cooled from 37 °C to 4 °C, 20% glycerol added to control (0% DMF), equilibrated for 10 min and filled in 0.5 mL French straws, kept over liquid nitrogen vapors for 10 min and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility, plasma membrane functionality, viability and acrosome integrity were assessed at post dilution, cooling, equilibration and freeze-thawing stage of cryopreservation. Cryopreservation stages had negative effects (P < 0.05) on semen quality parameters. Percentages of sperm motility, plasma membrane functionality, viability and acrosome integrity were recorded highest in extender having 8% DMF at post-dilution, cooling, equilibration and freeze-thawing stage. Fertility results after artificial insemination were recorded higher (P < 0.05) with 8% DMF compared to 20% glycerol. Dimehtlyformamide (8%) in red fowl extender improves the post thaw semen quality and fertility in Indian red jungle fowl and can be used effectively to avoid the contraceptive effects of glycerol.

Identification and characterization of Salmonella spp. from samples of broiler farms in selected districts of Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Salmonella spp. are an important group of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify and characterize of Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler farms of Gazipur, Tangail, and Dhaka districts of Bangladesh. This study also evaluated the difference of Salmonella positivity status between two groups of farms, good practices adapted in broiler rearing at the project intervened farms, and non-project intervened traditional farms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 352 samples including 128 cloacal swabs, 32 whole carcasses, 64 feed, 64 water, and 64 attendants' hand rinses were collected through convenient sampling technique from 16 poultry food safety project of Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations Bangladesh intervened farms and other 16 non-project intervened farms in the same location. Various cultural based techniques and biochemical methods were employed for the estimation of prevalence, isolation, and identification of Salmonella spp. which was further evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Antimicrobial susceptibility test using disk diffusion methods and serogrouping by slide agglutination test was accomplished for additional characterization. RESULTS: Among the samples, an overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 31.25% (110/352) (95% confidence interval [CI]=26.44-36.38%). However, the prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 24.43% (43/176) (95% CI=18.28-31.47) in project intervened farms and 38.07% (67/176) (95% CI=30.87-45.68%) in non-intervened farms. Among the 110 isolates, 31.82% (35/110) were fitted under serogroup B, and the rest of the isolates 75 (68.18%) under serogroup D. Of 110 isolates, 82.72%, 77.27%, 81.82%, and 79.09% were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, norfloxacin, and streptomycin, respectively. In addition, 81.82% and 80% isolates were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline, respectively. Isolated Salmonella spp. presented moderate resistance to both amoxicillin and azithromycin. Alarmingly, 80.91% (89/110) isolates were shown to be multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp. CONCLUSION: The study has presented a significant variation of the prevalence of Salmonella spp. between project intervened and non-project intervened farms, and this indicates project intervened farms are comparatively safer than the non-intervened farms considering public health and food safety grounds. This research outcome also has highlighted a substantial proportion of poultry origin multidrug resistance Salmonella spp. is a potential source of public health hazards. In this regard, proper awareness creation and motivational activities on good agriculture practices in poultry rearing and maintaining good personal hygiene at the farmers' level are warranted through participatory training.

Low concentrations of local honey modulate Exotoxin A expression, and quorum sensing related virulence in drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from infected burn wounds.

OBJECTIVES: Honey's ability to kill microorganisms and even eradication of chronic infections with drug-resistant pathogens has been documented by numerous studies. The present study is focused on the action of honey in its sub-inhibitory levels to impact on the pathogens coordinated behaviors rather than killing them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The impact of local honey on the quorum sensing related virulence of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa burn isolates was investigated by detection its effect on the virulence, biofilm formation and expression of quorum sensing related and exotoxin A genes. RESULTS: Experiments to characterise and quantify the impact of honey on the P. aeruginosa quorum sensing networks showed that the expression of exotoxin A ( ETA), las and rhl glucons reduced by low concentrations of honey including the associated virulence factors. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that honey fights infections either by its bactericidal components which vigorously kill cells or by weakening bacterial coordination and virulence through interruption of quorum sensing system.

The human lung mucosa drives differential Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection outcome in the alveolar epithelium.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is deposited into the alveolus where it first encounters the alveolar lining fluid (ALF) prior contacts host cells. We demonstrated that M.tb-exposure to human ALF alters its cell surface, driving better M.tb infection control by professional phagocytes. Contrary to these findings, our results with non-professional phagocytes alveolar epithelial cells (ATs) define two distinct subsets of human ALFs; where M.tb exposure to Low (L)-ALF or High(H)-ALF results in low or high intracellular bacterial growth rates in ATs, respectively. H-ALF exposed-M.tb growth within ATs was independent of M.tb-uptake, M.tb-trafficking, and M.tb-infection induced cytotoxicity; however, it was associated with enhanced bacterial replication within LAMP-1+/ABCA1+ compartments. H-ALF exposed-M.tb infection of ATs decreased AT immune mediator production, decreased AT surface adhesion expression, and downregulated macrophage inflammatory responses. Composition analysis of H-ALF vs. L-ALF showed H-ALF with higher protein tyrosine nitration and less functional ALF-innate proteins important in M.tb pathogenesis. Replenishment of H-ALF with functional ALF-innate proteins reversed the H-ALF-M.tb growth rate to the levels observed for L-ALF-M.tb. These results indicate that dysfunctionality of innate proteins in the H-ALF phenotype promotes M.tb replication within ATs, while limiting inflammation and phagocyte activation, thus potentiating ATs as a reservoir for M.tb replication and survival.

Comparative Study of Alginate and Omeprazole in Symptomatic Treatment of Non-erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is widely reported most prevalent disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Asia and the majority of patients have non-erosive reflux disease. This prospective, open label, non random (consecutive), experimental study was performed due to compare the therapeutic efficacy of alginate and omeprazole in relieving symptoms of non erosive reflux disease (NERD) and was carried out in the Outpatient Department of Gastroenterology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from December 2013 to May 2014. Sixty patients were enrolled for this study and were divided into two groups. Among them, 30 subjects were assigned to the omeprazole group (Group I) and 30 subjects to the alginate group (Group II). Omeprazole 20mg enteric coated capsule daily and alginate 10ml three times daily were administered 14 days in this study. In ITT analysis, achieving complete symptom relief (heart burn) was 56.7% in alginate group & 60% in omeprazole group. Statistically which was not significant (p=0.793). In PP analysis, this was 65.4% and 66.7% respectively. In this study, the overall satisfaction of omeprazole & alginate was more than 86% and the mean duration of heart burn free was found 5.0±4.0 days in Group I and 3.65±2.8 days in Group II. The difference was not statistically (p>0.05) significant between two groups in this study. Therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles of alginate were comparable to omeprazole after two weeks treatment in NERD subjects. So alginate may be considered as a relevant and effective alternative medication in non-erosive reflux.

Investigation of animal anthrax outbreaks in the human-animal interface at risky districts of Bangladesh during 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to explore the outbreak situation in terms of animal, place, and time towards minimizing the risk of animal infection at the source in future and subsequent spillover in human in the endemic rural settings. METHODOLOGY: An outbreak investigation team from the Department of Livestock Services visited in each of the outbreak sites to explore the event towards strengthening the control program in the future. Meat samples of the infected slaughtered animals were collected to confirm the causal agent of the animal outbreak using polychrome methylene blue microscopic examination technique. Participatory epidemiology tool such as semi-structured interview had been used in these investigations to realize the knowledge and practices of local people/cattle keepers on anthrax control and prevention in animal and human as well. RESULTS: All identified affected human cases had been confirmed as a history of contact with the animal carcasses or handling/processing with infected meat. The level of awareness at the community level was not satisfactory for the prevention and control of anthrax at the source and further spillover in human. The infected slaughtered animals found to be in non-vaccinated status during the outbreak investigation and uncontrolled animal movement is considered to be responsible for new outbreaks in a vaccinated zone where enforcement of veterinary legislation is inadequate. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive preparedness and response strategy is to be obligatory for prevention, control and respond on anthrax in Bangladesh. Maximum vaccination coverage in the animal, increase community awareness of animal and human anthrax are also demanded for transmission of anthrax from animal to human.

Cancer cervix: An uncommon malignancy in Kashmir, India.

OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of cancers among females with particular emphasis on cancer cervix in Kashmiri population, which is geographically and socio-culturally distinct from the rest of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patient records were screened from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011 at Regional Cancer Centre, Srinagar. Most common cancers among females were recorded and analysis of cancer cervix cases was performed. RESULTS: Female cancers comprised of 40% of total cancers with oesophageal and breast cancer as most common malignancies. Cancer cervix did not figure in top ten cancers and only 45 (0.01%) cases were recorded of the total of 3084 adult female cancers. CONCLUSION: We conclude that due to different socio-cultural and sexual practices, this cancer is highly uncommon in Kashmir and screening or possibly should be directed specifically at only high risk selective subjects.