Respiratory Complications of COVID-19 Survivors in Bangladesh: A Radiological Evaluation.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing percentage of COVID-19 survivors exhibit post-COVID symptoms. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess radiological findings in individuals having post-COVID respiratory problems. This study was conducted in the Departments of Radiology and Imaging and Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 2021 to June 2022 and included 30 COVID survivors aged 40 to 65 years. We employed a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire including socio-demographic information, clinical data and CT chest imaging parameters. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated, as well as multiple linear regressions. Among 30 participants, 56.0% were male. The mean age of the respondents was 51.20 years (standard deviation of 7.09), ranging from 40 to 65 years. Approximately one-third of the participants had at least one co-morbid condition where hypertension (26.67%), diabetes (26.67%), chronic interstitial lung disease (16.67%) and obesity (16.67%) were most commonly recorded. Approximately 20.0% of participants were smokers. The incident of at least one post-COVID symptom was 100.0%. Approximately 73.0% presented with post-COVID lethargy, 16.67% with SoB (Shortness of Breath), and 90.0% of participants complaint of self-reported anxiety. We have found a positive correlation between age and overall lung involvement. The most common lung tomographic findings were fibrosis (93.0%) and diffuse ground glass opacity (70.0%). Interstitial lung thickening was found in 50.0% of cases and bronchiectasis accounted for 16.67%. In 6.6% of cases, there was no pulmonary lesion. It was notifiable that, with time, the feature of DGGO (diffuse ground glass opacity) became subtle and the total lung involvement decreased from 75.0% to about 25.0% during the post-COVID period. Timely assessment for post-COVID pulmonary sequelae by high-resolution CT chest scan might play an important role in modulating a treatment plan for patients suffering from the post-COVID syndrome.

Collaural Sinus: A Case Report.

First branchial cleft anomalies are embryological defect account for 8-10% of all branchial cleft defects. Approximately 17% of all Paediatric cervical masses are due to branchial anomalies. Despite of the fact that these anomalies are benign, secondary infection, positional effect and complication of treatment like surgery account for morbidity. Here one such case of 30 years old lady who presented to us with one discharging sinus in the floor of the right external auditory canal with a swelling in the upper neck for about 20 years. On examination showed one discharging sinus opening in the floor of right external auditory canal (EAC) and a cystic swelling in upper neck between sternomastoid and mandible. While compression over the swelling cheesy discharge comes out from EAC. MRI showed oval shaped fluid signal intensity lesion measuring about 4 × 2.1 × 1.6cm in right infra auricular region with slit like curvilinear tract about 10mm extending from upper part of the lesion opening into the antero-inferior part of external auditory canal at the junction of bony and cartilaginous part. Histopathology report showed a cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium; wall is composed of fibrocollagenous tissue with mucous gland. The wall is densely infiltrated with lymphocytes forming lymphoid follicles at places. This paper presents a case report of collaural sinus from Otology unit, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Evaluation of knowledge regarding gestational diabetes mellitus: a Bangladeshi study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Bangladeshi people. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study involving 1374 participants was conducted in 15 outpatient clinics of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh and its affiliated associations, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and four medical college hospitals in Bangladesh from August 2015 to December 2015. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information related to sociodemographic status, level of education, types of profession, and medical history. The questionnaire included eight questions on GDM. Level of knowledge (mean ± 1 standard deviation [SD]) was categorized as poor, average, and good. Descriptive, Chi-squared, and regression analysis were performed to express the results. RESULTS: Of total knowledge score of 8, participants' mean knowledge score (±SD) was 2.7 ± 1.5. The levels of good, average, and poor knowledge were 26.3%, 63.1%, and 10.6%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, participants aged below 30 years (P < 0.001), male gender (P < 0.001), high-income group (P < 0.001), having university education (P < 0.001), health professionals (P < 0.001), capital Dhaka city residents (P < 0.001), those with family history of diabetes (P = 0.007), and participants with diabetes (P = 0.007) were found to be significantly associated with the good knowledge score. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in this study had average knowledge about GDM. New innovative strategies should be developed to improve the knowledge of GDM among health professionals and general population.

Stoichiometry, Length, and Wall Thickness Optimization of TiO2 Nanotube Array for Efficient Alcohol Sensing.

The present study concerns development of an efficient alcohol sensor by controlling the stoichiometry, length, and wall thickness of electrochemically grown TiO2 nanotube array for its use as the sensing layer. Judicious variation of H2O content (0, 2, 10 and 100% by volume) in the mixed electrolyte comprising ethylene glycol and NH4F resulted into the desired variation of stoichiometry. The sensor study was performed within the temperature range of 27 to 250 °C for detecting the alcohols in the concentration range of 10-1000 ppm. The nanotubes grown with the electrolyte containing 2 vol % H2O offered the maximum response magnitude. For this stoichiometry, variation of corresponding length (1.25-2.4 µm) and wall thickness (19.8-9 nm) of the nanotubes was achieved by varying the anodization time (4-16 h) and temperatures (42-87 °C), respectively. While the variation of length influenced the sensing parameters insignificantly, the best response magnitude was achieved for ∼13 nm wall thickness. The underlying sensing mechanism was correlated with the experimental findings on the basis of structural parameters of the nanotubes.

Role of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the detection of endometrial hyperplasia.

Transvaginal sonography is superior to transabdominal sonography in most cases of pelvic pathology. A cross sectional study was done with forty patients to evaluate the clinical usefulness of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) in pre, peri and post menopausal women suspected to have endometrial hyperplasia.. The study was carried out January 2007 to November 2008 for a period of two years. The patients having endometrial hyperplasia diagnosed by TVS were correlated with histopathological diagnosis. Of total 40 cases, 18(45.0%) cases were endometrial hyperplasia and 22(55.0%) were negative for endometrial hyperplasia respectively in TVS findings. Only 2 cases were found as negative for endometrial hyperplasia in histopathology among the all suspected endometrial hyperplasia, which were diagnosed by TVS. On the other hand 17(42.5%) cases were endometrial hyperplasia and 23(57.5%) cases were negative for endometrial hyperplasia in histopathological findings. Among 22 negative for endometrial hyperplasia cases which were diagnosed by TVS, 1 case was endometrial hyperplasia and the rest 21 cases were negative for endometrial hyperplasia in histopathological findings. The validity of TVS in diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia were studied by calculating sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, which were 94%, 92%, 93%, 89% and 96% respectively. As the TVS findings of the present study correlated well with the histopathology findings and the validity test values were higher than observed by others, it can be concluded that TVS is sensitive and accurate modality in the evaluation of endometrial hyperplasia.

Anomalous recovery characteristics of Pd modified ZnO nanorod based acetone sensor.

Unmodified and Pd modified Zinc Oxide (ZnO) hexagonal nanorods, grown by Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD), is reported in this paper for efficient detection of acetone vapor. After details structural characterization (XRD, FESEM and AFM) the nanorod based sensors were tested in resistive mode for detection of acetone in the concentration range of - 190-3040 ppm. By Pd surface modification the optimum working temperature was brought down from 350 degrees C (unmodified) to 300 degrees C with appreciable improvement in response magnitude (90% to 99%) also. Strikingly, the recovery time, after Pd modification, became faster than the corresponding response time up to certain concentrations range (190-1530 ppm) and above this concentration (> or = 1530-3040 ppm) response time was found to be faster than recovery time which is similar to the case with unmodified nanorods (for entire concentration range). There are earlier reports on such faster recovery (compared to response), but no proper explanation was provided. In this paper we tried to explain this apparent anomaly of recovery characteristics through concentration dependent reaction rate variation following Arrhenius equations. Also a correlation between the parameters of the corresponding electrical equivalent circuit of the sensor has been established.

Role of transvaginal sonography in the detection of endometrial carcinoma.

Transvagival sonography is superior to transabdominal sonography in most cases of pelvic pathology. Objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) in pre, peri and post menopausal women suspected to have endometrial carcinoma. This cross sectional study was done with 40 patients who are clinically suspected having thickened endometrium. The study was carried out January 2007 to November 2008 for a period of two years. The patients having endometrial carcinoma diagnosed by TVS was correlated with histopathological diagnosis following collection of the report from the respective cases. Of total 40 cases, 2 (5.0%) cases were endometrial carcinoma and 38 (95.0%) were negative for endometrial carcinoma respectively in TVS findings. On the other hand 3 (7.5%) cases were endometrial carcinoma and 37 (92.5%) cases were negative for endometrial carcinoma in histopathological findings. The validity of TVS in diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma were studied by calculating sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, which were 67 percent, 100 percent, 98 percent, 100 percent and 97 percent respectively. As the TVS findings of the present study correlated well with the histopathology findings and the validity test values were higher than observed by others, it can be concluded that TVS is sensitive and accurate modality in the evaluation of endometrial carcinoma.

HbA(1c) as a diagnostic tool for diabetes and pre-diabetes: the Bangladesh experience.

AIMS: To evaluate HbA(1c) as a tool for the diagnosis of diabetes and pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose) and to identify the optimal cut-off values suitable for a Bangladeshi population. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey in a rural community, 2293 randomly selected individuals aged ≥ 20 years without prior history of diabetes were included. HbA(1c) and other clinical covariates necessary for the diagnosis of diabetes were recorded. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were defined according to the World Health Organization 1999 criteria. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the performance of HbA(1c). RESULTS: The prevalences of diabetes and pre-diabetes were 7.9 and 8.6%, respectively. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, an HbA(1c) cut-off value of ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) gave an optimal sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 93.3%, with an area under the curve of 0.949 to predict diabetes using the oral glucose tolerance test as the gold standard; a cut-off value of ≥ 38 mmol/mol (≥ 5.6%) gave an optimal sensitivity of 68.0% and specificity of 66.4%, with an area under the curve of 0.714 to predict pre-diabetes. In subjects at high risk of diabetes, HbA(1c) ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) showed higher sensitivity than fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/l, 2-h plasma glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l and HbA(1c) ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥ 6.5%). CONCLUSIONS: An HbA(1c) cut-off value of ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) was highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing diabetes mellitus. This optimal cut-off level may be suitable as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes in a Bangladeshi population.

Formulation, In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics of Anti-HIV Vaginal Bioadhesive Gel.

Inexpensive and female-controlled pre-exposure prophylaxis strategies to prevent mucosal transmission of the virus, is urgently needed with the rising prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and HIV2) infections in women. Zidovudine-loaded bioadhesive vaginal gel may become one of the very useful strategies, as it can be used not only for controlled release but also for enhancing bioavailability. Drug delivery through vaginal gel is a promising area for continued research with the aim of achieving controlled release with enhanced bioavailability over longer periods of time. The aim of the study was to develop a newer prolong releasing Zidovudine (AZT) bioadhesive vaginal gel to treat HIV infections with increased patient convenience. AZT-loaded bioadhesive vaginal gel was prepared successfully by using cold mechanical method. F3 formulation containing carbopol-HPMC (1:3) was selected and evaluated in order to achieve objectives of this study. In vitro drug release study of F3 showed in 24 h drug released following case I Fickian (n ≤ 0.5) transport mechanism, and in vivo drug release was found much better (T(max)), (C(max)), and bioavailability (F) comparison with oral pour drug solution. It was also showed good extrudability, spreadability, and bioadhesive strength. A generalized protocol, for the further research, in this area will surely expected to yield significant outcome with improved drug delivery system.

Photophysics of thionine dye in aqueous and liposome media in presence of different reducing agents.

The photoelectrochemical and spectral (both absorption and fluorescence) studies of thionine, a cationic phenothiazine dye, have been carried out in aqueous and phosphatidylcholine liposome media in the presence of different reducing agents, such as I(-), Br(-), Cl(-) and Fe(2+). The results show that the photovoltage generation from photoelectrochemical studies and Stern-Volmer quenching constant studied by fluorescence quenching support the photoinduced electron transfer from the reducing agent to the singlet excited thionine dye. Moreover, a good correlation between photovoltages/Stern-Volmer quenching constants vs. reduction potentials of the reducing agents also confirms the above electron transfer in the photoexcited state.

Photophysical studies of 3,3' dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine dye in model biological membranes and different solvents.

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of 3,3'-dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine [DiOC18(3)], a cationic oxacarbocyanine dye have been studied in aqueous and nonaqueous media containing egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) as well as in different solvents of diverse nature. The results show the evidence of complex formation of the dye in the ground and in the excited states with PC. The excited state interaction of the dye with PC suggests the electron transfer from PC to dye and this is supported by photovoltage generation in a photoelectrochemical cell consisting of dye and PC in aqueous medium. An attempt has been made to determine the polarity of the microenvironment of the dye in PC liposome or PC reverse micelle from the spectral studies of the dye in different solvents of known polarity.

Dispersed Molecular Aggregates.

Colloidal dispersions of tungstic acid (H(2)WO(4)) have been prepared in water/(TX-100+alkanol)/n-heptane water-in-oil microemulsion media by reacting Na(2)WO(4) with HCl. The effects of alkanol chain length, TX-100/alkanol mass ratio, temperature, and dilution at different [water]/[TX-100] mole ratios (omega) have been studied by the dynamic light scattering technique. The formation of H(2)WO(4) in the microwater pool has been established by FT-IR measurements. The particle sizes and shapes in microemulsion media and in isolated states have been measured by TEM and SEM techniques. The enthalpy of formation of H(2)WO(4) in the water pool of the microemulsions has also been determined microcalorimetrically. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Absorption spectra of 7, 7, 8, 8-tetracyanoquinodimethane in micellar solutions.

The absorption spectra of 7, 7, 8, 8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) with nonionic surfactant. Triton X-100, anionic surfactant, SLS and cationic surfactant, CTAB in aqueous and nonaqueous media have been studied. The spectral studies show that TCNQ forms 1:1 charge-transfer (CT) complex with Triton X-100 in both media. The aqueous solution of TCNQ shows an absorption maxima at 610 nm, which is unperturbed in the presence of SLS but is shifted to 650 nm in the presence of CTAB, indicating the interaction of TCNQ with the cationic surfactant and not with the anionic surfactant. In addition to this, the stability of TCNQ-Triton X-100 complex has been determined and the probable site of CT interaction has been pointed out.

Photo-effect in phospholipid liposome containing riboflavin.

The photovoltage developed in a photoelectrochemical cell consisting of riboflavin (RFN), a neutral dye and phospholipid (PL) liposome in aqueous solution has been found to correlate with the Stern-Volmer constant (KSV) or quenching-rate constant (Kq) of RFN-PL studied by fluorescence spectra. A possible mechanisms of photovoltage generation suggests the photo-induced electron transfer from PL to RFN in liposome through the excited state molecular interaction.

Photoelectrochemistry of dyes in phospholipid liposome.

The systems consisting of phenosafranin or thionine dye in the presence of phospholipid liposome in aqueous solution generate photovoltage when studied in a photoelectrochemical cell. A possible mechanism of photovoltage generation suggests the photoinduced electron transfer from phospholipid to dye in liposome through charge-transfer (CT) interaction. In these dye-phospholipid systems, a good correlation between the photovoltage (Voc) determined by photoelectrochemical studies and the equilibrium constant (Kc) determined by spectrophotometric studies, confirms the mechanism.

Photoinduced interaction of thionine with phospholipid and cholesterol in artificial membranes.

The photoinduced interaction of thionine dye with phosphatidylcholine (PC) (and its components, e.g. lysoPC, phosphorylcholine and choline) and oxidized cholesterol was studied in artificial membranes using spectrophotometric and photoelectrochemical methods. The results show that the dye (electron acceptor) in its singlet excited state forms 1:1 electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes with the lipids (electron donor). The electrode kinetics of the photoinduced redox reactions in the cell were also studied to confirm the mechanism of photoinduced interaction between the dye and the lipid.

Microviscosity in lecithin liposomes: effect of nicotinic acid.

We have studied the effect of nicotinic acid, a drug commonly used as a vasodilatory agent and also for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, on the fluidity profile of liposomes of egg lecithin and dipalmitoyl lecithin, using a fluorescent polarization probe. In both cases the drug decreases the membrane fluidity and for cholesterol-probed liposomes, it disrupts the "intermediate fluid condition" induced by cholesterol. The drug also affects the activation energy for diffusion in the hydrophobic region of the liposomes.

Liposome formation of egg lecithin and its interaction with iodine.

The sonicated dispersion of egg lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) in water forms 1:1 molecular complex with iodine, when its concentration is above 1.6 X 10(-5) M. The thermodynamic and spectrophotometric properties of this complex have been determined. The thermodynamic values are: K (25 degrees C) = 1.6 X 10(3) 1 X mol-1, delta G degrees = -18.4 KJ X mol-1, delta H degrees = -27.4 KJ X mol-1 and delta S degrees = -30.0 J X mol-1 X deg-1. The complex shows two absorption bands: one at 293 nm, which is the charge transfer band and the other at 370 nm, which is the blue shifted visible iodine band at 460 nm in water.