Antibacterial Activities of Methanolic Seeds Extract of Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) against Gram Positive Staphylococcus aureus & Gram-Negative Escherichia coli.

Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of Methanolic extracts isolated from Black pepper seeds (Piper nigrum L.) against two infection causing pathogens, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Between July 2022 and June 2023, this experimental study was conducted at the Mymensingh Medical College's Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in conjunction with the Department of Microbiology. Using the disc diffusion and broth dilution methods, the antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of black pepper seeds (MBPE) was evaluated at various doses. The solvents Methanol and 10.0% Di Methyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) were used to make the extract. Using the broth dilution procedure, the conventional antibiotic Ciprofloxacin was utilized and the outcome was contrasted with that of Methanol extracts. Methanolic extract of black pepper seeds (MBPE) at seven distinct concentrations (100, 80, 60, 40, 20, 10 and 5 mg/ml) were utilized, then later in chosen concentrations as needed to confirm the extracts' more precise margin of antimicrobial sensitivity. At 80 mg/ml and above doses of the MBPE, it had an inhibitory impact against the aforementioned microorganisms. For Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli the MIC were 60 and 75 mg/ml in MBPE respectively. As of the MIC of Ciprofloxacin was 1µg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In comparison to MICs of MBPE for the test organisms, the MIC of Ciprofloxacin was the lowest. This study clearly shows that Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are sensitive to the methanolic extract of black pepper seeds' antibacterial properties.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Amlodipine and Losartan Potassium in Essential Hypertension in a Tertiary Hospital of Bangladesh.

Hypertension is a common disorder of major clinical, public health and economic importance. It affects men and women of all ages, and the prevalence is increasing in most countries. Maintenance of blood pressure below 140/90 mm of Hg is recommended by most of the guideline available around the world. Various classes of drugs are being used in the treatment of hypertension. Losartan potassium and amlodipine are two different antihypertensive agents belonging to two different groups used commonly around the world in treating essential hypertension. Losartan potassium is non-peptide Angiotensin-II receptor antagonist. Amlodipine which is the third generation dihydropyridine group of calcium channel blocker. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of amlodipine and losartan for the treatment of essential hypertensive patients (18-75 years). A non-randomized comparative observational study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with Department of Medicine, Sylhet, MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, Bangladesh from July 2021 to June 2022. In this study non-randomization was in two groups. Group A received amlodipine 5mg daily at morning and Group B received losartan potassium 50mg daily at night. The study parameters were systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), ankle oedema, serum K+ level. The result of treatment outcome was compared between two groups. After treatment the reduction of SBP was 5.19±2.93mm of Hg versus 3.27±1.34mm of Hg (p<0.001); reduction of DBP was 1.7±0.70 mm of Hg versus 0.68 mm of Hg (p<0.001) and serum K+ level 4.22±0.27mmol/L versus 4.21±0.16mmol/L (p<0.719) in amlodipine and losartan group respectively. Amlodipine is more effective than losartan potassium in respect to treatment of essential hypertension. Regarding adverse events losartan potassium causes angioedema, hyperkalemia, headache, dizziness etc. The study concluded that amlodipine is superior to losartan potassium in treating essential hypertension.

Antibacterial Effects of Chloroform Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Leaf Extracts against Two Nosocomial Infection Causing Pathogens: Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Comparative Study.

Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of Chloroform extracts isolated from Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaf against two nosocomial infection causing pathogens, gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae. This interventional study was carried out for the period of January 2021 to December 2021 in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh. The antibacterial activity was tested at different concentrations of Chloroform Henna leaf extracts by using disc diffusion and broth dilution method. The extract was prepared by using solvents chloroform and 0.1% Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The test microorganisms were also tested for their activity against a standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin by broth dilution method and the result was compared with that of Chloroform extracts. Chloroform Henna Extracts (CHE) were used initially in nine different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 mg/ml). Among different concentrations of the CHE, 100mg/ml and above concentrations showed inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The MIC for Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 100 and 200mg/ml in CHE respectively. The MIC of Ciprofloxacin was 1µg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and 1.5µg/ml against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The MIC of Ciprofloxacin was the lowest in comparison to MICs of CHE for the test organisms. This study showed that Chloroform Henna extracts demonstrated antibacterial effects against food borne pathogens. It is clearly observed that there is definite antibacterial effect of the Chloroform extract of Henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis) against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Antibacterial Activities of Mint (Mentha piperita) Leaf Extracts (Aqueous) Against Two Food Borne infection causing pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of Aqueous extracts isolated from Mint (Mentha piperita) leaf against two food born infection causing pathogens, gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. This interventional study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh from January 2021 to December 2021. The antibacterial activity was tested at different concentrations of Aqueous Mint leaf extracts by using disc diffusion & broth dilution method. The extract was prepared by using solvents Aqueous. The test microorganisms were also tested for their activity against a standard antibiotic Gentamicin by broth dilution method and the result was compared with that of Aqueous extracts. Aqueous extract of Mint leaves (AMLE) were used initially in eight different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000µg/ml) and later in selected concentrations as needed to confirm the more precise margin of antimicrobial sensitivity of the extracts. Among different concentrations of the AMLE, 200µg/ml and above concentrations showed inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and 400µg/ml and above concentrations showed inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 200 and 400µg/ml in AMLE respectively. The MIC of Gentamicin was 1µg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and 1.5µg/ml against Escherichia coli. The MIC of Gentamicin was the lowest in comparison to MICs of AMLE for the test organisms. This study showed that Aqueous Mint extracts demonstrated antibacterial effects against food borne pathogens. It is clearly observed that there is definite antibacterial effect of the aqueous extract of Mint leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Listening and Speech Development among under 6 Years Pre-Lingual Deaf Children following Cochlear Implantation in Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Dhaka.

Children with severe to profound hearing disability got a drastic change in their lives by embracing cochlear implant. This study is done to compare the outcome of cochlear implant in listening using Category of Auditory Performance (CAP) and in speech development using Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) score among under 6 year pre-lingual deaf children who underwent cochlear implantation. This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Armed Forces Medical Institute, National Institute of ENT and ENT outpatient department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from October 2021 to September 2022. Total 384 pre-lingual deaf children with cochlear implant below 6 years of age were the study population of this study. The speech perception skill children with implants did not significantly differ between those under three years old and those over three. Impediment to cochlear implantation in Bangladeshi perspective was also analyzed.

Comparative Study of Serum IgE Level in Frequent Relapse and Infrequent Relapse Nephrotic Syndrome in Children.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) represents a heterogenous group of glomerular disorders occurring mainly in children. Accumulated data suggest that patient with NS have an immunological basis. This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh during the period of March 2018 to October 2019 to determine the relationship of serum IgE level in frequent relapse and infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome in children. Thirty cases of frequent relapse and 30 cases of infrequent relapse idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who were admitted in Department of Paediatrics, MMCH were included in this study by purposive sampling technique. After admission written informed consent from parents or guardians obtained. Serum IgE level was measured in all patients of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome during relapse and again four weeks after steroid therapy when patient was in remission. Serum total IgE levels were measured by ADVIA centaur CP immunoassay system. Most of the patient's age was within 2-6 years in both groups. Male children were predominant in both groups. Most of the patients came from rural area. Frequency of relapse per year was significantly higher and 24 hours urine output was significantly lower in frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome than that of infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome. Significantly higher mean IgE was found in children with frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome (1439.8±388.5 IU/ml during relapse and 852.3±103.7 IU/ml at remission) than infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome (1109.5±248.3 IU/ml during relapse and 776.6±108.5 IU/ml at remission) at both relapse and remission state. A linear, positive, significant correlation was found between rate of relapse and serum IgE level (Pearson correlation coefficient, r=0.674). Based on results it is concluded that serum IgE is high in relapsing nephrotic syndrome and it is persistently and significantly higher in frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome than infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome.

Rapid and sensitive detection of box turtles using an electrochemical DNA biosensor based on a gold/graphene nanocomposite.

The Southeast Asian box turtle, Cuora amboinensis, is an ecologically important endangered species which needs an onsite monitoring device to protect it from extinction. An electrochemical DNA biosensor was developed to detect the C. amboinensis mitochondrial cytochrome b gene based on an in silico designed probe using bioinformatics tools, and it was also validated in wet-lab experiments. As a detection platform, a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) enhanced with a nanocomposite containing gold nanoparticles and graphene was used. The morphology of the nanoparticles was analysed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and structural characteristics were analysed by using energy-dispersive X-ray, UV-vis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical characteristics of the modified electrodes were studied by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The thiol-modified synthetic DNA probe was immobilised on modified SPCEs to facilitate hybridisation with the reverse complementary DNA. The turtle DNA was distinguished based on hybridisation-induced electrochemical change in the presence of methylene blue compared to their mismatches, noncomplementary, and nontarget species DNA measured by DPV. The developed biosensor exhibited a selective response towards reverse complementary DNAs and was able to discriminate turtles from other species. The modified electrode displayed good linearity for reverse complementary DNAs in the range of 1 × 10-11-5 × 10-6 M with a limit of detection of 0.85 × 10-12 M. This indicates that the proposed biosensor has the potential to be applied for the detection of real turtle species.

Distribution and Pattern of Anti-Tubercular Drug Resistance in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Mymensingh Region of Bangladesh.

Globally, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an increasing problem that adversely affects patient care and public health. This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College from January 2010 to December 2010 to isolate M. tuberculosis from smear-positive sputum samples by Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media and investigate the drug resistance pattern. Among 101 smear-positive cases 80(79.20%) yielded growth of Mycobacteria, 5(4.95%) were contaminated and 16(15.84%) showed no growth. Among 80 isolates 76(95.0%) were M. tuberculosis and the remaining 4(5.0%) were Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). Out of 76 M. tuberculosis 27(35.52%) were resistant to at least one drug, 4(5.26%) to Isoniazid (INH), 1(1.32%) to Rifampicin (RMP), 8(10.53%) to Streptomycin (SM) and 0(0.0%) to Ethambutol (EMB) and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was 9(11.84%). The present study creates the impression that fairly high rate of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance among the tuberculosis cases and also high MDR-TB (Resistant to both Rifampicin and Isoniazide). The emergence of MDR-TB poses significant trouble to TB control activities throughout the world. The complexity of MDR-TB operation makes it essential to produce new skills to design, plan, application and monitor interventions for the management of MDR-TB. More surveillance and immediate remedial interventions should be performed to combat the trouble of MDR-TB to the general population.

A Comparative Study of Collagen Sheet versus 1% Silver Sulfadiazine Dressing in Superficial Partial Thickness Burns.

Burn injury causes a lot of suffering. The goal of burn management is to achieve rapid wound healing, pain relief, rehabilitation with minimum scars and optimal functional ability. Objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of collagen sheets and 1% silver sulfadiazine dressing (SSD) for superficial partial thickness burns. This prospective observational study was conducted among the patients of Department of Plastic surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka, from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021. Total 60 patients with superficial partial thickness burns by purposive sampling 30 patients of them were treated with collagen sheet dressing (Group A) and 30 patients with 1.0% silver sulfadiazine dressing (Group B). First case was selected by tossing a coin. Then every alternate patient was provided the same kind of dressing material (either collagen sheet or 1.0% silver sulfadiazine). Data were collected by semi structured data collection sheets. Pearson's chi-square test and student's 't' test were used for data analysis (p value was significant at <0.05). It was observed that a total of 18(60.0%) patients belonged to age <10 years in Group A and 17(56.7%) patients in Group B. The mean age was 14.9±14.2 years in Group A and 11.6±10.2 years in Group B. Good quality of healing was significantly higher in the collagen group compared to the SSD group (<0.05). The mean complete healing time in the collagen group was 10.47±2.21 days and in the 1.0% SSD group were 13.07±2.33 days. The mean healing time was significantly lower in the collagen group compared to the 1.0% SSD group (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in infection rate between the two groups (p>0.05). Considering the overall outcome, Collagen sheet dressing decreases pain, reduces the need for analgesics, aids in early healing as compared to the patients treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine.

Serum Electrolyte, Serum Calcium and Blood Sugar Status in Severe Acute Malnutrition and Their Relationship with Edema, Vomiting and Diarrhea.

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is the most severe form of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). Few studies found serum electrolyte, serum calcium level changes as important factors of poor outcome. Hypoglycemia is already established as a risk factor for death in severe acute malnutrition. Edema, diarrhea and vomiting are commonly present in severe acute malnutrition which has impact on electrolyte balance and blood sugar level in healthy children. Their impact in severe acute malnutrition is not clearly established. This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Department of Pediatrics, MMCH from March 2018 to October 2019 to estimate serum electrolyte, serum calcium and random blood sugar level in severe acute malnutrition and their relationship with edema, vomiting and diarrhea. Forty-one (41) cases of SAM were enrolled in this study. Test samples were collected before starting the treatment. Case record form was used to collect information. Cases were divided into Group A and Group B based on the presence or absence of vomiting or diarrhea, respectively. Again, all cases were divided into Group C and Group D based on presence or absence of edema, respectively. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 23. Mean age was 9.71±10.4 months with 85.36% having age less than 1 year. Twenty-four (58.5%) were male and 17(41.5%) were female. Parents had low level of education with 48.8% mother and 51.2% father having primary education or no education. Higher number of serum electrolyte, serum calcium and blood sugar were found with hyperglycemia present in 29.3%, hypocalcemia in 22%, hypokalemia in 22% and hyponatremia in 19.5% cases. Hypokalemia was present more in SAM with vomiting or diarrhea (p=0.008). Other disturbances do not vary on presence or absence of edema and vomiting or diarrhea. Result of the present study shows hypokalemia is associated with SAM with vomiting/diarrhea. Hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, hyponatremia and hypernatremia were also present in high number. These changes should be detected early and treated accordingly.

Change of Hemoglobin Level among Exclusively Breastfed Term and Preterm Babies up to Six Months of Age.

There is progressive increase of Hb levels is observed during course of intrauterine development of fetus but high concentrations found at birth. In preterm neonate normal Hb is characteristically deviated from term neonate. Breast milk is the only natural ideal food for both term and preterm babies from birth up to 6 months. Preterm milk was found to contain significantly higher concentrations nutrients particularly iron than term milk. Preterm human milk is more suitable for the premature infant than term human milk. As Hb concentration varies in term and preterm babies in different counties in different feeding practices. The purpose of this longitudinal descriptive study is to find out the pattern of changes in the Hb level among exclusively breastfed preterm and term infants during the first six months of life. This study was carried in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh from September 2016 to February 2018. One hundred fifty (150) neonates both term and preterm were included in this study and followed up to 6 months of age. After admission informed written consent was taken from parents, thorough history taking and clinical examination were done. Data were collected in a pre-designed case record form. All the babies of Group A provided 2mg/kg iron supplementation from 6 weeks for 2 months for universal recommendation. Hb level was measured of all exclusively breast feed babies at admission after birth then next follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. All information regarding history, anthropometrics measurement, Hb level was recorded in structural questionnaire. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20.0. Male were predominant in both groups. Most of the preterm (72.0%) and term babies (65.3%) were delivered by vaginal route. Mean Hb level was found significantly higher among preterm babies than term babies after birth were 16.55g/dl and 15.98g/dl respectively. Sharp fall of Hb concentration was observed after birth up to 6 weeks in both preterm and term babies but Hb level was found significantly lower in preterm in comparison to term babies (9.27gm/dl vs. 9.58gm/dl). In term babies, even after 6 weeks fall of Hb level continued to 3 months of age followed by gradual increase up to 6 months without iron supplementation. Hb level of in preterm babies gradually increased from 6 weeks up to 6 months with universal iron supplementation. Hb level fall sharply up to 6 weeks in both exclusively breastfed term and preterm babies but even after 6 weeks term babies experienced gradual fall of Hb levels up to 3 months. Hb level increases in exclusively breast-fed term babies without iron supplementation from 3 months of age. Hb level in exclusively breastfed preterm babies increase from 6 weeks onward might be effect of universal iron supplementation.

Coexistence of ESBL and MBL-mediated resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh.

Antimicrobial resistance mediated by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), AmpC beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing Acinetobacter species is an emerging problem worldwide. In this cross-sectional study total 341 specimens were collected over a period of one year from January 2017 to January 2018. Specimens were collected from ICU and Surgery unit of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Specimens were collected from ICU and Surgery Unit of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Samples were processed for culture by standard conventional methods and susceptibility testing and determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Antibiotic discs and their strength were according to the CLSI 2017 guideline. Molecular study was done to detect the species by OXA-51 gene and drug resistance genes (IMP, VIM, NDM, TEM, SHV, CTX, SPM, SIM and GIM). Species identification was done by OXA-51 gene which is intrinsic to Acinetobacter baumannii. Among the 46 isolates, 36(78.26%) were positive for Oxa-51 gene, 16(34.8%) for TEM gene, 9(19.6%) for VIM gene, 3(6.5%) for NDM gene and 1(2.2%) for IMP gene. This study gives an alarming sign towards high prevalence of cephalosporin and carbapenem resistance due to production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases and metallo-betalactamases, respectively. Early detection, proper antibiotic policies, and compliance towards infection control practices are the best defenses against these organisms.

Advancements in Detection Approaches of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Diagnostic testing to identify individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) plays a key role in selecting appropriate treatments, saving people's lives and preventing the global pandemic of COVID-19. By testing on a massive scale, some countries could successfully contain the disease spread. Since early viral detection may provide the best approach to curb the disease outbreak, the rapid and reliable detection of coronavirus (CoV) is therefore becoming increasingly important. Nucleic acid detection methods, especially real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assays are considered the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnostics. Some non-PCR-based molecular methods without thermocycler operation, such as isothermal nucleic acid amplification have been proved promising. Serologic immunoassays are also available. A variety of novel and improved methods based on biosensors, Clustered-Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology, lateral flow assay (LFA), microarray, aptamer etc. have also been developed. Several integrated, random-access, point-of-care (POC) molecular devices are rapidly emerging for quick and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 that can be used in the local hospitals and clinics. This review intends to summarize the currently available detection approaches of SARS-CoV-2, highlight gaps in existing diagnostic capacity, and propose potential solutions and thus may assist clinicians and researchers develop better technologies for rapid and authentic diagnosis of CoV infection.

Nucleic acid-based electrochemical biosensors for rapid clinical diagnosis: advances, challenges, and opportunities.

Clinical diagnostic tests should be quick, reliable, simple to perform, and affordable for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this regard, owing to their novel properties, biosensors have attracted the attention of scientists as well as end-users. They are efficient, stable, and relatively cheap. Biosensors have broad applications in medical diagnosis, including point-of-care (POC) monitoring, forensics, and biomedical research. The electrochemical nucleic acid (NA) biosensor, the latest invention in this field, combines the sensitivity of electroanalytical methods with the inherent bioselectivity of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The NA biosensor exploits the affinity of single-stranded DNA/RNA for its complementary strand and is used to detect complementary sequences of NA based on hybridization. After the NA component in the sensor detects the analyte, a catalytic reaction or binding event that generates an electrical signal in the transducer ensues. Since 2000, much progress has been made in this field, but there are still numerous challenges. This critical review describes the advances, challenges, and prospects of NA-based electrochemical biosensors for clinical diagnosis. It includes the basic principles, classification, sensing enhancement strategies, and applications of biosensors as well as their advantages, limitations, and future prospects, and thus it should be useful to academics as well as industry in the improvement and application of EC NA biosensors.

Authentication of Halal and Kosher meat and meat products: Analytical approaches, current progresses and future prospects.

Meat and meat products are widely consumed worldwide as a source of high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, and necessary minerals. The acceptability of Halal and Kosher meat products relies not only on the species origin but also on the manner of slaughtering of animals. Both Islam and Judaism have their own dietary laws in their holy books regarding acceptance and forbiddance of dietary items particularly meat and meat products. They also include many strictures to follow for ritual cleanliness of foods. Since the authenticity of Halal and Kosher food created increased concerns among consumers, the integrity of Halal and Kosher meat and meat products must be assured so that consumers can be accomplished with the originality of products. There is an increasing demand for reliable and sensitive techniques for the authentication of various Halal and Kosher meat products. This up-to-date review intends to provide an updated and extensive overview critically on the present situation, progress, and challenges of analytical techniques to authenticate animal species in meat items. It also addresses slaughtering procedure with brief discussion on Halal and Kosher laws with a view to creating consumer awareness against fraudulent practices. The available methods are schematically presented, and their salient features are comparatively elucidated in tables. Potential future technologies are predicted, and probable challenges are summarized. Overall, the present review article possesses substantial merits to be served as a reference guide in the field of academia and industry for the preparation/processing and identification of Halal and Kosher meat and meat products as well as may act as a platform to help improve existing authentication methods.

Current trends in polymerase chain reaction based detection of three major human pathogenic vibrios.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus are the most significant aquatic pathogens of the genera Vibrio, account for most Vibrio-associated outbreaks worldwide. Rapid identification of these pathogens is of great importance for disease surveillance, outbreak investigations and food safety maintenance. Traditional culture dependent methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive whereas culture-independent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays are reliable, consistent, rapid and reproducible. This review covers the recent development and applications of PCR based techniques, which have accelerated advances in the analysis of nucleic acids to identify three major pathogenic vibrios. Emphasis has been given to analytical approaches as well as advantages and limits of the available methods. Overall, this review article possesses the substantial merit to be used as a reference guide for the researchers to develop improved PCR based techniques for the differential detection and quantification of Vibrio species.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress among the Students and Their Academic Performance in Selected Medical Colleges of Bangladesh.

Medical education is associated with a great psychological distress that affects many aspects of students' lives, including their academic performance and professional development. The objective of the study was to determine the level of depression, anxiety and stress and their academic performance among fifth year medical students. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Dhaka Medical College, Mymensingh Medical College, Anwar Khan Modern Medical College and Community Based Medical College of Bangladesh. For this purpose, 359 students were taken as sample and self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed by using short form DASS-21 BV score. The results showed that, the mean age of students was 22.74 years with female predominance 230(64.0%). Majority 319(88.9%) of the respondents' parents monthly income was ≤100000 taka and one third 126(35.1%) respondents' monthly study expenditure was in between 5001 to 10000 taka. Four fifth 317(88.0%) of the respondents came from nuclear type of family and two third 245(68.2%) lived in hostel. Half 178(50.0%) of the respondents were eldest in birth order. Majority 221(61.6%) of the students were admitted to medical college by their own motivation and interest. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were present in 179(49.9%), 215(59.9%) and 161(44.8%) respectively. No significant association was found between academic performance with depression or anxiety or stress, except class attendance of Gynaecology and Obstetrics which was significantly associated with stress (p=0.016); the students who suffered from more stress, their class attendance were very poor. Students who reappeared in MBBS professional examination were significantly associated with depression (p=0.032) and stress (p=0.036). There was significant difference between students of public and private medical colleges in terms of anxiety (p=0.031) that is students of public medical colleges more suffered from depression, anxiety and stress in comparison to private medical colleges. Depression (p=0.001) and anxiety (p=0.010) were significantly associated with motivation to study MBBS. No significant difference of depression, anxiety or stress was found with sex difference. This study revealed that fifth year MBBS students suffered more from depression, anxiety and stress. The causes of depression, anxiety and stress should be identified and resolved to improve their mental health and academic performance.

Recent advances in artificial breeding and larval rearing of silver pomfret Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen 1788) in Kuwait.

During last several years, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait has been trying to develop a sustainable culture technique for silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus). This paper reports the recent research advances in the breeding and rearing of silver pomfret fry at KISR. The eggs collected from wild silver pomfret during spawning seasons of 2012 to 2015 were artificially fertilized under laboratory condition. The average hatching rates of artificially fertilized eggs collected from wild silver pomfrets were 25.6%, 44.8%, 76.7%, and 53.5.0% and average survival rates of metamorphosed fry produced from these eggs were 3.7%, 5.7%, 4.4% and 3.8% for the spawning seasons 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. For captive brood stocks, observation on the spawning time at hourly interval by collecting eggs from the nets set at out-flow of brood tanks showed that the spawning time for captive silver pomfret starts at the time of sunset. In 2012, two groups of captive silver pomfret broods spawned a total of 62x103 and 66x103 eggs, but the eggs were unfertilized. No captive spawning occurred during 2013 and 2014 spawning season. In 2015, captive silver pomfret broods in three tanks spawned about 653x103, 673x103 and 270x103 eggs, and in 2016, the broods in four tanks spawned about 669x103, 22x103, 3x103 and 366x103 eggs. However, from these eggs only 1,400 and 1,000 fertilized eggs were collected which produced 300 and 123 hatched larvae in July 2015 and June 2016, respectively. The larvae produced from the 2015 broods did not survive beyond 56 days of metamorphosed stage while larvae produced from 2016 captive broods survived for 9 days only. The mortality of the larvae from captive brood could be related to the poor egg or milt quality. However, efforts are continued to improve the eggs and sperm quality through proper brood management.

Bone tissue engineering potentials of 3D printed magnesium-hydroxyapatite in polylactic acid composite scaffolds.

The primary role of bone tissue engineering is to reconcile the damaged bones and facilitate the speedy recovery of the injured bones. However, some of the investigated metallic implants suffer from stress-shielding, palpability, biocompatibility, etc. Consequently, the biodegradable scaffolds fabricated from polymers have gathered much attention from researchers and thus helped the tissue engineering sector by providing many alternative materials whose functionality is similar to that of natural bones. Herein, we present the fabrication and testing of a novel composite, magnesium (Mg)-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) glazed onto polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds where polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) used as a binder. For the composite formation, Creality Ender-3 pro High Precision 3D Printer with Shape tool 3D Technology on an FSD machine operated by Catia design software was employed. The composite has been characterized for the crystallinity (XRD), surface functionality (FTIR), morphology (FESEM), biocompatibility (hemolytic and protein absorption), and mechanical properties (stress-strain and maximum compressive strength). The powder XRD analysis confirmed the semicrystalline nature and intact structure of HAp even after doping with Mg, while FTIR studies for the successful formation of Mg-HAp/PVA@PLA composite. The FESEM provided analysis indicated for the 3D porous architecture and well-defined morphology to efficiently transport the nutrients, and the biocompatibility studies are supporting that the composite for blood compatible with the surface being suitable enough for the protein absorption. Finally, the composite's antibacterial activity (against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and the test of mechanical properties supported for the enhanced inhibition of active growth of microorganisms and maximum compressive strength, respectively. Based on the research outcomes of biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and mechanical resistance, the fabricated Mg-HAp/PVA@PLA composite suits well as a promising biomaterial platform for orthopedic applications by functioning towards the open reduction internal fixation of bone fractures and internal repairs.

Risk Factors of UTI in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common complication in nephrotic children and leads to most morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Bangladesh. This case control study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Nephrology ward of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from July 2016 to June 2018 to identify the risk factors of UTI in children with nephrotic syndrome. Total 90 patient of nephrotic children aged 2-12 years, who were fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as Group I (case) and Group II (control) according to urine culture report. Group I was UTI positive and Group II was UTI negative. The mean age of Group I was 5.26±3.18 years and Group II was 6.03±2.85 years. There was male predominance in both groups. No significant difference has been found regarding age and sex (p>0.05). No significant difference was also observed regarding economic status and educational level of mother among both groups (p>0.05). Fever, dysuria, abdominal pain, anasarca, vomiting and pallor were found as common presentations in Group I. Children with dysuria and abdominal pain were significantly higher in Group I than Group II (p value <0.001). UTI was found more in relapsed cases than initial attack. E. coli was the most common etiologic agent (37.8%). Mean Hb (gm/dl), serum total protein, serum albumin and serum IgG level were found significantly lower and spot urine protein creatinine ratio was significantly higher in Group I, which implies that those biochemical factors were associated with development of UTI in nephrotic children. Younger age group (<6 years), Constipation and uncircumcised male were found as risk factors and has association with UTI in nephrotic children.