Mechanochemical Approach towards Multi-Functionalized 1,2,3-Triazoles and Anti-Seizure Drug Rufinamide Analogs Using Copper Beads.

Highly regiospecific, copper-salt-free and neat conditions have been demonstrated for the 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition (AAC) reactions under mechanochemical conditions. A group of structurally challenging alkynes and heterocyclic derivatives was efficiently implemented to achieve highly functionalized 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles in good to excellent yield by using the Cu beads without generation of unwanted byproducts. Furthermore, the high-speed ball milling (HSBM) strategy has also been extended to the synthesis of the commercially available pharmaceutical agent, Rufinamide, an antiepileptic drug (AED) and its analogues. The same strategy was also applied for the synthesis of the Cl-derivative of Rufinamide. Analysis of the single crystal XRD data of the triazole was also performed for the final structural confirmation. The Cu beads are easily recoverable from the reaction mixture and used for the further reactions without any special treatment.

Nutritional profile of wild, pond-, gher- and cage-cultured tilapia in Bangladesh.

The proximate, minerals, amino acid and fatty acid composition of wild, pond-, gher- and cage-cultured tilapia in Bangladesh were evaluated and varied significantly (p < 0.05). The major component of the tilapia was moisture (79.12%-81.36%), followed by protein (14.93%-16.03%), lipid (0.59%-2.35%), carbohydrate (1.23%-1.51%), fibre (0.47%-0.88%), ash (0.31%-0.53%); the energy value was between 97.62 and 126.73 kcal/100 g. Macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients were detected in following order: K > Na > Mg > Ca and Fe > Mn, respectively in all the tilapia and the ratio of Na/K was <1. Essential amino acids, leucine (1.47-1.56 g/100 g) and lysine (1.66-1.74 g/100 g), were the predominant amino acids in tilapia, followed by non-essential amino acids, aspartic acid (1.72-1.84 g/100 g) and glutamic acid (2.88-3.07 g/100 g). Saturated palmitic acid (25.4%-35.54%), monounsaturated elaidic acid (31.51%-35.63%) and polyunsaturated linolenic acid (17.69%-22.57%) were the main fatty acids found in tilapia. The desirable protein percentage, Na/K ratio, the presence of essential amino acids, leucine and lysine, n-3 and n-6 fatty acid contents proved that the consumption of wild, pond-, gher- and cage-cultured tilapia are beneficial to human health and could be recommended to prevent different diseases particularly of cardiovascular type.

Monitoring of pesticide residues from fish feed, fish and vegetables in Bangladesh by GC-MS using the QuEChERS method.

The use of pesticides in agricultural sectors is rising due to the growing demand for food in the world, but the presence of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities has become a major health concern for consumers and is associated with problems of food safety. Thus, the present study determined pesticide residues (17 organochlorine, 5 pyrethroid and 3 organophosphate) in 77 fish feed, 112 fish and 135 vegetables samples (total of 324) from the different locations in Bangladesh, using quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The 77 fish feed samples analyzed with this method appeared to be free of pyrethroid pesticide residues. Organochlorine pesticide residues aldrin (0.03 ± 0.01 mg/kg) and pyrethroid pesticide residues permethrin (0.08 ± 0.01 mg/kg) were detected in fish samples of catla (Catla catla) from Rajshahi Durgapur and bata (Labeo bata) from Satkhira Kaligonj, respectively. Among 135 vegetable samples (country bean, green chili, tomato, eggplants and red amaranth), 27.4% were found positive for organophosphate pesticide residues of which 89.2% exceeded maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The study revealed that few fish (catla and bata) but the majority of vegetable samples tested positive for pesticide residues exceeding MRLs. Finally, the study suggests that an effective management strategy is needed for strict regulation and regular monitoring of pesticides in fish feed, fish and vegetables to make aware the farmers and consumers about the harmful effect of pesticides on human health.

Prevalence of epilepsy in Bangladesh: Results from a national household survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and types of epilepsy in Bangladesh. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide population-based cross-sectional survey among Bangladeshi population of all ages, except children under one month. We surveyed 9839 participants (urban, 4918; rural, 4920) recruited at their households using multistage cluster sampling. Trained physicians with neurology background confirmed the diagnosis of suspected epilepsy cases identified by interviewer-administered questionnaires. We reported the overall and sex, residence, and age groups-specific prevalence of epilepsy per 1000 populations with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The national prevalence of epilepsy per 1000 was 8.4 (95% CI 5.6-11.1), urban 8.0 (4.6-11.4), and rural 8.5 (5.60-11.5). The prevalence in adult males and females was 9.2 (5.7-12.6) and 7.7 (3.6-11.7), respectively. The prevalence in children aged <18 years (8.2, 3.4-13.0 was similar to adults (8.5 (5.4-11.4). Among all epilepsy cases, 65.1% had active epilepsy. Their (active epilepsy) prevalence was 5.8 (3.5-8.1). Of them, 63.4% were not receiving treatment. Moreover, those who received allopathy treatment, 72.5% had low adherence leading to a high treatment gap. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings out of this first-ever national survey were similar to other Asian countries. However, the prevalence of active epilepsy and treatment gap were considerably higher. This study serves useful evidence for tailoring interventions aimed to reduce the burden of epilepsy-primarily through targeted community awareness program-and access to antiepileptic treatment in health facilities in Bangladesh.

Recent advances in the synthesis of fluorinated compounds via an aryne intermediate.

The development of new methodologies for the synthesis of fluorinated organic molecules is in high demand due to their wide applications in agriculture and pharmaceutical sciences. Various strategies have been employed for this purpose for a long time. Arynes are well known synthetic intermediates and have gained the attention of synthetic chemists for the synthesis of various functionalized organic molecules. Consequently, these synthetic intermediates have been successfully employed in the synthesis of fluorinated organic moieties. Various useful fluorinated aromatic and heterocyclic molecules have been synthesized employing aryne intermediates. In this review, we will discuss all these methodologies developed in the last decade via aryne intermediates.

Direct Analysis of Aqueous Solutions and Untreated Biological Samples Using Nanoelectrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry with Pipette Tip in Series with High-Ohmic Resistor as Ion Source.

Commercially available disposable plastic pipette tip with the inner diameter of ca. 120 µm in series with a high-ohmic resistor (10 GΩ) was adapted as a low-cost alternative ion source for high-throughput nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry (nESI-MS) analysis of a variety of samples, especially aqueous solutions, without sample pretreatment. The use of high-ohmic resistor enabled the formation of stable electrospray of aqueous solutions at ambient conditions. In addition, corona discharge was avoided even with a high voltage applied. Quantitative analysis of vitamin B in water was successfully conducted by tip-ESI. The results exhibited a good linearity (R ˃ 0.9983), a low detection limit (0.25 ng/mL), and a wide dynamic response range (0.25-1000 ng/mL). Our study revealed that tip-ESI not only performed equally well to capillary nESI in terms of flow rate (˂ 100 nL/min), signal sensitivity, and sample consumption, but also offered a number of additional advantages, including better signal duration, tolerance to high analyte concentration (> 100 µg/mL) and high ionizing voltage (up to 6 kV), and obviation of tip clogging and corona discharge. High compatibility of tip-ESI with various kinds of samples (aqueous, viscous, solid, or bulk biological samples) makes it a promising tool for direct MS analysis.

A study on the prevalence of heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants and antibiotics resistance pathogens in raw salad vegetables sold in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The presence of undesirable heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microbial contaminants in fresh produces is a worldwide public health concern. This study was undertaken to evaluate the residual pesticides (Diazinon, Malathion, Cypermethrin, Dimethoate, Quinalphos, and Chloropyrofos), heavy metal contamination (Pb, Cd, and Cr), and microbiological quality and safety of 4 common raw salad vegetables (RSVs) samples from different local markets in Dhaka. Results showed the presence of heavy metals residues were within the acceptable limits of local and international standards. None of the above-mentioned pesticides were found in tomato and cucumber samples but presence of Dimethoate was noticed in 13 coriander samples (12.94-158.3 µg/kg) and 7 lettuce samples (9.6-74.8 µg/kg) exceeding the maximum permissible limit of EU guideline. The microbiological analysis showed irrespective of RSV types, total aerobic bacteria was present in higher number (4.0-7.0 log CFU/g), whereas 3.36-5.57 log CFU/g coliform count was recorded. In comparison with retail markets, lower level of total aerobic, and coliform bacterial presence was observed in the samples collected from sophisticated shops, but presence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. were evident in more than 60% samples in these shops. However, 50% and 33% samples from wholesale and retail markets respectively were noticed to be contaminated with Staphylococcus spp. Irrespective of RSV types, isolated E. coli were found resistance to 2-5 different antibiotics, where Salmonella spp. isolated from cucumber and coriander leaves showed resistance against 4-8 different antimicrobials. Therefore, the study results demonstrated that, the presence of residual pesticides, multidrug resistant E. coli and Salmonella spp. in the RSV samples posing concern when consumed raw. The regulatory bodies are expected to monitor and ensure the overall quality standards are in place and practiced by food producers and marketers responsible for handling and distribution of RSVs.

Efficient method for isolation of exosomes from raw bovine milk.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a rapid and simple method for isolating exosomes from raw bovine milk and to compare the quality of the isolated exosomes with those isolated by a standard method involving ultracentrifugation (UC). METHODS: To remove caseins, which are major milk proteins consisting more than 80% of milk protein (35% in human breast milk) and hamper isolation and purification of exosomes, hydrochloride (HCl) was added to milk for isoelectric precipitation (IP). The effects of acidification on morphological features, particle size distribution, surface charge, and exosome surface proteins were analyzed by electron microscopy, tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS), and Western blot (WB) analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Electron microscopy showed that some of the exosomes isolated using IP had rough surfaces; most exosomes were successfully isolated without breakage, and their morphological features were similar to those of exosomes isolated by UC. TRPS showed that their surface charge and peaks (mode) for particle size distribution did not significantly differ between both methods. WB analysis using antibodies against the exosome surface marker proteins - milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) and CD63 - revealed that the structures of exosome surface proteins were not affected by adding HCl. CONCLUSIONS: IP can be used to remove caseins to reduce operation time. This method will be useful for efficient isolation and purification of bovine milk exosomes and contribute to progression of research on health management of dairy cattle and drug delivery systems in human medicine, which require large amounts of milk exosomes.

Evaluation of artificially contaminated fish with formaldehyde under laboratory conditions and exposure assessment in freshwater fish in Southern Bangladesh.

Formalin can be added as preservative to fresh foods to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. Formalin contains 37-40% formaldehyde, which is classified as carcinogenic to humans. To assess the public health risk associated with formaldehyde exposure in freshwater fish in Southern Bangladesh, formaldehyde concentrations (mg/kg) were determined in tilapia, Indian major carp rui, Chinese carp and a minor carp from local market and in laboratory simulations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0% formaldehyde solution for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min) with spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. A food frequency questionnaire was used to collect fish consumption (kg/kg BW. d) data from 400 respondents. A probabilistic exposure assessment was conducted using @Risk®7.0 software. Fish treated with formalin at increasing concentrations and exposure time showed increased trends of formaldehyde acquisition irrespective of fish species and analytical methods used (p < .05). Compared to spectrophotometry, the HPLC method was shown to be more sensitive and is therefore the preferred method for formalin quantification. Maximum exposure to formaldehyde (0.28 mg/kg BW. d) was calculated for tilapia using HPLC analysis. Margin of exposure (MoE) provides high priority (<10,000) for tilapia and Indian major carp rui at P99 under spectrophotometric analysis whereas as determined using HPLC, tilapia had MoE values much lower than 10,000 at P99, P95 and P90 (both total population and consumers). Exposure to formaldehyde associated with freshwater fish consumption is a public health concern in Southern Bangladesh and needs further assessment and risk management strategies.

Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone Status in Female Garment Workers: A Case-Control Study in Bangladesh.

Despite the abundant sunlight, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in South Asian countries including Bangladesh. Information on vitamin D level is insufficient in adults particularly in female garment workers in Bangladesh. This study was designed to evaluate the status of vitamin D, parathormone (PTH), calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) among the female garment workers in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected from female garment workers (n = 40, case group) and general female workers (n = 40, control group) in Dhaka. Serum vitamin D, PTH, calcium, and ALP were measured by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. The mean level of vitamin D was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in case (14.2 ± 2.6 ng/mL) than in the control (22.4 ± 2.4 ng/mL) group. No significant difference was found at mean of PTH and calcium between case (33.9 ± 17.2 pg/mL; 9.1 ± 0.6 mg/dL, resp.) and control (35.9 ± 16.3 pg/mL; 9.3 ± 0.6 mg/dL, resp.) group. The mean ALP in case (117.2 ± 14.4 U/L) group was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the control group (80.5 ± 30.6 U/L). Overall, PTH level did not show significant correlation with vitamin D. However, calcium and ALP levels showed a significant positive (p < 0.05) and negative (p < 0.001) correlation with vitamin D, respectively. This study indicates a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the female garment workers in Bangladesh.

Anhydrous octyl-glucoside phase transition from lamellar to isotropic induced by electric and magnetic fields.

A static deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (2HNMR) technique (magnetic field, B = 7.05 T) was employed to monitor the thermotropic lamellar phase of the anhydrous 1:1 mixture sample of octyl-b-D-glucoside (ßOG) and that of partially deuterium labelled at the alpha position on the chain, i.e.,ßOG-d2 In the absence of an electric field, the 2H NMR spectrum of the mixture gives a typical quadrupolar doublet representing the aligned lamellar phase. Upon heating to beyond the clearing temperature at 112 °C, this splitting converts to a single line expected for an isotropic phase. Simultaneous application of magnetic and electric fields (E = 0.4 MV/m) at 85 °C in the lamellar phase, whose direction was set to be parallel or perpendicular to the magnetic field, resulted in the change of the doublet into a single line and this recovers to the initial doublet with time for both experimental geometries. This implies E- and B-field-induced phase transitions from the lamellar to an isotropic phase and a recovery to the lamellar phase again with time. Moreover, these phase transformations are accompanied by a transient current. A similar observation was made in a computational study when an electric field was applied to a water cluster system. Increasing the field strength distorts the water cluster and weakens its hydrogen bonds leading to a structural breakdown beyond a threshold field-strength. Therefore, we suggest the observed field-induced transition is likely due to a structure change of the ßOG lamellar assembly caused by the field effect and not due to Joule heating.

Functionalization of an sp(3) C-H bond via a redox-neutral domino reaction: diastereoselective synthesis of hexahydropyrrolo[2,1-b]oxazoles.

A diastereoselective synthesis of pyrrolidinooxazolidines was achieved by a metal-free, base-promoted reaction of pyrrolidine and aromatic aldehydes under microwave irradiation. The rare functionalization of an sp(3) C-H bond probably results from an in situ generated azomethine ylide that undergoes cycloaddition with aldehydes.

Surface electromyographic analysis of the biceps brachii muscle of cricket bowlers during bowling.

Cricket bowling generates forces with torques on the upper limb muscles and makes the biceps brachii (BB) muscle vulnerable to overuse injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the amplitude of the EMG signal of the BB muscle during fast and spin delivery, during the seven phases of both types of bowling and the kinesiological interpretation of the bowling arm for muscle contraction mechanisms during bowling. A group of 16 male amateur bowlers participated in this study, among them 8 fast bowlers (FB) and 8 spin bowlers (SB). The root mean square (EMGRMS), the average sEMG (EMGAVG), the maximum peak amplitude (EMGpeak), and the variability of the signal were calculated using the coefficient of variance (EMGCV) from the BB muscle of each bowler (FB and SB) during each bowling phase. The results demonstrate that, (i) the BB muscle is more active during FB than during SB, (ii) the point of ball release and follow-through generated higher signals than the other five movements during both bowling categories, (iii) the BB muscle variability is higher during SB compared with FB, (iv) four statistically significant differences (p<0.05) found between the bowling phases in fast bowling and three in spin bowling, and (v) several arm mechanics occurred for muscle contraction. There are possible clinical significances from the outcomes; like, recurring dynamic contractions on BB muscle can facilitate to clarify the maximum occurrence of shoulder pain as well as biceps tendonitis those are medically observed in professional cricket bowlers, and treatment methods with specific injury prevention programmes should focus on the different bowling phases with the maximum muscle effect. Finally, these considerations will be of particular importance in assessing different physical therapy on bowler's muscle which can improve the ball delivery performance and stability of cricket bowlers.

Effects of anthropometric variables and electrode placement on the SEMG activity of the biceps brachii muscle during submaximal isometric contraction in arm wrestling.

Surface electromyography (SEMG) has been widely used to analyze the biceps brachii (BB) muscle during voluntary contraction, and the effect of the interelectrode distance has been studied. However, the effect of anthropometric variations and the placement of electrodes on the BB activity during arm wrestling (i.e., during isometric contraction at a submaximal intensity) has seldom been investigated. In this study, the BB strength throughout this type of static contraction was evaluated. The SEMG signals were recorded from three locations on the BB: the muscle belly (M), near proximal (P), and distal tendon (L) regions. Twenty subjects who participated in the experiment were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D, and E). The average SEMG, root mean square, and variability of the signal were calculated using the coefficient of variance. The results indicated that the M region was more active and exhibited increased signal consistency (10.91%) compared with the other two regions (P: 24.47% and L: 19.13%). Significant differences were observed between the L and P regions and between the M and P regions (p<0.05); however, there were no differences between the M and L regions (p>0.05). The increase in the SEMG value in groups B and C was significant (p<0.05), whereas groups A, D, and E did not exhibit a significant increase (p>0.05). In addition, muscle size was the strongest predictor of strength compared with body weight and height. The results suggest that the M region displays considerable SEMG effects and signal reliability. Furthermore, the SEMG measurements were found to correlate strongly with the strength of the contractions and the muscle size, and not with weight and height.

Student seminar on smoking: A novel way to introduce different perspectives on smoking to medical students.

BACKGROUND: The respiratory module at Shifa College of Medicine (SCM) is delivered in third year with emphasis on respiratory pathophysiology and respiratory medicine. Smoking as a topic was introduced to emphasize the preventive aspects of respiratory illnesses. An innovative approach to involve students in their learning was developed. To determine whether this innovation would be well received and effective for students' learning about smoking, we carried out this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a one group post-test quasi-experiment. Two days were assigned for a smoking seminar. The class of 106 students was divided into 10 batches, and each batch was assigned a theme related to smoking. These themes were developed by the faculty, and each theme was related to a different perspective on smoking. A post-test questionnaire was distributed at the end of the seminar for feedback to see what aspects of students' learning were highlighted and what needed to be improved upon. Questions related to the usefulness of the activity were incorporated into the questionnaire and the students were asked to agree or disagree on a five-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Most (68.3%) students agreed that this activity improved their knowledge regarding smoking, and 54.8% agreed that it also helped in application of this knowledge. Improvement in presentation and counseling skills (59.8%), evidence-based medicine (47.6%), and softer skills, such as teamwork (72%) and creativity (63.4%), were also reported to be enhanced. CONCLUSION: Seminars led by the students have shown to be effective in breaking the monotony and generating an interest of the topic. Such an activity serves as a small step to make our graduates more empathic, humane, competent, and skilful.

Distribution pattern of acetylcholinesterase in the optic tectum of two Indian air breathing teleosts.

BACKGROUND: A histoenzymological study has been carried out on the distribution of enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the optic tectum of two Indian air breathing teleosts by employing a histochemical technique to visualize acetylcholinesterase containing neurons described by Hedreen, JC (1985). PURPOSE: Data available on enzyme localizaton in the brain of fishes, particularly Indian teleosts is inadequate and scattered. METHODS: AChE distribution in the optic tectum shows a prevalent pattern characterized by precise laminar distribution of enzyme which shows alternatively strong, weak or negative reaction in the different layers. RESULTS: Layers with maximum enzyme activity most likely correspond to areas where cholinergic mechanism is prevailing whereas layers with mild activity may be considered to be non-chalinergic/cholinoceptive having some cholinergic innervations from other layers. CONCLUSION: The present investigation suggests some possible connections between enzyme localization and functional and anatomical organization of optic tectum.

Propranolol for hemangiomas.

OBJECTIVE: Hemangiomas are the most common benign soft tissue tumors occurring in 5-10 % of children at around the age of 1 year and of them 10 % are associated with significant morbidity and entail medical attention. In this study, efficacy and adverse effects of the drug propranolol were observed on hemangiomas. METHODS: Oral propranolol was given to 36 children at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded during the first 3 h of treatment. Treatment was continued at home and the children were re-evaluated at monthly interval. Photographs were taken in pre- and post-treatment phages and changes of hemangiomas were measured with visual analog scale. RESULTS: Immediate effects on color and growth were noted in all cases that were especially dramatic in cases of extensive lesions. Clinical evidence of regression was seen within 30 days in all cases and completely regressed within 7 months. Mean duration of treatment was 4.1 months. CONCLUSION: Propranolol had a rapid stabilizing effect leading to early regression of hemangiomas when administered orally at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day with good quality safety profile.