Titanium dioxide fiber saturable absorber for Q-switched fiber laser generation in the 1-micrometer region: publisher's note.

This publisher's note serves to correct an error in Appl. Opt. 58, 3495 (2019)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.58.003495.

Titanium dioxide fiber saturable absorber for Q-switched fiber laser generation in the 1-micrometer region.

A passively Q-switched ytterbium-doped fiber laser (YDFL) operating at 1062 nm was demonstrated by using a segment of 20 cm titanium dioxide-doped fiber saturable absorber (TiO2DF SA). The Q-switched YDFL emerged stably with tunable repetition rates ranging from 32 kHz to 53 kHz as the pump power rose from 109 mW to 233 mW. Within this range of pump power, a maximum output power of 10.1 mW, maximum peak power of 75 mW, and maximum pulse energy of 191 nJ were obtained. The narrowest pulse width of 2.55 µs was attained at the maximum pump power of 233 mW, while the signal-to-noise ratio of the fundamental frequency was 47 dB. This demonstration reveals that the proposed TiO2DF SA is feasible for constructing a flexible and reliably stable Q-switched pulsed fiber laser in the 1-micrometer region.

Assessment of genotoxicity in female agricultural workers exposed to pesticides.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the genotoxic effect of exposure to a mixture of pesticides in 106 female agricultural workers employed in cotton fields from India. METHODS: Comet, micronucleus and chromosomal aberrations tests were carried out in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Micronucleus test was also performed in buccal epithelial cells. Levels of antioxidant enzymes, RBC acetylcholinesterase and hematological parameters were analyzed in the blood samples of the study subjects. RESULTS: The results indicated significant DNA damage, increased frequency of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations in the exposed subjects (p < 0.05). The levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly lowered and the rate of lipid peroxidation was elevated in the exposed subjects. CONCLUSION: The outcome of the study revealed an increased risk of genotoxicity and health implications in female agricultural workers.

Antibiotic Resistance: New Challenge in the Management of Bacterial Eye Infections.

Ophthalmologists are still facing difficulties in managing bacterial eye infections. The study was designed for the isolation and identification of bacteria from infected eyes and observation of the sensitivity and resistant pattern. This cross sectional study was performed among 160 patients of suspected bacterial eye infection at Dr. K. Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital, Mymensingh and Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from March, 2010 to June, 2014. After collection of the samples from suspected infected eyes, it was nourished into nutrient broth in shaking incubator for three hours and then cultured into nutrient agar media followed by Mannitol salt agar, MacConkey's agar and blood agar. Bacteria were categorized by colony characteristics and Gram staining. Antibiogram was performed by disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar media. McFarland Equivalence Turbidity Standard was maintained. The efficacy of the drug was evaluated by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition surrounding the disc. Ten percent Staphylococcus species isolates was resistant to Gatifloxacin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin and Cloxacillin, 26.0% to Ciprofloxacin, 40.0% to Azythromycin and Moxifloxacin, 58.0% to Cefixime and 64.0% to Cephalexin. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 62.8%. About 24.0% Streptococcus species isolates was resistant to Gatifloxacin, 33.3% to Azythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, Moxifloxacin and Tobramycin, 52.4% to Cefixime and 71.4% to Cephalexin. About 9.0% of Pseudomonas species was resistant to Gatifloxacin and Tobramycin, 14.7% to Ciprofloxacin, 26.5% to Cefixime, 29.4% to Gentamicin and Moxifloxacin, 44.1% to Azythromycin and 82.3% to Cephalexin and Cloxacillin. Rational use of antibiotics and proper attentions of concerned authorities are necessary to overcome the emergent ocular situation leaded by antibiotic resistant.

Non-invasively Measured Carotid Artery Intima-Medial Thickness May Be a More Useful Marker of Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic than Non-Diabetic Patients.

Carotid intima-medial thickness has long been proposed as a surrogate marker of atherosclerotic vascular disease in other vascular beds, most notably the coronary arteries with its practical implications. This observational study aimed at exploring the relationship of a hypothetical stronger relationship of carotid intima-medial thickness with coronary artery disease in diabetic patients than non-diabetic counterparts. Thirty diabetic patients and 74 non-diabetic patients who were referred for coronary angiogram in the Departments of Cardiology Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka Cantonment, Bangladesh from January, 2002 and December, 2003 were studied. Carotid ultrasound was done to determine intima-medial thickness and coronary angiogram to detect coronary artery lesions. Background demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors were determined. Of the 30 diabetic patients 24 subjects had CAD. Twenty two of these 24 patients showed increased carotid IMT. None of the patients without CAD had shown carotid artery intima-medial thickening (sensitivity 91% specificity 100%). In contrast, in the non-diabetic group 44 patients out of 63 with CAD showed increased carotid artery IMT. Four of the 11 non-diabetic patients without CAD showed positive carotid ultrasound study results (sensitivity 70%, specificity 63%). This study showed a strong association of coronary artery disease with carotid intima-medial thickness in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic subjects. This finding may be applicable for Bangladeshi diabetic population. This surrogate marker of coronary artery disease can be useful in the management of diabetes as regards their prevention of coronary artery disease. The practical and clinical implications of these findings might be the pioneer study in diabetic subjects and need to be further determined in a larger community level study.

Herd Immunity: A Brief Review.

Immunization is a means of protecting the greatest number of people. By reducing the number of susceptible in the community, it augments "herd immunity" making the infection more difficult to spread. It also reduces the risk for those individuals who have escaped vaccination or those who have not developed satisfactory protection. It is well to bear in mind that immunizations are not at all 100 per cent effective, particularly when an individual is exposed to a large dose of pathogenic organisms.

Pericardial Tumor Presenting As Recurrent Pericardial Effusion--A Case Report.

Pericardial tumors are unusual and may be difficult to characterise with imaging. They manifest as large, non-contractile, solid masses within the pericardium. Presenting symptoms include heart failure, arrhythmias, sudden death, cyanosis and chest pain. But it can also present as recurrent pericardial effusion misdiagnosed as tuberculosis and other infectious causes. Accordingly a patient with pericardial mass (tumor) presented with recurrent pericardial effusion as a rare case.

Detection of Cervical Cancer through Visual Inspection of Cervix with Acetic Acid (VIA) and Colposcopy at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related morbidity and mortality in women with 50% mortality rate. It is preventable if cervical cellular changes are detected and managed at early stage. This was a retrospective study conducted at VIA center of outpatient department and Colposcopy clinic at in-patient department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh covering a period from September 2013 to November 2014. Objective of this study was detection of cervical cancer and precancerous condition amongst patients reported to VIA center and Colposcopy clinic. In primary screening at VIA Center, total respondents were 3604, their mean age was 35.9 and highest were in the age group 31 to 40 years. At VIA center, 110(3.05%) were found positive and highest were between 31 to 40 years. In Colposcopy Clinic, out of 700 patients, 51.7% were CIN 1, 4.9% CIN 2, 1.4% CIN 3, invasive carcinoma was 0.3% and unsatisfactory or inconclusive were 34.3%. Most of the respondents were housewives and majority had poor monthly income. Amongst respondents, 72.1% were from rural area and Colposcopic findings revealed in 62.5% abnormal cervical changes, 46.5% were from rural area. Mean age at marriage or age at first coitus was found 16.25 years and 92.7% were in 11 to 20 years. Maximum abnormal cervical findings including CIN were between the ages ranged from 11 to 20 years of marriage age. In patients having 1 - 5 number of child having abnormal (58%) cervical changes, 48% were CIN 1. Histopathology reports found 19.6% CIN 1 (Total CIN 20.7%), cervical carcinoma 1.3%, inflammatory 7.0% and 0.42% cases were reported normal. Amongst 438 histopathology advised cases, 230 respondent's reports with patients were not available. VIA followed by Colposcopy has been a feasible, easy and reliable tools for screening cervical cancer in Bangladesh.

Recent Trends in the Presentation of Neuroanatomy in Contemporary Neuroanatomy Books as Revealed in Their 'Preface's: A Review.

Many changes have been made in the field of Neuroanatomy teaching and assessment. One important way to know the changes in other country is by analyzing the Neuroanatomy text books and we can compare their reflections in our curriculum by analyzing the assessment system. To analyze the 'Preface's of contemporary Neuroanatomy text books, qualitatively, for noting the approaches taken and means applied in dealing with Neuroanatomy in the text books. This review was done in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from July 2008 and June 2009. The 'Preface's of ten contemporary text books dealing with Neuroanatomy, published since 1993, was analyzed. Among them, the two that are most commonly recommended to the medical postgraduates in Bangladesh were selected for analyzing their presentation of text and illustrations. The 'Preface's of ten books were analyzed qualitatively to identify the information and explanations provided and comments made by their author(s)/editor(s) on the approaches taken and the means applied in the books in selecting and presenting topics, text and illustrations. The observations were organized into specific 'theme's. Twelve 'theme's were identified from the analyses of the 'Preface's of ten contemporary Neuroanatomy text books. These include special emphasis in the books on incorporation of new information, on practical application of Neuroanatomical facts. Addition and improvement regarding illustrations are also highlighted. By incorporating the findings of the present study with the present-day ideas and trends in Neuroanatomy in the developed world as evident from the available literature, suggestions could be formulated on improving the methods of teaching and assessment of Neuroanatomy in Bangladesh.

Smear Positive Tuberculosis amongst Suspects Reported to DOTS Corner of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh.

Sputum microscopy still remains the primary tool for the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis. A retrospective study was conducted in the directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) corner of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), in Bangladesh from May 2013 to May 2014. The study was designed to evaluate the extent of smear positive microscopy including multi-drug resistance (MDR) amongst tuberculosis suspected cases. A total of 2,361 Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) suspects were noticed to DOTS corner during this period, with the mean age of 43 years. The male female ratio was 2.02:1 and the smear positivity rate was about 10%. Study found majority of the suspects were in the economically productive year of life 20-70 years. Smear negative suspects were not re-evaluated further, though smear negativity does not rule out absence of tuberculosis. Extra pulmonary or non tuberculous mycobacteria were not evaluated in this study. Twenty two patients 0.9% of total 2361 were identified as MDR during the study period where 61 clinically highly suspected cases were sent for GeneXpert that seems to be much lesser than the national rate (3.6% in new cases and 19% in retreated cases). The smear positivity rate of all three (1st, 2nd and 3rd) smear was 94.5%, all the second smear was 100% positive and the third were 95.47% positive. It is evident from this study that two smear microscopy was found sufficiently reliable to diagnose TB. However, further in depth prospective study might be undertaken to ascertain the scenario of this chronic diseases.

Topical Tacrolimus versus Hydrocortisone on Atopic Dermatitis in Paediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease in early childhood. Atopic dermatitis is familial disease, often coexists with other atopic diseases with multiple risk factors associated with atopic eczema. The disease is more frequent in urban areas compared with rural areas. Changes in nutrition and a decrease in infant breast-feeding and respiratory allergies are contributory factors for the condition. A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was carried to compare the efficacy and safety of Tacrolimus ointment with a topical corticosteroid reference therapy. A total 60 patients aged between 2 to 10 years, having atopic dermatitis for at least one year and comply Hanifin-Rajka criteria were selected using random number table and allocated into study and control groups through randomization. Study group was treated with topical Tacrolimus 0.03% twice daily for three weeks, while the control group was treated with 1% Hydrocortisone acetate for the same period. Both groups had a washed out phase for 2 weeks with a follow up period of 6 weeks. Eczema Area and Severity lndex (EASI) was assessed at baseline and three weeks after treatment. Efficacy was evaluated at each visit by six clinical signs of atopic dermatitis through measurement of the affected surface area and the EASI score in each of four body regions. Before intervention, in study group mean EASI score was 11.29 with a SD of 2.14, while in control group it was 11.05 with a SD of 2.46. Difference was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). At the end of the treatment, in study group mean EASI score was 4.86 with a SD of 1.01, while in control group it was 7.97 with a SD of 1.80. Statistically high significant difference was observed between EASI scores of two groups before and after the treatment (p<0.001). After getting treatment with Tacrolimus, median reduction of EASI score was 56.07 in study group, while getting treatment with Hydrocortisone, median reduction of EASI score was 27.16. Difference was highly significant (p<0.001). It is evidenced that Tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) acts as an effective as well as safe non-steroidal topical therapy for the treatment of dermatitis in paediatric patients.

Genetic testing for spinocerebellar ataxias in patients diagnosed as Parkinson's disease in Bangladesh.

This study was conducted to find out Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCA) by genetic analysis from those patients presenting with Parkinsonism in the Neurology department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. A sample of about 5ml blood was collected by venipuncture in EDTA tube after having informed consent from each patients and healthy individual, with due Institutional Ethical committee approval for genetic study of 7 healthy people and 9 patients. The neurological disorder along with a complete physical and/or psychological, as well as family history and demographic data was recorded with a prescribed questionnaire by the neurologists of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Extraction of genomic DNA from the venous blood using Flexi Gene DNA kit (Qiagen, Japan) was performed in Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The extracted DNA was stored, accumulated and then were sent to Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Osaka 565 0871, Japan for PCR and further analysis. PCR amplification of the CAG repeat was performed for the SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6 loci using primers SCA1N-F1 and SCA1N-R1, SCA2-F1 and SCA2-R1, MJDF1 and MJDR1, SCA6-F1 and SCA6-R1, respectively. SCA1 PCR of both healthy individual and suspected Parkinsons Disease (PD) patients DNA was found 250 bp (no. of CAG repeats=36). SCA2 PCR products reveal the DNA products of about 150 bp (no. of CAG repeats=23) except one patient that was suspected and it was sequenced and revealed 175bp (no. of CAG repeats=30). SCA3 PCR product size of both healthy individual and patient DNA was within 250 (no. of CAG repeats=11) to 300 bp (no. of CAG repeats=28) except one patient which was about 320 bp and its CAG repeats was about 34. SCA6 PCR product size of both healthy individual and patient DNA was about 150 bp (no. of CAG repeats=16).

Association of heart rate response with scan and left ventricular function on adenosine stress myocardial perfusion imaging.

To evaluate the association of heart rate (HR) response with abnormal scan and/or left ventricular (LV) function in patients undergoing adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging, we prospectively studied 164 consecutive patients who underwent a standard adenosine stress test (without exercise) and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using technetium-99m sestamibi radioisotope. Change in HR was calculated by subtracting HR at rest from peak HR. The percentage change in HR was calculated. All patients underwent stress and resting single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was calculated using gated SPECT. Mean age was 54 ± 11.7 years and 126 of the patients (72%) were men. We divided the patients into 2 groups: group 1(42 patients, 25%) had normal scans and group 2(122 patients, 74.3%) had abnormal scans; abnormal scans were defined as presence of either fixed defects, reversible defects, or both. Average HR increased by 35 beats/min in the normal scan group compared with 23 beats/min in the abnormal scan group (p=0.002). Sixty four (64) patients (39%) had reduced EF (<45%). This group had an average HR and percentage HR increase of 23 beats/min (27%) compared with an increase of 35 beats/min (38%) in patients with normal EF (p=0.002 and p=0.02, respectively). Thus, a diminished HR response had a significant association with both an abnormal scan and reduced EF on adenosine MPI.

Cord blood stem cells - a dream for future medicine.

Umbilical cord blood collected at birth is a rich source of stem cells that can be used to treat diseases of the blood and immune system. Cord blood stem cells which have infinite medical potential are currently used in the treatment of several life-threatening diseases, and play an important role in the treatment of blood and immune system related genetic diseases, cancers, and blood disorders. Transplant recipients are less likely to reject a cord blood stem cell and do not require a perfect match as bone marrow transplants do. Transplantation of umbilical cord blood stem cells represents a major advantage in providing a new source of stem cells to patients in need. Private storage of cord blood stem cells clearly has value, in that it provides future patients and families with potential therapeutic options for transplant. Many recent studies showed that human umbilical cord blood stem cells have the potential to generate cells with neuronal characteristics. Therefore, the umbilical cord blood stem cells can be viewed as the stem cells source of choice for clinical and non-clinical research applications.

Noninvasive carotid duplex study may be used as predictor test for ischaemic heart disease.

A prospective observational study was carried out to detect carotid atherosclerosis using high resolution B-Mode in 150 in-hospital patients with clinically diagnosed ischemic heart disease in various forms in the department of Cardiology, University Cardiac Center, BSMMU, Bangladesh. The duration of study was from April 2006 to December 2008. Carotid Ultrasound evaluation was performed in 150 patients diagnosed as Ischemic Heart Disease by single operator (NF). Mean age of the patients was 53.62±10.92 with, male to female ratio of 9.5:0.5. Mean IMT was 0.96±0.21mm in 85% of the patient of clinically diagnosed IHD, which was higher than the normal (normal IMT ≤0.8mm). Among them, about 77% had atherosclerotic plaque. A significant correlation between Carotid atherosclerosis determined by IMT and Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) was found. Non invasive carotid duplex study might be useful for predicting ischaemic heart disease.

Comparative study of genotoxicity and tissue distribution of nano and micron sized iron oxide in rats after acute oral treatment.

Though nanomaterials (NMs) are being utilized worldwide, increasing use of NMs have raised concerns over their safety to human health and environment. Iron oxide (Fe(2)O(3)) NMs have important applications. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxicity of Fe(2)O(3)-30nm and Fe(2)O(3)-bulk in female Wistar rats. Fe(2)O(3)-30nm was characterized by using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, laser Doppler velocimetry and surface area analysis. The rats were treated orally with the single doses of 500, 1000, 2000mg/kg bw of Fe(2)O(3)-30nm and Fe(2)O(3) -bulk. The genotoxicity was evaluated at 6, 24, 48 and 72h by the comet assay in leucocytes, 48 and 72h by micronucleus test (MNT) in peripheral blood cells, 18 and 24h by chromosomal aberration (CA) assay and 24 and 48h by MNT in bone marrow cells. The biodistribution of iron (Fe) was carried out at 6, 24, 48 and 72h after treatment in liver, spleen, kidney, heart, brain, bone marrow, urine and feces by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The % tail DNA, frequencies of micronuclei and CAs were statistically insignificant (p>0.05) at all doses. These results suggest that Fe(2)O(3)-30nm and Fe(2)O(3)-bulk was not genotoxic at the doses tested. Bioavailability of Fe was size and dose dependent in all the tissues from the groups exposed to Fe(2)O(3)-30nm. Fe(2)O(3) NMs were able to enter in the organs and the rats are biocompatible with much higher concentration of Fe. However, the accumulated Fe did not cause significant genotoxicity. This study provides additional knowledge about the toxicology of Fe(2)O(3) NMs.

Effectiveness of "Physician Prompt Clinical Decision Criteria" in Weaning Outcome Prediction for Neurocritical Patients.

Endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation are fundamental components for the resuscitation of neurocritically ill patients to achieve various goals which include ensuring the protection of the airway, participating in tissue oxygen delivery and indirectly modulating cerebral vascular reactivity. The neurocritical patients demand special attention to their systemic involvement regarding weaning. Physician prompt clinical decision criteria (PPC) can play a better role in weaning of such patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 'Physician prompt clinical decision criteria' for successful weaning in neurocritical patients. This prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU, Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia, Palliative & Intensive Care Medicine, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2018 to April 2020. In total 100 neurocritical patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were taken as samples by informed written consent. The outcome was observed as successful weaning or as failed weaning. Finally, the existence of Standard extubation criteria (SEC) was compared with Physician prompt clinical decision criteria (PPC). Weaning was succeeded in 80.0% of patients and failed in 20.0% according to the Standard extubation criteria (SEC) while weaning was succeeded in 85.7% of patients and failed in 14.28% according to the Physician prompt clinical decision criteria (PPC). There were some differences in results but no significant differences were observed statistically between the groups in predicting the weaning outcome. Physician prompt clinical decision criteria were found to be 75.0% sensitive and specificity was 50.0%. Positive predictive value for Physician prompt clinical decision criteria was 85.70% with a Positive likelihood ratio for these criteria was 1.5 times. So, according to the study findings, accuracy of Physician prompt clinical decision criteria was 70.0%. According to the findings of this current study we can conclude that Physician prompt clinical decision criteria are an effective weaning readiness predictor in neurocritical patients.

A Case of Congenital Coronary Ostial Stenosis with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Congenital coronary ostial stenosis or atresia (COSA) is a spectrum of rare developmental conditions with different pathophysiologic mechanisms and clinical implications. Although COSA includes various entities, these entities have two features in common. First the defect is congenital, although it may progress during pre-natal and post natal life. Second the developmental defect may cause ostial or proximal coronary obstruction (that is stenosis or atresia). Coronary ostial stenosis or atresia affects the left coronary (L-COSA) more frequently than it does the right coronary artery. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is not an uncommon disease in young female, but combination of congenital coronary ostial stenosis with systemic lupus erythematosus make the case very rarer. Here we presented A 17 years old girl got admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh for evaluation of on and off chest pain of CCS-III to CCS-IV for 1 day on 17 September 2019.

Oxidative stress induced by aluminum oxide nanomaterials after acute oral treatment in Wistar rats.

This study investigated the oxidative stress induced after acute oral treatment with 500, 1000 and 2000 mg kg⁻¹ doses of Al2O3 -30 and -40 nm and bulk Al2O3 in Wistar rats. Both the nanomaterials induced significant oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner in comparison to the bulk. There was no significant difference between the two nanomaterials. However, the effect decreased with increase with time after treatment. The histopathological examination showed lesions only in liver with Al2O3 nanomaterials at 2000 mg kg⁻¹.