Has plasma therapy failed in Covid-19 or we have failed in using it properly in India?-Lessons learned through the pandemic.

India has literally been devastated by the second wave of the Covid-19. Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy which was approved initially for Covid-19 in India has been recently excluded from the Covid-19 management protocol. Herein we would like to explore the major challenges for CP therapy in India that we observed during the current pandemic.

Zener-like electrical transport in polyaniline-graphene oxide nanocomposites.

The present study includes the fabrication and characterization and an investigation of the electrical transport properties of nanocomposites of n-PANI and graphene oxide (GO). The samples were prepared by loading different weight percentages D of GO during the chemical oxidative in situ polymerization of aniline monomers. Structural characterization by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, etc. confirmed that the nanocomposites exhibited superior morphology and thermal stability. The transport properties were studied by measuring the variation of conductivity with temperature T, V-I characteristics and the fundamental response V f at different temperatures T. The dc conductance Σ showed a transition from insulator type behavior to weakly temperature dependent behavior at temperature T D, which decreased with increasing D. The V-I characteristics were generally nonlinear and the nonlinearity increased with decreasing temperature. Moreover, at temperatures T ≥ T D, the characteristics showed saturation of voltage for higher values of current, similar to Zener diodes. At lower temperatures (T ≤ T D), a voltage maximum occurred, similar to thyristors. This behavior leads to the possibility of fabricating devices containing these nanocomposites. We have tried to analyze these results using the framework of scaling theory and the concept of inter-chain hopping conduction and tunneling between conducting grains separated by insulating regimes in the nanocomposite.

A 36-year-old Man with Limb Weakness and Dimness of Vision (NMO).

Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) previously known as Devic disease is inflammatory disorder of central nervous system characterized by severe immune mediated demyelination and axonal damage predominating targeting optic nerves and spinal cord leading to blindness and paralysis. The spectrum of the disease has expanded based on the specificity of the autoimmune response to the aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) water channel expressed on the end feet of astrocytes in the central nervous system. The coordinated immunological attack against aquaporin-4 is mediated by B & T cells, innate cells including neutrophils and eosinophils and complement system as well as pathogenic antibodies.

A 20 Years Young Lady with Recurrent Convulsion since Childhood (Sturge-Weber Syndrome).

Sturge Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a sporadic neurocutanous disease characterized by facial port wine stain, ocular abnormalities and leptomengealangioma. We present here a 20 year old normotensive, non-diabetic lady hailing from Sarishabari, Jamalur District, Bangladesh got admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh on 15 July 2018 with the complaints of recurrent convulsion since 3 months of her life, weakness of the right side of the body for same duration according to the statement of the patients mother she was reasonably well until 3 months of her age. The precise pathogenesis is unknown. Clinical feature vary from gentle to full blown sickness with facial stain, seizures and glaucoma.

Emergence of two novel sublineages Ind2001BD1 and Ind2001BD2 of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O in Bangladesh.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Bangladesh, and the implementation of a control programme for this disease is at an early stage, according to the FAO- and OIE-proposed Progressive Control Pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) Roadmap. To develop an effective control programme, understanding of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotypes, even subtypes within the serotypes is essential. The present investigation aims at viral VP1 coding region sequence-based analysis of FMD samples collected from 34 FMD outbreaks during 2012-2016 in Bangladesh. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype O was responsible for 82% of the outbreaks in Bangladesh, showing its dominance over serotype A and Asia1. The VP1 phylogeny revealed the emergence of two novel sublineages of serotype O, named as Ind2001BD1 and Ind2001BD2, within the Ind2001 lineage along with the circulation of Ind2001d sublineage in Bangladesh, which was further supported by the multidimensional scaling with distinct clusters for each sublineage. The novel sublineages had evident genetic variability with other established sublineages within Ind2001 lineage. Ten mutations with three or more amino acid variations were detected within B-C loop, G-H loop and C-terminal region of the VP1 protein of FMDV serotype O viruses isolated exclusively from Bangladesh. Furthermore, two amino acid substitutions at positions 197 and 198 within the VP1 C-terminal region are unique to the novel sublineages. The existence of widespread genetic variations among circulatory FMDV serotype O viruses makes the FMD control programme complex in Bangladesh. Adequate epidemiological data, disease reporting, animal movement control, appropriate vaccination and above all stringent policies of the government are necessary to combat FMD in Bangladesh.

Tethered balloon-born and ground-based measurements of black carbon and particulate profiles within the lower troposphere during the foggy period in Delhi, India.

The ground and vertical profiles of particulate matter (PM) were mapped as part of a pilot study using a Tethered balloon within the lower troposphere (1000m) during the foggy episodes in the winter season of 2015-16 in New Delhi, India. Measurements of black carbon (BC) aerosol and PM <2.5 and 10µm (PM2.5 & PM10 respectively) concentrations and their associated particulate optical properties along with meteorological parameters were made. The mean concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, BC370nm, and BC880nm were observed to be 146.8±42.1, 245.4±65.4, 30.3±12.2, and 24.1±10.3µgm-3, respectively. The mean value of PM2.5 was ~12 times higher than the annual US-EPA air quality standard. The fraction of BC in PM2.5 that contributed to absorption in the shorter visible wavelengths (BC370nm) was ~21%. Compared to clear days, the ground level mass concentrations of PM2.5 and BC370nm particles were substantially increased (59% and 24%, respectively) during the foggy episode. The aerosol light extinction coefficient (σext) value was much higher (mean: 610Mm-1) during the lower visibility (foggy) condition. Higher concentrations of PM2.5 (89µgm-3) and longer visible wavelength absorbing BC880nm (25.7µgm-3) particles were observed up to 200m. The BC880nm and PM2.5 aerosol concentrations near boundary layer (1km) were significantly higher (~1.9 and 12µgm-3), respectively. The BC (i.e BCtot) aerosol direct radiative forcing (DRF) values were estimated at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), surface (SFC), and atmosphere (ATM) and its resultant forcing were - 75.5Wm-2 at SFC indicating the cooling effect at the surface. A positive value (20.9Wm-2) of BC aerosol DRF at TOA indicated the warming effect at the top of the atmosphere over the study region. The net DRF value due to BC aerosol was positive (96.4Wm-2) indicating a net warming effect in the atmosphere. The contribution of fossil and biomass fuels to the observed BC aerosol DRF values was ~78% and ~22%, respectively. The higher mean atmospheric heating rate (2.71Kday-1) by BC aerosol in the winter season would probably strengthen the temperature inversion leading to poor dispersion and affecting the formation of clouds. Serious detrimental impacts on regional climate due to the high concentrations of BC and PM (especially PM2.5) aerosol are likely based on this study and suggest the need for immediate, stringent measures to improve the regional air quality in the northern India.

A 7 years old girl with abdominal lump and per-vaginal bleeding of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from decreased secretion of thyroid hormone. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is suggested from the clinical and laboratory findings. Here we present a case report on this disease with rare presentation of abdominal lump and pervaginal bleeding in childhood. A 7 years old girl admitted in a tertiary level hospital with abdominal lump and irregular per vaginal bleeding. Abdominal swelling was gradually increasing in size & associated with lower abdominal pain for last 5 months. On examination the girl was moderately anaemic, mildly oedematous, distended lower abdomen and a mass in left iliac region. Her thyroid function test, serum FSH, serum LH, serum Prolactin was done and high FSH, LH, Prolactin levels were found. Ultrasonography of lower abdomen revealed bulky uterus and bilateral ovarian cysts. MRI of Brain showed feature of pituitary microadenoma. Finally the patient was diagnosed as primary hypothyroidism and bilateral follicular ovarian cyst with pituitary adenoma developed as its consequence. The case is reported for clinical awareness & to share our experience.

The iron lung: a device for the continuous delivery of fine particulate matter.

In aerosol research, bag-sampling techniques are commonly used for temporary storage of aerosols. They have been used for aging studies and to integrate over fluctuations in aerosol properties and concentrations. Here, we describe the design and operation of an iron lung aerosol sampler consisting of a large volume (∼277 l) drum and a conductive drum liner. This iron lung is used for the continuous delivery of fine particulate matter. Its performance for storage and sampling of fine particulate matter has been evaluated with soot from a kerosene lamp by characterizing the change of particle number and size distribution as function of time with a scanning mobility particle sizer. Changes in these properties have been shown to be smooth, demonstrating the utility of the iron lung described here.

Effectiveness of radioiodine therapy in treatment of hyperthyroidism.

The present non randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound, Mymensingh, Bangladesh for duration of one year. Total 30 patients with hyperthyroidism diagnosed by clinical and biochemical profile were included in the study. All patients received radioiodine treatment and regular follow up at 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month & 9th month were done to evaluate clinical and biochemical status and complications. Data were analyzed by computer with SPSS programme using 't' test and chi-square test. In the present study, out of 30 respondents more than three fourth of the respondents (76.6%) were in the age group of 31-50 years followed by less than 30 years are group (16.7%) and rest of respondents were in the age group of more than 50 years (06.7%). Mean±SD and range of age of the respondents were 39.80±10.02 years and 17-65 years respectively. Among the 30 respondents 11(36.7%) were male and 19(63.3%) were female. Male to female ratio was 1:1.73. Out of 30 patients 26(86.7%) presented with goiter and among them 21(80.8%) has diffused goiter and five (19.2%) had nodular goiter. Baseline mean±SD, median, range of serum T3 level were 5.24±3.62, 4.34, 1.48-14.65nmol/L respectively. Base line mean±SD, median range of serum T4 level were 192.25±99.17, 201.77, 1.75-336.25nmol/L respectively. Baseline mean±SD, median range of serum TSH level were 6.33±23.93, 0.15-0.07, 130.46nmol/L respectively. In the present study serum T3, T4 level among the respondents sharply decrease from baseline to 2nd follow up then gradually decrease from 2nd to 4th follow up. Serum TSH level gradually increases from baseline to 3rd follow up and then gradually decreases from 3rd to 4th follow up. The result showed radioiodine is an effective option for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

Purification of elastase-like chymotrypsin from cardamom shoot and Capsule borer [corrected].

An elastase-like chymotrypsin was purified by aprotinin-agarose affinity chromatography from the midgut extract of cardamom shoot and capsule borer, Conogethes punctiferalis. The purified enzyme had a Vmax of 687.6 +/- 22.1 nmole pNA released/min/mg protein, Km of 0.168 +/- 0.012 mM with SAAPLpNA as substrate and gave a single band on SDS-PAGE with a molecular mass of 72.1 kDa. Casein zymogram revealed one clear zone of proteolytic activity, which corresponded to the band obtained with SDS-PAGE indicating that this could be a single-polypeptide enzyme.

Midgut proteases of the cardamom shoot and capsule borer Conogethes punctiferalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and their interaction with aprotinin.

Protease inhibitors cause mortality in a range of insects, and transgenic plants expressing protease inhibitors have been protected against pest attack, particularly internal feeders that are not amenable to control by conventional means. A study of luminal proteases in Conogethes punctiferalis Guenée was performed to identify potential targets for proteinaceous biopesticides, such as protease inhibitors. The midgut protease profile of the gut lumen from C. punctiferalis was studied to determine the conditions for optimal protein hydrolysis. Optimum conditions for peptidase activity were found to be in 50 mm Tris-HCl, pH 10 containing 20 mm CaCl2; incubation for 30 min at 40 degrees C. Four synthetic substrates, i.e. benzoyl-arg-p-nitroanilide, benzoyl-tyr-p-nitroanilide, succinyl-ala-ala-pro-leu-p-nitroanilide (SAAPLpNA) and leu-p-nitroanilide were hydrolysed by C. punctiferalis gut proteases in Tris-HCl buffer pH 10. Trypsin and elastase-like chymotrypsin were the prominent digestive proteases, and age-related modulation of midgut proteases existed for trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase-like chymotrypsin and leucine aminopeptidase. Serine protease inhibitors such as aprotinin, soybean trypsin inhibitor and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride inhibited peptidase activity. Some metal ions such as Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Pb(2+) and Co(2+) enhanced BApNA-ase activity whereas others like Mn(2+), Zn(2+), Cu(2+), Fe(2+) and Hg(2+) were inhibitory at 6 mm concentration. Trypsin and elastase-like chymotrypsin were significantly inhibited by 94% and 29%, respectively, by aprotinin (150 nm) under in vitro conditions. A possible incorporation of protease inhibitors into transgenic plants is discussed.

Tc-99m DTPA scintigraphy in soft tissue tumor.

Tc99m-DTPA scintigraphic study were done in Centre For Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound (CNMU) Mymensingh presented with palpable soft tissue mass. All the patients referred to CNMU for ultrasonic evaluation of the mass. Taking proper consent form patient and we did the Tc-99m DTPA scanning of the masses. The study was carried out using Tc-99m DTPA in three phases dynamic, blood pool after 5 min, followed by a late scan after 2 hr. The uptake was categorized as consistently positive, initially positive but latter (progressively) negative, initially negative but latter (progressively) positive and consistently negative. Among our studied cases there were both benign and malignant lesion that were proved by histopathology after excisional biopsy. Two cases were inconclusive. Histologically proven lipoma showed no uptake of DTPA considered as consistently negative. Two cases of rhabdomyosarcoma showed consistently positive.

Saffron can prevent chemically induced skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice.

One of the most promising strategies for cancer prevention today is chemoprevention using readily available natural substances from vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices. Among the spices, saffron (Crocus sativus, L) a member of the large family Iridaceae, has drawn attention because apart from its use as a flavouring agent, pharmacological studies have demonstrated many health promoting properties including radical scavenging, anti- mutagenic and immuno-modulating effects. In the present study the effects of an aqueous infusion of saffron on two stage skin papillogenesis / carcinogenesis in mice initiated by 7-12 dimethyl benz[a] anthracin (DMBA) and promoted with croton oil were investigated. Significant reduction in papilloma formation was found with saffron application in the pre-initiation and post-initiation periods, and particular when the agent was given both pre- and post-initiation. The inhibition appeared to be at least partly due on modulatory effects of saffron on some phase II detoxifying enzymes like glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutahinoe peroxidase (GPx), as well as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Gall stone in pregnancy.

UNLABELLED: Gallbladder disease is four times as common in women as in men, and pregnancy appears to contribute to the development of gallstones. During pregnancy, most women receive ultrasound scans, which are highly sensitive in detecting gallstones. The study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of gallstones among the pregnant woman. The aim was to determine any significant difference in the prevalence of gallstone among the pregnant woman compared to the generalized prevalence of gallstone in our community. METHODS: The maternal gallbladder was examined in 1336 consecutive obstetric ultrasound scans performed for medical indications at 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The study was conducted in Centre for Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasond (CNMU) Mymensingh on randomly selected subjects, among those who came here for ultrasound evaluation of pregnancy. 500 control were taken from age group between 20-30 yrs who came here for ultrasound examination of lower abdomen other than pregnancy. RESULTS: Gallstone were found in total one hundred eight cases. Prevalence of gallstone in pregnant woman was 8.08% (n=108). The age ranges were 20 to 45 yrs with mean age of 28.21 +/- 4.95 (mean +/- SD) yrs. The highest prevalence (12.71%) were seen in 3rd or higher gravida group with mean age of 30.32 +/- 4.74 yrs. Significantly higher cases of gallstone were found in multiparity compared to control population of same age group. CONCLUSIONS. Repeated pregnancy causes increased gallstone formation due to changes in gallbladder kinetics leading to stasis and stone formation.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of cauliflower: optimization of protocol and development of Bt-transgenic cauliflower.

A number of factors that are known to influence genetic transformation were evaluated to optimize Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of hypocotyl explants of cauliflower variety Pusa Snowball K-1. The binary vector p35SGUSINT mobilized into Agrobacterium strain GV2260 was used for transformation and transient GUS expression was used as the basis for identifying the most appropriate conditions for transformation. Explant age, preculture period, bacterial strain and density were found to be critical determinants of transformation efficiency. Using the optimized protocol, the synthetic cryIA(b) gene was mobilized into cauliflower. Molecular analyses of transgenics established the integration and expression of the transgene. Insect bioassays indicated the effectiveness of the transgene against infestation by diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae

Kinetics of entry of virulent and avirulent strains of Leishmania donovani into macrophages: a possible role of virulence molecules (gp63 and LPG).

Specific receptors may be involved in the process of attachment of Leishmania donovani promastigotes to macrophage surfaces and their subsequent internalization. Two virulent strains of Indian L. donovani (AG83 and GE-I) were found to enter into macrophages much faster than the avirulent ones (UR6). These virulent promastigotes express surface glycoprotein (gp63) and lipophosphoglycan (LPG) to a greater extent than avirulent strains. We examined their interaction with macrophages as a function of time by preblocking the macrophage receptors with the exogenous addition of gp33 or LPG. In experiments where gp63 was used as the blocking agent, the entry of one virulent strain (GE-I) was affected. In other experiments where LPG was used, the entry of another virulent strain (AG83) was affected. Entry of the avirulent strain (UR6) was unaffected by either of these treatments. Exposed LPG or gp63 on the surface of promastigotes thus appear to expedite their recognition and entry into the host cell. To assess the role of gp63 further in the entry of Leishmania into the macrophages, an avirulent UR6 strain was transfected with the gp63 gene cloned from L. amazonensis. The transfected UR6 as expected expressed more GP63 at a faster rate and entered into the macrophages like the virulent strain when compared to the nontransfected UR6 or UR6 transfected with vector alone. Thus, the expression of the gp63 gene is involved in the recognition and intracellular entry of visceral Leishmania into the macrophages in addition to the cutaneous species demonstrated previously.

A curative operation for extra-articular ankylosis of knee.

For the extra-articular ankylosis of knee a new surgical operation has been described, which is a simple technique by which the adhesion of the quadriceps femoris is released from the shaft of femur (corrective release operation). Operative result in 5 cases has been also described. All these patients showed satisfactory improvement of the flexion movement of the knee following this surgical procedure.