Genotypic selection and trait variation in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) dataset of Bangladesh.

The dataset primarily focused on selecting genotypes of sweet oranges based on their phenotypic performances. The dataset resulted significant variations in the best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) of 20 out of 21 traits, including leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. A strong positive correlation (r= 0.73 to 0.95) was observed among the majority of morphological traits. The sweet orange genotypes demonstrated considerable genetic variance, surpassing 65% for almost all traits, with a selection accuracy exceeding 92%. Using the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), CS Jain-001 emerged as the top-ranked genotype, followed by BAU Malta-3 and CS Jain-002 in order of desirability. The broad sense heritability of selected traits was above 75.60%, and the selection gain reached a maximum of 12.60. These identified genotypes show promise as potential parent donors in breeding programs, leveraging their strengths and weaknesses to develop promising varieties in Bangladesh.

Evaluation of Serum Iron Profile in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Approximately 10.0% of tuberculosis (TB) Infected individuals develop clinical disease in the absence of immune suppression suggests that individual factors may play a role in the response to infection. Body's immune function is boosted by micronutrient and also plays a major role in response to tubercular infection. Someone, may argue that cell mediated immunity is compromised in iron deficiency before anemia becomes apparent. This descriptive observational study intended to assess serum iron profile in patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. This study included 56 newly diagnosed sputum smear positive and negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and was conducted at the department of the Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh with the collaboration of the Biochemistry department, BSMMU, Bangladesh from February 2017 to January 2018. Collected data were recorded in a structured questionnaire and compiled and appropriate analyses were done by using computer-based software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Out of 56 patients, majority was young and at reproductive age, male was predominant (78.6%) with a male to female ratio of 3.7:1. More than three fourth 43(81.0%) patients were found to have low serum iron concentration. Majority 45(80.4%) patients had normal serum TIBC, 6(10.7%) had low serum total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and 5(8.9%) had high serum TIBC. Almost two third 36(64.3%) patients had low serum transferrin saturation and 20(35.7%) had normal serum transferrin saturation. Majority 31(55.4%) patients had normal serum ferritin, 2(3.6%) had low serum ferritin and 23(41.1%) had high serum ferritin. Serum iron concentration and serum ferritin were significantly associated with chest x-ray abnormalities (p<0.01). Half of the patients were smear positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB) (50.0%). No significant association was found between sputum positive for AFB with iron profile status. In smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients, more than three fourth (78.6%) patients had low serum iron concentration at baseline and majority 20(80.0%) patients had normal serum iron concentration after 2(two) months. Mean serum iron concentration was 41.8±17.6mcg/l in baseline and 70.4±29.7mcg/l in at 2(two) month. More than sixty percent (60.7%) patients had low serum transferrin saturation at baseline and 20(80.0%) patients had normal serum transferrin saturation after 2(two) months. Mean serum transferrin saturation was 18.1±7.6% at baseline and 31.2±19.4% in at 2(two) months. After 2(two) months follow up serum iron concentration and serum transferrin saturation had significant improvement (p<0.05). Significant iron deficiency status occurred in pulpmonary tuberculosis and which improved after anti-tubercular treatment without iron supplementation.

Troponin I Elevation after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the most important modalities of treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). Minor extents of injury to the myocardium have been observed even after successful PCI. This peri-procedural injury might therefore reduce some of the beneficial effects of coronary revascularization. The objective of this hospital based comparative observational study was to determine the prevalence of post procedural Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) elevation after elective PCI and also to find out the relation with risk factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, anemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history, left ventricular dysfunction, renal insufficiency, type of stent, number of stent and length of stent. This was a hospital based comparative observational study carried out in the Department of Cardiology, Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Chattogram, Bangladesh from July 2018 to June 2019. A total of 50 patients who underwent elective PCI were included as sampled by purposive sampling method. Serum cTnI was measured by FIA8000 quantitative immunoassay analyzer with an analytical measurement before and at 24 hours of PCI. Value >1.0ng/ml was considered elevated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were applied to assess predictors for the occurrence of post-procedural elevation of cTnI. The mean±SD age of the study population was 54.96±9.1 years (range 35-74 years) and 34(68.0%) patients were male. Regarding cardiovascular risk factors, 17(34.0%) patients had diabetes mellitus, 27(54.0%) had dyslipidemia, 30(60.0%) had hypertension, 32(64.0%) were current or ex-smokers and 20(40.0%) had a family history of CAD. Eighteen patients (36.0%) had post-procedural cTnI elevation but only 8(16.0%) had significant (>1.0ng/ml) elevation. Change of cTnI before and at 24 hours of PCI was not significant (p=0.057). Cardiac Troponin I increase was related to age, pre-procedural serum creatinine and multi-vessel stenting. Minor elevation of cTnI was common following elective PCI and associated with few risk factors such as elderly patient (more than 50 years), raised serum creatinine and multi-vessel stenting. So, early detection of these risk factors, as well as effective intervention may help to prevent injury to cardiac tissue hence stop elevation of cardiac TnI following elective PCI.

Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Severity by Using CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF Score in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores are widely used in clinical practice and include similar risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is known that the factors comprising the newly defined CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score promote atherosclerosis and associated with severity of CAD. Objective of the study was to find out the association of the CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score with the severity of CAD in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). One hundred (100) patients with STEMI were enrolled in this study after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria over a one year period from October, 2017 to September, 2018 in the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Coronary angiogram was done within index hospitalization and coronary artery disease severity was assessed by SYNTAX score system. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of SYNTAX score. Patients with SYNTAX score ≥23 assigned as Group I and SYNTAX score <23 assigned as Group II. The CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score was calculated. Cut-off value of high CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score was ≥4.0. In this study mean age of study population was 51.8±9.8, male patients were predominant (79.0%). Among the studied patients, highest percentage had history of smoking followed by hypertension, diabetes mellitus and family history of CAD in Group I patients. It was found that DM and family history of CAD and history of stroke/TIA were significantly higher in Group I than Group II. An increasing trend of SYNTAX score was observed according to the CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score. SYNTAX score was significantly higher in CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score ≥4 than CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score <4 (26.3±6.3 vs. 12.1±7.7, p<0.001). Patients with CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score ≥4 had severe coronary artery disease than CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score <4 assessed by SYNTAX score with 84.4% sensitivity and 81.9% specificity (AUC:0.83, 95% CI: 0.746-0.915, p<0.001). CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score was positively correlated with the severity of CAD. This score could be considered as a predictor of coronary artery disease severity.

Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health issues in many developing nations especially in Bangladesh. Though most focus is being directed towards mortality and incidence rate, the changes in morbidity and other health status parameters are not been well considered. The aim of the study was a comprehensive assessment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis by measuring patient's quality of life which may lead to better outcome in patients' health, infection surveillance and prevention programs. This prospective study was conducted in the department of Respiratory and Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2015 to March 2017. The quality of life scores of 61 smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases were measured by validated Bangla version of SF-36 questionnaire before or at the starting of treatment, after the initial phase and at the end of treatment. Then the score was compared with those of 75 healthy matched controls. The changes of the quality of life with the stage of treatment and with socio-demographic variables were assessed. Before treatment, all domains of HRQoL of the pulmonary TB patients were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.001). At the end of six-month treatment period, HRQoL of the pulmonary TB patient had significantly increased compared to before treatment (p<0.001). There was no significant difference of scores after six months of treatment with that of control (p>0.05). The lowest score in tuberculosis patients was related to general health perception and vitality. Patients with low socio economic status, low educational level, prolonged disease duration and increased number of symptoms had lower HRQoL scores.

Comparison of Risk Factors and Angiographic Profile between Younger and Older Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in younger adults (≤40 years) is being increasingly encountered in recent years among the South Asian population. Data regarding the presentation, risk factors and angiographic findings on this important subset of patients is lacking in our country. The aim of this study was to compare the risk factors and pattern of Coronary artery involvement in younger patients presenting with AMI with that of the older age group. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted during the period from October 2018 to June 2019. Seventy consecutive AMI patients age ≤40 years and another 70 consecutive AMI patients age >40 years undergoing Coronary Angiogram (CAG) were included in the study. After taking informed written consent; demographic, anthropometric, risk factors, CAG findings were recorded in a pre-designed case record form. The severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) was calculated by using Gensini score. The mean age of the younger and older patient groups was 36.89±4.4 years and 57.00±8.4 years respectively. Among the risk factors, smoking (67.1% versus 45.7%, p=0.017), positive family history CAD (38.6% versus 22.9%, p=0.040) and obesity (34.3% versus 20.0%, p= 0.05) were more common in younger group. Whereas, Hypertension (41.4% versus 72.9%, p=0.010) and DM (28.6% versus 50.0%, p=0.024) were more common in older patients. Younger patients mainly presented with STEMI (60.0% versus 48.6%) and predominantly had single vessel disease (42.9%), whereas older patients readily presented with NSTEMI (51.4%) and had a higher incidence of double vessel disease (32.9%) and triple vessel disease (30.0%). The Median Gensini score was significantly higher among the older patients than in the younger age group. Patients in younger age group showed a different pattern of risk factors and coronary artery involvement in comparison to the older age group. Thus, offering younger individuals to make them aware of these risk factors and their early detection, as well as an effective intervention may help to prevent AMI in younger people.

Association of Echocardiographic Epicardial Fat Thickness with the Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Estimation of visceral adipose tissue is important as it carries high cardiometabolic risk and several methods are available as its surrogate. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is a direct measure of visceral fat rather than anthropometric measurements. EFT can be accurately measured by two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. It tends to be higher in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The present study was intended to find out the association between echocardiographic EFT and severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in patients with ACS. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the department of cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2017 to September 2018. Sampling technique was purposive sampling. Comparison between groups was done by unpaired-t test & dichotomous variables were compared by chi-square test. A total of 164 patients was enrolled in the study, prospectively examined EFT on echocardiography and patients were divided into 2 groups, Group I patients with EFT >4.65mm and Group II patients with EFT ≤4.65mm. Coronary angiograms were analyzed for the extent and severity of CAD using Gensini score. The mean EFT (mm) was found 6.1±1.0 in Group I and 3.5±0.7 in Group II (p<0.001). Patients with a higher EFT were associated with a high Gensini score (Group I vs. Group II, 50.3±24.1 vs. 21.9±20.0; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that EFT (OR 6.07, p<0.001) and smoking (OR 2.66, p=0.03) were independent factors affecting significant coronary artery stenosis. By ROC curve analysis, EFT >4.65mm predicated the presence of significant coronary stenosis by 76.1% sensitivity and 69.9% specificity. EFT measured using Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) significantly correlates with the severity of CAD. It is sensitive, easily available, and cost-effective and assists in the risk stratification and may be an additional marker on classical risk factors for CAD.

TB prevalence among patients with diabetes in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE: 1) To assess the prevalence of TB among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending diabetic care centres in Bangladesh, and 2) to compare TB- and DM-related sociodemographic and other factors in diabetic patients who had TB and those who did not.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June 2019 to 31 March 2020 in 108 centres of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS), with a sample size of 3,649 patients with DM. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using semi-structured questionnaire from each patient/guardian. Other ethical issues were also maintained.RESULTS: Out of 3,649 patients with DM, 676 presumptive TB cases were identified and tested; from them, 85 patients were detected as TB cases. Another 39 patients were already diagnosed and on anti-TB medication. Prevalence of TB among patients with DM attending diabetic care centres was 3.4%. Prevalence was higher in female than male (4.0% vs 2.6%). Underweight (9.0%) patients and patients having diabetes for more than 10 years (7.1%) had a higher prevalence of TB.CONCLUSION: TB prevalence was over 3% among study population with DM. Periodic screening and active case finding among DM patients should be strengthened to reduce the risk of TB infection among DM patients.

Potency of plant extracts against Penicillium species isolated from different seeds and fruits in Saudi Arabia.

Antifungal activity of extracts of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) were evaluated in vitro against 17 Penicillium spp. Seed disease and rotten fruit caused by these species cause considerable loss of quality for different agricultural products. Isolates of Penicillium spp. were screened for production of patulin an important serious mycotoxin. About 70.59% of Penicillium spp. produced this toxin in concentrations ranging from 4 to 31 ppb. The response of Penicillium spp. to plant extracts differed according to the plant extract and concentration. Cinnamon extract showed the greatest effect on P. asperosporum, P. aurintogriseum and P. brevicompactum, and cloves extract produced the greatest effect on P. chermesinum and P. duclauxii. Turmeric extract had less effect on P. duclauxii. Cloves extract was the most effective in reducing the growth of Penicillium spp. On the other hand, ginger extract with all concentrations used had less effect against most Penicillium spp in the laboratory. Plant extracts are promising as natural sources of environmentally friendly compounds in laboratory studies.

Glycaemic Status of Asthma Patients Using Inhaled Fluticasone.

Inhaled fluticasone is used in asthma for long duration. However, it's adverse effect on glycaemia is debatable. This study observed the outcome of inhaled fluticasone in asthma patients. A cross sectional comparative study was conducted among the normoglycaemic asthma patients aged 18 years and above attending outpatient department of Internal Medicine and Respiratory Medicine department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2017 to May 2018. Study group were getting inhaled fluticasone for minimum three months whereas comparative group were not on any steroids. Each group had 35 eligible participants (n=70). Spirometry and plasma glucose at fasting and 2-hour after 75gm oral glucose intake were measured along with HbA1c%. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21.0. In study group mean plasma glucose at fasting was 5.27±0.48mmol/L, 2-hour after 75gm oral glucose was 6.04±1.21mmol/L and mean of HbA1c was 5.57±0.41% whereas in comparative group these were5.17±0.59mmol/L, 5.69±1.09mmol/L, 5.47±0.40% respectively (p=0.25, 0.20, 0.75 respectively). There was no specific co-relation between duration of use of fluticasone inhaler and glycaemic parameters like plasma glucose at fasting, 2-hour after 75gm oral glucose and HbA1c% (r=0.016, p=0.46; r=0.015, p=0.47; r=0.019, p=0.42 respectively). Use of inhaled fluticasone for 3months or more has insignificant effect on plasma glucose levels of asthma patients. Duration of use of inhaled fluticasone has no specific correlation with plasma glucose and HbA1c values.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Penicillium verrucosum and analysis of their antifungal activity.

The present study describes the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, using the fungus Penicillium verrucosum. The silver nanoparticles were synthesised by reacting silver nitrate (AgNO3) with the cell free filtrates of the fungal culture, and were then characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive, and X-ray diffraction analysis to further evaluate their successful biosynthesis, optical and morphological features (size and shape), and crystallinity. The bioactivity of the synthesized nanoparticles against two phytopathogenic fungi i.e: Fusarium chlamydosporum and Aspergillus flavus was evaluated using nanomaterial seeding media. These biogenic silver nanoparticles were polydisperse in nature, with a size of 10-12 nm. With regard to the antifungal activity, 150 ppm of the nanoparticles suppressed the growth of F. chlamydosporum and A. flavus by about 50%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of P. verrucosum to synthesise silver nanoparticles. The present study demonstrates a novel, simple, and eco-friendly process for the generation of biofunctionally useful biogenic nanoparticles.

Fatty acid production of thraustochytrids from Saudi Arabian mangroves.

This is the first report of thraustochytrids from Saudi Arabia. A total of 108 isolates of thraustochytrid were cultured from Syhat mangroves, Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia. Isolated thraustochytrids belonged to five genera: Aplanochytrium, Aurantiochytrium, Schizochytrium, Thraustochytrium and Ulkenia. Cultured thraustochytrids isolated from decaying leaves of Avicennia marina (77 isolates), sediment (15), seawater (10) and decaying thalli of Sargassum (6). Of the 108 isolates, three strains (SY25, SY38 and SY52) were selected based on their high biomass productivity and high percentages of PUFAs. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rDNA placed the three strains within the Aurantiochytrium clade with high statistical support. Species of Aurantiochytrium formed six separate clades, the two strains (SY38 and SY52) formed a separate clade that is a sister clade to the one that contains the type species A. limacinum, while SY25 grouped with Aurantiochytrium sp. TA4, that is also isolated from mangroves in Iran, Arabian Gulf. The strains (SY38 and SY52) shared the phylogenetic placement, their morphology and fatty acid profile. The strain SY25 have different shape of sporangia that divide to give zoospores directly, sporogenous cells are surrounded by thick gelatinous sheath and produce high levels of Linoleic and Oleic essential unsaturated fatty acids. The three studied strain produced high levels of Palmitic acid (ranged between 31.1 and 65.3 % of total fatty acids) that can be further optimized for biofuel production.

Current prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection and associated risk factors in Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeastern Thailand.

Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a major public health concern in Thailand. Despite many decades of national campaigns in place to reduce and control opisthorchiasis in Thailand, the infections remain to exist particularly in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of O. viverrini infection in rural communities in northeast Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and October 2018 in three districts (Na Kae, That Phanom and Wang Yang) in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. Demographic data were collected using a standardised questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and processed using the Kato-Katz technique to determine the presence of O. viverrini and other intestinal parasites. In total, 564 individuals were enrolled. The overall intestinal helminth infections were 15.2% (95% CI: 12.4-18.5). Species distribution included a majority of O. viverrini mono-infections (12.9%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (1.4%) and Taenia spp. (0.4%). The prevalence of O. viverrini was significantly higher in Wang Yang district (P = 0.022), in males (P = 0.004) and those previously positive with helminth infections (P<0.001) and received treatment of anti-helminths (P<0.001), than in their counterparts. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, P = 0.035) and those who previously tested positive for helminth infections (aOR 8.69, P<0.001) were significantly associated with a higher odd of O. viverrini infections, but lower in those who had previous stool examination (aOR 0.22, P = 0.001). This study demonstrated that the updated prevalence of O. viverrini infection is still high in rural communities in northeast Thailand. The data of this study will be useful to guide and improve strategies for future O. viverrini and other helminths prevention and control in this region.

Saturnispora mangrovi f.a., sp. nov. from Syhat mangrove, Saudi Arabia.

Strain SY-07 was isolated from decaying leaves of Avicennia marina collected from Syhat mangroves, Dammam city, Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia. Phylogenetic analyses of three genes [D1/D2 region of the LSU and SSU rRNA genes and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region] showed that strain SY-07 represents a novel species of the genus Saturnispora distinct from closely related species. Saturnispora mendoncae was the most closely related species with an LSU gene sequence similarity of 89.3 % (58 nucleotide substitutions and four indels out of 578 nt), 97 % similarity for the SSU gene (42 nucleotide substitutions and 10 indels out of 1614 nt) and 88 % similarity for the ITS region (15 nucleotide substitutions and eight indels out of 430 nt). In addition, strain SY-07 differed from S. mendoncae by its ability to assimilate d-galactose (weak), d-xylose (weak), meso-erythritol (delayed), glucono-δ-lactone, citrate (delayed) and ethylamine. S. mendoncae produced persistent asci that contain two to four spherical ascospores and lacked pseudohyphae, while sexual reproduction was not observed in strain SY-07 and extensive and pseudohyphae were present. Strain SY-07 was able to grow at between 25 and 40 °C, while S. mendoncae did not grow at 37 °C. The name Saturnispora mangrovi f.a., sp. nov. is proposed for strain SY-07. The holotype is CBS 15874, with the ex-type culture AUMC 12005. The MycoBank number for Saturnispora mangrovi f.a., sp. nov. is MB 827036.

Current prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection and associated risk factors in Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeastern Thailand

@# Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a major public health concern in Thailand. Despite many decades of national campaigns in place to reduce and control opisthorchiasis in Thailand, the infections remain to exist particularly in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of O. viverrini infection in rural communities in northeast Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and October 2018 in three districts (Na Kae, That Phanom and Wang Yang) in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. Demographic data were collected using a standardised questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and processed using the Kato-Katz technique to determine the presence of O. viverrini and other intestinal parasites. In total, 564 individuals were enrolled. The overall intestinal helminth infections were 15.2% (95% CI: 12.4–18.5). Species distribution included a majority of O. viverrini mono-infections (12.9%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (1.4%) and Taenia spp. (0.4%). The prevalence of O. viverrini was significantly higher in Wang Yang district (P = 0.022), in males (P = 0.004) and those previously positive with helminth infections (P<0.001) and received treatment of anti-helminths (P<0.001), than in their counterparts. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, P = 0.035) and those who previously tested positive for helminth infections (aOR 8.69, P<0.001) were significantly associated with a higher odd of O. viverrini infections, but lower in those who had previous stool examination (aOR 0.22, P = 0.001). This study demonstrated that the updated prevalence of O. viverrini infection is still high in rural communities in northeast Thailand. The data of this study will be useful to guide and improve strategies for future O. viverrini and other helminths prevention and control in this region.

Etiological Evaluation of Patients with Lymphadenopathy by Clinical, Histopathological and Microbiological Assessment.

Lymph node enlargement is a common presenting complaint in outpatient and inpatient department. The present observational cross sectional study was conducted in department of Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from December 2014 to May 2016 to evaluate etiologies of significant lymphadenopathy by clinical, histopathological and microbiological assessment. Biopsy/FNA materials of 177 patients of 18-75 years age range with significant lymphadenopathy were sent for histopathology/cytology, Gram stain & culture, AFB stain & culture and Gene Xpert. Among them, 102(57.62%) were granulomatous lymphadenitis, 52(29.38%) were lymphoma, 12(6.78%) reactive lymphadenitis, 7(3.95%) metastatic malignancy, 2(1.13%) atypical lymphoid hyperplasia, 1(0.57%) myeloid sarcoma and 1(0.57%) chronic sialadenitis. Growth of MTB was on 23(22.55%) cases; among 102 granulomatous lymphadenitis and Gene Xpert was positive in 73(71.56%) cases with 100% Rif. sensitive. Gene Xpert is an important tool for diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis. Time of symptoms to diagnosis of most of the TBL patients was within 2-8 months.

Huge Splenomegaly with Pancytopenia Due to Gaucher's Disease in a 22 Years Old Woman.

Gaucher's disease is one of the important storage disorders. It belongs to the lysosomal storage disorders group. There is defective activity of an enzyme named ß-glucosidase which ultimately renders the cell of macrophage lineage loaded with glucocerebrosides. There is multi-organ involvement that manifests as hepatosplenomegaly, variable cytopenias, skeletal disorders, neurological features etc. When serum ß-glucosidase level is below 15% of mean normal activity Gaucher's disease is confirmed. Enzyme replacement is the definitive treatment. Here we report a case of type 1 or non-neuropathic form Gauchers disease presented with feeling of a lump in left upper abdomen and progressive generalized weakness and hepatosplenomegaly. Her complete blood count revealed pancytopenia and bone trephine biopsy showed Gaucher's cells. Diagnosis and management may be delayed as this disease is rare. Clinical and bone marrow examination is the mainstay of diagnosis. So emphasis should be given in this regard.

Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a 16-Year-Old Boy.

Haemophagocytosis encompasses phagocytosis of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and their precursors by macrophages in bone marrow and other tissues. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) usually presents with high fever, pancytopenia, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, haemophagocytosis in bone marrow, liver, lymphnodes or CSF. We report coagulase negative Staphylococcus induced HLH in a 16 year old boy presenting with high grade fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia with neutropenic sepsis in the department of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh on 28th November 2016. He responded to high dose dexamethasone and management of neutropenic sepsis. This might give a guidance in the management of haemophagocytic syndrome at the earliest time to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Serum Zinc Concentrations in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Bangladesh is a tuberculosis (TB) burden country. It is one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity and a major barrier of social and economic development. Zinc is a major trace element and an essential component of the body immune system. It's an important determinant of resistance to infection by maintaining cell mediated immunity. This analytical case control study was conducted in the Department of Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to see the association of serum zinc concentrations with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in adult population (18-60 years) from January 2015 to January 2016. Freshly diagnosed PTB patients before initiating anti-TB chemotherapy as cases (N=43) and TB negative subjects as controls (N=48) were included conveniently in this study with a rigid selection criteria. Serum zinc concentrations were estimated by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean±SD age and BMI of the case group and control group were 33.30±14.71 and 32.69±11.60 years, 19.88±2.31 and 22.08±2.80 kg/m2 respectively. The concentrations of serum zinc were significantly lower (P=0.01) in PTB group (840.9±230.0 µgm/l) compared with the control group (965.6±219.9 µgm/l). There was marked variation of mean±SD serum zinc concentrations between male (1008.95±246.16 µgm/l) and female (937.24±200.35 µgm/l) in control group (P=0.182) though the variation is minimal in PTB group (P=0.724). The serum zinc concentrations showed positive correlation with BMI (P=0.642) but negative correlation with age (P=0.023) in both case and control. The lower serum zinc concentrations (12.06%) in PTB patients indicate relative immune deficiency. Routine assessment of serum zinc concentration of PTB patients should be considered and further outcome should be assessed with zinc supplementation.

Characterization and anti-Aspergillus flavus impact of nanoparticles synthesized by Penicillium citrinum.

This work was conducted to evaluate the ability of grape molding fungus; Penicillium citrinum to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The potency of biosynthesized Ag NPs was checked against the aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus var. columnaris, isolated from sorghum grains. Biosynthesized Ag NPs were characterized and confirmed in different ways. X ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and optical absorption measurements confirmed the bio-synthesis of Ag NPs. The in vitro antifungal investigation showed that biosynthesized Ag NPs were capable of inhibiting the growth of aflatoxigenic A. flavus var. columnaris. Utilization of plant pathogenic fungi in the Ag NPs biosynthesis as well as the use of bio-Ag NPs to control fungal plant diseases instead of chemicals is promising. Further work is needed to confirm the efficacy of the bio-Ag NPs against different mycotoxigenic fungi and to determine the potent applicable doses.