Objective: To investigate the comparative effects of Diospyros blancoi (Ebenaceae) leaves (DBL), root bark (DBRB) and stem bark (DBSB) on free radicals and cancer. Methods: The polyphenol contents, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Cytotoxicity and anticancer activ-ities were performed on brine shrimp nauplii and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells, respectively. Results: Among the extracts, DBSB showed the highest total antioxidant capacity and reducing capacity on ferrous ion. Based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, DBSB showed (95.760 ± 0.343)%and (67.460 ± 2.641)%scavenging with IC50 of (3.10 ± 0.17) and (50.00 ± 3.11) mg/mL, respectively. The IC50 values of standard butylated hydroxytoluene and catechin (CA) for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals were (8.50 ± 0.25) and (75.00 ± 0.14) mg/mL, respectively suggesting that DBSB had a significant (P < 0.05) radical scavenging ac-tivity than standards. In lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, the inhibitory activity of the extracts and the standard was in the following order: DBSB > DBRB > CA > DBL. Also, the phenolic [(139.91 ± 3.924) mg gallic acid equivalent/g] and flavonoid contents [(412.00 ± 16.70) mg catechin equivalent/g)] of DBSB were higher than that of other extracts. In addition, the DBSB showed the moderate cytotoxic and anticancer properties. Conclusions: Our results indicate that Diospyros blancoi stem bark had the significant highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties as well as moderate anticancer activity. Hence, we assume that the anticancer activity of this plant can be, at least in part, attributed to its content in phenolic compounds as well as its significant free radical scavenging properties.

Aims: Helicobacter pylori is a causative agent of gastroduodenal diseases in Bangladesh as well as throughout the world. This study aimed to determine the H. pylori cagA, vacA and iceA virulent genotypes by PCR directly in gastric biopsies from dyspeptic patients of Chittagong, Bangladesh and evaluating the association of these genotypes with clinical manifestations. Methodology and results: CLO (Campylobacter-Like Organism) test and Hp16s PCR (16S rRNA based H. pylori specific PCR) was performed to confirm H. pylori infection. Among 111 patients, H. pylori infection was found in 60 patients by CLO test, while Hp16s PCR revealed that 54 patients were H. pylori positive. PCR amplification of the H. pylori virulence genes was successful in 35 gastric biopsies amongst the 54 Hp16s PCR positive biopsies. The positive rates for the cagA, vacAs1, vacAs2, vacAm1, vacAm2, iceA1, iceA2 genes were 34.3%, 71.4%, 8.6%, 62.9%, 28.6%, 20% and 11.4%, respectively. The allelic variant vacAs1m1 had a predominant percentage with 51.4%, followed by vacAs1m2, vacAs2m2 and vacAs1m1m2 with 14.3%, 5.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Among the subtypes of vacAs1, only s1a was detected in 54.3% of biopsies while none of the cases showed the s1b and s1c genotypes. However, there was no statistically significant association (p>0.05) observed between the virulent genotypes and clinical conditions. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: We found that cagA, vacAs1m1 and iceA1 were the most frequent H. pylori genotypes in severe clinical outcomes of the infection. The data in this study would provide a basis for understanding the diverse virulence pattern of this bacterium in Bangladeshi dyspeptic patients.
Helicobacter pylori

This study was conducted to identify the Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose disease of strawberry in Balgladesh and to evaluate in vitro activity of commercial fungicides it. Based on morphological and cultural characteristics, all 22 isolates were identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. They developed white or glittery colonies with grey to dark grey reverse colony colors and they produced cylindrical conidia. The efficacy of five commercial fungicides, Bavistin DF, Dithane M-45, Sulcox 50 WP, Corzim 50 WP and Rovral 50 WP, were tested against the fungus. Bavistin inhibited radial growth completely and was followed in efficacy by Dithane M-45. In Bavistin DF treated media, the fungus did not produce conidia. The percent inhibition of radial growth of the fungus was increased with the increasing concentrations of fungicide.
Aminoimidazole Carboxamide ; Bangladesh ; Benzimidazoles ; Carbamates ; Colletotrichum ; Cultural Characteristics ; Fragaria ; Fungi ; Humans ; Hydantoins ; Maneb ; Spores, Fungal ; Zineb

Phrenic nerve palsy causing hemidiaphragm paralysis is a very uncommon feature of thoracic aortic aneurysm. In one case, a 45-year-old man complained of chronic chest pain, dysphagia, and hoarseness of voice; posteroanterior view chest radiograph revealed lobular enlargement of the superior mediastinum and elevated right hemidiaphragm. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the thorax revealed a giant partially thrombosed aneurysm originating from the ascending aorta and extending into the aortic arch, causing a widening of the aorta-pulmonary window and a compression of the thoracic esophagus. Right hemidiaphragm elevation was explained by the gross mass effect of the aneurysm on the right hilum, causing right phrenic nerve palsy. The patient was to be operated on for surgical correction of the aneurysm, but died before surgery due to spontaneous rupture.
Deglutition Disorders ; Hoarseness ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; Paralysis ; Phrenic Nerve

Introduction: Under-reporting of energy intake is a common cause of bias in nutritional studies. This study was aimed at examining the extent of under- reporting of energy intake and its related characteristics among respondents in the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2003 and MANS 2014. Methods: The present study analysed energy intakes of 9,624 adults aged 18-59 years from the MANS in year 2014 (2,890 respondents) and 2003 (6,734 respondents) using a single 24-hour diet recall. Basal metabolic rates (BMR) were calculated from the age- and gender-specific equations of Schofield. Under-reporting was defined as an energy intake:BMR ratio of <1.2 as proposed by Goldberg. Results: Under-reporting was found to have increased significantly from 53% in 2003 to 61% in 2014. In both surveys, under-reporting increased with higher body mass index (BMI) and older age groups. It was higher among women than men, lowest among those with primary schooling or below, and those living in Peninsular Malaysia. It was higher among rural respondents in 2014 but higher among urban respondents in 2003. The intake of energy and micronutrients increased when under-reporters were excluded. Conclusion: Under-reporting was prevalent in both the nationwide MANS, and is associated with BMI, age, gender, education level, location strata, zone. It is important to take this factor into account when assessing dietary intake in population-based studies.

Introduction: Monitoring changes in energy and nutrient intakes of the population over the course of time is essential to help healthcare providers develop effective dietary policies. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the nutrient intake and Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) achievements by using the data obtained from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Surveys (MANS) that were carried out in 2003 and 2014. Mis-reporting of energy intake was taken into account. Methods: Dietary data were obtained from MANS 2003 and MANS 2014, which involved a combined total of 4,044 randomly selected respondents, aged 18-59 years, using a single 24-hour diet recall. Energy and nutrients calculations were based on the Malaysian Food Composition database using the Nutritionist Pro software. The results were compared against the RNI for Malaysia to assess dietary adequacy. Results: The proportions of calories derived from macronutrients were within the recommendations for a healthy diet. The consumption of protein, fat, calcium, iron and vitamin A was significantly higher in 2014 than in 2003. The consumption of protein, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A was found to exceed the RNIs in 2014. However, carbohydrate and sodium intakes had significantly decreased. Despite the decrease, sodium intake still exceeded RNI recommendations. Conclusion: Signs of changing energy and nutrient intakes were found, including increases in protein and fat intakes since 2003, and decreased carbohydrates. This could be an alarming indicator of the tendency to eat energy dense food among the population.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) patients default their treatment during the treatment course. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the demographic characteristics of the patient who missed follow-ups and identify the reasons for missed appointments or defaulted their treatment. Methods: The records of patients diagnosed with TB follow-up at the chest clinic from January to June 2023 were reviewed based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted based on the data collected. Based on the study sample (n=33), the result shows that the majority of the defaulted patients were male in gender (n=22). Most of the missed appointments patients and defaulters are of Malay (39.4%) ethnicity and Malaysian nationality (66.7%). Most patients gave the transport issues as the reason for missed appointments followed by financial issues and feeling healthy. The majority of them missed follow-up in the first month after starting anti-TB. Conclusions In conclusion, missed appointments, treatment compliance and defaulted cases in TB treatment remain as one of the main challenges in the effort to end TB epidemics. Further in-depth research is required to propose effective measures to solve this issue and improve the national TB control program.

Neuroinflammation is heavily associated with various neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. It is strongly characterized by the activation of microglia which can be visualized using position emission tomography (PET). Traditionally, translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been the preferred target for imaging the inflammatory progression of the microglial component. TSPO is expressed in the outer mitochondrial membrane and present in very low concentrations in the healthy human brain, but is markedly upregulated in response to brain injury and inflammation. Due to its value as a marker of microglial activation and subsequent utility for evaluating neuroinflammation in CNS disorders, several classes of TSPO radioligands have been developed and evaluated. However, the application of these second-generation TSPO radiotracers has been subject to several limiting factors, including a polymorphism that affects TSPO binding. This review focuses on recent developments in TSPO imaging, as well as current limitations and suggestions for future directions from a medical imaging perspective.
Alzheimer Disease ; Brain ; Brain Injuries ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Ligands ; Microglia ; Mitochondrial Membranes ; Molecular Imaging ; Multiple Sclerosis ; Parkinson Disease ; Stroke

Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) based on the Sydney criteria. We aimed to explore the clinico-laboratory features and treatment strategies of APS patients retrospectively. Methodology: The medical records of APS patients registered under Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Kelantan state) between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed. Results: A total of 17 APS subjects (age 40.7 ± 12.8 years) including 11 primary (64.7%) and six secondary APS (35.3%) patients were identified. The follow-up period was 9.5 ± 6.7 years with male:female ratio of 1.0:4.7. Pregnancy morbidity was the most common clinical manifestation (11/14; 78.6%) followed by recurrent venous thrombosis (10/17; 58.8%). For other clinical features, menorrhagia was the most frequently observed manifestation (4/14; 28.6%) followed by aPLs-associated thrombocytopenia (4/17; 23.5%) and ovarian cyst (3/14; 21.4%). LA and aCL were positive in 94.1% (16/17) and 81.8% (9/11) of the patients, respectively. APTT value (76.7 ± 17.0 sec) was significantly high (p < 0.05). Low intensity warfarin alone was successful to maintain target INR (2.0 - 3.0) and prevent recurrence of thrombosis. Conclusion: The tendency of pregnancy morbidity in this cohort of Malaysian Kelantanese APS patients was high compared to other previously reported APS cohorts. Low intensity warfarin was successful in preventing recurrence of thrombosis, however, APS women receiving long-term anticoagulants should be monitored for possible occurrence of menorrhagia and ovarian cysts.

The mitochondrial genome of a species is an essential resource for its effective conservation and phylogenetic studies. In this article, we present sequencing and characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of a threatened labeonine fish, Cirrhinus reba collected from Khulna region of Bangladesh. The complete mitochondrial genome was 16,597 bp in size, which formed a circular double-stranded DNA molecule containing a total of 37 mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes) with two non-coding regions, an origin of light strand replication (OL) and a displacement loop (D-loop), similar structure with other fishes of Teleostei. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated its close relationship with labeonine fishes. The complete mitogenome of Cirrhinus reba (GenBank no. MN862482) showed 99.96% identity to another haplotype of Cirrhinus reba (AP013325), followed by 90.18% identity with Labeo bata (AP011198).