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BACKGROUND: Dietary high salt (HS) intake has a strong impact on cardiovascular diseases. Here, we investigated the link between HS-aggravated immune responses and the development of hypertensive vascular disease. METHODS: ApolipoproteinE-deficient mice were transiently treated with HS (1% NaCl) via drinking water for 2 weeks, followed by a washout period, and subsequent Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion (1000 ng/kg per min for 10 days) to induce abdominal aortic aneurysms/dissections and inflammation. RESULTS: While transient HS intake alone triggered nonpathologic infiltration of activated T cells into the aorta, subsequent Ang II infusion increased mortality and the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms/dissections and atherosclerosis compared with hypertensive control mice. There were no differences in blood pressure between both groups. In transient HS-treated hypertensive mice, the aortic injury was associated with increased inflammation, accumulation of neutrophils, monocytes, CD69+CD4+ T cells, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cells. Mechanistically, transient HS intake increased expression levels of aortic RORγt as well as splenic CD4+TH17 and CD8+TC1 T cells in Ang II–treated mice. Isolated aortas of untreated mice were incubated with supernatants of TH17, TH1, or TC1 cells polarized in vitro under HS or normal conditions which revealed that secreted factors of HS-differentiated TH17 and TC1 cells, but not TH1 cells accelerated endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that transient HS intake induces a subclinical T-cell–mediated aortic immune response, which is enhanced by Ang II. We propose a 2-hit model, in which HS acts as a predisposing factor to enhance hypertension-induced TH17 and TC1 polarization and aortic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Humanized mice transplanted with CD34+ hematopoietic cells (HPCs) are broadly used to study human immune responses and infections in vivo and for testing therapies pre-clinically. However, until now, it was not clear whether interactions between the mouse major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) and/or the human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) were necessary for human T-cell development and immune reactivity. Methods: We evaluated the long-term (20-week) human hematopoiesis and human T-cell development in NOD Scid Gamma (NSG) mice lacking the expression of MHC class I and II (NSG-DKO). Triplicate experiments were performed with HPCs obtained from three donors, and humanization was confirmed in the reference strain NOD Rag Gamma (NRG). Further, we tested whether humanized NSG-DKO mice would respond to a lentiviral vector (LV) systemic delivery of HLA-A*02:01, HLA-DRB1*04:01, human GM-CSF/IFN-α, and the human cytomegalovirus gB antigen. Results: Human immune reconstitution was detectable in peripheral blood from 8 to 20 weeks after the transplantation of NSG-DKO. Human single positive CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were detectable in lymphatic tissues (thymus, bone marrow, and spleen). LV delivery harnessed the detection of lymphocyte subsets in bone marrow (αβ and γδ T-cells and NK cells) and the expression of HLA-DR. Furthermore, RNA sequencing showed that LV delivery increased the expression of different human reactome pathways, such as defense responses to other organisms and viruses. Conclusions: Human T-cell development and reactivity are independent of the expression of murine MHCs in humanized mice. Therefore, humanized NSG-DKO is a promising new model for studying human immune responses, as it abrogates the xenograft mouse MHC interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for online food delivery has increased considerably throughout the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers' habits in searching for information on and making decisions about ready-to-eat food have changed remarkably during this time. The purpose of this research is to explore consumers' use of online food delivery services (OFDS) during the pandemic via applications (apps) and the moderating role played by the consumers' perceived trust in the information. Data were collected from 246 users through e-mail and structural equation modeling using PLS-3 was used to analyze the data. We have shown 12 recent insights into OFDAs behavioral intention. We found that information and food service attributes influence the perceived usefulness of OFDS and ultimately shape the respondents' intention to use it. Behavioral intention toward OFDS and perceived trust have a considerable influence on the use of OFDA. This research offers insights into the effects of the pandemic on the food delivery market and shows the dynamics of the interrelationships among various information- and restaurant-related attributes that lead to actual use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a cross-sectional study that examined the association between fitness trainers' educational qualifications and experience, and the risk of their trainees' musculoskeletal pain. The study included 1177 trainees (aged 15–60 years) from 74 fitness centers in Bangladesh. Data were collected by using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, including potential confounders such as demographic factors (e.g., age, occupation), and training-related factors (e.g., workout knowledge, overweight lifting). Multiple logistic regression was performed for a binary outcome (pain—yes or no), and a generalized linear model was fitted for the ordinal outcome (pain—sites of the body). The trainers' lower experience (no or ≤1 year) was associated with higher odds of their trainees' musculoskeletal pain (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.18–5.44) compared to trainers with >5 years of experience; however, no association was found between the trainers' education and the risk of their trainees' musculoskeletal pain, after controlling for potential confounders. Similarly, the trainees trained by trainers with lower experience had more than two-time the risk of having pain in different sites (IRR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.50–2.79). The trainers' experience may play a pivotal role in the trainees' musculoskeletal pain. Further study is warranted in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, wireless operators around the world are building code-division multiple-access (CDMA) based radio access networks and big efforts are made to find the most cost effective way to do so. In this paper, the novel use of repeaters in a direct-sequence CDMA (DS-CDMA) system such as UMTS to improve capacity in areas with hotspots (small areas with increased traffic volume) is studied through static Monte Carlo simulations. The performance of the repeaters is shown to be sensitive to tuning of the repeater gain. With correct tuning, the simulations show that the repeaters are very beneficial for the downlink, which is the capacity-limiting link. When repeaters covering the hotspots are introduced, the system is thus seen to tolerate more hotspot traffic. For a scenario in which the hotspots are located close to the cell border, the system tolerates approximately twice as high hotspot traffic load. For hotspots located halfway between the base station and the cell border, the system tolerates approximately 80% more hotspot traffic load. Also in the uplink, more hotspot traffic is tolerated when repeaters are introduced. The effect is smaller than for the downlink, however. The results indicate that repeaters are well suited to increase capacity of a WCDMA/UMTS system in hotspot areas. Index Terms--Code-division multiple access (CDMA), distributed antenna systems, effective orthogonality, radio network planning, repeaters, traffic distribution.

Leakage through flaws in geomembranes was examined with laboratory experiments and modeling. Mathematical models were developed using analytical and numerical solutions to calculate leakage through flaws. The models were verified with laboratory experiments. The system geometry around a flaw was found to control leakage. Comparison of theoretical and experimental leakage rates indicated that under effective stress gaps close and flaws become infilled resulting in a decrease in leakage. Infilling of flaws becomes important in controlling flow when the membrane is thick relative to the size of the flaw. Simple leakage equations are presented that can be used to quantify the leakage rate from composite liners. For flaws that are small relative to the clay layer thickness, leakage is independent of the thickness of the clay layer in a composite liner.

The kidney is extensively innervated by sympathetic nerves playing an important role in the regulation of blood pressure homeostasis. Sympathetic nerve activity is ultimately controlled by the central nervous system (CNS). Norepinephrine, the main sympathetic neurotransmitter, is released at prejunctional neuroeffector junctions in the kidney and modulates renin release, renal vascular resistance, sodium and water handling, and immune cell response. Under physiological conditions, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) is modulated by peripheral mechanisms such as the renorenal reflex, a complex interaction between efferent sympathetic nerves, central mechanism, and afferent sensory nerves. RSNA is increased in hypertension and, therefore, critical for the perpetuation of hypertension and the development of hypertensive kidney disease. Renal sympathetic neurotransmission is not only regulated by RSNA but also by prejunctional α2-adrenoceptors. Prejunctional α2-adrenoceptors serve as autoreceptors which, when activated by norepinephrine, inhibit the subsequent release of norepinephrine induced by a sympathetic nerve impulse. Deletion of α2-adrenoceptors aggravates hypertension ultimately by modulating renal pressor response and sodium handling. α2-adrenoceptors are also expressed in the vasculature, renal tubules, and immune cells and exert thereby effects related to vascular tone, sodium excretion, and inflammation. In the present review, we highlight the role of α2-adrenoceptors on renal sympathetic neurotransmission and its impact on hypertension. Moreover, we focus on physiological and pathophysiological functions mediated by non-adrenergic α2-adrenoceptors. In detail, we discuss the effects of sympathetic norepinephrine release and α2-adrenoceptor activation on renal sodium transporters, on renal vascular tone, and on immune cells in the context of hypertension and kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Buffalo is one of the most important animals for the source of milk and meat, and it is also used for draught purposes in Bangladesh. Gastrointestinal parasites in the buffalo calves lead to reduced growth and hinder the development of buffalo industry in Bangladesh. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to identify the gastrointestinal parasitic load in the buffalo calves at Sylhet district, Bangladesh. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from one hundred seventy (170) buffalo calves from different areas of Sylhet district and samples were examined using sedimentation, and floatation techniques. A morphological examination of parasitic eggs was performed to identify the parasitic species. RESULTS: Among the 170 calves examined in the present study, 62 (36.47%) were found positive with different parasites. Two species of gastro-intestinal parasites were identified, among them 26.47% positive with Neoascarisvitulorum, 5.88% with Strongyloides sp.and 4.12% with Strongyle type. The prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites in males (44.12%) was lower than in female (55.88%) calves. A relatively higher worm load was observed in summer (58.82%) than rainy (41.18%) season. The prevalence of Gastrointestinal parasitic infections was significantly higher (P=0.05) in calves aged 6 months of age (44.12%) than calves of 6-12 months of age (32.35%) followed by 13-18 months of age (23.53%). EPG (egg per gr of feces) ranged from 50-1950. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that the prevalence of GI parasites in buffalo calves in Sylhet is relatively higher regardless of age, sex, and seasons. Data generated through this study will help to adopt necessary measures to control the GI parasitic infections in buffalo calves in developing countries like Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The study was designed to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnant women depending on their various clinical and socio-demographic factors, and to assess the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the responsible uropathogens in a tertiary care hospital of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methodology and results: A total of 100 midstream urine samples were collected from pregnant women and different clinical and socio-demographic variables viz. age, gestational weeks, living conditions, and level of education associated with UTI were determined. Bacterial isolation was carried out using blood and MacConkey agar and identified according to their phenotypic characteristics. Antibiogram profiling of the isolates was done by disc diffusion method. From 48% of positive UTI samples, the highest bacteriuria was recorded within the age group of 26-30 years (n=19; 59.38%) and in both, 1st and 3rd trimester period (50%). There was no significant association between the studied risk factors and bacteriuria, except for the age of the pregnant women. Most predominantly isolated bacteria was Escherichia coli (n=39; 81.25%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=9; 18.75%). In E. coli, the highest resistance was recorded against ceftriaxone (87.18%), followed by cephalexin (84.61%) and ceftazidime (79.49%); whereas K. pneumoniae showed 100% resistance to ceftriaxone and cephalexin. Netilmicin was found as the only effective antibiotic against E. coli showing 100% sensitivity. For K. pneumoniae, azithromycin, imipenem, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin and nitrofurantoin were found as the most efficacious drugs. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: As the emergence of drug resistance is ever increasing, the study necessitates the continuous surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens to ensure safety and better treatment to the mother and fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of haemoprotozoan diseases in Black Bengal goats at Sylhet District of Bangladesh during the period from January to December 2018. In this study, determination of haemoprotozoan disease in relation to age, sex and season dynamics were studied. A total of 100 goats were examined, among which 25 (25%) was found to be infected with different haemoprotozoan diseases where Babesiosis was (05%), Anaplasmosis was (12%) and mixed infection was (08%). In this study, determination of haemoprotozoan disease in relation to age, sex and season dynamics were studied. Male (15.22%) animals were more susceptible to Anaplasmosis infections than female (9.26%) where Babesiosis were higher in female (5.56%) than male (4.35%). In case of mixed infection male (8.70%) were more susceptible than female (7.41%). In age group, higher prevalence was found (8.11%) in >2 years of age than (4.17%) in 1-2 years in Babesiosis. Slightly higher prevalence was found (13.33%) in <1 years of age followed by (12.50%) in 1-2 years and (10.81%) in >2 years in Anaplasmosis. Higher prevalence was found (12.50%) in 1-2 years of age where (5.41%) in >2 years in case of mixed infection. In Babesiosis highest prevalence was observed in rainy season (7.50%) followed by winter (3.45%) and summer (3.23%). Comparatively higher prevalence was observed in rainy season (15.00%) followed by summer (12.90%) and winter (6.90%) in Anaplasmosis. In case of mixed infection higher prevalence was observed in rainy (12.50%) than summer (9.68%). In this study it was observed that there was no statistically significant relationship of haemoprotozoan disease in relation to age, sex, and seasonal variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitral stenosis (MS) is the most common valvular heart disease in developing countries where rheumatic fever is common. It is also more common in women. The normal mitral orifice is 4–5 square cm in area and the symptoms do not occur until the orifice area falls to below 2.0 square cm and usually below 1.5 square cm. The orifice area decreases by 0.1–0.3 square cm per year. Rarely, the dilatation of the left atrium may cause the symptoms of dysphagia from esophageal compression. Although cardiovascular dysphagia is rare, it should be considered in the case of mitral stenosis. The etiologies of mitral stenosis can be congenital, acquired, or iatrogenic. This case report presents a patient having dysphagia due to an enlarged left atrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation of oocytes by vitrification technique may contribute a lot in the field of reproductive biotechnology. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effectiveness of two cryo-devices for vitrification of immature oocytes of indigenous zebu cows. Slaughter house derived immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) of cows were vitrified using 15% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) as cryoprotective agent (CPA) with 0.5 mol sucrose in TCM 199 supplemented with 20% FBS. Vitrification of COCs was completed after immediate plunging of COCs loaded cryotop or French mini straw into the liquid nitrogen (LN2). Then the COCs containing cryotop or French mini straws were warmed in 0.25 mol sucrose and 20% FBS supplemented TCM 199 followed by in vitro culture in 50 μl droplets of bicarbonate buffered TCM 199 supplemented with 10% FBS, pyruvate, FSH and oestradiol for 24 hrs at 39°C with 5% CO2 in humidified air. After maturation culture, oocytes were denuded and examined under inverted microscope for presence of polar body as the indication of maturation. Denuded oocytes were also stained by whole mount technique using 1% orcein to examine the maturation by presence of MII chromosomes. The in vitro maturation rate was significantly (p<0.05) higher in oocytes vitrified and warmed using crytop (47.1±6.9%) than that of French mini straw (15.9±12.5%). Moreover, in vitro maturation rate was significantly (p<0.05) highe r in control oocytes (not vitrified) (84.5±14.2%) than that of vitrified oocytes. In conclusion, cryotop is better than French mini straw as cryo-device for vitrification of bovine immature oocytes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA nanostructures (DN) are powerful platforms for the programmable assembly of nanomaterials. As applications for DN both as a structural material and as a support for functional biomolecular sensing systems develop, methods enabling the determination of reaction kinetics in real time become increasingly important. In this report, we present a study of the kinetics of streptavidin binding onto biotinylated DN constructs enabled by these planar structures. High-speed AFM was employed at a 2.5 frame/s rate to evaluate the kinetics and indicates that the binding fully saturates in less than 60 s. When the the data was fitted with an adsorption-limited kinetic model, a forward rate constant of 5.03 × 105 s-1 was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is a long history of the study of the interaction of DNA with carbon surfaces, limited information exists regarding the interaction of complex DNA-based nanostructures with the important material graphite, which is closely related to graphene. In view of the capacity of DNA to direct the assembly of proteins and optical and electronic nanoparticles, the potential for combining DNA-based materials with graphite, which is an ultra-flat, conductive carbon substrate, requires evaluation. A series of imaging studies utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy has been applied in order to provide a unified picture of this important interaction of structured DNA and graphite. For the test structure examined, we observe a rapid destabilization of the complex DNA origami structure, consistent with a strong interaction of single-stranded DNA with the carbon surface. This destabilizing interaction can be obscured by an intentional or unintentional primary intervening layer of single-stranded DNA. Because the interaction of origami with graphite is not completely dissociative, and because the frustrated, expanded structure is relatively stable over time in solution, it is demonstrated that organized structures of pairs of the model protein streptavidin can be produced on carbon surfaces using DNA origami as the directing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarcity of drinking water in the coastal area of Bangladesh compels the inhabitants to be highly dependent on alternative water supply options like rainwater harvesting system (RWHS), pond sand filter (PSF), and rain-feed ponds. Susceptibility of these alternative water supply options to microbial contamination demands a low-cost water treatment technology. This study evaluates the effectiveness of solar disinfection (SODIS) to treat drinking water from available sources in the southwest coastal area of Bangladesh. A total of 50 households from Dacope upazila in Khulna district were selected to investigate the performance of SODIS. Data were collected in two rounds to examine fecal coliform (FC) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination of drinking water at the household water storage containers and SODIS bottles, and thereby determined the effectiveness of SODIS in reducing fecal contamination. All water samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity and salinity. SODIS significantly reduced FC and E. coli contamination under household conditions. The median health risk reduction by SODIS was more than 96 and 90% for pond and RWHS, respectively. Besides, turbidity of the treated water was found to be less than 5 NTU, except pond water. Only 34% of the participating households routinely adopted SODIS during the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry is the most frequent reservoir of non-typhoid Salmonella enterica for humans. Understanding the interactions between chickens and S. enterica is therefore important for vaccine design and subsequent decrease in the incidence of human salmonellosis. In this study we therefore characterized the interactions between chickens and phoP, aroA, SPI1 and SPI2 mutants of S. Enteritidis. First we tested the response of HD11 chicken macrophage-like cell line to S. Enteritidis infection monitoring the transcription of 36 genes related to immune response. All the mutants and the wild type strain induced inflammatory signaling in the HD11 cell line though the response to SPI1 mutant infection was different from the rest of the mutants. When newly hatched chickens were inoculated, the phoP as well as the SPI1 mutant did not induce an expression of any of the tested genes in the cecum. Despite this, such chickens were protected against challenge with wild-type S. Enteritidis. On the other hand, inoculation of chickens with the aroA or SPI2 mutant induced expression of 27 and 18 genes, respectively, including genes encoding immunoglobulins. Challenge of chickens inoculated with these two mutants resulted in repeated induction of 11 and 13 tested genes, respectively, including the genes encoding immunoglobulins. In conclusion, SPI1 and phoP mutants induced protective immunity without inducing an inflammatory response and antibody production. Inoculation of chickens with the SPI2 and aroA mutants also led to protective immunity but was associated with inflammation and antibody production. The differences in interaction between the mutants and chicken host can be used for a more detailed understanding of the chicken immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of energy input-output in boro rice cultivation was undertaken for well recognized salinity classes (S1-S5) and farm categories (landless, marginal, small, medium, and large) in south-west coastal Bangladesh. A total of 125 target farmers were surveyed by using structured questionnaire during the boro season (January-May 2011). Survey data were converted into energy by using the respective energy co-efficient equivalents. The results revealed that the sequences of total energy input were S1 > S5 > S2 > S4 > S3 and medium > large > landless > small > marginal among salinity regimes and farm categories, respectively. The seedbed stage consumed the highest energy followed by growing stage, and harvesting and threshing. Inorganic fertilizers accounted for a major share (59.98%) of energy input in rice field, while the lowest share was estimated for manpower (0.75%). Among fertilizers, nitrogen category was the most dominant source (54.94%) of energy input following phosphate (3.82%) and potassium (1.22%). The total output energy was in the sequences of S1 > S4 > S5 > S2 > S3 and landless > marginal > small > medium > large. Energy from main product (rice grains) was higher than that of byproduct (straw). The study also found that total output energy decreases with increases in farm size. In case of energy efficiency (output-input ratio), S4 was found to be the most energy efficient (2.43) regime followed by S3, S1, S5 and S2, whereas marginal sized farmers were the most energy efficient (2.12) followed by landless, small, medium and large. This study shows that increased energy input in rice cultivation is not always necessary to get higher output energy in the salinity affected coastal Bang [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vanda tessellata (Orchidaceae) has been used in different sorts of ailments such as inflammations, rheumatism, dysentery, bronchitis, dyspepsia and fever in folk medicine. In this study we evaluated the antinociceptive and cytotoxic effect of methanol and aqueous extracts of V. tessellata leaf. Methods Oral administration of V. tessellata aqueous (VTA) and methanol (VTM) leaf extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw) doses were assessed for antinociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate test, and tail immersion test in mice. In this study we also screened for cytotoxicity of the extracts by the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay. Results The extracts, at both doses, exhibited a significant (p < 0.05 - < 0.01) dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in hot plate and tail immersion test. The reaction time was increased to the thermal stimuli at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses up to 90 min. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, oral administration of VTA and VTM (200 and 400 mg/kg) also decreased the writhing significantly while compared to control. The dose 400 mg/kg showed maximum percentage of pain inhibition 42.37% and 45.08% for VTA and VTM respectively. Diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg) and nalbuphine (10 mg/kg) were used as reference antinociceptive drugs. Very low cytotoxicity was observed on brine shrimps lethality assay. Conclusions The leaf extract has potential antinociceptive activity with minimum cytotoxicity. The present study supports the use of V. tessellata in different inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA based nanotechnology provides a basis forhigh-resolution fabricationof objects almost without physical size limitations. However, thepathway to large-scale production of large objects is currently unclear.Operationally, one method forward is to use high information content,large building blocks, which can be generated with high yield andreproducibility. Although flat DNA origami naturally invites comparisonto pixels in zero, one, and two dimensions and voxels in three dimensionsand has provided an excellent mechanism for generating blocks of significantsize and complexity and a multitude of shapes, the field is youngenough that a single “brick” has not become the standardplatform used by the majority of researchers in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an approach, which routinely generates ∼10 micron long one dimensional (1D) arrays of DNA origami. Coupled with a sequential assembly method with a very short (∼1 min) reaction time, this extended platform enables the production, in high yield, of 1D arrays of biomolecules or conjugates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of a simple and efficient methodology to control the placement, spacing, and alignment of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is essential for nanotechnology device application. Building on the growing understanding that the strong π-π interaction between the bases of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and CNTs is sufficient not only to drive CNT solubility in water but also to stabilize individual nanotubes against clustering in aqueous solution, a new motif for functionalizing DNA origami (DO) with CNTs is demonstrated. CNTs solubilized via wrapping with ssDNA react with DO constructs displaying linear arrays of ssDNA, leading to immobilization of the CNTs onto the DO scaffold. This study demonstrates the immobilization of ssDNA-wrapped CNTs at specific positions on single DO constructs. Furthermore, multiple DO constructs assembled into extended one-dimensional arrays have been used to successfully align pairs of CNTs exceeding 500 nm in length in a parallel orientation. This result provides a simplified, alternative approach to immobilization of CNTs with programmed spacing and orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) (Araceae), a coarse and erect plant that is widely cultivated to be eaten as a vegetable throughout Bangladesh, has been reported to possess a number of medicinal properties. The antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects of the methanol extract of A. macrorrhizos rhizomes were investigated. The extract was given at a single dose (250 and 500 mg/kg) in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice. The extract at 500 mg/kg produced a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the blood glucose level (55.49%) at 8 h of treatment when compared with the control and was comparable with the reference drug, metformin. The extract was also subjected to antioxidant potentiality and brine shrimp lethality bioassays. The IC50 value of the extract was 693.0 μg/mL and the LC50 was 188.14 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report the development of methods for the stable localization of DNA origami as bionanostructures for potential molecular optoelectronic sensor systems. The microcontact printing approach has been adapted to provide a rapid method for the production of self-assembled monolayer nanopatterning of aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) on mica substrates. 1.2 \mum blazed gratings were used as molds in the production of soft polydimethylsiloxane stamps. This stamp has been used to prepare fine-line patterns of APTES on flat mica surfaces. A solution-phase method was used to coat the bare mica between these APTES lines with dichlorodimethylsilane, which suppresses nonspecific binding of DNA origami nanostructures. Imaging studies confirm the addressing of rectangular DNA origami structures to the APTES patterns on mica. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

During its short history of 36 years, Bangladesh has experienced both state intervention (1972-1975) and liberal market economy (1975- ), however with limited success. This paper presents analyses of various social mechanisms in which functioning of both state institutions and market institutions are circumvented by elite networks of various kind; political, bureaucratic and business. Both state institutions and market institutions seemingly are embedded in the mentioned elite networks. Various elite sub-groups have the capability of employing state institutions in enhancing their particularistic interests. Those with their ownership and control over vast economic resources command a disproportionate influence on the rest of the society including institutional function. They also had conflicting interests, and they were bitterly divided into different cliques. Members of different cliques prevented their rivals from access to resources and power. They adopted measures that further undermined the rule of law, democratic values and developmental goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]