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Simulation of Super Cyclonic Storm (SuCS) Amphan (2020) has been carried out as a case study to analyze the sensitivity of Initial Condition (IC) and Horizontal Resolution (HR) on the intensity, track, and landfall predictions of the Tropical Cyclones (TCs). The results suggest that the IC and HR have a significant impact on TC simulations. Diminishing the HR in simulation results in a comparatively higher severity of the system. The simulation with a reduced lead time and a comparatively smaller HR has forecasted the Minimum Central Pressure (MCP) distribution reasonably well. In comparison to the observations, the reduced lead time model run with higher resolution has forecasted the Maximum Sustained Wind Speed (MSWS) distribution precisely. According to the statistical analysis, the continual reduction of lead time in simulation with the HR of 27 km has simulated better track and landfall positions than other resolutions. Thus, the combination of reduced lead time and higher resolution in simulation may be considered for the proper track and landfall forecasting. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 69(3): 202-211, 2022 (June)

Background: The clinical features are nonspecific, vary by community, and can be difficult to distinguish clinically from other febrile illnesses. Objective: The purpose of this study was to present the socio-demographic factors and clinical features of enteric fever in children. Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics in Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2014 to July 2018. It included 260 hospitalized children aged 2 months to 15 years with either positive blood culture (Salmonella typhi or paratyphi) or fourfold titre in Widal test. Results: Majority were under 5 with Female to male ratio of 1:0.9. About 65% household purified water by both boiling and filter; 32.7% children took outside food. Above 94% children did not receive typhoid vaccine while 90% parents lack knowledge about the vaccination. Highest prevalence of enteric fever recorded in the month of May- October. The commonest symptoms were fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and anorexia; coated tongue and hepatomegaly were prominent signs. Conclusion: Enteric fever mostly affects under-5 children and lacks specific symptoms and signs with peak prevalence in May to October. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases December 2021;8(2):75-81

An attempt has been carried out to assess the efficacy of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in predicting the genesis and intensification events of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) Fani (26 April – 04 May 2019) over the Bay of Bengal (BoB). WRF model has been conducted on a single domain of 10 km horizontal resolution using the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) FNL (final) data (0.250 × 0.250). According to the model simulated outcome analysis, the model is capable of predicting the Minimum Sea Level Pressure (MSLP) and Maximum Sustainable Wind Speed (MSWS) pattern reasonably well, despite some deviations. The model has forecasted the Lowest Central Pressure (LCP) of 919 hPa and the MSWS of 70 ms-1 based on 0000 UTC of 26 April. Except for the model run based on 0000 UTC of 26 April, the simulated values of LCP are relatively higher than the observations. According to the statistical analysis, MSLP and MSWS at 850 hPa level demonstrate a significantly greater influence on Tropical Cyclone (TC) formation and intensification process than any other parameters. The model can predict the intensity features well enough, despite some uncertainty regarding the proper lead time of the model run. Reduced lead time model run, particularly 24 to 48 hr, can be chosen to forecast the genesis and intensification events of TC with minimum uncertainty. Journal of Engineering Science 12(3), 2021, 85-100

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread around the world and reports of children with COVID-19 are increasing. This study was conducted to assess clinical features and outcome of COVID-19 in children at Evercare hospital Dhaka. Materials & Method: This observational study was conducted on RT-PCR positive COVID-19 admitted children up to 14 years of age from May 2020 to November 2020 at the Pediatric Department of Evercare hospital Dhaka. Data were analyzed after collection of demographic and clinical data of 14 enrolled children. Results: The mean age of the study population was 2.8±3.8 years with male female ratio was 1:1. Two (14.3%) patients had H/O fever in family member & the mean duration between contact & appearance of symptom was 12.5±12.56 days. The major clinical symptom was fever (85.7%). Next most common presenting symptoms were loose stool, vomiting & abdominal pain (42.9%), and convulsion (28.6%). Cough and breathing difficulty were present in 21.4% & 14.3% of the patients respectively. Most of the cases diagnosed as AGE (42.8%) followed by febrile convulsion (28.5%) then pneumonia (21.4%). Conclusion: The symptoms of COVID-19 in children are mild and most of the patients may present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose stool, abdominal pain and febrile convulsion. The findings from this study might help to make early appropriate diagnosis and thus control the epidemic. BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2021; VOL 45 (1) : 15-18

Background: Down syndrome or trisomy 21 is one of the most common chromosomal disorders with moderate intellectual disability. In addition to mental retardation, this syndrome is associated with different congenital anomalies and characteristic dysmorphic features. Affected individuals are more susceptible to congenital heart disease and digestive anomalies, pulmonary complications, immune and endocrine system disorders. While several international studies have shown association of co-morbidities with trisomy 21, there is insufficient data available in Bangladesh.The present study aimed to evaluate the associated co-morbidities in children with Down syndrome. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric cases with Down syndrome who attended the endocrine outpatient department (OPD) of BIRDEM General Hospital from June 2006 to December 2016. The cases were diagnosed either by Karyotyping or by characteristic phenotypes.The clinical and laboratory data of the patients were collected from outpatient history records for analysis. Results: There were total 42 children with Down syndrome, with mean age 4.2 years at assessment and female predominance (1.47:1). Thyroid dysfunction was the most common (69%) followed by congenital heart disease (57%). Among the thyroid disorders, acquired hypothyroidism was found in 55% cases, congenital hypothyroidism in 41% cases and only one had hyperthyroidism. Isolated patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and atrial septal defect (ASD) comprised the commonest single congenital heart disease found in 53% and combined atrioventricular septal defect was the commonest among complex congenital cardiac defect observed in our study. Both thyroid dysfunction and congenital heart disease were found more in female children with Down syndrome than their male counterpart and it was found statistically significant. Fifty percent of our Down syndrome cases were referred from other healthcare centers to address developmental delay. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism and congenital heart disease are frequently associated in Down syndrome children in Bangladesh. This calls for developing awareness among health professionals to diagnose comorbidities at an early stage and to form recommendations for long term follow up. BIRDEM Med J 2021; 11(3): 191-196

Inotropic agents are generally recommended to use in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) concurrent to end-organ dysfunction. However, due to certain pharmacological limitations like developing life threatening arrhythmia and tolerance, cannot be employed as much as needed. Meanwhile, Calcium ion (Ca

Introduction: Ascitic fluid bacterial infection is an infection of preexisting ascites in the absence of abdominal source. Ascitic fluid bacterial infection may presents in both symptomatic and asymptomatic children with chronic liver disease (CLD). Culture negative neutrocytic ascites(CNNA) is the commonest type of infection in children with CLD. Objective: To observe the variants of ascitic fluid bacterial infection in children with CLD. Methods: Thirty five consecutive children with clinical features suggestive of CLD, aged between 2-14 years of both sexes with clinically detected ascites and admitted at the Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from January 2013 through June 2013 were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Children who had features of ascitic fluid infection like l fever, abdominal pain with tenderness were categorized as symptomatic and children who had no features of ascitic fluid infection were categorized as asymptomatic children. Demographic, clinical, haematological, biochemical and ascitic fluid study were done for both symptomatic and asymptomatic children. Variants of ascitic fluid bacterial infection was identified by ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear leucocyte count and culture report. Results: Among 35 children, majority 17 (48.6%) were between 6-10 years of age group with male predominance. About 12 (34.3%) were symptomatic and among the symptomatic children 7 (58.4%) were infected and 5 (41.6%) were non-infected, 16 (45.7%) had culture negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA) variant of ascitic fluid bacterial infection as evident by ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear leucocyte count of  250/mm3 and negative culture report. Mean ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear neutrophil count was 515177.82/HPF among infected children and 85.4770.60/HPF among non-infected children, which is statistically significant (p-0.001). Wilson’s disease was the commonest 11(30) cause of the ...

not available DS (Child) H J 2020; 36(2): 152-159

Objetive: Cardiac ischemia related myocardial damage has been considered as a major reason of heart failure. We aimed to investigate the role of levosimendan (LEVO) in comparison to ramipril and sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) in preventing the damage associated to isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction. Method: Myocardial infarction was induced by injecting subcutaneous isoproterenol (5 mg/kg once for 7 consecutive days) to establish experimental heart failure model. Simultaneously, LEVO (1 mg/kg/day), ramipril (3mg/kg/day) and Sac/Val (68 mg/kg/day) suspension were administered orally for four weeks. Results: We observed a significant correlation between ISO induced ischemia with cardiac remodeling and alterations in myocardial architecture. LEVO, ramipril, and Sac/Val significantly prevented lipid peroxidation, damage of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and thioredoxin reductase. We also observed their ameliorative effects in cardiac hypertrophy of myocardium evidenced by reduced heart weight to body weight ratio and transforming growth factor β related collagen deposition. LEVO, ramipril, and Sac/Val also maintained cardiac biomarkers like lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac Troponin-I indicating reduced myocardial damage that further demonstrated by histopathological examination. Decreased sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase2a and sodium-calcium exchanger-1 protein depletion after LEVO, ramipril, and Sac/Val adminisreration indicated improved Ca2+ homeostasis during myocardial contractility. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that LEVO have comparable effects to ramipril, and Sac/Val in preventing myocardial damage via balancing oxidant-antioxidant system, decreased collagen deposition, reduced myocardial stress as well as improved Ca2+ homeostasis during myocardial contractility.

Improvement of rainfall forecasts on seasonal to within-season timescales is crucial for many vulnerable regions and nations, including Bangladesh. For South Asia, seasonal predictability of rainfall can be quite challenging, and Bangladesh has limited predictive skill with respect to total seasonal rainfall due to its weak relationship with ENSO variability. The relationship between total seasonal monsoon rainfall from June through September (JJAS), as simulated by the North American Multimodel Ensemble (NMME), and within-season observed rainfall statistics for Bangladesh were explored, employing 25-year cross-validations at lead times up to 3 months. The model hindcasts of total JJAS rainfall demonstrate only low-to-modest skill at predicting total observed seasonal rainfall, but a more robust predictive relationship is found for the number of observed dry and wet spells within the season, more so than with the number of extreme dry or wet days. A small ensemble of NMME models could be used to provide more valuable information to aid decision-makers than previously thought, with important implications for agricultural decision-making and climate services.

The study investigates the factors that control the isotopic composition of tropical precipitation in Bangladesh. Daily and monthly rainfall samples were collected from three stations from 2013 to 2015: (1) northern and moderately high altitude: Sylhet, (2) middle part of the country (close to Tropic of Cancer): Savar, and (3) southern coastal region: Barisal. To escape from the post-evaporation effect, proper care was adopted. This is supported by the fact that the local meteoric water lines (LMWLs) derived for the daily precipitations of all stations mostly follow the global meteoric water line (GMWL). The results exhibit a clear seasonal and spatial variation in both

In 1997, during the 41st session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, the 21 countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region* (EMR) passed a resolution to eliminate† measles (1). In 2015, this goal was included as a priority in the Eastern Mediterranean Vaccine Action Plan 2016-2020 (EMVAP) (2), endorsed at the 62nd session of the Regional Committee (3). To achieve this goal, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean developed a four-pronged strategy: 1) achieve ≥95% vaccination coverage with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) among children in every district of each country through routine immunization services; 2) achieve ≥95% vaccination coverage with a second MCV dose (MCV2) in every district of each country either through implementation of a routine 2-dose vaccination schedule or through supplementary immunization activities§ (SIAs); 3) conduct high-quality, case-based surveillance in all countries; and 4) provide optimal measles clinical case management, including dietary supplementation with vitamin A (4). This report describes progress toward measles elimination in EMR during 2013-2019 and updates a previous report (5). Estimated MCV1 coverage increased from 79% in 2013 to 82% in 2018. MCV2 coverage increased from 59% in 2013 to 74% in 2018. In addition, during 2013-2019, approximately 326.4 million children received MCV during SIAs. Reported confirmed measles incidence increased from 33.5 per 1 million persons in 2013 to 91.2 in 2018, with large outbreaks occurring in Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen; incidence decreased to 23.3 in 2019. In 2019, the rate of discarded nonmeasles cases¶ was 5.4 per 100,000 population. To achieve measles elimination in the EMR, increased visibility of efforts to achieve the measles elimination goal is critically needed, as are sustained and predictable investments to increase MCV1 and MCV2 coverage, conduct high-quality SIAs, and reach populations at risk for not accessing immunization services or living in areas with civil strife.

Given that precipitation is a major component of the earth’s water and energy cycles, reliable information on the monthly spatial distribution of precipitation is also crucial for climate science, climatological water-resource research studies, and for the evaluation of regional model simulations. In this paper, four satellite derived precipitation datasets: Climate Prediction Center MORPHING (CMORPH), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), the Precipitation Estimation Algorithm from Remotely-Sensed Information using an Artificial Neural Network (PERSIANN), and the global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) are spatially analyzed and compared with the observed precipitation data provided by Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). For this study, the different precipitations data sets are spatially analyzed from 2nd May 2019 to 4th May 2019 at the time of Cyclone “FANI”. It is found that the satellite derived precipitation datasets are reasonably matched with the observed but slightly different.

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potential chemotherapeutic agent but its use is restricted due to cardiotoxicity. Edaravone is a potent-free radical scavenging agent used in cerebral ischaemia. Benidipine is a triple calcium channel blocker.Objective: We investigated the potential cardioprotective effects of edaravone and benidipine alone and their combination against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity was induced by administering six equal injections of DOX (2.5 mg/kg) on alternative days for 2 weeks.Result: DOX-treated group showed significant increase level of lipid peroxide and decrease in antioxidant status along with mitochondrial enzymatic activity. Cardiotoxity effect of DOX illustrated by significantly increased the cardiac biomarkers such as Cardiac troponin-I, Brain natriuretic peptide, Creatine kinase-MB in serum. Significant increased activation of TNF-α, Caspase-3 activity and myocardial infarct size in DOX-treated group. Histopathological evaluation also confirmed the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Pretreated with edaravone and benidipine was significantly attenuated level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, endogenous enzymes, mitochondrial enzyme activities and cardiac biomarkers. Furthermore, pretreated group showed decreased activation of TNF-α, Caspase-3 activity along with reduction in the myocardial infarct size. Histopathological evaluation also strengthened the above results.Conclusion: Taken together these results suggest that the pretreated with edaravone and benidipine have potential protective effect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

The sensitivity of Microphysics Parameterization (MP) schemes has been analyzed in the prediction of intensity and track of tropical cyclone (TC) Mora (28th May-31st May, 2017), over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) using WRF model. The study of MP schemes in numerical simulation is important because it includes microphysical process and cloud dynamics that controls the latent heat release in clouds. In this study seven MP schemes (Kessler, Lin, WSM3, Eta, WSM6, MYDM7, and WDM5) are used to study the variation in Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP), Maximum Wind Speed (MWS), rainfall distributions, and Tracks. The root mean square error (RMSE) of MSLP, MWS and 72-h simulated tracks are found minimum for WSM3 scheme while the RMSE of rainfall, 48 and 24-h simulated tracks are found minimum for WDM5 scheme. In conclusion, WSM3 and WDM5 schemes may give better results in the prediction of slowly intensifying TC like Mora. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 67(1): 33-40, 2019 (January)

This work focuses on the analysis of the performance of satellite-based precipitation products for monitoring extreme rainfall events. Five precipitation products are inter-compared and evaluated in capturing indices of extreme rainfall events during 1998-2019 considering four indices of extreme rainfall. Satellite products show a variable performance, which in general indicates that the occurrence and amount of rainfall of extreme events can be both underestimated or overestimated by the datasets in a systematic way throughout the country. Also, products that consider the use of ground truth data have the best performance.

Ten benzoxazole clubbed 2-pyrrolidinones (11–20) as human monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors were designed on the criteria fulfilling the structural requirements and on the basis of previously reported inhibitors. The designed, synthesized, and characterized compounds (11–20) were screened against monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in order to find potential inhibitors. Compounds 19 (4-NO2 derivative) and 20 (4-SO2NH2 derivative), with an IC50 value of 8.4 and 7.6 nM, were found most active, respectively. Both of them showed micromolar potency (IC50 value above 50 µM) against a close analogue, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), therefore considered as selective inhibitors of MAGL. Molecular docking studies of compounds 19 and 20 revealed that carbonyl of 2-pyrrolidinone moiety sited at the oxyanion hole of catalytic site of the enzyme stabilized with three hydrogen bonds (~2 Å) with Ala51, Met123, and Ser122, the amino acid residues responsible for the catalytic function of the enzyme. Remarkably, the physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of compounds 19 and 20, computed by QikProp, were found to be in the qualifying range as per the proposed guideline for good orally bioactive CNS drugs. In formalin-induced nociception test, compound 20 reduced the pain response in acute and late stages in a dose-dependent manner. They significantly demonstrated the reduction in pain response, having better potency than the positive control gabapentin (GBP), at 30 mg/kg dose. Compounds 19 and 20 were submitted to NCI, USA, for anticancer activity screening. Compounds 19 (NSC: 778839) and 20 (NSC: 778842) were found to have good anticancer activity on SNB-75 cell line of CNS cancer, exhibiting 35.49 and 31.88% growth inhibition (% GI), respectively.

Extreme precipitation events are a serious threat to societal well-being over rainy areas such as Bangladesh. The reliability of studies of extreme events depends on data quality and their spatial and temporal distribution, although these subjects remain knowledge gaps in many countries. This work focuses on the analysis of four satellite-based precipitation products for monitoring intense rainfall events: the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station Data (CHIRPS), the PERSIANN-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR), the Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals (IMERG), and the CPC Morphing Technique (CMORPH). Five indices of intense rainfall were considered for the period 2000-2019 and a set of 31 rain gauges for evaluation. The number and amount of precipitation associated with intense rainfall events are systematically underestimated or overestimated throughout the country. While random errors are higher over the wetter and higher-elevation north- and southeastern parts of Bangladesh, biases are more homogeneous. CHIRPS, PERSIANN-CDR and IMERG perform similar capturing total seasonal rainfall, but variability is better represented by CHIRPS and IMERG. Better results were obtained by IMERG, followed by PERSIANN-CDR and CHIRPS, in terms of climatological intensity indices based on percentiles, although the three products exhibited systematic errors. IMERG and CMORPH systematically overestimate the occurrence of intense precipitation events. IMERG showed the best performance representing events over a value of 20 mm/day; CMORPH exhibited random and systematic errors strongly associated with a poor representation of interannual variability in seasonal total rainfall. The results suggest that the datasets have different potential use and such differences should be considered in future applications regarding extreme rainfall events and risk assessment in Bangladesh.

This research investigates the interannual variability of monsoon onset and withdrawal in Bangladesh, both of which are major climate features shaping multiple societal activities. There is considerable research on the monsoon timing in South Asia, but with much less focus on Bangladesh. We applied a local monsoon onset and withdrawal definition to observations and the latest-generation high-resolution gridded precipitation data from the Climate Hazards Center for the period 1981 through 2018. We analyzed the interannual variability in monsoon timing in Bangladesh and its teleconnection with the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) over the Pacific Ocean (El Niño Southern Oscillation, ENSO) and the Indian Ocean (IO). The monsoon starts with early significant rains in northeast Bangladesh and propagates westward, and a similar pattern is observed for withdrawal, which tends to be more homogeneous in time and space. A high spatial and temporal variability in monsoon onset and withdrawal is observed in Bangladesh, with a within-country average range of around 1 month despite it being a country of relatively small size. The association between monsoon onset and withdrawal and ENSO and IO is addressed at the country and regional level by analyzing composites for different ENSO and IO phases and associated atmospheric circulation and moisture transport. A similar association between monsoon onset and ENSO and IO phases was found, with generally earlier (later) onset dates during the negative (positive) phase of ENSO and IO. Monsoon withdrawal shows a clearer association with ENSO, with earlier (later) dates during the positive (negative) phase. Monsoon withdrawal is earlier during the negative IO phase. SSTA-induced anomalies in circulation and moisture transport contribute to anomalies in monsoon timing. Results suggest both ENSO and IOD can be potentially used as sources of predictability of monsoon onset and withdrawal over specific regions of Bangladesh. publishedVersion

Flooding is one of the most devastating and frequent natural hazards in the Indian subcontinent. In India, Bihar is one of the most flood prone states. Floods hit the state almost every year and causes enormous loss of lives, property, agriculture and infrastructure. Bihar has about 6.88 million hectares of flood prone area which is about 73.06% of its geographical area. The Kosi river is the most unstable river in Bihar and known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” because floods in this river cause huge destruction almost every year by its course changing tendency in the plains of North Bihar. It is one of the largest tributary of the river Ganga originating from Himalayas in Tibet and joins the Ganga in Bihar after flowing through Nepal. Majority of the drainage area of this river (almost 85 %) lies in Tibet and Nepal while only 15% lies in Indian Territory. The river carries huge amount of sediment with flow every year (about 120 million m3/Year) which primarily causes change in the morphological behaviour of the river. Even after the adoption of several measures, mostly grey infrastructure for the flood management in the Kosi river, the flood devastation in the region is still continued. The grey infrastructure approach gives a false sense of security and it also results in many unintended negative consequences. The present paper analyses the problem of flooding in the Kosi river basin; explores the feasibility of innovative and green infrastructure based sustainable solutions. Considering the prime issue of sediments in the Kosi, a novel concept of detention cum siltation ponds have been proposed. These ponds require hardly 7.84-13.54% of the drainage basin of Kosi in India. The proposed detention cum siltation ponds with other green infrastructure measures for the flood and sediment management in the river basin have overarching benefits. The environmental and economic sustainability aspect adds a great value to feasibility of the proposed measures.

Eighteen pyrrolidin-2-one linked benzothiazole, and benzimidazole derivatives (10-27) were designed and synthesized. The structure of the compounds was confirmed by elemental and spectral (IR, 1 H-NMR and MS) data analysis. All the compounds were screened by human monoacylglycerol lipase (hMAGL) inhibition assay. Three benzimidazole compounds, 22 (4-Cl phenyl), 23 (3-Cl,4-F phenyl) and 25 (4-methoxy phenyl) were found to be the most potent, having an IC50 value of 8.6, 8.0 and 9.4 nm, respectively. Among them, the halogen-substituted phenyl derivatives, compound 22 (4-Cl phenyl) and compound 23 (3-Cl,4-F phenyl), showed micromolar potency against fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), having an IC50 value of 35 and 24 µm, respectively. Benzimidazole derivative having 4-methoxyphenyl substitution (compound 25) was found to be a selective MAGL inhibitor (IC50 = 9.4 nm), with an IC50 value above 50 µm against FAAH. In the formalin-induced nociception test, compound 25 showed a dose-dependent reduction of pain response in both acute and late phases. At 30 mg/kg dose, it significantly reduced the pain response and showed greater potency than the reference drug gabapentin (GBP).

Rapid industrialization and urbanization are paving a way for emerging economies to become more advanced, but these activities also trigger environmental problems. Among many of these problems, the biggest and the most persistent is the air pollution. According to the WHO database, Indian cities are leading the list of world’s most polluted cities, with 14 of the 15 cities featuring in the list are Indians, which has been declared badly affected due to air pollution, and the worst among them is Kanpur. Years of studies and research have recognized the industrial sector as mainly responsible for polluting the city. As reported by Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, during winter months, the major contributor to air pollution is particulate matter like dust and soot accounting for around 76%, 15% has been contributed by biomass burning and about 8% by emissions from vehicle, whereas, in summer season, the percentage contribution of particulate matter came down to 35% with equal contribution from vehicular emissions. Meteorological data reveals that 20–80% part of the day mostly during winter months, the average wind speed remains between 2 and 4 m/s. This shows that the dispersion of pollutants in the winter season is very less, trapping particulates and toxic metals in the atmosphere to remain persistent for months. The exposure to these pollutants resulted in harmful diseases linked to the cardiovascular system, respiratory systems, nervous system, premature birth, mortality, and illness. Various efforts have been initiated by the authorities to control the increasing level of pollution, like constructing new roads and pavements, mass rapid transit service to cut car pollution, planting more trees and promoting battery-operated transport. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is also making a budgetary allocation of about 7 billion rupees ($104 million) for installing more systems to monitor air quality in cities and installing equipment to settle the dust like water sprinklers. Despite all these efforts, the Air Quality Index of the city has remained much below the national average. In this scenario, this paper focuses on the studies made so far associated with the causes, sources, impacts, and outcomes related to air pollution levels in the city from the available literature. This paper has also highlighted the air pollution scenario of neighboring country China and its policies intervention in battling against a similar situation.

A new series of benzimidazole linked pyrazole derivatives were synthesized by cyclocondensation reaction through one-pot multicomponent reaction in absolute ethanol. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their in vitro anticancer activities on five human cancer cell lines including MCF-7, HaCaT, MDA-MB231, A549 and HepG2. EGFR receptor inhibitory activities were carried out for all the compounds. Majority of the compounds showed potent antiproliferative activity against the tested cancer cell lines. Compound 5a showed the most effective activity against the lungs cancer cell lines (IC50 = 2.2 µM) and EGFR binding (IC50 = 0.97 µM) affinity as compared to other members of the series. Compound 5a inhibited growth of A549 cancer cells by inducing a strong G2/M phase arrest. In addition, same compound inhibited growth of A549 cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. In molecular docking studies compound 5a was bound to the active pocket of the EGFR (PDB 1M17) with five key hydrogen bonds and two π-π interaction with binding energies ΔG = −34.581 Kcal/mol.

Sacubitril (SAC), a neprilysin inhibitor prevent degradation of neprilysin and activate cGMP signaling pathways leading to rise in blood volume concurrent to blood pressure by means of vasoactive peptides, adrenomedullin, and bradykinin.The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-ischemic effects of SAC through inhibiting neprilysin in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in Wistar albino rats. ISO (85 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously at the end of 14 days pre-treatment with SAC and valsartan (VAL).Biochemical investigation revealed that SAC along with VAL significantly prevented the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, Catalase, GR, GPx, GST, and GSH) degradation and malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by ISO intoxication in Wistar rats. Along with this, cardiac biomarkers (LDH, CK-MB, ALT, AST, and ALP) were also significantly ameliorated by SACand VAL in ISO-treated rats. Concurrently, decreased infarction area (IA)and marked reduction in myofibril damage by SACand VAL further supported its protective benefits in MI.Taken together, the results suggest that inhibition of enzyme neprilysin alleviated the ISO induces myocardial damage mediated by its strong antioxidant potential.

An attempt has been made to simulate the thermodynamic features of the thunderstorm (TS) event over Dhaka (23.81°N, 90.41°E) occurred from 1300 UTC to 1320 UTC of 4 April 2015 using Advanced Research dynamics solver of Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF-ARW). The model was run to conduct a simulation for 48 hours on a single domain of 5 km horizontal resolution utilizing six hourly Global Final Analysis (FNL) datasets from 0600 UTC of 3 April 2015 to 0600 UTC of 5 April 2015 as initial and lateral boundary conditions. Kessler schemes for microphysics, Yonsei University (YSU) scheme for planetary boundary layer (PBL) parametrization, Revised MM5 scheme for surface layer physics, Rapid Radiative Transfer Model (RRTM) for longwave radiation, Dudhia scheme for shortwave radiation and Kain–Fritsch (KF) scheme for cumulus parameterization were used. Hourly outputs produced by the model have been analyzed numerically and graphically using Grid Analysis and Display System (GrADS). Deep analyses were carried out by examining several thermodynamic parameters such as mean sea level pressure (MSLP), wind pattern, vertical wind shear, vorticity, temperature, convective available potential energy (CAPE), relative humidity (RH) and rainfall. To validate the model performance, simulated values of MSLP, maximum and minimum temperature and RH were compared with observational data obtained from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Rainfall values were compared with that of BMD and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Based on the comparisons and validations, the present study advocates that the model captured the TS event reasonably well.GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc.Vol. 37 (2017) 131-145

In this paper an effort has been made to simulate the monsoon Low Pressure System (LPS) and its associated rainfall event of 16-20 August, 2013 using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The model was run for 24-h, 48-h and 72-h in a single domain of 10 km horizontal resolution using The National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) high-resolution Global Final (FNL) Analysis 6-hourly data using initial and lateral boundary conditions. WRF double-moment 5 class micro physics scheme, Kain–Fritsch (new Eta) cumulus physics scheme,Yonsei University planetary boundary layer scheme, Revised MM5 surface layer physics scheme, Unified Noah LSM as land surface model, Rapid Radiative Transfer Model (RRTM) for long-wave and Dudhia scheme for short-wave scheme are used for the simulation. The performance of the model is evaluated analyzing Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP), Wind Pattern, Vorticity, Vertical Wind Shear and Rainfall Distribution. The model successfully captured the low pressure system, initial condition, propagation, landfall time and location reasonably well. The model simulated rainfall amount and associated areas sensibly well compared with the observed data by BMD and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 66(1): 29-35, 2018 (January)

Objective To evaluate the cardioprotective effect of Nigella sativa L. (N. sativa) in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Groups were treated with different doses of ethanol extract of N. sativa (EENS) and N. sativa oil alone and along with enalapril for 28 days. MI was induced by subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) in two consecutive doses. Levels of cardiac biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes such as creatine kinase–N-acetyl-l-cysteine, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and catalase were evaluated along with gross histopathological examination. Results Isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) induced MI by causing the significant (P

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of AgNORs on FNAC smears of breast lesion.Methods: FNAC were done in 200 female patients of breast lump consecutively, Papanicolau and AgNOR staining was done in all 200 cases of FNA smears.Among them biopsy and histopathology were done in 99 cases. The findings of FNAC and AgNOR analysis were compared to histopathological findings.Results: By FNAC, 53 (26.5%) cases were non-neoplastic benign, 89(44.5%) cases were benign neoplasm, 07 (3.5%) cases were atypical ductal hyperplasia and 51(25.5%) cases were malignant (Duct cell carcinoma).Among them histopathology was done in 99 cases.Out of 40 FNAC malignant cases, histopathologically all were proved malignant. Out of 42 benign cases, 1 was found malignant. 4 atypical ductal hyperplasia were also diagnosed as malignant histopathologically. True positive cases are 40, True negative cases are 36, false positive are nil (0), and false negative is 01. The sensitivity is 97.56%, specificity is 100%, positive predictive value is 100%, Negative predictive value is 97.3%, and accuracy is 98.7%. AgNOR impression were analysed in 99 histopathologically confirmed cases. The results showed benign impression in 50 cases and malignant impression in 48 cases. 01 histopathologically malignant case was impressed as benign by AgNOR and 01 as suspicious which may be included as malignant by AgNOR impression. 2 histopathologically benign cases showed higher proliferative activities and counted as malignant. True positive cases are 46, True negative 49, false positive is 02 and false negative is 01. The sensitivity is 97.87%, Specificity 96.07%, PPV 95.83%, NPV 98%, Overall accuracy is 96.93%.Conclusion: The efficacy of FNAC and AgNOR analysis in the diagnosis of breast lesion was found more or less similar and mild over lapping.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.15 (2); Jul 2016; Page 14-20

In the present study hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of fish oil (cod liver oil) against isoniazid and rifampin combination (INH-RMP)-induced toxicity was evaluated in rats. Administration of (50 mg INH + 100 mg RMP/kg/day, intraperitonially [i.p]) for 14 daysproducedliver injury that was evident from elevated levels of serum marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and histopathological changes. The drug treatment caused significant changes in the cellular redox status as reflected by about 75% decrease in the level of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), a marked decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) level, an increased in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the liver. Fish oil treatment (4 ml/kg/day, i.p.) 5–6 hrprior to (INH-RMP) dose, markedlyprevented the rise in serum enzymes levelselicited by the drugs. The histopathological alterations were also improved. Remarkably, there was a complete reversal of the changes in the levels of GSH and LPO, and partial recovery of TAC in the animals receiving fish oil along with (INH-RMP). These observations support the mechanistic role of strong antioxidant property of fish oil in the protection of hepatic injury. This study suggests the importance of fish oil as a hepatoprotective and antioxidant dietary supplement, particularly in the patients receiving anti-tubercular therapy which are at a risk of hepatotoxicity.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is driven by the activity of the BCR-ABL1 fusion oncoprotein. ABL1 kinase inhibitors have improved the clinical outcomes for patients with CML, with over 80% of patients treated with imatinib surviving for more than 10 years. Second-generation ABL1 kinase inhibitors induce more potent molecular responses in both previously untreated and imatinib-resistant patients with CML. Studies in patients with chronic-phase CML have shown that around 50% of patients who achieve and maintain undetectable BCR-ABL1 transcript levels for at least 2 years remain disease-free after the withdrawal of treatment. Here we characterize ABL001 (asciminib), a potent and selective allosteric ABL1 inhibitor that is undergoing clinical development testing in patients with CML and Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph +) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In contrast to catalytic-site ABL1 kinase inhibitors, ABL001 binds to the myristoyl pocket of ABL1 and induces the formation of an inactive kinase conformation. ABL001 and second-generation catalytic inhibitors have similar cellular potencies but distinct patterns of resistance mutations, with genetic barcoding studies revealing pre-existing clonal populations with no shared resistance between ABL001 and the catalytic inhibitor nilotinib. Consistent with this profile, acquired resistance was observed with single-agent therapy in mice; however, the combination of ABL001 and nilotinib led to complete disease control and eradicated CML xenograft tumours without recurrence after the cessation of treatment. Refereed/Peer-reviewed