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The present study explored the possibility of formulating noodles with improved nutritious value and acceptable sensory properties using buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) flour in supplementation of wheat flour and compared the developed noodles with locally available branded noodles in Bangladesh. Wheat flour was substituted with 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% whole buckwheat flour. Ash (1.95-2.16%), protein (13.45-17.04%), fat (0.55-0.78%), fiber (0.23-0.55%) and mineral contents increased with the increasing content of buckwheat flour in noodles preparation. On sensory evaluation, noodles formulated with 30% buckwheat flour were to be found acceptable and were characterized with higher mineral content along with the accession in ash, protein and fiber content up to 2.08%, 16.13% and 0.46% respectively, which outran the values of other locally available noodles. On sensory evaluation and nutritional point of view, it can be concluded that buckwheat noodles is a potential replacement of other available noodles in the local market of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.56(1), 17-24, 2021

Schwannomas are encapsulated tumors arising from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath, and are usually solitary sporadic lesions. The schwannoma of the ilio-hypogastric nerve especially in the retro-petoneal space is very rare. We are reporting a case of the schwannoma of the left ilio-hypagastric nerve over the psoas muscle. The diagnosis was done by ultarsonogrsphy and MRI. The histopathological study confirmed the diagnosis. The tumour was excised through retro-peritoneal approach. By this approach total excision of the tumour with preservation of ilio-hypogastric nerve is possible. Journal of Science Foundation 2019;17(2):71-74

Background: Spinal cord tumors are presented with different histopathological pattern. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the different histopathological pattern of spinal tumor. Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery at National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2016 to December 2019 for a period of 04 (Four) years. Patients presented with spinal tumor were selected as study population. After surgical removal the spinal tumor, tissue was sent for histopathological examination to the Department of Neuropathology of the same institute. Result: A total number of 57 spinal tumor cases were recruited for this study. The male and female ratio was 1.34:1. Out of 57 spinal tumor mostly were located in the intradural extramedullary (IDEM) which was 39(68.4%) cases. Extradural and intramedullary were found in 7(12.3%) cases in each. Most of the spinal tumor were Schwannoma which was 28(49.1%) cases. Neurofibroma and meningioma were found in 6(10.5%) cases in each. Lipoma was found in 3(5.3%) cases. Ependymoma was found in 4(7.0%) cases. Conclusion: In conclusion Schwannoma is the most common variant of spinal tumor detected among the study population. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2020; 10(1): 27-32

This study was conducted to explore the possibility of substitution of wheat flour with 10%, 20%, 30%, 35% and 40% buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) flour and to formulate bread with improved nutritional value along with acceptable nutritional and sensory attributes, and to compare with locally available breads. The results showed that the ash (0.80-1.21%), protein (10.11-16.23%), fat (4.88-5.85%), fiber (0.07-0.19%), energy (301-322 kcal/100g) and mineral contents were increased with the increasing content of buckwheat flour in the bread preparation. Physical characteristics were decreased with the increasing content of buckwheat flour. On sensory evaluation, bread formulated with 30% buckwheat flour was found acceptable. In comparison with locally available breads, 30% buckwheat flour substituted bread was found significantly higher in ash, protein, fiber and energy content. Based on these results, it can be concluded that bread prepared with 30% substitution of wheat flour with buckwheat flour is nutritionally superior over locally available breads. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.54(4), 347-356, 2019

Intradural spinal lipomas are rare, and their origin is unknown. Although the clinical presentation may not be distinctive, patients usually present with neurological deficits secondary to mass effect. Total excision may not be possible all time, although subtotal resection is easily done by microsurgery. We report a case of intradural spinal lipoma of the conus medullaries. Total excision was done under microscope and histopathology proved lipoma. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2019; 8(2): 112-114

Bio-accessibility and bioavailability of arsenic (As) in historically As-contaminated soils (cattle tick pesticide), and pristine soils were assessed using 3 different approaches. These approaches included human bio-accessibility using an extraction test replicating gastric conditions (in vitro physiologically-based extraction test); an operationally defined bioaccessibility extraction test - 1.0M HCl extraction; and a live organism bioaccumulation test using earthworms. A sequential extraction procedure revealed the soil As-pool that controls bio-accessibility and bioaccumulation of As. Findings show that As is strongly bound to historically contaminated soil with a lower degree of As bio-accessibility (15%) and bioaccumulation (9%) compared with freshly contaminated soil. Key to these lower degrees of bio-accessibility and bioaccumulation is the greater fraction of As associated with crystalline Fe/Al oxy-hydroxide and residual phases. The high bio-accessibility and bioaccumulation of freshly sorbed As in pristine soils were from the exchangeable and specifically sorbed As fractions. Arsenic bioaccumulation in earthworms correlates strongly with both the human bio-accessible, and the operationally defined bioavailable fractions. Hence, results suggest that indirect As bioavailability measures, such as accumulation by earthworm, can be used as complementary lines of evidence to reinforce site-wide trends in the bio-accessibility using in vitro physiologically-based extractions and/or operationally defined extraction test. Such detailed knowledge is useful for successful reclamation and management of the As contaminated soils.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common prostatic problem for men older than age 50. It is a condition in men in which the prostate is enlarged but it is not cancerous. The prostate goes through 2 (two) main growth periods as a person ages. The first happens early in pubescence, when the prostate doubles in size. The second stage of growth begins around age twenty five and continues throughout most of a man's life. Benign prostatic hyperplasia often occurs with second growth phase. In the treatment of prostatic disorders, estimation of the length of prostate has been used to select the surgical approach. Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is preferred for small glands and open prostatectomy for larger ones. As the prostate gland is dependent on androgen for its growth, the prostatic length reflects the hormonal status of the subjects. This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from April 2015 to September 2015 to find out the difference in length of the prostate of Bangladeshi people in relation to age. The present study was performed on 67 postmortem human prostate glands collected from the morgue in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, by non random purposive sampling technique. The specimens were collected from Bangladeshi dead body, age starting from 10-80 years. All the specimens were classified into 3(three) classes - Group A (upto 18 years), Group B (19-45 years) and Group C (45 years) according to age. Dissection was performed according to standard autopsy techniques. The length of the prostate was measured and recorded. The mean±SD length of the prostate was 1.76±0.60cm, 2.65±0.56cm and 2.88±0.70cm in Group A, B and C respectively. The maximum mean length of the prostate was in Group C (2.88cm) and minimum was in Group A (1.76cm). It was observed that the length of the prostate was increased with age. Variance analysis shows that mean differences of length of the prostate were highly significant among all age groups. The length of prostate gland was found to be increase with age. For statistical analysis, variations between age groups were analyzed by students unpaired 't' test. The present study will help to increase the information pool on the length of prostate gland of Bangladeshi people.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of MASCC score (Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer Score) in patients with febrile neutropenia (as resultant treatment of hematological disorders) for risk assessment of morbidity and mortality. Patients presenting with Febrile Neutropenia from November 2011 till December 2013 were enrolled in the study. Initially all patients were hospitalized and their MASCC score was calculated, however those with high risk stayed in hospital till full ANC recovery while low risk group was discharged earlier and keenly followed as out-patient while being on prophylactic oral antibiotics. The MASCC risk-index score was calculated and patients with risk score >21 were regarded as low-risk while

Chondrosarcoma is a type of tumor originated from cartilage and bone. About 30% of skeletal system cancers are chondrosarcomas and less than 10% of all chondrosarcomas occur in the spine. It is resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Total resection ensures early recovery and prevents recurrence. This author presents a case of chondrosarcoma of spine diagnosed by MRI and histopathology.Journal of Science Foundation, January 2016;14(1):30-33

Background: Spinal tuberculosis is a great problem in the health sector. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the see the socio-demographic characteristics of spinal tuberculosis patients. Methodology: This study was designed as descriptive cross sectional study which was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period of January 2002 to December 2004 for a period of two (2) years. All the patients who were presented with spinal tuberculosis at any age with both sexes were included as study population. The details of socio-economic condition were recorded of all the patients. Confirmation of spinal tuberculosis was made by CT-scan and MRI. Finally biopsy was done to confirm the cases by histopathology.Results: In this study, 50 cases of tuberculosis of the spine patients were recruited for this study. The mean age with SD was 25.4±18.65 years. The sex distribution shows male preponderance with a male and female ratio of 1.63:1. Regarding the socioeconomic status 33 (66%) patients came from low class society. In this study majority of the study population were illiterate which was 19(38.0%) cases. Most of the patients were day labourer which was 17(34.0%) cases.Conclusion: In conclusion young adult male patients are most commonly affected by spinal tuberculosis.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2016;2(2): 48-50

Background: Spinal tuberculosis is more frequently reported in developing countries. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the socio-demographic characteristics of spinal tuberculosis patients. Methodology: This study was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period of January 2002 to December 2004 to elucidate the effectiveness of surgical and conservative treatment of the tuberculosis of the spine. For this purpose, a total number of 50 consecutive cases admitted during the study period with tuberculosis of the spine supported by investigations were included in this study. Result: The mean age of the patients was 25.4 years and ranged from 7 years to 68 years. The highest incidence of tuberculosis of the spine was found in age group between 11 to 20 years and 70% of the patients were under 30 years of age. Incidence of tuberculosis of this spine was more in male (62%) in comparison to female (3 8%) with a male female ratio of 1.63:1. In this study most of the patients came from low class society (66%) followed by middle class (28%) and high class (6%) respectively. Conclusion: Spinal TB more frequently occurs among the young age group with a male predominance. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2016;3(1):3-5

Background: The incidence of lymphoproliferative disorders has increased in many parts of the world. Newer subtypes have been identified by the new WHO classification. Accurate subtyping of lymphomas is crucial for prompt treatment. Objective of the study was to assess the clinicopathological pattern of lymphoproliferative diseases diagnosed in Rajagiri hospital over a period of 3 years.Methods: A retrospective study on all patients who were diagnosed with lymphoma in Rajagiri hospital during January 2016 to December 2018 was conducted and the data were reviewed and analyzed.Results: A total of 151 patients were included in the study. Majority of the subjects (63%) were males. The predominant age group affected was 61-80 years. Mean age group was 58.46 years (SD=19.05 years). Most common presenting symptom was painless lymphadenopathy. B symptoms were seen in 18% of subjects and was found to be more commonly associated with B cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Most common lymph node involved was cervical lymph node, while the most common extra nodal site was bone marrow. Most common lymphoproliferative disorder was Diffuse large B cell Lymphoma. Lymph node involvement was found in 74% of patients, while hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were seen in 11% and 18.5% of patients. 20% of patients had secondary bone marrow involvement. 8 patients developed recurrent lesions involving other organs.Conclusions: Clinicopathologic patterns of lymphoproliferative disorders vary across various regions. A proper understanding of demographical distribution of lymphomas is very essential, as it can provide valuable clues for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Background : A lump in the breast is a cause of great concern. High frequency high resolution ultrasonogram helps in its evaluation. With major advances in ultrasonographic technology during the past 20 years, ultrasonogram can now distinguish benign and malignant solid breast lumps. Knowledge of the specific benign and malignant ultrasonographic characteristics of breast lumps is imperative for accurate diagnosis and optimal patient management. Objective : To determine the validity of ultrasound in the assessment of palpable breast lump by detecting the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of ultrasonogram in distinguishing benign and malignant breast lumps. Materials and Methods : This cross sectional study was done in the department of Radiology and Imaging of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka in collaboration with the department of Pathology of BSMMU for histopathological correlation during July 2008 to June 2009. A total of 100 patients who were clinically suspected of having breast lump were included in this study. Data on clinical presentation, ultrasonographic findings including histopathological reports were collected and documented in structured forms. Analysis was done using SPSS 13.0 version. Results : The study was done in 100 women of 18–70 years of age with mean age 41.46 ± 11.62 years. Breast lumps were found with associated clinical presentation of pain in 26 (26%) cases, discharge in 12 (12%) cases, skin changes in 28 (28%) cases, nipple retraction in 10 (10%) cases, and palpable lymph nodes in 10 (10%) cases. On ultrasonogram, lesions were diagnosed as benign in 62% cases and malignant in 38% cases. Out of sonographically diagnosed 62 benign lesions 58 (93.5%) were also proved benign histopathologically and 4 (6.5%) as malignant. Out of 38 sonographically malignant lesions, 34 (89.5%) were also proved as malignant histopathologically and 4 (10.5%) as benign. Conclusion : Ultrasonographic findings of benign and malignant breast lumps correlated well in most of the cases with the histopathological results. Therefore, it can be concluded that ultrasonogram is a useful imaging tool to discriminate benign and malignant breast lumps and thus we can reduce unnecessary breast biopsies, patient discomfort and anxiety in addition to increase in cost of the patient. J Enam Med Col 2015; 5(3): 151-156

Stem lignin content of a mature jute plant was found to be around 29% giving a deposition rate of 0.21% per day. The study was made on individual plants of different ages starting from five weeks when they were big enough to produce sufficient dry mass for lignin estimation to 16 weeks of age when a jute plant is ready for retting. An intense rate of increase (1.15%) was found during the 7th week of growth, probably due to a rise in temperature. Present data and the average rate of increase of lignin production can be considered as a reference value for projects working on producing low-lignin - jute varieties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21603 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 309-314, 2014 (December)

Background. Febrile neutropenia is the consequence of treatment of hematological disorders. The first-line empirical treatment should cover the prevalent microorganism of the institute. The aim of study was to establish the effectiveness of current practices used at the institution and to review the culture sensitivity pattern of isolated microorganisms.Patients and Methods. Data was recorded and analyzed prospectively for 226 hospitalized patients of febrile neutropenia from January 2011 till December 2013.Results. Out of 226 cases, 173 were males and 53 were females. Clinically documented infections were 104 (46.01%) and microbiologically documented infections were 80 (35.39%), while 42 (18.58%) had pyrexia of undetermined origin. Gram negative infections accounted for 68 (85%) andEscherichia coliwas the commonest isolate. Gram positive microorganisms were isolated in 12 (15%) cases and most common wasStaphylococcus aureus. First-line empirical treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin showed response in 184 patients (85.9%) till 72 hours.Conclusion. There is marked decline in infections due to Gram positive microorganisms; however, Gram negative infections are still of great concern and need further surveillance. In this study the antibiogram has shown its sensitivity for empirical antibiotic therapy used; hence, it supports continuation of the same practice.

The spleen is the most frequently injured organ in the abdomen. Splenic rupture is usually precipitated by a crushing injury or severe blow. If ruptured the spleen will bleed profusely because its capsule is thin and its parenchyma is soft and pulpy. Such "spontaneous ruptures" never occur in truly normal spleen but rather than from some minor physical insult to a spleen that has been rendered fragile by an underlying condition. The most common predisposing conditions are infectious mononucleosis, malaria, typhoid fever and lymphoid neoplasms. These diverse entities can all cause rapid splenic enlargement, producing a thin, tense splenic capsule that is susceptible to rupture. Understanding of splenic capsular structure may help explain mechanical properties of the normal and diseased spleen. Histological changes are evident in advancing age along with functional capability of the human spleen. This cross sectional descriptive study was done to measure the thickness of splenic capsule to establish the difference between sexes of different age groups in Bangladeshi cadaver. The study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh from June 2013 to July 2014. A total 30 human spleen were collected by purposive sampling technique from October 2013 to April 2014, among them 14 were male and 16 were female. The specimens were collected from Bangladeshi cadavers of age ranging from 6 months to 60 years, from autopsy laboratory of the Department of Forensic Medicine of Mymensingh Medical College. For convenience of differentiating the thickness of splenic capsule in relation to age and sex, the collected specimens were divided into three groups like Group A (upto 20 years), Group B (21 to 40 years)Group C (41 to 60 years). Each group was again divided into malefemale groups. In this study 10 slides from each age group were chosen for measuring the thickness of splenic capsule and examined under low power objective. In present study the mean capsular thickness of spleen was 107.71±8.70, 125.71±31.29 and 136.39±6.49 μm in Group A, B and C respectively. The mean difference of capsular thickness of spleen between Group AB, Group BC was statistically non-significant but the difference between CA was highly significant (p0.001). From this study it was also observed that the mean±SD thickness of splenic capsule was higher in male than that of female among the age groups but there was no significant difference between sexes. In statistical analysis, differences between age groups and sexes were calculated by using one way ANOVA test and unpaired 't' test respectively.

A cross sectional descriptive study was designed to find out the difference in weight of the thyroid gland of Bangladeshi people in relation to age and sex. The present study was performed on 70 post mortem human thyroid gland (35 of male and 35 of female) collected from the morgue in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh by purposive sampling technique. The specimens were collected from Bangladeshi cadavers of age ranging from 10 years to 85 years. All the specimens were grouped into three categories Group A (upto 20 years), Group B (21 to 50 years) and Group C (50 years) according to age. Dissection was performed according to standard autopsy techniques. The weight of the thyroid glands were measured and recorded. The mean weight of the thyroid gland was 6.94 ± 5.20 gm in Group A, 7.91 ± 5.89 gm in Group B and 10.42 ± 6.27 gm in Group C. The mean weight of the thyroid gland in male was 7.0 ± 5.77 gm in Group A, 9.94 ± 7.63 gm in Group B and 11.89 ± 5.73 gm in Group C and in female was 6.88 ± 4.88 gm in Group A, 5.88 ± 2.15 gm in Group B and 9.10 ± 6.74 gm in Group C. Variance analysis shows that there was no significant difference in mean weight between the Age Group AB, BC and CA. There was significant difference of weight of thyroid gland between sex in age Group B but in Group A and Group C were statistically insignificant. The weight of the thyroid gland was found to increases with age. In statistical analysis, differences between age groups were analyzed by using one way ANOVA test. The present study will help to increase the information pool on the weight of thyroid gland of Bangladeshi people.

Papillary muscle rupture and dysfunction can lead to complications of prolapsed atrioventricular valve and valvular regurgitation. Morphology, measurements and attachments of papillary muscles in both tricuspid and bicuspid valve gains utmost importance in cardiac surgeries and variations in the papillary muscle morphology is one of causes for myocardial infarction in recent time. Therefore, it is important to know both the normal anatomy and variations of papillary muscles. The study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh from July 2013 to June 2014. A total 80 human hearts were collected by purposive sampling method, among them 49 were male and 31 were female. The specimens were collected from Bangladeshi cadavers of age ranging from 6 months to 60 years, from autopsy laboratory of the Department of Forensic Medicine of Mymensingh Medical College. All the specimens were grouped into three categories Group A (upto 20 years), Group B (21 to 40 years) and Group C (41 to 60 years) according to age. Dissection was performed according to standard autopsy techniques. Length of each papillary muscle was measured in both ventricles in different age groups. In present study the mean length of the anterior papillary muscles of right ventricle was higher than both the posterior and septal papillary muscles among the age groups. The mean±SD length of the anterior papillary muscle was 1.07±0.48, 1.50±0.37 and 1.60±0.25cm in Group A, B and C respectively. The mean±SD length of the posterior papillary muscle was 1.02±0.35, 1.31±0.40 and 1.37±0.34cm in Group A, BC respectively. The mean±SD length of the septal papillary muscle in right ventricle was 0.51±0.42, 0.65±0.31 and 0.81±0.35cm in Group A, BC respectively. It was also observed that the mean length of anterior, posterior and septal papillary muscle was increased with age. In present study the mean length of the anterior papillary muscles in left ventricle was higher than that of the posterior papillary muscle among the age groups. The mean±SD length of the anterior papillary muscle was 1.53±0.34, 2.05±0.39 and 2.01±0.25cm in Group A, B and C respectively. The mean±SD length of the posterior papillary muscle was 1.33±0.34, 1.95±0.89 and 1.81±0.76cm in Group A, B and C respectively and it was also observed that the mean length of both anterior and posterior papillary muscle was increased with age. In statistical analysis, differences between age groups were calculated by using one way ANOVA test.

This cross sectional descriptive study was to measure the thickness of muscular layer in trigone of the urinary bladder and to establish the difference between sexes of different age groups in Bangladeshi cadaver. A total 60 human urinary bladders were collected by purposive sampling from May 2013 to October 2013. Among them from male 43 and from female 17 were collected from Bangladeshi cadavers of age ranging from 01 to 60 years, from autopsy laboratory of the Department of Forensic Medicine of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. The thickness of muscular layer in trigone of the urinary bladder was measured and significant differences of the value between age and sex groups were observed. The mean±SD thickness of muscular layer of trigone of the urinary bladder was 318.59±93.15μm in age Group A (01 to 20 years), 633.25±79.79μm in age Group B (21 to 40 years), and 352.50±116.15μm in age Group C (41 to 60 years). The mean difference of muscular layer of the trigone of the urinary bladder between age Groups AB, BC was statistically highly significant, where p=0.001. In statistical analysis, differences between age groups were calculated by using one way ANOVA test. The present study revealed that the value of thickness of muscular layer in trigone of the urinary bladder was increased with the increase of age and it was declined to a low level in the late age. The mean value of muscular layer of the trigone of the urinary bladder was higher in male than that of in female of Group A, BC.

Patients with hematological disorders develop febrile neutropenia (FN); most of these events remain undetermined in origin. We performed a prospective study to determine the microbiological characteristics of infections and their response to the first-line antibiotic therapy in FN. The study was conducted at National Institute of Blood Disease and Bone Marrow Transplant. Two-hundred episodes of FN were assessed for the bacterial growth, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and response to the first-line treatment of FN. All patients were given Ceftazidime and Amikacin Bosch Pharmaceutical (Pvt. Ltd), as first-line antibiotic in FN. Out of 200 episodes we had 108 clinically and microbiologically documented infections. The isolated frequencies for gram negative and gram positive organisms were n = 52 and 49 (48 and 45 %) respectively. Among gram negative micro-organisms, Escherichia coli (E. coli) was isolated in 15 (28.8 %), Klebsiella pneumonae in 4 (7.6 %) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 10 (19.2 %) were in highest frequencies. Methicillin sensitive staphylococci emerged as the frequently isolated gram-positive bacteria. Eight-one episodes (45.3 %) responded to the first-line treatment and death reported in 20 cases (10 %). Our study showed almost equal trend of gram positive and gram negative bacteria isolated from patients suffering from neutropenic fever. Empirical use of Ceftazidime and Amikacin as first-line antibiotics was able to cover the infection only in 45.3 % of episodes suffering from FN.

The green plant regeneration ability from anthers of BR-7, a high yielding indica cultivar, Binnatoa (BA), a salt tolerant indica land race and IR-43 was tested in N6, M8, He2 and R2 media. The response was calculated on the basis of number of anthers producing green plants. The number of green plants per responding anther was also recorded. The response of BR-7 and BA was poor compared to the indica cultivar IR-43 in three of the media that were tested. In N6 medium, green plant regeneration of BA and BR-7 was respectively 10-fold and 100-fold less than the japonica cultivar Taipei 309 (T-309). No anther-derived green regenerant was obtained from another salt tolerant indica land race, Rajashail (RAJ). The N6 medium was selected to test green plant regeneration frequency from anthers obtained from the F1 crosses of T-309 × BR-7, T-309 × BA, T-309 × RAJ and T-309 × BR-7 AC regenerants backcrossed with BA. Our objective was to combine the salt tolerant trait of BA and the high yield of BR-7 in a single line. The intermediate crossing step with T-309 was performed to increase the green plant regenerability of the anthers. All F1 progeny from the crosses with T-309 showed significantly increased callus induction compared to the indica parent although the values were lower than the midparent means. Green plant regeneration compared to their respective indica parents either increased or decreased but never approached the level of T-309.

To find the in-vitro sensitivity data and clinical response in order to determine the changes required in empiric antibiotic therapy for management of febrile neutropenia in paediatric patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.A descriptive study.Paediatric bone marrow transplant unit at Bismillah Taqee Institute of Health Sciences and Blood Disease Center from September 1999 to May 2004.All patients were treated according to institutional protocol for febrile neutropenia. Empirical antibiotics include Ceftriaxone and Amikacin. In non-responders, changes made included Imipenem and Amikacin, Piperacillin Tazobactum/Tiecoplanin or Vancomycin/Cloxacilin/Ceftazidime. In non-responders, amphotaracin was added until recovery.Out of 52 patients, 5 did not develop any fever; in the remaining 47 patients there were 57 episodes of febrile neutropenia. The mean days of febrile episodes were 4.71 (range 3-8). Fever of unknown origin (FUO) occurred in 31 (54.3%) episodes. Microbiologically documented infection (MDI) occurred in 17 (29.8%) episodes of fever. Clinically documented infection (CDI) occurred in 9 (15.7%) episodes. Gram-negative organisms were isolated in 10 while gram-positive organisms in 7. Klebseilla, S. aureus were the most common isolates. Empirical therapy was effective in 12 of the 33 (36%) episodes. Out of 28, 26 (92%) responded to Imipenem/Amikacin as second line therapy while those who received any other second line combination, only 11 out of 22 (50%) showed response. Systemic Amphotericin was used in 4 patients, 2 responded. Infection related mortality rate was 4%.Gram-negative infections predominated, Imipenem/ Amikacin found to be most effective therapy while a low mortality rate is recorded in our setting suggesting good infection control.

To assess the feasibility of stem cell transplantation in local setting.A tertiary care haematology centre.This is a single centre retrospective analysis of the outcome of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for severe aplastic anaemia.Preliminary data on stem cell transplantation in Pakistan.Aplastic anaemia is an uncommon disorder with a high mortality without treatment. Immunosuppression and bone marrow transplantation remains the mainstay of treatment. Stem cell transplantation facility became available in Pakistan in 1999, since then both allogeneic and autologous procedures are carried out for severe aplastic anaemia, b-thalassaemia major and haematological malignancies. Between April 2000 and July 2002, 20 allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplants were carried out for aplastic anaemia from HLA identical siblings. Donors were primed with G-CSF 10 mcg/kg/day subcutaneously for 4 days; stem cells were harvested on 5th day using Haemonetics MCS+ cell separator. Cyclophosphamide was used for conditioning; cyclosporin A and methotrexate were given for graft versus host disease prophylaxis.Eighteen out of 22 patients survived transplant in a follow up period of 788 days. The causes of death were intra-cranial haemorrhage on day +7, herpes encephalitis on day +180, graft failure and mucour mycosis on day +353 and TB meningitis on day +544. Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation resulted in 81% event free survival in our hands.Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is feasible and life saving in an otherwise fatal disorder. This could be carried out effectively in Pakistan.

To report the initial data on allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for haematological malignancies in Pakistan.A single centre descriptive study.Bismillah Taqee Institute of Health Sciences and Blood Diseases Centre from September 1999 to June 2004.Patients with haematological malignancies were included who had received allogeneic PBSC transplantation of Filgrastim (rhG-CSF) mobilized peripheral blood stem cells from HLA-identical siblings (except one 5/6 antigen sibling) with Busulphan and Cyclophosphamide standard conditioning therapy in all patients. No patient received antibiotics for gut decontamination. Empirical antibiotics included Ceftriaxone and Amikacin for febrile neutropenia, oral Itraconazole for antifungal prophylaxis while oral acyclovir was used for antiviral prophylaxis. All donors and recipients were CMV IgG positive Cyclosporin A / Methotrexate were given for graft versus host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Stem cells were harvested using Haemonetics MCS+ cell separator. All patients received G-CSF starting from day +4 until their neutrophil count rose to normal.There were 21 patients with age range of 8-38 years and male to female ratio of 2:1. Engraftment was achieved in all patients; median time to absolute neutrophil count of0.5 x 10(9)/l was 10 days (range 8 - 12 days) and platelet count of20 x 10(9)/l was 14 days (12-17 days). Acute graft versus host disease ( aGvHD) was seen in 7 patients; one patient had grade IV skin and hepatic GvHD; another patient had grade III gut GvHD, grade II GvHD was seen in 3 patients while grade I skin aGvHD was seen in 2 patients. Median hospital stay was 34 days. Treatment related mortality was seen in 3 patients (18%). Chronic GvHD was seen in 5 patients. Four more patients died during the follow-up period. Malaria was seen in 2 while tuberculosis developed in one case. Relapse was seen in 2 patients. The estimated probability of survival at one hundred day, at one year and five years was 82, 47 and 40 percent respectively.Haematopoietic stem cell transplant programme can be developed in a developed country setting. Post transplant complications are similar to what have been reported in the developed countries. In endemic areas malaria could prove to be fatal if not recognised and treated early.

To share the preliminary data on stem cell transplantation in Pakistan.This is a single center retrospective analysis of the outcome of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation in b-thalassemia major patients.Bismillah Taqee Blood Diseases Centre, Karachi; a tertiary care hematology center from September 1999 to September 2002.Twelve patients with b-thalassemia major received allogeneic PBSC transplantation from HLA identical sibling donors except in one case where mother was the donor. All patients received busulphan and cyclophosphamide conditioning therapy and cyclosporin A/methotrexate for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Donors were primed with G-CSF for 4 days and stem cells were harvested using Haemonetics MCS + cell separator on 5th day. All patients received G-CSF starting from day + 4 until their neutrophil count rose to normal.Engraftment was achieved in all patients except one who required a second dose of bone marrow graft on day +21. Median time to achieve absolute neutrophil count of0.5 x 10(9)/l was 9.0 days (range 8-31 days) and platelet count of20 x 10(9)/l was 14 days (12-35 days). Acute GVHD was seen in 3 patients, one patient had grade IV gut GVHD; another patient had grade III gut GVHD while third patient had grade II skin GVHD. Median hospital stay was 29 days. Six patients were well and transfusion independent 3 to 36 months posttransplant. One episode of primary graft failure required a second dose of bone marrow harvest. Another episode of graft rejection received two doses of donor lymphocytes infusion. There were 4 deaths due to grade IV gut GVHD because of uncontrolled systemic Candida infection and one due to hepatic veno-occlusive (VOD) disease.Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation can be safely and economically carried out in Pakistan. Although there had been 4 deaths during 36 months follow-up, with increasing understanding and experience the outcome is expected to improve.

B-cell-maturation-antigen (BCMA)-directed therapies are highly active for multiple myeloma, but infections are emerging as a major challenge. In this retrospective, single-center analysis we evaluated infectious complications after BCMA-targeted chimeric-antigen-receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), bispecific-antibodies (BsAb) and antibody-drug-conjugates (ADC). The primary endpoint was severe (grade ≥ 3) infection incidence. Amongst 256 patients, 92 received CAR-T, 55 BsAb and 109 ADC. The incidence of severe infections was higher with BsAb (40%) than CAR-T (26%) or ADC (8%), including grade 5 infections (7% vs 0% vs 0%, respectively). Comparing T-cell redirecting therapies, the incidence rate of severe infections was significantly lower with CAR-T compared to BsAb at 1-year (incidence-rate-ratio [IRR] = 0.43, 95%CI 0.25-0.76, P = 0.004). During periods of treatment-emergent hypogammaglobulinemia, BsAb recipients had higher infection rates (IRR:2.27, 1.31-3.98, P = 0.004) and time to severe infection (HR 2.04, 1.05-3.96, P = 0.036) than their CAR-T counterparts. During periods of non-neutropenia, CAR-T recipients had a lower risk (HR 0.44, 95%CI 0.21-0.93, P = 0.032) and incidence rate (IRR:0.32, 95% 0.17-0.59, P < 0.001) of severe infections than BsAb. In conclusion, we observed an overall higher and more persistent risk of severe infections with BsAb. Our results also suggest a higher infection risk during periods of hypogammaglobulinemia with BsAb, and with neutropenia in CAR-T recipients., Competing Interests: COMPETING INTERESTS Tala Shekarkhand reports honoraria from Genentech; David J Chung receives research funding from Genentech; Heather J Landau has served as a paid consultant for Takeda, Genzyme, Janssen, Karyopharm, Pfizer, Celgene, Caelum Biosciences, and has received research support from Takeda; Oscar B Lahoud reports serving on Advisory Board for MorphoSys Inc., Kite, Daiichi Sankyo Inc., Incyte; Consulting for: Incyte; Michael Scordo served as a paid consultant for McKinsey & Company, Angiocrine Bioscience, Inc., and Omeros Corporation; received research funding from Angiocrine Bioscience, Inc., Omeros Corporation, and Amgen, Inc.; served on ad hoc advisory boards for Kite – A Gilead Company; and received honoraria from i3Health, Medscape, and CancerNetwork for CME-related activity; Gunjan Shah reports research funding from Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Beyond Spring, and serves on the Data Safety Monitoring Board for ArcellX. G.S. research funding to the institution from Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Beyond Spring, and GPCR, and on DSMB for ArcellX; Hani Hassoun reports grants from Celgene, Takeda, and Janssen, outside the submitted work; Neha Korde reports research funding through Amgen and participates in advisory board with Medimmune; Urvi Shah reports personal fees from Physicians Educations Resources; grants and other from Celgene/Bristol Myers Squibb; other from Janssen; and grants from Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Myeloma Crowd, outside the submitted work; Carlyn Tan: reports research funding from Janssen and personal fees from Physician Educations Resource; Malin Hultcrantz: reports research funding from Amgen, Daiichi Sankyo, GlaxoSmithKline; has received honoraria for consultancy/participated in advisory boards for Curio Science LLC, Intellisphere LLC, Bristol Myer Squibb, and GlaxoSmithKline; Sergio A. Giralt reports personal fees from and an advisory role (scientific advisory board) in Actinium, Celgene, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, Amgen, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, JAZZ, Janssen, Omeros, Takeda, and Kite, outside the submitted work; Saad Z Usmani reports grants and personal fees from AbbVie, 404 Amgen, BMS, Celgene, GSK, Janssen, Merck, MundiPharma, Oncopeptides, 405 Pharmacyclics, Sanofi, Seattle Genetics, SkylineDX, and Takeda; Sham Mailankody received consulting fees from Evicore, Optum, BioAscend, Janssen Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb, AbbVie, ECor1, Galapagos, and Legend Biotech. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center receives research funding from the NCI, Janssen Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb, Allogene Therapeutics, Fate Therapeutics, and Takeda Oncology for research led by Sham Mailankody. Sham Mailankody received honoraria from OncLive, Physician Education Resource, MJH Life Sciences, and Plexus Communications; Alexander M Lesokhin reports grants from Bristol Myers Squibb; personal fees from Trillium Therapeutics; grants, personal fees and non-financial support from Pfizer; and grants and personal fees from Janssen and Arcellx, outside the submitted work. A.M.L also has a patent US20150037346A1 with royalties paid.