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Fulltext Field demonstration of irradiated sodium alginate as tea production booster

Hossain MA, Islam JMM, Hoque MM, Nahar S, Khan MA

Heliyon, 2021 Jan;7(1):e05881.
PMID: 33458447 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05881

Sodium alginate oligomers were tested for tea plant growth promoter and anti-fungal agent in this experiment. Sodium alginate solutions were irradiated by Co-60 gamma radiation with different radiation doses to produce the oligomers. Irradiated solutions were then diluted into 150, 300 and 500 ppm prior to foliar application. Solutions were applied through foliar spraying at 7 days interval and the best response of tea plants in terms of various attributes were recorded. Tea buds were collected in 10 days of interval and the growth attributes like- total number of buds, fresh weight of buds, average leaf area and weight per bud, weight of made tea etc. were calculated. The experiment was continued up to 12 weeks and the attributes were averaged to get results per plucking. 12 kGy radiation doses along with 300ppm solution showed the best results and about 36% increase in productivity was found based on the fresh weight of buds. Total fungal count in tea leaves was also found to be reduced greatly. Based on the present study, irradiated sodium alginate could be used as safe and environmentally friendly agent to increase tea production.
Advances in Photocatalytic CO₂ Reduction with Water: A Review

Nahar S, Zain MFM, Kadhum AAH, Hasan HA, Hasan MR

Materials (Basel), 2017 Jun 08;10(6).
PMID: 28772988 DOI: 10.3390/ma10060629

In recent years, the increasing level of CO₂ in the atmosphere has not only contributed to global warming but has also triggered considerable interest in photocatalytic reduction of CO₂. The reduction of CO₂ with H₂O using sunlight is an innovative way to solve the current growing environmental challenges. This paper reviews the basic principles of photocatalysis and photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, discusses the measures of the photocatalytic efficiency and summarizes current advances in the exploration of this technology using different types of semiconductor photocatalysts, such as TiO₂ and modified TiO₂, layered-perovskite Ag/ALa₄Ti₄O15 (A = Ca, Ba, Sr), ferroelectric LiNbO₃, and plasmonic photocatalysts. Visible light harvesting, novel plasmonic photocatalysts offer potential solutions for some of the main drawbacks in this reduction process. Effective plasmonic photocatalysts that have shown reduction activities towards CO₂ with H₂O are highlighted here. Although this technology is still at an embryonic stage, further studies with standard theoretical and comprehensive format are suggested to develop photocatalysts with high production rates and selectivity. Based on the collected results, the immense prospects and opportunities that exist in this technique are also reviewed here.
Fulltext Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to Identify a Myriad of Carbapenemase Genes in Fresh Cow Dung in Bangladesh

Al Asad M, Siddique Shanta A, Akter K, Binte Habib M, Nahar S, Haque M, et al.

Cureus, 2024 Feb;16(2):e54644.
PMID: 38389567 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54644

Introduction The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven by the selection pressure of frequent uses of antimicrobial agents in healthcare, the food chain, agriculture, fishery, and the food animal industry, which poses a serious health risk for transmission-linked humans and the surrounding environment. Livestock, particularly cattle, play an essential role in the food sector in Bangladesh. The food-animal chains can be the potential routes of exposure to AMR-microorganisms for every domain of one health. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) can impart a reservoir of AMR within the food supply chain, even without pathogenic microorganisms. This study investigated the history of infection for the last six-month period of antimicrobials utilized in cattle farms and the distribution of selected carbapenemase resistance genes, namely, bla-KPC, bla-IMP, bla-VIM, bla-NDM-1, bla-SIM, bla-GIM, bla-SPM, and bla-SME, in cattle feces in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was designed to analyze ARGs in fresh cow dung samples collected from commercial farms and individual houses in four Bangladesh districts, namely, Dhaka, Gazipur, Manikganj, and Tangail. Types of cattle breeds, their existing diseases, recent antimicrobial uses, and vaccine uses were recorded. DNA was extracted from each cow dung sample using commercial kits (Qiagen GmbH, Germany). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess the eight carbapenem resistance genes in the extracted DNA. The eight carbapenem resistance genes in the extracted DNA were assessed by RT-qPCR using the qTOWER3 thermal cycler (Analytik Jena GmbH, Konrad-Zuse-Straße 1, 07745 Jena, Germany). Results Group A carbapenemase, bla-KPC, was detected in 66.7% of the samples. However, no bla-SME was identified in all of the test samples. Group B metallo carbapenemase, bla-IMP, bla-NDM-1, bla-VIM, bla-SIM, bla-GIM, and bla-SPM, were in 66.7% (80/120), 49.2% (59/120), 48.3% (58/120), 68.3% (82/120), 58.3% (70/120), and 12.5% (15/120), respectively. Only 8.3% of the tested samples contained no MBL gene; 10% carried a single-type carbapenemase gene; and the remaining 81.7% carried two or more carbapenemase genes concurrently. Co-carriage of four or more genes was found in over 59% of samples. As many as seven genes were found together in 6.7% of samples. ARG detection in commercial cattle samples and household feces is not statistically significant. Conclusions Substantial carbapenem-resistance ARGs were detected in commercially farmed cow dung and household cattle samples. Frequent use of antibiotics for cattle for treatment and prophylactic purposes may influence the high acquisition of ARGs. Bangladeshi cattle farms are reservoirs and routes of AMR, posing a significant threat to the country's public health.
Fulltext Genotypic to Phenotypic Resistance Discrepancies Identified Involving β-Lactamase Genes, blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaVIM in Uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae

Urmi UL, Nahar S, Rana M, Sultana F, Jahan N, Hossain B, et al.

Infect Drug Resist, 2020;13:2863-2875.
PMID: 32903880 DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S262493

Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) belongs to the Group-A β-lactamases that incorporate serine at their active site and hydrolyze various penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) are group-B enzymes that contain one or two essential zinc ions in the active sites and hydrolyze almost all clinically available β-lactam antibiotics. Klebsiella pneumoniae remains the pathogen with the most antimicrobial resistance to KPC and MBLs.
Methods: This research investigated the blaKPC, and MBL genes, namely, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM-1 and their phenotypic resistance to K. pneumoniae isolated from urinary tract infections (UTI) in Bangladesh. Isolated UTI K. pneumoniae were identified by API-20E and 16s rDNA gene analysis. Their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was examined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, followed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaVIM genes were evaluated by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and confirmed by sequencing.
Results: Fifty-eight K. pneumoniae were identified from 142 acute UTI cases. Their phenotypic resistance to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, cephalexin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, and imipenem were 98.3%, 100%, 96.5%, 91.4%, 75.1%, respectively. Over half (31/58) of the isolates contained either blaKPC or one of the MBL genes. Individual prevalence of blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaVIM were 15.5% (9), 10.3% (6), 22.4% (13), and 19% (11), respectively. Of these, eight isolates (25.8%, 8/31) were found to have two genes in four different combinations. The co-existence of the ESBL genes generated more resistance than each one individually. Some isolates appeared phenotypically susceptible to imipenem in the presence of blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM-1 genes, singly or in combination.
Conclusion: The discrepancy of genotype and phenotype resistance has significant consequences for clinical bacteriology, precision in diagnosis, the prudent selection of antimicrobials, and rational prescribing. Heterogeneous phenotypes of antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be taken seriously to avoid inappropriate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Detection of mobile colistin-resistance gene variants (mcr-1 and mcr-2) in urinary tract pathogens in Bangladesh: the last resort of infectious disease management colistin efficacy is under threat

Ara B, Urmi UL, Haque TA, Nahar S, Rumnaz A, Ali T, et al.

Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol, 2021 Apr;14(4):513-522.
PMID: 33691556 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1901577

Background: Currently, colistin-resistant pathogens emerged has become a global health concern. This study assessed the distribution of mcr-1 to mcr-5 variants with the phenotypic colistin-resistance in bacterial isolates from urinary tract infection (UTI) patients in Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2017 and March 2018 to enroll uncomplicated UTI patients, and 142 urine samples were analyzed. Uropathogens were identified using the API-20E biochemical panel and 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Polymerase chain reactions detected the mcr gene variants in the UTI isolates. The phenotypic colistin-susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurement.Results: The combined carriage of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes in 11.4% (14/123) of urinary tract pathogens. The mcr-positive pathogens include five Escherichia coli, three Klebsiella pneumoniae, three Pseudomonas putida, two Enterobacter cloacae, and one Enterobacter hormaechei. The mcr-positive variant showed significantly higher phenotypic colistin resistance with MIC between >16 µg/mL and >128 µg/mL (p
Fulltext Luteal versus follicular phase surgical oophorectomy plus tamoxifen in premenopausal women with metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Love RR, Hossain SM, Hussain MM, Mostafa MG, Laudico AV, Siguan SS, et al.

Eur J Cancer, 2016 06;60:107-16.
PMID: 27107325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.03.011

PURPOSE: In premenopausal women with metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, hormonal therapy is the first-line therapy. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue + tamoxifen therapies have been found to be more effective. The pattern of recurrence risk over time after primary surgery suggests that peri-operative factors impact recurrence. Secondary analyses of an adjuvant trial suggested that the luteal phase timing of surgical oophorectomy in the menstrual cycle simultaneous with primary breast surgery favourably influenced long-term outcomes.

METHODS: Two hundred forty-nine premenopausal women with incurable or metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer entered a trial in which they were randomised to historical mid-luteal or mid-follicular phase surgical oophorectomy followed by oral tamoxifen treatment. Kaplan-Meier methods, the log-rank test, and multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess overall and progression-free survival (PFS) in the two randomised groups and by hormone-confirmed menstrual cycle phase.

RESULTS: Overall survival (OS) and PFS were not demonstrated to be different in the two randomised groups. In a secondary analysis, OS appeared worse in luteal phase surgery patients with progesterone levels <2 ng/ml (anovulatory patients; adjusted hazard ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-2.41, p = 0.14) compared with those in luteal phase with progesterone level of 2 ng/ml or higher. Median OS was 2 years (95% CI: 1.7-2.3) and OS at 4 years was 26%.

CONCLUSIONS: The history-based timing of surgical oophorectomy in the menstrual cycle did not influence outcomes in this trial of metastatic patients. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00293540.

Study site: Bangladesh, The Philippines, China, Nigeria,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Morocco, and Vietnam
Ongoing efforts to improve the management of patients with diabetes in Bangladesh and the implications

Haque M, Islam S, Kamal ZM, Akter F, Jahan I, Rahim MSA, et al.

Hosp Pract (1995), 2021 Oct;49(4):266-272.
PMID: 33734004 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2021.1906083

BACKGROUND: Prevalence rates of patients with diabetes are growing across countries, and Bangladesh is no exception. Associated costs are also increasing, driven by costs associated with the complications of diabetes including hypoglycemia. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycemia as well as improve patient comfort and adherence. However, they have been appreciably more expensive, reducing their affordability and use. Biosimilars offer a way forward. Consequently, there is a need to document current prescribing and dispensing rates for long-acting insulin analogues across Bangladesh, including current prices and differences, as a result of affordability and other issues.
METHODS: Mixed method approach including surveying prescribing practices in hospitals coupled with dispensing practices and prices among community pharmacies and drug stores across Bangladesh. This method was adopted since public hospitals only dispense insulins such as soluble insulins free-of-charge until funds run out and all long-acting insulin analogues have to be purchased from community stores.
RESULTS: There has been growing prescribing and dispensing of long-acting insulins in Bangladesh in recent years, now accounting for over 80% of all insulins dispensed in a minority of stores. This increase has been helped by growing prescribing and dispensing of biosimilar insulin glargine at lower costs than the originator, with this trend likely to continue with envisaged growth in the number of patients. Consequently, Bangladesh can serve as an exemplar to other low- and middle-income countries struggling to fund long-acting insulin analogues for their patients.
CONCLUSIONS: It was encouraging to see continued growth in the prescribing and dispensing of long-acting insulin analogues in Bangladesh via the increasing availability of biosimilars. This is likely to continue benefitting all key stakeholder groups.
Current utilization patterns for long-acting insulin analogues including biosimilars among selected Asian countries and the implications for the future

Godman B, Haque M, Kumar S, Islam S, Charan J, Akter F, et al.

Curr Med Res Opin, 2021 09;37(9):1529-1545.
PMID: 34166174 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1946024

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence rates for diabetes mellitus continue to rise, which, coupled with increasing costs of complications, has appreciably increased expenditure in recent years. Poor glycaemic control including hypoglycaemia enhances complication rates and associated morbidity, mortality and costs. Consequently, this needs to be addressed. Whilst the majority of patients with diabetes have type-2 diabetes, a considerable number of patients with diabetes require insulin to help control their diabetes. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycaemia associated with insulin and help improve adherence, which can be a concern. However, their considerably higher costs have impacted on their funding and use, especially in countries with affordability issues. Biosimilars can help reduce the costs of long-acting insulin analogues thereby increasing available choices. However, the availability and use of long-acting insulin analogues can be affected by limited price reductions versus originators and limited demand-side initiatives to encourage their use. Consequently, we wanted to assess current utilisation rates for long-acting insulin analogues, especially biosimilars, and the rationale for patterns seen, across multiple Asian countries ranging from Japan (high-income) to Pakistan (lower-income) to inform future strategies.
METHODOLOGY: Multiple approaches including assessing utilization and prices of insulins including biosimilars among six Asian countries and comparing the findings especially with other middle-income countries.
RESULTS: Typically, there was increasing use of long-acting insulin analogues among the selected Asian countries. This was especially the case enhanced by biosimilars in Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia reflecting their perceived benefits. However, there was limited use in Pakistan due to issues of affordability similar to a number of African countries. The high use of biosimilars in Bangladesh, India and Malaysia was helped by issues of affordability and local production. The limited use of biosimilars in Japan and Korea reflects limited price reductions and demand-side initiatives similar to a number of European countries.
CONCLUSIONS: Increasing use of long-acting insulin analogues across countries is welcomed, adding to the range of insulins available, which increasingly includes biosimilars. A number of activities are needed to enhance the use of long-acting insulin analogue biosimilars in Japan, Korea and Pakistan.
Fulltext The Current Situation Regarding Long-Acting Insulin Analogues Including Biosimilars Among African, Asian, European, and South American Countries; Findings and Implications for the Future

Godman B, Haque M, Leong T, Allocati E, Kumar S, Islam S, et al.

Front Public Health, 2021;9:671961.
PMID: 34249838 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.671961

Background: Diabetes mellitus rates continue to rise, which coupled with increasing costs of associated complications has appreciably increased global expenditure in recent years. The risk of complications are enhanced by poor glycaemic control including hypoglycaemia. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycaemia and improve adherence. Their considerably higher costs though have impacted their funding and use. Biosimilars can help reduce medicine costs. However, their introduction has been affected by a number of factors. These include the originator company dropping its price as well as promoting patented higher strength 300 IU/ml insulin glargine. There can also be concerns with different devices between the manufacturers. Objective: To assess current utilisation rates for insulins, especially long-acting insulin analogues, and the rationale for patterns seen, across multiple countries to inform strategies to enhance future utilisation of long-acting insulin analogue biosimilars to benefit all key stakeholders. Our approach: Multiple approaches including assessing the utilisation, expenditure and prices of insulins, including biosimilar insulin glargine, across multiple continents and countries. Results: There was considerable variation in the use of long-acting insulin analogues as a percentage of all insulins prescribed and dispensed across countries and continents. This ranged from limited use of long-acting insulin analogues among African countries compared to routine funding and use across Europe in view of their perceived benefits. Increasing use was also seen among Asian countries including Bangladesh and India for similar reasons. However, concerns with costs and value limited their use across Africa, Brazil and Pakistan. There was though limited use of biosimilar insulin glargine 100 IU/ml compared with other recent biosimilars especially among European countries and Korea. This was principally driven by small price differences in reality between the originator and biosimilars coupled with increasing use of the patented 300 IU/ml formulation. A number of activities were identified to enhance future biosimilar use. These included only reimbursing biosimilar long-acting insulin analogues, introducing prescribing targets and increasing competition among manufacturers including stimulating local production. Conclusions: There are concerns with the availability and use of insulin glargine biosimilars despite lower costs. This can be addressed by multiple activities.