Robustness Study and Superior Method Development and Validation for Analytical Assay Method of Atropine Sulfate in Pharmaceutical Ophthalmic Solution

Background: The robustness is a measurement of an analytical chemical method and its ability to contain unaffected by little with deliberate variation of analytical chemical method parameters. The analytical chemical method variation parameters are based on pH variability of buffer solution of mobile phase, organic ratio composition changes, stationary phase (column) manufacture, brand name and lot number variation;flow rate variation and temperature variation of chromatographic system. The analytical chemical method for assay of Atropine Sulfate conducted for robustness evaluation. The typical variation considered for mobile phase organic ratio change, change of pH, change of temperature, change of flow rate, change of column etc. Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a cost effective, short run time and robust analytical chemical method for the assay quantification of Atropine in Pharmaceutical Ophthalmic Solution. This will help to make analytical decisions quickly for research and development scientists as well as will help with quality control product release for patient consumption. This analytical method will help to meet the market demand through quick quality control test of Atropine Ophthalmic Solution and it is very easy for maintaining (GDP) good documentation practices within the shortest period of time. Method: HPLC method has been selected for developing superior method to Compendial method. Both the compendial HPLC method and developed HPLC method was run into the same HPLC system to prove the superiority of developed method. Sensitivity, precision, reproducibility, accuracy parameters were considered for superiority of method. Mobile phase ratio change, pH of buffer solution, change of stationary phase temperature, change of flow rate and change of column were taken into consideration for robustness study of the developed method. Results: The limit of quantitation (LOQ) of developed method was much low than the compendial method. The % RSD for the six sample assay of developed method was 0.4% where the % RSD of the compendial method was 1.2%. The reproducibility between two analysts was 100.4% for developed method on the contrary the compendial method was 98.4%.

Prediction of Attention and Short-Term Memory Loss by EEG Workload Estimation

Mental workload plays a vital role in cognitive impairment. The impairment refers to a person’s difficulty in remembering, receiving new information, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that seriously affect everyday life. In this paper, the simultaneous capacity (SIMKAP) experiment-based EEG workload analysis was presented using 45 subjects for multitasking mental workload estimation with subject wise attention loss calculation as well as short term memory loss measurement. Using an open access preprocessed EEG dataset, Discrete wavelet transforms (DWT) was utilized for feature extraction and Minimum redundancy and maximum relevancy (MRMR) technique was used to select most relevance features. Wavelet decomposition technique was also used for decomposing EEG signals into five sub bands. Fourteen statistical features were calculated from each sub band signal to form a 5 × 14 window size. The Neural Network (Narrow) classification algorithm was used to classify dataset for low and high workload conditions and comparison was made using some other machine learning models. The results show the classifier’s accuracy of 86.7%, precision of 84.4%, F1 score of 86.33%, and recall of 88.37% that crosses the state-of-the art methodologies in the literature. This prediction is expected to greatly facilitate the improved way in memory and attention loss impairments assessment.

Design of a High-Gain 2 × 1 Array Antenna for S-Band Applications

Antennas are an indispensable element in wireless networks. For long-distance wireless communication, antenna gains need to be very strong (highly directive) because the signal from the antenna loses a lot of strength as it travels over long distances. This is true in the military with missile, radar, and satellite systems, etc. Antenna arrays are commonly employed to focus electromagnetic waves in a certain direction that cannot be achieved perfectly with a single-element antenna. The goal of this study is to design a rectangular microstrip high-gain 2 × 1 array antenna using ADS Momentum. This microstrip patch array design makes use of the RT-DUROID 5880 as a substrate with a dielectric constant of 2.2, substrate height of 1.588 mm, and tangent loss of 0.001. To achieve efficient gain and return loss characteristics for the proposed array antenna, RT-Duroid is a good choice of dielectric material. The designed array antenna is made up of two rectangular patches, which have a resonance frequency of 3.3 GHz. These rectangular patches are excited by microstrip feed lines with 13 mm lengths and 4.8 mm widths. The impedance of the patches is perfectly matched by these transmission lines, which helps to get better antenna characteristics. At a resonance frequency of 3.3 GHz, the suggested antenna array has a directivity of 10.50 dB and a maximum gain of 9.90 dB in the S-band. The S parameters, 3D radiation pattern, directivity, gain, and efficiency of the constructed array antenna are all available in ADS Momentum.

Anterior Chamber Depth Changes in Narrow Iridocorneal Angles after Phacoemulsification

Background: The burden of cataract and glaucoma has been increasing. Primary angle closure occurs as a result of crowded anterior segment anatomy causing appositional contact between peripheral iris and trabecular meshwork. Lens extraction has been proposed as a method of deepening anterior chamber and managing intraocular pressure. Purpose: To assess changes in anterior chamber depth after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in narrow angle eyes. Design: Prospective controlled trial (before-after) study. Method: The study was conducted from March 2015 to August 2017 among the patients of department of Ophthalmology of BSMMU who were diagnosed as cataract with narrow angles. Anterior chamber angle grading of 2 or less (Shaffer grading) in 3 or more quadrants was considered narrow angle (NA). The purposive type sampling technique was applied to collect sample from the study population, as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Complete clinical evaluation including history, physical examination, relevant ocular examinations and systemic examinations were performed. In this prospective study, subjects underwent phacoemulsification with foldable lens implantation. A scan ultrasonography was performed preoperatively and 10th and 30th postoperative days of surgery. Results: Thirty eyes of 29 patients included in the study, male: female ratio was 1:1, with an overall mean age of 62.03 ± 8.95 years. The mean preoperative central ACD was 2.95 ± 0.35 mm. At 10th and 30th POD mean central ACD were 3.94 ± 0.32, and 3.92 ± 0.28 mm respectively. Mean of increase in central ACD at final follow-up was 0.96 mm (p Conclusion: Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber in bag lens implantation can deepen the anterior chamber depth in patients with narrow angles. Based on these findings, it is concluded that phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation is an effective tool in deepening the anterior chamber.

Identification and Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels in Urban Children & Adolescents in Dhaka City, Bangladesh through a Cross Sectional Study

Background: Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in supporting the immune system, helping to reduce the risk of infections and certain autoimmune diseases. Adequate vitamin D levels may be associated with a reduced risk of certain health conditions like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression. Brittle bones, osteoporosis in the elderly, and osteomalacia in young children are all symptoms of vitamin D insufficiency. Additionally, it contributes to problems linked to gum disease, including an increase in dental cavities, alveolar bone loss around the teeth, and other problems. It could lead to depression, tiredness, and a loss of appetite. In this study, urban children and adolescents in Dhaka city, Bangladesh are examined for vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency. Methods: The Study was a cross-sectional study conducted under Dhaka National Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka and additionally included two other health centers Medinova Medical Services and Monoara General Hospital Service Golap bag, Dhaka from October 2020 to November 2021. The study location was at the 3 (Three) different hospitals which was located in Dhaka City. In this cross-sectional study, Participants will be selected purposively and conveniently based on the age categories from 0 - 19 years of age at the outdoor department of the hospital. The study included the secondary dataset of ambulatory individuals who came to the 3 (three) hospitals, randomly to evaluate serum vitamin D levels on referral from a general out-patient-department (OPD). They were examined for laboratory findings of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels to determine vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency among children and adolescent groups of both male and female Sex. Results: A total of 6394 individuals with a diverse age group were statistically examined for laboratory findings of serum vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 40.58% of individuals with a mean log of 1.01 ± 0.18 ng/ml serum vitamin D levels, vitamin D insufficiency in 30.93% of individuals with a mean log of 1.38 ± 0.05 ng/ml serum vitamin D levels and vitamin D sufficiency in 19.49% individuals with a mean log of 1.63 ± 0.12 ng/ml serum vitamin D levels. The highest percentage of individuals deficient in vitamin D were children and adolescents of age ranging between 15 to 19 years. Conclusion: The findings of vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents direct higher authorities in the public health sector to take immediate steps to screen, intervene and educate high-risk populations incorporating vitamin D supplements to establish preventive and therapeutic measures.

Essential Gene(s) Targeted by Peptide Nucleic Acids Kills <i>Mycobacterium smegmatis</i>in Culture and in Infected Macrophages

Background: Antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) exhibit growth inhibitory effects on bacteria by inhibiting the expression of essential genes and could be promising therapeutic agents for treating bacterial infections. A study was carried out to determine the efficacy of several antisense PNAs in inhibiting extracellular and intracellular growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis. Methods: Six PNAs obtained from a commercial supplier were tested to evaluate the inhibitory effect on bacterial growth by inhibiting the expression of the following essential genes: inhA (a fatty acid elongase), rpsL (ribosomal S12 protein), gyrA (DNA gyrase), pncA (pyrazinamidase), polA (DNA polymerase I) and rpoC (RNA polymerase β subunit) of M. smegmatis. Each PNA was tested at 20 μM, 10 μM, 5 μM and 2.5 μM concentrations to determine whether they caused a dose dependent killing of M. smegmatis cultured in Middlebrook 7H9 broth or in a J774A.1 murine macrophage cell line. Results: In Middlebrook broth, the strong growth inhibitory effect against M. smegmatis was observed by PNAs targeting the inhA and rpsL genes at all four concentrations. The PNAs targeting the pncA, polA and rpoC genes were found to exhibit strong growth inhibition against M. smegmatis but only at 20 μM concentration. No growth inhibition of M. smegmatis was seen in pure culture when treated with PNAs targeting gyrA and a mismatch PNA targeting dnaG (DNA primase). All six PNAs showed killing of M. smegmatis in J774A.1 macrophage cell line that were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It may be concluded from this study that PNAs could be potential therapeutics for mycobacterial infections.

Promising Actions of Certain Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh against Diabetes and Oxidative Stress: A Review

Diabetes is a metabolic illness defined by hyperglycemia that affects 10% of the world’s population. Diabetic complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and heart failure can develop if left untreated and are made worse by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to the rise of diabetic complications, particularly type-2 diabetes. In the blood vessels of diabetic individuals, it causes endothelial dysfunction. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Nowadays, it is alarming that the number of diabetic patients is increasing dramatically. There are plenty of anti-diabetic drugs available on the market, but they possess several adverse effects and do not completely cure diabetes. It has now become a financial burden on patients, their families, and society as well. Medicinal plants have gained popularity in developed and developing countries over the last two decades because of their vast natural sources and lack of harmful effects compared to modern allopathic medications. According to the World Health Organization, traditional medicines, which are mostly manufactured from plants, are still used by 80% of the population in developing countries for the management and curing of diseases. This review includes 81 Bangladeshi medicinal plants from 51 different families that can be used to treat diabetes and oxidative stress. Among them, Psidium guajava (L.), Aloe vera, Catharanthus roseus, Allium sativum, Annona squamosa, Cinnamon zeylaniucm, Amaranthus esculentus, Eugenia jambolana, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, Spondias pinnata, Coccinia grandis (L.), Momordica charantia L., Heretiera fomes, Trigonella foenum-graecum were most potent. The fundamental purpose of our study is to find out and highlight certain medicinal plants in Bangladesh that have anti-diabetic and antioxidant capabilities so that the researchers can develop newer anti-diabetic medications with minimal side effects to treat metabolic dysfunction, diabetic complications, and oxidative stress more effectively.

Efficacy and Economics of Different Need Based Nitrogen Management Approaches in Winter Rice

This experiment aimed to study the efficacy of different nitrogen (N) management approaches in winter rice. The experiment consisted of two rice varieties: 1) BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) dhan29-an inbred and 2) Dhanigold-a hybrid, and eight N management approaches: 1) BRRI recommended N (control), 2) Soil analysis based N management, 3) N application based on Agro-ecological zone, 4) 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD (Silicon photon activate diode) value, 5) 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value, 6) 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC (leaf colour chart) value, 7) 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value and 8) Urea Super Granule. Between two varieties, hybrid Dhani gold produced higher grain yield (6.67 t·ha-1) than the inbred BRRI dhan29. Application of 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value gave the highest grain yield (7.10 t·ha-1), whereas the lowest grain yield (5.92 t·ha-1) was found from the SPAD approach with 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value. In case of treatment interaction highest grain yield (7.34 t·ha-1) was found in BRRI dhan29 coupled with 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value with 18 kg·N·savings·ha-1 over control, maximum gross income (146,800 BDT·ha-1) and net benefit (142,120 BDT·ha-1), which was statistically identical with the grain yield from the interaction of Dhani gold and 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value but required 42 kg·extra·N·ha-1 (over control). The lowest grain yield (5.19 t·ha-1) was found when Dhanigold was coupled with 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value, while the 20 kg·N·application·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value gave moderate yield (6.87 t·ha-1) with considerable higher gross (139,600 BDT·ha-1) and net (136,090 BDT·ha-1) incomes than the control (gross: 121,000 and net: 115,600 BDT·ha-1). The results reveal that 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value appeared as the promising practice for inbred BRRI dhan29, and 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value for hybrid Dhanigold in terms of yield, N use efficiency and economic benefit of winter rice.

Effect of Coconut Peat on the Growth and Yield Response of <i>Ipomoea aquatica</i>

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of coconut peat on growth and yield response of Ipomoea aquatica for Pirojpur soil series during the period of 24th May to 25th June, 2017. The experiment was laid to fit a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments [control (T0), 1000 kg coconut peat ha-1 (T1), 1500 kg coconut peat ha-1 (T2), 2000 kg coconut peat ha-1 (T3) and 2500 kg coconut peat ha-1 (T4)] each having three replications for this experiment. After plant harvesting, the laboratory investigation was carried out in the Soil, Water and Environment Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh. Yield contributing characters like number of leaves, fresh weight and dry weight were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by different treatments. By contrast root length and shoot length were insignificantly varied compared to control (T0) treatment but from the eye observation and analytical data confirm increasing trend for the application of coconut peat. Among the five treatments applied T4 treatment (2500 kg coconut peat ha-1) has shown highest response to plant growth due to nutrient availability of the soil. The sequence of response was in the order T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 > T0 and significantly (P 0).

Preparation and Characterization of Electron-Beam Evaporated Cu-lnSe Thin Films Using Two Stage Processes

CIS （Cu-InSe） thin films were prepared onto glass substrate by the two stage process--generally called bilayer process. At first, Cu layer was deposited onto glass substrate by electron beam evaporation technique and then InSe single layer was deposited on the resulting Cu layer to produce CIS thin film. XRD （X-ray diffraction） analysis revealed that deposited film has an amorphous nature. Electrical resistivity measurements were carried out as a function of temperature during heating and cooling cycles in air. The heating and cooling cycles of the sample are almost reversible after successive heat-treatment in air. In order to consider the influence of the InSe upper layer on the optical properties, the thickness of the InSe upper layer in the CIS films was varied from 50 to 150 nm. Analysis of the transmittance and reflectance spectra, recorded in the wavelength range of 400-1,100 nm, revealed that the CIS films have high absorption coefficient of-104 cm1. The direct band gap varies from 1.40 to 1.22 eV. The refractive index, the extinction coefficient and the dielectric constant of the CIS films depend on the film thickness.