Chronic mastitis is associated with altered ovarian follicle development in dairy cattle

Connection between mastitis and fertility is multifaceted; therefore, several aspects need more elucidation. In particular, the aim was to investigate if naturally occurring chronic mastitis has an effect on ovarian function. At the time of slaughter, a milk sample and both ovaries were collected from 68 cows. The presence and intensity of chronic mastitis was diagnosed by the combined evaluation of bacteriological examination and somatic cell count of the milk of each individual quarter according to the measures of the National Mastitis Council. Animals were divided into 4 groups characterized by a low (n=15), mild (n=14), intense (n=19), or severe (n=16) degree of infection. A count of visible follicles on each ovary was followed by a quantitative analysis of microscopic traits on a selected group of animals (n=16). The latter included the classification and count of the entire preantral follicle population, and the morphometric analysis of the vascular bed extension and connective stroma in the cortical region. Finally, the expression of growth and differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) was studied. The number of follicles with diameters ranging from 1 to 3 mm and 4 to 7 mm was not affected by the degree of infection. A significant effect of the degree of udder infection was observed on the number of follicles with a diameter larger than 8 mm. Furthermore, the intensity of mastitis had no effect on the number of primordial and primary follicles, but severely affected cows showed a lower number of secondary follicles (0.5±0.1 vs. 0.2±0.03). Quantitative analysis demonstrated a decrease in the density of blood vessels (6.30±1.08 vs. 4.68±0.28) expressed as ratio of vascular bed/total area) and a higher incidence of fibrous stroma (1.60±0.99 vs. 6.04±3.08 expressed as ratio of connective tissue/total area) in the cortical area of the most affected animals. Finally, the level of GDF-9 protein within the oocytes of different follicle size was lower in the animals with the severe form of chronic mastitis (1.34±0.05 vs. 0.78±0.21 expressed as arbitrary units). In conclusion, decreased fertility of cows with chronic mastitis takes place through an effect on the ovary altering the dynamics of folliculogenesis. Within the ovary, this implies a reduction of the vascular bed and an increase in the fibrotic tissue together with a direct effect on oocyte-specific factors as GDF-9, all of which are essential regulatory elements of folliculogenesis.

EFFECT OF PROBIOTICS AND ANTIBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION ON BODY WEIGHT AND HAEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN BROILERS

The study was carried out to know the effects of probiotics (Proetxin® Boost, Novartis Bangladesh Ltd.) and antibiotic (oxytetracycline-Renamycin®, Renata Animal Health) on growth performances and haemato-biochemical parameters of "Shaver Star Bro" broiler chickens during September and October 2003. A total of 20, day old broilers were randomly selected and assigned into four equal groups n = 5) as A, B, C and D. Group A was considered as control group fed with commercial ration while groups B, C and D were fed with commercial ration with the addition of 200 mg probiotics / liter drinking water, 100 mg probiotics and 50 mg antibiotic (oxytetracycline- Renamycin®) / liter drinking water and 100 mg antibiotic (oxytetracycline- Renamycin®) / liter drinking water respectively up to 35 days of age. The results showed that the body weight gains differed significantly (p < 0.05) at the 2nd, 4th and 5th weeks of age in different treatment groups. The meat yield not differed significantly (p > 0.05). The drumstick, wing differed significantly (p < 0.01) and spleen weight differed at p < 0.05 among different groups. The mean haemato-biochemical values of Hb, ESR, PCV, heterophil, eosinophil, basophil, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, SGPT and SGOT were differed significantly (p < 0.01) in different groups. The present findings suggest that supplementation of probiotics has significant effect on growth performance and certain haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens as compared to antibiotic supplementation.

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSES OF NEWCASTLE AND INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASES OF CHICKENS

A comparative study was conducted to compare the disease diagnostic parameters (clinical signs & postmortem findings, organism isolation, serological test and molecular method) used to diagnose the Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) during the period from March 2009 to February 2010 in the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. A total of 187 sick and dead chickens (63 broilers and 124 layers) of different ages (1 week to >15 weeks) were collected from 12 selective poultry farms (4 broilers and 8 layers) of Mymensingh and Gazipur districts. Clinically, 7 (14.89%) of 63 affected broiler and 27 (30.68%) of 124 affected layer chickens were diagnosed as Newcastle disease (ND) whereas, 11 (23.4%) of 63 affected broiler and 6 (4.82%) of the 124 affected layer birds were diagnosed as IBD on the basis of clinical history, clinical signs and postmortem findings. Virus isolation from field samples was performed by inoculating each suspected sample into 10-day-old chicken embryos. Out of 34 ND suspected field samples, 26 (5 broilers and 21 layers) were positive for NDV isolation and 11 (8 broilers and 3 layers) of 17 IBD suspected field samples, were positive for IBDV isolation. For confirmatory diagnosis, virus detection was confirmed by serological tests (HI and AGID) and RT-PCR assay. Out of 34 clinically diagnosed ND field samples, 20 (5 broiler & 15 layer) were positive by RT-PCR assay and 15 (10 broiler & 5 layer) of 17 IBD suspected field samples, were positive by both AGIDT and RT-PCR assay. Of the 26 HA positive NDV suspected AF, 19 (4 broilers and 15 layers) were positive by both HI & RT-PCR assay whereas, 10 (7 broilers and 3 layers) of 11 IBDV isolation positive tissue suspension were positive by both AGIDT & RT-PCR assay in the laboratory. Therefore, it may be concluded that serological (HI & AGIDT) and molecular (RT-PCR) techniques which allow rapid identification of most of samples are the reliable, sensitive, specific and more accurate methods to detect the viruses for the confirmatory diagnosis of diseases.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.11196 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 131-140 

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSES OF COMMON BACTERIAL DISEASES OF BROILER AND LAYER CHICKENS

The study was undertaken with a view to compare clinical and laboratory diagnoses of various bacterial diseases of poultry during the period from March 2009 to February 2010 in the laboratory of the Dept. of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. A total of 135 sick and dead chickens (47 broilers and 88 layers) were collected from 12 different poultry farms (4 broilers and 8 layers) of Mymensingh and Gazipur districts which were subjected for clinical followed by laboratory diagnosis. Clinical diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical history, clinical signs and postmortem findings of the affected birds whereas; confirmatory diagnosis was made by using cultural examination, Gram’s staining and different biochemical tests. In this study, out of 47 broilers, 16 (34%) chickens were clinically diagnosed as colibacillosis, 11 (23.40%) as salmonellosis and 2 (4.25%) as fowl cholera. In the same way, out of 88 layer chickens, 28 (31.82%) were diagnosed as colibacillosis, 16 (18.18%) as salmonellosis and 11 (12.50%) as fowl cholera. In laboratory, out of 47 suspected broiler chickens, 12 (25.53%) chickens were diagnosed as colibacillosis, 7 (14.89%) as salmonellosis and 0 (0%) as fowl cholera. Correspondingly of the 88 layer chickens 22 (25%) were diagnosed as colibacillosis, 11 (13.64%) as salmonellosis and 8 (9.09%) as fowl cholera. So the findings concluded that clinical diagnosis is not always accurate like laboratory diagnosis because in most cases clinical history, clinical signs and post-mortem lesions of different bacterial diseases including mixed infections are almost similar to other related diseases and it is recommended to confirm laboratory diagnosis before treatment of the diseases.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.11188 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 107-115 

Congenital hypertrichosis (Were Wolf Syndrome): a case report

Hypertrichosis is abnormal increase in body hair, when it becomes extensive known as Were Wolf Syndrome. Any part of body can be affected and body hairs are longer and darker. Hairs may be of any type like lanugo, vellous or terminal. It may be present since birth or may occur later in life. A 8 years old boy was admitted in our hospital with excess body hair, he was diagnosed as a case of Were Wolf syndrome after excluding possible acquired causes of hypertrichosis. He had history of delayed developmental milestone and has been suffering from epilepsy. He was treated with developmental stimulation and anti epileptic drug. Then he was discharged after proper counseling.

Evaluation of PCR with culture for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in most developing countries. The present study was carried out among 100 clinically suspected pulmonary TB patients. One hundred sputum specimens were collected one from each of the suspects attending DOT'S corner of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method detecting IS6110 sequence present in all Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains using sputum samples in comparison to culture on Lowenstein-Jensen mediums. The PCR was done using primers mtb1 & mtb2 which commonly target an insertion sequence of the organism (IS6110). Out of 100 samples, 18 (18%) showed PCR positive, whereas culture in Lowenstein-Jensen media were positive in 19(19%). In PCR 1 was false negative but none was false positive. In present study, sensitivity and specificity of PCR found 94.74% and 100% respectively. Analyzing the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that the PCR technique is a rapid and alternative method of culture on Lowenstein-Jensen medium for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. In the present study, only presence or absence of M. tuberculosis was determined.

Thyroid hormone status in apparently healthy elderly persons

Thyroid disorders are frequent in elderly population and difficult to recognize because of their atypical presentation, and the absence of classic signs and symptoms. Nonspecific symptoms, even in the absence of thyroid dysfunction, are common in this age group, including fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, failure to rehabilitate, and difficult to concentrate. Symptoms of aging can be confused easily with hypothyroidism. The interpretation of thyroid function tests is also cumbersome in aged individuals because of the difficulty in differentiating physiologic age-associated changes from alterations secondary to acute or chronic non-thyroidal illness. In the present study, a total 100 subjects were included. Subjects were divided into two groups: Group I - Control (n=50) and Group II - Case (n=50). Fifty apparently healthy young adults were taken as control (Group I) and 50 apparently healthy elderly subjects were included in case (Group II). Group I was subdivided into two groups- Group IA: young male (n=25) and Group IB: young female (n=25). Group II was also subdivided into two groups - Group IIA: elderly male (n=25) and Group IIB: elderly female (n=25). All the subjects were selected from the local community of Mymensingh Sadar, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh and Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh, Mymensingh. In the present study, the difference of mean serum T3 concentration between Group I (control) and Group II (elderly subjects) was not found to be significant (p>0.05). Significant difference in serum TSH concentration between Group IA and Group IIA was to be found (p<0.001). The difference of mean serum T4 concentration between Group IB and Group IIB was not found significant (p>0.05). Significant difference in mean serum TSH concentration between Group IB and Group IIB was to be found (p<0.001).

Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke among diabetic patients

This study was done to assess the relationship between proteinuria and ischemic stroke in subjects with diabetes mellitus, and to determine whether proteinuria is an independent risk factor for stroke. This comparative study was conducted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to June 2010. It was done to establish the relationship between proteinuria (Microalbuminuria) and ischemic stroke among diabetic patients. Other risk factors were also assessed. Patients were divided in Group A - diabetic patients with ischemic stroke (n=50) and Group B diabetic patients without stroke (n=50). Mean age of the Group A & B were 60.16±8.33 and 57.19±7.73 years (p=0.068). Mean Blood sugar (2 hours after Break Fast) was 14.68±4.32mmol/L in Group A and 14.75±4.02mmol/L in Group B (p>0.05). Albumin Creatinine ratio was abnormal in 84.0% in Group A and 22.0% in Group A (p=0.001) [Odds ratio (95%CI) = 18.61 (6.78-51.09)]. Logistic regression analysis has also shown that microalbuminuria (ACR) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke (p=0.001), [Odds ratio (95%CI) = 19.811(5.915-66.348)]. In diabetic patients increased urinary protein is a risk factor for stroke. Estimation of urinary protein (Microalbuminuria) may be used as a predictor for ischemic stroke in patients with diabetes.

Botanicals to control soft rot bacteria of potato

Extracts from eleven different plant species such as jute (Corchorus capsularis L.), cheerota (Swertia chiraita Ham.), chatim (Alstonia scholaris L.), mander (Erythrina variegata), bael (Aegle marmelos L.), marigold (Tagetes erecta), onion (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum L.), neem (Azadiracta indica), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) were tested for antibacterial activity against potato soft rot bacteria, E. carotovora subsp. carotovora (Ecc) P-138, under in vitro and storage conditions. Previously, Ecc P-138 was identified as the most aggressive soft rot bacterium in Bangladeshi potatoes. Of the 11 different plant extracts, only extracts from dried jute leaves and cheerota significantly inhibited growth of Ecc P-138 in vitro. Finally, both plant extracts were tested to control the soft rot disease of potato tuber under storage conditions. In a 22-week storage condition, the treated potatoes were significantly more protected against the soft rot infection than those of untreated samples in terms of infection rate and weight loss. The jute leaf extracts showed more pronounced inhibitory effects on Ecc-138 growth both in in vitro and storage experiments.

A comparison between ice and salt storages on bacteriological quality of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

The study compares the bacteriological quality on Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) between ice and salt storage methods. The main objectives of the study were to identify different bacteria constituents and quantitative bacterial load in Asian seabass when preserved with ice and sea salt. For the purpose of this study, Asian seabass was stored in two different conditions of ice-chilled and salted for 2 days. All fish samples were analyzed by performing bacteriological analysis and the isolated bacteria were identified by using API identification system. In case of the quantity of bacteria in the flesh, Chilling and salting had no significant difference to the quantity of bacteria on fish flesh. As for the skin, salt-preserved fish showed higher quantity of bacteria than ice-preserved fish. Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas fluorescens had been identified from skin sample of ice-chilled fish. Besides P. fluorescens and A. baumannii other isolates identified include Vibrio and Myxobacteria. All bacteria were cocci-shaped except a few bacilli. In term of bacteria number and morphological characteristics, ice-chilled preserved fish was better than salt preserved fish. Overall, less number of bacteria was observed in both ice-chilled and sea salt preserved fish. The result of this study indicated that the quick preservation is a very important factor to control bacterial load in the preserved fish.

Psidium guajava and Piper betle leaf extracts prolong vase life of cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) flowers

The effect of leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Piper betle on prolonging vase life of cut carnation flowers was studied. "Carola" and "Pallas Orange" carnation flowers, at bud stage, were pulsed 24 hours with a floral preservative. Then, flowers were placed in a vase solution containing sprite and a "germicide" (leaf extracts of P. guajava and P. betle, 8-HQC, or a copper coin). Flowers treated with 8-HQC, copper coin, and leaf extracts had longer vase life, larger flower diameter, and higher rate of water uptake compared to control (tap water). The leaf extracts of P. guajava and P. betle showed highest antibacterial and antifungal activities compared to the other treatments. Both showed similar effects on flower quality as the synthetic germicide, 8-HQC. Therefore, these extracts are likely natural germicides to prolong vase life of cut flowers.

Isolation, characterization, and identification of biological control agent for potato soft rot in Bangladesh

A total of 91 isolates of probable antagonistic bacteria of potato soft rot bacterium Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora (Ecc) were extracted from rhizospheres and endophytes of various crop plants, different soil varieties, and atmospheres in the potato farming areas of Bangladesh. Antibacterial activity of the isolated probable antagonistic bacteria was tested in vitro against the previously identified most common and most virulent soft rot causing bacterial strain Ecc P-138. Only two isolates E-45 and E-65 significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of Ecc P-138. Physiological, biochemical, and carbon source utilization tests identified isolate E-65 as a member of the genus Bacillus and the isolate E-45 as Lactobacillus sp. The stronger antagonistic activity against Ecc P-138 was found in E-65 in vitro screening and storage potatoes. E-65 reduced the soft rot infection to 22-week storage potatoes of different varieties by 32.5–62.5% in model experiment, demonstrating its strong potential to be used as an effective biological control agent for the major pectolytic bacteria Ecc. The highest (62.5%) antagonistic effect of E-65 was observed in the Granola and the lowest (32.7%) of that was found in the Cardinal varieties of the Bangladeshi potatoes. The findings suggest that isolate E-65 could be exploited as a biocontrol agent for potato tubers.

Haemoglobin Status Of Pregnant Women An Analysis Of 1804 Cases

Introduction: Anaemia is a very common finding in Bangladeshi women. This is more common in pregnant women. Timely meet up of nutritional need successfully prevents the development of anaemia during pregnancy. Method: A cross-sectional and multi-centre study was carried out among 1804 pregnant cases at Child Welfare Centre (CWC) of Combined Military Hospitals (CMH) of Comilla, Savar and Bogra cantonments over a period of 19 months. Irrespective of ages all pregnant women who attended CWCs for routine ante-natal check up and whose blood haemoglobin level was known at the time of first visit were included in this study. Pregnant women with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and any congenital haemoglobin disorders were excluded from this study. Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out the haemoglobin levels in pregnant women in defence community from different parts of Bangladesh. Result: Total 1804 women were included as per inclusion criteria. Their mean (±SD) age was 28.1±13 years and the range was 19-41 years. Haemoglobin level during pregnancy was estimated and 229 (12.7%) of the pregnant women were observed anaemic. Most of the women had reported in the third trimester (40.8%) followed by second trimester (33.4%) and then first trimester (25.8%). Iron supplement was given to both normal and anaemic pregnant women. Conclusion: The study showed that prevalence and severity of anaemia in pregnant subjects attended CWCs for antenatal check up were exceptionally low. This indicates that consciousness regarding taking care of pregnant women of the community studied was satisfactory. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10390 JAFMC 2011; 7(2): 18-20

Pattern of congenital heart diseases

This prospective observational study was done to find out the frequency of various forms of congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosed by echocardiography. During the study period (January 2002 to December 2005) 2050 patients were screened by echocardiography. All patients were evaluated by cardiologists and had chest radiograph, electrocardiogram and echocardiography. Total 2050 patients were studied and among them 1071 had congenital heart disease. Male was 561(52.38%) and female was 510(47.62%). Atrial septal defect (ASD) was 374(34.92%), ventricular septal defect (VSD) was 318(29.69%), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) 83(7.75%), pulmonary stenosis (PS) 58(5.42%), tetralogy of Fallot 162(15.13%), transposition of great vessels (TGA) 16(1.49%), Ebstein anomaly 5(0.4%), coarctation of aorta 1(0.09%) and single ventricle 2(0.19%). This distribution is more or less similar to that reported in studies at home and abroad. In this study atrial septal defect (ASD) was the commonest in acyanotic CHD and tetralogy of Fallot was the commonest cyanotic CHD.

Indirect Estimation of CH4 from Livestock Feeds through TOCs Evaluation

Thirty-five available feeds were fermented in vitro in order to investigate their soluble total organic carbon (TOCs) and methane (CH₄) production rate. A fermentation reactor was designed to capture the CH₄ gas emitted and to collect liquor from the reactor during in vitro fermentation. The results showed that CH₄ production rate greatly varied among feeds with different ingredients. The lowest CH₄-producing feeds were corn gluten feed, brewer’s grain, and orchard grass among the energy, protein, and forage feed groups, respectively. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in digestibility, soluble total organic carbon (TOCs), and CH₄ emissions among feeds, during 48 h of in vitro fermentation. Digestibility and TOCs was not found to be related due to different fermentation pattern of each but TOCs production was directly proportional to CH₄ production (y = 0.0076x, r² = 0.83). From this in vitro study, TOCs production could be used as an indirect index for estimation of CH₄ emission from feed ingredients.

Comparison between ICT and PCR for diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium which is the most prevalent cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI). The present study was carried to diagnose genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women of reproductive age, attending Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, during July 2009 to June 2010 by Immunochromatographic test (ICT) and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 70 females were included in this study. Out of 70 cases 56 were symptomatic and 14 asymptomatic. Endocervical swabs were collected from each of the cases and examined by Immunochromatographic test (ICT) for antigen detection and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of endogenous plasmid-based nucleic acid. A total 29(41.4%) of the cases were found positive for C. trachomatis either by ICT or PCR. Of the 56 symptomatic cases, 19(33.9%) were found ICT positive and 17(30.4%) were PCR positive. Among 14 asymptomatic females, 2(14.3%) were ICT positive and none were PCR positive. Though PCR is highly sensitive but a total of twelve cases were found ICT positive but PCR negative. It may be due to presence of plasmid deficient strain of C trachomatis which could be amplified by ompA based (Chromosomal gene) multiplex PCR.

Trimetazidine in the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy after coronary angiogram

This prospective randomized, controlled trial was done to evaluate the efficacy of trimetazidine in the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy in patients with raised serum creatinine levels undergoing coronary angiogram. This study was performed in the Department of Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from April 2009 to March 2010. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication of coronary angiography that is associated with considerably increased mortality and morbidity, including the need for short-term haemodialysis, extended hospitalisation and permanent impairment of renal function. Trimetazidine (TMZ) has been described as a cellular anti-ischaemic agent. This study was trial with 400 patients. Among them 200 patients treated with trimetazidine plus hydration with normal saline and 200 patients (control) given hydration by normal saline only. It was found that the incidence of CIN was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by trimetazidine administration with saline in comparison with saline alone in patients undergoing coronary angiogram (4% vs. 14%).

Morphometry of seminiferous tubules of human testes in different age groups in Bangladeshi cadavers

This cross sectional descriptive study was done to observe the mean diameter of seminiferous tubules and to determine its differences between different age groups in Bangladeshi male. Thirty human testes of different age groups were collected by purposive sampling technique. Among them 22 specimens were collected from cadavers during routine postmortem examination and 8 specimens were from dead fetuses from Gynaecology & Obstetrics Department. The specimens were grouped into three categories Group A (28 to 42 weeks of gestational age), Group B (Up to 14 years) and Group C (15 to 70 years). The mean diameter of seminiferous tubules was measured and significant differences of the dimensions between different age groups were determined. The mean±SD diameter was 85.37±15.51 μm in Group A, 144.04±63.34 μm in Group B and 227.92±22.47 μm in Group C. Statistically, differences between age groups were calculated by using Unpaired Students 't' test. The present study revealed that the diameter increased with age and mean differences were statistically significant between Groups A&C, B&C and A&B.

Vecuronium and fentanyl requirement in abdominal surgery under combined epidural-general anaesthesia and general anaesthesia alone

Individual effect of epidural block and general anaesthesia is well established in the field of anaesthesiology. But adequate literature is yet not available to give decisive answer regarding the requirement of muscle relaxants and opioid analgesic when the two methods are combined together. In the present study, sixty patients, aged 18-50 years of both sexes with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grading I and II scheduled to undergo for major abdominal surgery were assigned randomly into two groups (30 in each group), where Group A received general anesthesia and Group B received combined epidural-general anesthesia. The patients with combined technique, epidural catheter tip were placed between T9-10. Ten ml of 0.125% bupivacaine was administered through the epidural catheter. Peripheral nerve stimulator was used to monitor neuromuscular transmission and subsequently to administer incremental dose of neuromuscular blocking drugs. All the patients were pre-medicated with fentanyl (2μg/kg) to reduce intubation reflex. Then the patients of both groups were pre-oxygenated for 3 minute and anaesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium 3-5 mg/kg body weight. Endotrachial intubation was facilitated by vecuronium 0.1mg/kg body weight. Anaesthesia was maintained with 60% N2O in O2 and halothane (0.4 to 0.8%). Fentanyl was given in incremental dose of 0.5 μg/kg to maintain an adequate analgesia. The vecuronium was given at the dose of 0.02 mg/kg, when TOF return to 25% of the base line. The mean±SD requirement of vecuronium in general anaesthesia group was 0.0016±0.00013 mg/kg/min and whereas in combined epidural-general anaesthesia, it was 0.0011±0.00014 mg/kg/min. The requirement of fentanyl was 0.71μg/kg/hr in general anaesthetic group whereas in combined group it was 0.31μg/kg/hr. These findings prompt us to place optimal dosing guidelines so as to avoid overdosing and thus delay recovery and help to get the excellent outcome of the surgery.

Structural lesion in the brain is a risk factor of childhood intractable epilepsy

Most of the intractable epilepsy cases are of paediatric age group. Eighty per cent of intractable epilepsy is symptomatic and have got structural lesion. These lesions are easily detectable by doing neuro-imaging. One hundred and four children with epilepsy were enrolled in two groups; in group A 52 intractable epilepsy patients and in group B 52 well controlled epilepsy patients from the child neurology unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Mean age of intractable group and well-controlled group was 4.45±3.66 years and 6.45±5.24 years respectively. Male were more in both groups. Abnormal neuro-imaging was significantly higher in intractable group; 78.8% children of the intractable epilepsy group had one or more structural lesions. Cortical atrophy, ventricular dilatation and encephalomalacia were the most frequent detectable lesions. Bilateral lesions and presence of multiple abnormalities were more in association with intractability. Structural lesions were detected more in cases with focal neurological deficit and structural abnormality having statistically significant difference.

Histomorphometric study of lumen of human vermiform appendix

This study was done to find out the histomorphometry of lumen of vermiform appendix in Bangladeshi people. Total 100 fresh appendixes were collected for morphometric study of different age and sex during postmortem examination in the autopsy laboratory of Forensic Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College. This cross sectional descriptive study was done by convenient sampling technique. For convenience of differentiating the luminal diameter of vermiform appendix in relation to age and sex, findings were classified in four groups. Group A was up to 20 years, Group B 21-35 years, Group C 36-55 years and Group D 56-70 years. In the study the maximum diameter was in group A of female (87.00 μm) and minimum was (4.70 μm) in group B of female. The mean luminal diameter of vermiform appendix was more in female (60.71 μm) than in male (60.11 μm).

New introduction of clade 2.3.2.1 avian influenza virus (H5N1) into Bangladesh

Since the first outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian inafluenza (HPAI) in Bangladesh in February 2007, a total of 519 disease events have been reported till 22 October 2011. Partial HA gene sequences of 11 selected H5N1 HPAI isolates of 2007 to 2011 were determined and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The study revealed a recent introduction of clade 2.3.2 and 2.3.4 viruses into Bangladesh in 2011 in addition to clade 2.2 viruses that had been in circulation since 2007. Clade 2.3.2 virus isolates from Bangladesh are phylogenetically related to the newly designated clade 2.3.2.1 viruses, reported recently from Asia and Eastern Europe.