Testing the interactive effects of carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids on ejaculate traits in the guppy Poecilia reticulata (Pisces: Poeciliidae)

Using the polyandrous livebearing guppy Poecilia reticulata, this study revealed no main effects of carotenoids in the diet on ejaculate traits, but significant main effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on sperm viability and weak but significant interacting effects of both nutrients on sperm length. Collectively, these findings not only add evidence that PUFAs are critical determinants of sperm quality, but also provide tentative evidence that for some traits these effects may be moderated by carotenoid intake.

Changes in oxalate and some mineral concentrations of Setaria sphacelata under cutting and uncutting conditions

Oxalate concentration in forage plants is important, because it results mineral deficiency in ruminants. Data on oxalate concentration in forage plants in conjunction with cutting and uncutting conditions throughout the growing period are limited. This study was aimed to investigate the changes in oxalate and some mineral concentrations of setaria (Setaria sphacelata). The plants were harvested at different stages (vegetative, boot, pre-flowering, flowering and seed) of maturity and at about 50 cm in length of regrowth (second to sixth cuttings) for evaluation of soluble oxalate, insoluble oxalate and some mineral concentrations. Soluble oxalate and total oxalate concentrations, as well as mineral concentrations, decreased with advancing maturity. Both oxalate concentrations (soluble or insoluble) were higher in leaf compared to stem. Soluble oxalate and total oxalate concentrations of regrowth were the highest at third cutting and lowest at sixth cutting. Insoluble oxalate concentration of regrowth was almost similar in all cuttings, except for the sixth cutting. The highest concentrations of potassium, sodium and magnesium of regrowth were observed at third cutting, while the highest concentration of calcium was observed at sixth cutting. A relationship between oxalate and mineral concentrations was partially observed. Results suggest that cutting materials of setaria from June to October could achieve oxalate levels that are toxic to ruminants.

Syphilis in pregnancy

Syphilis in pregnancy remains an important medical condition due to its consequences. We present two cases of young pregnant women who were diagnosed syphilis during their antenatal visit. The first case was a 29-year-old Malay lady diagnosed with syphilis during the first trimester of pregnancy, while the second case was a 21-year-old Chinese lady diagnosed with syphilis during the third trimester of pregnancy. The diagnosis and management of the syphilis in pregnancy are discussed.

Association of heart rate response with scan and left ventricular function on adenosine stress myocardial perfusion imaging

To evaluate the association of heart rate (HR) response with abnormal scan and/or left ventricular (LV) function in patients undergoing adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging, we prospectively studied 164 consecutive patients who underwent a standard adenosine stress test (without exercise) and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using technetium-99m sestamibi radioisotope. Change in HR was calculated by subtracting HR at rest from peak HR. The percentage change in HR was calculated. All patients underwent stress and resting single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was calculated using gated SPECT. Mean age was 54 ± 11.7 years and 126 of the patients (72%) were men. We divided the patients into 2 groups: group 1(42 patients, 25%) had normal scans and group 2(122 patients, 74.3%) had abnormal scans; abnormal scans were defined as presence of either fixed defects, reversible defects, or both. Average HR increased by 35 beats/min in the normal scan group compared with 23 beats/min in the abnormal scan group (p=0.002). Sixty four (64) patients (39%) had reduced EF (<45%). This group had an average HR and percentage HR increase of 23 beats/min (27%) compared with an increase of 35 beats/min (38%) in patients with normal EF (p=0.002 and p=0.02, respectively). Thus, a diminished HR response had a significant association with both an abnormal scan and reduced EF on adenosine MPI.

Measurement of Apolipoprotein B May Predict Acute Coronary Syndrome in Hyper-triglyceridemic Young Population

The purpose of this study is to measure apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in hyper-triglyceridemic (HTG) young people of Bangladesh for predicting risk of acute coronary syndrome. This case-control study was carried out in Department of Cardiology, of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital within the period from June 2009 to May 2010. A total 50 case of 18-45 years of age with first attack of acute coronary syndrome admitted in coronary care unit and 50 healthy controls of same age and sex distribution were studied. Twenty (40%) of the studied case and 21(42%) of controls had hyper hyper-triglyceridemia, of those 18(90%) of HTG cases and 12(57.1%) of HTG controls had hyper-ApoB condition. The present study shows significant association of apolipoprotein B as an independent determinant and estimation of ApoB may be an alternative tool for predicting risk of development of acute coronary syndrome in hyper-triglyceridemic young people.

Correlation between Clinical Diagnosis and Colonoscopic Findings of Patients Presented with Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is a frequently encountered problem in general medical practice. This bleeding comes from a site distal to ligament of Treitz. But it may also come from upper gastrointestinal tract when it is massive and pass through the stool. This study was intended to explore the causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and correlating them with their colonoscopic findings. This study was cross-sectional prospective. Sample was taken purposively. Out of 200 patients which were selected for the study, 122(61%) were male and 78(39%) were female with a male to female ratio of 5:3. The ages of the patients were ranging from 5 to 80 years with the mean age of 41.9±15.0 years; maximum 38(19%) patients were in 51 to 60 years. All patients were presented with per rectal bleeding & underwent colonoscopy & maximum 57(28.5%) patients were diagnosed as hemorrhoids, followed by colorectal cancer in 55(27.5%) cases. In 10(5%) cases of haemorrhoids 2nd pathology was found associated with it. In 32(16%) cases colonoscopic findings were normal. It was concluded that the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding was hemorrhoids followed by colorectal cancer. But several cases of colon cancer were misdiagnosed clinically as colitis. So clinical diagnosis should be correlated & confirmed by colonoscopy and biopsy.

Experience of Exchange Transfusion in a Newly Established SCANU at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Hyperbilirubinemia is common in neonates. The value of exchange transfusion (ET) is recognized. The procedure has some risks and complications. This descriptive observational cross sectional study was done in the Neonatology department during the period of January 2013 to December 2013. Total 62 patients were studied. ET was done in 47 patients. Among 47 patients, 29(61.7%) were male and 18(38.3%) were female. The most common cause of ET was Rh incompatibility (46.8%). In order of frequency, major findings were ABO incompatibility (25.5%), unidentified (14.9%), Sepsis (6.4%), minor blood group incompatibility (4.3%) and others (2.1%) respectively. Mean Serum bilirubin level was 22±5.1mg/dl. Most common complications following ET were anemia (12.7%), Sepsis (10.6%), and omphalitis (6.4%). The overall mortality observed was 6.4%. The majority of the adverse events associated with ET were treatable.

Orthodontic management of a young girl with class I malocclusion and severe crowding: a case report

We describe the treatment of a young girl age, 16 years, with Class I malocclusion. Both upper and lower anterior segment of jaws were crowded with buccally placed canines. Treatment consisted mainly of premolars extractions, canine retraction, labeling and alignment with Edgewise fixed appliances by multiloop technique. The patient did not show good cooperation, hence treatment time was prolonged. However the treatment resulted in Class I molar occlusion with proper alignment of both upper and lower anterior segment, an ideal overjet, overbite and incisor angulation.

Functional constipation - prevalence and life style factors in a district of bangladesh

Constipation is a common problem throughout the world and is particularly prevalent in women, children and older adults producing considerable health care expenditure. Data on functional constipation is limited especially in Asian countries. This cross-sectional survey assessed prevalence and association of functional constipation or chronic constipation (FC) with a number of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Data were collected from 3000 apparently healthy subjects by personal interview in a home setting with a questionnaire based on Rome III criteria for FC. Persons were selected by cluster sampling method from the population of Sylhet district. Among the 3000 subjects 148 subjects fulfilled the criteria for FC (Male=67, Female=81) giving a prevalence of 4.9%. Functional constipation was more prevalent in elderly (50-60 years, 10.1%, p=0.000), married persons (and widow/widowers, separated) (5.6-9.1%, p=0.000), city dwellers (6.2%), farmers (10.5%, p=0.000), house wives 6.1%, subjects taking vegetable (7.35%) and spices (6.0%) less frequently. The highest prevalent symptoms were feeling of incomplete evacuation (96.6%) and sensation of ano-rectal blockage (93.9%). No significant difference was found in the symptom pattern of FC among men and women. Older age (OR 2.755), female sex (OR 1.249), low intake of vegetable (OR 2.350) and spice (OR 2.050) appeared as important associated factor for FC. BMI and smoking had no significant association with FC. Functional constipation is a less prevalent disorder than IBS in our community. Female gender, old age and low intake of vegetable and spice were important associated factors for FC.

Mycoplasma infection in Malaysian children: laboratory investigation and antimicrobial therapy

Background: Mycoplasma pneumonia (M. pneumoniae) is an important causative agent of childhood infection with variable clinical presentations. The objective of the study was to evaluate the laboratory investigation and antimicrobial therapy of M. pneumoniae infection in children admitted to paediatric ward. Materials & Methods: A total of 111 children, of which 59 (53.2%) boys and 52 (46.8%) girls, with median age of 2 years (inter quartile range 1-6 years) with suspected M. pneumoniae infection were tested for IgM by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The children were classified as seropositive and seronegative. Results: Of the 111 children, 45 (40.5%) had serological evidence of M. pneumoniae infection and the remaining 66 (59.5%) were seronegative. There was significant association (p < 0.001) between age and serology response. Seropositive children were more likely to be older (median age 5.0 [interquartile range 2- 7] years, p < 0.001). Children with M. pneumoniae infection were less likely to have cough (p = 0.023) in which 55 (65.5%) patients having cough were seronegative. There was no significant association between laboratory findings of full blood count and serology. Conclusion: In addition to clinical and laboratory features, other factors like age group and absence of cough might be helpful in predicting M. pneumoniae infection.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.21564 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.75-78

Development of Hg2+ sensor based on N′-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]benzenesulfono-hydrazide (PEBSH) fabricated silver electrode for environmental remediation

N′-[1-(Pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]benzenesulfonohydrazide (PEBSH) was synthesized via a simple condensation of 2-acetyl pyridine and benzene sulfonyl hydrazide in very good yield and crystallized, and then used in the formation of a Hg²⁺ sensor.

Aggregated Pt–Pd nanoparticles on Nafion membrane for impulsive decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

A Pd site initiates hydrogen peroxide decomposition by adsorbing one ‘O’ followed by splitting of O–H bond. Meanwhile, a Pt site finally completes the decomposition process by enabling desorption of the incipient O₂ species.

Preparation of polyaniline grafted graphene oxide–WO3 nanocomposite and its application as a chromium(iii) chemi-sensor

Polyaniline-grafted-GO@WO₃ was prepared and deposited on a Ag electrode with conducting binders to give a sensor with a fast selective response for Cr³⁺ in the liquid phase. The sensitivity and detection limit are ∼4.4251 mA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and 0.031 ± 0.010 nM.

Chemical sensor development based on poly(o-anisidine)silverized–MWCNT nanocomposites deposited on glassy carbon electrodes for environmental remediation

POAS–Ag/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared by an adsorption process. A selective 3-methoxyphenolic sensor was developed by an I–V technique for the first time. It displays the highest sensitivity (∼3.829 μA cm⁻² mM⁻¹) ever published in the literature.

Fabrication of highly sensitive ethanol sensor based on doped nanostructure materials using tiny chips

Doped CuO–Fe₂O₃ nanocubes (NCs) are prepared via a facile wet-chemical process using active reactant precursors with reducing agents in high pH medium (pH > 10).

Public Health Safety in Relation to Microbiological Quality of Freshly Drawn Cow’s Milk in Bangladesh

The aim of the present study was to determine the microbial quality of freshly drawn cow’s milk belonging to the arsenic affected and non-affected areas. In the present work 25 milk sample were collected from five different arsenic affected and non-affected areas. The analysis comprised enumeration of total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC) and total staphylococcal count (TSC) for the determination of sanitary quality. The highest total viable count, total coliform count and total staphylococcus count were log 5.894 ± 0.221, log 2.832± 0.129 and log 2.898 ± 0.162 respectively. Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp and Bacillus spp were isolated from the milk samples. Among them Escherichia coli were isolated from the maximum milk samples. It is found that the level of microbial quality in terms of TVC, TCC and TSC were high in arsenic affected areas than arsenic non-affected area. It also found that TVC and TCC were positively correlated with each other. This survey indicates that most of the raw milk samples were not satisfactory in course of public health standard as some pathogenic bacteria were detected from these samples and it is necessary to improve the hygienic practices required for the handling and processing of milk.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21297 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 231-236 

Dual use of tobacco among Bangladeshi men

INTRODUCTION

Dual use of tobacco (using smoking and smokeless forms) in Bangladesh is uncommon in women but common in men. Dual users are at additional risk of cancers and heart diseases compared with a single form of tobacco use. Knowledge about their socioeconomic background is necessary for planning appropriate interventions. We report here socioeconomic background of the dual users of tobacco from a nationally representative survey.

METHODS

The study adopted a probability proportionate to size sampling technic of divisional population stratified into urban and rural areas to recruit men aged 25 years or older from their households. A total of 4312 men were recruited. Variables included questions on 20 household assets, tobacco use and other behavioral risk factors, and measurement of body weight and height.

RESULTS

The average age of dual users was 46.7 years old compared to 43.4 and 52.3 years for smokers and smokeless tobacco users. Prevalence of "smoking only," "smokeless only" and "dual use" of tobacco was 40.6%, 15.2%, and 14.2%, respectively. Among all tobacco users, dual users constituted 20%. These dual users had lower educational achievement, rural residence, lower intake of fruit, and higher intake of alcohol. They were more undernourished as indicated by a thin body mass index compared to nonusers and smokers. Dual users were of socioeconomically deprived as measured by wealth quartiles constructed out of household assets.

CONCLUSION

Dual use of tobacco is common in Bangladesh, and it is intimately linked with socioeconomic deprivation. Poverty reduction strategy and campaigns should address tobacco control not only tobacco in general, but its dual use in particular.

Influence of fuel molecular structure on the volatility and oxidative potential of biodiesel particulate matter

We have studied the effect of chemical composition of biodiesel fuel on the physical (volatility) and chemical (reactive oxygenated species concentration) properties of nano particles emitted from a modern common-rail diesel engine. Particle emissions from the combustion of four biodiesels with controlled chemical compositions and different varying unsaturation degrees and carbon-chain lengths, together with a commercial diesel, were tested and compared in terms of volatility of particles and the amount of reactive oxygenated species carried by particles. Different blends of biodiesel and petro diesel were tested at several engine loads and speeds. We have observed that more saturated fuels with shorter carbon chain lengths result in lower particle mass but produce particles that are more volatile and also have higher levels of Reactive Oxygen Species. This highlights the importance of taking into account metrics that are relevant from the health effects point of view when assessing emissions from new fuel types.

Detection and monitoring of toxic chemical at ultra trace level by utilizing doped nanomaterial

Composite nanoparticles were synthesized by eco-friendly hydrothermal process and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. All the spectroscopic techniques suggested the synthesis of well crystalline optically active composite nanoparticles with average diameter of ∼ 30 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were applied for the development of chemical sensor which was fabricated by coating the nanoparticles on silver electrode for the recognition of phthalimide using simple I-V technique. The developed sensor exhibited high sensitivity (1.7361 µA.mM(-1).cm(-2)), lower detection limit (8.0 µM) and long range of detection (77.0 µM to 0.38 M). Further the resistances of composite nanoparticles based sensor was found to be 2.7 MΩ which change from 2.7 to 1.7 with change in phthalimide concentration. The major advantages of the designed sensor over existing sensors are its simple technique, low cost, lower detection limit, high sensitivity and long range of detection. It can detect phthalimide even at trace level and sense over wide range of concentrations. Therefore the composite nanoparticals would be a better choice for the fabrication of phthalimide chemical sensor and would be time and cost substituted implement for environmental safety.

Rigorous analysis of the transverse acoustic modes in optical waveguides by exploiting their structural symmetry

A full-vectorial finite-element-based approach has been developed to find accurate modal solutions of acoustic modes in Ge-doped planar silica waveguides. The structural symmetry is exploited, and Aitken's extrapolation is also used to improve the accuracy of the solution. The spatial dependences of the dominant and nondominant displacement vectors are shown for the fundamental and higher-order transverse modes. The modal hybridness and modal birefringence between the two fundamental transverse modes are also presented.

Correlation of platelet count and acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

The study was conducted in the Department of cardiology, NICVD Dhaka during the period January 2006 to December 2007 to assess the impact of platelet on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). To perform this prospective study 200 patients with STEMI within 72 hours of chest pain of both sexes were randomly selected and were evaluated by clinical history, physical examination and with the help of ECG, Echocardiography and others cardiac risk factors analysis. Heparin therapy before admission, previously documented thrombocytopenia (<140,000/cmm), history of previous or current haemostatic disorder, renal impairment (Creatinine >1.6mg/dl) and history of PCI & CABG were excluded in this study. Patient of Platelet count (PC) ≤200000/cubic millimeter (cmm) in Group I and patient of Group II, platelet counts were PC >200000/cmm. Follow up period was 3 days to 7 days after hospital admission. Primary outcome heart failure (any Killip class) was significantly more in Group II than Group I (40.0% vs. 23.0%; p=0.009). Though the incidence of Killip class I and cardiogenic shock were not significant between these two groups but Killip class II (18.0% vs. 8.0%; p=0.036) and Killip class III (15.0% vs. 6.0%; p=0.037) heart failure were significantly more among the patient with higher platelet counts. In-hospital mortality, one of the primary outcomes of this study, was significantly higher in Group II (13.0%) than Group I (5.0 %) and p value was 0.048. Re-infarction was more in patient with higher platelet counts group (Group II) than patients with lower platelet count (Group I) but statistically was not significant (16.0% vs.11.0%; p=0.300).