Status of Serum Zinc in Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis

Zinc plays a vital role in the immune status. Its deficiency affects host defense by reducing the number of circulating T cells and phagocytosis activity of other cells which ultimately impair cell mediated immunity. The cell-mediated immunity plays a major role in the causation of pulmonary tuberculosis. The present study was carried out to estimate serum zinc level in newly detected multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in adult population. In this study total fifty (50) MDR-TB patients were enrolled conveniently from the in-patients departments of National Institute of Diseases of the Chest Hospital (NIDCH), Bangladesh. Serum zinc was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method from early morning fasting blood sample. Serum zinc level was assessed according to normal cut-off value 70-120 μgm/dl and 76% studied population were found lower than this value. The mean±SD serum zinc level was observed 60.40±8.91 μgm/dl. No associations were found between serum zinc level with age (p=0.11) and with sex (p=0.085) of the study population respectively. The low level of serum zinc in MDR-TB patients suggested impaired immune status of our study population.

Determination of Insulin Secretory Defect and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects in Bangladesh

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. This study was undertaken to explore the basic defect in type 2 diabetes patients in Bangladesh. This was an observational study with case control design, was conducted in the Biomedical Research Group, Research Division, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of July 2008 to June 2009. A total of 153 subjects were included in study of which 63 belonged to type 2 diabetes mellitus group and 90 were healthy controls. Fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin, HOMA%B, HOMA%S, QuickI, Glucose /insulin ratio, TG were measured and age, BMI, WHR were recorded. Waist-hip ratio (WHR), was significantly higher in T2DM as compared to control subjects [WHR, mean±SD, 0.94±0.12 vs. 0.88±0.06, p<0.001]; Glucose and insulin ratio of T2DM was significantly higher as compared to control subject [Glu: Ins, Median (range) of 0.54 (0.17-2.33) vs. 0.37(0.06-1.52)]. Insulin secretion (HOMA%B) was significantly lower in diabetic as compared to control subjects [HOMA%B, median (range), 71(4.90-391) vs. 180(59-634) p<0.001]; The quantitative insulin sensitivity check Index (QUICKI) of diabetic subjects were significantly higher as compared to control [QUICKI median (range) 39.90(4.80-138.10) vs. 0.55(0.36-0.85), <0.001]. Triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (Chol) were significantly higher [(mg/dl), (mean±SD), TG (142±80.14) vs. (142±80.14); Chol (189±50.76) vs. (172±45), p=0.029] in T2DM as compared to control subjects. Those with diabetes showed significant association with insulin secretory defect (HOMA%B, p=0.006) and insulin resistance as assessed by GINR (p<0.001) and QuickI (p<0.001) but not by HOMA%S (p=0.127). The present data suggest that both insulin secretory defect and insulin sensitivity are present in T2 diabetic subjects of Bangladesh.

Blood Pressure in Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a great stressful physiological condition in women during their reproductive period. During pregnancy several hemodynamic, biochemical and hematological modifications occur as a part of the physiological adaptation of the body. Changes in blood pressure occur in third trimester of pregnancy, which may be associated with increased maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, from July 2013 to June 2014. Study subjects were selected by following purposive sampling procedure and the protocol of this study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of Mymensingh. This study enrolled 100 pregnant women of third trimester of pregnancy and 100 aged matched non-pregnant women from Mymensingh district. Mean systolic blood pressure in study group were 124.8±14.51 mm of Hg and in control group were 106.50±10.67 mm of Hg, which was statistically increased. Diastolic blood pressure in study group was 83.00±13.37 mm of Hg and in control group 71.05±7.12 mm of Hg, which was also statistically significant. The changes in blood pressure in third trimester of pregnancy is the major concern of developing the risk of pre-eclampsia & eclampsia, and increased prevalence of IUGR, pre-maturity and perinatal mortality. This study reveals significant changes of blood pressure during third trimester of pregnancy.

Biomass Fuel Smoke and Tuberculosis: A Case-Control Study

This case control study was done to ascertain the association between exposures to biomass cooking fuel smoke and pulmonary tuberculosis. Cases were all newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients, randomly collected from the Hospital (DOTS centers) Registry from January 2012 to June 2012 from two Upazillas of Sirajganj district, Bangladesh. A home visitation program was done subsequently. Healthy controls were recruited from the neighbourhood of each case through a predefined procedure. Total 276 new pulmonary tuberculosis cases and 276 neighbourhood controls were enrolled. A semi-structured questionnaire containing demographic information, smoking habits, cooking place, kitchen condition, use of biomass fuel for cooking was used for interview. Crude (unadjusted) odd ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence limits for independent variables were determined by binary logistic regression. All significant variables were entered into a multivariate conditional logistic regression model and a final fitted model was determined by backward elimination methods. In univariate analysis, member of a nuclear family {Unadjusted odd ratio (Unadj. OR) 1.570, 95% CI 1.008-2.44)}, having non-formal education (Unadj. OR 2.739, 95% CI 1.219, 6.153) or primary (Unadj. OR 3.407, 95% CI 1.492, 7.782) to secondary level (Unadj. OR 2.392, 95% CI 1.032, 5.544) education, using cow dung (Unadj. OR 3.961, 95% CI 1.267, 12.376) and biomass fuel i.e. plant origin (Unadj. OR 3.382, 95% CI 1.087, 10.518) for cooking, past smoker (Unadj. OR 2.504, 95% CI 1.061, 5.910), using open oven (Unadj. OR 3.109, 95% CI 0.995, 9.716), having small kitchen area (Unadj. OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.989, 0.999) all were significantly associated with tuberculosis. When all significant variables were entered into a multivariate conditional logistic regression model nuclear family {Adjusted odd ratio (Adj OR) 1.808, 95% CI 1.127, 2.9)}, primary level education (Adj OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.23, 6.647) and non formal education (Adj OR 2.312, 95% CI 1.013, 5.276), biomass fuel (plant origin, Adj OR 3.497, 95% CI 1.059, 11.55), and cow dung (Adj OR 4.368, 95% CI 1.319, 14.464)) used in cooking and irregular smoker (who stop smoking at least 6 month back) (Adj OR 2.806, 95% CI 1.141, 6.901) were significantly associated with tuberculosis cases. From this study significant association have been found between exposure to combustion of biomass cooking fuel and tuberculosis.

Setting research priorities to improve global newborn health and prevent stillbirths by 2025

Background

In 2013, an estimated 2.8 million newborns died and 2.7 million were stillborn. A much greater number suffer from long term impairment associated with preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital anomalies, and perinatal or infectious causes. With the approaching deadline for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, there was a need to set the new research priorities on newborns and stillbirth with a focus not only on survival but also on health, growth and development. We therefore carried out a systematic exercise to set newborn health research priorities for 2013–2025.

Methods

We used adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) methods for this prioritization exercise. We identified and approached the 200 most productive researchers and 400 program experts, and 132 of them submitted research questions online. These were collated into a set of 205 research questions, sent for scoring to the 600 identified experts, and were assessed and scored by 91 experts.

Results

Nine out of top ten identified priorities were in the domain of research on improving delivery of known interventions, with simplified neonatal resuscitation program and clinical algorithms and improved skills of community health workers leading the list. The top 10 priorities in the domain of development were led by ideas on improved Kangaroo Mother Care at community level, how to improve the accuracy of diagnosis by community health workers, and perinatal audits. The 10 leading priorities for discovery research focused on stable surfactant with novel modes of administration for preterm babies, ability to diagnose fetal distress and novel tocolytic agents to delay or stop preterm labour.

Conclusion

These findings will assist both donors and researchers in supporting and conducting research to close the knowledge gaps for reducing neonatal mortality, morbidity and long term impairment. WHO, SNL and other partners will work to generate interest among key national stakeholders, governments, NGOs, and research institutes in these priorities, while encouraging research funders to support them. We will track research funding, relevant requests for proposals and trial registers to monitor if the priorities identified by this exercise are being addressed.

Gender Variation in the Risk Factors with Ischemic Stroke: Bangladesh Perspective

It is suggested in different studies that gender has a great impact on the distribution of risk factors of stroke. This study aims at determining the gender differences in risk factors of acute ischemic stroke among male and female patients. Data extracted for this study were taken from a case control study which was carried out in the departments of Neurology and Medicine of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH) Dhaka from July 2009 to June 2011. We collected data of 125 patients with ischemic stroke and 129 healthy controls from the primary source. All secondary data were divided on the basis of gender. Among all male respondents 70 stroke patients were considered as case and 72 healthy respondents were considered as control and in female group 55 were stroke patients (case) and 57 were healthy control. Risk factors of stroke for male and female were evaluated separately. After multivariate analysis ever smoking (both present and ex smoker) (adj. OR 3.799, 95% CI 1.416, 10.19), diabetes mellitus (adj. OR 5.687, 95% CI 1.99, 16.26), hypertension (adj. OR 18.53, 95% CI 6.43, 53.4) and total cholesterol (adj. OR 1.017, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03) were found significant predictors for stroke in male whereas diabetes mellitus (adj. OR 6.989, 95% CI 1.54, 31.64), hypertension (adj. OR 17.85, 95% CI 5.1, 62.38), serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) (adj. OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.013, 1.07) and serum triglyceride (TG) (adj. OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.004, 1.02) were found significant in female. Besides taking the controlling measure for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, life style modification is an important factor to prevent stroke in both sexes.

Current status of subclinical form of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle at Rangpur district in Bangladesh

Babesiosis and anaplasmosis are important tick borne diseases and they are responsible for significant economic losses for livestock industry worldwide. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in randomly selected 400 cattle at two upazilas of Rangpur district in Bangladesh, to estimate the prevalence and identify the risk factors of Babesia and Anaplasma infections. Microscopic examination of Giemsa’s stained blood films was carried out for the tentative diagnosis of infections. Multiplex PCR was also performed to confirm microscopically positive samples. To identify the risk factors, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The overall prevalence of Babesia and Anaplasma infections were 1.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The prevalence of Babesia infections recorded in Gangachara and Pirgachaupazilas were 1.3% and 1.7%, respectively while it was 3.8% and 3.3%, respectively for Anaplasma infection. Insignificantly higher prevalence of both infections was recorded in crossbred cattle than those of indigenous cattle. Female cattle had insignificantly higher infection (3.8%) with Anaplasma than the male cattle (2.3%) while no infection with Babesia was found in any male cattle. None of the calves (?1 yr) had infection with either organism. However, infection with both organisms was more prevalent in young cattle (>1-2.5 yr) than those of adult cattle (>2.5 yr). The availability of blood sucking ticks was one of the potential risk factors for both infections (OR = 6-7). Age (>1-2.5 yr) was identified as another important risk factor which had significant association with the occurrence of Anaplasma infection (OR = 4.36). The information generated from this study could be useful as basic information for further advanced epidemiological study and formulation of control measures of the tick borne diseases.Progressive Agriculture 26:51-59, 2015

Structure determination from XAFS using high-accuracy measurements of x-ray mass attenuation coefficients of silver, 11 keV-28 keV, and development of an all-energies approach to local dynamical analysis of bond length, revealing variation of effective thermal contributions across the XAFS spectrum

We use the x-ray extended range technique (XERT) to experimentally determine the mass attenuation coefficient of silver in the x-ray energy range 11 kev-28 kev including the silver K absorption edge. The results are accurate to better than 0.1%, permitting critical tests of atomic and solid state theory. This is one of the most accurate demonstrations of cross-platform accuracy in synchrotron studies thus far. We derive the mass absorption coefficients and the imaginary component of the form factor over this range. We apply conventional XAFS analytic techniques, extended to include error propagation and uncertainty, yielding bond lengths accurate to approximately 0.24% and thermal Debye-Waller parameters accurate to 30%. We then introduce the FDMX technique for accurate analysis of such data across the full XAFS spectrum, built on full-potential theory, yielding a bond length accuracy of order 0.1% and the demonstration that a single Debye parameter is inadequate and inconsistent across the XAFS range. Two effective Debye-Waller parameters are determined: a high-energy value based on the highly-correlated motion of bonded atoms (σ(DW) = 0.1413(21) Å), and an uncorrelated bulk value (σ(DW) = 0.1766(9) Å) in good agreement with that derived from (room-temperature) crystallography.

Study on Serum Albumin in Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Various hormones can cause marked changes in pregnant woman's appearance. Decreased level of serum albumin occurs in third trimester of pregnancy, which may be associated with increased maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. So, this study was carried out to evaluate and assess the level of serum albumin in third trimester of pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. This study enrolled 100 pregnant women of third trimester of pregnancy and 100 aged matched non-pregnant women from Mymensingh district. In this study serum albumin level in study group were 33.41 ± 4.62gm/l and in control group were 37.09 ± 4.21 gm/l, which was statistically decreased. The lower level of serum albumin in third trimester of pregnancy is the major concern of development of physiological edema during pregnancy and may be associated with pre-eclampsia.

Pathogenic and Drug Resistant Bacteria in Raw Milk of Jessore City: A Potential Food Safety Threat

Milk is such a food which can meet almost all nutritional needs of human lives. Raw or unprocessed milk supports the growth of wide variety of microorganisms. The major interests of this study were examining the microbial quality of raw milk collected from different locations of Jessore city in Bangladesh and determining antibiotic susceptibility pattern of some isolated bacteria. To do so, 12 raw milk samples were collected from different areas of Jessore city. Microbial analysis comprised of enumeration of TVC (total viable count), TCC (total coliform count) and TSC (total staphylococcal count). The highest TVC, TCC and TSC were 1.95x109 CFU/ml, 2.5x107 CFU/ml and 1.02x107 CFU/ml respectively. Prevalent bacterial populations were Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp. Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Citrobacter spp. In order to observe the antibiotic susceptibility pattern, the antibiotic sensitivity test was performed for some randomly selected isolates of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. More than 90% isolates of Klebsiella spp. were found to be resistant against Erythromycin whereas more than 90% isolates were sensitive against Imipenem. On the other hand, 100% E. coli isolates were observed as resistant against Erythromycin and in case of Trimethopreme 100% isolates were sensitive. Multidrug resistance pattern was also found. These results suggest the necessity of hygienic practices during handling, processing and post-processing of raw milk to improve the microbiological quality and safety of raw milk.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v13i1.23723Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2015). 13 (1): 71-78

Analysis on the effect of the distances and inclination angles between human head and mobile phone on SAR

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of the distances between the human head and internal cellular device antenna on the specific absorption rate (SAR). This paper also analyzes the effects of inclination angles between user head and mobile terminal antenna on SAR values. The effects of the metal-glass casing of mobile phone on the SAR values were observed in the vicinity of the human head model. Moreover, the return losses were investigated in all cases to mark antenna performance. This analysis was performed by adopting finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method on Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio. The results indicate that by increasing the distance between the user head and antenna, SAR values are decreased. But the increase in inclination angle does not reduce SAR values in all cases. Additionally, this investigation provides some useful indication for future design of low SAR mobile terminal antenna.

Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis in Lactating Cows and Efficacy of Intramammary Infusion Therapy

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in lactating cows of Mymensingh and Lakshmipur sadar upazilas and to evaluate the efficacy of intramammary infusion in subclinical mastitis affected cows. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 78 smallholder dairy farms using a pretested questionnaire to collect data from June 2011 to May 2012. Milk samples from 139 lactating cows were screened for SCM by California Mastitis Test. A total of 72 cows was found positive for SCM and treated with the Neomastipra-JR5® intramammary infusion tube (Hipra, Spain). The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating cows was 51.8%, of which 51.4% at Mymensingh sadar and 52.2% at Lakshmipur sadar upazilas. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was significantly increased with age and parity of cows. In left hind quarter, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was significantly higher (33.1%) than those of other quarters. The efficacy of intramammary infusion with Neomastipra-JR5® in lactating cows was 66.7%.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i1.20464 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (1): 55-61 

Neurological status of children with congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common birth defect & a significant cause of childhood morbidity & mortality. Structural brain abnormalities are more common in children with CHD than general population. This study details the cognitive, motor and behavioral development of a child with congenital heart disease who is on medical management. In this retrospective descriptive study, abnormalities in neurobehavioral status of infant & children (6-42 months of age) with CHD, who are on medical management were assessed by a standardized neurobehavioral assessment test, BSID-II. Fifty-eight children were included, who were diagnosed as a case of congenital heart disease & confirmed by Colour Doppler echocardiography in the Paediatric Cardiology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh. Mean age of the children was 23±13 months (range, 6 to 42 months); M:F = 1:1.9. Among them 22(37.9%) had cyanotic and 36(62.1%) had acyanotic congenital heart disease. Neurobehavioral and neurologic abnormalities were documented in a significant number of children. BSID-II showed 23(39.7%) had delayed metal development, 24(41.4%) had motor impairment and 16(27.6%) had non-optimal behavioral performance. Interestingly, infant and young children with acyanotic congenital heart defects were more likely to demonstrate severe neurologic compromise than were those with cyanotic defects. Findings of this study suggest that the prevalence of neurobehavioral abnormalities in infants and young children with congenital heart defects has been under predicted & indicates that delay in closure (surgery/device) puts the patient at an increased risk of neuro-developmental insult.

Protection Effect of Vaxxitek HVT + IBD Vaccine Against Infectious Bursal Disease in Broiler Chickens

The very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) infection cause constant and frequent outbreaks of IBD. In order to prevent the disease caused by vvIBDV, moderate-virulent live vaccines are usually used in broilers, but these vaccine influence the immune system of chickens and cause the immunosuppression. VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD bivalent vaccine, a novel vaccine produced by Merial Company, is the recombinant vaccine generated by inserting IBDV VP2 gene into the HVT genome. The recombinant vaccine could prevent Marek’s disease and IBD of chickens at the same time after vaccinated by the subcutaneous route at 1-day-old. The objective of this study was to evaluate protection effect of this new vaccine against IBD in broilers. The results of the lab and field immunization trial showed that the vaccination of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD vaccine did not damage the bursa of broilers; the level of IBD antibody of the VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD vaccination groups was higher than IBD-BLEN® vaccination groups at 21-day-old; the protection effect of the VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD vaccination groups was better than IBD-BLEN® vaccination groups, especially at 21-28 day. The results indicated that VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD vaccine could provide better protection to broiler chickens against IBD.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19102 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 69 - 78, 2013

Effects of lumbar corset on the patients with lumbar spondylosis

This experimental study was done in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University to find out the effects of lumbar corset on the patients with lumbar spondylosis. Ninety seven patients were selected in the study. Out of them 40(41.24%) were male and 57(58.76%) were female. The male to female ratio was 1:1.42. The mean age was 41.22 ± 8.52 years. The patients were divided into two groups, 50 patients in group A ( Treated with NSAID, activities of daily living instructions and lumbar corset) and another 47 patients in group B (Treated with NSAID and activities of daily living instructions only ). In both the groups, patients were treated for six weeks and assessed at 7 days interval. Improvement was noticed in both the groups in every visit but there was no difference in improvement between the groups till 4th week of treatment. At the end of treatment group A showed statistically significant difference in overall improvement in comparison to group B. So, from the present study, it may be concluded that lumbar corset is beneficial to the patients with lumbar spondylosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i2.18987 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 May; 42 (2): 55-59

Effect of Quadriceps Strengthening Exercise on Reduction of Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis

Osleoarthritis is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical modalities like Quadriceps muscle strengthening exercise can be used to treat such cases. This Randomized clinical trial study was done in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sylhet M.A.G Osmani Medical College Hospital Sylhet, lo evaluate the role of quadriceps strengthening exercise in knee osteoarthritis during 1st April 2009 to 3lst October 2009. Sixty patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided in, group A and group B randomly. Group- A was treated with NSAID (Aceclofenac 100 mg 12hrly) and group-B with NSAID and quadriceps strengthening exercise 10 repetition 3 times daily. Each patient was followed try every week for four weeks. The mean age was 61.067 ± 8.320 years and male female ratio was 1.4:1. Marked improvement was observed in both the groups assessed by pain score (p<0.001), physicians global assessment (p<0.001) and patients global assessment (p<0 001); and was continued throughout the treatment period of 4 weeks; with significantly marked in group A than group B beginning at 1st week of treatment [pain score (p<0.001), physicians global assessment (p<0.040) and patients global assessment (p<0.034)] and was continued at the 4th week of treatment [pain score (p<0.001), physicians global assessment (p<0.001) and patients global assessment (p<0.001)]. The overall difference between the groups from baseline to end point of treatment is significant with group A (exercise plus NSAIDs) experienced a faster pain relief than that of group B (Only NSAID) (p:<0.001). So from the present study, it may be concluded that quadriceps strengthening exercise is useful in reduction of pain in knee osteoarthritis and may be an adjuvant therapy in knee osteoarthritis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18953 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 19-22

Prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in high yielding crossbred cows using Draminski mastitis detector

The subclinical mastitis (SCM) causes great economical loss in dairy farms due to reduction in milk production. The objectives of the study were to know the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating cows using Draminski mastitis detector and to evaluate the efficacy of intramammary infusion against SCM in lactating dairy cows. The study was conducted in crossbred dairy cattle in peri-urban dairy production system within seven kilometers around the artificial insemination Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during April, 2011 to May, 2012. The overall prevalence of SCM in lactating cows was 55.1%. The highest prevalence of SCM was 84.4% in more than 7 years old cows. The prevalence of SCM was significantly (p<0.001) increasing with the advancement of the age. The prevalence of SCM was significantly (p<0.05) higher (73.7%) in cows producing more than 15 liters of milk. Cows with 75% Holstein Friesian genotype experienced more SCM (63.0%) than other genotypes. An increased prevalence of SCM with increased number of parity in cows was also observed. The prevalence of SCM was significantly (p<0.001) higher in cows with parity more than five. The highest prevalence of SCM was recorded in left hind quarter (32.3%) but the difference was not significant (p>0.05) statistically. The efficacy of Neomastipra-JR5® as intra mammary infusion against SCM in lactating cows was 78.2%. Draminski mastitis detector could be a potential candidate for the diagnosis of SCM in dairy animals in Bangladesh context. But before introducing this machine in the field it should be validated either by comparing with a gold standard test like somatic cell counter or by using latent class evaluation in a multi-test approach. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v11i1.17731 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2013). 11 (1): 37-41

Histopathological Studies of Experimentally Infected Shing, Heteropneustes fossiliswith Aeromonas hydrophila Bacteria

Heteropneustes fossilis (shing) of 35g body weight were experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila by two different methods: viz. intraperitonial and intramuscular injection. A standard dose of infection (6.4 × 107 CFU/ml) was selected based on predetermined LD50. Each method gave rise to the mortality of shing up to 85%. Clinical signs of fish included injury, hemorrhage and large ulcerative lesions on the body at the injected area. In kidney, liver and intestine pathologically, massive atrophy and focal necrosis were found. Hemorrhage, Vacuolation and atrophy of hepatic sinusoids represented by necrosis of the sinusoidal lining cells, degeneration of hepatic tissue and distribution of bacterial cell all over the tissue were found in liver. Atrophy, hemorrhage, villi missing and missing of epithelium were found in intestine of the experimentally infected shing. Bacterial cells were distributed in the whole hematopoietic tissue including the renal tubules. Tissue abscess characterized by focal necrosis, hemorrhage and Vacuolation were also found in the kidney of the infected shing. But the above symptoms were not found in the organs of the apparently healthy shing species.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17359 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 89 - 96, 2008 

Presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism due to adenoma

This descriptive study was done to evaluate the clinical, biochemical and radiological findings of primary hyperthyroidism (pHPT) patients with parathyroid adenoma. This study was done in the department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck surgery, BIRDEM, Dhaka from July 2000 to June 2007. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentation, biochemical and radiological features from the case records from the last 7 years of 32 patients at a tertiary care centre in Dhaka who had documented pHPT due to adenoma. Of them 18 were male and 14 were female. Mean age±SD of the patients was 42.16±11.64 years. Median preoperative serum calcium, serum phosphate and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were 11.42 mg/dL (range 8.4-14.0mg/dL), 3.11 mg/dL (range 2.5-4.5) and 293.22 pg/mL (range 65-700 pg/mL), respectively. Of all patients 75% had raised serum calcium level and 100.0% had raised serum PTH levels but all had normal serum phosphate level. Common radiological features were nephrocalcinosis, renal calculi, osteopenic changes in finger and toe, Brown tumour in forearm, 'Salt and pepper' appearance in skull, fracture of femur, fracture radius. pHPT due to adenoma in Bangladesh continues to be a symptomatic disorder with skeletal and renal manifestations.

Association of serum uric acid with ischemic stroke

The present study has examined the association between ischemic stroke and hyperuricemia in Bangladeshi population. This age and sex matched case control study was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of January 2007 to December 2008. A total of 120 subjects were included in this study, among them 60 were cases and another 60 were controls. Data were collected purposively. Multiple logistic regressions were done to identify the risk factors for ischemic stroke. In this study 68.3% were male and 31.7% were female in both the groups. Male and female ratio of stroke patients was 2.16:1. Mean±SD of serum uric acid level of case and control group was 4.94±1.76 and 3.72±1.09 respectively. Among the case group 76.7% had normal and 23.3% had abnormal serum uric acid level. On the other hand, 93.3% respondents of control group had normal and 6.7% had abnormal serum uric acid (SUA) level. Significant differences was found between case and control group in term of SUA level (p<0.05). Since SUA level is a quantitative numerical variable, an increase in 1mg/dl has a 47.0% (95% CI 1.0% to 2.16%) increase in odds ratio (OR) of having ischemic stroke. This 47.0% is obtained by taking OR for uric acid-1. Elevated serum uric acid level is not significant for ischemic stroke among the Bangladeshi population.

Pattern of cutaneous tuberculosis among children and adolescent

Cutaneous tuberculosis is one of the most subtle and difficult diagnoses for dermatologists practicing in developing countries. It has widely varied manifestations and it is important to know the spectrum of manifestations in children and adolescent. Sixty cases (age<19 years) of cutaneous tuberculosis were included in this one period study. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination, tuberculin reaction, histopathology, and response to antitubercular therapy. Histopahology revealed 38.3% had skin tuberculosis and 61.7% had diseases other than tuberculosis. Among 23 histopathologically proved cutaneous tuberculosis, 47.8% had scrofuloderma, 34.8% had lupus vulgaris and 17.4% had tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TVC). Most common site for scrofuloderma lesions was neck and that for lupus vulgaris and TVC was lower limb. Cutaneous tuberculosis in children continues to be an important cause of morbidity, there is a high likelihood of internal involvement, especially in patients with scrofuloderma. A search is required for more sensitive, economic diagnostic tools. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v38i3.14335 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2012; 38(3): 94-97 (December)

Serum calcium and phosphate level in normal pregnant women

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy is the physiological process in which progressive anatomical, physiological  and biochemical changes occur. Secretion of different hormones during pregnancy is responsible for  maternal adaptation to the increasing demand of the growing fetus. The present study was aimed to evaluate  serum calcium and phosphate status in normal pregnant women in different trimesters. Materials and  Methods: A total number of 140 subjects, age range 20-40 (yrs) were recruited in the study which includes  100 normal pregnant women termed as study group (Group B) and 40 healthy women without pregnant  (Group A), served as Control. Group B subjects were subdivided into Group B1 (n=12), Group B2 (n=30)  and Group B3 (n=58) on the basis of duration of pregnancy- 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively. Calcium  was measured by CPC (photometric method for Ca) and serum phosphate by colorimetric method. Statistical  analysis was done using SPSS for Windows, Version 10. Unpaired Student's -'t' test performed to calculate  statistical differences between groups. Results: Age (yrs) (mean±SD) and BMI of the pregnant women in different  groups did not show statistical difference. Serum calcium (mean±SD) levels in the 1st (p=0.0001) and  2nd (p=0.02) trimester was significantly higher compared to the Controls. In 3rd the value was significantly  lower (p=0.015) compared to the Controls and of 1st and 2nd trimesters (p=0.001). Serum phosphate  (mean±SD) levels in three trimesters did not show statistical significant difference compared to the Controls  and among the pregnancy groups. Conclusion: The data concluded that serum calcium level was lower during  third trimester of the study subjects which may be explained by the fact of increased demand of the growing  fetus and exposing the mother at risk of complications related to low serum calcium. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11732 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July’12

ISOLATION AND DETECTION OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS FROM FIELD OUTBREAKS IN BROILER AND LAYER CHICKENS BY REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION–POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION

The present research work was carried out to isolate and identify Newcastle disease virus (NDV) by using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. A total of 160 clinical (blood, tracheal and cloacal swabs) and post-mortem (brain, lung, colon and spleen) samples were collected from chickens of two field outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) in 2006, one in a broiler (Cobb-500) farm of Mymensingh district and other one in a layer (Sonali) farm of Gazipur district. All the samples were inoculated onto 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs through allantoic sac route and in the chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) cell culture. The allantoic fluid (AF) of the dead embryos and the infected culture fluid (ICF) of the CEF were harvested at 48 and 96 hours of post-infection, respectively. The HI and RT-PCR were employed to detect NDV in tissue homogenates of all the clinical and post-mortem samples as well as laboratory samples (AF and ICF). Among the clinical samples, virus isolation rate was found higher from tracheal swab (90%) compared to those of cloacal swab (85%) and serum (65%). On the other hand, among the four different types of post-mortem samples, virus isolation rate was found higher in spleen (100%) compared to those of lungs (80%), colon (60%), and brain (80%) samples. In CEF cell culture system, the rate of virus isolation from all the aforesaid samples was found 100% with the exception of serum samples. The isolation rate of NDV was higher in CEF culture system (93.8%) compared to that of avian embryos (80%). Among the clinical and post-mortem samples, inoculum of only cloacal swab and colon showed HA and HI activities. The anti-NDV hyperimmune serum revealed complete inhibition of the 4 haemagglutination unit of each isolate of viruses isolated from broiler and layer chickens present in the laboratory samples (AF and ICF). The NDV specific primers used in the direct RT-PCR for genome detection of NDV showed equal sensitivity and specificity with the RNA extracted from the clinical, post-mortem and laboratory samples (AF and ICF) as with the genomic RNA of reference NDV. Higher rate of detection of NDV was recorded with RT-PCR assay than HI test. Therefore, the molecular method (RT-PCR) can be introduced for rapid and confirmatory detection of NDV from any form of outbreak of ND in the field level of Bangladesh.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.9618 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 87–92 

EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ARSENIC TOXICITY ON THE HAEMATOLOGY AND HISTOARCHITECTURE OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF BLACK BENGAL GOAT

This study was aimed to observe the effects of chronic arsenic toxicity on the haematology and histoarchitecture of female reproductive system of black Bengal goat. Adult She goats (N=4) were orally administered with sodium arsenite (4 mg/kg body weight) for first seven weeks followed by 5 mg/kg body weight for next eight weeks. Blood was collected from the treated goat at day0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100. There was significant difference of TEC, Hb concentration and TLC in goats which are chronically exposed with arsenic. Lymphocyte was decreased with the treatment of sodium arsenite but neutrophil, eosinophil and monocyte were increased. At the end of study the goats were euthanasized. The ovary, uterine tube, uterus, cervix and vagina were collected for gross and histopathological examinations. In histopathological examination the ovarian follicles appeared degenerated and there was much stromal thickening around the follicle. Thickened myometrial layer and shortened mucosal folds in the uterine tube were observed. There was reduction in the number and size of endometrial glands. The mucosal cell lines appeared degenerated. Thin vaginal mucosa and proliferation of connective tissue; shortened cervical crypts and thickened glandular epithelium of cervix were also observed. It may be concluded that chronic arsenic exposure might have adverse effects on the female reproductive system.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v9i1.11214 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2011). 9(1): 59-66