Doppler Evaluation of Carotid Vessels in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes considered as a compound of metabolic syndrome. It can cause both micro and macrovascular complications. Diabetes is a strong risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis and likewise carotid artery disease. Carotid artery stenosis may cause stroke. Doppler ultrasound is the most common imaging technique for the diagnosis of carotid disease. Objective of the study was to assess the percentage of atherosclerotic carotid disease in asymptomatic Type 2 diabetics (T2D) by Doppler sonography and to find out the association of different risk factors of diabetic patient with atherosclerosis. A cross sectional study was done. A total of 43 type 2 diabetic patients (27 male, 16 female) referred from the out patient department and admitted patients in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) during January 2017 to December 2017 for the purpose of evaluation of intima media thickness (IMT) and carotid artery stenosis by Duplex color Doppler ultrasonography examination were enrolled in this study. Patients with previous history of recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (<6 weeks), history of carotid surgery or cervical radiotherapy were excluded. Carotid artery disease was found 65.1% in asymptomatic type 2 diabetics. Among them increased IMT in 48.8% and carotid stenosis was present in 37.2% and >50% stenosis (Peak systolic velocity >125cm/sec) was present in 9.3%. Age >50% years, smoking, duration of DM >10 years, hypertension, history of ischaemic heart disease and history of diabetic retinopathy were found to be associated with carotid atherosclerosis as well as carotid stenosis. High percentage of carotid artery disease (65.1%) was found in asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus. This result suggests the need for carotid Doppler evaluation of all Type 2 diabetics as a first measure of stroke prevention, with the hope that timely intervention might avert stroke and its accompanying disability.

Prevalence of Diabetic Nephropathy in Patients Attending the Endocrine Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Due to severe morbidity and mortality of DN and limited effective therapies, research has mainly focused on prevention of this debilitating illness by modification of risk factors. Aims of this study were to find out the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy, its factors and to correlate the functional status of the kidney. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Endocrinology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from 1st January 2013 to 30th June 2013. A total 105 patients having clinical diagnosis of Diabetes mellitus were enrolled in this study. Data were collected by interview of the patients, clinical examination and laboratory investigation. Data was analyzed using the Chi-square test for Categorical variables and unpaired Student's 't' test for differences in means for continuous variables. P value <0.05 was considered significant. With DN (30.5%) patients 21.1% had micro-albuminuria and 9.5% had macro-albuminuria. The mean age for the DN patient was 47.9±14.7 years and male female ratio was 1:1. BMI was found significantly low in patients with DN (p<0.05). Prolonged duration of diabetes (>5 years) and uncontrolled diabetes were found as significant risk factors associated with DN. Other risk factors were hypertension, family history of hypertension, family history of diabetes mellitus and irregular treatment of diabetes mellitus. Mean serum creatinine, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and mean blood sugar level was 1.3±0.6mg/dl, 69.4±26.7ml and 15.6±7.1mmol/L respectively in DN patients. Relation was significant for higher serum creatinine and lower eGFR values (p<0.05). Prevalence of diabetic nephropathy was 30.5%. Long standing diabetes (>5 years) and uncontrolled diabetes were the important risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is associated with higher serum creatinine and lower eGFR values.

Length of Umbilical Cord in Different Gestational Age Groups of Healthy Pregnant Mother of Bangladesh

This cross sectional descriptive study was performed on 80 human placenta and umbilical cord to find out the variation in length of umbilical cord of healthy Bangladeshi mother in relation to different gestational age. This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, from January to December 2018. The specimens were collected from the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh by purposive sampling technique. According to gestational age the collected samples were divided into three groups. They were Group A (28 to 36 weeks), Group B (37 to 40 weeks) and Group C (above 40 weeks) and examined morphologically by fine dissection method. The length of umbilical cord was measured with the help of flexible tape in cm. For statistical analysis, differences of length between age groups were analyzed by using unpaired student 't' test. The mean±SD length of umbilical cord was 56.15±7.61cm in Group A, 62.54±8.78cm in Group B and 68.54±10.53cm in Group C. It was also observed that the mean length of the umbilical cord was increased with increase of gestational age. The mean difference of length of umbilical cord between Groups A and C was statistically highly significant (p<0.001), difference between Groups A and B was statistically moderately significant (p<0.01) but the difference between Groups B and C was statistically significant (p<0.05). This study was done to provide information about the length of umbilical cord in different gestational ages of healthy pregnancies.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Isotropic 3D MRCP Images in the Diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma

This is a cross sectional study to establish that Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) could be accepted as the most effective imaging modality for the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the bile duct. It is much less common than hepatocellular carcinoma, accounting for 5-30% of all hepatic malignancies. Clinically suspected patients with obstructive jaundice due to cholangiocarcinoma were referred to the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study was carried out in 60 patients, of which 38(63%) were male and 22(37%) were female. Out of 60 cases 56 cases were truly diagnosed by MRCP, 4 were normal, among these 1 case was diagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma as compared with histopathology. Forty four (44) patients (73.2%) of the patients were in sixth decade of life. The overall sensitivity and specificity were found to be 98.2% and 75%. The diagnostic accuracy was 96.7% & positive predictive value was about 98%.

Variations in the Position of Vermiform Appendix in Bangladeshi People

This cross sectional descriptive study was performed on 70 postmortem vermiform appendices (male 34 and female 36) to find out the various positions of vermiform appendix of Bangladeshi people. The specimens were collected from autopsy laboratory of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh by purposive sampling technique from October 2016 to March 2017. The collected samples were divided into four age groups. They were Group A (upto 20 years), Group B (21 to 40 years), Group C (41 to 60 years) and Group D (above 60 years). Dissection was performed according to standard autopsy technique. During postmortem examination abdominal cavity was routinely exposed by classical midline incision from xiphoid process to the symphysis pubis and a semicircular incision around the umbilicus and the flaps were reflected to give a good view of the abdominal cavity along with its contents and then the taeniae coli of the caecum were identified. The three taeniae coli of the caecum converge at the base of the appendix and become its longitudinal muscle coat. The anterior caecal taeniae coli acts as the best guide for identification of the vermiform appendix. The relation of the base of the appendix to the caecum is constant but the position of the vermiform appendix, which is variable, was studied in relation to caecum and the terminal part of the ileum. Accordingly the position of the vermiform appendix was noted either retrocaecal, pelvic, preileal or postileal, subcaecal. All data were recorded in the predesigned data sheet, analyzed by SPSS program (version 21, 2012) and compared with the findings of other national and international studies and standard text books. Among 70 specimens, 44(62.9%) vermiform appendices were retrocaecal in position. The next common position was pelvic which was in 22(31.4%) specimen followed by postileal in 3(4.3%) specimen and subcaecal was observed only in 1(1.4%) specimen. In this study in all age groups incidence of retrocaecal vermiform appendix was highest and it was about 67.6%, 50%, 69.2% and 72.7% in Group A, B, C, D respectively. Pelvic position was 7.1%, 46.9%, 23.1% and 27.3% in Group A, B, C, D respectively. Subcaecal vermiform appendix was absent in Group A, B and Group D. On the other hand postileal vermiform appendix was absent in Group C and Group D. The findings of this study may help the physician and the surgeons for proper diagnosis, management and treatment of disease of vermiform appendix.

Performance of Haematological Parameters in Early Diagnosis of Clinically Suspected Neonatal Sepsis

Neonatal sepsis is one of the major health problems throughout the world and major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Positive blood culture considers the gold standard for confirmation of neonatal sepsis, but it does not provide rapid diagnosis. So this study was designed to find out the performance of haematological parameters in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of haematological parameters individually and in combination in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. It was a cross-sectional study conducted at neonatal ward, SCANU and obstetric ward of Rangpur Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to December 2015. A total of 70 neonates clinically suspected to have features of sepsis were included in this study. Another 70 healthy term neonates were included in the study as reference group. Blood sample were obtained to estimate TLC, ANC, immature neutrophil count, degenerative changes in PMNs, platelet count, I/T and I/M ratio. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the individual test and tests combination were calculated. Among the haematological parameters, performance of combined tests had high sensitivity, specificity, with PPV and NPV. Among the individual tests I/T and I/M ratio had high sensitivity (95%), specificity (85%, 90%), PPV (90%, 75%) and NPV (90%). There were 22 out of 70 neonates (31.42%) who had culture proven sepsis. Among 22 culture proven sepsis most commonly found organism were Escherichia Coli 12(54.5%) followed by Klebsiella 3(13.63%), Proteus 3(13.63%), Staphylococcus aureus 2(9.9%) and Salmonella 2(9.9%). There is no ideal test for diagnosis of early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis haematological parameters is useful adjunct test in identifying clinically suspected neonatal sepsis.

A Study of Sacral Index for Identification of Sexual Dimorphism

Sacrum is an important bone for identification of sex in human skeletal system. Being a component of axial skeleton it contributes to formation of pelvic girdle. This cross sectional and descriptive study was done among 150 (59 male and 91 female) fully ossified dry human sacrum in Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2017. Sample collection was done by non-random purposive sampling technique from Anatomy department of Mymensingh Medical College and Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh, Mymensingh. The parameters included the straight length of sacrum and width of sacrum which was measured by digital vernier slide caliper and was expressed in millimeter (mm) and sacral index was calculated from these measurements. In present study the mean straight length of sacrum in male and in female was 104.27±5.76mm and 92.82±7.59mm respectively. The mean width of sacrum in male and in female was 99.51±5.80mm and 102.98±6.69mm respectively. Mean sacral index were 95.42±3.14 and 111.27±7.66 in male and female respectively. Comparison of straight length and width of sacrum and sacral index were done between male and female by unpaired student 't' test which was statistically significant.

External Diameter of Vermiform Appendix in Bangladeshi People of Different Age & Sex

This cross sectional descriptive study was performed on 70 postmortem vermiform appendix (male 34 and female 36) to find out the external diameter of vermiform appendix of Bangladeshi people in different age and sex. The specimens were collected from autopsy laboratory of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from October 2016 to March 2017 by purposive sampling technique. The collected samples were divided into four age groups. They were Group A (upto 20 years), Group B (21 to 40 years), Group C (41 to 60 years) and Group D (above 60 years). Dissection was performed according to standard autopsy techniques. The vermiform appendix was collected and preserved in 10% formol-saline solution. The external diameter of vermiform appendix was measured with the help of digital slide calipers. Three measurements were taken at its base, middle and near the tip (1cm away from the tip) and expressed in mm. The data were analyzed by using student unpaired 't' test and compaired with the findings of other national and international studies and standard text books. It was observed that external diameter of vermiform appendix gradually decreased as age advanced. The mean±SD external diameter of vermiform appendix at base was 6.50±0.82 mm, 6.22±0.60 mm, 6.00±0.51 mm and 5.51±0.57 mm in Group A, B, C & D respectively. The mean±SD external diameter of vermiform appendix at middle was 6.09±0.89 mm, 5.67±0.65 mm, 5.38±0.59 mm and 4.95±0.76 mm in Group A, B, C and D respectively. The mean±SD external diameter of vermiform appendix near the tip (1 cm away from the tip) was 5.73±0.88 mm, 5.21±0.72 mm, 4.81±0.74 mm and 4.34±0.74 mm in Group A, B, C and D respectively. Statistical analysis shows that the mean differences of external diameter of vermiform appendix at its base between Group A&D, B&D were statistically moderately significant at p<0.01 level. Between Group C&D was statistically significant at p<0.05 level and between Group A&B, B&C, A&C were statistically non significant at p = or >0.05 level. Mean differences of external diameter of vermiform appendix at its middle between Group A&D, B&D were statistically moderately significant at p<0.01 level. Between Group A&C was statistically significant at p<0.05 level and between Group A&B, B&C, C&D were statistically non significant at p = or >0.05 level. Mean differences of external diameter of vermiform appendix near its tip (1 cm away from the tip) between Group A&D was statistically highly significant at p<0.001 and mean differences between Group B&D, A&C were statistically moderately significant at p<0.01 level. Between Group A&B was statistically significant at p<0.05 level and between Group B&C, C&D were statistically non significant at p = or >0.05 level. Mean external diameter of vermiform appendix in male was higher than that of female in all age group at its base, middle and near the tip (1cm away from the tip) but mean difference between sexes in the different study groups was statistically non significant at p = or >0.05 level. The present study will help to increase the information pool on the external diameter of vermiform appendix of Bangladeshi people.

Variation in the Position and Diameter of Basilar Artery in Different Ages of Bangladeshi People

Basilar artery is formed by the fusion of right and left vertebral artery and terminates as right and left posterior cerebral arteries. The aim of the study is to observe the diameter of basilar artery at three different levels (at its formation, at its midlevel and at its termination). This cross sectional descriptive study was performed on total 60 postmortem human hindbrain to find out the variation of position and diameter of the basilar artery of Bangladeshi people in relation to age. The specimens were collected from morgue in the department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh by purposive sampling technique. All the specimens were grouped into four categories: Group A (20 to 29 years), Group B (30 to 39 years), Group C (40 to 49 years) and Group D (50 to 59 years). Diameter of basilar artery was measured with the help of digital slide calipers at three different levels. At the level of its formation, mean±SD diameter was 3.76±0.37 mm, 3.75±0.32 mm, 3.68±0.24 mm & 3.54±0.46 mm in Group A, B, C & D respectively. At mid-level, it was 3.49±0.36 mm, 3.48±0.30 mm, 3.45±0.21 mm & 3.36±0.44 mm in Group A, B, C & D respectively. At the termination, it was 3.55±0.35 mm, 3.51±0.30 mm, 3.48±0.22 mm & 3.38±0.38 mm in Group A, B, C & D respectively. This knowledge of variations of the diameter of basilar artery is of diagnostic importance for the neurosurgeons and radiologists for clinical investigation and surgery.

Correlation of Foot Height with Stature in 5-10 Years Aged Bangladeshi Children

This cross sectional, descriptive and analytic type study was conducted among 5-10 years aged Bangladeshi children at different areas of Mymensingh district (Fulpur, Muktagacha, Fulbaria, Trisal and Haluaghat) on 109 Bangladeshi children (70 male and 39 female) from January 2016 to December 2016. Sample collection was done by nonrandom purposive sampling technique. Any kind of foot deformity resulting either from congenital or physical injury were excluded to construct standard measurement. The present anthropometric study was designed to construct data of 5 to 10 years aged Bangladeshi children regarding foot height, to measure correlation of stature with foot height and an attempt has been made out to grow interest among the researchers for future study and also to compare the data with the data of the people of other races. Stature of the subject was measured with the stadiometer and foot height was measured using flexible measuring tape. The children were asked to stand with weight distributed equally on both feet. The legs were perpendicular to the feet. The mean foot height of both sides of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 years aged male were 5.90±0.76cm, 5.76±0.64cm, 6.80±0.35cm, 6.86±0.35cm, 7.24±0.46cm and 7.28±0.66cm respectively and those of female were 5.48±0.67cm, 6.25±0.28cm, 6.19±0.58cm, 6.42±0.34cm, 6.30±0.49cm and 6.30±0.39cm respectively. Correlation between stature and foot height was made. Foot height showed non-significant positive correlation with stature in 5 years old male, 6 years old male, 7 years old male and female, 8 years old male, 9 years old male and female and 10 years old male and female. In case of 5 years old female, it showed significant positive correlation with stature.

Correlation of Ball Circumference with Body Weight in 5-10 Years Aged Bangladeshi Children

This cross sectional, descriptive and analytic study was conducted among 5-10 years aged 109 Bangladeshi children (70 male and 39 female) at different areas of Mymensingh district (Fulpur, Muktagacha, Fulbaria, Trisal and Haluaghat), Bangladesh from January 2016 to December 2016. Sample collection was done by nonrandom purposive sampling technique. Any kind of congenital and acquired foot deformity was excluded to construct standard measurement. The present anthropometric study was designed to construct data of 5 to 10 years aged Bangladeshi children regarding ball circumference, to measure its correlation with body weight and this attempt has been made out to grow interest among the researchers for future study and also to compare the data with the data of the people of other races. Weight of the subject was measured with the digital weighing machine and ball circumference was measured using flexible measuring tape. The children were asked to stand with weight distributed equally on both feet. The legs were perpendicular to the feet. The mean ball circumference of right side of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 years aged male were 16.93±1.05cm, 17.00±0.72cm, 18.10±1.28cm, 18.33±.99cm, 19.37±1.12cm and 19.94±1.30cm respectively and those of female were 16.27±1.10cm, 16.85±0.59cm, 17.44±0.92cm, 18.02±0.82cm, 18.00±1.58cm and 19.23±1.40cm respectively. The mean ball circumference of left side of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 years aged male were 16.86±1.05cm, 16.94±.70cm, 18.02±1.29cm, 18.26±.99cm, 19.27±1.12cm and 19.87±1.29cm respectively and those of female were 16.18±1.10cm, 16.77±0.62cm, 17.36±0.92cm, 17.98±0.87cm, 17.90±1.58cm and 19.13±1.40cm respectively. In this study on both sides, ball circumference showed non-significant positive correlation with body weight in 5 years old male and female, 6 years old male and female, 7 years old male and female, 8 years old female, 9 years old male and female and 10 years old male and female. In case of 8 years old male, it showed non-significant negative correlation with body weight.

Scaling up child development centres in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Child Development Centres (CDCs) have been established within government medical college tertiary hospitals across Bangladesh. Services entail a parent-professional partnership in a child and family friendly environment with a focus on assessment, diagnosis, and management of a range of neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents 0-16 years of age. Services are provided by a multidisciplinary team of professionals (child health physician, child psychologist, and developmental therapist) who emphasize quality of services over the numbers of children seen.

METHODS

In 2008, Dhaka Shishu (Children's) Hospital was given the mandate by the government to conceptualize, train, and monitor CDCs nationwide. Here, we describe the rationale and processes for the establishment of the national network of CDCs and discuss lessons learned on scaling up early childhood development services in a low resource setting.

RESULTS

Fifteen CDCs were established in major government hospitals across Bangladesh and have recorded 208,866 patient visits. The majority (79%) of children were from the lowest and middle-income families, and about one third (30%) were < 2 years of age at first presentation. Two thirds of children seen in follow-up demonstrated improvements in functional skills since their first visit, 77% in their adaptive behaviour (i.e., activities of daily living) and 70% in cognitive functions.

CONCLUSIONS

CDCs are expanding coverage for child neurodevelopment services across Bangladesh through a tiered system of home-based screening, community- and clinic-based functional assessment, and CDC-based diagnosis, support, and referral. Vulnerable populations-the lowest income groups and younger children-comprised the majority of patients, among whom there is high unmet need for psychological services that is being met for the first time. Innovative human resource development, including a 3-month training for the multidisciplinary teams, enabled wide coverage for assessment and diagnosis of a range of neurodevelopmental problems. Demand for services is growing, especially among non-government and private hospitals.

School Refusal: How to Address When He is an Adolescent with Asperger’s Syndrome - A Case Report

A fifteen and a half years old adolescent boy was referred by the psychiatrist to the Child Development Centre (CDC) for an evaluation of his mental status as he was stubbornly resisting to take medication in spite of regular counselling efforts. This boy presented with school refusal with manifestations of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with a complicated family dynamic to the psychiatrist. His interesting atypical development in early childhood led to clinician’s concern of excluding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He was finally diagnosed and jointly managed as a case of High Functioning Autism (HFA) with co-morbid conditions by a joint multidisciplinary team approach of CDC and Psychiatry Department of AHD.Pulse Vol.9 January-December 2016 p.64-68

Neonatal outcomes following planned preterm delivery in diabetic mothers

OBJECTIVE

Women with diabetes may need elective preterm delivery due to pregnancy or diabetes related complications. The aim of this study was to describe the neonatal outcomes arising from elective preterm delivery in diabetic women.

METHOD

Suitable patients were identified by the obstetric team at Hull Royal Infirmary Women and Children's Hospital and data was extracted from their case notes. 45 diabetic women with planned preterm delivery were identified within a set time frame, resulting in 48 babies.

RESULTS

Of the 48 babies born, 47 survived. 36 out of 48 were delivered via caesarean section. Gestational ages ranged from 29+3 to 36+6 weeks, and 24 out of 48 (50%) had a birth weight greater than the 90th centile for gestational age.34 out of the 48 babies experienced some form of neonatal complication and were admitted to the neonatal unit. The median duration of stay in the neonatal unit was 7 days. 14 of the surviving neonates suffered from respiratory distress, although only 4 required surfactant therapy to regain respiratory function. However, the incidence of serious neonatal complications in those born after 34 weeks was shown to be low.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective preterm delivery after 34 weeks had little effect on overall neonatal outcome. Therefore it could be proposed that elective preterm delivery after 34 weeks gestation may be an acceptable option in diabetic women if there are maternal or obstetric complications.

Study on Neurological Consequence of Eclampsia

The present study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh for a period of one year from 1st June 2009 to 30th June 2010 to see the Neurological Consequence of Eclampsia. A total number of 37 patients were enrolled in this study. Among 37 patients majority are in the age group of 21-30 years which is 19(51.4%) cases followed by less than or equal to 20 years and more than 30 years which are 13(35.1%) cases and 5(13.5%) cases respectively. Knee jerk is present in 28(75.7%) cases and absent in 8(21.6%) cases. The exaggerated knee jerk is present in only in 1(2.7%) case. The rate of Glasgow coma scale is less than 5 in 21(56.8%) cases, 14(37.8%) cases in 5-10 and 2(5.4%) cases is in more than 10. Focal sign is absent in 22(59.5%) cases and present in 15(40.5%) cases. Majority of the patients is presented with absence of neck stiffness which is 35(94.6%) cases and the rest 2(5.4%) cases are presented with neck stiffness. Flexor planter response is found in 20(54.1%) cases which is the highest in number followed by extensor which is 15(40.5%) cases. In only 2(5.4%) cases the planter reflex is not elicitable. Presence of infarct is found in 15(40.5%) cases which is the highest number. Cerebral edema and Presence of haemorrhage is found in 3(8.1%) cases in each. Leuko-encephalopathy is found in 2(5.4%) cases. Encephalopathy and Both infarct & haemorrhage is found in 1(2.7%) case of each. Normal CT scan findings of brain are found in 12(32.4%) cases.

CRP (C-reactive protein) in Early Pregnancy Predictor for Development of GDM

This case-control study was done to find out whether elevated serum CRP in early pregnancy is a predictor of GDM and conducted under joined supervision of Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital and Biomedical Research Group (BMRG), BIRDEM, from August 2005 to November 2007. Pregnant mothers at their first 16 weeks of gestation without any medical disorder of pregnancy were included in the study. For the purpose of this study blood samples were again collected for OGTT at their 16weeks, 24-28 weeks and 32 weeks of pregnancy to detect GDM. After confirmation of GDM, C-reactive protein and C-peptide were done from the preserved fasting serum sample at the end of this study to compare GDM with control group. A total of 297 patients were included in this study. Among them 145(48%) patients completed follow up, 59(20%) lost from follow-up and 11(4%) patients had abortion; 82(28%) are due for follow up 31(10%) pregnant patients developed GDM subsequently. Finally 28 GDM patients were taken as cases and 71 were control matched for their gestational age and parity. At earlier weeks of gestation, hsCRP could predict (PPV) development of GDM in 59% with NPV 84%, sensitivity 61% and specificity 83%. C-peptide in the 50th percentile could predict (PPV) development of GDM in 58% with NPV 96%, sensitivity 72% and specificity 93%. The present data indicates that hsCRP and C-peptide both is sensitive markers in predicting GDM.

Studies on the Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Strategies of Landslide in Chittagong city, Bangladesh

Landslide is becoming a regular hazard in the urbanized hilly areas in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Generally, the hills consist of unconsolidated sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, siltstone, shale and conglomerate. Applying questionnaire survey with 120 respondents, and collection of secondary information, the study was carried out in two landslide prone sites located in Batali hill and Motijhrna area of Chittagong city for assessing the socio-economic condition of the people, causes of landslide, impacts of landslide on local people and mitigation strategies of landslide. People living in the study area were characterized by dominance of middle age group of population (52%), illiterate (49%), day laborer (27%), migrated from the other places (93%), low income (57%) and having poor housing infrastructure. The present study indicates that landslide affect the poor people living on the slope of hilly areas. The main reasons identified for landslide were hill cutting (36%), weak soil structure (23%) and devegetation (16%). The major impacts of landslide on the local communities, as reported by the respondents were loss of natural scenic beauty (77%), economic loss (77%), destruction of lives (57%) and environmental problems (47%). According to the respondents, the main mitigation strategies were stopping of hill cutting (75%), resettlement of the affected people in other places (57%), planting the affected area (55%) and development of robust policy (42%).J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 1-5 2015

Markers of Hepatitis Viruses by ELISA among Healthy Blood Donors

This cross sectional study was done to have a comprehensive idea about prevalence and distribution of HBsAg and anti-HCV. The present serosurveilance study was done on healthy selected blood donors and conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh for their relatives and friends and also voluntarily from January 2001 to July 2003. Samples were collected from blood donors (Voluntary and Party) who came for donation of blood. Blood samples taken from 10,200 apparently healthy blood donors with or without the previous history of jaundice in the Transfusion Medicine department of BSMMU was tested for HBsAg and Anti-HCV by standard commercial ELISA method during the period from 1st January 2001 to 30th June 2003. Reactive samples were retested. Samples positive in duplicate tests were taken as positive. Within 10,200 samples 550(5.39%) were found positive for HBsAg and 84(0.823%) positive for anti-HCV. Among 8670(8%) male donors 470(5.42%) was positive for HBaAg and 70(0.91%) positive for anti-HCV. Among 1530(15%) female donors 80(5.29%) found positive for HBsAg and 14(0.807%) positive for anti-HCV. Prevalence of both is more in male than female, young donors below 30 years (80%) are of least prevalence 4.43% for HBsAg and 0.73% for anti-HCV. Markers are raised in prevalence with age, highest among aged donors above 40 years 14.5% and 2.62 respectively. Markers are of least prevalence among students (4.47% and 0.47%), highest among working people (7.90 and 0.91%). Within 10,200 donors no one was found concomitantly positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV, study may help to have a comprehensive idea about prevalence and distribution of HBV and HCV among healthy blood donors/party donors 9,996(98%) and voluntary donors 204(2%).

Assessment of Iron Contamination in Groundwater at Tangail Municipality, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to investigate the iron (Fe) contamination in groundwater at Tangail municipality during the period from January to June 2011. Groundwater samples were collected from 18 locations, where 15 were tube-wells, 2 deep tube-wells and 1 pump. The result of the study showed that the highest level of Fe (24.50 mg/l) was found at Dewla north, while the lowest level (1.03 mg/l) was recorded from Bepari para. The highest and lowest amount of Fe was found in ward 1 and 4, respectively. The results were compared with the Bangladesh drinking water quality standards as well as with the international standards. In Bangladesh, permissible limit of Fe is 0.3-1.0 mg/l, whereas WHO standard level is 0.3 mg/l. All the samples were exceeded the standard levels of Fe, whereas ward 1, 2 and 7 were worstly affected. The study also reveal that the availability of Fe does not depend on the type of water sources, but it depends on the aquifers or water table. If the aquifer contains Fe, then the tube-well water will contain Fe or vice versa. These higher Fe concentrations found in the study area may be harmful for those families who are consuming the water from these sources on regular basis. Thus, to overcome this problem the consumers should not drink these higher amounts of Fe, and they should find other sources or replace the tube-well or treat the water before drinking and other domestic and household purposes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22051 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 117-121 2013

Controlling the aggregation of sodium dodecylsulphate in aqueous poly(ethylene glycol) solutions

The role of PEG's of different molecular weights on the self-assembly of SDS and the role of added NaCl has been addressed opening new scopes for further studies.