Plasmid-mediated sulfamethoxazole resistance encoded by the sul2 gene in the multidrug-resistant Shigella flexneri 2a isolated from patients with acute diarrhea in Dhaka, Bangladesh

In this study, mechanisms of plasmid-mediated sulfamethoxazole resistances in the clinical strains of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Shigella flexneri 2a were elucidated for the first time in Bangladesh. From 2006 to 2011, a total of 200 S. flexneri 2a strains were randomly selected from the stock of the Enteric and Food Microbiology Laboratory of icddr,b. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains showed 73%, 98%, 93%, 58%, 98%, 64% and 4% resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone respectively. Plasmid profiling revealed heterogeneous patterns and interestingly, all the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistant (SXT(R)) strains yielded a distinct 4.3 MDa plasmid compared to that of the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole susceptible (SXT(S)) strains. Curing of this 4.3 MDa plasmid resulted in the susceptibility to sulfamethoxazole alone suggesting the involvement of this plasmid in the resistance of sulfamethoxazole. Moreover, PCR analysis showed the presence of sul2 gene in SXT(R) strains which is absent in SXT(S) strains as well as in the 4.3 MDa plasmid-cured derivatives, confirming the involvement of sul2 in the resistance of sulfamethoxazole. Furthermore, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis revealed that both the SXT(R) and SXT(S) strains were clonal. This study will significantly contributes to the knowledge on acquired drug resistance of the mostly prevalent S. flexneri 2a and further warrants continuous monitoring of the prevalence and correlation of this resistance determinants amongst the clinical isolates of Shigella and other enteric pathogens around the world to provide effective clinical management of the disease.

Quantum catalysis of magnetic phase transitions in a quantum simulator

We control quantum fluctuations to create the ground state magnetic phases of a classical Ising model with a tunable longitudinal magnetic field using a system of 6 to 10 atomic ion spins. Because of the long-range Ising interactions, the various ground state spin configurations are separated by multiple first-order phase transitions, which in our zero temperature system cannot be driven by thermal fluctuations. We instead use a transverse magnetic field as a quantum catalyst to observe the first steps of the complete fractal devil's staircase, which emerges in the thermodynamic limit and can be mapped to a large number of many-body and energy-optimization problems.

Spirometric standard of healthy Bangladeshi adults aged 18-40 years

Pulmonary function test of various types are utilized clinically and epidemiologically to measures the functional status of the lung and to asses the diseases. Spirometric standard for healthy Bangladeshi adults aged 18-40 years is conducted in National Institute of Diseases of Chest and Hospital (NIDCH). This is cross sectional study is establish normal value of lung functions for Bangladeshi adult. Total of 995 (628 males & 367 females) healthy adults were selected to obtain lung function values; from a healthy adult those who attended in the hospital as a patients attended and healthy stuff of NIDCH. A computerized spirometer was used to measure lung volume and flows in a standard way. The best of the three reading was taken as the correct value. Anthropometric parameters including age, weight and height were recorded appropriately and body mass index was calculated. The statistical package for the social science (SPSS-10.01) was used for the statistical analysis of the data. The pulmonary function data was separated by sex and classified on the basis of height weight age and body surface area. The mean and standard deviation was calculated for every such variable. The lung function variable shows a linear positive correlation with height, weight and age. Force vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1) increase in height. Males show higher values for lung function variables than female. Stepwise regression analysis was done using age, height and weight, BMI as independent variable strong correlation was found between lung function values and independent variables. Height shows the highest correlation. The regression equation for lung function variables was determined for males and females considering height as independent variable. Lung function values of Bangladeshi adult were significantly lower than Nigerian, British and American result but nearly similar to Indian result. Nomogram was constructed in relation to height for males and females.

Role of NGOs and CBOs in Waste Management

BACKGROUND

Developing cities like Khulna, the third largest metropolitan city in Bangladesh, have now begun to confess the environmental and public health risks associated with uncontrolled dumping of solid wastes mainly due to the active participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) in municipal solid waste (MSW) management.

METHODS

A survey was conducted to observe the present scenarios of secondary disposal site (SDS), ultimate disposal site (UDS), composting plants, medical wastes management and NGOs and CBOs MSW management activities.

RESULTS

A total of 22 NGOs and CBOs are involved in MSW management in 31 wards of Khulna City Corporation. About 9 to 12% of total generated wastes are collected by door-to-door collection system provided by mainly NGOs and CBOs using 71 non-motorized rickshaw vans. A major portion of collected wastes is disposed to the nearest SDS by these organizations and then transferred to UDS or to private low-lying lands from there by the city authority. A small portion of organic wastes is going to the composting plants of NGOs.

CONCLUSION

The participation of NGOs and CBOs has improved the overall MSW management system, especially waste collection process from sources and able to motivate the residents to store the waste properly and to keep clean the premises.

Integration of Multi-Level Copper Metallization into a High Performance Sub-0.25μM Technology

We report the integration of six levels of Cu interconnects using dual inlaid patterning in a 0.2 μm logic technology. A review of process technology as well as device performance shortcomings using conventional aluminum metallization has been presented. Two tantalum based barriers, TaNx and Ta-Si-N as well as a titanium based barrier, CVD TiN, have been evaluated for their applicability. The use of embedded barriers wherein the barrier is formed below the surface of the dielectric has also been discussed as a potential option. No degradation to the device front-end parametrics were found with the choice of an appropriate barrier. Planarization by Cu CMP introduces surface topography that needs to be minimized in order to process multiple levels of interconnects within specified sheet resistance distributions for a range of line widths. Excellent results with highly planarized levels of metallization have consistently been achieved through an optimization of the unit processes and device integration.

Primary colon cancer site as a predictor of bevacizumab effectiveness in metastatic colon cancer patients

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Background: Bevacizumab has been approved by the FDA for first-line treatment in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic colon cancer. Although bevacizumab extends progression free survival and overall survival for many metastatic colon cancer patients, primary cancer site has not been examined as a predictor of its effectiveness.

Methods: Data regarding bevacizumab treatment for colorectal cancer were abstracted from the medical record of 175 patients treated at a large multi-specialty clinic. Data were collected regarding demographics, body mass index, weight loss, lifestyle variables (smoking status, drinking habit), history of colon polyps, family history of cancer, primary site of tumor in the colon, tumor stage, lymph node involvement, metastasis, tumor grade of metastasis, cancer cell type, symptoms related to the cancer, and other comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome).Tumor response was measured by radiologic and biochemical markers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test, Wilconox rank sum test, and unconditional logistic regression modeling.

Results: Univariate analysis demonstrated that positive tumor response was positively correlated with blood in stool (p=0.0301), advanced lymph node stage (p=0.048), and adenocarcinoma cancer cell type (p=0.0387), but negatively correlated with chemotherapy treatment of the primary tumor (p=0.0387) and primary site of the colon cancer (p=0.0328). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that patients with primary tumor located in the transverse or descending/sigmoid colon were more likely (odds ratio=5.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.72–20.00; p=0.0046) to have a positive tumor response than patients whose primary tumor site was cecal/ascending colon.

Conclusions: Primary site of metastatic colon cancer may influence the effectiveness of bevacizumab therapy. Future randomized, controlled trials are needed to examine the primary site as a predictor of tumor response in metastatic colon cancer patients using bevacizumab therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Impact of a cash-for-work programme on food consumption and nutrition among women and children facing food insecurity in rural Bangladesh

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a cash-for-work programme during the annual food insecurity period in Bangladesh improved nutritional status in poor rural women and children.

METHODS

The panel study involved a random sample of 895 households from over 50,000 enrolled in a cash-for-work programme between September and December 2007 and 921 similar control households. The height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference of one woman and child aged less than 5 years from each household were measured at baseline and at the end of the study (mean time: 10 weeks). Women reported 7-day household food expenditure and consumption on both occasions. Changes in parameters were compared between the two groups.

FINDINGS

At baseline, no significant difference existed between the groups. By the study end, the difference in mean mid-upper arm circumference between women in the intervention and control groups had widened by 2.29 mm and the difference in mean weight, by 0.88 kg. Among children, the difference in means between the two groups had also widened in favour of the intervention group for: height (0.08 cm; P<0.05), weight (0.22 kg; P<0.001), mid-upper arm circumference (1.41 mm; P<0.001) and z-scores for height-for-age (0.02; P<0.001), weight-for-age (0.17; P<0.001), weight-for-height (0.23; P<0.001) and mid-upper arm circumference (0.12; P<0.001). Intervention households spent more on food and consumed more protein-rich food at the end of the study.

CONCLUSION

The cash-for-work programme led to greater household food expenditure and consumption and women's and children's nutritional status improved.

Quantum simulation of frustrated Ising spins with trapped ions

A network is frustrated when competing interactions between nodes prevent each bond from being satisfied. This compromise is central to the behaviour of many complex systems, from social and neural networks to protein folding and magnetism. Frustrated networks have highly degenerate ground states, with excess entropy and disorder even at zero temperature. In the case of quantum networks, frustration can lead to massively entangled ground states, underpinning exotic materials such as quantum spin liquids and spin glasses. Here we realize a quantum simulation of frustrated Ising spins in a system of three trapped atomic ions, whose interactions are precisely controlled using optical forces. We study the ground state of this system as it adiabatically evolves from a transverse polarized state, and observe that frustration induces extra degeneracy. We also measure the entanglement in the system, finding a link between frustration and ground-state entanglement. This experimental system can be scaled to simulate larger numbers of spins, the ground states of which (for frustrated interactions) cannot be simulated on a classical computer.

Entanglement and tunable spin-spin couplings between trapped ions using multiple transverse modes

We demonstrate tunable spin-spin couplings between trapped atomic ions, mediated by laser forces on multiple transverse collective modes of motion. A sigma_{x}sigma_{x}-type Ising interaction is realized between quantum bits stored in the ground hyperfine clock states of ;{171}Yb;{+} ions. We demonstrate entangling gates and tailor the spin-spin couplings with two and three trapped ions. The use of closely spaced transverse modes provides a new class of interactions relevant to quantum computing and simulation with large collections of ions in a single crystal.

Chemokine receptors in advanced breast cancer: differential expression in metastatic disease sites with diagnostic and therapeutic implications

BACKGROUND

We investigated the expression of CXCR4, CCR7, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2-neu in human metastatic breast cancers to determine whether these biological biomarkers were preferentially expressed in any organ-specific metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CXCR4, CCR7, ER, PR and HER2-neu expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining using paraffin-embedded tissue sections of metastatic breast cancers (n = 41) obtained by either diagnostic biopsy or surgical resection.

RESULTS

The metastatic sites included the following: bone (n = 15), brain (n = 14), lung (n = 6), liver (n = 2), and omental metastases (n = 2). CXCR4 was expressed in 41% of cases, CCR7 expression was demonstrated in 10%, and HER2-neu overexpression was present in 27%. CXCR4 was more likely to be expressed in bone metastases than visceral metastases (67% versus 26%, P = 0.020). Visceral sites demonstrated a lower rate of CXCR4 positivity (33% and 23%, respectively, for lung and brain metastases). Similarly, CCR7 was more likely to be found in bone metastases than visceral sites (27% versus 0%, P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that CXCR4 can contribute to the homing of breast cancer cells to the bone. This finding might have important clinical implications since patients with metastatic bone disease may achieve the highest benefit from a CXCR4-targeted therapy.

Successful surgical resection of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor post neoadjuvent therapy

We report a case of a 48-year-old Indian male who presented with swelling and firmness in his left upper part of the abdomen of one month duration with anorexia and weight loss. Initial examination revealed an intra abdominal mass of around 16.8x11.0x24.5cm with minimal left sided pleural effusion. A biopsy from the mass confirmed the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GISTs) as supported by immmunohistochemistry results which showed strong positivity for c-kit while stains for smooth muscle actin, desmin, myoglobin, S100 Protein and cytokerstin remained negative. The patient was not suitable for surgical intervention in view of advanced tumor, and Imatinib Mesylate 400mg daily was started with the aim of making the tumor operable. Such therapy lasted for twenty months and was tolerated well by the patient. It then resulted in gradual tumor regression, following which the patient underwent successful tumor resection. Post surgical resection patient had no radiological evidence of intra abdominal tumor but mild left sided pleural effusion with left lower lobe atelectasis. The patient had uneventful post operative recovery and he is currently on Imatinib mesylate and tolerating treatment well with mild skin rash. The experience with preoperative imatinib on surgical resection rates and post operative outcomes is limited especially with primary locally advanced GISTs. In our case successful surgical resection was possible for a huge locally advanced GIST with unusually prolonged treatment of twenty months with imatinib preoperatively.

Survival among women with triple receptor-negative breast cancer and brain metastases

Abstract #6077

Background&#x2028; The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of brain metastases in a cohort of women with early stage triple-receptor negative breast cancer and to evaluate the survival outcomes of these patients.&#x2028; Method&#x2028; Six hundred and seventy nine patients with early stage triple-receptor negative breast cancer diagnosed between 1980 and 2006 were identified. Cumulative incidence of brain metastases at 2- and 5-years following a diagnosis of early-stage triple receptor-negative breast cancer considering death as a competing risk was computed. Time to brain metastases was computed from the date of breast cancer diagnosis to the date of development of brain metastases. Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for various patient and tumor characteristics, were then fitted to explore factors that could predict for the subsequent development of brain metastases in this cohort. Survival following a diagnosis of brain metastases was measured from the date of brain metastases diagnosis to the date of death from any cause. All survival outcomes were computed using the Kaplan – Meier product limit method and compared across groups using log rank statistic.&#x2028; Results&#x2028; Median age was 50 years (range 22 to 97 years) and median follow-up was 26.9 months (range 1.1 to 321.3 months. Overall 42 (6.2%) patients developed brain metastases of whom 16 (38.1%) had 3 brain lesions or less, 19 (45.2%) had more than 3 brain lesions and number of brain lesions was unknown in 7 (16.7%) patients. Overall cumulative incidence at 2- and 5-years was 5.6% (95% CI 3.8%-7.9%) and 9.6% (95% CI 6.8% - 13%) respectively. Twenty –four (3.5%) patients developed brain metastases as the first site of recurrence with cumulative incidence at 2- and 5-years observed to be 2.0% (95% CI 2.6% -6.0%) and 4.9% (95% CI 3.2%-7.0%) respectively. In the multivariable model factors such as age at primary tumor diagnosis, initial clinical stage, histological tumor grade, number of lymph nodes examined and tumor lymph-vascular invasion were not significantly associated with time to brain metastases. For the whole group of patients who developed brain metastases median survival was 2.9 months (95% CI 2.0 – 7.6 months). Among those who developed brain metastases as the first site of recurrence median survival was 5.8 months (95% CI 1.7 – 11.0 months).&#x2028; Conclusion&#x2028; Data from published studies have reported a 5-year cumulative incidence of brain metastases of approximately 5 % in an unselected breast cancer population. In our large single institutional study patients with triple-receptor-negative breast tumors we report higher early cumulative incidence compared to historical controls associated with poor survival. Patients with triple-receptor negative breast tumors may be an ideal cohort to target brain metastases preventive strategies.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 6077.

Survival among women with triple receptor-negative breast cancer and brain metastases

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of and survival following brain metastases among women with triple receptor-negative breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 679 patients with nonmetastatic triple receptor-negative breast cancer diagnosed from 1980 to 2006 were identified. Cumulative incidence of brain metastases was computed. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to explore factors that predict for development of brain metastases. Survival was computed using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 26.9 months. In all, 42 (6.2%) patients developed brain metastases with a cumulative incidence at 2 and 5 years of 5.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.8% to 7.9%] and 9.6% (95% CI 6.8% to 13%), respectively. A total of 24 (3.5%) patients developed brain metastases as the first site of recurrence with cumulative incidence at 2 and 5 years of 2.0% (95% CI 2.6% to 6.0%) and 4.9% (95% CI 3.2% to 7.0%), respectively. In the multivariable model, no specific factor was observed to be significantly associated with time to brain metastases. Median survival for all patients who developed brain metastases and those who developed brain metastases as the first site of recurrence was 2.9 months (95% CI 2.0-7.6 months) and 5.8 months (95% CI 1.7-11.0 months), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this single-institutional study, patients with nonmetastatic triple receptor-negative breast tumors have a high early incidence of brain metastases associated with poor survival and maybe an ideal cohort to target brain metastases preventive strategies.

Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) in advanced breast cancer-expressing C-Kit or PDGFR-beta: clinical activity and biological correlations

BACKGROUND

Novel molecular therapies for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are necessary to improve the dismal prognosis of this condition. Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) inhibits several protein tyrosine kinases, including platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and c-kit, which are preferentially expressed in tumor cells. We tested the activity of imatinib mesylate in MBC with overexpression of PDGFR or c-kit. Additionally, we sought to determine the biological correlates and immunomodulatory effects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients were treated with Imatinib administered orally at 400 mg p.o. b.i.d. (800 mg/day), until disease progression. All patients demonstrated PDGFR-beta overexpression and none showed c-kit expression.

RESULTS

No objective responses were observed among the 13 patients treated in an intention-to-treat analysis. All patients experienced disease progression, with a median time to progression of 1.2 months. Twelve patients have died, and the median overall survival was 7.7 months. No patient had a serious adverse event. Imatinib therapy had no effect on the plasma levels of the angiogenesis-related cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor, PDGF, b-fibroblast growth factor, and E-selectin. Immune studies showed imatinib inhibits interferon-gamma production by TCR-activated CD4(+) T cells.

CONCLUSION

Imatinib as a single agent has no clinical activity in PDGFR-overexpressing MBC and has potential immunosuppressive effects.

Expression of growth factor and chemokine receptors: new insights in the biology of inflammatory breast cancer

PURPOSE

Recent studies have indicated that expression of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7 could be an indicator of the metastatic potential of breast cancer. Expression of CXCR4 and CCR7 along with the biomarkers HER2-neu and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was investigated in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) to evaluate their prognostic implications.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

CXCR4, CCR7, and EGFR were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of paraffin-embedded tissue sections. HER2-neu amplification was assessed by FISH and/or IHC. All patients received chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

RESULTS

Forty-four cases diagnosed with IBC from 1994 to 2002 were included in the study. In all, 18 (40.9%) patients had positive CXCR4, 10 (22.7%) had positive CCR7, 21 (47.7%) had positive HER2-neu, and EGFR was positive in 12 of 40 patients (30%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 24.8% for CXCR4-positive disease versus 42.3% for CXCR4-negative patients (P = 0.53) and 20.0% for CCR7-positive disease versus 41.9% for CCR7-negative patients (P = 0.24). EGFR-positive disease had significantly worse OS compared with EGFR-negative disease (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate the expression of growth factor and chemokine receptors in IBC. The expression of these receptors is associated with increased risk of recurrence and death, and thus, they may represent potential therapeutic targets in IBC.

Regioselective synthesis of biologically interesting pentacyclic polyheterocycles by sequential thio-Claisen and AlCl3 catalyzed oxy-Claisen rearrangement of 4-(4′-aryloxybut-2′-ynylthio)-1-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one

A number of 4-aryloxymethyl-6-phenyl-2H-thiopyrano[3,2-c][1,8]naphthyridin-5(6H)-ones were regio selectively synthesized in 82%–95% yields by the thermal Claisen rearrangement of 4-(4′-aryloxybut-2′-ynylthio)-1-phenyl-[1,8]naphthyridin-2(1H)-ones. These products were then subjected to a second Claisen rearrangement in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, anhyd. AlCl3, to give hitherto unreported pentacyclic heterocycles in 75%–90% yields. The same final products were also obtained in low yield upon refluxing 4-aryloxymethyl-6-phenyl-2H-thio pyrano-[3,2-c][1,8]naphthyridin-5(6H)-ones in N,N-diethyl aniline for 12–14 h. This method was found to be more effective than thermal Claisen rearrangement.Key words: [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement, regioselective synthesis, phase transfer catalysis, sequential Claisen rearrangement, Lewis acid catalyzed Claisen rearrangement, single crystal X-ray.

Synthesis of spiro-pyridopyridine analogues by Grubbs' catalyst mediated alkene and enyne metathesis reaction

A practical synthesis of spiro-naphthyridinone derivatives is described by the combination of the Claisen rearrangement and ring-closing metathesis/ring-closing enyne metathesis process. The RCM or RCEM proceeded smoothly in the presence of Grubbs' first generation catalyst at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere.

Bortezomib (VELCADE®) in metastatic breast cancer: pharmacodynamics, biological effects, and prediction of clinical benefits

BACKGROUND

Bortezomib (VELCADE) is a potent inhibitor of the 26S proteasome with broad antitumor activity. We performed a phase II study of bortezomib to evaluate its clinical effects in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve patients with metastatic breast cancer were treated with bortezomib (VELCADE) at a dosage of 1.5 mg/m(2) administered biweekly for 2 weeks with 1 week of rest in a 21-day cycle. The primary objective was clinical response rate. Toxicity and pharmacodynamics data were also obtained.

RESULTS

No objective responses were observed. One patient had stable disease, and 11 others experienced disease progression. The median survival time was 4.3 months (range, 0.9-37 months). The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities included fatigue (58%; n = 7) and skin rash (33%; n = 4). The mean inhibition of specific chymotryptic activity was 53.1% (+/- 13.33%). A statistically significant reduction in the plasma interleukin-6 level was seen (P = 0.0354).

CONCLUSION

Bortezomib was well tolerated but showed limited clinical activity against metastatic breast cancer when used as a single agent. The future development of this agent for the treatment of breast cancer should be guided by in vivo models that optimize activity in combination with other antitumor agents.

Holmium YAG laser treatment of superficial bladder carcinoma

Holmium YAG laser is one of the new modalities of treatment of urinary bladder tumor. Thirty patients of superficial bladder carcinoma were selected from the Urology out patient department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to July 2004. Among thirty cases, 18 were recurrent and 12 were primary superficial bladder carcinoma. Out of thirty patients, 24 were male and six were female. Patients were treated with Holmium YAG laser under spinal anesthesia. Before resection, cold cup biopsy were taken from the apex and after resection of the tumor, another cold cup biopsy were taken from the base of the tumor. Holmium YAG laser therapy was given with a 550 micron end firing quartz laser fiber through the working element of resectoscope. Small tumors (< 1 cm) were ablated and large tumors (1-4 cm) were resected. The initial laser setting was 0.5 to 0.8 J and 10 Hz. For resection of the tumor, a slightly higher energy of 1 to 1.2 J was used at 10 to 12 Hz. After resection, bleeding vessels were coagulated. The resected tumor was evacuated by Elik's evacuator. All cases were followed for 6 to 12 months by history, physical examination, urine analysis, sonogram and cystoscopy three monthly. Bleeding was minimum during the procedure and no transfusion was required. Complications like obturator jerk, clot retention or perforation were not developed. No recurrence was found during the 6 to 12 months follow up period. The procedure was found safe, effective, and acceptable. The study was conducted to evaluate the initial result of Holmium YAG laser for the treatment of superficial bladder carcinoma. We warrants further studies in this regard.

Biological screening of Bangladeshi mango mistletoe bark extracts

The ethyl acetate extract of the Bangladeshi mango mistletoe (Loranthus globosus) bark was found to be most effective against both Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria and it also showed good cytotoxicity with a LC50 10.83 microg/ml.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic constituents of Loranthus globosus

(+)-Catechin, 3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl alcohol and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamyl alcohol were isolated from the barks of Loranthus globosus. All compounds showed significant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.

A prospective study of prenatal and postnatal development of thymus of Deshi chicken

Thymus was one of the primary lymphoid organs along with the bursa in birds. The growth of the thymus of deshi chicken (Gallus Domesticus) from prenatal embryonic day fifteen (ED15) to postnatal day ninety (D90) were studied. In macroscopic study, it was found as a paired, lobulated gland, one half of which was located on either side of the neck. Each half consists of six to eight, flattened, ovoid to elongated, pale white to yellowish white lobes of varing size and shape of lymphoid tissue lying in the sub-dermal connective tissue of the neck. Histologically, the thymus of deshi chicken at embryonic day fifteen was covered by a very thin connective tissue capsule from which septa arises and divides the gland into lobes and lobules. The lobules were homogenous, small in size and the cortex and medulla were demarcated. Lobules have developing Hassall's corpuscles and they were of uniform shape and size. The lobules become well developed with advancing age. The cortex gradually becomes thicker and was packed with large lymphocytes. Hassall's corpuscles became larger and there number increases at postnatal period (D90) in the medulla of the thymus. The growth and development of thymus at each stage of the study period were found to be significantly high. The present finding of thymus of deshi chicken was found similar to the adult hybrid chicken. The study also indicates that the chicken thymic cell population, structure & functions was similar to the human thymus histologically. It was also found that the chicken embryo allows easy experimental access to all the stages of the thymic development so the present study will be helpful for experimentation on lymphoid organs and to understand pathophysiology of immunological diseases of human.

Effects of age in the structure of the bursa of Fabricius of deshi chicken of Bangladesh

The bursa of Fabricius of deshi chicken from prenatal ED15 to postnatal D90 were studied. The growth and development at each stage of the study period were highly significant.

Public perceptions of child abuse and neglect in a midwestern urban community

This study found that the majority of urban adults did not believe that any of the characteristics of children posed to them predisposed a child to abuse. In contrast, 40% of respondents claimed child abuse could not occur in a family like the one in which they grew up. The majority perceived only one characteristic, alcohol abuse, as a characteristic of child abusers. Few respondents (10%) believed that child abusers could not be helped, and 25% were not sure. Adults' perceptions of child abuse and abusers varied by sex, age, socioeconomic status, and whether the respondents had children. The data indicate that there are significant deficits in the respondents' knowledge of child abuse and neglect.

Selected ethical issues in research and publication: perceptions of health education faculty

A national random sample of 195 university health education faculty at graduate degree-granting programs completed a 31-item survey with regard to their perceptions of ethical issues in research and publishing. Most respondents were male (57%), tenured (75%), had graduate faculty status (92%), had presented original research at conferences (85%), and had published articles in health education journals (89%). Faculty members were requested to assess whether 21 scenarios dealing with ethical issues in research and publishing were ethical, unethical, questionable, or not an ethical issue. Of the scenarios, 3 were considered ethical and 7 unethical by the majority of respondents. The perceptions of how ethical the remaining 11 scenarios were varied considerably. Perceptions of the ethical scenarios did not differ among respondents by sex, academic rank, years taught as a faculty member, whether the department taught units/classes on research ethics, or whether the respondents were from doctoral-level versus master's-level programs.

School nurses' perceptions of and experiences with head lice

Researchers examined school nurses' perceptions of head lice, perceived self-efficacy in dealing with head lice, and personal experience in reducing head lice problems. Survey data from a two-wave mailing from 382 school nurses found most nurses supported a "no-nit" rule of forced absenteeism of any child with nits in their hair (60%). They perceived OTC treatments for head lice as very effective in killing adult lice (66%), and 9% perceived them as not effective. Nurses had a high efficacy expectation regarding their ability to control head lice (63%), and they had high outcome expectations regarding the results of their work with students and families of students (66%). Most nurses received their information about head lice from professional journals (76%) and professional conferences/conventions (62%).

Tetanus toxoid immunization coverage among women in zone 3 of Dhaka city: the challenge of reaching all women of reproductive age in urban Bangladesh

Neonatal tetanus is still an important public health problem in both urban and rural Bangladesh, with an estimated 41,000 cases occurring annually. This article analyses the coverage of tetanus toxoid (TT) immunizations among women of reproductive age in Zone 3 of Dhaka City in 1995. Although 85% of women with a child under 1 year of age had received two TT immunizations, only 11% of women of reproductive age had obtained the complete series of five TT immunizations and only 52% of women of reproductive age had received one or more TT immunizations. Access to TT immunization, as defined by having had at least one such immunization, was lower among women aged over 30 years and also among those aged under 20 years, especially those who were not yet married or who had not yet become pregnant. Characteristics associated with TT immunization status included the following: educational level of the woman, distance from the nearest immunization centre, and level of contact with family planning field workers. Additional characteristics that influenced women's TT immunization status included age, marital and working status, recency of migration from rural to urban area, and number of children. The relationships were complex and varied depending on the number of TT immunizations received (one or two) and on the type of analysis being carried out (bivariate or multivariate). The findings point to the need for a broad-based campaign to promote access to TT immunization as well as to promote the completion of all five TT doses in Bangladesh. Reducing missed opportunities for promotion of immunization as well as targeting home visitation of women in need of additional immunizations constitute further approaches to improving coverage. Although TT coverage rates were only marginally lower among women in slum households, such women were more likely than those in non-slum households to be pregnant and hence more likely to bear a baby at risk of neonatal tetanus. Furthermore, the environment of slum households, where deliveries normally take place, is more conducive to the development of neonatal tetanus among unprotected neonates; a strategy of focusing on slum households is therefore also needed.

Childhood immunization coverage in zone 3 of Dhaka City: the challenge of reaching impoverished households in urban Bangladesh

A household survey of 651 children aged 12-23 months in Zone 3 of Dhaka City carried out in 1995 revealed that 51% of them had fully completed the series of childhood immunizations. Immunization coverage in slum households was only half that in non-slum households. Apart from residence in a slum household, other characteristics strongly associated with the completion of the entire series of childhood immunizations included the following: educational level of the mother, number of children in the family household, mother's employment status, distance from the nearest immunization site, and number of home visits from family-planning field workers. The findings point to the need to improve childhood immunization promotion and service delivery among slum populations. Two promising strategies for improving coverage are to reduce the number of missed opportunities for immunization promotion during encounters between health workers and clients, and to identify through visits to households those children who need additional immunizations. In the long run, increasing the educational level of women will provide a strong stimulus for improving childhood immunization coverage in the population.

Measurement of nucleic acid concentrations using the DyNA Quant and the GeneQuant

Molecular biology is now a routine tool in almost all biological research fields. With the exponential growth in the number of molecular biological techniques, there is a recognizable need for sensitive, accurate and precise quantitation of nucleic acids. We present here two complementary instruments designed for the quantitation of nucleic acids, the GeneQuant II and the DyNA Quant 200 Fluorometer. The GeneQuant II can rapidly determine the UV absorbance of a solution and display the calculated DNA, RNA or protein concentration. In addition, the GeneQuant can display calculated melting temperatures for a given DNA oligonucleotide base sequence, a useful feature for primer design. The DyNA Quant 200 quantitates DNA on the basis of the fluorescent Hoechst 33258 dye/double-stranded (ds)DNA assay. Upon binding to dsDNA, the spectral properties of the dye change such that it becomes highly fluorescent at 460 nm when excited at 365 nm. The assay has proven to be a specific and sensitive alternative method for DNA quantitation, particularly for unpurified DNA samples. Together, the GeneQuant II and the DyNA Quant 200 are a cost-effective and convenient solution to the routine protein and nucleic acid quantification needs of the molecular biologist.