Celiac Disease in Children with Chronic Diarrhoea Attending At Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department of BSMMU

This descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2012 to July 2015 to see the occurrence of celiac disease in children with chronic diarrhea. A total of 62 children (age <18 years) attending the Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition department of BSMMU with chronic diarrhoea were enrolled for the study. Mean age of studied children was 7.87±4.67 years. Ratio of the male and female was 2.27:1. Maximum (66.1%) children came from middle income class family. Out of 62 children with chronic diarrhea, 35.5% (22) were positive for IgA anti-tTG of whom female were 11.3% and male 24.2%. Mean duration of diarrhoea was 44.07±21.77 months in serology positive patients and 34.49±30.52 months in serology negative patients. The age group, 10-14 year showed the highest (50%) prevalence of positive anti-tTG. In the tTG positive group mean Hb was 9.6±1.14gm/dl and which is lower than that in tTG negative group (11.7±1.47gm/dl). Among 22 seropositive patients, histological changes compatible with CD were found in 19 (86.3%) cases and normal in 3 cases. Histological changes were of 3c category of Marsh was found in 3(15.8%) cases, 3b in 4(21.1%) cases and 3a in 12(63.2%) cases. In conclusion, Screening for celiac disease may be included in diagnostic tests for evaluating chronic diarrhoea in children.

Gliomatosis Cerebri: A Rare Brain Tumor

Gliomatosis Cerebri is a rare brain tumor. There is diversity of presentation in cases due to the nature of its diffuse involvement. Very recently, on February 2016 in the department of Paediatric Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh we encountered a 10 years old boy who initially mimicked as tuberculoma of brain but later on diagnosed as Gliomatosis Cerebri on the basis of brain MRI and brain biopsy. Prognosis is always very gloomy regardless of the treatment strategy adopted. The boy died within one year after confirmation of diagnosis even after getting adequate medical management and radiation therapy.

A comparative study of hepatitis B virus X protein mutants K130M, V131I and KV130/131MI to investigate their roles in fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic mutations A1762T, G1764A and AG1762/1764TA cause production of HBV X protein (HBx) mutants, namely K130M, V131I and KV130/131MI. These mutations are important biomarkers for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic HBV patients. This study comparatively analyses the impact of intracellular expression of HBx mutants on HCC cell line Huh7. It was found that expression of KV130/131MI induced: cell proliferation, altered expression of cell cycle regulatory genes in favour of cell proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial depolarization. KV130/131MI may be directly involved in host cell proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis via altering expression of cell cycle regulatory genes. KV130/131MI may also play pivotal roles in fibrosis and cirrhosis via inducing ROS production and mitochondrial depolarization. Furthermore, these might be the possible reasons for higher occurrence of AG1762/1764TA as compared to A1762T and G1764A in cirrhosis and HCC patients.

Seafood pathogens and information on antimicrobial resistance: A review

Seafood-borne diseases are a major public health hazard in the United States and worldwide. Per capita, seafood consumption has increased globally during recent decades. Seafood importation and domestic aquaculture farming has also increased. Moreover, several recent outbreaks of human gastroenteritis have been linked to the consumption of contaminated seafood. Investigation of seafood-borne illnesses caused by norovirus, and Vibrio, and other bacteria and viruses require a concrete knowledge about the pathogenicity and virulence properties of the etiologic agents. This review explores pathogens that have been associated with seafood and resulting outbreaks in the U.S. and other countries as well as the presence of antimicrobial resistance in the reviewed pathogens. The spectrum of such resistance is widening due to the overuse, misuse, and sub-therapeutic application of antimicrobials in humans and animals.

Tannery effluent effect on the haematological parameters of freshwater fish, Channa punctatus

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the tannery effluent toxicity stress symptoms in fish blood during a long term of exposure period. The effect of tannery effluent on various haematological parameters were evaluated exposing fresh water fish, C. punctatus to different concentration i.e., [Control, 5% Tannery effluent (TE), 10% TE and 20% TE] of tannery effluent. Exposed of fish to tannery effluent showed a significant decrease in the haemoglobin (Hb) content (9.16± 0.08), red blood cells (3.32 ± 0.12), packed cell volume (34.66 ± 0.33) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values, whereas significant increase in the white blood cells (WBC), erythro-cyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and clotting time was recorded with increase in exposure periods as compared to control respectively. Hb, RBC and MCHC values showed fluctuating results. The haematological parameters were decreases from 15th days of exposure periods to 45th days of exposure period. The decrease in haematological parameters clearly indicates that the exposed fishes have become anemic due to tannery effluent exposure.

Application of Antimicrobial Agents via Commercial Spray Cabinet To Inactivate Salmonella on Skinless Chicken Meat

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium is a food safety concern for raw poultry products. New and innovative application methods of antimicrobials for the reduction of Salmonella in poultry and poultry products are essential. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of three antimicrobial compounds against Salmonella on raw chicken meat when applied individually and in combination using a commercial spray cabinet. Raw chicken thigh meat inoculated with 5 log CFU/g Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 53647 was passed through a spray cabinet while being sprayed with 5% lauric arginate (LAE), 0.8% vinegar solution (VS), near-neutral electrolyzed water, or deionized water. The following three experiments were carried out: (i) exposure times of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 s, (ii) storage at 4°C for 0, 1, 2, and 3 days after a 60-s exposure, and (iii) a combination of treatment with LAE and VS followed by storage at 4°C for 0, 1, 2, and 3 days. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were used to determine mean significant differences (P < 0.05). The experiment was carried out in duplicate for each replicate (n = 3 × 2). In comparing individual antimicrobials, the 60-s treatment time resulted in the greatest reduction of Salmonella Typhimurium, with LAE achieving the greatest reduction (2.07 log), followed by VS, near-neutral electrolyzed water, and deionized water (0.63, 0.56, and 0.53 log, respectively). After 3 days of storage, LAE significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Salmonella Typhimurium, by 1.28 log. The combination of VS and then LAE resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) greater reduction than using LAE followed by VS (1.61 and 0.93 log, respectively). The results of this study suggest that LAE is a viable compound to reduce Salmonella Typhimurium on raw chicken meat and that the order of application of antimicrobial agents plays a vital role.

Incidence of Buxtonella sulcata in bovines in R.S. Pura, Jammu

Incidence of Buxtonella sulcata was recorded as 20.9 % in bovines (n = 374) of R.S. Pura, Jammu with cattle showing higher infection rate (23.6 %) than the buffaloes (18.5 %). The infection was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in young animals (33.1 %) than the adults (13.9 %). Animals with diarrhoeic faeces had a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) infection rate (38.5 %) than the animals with normal faeces (9.9 %), suggesting the influence of protozoan on the incidence of diarrhoeal symptoms in bovines.

Mother’s / care giver’s health seeking behaviour during childhood illness in an urban slum of Dhaka city

Objectives: To determine the health seeking behaviour of mothers / care givers of children under 5 years of age during their illnesses.Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 439 mothers/ care givers of under 5 year old children in an urban slum area of Dhaka city from September 2013 to February 2014. Data were collected through face-to-face interview by using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. All analyzed data were presented in the form of percentages. Chi-square test was applied wherever applicable.Results: Out of 439 mothers / care givers, most (90%) of them sought health care services during their children’s illness. [A statistically significant association was found between mother’s /care giver’s education and sought health care services during illness of children (p=0.055). In the study, 200 (50%) of the respondents consulted drug sellers of medicine shops during their children’s illness. Others went to medical college hospital (34.6%), Government hospitals (13.5%), consulted a private practitioners (11%) and NGO facilities (6.3%). Forty (9.1%) respondents did not seek any health care with multiple reasons or responses. Majority (27, 67.5%) waited for self recovery, 21 (52.5%) had lack of money, 5 (12.5%) did not receive any advice to receive treatment. Four (10%) respondents said that the health care facility was too far to receive treatment and 3 (7.5%) respondents did not feel that treatment was necessary. [Health seeking behaviour of the mothers / care givers was statistically highly significant in educated person. They took the child to Govt. hospital (p=0.001) during illness. The relationship between health seeking behaviour and monthly family income of the respondents was statistically significant. The respondents took their child to medical college hospital (p=0.040) and also consulted drug sellers (p=0.038) during illness of the child.]Conclusion: Health education and behaviour change communication activities can be undertaken in the slum for mothers / care givers about early recognition of childhood illness and on the importance of seeking early treatment.Pulse Vol.7 January-December 2014 p.5-15

Sexual lifestyle and socio-demographic profile of female floating sex workers in some selected areas of Dhaka city

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of six months in some locations of Dhaka city. Data was collected from 90 floating sex workers to find out their socio-demographic characteristics, sexual lifestyle particularly safe sex by using condom among them. Of the 90 respondents, mean age of the respondents was 22.21 (+4.87) with a range of < 18 to >26 years. 42 (46.7%) of the respondents were married. 73 (81.1%) of the respondents were the main earning member of the family. The mean family income was Taka 7700 (+3872.838). Majority 33(36.7%) of the respondents were illiterate. The main reason for accepting sex selling profession it was found that more than half i.e. 62 (68.9%) of the respondents were bluffed and 24 (26.7%) respondents accepted this profession of their own will. The duration of sex work of 29 (32.2%) of the respondents was less than 1 year (6-8 months) and 24 (26.6%) of the respondents were 4-5 years. 59 of the respondent always used condoms (65.6%). A significant number of respondents, 31 (34.4%) did not use condom. The reason for not using condom was client’s dissatisfaction (25, 80.6%) and 4 (12.9%) respondents used other methods of contraception. Among the respondents, 78 (86.7%) used condom during last sexual intercourse. In the study, 45 (76.3%) respondents knew condom as a preventive measure and advocated its use in each sexual intercourse. (?² = 4.356; d f=1 P= 0.037). 60 (76.3%) of the respondents knew condom use as a preventive measure and used it in last sexual intercourse and highly significant association was found (?² = 17.61; df=1 P<0.001) between knowledge and practice. Promoting constant condom usage with clients among the female floating sex workers should be sustained and reinforced.Pulse Vol.7 January-December 2014 p.29-37

Gamma Irradiation Treatment of Cherry – Impact on Storage Quality, Decay Percentage and Post- Refrigeration Shelf-Life Extension

Present study was conducted to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on storage quality and post refrigeration shelf-life extension of cherry. Two commercial varieties of cherry fruit (Misri and Double) after harvest at commercial maturity were gamma irradiated in the dose range of 0.3 -1.5 kGy followed by storage under ambient (temperature 25 ± 2 0C, RH 70%) and refrigerated (temperature 3 ± 1 0C, RH 80%) conditions. Among treatments, dose of 1.2 and 1.5 kGy effectively maintained the storage quality and significantly (p≤0.05) delayed the decay of the cherry varieties. In samples treated with dose of 1.2 and 1.5 kGy no decay was recorded up to 9 days of ambient storage. Under refrigerated conditions, cherry samples of control and those irradiated in the range of 0.3 – 0.9 kGy started decaying after 14 days of storage. No decay was observed in 1.2 and 1.5 kGy samples of both the varieties up to 28 days of refrigerated storage. The treatments of 1.2 and 1.5 kGy gave an extension of 6 days in shelf life of cherry varieties during post-refrigerated storage at 25 ± 2 0C, RH 70% following 28 days of refrigeration. Firmness comparison of treatments revealed that dose of 1.2 kGy was found to be better compared to 1.5 kGy due to decrease in firmness observed in cherry samples irradiated at 1.5 kGy. Thus, radiation processing of Kashmiri Cheries at 1.2 kGy can prove beneficial in facilitating the marketing of the fruit to distant places other than the local markets, thereby benefiting the growers.

Red cell alloimmunisation in regularly transfused beta thalassemia patients in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

In Pakistan routine blood group typing of thalassemia patients identifies ABO and Rh(D) antigens only. Therefore, other antigen incompatibilities between blood donor and blood recipient may cause alloimmunisation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of alloimmunisation and to evaluate the risk factors associated with its development in beta (β)-thalassemia patients receiving regular blood transfusions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total 162 β thalassemia patients were included in this study. An extended red cell antigen panel was performed to detect antibodies. Patients received red cell concentrates, which were matched for ABO and Rh(D) antigens. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analysed to estimate the frequency of alloantibodies and the factors influencing immunisation in patients on regular blood transfusion.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 6·7 (range: 0·5-25) years. A total of 14 (8·6%) patients developed alloantibodies against red cell antigens. The most frequently occurring alloantibodies was anti-E (2·5%), anti-K (1·8%), anti-e (1·2%) and anti-D (0·6%). Five (3·1%) patients developed more than one red blood cell (RBC) alloantibody. Age at first transfusion in alloimmunised patients was 1·22 ± 0·87 years. The frequency of blood transfusion in alloimmunised patients was 23 ± 8·81 days and in those without alloimmunisation was 31·8 ± 16 days (p = 0·02). Logistic regression analysis showed no independent risk factor associated with alloimmunisation.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of transfusion was increased in patients who developed alloantibodies. Typing patients and donors to match for Rh and Kell antigens would prevent more than 90% of RBC alloantibodies and reduce the frequency of transfusion in thalassemia patients.

Field Emission Characteristics of Polyaniline/Se Nanocomposites

Polyaniline (PAni)/Se nanocomposites have been synthesized in different compositions employing chemical route and shown excellent field emission behaviour. Detailed studies on the field emission for all composites with different concentrations of dopant are performed in an indigenously fabricated set up in a vacuum chamber with a base pressure of 10(-6) Torr at room temperature and analysed with current density versus Electric field (J-E) and Fowler-Nordheim (FN) plots. Comparative field emission results showed that 10% (w/w) doped PAni/Se nanocomposite depicts highest emission characteristics, current density and field enhancement factor with turn-on field as low as 1.2 V/µm in comparison with other composites, while pure PAni shows no field emission characteristics. These composites have also been characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). FTIR results supply the evidence for the occurrence of the polymer in its conducting state. The ease of synthesis route and interesting field emission properties recommend these composites as a promising material for field emission based applications in vacuum micro-nanoelectronic devices and also for plastic display industry.

Chlorine inactivation of Salmonella Kentucky isolated from chicken carcasses: evaluation of strain variation

The current study was undertaken to evaluate chlorine resistance among strains of Salmonella Kentucky isolated from chicken carcasses. Selected strains (n = 8) were exposed to 30 ppm of chlorine in 10% buffered peptone water (pH 7.4) for 0 to 10 min at 4°C and 150 rpm. The initial level (mean ± SD) of Salmonella Kentucky was 6.18 ± 0.09 log CFU/ml and did not differ (P > 0.05) among strains. A two-way analysis of variance indicated that the level of Salmonella Kentucky in chlorinated water was affected (P < 0.05) by a time by strain interaction. Differences among strains increased as a function of chlorine exposure time. After 10 min of chlorine exposure, the most resistant strain (SK145) was 5.63 ± 0.54 log CFU/ml, whereas the least resistant strain (SK275) was 3.07 ± 0.29 log CFU/ml. Significant differences in chlorine resistance were observed for most strain comparisons. Death of Salmonella Kentucky was nonlinear over time and fitted well to a power law model with a shape parameter of 0.34 (concave upward). Time (minutes) for a 1-log reduction of Salmonella Kentucky differed (P < 0.05) among strains: >10 min for SK145, 6.0 min for SK254, 1.5 min for SK179, and 0.3 to 0.65 min for other strains. Results of this study indicate that strain is an important variable to include in models that predict changes in levels of Salmonella Kentucky in chlorinated water.

Acaricidal activity of ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium against Hyalomma anatolicum ticks

The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium in comparison to amitraz on adults, eggs and larvae of Hyalomma anatolicum using the adult immersion test (AIT), egg hatchability test and larval packet test (LPT), respectively. Four concentrations of the extract (2.5, 5, 10 and 20%) with three replications for each concentration were used in all the bioassays. In AIT, the mortality rates at 2.5, 5 and 10% were significantly different (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group; however, at 20%, it was similar to the positive control group. Maximum mortality of 86.7% was recorded at 20%. The LC50 and LC95 values were calculated as 6.51 and 55.43%, respectively. The oviposition was reduced significantly by 36.8 and 59.1% at concentrations of 10 and 20%, respectively. Egg hatchability was reduced significantly at all concentrations (2.5-20%) in comparison to the control. In LPT, the extract caused 100% mortality of larvae at all the concentrations after 24 h. The results show that ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of A. absinthium has acaricidal properties and could be useful in controlling H. anatolicum.

Role of sonohysterography in evaluation of abnormally thickened endometrium causing abnormal uterine bleeding with histopathological correlation

This prospective randomized study was carried out in the department of Radiology and Imaging in collaboration with the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag and Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) during the period of January 2003 to December 2004. The aim of this study was to establish sonohyterography as a sensitive tool and superior to Transvaginal Sonography (TVS) for detection of endometrial pathology in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and its validity by determining sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. For this purpose, a total number of 40 patients who had thickened endometrium (cut off level <15 mm for pre menopausal and <5 mm for post menopausal patients) detected on transabdominal or transvaginal sonography were selected. TVS and TV-SH were done in all these patients and findings were then compared with the final histopathological diagnosis. In our study, we found TV-SH has sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 80% and accuracy of 97.5 % compared to TVS (94 %, 66.66 % and 90 % respectively) in detection of endometrial pathology in women with AUB. TV-SH can thus be regarded as one of the most sensitive, specific and accurate modality in detecting and excluding endoluminal masses as the cause of AUB. It can be considered as the initial examination in the evaluation of all women with AUB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v40i1.20322 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40: 10-14

Acaricidal activity of extract of Artemisia absinthium against Rhipicephalus sanguineus of dogs

The objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of chloroform extract obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium in comparison to amitraz on adults, eggs and larvae of the dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus using the adult immersion test (AIT), egg hatchability test (EHT) and larval packet test (LPT), respectively. Five concentrations of the extract (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %) with three replications for each concentration were used in all the bioassays. A control group was established (water + dimethylsulphoxide) together with a positive control group (amitraz), with three repetitions each. In AIT, the mortality rates were 0.0, 13.3, 16.7, 33.3 and 93.3 % in concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, respectively, and the variation was significant (p=0.0151). The LC50 (CI) and LC95 (CI) values were calculated as 8.793 % (8.217-9.408) and 34.59 % (29.71-40.26), respectively. The egg production was reduced by 6.6, 6.6, 18.3, 42.5 and 85.1 % in the concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, respectively, and it was statistically significant (p=0.0274). In EHT, hatching was completely inhibited at 5, 10 and 20 % displaying 100 % ovicidal action while at the concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 %, the inhibition rates were 20 and 60 %, respectively. In LPT, the extract caused 100 % mortality of larvae in the concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 % after 24 h while at the concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 %, the mortality rates were 54.3 and 96.7 %, respectively. The LC50 (CI) and LC95 (CI) values were determined to be 1.11 % (1.099-1.121) and 2.37 % (2.328-2.423), respectively. The results show that the extract of A. absinthium has acaricidal properties and could be useful in controlling R. sanguineus which is an efficient vector of pathogens both in dogs and humans.