An alternative electrochemical approach for toluene detection with ZnO/MgO/Cr2O3 nanofibers on a glassy carbon electrode for environmental monitoring

In situ fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical sensor using a wet-chemically prepared ternary ZnO/MgO/Cr₂O₃ nanofiber (NF)-decorated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with Nafion adhesive was the approach of this study. The resultant NFs were characterized by various tools, such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis). The analytical parameters of the proposed toluene sensor were characterized as follows: good sensitivity (23.89 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻²), a lower limit of detection (LOD; 95.59 ± 1.5 pM), a limit of quantification (LOQ; 318.63 ± 2.0 pM), efficient response time (18 s), and the dynamic range (LDR) for toluene detection of 0.1 nM–0.01 mM. The real-time application of the sensor is to protect the environmental ecosystem, as well as the public health from the harmful effects of toluene. In an environmental application, the toluene sensor exhibited good reproducibility, robustness, LOD, LOQ, and good reliability, which are discussed in detail and compared to the literature.

In situ fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical toluene sensor probe using wet-chemically prepared ternary ZnO/MgO/Cr₂O₃ nanofiber (NF)-decorated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with Nafion adhesive was the approach of this study.

Outcome of Bone Marrow Injection in Patient with Delayed Union and Non-Uninon of Long Bone Fracture

Bone marrow is a source of osteoprogenitor cells which are the most important factor of bone formation and healing of fracture. The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of bone marrow injection in the management of delayed union and non-union. This prospective study was performed in the department of Orthopaedics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2017 to June 2019. In this study 21 patients with delayed union and non-union were treated by bone marrow injection. Bone marrow were aspirated from the anterior or posterior iliac crests then injected percutaneously into the fracture site. Full union was achieved in 15 cases, while failed in the others. No major complications were seen during or after the procedure. It is a safe, easy and a minimally invasive procedure compared to usual open bone graft especially for cases with high risk of anesthesia or risk of infection.

Comparison of High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Pregnancy is accompanied by changes in the maternal lipoprotein metabolism that may serve to satisfy the nutritional demands of the fetus in addition to the energy requirements of the mother. Early pregnancy is considered the anabolic phase, characterized by increased hepatic production of triglycerides and enhanced removal of triglycerides from the circulation, resulting in an increased deposition of fat in maternal adipose tissue. Late pregnancy is referred to as the catabolic phase, the release of free fatty acids from adipocytes is enhanced due to both relative insulin resistance and stimulation of hormones. Although it is known that cholesterol rises in pregnancy, at present it is not routinely measured or treated. However, a growing body of evidence from animal and human studies suggests adverse consequences of high cholesterol levels in pregnancy. High lipid profile, a major factor behind atherosclerosis may leads to unconsciousness. To avoid such problems during pregnancy this longitudinal study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in co-operation with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and Community Based Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from July 2011 to December 2012 to compare the changes in high density lipoprotein cholesterol level during 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. A total of one hundred subjects were participated in this study comprising of second and third trimester of pregnancy. All subjects were made to fast overnight at least for a minimum of 8 hours. Blood samples were taken and analyzed by enzymatic colorimetric kit method. Pregnancy has been found to be associated with changes in lipid profile and this differs with each trimester. The average results were analyzed with respect to each pregnancy for the whole group. The study proves that serum High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increases in second trimester (48.71±7.61mg/dl) than third trimester (47.01±7.45mg/dl) of Pregnancy. So, Lipid profile estimation and monitoring should be made as a part of routine investigation during antenatal period.

Impact of Climate Change and Land Use on Groundwater Salinization in Southern Bangladesh-Implications for Other Asian Deltas

Pervasive salinity in soil and water is affecting agricultural yield and the health of millions of delta dwellers in Asia. This is also being exacerbated by climate change through increases in sea level and tropical storm surges. One consequence of this has been a widespread introduction of salt water shrimp farming. Here, we show, using field data and modeling, how changes in climate and land use are likely to result in increased salinization of shallow groundwater in SE Asian mega-deltas. We also explore possible adaptation options. We find that possible future increase of episodic inundation events, combined with salt water shrimp farming, will cause rapid salinization of groundwater in the region making it less suitable for drinking water and irrigation. However, modified land use and water management practices can mitigate the impacts on groundwater, as well as the overlying soil, from future salinization. The study therefore provides guidance for adaptation planning to reduce future salinization in Asian deltas.

Prevalence of Gall Bladder Carcinoma in Patients with Cholelithiasis

The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of gallbladder carcinoma in patients having cholelithiasis. For this purpose a prospective study was carried out on 15 patients of both sexes in Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogura. Their mean age was 56 ±8 years (range 30 to 70 years) having gall bladder mass. Gall bladder mass and stone were detected by history, Physical examination, ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen. Carcinoma was confirmed by histopathological examination of specimens removed by operation. All gallbladder masses removed by operation showed malignat tumor on histopathological examination. Among them adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were present in 94 and 6 percent respectively. Stones were present within gallbladder mass in 94 percent of cases. In 80 percent of cases the disease was in advanced stage. The results of the present study suggested that the patient having cholelithiasis are prone to develop malignancy in the gallbladder. However as the sample size is small further studies are needed by taking large number of sample to validate this statement Journal of Surgical Sciences (2012) Vol. 16 (2) : 68-70

Genetic diversity of Bangladeshi native chickens based on complete sequence of mitochondrial DNA D-loop region

1. The aim of this study was to explore genetic diversity and possible origin of Bangladeshi (BD) native chickens. The complete mtDNA D-loop region was sequenced in 60 chickens representing five populations; naked neck, full feathered, Aseel, Hilly and autosomal dwarf. The 61 reference sequences representing different domestic chicken clades in China, India, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, and other Eurasian regions were included. The mtDNA D-loop sequence polymorphism and maternal origin of five BD populations were analysed.2. A total of 35 polymorphic sites, and 21 haplotypes were detected in 60 mtDNA D-loop sequences. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity of the five populations were 0.921 ± 0.018 and 0.0061 ± 0.0019, respectively. Both mtDNA network and phylogenetic analysis indicated four clades (four haplogroups) in BD populations (21 haplotypes) along with 61 reference haplotypes. Clade E contained the most individuals (20) and haplotypes (11) of BD chickens, followed by clade D (17, 6), clade C (12, 2) and clade F (11, 2), respectively.3. The higher number of unique haplotypes found in Yunnan, China, suggested that the origin of BD chickens was in this region. The haplotypes from different haplogroups were introduced in Bangladeshi chickens from India, China and Myanmar. The phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship of BD chickens with the clusters from India, China, Myanmar and Laos, and indicated the dispersion of BD chickens from these sources. The phylogenetic information revealed high genetic diversity of BD chickens because of their origin from different lineages with high genetic variation and distance, which was determined from four cluster and neighbour-joining trees.4. In conclusion, BD populations had high genetic diversity. The mtDNA network profiles and phylogenetic trees showed multiple maternal origins of BD chickens from India, China, Myanmar and Laos.

Concentrations and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Cereals, Fruits, and Vegetables of Bangladesh

This study was conducted to determine concentrations of five toxic trace elements (Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb) in cereals, fruits, and vegetables of Bangladesh. The range of mass fractions (mg/kg) of Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb in the foodstuffs was 0.090-2.5, 0.03-2.6, 0.13-1.7, 0.010-0.74, and 0.37-2.2, respectively. This study indicates that concentration of Cr, and Pb in fruits; As, Cd, and Pb in vegetables were higher than WHO/FAO maximum allowable concentration levels. The hazard index (HI) values for adults and children of the toxic elements in studied cereals, fruits and vegetables were higher than 1.0, suggesting non-carcinogenic adverse health hazard to the consumers. The estimated target carcinogenic risk (TCR) values were greater than the threshold level of 1.0 × 10^-4 for Cr and Cd in cereals and vegetables indicate potential cancer risk to both adults and children for consumption of the foodstuffs. The present study reveals that trace elements contamination in foodstuffs is a serious issue of concern in Bangladesh.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Two Years Experience at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Laparoscopic surgery has become an efficient tool for many complex surgical procedures. In last decades, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become a more viable option for removal of adrenal pathology, with many surgeons preferring it to the conventional open technique. This study was done to evaluate the outcomes of lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy (LTA) in our department and evaluate the feasibility of lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy (LTA) in our perspective. This study is case series observational study carried out at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2015 to May 2017. Suspected primary adrenal malignancies were excluded. Seventeen (17) patients (10 male and 7 females with mean age of 35.29 years) underwent 18 adrenalectomy (one bilateral). Seventeen (17) adrenal tumours were resected through laparoscopy and one adrenal tumour is resected through open approach due to conversion. All the patients underwent hormonal evaluation, ultrasonogram and computed tomography of whole abdomen. Ten (10) patients (58.82%) had hormonal active adrenal mass. Seven (7) patients (41.18%) were asymptomatic of which 2 had associated cholelithiasis, 7 patients had generalized weakness, 3 had weight gain with Cushing syndrome (one drug induced) and one had Hirsutism with musculanizing effect. Nine (9) patients had hypertension and 6 patients had diabetes mellitus. Eight (8) right, 8 left and 1 bilateral LTA were performed. The mean age of the patients were 35.29 years, adrenal tumour size ranges from 15-65mm and operation time ranges from 75-120 minutes for unilateral adrenalectomies and 220 minutes for bilateral adrenalectomy. Estimated blood loss ranges from 30 to 130 ml in 16 cases and in one case it was 220 ml in which conversion was done. Mean post operative stay in hospital was 3.94 days. In 16 cases no major or minor complications were observed but in one case due to haemorrhage and infiltration of the tumour to kidney conversion are done in the form of right adrenalectomy with upper partial nephrectomy (Histopathology revealed angiomyolipoma). In pathological examination 9 patients (52.94%) had adrenocortical adenoma, 2 patients (11.76%) had phaeochromocytoma including bilateral one, 2 patients (11.76%) had myolipoma of which one converted to open, 2 patients (11.76%) had adrenocortical hyperplasia, one patient (5.88%) had adrenal cyst and one patient (5.88%) had haemorrhagic cyst. LTA is a safe and efficient minimally invasive treatment options for both secreting and non secreting adrenal masses. The procedure has a learning curve and should be performed by a surgeon experienced in both open and laparoscopic adrenal surgery.

Prevalence of Serological Markers of Viruses in Patients of Acute Hepatitis

Infections due to hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis E (HEV) viruses are the major causes of hepatitis and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution pattern of serological markers in patients of acute viral hepatitis. This was a hospital based observational cross sectional study among purposively selected 107 patients admitted with acute viral hepatitis in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from April 2017 to September 2017. Data were collected by face-to-face interview of the patients, clinical assessment and investigations of biochemical and serological parameters using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done using the analytic software SPSS version 21.0. The mean age of the patients was 33.35±12.97 years. Majority was male (68.2%), Muslim (87.9%), married (72.9%) and came from urban area (63.6%) with different level of educational qualifications. The prevalence of viral hepatitis is higher in male (68.22%) than female (31.78%). The common clinical presentations were dark coloured urine (100.0%), yellow colouration of the sclera (100.0%), anorexia (90.6%), nausea/vomiting (79.4%) and abdominal pain (68.2%). Of the 107 patients, 51.40% (n=55) had acute viral E hepatitis, 36.40% (n=39) had acute viral B hepatitis, 12.15% (n=13) had acute viral A hepatitis. Mixed infection with both hepatitis E and A viruses was 1.87% (n=2). HEV and HBV are common in relatively older age while HAV is common in relatively younger age to cause acute viral hepatitis. The study revealed a high prevalence of HEV followed by HBV and HAV in the Bangladeshi population suspected of having suffered from acute viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B Antibody Level Falls after Initial Phage of Chemotherapy in Childhood Haematological Malignancy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide one of the major public health problem. Vaccination against HBV is highly effective at a very low cost. During treatment and for a variable period after completion of chemotherapy and radiotherapy children became immunosuppress. The main laboratory marker used to assess hepatitis B immunity is IgG antibody to the surface antigen (HBsAg). Surgical procedures and multiple blood transfusions increase the risk of hepatitis B virus infection in these immune suppressed patients. In Bangladesh, data are unavailable regarding prevalence of HBsAg in children with cancer and their protective immune status against hepatitis B virus while on treatment or after completion of chemotherapy. The results of this study may aid physicians in the development of evidence-based guidelines for revaccination of children with cancer during and after treatment with chemotherapy. This observational study was conducted from November 2013 to February 2015 in the department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Children were recruited from both the inpatient and outpatient units of the department of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology at BSMMU. Blood specimens were collected from the children who were receiving inpatient and outpatient care from the department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, 2.0ml of venous blood was drawn and serum was separated and stored at -20°C until testing then HBV antibody titer was assayed at the department of Virology laboratory of BSMMU. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Among 28 children, 19(67.9%) were male and 9(32.1%) female, male female ratio 2.1:1. Among the 28 children, ALL was in 24(85.7%), NHL 3(10.7%), and APML 1(3.7%). Among 28 children, anti-HBs titer was more than 10mIU/ml in all patients. But six month after initiation of chemotherapy, 8(28.57%) patients had anti-HBs titer less than 10mIU/ml. Hepatitis B antibody titre level significantly reduced after 6 months chemotherapy in children with hematological malignancies.

Regiospecific Synthesis of Carboxylated and Simple α-Tetralones with Homophthalates and Various Acrylates by a Simple Condensation Method

Various carboxylated enols (3) have been prepared by taking advantage of simple condensation reactions of various homophthalates (1) with different acrylates (2), and these enols under heating with two different solvents (DMF and DMSO), afforded ten specific α-tetralones in good to moderate yields using NaCl as a catalyst.

Analysis of grain growth, structural and magnetic properties of Li-Ni-Zn ferrite under the influence of sintering temperature

The effect of sintering temperature (T_S) on the structural and magnetic properties of Li_0.15Ni_0.3Zn_0.4Fe_2.15O₄ is investigated and discussed. The sample is synthesized by the sol-gel auto combustion method and sintered at 1373–1573 K for 5 h. Phase identification of the powder sample was performed by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns confirmed the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure. The bulk density is correlated with T_S. From the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy study, it is observed that the percentage of the elements in the component phases is well consistent with the nominal composition of the composites. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy showed that the average grain size (D) is increased with increasing T_S. The frequency (100 Hz–120 MHz) dependent complex initial permeability spectra and relative quality factor increased with sintering temperature up to 1523 K then decreased for further increase in temperature. The complex initial permeability has been explained with the help of microstructure, and the redistribution of cations in their sites.

One-step wet-chemical synthesis of ternary ZnO/CuO/Co3O4 nanoparticles for sensitive and selective melamine sensor development

Using one-step wet-chemically synthesized ternary ZnO/CuO/Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated GCE sensor probe, a selective and sensitive melamine chemical sensor was developed by electrochemical approach, which exhibited the highest sensitivity, better repeatability, broad linear dynamic range, good linearity, fast response time, and lowest detection limit.

Detection of uric acid based on doped ZnO/Ag2O/Co3O4 nanoparticle loaded glassy carbon electrode

Highly sensitive and selective uric acid sensor was fabricated using facile wet-chemically prepared ternary doped ZnO/Ag₂O/Co₃O₄ nanoparticles onto glassy carbon electrode by electrochemical approach, which introduced a prospective and reliable route to the future development of enzyme-free sensor by doped nanomaterials in broad scales.

Management of Post Traumatic Kyphotic Deformity in Thoracolumbar Spine: Conservative versus Operative Treatment

Local post traumatic kyphosis may impair spinal sagittal balance and result in seven disability and programmed neurological deficit. In operative group the mean±SD fracture kyphosis was 34.21±3.7 at the time of admission and mean±SD kyphosis was 17.64±3.20 at the time of final follow up. In conservative group the mean±SD kyphosis was 32.96±4.06 at the time of admission and mean±SD kyphosis was 40.28±4.72 at the time of final follow up. It is interesting to note that in conservative group kyphosis increased (7.3) during final follow up but decreased (16.57) in operative group during final follow up due to spinal instrumentation and post-lateral fusion. Local post traumatic kyphosis may impair spinal sagittal balance and result in severe disability and progressive neurological deficit. Objective of the study is to find out the better option in the management of post traumatic kyphotic deformity in thoracolumbar Spain injury. The quasi-experimental study was carried out at the National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2006 to December 2008. A total number of 40 patients with post traumatic thoracolumbar spine injuries with kyphotic deformity selected purposively. Out of 40 cases 1 patient missed from final follow up. Rest of 39 patients was included in this study. All patients were admitted within 3 weeks of injury. Most were referred from peripheral hospital & some were admitted in emergency and outpatient department of NITOR. Among those 25 patients were conservatively treated and 14 were operatively treated. In operative group the mean±SD fracture kyphosis was 34.21±3.7 at the time of admission and mean±SD kyphosis was 17.64±3.20 at the time of final follow up. In conservative group the mean±SD kyphosis was 32.96±4.06 at the time of admission and mean±SD kyphosis was 40.28±4.72 at the time of final follow up. It is to note that in conservative group kyphosis increased (7.3) during final follow up but decreased (16.57) in operative group during final follow up due to spinal instrumentation and post-lateral fusion.

Frequency of Fungal Species of Onychomycosis between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients

Onychomycosis is a common nail problem in our country. Diabetic patients are more prone to develop onychomycosis. Various types of fungi are the causative agents of nail infections. This cross sectional explorative study was designed to find out the pattern of onychomycosis among diabetic and non-diabetic patients attending the out patient Department of Dermatology and Venereology and Endocrinology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2013. Clinically diagnosed patients of onychomycosis with diabetic or non-diabetic were included purposively in this study. Scraping or clipping from infected nail materials were processed for microscopy and culture in Sabouraud's dextrose agar media and Dermatophyte test media. Clinical features, microscopic examination results and culture interpretations were recorded and compared in two groups. A total of 87 clinically diagnosed patients of onychomycosis were included in this study. Out of 87 patients of onychomycosis, 54 patients were diabetic and 33 patients were non-diabetic. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were found in 24(44.44%) and 19(35.18%) diabetic patients. Candida albicans and non-albicanscandida species were found in 1(1.85%) and 2(3.70%) diabetic patients. On the other hand, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were found in 1(3.03%) and 2(6.06%) non-diabetic patients. Candida albicans and non-albicanscandida species were found in 8(24.24%) and 8(24.24%) non-diabetic patients. Growth of fungus was found in 46(85.19%) diabetic patients which was significant (p=0.004) compared to that found in 19(57.58%) non-diabetic patients. No growth was found in 8(14.81%) diabetic and in 14(42.42%) non-diabetic patients. Dermatophytes were more found in diabetic patients and Candida albicans and non-albican Candida spp. were more found in non-diabetic patients. So, the pattern of onychomycosis was different in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Further study may be done with large number of sample to determine more accurate pattern of onychomycosis among diabetics.

Exploring the status of disaster risk reduction focusing coping strategies in Rangpur division of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a low laying country where disaster events are common phenomena almost every year. Same as coastal areas of Bangladesh, the northern areas are now suffering huge events of floods, droughts and riverbank erosion. The main purpose of this study is to determine the practice of disaster coping strategies by the people in the study areas. The study was carried out at Rajibpur sub-district under Kurigram district, Saghatta sub-district under Gaibandha district, Gangachara sub-district under Rangpur district, Aditmari sub-district under Lalmonirhat district and Dimla sub-district under Nilphamari district. Data were collected from a sample of 300 respondents from 5 subdistricts by using interview schedules 12 January 2017 to 19 March 2018. About 80% respondents are dependent on the TV or Radio news for pre-disaster warning and forecasting as well as more than this population loses their property above BDT 50000 in every year due to disaster damage. During flood, the respondents maintain some scoping materials like raising plinth, making scaffold, using moveable cooking materials, taking loan from the Mahajan and sold their non-productive assets. Most of the respondents from various study area follow these kinds of measures and about 63.33% respondents use bamboo or wood for their cooking purpose during flood. About 40% respondents from these study areas are suffered of shelter due to riverbank erosion and they migrate here and there for better life. More than two third of the respondents have no opportunity to get any kind of help or relief from the GOs and NGOs. They are now depending on their own coping strategies. They badly need a new coping strategy for reducing the damage of flood or riverbank erosion. Disaster forecasting, early warning system and community-based flood management can save many lives and properties. For effective disaster management strategies, it could be applied early warning systems and adequate training as pre-disaster strategy and availability of relief and other inputs at acceptable price and loan with flexible conditions as post-disaster strategy. Progressive Agriculture 29 (3): 195-204, 2018

DETECTION OF MULTI–DRUG RESISTANT SALMONELLA FROM MILK AND MEAT IN BANGLADESH

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in milk, chicken meat and beef and to determine the multi-drug resistance (MDR) profile of Salmonella spp. in Mymensingh and Gazipur districts, Bangladesh. A total of 169 samples of milk (n=108), chicken meat (n=51) and beef (n=10) were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) dairy farm, American dairy farm, Gazipur and different  small dairy farms of municipal area during July 2016 to June 2017. Salmonella spp. were isolated on various selective agar media such as: Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar, Xylose-Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar, Eosine-Methylene Blue (EMB) agar. Identification of Salmonella spp. was done by colony characteristics, Gram staining, biochemical test and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Multi-drug resistant Salmonella spp. was detected by disc diffusion test using 10 commonly used antibiotics. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. in all food samples was 21.89%. A total of 29 (56.86%) chicken meat, 02 (1.85%) milk, and 06 (60%) beef samples were Salmonella spp. positive. Antibiogram study showed that an overall 89.19% of Salmonella spp. was found multi-drug resistant. Specifically 100%, 66.67% and 93.10% of the Salmonella spp. isolates originated from milk, beef and chicken meat respectively were multi-drug resistant. The result of this study suggests that MDR Salmonella spp. is prevalent in the milk and meat which might cause public health hazard if proper hygienic measures are not undertaken at farm and marketing level.

Evaluation of Knowledge Regarding Oral Anti-diabetic Agents among Hospitalized Diabetic Patients

Knowledge regarding oral anti-diabetic agents help to enhance compliance among diabetic patients. Though it is an important aspect of management, data evaluating it is scarce in our country. This cross sectional observational study carried out in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from September 2013 to February 2014 and was undertaken to determine basic knowledge about oral anti-diabetic agents among hospitalized diabetic patients taking or took oral anti-diabetic agents. In this study main outcome measures were socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge regarding oral anti-diabetic agents, frequency of previous hospital admission, regularity in taking oral anti-diabetic agents, causes of irregularity in taking medicine and knowledge related to hypoglycemia. Mean±SD age was 55±7.14 years, of the patients who were included in this study. Only 33% of patients knew side effects of oral anti-diabetic agents, 34% didn't know that drug should not be stopped before giving blood for glucose estimation, in answering to 9 basic question related to oral anti-diabetic agents 56% obtained score within 0-5, overall mean 5.2±1.47. Among them 38% used to take drug irregularly. Correlation with knowledge score and regularity in taking drug showed significant relation (p<0.01). This study has demonstrated unsatisfactory knowledge on oral anti-diabetic agents among type 2 diabetic patients and significant relation with knowledge on oral anti-diabetic agents and patients compliance. An improvement with this respect may be achieved through continuing patients education about diabetes and its treatment.

Outcome of Surgery in Chronic Inactive Mucosal Otitis Media

Chronic otitis media is a common condition seen in patients attending the otorhinolaryngology Department. The discharging ear presents the otologists with the dilemma of operating on it or not. The aim of the this cross-sectional observational study was to find out the outcome of surgery in chronic inactive mucosal otitis media and was conducted on 62 patients of either sex in the age group of 15-60 years in the Department of ENT and Head Neck surgery, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh From July 2015 to January 2016. Pre and post operative hearing assessment was done with pure tone audiometry (PTA). Post operative graft status also noted. All the information's were recorded in the fixed protocol. Collected data were classified, edited, coded and entered into the computer for statistical analysis by using updated computerized program SPSS-19. Among 62 cases the mean age were 36.79±10.33 in chronic inactive mucosal otitis media. Majority of the study population were in age group of between 15-25 in this group of which was 16(51.6%). Male were 36(58.06) and 26(41.94) were female. All patients presented with history of otorrhoea in this group, 52(83.87%) had hearing impairment in chronic inactive mucosal otitis media, 30(48.39%) involved in right ear and 26(41.94%) involved in left ear and 06(9.68%) in both ear in chronic inactive mucosal otitis media. Majority of perforation were medium in size in this group of which was 30(48.39%). anterior perforation was 24(38.71%), posterior perforation 28(45.16%) and subtotal 10(16.13%) in chronic inactive mucosal otitis media. Sixty two (100%) cases underwent myringoplasty. Post-auricular approach used in most of operation in this group of which was 60(96.77%). Preoperative air conduction threshold 32(51.61%) were in between 31-45 dB in myringoplasty group (p<0.05) that was statistically significant. Postoperative air conduction threshold 30(48.39%) were between 16-30 dB in myringoplasty group (p<0.05) that was statistically significant. Difference between preoperative and postoperative air conduction threshold mean difference was 11.38 dB and 36.75±5.84 and 25.37±7.46 respectively (p<0.001) in myringoplasty group. Hearing gain was 42(67.74%) in myringoplasty (p>0.05) that was not statistically significant. Graft uptake in myringoplasty was 52(83.9%). Graft failure in myringoplasty was 10(16.1%). post operative complication was tinnitus in 12(19.35%) cases in myringoplasty. Success rate was more in case of posterior perforation than anterior and subtotal perforation in both chronic inactive mucosal otitis media which was 92.86%. Success rate was more in case of medium size perforation than subtotal perforation in chronic inactive mucosal otitis media which was 86.67%. Success rate was (100%) in small perforation in this group. From this study it can be concluded that myringoplasty is a valid treatment modality for chronic inactive mucosal otitis media to achieve an intact tympanic membrane and to gain hearing.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebral Palsy in the Assessment of Time of Brain Insult

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to find out the role of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of time of brain insult in cerebral palsy (CP). The study was conducted in the Department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh and a total number of 35 patients with were enrolled from January 2015 to December 2016. Maximum patients (57.2%) were under five years followed by 34.3% were of 5 to <8 years and 8.7% were of 8 to <12 years of age and mean age was 4.7 years. Majority of the patients were male 28(80%) and female were 7(20%). Among the patients 23(65.7%) came from poor, whereas 11(31.4%) came from middle class and only one (2.9%) from rich socioeconomic group. According to gestational age of the patients, 26(74.3%) were term (≥37weeks) at delivery and rest (25.7%) were preterm (<37 weeks). Delayed cry after birth were present in 32 (80%) patients. Regarding types of cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, hemiplegia and extrapyramidal were found 3(8.6%), 25(71.4%), 4(11.4%) and 3(8.6%) respectively. Abnormal MRI was reported in 94.2% patients and gave clues to time of insult in 79.9% (excluding the 14.3% miscellaneous findings). The findings were mal-developments (5.7%), periventricular white matter lesions (25.7%), cortical or deep grey matter lesions (48.6%), miscellaneous (14.3%) and normal (5.7%). Brain mal-developments were more seen in term than in preterm born children (5% vs. 0%). Periventricular white matter lesions were seen significantly more in preterm than in term born children (77.8% vs. 3.9%). Cortical or deep grey matter lesions occurred significantly more in term than in preterm born children (60% vs. 20%). Based on the study it can be concluded that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can help in the assessment of time of insult to the developing brain in cerebral palsy (CP).