Comparison of Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy in Mymensingh Region of Bangladesh

Altered metabolic and hormonal status of the body in pregnancy leads to changes in lipid profile. 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 Gynaecology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and Community Based Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh during the period from July 2011 to December 2012 to compare the changes in low 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 hrs. Blood samples were taken and analyzed by enzymatic colorimetric kit method. Pregnancy has being 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 Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increases in third trimester (174.83±13.78 mg/dl) than second trimester (156.77±7.96 mg/dl) of pregnancy. Therefore, lipid profile estimation and monitoring should be made as a part of routine investigation during antenatal period.

A phase II study of axitinib (AG-013736) in patients with incurable adenoid cystic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recurrent/metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an incurable disease with no standard treatments. The majority of ACCs express the oncogenic transcription factor MYB (also c-myb), often in the context of a MYB gene rearrangement. This phase II trial of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) axitinib (Pfizer) tested the hypothesis that targeting pathways activated by MYB can be therapeutically effective for ACC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a minimax two-stage, phase II trial that enrolled patients with incurable ACC of any primary site. Progressive or symptomatic disease was required. Patients were treated with axitinib 5 mg oral twice daily; dose escalation was allowed. The primary end point was best overall response (BOR). An exploratory analysis correlating biomarkers to drug benefit was conducted, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 11 patients.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were registered and evaluable for response. Fifteen patients had the axitinib dose increased. Tumor shrinkage was achieved in 22 (66.7%); 3 (9.1%) had confirmed partial responses. Twenty-five (75.8%) patients had stable disease, 10 of whom had disease stability for >6 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.7 months (range 0.92-21.8 months). Grade 3 axitinib-related toxicities included hypertension, oral pain and fatigue. A trend toward superior PFS was noted with the MYB/NFIB rearrangement, although this was not statistically significant. NGS revealed three tumors with 4q12 amplification, producing increased copies of axitinib-targeted genes PDGFR/KDR/KIT. Two 4q12 amplified patients achieved stable disease for >6 months, including one with significant tumor reduction and the longest PFS on study (21.8 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the primary end point was not met, axitinib exhibited clinical activity with tumor shrinkage achieved in the majority of patients with progressive disease before trial enrollment. Analysis of MYB biomarkers and genomic profiling suggests the hypothesis that 4q12 amplified ACCs are a disease subset that benefit from TKI therapy.

A Novel Methodology for Applying Multivoxel MR Spectroscopy to Evaluate Convection-Enhanced Drug Delivery in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas are inoperable high-grade gliomas with a median survival of less than 1 year. Convection-enhanced delivery is a promising local drug-delivery technique that can bypass the BBB in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma treatment. Evaluating tumor response is critical in the assessment of convection-enhanced delivery of treatment. We proposed to determine the potential of 3D multivoxel (1)H-MR spectroscopy to evaluate convection-enhanced delivery treatment effect in these tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively analyzed 3D multivoxel (1)H-MR spectroscopy data for 6 patients with nonprogressive diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas who received convection-enhanced delivery treatment of a therapeutic antibody (Phase I clinical trial NCT01502917). To compare changes in the metabolite ratios with time, we tracked the metabolite ratios Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA at several ROIs: normal white matter, tumor within the convection-enhanced delivery infusion site, tumor outside of the infused area, and the tumor average.

RESULTS

There was a comparative decrease in both Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA metabolite ratios at the tumor convection-enhanced delivery site versus tumor outside the infused area. We used MR spectroscopy voxels with dominant white matter as a reference. The difference between changes in metabolite ratios became more prominent with increasing time after convection-enhanced delivery treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparative change in metabolite ratios between the convection-enhanced delivery site and the tumor site outside the infused area suggests that multivoxel (1)H-MR spectroscopy, in combination with other imaging modalities, may provide a clinical tool to accurately evaluate local tumor response after convection-enhanced delivery treatment.

Abstract P4-14-21: A phase I trial of ganetespib (heat shock protein 90 inhibitor) in combination with paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

Introduction: Targeted therapies in HER2+ MBC significantly improve outcomes but efficacy is limited by therapeutic resistance. HSP90 is a molecular chaperone involved in the stability and function of multiple signaling onco-proteins. HER2 is an acutely sensitive HSP90 client and HSP90 inhibition can overcome trastuzumab resistance. Our group reported objective responses with 17-AAG plus trastuzumab in HER2+ MBC. Ganetespib, a synthetic, second generation HSP90 inhibitor has increased potency and tolerability compared with earlier agents. We reported anti-tumor activity in metastatic HER2+ and triple negative breast cancer with single agent ganetespib. Preclinically, HSP90 inhibition has synergistic anti-tumor activity with taxanes and trastuzumab. This study will define the MTD and RP2D of ganetespib plus paclitaxel and trastuzumab in HER2+ MBC.

Methods: In this 3+3 phase I dose escalation study, patients with trastuzumab-resistant HER2+ MBC receive weekly trastuzumab and paclitaxel (80mg/m2) with ganetespib on day 1, 8, 15 of a 28 day cycle. HR+ positive patients are required to have at least one prior line of endocrine therapy. DLT of ganetespib monotherapy is diarrhea and therefore patients receive prophylactic anti-motility agents. Based on prior experience with ganetespib plus docetaxel in NSCLC, only 3 dose levels of ganetespib were explored: 100mg/m2, 150mg/m2 and a 3rd cohort of 125mg/m2, if needed. Secondary endpoints include evaluation of effects of ganetespib on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of paclitaxel and preliminary efficacy assessment.

Results: The dosing cohorts (100 mg/m2 (n=3) and 150 mg/m2 (n=6)) have been completed without any DLTs. Median age was 46 years (range 29-65), median prior lines of chemotherapy and anti-HER2 therapy were 3 (range 2-6) and 3 (range 2-4) respectively, including prior pertuzumab in 9/9 and T-DM1 in 8/9 patients. There were no grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) related to ganetespib. Most common AEs related to ganetespib were diarrhea, fatigue, anemia and rash. Paclitaxel PK data available from 6/9 patients are not appreciably different from those reported in literature. Overall response rate was 25% (2/8 had PR in 150 mg/m2 cohort; 1 patient was not evaluable), SD in 63% (5/8), and clinical benefit rate (CR+PR+SD>24 weeks) was 50% (4/8). 3 patients remain on study.

Conclusion: The RP2D of ganetespib is 150mg/m2 in combination with paclitaxel and trastuzumab. The combination was safe and well tolerated. Updated PFS and PK data will be presented. Despite prior taxanes, pertuzumab and T-DM1, clinical activity of this triplet regimen in this heavily pre-treated cohort is very promising and together with our prior experience with 17-AAG plus trastuzumab and single agent ganetespib warrants further study in HER2+ MBC. A phase 2 trial is being planned in trastuzumab-refractory HER2+ MBC who have progressed on prior pertuzumab and T-DM1. Additionally, the protocol is amended to assess the safety of ganetespib in combination with paclitaxel, trastuzumab and pertuzumab in the first-line setting.

Citation Format: Jhaveri K, Teplinsky E, Chandarlapaty S, Solit D, Cadoo K, Speyer J, D'Andrea G, Adams S, Patil S, Haque S, Friedman K, Neville D, Esteva F, Hudis C, Modi S. A phase I trial of ganetespib (heat shock protein 90 inhibitor) in combination with paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-21.

Oral thromboprophylaxis in patients with ankle fractures immobilized in a below the knee cast

BACKGROUND

Lower-limb immobilization has been implicated as an etiologic factor for a venous thromboembolism (VTE). Most of the current literature encourages the use of thromboprophylaxis with injectable low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in trauma patients. Injectable anticoagulants have inherent problems of producing pain and bruising. They are also difficult to administer, leading to low compliance. Oral anticoagulants are therefore gaining popularity for use as thromboprophylactic agents in hip and knee arthroplasty patients. There are not enough studies in the literature, however, to support their use in ambulatory trauma patients whose ankle fractures are being managed nonoperatively on an outpatient basis.

METHODS

This study evaluated the efficacy of oral anticoagulants for preventing VTE in ambulatory trauma patients who required temporary lower limb immobilization for non-operative management of their ankle fractures. A total of 200 consecutive patients who presented to the fracture clinic with an ankle fracture that was managed in a plaster cast were included in this study. These patients were assessed for risk of developing VTE and high risk patients were administered an oral anticoagulant to prevent VTE.

RESULTS

There was only one case of an isolated distal DVT among the 200 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that an oral anticoagulant was a safe alternative to injectable LMWH as a thromboprophylactic agent for ambulatory trauma patients requiring temporary lower limb immobilization for non-operative management of an ankle fracture.

Lessons from Recruiting Second Life Users with Chronic Medical Conditions: Applications for Health Communications

Second Life (SL) is a virtual world with a number of venues for social interaction. SL integrates various aspects of a user’s social life through activities which span both health and non-health related topics. Users visit SL largely for social interaction, entertainment and play, which makes it a powerful platform for health communications as health messages can be integrated in an alternate venue. As part of a larger project, we conducted an online survey of SL users who self-identified as having diabetes, chronic pain, HIV + status or cancer. Lessons learned from recruiting users with these conditions can be used to develop and disseminate health communications in SL.

Beacon communities' public health initiatives: a case study analysis

INTRODUCTION

The Beacon Communities for Public Health (BCPH) project was launched in 2011 to gain a better understanding of the range of activities currently being conducted in population- and public health by the Beacon Communities. The project highlighted the successes and challenges of these efforts with the aim of sharing this information broadly among the public health community.

BACKGROUND

The Beacon Community Program, designed to showcase technology-enabled, community-based initiatives to improve outcomes, focused on: building and strengthening health information technology (IT) infrastructure and exchange capabilities; translating investments in health IT to measureable improvements in cost, quality, and population health; and, developing innovative approaches to performance measurement, technology, and care delivery.

METHODS

Four multimethod case studies were conducted based on a modified sociotechnical framework to learn more about public health initiative implementation and use in the Beacon Communities. Our methodological approach included using document review and semistructured key informant interviews. NACCHO Model Practice Program criteria were used to select the public health initiatives included in the case studies.

FINDINGS

Despite differences among the case studies, common barriers and facilitators were found to be present in all areas of the sociotechnical framework application including structure, people, technology, tasks, overarching considerations, and sustainability. Overall, there were many more facilitators (range = 7-14) present for each Beacon compared to barriers (range = 4-6).

DISCUSSION

Four influential promising practices were identified through the work: forging strong and sustainable partnerships; ensuring a good task-technology fit and a flexible and iterative design; fostering technology acceptance; and, providing education and demonstrating value.

CONCLUSIONS

A common weakness was the lack of a framework or model for the Beacon Communities evaluation work. Sharing a framework or approach to evaluation at the beginning of implementation made the work more effective. Supporting evaluation to inform future implementations is important.

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

Cell adhesion molecules as potential biomarkers of nephritis, damage and accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with SLE

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to compare levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin in lupus patients and controls and to investigate their association with clinical phenotype, disease activity and damage.

Methods

We compared levels of serum VCAM-1 and E-selectin in 178 female lupus patients and 69 age-and sex-matched controls. Using linear regression we also examined the association between these markers and disease activity, damage, renal and skin involvement as well as clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease.

Results

E-selectin was increased in patients compared to controls (median (IQR) 10.5 (6.85, 13.9) vs 7.86 (5.39, 10.4) ng/ml; p < 0.001). E-selectin was also associated with overall damage and carotid plaque (β (95% confidence interval): 0.27 (0.029, 0.511) and 0.26 (0.148, 0.507)). Whilst there was no significant difference in VCAM-1 levels between groups overall, we found a significant association between VCAM-1 and with active renal disease (β (95% confidence interval): 1.10 (0.69, 1.51)).

Conclusions

E-selectin may act as a marker of cardiovascular risk in SLE, whilst VCAM-1 may have a role as a non-invasive biomarker for lupus nephritis activity.

Phase I study of weekly nab-paclitaxel + weekly cetuximab + intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with stage III-IVB head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

BACKGROUND

There is a clinical need to improve the efficacy of standard cetuximab + concurrent intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with locally and/or regionally advanced HNSCC. Taxanes have radiosensitizing activity against HNSCC, and nab-paclitaxel may offer therapeutic advantage in comparison with other taxanes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a single-institution phase I study with a modified 3 + 3 design. Four dose levels (DLs) of weekly nab-paclitaxel were explored (30, 45, 60, and 80 mg/m(2)), given with standard weekly cetuximab (450 mg/m(2) loading dose followed by 250 mg/m(2) weekly) and concurrent IMRT (total dose, 70 Gy).

RESULTS

Twenty-five eligible patients (20 M, 5 F) enrolled, with median age 58 years (range, 46-84 years). Primary tumor sites were oropharynx, 19 (10 human papillomavirus [HPV] pos, 8 HPV neg, 1 not done); neck node with unknown primary, 2; larynx 2; and oral cavity and maxillary sinus, 1 each. Seven patients had received prior induction chemotherapy. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was exceeded at DL4 (nab-paclitaxel, 80 mg/m(2)) with three dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) (grade 3 neuropathy, grade 3 dehydration, with grade 3 mucositis grade 3 anemia) among five assessable patients. There was only one DLT (grade 3 supraventricular tachycardia) among six patients at DL3 (nab-paclitaxel, 60 mg/m(2)), and this was deemed the MTD. Among 23 assessable patients, the most common ≥ g3 AEs were lymphopenia 100%, functional mucositis 65%, and pain in throat/oral cavity 52%. At a median follow-up of 33 months, 2-year failure-free survival (FFS) is 65% [95% confidence interval (CI) 42% to 81%] and 2-year overall survival (OS) is 91% (95% CI 69-97).

CONCLUSION

The recommended phase II dose for nab-paclitaxel is 60 mg/m(2) weekly when given standard weekly cetuximab and concurrent IMRT. This regimen merits further study as a nonplatinum alternative to IMRT + cetuximab alone.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV ID

NCT00736619.

Current Status of Service Centers Serving Autism Spectrum Disorder in Dhaka City

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v4i1.18011 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.4(1) 2014: 16-20

Synovial sarcoma of neck mimicking thyroid carcinoma

Synovial sarcoma (SS) in the neck is a very rare condition. Here we report a case of poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma in the neck of a 20 years old male patient presented with painless swelling in thyroid gland region. Initially he was diagnosed as thyroid mass clinically, by imaging and also by FNAC (Both in Bangladesh & India). But at surgery, it revealed paraoesophageal soft tissue tumor and subsequent histopathology showed synovial sarcoma. In young patient with neck swelling, the possibility of synovial sarcoma should be considered. As it does not have overall good prognosis, early detection and regular follow up is necessary.

Efficient ELISA for diagnosis of active tuberculosis employing a cocktail of secretory proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Rapid and accurate diagnosis is important for preventing transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Currently available tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic methods lack desired sensitivity and specificity, and require sophisticated equipment and skilled workforce including weeks' long duration to yield results. In this study, extracellular proteins or secretory protein antigens of M. tuberculosis H37Rv have been isolated using ion exchange chromatography, immunocharacterized and exploited for the development of efficient enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis of active TB with enhanced specificity and sensitivity. Apparent molecular masses for purified proteins were found to be 6, 27, 30, 38 and 64 kDa. Out of five purified proteins, one (64 kDa) was found to be novel. Of the five proteins, four (6, 27, 30 and 38 kDa) were found significant to be used in the development of ELISA for pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB. The immune responses of serum samples of TB patients and other healthy subjects against the above-mentioned antigens' cocktail were evaluated. Critical parameters of newly developed ELISA were optimized and it was observed that the cocktail antigens have a greater specificity (98.06 %) and sensitivity (98.67 %) as compared to other commercially available diagnostic tests. The present findings suggest that the developed ELISA is an effective tool for routine screening and early-stage diagnosis of TB.

Changes in lipid profile of postmenopausal women

The study reveals that menopause leads to changes in hormonal status, metabolism and lipid profile. Since there is an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases for women after menopause, the present study is aimed at comparing the changes of serum lipid profile in premenopausal women with that of their postmenopausal counterparts. This is to enable us ascertain the relative risk of developing cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women in Bangladesh. One hundred and eighteen (118) apparently healthy females (59 premenopausal = control and 59 postmenopausal = case) were selected for the study. The case-control cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in cooperation with the Department of Gynaecology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh during the period from January 2009 to December 2009. Data were collected through clinical evaluation from pre selected questionnaires and fasting blood samples were taken for laboratory investigations. Serum total cholesterol and their sub fractions- high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) were measured by autoanalyzer using enzymatic and established mathematical methods. Statistical significance of difference between two groups were evaluated by using unpaired 't' test with the help of SPSS software package. The results showed statistically significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p<0.001) of menopausal women compared to reproductive age group. The postmenopausal women had higher but non-significant (p=0.675) concentrations of triglycerides than the premenopausal women with regular menstruation. However, a significant reduction of HDL was present in the postmenopausal group (p<0.001) than the premenopausal group. Therefore, it can be concluded that menopause leads to changes in lipid profile by increasing total and LDL cholesterol and by reducing HDL cholesterol. The elevated LDL and the reduction of cardio protective HDL is an indication that menopause is an independent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in Bangladesh.

Clinical and descriptive genetic study of polydactyly: a Pakistani experience of 313 cases

Polydactyly, a common hereditary condition with additional digits in hands and/or feet, is a very attractive model to appreciate clinical and genetic heterogeneity. In order to get an insight into its phenotypic manifestations, we ascertained a cohort of 313 independent families with polydactyly from Pakistan; 35% cases turned out to be familial while 65% were sporadic. In majority of the index cases, polydactyly was presented as an isolated digit defect. Preaxial polydactyly types were 48.24% and postaxial were 51.8%. Familial polydactylies mainly had bilateral and symmetrical presentations, whereas sporadic cases were mostly unilateral and less often symmetrical. In the 313 index subjects a total of 508 limbs with additional digits were recorded. Variable expression was evident as the involvement of upper limbs was more common than the lower, right hand than the left, and left foot than the right. The present cohort establishes interesting epidemiological attributes of polydactyly in the Pakistani population and highlights its extraordinary clinical heterogeneity. Molecular analyses of this cohort are anticipated to elucidate novel genetic factors involved in the origin of additional digits in the growing limb and may provide clues to the role of stochastic factors in the etiology of phenotypic variability in polydactyly.

Traumatic gut injury: a study of 100 cases in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

This study was done to find out the mode of presentations, management options and the factors which dictate the out-come of the patients with traumatic gut injury. It has been carried out in the department of Surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in 100 patients with traumatic gut injury from January 2009 to December 2010. Most of the patients were within 21-30 years (47%) and male patients were the predominant group (90%). In this study penetrating injury was more common (57%) than non-penetrating (43%) injury as a cause of gut injury. Stab (64.91%) was the main mechanism of penetrating abdominal trauma; while road traffic (58.14%) was the main mechanism of non-penetrating abdominal trauma. Diagnosis was made on clinical presentation, physical examination and some investigations. Abdominal pain (98%) was the chief complain and chief sign was abdominal tenderness (98%) and absent bowel sound (91%). Small gut injury was present in 71% patients, 20% patients had large gut injury and 9% had both gut injury. In small gut, jejunum (49.29%) was the most vulnerable portion and right sided colon (55%) was the most affected portion in large gut trauma. Spectrum of injury in small gut included single perforation (63%), multiple perforations (23%), laceration (11%) and devascularization (3%) injury. Primary repair in 60.87%, resection & anastomosis in 27.54% and resection anastomosis with proximal diversion in 11.59% patients were done in small gut injury. Injuries in the large gut were classified into three categories according to Flint Colon Injury Severity Scoring. Highest incidence was in Grade I (60%) category, second in Grade II (35%) and Grade III (5%) was the third one. Simple primary repair in 40%, primary repair or resection anastomosis with proximal diversion in 30%, loop ileostomy in 20% and Hartman's procedure in 10% were done in patients of large gut injury. Resection anastomosis with proximal diversion was performed in patients of both small and large gut injury. Outcome of management was quiet acceptable with 47% of patients having uneventful recovery. Delayed presentation, delayed definitive management, haemodynamically unstable patient, site and number of injuries in the gut were the crucial factor for the overall 44% morbidities of this series. Morbidity rate was 9%. More than half of the patients (56.04%) discharged from the hospital within 10 days. Only a few patients could be followed up for a few months after surgery, who reported to have a satisfactory outcome with no morbidity.

Sexual and urinary outcome after surgical treatment for low rectal cancer

Carcinoma involving the lower part of the rectum is now successfully managed by sphincter saving surgery with less morbidity and uneventful recovery. This study was designed to observe the sexual and urinary dysfunction in both sexes of the patients suffering from cancer of the lower third of the rectum managed by surgical intervention with preservation of sphincter. A comparative study was carried out on 54 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent ultra-low anterior resection in the department of surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from January, 2009 to December, 2010. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the tumor distance from anal verge. Thirty one (57%) patients were in Group A (Experimental) where tumor distance was 5cm from anal verge and upper 1cm of anal sphincter was sacrificed during surgical intervention. Twenty three (43%) patients were in Group B (Control) where tumor distance was 6cm from anal verge and whole length (4cm) of anal sphincter was preserved during surgical intervention. The mean±SD age of the patients was 45.96±14.41 years. During surgery, ultra low anterior resection was performed to remove the tumor in all patients and for anastomosis double stapling technique was performed in 52(96%) patients and hand sewn technique was performed in 2(4%) patients irrespective of tumor distance from anal verge. Covering ileostomy was fashioned in all but one patient. During post-operative follow up Sexual activity in both groups of male patients (Potency, P=0.17; ejaculation; satisfaction and loss of libido, P=0.15) and in female patients (Satisfaction and loss of libido, P=0.15) was not significantly hampered following surgery. Urinary function was assessed by incontinence, increased frequency (P=0.54) and retention (n=0) which were not impaired significantly following surgery. Sexual and urinary function was not significantly impaired in both sexes after low rectal cancer surgery. Sphincter saving surgery can be performed in a very low rectal cancer with preservation of anal sphincter.

Effect of Different Substrate on Growth and Yield of Button Mushroom

An experiment was conducted at the Mushroom growth house and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Horticulture Demonstration and Training Centre (HDTC), Kewatkhali, Mymensingh during February to May, 2006 to investigate the effect of different substrate on growth and yield of Button mushroom (Agaricus biporus). The substrates which were used in the experiment were wheat: paddy (1:1) straw compost, paddy straw compost and decomposed cowdung. The parameters observed in first and second flush were number of primordia, number of fruiting bodies and fresh weight of mushroom. Data were statistically analyzed following Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data revealed that different substrate significantly affected the production of number of primordia, number of fruiting bodies and fresh weight. In both the first and second flush, all the three observed parameters were obtained highest in wheat: paddy straw compost and the lowest were in decomposed cowdung.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i2.14810 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 5(2): 177-180 2012