Modelling Pasture-based Automatic Milking System Herds: Grazeable Forage Options

One of the challenges to increase milk production in a large pasture-based herd with an automatic milking system (AMS) is to grow forages within a 1-km radius, as increases in walking distance increases milking interval and reduces yield. The main objective of this study was to explore sustainable forage option technologies that can supply high amount of grazeable forages for AMS herds using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. Three different basic simulation scenarios (with irrigation) were carried out using forage crops (namely maize, soybean and sorghum) for the spring-summer period. Subsequent crops in the three scenarios were forage rape over-sown with ryegrass. Each individual simulation was run using actual climatic records for the period from 1900 to 2010. Simulated highest forage yields in maize, soybean and sorghum- (each followed by forage rape-ryegrass) based rotations were 28.2, 22.9, and 19.3 t dry matter/ha, respectively. The simulations suggested that the irrigation requirement could increase by up to 18%, 16%, and 17% respectively in those rotations in El-Niño years compared to neutral years. On the other hand, irrigation requirement could increase by up to 25%, 23%, and 32% in maize, soybean and sorghum based rotations in El-Nino years compared to La-Nina years. However, irrigation requirement could decrease by up to 8%, 7%, and 13% in maize, soybean and sorghum based rotations in La-Nina years compared to neutral years. The major implication of this study is that APSIM models have potentials in devising preferred forage options to maximise grazeable forage yield which may create the opportunity to grow more forage in small areas around the AMS which in turn will minimise walking distance and milking interval and thus increase milk production. Our analyses also suggest that simulation analysis may provide decision support during climatic uncertainty.

Molecular evolution of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh between 2007 and 2012

In Bangladesh, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 was first detected in February 2007. Since then the virus has become entrenched in poultry farms of Bangladesh. There have so far been seven human cases of H5N1 HPAI infection in Bangladesh with one death. The objective of the present study was to investigate the molecular evolution of H5N1 HPAI viruses during 2007 to 2012. Partial or complete nucleotide sequences of all eight gene segments of two chicken isolates, five gene segments of a duck isolate and the haemagglutinin gene segment of 18 isolates from Bangladesh were established in the present study and subjected to molecular analysis. In addition, full-length sequences of different gene segments of other Bangladeshi H5N1 isolates available in GenBank were included in the analysis. The analysis revealed that the first introduction of clade 2.2 virus in Bangladesh in 2007 was followed by the introduction of clade 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.4 viruses in 2011. However, only clade 2.3.2.1 viruses could be isolated in 2012, indicating progressive replacement of clade 2.2 and 2.3.4 viruses. There has been an event of segment re-assortment between H5N1 and H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh, where H5N1 virus acquired the PB1 gene from a H9N2 virus. Point mutations have accumulated in Bangladeshi isolates over the last 5 years with potential modification of receptor binding site and antigenic sites. Extensive and continuous molecular epidemiological studies are necessary to monitor the evolution of circulating avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh.

Comparative study of early and conventional catheter removal following buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty

The duration of catheterization period following urethroplasty is a great controversy. For buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty recommended catheterization period ranges from 2-4 weeks. In recent years, early catheter removal has been advocated for several reasons. Early catheter removal improves both patient comfort, mobility and reduces catheter related complications and shortens post operative hospital stay. This prospective observational study was done from January 2007 and December 2008, 50 patients underwent dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for stricture urethra. Among them 25 cases were selected for early catheter removal on 7th postoperative day and 25 cases for conventional catheter removal at 3 weeks. Three patients (12%) of early catheter removal group and 2 patients (8%) of conventional catheter removal group exhibited periurethral leakage. One patient (4%) and three patients (12%) developed wound infection in early and conventional catheter removal group respectively. No significant difference was observed in urinary flow (p=0.089). In these two groups the mean postoperative hospital stay was significant (p<0.001). Early catheter removal on 7th postoperative day is safe and has better impact on patient comfort with minimum catheter related complications and shortens hospital stay.

Dietary effect of Mulberry leaf (Morus alba) meal on growth performance and serum cholesterol level of broiler chickens

To investigate the effect of dietary mulberry leaf meal on body weight, feed conversion efficiency and blood cholesterol level, 240 day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were divided into 6 treatments, each with 4 replications (10 birds/ per replicate) and offered manually prepared diets supplemented with 2.5, 3.5, 4.5% mulberry leaf meal (MLM), MLM Extract and 0.5% for a period of six weeks. Average body weight (g) gain increased (P> 0.05) at 2.5 or 4.5% supplementation of MLM and with MLM extract compared to control and antibiotic group. Feed conversion ratio was better at 4.5% supplementation (1.67) and on addition of MLM extract (1.63) compare to control (1.79). Total cholesterol, HDLcholesterol and triglyceride of broiler chicks in different dietary treatments of during experimental periods were non-significant at day 10 to 15 but total cholesterol and triglyceride decreased significantly (P>0.05) at d 15 to 22 compared to control and antibiotic group. Significant (P<0.05) reduction of total cholesterol and triglyceride with supplementation of mulberry leaf meal at 2.5, 3.5, 4.5% MLM, MLM extract were also observed at d 22 to 42 compared to control and antibiotic group. The result suggests that inclusion of mulberry leaf meal (both 3.5% powder and extract) may be used to formulate low-cost broiler grower diet in order to produce low-cholesterol broiler meat. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v12i2.21920 SAARC J. Agri., 12(2): 79-89 (2014)

Primary malignant melanoma of the penis with secondary to adrenal

Primary malignant melanoma of penis with secondaries to the adrenal gland is rare. Here we report a case of malignant melanoma of penis in a 60 years old man who presented with intermittent gross, episodic haematuria of 11 months duration and a hard indurated pigmented fungating lesion over the glans penis. Following an initial tissue biopsy from the penile growth which revealed malignant melanoma the patient underwent partial Panectomy. Few days after recovery the patient underwent laparotomy and incisional biopsy from adrenal mass revealed metastatic malignant melanoma histopathologically.

Dosimetry of very high energy electrons (VHEE) for radiotherapy applications: using radiochromic film measurements and Monte Carlo simulations

Very high energy electrons (VHEE) in the range from 100-250 MeV have the potential of becoming an alternative modality in radiotherapy because of their improved dosimetry properties compared with MV photons from contemporary medical linear accelerators. Due to the need for accurate dosimetry of small field size VHEE beams we have performed dose measurements using EBT2 Gafchromic® film. Calibration of the film has been carried out for beams of two different energy ranges: 20 MeV and 165 MeV from conventional radio frequency linear accelerators. In addition, EBT2 film has been used for dose measurements with 135 MeV electron beams produced by a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator. The dose response measurements and percentage depth dose profiles have been compared with calculations carried out using the general-purpose FLUKA Monte Carlo (MC) radiation transport code. The impact of induced radioactivity on film response for VHEEs has been evaluated using the MC simulations. A neutron yield of the order of 10(-5) neutrons cm(-2) per incident electron has been estimated and induced activity due to radionuclide production is found to have a negligible effect on total dose deposition and film response. Neutron and proton contribution to the equivalent doses are negligible for VHEE. The study demonstrates that EBT2 Gafchromic film is a reliable dosimeter that can be used for dosimetry of VHEE. The results indicate an energy-independent response of the dosimeter for 20 MeV and 165 MeV electron beams and has been found to be suitable for dosimetry of VHEE.

Grazing Soybean to Increase Voluntary Cow Traffic in a Pasture-based Automatic Milking System

Pasture-based automatic milking systems (AMS) require cow traffic to enable cows to be milked. The interval between milkings can be manipulated by strategically allocating pasture. The current experiment investigated the effect of replacing an allocation of grazed pasture with grazed soybean (Glycine max) with the hypothesis that incorporating soybean would increase voluntary cow traffic and milk production. One hundred and eighty mixed age, primiparous and multiparous Holstein-Friesian/Illawarra cows were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (n = 90/group) with a 2×2 Latin square design. Each group was either offered treatments of kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hoach ex Chiov.) pasture (pasture) or soybean from 0900 h to 1500 h during the experimental period which consisted of 2 periods of 3 days following 5 days of training and adaptation in each period with groups crossing over treatments after the first period. The number of cows trafficking to each treatment was similar together with milk yield (mean ≈18 L/cow/d) in this experiment. For the cows that arrived at soybean or pasture there were significant differences in their behaviour and consequently the number of cows exiting each treatment paddock. There was greater cow traffic (more cows and sooner) exiting pasture allocations. Cows that arrived at soybean stayed on the allocation for 25% more time and ate more forage (8.5 kg/cow/d/allocation) relative to pasture (4.7 kg/cow/d/allocation). Pasture cows predominantly replaced eating time with rumination. These findings suggest that replacing pasture with alternative grazeable forages provides no additional incentive to increase voluntary cow traffic to an allocation of feed in AMS. This work highlights the opportunity to increase forage intakes in AMS through the incorporation of alternative forages.

Protection Effect of Vaxxitek HVT + IBD Vaccine Against Infectious Bursal Disease in Broiler Chickens

The very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) infection cause constant and frequent outbreaks of IBD. In order to prevent the disease caused by vvIBDV, moderate-virulent live vaccines are usually used in broilers, but these vaccine influence the immune system of chickens and cause the immunosuppression. VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD bivalent vaccine, a novel vaccine produced by Merial Company, is the recombinant vaccine generated by inserting IBDV VP2 gene into the HVT genome. The recombinant vaccine could prevent Marek’s disease and IBD of chickens at the same time after vaccinated by the subcutaneous route at 1-day-old. The objective of this study was to evaluate protection effect of this new vaccine against IBD in broilers. The results of the lab and field immunization trial showed that the vaccination of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD vaccine did not damage the bursa of broilers; the level of IBD antibody of the VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD vaccination groups was higher than IBD-BLEN® vaccination groups at 21-day-old; the protection effect of the VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD vaccination groups was better than IBD-BLEN® vaccination groups, especially at 21-28 day. The results indicated that VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD vaccine could provide better protection to broiler chickens against IBD.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19102 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 69 - 78, 2013

Comparison of efficacy of labetalol and fentanyl for attenuating reflex responses to laryngoscopy and intubation

Stress response due to laryngoscopy and intubation has been universally recognized phenomenon resulting in increase in heart rate, arterial, intracranial, and intraocular pressure. Various pharmacological approaches have been used to blunt or attenuate such pressure responses. This prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded study was designed to compare the efficacy of bolus dose of Labetalol and Fentanyl for attenuating reflex responses to laryngoscopy and intubation. Ninety patients with physical status of ASA I and II were scheduled for elective surgery under standard protocol of general anaesthesia, randomly allocated into three groups, consisting of 30 patients in each group, assigned as C (Control), L (Labetalol), and F (Fentanyl). In control group 10ml of 0.9% saline, in Labetalol group 0.25 mg/kg Labetalol and in Fentanyl group 2μgm/kg of Fentanyl were given intravenously at 3 minutes prior to laryngoscopy and intubation. Pulse rate, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure and rate pressure products (RPP) were recorded before and after premedication, after administration of study drugs and at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after intubation. For statistical analysis of data, ANOVA tests were performed for comparison between groups. There were an increase in heart rate, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures and rate pressure product in all the three groups after intubation in comparison to base line value. But the rise was minimum in L and F group as compared to C group which is statistically significant and also minimum in L group as compared to F group. So Labetalol is better agent for attenuation of laryngoscopic and intubation reflex.

In silico QSAR analysis of quercetin reveals its potential as therapeutic drug for Alzheimer's disease

Acetylcholine-esterase (AchE) inhibitors are one of the most potent drug molecules against Alzheimer's disease (AD). But, patients treated with current AchE inhibitors often experience severe side effects. Quercetin is a plant flavonoid compound which can act as AchE inhibitor and it may be a better alternative to current AchE inhibitors in terms of effectiveness with no or fewer side effects.

AIMS

The aim of the study was to compare quercetin with conventional AchE inhibitors to search for a better drug candidate.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Physico-chemical properties of conventional drugs and quercetin were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Molecular docking of these compounds on the active site of AchE was performed using AutoDock and comparative analysis was performed. Later, modification on the basic structure of quercetin with different functional groups was done to perform QSAR analysis.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Quercetin showed a similar drug likeness score to the conventional drugs. The binding strength for quercetin in the active site of the enzyme was -8.8 kcal/mol, which was considerably higher than binding scores for some of the drugs such as donepezil (binding score -7.9 kcal/mol). Fifteen hydrogen bonds were predicted between quercetin and the enzyme whereas conventional drugs had fewer or even no hydrogen bonds. It implies that quercetin can act as a better inhibitor than conventional drugs. To find out even better inhibitor, similar structures of quercetin were searched through SIMCOMP database and a methylation in the 4-OH position of the molecule showed better binding affinity than parent quercetin. Quantitative structure activity relationship study indicated that O-4 methylation was specifically responsible for better affinity.

CONCLUSION

This in silico study has conclusively predicted the superiority of the natural compound quercetin over the conventional drugs as AchE inhibitor and it sets the need for further in-vitro study of this compound in future.

Pyrolysis decomposition of tamarind seed for alternative fuel

The conversion of tamarind seed into bio-oil by pyrolysis has been taken into consideration in the present work. The major components of the system were fixed bed fire-tube heating reactor, liquid condenser and collector. The crushed tamarind seed in particle form was pyrolyzed in an electrically heated fixed bed reactor. The products were liquid, char and gasses. The parameters varied were reactor temperature, running time, gas flow rate and feed particle size. The maximum liquid yield was 45 wt% at 400°C for a feed size of 3200 μm diameter at a gas flow rate of 6l/min with a running time of 30 min. The obtained pyrolysis liquid at these optimum process conditions were analyzed for physical and chemical properties to be used as an alternative fuel. The results show the potential of tamarind seed as an important source of alternative fuel and chemicals as well.

Comparative analysis of serum malondialdehyde, antioxidant vitamins and immunoglobulin levels in patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder

The relationship between the elevated levels of serum malondialdehyde, depleted level of antioxidants (vitamin A, E and C) and altered level of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) in several psychiatric disorders has been established by various experimental evidences over the past few years. But previously no study was carried out to determine these components in patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to compare the serum concentration of these components in GAD patients and healthy volunteers; matched by socioeconomic and sociodemographic parameters. Serum level of malondialdehyde and vitamin C were determined by UV spectrophotometric method, vitamins A and E were detected by RP-HPLC method whereas immunoglobulin levels were determined by turbidimetric method. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, Pearson's correlation and regression analysis. Significantly lower level of vitamin E (p<0.05) and significantly higher level of vitamin C were found in GAD patients than the healthy controls, whereas the change of vitamin A was insignificant. Serum malondialdehyde content was significantly higher (p<0.05) and IgM level was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the controls. Change in concentrations of IgG and IgA were insignificant (p>0.05). Pearson's correlation coefficient suggested that there were some significant positive and negative correlations among these tested components. Our study reveals that GAD patients have considerably higher level of malondialdehyde, immunoglobulins and altered level of antioxidant vitamins. These findings may play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of GAD patients.

Development of alginate-based aggregate inoculants of Methylobacterium sp. and Azospirillum brasilense tested under in vitro conditions to promote plant growth

AIM

To develop co-aggregated bacterial inoculant comprising of Methylobacterium oryzae CBMB20/Methylobacterium suomiense CBMB120 strains with Azospirillum brasilense (CW903) strain and testing their efficiency as inoculants for plant growth promotion (PGP).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Biofilm formation and co-aggregation efficiency was studied between A. brasilense CW903 and methylobacterial strains M. oryzae CBMB20 and M. suomiense CBMB120. Survival and release of these co-aggregated bacterial strains entrapped in alginate beads were assessed. PGP attributes of the co-aggregated bacterial inoculant were tested in tomato plants under water-stressed conditions. Results suggest that the biofilm formation efficiency of the CBMB20 and CBMB120 strains increased by 15 and 34%, respectively, when co-cultivated with CW903. Co-aggregation with CW903 enhanced the survivability of CBMB20 strain in alginate beads. Water stress index score showed least stress index in plants inoculated with CW903 and CBMB20 strains maintained as a co-aggregated inoculant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the development of co-aggregated cell inoculants containing M. oryzae CBMB20 and A. brasilense CW903 strains conferred better shelf life and stress abatement in inoculated tomato plants.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These findings could be extended to other PGP bacterial species to develop multigeneric bioinoculants with multiple benefits for various crops.

Compton scattering for spectroscopic detection of ultra-fast, high flux, broad energy range X-rays

Compton side-scattering has been used to simultaneously downshift the energy of keV to MeV energy range photons while attenuating their flux to enable single-shot, spectrally resolved, measurements of high flux X-ray sources to be undertaken. To demonstrate the technique a 1 mm thick pixelated cadmium telluride detector has been used to measure spectra of Compton side-scattered radiation from a Cobalt-60 laboratory source and a high flux, high peak brilliance X-ray source of betatron radiation from a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator.

Further evidence for the association of distinct amino acid residues with in vitro and in vivo growth of infectious bursal disease virus

A cell-culture-adapted reverse genetics strain of very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) of chickens, designated as BD-3tcC, having four amino acid substitutions (Gln253His, Asp279Asn, Ala284Thr and Ser330Arg) in the capsid protein VP2 was tested for its genetic stability during serial passage in chickens and chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell culture. Results of in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that all four introduced mutations in BD-3tcC remained stable during serial passage in CEF cell culture, but during passage in chickens, amino acid residues at position 253 and 284 reverted from histidine to glutamine and threonine to alanine, respectively. In a parallel experiment, the same substitutions also occurred in a conventionally attenuated vaccine strain D-78 on serial passage in chickens. However, no reversion or substitution took place at positions 279 and 330 during in vivo passage of the mutant virus BD-3tcC or vaccine virus D-78. The findings provide conclusive evidence that while IBDV requires histidine and threonine at positions 253 and 284 for cell culture adaptation, glutamine and alanine at these positions are selected preferentially during in vivo replication.

Effectiveness of radioiodine therapy in treatment of hyperthyroidism

The present non randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound, Mymensingh, Bangladesh for duration of one year. Total 30 patients with hyperthyroidism diagnosed by clinical and biochemical profile were included in the study. All patients received radioiodine treatment and regular follow up at 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month & 9th month were done to evaluate clinical and biochemical status and complications. Data were analyzed by computer with SPSS programme using 't' test and chi-square test. In the present study, out of 30 respondents more than three fourth of the respondents (76.6%) were in the age group of 31-50 years followed by less than 30 years are group (16.7%) and rest of respondents were in the age group of more than 50 years (06.7%). Mean±SD and range of age of the respondents were 39.80±10.02 years and 17-65 years respectively. Among the 30 respondents 11(36.7%) were male and 19(63.3%) were female. Male to female ratio was 1:1.73. Out of 30 patients 26(86.7%) presented with goiter and among them 21(80.8%) has diffused goiter and five (19.2%) had nodular goiter. Baseline mean±SD, median, range of serum T₃ level were 5.24±3.62, 4.34, 1.48-14.65nmol/L respectively. Base line mean±SD, median range of serum T₄ level were 192.25±99.17, 201.77, 1.75-336.25nmol/L respectively. Baseline mean±SD, median range of serum TSH level were 6.33±23.93, 0.15-0.07, 130.46nmol/L respectively. In the present study serum T₃, T₄ level among the respondents sharply decrease from baseline to 2nd follow up then gradually decrease from 2nd to 4th follow up. Serum TSH level gradually increases from baseline to 3rd follow up and then gradually decreases from 3rd to 4th follow up. The result showed radioiodine is an effective option for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

Correlation between Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score and surgical outcome of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) comprises 10-15% of all strokes and has a higher risk of morbidity and mortality (40-45%). A simple and widely valid clinical grading scale, the Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score (ICH score) was developed to predict to outcome of spontaneous ICH. The aim of the present study was to assess the relation between the ICH score and the surgical outcome of ICH by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at the 30th post ictus day in our perspective. This prospective study was done during the period of April 2009 to October 2010 in Department of Neurosurgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Forty three cases were enrolled by set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score was calculated during admission and the surgical outcome of ICH was determined by GOS by face to face or telephone interview using structured questionnaire on their 30th post ictus day. Correlation between the ICH score and the surgical outcome of ICH was done by Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Value of r was found to be -0.635 which was statistically highly significant (p=.001) and the relation was found to be negative. Higher ICH score had unfavorable outcome. As correlation between the ICH score and the surgical outcome of ICH was found statistically highly significant, it can be used widely as a grading scale in preoperative counseling. The use of ICH score could improve standardization of clinical treatment protocols and clinical research studies in ICH. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 1-5

Laparoscopic findings of subfertile women attended in a tertiary level care centre

This retrospective study was done in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Bangladesh Medical College hospital during the period of July 2003 to June 2004 in the women suffering from primary and secondary subfertility, who underwent laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to see the laparoscopic findings of internal genitalia and other pelvic structures in subfertile women. The study group comprises 55 cases of which 67.37% of primary and 32.73% were of secondary subfertility. Both the ovaries were normal looking in 41.81% cases. Endometriosis was present in 5.45% of both the ovaries. Corpus luteum was seen in 20% cases on right ovary and in 27.27% cases on left ovary. Laparoscopy shows normal looking fallopian tube in 65.45% cases in right side and 61.81% cases in the left side. Right sided tubal block was in 5.46% and 9.10 % in the left side. Both the tubes were patent in 81.6% cases.

Haemodynamic and end tidal CO₂ changes during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia

A prospective observational study was done on 50 patients to investigate the haemodynamic and end tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) changes in healthy patients without cardiopulmonary pathology during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in head up position under standard protocol of general anaesthesia. During surgery, intra abdominal pressure was maintained at 15 mmHg by a CO₂ insufflator and minute ventilation was controlled with a constant tidal volume and fixed respiratory rate. Haemodynamic parameters, EtCO₂, SpO₂ and ECG were recorded before and after induction and positioning of the patients and at 5 minutes interval for the first 30 minutes, then 10 minutes interval for the rest of the period. Highly significant increase (p<0.001) in pulse rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure occurred at 30 minutes after insufflations and positioning of the patient. A very highly significant (p<0.001) increase in EtCO₂ from the base line was at 40 minutes after insufflations and positioning of the patients. There was no change in SpO₂ and ECG. This study supports the significant physiological changes in terms of haemodynamic and EtCO₂ during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and recommends the meticulous monitoring of these parameters during the surgery and balance the benefit of laparoscopy against the intra operative risk.

Preparation Of Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Acrylamide Copoly-Mer Hydrogel Using Gamma Radiation And Investigation Of Its Swelling Behavior

Acrylamide (AAm)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) blend hydrogels have been prepared by the application of gamma radiation from C0-60 source at room temperature (27°C). The preparation conditions such as effect of CMC concentration and radiation dose on gel fraction and swelling behaviors were investigated. The maximum value of gel fraction is obtained at 25 kGy radiation dose. The swelling properties were investigated in distilled water, saline solution (NaCl) and buffer medium. The maximum swelling value of hydrogel was obtained at 48 hours in water. The swelling ratio of hydrogel decreased with increase in concentration of NaCl in swelling medium. In buffer, it was found that swelling ratio increased with increase in pH of medium. Journal of Bangladesh Chemical Society, Vol. 25(2), 132-138, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcs.v25i2.15065

Longterm effects of compression method in the surgical treatment of bleeding haemorrhoids

Objective: Present study was undertaken to find out the long term effect of application of compression probe after haemorrhoidectomy in the treatment of bleeding haemorrhoids. Materials and methods: They study was carried out in the Department of Clinical Surgery, Russian People's Friendship University, Moscow, Russia, from January 1992 to December 2001, on 80 patients, equally divided into two groups, case (haemorrhoidectomy plus application of compression probe) and control (haemorrhoidectomy only). Results: Long term follow up showed higher good outcome in case group (82.1%) compared to control (53.8%) (P<0.05), satisfactory and unsatisfactory outcome was higher in control group (17.9% and 28.2%) compared to case group (12.8% and 5.1%). Conclusion: Application of compression problem after haemorrhoidectomy in patients with bleeding haemorrhoids gives better long term results. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 02 April’13 Page 129-132 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i2.14939

Structural, functional and molecular docking study to characterize GMI1 from Arabidopsis thaliana

γ-irradiation and Mitomycin C Induced 1 (GMI1), is a member of the SMC-hinge domain-containing protein family that takes part in double stranded break repair mechanism in eukaryotic cells. In this study we hypothesize a small molecule-Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP) binding region of novel SMC like GM1 protein in model organism Arabidopsis thaliana using in silico modeling. Initially, analyzing sequence information for the protein indicated presence of motifs - 'Walker A nucleotide-binding domain' that are required to interact with nucleotides along with 'Walker B' motif and ABC signature sequences. This was further proven through GMI1-ATP docking experiment and results were verified by comparing the values with controls. In negative control, no binding was seen in the same binding region of GMI1 structure for small molecules randomly selected form PubChem database, whereas in positive control binding affinity of other known proteins with ATP binding potential resembled GMI1-ATP binding affinity of -5.4 kcal/mol. Furthermore we also docked small molecules that shares structural similarity with ATP to GMI1 and found that Purine Mononucleotide bound the region with the best affinity, which implies that the compound may bind the protein with strong binding and can work as a potential agonist/antagonist to GMI1. We believe that the study would shed more light into the GM1 mechanism of action. Although the computational predictions made here are based on concrete confidence, it should be mentioned that in vitro experimentation does not fall into the scopes of this study and thus the results found here have to be further validated in vitro.

Isolation and identification of Newcastle disease viruses from field outbreaks in chickens and pigeons

Eleven dead or sick birds submitted from farms in the year 2010 with a history of sudden death with respiratory and/or diarrhoeal signs were used for isolation and identification of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). All samples were subjected to routine necropsy. Pooled respiratory tissues were inoculated in embryonated chicken eggs and chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell culture. The growth of NDV was confirmed by embryo mortality, cytopathic effects (CPE) in cell culture, haemagglutination (HA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The presence of NDV was confirmed by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). At necropsy seven cases were tentatively diagnosed as Newcastle disease (ND). Out of seven ND-suspected samples, four yielded virus in both embryos and cell culture, while one was positive only in embryos, one only in cell culture and one sample was negative in both embryos and cell culture. RT-PCR successfully amplified a 766 bp fragment covering parts of Matrix and Fusion protein genes of NDV from the samples that were positive either in embryos or in cell culture. It is suggested that RT-PCR could be a rapid and sensitive tool for the detection of NDV. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v29i2.14341 Bangl. vet. 2012. Vol. 29, No. 2, 41-48

Comparison of genes as target for molecular diagnosis of peste des petits ruminants in goats

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) are an acute viral disease of sheep and goats. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for successful control. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a molecular diagnostic test based on amplification of the gene target is more sensitive than other tests. The study was to find an efficient primer set and structural gene, which would be more specific and sensitive for detecting PPR virus (PPRV) in field samples. Six primer sets for six structural genes of PPR were used. Primer against NP gene (np3/np4) was specific and sensitive. To ensure efficient amplification and detection of viruses in field samples, more than one set of primers should be used and F and N gene specific primers were the most suitable. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v29i2.14343 Bangl. vet. 2012. Vol. 29, No. 2, 56-62

Urinary microalbumin as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke

Microalbuminuria (MA), a microvascular irregularity of the blood - urine interface within kidney glomeruli, may reflect the renal sign of global endothelial dysfunction, and has been associated with an elevated risk of serious cardiovascular events including stroke. This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2008 to December 2009. This relationship appears graded with higher levels of microalbuminuria being independently associated with a greater magnitude of vascular risk over time. We studied 60 patients of ischemic stroke with in 4 weeks of onset of symptoms and performed a case control study for MA by spot urinalysis. The incidence of microalbuminuria was 31.7% of the patients compared with 8.3% of the controls. Of all the traditional risk factors for stroke - age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking showed a positive correlation with the presence of MA (p<0.05). The effect of microalbuminuria and subtypes of ischemic stroke was observed that small vessels stroke (lacunar infract) were more (70%) than large vessels stroke (30%) and effect of microalbuminuria 21.67% higher in small vessels stroke than large vessels stroke. The presence of microalbuminuria appears to independently predict proper clinical outcome following acute stroke.

Molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis in rural Matlab, Bangladesh

OBJECTIVE

To characterise and classify clinical isolates collected from tuberculosis (TB) patients in rural Bangladesh and to investigate the mode of transmission.

DESIGN

An epidemiological study using a combination of conventional and molecular methods was performed in a rural population of Bangladesh. A total of 168 clinical isolates were collected from TB patients. Deletion analysis, used for rapid differentiation of members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, spoligotyping and variable number tandem repeats of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (VNTR-MIRU) typing were used.

RESULTS

Deletion analysis identified all isolates as M. tuberculosis and further divided them into 109 strains (65%) carrying the M. tuberculosis deletion region 1 (TbD1-intact or 'ancestral' strains) and 59 strains (35%) lacking this region (TbD1 or 'modern' strains). MIRU analyses showed that 149 strains (89%) had unique patterns, whereas 19 strains (11%) clustered into eight groups. The largest cluster comprised five TbD1 strains of the Beijing type. The rate of recent transmission was estimated to be 6.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that TB in rural Bangladesh is caused primarily by reactivation of latent infections involving TbD1 intact strains, overlaid with the recent emergence of Beijing strain clusters that include multidrug-resistant isolates.

Distribution of prosaposin mRNA in the central nervous system of the pigeon (Columba livia)

Bioassay and immunohistochemical studies have detected the presence of prosaposin in the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals. Here, first time, we have determined the partial cDNA sequence of pigeon prosaposin and mapped the distribution of its mRNA in the pigeon CNS. The predicted amino acid sequence of pigeon prosaposin showed 93 and 60% identity to chicken and human prosaposin, respectively. In situ hybridization, autoradiograms showed that the prosaposin mRNA expression was found in the olfactory bulb, prepiriform cortex, Wulst, mesopallium, nidopallium, hippocampal formation, thalamus, tuberis nucleus, pre-tectal nucleus, nucleus mesencephalicus lateralis, pars dorsalis, nucleus isthmi, pars parvocellularis and magnocellularis, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, optic tectum, cerebellar cortex and nuclei, vestibular nuclei and gray matter of the spinal cord. These results suggest that the cDNA sequence of pigeon prosaposin is comparable to other vertebrates, and the general distribution pattern of prosaposin mRNA resembles those are found in mammals.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of an ethanol extract of Syzygium jambos (L.) leaves

Herbal medicines have traditionally been used worldwide for the prevention and treatment of liver disease with fewer adverse effects. The leaves of the Syzygium jambos (SJL) plant were chosen and studied for their antioxidant activity in vitro and hepatoprotective activity in vivo. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract was examined in vitro using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, reducing capacity, total phenol, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity. The extract had significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity in all in vitro experiments. IC(50) values of SJL and ascorbic acid (standard) were found to be 14.10 and 4.87 μg/mL, respectively, according to a DPPH radical scavenging assay. Hepatoprotective activity of the plant extract was evaluated in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage. CCl(4) significantly altered serum marker enzymes, total bilirubin, total protein, and liver weight. The extract caused these values to return to normal in rats with CCl(4)-induced liver damage that were given SJL. This indicated the hepatoprotective potential of SJL and was comparable to use of the standard drug silymarin. Thus, the present study revealed that SJL may have antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Predictive value of urine cultures in evaluation of bacterial colonization of ureteral stents

To evaluate the predictive value of urine cultures in the assessment of ureteral stent colonization and to investigate the frequency of double J stent colonization and stent associated bacteriuria. This observational study was conducted in the department of Urology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from December 2006 to March 2009. A total of 100 patients (mean age 39.2 ± 9.9 years, range 18-60 years, 69 male and 31 female) needing internal ureteral stent placement for different sorts of urinary tract operations were included in the study. Sterile urine samples were obtained from each patient before stenting and all patients had been given short-term prophylactic antibiotic (5-12 days). On the day of stent removal midstream urine were obtained from all patients for microbiological culture. Stents removed by aseptic precaution. Proximal and distal tip segments (3-5 cm) were also sent for culture. The lowest and highest durations of stenting were 10 and 86 days respectively (median 35 days). Both bacteriuria and bacterial colonization was significantly higher as duration of stenting increases (p=0.045 and p<0.001). E. coli was the most common microorganism isolated from both urine and stent culture. However, colonization rate of stents was much higher (45%) than positive urine cultures (21%) indicating that urine culture is less sensitive to diagnose stent colonization (k-value = 0.49). The study concludes that bacterial colonization significantly increases with indwelling time of stent and sterile culture of urine does not rule out that the stent itself is colonized.

Pattern of chronic suppurative otitis media

This observational study was conducted to know the bacteriological pattern of chronic suppurative otitis media. For this 110 patients of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) were selected from January 2006 to December 2007 at the out patient department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck surgery, BSMMU and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Among the 110 patients unilateral involvement was 76.36% and bilateral involvement was 23.64%. Ninety percent patients presented with tubotympanic variety and 10% patients presented with attico-antral variety. Bacteriologically pure growth was found in 79.09% cases, mixed growth in 10.91% cases, no growth in 10% cases. Only aerobic bacteria were isolated in the present series. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common organism (43.68%) isolated in pure culture followed by staphylococcus aureus 27.59%, E. coli 10.35%, Kleibsiella spp. 9.19%, proteus spp. 8.04%. Amikacin was the most effective antibiotic followed by Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftazidime, Cetriaxone. Before giving therapy bacterial growth and sensitivity pattern is to be known where facilities are available.

Renewable Energy: The Key to Achieving Sustainable Development of Rural Bangladesh

Renewable energy technologies (RETs) can help reduce poverty, energy shortage and environmental degradation such as desertification, biodiversity depletion and climate change effects in Bangladesh. The country is short of gas and electricity supply. Over-exploitation of biomass in meeting energy needs of the rural people has caused environmental degradation. RET can help solve those problems if it is widely used in the rural Bangladesh where people primarily depend on biomass energy. Bangladesh has enough renewable to mitigate such energy crisis and its adverse consequences. Bangladesh being an underdeveloped country, global initiative would be helpful in transferring RETs for the village households. This paper describes the glimpses of RETs in Bangladesh in terms of its policy issues, implementation, dissemination, marketing, and research and development activities. Modern RETs are still in the research, development and demonstration phase in the country. Like most of the developing countries, there is a niche market for new RETs and several private sector entrepreneurs and NGOs have tried to explore this market. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10175 JCE 2011; 26(1): 9-15

Outcome of metformin treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a clinical diagnosis. During one year period, 50 women suffering from PCOS were treated with either 850 mg/twice daily or 500 mg/thrice daily along with clomiphene citrate and/or letrozole, with advice for exercise and dietary therapy. Diagnosis of the PCOS patients was made by the presence of two out of the following three criteria: (a) oligo and/or anovulation, (b) hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or biochemical), and (c) polycystic ovaries, with the exclusion of other aetiologies. The mean±SD age of our patients was 26.74±3.85 years, BMI 26.64±2.64 kg/m2, pulse 80.56±4.61 b/min, systolic blood pressure 113.80±4.40 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure 76.10±4.77 mmHg, duration of marriage 6.19±3.20 years, and parity was 43(86%) nulliparous and 7(14%) primiparous. Oligomenorrhoea was present in 100%, hypomenorrhoea in 38%, secondary amenorrhoea in 28% and acne in 70% women. Results showed that 92% women followed advice on exercise and dietary therapy, in maximum number of women progesterone level was 31.40 nmol/L (66%), weight loss was 2 kg (44%), menstrual cycle regular (90%) and pregnancy test negative (90%). Only in 5 cases (10%) pregnancy test was positive.

New introduction of clade 2.3.2.1 avian influenza virus (H5N1) into Bangladesh

Since the first outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian inafluenza (HPAI) in Bangladesh in February 2007, a total of 519 disease events have been reported till 22 October 2011. Partial HA gene sequences of 11 selected H5N1 HPAI isolates of 2007 to 2011 were determined and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The study revealed a recent introduction of clade 2.3.2 and 2.3.4 viruses into Bangladesh in 2011 in addition to clade 2.2 viruses that had been in circulation since 2007. Clade 2.3.2 virus isolates from Bangladesh are phylogenetically related to the newly designated clade 2.3.2.1 viruses, reported recently from Asia and Eastern Europe.

Comparative study between combination of famciclovir and prednisolone with prednisolone alone in acute Bell's palsy

The antiviral drug acyclovir or its analogue, valacyclovir, has been applied in various trials on Bell's palsy with inconsistent results. We compared the therapeutic effect of famciclovir plus prednisolone with prednisolone alone, in patients with Bell's palsy. In a randomized, prospective trial, 68 patients were randomized to treatment with famciclovir and prednisolone (34 patients) or prednisolone alone (34 patients). All patients underwent supportive therapy. Severity of Bell's palsy was evaluated using the House-Brackmann scale (HBS). Follow-up was done after 1 week, 1 month and 3 months, with complete recovery defined as House-Brackmann grade I. The analysis revealed that recovery rates at month 1 and 3 were significantly higher in combination group than that of prednisolone only group (94.1% vs. 61.8% and 97.1% vs. 74.5% respectively). Again recovery from mild to moderate (HBS-II, III, IV) Bell's palsy occurred completely at month 3 and that of severe (HBS-V, VI) Bell's palsy was two-third of the patients. Again in severe Bell's palsy combination treatment increased the chance of complete recovery more than 10-fold than that of steroid only. The study results suggest that better outcome for Bell's palsy patients occurred if they were treated with prednisolone and famciclovir combination instead of prednisolone alone. In fact a considerable number of patients were benefited from additional antiviral therapy with famciclovir.

Different doses of atropine on heart rate fluctuations during reversal of neuromuscular blockade

It was a prospective comparative clinical study carried out in the Department of Anaesthesia, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, to evaluate the heart rate changes during reversal of neuromuscular blockade by using 3 different doses of atropine (in a mixture with neostigmine) and thereby detect comparatively safer dose. Sixty patients of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade I and II physical status were divided equally into 3 groups. Neostigmine 0.05 mg/kg body weight mixed with atropine 0.02, 0.015 and 0.01 mg/kg body weight given intravenously in group A, B and C respectively during reversal. The 3 groups were compared in age, sex, body weight, and ASA grades, but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between 3 groups. It is revealed that in Group C (atropine at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg with neostigmine), heart rate affected very little but salivary and tracheobronchial secretions were more. One of them had laryngospasm which was managed conservatively. In Group B (who received atropine 0.015 mg/kg) incidence of tachycardia observed was less than Group A (who received atropine 0.02 mg/kg). The patients of this group also had some salivary secretions but less than group C. Tachycardia was most marked in Group A but had minimum salivary secretions. Statistical analysis of heart rate changes in different times among the 3 Groups was significant (p<0.05). It was highly significant (p<0.01) in 1 minute after reversal. So relatively lower dose (0.015 mg/kg) of atropine with neostigmine than the conventional dose (0.02mg/kg) can be used to decrease tachycardia during reversal of neuromuscular blockade especially in haemodynamically unstable patients.

Feasibility study for thermal treatment of solid tire wastes in Bangladesh by using pyrolysis technology

In this study on the basis of lab data and available resources in Bangladesh, feasibility study has been carried out for pyrolysis process converting solid tire wastes into pyrolysis oils, solid char and gases. The process considered for detailed analysis was fixed-bed fire-tube heating pyrolysis reactor system. The comparative techno-economic assessment was carried out in US$ for three different sizes plants: medium commercial scale (144 tons/day), small commercial scale (36 tons/day), pilot scale (3.6 tons/day). The assessment showed that medium commercial scale plant was economically feasible, with the lowest unit production cost than small commercial and pilot scale plants for the production of crude pyrolysis oil that could be used as boiler fuel oil and for the production of upgraded liquid-products.

Evaluation of risk factors of oral cancer

This cross sectional study was done for the evaluation of the risk factors of oral cancer. This study was carried out in the department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 90 consecutive patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were studied in Otolaryngology department of BSMMU and DMCH from January 2003 to December 2005. A questionnaire was used for data collection from careful history taking, clinical examination and investigations. About 71.1% were habituated with betel quid chewing, 36.7% were habituated with smoking but among 23.3 % also betel quid chewer in addition. None of the patient was found to be habituated with alcohol consumption. Majority of the patients of OSCC were malnourished, of which female were more in number, and it was found that nutritional status was significantly associated with sex. Odds ratio (OD) showed that malnutrition was positively associated with female subjects. Also it was found that 69.01% betel quid chewer was malnourished and nutritional status was significantly associated with chewing and smoking habit. Betel quid chewing, smoking and malnutrition is important risk factor of oral cancer.

Preoperative use of granisetron plus dexamethasone and granisetron alone in prevention of post operative nausea and vomiting in tonsillectomy

This prospective study was done for to see the efficacy of preoperative use of granisetron plus dexamethasone (Group A) & granisetron (Group B) alone for the postoperative prevention of nausea & vomiting after tonsillectomy operation. One hundred patients undergoing tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy operation under general anaesthesia who were admitted in the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period from July 2008 to June 2009 with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I & II with age 3-40 years, body weight 10-60 kgs, were studied. Observation of this study was analyzed in the light of comparison between the two groups. All results were expressed as mean±SEM. Age in Group A 15.98±1.028 & Group B 17.18±0.961 years; Weight in Group A 38.40±1.492 & Group B 39.76±1.561 kgs and operational duration in Group A 52.60±0.786 & Group B 52.70±0.823 minutes. The studied groups were statistically matched for age, weight, duration of surgery. We observed that the effects of combination of granisetron & dexamthasone are more than granisetron alone in prevention of nausea & vomiting after tonsillectomy operation. The frequency of vomiting was 4% in combination & 16% in single therapy which is statically significant (p<0.05).

Determinants of antenatal and postnatal care visits among Indigenous people in Bangladesh: a study of the Mru community

INTRODUCTION

Antenatal and postnatal care services are significant interventions to improve maternal health and prevent maternal and infant deaths. However, these services are poorly developed in Bangladesh, particularly among Indigenous women. This study examined factors associated with antenatal and postnatal care visits among the Mru, the most underprivileged Indigenous people in Bangladesh.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. In total, 374 currently married Mru women with at least one child aged 5 years or younger were selected from 3 upazilas (sub-districts) of Bandarban District, Bangladesh for survey. In addition, in-depth interviews were performed with 26 Mru leaders, Mru women, traditional midwives, village 'doctors', school teachers, health and non-government organization workers. Associations between antenatal and postnatal care visits and the women's backgrounds characteristics were assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The traditional Mru prenatal and postnatal practices potentially inhibited women from seeking care. Both antenatal (11.2%) and postnatal (6.4%) care visits among the Mru women were lower than the national level. Most visits were to traditional midwives in their rural villages, rather than to health complexes or hospitals. The main reasons for lack of antenatal and postnatal care were travelling distance to care and transportation problems. Multivariate analysis revealed factors associated with antenatal care were the respondent's place of residence, age, level of education, distance to the service centers and exposure to any mass media. Similar results were obtained with regard to postnatal care visits.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that cultural issues, distance, infrastructure and socioeconomic status are important determinants of maternal healthcare-seeking behavior. Healthcare delivery systems and appropriate education programs should be developed at the village level to improve the health of mothers and children in the Mru community.

Comparison between tramadol hydrochloride & nalbuphine hydrochloride in the treatment of per-operative shivering after spinal anaesthesia

Per-operative shivering following spinal anaesthesia is a common problem in the operation theatre. Adequate management of shivering during operation is one of the goals of anesthesiologists for the benefit of the patient. Because there are many unpleasant and harmful effects caused by shivering in many patients especially respiratory and cardiac disease patients. For this reason aggressive and optimal treatment of per-operative shivering is essential to reduce the morbidity of the patients. Our observations were that occurrence of shivering was more in younger patients than older patients, thin patients than obese patients, anxious patients than non-anxious patients and more frequent in patients who received vasoconstrictor drugs, administration of fluid at running rate just before or during operation, administration of cold local anaesthetic agents (by taking drug from the freeze) into subarachnoid space. And shivering was better managed by administration of nalbuphine HCl and surface skin warming (wrapping of the skin). There are many studies regarding the incidence, prevention & treatment of post-operative shivering but there is no study regarding the incidence & treatment of per-operative shivering by nalbuphine following spinal anaesthesia. This study was designed to compare the anti-shivering efficacy and side effects (Nausea, Vomiting, and Somnolence) of tramadol hydrochloride with that of nalbuphine hydrochloride in the treatment of per-operative shivering following spinal anaesthesia. This study was also done to observe the incidence of shivering during operation following spinal anesthesia.

Role of magnesium sulphate in the treatment of hypomagnesaemia in eclamptic patients

Hypomagnasaemia has been identified as one of the main causes of eclampsia and preeclampsia which causes maternal and fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. In spite of wide difference of opinion about the best anticonvulsant, magnesium sulphate, diazepam and phenytoin are currently the mostly widely used anticonvulsants. The present study tried to find out the role of MgSO4 in correcting hypomagnasaemia in eclamptic women in Bangladesh. The study included 60 healthy (non eclamptic) 60 eclamptic women and was carried out in two hospitals of Dhaka city, during January 1999 to June 2000. Required tests were done in the Department of Biochemistry, BSMMU. Comparison of pretreatment clinical parameters between the two study groups showed highly significant (p<0.001) differences, MgSO4 level, pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate. After the case group of women was treated with MgSO4, the clinical parameters, pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate, between control and case groups showed no significant differences. However, serum magnesium level in case group increased to 3.41±0.21 mg/dl from pretreatment level of 1.02±0.26 mg/dl, and when compared to control (2.25±0.26 mg/dl), the increase was highly significant (p<0.001). It may be concluded that correction of hypomagnesemia may help to improve eclamptic situation.

Male sub-fertile patients in a tertiary hospital

Estimated prevalence of subfertility is 10% of couples; 35 40% male, 40 50% female and remainder involve both sexes. We analyzed semen of 50 sub-fertile male subjects attending infertility unit outpatient department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, between July 2007 and December 2008, to establish cause of their problem and initiate treatment regimen to correct their problem. Mean age was 32.68 years, known medical disorders was present in 6(6% history of mumps, 4% history of orchitis, 2% diabetes), 28% were smokers, and none was drug addict. Semen analysis: mean±SD semen volume 1.94±1.08 ml, concentration 19.43±25.18 106/ml, motility 24.04±26.49%, rapid linearity 13.10±15.74%, slow linearity 8.16±8.65%, non-progressive 2.74±6.23%, immotile 33.68±33.06%, morphology 21.62±26.15%, head abnormality 21.06±24.72%, midpiece abnormality 14.04±17.12%, and tail and other abnormalities 10.90±17.28%. Agglutination was seen in 2%. Diagnosis was 42% azoospermia, 4% normozoospermia, 12% oligoasthenozoospermia, 10% asthenozoospermia, 18% oligozoospermia, 10% oligozoospermia with reduced motility, 2% each oligozoospermia with infection and astheno and teratozoospermia.

POEMS Syndrome

A 49 years old male patient admitted with 2 years history of lower extremity symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy, sclerodermic skin change, erectile dysfunction, hepatosplenomegaly and monoclonal gammopathy. The clinical evaluation met the criteria for the diagnosis of (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, skin changes) POEMS syndrome. The patient was treated with corticosteroid and melphelan and responded well. We present a case different from the other cases with severe unusual burning sensation all over the body, which was his sole complaint and with this complaint he visited lot of doctors including psychiatrist.

Low emittance, high brilliance relativistic electron beams from a laser-plasma accelerator

Progress in laser wakefield accelerators indicates their suitability as a driver of compact free-electron lasers (FELs). High brightness is defined by the normalized transverse emittance, which should be less than 1π mm mrad for an x-ray FEL. We report high-resolution measurements of the emittance of 125 MeV, monoenergetic beams from a wakefield accelerator. An emittance as low as 1.1±0.1π mm mrad is measured using a pepper-pot mask. This sets an upper limit on the emittance, which is comparable with conventional linear accelerators. A peak transverse brightness of 5×10¹⁵ A m⁻¹ rad⁻¹ makes it suitable for compact XUV FELs.

Spatial variability of arsenic concentration in soils and plants, and its relationship with iron, manganese and phosphorus

Spatial distribution of arsenic (As) concentrations of irrigation water, soil and plant (rice) in a shallow tube-well (STW) command area (8 ha), and their relationship with Fe, Mn and P were studied. Arsenic concentrations of water in the 110 m long irrigation channel clearly decreased with distance from the STW point, the range being 68-136 microg L(-1). Such decreasing trend was also noticed with Fe and P concentrations, but the trend for Mn concentrations was not remarkable. Concerning soil As, the concentration showed a decreasing tendency with distance from the pump. The NH(4)-oxalate extractable As contributed 36% of total As and this amount of As was associated with poorly crystalline Fe-oxides. Furthermore only 22% of total As was phosphate extractable so that most of the As was tightly retained by soil constituents and was not readily exchangeable by phosphate. Soil As (both total and extractable As) was significantly and positively correlated with rice grain As (0.296+/-0.063 microg g(-1), n=56). Next to drinking water, rice could be a potential source of As exposure of the people living in the As affected areas of Bangladesh.

Detection of duck plague virus antigen in tissues by immunoperoxidase staining

An avidin-biotin-peroxidase method of immunoperoxidase staining was successfully adapted for detection of duck plague virus antigen in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the liver and spleen of experimentally infected domestic ducks. Positive staining was localized mostly in the nucleus but was also present in the cytoplasm of a few hepatocytes and von Kupffer cells of the liver, and lymphocytes and reticular cells of the spleen.

Early pathogenesis of experimental reovirus infection in chickens

One-day-old specific-pathogen-free, light hybrid chickens were infected orally with an avian arthrotropic reovirus and examined at intervals from 2 h until 12 days after infection. Entry, primary replication and spread of virus were studied by infectivity assay, immunohistochemical study and electron microscopy in a wide range of tissues. These showed viral entry and primary replication in the epithelium of intestine and bursa of Fabricius within 12 h after oral infection. These were followed by a rapid and pantropic distribution of virus which reached most tissues within 24 to 48 h after infection.