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.

Use of Anticoagulant Warfarin in Patients Presenting With Atrial Fibrillation in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in the World, occurring in approximately 0.4% of the general population. The purpose of the present study was to see the trend of use of warfarin in hospital admitted patients with atrial fibrillation. It was conducted in the department of cardiology, University Cardiac Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2008 to January 2009. A total of 150 patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled in this study. Out of them, male were 60(40%) and female 90(60%); age range 22-79 years. Most common presenting symptoms were palpitation (80%) & dyspnoea (70%). Chronic rheumatic heart disease (Mitral stenosis) (33%) was found in most cases followed by IHD (22%), hypertension (21%). According to CHADS₂ score, most of the patients belonged to moderate risk group (47%) and 32% in low risk group. Anticoagulation with warfarin was used in 40% cases of valvular AF & 25% patients with non valvular AF. Among non valvular AF, it was prescribed for 38% in high risk group, 34% in moderate risk & 3% in low risk group. The study states that warfarin is underused in both valvular & non valvular AF.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide Assay in Differentiating Congestive Heart Failure from Lung Disease in Patients Presenting with Dyspnea

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Cardiology & Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. After fulfilling the exclusion & inclusion criteria, B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations were measured in a convenience sample of 100 predominantly male (94%) dyspnic patients who got admitted in Cardiology & Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College & Hospital from November 2013 to October 2014. The diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) was based on generally accepted Framingham criteria with corroborative information including hospital course (response to diuretics, vasodilators, inotropes or hemodynamic monitoring) and results of further cardiac testing, including echocardiography. Patients with right heart failure from cor pulmonale were classified as having CHF. Pulmonary disease was confirmed by using the following diagnostic tools: i) A chest X-ray without signs of heart enlargement or pulmonary venous hypertension or a chest X-ray with signs of chronic obstructive lung disease, ii) Normal heart function as seen by echocardiography, iii) Abnormal pulmonary function tests or follow-up results and iv) A positive response to treatment with steroids, nebulizers or antibiotics in hospital. Patients with CHF (n=50) had mean BNP level 1146.72pg/ml (range 103 to 5000pg/ml), which is significantly higher than the group of patients with a final diagnosis of pulmonary disease (n=50) whose BNP was 34pg/ml (range 10 to 90pg/ml) (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was found that B-type natriuretic peptide is an important biomarker for differentiating congestive heart failure from lung disease in patients presenting with dyspnea.

Huge Perineal Tumour: A Rare Presentation of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour of Rectum

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is a relatively rare neoplasm of gastrointestinal tract of which Rectal GIST is uncommon. It produces symptoms of per rectal bleeding or change in bowel habit. Recurrences following curative resection are predominantly intraabdominal, hepatic metastasis occurring at a median 20-25 months following the primary surgery. A 42 years old male presented a huge mass in hypogastrium, the size of which was reduced ofter neoadjuvant therapy for period of 1.5 years. He underwent abdominoperineal resection. He developed recurrences in perineum three times and in thigh at short intervals after primary resection. He also developed liver metastasis. He died two and half years after primary diagnosis. Rectal GIST should be included in differential diagnosis of intraabdominal mass and preoperative diagnosis based on histopathological as well as the immunohistochemical feature of the CD(117) and CD(34). Although complete surgical resection with negative tumour margin is the principal curative procedure for primary and non metastatic tumours, further studies are still needed for the determination of the most effective treatment strategy for patients of rectal GIST.

Effect of Sn Doping on the Properties of Nano-Structured ZnO Thin Films Deposited by Co-Sputtering Technique

In this study, tin doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Sn) nano-structured thin films were successfully deposited by co-sputtering of ZnO and Sn on top of glass substrate. The effect of Sn doping on the microstructure, phase, morphology, optical and electrical properties of the films were extensively investigated by means of XRD, EDX, SEM, AFM, Hall Effect measurement, and UV-Vis spectrometry. The results showed that the undoped ZnO film exhibited preferred orientation along the c-axis of the hexagonal wurtzite structure. With increase of Sn doping, the peak position of the (002) plane was shifted to the higher 20 values, and ultimately changed to amorphous structure. The absorption edge was shifted to blue region which confirmed the excitonic quantum confinement effect in the films. Consequently, improved surface morphology with optical bandgap, reduced average particle size, reduced resistivity, enhanced Hall mobility and carrier concentration were observed in the doped films after vacuum annealing. Among all of the as-deposited and annealed ZnO:Sn films investigated in this study, annealed film doped with 8 at.% of Sn concentration exhibited the best properties with a bandgap of 3.84 eV, RMS roughness of 2.51 nm, resistivity of 2.36 ohm-cm, and Hall mobility of 83 cm2 V(-1) s(-1).

High quit rate among smokers with tuberculosis in a modified smoking cessation programme in Dhaka, Bangladesh

SETTING

BRAC, a non-governmental organisation, implemented a modified smoking cessation programme for tuberculosis (TB) patients based on International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) guidelines in 17 peri-urban centres of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a modified version of The Union's smoking cessation intervention was effective in promoting cessation among TB patients and determinants associated with quitting smoking.

DESIGN

Cohort study of routinely collected data.

RESULTS

A total of 3134 TB patients were registered from May 2011 to April 2012. Of these, 615 (20%) were current smokers, with a mean age of 38 years (±13.8). On treatment completion, 562 patients were analysed, with 53 (9%) lost to follow-up or dead, while 82% of smokers had quit. Patients with extra-pulmonary TB were less likely to quit than those with pulmonary TB. Patients with high-intensity dependence were less likely to quit than those with low-intensity dependence.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that a simplified smoking cessation intervention can be effective in promoting smoking cessation among TB patients in Bangladesh. This is encouraging for other low-resource settings; the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis Control Programme should consider nationwide scaling up and integration of this smoking cessation plan.

Beyond drugs: tuberculosis patients in Bangladesh need nutritional support during convalescence

SETTINGS

All sputum microscopy laboratories under the BRAC Tuberculosis Programme in Dhaka City.

OBJECTIVES

To study the nutritional status of tuberculosis (TB) patients attending microscopy laboratories during convalescence following DOTS.

DESIGN

The study included 1068 TB patients registered for treatment at 10 laboratories from May 2010 to December 2011, and 910 healthy neighbourhood controls. Weight (in kg), height (in cm) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC; in cm) were measured before, at 2 months and immediately after completion of treatment. Body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m(2) and MUAC < 22.0 cm were taken as cut-offs for defining malnourishment.

RESULTS

Two thirds of the patients (67%) had a low BMI (<18.5 kg/m(2)) before treatment, compared to only 23% among the healthy controls. At the end of treatment, 50% of the patients still had a low BMI, including 12% who had severe malnourishment (BMI ≤ 16 kg/m(2)). MUAC < 22.0 cm was higher among patients before (42%), at 2 months (39%) and immediately after completion of treatment (34%) compared to the control group (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition is a serious problem among TB patients in peri-urban areas of Dhaka City. Under the circumstances, additional nutritional supplements, combined with education on nutrition, are expected to contribute to rapid and sustained recovery during DOTS-based treatment.

Magneto-structural coupling in [Formula: see text]

[Formula: see text] compound is well Known to show the frustration of the spin structure. At 12 K, [Formula: see text] distorts to break symmetry of the degenerated frustrated spin states by the spin-Peierls-like phase transition, accompanying with the antiferromagnetic ordering. On the other hand, [Formula: see text] undergoes a Jahn-Teller phase transition at a temperature of 310 K, differing from the low temperature ferrimagnetic transition temperature [Formula: see text] of about 60 K. It is also reported that [Formula: see text] shows another magnetic phase transition at about 30 K. These two phase transitions accompanying with the lattice change can be understood by the magneto-elastic interactions. Two interactions, the Jahn-Teller interaction and the spin-Peierls-like interaction are co-exist in [Formula: see text] system. In this report the [Formula: see text] compounds with x = 0.8, 0.6 and 1 are investigated by the X-ray diffraction measurements. From these measurements the crystal structures are determined. The full width at half maximum and integrated intensity give the fruitful information for magnetic elastic interactions.

Particle emissions from microalgae biodiesel combustion and their relative oxidative potential

Microalgae are considered to be one of the most viable biodiesel feedstocks for the future due to their potential for providing economical, sustainable and cleaner alternatives to petroleum diesel. This study investigated the particle emissions from a commercially cultured microalgae and higher plant biodiesels at different blending ratios. With a high amount of long carbon chain lengths fatty acid methyl esters (C20 to C22), the microalgal biodiesel used had a vastly different average carbon chain length and level of unsaturation to conventional biodiesel, which significantly influenced particle emissions. Smaller blend percentages showed a larger reduction in particle emission than blend percentages of over 20%. This was due to the formation of a significant nucleation mode for the higher blends. In addition measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS), showed that the oxidative potential of particles emitted from the microalgal biodiesel combustion were lower than that of regular diesel. Biodiesel oxygen content was less effective in suppressing particle emissions for biodiesels containing a high amount of polyunsaturated C20-C22 fatty acid methyl esters and generated significantly increased nucleation mode particle emissions. The observed increase in nucleation mode particle emission is postulated to be caused by very low volatility, high boiling point and high density, viscosity and surface tension of the microalgal biodiesel tested here. Therefore, in order to achieve similar PM (particulate matter) emission benefits for microalgal biodiesel likewise to conventional biodiesel, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) with high amounts of polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids (≥C20) may not be desirable in microalgal biodiesel composition.

Analysis of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield associated traits in some promising advanced lines of rice

A field experiment was conducted using twenty three rice genotypes including three check varieties during the period from June to December, 2013, at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance (GA) for yield and yield associated traits in rice. The experiment was laid down in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant height, number of filled grains per panicle, days to 50% flowering, thousand grain weight, grain width and grain yield showed relatively high genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) estimates. The PCV were higher than GCV for all eight traits indicating that they all interacted with the environment to some extent. High heritability was obtained for grain width (88.54%), followed by days to 50% flowering (87.61%), thousand grain weight (81.96%), grain length (81.94%), days to maturity (81.81%) and number of filled grains per panicle (78.19%) which indicates high heritable portion of variation. High to medium estimates of heritability and genetic advance were obtained for number of filled grains per panicle (18.97), days to 50% flowering (11.89), days to maturity (12.16) indicating the roles of additive gene action and a good scope of selection using their phenotypic performance. Considering, all of these characters, filled gains per panicle and days to 50% flowering and maturity were important yield related traits and could be used for selection in rice breeding programs.Progressive Agriculture 26:26-31, 2015

Bilateral Tubercular Mastitis - Case Reports

Breast tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis. Moreover the disease is often overlooked and misdiagnosed as carcinoma or pyogenic abscess. Reports on breast tuberculosis have been few; reported incidence of breast tuberculosis amongst the total number of mammary conditions varies between 0.1 and 4 percent. Bilateral involvement is still more uncommon (3%). Here we report 3 cases of adult female ranging from 27 to 35 years who presented with 1 to 4 months history of firm lumps in both breasts and no axillary lymphadenopathy. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of breast lump in all 3 cases were done but in 1 case showed evidence of tubercular mastitis and other 2 cases findings were inconclusive. Subsequent Excisional Biopsy of those 2 cases showed features of tuberculosis. All 3 were prescribed with four drug anti-tubercular treatments continued for 12 months in 2 cases and 9 months in other case depending upon their response. The lumps disappeared and ulcer healed after anti-tubercular treatment.

Deconjugation of soy isoflavone glucuronides needed for estrogenic activity

Soy isoflavones (SIF) are present in the systemic circulation as conjugated forms of which the estrogenic potency is not yet clear. The present study provides evidence that the major SIF glucuronide metabolites in blood, genistein-7-O-glucuronide (GG) and daidzein-7-O-glucuronide (DG), only become estrogenic after deconjugation. The estrogenic potencies of genistein (Ge), daidzein (Da), GG and DG were determined using stably transfected U2OS-ERα, U2OS-ERβ reporter gene cells and proliferation was tested in T47D-ERβ cells mimicking the ERα/ERβ ratio of healthy breast cells and inT47D breast cancer cells. In all assays applied, the estrogenic potency of the aglycones was significantly higher than that of their corresponding glucuronides. UPLC analysis revealed that in U2OS and T47D cells, 0.2-1.6% of the glucuronides were deconjugated to their corresponding aglycones. The resulting aglycone concentrations can account for the estrogenicity observed upon glucuronide exposure. Interestingly, under similar experimental conditions, rat breast tissue S9 fraction was about 30 times more potent in deconjugating these glucuronides than human breast tissue S9 fraction. Our study confirms that SIF glucuronides are not estrogenic as such, and that the small % of deconjugation in the cell is enough to explain the slight bioactivity observed for the SIF-glucuronides. Species differences in deconjugation capacity should be taken into account when basing risk-benefit assessment of these SIF for the human population on animal data.

Maternal and foetal outcome of 206 high risk pregnancy cases in border guard hospital, dhaka

This observational study was carried out to identify the various types of high risk pregnancy and to determine the maternal and foetal outcome. The study was carried out on 206 pregnant high risk women in the Gynecology and Obstetrics department of Border Guard Hospital, Dhaka from January 2012 to December 2012. During mentioned period among 598 pregnant women 206 high risk pregnancy cases were randomly selected. Pregnant women (gestational age from 34 weeks upto 40 weeks) having medical condition and pregnancy related high risk factors were included and uncomplicated pregnancy, pregnancy before 37 weeks, post dated pregnancy were excluded from this study. Data was collected from semi structured history sheet and data analysis done by percentage. High risk pregnant women were grouped into three. Group A and Group B includes pregnant women having medical condition before and during pregnancy respectively. Group C consists of pregnant women had pregnancy related high risk issues. Among 206 high risk pregnancy cases majority 47.57% women had medical condition during pregnancy, 31.55% patient had medical condition before pregnancy. Among them majority 30.58% of the patient suffered from pregnancy induced hypertension, 15.04% patients suffered from gestational Diabetes Mellitus and premature rupture of membranes were 12.13%. In this study majority 43.68% of high risk pregnant patients were in age group of 30-35 years, 19.90% pregnant women were in age group of >35 years and 19.40% were in age group of upto 20 years. Among study groups maximum 65.04% of the patients were multiparous. Among 206 study population 60.19% high risk pregnant women were at term at the time of delivery and 39.8% women delivered their babies preterm. Caesarean section was done in 69.41% of high risk pregnant women. After delivery majority 77.66% women had no complication, only 10.19%, 8.25%, 2.91% and 0.97% high risk pregnant women suffered from fever, UTI, abdominal wound infection and post partum hemorrhage respectively. In this study, among 206 pregnancy cases 91.31% of the neonates had Apgar score >7 and 8.61% neonates had Apgar score <7%, 33.49% neonates had low birth weight and premature 39.80%. During the study period no maternal and neonatal death were observed.

Patient costs during tuberculosis treatment in Bangladesh and Tanzania: the potential of shorter regimens

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the costs incurred by patients during the intensive and continuation phases of the current 6-month tuberculosis (TB) regimen in Bangladesh and Tanzania, and thus identify potential benefits to patients of a shorter, 4-month treatment regimen.

DESIGN

The validated Stop TB patient cost questionnaire was adapted and used in interviews with 190 patients in the continuation phase of treatment with current regimens.

RESULTS

In both countries, overall patient costs were lower during 2 months of the continuation phase (US$74 in Tanzania and US$56 in Bangladesh) than during the 2 months of the intensive phase of treatment (US$150 and US$111, respectively). However, continuation phase patient costs still represented 89% and 77% of the 2-month average national income in the respective countries. Direct travel costs in some settings were kept low by local delivery system features such as community treatment observation. Lost productivity and costs for supplementary foods remained significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it is not a straightforward exercise to determine the exact magnitude of likely savings, a shorter regimen would reduce out-of-pocket expenses incurred by patients in the most recent 2 months of the continuation phase and allow an earlier return to productive activities.

Source apportionment and pollution evaluation of heavy metals in water and sediments of Buriganga River, Bangladesh, using multivariate analysis and pollution evaluation indices

Concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediment samples of Buriganga River in the capital city Dhaka, Bangladesh, were studied to understand the level of heavy metals and their source apportionment. The results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals both in water and sediment samples were very high and, in most cases, exceeded the permissible limits recommended by the Bangladesh government and other international organizations. Significantly higher concentrations of Pb, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd were found in sediment samples. However, average concentrations of metals both in water and sediment samples were above the effect range median. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and degree of contamination (Cd) yielded different results in water samples despite significant correlations between them. The heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) showed strong correlations with HPI and Cd and provided better assessment of pollution levels. The enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed the elevated value of Cr, Pb, and Cd in access of background values. The measured elements were subjected to positive matrix factorization (PMF) and examining correlations in order to explain the content, behavior, and source apportionment of metals. PMF resulted in a successful partitioning of variances into sources related to background geochemistry and contaminant influences. However, the PMF approach successfully demarcated the major sources of metals from tannery, paint, municipal sewage, textiles, and agricultural activities.

Outcome of modified Bristow-Laterjet procedure in post-traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in young population

Anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD) is a common injury of young population which may progress to recurrent episodes. The treatment is initially conservative but surgery is indicated when it fails. Out of more than 150 techniques, modified Bristow-Latarjet procedure has become most favorable even to arthroscopic techniques. We have intended to retrospectively assess the outcome of it in post-traumatic recurrent ASD of young non-athletes, performed at our different private settings between January 2007 and July 2012; which included 15 male patients of 20-39 years with minimum 2 years follow up. Clinical, functional, radiological and overall outcome status were evaluated. There was significant improvement of shoulder stability (p<0.05, chi-square test) despite significant deterioration (p<0.05, paired t-test) of external rotation (21.67°±00.61° loss). The patient self assessed pain and instability had highly significant (p<0.001, paired t-test) and all components of activities of daily living (except above shoulder weight carrying and overhead throwing) had significant improvement (p<0.05, paired t-test). Despite of intra-operative difficulties, radiological transplant errors (33.33%) and post-operative complications (06.67%), overall satisfactory outcome (86.67%) had been significant (p<0.05, chi-square test).

Forest biomass flow for fuel wood, fodder and timber security among tribal communities of Jharkhand

The study investigated extraction and consumption pattern of fuel wood, fodder and timber and forest biomass flow for fuel wood, fodder and timber security among tribal communities in Bundu block of Ranchi district in Jharkhand (India). The study is based on personal interviews of the selected respondents through structured interview schedule, personal observations and participatory rural appraisal tools i.e. key informant interviews and focus group discussions carried out in the sample villages, using multi-stage random sampling technique. The study revealed that the total extraction of fuel wood from different sources in villages was 2978.40 tons annum(-1), at the rate of 0.68 tons per capita annum(-1), which was mostly consumed in cooking followed by cottage industries, heating, community functions and others. The average fodder requirement per household was around 47.77 kg day(-1) with a total requirement of 14227.34 tons annum(-1). The average timber requirement per household was computed to be 0.346 m3 annum(-1) accounting for a total timber demand of 282.49 m3 annum(-1), which is mostly utilized in housing, followed by agricultural implements, rural furniture, carts and carriages, fencing, cattle shed/ store house and others. Forest biomass is the major source of fuel wood, fodder and timber for the primitive societies of the area contributing 1533.28 tons annum(-1) (51.48%) of the total fuel wood requirement, 6971.55 tons annum(-1) (49.00%) of the total fodder requirement and 136.36 m3 annum(-1) (48.27%) of the total timber requirement. The forest biomass is exposed to enormous pressure for securing the needs by the aboriginal people, posing great threat to biodiversity and environment of the region. Therefore, forest biomass conservation through intervention of alternative avenues is imperative to keep pace with the current development and future challenges in the area.

Factors contributing to the duration of untreated psychosis

BACKGROUND

Shortening the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) - with the aim of improving the prognosis of psychotic disorders - requires an understanding of the causes of treatment delay. Current findings concerning several candidate risk factors of a longer DUP are inconsistent. Our aim was to identify factors contributing to DUP in a large sample that represents the treated prevalence of non-affective psychotic disorders.

METHOD

Patients with a non-affective psychotic disorder were recruited from mental health care institutes from 2004 to 2008. Of the 1120 patients enrolled, 852 could be included in the present analysis. Examined candidate factors were gender, educational level, migration status, premorbid adjustment and age at onset of the psychotic disorder. DUP was divided into five ordinal categories: less than one month, one month to three months, three months to six months, six months to twelve months and twelve months and over. An ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of a longer DUP.

RESULTS

Median DUP was less than one month (IQR 2). The factors migration status (p=0.028), age at onset of the psychotic disorder (p=0.003) and gender (p=0.034) were significantly associated with DUP in our analysis.

CONCLUSION

First generation immigrant patients, patients with an early onset of their psychotic disorder and male patients seem at risk of a longer DUP. These findings can assist in designing specific interventions to shorten treatment delay.

Single space transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in spondylolisthesis: initial experience of 30 cases

Spondylolisthesis in adults is characterized by the loss of disc height across the affected segment with sagital translation. The goal of stabilizing the spine is accomplished by fusion. Transforaminal approach for lumbar interbody fusion is a very good approach and reduces the complications associated with traditional posterior approach. It has been reported to be safe and effective in the treatment of spondylolisthesis. It has done to assess the functional outcome of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) in spondylolisthesis. This prospective interventional study was performed from July 2008 to June 2011 included 30 patients (male 07, female 23), within a age range of 30-59 years. Nineteen cases were lytic, 08 cases were degenerative, 02 were post-traumatic and 01 dysplastic variety of spondylolisthesis. Follow up ranged from 12 to 24 months and outcome assessed by VAS and ODI regarding pain and disability. Achievement of fusion and complications were documented accordingly. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired t-test and chi-squared test in appropriate instances. We included twenty One (70.00%) patient had Grade-II Spondylolisthesis and L4 over L5 had been the commonest level (53.33%) involved. Pain and disability improved significantly and 22 (73.33%) patients returned to their previous level of activity. One (03.33%) patient developed superficial wound infection and 01 (03.33%) had persistent low back pain. All patients had neurological improvement. We concluded that Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion is an effective alternative surgical procedure for the treatment of spondylolisthesis. Overall outcome is satisfactory in 93.33% cases.

Principal milk components in buffalo, holstein cross, indigenous cattle and red chittagong cattle from bangladesh

The aim of the present study was to get a total physical and chemical characterization and comparison of the principal components in Bangladeshi buffalo (B), Holstein cross (HX), Indigenous cattle (IC) and Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) milk. Protein and casein (CN) composition and type, casein micellar size (CMS), naturally occurring peptides, free amino acids, fat, milk fat globule size (MFGS), fatty acid composition, carbohydrates, total and individual minerals were analyzed. These components are related to technological and nutritional properties of milk. Consequently, they are important for the dairy industry and in the animal feeding and breeding strategies. Considerable variation in most of the principal components of milk were observed among the animals. The milk of RCC and IC contained higher protein, CN, β-CN, whey protein, lactose, total mineral and P. They were more or less similar in most of the all other components. The B milk was found higher in CN number, in the content of αs2-, κ-CN and α-lactalbumin, free amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, Ca and Ca:P. The B milk was also lower in β-lactoglobulin content and had the largest CMS and MFGS. Proportion of CN to whey protein was lower in HX milk and this milk was found higher in β-lactoglobulin and naturally occuring peptides. Considering the results obtained including the ratio of αs1-, αs2-, β- and κ-CN, B and RCC milk showed best data both from nutritional and technological aspects.

Comparison of creatinine clearance estimates with routine measured creatinine clearance in hospitalized chronic kidney disease patients

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between endogenous creatinine clearance (BSA adjusted), the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft-Gault (BSA adjusted) equations in a Bangladeshi population with chronic kidney disease. It was an observational study conducted from July 2011 to January 2012 in the department of Medicine of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 50 cases with diagnosed Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients participated in this study. Results are expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to compare the results of conventional creatinine clearance on 24 hour urine collection (BSA adjusted) and creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance (BSA adjusted) and MDRD creatinine clearance (ml/min/1.73m²) equation. Among 50 patients 30(60%) were male and 20(40%) were female. Mean age of the cases was 43±12.96 years with age range from 18 to 65 years. Mean creatinine clearance measured on 24 hours urine collection (BSA adjusted) was 13.86±8.72ml/min per 1.73m². Mean BSA adjusted Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance and MDRD creatinine clearance were 27.68±11.26 and 24.46±11.05ml/min per 1.73m² respectively. There was a positive correlation between both the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (r=0.951, p<0.05) equation and the Cockcroft-Gault (r=0.948, p<0.05) equation with measured creatinine clearance; the former being statistically superior comparing the correlation coefficients. The creatinine based formulas with their inherent property of convenience and cost effectiveness can be a useful tool for monitoring the progression of disease.

Aphanamixis Polystachya: A Potential Non-Edible Source of Biodiesel in Bangladesh

This paper represents an attempt that was made to prepare Biodiesel from a non-edible source, Aphanamixis Polystachya (Pitraj). Oil was extracted from the seed by mechanical press method. Various properties of raw oil such as viscosity, Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content, specific gravity, saponofication value etc. were measured by standard methods. FFA content of raw oil was found higher, so the acid catalysed two step method, acid catalysed esterification followed by base catalysed transesterification, was studied. Various reaction parameters such as oil to methanol ratio, catalyst wt%, reaction time and temperature were optimized for both esterification and transesterification reaction. 1H NMR of prepared biodiesel and raw oil was studied which confirms the conversion of oil to biodiesel. Finally, the various properties of produced Biodiesel, such as viscosity, FFA, specific gravity, iodine value, cetane index, calorific value etc. were measured and compared with biodiesel and petro-diesel standards. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v28i1.18111 Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 1, December 2013: 45-49

Potentiality of Biodiesel Production From Non-Edible Oil: Bangladesh Perspective

The present study focuses potentiality of biodiesel production in Bangladesh from non-edible oil. The increasing demands of energy are consumed by using fossil fuels which are non-renewable and will be depleted within 150 years from now if this growth rate stays but if this rate increases further the depleting time will decrease from the estimated one. Because of low reservation of crude oil, Bangladesh has to import oils from other countries, these costs a lot. About 95% of these demands can be meted through biodiesel. Biodiesel prepared from both edible and non-edible oils. After meeting demands of edible oil of the country it is impossible to produce biodiesel from edible oils. But it is possible to meet the biodiesel demand of the country almost 100% through non-edible oil derived biodiesel. Arable lands of Bangladesh can’t be used for the growing purposes of non-edible oil seeds, but if rail and road sides are used there is no need for extra lands. After surveying lands for this purpose it seems that Bangladesh can get a total amount of 47750 Km of road and rail side areas for the cultivation of non-edible seeds. Among these forest seeds Nageswar, Pitraj, Sultana champa Ponyal, Rata, Oil palm, Chaulmoogra, Bakul, Kusum, jaina have sufficient oil content along with plenty of growth in Bangladesh. Cultivating these seeds 1100000 tones of biodiesel can be produced on the basis of their oil content and yield. Which decreases the amount of imported crude oil as well as meets the oil demand of the country, thus Bangladesh can be able to save about $6 billion per year means a great economic savings that can be used for the development of the country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v27i2.17763 Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 27, No. 2, June 2012: 1-5

Factors associated with treatment delay among tuberculosis patients referred from a tertiary hospital in Dhaka City: a cross-sectional study

SETTING

A tertiary medical college hospital in Dhaka City Corporation area, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with treatment delay among tuberculosis (TB) patients referred from a public diagnostic centre to various DOTS treatment centres in Dhaka City Corporation area, Bangladesh.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 123 patients referred from the Dhaka Medical College Hospital to different DOTS treatment centres during July-October 2012. Factors associated with treatment delay (>1 day between referral and initiation of DOTS treatment) were identified.

RESULTS

Among the 123 patients referred from the hospital, treatment delay was found to range between 2 and 17 days (median 2). In bivariate analysis, treatment delay was found to be significantly associated with the patient's diagnostic category. In multivariate analysis, World Health Organization (  WHO) Category II patients were found to be four times more likely to have treatment delay than WHO Category I patients, and married patients were much more likely to have treatment delays than unmarried patients.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that the main factors contributing to treatment delay among TB patients were history of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment, marital status and age. Patients should be given extensive information about the dangers of treatment delay before referring them to DOTS treatment centres.