Impacts of brush pile fishing on fish biodiversity: A case study of the Shari-Goyain River in Bangladesh

Brush pile (katha), a fish aggregating device, has been widely used in the Shari-Goyain River since 2003 to congregate fish for easier catch. Katha is usually used during the winter season when the water depth decreases. Hence, this experiment was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019 on katha fishing to investigate its status and impacts on fisheries resources of the Shari-Goyain River in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. The study was based on the hypothesis that katha fishing might have detrimental impacts to fish biodiversity and production. Data were obtained through a questionnaire-based survey, personal interviews, catch assessment (CA), focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. A total of 54 species were documented, including two exotic fish species (tilapia and common carp) and 3 species of prawn during harvesting of the kathas. The catch per unit effort (CPUE) (kg/gear/ha/person/hour) was the highest in December (1.13 ± 0.37), followed by November (1.06 ± 0.40), January (0.80 ± 0.25), February (0.71 ± 0.23), and March (0.52 ± 0.21). The catch per unit area (CPUA) (kg/ha) was the highest in November (264.66 ± 18.21), followed by December (205.05 ± 27.77), January (175.02 ± 76.04), February (147.73 ± 52.11), and March (102.08 ± 41.04) where significant differences (p < 0.05) among the months were observed. Average catch per katha in a month ranged from 41.09 ± 16.11 to 12.42 ± 5.89 kg, with a mean of 24.29 ± 11.08 kg, and a significant decrease in average catch was observed with the progression of months. The most species richness was noticed in December (38), followed by November (35), January (34), February (28), and March (25). Siluriformes (39.123%) was the most dominant order, followed by Cypriniformes (33.956%), Decapoda (14.661%), and Ovalentaria (3.278%). According to the CA and respondents’ perception, indiscriminate harvesting of fish by katha fishing can be a cause of fish biodiversity loss as it reduces open water catches, total production, and disturbs the ecosystem. From the research findings, it is suggested that katha fishing should be stopped for sustainable management and conservation of fisheries resources in the Shari-Goyain River. Research on the effects of katha fishing should be conducted in other open waters of Bangladesh where this type of fishing is common.

A trend analysis of animal bite cases attending a Tertiary Care Hospital, Odisha during COVID lockdown

A nationwide lockdown was imposed from March 25, 2020, to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to analyze the trend, pattern of animal bite cases and to quantify the reduction in the incidence of animal bite cases due to diminution of exposure time with animals as a result of lockdown. The interrupted time series method was used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the incidence of animal bite cases. Right after the lockdown, the mean number of reported animal bite cases decreased significantly (P = 0.04) by 8.3%. Furthermore, the month-to-month change of cases for the postlockdown period was in decreasing trend (ß3 = 0.872) and was significant (P < 0.05). Reduction in the exposure time with street animal surely reduce the incidence in animal bite cases and hence, the Government should take appropriate actions to control the intermixing of street dogs with marginal populations at the village and urban slums level.

Six Sigma Metrics: An Evolving Indicator of Quality Assurance for Clinical Biochemistry

Introduction: The analytical phase of the total testing process is the one in which the clinical biochemist can directly intervene to improve the quality of tests reporting. The sigma metrics and Operational Process Specification (OPSpec) chart can specify to which category the laboratory belongs. Aim: To apply sigma metrics to analytical process of testing, do the root cause analysis and apply the corrective measures according to Westgard Rules to improve laboratory performance towards the quality assurances. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective-prospective study carried out in a clinical laboratory of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India, from July 2020 to March 2021. A retrospective secondary data analysis of six months duration was carried out in a clinical chemistry laboratory with a follow-up prospective study for three months. During this period, 16 analytes were tabulated to analyse the Internal Quality Control (IQC). External Quality Control (EQC) for the same analytes were obtained on monthly basis and the sigma metrics was calculated for each analytes. For analytes with sigma value <3, appropriate measures were taken according to Westgard rules to improvise the quality of laboratory investigations. The statistical analysis of sigma metrics was performed in “R” v-3.6.3. Results: Out of total 16 analytes, three analytes at level 1 and two analytes at level 2 Quality control (QC) showed a world class performance whereas four analytes showed a poor performance at both the QC levels with sigma metrics value <3. From Quality Goal Index (QGI) and root cause analysis, the source of error was detected and corrected. Conclusion: The inaccuracy and imprecision of different parameters in the analytical phase of the testing process can be addressed by calculating the sigma metrics and do the root cause analysis. Application of corrective measures according to Westgard rule can improve the laboratory performance towards the quality assurance.

Optimization of stocking density for mono-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production in riverine cage culture in Bangladesh

Determining a suitable stocking density of fish for an ambient condition is very important for economic benefit in cage aquaculture, which is not yet tested for many species in Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Therefore, current research was conducted in order to explore the effect of various stocking densities on growth and production performances of mono-sex Nile tilapia cage aquaculture in an open running water body, the Gurukchi River. Considering maximizing economic benefit, it is the first instance of such research in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. In the three treatments (T₁, T₂, and T₃), fingerlings were stocked at 40, 60 and 80 fish/m³, respectively with initial weights of 39.51 ± 0.91, 39.61 ± 0.71 and 38.54 ± 0.57g, respectively. Fish were fed with commercial floating pellet feed at 8-4% of their body weight. The results showed that growth performance of Nile tilapia significantly decreased with increasing stocking density. The mean total yields were 13.25 ± 0.48, 18.43 ± 0.88 and 22.76 ± 0.63 kg/m³ in T₁, T₂ and T₃, respectively, which showed significant variations (p < 0.05) among treatments. The benefit-cost ratio analysis revealed that T₁ (1.512 ± 0.022) and T₂ (1.499 ± 0.063) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than T₃ (1.191 ± 0.071), with no significant differences observed between T₁ and T₂. Notably, a significantly higher (p < 0.05) net profit was observed in T₂ than in T₁ and T₃. Overall, 60 fish/m³ stocking density was the best stocking density for commercial cage aquaculture of tilapia in a riverine environment of the north-eastern Bangladesh.

Effect of feeding practices on nutritional status of infant and young children residing in urban slums of berhampur: A decision tree approach

Background

Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in the early years of life will ensure optimal growth and development of the child. However, many children are not fed in the recommended way.

Objectives

To assess the risk of malnutrition as a result of various feeding practice patterns among the children with the application of the decision tree algorithm.

Methods

It was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the urban slums of Berhampur Municipal Corporation in Ganjam District, Odisha, India, from January to December 2019. Among a sample of 360 children of 6-23 months, nutritional status and feeding practices were determined. Data were analyzed using R version 3.6.1 developed by R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. The effect of IYCF practices on nutritional status was explained with the decision tree method with the use of a Chi-squared automatic interaction detection algorithm.

Results

The prevalence of children with early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum dietary diversity (MDD) was 62.2%, 59.7%, 41.9%, and 19.4%, respectively. The prevalence of wasting, stunting, and underweight among the participants was 36.4%, 31.1%, and 35.3%, respectively. The significant factors which classified and predicted wasting were EBF, EIBF, and MDD, for stunting factors were EBF, MMF, and MDD and for underweight, significant factors were EBF, EIBF, and MDD.

Conclusion

With the decision tree approach, the probability of malnutrition in relation to various feeding practices patterns can be easily explained to the mothers and health workers as compared to interpreting odds ratio and strict adherence to IYCF guidelines can also be ensured.

Exploring the structure of Xe isotopes in A ~ 130 region: Single particle and collective excitations

High and medium spin structures of 130,131Xe have been studied using α-induced fusion-evaporation reaction and the Indian National Gamma Array (INGA) coupled with a digital data acquisition system. Various new band structures and near yrast levels of 131Xe have been established. The multipolarities of the observed transitions have been assigned on the basis of the DCO ratios and the polarization asymmetry measurements. Band structures based on 1-quasi-particle (qp), 3-qp configurations have been observed. A new Magnetic Rotational (MR) band based on 5-qp configuration has also been established in 131Xe. The MR band has been interpreted in terms of shears mechanism with principal axis cranking (SPAC) calculations. Shell Model calculations are carried out to describe the non yrast states of 131Xe above the 11/2− isomer. New excited states have also been identified in 130Xe, produced in the same reaction.

Direct observation of slow fission from the width of K x-ray line

An atomic clock based on the measurement of the intrinsic width of K x-ray lines has been used to obtain evidence of long-lived fission of the highly excited plutonium nuclei produced in the fusion of 4He+238U at E(4He)Lab=60 MeV. The mean fission time of the long-lived fission could be obtained from the increase of the intrinsic width of plutonium K x-ray line using quantum energy-time uncertainty principle. The presence of long-lived fission (mean fission time >1×10-18 s) has been found and the fluorescence yield per fission event shows that most of the fission events are slow (~10-18 s).

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Knowledge and practices regarding oral rehydration therapy among mothers in rural area of Vasind, India

The oral rehydration therapy is the keystone of National Diarrhoeal Disease Control Programme. The packets of oral rehydration salts (ORS) are available at the Primary health centres as well as in chemist shops. There are depot holders of ORS packets in the community too. Most of the times the health care workers do not emphasise the role, benefits and method of preparation of ORS. As a result of this mothers do not know the right method of preparation of ORS and do not understand the need to give ORS to the child. To study awareness about ORS, depot holders of ORS and importance of ORS. To study knowledge about preparation of ORS solution. Mothers whose children were in the age group of 0-5 years were interviewed. One hundred forty five (89%) of mothers were aware about ORS. Only 39.31% of mothers knew that ORS replenishes the water lost during diarrhoea. 31.72% mothers felt that ORS stops loose motions. In spite of having correct knowledge of preparation many of them followed wrong practice of preparation. Demonstration of correct preparation of ORS solution should be inbuilt in the health education package of the Oral Rehydration Therapy for Diarrhoeal diseases. Health care providers must emphasise about the role of ORS in prevention of dehydration so that mothers give ORS to the child.

Is age a predictor of mortality in a U.K. medical high dependency unit?

BACKGROUND

The population aged older than 65 yr is set to increase by 32% by 2033. In resource-limited environments, difficult decisions regarding access to high dependency care for the elderly are increasingly important. The aim of this study was to determine whether age is a predictor of mortality in patients admitted to an open medical high dependency unit (MHDU).

METHODS

Prospective observational cohort study of 100 consecutive patients admitted to an MHDU with a primary medical diagnosis over a 3 month period. The primary endpoint was 30 day mortality.

RESULTS

Overall mortality at 30 days was 21% (n=21). Patients aged <65 yr were 41%, 29% were 65-74 yr, and 30% were aged 75 yr and above. There were no significant differences in mortality between groups (12%, 31%, and 23%, respectively). When considering Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores ≥25, there was no significant difference in mortality between age groups [35% <70 yr (7/20) vs. 29% ≥70 yr (4/14), P=1.000]. The final model at multivariable regression analysis identified that ≥2 organ support (odds ratio 10.84, 95% confidence interval 3.28-35.84) and pre-admission moderate/nursing home care [4.44 (1.05-18.70)] were significantly associated with worse outcome. The majority of survivors (88%) were discharged at their pre-admission functional status; those who declined in function were not significantly older than those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Age does not predict the outcome from an MHDU. Those requiring ≥2 organ support, higher levels of pre-admission home support, or both had higher mortality. Selected elderly medical patients should not be denied high dependency unit care.

Malignant melanoma with neuroendocrine differentiation: clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of three cases

AIM

To document the clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of three malignant melanomas showing neuroendocrine differentiation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three patients, two with primary cutaneous melanoma and one with nasal mucosal melanoma, subsequently developing or simultaneously presenting with metastatic malignant melanoma, were studied by conventional histological technique, immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed paraffin-wax embedded tissues, and electron microscopy of epoxy-resin-embedded tumour tissue. Tumours showed either small cell or conventional malignant melanoma cell morphology. One of the three primary melanocytic lesions (the nasal melanoma) exhibited neuroendocrine differentiation immunohistochemically. All three metastatic malignant melanomas showed, in varying combinations, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evidence for neuroendocrine differentiation: they were positive for the melanocytic markers, S100 protein, HMB-45, Melan-A and tyrosinase, and the neuroendocrine markers chromogranin, synaptophysin and neurofilament protein. Ultrastructural study in two of the metastases revealed neuroendocrine granules but no lattice-bearing melanosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The cases described are the most comprehensively investigated malignant melanomas showing neuroendocrine differentiation to date, and the first to document neuroendocrine differentiation ultrastructurally in these tumours. Malignant melanoma with neuroendocrine differentiation therefore needs to be recognized among the other, better known variants of malignant melanoma.

Detection of antibodies to Brucella abortus in animal handlers

1. Our study showed a prevalence of 5.33% in animal handlers working in an urban city like Pune. The prevalence would definitely be higher in a population from a rural area. 2. All these cases who showed presence of antibodies to B. abortus, had varied clinical manifestations, characteristic of the protean manifestations in brucellosis. Likewise in our study we had cases ranging from arthritis, abortions and genito urinary manifestations. 3. All the antibody positive cases had significant antibody titres. The clinicians miss many cases of brucellosis because it is not considered as an alternative diagnosis. The clinician should keep in mind the possibility of an occupational or environmental exposure in cases of P.U.O. It would also be worthwhile to create awareness of the disease in such professions so that necessary precautions and periodic screening of such occupationally exposed people can be done. Studies are needed to assess the role of brucellosis as a cause of morbidity in India, which had not received the attention it deserved. Prevention of human brucellosis focuses mainly on elimination of infection in cattle along with hygiene, vaccine, and effective heating and pasteurization of dairy products and related foods.

A pilot study on CD4 & CD8 cell counts in healthy HIV seronegative pregnant women

CD4 and CD8 counts are widely used prognostic markers to assess the degree of immune impairment in HIV seropositive individuals and to monitor anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Pregnancy is considered as a physiologically immunocompromised state, hence alterations in T lymphocyte subsets may occur during pregnancy. There is a need to establish base-line values of these counts, especially in healthy pregnant women. One hundred healthy HIV seronegative pregnant women (mean age 22.5 +/- 2.99 yr) in their third trimester of pregnancy and 30 non-pregnant women (mean age 22.7 +/- 3.01 yr) were tested for their CD4 and CDS counts. In pregnant women, the CD4 and CD8 cell counts/microl were 764 +/- 249 and 547 +/- 196 and the CD4 and CD8 per cent were 56.49 +/- 8.3 and 38.03 +/- 7.2 respectively. In the non-pregnant women CD4 and CD8 counts/microl were 965 +/- 267 and 639 +/- 211 whereas the CD4 and CD8 per cent were 55.27 +/- 5.99 and 36.17 +/- 6.44 respectively. Absolute counts were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the pregnant group as compared to the controls. A wide variation was seen in the CD4 and CD8 counts in both the groups. However, the variations in the mean CD4 and CD8 per cent were much smaller. Thus CD4 and CD8 per cent may be considered as a useful indicator of immune function rather than absolute counts, in pregnant women.

Clinical and morphological variants of cutaneous tuberculosis and its relation to Mycobacterium species

Cutaneous tuberculosis forms a small proportion of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis has fallen from 2% to 0.15% in India whereas it is rare in developed countries. The present study is an attempt at finding out the Mycobacterium species associated with cutaneous tuberculosis. A total of 51 cases of clinically suspected cutaneous tuberculosis were studied over a period of 18 months from July 1997 to December 1998. Of these, 32 (62.75%) were Scrofuloderma cases, 12 (23.52%) cases of Lupus vulgaris and 7 (13.73%) were Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TBVC) cases. Twenty nine mycobacterial isolates from 51 specimens gave an isolation rate of 56.86%. These were subjected to a battery of biochemical tests for identification to species level. Twenty six out of 29 isolates were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, two were identified as Mycobacterium Scrofulaceum and one Mycobacterium avium complex was isolated. Sixteen Mycobacterial isolates were recovered from Scrofuloderma cases, 9 were isolated from Lupus vulgaris and 4 from TBVC cases. The three atypical mycobacterial isolates were recovered from Scrofuloderma cases. Though Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most common isolate, Mycobacterium scrofulaceum and Mycobacterium avium complex were also isolated in the present study.

Prevalence, identification and distribution of various species of enterococci isolated from clinical specimens with special reference to urinary tract infection in catheterized patients

Various clinical specimens were processed to find the prevalence rate of enterococci and to identify the species of clinical isolates of enterococci. Screening of various clinical specimens revealed that enterococci were prevalent in 22.19% of the total specimens, with Foley's catheters and burn wounds to be the major site of isolation. High rate of colonization was noted as opposed to infection. Conventional test scheme proposed by Facklam and Collins were successfully used to speciate enterococcal strains. Seven species of enterococci were identified in the study from a set of 202 cultures, with E.faecalis (49.50%) and E. faecium (35.64%) predominating. E. avium (9.40%), E. hirae (2.47%), E. raffinosus (1.98%) and one isolate each of E.gallinarum and E. casseliflavus were the other members of Enterococcus species identified. Urinary tract infection (UTI) by enterococci due to catherisation was found in 8.92% of the patients and is probably the result of high rate of colonization of Foley's catheters and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Comparative pathogenicity of trichomonas vaginalis isolated from symptomatic & asymptomatic cases

Pathogenicity of 19 isolates of T.vaginalis obtained from vaginal specimens were studied in the murine model by intraperitoneal route. Sixteen isolates were recovered from the females with various clinical conditions and 3 isolates were from normal healthy females. Pathogenicity level of these isolates were studied by inoculating 5 mice per isolates through intraperitoneal route and the animals were sacrificed on tenth day post-inoculation. In general, all the isolates recovered produced infection in mice. On comparison with the reference strain obtained from Hoechst India Ltd., seven isolates recovered from symptomatic cases and one strain from healthy females produced severe infection in mice. Though variation in pathogenicity level was observed among the isolates, a definite correlation between clinical picture in natural host and pathogenicity in mice was not observed.

Comparative pathogenicity of Trichomonas vaginalis isolated from symptomatic and asymptomatic cases

Pathogenicity of 19 isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis obtained from vaginal specimens were studied in the murine model by intraperitoneal inoculation. Sixteen isolates were recovered from the females with various clinical conditions and 3 isolates were from normal healthy females. Pathogenicity level of these isolates were studied by inoculating 5 mice per isolate through intraperitoneal route and the animals were sacrificed on the 10th day post-inoculation. In general, all the isolates recovered produced infection in mice. On comparison with the reference strain obtained from Hoechst India Ltd., seven isolates recovered from symptomatic cases and one strain from healthy females produced severe infection in mice. Though variation in the pathogenicity level was observed among the isolates, a definite correlation between the clinical picture in the natural host and pathogenicity in mice was not observed.

Actinomyces species associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices and pelvic inflammatory disease

Swabs from 112 removed intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD), endocervical swabs from these women and from 65 women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) were studied for actinomyces, using direct fluorescent antibody test and culture. Endocervical swabs from 50 control subjects were also studied. Actinomyces species could be detected in 23 (20.5 percent) of IUCD wearers and 8 (12.3 percent) of patients with PID. In control cases, no actinomyces were detected. The isolation rate using a selective medium (Actino Blood Agar) was 71.4 percent. Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces naeslundii and Actinomyces viscosus were isolated.

Detection of serum antitrichomonal antibodies in urogenital trichomoniasis by immunofluorescence

Trichomonas vaginalis is a frequently encountered genital pathogen in both males and females. In females, vaginitis due to this parasite is one of the most common manifestation. The indirect fluorescent technique (IFA) test was carried out to detect antitrichomonal antibodies in 370 female patients using whole cell antigen. Seventy one (19.18%) gave positive reaction for either of the class IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies. The level of the IgG class antibodies was found to be higher i.e. 58 (81.69%) than IgM 11 (15.27%) antibodies, which may be suggestive of past infection or a prolonged manifestation by the organisms.